ELEMENTALS: The Tales Of Water

The past of the monster's crew

As the Devil's Cruiser sailed steadily toward the Ocean of the Dead, the soft golden light of the setting sun painted the horizon in hues of pink and orange. The air carried a calm stillness, a rare peace after days of treacherous travel. The were about to reach the ocean of dead.The crew was quieter now, settling into their routines, while a soft wind played with the princess's hair as she stood at the bow, gazing at the endless sea before her.

Aquis, who had been watching her for some time, approached, his steps nearly silent on the wooden deck. He stood beside her, staring out at the ocean, his presence a quiet comfort. After a long pause, Princess Aisha finally spoke.

Princess Aisha (softly, almost to herself):
"They say the Ocean of the Dead holds many treasures."

Aquis glanced at her, his expression unreadable, but said nothing. She continued.

Princess Aisha:
"Among them is one treasure the world has sought for ages... the Immortality Cure. It doesn't grant eternal life, but it cures you of one disease. One... deadly disease."

Her voice faltered slightly, her emotions barely masked. Aquis turned to her, his gaze softening.

Aquis:
"And that's what you're searching for?"
(He paused, then added gently)
"Is it because of the queen?"

At the mention of her mother, Princess Aisha's eyes grew distant, sorrow darkening her features. She bit her lip, fighting to hold back tears, but couldn't bring herself to speak. Aquis continued, his voice quiet but knowing.

Aquis:
"Even in that prison... I heard rumours. About her condition."

Princess Aisha didn't respond. Instead, she turned away, retreating to the shadows of the ship as if the weight of her burden had suddenly become too much to bear. Her absence left the air heavy, filled with unspoken grief.

Moments later, Count Vikram approached, sitting down beside Aquis at the edge of the ship. For a moment, he simply stared out at the ocean, the silence between them comfortable, though laced with tension. Then, after a sigh, Vikram spoke.

Count Vikram (quietly):
"You know, Aquis, I was afraid of you."

Aquis didn't turn his gaze from the water. He waited, his face stoic, as Vikram continued.

Count Vikram:
"I thought you were as dangerous as the rumours said. But... you're not what I expected. Not like the rumours, at least."

Aquis let out a low, humourless chuckle.

Aquis:
"Don't be so sure."
(He turned his head slightly, just enough for Vikram to catch his eye)
"There's some truth in those rumours."

Count Vikram held Aquis's gaze for a moment, the tension thick between them. Then, as if deciding to let it go, Vikram smiled sadly.

Count Vikram:
"I knew the queen , you know."

Aquis nodded, a faint smile flickering across his lips.

Aquis:
"Yes... I know, Count Vikram."

Vikram's voice softened, filled with the weight of memory.

Aquis:
"She was... your elder sister, wasn't she?"

Vikram nodded again, his eyes distant, as if he could still see her standing there in his mind.

Count Vikram:
"She was. She was just like the princess..."

Vikram smiled wistfully, staring out at the horizon.

Count Vikram:
"Exactly like her. That same spirit. That same fire in her eyes. And those... blue hair..."