Headed by a Snake

⟬ Some time later... ⟭

Tycondrius stood upright on a platform of ice as it sailed towards the Neptune's Revenge.

The 'vessel' was a testament to Captain Krysaos' creativity along with his improved sense of mana-control. His abilities had grown. As such, he could take nearly all the ship tasks previously assigned to Sea Witch Mina, along with his regular duties as Ship Captain.

Granted, comparing a Sea God to a standard sea-faring Class felt... disrespectful.

Tycon had received a mission completion report from Petty Officer Bob... and later, a more detailed report from Leading Hand Stickyfingers.

The second ship, the Sugar-Titted Siren II, had disappeared. Bob implied that the dark elves of the Spider Crab tribe had fled the island.

With Stickyfingers' report, Tycon knew they had not.

...Captain Krysaos was particularly curious about the fate of the Vulkoori Princess, Imperia.

Tycon knew they would not cross again-- not in the living Realm.

In any case... House Vulkoori would suffer for the manipulations of their daughter.

Appended to Stickyfingers' report was a troublesome allegation.

Sol Invictus and therefore the Neptune's Revenge were being targeted by a faction led by a creature presumptuously named 'The Wizard.'

Assumedly a spellcaster of resources and renown, a number of Dark Guilds were hired to act against them.

One of which was the Iron-Rank Bone Rat gang. After a brief confrontation in Whitehearth, Ishmael took it upon himself to kill several of their key members.

Another was the Gold-Rank guild, Blackrot Wound.

Coraline Heartsong was gravely injured by one of their two members. However, with the healing artifact gifted by the Ebon Mask tribe and the combined efforts of Beatrice and Haelvia Leopardon, she managed to survive.

As for Haelvia-- or Elle, rather... though she was defeated and her Divine Armor crippled, she was able to return to guard Mina at her side.

Tycon wanted to see her... to comfort her and tend to her injuries, if needed.

"I'll keep it steady, LT," Krysaos gestured towards the ship, "Go 'head."

"By your leave," Tycon nodded.

He looked up the hull of the Neptune's Revenge, gauging the distance.

Leaping up, he took two rising steps on mana-created footholds before grabbing onto a rope and climbing aboard.

Glancing behind him, Krysaos had conjured a water spout underneath his feet, tall enough to clear the railing.

It looked effortless. The man had talent... though calling the current Krysaos a mere 'man' had become woefully inadequate.

Long-legged, blonde, and beautiful, Elle of Leopardon hurried towards them. The length of her strides was a wondrous thing to admire.

...Tycon missed her greatly.

Last he saw her, his hair was clean cut to military standards. As it was, it fell to the middle of his back. He looked forward to her reaction.

"Captain. Lieutenant," She saluted. "W-welcome back. Y-you... I... I'm so sorry."

Krysaos's gaze darkened as he was struck with the implication behind Elle's words. Without returning his salute, he pushed past her, running towards the Captain's Quarters.

Tycon took hold of Elle's hand, "I'm glad to see you well, my love."

The woman slipped away, crossing her arms defensively.

"You'd better follow the Captain," She said in a soft voice.

...Tycon narrowed his eyes.

Elle refused to meet his gaze.

That was not the reaction he was hoping for.

Something was wrong... but as it was likely that Elle watched Mina die, his lover's cold response was forgivable in the short term.

Tycon observed her a moment longer before turning to follow Krysaos.

The door to the Captain's quarters had swung open. The human-turned-god knelt at the side of his bed.

And there, he wept.

His loss... was great.

His tears... were just.

Naught was left of Mina, save purple flecks of her scales and soaked bed sheets.

Upon the mermaid's death, her mana-body had dissolved into bubbles and froth-- a phenomenon Tycon and Krysaos had witnessed once before.

"We're... too late," Krysaos eked out in a hoarse voice.

The chance of Mina having survived so many suns past her initial poisoning was... infinitesimal. Unfortunately, understanding of probability would do nothing for the ship Captain.

Elle stood right outside the door, still looking away.

"She... she passed peacefully."

It was a useless observation.

As if Krysaos did not hear it, he continued to weep, his face upon the bed.

Finally, he lifted his head, his teeth clenched.

"...Can you guys... give me a moment?" He sniffed. "Alone."

Tycon raised an eyebrow, "I don't see why that's necessary."

"Tychon!" Elle shouted.

"Lieutenant Tycon," Krysaos stood up, the color in his eyes icing to blue. "I... loved this woman. It... took me... too gods-damned long to realize it. And... and I know I'm... an absolute piece of shite for-- f*ck... but... but I..."

He trailed off, his eyes to the deck.

Despite the potential that the Sea God had in obliterating the ship and all life in a several-malm radius, Tycon did not back down.

"Brother-Captain," He raised an eyebrow, "I pray... that your feelings remain unchanged regardless of whether or not Lady Mina retains her memories."

Krysaos furrowed his brows, "LT... wh-what are you saying?"

Tycon took a deep breath.

He glanced over to Elle.

Elle gave him patience.

She turned away, still refusing to look in his eyes.

Walking over to her, Tycon forcefully grabbed her hand.

He analyzed her pulse with his System. She was suffering mana fatigue... but other than that, there was nothing wrong with her body.

Something was terribly wrong... but what, he could not tell.

"Elle..."

"Please let go..."

...It seemed that he wouldn't get the answers he wanted anytime soon.

"We'll converse in private," Tycon said before releasing his grip.

It was a difficult situation. Death had a tendency to complicate matters... even for those who should have been accustomed to it.

Despite her behavior, Elle's value in Tycon's heart had not diminished. He cared for her deeply. Thus, he would strive to mend and strengthen his relationship as best he could.

...even if she refused his touch.

...even if she refused to do so much as meet his eyes.

As much as it pained him to do so... he would continue to pursue her until he could no longer.

Turning back to Krysaos, Tycon forced a professional smile.

"Brother-Captain, I propose we create a new mana-body for the Heart of the Ocean-- at your earliest convenience. Your assistance with the ritual will be integral to the process."

",