Chapter 1: Part 1: The Storm

Instructions

This is just a random subplot series I'm deciding to post. Its actually well put together. I'll update the character log later. And make a cover. I'm not allowed on rn. Anyway. Part one of my series (havent name it yet) : The Storm: Wind and rain lashed against the boat as it jerked violently in the storm. Wind howled, and thunder boomed, lightening cracking against the dark sky. Debris and crates flew overboard as waves crashed and pounded into the sides of the vessel. The crew on board, a mix of Scorpion guards and Cosmic knights, fought against the elements. Cosmic, king of the Crystal Kingdom, shouted orders that were almost swallowed by the storm, “Secure the package! Anchor the sails!” He barked, “Don’t stop! Throw the crates overboard, do something,” his voice was almost lost in the chaos. The men hurried to obey his commands, tossing heavy crates of board in hopes of lightening their ship’s burden. In the midst of it all, a figure stood out, gripping guards and knights about to topple overboard. Snake, commander of the Scorpion guard. He was moving at a calm but efficient pace, pulling up a young knight who’d lost his footing. Snake’s half mask gleamed in the dim light of the ship and, for once, it didn't look as menacing. He stumbled towards Valerious, who, with a shriek of terror, toppled towards the railing. Cosmci’s heart leaped in his throat. He reached his friend before Snake. Val shook as they scrambled back toward the main deck, toward a pole. “We’re all gonna d1eeee,” Val wailed, his voice cracking with fear. The boat dipped and shook. Cosmic gripped the sail post. Snake nodded at him, then moved towards another guard slipping off the railing. The boat jerked again. Cosmic’s breath hitched as Snake stumbled, slipping on the slick deck. He slid across the boards, jerking to a halt at the railing. “Snake! Hold on!” Cosmic shouted against the elements, rain and wind plastering his hair against his face. After securing Val to the pole, he stumbled his way to Snake. Lightning lit up the sky. Snake’s eyes were wide with fear and shock. He was clinging to the other side of the railing, dangling above the sea. Cosmci’s heart dropped. A massive wave loomed in the distance. “Snake! Just hold on, I’m coming!” Snake didn't hear him. His eyes were on the wave. Like a beast, it crashed violently against the sides. The boat dipped violently. Cosmic gasped. Snake’s body was flung off the railing with a shriek of terror. Cosmci saw his shape plunge into the icy waters below. “SNAKE! SNAKE!” Cosmic cried, peering into the dark abyss of the sea. No head broke the surface. “SNAKE!” A new voice shouted as a figure hurtled overboard after the lost figure. Viper, Snake’s younger brother. “Viper, NO!” Cosmci yelled into the darkness. Viper spun in the waves as he resurfaced. Then he ducked back under the surface, a dark blur rapidly disappearing. The boat rocked and shook. Cosmci crept his way back towards Val, who had sunken to the floor, quivering in fear. The rescue boats, where are they? We have to abandon ship! He thought, glancing around. The rain lashed down heavier than before, until Cosmci couldn't see a foot in front of him. Val floundered in the dark, tumbling into Cosmic and sending them both sprawling. The boat swirled and creaked. Then jerked and dipped violently. Cosmic was dimly aware of other shapes hurled off the deck, along with him and Val. Water engulfed him. Swallowing him whole. Pushing and pulling and turning. Cosmic thrashed, disoriented. He kicked, lungs burning. Where’s the surface? I can't see anything! He convulsed for air. The water sucked and spat him up. He surfaced with a gasp, water streaming from his eyes. Not far off, Val was a flailing mess, his cries swallowed by the sea. I WON’T lose him this time, Cosmic thought determinedly, swimming towards his prince with all his might. He grabbed Val just as the young man was sucked under. Val coughed and sputtered as Cosmci hauled him back up. Whatever words Valerious tried to say were stolen by the storm. Cosmci saw a large, jagged piece of the ship a short distance away. His strength felt zapped from him, and he knew he wouldn't survive much longer. Val was a dead weight in his grasp. But he wouldn't let go. Not until he reached their only hope, however slight, of survival. He kicked and pushed into the water, going under more times than he could count. Water blurred his vision, his sides ached from coughing. But he kept pushing. Keep going, don't give up! He willed himself, but even as the thought crossed his mind, his strength failed him. He sank under with a gasp but pushed back up. 7 feet away. He swam harder. But a wave crashed over them, pushing them under. No! We’re so close. . . just a . .. little more. For Val. Keep. . . going. . . . . His thoughts dissolved into blankness.