A Hunter's Treasure

The Hunt

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Third Person P.O.V

The Inevitable, now completely repaired, sails across the dark waters of the ocean, the moon blood red in the distance and the sky darkened with clouds. Lanterns were lit around the ship, creating an ominous setting from the neon yellow glow they casted.

Crow stood at the front on the ship, the Hand of God locked and loaded beside him as he rested a hand on the railing of the ship. There were terrible bags under his eyes from lack of sleep, his complexion pale and face set in a scowl as he watched ahead.

The wind howls lowly around the ship, Sarah standing with the crew on the main deck as they watch the red moon with uncertain, fearful expressions.

"It's a blood moon," Sarah murmurs, hand resting on her pistol. "Batterbie's watching."

Byron scoffs quietly, scowling. "Honor is the currency of hunters, it is," he grumbles as he slowly walks towards a crate. "And dealing with her ain't honorable."

He leans his backside against the crate, folding his arms over his chest.

"Aye," Yara agrees lowly, sitting beside him with her hand resting on her knee. "There'll be payment due, and it's the ship and all aboard who'll suffer the cost."

She glares up at Sarah pointedly, Sarah staring back at her with an unreadable expression.

"Sarah!" Crow's voice shouts from the front of the ship, making her eyes dart back.

Sarah sighs quietly through her nose, turning and obediently making her way over to the man as her footsteps softly thud on the deck.

"Look there," Crow gestures ahead as Sarah joins him.

She looks, her eyebrows furrowing at the growing sound of a chorus of roars and squeals. Up ahead were a wave of pale pink beasts with glowing blue eyes, all heading their way.

"Riddlebacks," Sarah says with realization, glancing to Crow.

He nods. "Aye. They don't come this far north."

The Riddlebacks dive under the Inevitable, paying no mind to the ship as they swim rapidly in their group.

"Not unless they're swimming away from something," Crow continues.

"And there's only one thing what scares a Riddleback," she continues his train of thought, her hands clasped behind her back.

Crow's hands tighten on the railing as he snarls, "The Bluster."

The group of Riddleback was unending it seemed, their forms covering most of the ocean around the ship as they swim under it. The crew rush to the side of the ship and peer down at the herd of beasts warily, the ship rocking a bit as some of the beasts lightly hit it by accident. The beasts' shrieks fill the air, the waves crashing alongside the Inevitable from their movements.

"Miss Merino!" Crow shouts sharply as he turns, approaching the railing overlooking the main deck as he looks down at her. "Shape a new course. Due south, if you please. Alee of Rum Pepper Island."

Merino hesitates for a second before nodding firmly. "Aye, Captain! You heard him!" she turns to the crew. "Get it off the pins!"

The crew bustle around her and get to work, indistinct conversations occurring as they work.

"Haul away, now! Haul away, all!" her voice echoes over the Riddleback screeches.

Crow approaches the Hand of God once more, glaring towards the horizon.