"Is that the captain?" Kemal raised his eyebrow while he and Azul's sleeping body looked at the dragon resting on the edge of the ship.
There was another ship and they were connected through thick sturdy planks.
Azul was overheating really badly and was breathing heavily after using his powers, so Kemal decided to bring him outside once it's dark to give him some cool air.
I guess a fire creature can still overheat.
But what was the captain doing out at this hour? It was pretty dark already so Kemal couldn't really see but he still recognised his large wings and tail. They looked a little different, a little brighter?
Kemal tensed up when the man turned his head, locking eyes with him. SCARY! He quickly hid behind the corner, Azul weighing heavily on his back.
I'll find a different place…
Just as he was about to turn around, his shoulder got grabbed with a tight grip.
CHILLS!
How did he get here without making a sound!?
There wasn't anything said, but they came to a silent understanding. Kemal moved himself to where the dragon formally stood, both of them now leaning over the wooden rail, except for Azul, drooping over Kemal's shoulder.
He took a deep breath, gathering courage, occasionally checking Azul's temperature. The tail of the dragon captain at his side swaying back and forth in boredom.
The sky was so clear, it's like he could see the galaxy. The two of them just stood here in silence for way too long, Kemal started feeling a little uneasy… And hungry…
He reached into his pocket to grab the candy pouch Azul gave him a while back and began snacking on a few sweet pieces. The dragon man curiously turned his head in response to the sudden sweet aroma.
Kemal glanced at him before hesitantly placing a piece of candy on the man's spiky tail. It was a declaration. The man only reciprocated as he flicked his tail, the candy flying up and landing in his open mouth with a pop.
Kemal chuckled to himself and placed another piece on the man's tail with a subtle smile hidden by the dark.
The dragon repeated his action, this time with a little more flare. His long tongue drooped out, catching the treat.
Well I can't give it to him all. Kemal snacked on the next candy but the dragon's tail swished around restlessly, waiting for more.
Although tempted not to, Kemal decided to change it up and instead threw the candy up watching the man catch it with his forked tongue before it retreated back to his mouth.
A small chuckle escaped Kemal and the dragon man stiffened.
That was adorable... I always loved dragons but he's a real one. I can't treat him like one of my novels or shows. But I do wonder…
His eyes slightly traveled down before he snapped out of it.
He shook his head before popping in the last candy past his lips. He clutched the empty pouch in annoyance and decided to check Azul's temperature one last time.
Still hot.
The dragon reached out to place his hand onto Azul's forehead, but Kemal shifted just enough for his hand to miss. His eyes were wary. Sure, he may be the captain but Azul didn't really consent to be touched by another dude.
"What's your name…" His voice came out as a whisper. Even if he heard, Kemal simply ignored it, turning his head away without giving any response. He left the other man confused but how others feel isn't any of his business.
After a few more minutes of silence, Kemal, without realising, moved his eyes to look back at the dragon man, just to be met by red pupilless eyes staring back.
Still… Creepy…
Kemal turned his head away without much reaction but if he stayed any longer his heart might implode of terror. He's never felt such unease before.
Everything about him made Kemal shiver. He could see danger at every corner of this man. His body was inhumanly bigger than his and there was no way in hell Kemal could take him out if he suddenly decided to throw both him and Azul off the ship.
He therefore carefully decided to take a step aside, which obviously caught the man's attention. Bearing the man's gaze, Kemal finished his movement and avoided any further eye contact.
Mr.Captain swished his tail, trying to get it closer, but Kemal retreated once more. Checking Azul's temperature, Kemal pressed his hand against his forehead and noticed it was slightly cooler. Going out to breathe some fresh air was indeed a good idea!
Kemal felt pride in his decision as he shifted Azul into a more comfortable position. Forgetting about this scary encounter. He couldn't help but curiously stare at the other ship, it was just as large as this one and it has a very similar design to this one, almost looking identical.
"You like it?" The dragon's voice was low and quiet.
"Yeah." Kemal hummed back. He did like the ship. He liked them both; they were both very spacious despite their boring simplicity.
Those were the first words the two exchanged. The conversation was more than brief, but it was satisfactory. After that, Kemal got enough so he just decided to move back with Azul. He didn't say goodbye, he simply took his fire bag and walked off without any more looks. He could feel the dragon's eyes linger but shrugged it off.
When it was finally morning, Kemal was beat, tired, hungry and exhausted. The candy didn't help his stomach and the short sleep he got after leaving the deck wasn't enough. He waited at his usual railing for Azul.
While he was busy eating some things he found in the kitchen, he watched the sailor waking up and starting work. The whole crew was just as sleepless as him.
Heh… Loser.
Kemal snickered, but his joy didn't last long. When he realised how boring a ship can be without his hobbies, his smile faded. Azul was his only occupation here… He was following Kemal around like a dog, which clearly displeased a certain weirdo, but, really, he didn't have the will to care about that either. Instead, Kemal got an idea.
"Azul…" He whispered. "As a fire shifter… do you have a weakness to water?" Kemal asked.
"No, that's just something fire benders have, why?" Azul whispered back, unsure why they were. "I want you to fight someone here." Kemal smiled. "I'm bored," he elaborated further.
"I always had people spar with me.. I can do that!!" Azul put down his things and ran off immediately. Kemal watched his back vanish behind a door and looked at the people mopping the deck to wait.
It's so boring for the first few days… I miss my phone.
Phone? Kemal began thinking, searching for anything in his memory.
His vision slightly blurred and for a second he could feel something rectangular in his hand. When he raised it to take a closer look, he could see a lot of numbers. He tried to tap on one of them but everything felt heavy. He could only make out a few letters before he steadied himself on the railing behind him and decided to just close his eyes, shaking his head to wake up from his fantasy.
"Kemal?" Azul called out kneeling before Kemal. "What did you call me?" Kemal's eyes widened in shock. Azul responded hesitantly "Pal..? What's wrong?"
His heart dropped at the mention of his name.
"What's my name…" Kemal questioned.
"Pal!" Azul beamed.
Yeah… Pal.
"I got someone to spar with! Are you ready to watch me at my most awesome?" His smile was genuine and it made Kemal feel like he could reciprocate it. He was in a slight reverie before shaking off the nostalgic sensation.
"Yeah…" Kemal nodded and looked at the challenger already waiting at the very middle.
"HURRY IT UP!" His voice was impatient.
Azul quickly pounced and prepared his flames while some people gathered around, even the captain came out. Everyone seemed restless and only the 2 challengers looked full of energy.
Is it that serious? Why the long face? Kemal wondered while the captain approached him to stand beside him. Kemal shot him a glance, their eyes meeting for a second before focusing back on the men.
Azul went straight for his flames; they burned behind him like a cape and formed some pointy horns.
The other man started throwing punches after closing the distance. Azul barely managed to dodge them until he finally decided to actually use his flames. He began shooting them left and right. Before any flame could hit the ship they vanished.
The man sometimes punched the fire away with a cocky grin but the burn marks were growing more severe.
The fight was so fast Kemal could barely keep up. He needed to concentrate to see all the moves. Azul landed some punches but his opponent couldn't touch him despite his immense speed. Such speed was impressive but Azul's eyes started glowing at some point and his punches were replaced by fire shots.
The relentless shots finally stopped when his opponent was far enough to catch a breath. Azul was panting heavily, his eyes flickering on and off. It's glow dimming and brightening with each flick.
Kemal was about to look away when Azul's fire cape morphed into a tail instead and he started looking directly at Kemal, causing even the captain to stare at him.
Hey! Kemal clearly seemed like he wasn't happy with both of their attention, on the surface, because deep inside he adored it. He decided to just smile at Azul, who wagged his tail in response.
The captain frowned at Kemal, who chose to take a step away. In his heart, the boy grinned smugly. He knew who his tail was wagging for and he embraced it.
The captain didn't show any emotions but it was clear he was displeased with their interaction. He also seemed rather surprised.
The crowd began turning anxious, showing clear signs of distress as the fire was thrown randomly everywhere. Yet, Azul continued his relentless assault, and no one tried to stop him.
His fire started growing out of control, blasting his opponent without any hesitation. When enough hits landed, Kemal assumed he'd stop, but instead, Azul let out a roar. His eyes were confined by the red of his flames and he put on a toothy grin.
That's not Azul! What the hell is happening?
Kemal recoiled in shock, but the captain took a step to the front instead. Azul didn't lash out and got crazy, he remained calm. But the look on his eyes and his smile weren't like himself.
His tail was lazily swaying from left to right. He got on all 4's, not letting his opponent escape his sight, even after he surrendered. When the dragon man approached him, his target changed to him and he glared at him in distrust.
The crew quickly put up a barrier and he looked upset when he realised he was cast aside. Azul slowly turned his empty eyes towards Kemal behind the barrier. His mouth was only slightly agape but you could still see the fire inside it, threatening to drip out.
Drip?
Upon closer inspection, it wasn't flames… But lava.
Kemal was impressed, but the people around him didn't seem to share the same amazement.