A Resonating Voice of Familiarity

Just outside the port of Meridia sat the Leviathan. Theos sat in his quarters, door shut, scribbling away in his Captain’s Log. His days went from somewhat uneventful—the same old same old to full of life and adventure. Being a Fanalis never brought much direction in the way of direction like most people, however one way or another Theos continued to find new avenues on his journey. Everything from losing a leg to helping save a nation; truly many things have been accomplished by the young fanalis in a somewhat short amount of time. He sighed with a smile while rubbing his prosthetic leg. “That close to achieving a major goal in my journey, yet just as far away.” Theos murmured to himself.

A single golden butterfly broke his recollections causing his eyes to drift. Just as they did a slight breeze of wind blew through the cabin. “Come in.” He said as a knock rang through the small room. After no answer or motion if the door Theos slid back his chair from the small desk. Strangely when he opened the door, no one was there.

Cried a squeaky voice from below. Someone was there after all or perhaps it should be said...something waving its fins for attention? "What? Never seen a talking fish before? Don't be so rude, welcome me in my boy, we have business to discuss!" The creature rubbed its fins together like some kind of greedy salesman. He then grabbed the edges of the bowl he was in and started rocking side to side rolling forward bit by bit. The little fish was careful not to spill any of the precious water in his bowl as he helped himself inside right between Theos' legs!

It took Theos all of a second to notice the small creature below him. He raised his eyebrow to the creatures question. “Strangely enough…I don’t think I have. Come on in…” Theos said with a slight chuckle. “And what sort of business do we have to discuss?” He said to the small being as it began to waddle between his legs. “You know isn’t it rude to not introduce yourself before entering someone’s home.” Theos remarked sarcastically, while closing the door. He began trying to think how this creature made it past Red or even got onto the ship for that matter. Well the past few months had definitely been eventful and this encounter added to that list. Theos walked past the magical creature and sat in his chair turning the chair and his attention to his guest.

Caught by Theos' sharp reply the fish chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Now, now, I was in a hurry, do forgive me." After a few hops the fish had managed to jump up onto the desk so Theos wouldn't need to crane his neck so hard for them to speak eye to eye. The face of the creature had an oddly human expression full of excitement. "My name is Bluefin and boy have I got a deal for you. But I need to leave this port pronto. Like right now! If you do I can take you to find a treasure trove!" Just as the fish finished expressing his offer there would be a shout from outside so loud that even in the cabin it shook the walls.

"Get out here you damned' fish! I know you're on that ship!"[/color]

The bellowed line was then backed up by the roar of a crowd all shouting in agreement. Bluefin jumped at the sound of it and ducked down into his bowl as if hiding in the water made him feel a tiny bit more secure, but the fear and worry was plain clear on his face. The fish popped his head out and pleaded to Theos, "Oh, you can't let them find me. If the do I'm on the chopping block for sure! Please, take me away from here! I beg you!" Salty tears flowed from Bluefin's eyes as he curled his fins together in prayer towards his could-be-savior. The fish would then stay under the water hoping to hide in the cabin.

Outside on the docks there was a mob gathered in front of the Leviathan all shouting about the fish. There were numerous accusations against Bluefin among the complaints. Cheater, thief,  and con artist to name a few. All among the rabble had looks of righteous indignation. Red and Zues were keeping them at bay, for now. But with the sheer number of people it wouldn't be long before things got out of their hands and the mob stormed the ship! To make matters worse, these people were all the locals of this port. His reputation here and in Meridia as a whole was a crucial piece to the success of his business. Theos would need to tread carefully in his approach to this dilemma. One man stood out from the crowd as their leader. Aside from the big shout from before he was not joining the others in yelling. Instead he stood at their forefront silently glaring with crossed arms. He was big and muscular with the signature red hair and unique eyes of a fanalis and he would start staring at Theos the moment he stepped out on deck.

“A rush??” Theos mumbled loud enough for the creature to make out what he said, if bluefin chose to pay attention. Theos pulled out his chair and sat down so that him and his guest would be somewhat eye level. Theos listened to the proposal. There was a obvious distress in Bluefins voice. However the thought of treasure and a rare items merchant went hand in hand. “A trove huh? I deal in the rarest of items only. What guarantees can you give me?” Those spoke over the yelling outside. It wasn’t uncommon for there to be a riled bunch of sailors moving around the port.

Theos was as calm as ever. He was completely unfazed by Bluefins reaction to the sailors, let alone the sailors themselves. As Red tried speaking on behalf of the young captain the crown became more unruly. Theos calmly looked at bluefin and sighed heavily. “Stay…here.” Theos exited his cabin and faced the mob of Sailors. He approached them the a blank stare. “Can you all calm down. You’re bothering my crew and more importantly you’re bothering me.” Theos said sharply.

"Blech!"

In response to Theos' question, Bluefin stuck his head out from the bowl and opened his mouth wide to expel something from his stomach. A golden pearl emerged from the creatures jaws and fell onto the table. Slimy though it was, one could see it gleam in the light with golden splendor. "There are more where that came from. Now please, let us set sail pose haste!" Cried the fish. He then wisely stayed in the cabin while Theos made a move to engage the crowd.

The crowd hardly heard Theos' calm words. They continued to shout and seemed to be on the edge of boiling over. It was only when the large fanalis at the front raised his hand that they began to quiet. His strong arm then returned to its place crossing in front of his chest. His muscles were almost as big as his heart and the man was well respected in port as someone who would escort tradeships going through waters infested with dangerous sea beasts. If Theos had spent much time around the port he'd likely have heard word of this giant named Askander.

"Whatever that thing has told you, trust me kid...it is better you forget it and hand the little bastard over. More than one witness saw the fish head this way and your ship is the only one left to check. We know he is in there. Now either bring him out or let us aboard to get him ourselves. You don't have a third choice."

The fanalis held a bloodthirsty look as his muscles flexed. His tone brooked no room for negotiation and the ground behind him was still seething with negative emotions to the point that invisible black birds were starting to appear in small number. Despite their silence they were on the very brink of explosion into a full riot aboard Theos' vessel.

Note:

The sound of a splash was distinctly audible breaking the tension of the two fanalis men standing each other down. It was Bluefin, he had jumped into the bay and was now swimming off like his life depended on it oddly carrying the fishbowl with him still and making good speed despite it. The crowd could care less about Theos or his ship, all they wanted was the fish. So when its scaly retreat was noticed the mob went off chasing after him down the dock. Some were even so crazed with madness as to jump into the salty brine to swim after him. The leader of the group gave Theos one last suspicious gaze before turning away and joining the swimmers to chase after the fish. But soon it was out of sight and even the fanalis swimmer catching up couldn't catch sight of him once he was gone. Bluefin had vanished.