Theros crouched atop a jagged reef deep in the sea. the place was mountainous, filled with underwater cliffs and valleys.the sprawling ocean behind him shimmering faintly with the dying glow of the dragon kingdom's protective wards. The waters here were restless, wilder than the serene depths nearer home, with silence that carried the whispers of ancient dangers. His golden scales glinted in the dim light, a sharp contrast to the encroaching darkness.
He took in the scene below.
A smirk split his face as he shifted to his half-dragon form. Horns spiraled from his head, his massive frame rippling with muscle and covered in gleaming, iridescent scales. He drew in a deep breath, letting the silence stretch, savoring the calm before the storm. Then, with deliberate malice, he unleashed a siren-like shriek.
The sound began low, almost a hum, but it quickly deepened into a guttural, bone-rattling vibration that clawed its way into the marrow of everything it touched. It rose into a chaotic crescendo of shrieks, roars, and distorted echoes, reverberating through the waters of the deep ocean.
The sea churned in response, violent currents tearing through the depths. deep sea fish leapt in blind panic, and even the faint shimmer of the kingdom's wards flickered under the sound's relentless assault. When the echoes finally faded, a heavy silence settled in the ocean.
Theros straightened, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. "That ought to get their attention."
They came as he expected, one by one, cutting through the waters with purpose.
The first was merrik a tall figure , his cobalt scales gleaming even in the murk. He carried his trident slung over his back, the weapon crackling faintly with dormant energy. He surfaced near Theros, scowling.
"Every time, boss," Merrik said, his deep voice rough with in helplessness. "Do you have to scare half the ocean?"
"Don't be dramatic," Theros replied, flashing a sharp grin. "I scared all of the ocean."
*sigh* Merrik sighed helplessly. Next came calista, her hair floating around her like a halo as she floated beside Merrik. Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief as she lounged against a nearby rock.
"That screech of yours," she said lightly, "it's a wonder anyone can still hear you speak."
Theros grinned wider. "It's not for them. It's for you. Wouldn't want my loyal crew getting too comfortable."
Calista smirked but said nothing as the others arrived.
Durak, the crimson-scaled brute, landed beside them with a low grunt, his massive axe slung across his back. Eryk, the sly rogue, came next, his webbed fingers slicking back his dark hair as he grinned his usual disarming grin. Last came aemad, the silent brute,his form shimmering faintly as he shifted between humanoid and sea-like forms. more of theros' goons appeared one by one. it sudenly became very boisterous, what else to expect from a group of misfits.
As they were preparing to depart, Vaelora, with her fiery red mane and golden antlers, looking every bit the noble warrior. cualon, sleek and sharp, emerged with his signature smirk. And then there was Rythen, the youngest and most eager, whose silver scales glinted with nervous energy. "We came to help you on your journey". vaelora told theros who frowned a bit at his cousins and company. "We don't need help." he said plainly, he knew who sent them. "We are under orders, plus he is important to all of us." theros looked at them for a bit then smiled as he turned towards his goons
he surveyed them all, his grin broadening. "Well, well. My kingdom of rascals gathers once again!"
Vaelora rolled her eyes. "You're not a king, Theros."
"Not yet," he replied with a wink. "But give it time. Now!" He stepped forward, spreading his arms wide. "Listen up! Today, we embark on a grand adventure. Danger? Oh, there'll be danger. Mystery? Enough to keep you guessing for weeks. Glory? If we survive, maybe."
cualon snorted. "You make it sound so inviting."
"That's the spirit!" Theros barked, slapping cualon on the back. "Now, onto the vessel!" he said as a gigantic shadow began to loom over them, casting a huge shadow.
Their vessel awaited—a sleek, sinuous construct forged from enchanted obsidian and gold. It pulsed faintly with magical energy, the runes etched into its surface glowing softly as the crew boarded. the vessel shrugged into consciousness, as its runes glowed, it moaned in the deep sea as it departed, diving.
As the vessel slipped into the deeper waters, the world around them darkened. The vibrant colors of the reefs gave way to the muted blues and greys of the open sea. The tension among the crew grew palpable, though Theros seemed oblivious, striding the deck with his usual swagger.
He leaned against the railing, addressing the crew once more. "Now, I know some of you are wondering where we're headed."
rythen raised a hand. "Where are we headed?"
Theros grinned. "Good question! We're going... that way." He pointed vaguely into the abyssal expanse.
Vaelora rolled her eyes secretly.
"We're heading to the Abyss, where adventure, riches, and possibly horrific death await us!" theros said heartily
Merrik muttered something under his breath, but the crew's laughter drowned him out.
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The journey was far from uneventful. Schools of bioluminescent creatures darted alongside the ship, their glow a brief respite from the encroaching darkness. Shadows flickered at the edges of their vision, and once, a massive silhouette passed beneath the vessel, its glowing eyes watching them with an unnerving intelligence.
As they expected, the first threat struck, it came without warning. A pod of sea serpents emerged from the gloom, their sinuous bodies lashing out with terrifying speed as they screeched, The ship rocked violently. the crew sprang into action. boarding a compartment that lauched them outside the vessel as they began to fend off the vile creatures
Theros tore into the fray with a savage grin, his claws flashing as he fought. "Come on, you oversized eels!" he roared, dodging a strike and retaliating with a burst of golden flame.
Durak's axe cleaved through scales and bone, while Calista's claws tore into one serpent's eyes. Merrik's trident crackled with energy, striking true, and even Rythen managed to land a few blows, though he was clearly struggling to keep up." good job kid ". theros said as he bit a large serpent by the throat with his very widely opened carnivorous jaws filled with horrifying teeth. the serpents stood no chance as they were slaughtered. some smart ones started to flee leaving their rampaging kin to fend for them selves
After the serpents retreated, Theros stood on the deck, panting but victorious. "See? I told you this would be fun."
Vaelora glanced at him. "That wasn't fun."
"Maybe not for you," Theros said, grinning.
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the vessel pressed deeper into the ocean, the light grew dimmer, the water colder. The sense of unease among the crew was almost tangible now, though Theros continued to mask his own tension with bravado.
He stood at the prow, gazing into the darkness ahead. Somewhere, far below, the Abyss waited. For now, he would keep the crew laughing, fighting, and focused. But in the quiet moments, even Theros couldn't shake the feeling that they were venturing into something far greater—and far more dangerous—than they had anticipated.