Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

If you look across the seas, and look very closely,

You’ll see Venomshank’s Crow’s Nest Three

With a crew of sickly green

Who’ll cleave your head off clean

-

Hoist, hoist, hoist ‘er up! Sail ‘er out to sea! Bring ‘er round, up and down, won’t you sail with me! This shanty, commonly sung aboard pirate ships, and was a crowd favorite around one crew, rolling a wailing galleon across open seas. 

Venomshank, hailed as a god of the seven seas, and his army of living dead buccaneers, had groaned across the ocean for countless years. One day, surely the seasoned sea dog would retire with his riches, but the future of the crew was not dark. Among the lively (but not so literally) crew, the ruler of the undead sea’s only son. 

The young sailor had been adopted into the crew at a young age, after his dearest dad had found him wandering alone along a bustling port, and the lad had begged for a place in his crew. The young sailor, with black and feathery wings from his back and sprouting from his cheek bones, now in his early adult years, dreamed of the day he would become captain of his father’s crew, and to sail the ship at its head. Between his two red horns, a long red plume that blew out from his head, crusted in salt and tangled in knots, bunched up at the end with a tie, flew out behind him as the lad roosted up in the crow’s nest. 

“I see land! Starboard!” He chirped down to the sickly green crew. The wheel would turn and sails would whirl, barrels barreled over and the ship turned ‘round, the crew set forth to land.

The sailor boy came swirling down from his roost, those wings not yet big enough to fly him away, would slow his fall to deck. The crew would come to cheer and jump around him, and he was soon to join in their shanty-singing glee. For it had been a long, weathered journey since the last rolling hills of land had been spied, and all aboard craved its steady embrace. Even at port, however, the young sailor would make his day by the bay, for the lad, no stranger to the ocean’s anger, still loved it dearly. 

And so upon docking, the sailor would find for himself the perfect little sea stack to perch on, and cast his line. However unbeknownst to the winged lad, a blue more charming than the ocean itself would come up behind him. Still unknowing, the lad would take up one of the sea’s many shanties, and sing out with pride. 

Ohh what will we do with a drunken sailor, what will we do with a drunken sailor, what will we do with a drunken sailor, early in the mornin’.  

And he’d sing until a fish would bite on his line, and the young sailor would pull it up with glee. “I caught a big’un!” He cried, but then to his utter surprise, would a tap on his shoulder come, along with a voice, softer than the morning’s breeze.

“Are you a pirate?” 

And then in surprise would he turn his head to look right into the stranger’s eyes. 

“Who are you..?” he asked, still stiff with shock. 

That which was poised up behind him, he realized, was no normal landlubber. More details would come to stand out with every second the sailor observed his unwelcome company. “Oi..” He started, looking over the newcomer again, over the pair of blue horns on the sides of his head, over the blue and indigo, over the heavily scarred arm, over the soft webbed fins and hands, which held his torso up, and then, would the sailor spy, a scaly fish tail hanging over the edge of his rock perch. “What in th’seven seas.. Yer a merinphernal…” The sailor sputtered. Blue scales would reflect the sun, and the one behind him would speak again. 

“You’re a pirate aren’t you? Can I join your crew?”

“Aye but er.. If ya know I’m a pirate, why aren’t ye’ running? Pirates catch n’ sell yer kind.” The red horned sailor would reply. The merinphernal, dipping his head to ponder, gave him a smile. “Hehe.. aye.. Uh, y-yer ain’t captured me yet!”

The pirate frowned. “Ye makin’ fun of the way I talk?”

Little blues scales on the merdmon’s cheeks would shimmer with sunlight as he shook his head. His eyes were wide as he denied the accusation. 

“No, Mister Pirate! I wanna join your crew! I want to be a pirate too!” He paused. “And you haven’t captured me yet.”

Directing his previously holstered cutlass at the stranger's blue scales, the sailor would put on a more threatening voice. 

“I don’t know who ye’ are! And the crew ain’t even mine, I ain’t cap’n yet!”

The merinphernal peered at the cutlass grazing his chest, still with a smile. “I’m Rocket, and could you ask your captain if I can join?” He grinned, blinking those big blue eyes.

The lad took to his company’s friendliness, answering without thinking to answer. “M’ Sword, crew member of th’ Crow’s Nest Three, and adopted son of Venomshank” He said, and thought for a moment. “I don’t think it's safe fer’ your kind onboard.”

Rocket pouted, but not pressing forward, he came forth with an alternative inquiry. 

“Really?! The Crow’s Nest? Venomshank?!” Rocket gushed, before stopping himself and taking a breath. “Well, I guess if I really can’t join your crew, could you at least tell me what it's like on that ship? I’ve heard so much about it.”

The pirate sighed, but he submitted to the merinphernal. He’d never see the scaled boy again, for the sea was ever vast. And Rocket seemed rather trustworthy and honest “Aye, how’s about I tell ye’ how I ended up on that ol’ ship…”

Chapter Text

Knowing they would be setting out at early dawn, Sword had wrapped up his storytelling with the blue skinned merinphernal and said his farewells. Although the ship dweller would never admit it to even himself, oh did Sword wish he could’ve let that strange fellow into his father’s crew. That blue horned fish guy had shown some real interest in ship life, and just maybe, were they ever to cross paths again, would Sword question his father about the limits of who could come on board. On deck, Sword dared to retire to his bed, feeling like he could break open and spill his whole encounter with the whole of the crew. Tucking his feathered body into the little makeshift wooden frame with feather cushions all stuffed inside, he meant to hide from his weak thoughts, but Sword in his entirety could not stop from thinking of the blue boy. Even when sleep would lay claim to his mind, would the sailor come to dream of the blue of those scales. In his dreams Sword would tell more tales, and the merinphernal would recite his own, speaking of dream fabricated tales to which the sailor’s mind saw fit for the merinphernal. 

When he came to wake that next sunrise, those stories were unrememberable, but the young sailor knew that he would miss Rocket’s brief, but overwhelmingly honest amity. 

The galleon, having long set off from port, with direction to an enemy village that yet begged to be plundered, was led by its haunting master Venomshank. Although his face, curiously obscured for as long as the lad had known him, radiated the smallest hint of excitement, and the boy would take notice.

“Happy to be sailing today, huh Pops!” Sword examined.

The towering captain looked down at this son. “This is no happiness, boy, but to avenge my brother brings me some comfort.” 

The young sailor cocked his head, face curious with questions. “Are they not all your brothers? And sister?” He inquired. His father would bark a laugh. “Illumina is no brother of mine. He and his fish-tailed following need to be put in their place.”

Sword did not think before he spoke

“Do you hate all merinphernals Pops?

Even through the ever obscuring mask Sword felt the change in expression. “Oh,” Venomshank began lowering his head to look closer at his son. “No, boy. Illumina and his followers may be wretched, but the rest are as equally righteous as we. Those who find fortune in their selling of merinphernals have stooped to levels as low as Illumina himself.”

Sword nodded. “Would you let a mermaid join yer’ crew?”

His father laughed again. “Son, I’ve had many a’ merinphernal fellows in my crew. To those who allow them the chance, will find them to be grand crewmates.”

Sword made a little ‘oh’ sound, peering down to his worn boots. The sailor was thrown off balance when the wailing galleon groaned to port side, shouting. 

“Oi, ye’ stupid green lot! Take ‘er easy!” He shouted out to the crew on deck, currently hoisting the sails around, while hurtling himself over the railing of the poop deck down to his fellow crewmates, who broke into snickering.

Chapter Text

Many a week later, when they landed, they landed like lightning, and thunder came not far behind. The island-bound village, colonized by followers of Illumina, came to crumble at the feet of the Green Giant, his lackeys following foot. The crew of Venomshank, ordered to take no prisoners, had left not one dwelling untouched by their undead wrath.

After the initial pillaging, Sword took himself to the warm sand, littered with little ashes of what remained. The boy napped in the devastation, all too familiar with his father’s godly anger. The crew of the Crow’s Nest Three would bank for a few sunrises at the ravaged civilization, planning to depart before Illumina’s army could arrive, and scavenging any riches and goods they could. After that first day of plunder, the crew were off to a large bonfire with ale and rum, however Sword decided he would stray off on his own for the evening. He was starved after cutting and slashing and burning all day, and that familiar hankering for fish meat drove Sword to a small boat dock, away from his mates’ sight. 

Small and lonely, but mostly untouched by the plundering, Sword could only hope for a juicy catch. He was lucky, as the waters did not contest his desires. His first catch came in due time.

“Oh, this is a big’un!” 

Dehooking and tossing aside the flailing sea food into a trusty old tin bucket. Sword grinned at his catch’s desperate attempt  at freedom. “I’ll be cookin’ you up real soon, don’t get antsy!” He chirped.

Splash!

The sound of disrupted water tore the sailor’s attention. Behind him, a heart-breaking scene. 

“Oi, my fish! He got away!” Sword grumbled at the tipped over bucket. 

He again was redirected by a tension on his rod, a sudden and strong tug that threatened to rip the wooden pole from his grip. A brief struggle would ensue, but when suddenly the line went dead weight, Sword would haul up his catch of a half eaten fish carcass.

“Who’s doin’ all this!!”

To the sailor’s utter surprise, would a blue face emerge from the water’s surface. 

“Sword!” Rocket shouted, throwing his arms up, subsequently dousing the unexpecting pirate in a cold salty pool. Sword cursed loudly, flinching. 

“Ay, what the hell?!”

“Hiya Sword! Did you miss me?” The blue-scaled boy asked, a cheery smile still preserved across his visage. The other stuttered for a moment, surprise evident in his being. 

“What are you doin’ here..? Did you follow us?” He muttered.

Rocket pretended to think, before looking at the sailor with a slow, sly smile. “Maaaybe!”

A low grumble submerged from the feathered pirate’s throat. “Aye, but ye still ate all my fish.”

Rocket pouted, sticking his tongue out. 

“I’ve been following your ship for days! I barely got any breaks, I’m the one who's starving!”

Sword snorted. 

“Anyways, little blue thing, I asked m’dad about merinphernals on a pirate ship n’ he said he likes ya guys.. So um…” 

Rocket perked up. “Oh you gotta ask him! Tell your dad I’m ready to scrub decks and walk planks, I’ll do anything!” 

Sword sat and listened on to the merinphernal’s ramblings of pirate stories and terminology. Every once in a while, Rocket would look back at him for approval, and Sword couldn’t help but give him a friendly smile, even if he was a little off. Then he raised his hand to halt his companion’s chattering.

“I can’t even go asking right now, my pops and the whole crew off somewhere in the village. I jus’ wanted some privacy comin’ o’er here..”

The merinphernal let a small frown consume his features, but that infectious smile sprung back as quickly as it had faded.

“Show me your ship!” Rocket proposed.

“What?!”

“Show me your boat! If no one’s on it, can’t you show me around?”

Sword shook his head vigorously “No way! Why would I do that! Ye’ gotta be crazy, I’m not doin’ that!” The sailor protested, earning a splash from his blue companion.

“Please, just this once? I’ve never been on a ship before!”

The pair would continue their bickering, and after persistent pleas from the scaled one, Sword would give in.

“Fine, ye pestering nuisance, I’ll show ya th’ ship. But you better be quiet and don’t ask too many questions! This ain’t no tour.” He grumbled. Rocket cheered, launching himself out of the water and hugging onto Sword’s face.

“Thank you, friend! I’ll be a good guest!” He squealed while getting shoved off the suffocating Sword’s face.

“Get off me!” He shrieked, but looking upon the glee-filled merinphernal’s face, could Sword not help himself but smile, and in a way, he liked being called ‘friend’. Then Rocket asked the question of how he would get on the ship, considering his situation, and the smile on Sword’s face would drop faster than it came. Already having told the merinphernal he would show him around his father’s ship, the young pirate came to the conclusion that he would have to carry the half-fish fellow.

“Alright, you swim ‘round to the port we docked at, and I’ll carry you on from there.” Sword proposed, and Rocket nodded in approval. With one last honest ‘thank you’, would the merinphernal dive under the water’s shimmering surface. Sword started his trudge back to the galleon, nerves quivering beneath his skin. 

Blue hands sprouted from the water at the edge of a dock which the towering galleon of the Crow’s Nest had come to slumber. They waved in the sailor’s direction, and what followed them was two blue blinking eyes.

“Hey Sword! Over heree!” 

The winged pirate turned to spy the figure emerging from the ocean. He would witness the merinphernal hoist his fishy body from the water’s surface and up upon the wooden stretch of the dock. Feet bringing him forward, he’d come to stand before the beached merinphernal. 

“Guess I got t’carry you now. Flip over.” Sword grumbled, squatting down and shimming his arms under the merinphernal, now laying on his back.

The feeling of Rocket’s scales was foreign, they were smooth and rounded, and their luster dusted his body. The boy was, to his surprise, rather lightweight. The sailor wondered if he had a bone complexion similar to that of other aquatic life while hoisting Rocket up to his torso. The feeling of cool skin and scales against the exposed part of his chest sent a chill throughout his whole being. Sword bit his lip.

“You’re freakin’ cold mate!” The winged pirate snorted, the pinions on his head ruffling in minor discomfort. 

“Ok well you’re freakishly warm!” Rocket protested while throwing his finned arms around the other.

Carrying him close and moving cautiously, Sword would scale his way up his father’s galleon with Rocket. The whole time, his scaly friend looked around in awe. 

“Wow.. this ship is even bigger onboard..” Rocket murmured, blue eyes unbelievably wide. 

Sword couldn’t help himself from grinning and chuckling. He could remember little else besides his youth and growing days on this ship, yet even he would still find himself showing reverence towards his father’s ancient galleon. It was ten times the size of a normal vessel, with masts that scraped the sky itself. The sails that would billow from them were an aged white, and the insignia of the crew stood bold on its fabric. As he looked up at the hoisted sails, Sword could still see the eyes of the three-headed crow, blacker than the night itself. However, the young sailor’s thoughts were abruptly halted as a feathery lock of hair brushed his freckled chin. 

“Can I see inside?” The merinphernal in his arms said, looking up into Sword’s ruby eyes. 

The winged boy looked back, giving a hesitated nod. 

“I-uh.. I guess.. It’s jus’ a lotta crates n’barrels.”

As they descended into the belly of the ship, a single door would catch Rocket’s eye.

“Hey Sword, what’s in there?” He asked. 

“That’s m’room.”

“Can we go inside?”

Sword hesitated again, but it couldn’t hurt to let him see. The sailor would concur, using his wings to push through the doorway, and carrying the curious boy into his chambers. It was small, with an old feather mattress and a dusty frame as a bed, a pile of clothing in one corner, and sleek black feathers littering his floor. A single, gently swinging lantern hung from a hook nailed into the ceiling. With every step the sailor took, the floorboards would protest, their creaking and whining a familiar sound. Sword shuffled over to his bedside, rolling Rocket onto his sheets and pillows. 

“Whaddaya think?” He inquired, looking around his room and fluttering his wings, trying to blow his discarded feathers out of view. He glanced to the merinphernal currently rubbing himself into the discolored mess of a bed, and evidently seating himself down next to his blue-horned friend. Rocket peered back, his smile warm as ever. 

“It’s cozy.” He muttered, looking into the other’s eyes. “I’ve never had my own room before.”

Sword made a questioning cooing sound. “Why not? Where do ya sleep?”

“Um..” Rocket started, running one of his webbed hands through his silky hair. “Sometimes I sleep in sea caves or under docks or in kelp forests.” He replied.

Sword gave him a sad look.

“Well.. if m’dad says yeah to ya joinin’, I’m sure we could get ye your own bed.” Sword said in an attempt to comfort.

The blue merinphernal perked up. He used his hands to sit his body up and flung himself onto the red-horned other. The unanticipated impact would knock the air from the sailor’s lungs, and from his lips would come a choked wheeze. Rocket would snake both arms around Sword’s upper bod, interlocking behind his back and constricting tight. Sword found his breath and inhaled sharply as Rocket buried his face in the other boy’s tunic. 

Sword could feel soft hair trailing along his exposed skin and chest, tickling him; at the same time, Rocket’s tail winding around one of his legs. Pressing deep into his being, Sword felt the merinphernal’s inner warmth bleeding into his own. A bloom of heat exploded in his cheeks. Flustered, ashamed, and also somewhat disappointed in himself, Sword could not stop the beating of his stricken heart.

Rockets felt it too, with his face pressed against the blushing pirate’s ribs. Lifting his head up, he would lock eyes with the boy underneath him, whose face was contorted as if he were suppressing a smile. Rocket breathed a giggle at the strange expression.

“What’s going on with your heart? Are you ok?” 

Sword shut his eyes and attempted to look away. “Yer grabbing onto me like we're datin’... It’s embarrassing…” He confessed, scrunching his eyes further closed. He could feel Rocket shifting on top of him. 

“What’s day-tin?” 

The red-horned inphernal blinked, his mouth gaping like a beached catfish. After some brief moment, he swallowed his nerves, clearing his throat.

“Dating… It’s like when, ya know, two inphernals like each other lots… love each other…” Sword stuttered in a quiet voice.

“What’s love?”

Rocket’s grasp around him had loosened, and Sword shimmied his arms out from his capturer’s. “Do you mer-guys not do love? Do you know what marriage is?”

Rocket shook his head, visage appearing confused. “Nope.”

The pirate cocked his head, and his heartbeat would slow. “Well then uh, why are ye hugging up on me like this?” Sword inquired. The merinphernal, still holding the sailor embraced in his arms, took up a thoughtful look.

“I’m just grateful to have someone like you. A friend, I guess. Is this too much?” 

Sword slowly wrapped his own, larger arms around Rocket’s scaled body. “No, it’s fine, just unexpected… and yeah, ‘guess it is nice t’have a friend. I’ll never tell m’pops, but it gets lonely on this old girl sometimes.” He replied, nodding towards the wooden walls of the ship that shaped out his quarters. The merinphernal smiled at him again, before rolling himself off the sailor and pulling himself over the bedside. The sound of scales and a heavy tail thumping against the floorboards made Sword sit up.

“What are ya…” He began, but dropped off when the sound of heavy bootsteps echoed down from the deck above. At the sound, he swept Rocket from the floor and slid the merinphernal under his bed frame. Rocket yelped at the sudden movement.

“Shh! Be quiet! Let me deal with this, and do NOT come out.” Sword hissed, jabbing a finger in Rocket’s face. The newfound serious tone in the red-horned boy’s voice rooted Rocket to his spot under the frame. Sword ducked out of the room, moving quietly up the stairs to the upper deck.

-

Rocket listened, but soon he could Sword’s steps no longer. He could only wait for a few minutes before boredom struck deep. Suspecting Sword to be gone for some time, Rocket devised the plan to explore the rest of the ship’s insides himself. Pulling his body out from beneath the frame, he crawled over to Sword’s chamber door. To Rocket’s luck, it was left ajar and he pushed his past. Beyond the door, the continuing stairway descending into the belly of the ship would tempt him, but finding his way down the stairs stumped him. To lack legs upon a stairway would prove to be difficult, but Rocket had found the method of using his arms to lower his body down each step. It took an excruciatingly long time, but when he had found himself at the bottom stair, he found the damp depths of the grand galleon laying dormant, filled with the beds of the other crew members, giant cannons, and walls upon walls of boxes and barrels.

“Sword was right.” Rocket breathed, somewhat disappointed.

Rocket pulled himself over to one of the rusting cannons, inspecting the metal beast thoroughly, from its old wheels to the sturdy barrel. The cannon was so massive that the merinphernal found that he could put his head into the spout of the barrel. Within, the smell of gunpowder was overpowering, and the curious boy ended up having a sneezing fit. Small bits of dust rained down on his head as the sounds of more bootsteps would come down from above. Intrigued, and also admittedly missing fresh air, Rocket scaled the steps up to the top deck, moving slower as he proceeded. He could hear Sword up above, seeming to be conversing with another. Pirate and sea-faring lingo was thrown about to the point that Rocket could no longer discern what was being spoken on.

Lifting his head above the top step, Rocket spied Sword, and across from the winged sailor, a green skinned inphernal with a golden tooth. The sound of weird pirate sayings made Rocket giggle, but to his utter surprise, would the unknown inphernal turn to stare him dead in the eye.

“Why, it seems we gots a stowaway onboard!” The stranger began, starting towards him.

Rocket pushed himself up and held his torso upwards by planting both arms on the walls, flaring his fins.

“Um, yar! I’m no stowaway! I be a ally of this here crew!” He tried, imitating the accent poorly. He opened his mouth to continue, but Sword darted in front of him, one of his wings brushing against Rocket’s cheek.

“Wait wait wait wait this guy’s fine bein’ here, I brought ‘im on.” Sword protested. “He’s wantin’ to join our sailing.”

Sword’s words would erupt a hearty laugh from the other pirate. “It's been a real long time since we last sailed with a merinphernal onboard!” He barked. “Any friend o’ Sword’s is a friend of th’crew.”

Sword breathed a sigh and swiveled his head to look at Rocket, who was looking back with wide eyes. 

“Do you really think I’ll get to join?” He whispered, a grin creeping onto his face.

Sword shrugged. “Not sure, but your hopes are lookin’ brighter.”

Sword turned back to the other pirate, who was looking at them curiously.

“Where’s m’pops?” The feathered boy questioned. 

His crewmate pointed out over the island. “Out celebratin’ still, we’ll probably be out there all night.” The pirate’s attention shifted over to the merinphernal. “You can always come along, since yer Sword’s pal.”

Rocket waited up top while the two sailors went down under, returning with a barrel of rum. The other pirate invited the pair to accompany him, but Rocket hesitated.

“I’m not sure.” He answered. The green skinned inphernal nodded, looking to Sword who shook his head.

“I’ll come later.” The red-horned boy replied, gesturing to the merinphernal. The older sailor nodded again, waving and thumping off onto land.

Sword came to his friend’s side and kneeled down. Rocket looked away and would let out a disheartened sigh.

“I just don’t know Sword, what if I look stupid and your dad doesn’t want me on his crew?”

The other placed a hand on Rocket’s finned shoulder. “The first step in joinin’ a crew is getting t’know the fellas yer sailin’ with.” 

Sword heard a heavy breath from his friend. “Alright, I’ll go, but don’t leave my side. I’m uh… I’m a little nervous…” 

Sword gently squeezed Rocket’s shoulder, reassuring him with thoughtful promises. He was able to bring the small smile back to the scaled inphernal’s face. Sword would continue to talk to him until Rocket found his confidence, agreeing to accompany the other, and Sword would hoist the other boy up from the deck into his arms.

Sword would bring Rocket in front of his crew, and to the merinphernal’s surprise, the buccaneers accepted him eagerly. Venomshank, however, would keep his steadfast neutrality. They could both feel the god’s eyes plastered on them, and synchronously gulped. 

“Hey Dad, uh, this is Rocket and…” Sword started, but Rocket shushed him by pressing a finger to the sailor’s lips. 

“I’m Rocket and I want to join your crew!” 

Venomshank continued staring at them. They both heard a deep cough come from behind his mask, and then he spoke.

“What makes you think you, of all those who would give up their land-loving life to step foot on my ship, could dare to sail alongside the crew I have plundered with for a millenia?”

Sword tried to speak again, but once more was he silenced by the merinphernal in his arms.

“My father is B. Zuka. He lives in the Sun Port outskirts.” Rocket began, his face serious. Every pirate within earshot raised their heads to the merinphernal, including Venomshank. 

Sword gaped at him, bewildered. “Rocket? What are you talking about?”

“He took me in soon after his retirement from sailing. He told me about all of his adventures, about his experience with your crew, and about the reign you two shared over the seas.” The merinphernal stopped to take a breath, “I’ve always wanted to be like him, but he doesn’t sail anymore. And I also just think pirates are cool…”

Everyone stayed silent, taking in Rocket’s words. Venomshank’s gaze bore into his skin.

“I always knew something had changed. He wasn’t the same man after I visited him in retirement that first time. He was softer.” Venomshank would reply, his voice steady as ever.

Sword looked from his father to Rocket, baffled.”The hell are ya talkin’ about? Rocket, you're a mer-thing, ya’ can’t be a inphernal’s son!” Rocket turned his head away from his friend, and his father looked to him instead.

“Not just anyone knows where Zuka went after he pulled back from the sea, and… I remember him telling me of a young boy who had had a great influence on him.” The captain confessed. “If you really are his son, I suppose I could make an… exception.”

The rest of the crew stood around in shock, mouths agape. Smiling, Rocket turned his head to meet Sword’s eyes. The boy was peering back, ruby eyes yawning down at him.

“Are you for real? B. Zuka’s son? Why didn’t you tell me?” He murmured. The blue-horned boy dipped his head in shame, trying to construct a deserving answer.

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t think it to be all too important. He adopted me, like your dad took in you. Honestly, that’s part of why I trusted you so much at first. You’re like me.”

“Like you?” Sword asked.

“We were both spawned without families, and we both got taken in by some pretty famous pirates. That’s something, right?” 

Sword averted his eyes and lowered Rocket to the soil beneath. “I guess so.” He responded. He then came to kneel before the merinphernal boy. “Well, fish boy, looks like our ‘likeness’ convinced m’dad to let ya in.”

Rocket giggled. “Yeah, but Zuka wouldn’t be too happy if he knew that. He told me to never talk to pirates.”

“You neva’ seemed like the type to follow rules.” Sword grinned. “Perfect for a beginner buccaneer.”

Long before the two had finished conversing, the rest of the crew had long burst into jovial cheer and song, and both boys were soon swept up in torrent. Hand-made pirate classics were tasted by the newbie, who seemed rather eager to feast upon them. One crew member, who Sword would introduce as Grubs, offered up a tankard full of fresh bought rum.

“Ye oughta try it, cuz it’s all yer gonna have t’drink at sea!” He chortled, swinging the mug around in Rocket’s face. The merinphernal gingerly reached out to take the offering in his hands. The acrid smell piled on his senses and he wrinkled his nose.

“This is all you guys drink? It smells awful!” 

Grubs barked a laugh and threw an arm around Sword’s shoulder, who would laugh along with him. “All ye gotta do is try it!” 

“Here,” Sword said, taking the cup from his friend’s hands, “I’ll take a swig first if it makes yer’ feel better.” The winged boy would upturn the mug gulp down a large portion of its contents. 

“Oh man, that’s acid-y!” Sword yelped, suppressing a burp and wiping golden droplets from his lips.

Rocket cocked his head. “Whaddya mean acid-y? Let me try!” The blue skinned boy protested, extending webbed hands. Sword complied, pressing the wooden drink holder into the other’s palms and giving him a toothy smirk. Rocket hesitated once again, slowly lifting the metal rim of the mug to his own lips. Audibly gulping before so, the merinphernal took in a large chug. The bubbly texture stung his tongue and throat, being felt all the way down to his stomach. Rocket coughed, gagging and lunging for a tin cup of precious H2O to wash the torturous taste from his mouth.

“Why would you drink this! It’s- eugh!” Rocket cried, pouring more water down his reeling throat. Nearby crewmembers laughed at his reaction, all taking their own mouthfuls of Barbados Water. Sword giggled, taking the cup from Rocket once again and looking at him apologetically.

“It’s a bit of a’ acquired taste, but you’ll get used to it, jus’ like th’rest of us.” Sword offered, resting one hand on his friend’s shoulder as he guzzled more cold water. Rocket paused his water cramming to look into him with pitiful eyes, and Sword glanced away in mock shame.

Although Rocket refused to indulge in any further alcohol consumption that night, he was delighted to make a main course out of stale bread, cheese, and watermelon, a massive difference from his normal diet of fish and crustaceans. Not long into the twinkling light, however, would his previous act finally come back to him. A thick fog clouded his mind and sense, and a few dribbles of sweat dripped down his chin.

“Hey Sword, I’m not feelin’ so straight.” He admitted, slurring over some words.

Sword, also in a bit of a haze, came to sit next to him. “It’s normal, don’t-cha go worryin’ yer little fishy head off!” He grinned, nudging the merinphernal with one shoulder. “You took a long swig o’navy neater!”

The fish-tailed boy chuckled. “Yeah I did, an’ it was nasty!” He stopped and thought. “Is that why I feel all, uh, loopy?”

The other agreed, poking him in the forehead. “It’s yer first time so make it count!”

Sword came to kneel down in front of Rocket with his back turned towards him, coaxing the other boy to climb on. Rocket gleefully obliged, and swung both arms around his friend’s shoulders and neck, along with wrapping his tail around the pirate’s waist for extra support. Sword pushed himself up from the ground, using his arms behind his back to support Rocket by the base of his tail, and carried him over into the fray of drunken pirate antics. With the merinphernal on his back, the winged pirate began to dance among his crewmates, bellowing out shanties and spinning in circles. Encouraged by his intoxicated performance, the others imitated his strange, armless dance and twirl around the pair. In his inebriated state, Rocket would holler along with them, lifting his arms from Sword’s toned shoulders and thrusting them high into the song-filled air. The other crew members began taking up sticks and branches and piled them together, igniting a large bonfire. Then, each would take a branch of their own and set it ablaze in the roaring inferno. They revolved around in a messy circle, in one hand raising flaming torches, and in the other guzzling mugs full of booze. Some would come up to the arm-occupied Sword and pour grog down his throat, the receiving boy trying hard not to spill any from his lips while still drunkenly frolicing, and every now and then, Rocket would reach down from his perch on the winged boy’s back and take small sips of his own, still gagging with each mouth full. 

“Oi, Rooget! Don’t go forcin’ yerself!” Sword chirped, a small hint of worry cracking in his slurred speech. The smaller boy looked down from his roost upon his friend’s hunched back, to see the other looking back. 

“M’just sippin’, it’s ok.” Rocket told him reassuringly. He leaned in a little closer to his friend’s ear, quieting his voice to a whisper.

“I’ll be honest, m’really tired.”

The corners of Sword’s mouth raised slightly, and understandingly. “Alright buddy. I’ll find ye somethin’ for sleepin’ on.”

Rocket attempted to protest, saying he could just sleep under the dock, but Sword wasn’t having it. 

“Yer a part of the crew now, and no crew member o’ mine is sleeping in the cold… and bein’ honest too, I’m also pretty wiped.” Sword retorted, waving to the crew and carrying a sleepy, wasted Rocket all the way back to his quarters. Upon their entrance, Sword slid the fish-tailed boy off his back and onto his berth, then set about arranging a decently sized heap of hay-filled soft sacks and unused sheets he found in the lower deck. Rocket spectated with slow, blinking eyes. He felt guilty, having unknowingly pushed yet another burden upon the ever willing to help Sword, but when he would attempt to object, the red-horned boy would hush him and continue about his duty. Finally, Sword would stop to observe his work, giving the pile a few gentle pats.

“Hope this is good enough.” He mused, continuing to observe his creation.

Rocket grumbled, rolling off Sword’s bed and crawled over to the mound. He curled his body inside, finding it to be arranged similar to that of a bird’s nest. The blue-skinned boy raised his head to Sword, watching him for a reaction.

“It’s nice, really.” Rocket admitted, smiling sheepishly. “I feel real bad for makin’ you do all this.” 

Sword shook his head and sighed. “Don’t mention it. All that movin’ stuff around was sobering, and I’m feelin’ a lil’ clearer.

“You’re really nice,” Rocket continued, “I’m glad we’re friends.” 

Those words brought a smile to the other boy’s face. “It’s no problem, and I’m glad we’re buddies too.” Sword gushed, running a hand through his feathery red mane. “Now get to sleep, yer gonna be doin’ a lot of learning tomorrow.”

Rocket gave his roommate one last grin before Sword blew out the lantern light and jumped into bed.

“Goodnight Sword.” 

“G’night.”

Chapter Text

Nestled amongst the mess of his bed, would the morning sun peel open his eyes, reaching in and greeting his face through the small circular window carved into his chamber wall. As the sunlight winked at him, Sword would come to fully awake, sitting up slowly, the sound of bones popping after a good rest filled his ears. Sword let out a low groan as he stretched his arms and wings, which had grown restless in his hours of slumber. The unexpected sound of muffled snoring would turn his head, and across his room, yet to be welcomed into the waking world and still cast in shadow, was the body of a sleeping boy. The gentle rise and fall of his body rhythmic, and Sword could not bring himself to wake his friend. ‘Friend…’ He thought again, and he let the smallest of smiles creep onto his face. How long had it been since Sword had met someone his own age, for his father’s crew was full of the resurrected, and properly aged crew members. 

It was hard to admit, but he truly was the least experienced of his mates, and in some of their drunken stupors he could not understand them. At times like that, he would go to cast his line, as the fish could not spew aged nonsense, but neither could they speak at all. It had been but a couple of sunrises since Rocket had been welcomed aboard his father’s ship as one of the lot, and Sword spent every last waking hour gushing ship-faring knowledge and personal advice. Rocket, it had seemed to him at least, had drank in all but every word that fell from the feathered boy’s lips. 

Now, Rocket lay dormant, and Sword would allow him that pleasure, for he knew it must be difficult to integrate into such a tight-knit crew. Sudden loud footsteps approaching his chamber door startled him from his thoughts, and Sword flew to open his door as quickly, but quietly, as he could. There, hand still up and ready to push the door open themself, was one of Sword’s favorite crewmates. Beach Ball stood there, smiling and looking down at Sword.

“Git yer lousy arse up, it’s sailing time!” They yipped.

Sword grumbled, pushing them out of his doorway with his shoulder. “Be quiet, Rocket’s still sleepin’ in there!” He hissed, and the other pirate put their hands over their mouth in mock shame.

Beach Ball was right, however. They couldn’t stay anchored here forever, in the ruins of a village dedicated to the worship of the white-eyed god, lest they fall victim to Illumina’s anger, not that they couldn’t face it head on. 

“Alright I’m comin’, I’m comin’.” The feathered boy huffed, marching up the stairs after Beach Ball. On the main deck, came into view the sight of a hoisted anchor, and a herd of inphernals struggling to open the sails. Sword breathed out a long sigh, moving to assist his fellow crew members in spreading wide the sails.

Long after the main sail was uplifted, came a shout from behind which brought Sword’s head to a turn. Rocket, it seemed, had finally dragged himself from his slumber, and was the older boy without any complaint.

“Oh, Rocky! Yer finally up!” Sword beamed, tossing aside the crate of, well, frankly he didn’t know what was inside, but as he dropped it, would cringe at the sound of glass rattling (and probably breaking). Rocket continued his weird arm-climb up the wooden steps, his eyes still drooping with the last remnants of sleep.

“I’m sorry for sleepin’ in so late, Swordy.” Rocket smiled back, then glanced around, bewildered. “What’s going on? Why are we at sea?”

Sword chuckled, coming to stand next to the merinphernal, currently propping himself up on his tail. “We set out while you was sleepin’! An’ I’m about to get fishing!” He remarked.

Rocket cocked his head curiously. “Uhm… ok, but I can just go under and snatch a fish or two up real easy.” The merinphernal interjected. Sword shook his head.

“Do ya really wanna jump overboard for a few fish?” He asked, and Rocket realized his situation.

“Wait, so I can’t go swimming?!”  The merinphernal cried, creasing his eyebrows.

“Nope, So ye might as well give fishin’ a try! We’ve got plenty o’ spare poles.” Sword grinned.

Rocket, still thoroughly upset, would give in after some momentary sulking. “Fine, but I don’t know anything about fishing, so you’re gonna have to teach me.”

Sword grinned wider, his sharp teeth glowing, and his head wings fluttering. He would suddenly run off, somewhere down in the hold, and for some time, he would be absent, but when he returned, Sword bore two wooden poles fastened with cranks and strings and hooks, and other things Rocket couldn’t assign a name to.

“Let me show ya!” Sword chirped, bounding forward and sweeping up Rocket without warning, earning himself a cry of surprise from his buddy. Somehow, to Rocket’s amazement, the older boy was able to balance him in one arm, and swing around the wooden poles with his other. He allowed himself to be lugged over to the bow, and then, still in Sword’s arm, found himself settled in a position leaning him uncomfortably over the edge of the ship, as Sword had taken rest upon the taffrail, legs swung over to dangle far above the parting waves. When overlooking the edge, would the height daunt him, so much so that he would gulp and grip onto his friend’s tunic. Sword would come soon to notice his discomfort.

“Ah, not a fan of the height, aye?” He murmured, meticulously moving his body in a way that would give him allowance to let Rocket slide himself off onto the solid deck again. Relieved of the threat of the ship’s height, the younger boy huffed a breath of relief, and would he rest his elbows upon the wooden build of the rail.

Sword looked to him with a cheeky smile and one arm outstretched, in his hand a wooden rod. The merinphernal would bring himself to gingerly take it up in his own, and then would he overlook its build with curiosity. 

“How do you catch a fish with this?” 

“Just you watch!” Sword hollered. He pulled from a small little tin can, one that Rocket had not taken notice to earlier, the limp cadaver of a silvery fish. In size, it was pathetic, but the older boy seemed satisfied with it.

“That’s how you fish? Are you- you just pulled a fish out of some can!” Rocket objected.

Sword heaved with laughter again, and, oh, had Rocket unknowingly come to crave its sound filling his head.

“No, ya goof! You take these puny lil’ things, and ye stick' em on ‘ere, like this…” Sword trailed off, taking up the line of his pole gently, and proceeding to skewer the little fish body with a hook fastened onto the end. 

“Ta-da!” He boasted, letting the carcass droop down from his hook. “Now you try.” He offered, holding the container of dead fish out for Rocket to pick from. The younger boy was hesitant, but he eventually reached two fingers inside, and squeezed onto one of the bodies. He pulled it from the tin walls, and just as Sword had, would take up his own hook and stick it dead through the little fishy.

“Aye, ye got it!” Sword barked. “Then, ya gotta go like this.”

His eyes narrowed, and with strong movements, cast his line out in front, and somewhat to the side, of the ship. 

“Now, the thing about, fishin’ on a boat is that ya gotta recast often, cuz yer always movin’ and you don’t wanna let the line go out too far.” Sword told his friend, who was peering at his fishing rod with subtle nervousness. The older red-horned boy rested one arm on his buddy’s head, rustling his hair delicately.

“Don’t you go worryin’ yer head off over this small thang, I believe in ye.” Sword said. Rocket brought his chin up to meet the other’s eyes, still ducking under Sword’s hand rested on his head.

“Ok, I’ll try.” He muttered. Rocket leaned his body to one side, brought the rod back behind him, and swung forward just as Sword had. It was a nearly perfect first attempt, except for the fact that the hook still dangled from the tip of his wooden pole. Sword started laughing at him, and the merinphernal gave back a mean look.

“Why didn’t this stupid thing work!” He hissed loudly, and some of the other pirates onboard turned to witness his frustration. Rocket flushed, looking back to Sword with a frustrated pout.

“Ya poor thing.” Sword cooed pitifully. “You didn’t undo the lil’ lock thing here.”

Sword reached to the crank-thing on Rocket’s pole and flicked something hard. It made a little ‘chink’ sound after he did so.

“Try now.”

Rocket repeated his movements again, leaning back and throwing the top of the rod forward, mimicking Sword’s moves. This time, the line went flying out, making a zipping sound as it blew out over the sea. The pair watched as it dipped into the water, momentarily bobbing.

“There ya go!” Sword cheered, punching his buddy in the shoulder. Rocket glared back, then suddenly pounced forward and pulled Sword from his perch on the taffrail. Both boys let go of their fishing poles, instead choosing to engage in a playful wrestle. Their friendly tussle would catch the eyes of many of those onboard, and some would begin to cheer them on, and root for one or the other. Rocket was receiving more support than he would have anticipated, but he was too content and focused on dragging the winged boy down onto the wooden floorboards. The two boys would continue to play-fight, each emitting low growls from their throats, until Rocket had finally managed to pin the red-horned one on his back beneath him, using his hands to hold Sword’s wings down, which lay splayed out on either side of him.

“I win.” Rocket grunted, out of breath. Sword was panting too, and his hot breath on Rocket’s face was unpleasant. “Close your big fat mouth.”

The corners of Sword’s lips curled upwards and he closed his eyes. He didn’t halt his heavy breathing, and it continued to wash over Rocket’s sweaty face, letting out a breathy laugh. To avoid the uncomfortable warmth, Rocket sat up from his position over the other boy, and tried to lick the dryness from his lips.

“For a land-liver, you’re really unsteady.” Rocket exhaled, hands still planted on his friend’s wings.

“It’s these things’ fault!” Sword countered, doing his best to flap and worm his feathers from under Rocket’s weight. “They’re all clumsy and jus’ dead weight all the time!”

Rocket puffed. “Is that your excuse for losing so much?”

“Yeah!” Sword argued. “I wish I didn’t have them sometimes!”

Rocket sat up, pulling his arms away from Sword’s wings and observing them. They were large, but not yet large enough to give him flight, and they were coated in slick black quills. As his eyes traced over them, spots of tangling and even some feathers standing out became apparent, but right as he noticed these irregularities, one of Sword’s wings swept over him, and the older boy’s whole body rolled to put Rocket underneath. Sword held his wings outstretched, bearing down on the mer-boy and hiding his fair skin from the sun. 

“Don’t think I’ll let ya win so easily next time,” Sword began, smirking, “Fishy.”

Rocket stared daggers into Sword’s eyes. “You wish, Birdy.”

His words would form a frown on Sword’s visage. “Fishy.” He snorted.

“Birdy.”

“Fishy!”

“Birdy!”

“Fi- My fishing rod!” Sword yelped urgently, peeling away from Rocket, still sprawled on his back, and lunging for the wooden pole just inches from flying off the side of the ship. He began to attempt to reel his line in, gritting his teeth, and as he did so, Rocket looked to his own rod, which was resting still on its side. Behind him, the sound of Sword cursing roused his attention. Sword, it seemed, had lost his grip on the rod, and it had gone sailing into the deep.

“Yer jokin’...” He sighed, brows furrowing. Rocket pushed himself up from the plank flooring and crawled to his companion’s side, peering over the wooden railing. It seemed to him, for just a second, that a flash of something large lurked underneath the galleon.

“Did you see that?” He asked the boy at his side. Sword, still with displeasure plastered across his face, faced him with confusion. 

“See what now?”

Rocket wasn’t looking at Sword, mostly ignoring his perplexion, and leaning his body further over the edge. Something was circling below, he could tell, and it made his heart jump. “Sword, look.”

Finally, the other boy concurred, leaning first his head over the side of the boat, and then bringing his whole body to look.

“Oh.” Sword murmured. “Rocket- Rocket, that’s some damn big sea critter.”

The merinphernal finally tore his focus from the sea and faced Sword. The older pirate was fixed on something, eyes unblinking. His concentration made Rocket nervous. “What’re we gonna do about it?” The younger boy gulped. He witnessed the corners of Sword’s lips begin to curl upward, and the feathered boy would meet the mer-boy’s eyes with his own. 

“We’re gonna shoot it dead.” He grinned, and before Rocket could object, Sword bolted down into the fray of the crew, hollering out about a ‘sea monster’. To Rocket’s surprise, the others appeared rather excited about the situation. It was obvious they planned for battle with the beast when all hands on deck either took to arms, or began manning every cannon along the ship. In all of the abrupt excitement , Rocket lost track of the red-haired boy he had been nervously watching from his perch clear out of anyone’s quick-footed path. He watched on as some began to pop open fizzing bottles, waving loaded rifles in the air, and then the merinphernal finally spied the winged pirate again as he stumbled onto the upper deck, which was still mostly void of any others. Gripped in his fingers, the neck of a bottle of that cursed Barbados water.

“You’ve gotta see this!” Sword proclaimed, voice cracking. He had stopped stumbling with his face just mere inches away from Rocket’s, and in such close range, a reddening, smiling appearance and a sharp scent within his breath was all encompassing.

“Are you getting drunk?” Rocket retorted, wrinkling his nose. “You’re all getting drunk and trying to fight off some sea monster?” 

“Don’t be scared Rocky, I’ll stay by ya to keep ya safe!” The older boy offered, trying to give off a strong appearance, but was unable to stop a goofy smile from stretching over his visage. Rocket let out a displeased growling, turning away from Sword’s red, freckled cheeks, and pulling his lips thin in annoyance.

“I’m not scared stupid! But what are we gonna do about it from this old ass boat?!” Rocket  protested loudly. He witnessed Sword grumble to himself, uttering something about his father’s ship ‘not being old’.

“I’ll- I’ll come up with sumthin’...” The older boy huffed. Rocket snorted at him.

“If anything, I’ll be the one keeping you safe.”

Sword smiled at this and he shimmied closer to the younger boy who held his displeased glare. Rocket felt an arm snake over his shoulders and yank him from his spot. Sword pulled the merboy to his side and squeezed his arm resting on Rocket’s shoulders tighter to him.

“I’m real happy you got t’join m’dad’s crew.” The red-haired boy bubbled, bringing his face closer to the boy swooped in his arm.

The heartfelt weight upon Sword’s words was so dripping, so naturally innocent but coming from something bearing signs of carrying sin- covered with scars and a sense of danger behind his ruby eyes. Something with a deep, dragging lull to it- presumably brought on by excessive alcohol consumption, Rocket thought- charmed him noticeably. Something about the way his features set into his face, the shape, the rough scar that cut through just beneath the right eye pulled his focus, and gazing further revealed freckles and small, wearing abrasions he had not previously seen. (Somehow.) He didn’t know what it meant, but he blushed, unknowing as to why he felt a nagging urge to obscure his warming pinkish face.

“No thanks to you- it was only cuz my dad’s a legend.”

Rocket could see frowning and he heard an attempt at protest, but both were cut off by heavy splashing. He heard inphernals across the entire deck burst into screams before the crashing came. Both boys turned to spy the beast, revealing its sickly large being, send its cursed sucker-cover tendrils out of the water and into the side of the ship. Force tipped the sizable ship, subsequently ripping the footing out from under the crew. As the wailing of the boat and the chaos of the monster in the sea threatened to drown out his hearing, Rocket faintly picked up on drunken squealing from close by as he was met with splintering wood to his back, gasping.

Rocket remained unmoving as little bolts of lightning lit up his backside with pain. Rocket could feel his mouth moving, rapidly drying out as it subconsciously gasped for air, but he couldn’t get his muscles to speak. Suddenly hands gripped his shoulders and, with some internal ripping pain, felt himself lifted from the floorboards and away from whatever ill-placed and small splintered stake had driven into his skin. Finally he bit out an aching croak and tried blinking away his blurry vision. There was someone bent over him, hands still firm against his shoulders. Rocket could pick out some details of his savior; wrinkles, multiple thin scars that ran across their entire face, and a couple of gold teeth that glittered from between sparsely parted lips. Through watery eyes Rocket saw the older looking inphernal turn his head away and call someone off to the side. He felt his body being brought to rest on the deck, and a new pair of arms Rocket barely registered embraced him.

“Buddy! Hey- hello?!”

Stooped over him, hands sliding from his arms to the sides of his face, was Rocket’s favorite face- struck deep with anxiety. 

“You.” He spat, face tense with hurt. Sword pouted at the fish-boy and pushed his larger thumbs into Rocket’s colder cheeks, seeming as if he was attempting to stretch and squish the tension out of Rocket’s face. The merboy was still laid out on his back, now using both arms to push away at the hulking creature over him. Sword’s wings, hovered out at his sides, just made him even bigger- to Rocket’s dismay. Soon, a handful of other members of the crew began to gather around both boys, eyes wide and all with inquiry about his current state. He heard Sword take a sharp breath.

“Yer hurt.” He said matter-of-factly. Rocket shivered as one of Sword’s hands moved down from his face and, slowly, slid itself underneath his shoulder. Rocket hissed at the contact, but the older boy didn’t stop trying to position his arm under the fish-boy’s backside. He felt the arm begin to lift, ripping from Rocket’s maw another pained sound. Eventually he was forced into a seated position, back exposed to the elements, where now he felt both of his friend’s hands hovering over his stinging skin.

“Yeowch…” He heard Sword whisper. Rocket tried to twist his head far enough so he could spy the damage for himself, but it proved unsuccessful.

“What? Am I bleeding?”

The small crowd which had gathered around them began to all gawk at whatever apparent injury Rocket had received. He looked to all of their faces for an answer, but was unable to find one amongst their shared uncertainty.

“It ain’t too bad an’ I don’t think there’s any splinters that got stuck in ya, but yeah, yer bleeding.” Sword spoke again from behind the nervous boy. Rocket couldn’t help but be horrified at the thought of there being little holes oozing blood in his back.

“I’ll get the ship doctor-” Sword trailed on. “He’s a total miracle worker, an’ he saved my life.” He tried to reassuringly rest a hand on Rocket’s shoulder, who- to his surprise- sunk into the touch. The hand on Rocket’s shoulder closed tighter briefly, fingertips pressing into his sore muscles and momentarily bringing them some relief from tension. Then it pulled away.

“I’ll be right back-” He heard Sword suddenly sputter out. Rocket spun his head around to look at his friend, but the other boy had already hurried away into the hustle of pirates in disarray. Shouldn’t Sword’s father have made an appearance by now? 

Rocket was broken from his thoughts by bootsteps approaching. The merinphernal pivoted on his spot to face whoever was advancing on him. Standing just behind him was some older, average looking guy sporting two green horns that had grown in an antler-like shape. In his hand he appeared to be carrying a smaller metal case with a red cross decorating both sides. Rocket felt himself being inspected by the stranger’s tired eyes hidden behind a pair of spectacles that rested loosely on his face. Sword came up from behind the newcomer, eyes flitting between both inphernals.

“Rocket,” He began, “This is Medkit, our ship’s beloved doctor.”

Rocket watched the new inphernal’s eyebrows furrow at ‘beloved’. Sword appeared to have more to say, but Medkit dismissed him and came to kneel before Rocket’s form.

“Can you turn around?” He asked.

There was a hesitance, but Rocket would relent and spin himself so that his back was facing Medkit. Rocket heard a heavy sigh escape the inphernal behind him, and heard what sounded like fiddling with metal locks. Sword eventually came around to sit before him, knees brushing against Rocket’s fish half. He smiled.

“Medkit is a great doctor, even though he won’t admit it.” Sword said, and Rocket heard a snort from behind him. Something small began to dab along his spine, causing a painful sting he couldn’t stop himself from pulling a face at.

“That hurts…” He whined. Sword blinked at him apologetically.

There were more stinging sensations from his cuts for a brief moment, then the sound of fiddling instruments, and suddenly his pain vanished with a quick and shot jab into his back. The shock made him tense, but the relief from pain soothed his nerves almost instantly.

“What- how’d you-?” Rocket stumbled and reached a hand around his back. He ran his webbed hand along once torn skin, only to find it smooth and flawless. Sword, still sat in front of him, gave the fish-boy a reassuring smile.

“Told ya he’s a miracle worker.” The older boy murmured. Medkit stood up from behind Rocket, relocking his little metal box, and strolled off with a “don’t get yourself hurt again.”

“Thank you Meds!” Sword hollered back.

The merinphernal shifted on his tail, still propping himself up, and twisted to reveal his backside to Sword.

“How does it look?” He asked. Sword gave him a thumbs up.

Seemingly his injuries had swiftly recovered, but that was the least of his worries. Rocket growled to himself. Blimey squid-beast had made him feel a fool, and Rocket knew he was of little help in his current position. The mer-boy tied his eyes to the older’s, who remained stationary before him.

“Ok idiot head, what’s your plan.”

Sword perked up and pulled a face of deep ponderance, arms crossed and wings held stiff and upright. The galleon bucked again from an unseen force, and the red-horned boy began to wander sloppily over to the rails, still posed deep in thought, and pushed his way between two buccaneers clinging on to the ship in wake of the heavy rocking, then he made to lean his whole upper body over the edge. The surface of the sea looked calm enough and the sky was clear, so in his little feathered brain, Sword began his formulation of an exciting plan. The bird-boy whipped his head around, finding Rocket’s eyes in quick succession, and bounding over to where he was still coiled up on the deck.

“You gotta hear me out.”

“What?”

The older boy bore his round red eyes into his friend’s. Rocket didn’t trust this look.

“We’re gonna jump off.” Sword said, trying to maintain a serious expression, but failing just as he had before. Rocket looked back with a face of puzzlement, and his head tilted off to one side in visual uncertainty.

“You mean- off the boat? Are you kidding?” The younger boy scoffed, his mouth curling upwards in a smile of bewilderment, and Sword chose to reply with nothing but a mischievous grin. 

“Oh my Heights…” Rocket murmured, although he wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea of going for a dip Perhaps in his natural environment he may be able to better contribute. Sword shuffled beside him.

“So?” The older boy asked, sticking out his hand. From his grasp began the materialization of a long sleek blade with a luminous handguard. It beautifully reflected the vast sky overhead, and also Rocket’s eyes, who was observing his own awe-filled face in the blade’s mirrored image. Rocket had seen the beautifully maintained weapon before, and yet was still mystified. Although he had deeply loved for his own gear, it bore the scars of many a mistake- each he could ring from his memory at the sight of each dent, scratch, and blemish his gear now bore. Rocket snarled and swung a tight fist at Sword’s head.

The blow forcibly twisted the winged boy’s head around with a grunt, and caused a noticeable stumble in his stature. Rocket kept his fist clenched at his side as he waited for Sword to recover, who, after seconds of silence, turned back to him with an excited expression. He had a hand held to the punched cheek.

“You must be jealous!” Sword snickered. He earned an irritated (but not really) eye roll from the younger boy. “Do you even know if we’ll survive going overboard?” Rocket questioned. He saw Sword’s face alter a few times before he nodded with hesitation.

Rocket looked out over the sea again, his nerves racing.  He bit down on his tongue, and somewhat reluctantly, exerted his energy to one hand in order to summon his own precious gear, a rocket launcher armed with some makeshift scope. Rocket tapped his fingers along its metallic surface impatiently, feeling Sword’s eyes on him.

“I’m sick of this stupid squid!” The merinphernal grumbled. “Throw me over already.”

His words appeared to excite the older boy. He chirped, pulled off his boots and socks,  stuck the hilt of his sword between his teeth, and then snaked both arms under Rocket’s own. The mer-boy was heaved upward in a jerking manner- while still clinging desperately to his gear. He attempted to escape but Sword’s large form suffocated any resistance. Only when the red-horned inphernal forced himself between two crew members conversing by the taffrail and leaped up onto the wooden beam lining the ship, would Rocket come to heavy-hearted submission- although his whole body still lurched when they plummeted over the edge. On the way down, he could hear crew members onboard hollering at them, but their words were indiscernible through the pounding of blood in his ears.

Chapter Text

The sea was terribly cold. It made his skin prickle and bumps sprung up all across his being. It made his wings shrink back to his core, and each feather felt like it had become three-times heavier. He instinctually gasped amongst the freezing waves. Finally, his soaking head of hair breached the surface, and soon with it followed a scrunched face. Rocket, who he had previously embraced in his arms, must have already slipped from his arms as the merinphernal was currently swimming circles around Sword’s shivering form.

“Curse Illumina-” Sword bit out. He cringed when Rocket ceased his circling and came up behind him, leaned his bare chest against Sword’s clothed back. The warmth shared between bodies was comforting, and briefly Sword let his shoulders sag. But then he pulled away.

“Blimey shirt!” The older boy cried, peeling his arms from inside the soaking tunic and struggling to pull it up and over his head, while also trying to forcefully pop the buttons that secured the shirt around the base of his wings. When he finally muscled it off, Sword strung the sopping wet tunic from a spear of wood splintering from the belly of the galleon looming overhead, and completely exposing his torso to the elements- or prying eyes. He could feel Rocket’s gaze pushing into him during the whole struggle- cocking his head and fidgeting with his webbed hands. Sword turned to him.

“What?” He gruffed.

“You’ve got feathers all over.”

Sword flushed and averted his eyes.

“I do. So what?”

The older boy, now self-conscious, began picking at his feathers. He didn’t notice Rocket closing the gap again and opening his mouth to speak, when suddenly the sea beast shot its accursed tendrils from the sea, closing in a circle around the body of the ship. Shouts would erupt from above as Sword, alarmed and among the now unsteady waves sent swirling by the massive form that had burst through them so suddenly, was pinned up against the wooden build by his companion. His eyes became locked with Rocket’s, within them an unreadable emotion.

“I like your feathers.” Rocket blurted breathily. “And I really wanna touch them. They look soft.”

Sword froze, breath hitching in a lump deep in his throat. The rushing in his ears drowned out the cacophony of groaning ship wood and desperate shouting. 

What was that supposed to mean? That was a really weird thing to ask, but maybe not really. But what was he supposed to say? Was he even considering Rocket’s request? 

“I- huh?” Sword fumbled out, blinking. He could see Rocket’s face, not far from his, almost seeming to radiate a pink light. The younger boy appeared to be desperately smothering some expression under his current stoic gaze.

“Just this once- I promise I won’t break them.” 

“Why are ya askin’ me this right now?!” Sword grumbled, pausing to give the mer-boy a long stare. He licked the salt from his lips and exhaled. “What’s got you so desperate anyway?”

There was crashing from above, more howling and more shots.

“I don’t have a good reason I just- want to touch them.” The merinphernal admitted with stubbornness. 

Beyond the boys, the beastly squid constricted its arms down onto the ship, and even more shouting from the crew followed. Finally the pair seemed to notice the chaos.

“Yer such a weirdo.” Sword snorted, squirming his way from between Rocket’s arm and meaning to say more, but instead fell silent by the hand of a poorly aimed hollow barrel to his skull. 

“Stop swappin’ spit and git helpin’! We’re under attack!” Shouting and leaning over the side of the galleon was some gruff old seadog with a nasty glare. Sword, after recollecting his consciousness, recognized the elderly coot as one of his father’s long time mates, his familiar golden teeth and scarred face still discernible despite the distance. 

“Flintlock!” Sword hissed, glowering back. He rubbed a palm over his now bruising cranium.

Back when Sword was young, and Venomshank had been taken hostage by his mind’s insanity to where he had to be locked away, that old man had always stepped in to fill the caretaking role. Flintlock was no fatherly figure, as he was better fit to the role of a caring uncle, and he was the one who had taught Sword almost all that he knew about pirate life; how to swim, how to sail, how to drop anchor, how to hoist up sails, how to handle a gun, how to swear, how to drink like there was no tomorrow, and how to fight- or kill.

Sword felt Rocket’s eyes prickling into the back of his head.

“What’s swappin spit?”

“Shut the hell up.” Sword spat and flung a fistfull of sea water at the clueless boy. Then he turned to finally face the giant monster, who had, to his complete and utter surprise, had taken many of his crewmates captive in its monstrous tentacles, and was tipping the massive ship just about on its side.

“The hell??!!!” Sword yelped. “I didn’t notice- I-- whu… where’s Venomshank at?!”

Old Flintlock far above, also witnessing the turmoil, murmured to himself for a second. He then shouted to the boys below- 

“Yer paps left on some trivial matters while yer lazy arses were sleepin’ th’sun away!”

Sword wanted to question further, but the old inphernal didn’t stick around. He disappeared over the visible edge of the ship, which was being further tipped onto its side. Rocket, at his side, raised his hands and materialized his prized gear. Then he tried to rush off but Sword caught him by the arm.

“Wait! What if you hit someone- or miss?”

Rocket immediately shook him off however, answering with a stern: “I won’t.”

The merinphernal began to barrel off towards the monster again, and Sword had no choice but to hang on.

“You should aim for its head.” He said, struggling to keep his head above the water.

Rocket groaned back.

“I know!”

Abruptly they stopped, and then just as promptly Sword watched as the merinphernal lifted his launcher up and fired.

The missile struck the center of the squid’s bulbous head, and the beast recoiled, dropping all of its captives into the sea. 

“What are we gonna do about those guys?” The younger boy asked. Briefly Sword’s mouth hung ajar, but he shut it soon.

“Worry about that later- you’ve gotta get us closer. I can’t do anything from this distance.”

The merinphernal compliantly reached his hand out to Sword- who was quick to take it in his own. He watched as the younger boy let go of his gear, discarding of its weight and letting it sink deep into the blue, and then he began to swim forward, putting all of his body into gaining speed. Sword struggled to keep his head above the water at that acceleration, eventually opting to hold his breath and duck under. Rocket’s speed brought Sword to a close range that finally allowed him to utilize his sword-wielding abilities. Left hand still entwined with the merinphernal’s, Sword drew his blade from its place in his belt.

“It’s dangerous to get any closer.” Rocket said.

“We don’t need to get closer.”

The younger boy watched curiously as Sword raised his free arm. Then he threw the blade as hard as he could into the massive squid’s body, and it pierced a little short of where the missile had connected.

“What good will that do?” Rocket began but was instantaneously silenced by the explosion. He turned to face Sword, expression communicating his bewilderment without a word.

“Your sword can do that?”

The older puffed out his chest in pride. 

“Yep! Betcha didn’t expect that!” Sword re-summoned his trusty weapon, brandishing it with confidence, before adding: “I can only do it a few times though, cuz, ya know, I can’t go summonin’ my gear back indefinitely.”

As for the squid beast, the two blasts forced it to release the ship and now the squid had turned its focus on the two adversaries bobbing in the water below, their hands still entwined. A low groan erupted from its submerged maw. Now, with the monster turning on them, Sword could feel his nerves acting up. They prickled under his skin with a light tremor, and he hoped Rocket couldn’t feel his hand momentarily shaking. Maybe it was a bad idea to jump ship.

“What now?” Rocket asked hastily. The other boy was silent.

“Sword?”

Rocket’s worried voice pierced his thoughts. Sword repressed his anxious expression, replacing it with prior confidence. 

“I think our best bet is to chase this thing off.” He finally replied. “Let’s keep it distracted and maybe eventually it’ll run away.”

It was immediately obvious that that answer disappointed the younger inphernal. Rocket’s fish tail slapped against Sword’s leg and he frowned slightly. The older boy gave him a look.

“If ya got a better idea to kill somethin’ this big, speak up.” 

Rocket’s shoulders slumped as he turned back to size up their foe. His frown grew.

“I guess you’re right-- so, what do we do?”

“We just attack until it gives up. If we keep it distracted long enough maybe the guys up on deck will get their shit together enough to help out.” Sword said shrugging.

Sword tried now to pull away, but Rocket’s grip on the older boy’s hand tightened.

“Stay with me. You won’t last a second out in the open.” Rocket ordered. As he said this, one of the beast’s massive appendages soared down upon them. Sword (embarrassingly) let out a squeak and tried again to escape, but the merinphernal’s grip was firm. He tugged his feathered friend under the water and raced away from impact, which just pushed the pair further out. Rocket finally pulled them both up to the surface. When Sword felt his head surge above the water, he took in a breath large and fast enough to choke on it. As Sword sputtered and coughed, the merinphernal kept his eyes on the squid-monster-- who hadn’t noticed them yet.

“Warn me next time!” Sword shouted after he had finally caught his breath. Rocket just rolled his eyes.

“Where’s my ‘thank you for saving my life’?”

Both boys almost began to banter again, but another low rumbling growl from below halted them.

“It saw us!” Rocket blurted. Again he pulled Sword away as another massive tentacle landed right where they had just been treading water. When they surfaced again, Sword didn’t bother complaining. Instead he just gave the younger boy a mean glare. Rocket finally released his hand and materialized his gear to fire another missile at the squid- but during that short moment Sword longed to feel Rocket’s hand in his own again. His face flushed and he splashed cold water on it before the merinphernal could notice. It was only now he realized he must have dropped his gear in the pandemonium.

The distant detonation rang out over them. This time the missile had connected with the back of the beast’s head. There was more vibrating wailing and more flailing, and Sword instinctively reached out for Rocket. Again both boys locked hands as the squid-monster pivoted toward them. One large, bulging eye surveyed their little bobbing forms, and then the beast began to sink. As it submerged, Rocket dipped his head under the water. He came back up with a nervous smile.

“We’ve got its attention now. I think its coming for us.”

Sword blinked back at him.

“Oh, well, that’s good.” The older inphernal began. “But um, we should prolly git movin’ then.”

Both inphernals tightened their grip around each other and Rocket began to lead the way cautiously further from the galleon, occasionally ducking under.

“I don’t see it anymore.” He confided with a small crack in his voice. Curiously Sword took a look under the water for himself. Surprisingly no hulking mass was lingering somewhere not far off, no monstrously large tentacles reached up from the deep. Sword turned to Rocket and made an attempt at a reassuring grin.

“If it comes back I’ll battle it off with my blade!”

Sword followed this up with another tight squeeze around the merinphernal’s hand, and Rocket looked to back him briefly with an appreciating expression. Then the merinphernal froze in place, and he ducked under again. “It’s coming back up.” He said. The older inphernal replied with a light nod and exerted energy to re-form his precious weapon, and readied himself.

The force of the monster resurfacing upset the waters and both boys were swirled up in the movement. In moments they were separated, and Sword no longer had sight of his blue friend. He panicked and paddled in circles until cries from one side tore his attention away. 

It had seemed that, in the trepidation, Rocket had been wrestled from the sea and suspended in the air, within the powerful grasp of the towering squid-monster. Sword could only watch as the merinphernal flailed helplessly, and felt his heart drop into his stomach.

Rocket! He quietly wailed. Again he re-summoned his gear, but by now it was taking a toll on his energy, and as he watched with tiring breaths Sword realized his friend was slowly being dragged below- and likely was to be eaten.

Sentenced to bobbing alone before his adversary, with the boy he had come to treasure so greatly in its grasp. Suddenly his confidence faded, replaced with a sinking dread as he struggled to grapple with his situation.

But surely he couldn’t allow himself to fail. Rocket was relying on him, and if he didn’t do something soon he was certain the poor merinphernal would be swallowed whole. Sword sucked up his anguish and exhaustion and shoved it into his clenched fists. Finally steeling himself, Sword prepared for an up-close assault, however right as Sword began to paddle foward, a swirling mass of feathers dark as night- and the stench of death- swarmed the colossal squid. Then there was rumbling, and to the winged inphernal’s utter amazement, a massive horde of undead sea life- crabs and fish, sharks and whales- sprouted up from somewhere far below and swarmed the monster wholly. Sword watched as it attempted to retaliate, flailing wildly and powerfully- but ultimately falling victim to the animated corpses that bit and chewed and ate at it.  The undead mass began to drag the struggling mass down into the water, soon dipping beneath the surface without another - leaving black feathers drifting through the air, and Sword with his mouth agape.

More feathers accumulated around him, and in a breath his father had appeared beside him, perched upon a grisly looking porpoise. Another corpse brought back to life, and now forever subservient to the Bringer of Life. Venomshank was still in mask- but he seemed finer dressed. Still with a look of shock plastered across his visage, Sword diverted his attention to look his father in the eye.

“Quite the fight you’ve picked, my boy.” Venomshank said. Sword could hear the smile in his voice. “I didn’t need yer help…” Sword replied. He was upset, but it was hard to stay angry at your own old man. Then he took a sharp and nervous breath.

“Where’s Rocket?” Sword blurted out. Although concealed, Sword felt that his father’s pleased face hadn’t dropped. Venomshank chuckled. “Sisyphus is with him. Worry not my boy, I shall have him brought to you in safe hands.” 

Sword felt tears well in his eyes, his grips loosening.

“Thank you.” 

He watched as the ancient being nodded. “I must apologize for intruding on your skirmish, son- I saw your new friend in danger, and was compelled to rescue him.” Venomshank admitted. The red-haired pirate disconnected his eyes from his father’s and wiped away some tears. 

“I’m gonna go find Rocket.” Sword finally said back. He flashed his father a (hopefully) convincing smile and began to wade his way over to the last spot he had seen his friend. Now he wanted to see Rocket. Amongst the crew, and despite their short time together, Rocket was the one his heart beat for the most.

Venomshank hadn’t been lying. When Sword reunited with the younger merinphernal, there was a large black crow, the one his father had dubbed ‘Sisyphus’, sat between Rocket’s blue horns and upon his tousled and dripping mess of hair.

“Rocket!” Sword shouted, both hands up in the air and waving about vigorously. The merinphernal in question, who had been idly treading water, sprang up and towards the sound of the older boy's voice- the black bird perched on his head spewing out a panicked squawking at the sudden movement.

“Sword! There you are, I missed you! I saw those crazy fish eating up that monster- and I thought I was gonna get devoured too! And then I thought I was gonna fall but this bird caught me…” Rocket began rambling while he desperately treaded over to the feathery inphernal before him. Sword welcomed him as Rocket slammed himself into the older boy’s body and enveloped him in soaking arms. “That was terrifying,-” Rocket continued, “-but I’m assuming that was your dad’s work. The bird too.” Both boys would lock eyes and Sword could see the glint of fear and confusion in his friend’s face

“Ya ok? You’re not lookin’ too swell, maybe even a little pale.” He murmured questioningly to the smaller boy while Sisyphus, who had been hovering nearby, came and rested on his broad shoulder. Rocket was still pressed into the winged inphernal’s frame, but he had lowered his head.

“I’ll admit, I was terrified- and I wasn’t expecting to see a horde of rotting zombie-fish come bursting out of the water.” Rocket admitted, although quietly. Sword could feel the heat from the merboy’s body increasing and mixing with his own as Rocket clung a little tighter to his friend.

“I don’t think I wanna be in the water anymore.”

Sword felt himself choking up. Guilt washed through him as he stared down at the smaller frame of the boy latched onto him. “Oh, yeah, no problem.” The larger boy forced out. He rolled his head to the side, where he spied his father’s familiar seated upon him. “Uhm, Sisyphus, could ya get m’dad?” Sword asked.

Sisyphus was immediately subservient to Sword’s request, in a hair spreading black wings and lifting from Sword’s shoulder. Rocket, still clung to the older boy, rose his eyes from Sword’s chest to watch the black bird go. “Thank you,” He muttered. Now alone, Sword slowly returned the tight embrace.  He had seen the extent of his father’s power before, yet it still frightened even him at times, and Rocket almost being made a meal out of, right before him- it sent a chill down every bone in his body.

“I should’ve held on tighter.” Sword finally breathed out. It was unbelievably embarrassing to be expressing fear and desperation like this. Life on the sea didn’t foster caring personalities, and he had learned most of not all of his social capabilities from his adopted pirate crew family- which again- weren’t known for their big hearts or kind actions. It was more of an instinctual act, a part of his being, that would always keep Sword caring. Pirate life didn’t come to him naturally because of this, as in his heart there would always be a part that ached for giving love, but young Sword was lucky to be taken up by the crew of a god who had no need for excessive plundering or massacre; though such acts could be easily achieved with the sole might of Venomshank’s undead army. Venomshank had kept the more malevolent deeds of his crew behind closed doors until Sword had reached an age in which his father felt he could trust the young boy with handling them.

Sword still didn’t like killing. If it had been his choice, the winged inphernal would stay far from the cold hands of death, however it was something common to see aboard any sea-going ship- especially those of buccaneers. Sword would usually let the duty of killing fall onto a fellow crewmate’s plate, someone more eager and heartless than he. Perhaps, this was why he could never lead his father’s crew alone, and also why he would never be the captain his father believed him to be. 

And now, at this moment, Sword couldn’t have felt more himself. Damn the reality that was only having known Rocket for a few days; this boy had become something of his own he could truly hold dear. Someone who had given him a place amongst the crew- the responsibility of making sure Rocket knew everything he’d need to in order to survive, and the responsibility of having something of his own to protect. He couldn’t help holding the younger merinphernal a little tighter, where both boys would stay for a minute. Only the sound of heavy wing flapping would break them up in a nervous sweat.

“Greetings, boys.” Venomshank spoke from atop a black feathered bird much larger than the deity himself. At the sight Rocket’s eyes burst open. “I didn’t know birds could get that big! It looks just like the one that was on my head!” He bubbled out, making Sword smile.

“That is th’same bird that was on yer head, goof.” He told the bewildered boy. “This one’s called Sisyphus, but there’s two more, somewhere.”

Rocket gave the red-horned boy a few rapid blinks, all visible fear gone from his face. “I didn’t know birds could grow like that.”

Sword chuckled, and even Venomshank still hovering above them could not hold back his amusement. “Normal birds can’t do that. These are my dad’s familiars- he created them.” Sword said, and then he looked to his father.

“Get us outta this water would’ya?” He asked, Rocket springing onto the idea in a heartbeat. 

“Yeah Captain Venomshank- help us please!”

The deity was compliant, the large avian he stood upon lowering itself until both boys could get a grip on its scaly legs. Sword immediately took hold of one limb but, when he turned to look at the merinphernal at his side, Rocket hadn’t budged. “C’mon bud, what’s wrong?” He asked. Sword watched Rocket’s face as he pulled his lips tight and furrowed his brows. “Nothing.” He reached out and held onto the massive avian’s free leg. Finally Sisyphus rose from the sea level, pulling Sword and Rocket out into the open air. Now completely exposed to open air, Sword shivered. “I guess I won’t be getting that shirt back.” He sulked. Rocket, who dangled from the bird’s other leg, was silent. 

“Kinda high up aren’t we?” Sword mused to him. The younger boy’s face was obscured by messy wet hair and his two blue arms. He didn’t answer- instead Rocket hung stiffly without a sound. In just minutes Sisyphus had covered the distance to the galleon and began to descend upon the deck into a crowd of onlooking pirates, both boys soon finding themselves slumping tiredly onto solid ground. To Sword’s surprise Rocket would promptly lean into him, eyes squeezed shut. Now pressed up against him, Sword could faintly feel  the hammering of the younger boy’s heart.

“Are ya- scared of heights?” Sword inquired, keeping his voice low and hopefully out of earshot from any spectators. He could spy the slightest nod of Rocket’s head. Sword took a drawn out breath and gently peeled the younger boy off of himself. “Alright, c’mere and let me help ya dry off.” Now kneeled before the younger inphernal Sword would extend his arms to him. Rocket was hesitant but he ultimately obliged to the older’s offer, climbing into his large arms. “I wish I could walk on my own.” He started, his voice somewhat unsteady, but Sword was quick to shush him. 

“Ok, well I wish I could breathe underwater.” 

Rocket blinked and looked up at the older inphernal as Sword lifted him up in two arms and placidly muscled his way out of the circle of the watching crew. Sword refused to acknowledge any member of the crew both out of embarrassment and disappointment. He carried the dripping merinphernal over and down into the belly of the ship, and then down into his chambers. There, he left Rocket to sit on the wooden floor and went out to retrieve a pair of dusty makeshift towels. Sword would drape one over the blue-skinned boy’s shoulders before wiping himself down with the other and wringing out his long locks of red hair. Then he came over to plop himself down next to Rocket who had pulled the towel tight around his midsection.

“Are you feeling alright?” Sword asked. Rocket was still for a breath. “Yeah, ‘m just- not used to being up so high.” The merinphernal pulled the towel a little tighter. Sword shifted closer to him and, uncertainly, draped one arm around the younger inphernal. 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He said, flashing a shy smile. It was a move made to lighten the mood. Something about the atmosphere had grown heavier than Sword would have liked, and there seemed to be something on the tip of Rocket’s tongue. 

“Hey,” He began, his speech slow, “so, uhm, about what I asked earlier.”

Chapter Text

Sword narrowed his eyes.

“About what you asked earlier..?”

Rocket shifted unsteadily. He fidgeted with his fingers and the tip of his tail repetitively tapped the floorboard. Then he finally sucked up the courage to speak.

“I-I still want to touch your feathers.” He mumbled too quietly. Sword gave him a most puzzled look.

“Your feathers.” Rocket repeated louder and made grabby motions with his webbed hands. It seemed he finally passed the message, as Sword’s freckled face lit up with embarrassment. The older inphernal jerked his face away before Rocket could process his expression.

“You…” Sword began, face still swiveled away, “I guess you could. For just a minute, though.”

His answer was confirmation enough, and Rocket slid himself closer. He slowly reached out to the older boy and rested his palm upon the ridge of one of his friend’s wings. Rocket saw- and felt- Sword’s whole body jerk at contact, but he relaxed when Rocket ran his hand down the wing bones.

When Rocket began to trail his fingers through the feathers however, Sword let out some sort of disgruntled groan. Rocket lifted his hand.

“They’re soft.” The merinphernal tried. He cocked his head in an attempt to catch even a glimpse of the other inphernal’s face, however it was too concealed by the smaller wings on his head. Rocket now noticed that these wings look much more kept, a stark contrast to the ones that came out of the older inphernal’s shoulders. On Sword’s head-wings, the plumage rested in neat rows atop each other. Each black feather was straight and orderly,

If there was anything Rocket really wanted right now, it was to slide his fingers between the tidy plumage and brush the soft surface with his fingertips. Maybe that was weird, but he was too anxious to ask. Sword must have felt the staring, because he finally turned back around to face Rocket again fidgeting with his hands.

“Something wrong?”

Rocket dipped his head.

“I noticed the feathers on your bigger wings are really messy, at least compared to the ones on your head.” Rocket said, jabbing a finger at the other. Sword flared up in exasperation.

“It’s quite hard to reach something coming out of yer back ya know.” The red-haired inphernal eagerly retorted, and Rocket flushed in shame. “I didn’t mean it like that!” He said hurriedly. The merinphernal leaned in closer and softened his voice.

“I’m offering to- maybe- help?”

The older inphernal sniffed. “Help? Help how?”

“Well, um-” Rocket started, running a webbed hand through his still wet hair.

“-I think if you gave it a chance I could straighten everything, brush out dirt, gently pull out anything loose…”

There was a breath of silence. Sword looked deep into Rocket’s eyes, and the merinphernal struggled to hold his intense gaze. The older inphernal appeared to study his features thoroughly. Whatever the reason, it seemed Sword was mighty protective of his plumes. Finally Rocket had to avert his eyes, causing Sword to stop his staring.

“Sorry buddy.” The red-haired inphernal spoke. He slowly turned his body to face his back to the nervous younger inphernal. “I do trust you but- be careful.” 

All of a sudden light seemed to flood Rocket’s world. He was ecstatic, Sword was trusting him with something obviously meaningful! Rocket situated himself properly upon his coiled fish-tail and again laid his hands upon his friend’s glistening pinions. As ran his eyes over them, imperfections sprang out from just about every feather. So he decided to start at the top.

Rocket began his task by running the feathers between two fingers, and then delicately disentangling the barbs. While he worked, Sword would grumble, and occasionally his body would twitch. Rocket was nervous he was doing something wrong. 

“What’s wrong, Sword?”

Sword snorted back.

“It kinda… tickles. And it’s too quiet in here.”

“We can talk if ya want, although I don’t have much to talk about.” Rocket answered, hands still working.

Sword made another strange sound.

“...Maybe. How about you tell me more about yer dad Zuka? What’s he like?”

The inquiry made Rocket’s breath hitch. His father, who he hadn’t seen in many months. Sword wanted to know more about him, but what would Rocket tell him? Zuka had long retired, he was a shadow of the man he once was. All of those old stories about him were things the old man kept away from little merinphernal ears. And Zuka had vowed to never leave port again- he was done pirating. So what would the merdmeon tell Sword? Would Sword want to know what Zuka’s favorite food was? His favorite hobbies? How Zuka survived off of a scarce few coin after leaving the rest of his treasures behind with the crew he once captained? 

“You know-” Rocket mumbled, “he only took me in after retirement. I wasn’t there for any of his famous conquests.”

Sword twisted his head to look back at his friend, still preening the black feathers. “Oh. Well there’s gotta be something interesting. I guess, tell me what it was like to be raised by a retired legend.”

This made Rocket giggle. Sword had been raised by a legend too, except this one wasn’t retired. But surely there was something interesting to bring up..

“I can tell you he wasn’t born to be fatherly- but he did his best. I wouldn’t ask for anything different.” Rocket said. “He kept a large water vat for me to sleep in, and he’d always keep me inside. Said it was for my safety. Back then I didn’t believe it and it made me kind of hate him, but now I know it was for the best. There’s a reason you barely see merinphernals on land- if at all.”

As Rocket spoke the larger inphernal would lax into him, wings coming to a subtle rest before the younger boy. “Yup.” Sword answered. “And that’s why I was nervous to have ya join my dad’s crew.” Then he paused. “Do you want a water vat to sleep in here, too?”

Rocket chuckled and halted his preening. “No, don’t worry about that! I think I almost prefer the pile you made me. Instead, you should tell me about your father.”

Sword leaned back with a laugh of his own, wings brushing against Rocket’s shoulders.

“You wanna know about Venomshank, huh? Just keep up that nice preening- and I’ll tell you all you wanna know.”

Rocket diligently resumed his duty.

“So, I guess something to keep in mind is that Venomshank isn’t my only ‘father’. Don’t know if yer aware, but sometimes he goes kinda feral. He’s also away quite of’en, so some of the older crew members actually did a lot of the rearing.”

Rocket nodded. Then he remembered Sword couldn’t see him.

“Flintlock- you’ve prolly met ‘im- taught me a lot of th’ stuff I know about bein’ a pirate. He uh… He’s definitely like a second dad t’me. Oh-! But yes, about Venomshank. Have you ever heard about the Three Seas War?”

The question snapped Rocket from his work. He looked up, only to see Sword peeking back. He gave the merinphernal a toothy smile. Rocket shook his head.

“Ha! Good thing you’ve got me tellin’ you ‘bout it- I’ve got all the details! And if I’m not mistaken, yer pops was a part of it too.” Sword boasted. “A while back, before I was even spawned, my dad Venomshank and his brother- another one of the Swords, Darkheart- ended up in a sort of war with Illumina, who is also a god. And- get this- they’re a merinphernal too!”

Rocket accidentally yanked on one of Sword’s feathers, pulling it from his place and making the red-haired inphernal yelp.

“Careful!” He hissed. “Anyway, they had a massive war a while back. I believe yer dad was on my dad’s side, from what I’ve heard. And the war ended in a bit of a stalemate- that’s why we plundered that settlement a few days back, the war isn’t really over. It was one of Illumina’s colonies- and we were low on supplies.”

“If Illumina is a merinphernal, and you're at war with them, does that make us enemies?” Rocket asked, and Sword giggled at this. He continued on to very roughly explain how Illumina’s legions worked, swaths of loyal followers who absconded from their material lives in return for some sort of exchange with the glowing-eyed god. While Sword wasn’t exactly aware of why the conflict had started, he did his best to explain the impacts the war had, and the limited information he had on Zuka’s role in the war.

“When the war ‘ended’,” Sword explained, “Illumina took control of the Northern seas, while my dad and Darkheart split the East and West. I ‘aven’t been to the East seas in many moons, so it’s been what feels like a lifetime since I’ve seen Darkheart.”

Rocket was silent for a moment- he had continued the preening as he listened to Sword’s regalements. “Doesn’t that make both Darkheart and Illumina your- uhm- uncles?”

Sword nodded. “I guess so.”

“Is there anything else you know about Zuka?”

“Not really, besides the fact that he lost his arm in the war. Don’t know why.”

This made Rocket’s eyes light up. “He never told me when or how he lost it.”

“How strange. Wonder why.”

Ultimately, Rocket finished his job on both wings, and Sword had turned his head to face him. Then he glanced to the ones on Sword’s head. He supposed they could use a little work.

“Do you want me to do the feather’s on your head-wings too?” Rocket questioned. He watched as the older boy’s shoulders stiffened, and his eyes grew a little wider.

“Oh-” Sword croaked. “Don’t think that’s necessary-” The older inphernal was then cut off when arms wrapped around his torso and pulled him backwards. His head came to a gentle rest upon Rocket’s scaly tail. Rocket looked down to his peculiarly red face with a friendly smile.

“I’ll be extra careful.” Rocket said. He reached to Sword’s head-wings while the other inphernal’s eyes were still pinned to his face, and the winged inphernal’s cheeks grew ever more tomato-y. The plumage on the smaller wings was much softer, not to Rocket’s surprise. He began his duty again, and Sword remained still as a statue- unblinking.

The job would be a lot shorter, and Rocket couldn’t abstain from letting his fingers glaze the softer pinions. They were much, much softer than the makeshift bed he slept in. He wondered what it would be like to sleep in a mound of them.

“This is so embarrassing.” Sword eventually choked out. He had brought both hands to his face and obscured it. “You can do this while I’m still sittin’ up y’know…”

He received a scoff as a reply. “It’s much easier this way.” Rocket told him. At some point he had unconsciously leaned closer for a better view. Sword still had his face covered, and so the merinphernal would peel his hands from his face. Sword’s face was still terribly red- and warming.

“What’s wrong?” Rocket muttered. His friend’s eyes slowly opened. Up this close, he could really see the color. Those eyes were still a beautiful ruby, but now Rocket could see hues of pink and scarlet, and he marveled at them. While he was distracted, Sword turned his head away and lifted himself from the younger inphernal’s lap.

“L-Let’s do this later. I think I’ve got a fever- that’s why my face is so red.” Sword reasoned. He slowly shuffled away and pulled himself up, moving for the door. “I’ll be right back…” He told Rocket. And then he shut the cabin door behind him.

Rocket stayed sat in a stunned silence. He sat like this for many minutes actually. But eventually he would move. Rocket was tired, and suddenly Sword’s bed looked rather enticing- and he assumed the other inphernal wouldn’t be back soon. Tonight, he didn’t want to sleep on the floor, so he crawled under the covers, a total luxury on a pirate ship, and buried within them. It didn’t take long for Rocket to pass out.

-

It took Sword a whole hour and-a-half to gather the courage to return to his own room. While he was deathly ashamed of leaving the poor and helpless merinphernal alone inside, Sword dared not confront him right now. He wasn’t thinking straight. And so when Sword rose from the belly of the ship and saw all of his crewmates gathered with full mugs in hand, the young pirate joined in eagerly. If there was any way to calm his nerves after the battle with that monstrous squid, and whatever had just happened moments ago, it would be a long and big gulp of rum.

The other crewmates welcomed him into their drinking circle with open arms, and luckily none bothered asking what had happened to Rocket. They were all too shaken by the battle as well. Not to Sword’s surprise, but his adoptive father was not among the red-faced buccaneers- likely he had retired again to his study, where the deity would stay for the remainder of the day. The lively crew would go on hollering and clapping, some casted lines, others feasted, but Sword reserved himself to talking with Flintlock and some of the other senior pirates. He hoped, that conversation would take the ‘occurrence’ off his mind. 

And to a degree, it did. Sword forgot, for the time being, mostly about what had transpired between him and the dark blue-skinned merinphernal. But that didn’t stop him from noticing that Rocket never emerged from the hull. Something inside him almost wished Rocket would. But he never did, and Sword settled in amongst the crew for the hour. By the time he had stumbled drunkenly down to his cabin, the red-haired inphernal was ready to pass out in bed. The covers looked mighty comfortable, very lumpy. It was possible someone had washed and dried it earlier, and Sword hadn’t noticed. He would have to thank whoever it was later- but for now Sword wanted nothing more than a wink of sleep.

And so Sword shuffled under the covers and curled himself in a nice, cozy ball. But then something moved. Sword’s eyes sprang open. Emerging from beneath the sheets came two blue eyes, and then four blue horns, all on a pretty scaly face.

“Oh… Sword, it’s you.”

Suddenly, Sword wasn’t so sleepy anymore. His heart beat so loud, he was shocked the damn thing hadn’t pounded out of his ribs. He couldn’t believe how close the other boy’s face was to his.

“Rocket!” He gasped. Sword tried to sink back but the blue-eyed boy only followed. “What’s the matter? I’m nervous you might be running from me…” Rocket said. Sword could regrettably see the sadness in his visage. Sword’s breath hitched and his throat.

“I’m not- I’m not running from you. It’s just…-” He murmured. “Just that I’m not used’ta someone gettin’ so close.”

Rocket gave him a sorrowful look. “I’d like to get close to somebody… to get close to you.” And his words made Sword’s chest ache.

“You can get close to me… did- did you not have anyone when you were younger?”

Rocket slowly shook his head, and dejectedly started to pull back, but Sword couldn’t bear to see his friend so downcast despite his flustered-ness. So he pulled the younger boy back by the shoulders.

“Stay here then, with me. I want to learn to be comfortable with you.” The winged boy confessed hesitantly. He could spy tears welling in the eyes of his friend, and in his drunken state, tears began to pool in his own. He wiped them away with a palm.

“Oh Sword,” Rocket sobbed, “I was so scared of losing you today- I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t want to lose you more! I need you buddy, you’ve made these last few days so much better.”

A bead of sweat slipped down Sword’s forehead. He considered his next words but- his ability to consider was properly hindered. In his intoxication, Sword would admit to something he would never have said otherwise.

“I think I need you too.”

The older inphernal smiled, and he waited for Rocket to smile, too. With a heart swelling full of care, Sword hugged him close- with Rocket tightly returning the embrace. The merinphernal buried his face with choking cries, his soft hair tickling Sword’s chin- so the older boy tucked his own face into the merinphernal’s locks, hoping they would soak up every silent droplet that fell. Both boys ended up falling asleep like that- exhausted from the day, weary from their emotions. As he drifted off, all Sword could think was, ‘I am so terribly lucky.’

…

Now as weeks would pass, Rocket and Sword only became more inseparable. Sword had grown accustomed to the close proximity with his friend, doing his best not to overthink any of it. Over this time, the galleon had ported at many different sites, and Sword would parade through the towns with Rocket in his arms, to show him life above water. He showed Rocket the intricacies: markets, massive sea ports, towering structures and winding streets- all while keeping him close as to prevent the merinphernal from ever being stolen away.

Rocket rather enjoyed these excursions. Exploring the ways of land-lubbing life made the merinphernal feel even closer to his best friend. However, through the populous of these many islands, the pair would come across an ever-passionate couple, and Sword would never let Rocket see, turning away with haste in his step.

“They’re good friends- a bit beyond that.” Sword would say.

“Why don’t we ever do that then? Are we beyond good friends yet?” Rocket always asked. He never got an answer.

Despite the occasional awkward questions Sword couldn’t deny his love for the merinphernal’s company. He found many topics in which they may relate through; things he didn’t have in common with his father’s crew. It made life a little easier.

One day, as the pair sat upon a rocky outcropping looking over the sea, Sword spoke.

“Today,” He said, “I think we’re settin’ off to tha’ East Sea.” Sword had dressed himself in a simple and sleeveless worn shirt with his hair tied back, and then he had thrown one of his brown tunics over Rocket, who was not used to wearing clothing.

“The East Sea? What’s it like?” Rocket asked.

“Well, it gets colder, the islands are more lush, and there’s a lot more otha’ pirates on the water.”

Rocket squealed. “More pirates!... You’re not worried I’ll leave you for another crew, are ya?”

He received a snort in reply.

But still, Sword looked at him with honest- even a little sad- eyes. “I’m not!” Rocket protested. “I would never leave! This is the best crew in the world, because you’re in it!”

Finally Sword cracked a smile, looked back to the open ocean, and then he slowly leaned his shoulder against the younger boy’s. Rocket happily supported his weight, a smile pulling at his cheeks.

“I think you’ll enjoy th’East. Now that I think about it, I neva’ asked ya what sea you come from.” Sword admitted with a soft laugh. A laugh that soared through the merinphernal’s brain. A laugh that he could die for; one that made him want something, but he didn’t know what. All he knew, is that he didn’t want to live without that sound. Sword’s happiness. The joy they shared together- their true and honest friendship. Sword was staring at him now.

“Oh- yes, um…” The blue-horned inphernal stumbled, “I think- well I don’t actually know- but it was very warm and sunny all year, very lush too, not many ships that I saw because the seas were dangerous and there were plenty of tropical storms.”

Sword cooed, and he made a thoughtful face. “That must be the South. Never been there. But I’ve heard stories.”

A flock of seagulls took flight from a stone out in the distance.

“What made you leave? Do you want to go back?” The older inphernal inquired. Rocket shook his head.

“N-o. After I spawned I- I only ever met a few other inphernals, and they were rather violent.”

Sword nodded. “I’ve heard about that. Very violent place, no real cities or villages or ports.”

Then a moment of silence passed. There was a tapping sound. Rocket peered down to see a finger on one of his friend’s supporting hands incessantly tapping the stone. The blue-horned inphernal pressed his palm over it and laid the tapping to rest. He also just wanted to feel skin-to-skin contact. Sword’s hands were not much larger than his own- both boys had relatively bigger hands- but they were much more rough, and radiated a constant heat. Rocket liked that. He also liked the face his friend would pull whenever they touched. He couldn’t identify it, but it seemed to be a repressed, goofy smile under those pinkish and freckled cheeks.

Goodness, he liked those freckles. They were very unique, and very pretty. These thoughts were followed by some strange fluttering feeling in his chest. Rocket had become familiar with it- this feeling commonly happened when he was around the red-horned inphernal that was still leaning on him. He had never really felt these palpitations before, when Sword wasn’t in his life- and he also kinda liked it. It was a lively sensation that made Rocket want to spring up and shout: “Hey World, this is Sword and he is my best friend, and I love him!!”

Then footsteps came from behind the boys, and Sword shot up from his seated position, leaving Rocket to shiver in the wake and rush of cold air. The blue-horned inphernal twisted his body to spy the undead pirate engaging in brief conversation with the nervous Sword, and then he walked away. Sword returned to Rocket’s side.

“We’re leaving port now.” He told the merinphernal, which brought a little flurry of excitement into Rocket’s chest. 

“I’m so ready! To visit the East!” He chirped. Sword grinned.

“You know, they also call that place Thieve’s Den.” The older inphernal said.

Chapter Text

There is a gentle bump. The galleon presses against underwater rock formation. It tilts slightly, but only briefly. The crew cringes at scraping sounds that echo from the underbelly. Jagged edges claw at old wood- young souls stir onboard. Islands dot the horizon, their treeline stretching high. The boat is surrounded by islands of jungles and there is a sweet yet damp scent in the air. Here, in the East, the sky hangs lower, and dew drops weigh you down.

Sometimes clouds scrape the masts of ships and mask your vision. It makes navigating hard, and many get lost till they draw a final breath. There are different strategies to traveling the seas in the East- strategies passed down from captains to young sailors. But sometimes they don’t always work.

Darkheart, Master of Mischief. Carrier of Chaos. He sets terrifying storms out over the sea, and gusts that capsize any fishing boat. There are stories, of lost sailors stranded out at sea. And there is a rule to never take them onto your deck. They say it is Darkheart in disguise, playing another nasty trick- and they say he will sink your ship before sunrise.

In the East, the sea water is darker. The waves are stronger and colder. The diversity of foliage here takes as many lives as the ocean. Many carnivorous plants hide under shrubbery and amongst harmless greenery. They are just as vicious as the plentiful number of sharp-toothed predators and scavengers looking for a quick meal. They are stealthy, powerful, and fast- all byproducts of the jungle.

No ports line the shores of these overgrown islands. Even while the sun beats down their dark and shaded interior hides any number of dangers. But rumors of treasure on these isles fly overhead, and said rumors are caught by the ears of even the best witted adventurer who will venture into the jungle’s depths- never to be seen again. Nobody knows if there’s truly any treasure within.

However amongst the dangerous fauna you’ll find bustling colonies and even cities. There is a strong market here- high demand for the various local plantlife, handmade goods of silk, delicious delicacies. And here it is that Venomshank leads his crew, off to the capital of the East, one of the largest cities in the Inpherno- Wildheart. 

Built up from a simple village on a thin-forested island, it would only attract more denizens which only contributed to the city’s prosperity. Without a doubt Wildheart grew into the most technologically advanced civilization in the East, most not having grown beyond the basics of settlement survival. Small streams and rivers are built into the architecture, fostering the (harmless) plant life around the city, and because of the island’s somewhat smaller size, most buildings are constructed directly atop each other, giving the city a very tall and regal appearance.

Sword has only been here two times in his life. Every time he visits, the city remains just as mystical. Most of the streets are lit up by luminescent plants that mesmerize the onlookers. Sword was particularly excited to show these off to his friend. Nevertheless they are still a day of sailing away from the capitol, and so he will have to wait. Instead the galleon comes to a gentle rest just a few meters offshore of a visibly uninhabited isle. They must anchor down because during the late hours, storms and thick fog ravage the seas of the East and make journeying forward a death sentence.

Right now, the young inphernal is busying himself below deck. Bored and searching for fulfillment, he cleaned cannon barrels and rearranged storage- all the while investigating for vermin. Sword was alone down there, and it was very dark, so he made to lighting and hanging a small lantern from the ceiling as he worked. It did little to alleviate the cold shadows, but he supposed it was better than working in complete darkness.

Someone was coming down the groaning wooden steps. A familiar face soon glowed in the lantern light. 

“Flintlock.” Sword said. The other inphernal stepped closer with a smile.

“Hello Lil Bird. Trying to keep awake?”

Sword nodded. Flintlock chuckled. 

“I think it’s best fer ya to get t’bed. You youngins need yer sleep.” The older inphernal said, coming around and patting the red-horned boy’s back with a heavy hand. He rose a grunt out of Sword. “You can’t put me to bed old man!” Sword answered.

Flintlock didn’t answer, rather he kneeled down, and began lifting and moving boxes, organizing them alongside what Sword had already sorted.

“Are ya helping me?” Sword asked.

“I’m trynna get you outta this depressing place.” Flintlock told him. “Go back to yer cabin and sleep, kid.”

Sword folds. He sets down his carried cargo and leaves with a sigh. “Don’t stay up too late yourself Flint.” The red-horned inphernal says. Flintlock flashes him another smile, and Sword begins up the stairs to his chambers.

The door is shut. Sword gently pushes it open, and he sees Rocket. The merinphernal is sleeping in his own ‘bed’, with the slow rise and fall of his body following the only sound in the room: Rocket’s breathing. When the two boys had awoken in eachother’s arms the morning after their battle with the colossal squid, they had remained in that position for many minutes, taking up a sleepy and idle conversation. Eventually Rocket would roll out of bed and he would go to the upper deck alone in search of sustenance,  while Sword, still too tired to rise, closed his eyes again. Falling back asleep hadn’t been too easy, his body felt something was missing. But after that Rocket would never sleep in Sword’s bed again. They might lay on it together when they talk, but the merinphernal feared too much upsetting his friend, and even keeping the other boy awake. And Sword didn’t mind this, although sometimes he might have craved the warmth of company in slumber.

Now he stepped carefully into the room, and the floorboards wailed under his weight. The red-horned inphernal moved quietly to his bedside, and he laid upon its form with a loud exhale. There the inphernal remained for many heartbeats before he sat up to remove the boots on his feet and the leather jacket around his torso. Then he lay back down and pinned his eyes to the ceiling boards looming above. The single lamp swung on its hook. Sword wasn’t all too tired, but he was all too mindful of the other presence in the room. Rocket’s calm breathing eased the red-horned inphernal into a thoughtful trance- until he realized the sound had stopped.

Sword sat up. Blue eyes stared back.

“Rocket!” Sword shrieked. The merinphernal merely giggled at his alarm. Rocket wiggled out of his “nest” and he palmed his way to Sword’s bedside.

“You’re awake! Ok- I wanted to ask you something,” Rocket chirped. The merinphernal clambered his way up upon the sheets and he curled up close to the other. “You and me buddy- we gotta check out that island!”

Sword snuffed. “Ya mean the island we’re anchored at? That can’t be smart.” He said. “There’s plenty o’ deadly plants and- well- the Darkage Clan could be there-”

“Darkage Clan!” Rocket squealed, “Tell me more!” 

The merinphernal brought his face closer with an eager smile. Sword pushed him back gently. 

“No! Do ye know how late it is. I’m in no mood to be telling stories right now!” The older inphernal complained. Rocket squirmed even closer.

“Then at least take me ashore?”

“At least!” Sword cried back. “Why- and how- would I do that? And honestly-” He continued, “-that’s even worse than just telling you stories.”

Rocket pouted. “But it could be fun! You know I’d go on my own but-”

“But what? You can swim alright by yerself, ya know.”

Suddenly a scream penetrates the air. Both boys look at each other, and then Rocket is scooped up as the larger one races up to the deck. Just as Sword crests the top of the stairs, another scream comes, and it makes the blood in Sword’s veins freeze. It came from the island, and both inphernals are now looking out at it from over the ship’s rails.

“Did that come from over there?” Sword asks. Rocket nods. The merinphernal’s arms are thrown around the older boy’s neck and he hugs close in the cold night air.

“See? We gotta check it out now.” Rocket promptly speaks. Sword looks at him as a single strand of blue hair tickles his chin. Then he casts his gaze out over the deck. No one else rises from the lower deck- likely the entire crew has passed out for the night. The red-horned inphernal looks back to the island nearby. There has been no third scream, but he must admit to his curiosity.

“It’s strange but- you remember what happened last time we jumped overboard so rashly right?”

Rocket giggles and he gives the older boy a strong pat on the back. “Don’t forget that was your idea, Sword.” He said. Rocket begins to wriggle, trying to free himself, and at first Sword resists. Then the older inphernal caves, and he lowers his friend down. Rocket still remains pressed against him, however, with his arms latched onto the rails to hold himself up.

“If you really don’t wanna go, I’ll go alone. I doubt I’ll get far considering I can’t walk, but-”

Sword interrupts him. “Of course I’ll go with you! Rocket, there’s just no way I’ll let ya go alone!”

Their eyes connect again. 

“You’re a lot less confident when you don’t have gallons of rum in your system.” Rocket eventually blurts out. Sword’s cheeks flush, but he smiled.

 “Should I bring a bottle, then?”

“No! I-I quite like you the way you are now.”

Slowly Sword leaves the merinphernal’s side. He steps out over the deck, before making a realization. A spur of wood pokes at the sole of his bare foot.

“Yeowch!... Just a sec- I need my boots-” Sword stutters as he rushes away to his chambers. While pulling on said boots, down and away from Rocket, he confided in himself his worries.

This is probably a terrible idea, but, as long as we stick together…

Again he rises from the belly of the ship. Sword passes by the merinphernal again, whose eyes are still glued to the sandy shores of the island, and he takes a large and lengthy rope previously resting on the deck in his hands. Then he lowered one end over and down to the water below, sloshing against the side of the still galleon. With the other end, Sword ties it tightly around one of the thinner masts.

“There!” He boasts. “Our way up!”

“How will we get down?” Rocket, finally tearing his eyes away from over the rails, asked. The merinphernal receives a shrug in reply. “I assume the same way as last time, then?” Rocket answers himself. Sword chuckles and, straightening his tunic, comes to a standstill besides his friend. “This time it's your idea.” Sword smirked.

“The water’ll be a lot colder.” The older inphernal continues, gesturing at the water black as night. He watches as Rocket looks to the sea following his statement. The merinphernal made a thoughtful face. 

“I’ll carry you, then.” Rocket said. Abruptly another shriek breaks through the quiet. This one is different, with a more guttural and deep sound. It lasted longer, and had a tone of rage underneath. When the sound finally dropped from the air, Rocket and Sword exchanged nervous glances before the blue-horned inphernal grabbed onto one of the other’s hands, and again dived overboard.

-

This time the waters were less welcoming. The dark waves lapped desperately and with a chilling ferocity and threatened to pull you out to sea. As swiftly as he could, Rocket submerged and situated himself directly beneath the freezing Sword. The older inphernal instinctually threw his scarred arms around Rocket’s neck, and then the merinphernal sped towards the island. Then he crawled, with Sword still stuck to his back, up onto the beach of the flourishing island. A salty breeze rushed by as Sword rose up on his feet. There, before him, grew the dark jungle of the island. The darkness of the forest threatened unseen dangers. Sword, removing his tunic and wringing the damp thing out, cast his eyes over to the ship still anchored out a few meters from the shore, where the thick rope he had thrown over the side still dangled out over the water. The sight helped some of the ice-cold fear alleviate, and the feeling only improved with Rocket’s warming hand snaking into one of his own.

The merinphernal was still laid out on the sand with his one arm awkwardly sticking up to hold onto Sword. “You look anxious.” He said with a small smile. Sword slid his shirt back on, and proceeded to whip around and lift the younger boy from the ground. Now with Rocket nestled steadily in his arms, things felt a little brighter. But only a little.

“It’ll be hard t’protect us both while I hafta carry you around, man.” Sword told the merinphernal resting happily against his chest, who now gave him a look.

“We won’t go too far, but- we’ve just gotta investigate.” Rocket retorted, continuing with a “and I can protect myself!” which makes Sword huff. Ultimately, with slow steps, the older boy approaches the treeline. Insect chirping and leaves rustling echo out from the depths. Still, there are no further shouts. Sword draws nearer, while Rocket watches in anticipation from his friend’s arms- and finally there is a flash. Yellow lights blink from within the trees.

“Rocket…” Sword mumbled. He nervously casts his gaze to the other’s face. There is an excitement in the creases of the merinphernal’s growing grin.

“Rocket! You said not too far!”

There is a hush and the younger inphernal does not reply.

“Rocket!!” Sword says leaning closer. It appeared his voice had reached through whatever thoughts the other was having, because he pouts.

“Oh, but Sword! There’s lights- that’s gotta mean someone’s in there!” Rocket cried, and Sword was quick to protest.

“And that’s exactly why we shouldn’t be goin’ in! And who knows, those lights are prolly jus’ a bunch of fireflies.”

The attempt is futile. Rocket leaped from his friend’s arms and tumbled down onto the sand, and then he immediately begins his crawl towards the jungle’s edge. Sword stumbled after him with hands outstretched, trying to get a grip on the merinphernal’s silky body. However before he can something zips through the air and Sword feels a small pinch on his neck. Hurriedly he raises his hands to his throat but, like a curtain falling, Sword’s eyes dropped shut and he collapsed. Rocket avoids this fate, as he is still huddled to the ground and clutching at dirt and sand. Hurriedly the merinphernal rolls to one side, until he is obscured by large fronds. Rocket desperately reached out to Sword, his body still crumpled on the earth, and just as their skin grazes each other, his form lurches and he is sucked into the dark jungle by an unseen enemy. 

Rocket, with a palm slapped over his mouth, looked on in terror as Sword was pulled away. Many footsteps emerge and begin circling the area. As he listened to the crunching all around him, Rocket did not move or breathe, and for many minutes with held breath, the movement continued, until- it seemed to Rocket- the numerous presences had departed at last.

Now he’s trying to hold back tears. Helpless and alone on a quiet beach, with no company, no legs, no help. Out of instinct Rocket had materialized his gear at his side, but the shape pressing into his side did nothing to dissipate the growing fear. There was a scream of his own bubbling in his throat as he clutched desperately at the sand and suppressed the tears welling in his eyes. 

Rocket didn’t have the guts to seek help from Venomshank’s crew. He barely knew them and- how horrible it would be to tell them he was the sole reason behind Sword’s abrupt kidnapping. Rocket decided he was alone on this, and it was in Sword’s best interest to pursue his attackers immediately. But how would he even begin? Was Rocket going to go crawling on his hands through this deadly jungle alone, and straight into certain death?

The merinphernal had only very recently been given allowance on Venomshank’s galleon. He was amongst a battle-toughened crew who would certainly not have made the same horrible decision as him to step foot alone and unprepared onto the quiet island. Rocket went out on pure curiosity and desire. He made decisions, like many pirates, without thinking. But at least they would think first before a headfirst dive into a jungle full of the unknown. Now, more than anything, Rocket wished he had thought. Thought of Sword and what they could be getting into- what Sword had said to him and that maybe it would have been a better idea to trust the more experienced.

It was all so sudden, and finally the tears fell. Rocket replayed the scene over and over in his head. Sword falling. Shaded hands reaching out from the undergrowth. Sword’s limp body dragged away before him- just out of grasp. And then again. Sword falling, shaded hands reaching, his body pulled away. I have to move now. Rocket thought. I have to get moving or Sword’s going to die. Finally the merinphernal couldn’t handle the stress anymore. He pulled himself from the hiding spot, and plunged straight into the foliage. A frog sprang from the merinphernal’s path as Rocket creeped on his hands further with cool leaves brushing his face every moment. It was an achingly slow process, and it was plagued with dark thoughts and the occasional choked sob. Rocket’s stomach scrapped against dirt and shrubs- low hanging vines tickled his face and back. The moonlight was wholly obscured by the dense canopy far, far above. All that sang through his ears was bugsong and the leaves crunching under his weight. 

Rocket couldn’t hear anything besides his own labored breathing. He was desperate for anything- a cry or screech, footsteps, Sword coming running through the trees yelling: “It was all a prank! I just want you to learn a lesson!”

Nothing of the sort came. All was chillingly still, and for all he knew Sword’s kidnappers may have been watching him at that moment.

Sword. Rocket’s mind echoed. Sword, please please please be safe.

And then he saw it. A break in the trees, and the unmistakable orange glow of fire. The merinphernal lowered himself even further to the earth and proceeded forward much slower. Occasionally voices came from somewhere nearby the fire, but Rocket just couldn’t catch sight of anyone. He had stopped mere inches from the flame, huddled beneath a line of shrubbery bordering what appeared as a wooden settlement. A handful of wooden lodges dotted the clearing. Shadows shifted between them. The firelight danced across Rocket’s face as he watched, but no sign of the red-horned inphernal he sought out appeared.

They could have him tied up in any one of these shacks. 

Rocket continued lying low. He was currently unarmed, as it would have been miles more difficult to drag the large rocket launcher along on his journey. And re-summoning it would take energy, which the merinphernal did not feel like sparing at this moment- adding onto that his gear was far too loud and explosive to carry out this stealth mission. As he watched, the sounds of life dispersed. No shadows danced across the walls anymore, and the voices had all but faded. After a few more heartbeats, Rocket determined he would search the camp. So still on his hands, with his underside beginning to burn as it was dragged along, Rocket made his way into the moonlight and in between every structure in sight. Within every shelter were makeshift cots, woven baskets, and walls of weapons, including sharpened blades and spears. After the third weaponry-lined wall, Rocket made to taking one of the spears for his own use. Certainly nobody needed this many weapons.

While scouring the camp, another presence had emerged. There was grumbling in a language he couldn’t understand, and as Rocket laid hidden the foliage again, the first other inphernal he would see on this island besides Sword emerged. The low and flickering firelight revealed darker skin and longer, tied up hair. The figure came strolling through the clearing dressed in robes down to their bare feet, and a long, sturdy, wooden rod clutched in one hand. Certainly Rocket could nail this guy in the face before the stranger even noticed him. But this other inphernal didn’t remain long. Rocket watched as they stalked away, with even more spears in hand than before.

Oh no! Rocket fretted. He had gone through every nook and cranny of every shack lining the clearing, and he hadn’t seen any sign of the boy he wished so badly to see.

He’s not here. They’ve probably taken him somewhere, and then they’re gonna put all those spears in him!

The merinphernal spectated warily as the strange inphernal finally walked into the jungle on one side of the camp. Rocket waited for a few moments, and then he followed, descending back into the moonless depths.

Chapter Text

OK SO I ended up going back and changing every time the word 'demon' is used into 'inphernal', as that's what I think the people of the Inpherno are called canonically, based on the comics and some other posts from soda n stuff idk. But luckily that was pretty easy because GOD BLESS THE FIND AND REPLACE TOOL! So yeah anyways I'm gonna try and resume posting new chapters now. Thanks for your gracious patience.
-kil

Chapter Text

This journey felt even more treacherous than the first. Now Rocket knew, for certain, that he was on course to confrontation with his friend’s kidnappers. There were more noises echoing from between the trees. A few hollers came from somewhere ahead. Rocket clutched the spear tighter. The wooden equipment had certainly slowed the merinphernal’s pace, so much so he had narrowly escaped an encounter with some jungle predator, but finally he hung back just outside of the commotion. Right before him, another fire winked from its bountiful firewood pile. Rocket pulled back one of the branches obscuring his view.

Before him lay another clearing- but this one was upon a raised cliff of land. A long stretch of stone and dirt extended a few meters out over the cold waters of the East ocean. Many dark figures bustled about- Rocket counted twelve. They were all dressed in robes and were armed with the same style of weapon the blue-horned inphernal had discovered in abundance within the camp. And then, in this moonlit clearing, emerged a sight for sore eyes. Red horns, red eyes, feathered and tall, bruised and limping- it was him. Blades at his back, the exhausted prisoner stumbled out of the jungle and towards the edge of the cliff, where the pointed weapons finally retreated. 

Judging from the place of the moon in the sky, it had been around two hours since Rocket had last seen Sword. Whatever had been done to him in that time, it showed. As soon as the weapons dropped from his back he slumped to the earth in silence. The merinphernal felt his heart ache. This had been his fault, and now his best friend lay crumpled in visible agony. And Rocket still couldn’t do a thing.

Abruptly the robbed figures closed in around Sword. Rocket shivered as the older boy was again obscured from sight. Then they began to speak, but it was in a language he didn’t know. It seemed Sword didn’t know it either, as his voice came meekly from within the circle of robes.

“I don’t know what yer sayin’!” He whimpered. The robed figures exchanged a glance.

Then one of their voices rose above the rest.

“Why are you here, thief.”

“I ain’t a thief- I ‘aven’t stolin’ anything!” Sword’s voice came again. It was quivering. There were scoffs from the surrounding figures.

“You come from the ship off our shore, yes? That ship is pirate ship. You pirates steal, and so you have come to steal from our island.”

“We ain’t here t’steal, jus’ let me go and we’ll get the hell outta here.” 

“You won’t be leaving, thief. The others will.”

There is a hush now. The robed figures retreat slightly and Sword can be seen from in between their bodies. Rocket finally got a good look at the other boy’s face and- it’s painful. There is definitely bruising on his cheeks and temple, and one of his eyes is squeezed shut for unknown reasons, but most importantly, he looks scared.

Rocket had already begun theorizing on their escape. If the moment arises, and Rocket can close the gap between him and Sword before these mysterious strangers can get to them, Rocket could leap with Sword down into the water below, and swim him back to the ship. It would be a long drop but- Rocket was confident he could take the impact for the other, and they had both dropped off tall heights before. Still the robed ones did not move from their circular positions around the slumped inphernal, and Rocket was forced to watch as they jabbed at their captive with the butts of their spears.

The same figure as before spoke again. “You give us all the treasure and riches on you, and then you drop off the cliff and die.”

Sword had a stern expression plastered across his visage now, and the red-horned inphernal looked primed to snap back. He moved to sit up and- Rocket spotted that his hands were bound with vine.

If he falls alone, he’ll drown for sure!

Then Sword, angrily, spat out on the ground before him. “If ya want it you’ll hafta take it off my corpse!”

Rocket cringed. He did not like that thought.

My own life. Rocket wondered. I could give my life for his, if worse comes to worst. It’s my fault we’re here.

But that probably wouldn’t go well, and being honest these jungle folk would likely just capture and slay them both. Rocket was starting to regret not rattling his shipmates awake for help, but he had found Sword by himself, and he was this close to rescuing the red-horned boy. Some credit was due- but he could feel proud of himself after rescuing his friend.

However, after Sword’s retort, his captors’ demeanors shifted. Hostility began to radiate more actively. The kidnappers closed in on him again, and one of them pointed the sharp end of their weapon to Sword’s throat.

“We will.” The same robed one came again with a growl. “And your head and your treasure will become possessions of the Darkage Clan.”

Darkage Clan. Sword had mentioned that on the ship. They sounded deadly. Rocket really wished Sword had told him something about this mysterious clan, but he also wished he would’ve had the foresight to not step foot on this island. He also wished he could see these robed kidnapper’s gears- Rocket would like to know what he was up against.

“Just kill me already and git it over with.” 

Rocket snapped up from his thoughts. That was Sword’s voice again. No you idiot! Rocket internally wailed. Don’t ask them to kill you- I’m right here!

The kidnappers spoke amongst themselves in that unfamiliar language. And then they began to approach their still-bound captive. It was too late to wait any further. Wooden spear in hand, Rocket began his belly crawl- as quietly as possible- up behind the kidnappers. Rocket grew closer. A space opened between two robed figures as they shifted, and from within that gap Rocket could see his friend- and vice versa. The moment Sword spotted the approaching merinphernal was obvious. His face changed from fearful and pained to something more hopeful. Rocket took the opportunity. Brandishing the stolen spear the merinphernal charged into that gap and pounced on his rope-bound companion. A brief moment of panic struck all twelve of the figures as they shouted amongst themselves and backed away.

The merinphernal hissed and held his weapon sharp-end pointing at his enemies.

“Rocket!- Rocket what are you doing?!” Sword whispered harshly. Rocket had been hoping for a warm welcome for his daring rescue mission, but, oh well. He met eyes with his friend again, and up close the fear in his face was all the more obvious. Finally, since stepping foot- or tail- on this island, Rocket felt some genuine jubilation. He wrapped one arm tightly around the still startled Sword and, just as quickly as he had charged out, he pulled Sword with him over the edge of the cliff. It was almost hilarious how many times the pair had gone plummeting from tall heights into the sea. Maybe it was fate. Rocket and Sword falling for each other over and over again. Rocket giggled at the thought internally, and then they hit the water. It was still deathly cold, but the merinphernal made a quick recovery and he began to pull Sword along by his bound wrists.

“We’ve gotta go tell the crew! We need to get outta here!” The blue-horned inphernal said hurriedly. But Sword hadn’t heard him. Injured, dazed, and waterlogged the older boy allowed himself to be tugged along through the freezing waves. Rocket, still moving, turned his head to meet his friend’s eyes again but- they were glazed over, and his face rested neutrally. Blood poured from lacerations that gruesomely decorated his visage. The sight only increased the fear tugging at Rocket’s chest. Sword needed medical attention! Sword needed to get as far away from the wretched island as possible!

As he swam along the bay, shouts roared down from above. There was an audible panic across the island, and Rocket knew, dreadfully, that soon everyone in that forest would be hunting the waters in search of the helpless pair- and they would come for the ship. Eventually Rocket flew past the final bend, and the galleon bobbing gently over the waves came into view. He swam right up to the rope that would serve as their way up to the deck but- the blue-horned boy made a sudden realization.

“Can you climb, Sword?”

His companion merely shook his head with still-glazed eyes.

“Um. Uh. Ok, just hold onto the end here. I’ll pull you up.” The merinphernal spoke hurriedly. As he began the arduous ascent, the cries of his enemy only drew nearer, and that gave him the strength to finish the climb. But they weren’t safe yet. Rocket peered over the gunwale, and far below he spotted Sword clinging to the rope as if it were all that was saving him from sinking to the depths, and it probably was. Rocket mustered up all of the strength left in him, leaned over the rails, and planted both hands firmly on the rope. And then he began to pull. Slowly, Sword rose from the waters and up into the air, and he was rising steadily, but the effort was sapping all of the merinphernal’s strength, especially considering he had no feet to push off on, and Sword’s rising halted suddenly. The feathered inphernal was nowhere near high enough to climb up on his own. Rocket continued to hold on with gritted teeth, and his arms started to wobble, however he couldn’t ask for help. Rocket had started this mess and by all things holy he was gonna finish it. The merinphernal cast his weary eyes out to the island and to his surprise, two figures burst through the treeline. These inphernals weren’t clad in robes, but their wear bore the same colors as the others Rocket had encountered within the forest. He audibly gasped and his heart began to hammer. Suddenly Rocket had newfound strength, so he pulled and pulled until finally one large hand grasped the guardrails of the ship and Sword managed to haul himself up and over, before tumbling onto the deck. Rocket tugged the rope the rest of the way up and then he dashed to Sword’s side.

“Sword! I’m so sorry- you’re injured- I should’ve never brought you along!...” The fish-tailed boy stumbled out. Sword pressed one scarred finger to his lips and Rocket went silent.

“Hush. Just… just get the crew. Tell them we need to get out of here. Savvy?”

Rocket nodded. He dragged himself away with great haste and lowered himself down into the hull. He was nervous, and he didn’t want to be ridiculed for disturbing the crew’s peaceful slumber, but danger was on the horizon.

“Everyone!” He shouted out into the dark cabin. “Everyone, there’s danger! We’re going to be attacked!”

All around him the undead began to awaken, and they quickly rallied. From amongst the sleepy-eyed crew came Flintlock who stepped forth with a hand rubbing one eye.

“What’s goin’ on here?” He questioned. Rocket bowed his head in shame before the older inphernal.

“I-I think there’s inphernals living on the island we’ve dropped anchor by, and they look like they’re planning to attack us…” He mumbled shyly. He was afraid they wouldn’t trust his word but instead, the mass surged past him and up out of the hull. Bootsteps filled the space around him, until they had all but faded from within the ship. Just about every inphernal on board had swelled to the deck, except for one pair of footsteps that came slowly and unsteadily towards Rocket. Sword’s red eyes blinked within the dark interior. He came to kneel down before the merinphernal, and without a word, slung Rocket’s blue body over one shoulder. Rocket squealed in protest.

“Put me down! You’re still injured!”

Sword hadn’t listened. He trudged up to his own personal chambers, pushed the door open with a boot, and staggered inside. Then the older boy tossed his fish-tailed companion down onto his own bed. For the first time in many weeks, Rocket laid upon the soft fabrics of his friend’s berth. Sword flopped down beside him with a small smile on his face. More thundering footsteps reverberated down from above, and it had felt as if the ship began to move.

“Why’re you smiling. I almost got you killed.” Rocket said, his voice choking. Sword just stared back, their faces not too far from one another.

“Ya saved me, didn’t you?” Sword chuckled with pain in his voice.

“Yeah- but- I’m the one who got you in that mess! I’m really sorry, Sword.” The younger boy replied. He ran a palm tenderly over one of his friend’s facial injuries, wiping the blood away. Rocket’s eyes watered.

“As if I di’nt make plenty of dumb decisions when I firs’ started pirating.” Sword replied reassuringly. “I think ya learned yer lesson, and you can always rely on this here crew ta’ help ya out. You’ve jus’ joined but I can already tell they took a likin’ to you. “

“I did learn my lesson. I’ll listen to you next time, n’ I’ll do anything to make it up to y’all.”

There was a rustling as Sword shifted to lay on his back. Some drops of the older inphernal’s blood sunk into his bed covers. Sword let out a long, tired breath.

“That sure was an’ adventure. Thanks fer savin’ me- hope ya don’t I’m a bit mad at ya.” He chortled.

In the cold night air, even from inside the ship, Rocket huddled closer, and eventually he pulled himself to lay over Sword’s clothed midsection. The merinphernal could feel his friend’s breaths pushing into his own body. It was comforting. He relished the closeness. They laid like that for an hour, until finally, Rocket remembered.

“We- You gotta get your cuts treated!”

“I’ve only got about seven of ‘em. I counted while you were fetchin’ the crew.”

“That’s seven too many! I’m gettin’ you th’ doctor.”

Rocket made to roll off the berth but Sword stopped him with a gentle hand on his scaly shoulder. The red-horned inphernal sighed.

“I’ll get m’self treated.” Sword said. “You just wait here. I’ll be back soon, buddy.”

Chapter Text

It is summer time. The skies promise a light and warm shower. A soft, grassy field unfolds before the horizon, and in the distance a ship bobs in the water.

A young inphernal runs circles around the deck, darting between the older inphernals’ legs, sporting a tricorn too large for his head. The crew of the ship bellows out, and an anchor is heaved into the sea. Then a rope is hung over the edge. The crew assembles to descend down upon long-awaited solid ground- but again the young inphernal bustles between them, and he is the first to drop water, where he wades until he reaches dry earth. 

“Flintlock!” He shouts, throwing his arms in the air with a mischievous smile plastered on his face. “I see the town! I see the town!”

An older figure with deep, orange horns that curled up over his head, and a set of flashing golden teeth, leaned over the side of the ship to peer at the younger.

“An’ you betta’ keep ya ass put or I’ll cleave ya in half, little Sword.” Flintlock grunted. In one hand he spun his gear around his pruned fingers. But someone next to him bumped his shoulder with their own and Flintlock stumbled with his gun.

“Let the kiddo enjoy life! He prolly ain’t use’ta being hauled up inna ship all th’ time.”

That voice was Phoenix. He was especially recognizable by the feathered creature ablaze that sat on his shoulder. Flintlock gave him a scowl.

“Exactly. He ain’t used to this, and I’ll bet my lucky stars the kid’ll get us in trouble in no time.”

But Sword wasn’t listening any longer. It took all but one incitement to send the young boy dashing over the hills with both pairs of wings trailing out behind him like a ship’s sails. One hand clasped the oversized hat to his cranium. From over the hills came loud and protesting calls, but it was far too late for Sword to stop. The curiosity clutched at his mind like tree sap. And the distant town drew ever nearer. As he ran, the majority of the crew would also drop to the ground, but Sword paid them no mind. Right now, he’s getting to run through the grass, and send small insects scurrying out of his path. Fronds brush his exposed shins, and the breeze blows his red hair out behind him. Eventually Sword slows to a stop to catch his breath, his hands clutching at his knees for support. The town still lies about another good run away.

“It sure is… nice out…” The young inphernal said breathlessly to himself. He can feel the bold sun beating down on his back. Behind him, the crew of the ship carefully unloads boxes and he watched as they hustled about. And then, emerging from somewhere unseen, comes totally authority. Captain Venomshank speaks with some of his crew as small eyes watch him from a distance. The inphernal the captain had been conversing with points out and, Sword notices the inphernal must be pointing to him. The young boy cringes, but his father makes no move to stop him, as he easily could. Venomshank’s word was law.

In fact, no one makes a move to stop the young Sword, and so he resumes his approach with a light jog. Eventually Sword found himself amongst the outskirts of the village. Here, the land was dotted with farms and stables housing various livestock. He passed a flock of chickens who he fluttered his wings at, only for them to flutter theirs back while making their strange little sounds. As Sword trotted along the dirt paths that winded between plots, eyes lingered on him, but he didn’t notice. The young inphernal was far too keen on exploring the real meat of the village- it’s center. 

Sword charged through the town gates. He charged around the stone paved streets, clutching onto his tricorn. He weaved around unsuspecting bystanders and leaped over litter in the streets. As he ran, occasional shouts directed to him rang through his ears, but he paid it no mind. All around him buildings flew past. 

Coated with a peachy colored paint, sporting sun-bleached red shingles and small framed windows, they all blended together in warm blur. Some of the buildings held flourishing flowerbeds beneath their windows, and colorful wreaths hung on their doors. Clouds holding warm summer rain gathered overhead. Sword whirled past until he eventually reached the town’s center, a busy-bodied marketplace with shoppers and sellers of all shapes and sizes. Sword stuck a hand in his left pant pocket, jostling its contents, verifying they were still inside.

“The first thing I wanna buy,” he muttered to himself, “is a brand new fishing pole!”

And so with trained, sharp eyes, the young boy hunted down his first prize. Sitting alongside a stall seeming to sell rusted antiques fished up from the seabed, sat the goal of his search. Running the stall sat a scruffy bearded inphernal sporting a sort-of bucket hat with a handful of hooks driven through the brim. Leaned against the supports and scattered all over the ground, were dozens of fishing poles, each ranging significantly in size, and sturdily made. He caught Sword’s lingering eyes, and for a brief moment, he had a look of surprise.

“Hey there little whippersnapper. Somethin’ caught yer eye?”

Sword nodded and approached nervously.

“I- I wanna get a new rod! A big, powerful one!” The young inphernal answered. He shoved a hand in his pocket, and retrieved a handful of lustrous golden coins. Branded on each, the face of the sea’s- the whole Inpherno’s- king, Firebrand. Sword slapped these coins down on the counter of the stand, and the old bearded owner let out a low gasp.

“My my, now where’d you get these from?”

“Um, I found them! What kinda rod’ll these get me?”

The older inphernal picks up and inspects one of the coins between two fingers. “I’m afraid Imma bit too interested in how a scrawny little runt like you get yer grubby hand on this here shiny gold.”

“Well,” Sword began, “you won’t believe this but- I’m a pirate!”

Promptly the old inphernal rises from his seat. “Are ya sure about that kiddo?” He mumbles gruffly. He receives a vigorous nod from the younger in reply. That’s all the old inphernal needs, as he raises a brass whistle- one that had been hanging around his neck that Sword hadn’t clocked- to his lips, and blows into the whistle lightly. It lets out a quiet, high pitched wail.

“What’s that for?” Sword asked. The stall owner grins at him toothily. 

“Jus’ callin’ the VIP treatment fer a renowned pirate like yerself.”

Theres a pouding of boots behind him and all of a sudden large hands grab at and smother his face before the young boy is shoved down to the street.

-

Sword awakens, bound in ropes tied around his torso and pinning his arms to his sides and his wings to his back. The room around is dark and dank, smelling of wine and mildew. There’s a soft dripping sound echoing down from somewhere, and a low firelight flickers in the corner of his eye. He’s kneeled over on soft wet dirt. His body starts to ache from the binds. Then he is lifted by the back of the rope, where the knot is, and brought before someone’s face, making him shriek with fear.

“Hello little one. I heard yer a rough n’ tough pirate, aye?”

Sword tried to open both eyes but- one appears to be swollen shut. It throbs and won’t open fully. Sword attempted flailing briefly, but it was pitifully unsuccessful. Instead he opts to give his captor a mean look.

“Whaddaya want? Why am I here?!” He barked, making his captor release a rough giggle.

“Ya know, we don’t like no pirates in this town. See, no one here wants t’be pillaged.”

“We aren’t here to pillage!”

“Fer sure…” The older inphernal grunts, the light of the fire briefly illuminating his face, revealing old and jagged scarring. “Listen here. Tell us where that pirate ship of yer’s is docked, and we might let ya go.”

Sword shook with anxiety and frustration. “I would never! H-How do you know I wasn’t jus’ lying!”

“No grimey lil kid like yourself could get yer hands on such fine gold. Ya don’t just find this stuff lyin’ around now.”

Sword’s captor gave him a rough shake and again asked; “Where’s the ship.” In a stern voice. The young inphernal began to sweat and tremble.

“I’ll never tell!”

His kidnapper scoffed, exasperated.

“Oh well. We’ll jus’ hafta hunt the shores. ‘M sure they’re still around here somewhere.”

The inphernal who had been interrogating him finally drops the young boy to the ground. They make a ‘come here’ gesture with their hand and, a large mob of individuals, armed to the teeth with pitchforks and axes and torches ablaze storm out from a tunnel Sword hadn’t seen.

“Take the runt with us.” His captor speaks, and Sword is again lifted into the air, where he attempts a struggle once more. “If we don’t find his ship then burn him instead.” Whoever is holding him now holds him tight as the group marches out of the dank cellar up into a vacant bar space, and out to the street. They are mostly quiet, with occasional grumbling amongst themselves. At the head of the mob, the first inphernal that had interrogated the young Sword, leads. They march the mob through the streets, where cheers and encouragement ring out from the inhabitants. The mob trudged through the outskirts of the town, where more cheers erupt from those tending the land and the farm animals sound in surprise. Fortunately, Sword realized, they weren’t headed in the direction of his father’s ship. Yet.

As the mob moves, he begins to catch the eyes of marchers studying him. Sword scowled back at them.

“Why’re you lookin at me…” He tries to say with intimidation in his voice, but it comes out more meek and fearful. One of the inphernals watching him clears her throat and speaks up.

“Why do you have… wings ?”

The question is… unexpected. And Sword doesn’t know how to answer. In fact, he’s never questioned the feathery appendages that sprouted from his back and head his whole life. Because he’s had them his whole life, and they’re just a part of who he is, so what?

“I-I dunno-”

Someone to his other side reached out to touch his wings and Sword snapped at them angrily.

“Hands off!” He shrieked and kicked his feet, and the inphernals around him fell silent. Sword gave them all a harsh but nervous look. Amongst the crowd Sword spied both young and old inphernals, some looking a little hesitant. Most were clad in casual attire, and some even appeared intoxicated. The mob continued their parade out of the village and down to the shore, and when no pirate ship was spotted, they made a sharp left and proceeded along the shore.

Oh no. Sword fretted. They’re gonna find my dad’s ship and burn it to bits!

“W-Wait! Jus’ take me- my crew has nothin’ t’do with this!” The young inphernal cried out. 

“And just leave some pirates out here to plunder us dry? No way- we’re takin’ em’ out before they can take us out.” Someone said.

“We ain’t just gonna let them go free cuz we caught a kid. You're the least dangerous of your crew.” Came another voice.

“It might be easier t’git them with a hostage, although pirates are known fer bein’ heartless.” Said another.

Sword wasn’t ready to give up, but he was running out of ideas- and time. “I’ll give you all the gold I got on me!” He tried desperately. The mob around him giggled a bit. And one of them spoke up again.

“We already took all your gold, pipsqueak.”

And that’s when Sword realized there was no longer a weight in either one of his pant pockets. He felt his heart sink even further than it already had. He wasn’t sure if it could drop any lower. You’ve gotta be kidding!

And then came the worst thing Sword could have possibly heard.

“Ship ahead! They’ve got a black flag!” And the whole mob took off running

“Please!” Sword shouted out desperately, his voice becoming drowned out by the sounds of hasty bootsteps and warcry emerging from the chests of all of the marchers. However their approach did not go unnoticed. Sword heard distant shouting and then suddenly, a dark shadow blotted out the sun and descended upon the angry, charging mob. Then came the familiar booming voice.

“ Halt .”

The word radiated power and influence, and just as quickly as the charge had started, it came to an abrupt stop. The shadow finally came to rest before the front of the parade, and Sword tried in vain to peer over the heads of the inphernals surrounding him to catch a glimpse of the imposing figure. The voices had all but died out, until one finally rang out from in front.

“V-Venomshank?”

A murmuring came from all the inphernals that made up the previously enraged mob.

“ State your purpose, mortals .”

“W-W-We’re here because… well… you see we didn’t know it was your ship- we don’t want to fight you , oh great Sword…” One voice stammered out. Sword recognized it as the same inphernal who he had awoken to first.

Sword felt hope flurry in his chest.

“DAD!!”

One of the inphernals beside him hissed in a whisper. “What’re you doing!?” But then suddenly the crowd dispersed to open a clear path from Sword to the front, and Venomshank stood there, a large raven lingering behind him. He could feel his father’s gaze burning into his skull.

“Captain…”

Venomshank approached with heavy footsteps, and as he advanced, the inphernal who had been holding Sword instantaneously dropped him, and the young inphernal tumbled to the ground again. He rolled onto his back and gaped up at his father. The deity came closer and, summoning his rapier at his side, and after a moment of hesitation, used a precise slash to unleash Sword from his bindings, which sprung open. The young inphernal leaped up and dashed to his father’s side, grabbing onto his brown trousers. Finally the tears came and his nose began to run.

“I’m so sorry! I’m sorry- I almost got the ship burned! I gave us away! I’m sorry- I’ll never run off again! I was so scared!” He wailed almost incoherently.

Venomshank let out what sounded like a muffled chuckle, but he bent down and placed a large and gloved hand on little Sword’s head and caressed him with care. The crowd around them remained silent, all with fear plastered on their faces.

“Venomshank has a kid? And that’s his kid? ”

Venomshank cast his gaze out over the mob, again silencing them, with his ever unreadable mask strapped over his visage. More of the crew came dashing over with their gears or guns at the ready, so Venomshank waved a hand to put them off.

“You must be the locals.” The deity said, addressing the mob. “We are here on no ill will, rather, we have goods to exchange.”

The mob finally lowered their weapons and widened out. As they did, the crew closed in around their captain, and Flintlock came to Sword with both furious and pitiful eyes. He gave Sword a gentle scolding while peeling the young boy off of his father’s trousers and lifting little Sword up into his arms. The young boy let out another sad sniffle and wiped his nose on his arm. Venomshank tenderly handed him a handkerchief which Sword gladly accepted out of his father’s larger palm, and blew his nose so hard his head wings flew out.

“Please forgive this troublemaker. He doesn’t know any betta.” Flintlock addressed the locals, “We’ll keep him to the ship- and we’ve got business to discuss.”

Sword, alert but still with tears in his eyes, glared at the older inphernal who held him. “I wasn’t causing trouble! I just wanted to get some stuff!”

“It's true… the kid was only wantin’ to purchase a rod.” Someone from the mob spoke up, and stepping forth came the inphernal from the fishing pole stall. “M’sorry kid I- I thought you were… y’know… a real pirate.”

“I am a real pirate!!”

Flintlock let out a hissed “Shush!”, and Sword glared at him again. Then an inphernal wearing a long, lilac dress brushing against his shins, hobbled forward nervously.

“Well, if you’re here to exchange,” He started, “let us lead you to our humble town.”

Venomshank nodded. The deity gestured over to some of his crew, who stood observing nearby the unloaded cargo, and at their captain’s command, hoisted the boxes and barrels up upon their shoulders, and as the group set off towards their village, the crew and the cargo bearers followed suit. Finally the warm summer’s rain dribbled down, and Flintlock, walking next to Venomshank, carried the little Sword over the hills.

Chapter Text

Sword pushed wide open the door of the ship doctor’s chambers, without a doubt the cleanest place onboard. Within, Medkit, the 23-year old doctor Venomshank had saved from a sort-of healing gear persecution, had fussed relentlessly over Sword’s wounds, calling him ‘reckless’ and his injuries ‘certainly deadly if untreated’, which Sword struggled to believe. Such lowly injuries would not be enough to stop him.

After being knocked out, the unnamed inphernals, who had addressed themselves as members of the Darkage Clan, had dragged him to a wooden stake driven deep, and had suspended him from it with vine, and bound his hands so he couldn’t summon his gear. There, he was persistently questioned, and beaten when he refused to answer. It hurt, yes, but- Sword had been more worried about his crew, and his fish-tailed companion. When they had dragged him before the cliff, Sword had just about accepted that as his final moment. But then Rocket had come bursting through and the light of hope again lit in his heart. Sword had been just barely holding onto consciousness.

As Medkit worked to suppress his bleeding and dress his wounds, Sword reflected on his own misfortunes and bad decisions, especially reminiscing on the time he had almost gotten himself and the whole crew killed and burned by a mob of angry villagers- and then had received a hefty scolding. That was also the day he had gotten his first very own fishing rod- so not everything went terribly awry. When Medkit had completed his work, he stood Sword up and shook him by the shoulder gently, telling him to be soft on himself until he healed further. The younger inphernal nodded, and profusely thanked the doctor. Medkit had thoroughly intrigued him for some time, from the moment he had joined the crew, which was rather recent- but before Rocket- however his steeled expression and furrowed brow deterred any probing. Sword would ultimately leave quietly as he made his way alone back to his own chambers, where Rocket waited. When he entered, the blue-horned merinphernal appeared overjoyed to see him, and Sword sat down on the bed beside him. The older inphernal kicked off his boots and cozied up in the covers.

“How’re you feeling?” Rocket inquired. He received a gruff ‘mrrr’ in reply.

“I’m tired.” Sword answered after some time. “ and I won’t be gettin’ much sleep tonight before I gotta get up t’help sail the ship. Thanks to you.”

Rocket smirked and crawled up to his friend’s side, crossing his arms upon the red-horned boy’s chest and laying his head on top of them. “You won’t be working the ship tomorrow- you’re still injured.” He said.

The close contact was flustering. Now that all of the adrenaline had worked its way through and out of his system, Rocket’s proximity was cheek-warming and made Sword fidget. His longer hair, a few shades lighter than his dark skin, dangled in front of his eyelashes. It was unkept and tangling, and he had even gained a few small scars on his face, which Sword thought made him really start resembling a real sailor- save for the classic peg leg or hook hand. Sword stretched his arms up with a grunt, and when his appendages dropped back to the bed, he closed his eyes. He let out a loud yawn that reverberated throughout the room with his head-wings stretching wide.

“I was thinking about you-” He stumbled, “er- I mean- I was thinking about how you reminded me of something from a while back.”

Rocket lifted his head slightly. “Whaddaya mean?”

“I told you how you ain’t the only one makin’ mistakes and- you reminded me of somethin’ I hadn’t thought about in a long time.”

Rocket’s voice was softer and curious. Sword’s eyes fluttered at the sound and he drew his hands nearer to the merinphernal’s body, before retracting with a hitch.

“Well…” He chortled, “I ran off on my own once- when I was young- and almost got our ship burned to a crisp.”

The younger boy didn’t answer. He seemed to consider the information for a moment. Then he said, “Feel like telling the story?”

“G’night Rocket.” Sword grumbled in reply. Rocket’s curious face dropped temporarily, and was replaced with something akin to disappointment, before it shifted to something pleading.

“Then… can I sleep here tonight?”

“.... yes..”

-

When Sword awoke in the morning, the sun had already begun to peek its head out from the over blue horizon. Sunlight trickled into the small room, and the ship crashing into a wave made the little lantern hanging above go swinging. He tried to get up immediately, craving movement and responsibility and fresh air- however in his stirring he had disturbed his bedmate, who instantly latched onto him still half asleep. Sword, craving to be up for the day, tried fruitlessly to heave the merinphernal off of his back as the other wailed in protest.

“You can’t be up yet! I’m sure the doctor told ya to stay in bed!”

Sword snarled and scowled at the wall, with his head held opposite of Rocket’s, who continued his objections while getting a better grip on his friend.

“I’m the reason yer in this mess so- so I’ll make sure you recover quick but you can’t go moving yet!”

With a final heave, Rocket swung the older inphernal around and forced him back into a resting position, and then he pinned Sword down with strong arms. Sword squirmed to free himself.

“Ackkk! Get off- that’s one of my cuts yer pressin’ on- lay off!!” He squealed, trying to heave the younger inphernal off, however Rocket had the advantage of gravity. The merinphernal held Sword down until the older boy no longer had the strength to fuss, and the pain in his wound was too great.

“OKAAY!! Okay I give up!” The red-horned boy shrieked, letting his arms drop. Rocket rolled off and lolled to the side, where he fell into place besides the other. But he kept a tight grip on Sword’s arm. “What th’ hell am I supposed to do with my day by just layin’ around in here.” The older inphernal said, and Rocket answered with a: “You can talk to me.”

Sword grumbled with frustration, and he repositioned himself to more of a sat-up situation while Rocket’s grip remained firm. The merinphernal gave him a shark-toothed grin. Sword caved.

"That's... fine. Ugh. What do ya have on yer mind?”

“Well, we’re headed to the capitol right? Wouldya tell me a bit more about it? You’ve made it sound so… mystifying.”

Sword finally meets his friend’s gaze. Rocket’s blue eyes were wide with anticipation. His torso is twisted to face the other, and he was fidgeting with one of the smaller fins on his tail. Sword felt his face scrunch up and his eyebrows knit together. He prayed Rocket couldn’t feel his pounding heart.

“It’s quite a pretty place.” Sword said. “Hard t’ put into words, you’ll really jus’ have to see it fer yerself.”

“Do you know why we’re goin’ out here?” Rocket continued questioning.

“I… there’s… I think it’s because-” The older boy stuttered, “I think it’s got somethin’ to do with Illumina. Ya know. My father’s mortal enemy. And, well, this is Darkheart’s territory so I assume it’s got somethin’ to do with ‘im too..”

“Okay. Well, will you take me out into the city?” Rocket probed, making Sword scoff in disbelief.

“You’ve gotta lot of audacity askin’ favors after you almost got us both killed- mainly me!”

Rocket giggled, but he also bore a shameful expression. He was about to speak further, but the door to the cabin bursting wide shut the merinphernal’s mouth.

“Sword!” An older inphernal barked and charged inside. He was followed by a much taller figure with a calmer stride. 

“Flint? Dad?”

Venomshank came to a kneel at Sword’s bedside, placing his hand upon Sword’s freckled and bandaged shoulder with a firm grip. Flintlock, on the other hand, froze momentarily at the sight of the two inphernals lying in bed together, but it seemed he quickly shook off his confusion and approached with haste.

“Sword!...... Rocket.” Flint said as went to kneel beside his captain. Sword gave them both a warm smile, and Rocket shrunk behind him.

“Hi guys. What’s goin’ on?”

“We’re just here to make sure yer ok, kid.” Flint replied, and Venomshank added on: “I am glad to see you’re doing well. All of us were quite worried about you, little bird. You left blood and feathers on the deck that they had to clean up.”

Sword, looking shameful yet giddy, reached out to hug them both tightly, before either could escape his range. “Don’t worry about me Flint, Dad. I’m in good company.” 

Behind him, the merinphernal shuffled briefly and Sword felt a cold finger brush his spine.

Both of Sword’s father figures choked at the tight embrace. Once released, Flintlock made an effort to brush himself off unoffendingly with a conflicted expression and furrowed brows.

“M’glad t’hear. We’ll be reachin’ Wildheart soon so go easy on yerself today.” The old inphernal said gruffly with his golden tooth glinting. While Venomshank, still kneeled beside his son, ran a gloved hair through his hair, and Sword could sense a smile from behind the mask. As he did this Flintlock backed away and eventually departed from the cabin with a final glance back, leaving Venomshank with his son and Rocket. “You appear to be adjusting adequately.” Venomshank addressed Rocket. He moved away from Sword and came to a stand before the berth. He observed the merinphernal intently, until Rocket finally made an ‘oh!’ sound. 

“Yeah! It’s been great, and Sword is an awesome mentor- but I do wish I could be more helpful.”

“Don’t worry about that young one. You’ll be useful in your own ways- like keeping my son out of trouble.” Venomshank said with a quiet chuckle. The tall deity, after receiving a vigorous nod from Rocket and an exasperated scoff from Sword in reply, whirled around and departed with a gentle wave of his hand. Now that both older inphernals had left the pair to their own devices, Sword turned his scowl to Rocket with intent to speak, but the younger boy pounced upon him with a grin of mischief, and smothered Sword back into the bed.

-

Both boys had spent the day rotting in bed together, talking and often napping, while some of Sword’s favorite members of the crew came to and from his chambers, bringing snacks and drinks. The air within had grown more and more stale with the scent of rum, making Rocket’s nose scrunch. Sword had curled up on his side with closed eyes and soft breaths, and the other lay mirroring his position with their backs pressed together. Just minutes prior, Medkit had visited to replace Sword’s bandaging and to ensure he wasn’t doing anything reckless, and then he had thanked Rocket unenthusiastically for his efforts- who in turn let a big shark-toothed face of pride take hold. Once the visits had died down, Sword began to slip into slumber once again, but after some time Rocket excitedly- but tenderly- shook him awake.

“Look outside!” The blue-horned inphernal whispered harshly.

Grumbling and shooting him yet another glare, Sword rose and peeked out the circular window that stood above his bed. Towering structures strewn with vines and large flora and trees came into view, and he could pick up on the sounds of a busy atmosphere outside. The sky was mostly clear, save for the handful of low-hanging clouds that threatened rain in the distance. The ship was entering the port of Wildheart as it bumped over a few choppy waves, and above the sounds of the crew kicking into action echoed down. With a newfound energy Rocket leaped from the berth, with Sword in slow pursuit. He lifted the excitable merinphernal from the floor, and with sluggish steps Sword worked his way up to the deck through the damp underworkings of the galleon, and to fresh air.

Once they emerged, the city of Wildheart seemed to buzz in greeting. Its massive buildings cascading downwards in height as it neared the edge of the water, giving a staircase sort-of appearance, that was caged in by the massive ports. The galleon had dropped anchor at the main docks, a bustling trade area, where vendors and merchants from all across the planet came to sell their exclusive wares. Sword spotted many selling beautiful stones and exotic sea life, splayed out across their stand counters, as the sellers cried out in hopes of attracting attention over all the noise. The crew behaved just as excited as all those below, lugging treasures up from the hull in preparation to be sold, furling the sails, and dropping the gangway with a ‘crash!’. 

Up at Sword’s left, a friendly face approached grinning.

“Rocket! Sword! Glad to see you two up! Almost thought you had died down there.” Cackled Phoenix. As always, his familiar rested upon his shoulder, cocking its head at Rocket, who had snuggled himself ever so comfortable in his friend’s hold.

“Yup- Rocket’s finally lettin’ me outta that stuffy room. We’re itchin’ to go out to th’city togetha!” 

The merinphernal had an accomplished look. “I only did my job.”

“Thanks for takin’ care of our Sword.” Phoenix replied, locking eyes with the blue-horned inphernal and giving him a cheery thumbs-up, before he departed from the pair. It seemed his words had some sort of excitable impact, as Sword could sense the younger boy buzzing in his arms. Sword smirked, and as he sauntered over to the gangway in preparation to descend, he whispered an honest ‘thank you’ of his own into his friend’s ear. Rocket whipped his head around to stare at him with bulging eyes and- Sword noticed- pinkish cheeks. The red-horned boy wondered if Rocket had ever looked like that before.

“What? I hadn’t thanked you for your glorious job looking after me.”

Rocket mumbled something unintelligible. Then he averted his gaze and peered down at his fidgeting webbed hands. Sword sighed and stomped his way down the gangway and out to the edge of the port market. There, he spotted his father conversing with a salesman, and he caught the name ‘Darkheart’ coming from one of their mouths. He treaded over to the chatting pair with the merinphernal still swaddled delicately in his arms

“Dad,” He began, tenderly nudging his father’s clothed shin until he had caught the deity’s attention, “I’ll be out with Rocket- send one of the crows if ya need anythin’.” He said, but then continued with “And also when ya go ta meet Darkheart-” But his father silenced him with a shake of his head. Cut off, Sword slumped in disappointment, and with a “be careful” from his father, the pair set out into the market. As they neared the tall city, Sword looked over the variety of goods being sold with interest. There was a pair of glittering sapphire earrings, and a totem made of jade, and- something that actually caught his eye- a red wagon large enough to carry a full-grown inphernal. Sword jogged over eagerly and, having Rocket dig around in his pocket for a pouch, was quick to fork over a generous portion of beautiful silver coins in exchange for the wagon, which the vendor- who was selling some pretty gnarly looking fish- happily accepted. He gently plopped the blue-horned boy into the bed of the wagon and rolled his shoulders in relief. He’d be lying by saying that lugging Rocket around wasn’t giving him some trouble.

He continued to stroll along with Rocket and the wagon in tow, who peered around with delight. The golden sun beat down on the duo as they navigated the busy marketplace while Rocket practically begged for Sword to bring him into the real meat of the city, where the density would make getting around a little more difficult with a big wagon and- Sword didn’t want to admit it to him but- they were getting stares. It wasn’t every day you’d see a merinphernal, none the less one on land. He had forgotten about the dangers of bigger cities, and the underground markets that resided inside them. In the smaller settlements, bringing around a merinphernal was far less dangerous, as these locations didn’t house dubious markets, and there was far less illegal activity. But here in Wildheart, there were definitely those seeking to make a pretty penny in any way possible. Rocket likely didn’t know about these illegal markets, but at least he did know the dangers of the surface world to his kind. Maybe it would be smarter to inform Rocket, and maybe he would hesitate next time he wanted to dive headfirst into trouble.

“I reckon we should stay near th’ ship. Afterall, with Venomshank busy, I’m technically next in command, and a good captain keeps watch over his ship.”

“Wouldn’t that make Captain Venomshank a bad captain?”

Sword blinked. Woops. Shitty excuse.

“He… doesn’t count. He’s a deity and he’s very busy.” Sword responded in a dismissive tone. He began to turn back in the direction of the galleon, making it only a few paces,  before suddenly a large weight disappeared from the wagon, and when he turned back, a blue-eyed face of defiance stared back- from the ground. Rocket had leaped out of the wagon and planted his hands firmly on the pavement, his tail fwipping against the stones, and a frustrated frown upon his visage.

“Yer kidding. You just said you’d take me- don’t go breaking promises on me now.” Rocket asserted, but as he saw Sword’s sorry expression, his own softened, only slightly.

“If… If you’re afraid of me running off I swear I won’t. And if I do I’ll let you throw me off the ship- I don’t wanna cause you no more trouble.”

Sword thought over his companion’s words. He considered Rocket’s sincerity, and whether this was safe or not, but ultimately caved. “Ok,” He grunted, “but I’ve gotta get sum’ from the ship so you’ll needa wait a minute.”

Rocket reluctantly clambered back into the wagon bed, and Sword pulled him back toward the docking point of the ship, where they received confused glances.

“I’ve jus’ gotta grab somethin’, then we’ll be off.” He said to one crew member who had questioned his quick return.

“Well don’t keep your honeymoon waitin’. The kid looks real sad!” They shouted back, and in return received a flustered death glare. Sword angrily stuffed his hands in his pockets and continued onto the ship with thundering steps.

“It ain’t like that…” He mumbled under his breath.

Sword continued his stomping across the deck and back into the hull, where after some poking around, he pulled his search from beneath a pile of discarded plywood, and then he bunched the sheet up in his arms and carried it up and then off the ship, still bobbing on the waters. He shuffled his way back though the crowd of excited alive and undead pirates, making sure his back-wings were tucked under a cape he commonly used for this purpose,and nicely hidden- to the best of his abilities considering their ever-growing size- and then over to the wagon, where he had left Rocket. For a brief moment the merinphernal’s face lit with joy, but then he gained a skeptical look.

“Roget. Fer you.” Sword declared. He lifted the sheet up into the air and let it drape over Rocket’s lower half, and then he worked to tuck it in around the edges.

“What’s this for?” The younger boy asked.

“To cover up yer… features.” Sword answered. Then he took the handle of the wagon again and began to roll it over the bumpy stone roads, headed towards the city.

“You’ll be stayin’ under that cover, ya hear?” Sword said after some minutes of silence. He got an absent ‘uh huh’, and when he turned his head to look, Rocket was staring, mouth faintly ajar, at the towering rooftops and the winding plantlife that clung to the buildings.

“Pretty neat, ain’t it.” The red-horned boy absently whispered.

Sword, with wagon in tow, finally reached the edge of the city, and- hesitantly- navigated his way through the crowd into the narrow streets that cut through the constructs. Normally the trip would be mystifying and enjoyable but- he had company to worry about, and he couldn’t help but glance back to ensure Rocket was still there every few heartbeats. After his seventeenth look back, he felt a familiar webbed hand snake around the wrist that pulled the handle of the wagon. Those blue-skinned fingers traced over the bones in his wrist that held firmly- yet somehow gently. Sword could feel his own heartbeat through the veins in his wrist, the veins he was sure Rocket could feel, too. 

“I’m still here.” His voice came from behind. “I’ll hold onto you so ya know I’m still here.”

The touch, the voice- Sword could feel the anxiety draining from his system, and suddenly he really wished he could hold Rocket back. The winding crowd became a little easier to navigate now, and the heavy weight of the wagon rolling behind him became light as a feather. He could hear Rocket’s voice ringing, I’m still here, I’m still here, I’m still here.

Why does this feel so nice?

Within the convoluted streets of the city, neon lights illuminated building walls, and street vendors advertised their ‘exclusive’ cuisine. Lanterns and banners hung overhead, suspended from string and wire. Along with the lights and banners, gorgeous flora, some faintly glowing with light, sprung from alleyways and wrapped around structures and hung from windowsills. Sunlight poured in from above, its light wavering from cloudcover. Flowers bloomed in the cracks and with every breath of wind, petals and leaves scattered and floated down towards the ground. As always, the streets flooded with citizens and tourists, and inphernals leaned out their windows to witness the moving masses below or tend to flowerbeds.

Ahead, there is a brief bout of shouting, while to the left a group of friends gathers around a noodle kitchen. Little drops of water start to fall from the sky, and in a moment it seems that everyone has materialized an umbrella from thin air. The sun overhead is finally blotted out by the dark clouds rolling in, and as moments pass the rain only comes down harder.

Sword, still wheeling Rocket along, quickly became a soaking mess. He wished he had brought a sheet for himself, or that he could at least take Rocket’s, as the other boy appeared to relish in the falling drops.

“We’ve gotta take shelter.” Sword said. He pulled Rocket off to one side of the road until a restaurant with an actual interior emerged. Sword pulled the door wide open with the jingle of a bell, and hastily struggled to tug the wagon inside behind him, trying hard to prop the door open with one foot. As Sword stood in the doorway, someone’s voice came from further in. 

“Welcome!”

Still trying to pull the wagon through, with Rocket quietly chuckling at him, Sword turned his head toward the source of the voice, and spotted an inphernal with two flat but also cone-shaped cyan blue horns sprouting from the top of his head. He had an interestingly patterned sky blue headband wrapped around his forehead, tied in a small knot in the back, and he had medium lengthed white hair that was also tied back. From what he could see, the stranger donned a chef’s whites that showed signs of use. Sword finally maneuvered the wagon and Rocket inside, and took in the surroundings of the restaurant. It was a small room, with lots of cushions and warm lighting. The floors and walls were made of a dark and rich wood, and potted plants hung from hooks in the ceiling. Small round tables, each made of a slightly lighter wood, with cushioned seats, decorated the floors, and a warm lime green carpet led to the counter where the stranger had called from.

Sword timidly approached, running a hand through his dripping red hair, as he passed through columns painted blue and pink. “Do you have a towel? Or two?”

The cyan-horned inphernal nodded and he hurried away into what was most likely the kitchen behind the counter, and then returned with two soft white towels. He handed them to Sword, and then curiously peered around behind him.

“What’s this? Your kid?”

Sword choked. Do I like old enough to have a kid?!

“No no, he’s my friend. We’re here t’shelter from the rain. A-And we can order somethin’ if we gotta.”

The cyan-horned inphernal perked up. “I was hoping that was the case. What can I do for ya?”

“I dunno what ya serve here. I don’t come around these parts often.”

“I can tell. You aren’t familiar and you look rough. And you're underprepared for the weather.”

Look rough? Is it that bad?

Rocket, speaking up suddenly, and pulling himself upwards using Sword’s arm, said, “It smells real sweet. Can we get whateva’s makin’ it smell so good?”

The stranger nodded. “Ok! It’s probably my freshly baked castella you’ve gotta whiff of.” He paused to whistle loudly back into the kitchen. “My gear is Slingshot. Yours?”

The two boys across the counter looked at each other. “Rocket. And this is Sword.” The younger one replied. As he said this, two more inphernals emerged from the curtains obscuring the kitchen interior. The first was shorter, with very long, salmon colored horns sprouting from his forehead that faded to a lime green at the tips and short-shaggy hair, who was followed by a much taller inphernal with equally tall horns that came from the sides of her head and twisted forward, with long curling locks falling from her scalp. Both bore some sort of pink markings on their faces. And they both wore what looked like waiter attire, and hurried to either side of Slingshot.

“My… assistants… Vinestaff and Shuriken. They will seat and serve you, while I prepare your pastry.”

Slingshot then twisted around and calmly proceeded into the kitchen. The shorter of the two, Shuriken, stepped forward with a giddy bow. 

“Ooo!” He grinned. “Our castella, good choice!”

He started tapping away on a screen set upon the counter while the older watched over his shoulder.

“Cash or card?”

Sword, with a jolt, fumbled to retrieve his coin pouch, and presented it with a nervous smile.

“Kayy. That’ll be seven thirty-five!”

Rocket reached around Sword’s arm and into the pouch to remove 8 coins, and then he happily handed them over. 

“Keep the change.” The merinphernal said with a smirk.

Shuriken tapped the screen again, and something behind the counter popped open, followed by the sound of coins dropping into place atop other coins, and then whatever had opened was closed shut.

“All done!” Shuriken chirped. Then the inphernal behind him sighed and stepped out from behind the counter and with a hand gesture, guided Sword and Rocket over to one of the four cushion lounges. Sword noticed one of her arms was made of wood.

“Thought you’d like the coziest seats in the place.” She smiled. Sword, after thanking her, lifted Rocket from the wagon which was now full of water. Someone gasped. When the two boys turned to look, Vinestaff stood with wide eyes and clasped hands. Her eyes burned holes into Rocket’s body, and her mouth hung slightly ajar with the intent to speak. Then:

“Did you kidnap him?!”

“No! No, no no no this-” Sword stuttered out.

“We’re buddies!” Rocket finished for him with a wink.

Vinestaff blinked at them. “Oh, I misunderstood… you’re…” She started. “I didn’t know inphernals and merinphernals had…”

She trailed off, but then confidently stuck her hand out to Rocket with a little pink glowing on her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to question your relationship! You’re the first merinphernal I’ve ever seen, nice to meet you!”

Rocket happily shook her hand, then he turned to meet eyes with Sword, who was still holding him.

“Let’s take a seat. She’s given us the best ones here.”

“B-But you're soaking!” Sword fretted. “You shouldn’t be laying on cushions!”

“Don’t worry about that! Just enjoy your experience.” Vinestaff spoke up, giving them both a little wave before hurrying off behind the counter. After a few moments, the shorter inphernal, Shuriken, peaked out from the kitchen, and then Slingshot poked out as well, both staring intently at the pair. When they were noticed, however, the two quickly disappeared.

“Strange.” Sword mumbled.

Rocket murmured an inaudible reply and stretched out across Sword’s lap with a groan.

“I’m still sleepy from all that napping.”

Rocket and Sword ended up lounging on the cushions for a while, not talking much, as they occasionally caught the eyes of the three inphernals in the restaurant watching them from time to time. The combined sounds of rain pelting against the windows in the front of the building, and the warm lighting, made Sword drowsy. He started to lean his head back and close his eyes as Rocket still lay sprawled out over his thighs, until approaching footsteps disturbed his peace. When he lifted his head to look, Sword spotted Slingshot and Shuriken approaching, one with an appetizing looking treat, and the other with a single purple drink in a winding bodied cup. The two set their dishes down on the table that stood in the middle of the cushioned seating.

“Your castella.” Slingshot said

“And a grape concoction, on the house!” Shuriken continued.

They both spectated, fidgeting, as Sword sat up and Rocket was shoveled off his friend with a squeal.

“Thanks.” The red-horned inphernal replied. He gave them both a slight smile, and the two hurried off to where the third stood behind the counter, also watching.

“Really strange.” Sword grumbled. He lifted one of the forks laid across the plate that held the cake, and gently scooped off a bite, before setting the utensil between his lips. “It’s good.” He said through a mouthful, and then used the second fork on the plate to take off a second bite, and handed this one to Rocket, who had leaned against his shoulder instead. Rocket cheerfully received his portion, and made a delighted ‘mmm!’ sound after consumption.

“Wish you could sit normally.” Sword said with an edge of attitude, feeling a bit embarrassed, but Rocket just smiled wider. Instead of replying, he wrapped an arm around Sword’s back as leverage, and leaned forward to peer into the purply depths of their complementary drink. Sword observed it as well and, with a choked breath, noted the two straws sticking out. Oh. Don’t tell me. He thought with a frown.

“We can both drink at the same time! Let’s try that out, seems fun.” Rocket chirped, interrupting the other’s thoughts. Fine. Sword thought. Can’t hurt…

Rocket used his free hand to position one straw between his lips, and waited for Sword to do the same. As they both took a sip, and the fizzy grape-y flavor met their tongues, Sword could feel the merinphernal’s cheek brushing against his, which was steadily heating up with every passing second, and the wings on his head slightly trembled. He was the first to lean back, and he was followed by Rocket after another heartbeat.

“That’s good! Real generous of them, huh?” The younger boy said.

Sword mumbled something in reply, still lost in his own head. When he lifted his eyes to look around, he didn’t spot any of the three inphernals working there but- he could feel their own eyes on him. Oh my Inphinity.

After some time when the rain had died off, and after the two boys had finished their treats, Sword took the wagon to dump the water out on the street outside, and then he returned for Rocket.

“We’re goin’ now.”

The merinphernal fussed briefly, but he ultimately allowed himself to be lifted and repositioned back in the wagon, and had the wrung-out sheet draped over his lower half again. Sword made an immediate b-line for the door, but a voice behind him halted his march.

“Wait! You two, I have something I want to tell you!”

Sword and Rocket looked back, only to see Vinestaff lingering behind them. It appeared she had tears welling up in her eyes.

“It was so nice to meet you two! I’m sure it’ll work out in the end, so don’t mind what anyone says! Come back some day!”

Sword suppressed a frustrated growl. The two boys waved goodbye as they stepped out the door, while the bell rang again, and Vinestaff pulled a tissue out to blow her nose.