Of The Sea : John Murphy

Best Served Chilly

"How long has she been there?"

I could hear them, they didn't think I could, but I heard them loud and clear.

Word had travelled around fast about what I had done. Leo stayed behind, I heard him say to Edith that he needed to be there for me, I was 'family' after all.

I stayed at the docks until I could no longer see the ships, I stayed until all the tears ran dry.

I took in one last breath and released it, gathering my broken pieces and standing.

I had a growing crew to run, I had to hold it together before someone else decides take my place.

I turned around to see a small crowd gathered at the end of the docks, all eyes on me. I looked at each of their faces then past them, I had no time for condolences.

I hardened my features and began my walk, they scattered as I neared and got back to their jobs. Just as I had wanted, no more time for fall backs.

"Adrian, training." I ordered.

He needed to be stronger, to be able to fend for himself if Anya decided to piss me off again.

"Murphy, you too." I growled.

"Are you sure? I mean-"

"Get your axes." I cut him off. "Dinner is soon and I'm hungry."

Without objection, they departed. Adrian handed me my weapon and stepped away quickly. I swung it in my hand and looked at both of the young men infront of me. "Two against one."

They shared a glance between each other, words exchanged between their eyes.

"That's an order." I snapped.

Their shoulders slumped and they brought up their weapons, waiting for my strike.

I charged for Murphy, knowing I could disarm him easily. He used his axe as a block but I hooked it and ripped it out of his hand furiously. Adrian moved in as defence and whacked my weapon away from Murphy.

"Teamwork, good." I commented, stepping back in with a swing towards him. Our axes locked and we tugged against each other. I pushed, shoving the top edge of the blade into his nose. He fell back on to his back with a groan and cupped his nose. "But not good enough."

A set of arms grabbed me from behind and pulled me against them. "Get off me!" I growled, thrashing my torso back and forth, trying to get him to let go.

I aimed my foot at his shin but missed and my weight fell in his arms. I lifted my feet off the ground and let my head drop forward. Every move I tried to make was somehow avoided. I threw my head back in hopes to get his face but he shifted his head to the side, letting the back of mine to land on his shoulder.

"Calm down... It's okay... You're okay..." Murphy tried to settle me down, his grip tightening.

"Hugs don't win fights!" I growled, pushing my arms out as much as I could, reaching and scratching at whatever I could.

I placed my feet back on the ground and caught him by surprise, crouching and pushing him over me with all the strength I had left. He fell on to his back at my feet, the wind emptying from his lungs on impact. Adrian tackled me to the ground and landed a punch at my face.

I spat at the ground beside me, recovering quickly and bucking, trying to throw him off.

He grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back into the ground. "Stop it, Thea!" He yelled.

I let out a loud cry in his face then fell limp under his hold, tears welling up in my eyes.

He sighed and pushed himself off of me, letting me sob in my own space for a few moments.