[It is the least of every single problem they're up against. All the more reason to focus on it - pleasant distractions are few and far between at the moment, and he'll hang on to all he has.]
Landmarks I can do. Far easier to explain that anyway than calculate mileage without a map in front of me.
[After a few attempts to call the albatross down (there is one that starts with excuse me, bird? But once he's gotten the bird down and attached the message, Alucard is nothing if not exacting. He doesn't just describe the island, he describes Sypha in exacting detail, much of it more clinical than smitten (although it does creep in.) It ends with a polite enough thank you before the bird is off, and...well. There they are.
[Hector lets out an amused snort, but returns Alucard's nod once the bird is sent on her way.
He'll throw the man a bone, he supposes.]
'Levitation' doesn't sound half-bad. I'd start from there and build up a suitably impressive name.
[He whistles for Cesar, who can subsist without sleep, but really shouldn't. He's a first-class first mate, but Alucard will have to do without him for at least part of the night.
Although the crew knows to come and open the door to let him out of Hector's room if he scratches by the door long enough, so Alucard will likely have his companion back before the night is done.]
[And then that's it. Hector withdraws, and the night passes by quietly. There are no events, nothing untowards, nothing working against them. Even the wind remains in their favor, and Alucard would be alarmed if he didn't simply want to luxuriate against the thought of something going right.
Morning comes. Alucard hands control of the ship back over to Hector first, and there's oatmeal made (with a little dried fruit in it) to ensure that Hector has fuel for the day and Alucard can rest on a full stomach. It is wonderful, made even moreso for the albatross' return just as Alucard is ready to retire.
The thing lands beside Hector, but it lets Alucard take the message. He skims, then nods.]
[While Alucard reads the missive the bird carried to them, Hector reaches out and gives the albatross a good scratch on her head feathers. Once Alucard is safely away and abed, he'll coo over her, telling her she's a pretty bird, and what a good job she's done. For now, he's pretending like he has dignity.]
That was quick. Guess the impression was mutual.
[The dhampir is keeping him well-fed, so Hector leaves the teasing at that. He'd hate to have to go back to dried goods and hard tack.]
Do we need to go fetch them, or will they meet us at Death Island?
[It has a real name, but the nickname serves the dual purposes of being both overly dramatic and also harder for any spies to pinpoint, should they be listening in.]
[This is getting embarrassing very quickly. But more importantly, he regards the albatross with respect, but a little uncertainty that she may be less inclined to be polite at him. She is, after all, under Hector's control again and she may not appreciate anyone else's touch.]
Thank you, miss.
[He then lets out a soft noise, opening the letter again and re-reading it.]
They'll meet us there. They're two, maybe three days out, and I believe that suits our schedule just fine. Death Island isn't going anywhere.
Alright. I'll maintain our current bearings. You're free to go get your beauty rest.
[The sun is rising, so Hector gets to work, leaving Alucard to swoon over his letter. Two or three days is not much time to prepare for taking on a Belmont hideout, and for a necromancer, preparation is key.
He makes sure they are on the right course, then brings up some of his tools and the components he's scrounged up so that he can supervise the crewmen while he works. He's working with what has tangled with his crew's nets, so that means mainly aquatic forges. Still, any reinforcement is good, and he feels better knowing there is something patrolling beneath the waves in case attack comes at them from below.
The day passes mostly without incident. At one point, Hector spots a ship on the horizon. Black sails, but from the wrong direction to have been following from the Caribbean. A vessel piloted by human pirates serving Dracula's court, not one controlled by vampires, if they are sailing during the daylight hours. It is a meeting of pure happenstance; the other ship is likely heading back to port after pillaging further north.
Hector sends one of his newly-assembled mer-creatures to stealthily disable the ship's rudder and leave them stranded. The flags his ship flies are a nondescript white, and the ship has no markings to declare it for or against any faction. Hector redirects their path to get out of their line of sight as quickly as possible. Attacking and sinking it will draw much too much attention, when they could more safely and easily preserve the illusion of being a trading vessel spooked into fleeing by the sight of an unknown ship in their path.
Hector doesn't call Alucard during the encounter. Best for him to stay out of sight, just in case. When the dhampir awakens, Hector will give him a briefing.]
[And so Alucard does retreat. He sleeps as a man for once, content with having something mattress-like under him and aware that in his sleeping form he well, sleeps like the dead. It's unnerving, and another reason he has mostly rested as a wolf. Sure, Hector is probably used to other vampires resting like this, but that doesn't mean Alucard can't extend a basic politeness.
His rest is peaceful, in that it ever can be. Alucard lets the deepest part of him that can sleep take over, and that means no dreams. No tossing and turning about. Nothing of the sort, and in that is a relief.
It is the internal clock that knows sunset that causes the dhampir to stir. That realization comes with a soft groan as he forces himself upright, shuffling towards the door of the cabin and opening it.]
[Hector is watching the horizon when Alucard emerges.]
No need. We can eat dried food tonight. There was a ship earlier. I took care of it, and I doubt they took notice of us, but we should be vigilant, in case.
[He gives Alucard a run-down of the day's events.]
I can stay up to help keep watch. One sleepless night won't hurt me.
[He'd prefer to find a safe harbor and hide away for a few days to be sure no alarm was raised, but they've set Alucard's Speaker on course for Death Island already, so they can't afford to delay.]
[Alucard starts out with a thin, small frown on his face. As Hector talks, explains what it is that happened, the frown deepens. Takes over his face, and by the end, it looks like his entire face has soured.]
That was a clever use of forged creatures.
[He murmurs it, alarmed and unhappy but capable of knowing that Hector's choices were incredibly smart.]
But no. I'd rather you sleep and have to be awakened if something happens. Now is not the time to contemplate a sleepless night.
[Hector scrubs his hands along his face. Yes, he’s soured Alucard’s mood, but neither of them can afford to forget- the ocean is not safe, and it won’t be so long as vampirates roam the waves.]
They are capable of more than just killing. So few in the court realize that. They use them like bullets, fired at the enemy with no thought of retrieval.
[Hector hates it, though it does give them the advantage of being underestimated. Only a very few, very dangerous vampires possess the creativity to see beyond the forged creatures’ capacity for killing.
He passes over the evening’s charm to hand over control to the dhampir.]
Wake me if you see anything. Even if it seems like nothing. I can send one of my creatures out to investigate.
[He hesitates over retiring. As well as they have worked together these past few days, Hector is still used to being the one in charge of his ship. He knows he can trust Alucard, but he doesn’t know how to force himself to feel like he can trust him.]
Vampires have a skewed sense of time and mortality. It's...not a defense of their actions, believe me, but that is the reason they are so cheerfully cavelier about it.
[It is such an advantage though. Alucard knows that much as he takes the evening's charm.]
I shall do so. Try and sleep. I won't say to rest easy - it is not possible in these times.
[Alucard looks to Cesar, hoping the pup will follow after Hector for the night. If anyone needs comfort at the moment, it's the forge master.
Night settles. Night remains, a half moon lighting the waves. But there's--
--to the south west of them. Alucard catches sight of the flag first, a deep blood red with no embellishments. It's an ally of his father's, but they've made no notice of the other ship. Yet.
He has one of Hector's forged creatures wake him instead. Alucard remains rooted to the spot, spyglass in hand.]
[Cesar does follow Hector into the bedroom. Dogs have a sense for when they're needed. Hector climbs into bed, for once not having to brush wolf-fur off of the blanket first. He rubs Cesar's ears and squishes his paw pads until he finally falls asleep.
The crewman's knock wakes Cesar, who headbutts Hector back into consciousness. Hector quickly tugs on his boots and rushes out.
He doesn't try to take the spyglass from Alucard, not with the light being what it is. Alucard's eyes can see the details they need, and Hector's simply won't.]
[Hector looks through the glass, and sees the vague outline of a ship in the darkness. There's movement on the deck, though he can't make out numbers or identities from it.]
We could destroy it, but that would take resources, and it could draw attention to our location.
[At this point in their plan, the need for stealth seems to trump speed.]
But then again, even if we go around, there's no guarantee they won't spot us and follow.
[He gives the spyglass back to Alucard.]
If you think your Speaker will wait for us, we'll take the detour. I can pull the same trick that I did this morning to delay any pursuit, and if they still try to follow, or show any sign of raising an alarm, we destroy them.
[Alucard holds his hand out for the glass again. He caught movement, the identity part is still possible. Just with a few more moments to stare.]
I don't know if they'll wait. It feels likely, but I don't want to risk it. I also worry that they may look here, see our crew, and know who they serve.
[Hector is probably just as wanted as Alucard is now.]
My gut says to see if the same trick will work twice.
[Hector lets out a whispered string of curses. This is Not Ideal.
He can still command his crew, even with the charm in effect, though they will get confused if he and Alucard give conflicting orders. With a command of will, one of the mer-creatures he forged jump out of the water spinning, because Castlevania and lands on the deck.
Hector places a hand on its shoulder, cobbled together from shark and human parts, and murmurs the instructions for it. It drops back off of the side of the ship and disappears beneath the water. There is no further sign of it.]
Don't start running until the creature is done. He has a measure of intelligence, but it will be harder for him to sabotage the ship if they start maneuvering to follow us. He's quick; we won't lose much time.
[Unless this is one of the few ships with creatures of their own guarding their vessels from below, in which case, fuck.]
[Alucard doesn't jump at the mercreature. Not externally anyway - he's a little concerned when he sees it on the inside, and there's a quiet thank you to some power that Hector is on his side. The thing's a right terror, and no wonder Hector has the reputation he has. It's easy to forget, what with Cesar and the fact they've been getting along perfectly well, but Hector's command of life and death, leg and limb, that's a power even vampires ought to fear.
He watches it go.]
I understand. If we're followed, can you take command of the ship if I have to hide my face?
[Hector looks out over the dark, churning waters. The moonlight is plenty for the vampires, but for him...]
If I must. I can't see well enough to navigate well, but I could keep us going in the right direction. We're not near enough to land to run the risk of running aground.
[That's something, at least. The ship is safer in Alucard's hands at the moment, but Hector isn't helpless.]
You do know that if we're followed and made, I am going to destroy that ship. They cannot be allowed to escape if they will carry back word of our location to the Court.
[He still has one large, tentacled ace in the hole, if he needs to call on her.]
I understand. [Alucard inclines his head, just for a moment.]
It'll draw attention to us, but only after a few days of the vessel being understood as missing. It's hardly ideal, but it's so much safer than them returning word to my father that we live.
[Alucard shudders a little. This is scary. He can't lie about that simple fact. Nor can he be happy about taking lives.]
I'd offer to navigate as a wolf, but I'm still too obvious in that form. Perhaps if my fur was darker, it'd be plausible but--
[In spite of the severity of the situation, Hector takes the time to turn to Alucard and give him a flat look.]
Navigating as a wolf? How would that even work?
[Bark once for left, twice for right? That would be goddamn ridiculous.]
Get us on course, then get below deck. I'll take care of it.
[The merman does his work, and as far as Hector can tell, no alarm is raised. The one signals the others still beneath the waves, relaying his victory.]
It was only a passing thought. North, south, east, and west, could have specific noises but--
[It's not going to work, that's the point. Alucard shakes his head, and he takes Hector's request as a command. There are a few orders given to the nearest crew in order to relay it to the others. It's a way to avoid shouting, and soon there's wind in the sails and the course is all but set.]
We're good to go, barring chaos. I'll be right at the stairs, listening.
[Alucard does as he says he will, disappearing down the steps below deck and then staying there. Every part of him is tense, like a finely tuned string. Silence wears on. None of it makes him feel more comfortable.]
[In spite of his grumbling, Hector takes the helm and they are off on the new path. One of his undead crewman fetches a cap for him to wear. His hair isn't as remarkable or eerily perfect as Alucard's, but it is still an oddity. Covering it is better.
Cesar, he sends to wait with Alucard at the stairs. The trip is going to be an anxious one, and at least one of them can benefit from the emotional support pug's presence.
There's wind enough to move them along, though Hector wishes it was a stronger breeze to get them there faster. Lights appear on the deck of the pirate ship in the distance, likely from the realization of their loss of steering power and the investigation into the cause.
Hopefully it is enough to distract them from the ship in the distance in the dark, but unease gnaws at Hector's gut. They discovered it so quickly. Happenstance, a mere adjustment of their path, or had they been preparing to turn and make for Hector's ship?
Hector keeps the lights low on his ship, putting his faith in his crew, his knowledge of the ship, and the course Alucard had set them on. Sailing nearly blind, he eventually loses sight of the pirate vessel.]
Come out, but stay low. I need you to check and make sure they're out of sight.
[He keeps his voice low as he calls to Alucard; vampiric ears don't need much, especially when they are actively listening up for the call.]
[He says it as a snide comment, but Alucard is genuinely surprised. He's a fluffy dog, and Hector is Hector. To not even ask is...well. Weird and wrong.
Cesar's company is appreciated, and the emotional support pug gets pet for all his troubles. He's a good boy. Best, even, worthy of all the attention he recieves. It also allows Alucard to do something besides just standing and waiting, which is the real mercy all things considered.
He's not sure how much time has passed when Hector calls for him. Alucard's careful to crouch once he gets up the stairs. His stomach may as well be to the ground when he gets to the side of the ship, and he places his forearm over his head to obscure his hair when his eyes peak over the railing.]
Just barely, and it looks like they may be changing direction. Hang on.
What? You’re still you in there. It’s not like.... I couldn’t....would you say yes?
[This is The Worst situation and he hates it, and he would sure as Hell pet the big dog if it was an option. But he can’t go around asking to pet Alucard.
He’s regained some composure at least by the time Alucard returns to scout.]
Damn, they fixed it that quickly? They’re much more competent than the last ship.
[The same trick won’t work on them a second time. Fuck.]
Look for movement in the skies. They could have creatures to send out. I’ve got a watch set below the surface.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[It is the least of every single problem they're up against. All the more reason to focus on it - pleasant distractions are few and far between at the moment, and he'll hang on to all he has.]
Landmarks I can do. Far easier to explain that anyway than calculate mileage without a map in front of me.
[After a few attempts to call the albatross down (there is one that starts with excuse me, bird? But once he's gotten the bird down and attached the message, Alucard is nothing if not exacting. He doesn't just describe the island, he describes Sypha in exacting detail, much of it more clinical than smitten (although it does creep in.) It ends with a polite enough thank you before the bird is off, and...well. There they are.
Alucard's gaze goes to Hector, and he nods once.]
Get some sleep. I'll see you come morning.
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He'll throw the man a bone, he supposes.]
'Levitation' doesn't sound half-bad. I'd start from there and build up a suitably impressive name.
[He whistles for Cesar, who can subsist without sleep, but really shouldn't. He's a first-class first mate, but Alucard will have to do without him for at least part of the night.
Although the crew knows to come and open the door to let him out of Hector's room if he scratches by the door long enough, so Alucard will likely have his companion back before the night is done.]
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[And then that's it. Hector withdraws, and the night passes by quietly. There are no events, nothing untowards, nothing working against them. Even the wind remains in their favor, and Alucard would be alarmed if he didn't simply want to luxuriate against the thought of something going right.
Morning comes. Alucard hands control of the ship back over to Hector first, and there's oatmeal made (with a little dried fruit in it) to ensure that Hector has fuel for the day and Alucard can rest on a full stomach. It is wonderful, made even moreso for the albatross' return just as Alucard is ready to retire.
The thing lands beside Hector, but it lets Alucard take the message. He skims, then nods.]
They've agreed to help.
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That was quick. Guess the impression was mutual.
[The dhampir is keeping him well-fed, so Hector leaves the teasing at that. He'd hate to have to go back to dried goods and hard tack.]
Do we need to go fetch them, or will they meet us at Death Island?
[It has a real name, but the nickname serves the dual purposes of being both overly dramatic and also harder for any spies to pinpoint, should they be listening in.]
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[This is getting embarrassing very quickly. But more importantly, he regards the albatross with respect, but a little uncertainty that she may be less inclined to be polite at him. She is, after all, under Hector's control again and she may not appreciate anyone else's touch.]
Thank you, miss.
[He then lets out a soft noise, opening the letter again and re-reading it.]
They'll meet us there. They're two, maybe three days out, and I believe that suits our schedule just fine. Death Island isn't going anywhere.
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[The sun is rising, so Hector gets to work, leaving Alucard to swoon over his letter. Two or three days is not much time to prepare for taking on a Belmont hideout, and for a necromancer, preparation is key.
He makes sure they are on the right course, then brings up some of his tools and the components he's scrounged up so that he can supervise the crewmen while he works. He's working with what has tangled with his crew's nets, so that means mainly aquatic forges. Still, any reinforcement is good, and he feels better knowing there is something patrolling beneath the waves in case attack comes at them from below.
The day passes mostly without incident. At one point, Hector spots a ship on the horizon. Black sails, but from the wrong direction to have been following from the Caribbean. A vessel piloted by human pirates serving Dracula's court, not one controlled by vampires, if they are sailing during the daylight hours. It is a meeting of pure happenstance; the other ship is likely heading back to port after pillaging further north.
Hector sends one of his newly-assembled mer-creatures to stealthily disable the ship's rudder and leave them stranded. The flags his ship flies are a nondescript white, and the ship has no markings to declare it for or against any faction. Hector redirects their path to get out of their line of sight as quickly as possible. Attacking and sinking it will draw much too much attention, when they could more safely and easily preserve the illusion of being a trading vessel spooked into fleeing by the sight of an unknown ship in their path.
Hector doesn't call Alucard during the encounter. Best for him to stay out of sight, just in case. When the dhampir awakens, Hector will give him a briefing.]
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[And so Alucard does retreat. He sleeps as a man for once, content with having something mattress-like under him and aware that in his sleeping form he well, sleeps like the dead. It's unnerving, and another reason he has mostly rested as a wolf. Sure, Hector is probably used to other vampires resting like this, but that doesn't mean Alucard can't extend a basic politeness.
His rest is peaceful, in that it ever can be. Alucard lets the deepest part of him that can sleep take over, and that means no dreams. No tossing and turning about. Nothing of the sort, and in that is a relief.
It is the internal clock that knows sunset that causes the dhampir to stir. That realization comes with a soft groan as he forces himself upright, shuffling towards the door of the cabin and opening it.]
I presume I am on dinner duty?
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No need. We can eat dried food tonight. There was a ship earlier. I took care of it, and I doubt they took notice of us, but we should be vigilant, in case.
[He gives Alucard a run-down of the day's events.]
I can stay up to help keep watch. One sleepless night won't hurt me.
[He'd prefer to find a safe harbor and hide away for a few days to be sure no alarm was raised, but they've set Alucard's Speaker on course for Death Island already, so they can't afford to delay.]
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That was a clever use of forged creatures.
[He murmurs it, alarmed and unhappy but capable of knowing that Hector's choices were incredibly smart.]
But no. I'd rather you sleep and have to be awakened if something happens. Now is not the time to contemplate a sleepless night.
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They are capable of more than just killing. So few in the court realize that. They use them like bullets, fired at the enemy with no thought of retrieval.
[Hector hates it, though it does give them the advantage of being underestimated. Only a very few, very dangerous vampires possess the creativity to see beyond the forged creatures’ capacity for killing.
He passes over the evening’s charm to hand over control to the dhampir.]
Wake me if you see anything. Even if it seems like nothing. I can send one of my creatures out to investigate.
[He hesitates over retiring. As well as they have worked together these past few days, Hector is still used to being the one in charge of his ship. He knows he can trust Alucard, but he doesn’t know how to force himself to feel like he can trust him.]
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[It is such an advantage though. Alucard knows that much as he takes the evening's charm.]
I shall do so. Try and sleep. I won't say to rest easy - it is not possible in these times.
[Alucard looks to Cesar, hoping the pup will follow after Hector for the night. If anyone needs comfort at the moment, it's the forge master.
Night settles. Night remains, a half moon lighting the waves. But there's--
--to the south west of them. Alucard catches sight of the flag first, a deep blood red with no embellishments. It's an ally of his father's, but they've made no notice of the other ship. Yet.
He has one of Hector's forged creatures wake him instead. Alucard remains rooted to the spot, spyglass in hand.]
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The crewman's knock wakes Cesar, who headbutts Hector back into consciousness. Hector quickly tugs on his boots and rushes out.
He doesn't try to take the spyglass from Alucard, not with the light being what it is. Alucard's eyes can see the details they need, and Hector's simply won't.]
What it is?
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[Alucard hands the spyglass to Hector, and a single long, pale finger points out the offending ship.]
They fly vampire colors. I can't determine their intent, but I do not wish to take a chance if they're hostile.
[He breathes out, slow.]
If we take a detour to throw them off, heading south east, we will loose half a day. But that comes with safety.
no subject
We could destroy it, but that would take resources, and it could draw attention to our location.
[At this point in their plan, the need for stealth seems to trump speed.]
But then again, even if we go around, there's no guarantee they won't spot us and follow.
[He gives the spyglass back to Alucard.]
If you think your Speaker will wait for us, we'll take the detour. I can pull the same trick that I did this morning to delay any pursuit, and if they still try to follow, or show any sign of raising an alarm, we destroy them.
no subject
[Alucard holds his hand out for the glass again. He caught movement, the identity part is still possible. Just with a few more moments to stare.]
I don't know if they'll wait. It feels likely, but I don't want to risk it. I also worry that they may look here, see our crew, and know who they serve.
[Hector is probably just as wanted as Alucard is now.]
My gut says to see if the same trick will work twice.
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He can still command his crew, even with the charm in effect, though they will get confused if he and Alucard give conflicting orders. With a command of will, one of the mer-creatures he forged jump out of the water
spinning, because Castlevaniaand lands on the deck.Hector places a hand on its shoulder, cobbled together from shark and human parts, and murmurs the instructions for it. It drops back off of the side of the ship and disappears beneath the water. There is no further sign of it.]
Don't start running until the creature is done. He has a measure of intelligence, but it will be harder for him to sabotage the ship if they start maneuvering to follow us. He's quick; we won't lose much time.
[Unless this is one of the few ships with creatures of their own guarding their vessels from below, in which case, fuck.]
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He watches it go.]
I understand. If we're followed, can you take command of the ship if I have to hide my face?
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If I must. I can't see well enough to navigate well, but I could keep us going in the right direction. We're not near enough to land to run the risk of running aground.
[That's something, at least. The ship is safer in Alucard's hands at the moment, but Hector isn't helpless.]
You do know that if we're followed and made, I am going to destroy that ship. They cannot be allowed to escape if they will carry back word of our location to the Court.
[He still has one large, tentacled ace in the hole, if he needs to call on her.]
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It'll draw attention to us, but only after a few days of the vessel being understood as missing. It's hardly ideal, but it's so much safer than them returning word to my father that we live.
[Alucard shudders a little. This is scary. He can't lie about that simple fact. Nor can he be happy about taking lives.]
I'd offer to navigate as a wolf, but I'm still too obvious in that form. Perhaps if my fur was darker, it'd be plausible but--
[What, they're gonna put a coat on him?]
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Navigating as a wolf? How would that even work?
[Bark once for left, twice for right? That would be goddamn ridiculous.]
Get us on course, then get below deck. I'll take care of it.
[The merman does his work, and as far as Hector can tell, no alarm is raised. The one signals the others still beneath the waves, relaying his victory.]
It's time to go.
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[It's not going to work, that's the point. Alucard shakes his head, and he takes Hector's request as a command. There are a few orders given to the nearest crew in order to relay it to the others. It's a way to avoid shouting, and soon there's wind in the sails and the course is all but set.]
We're good to go, barring chaos. I'll be right at the stairs, listening.
[Alucard does as he says he will, disappearing down the steps below deck and then staying there. Every part of him is tense, like a finely tuned string. Silence wears on. None of it makes him feel more comfortable.]
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[In spite of his grumbling, Hector takes the helm and they are off on the new path. One of his undead crewman fetches a cap for him to wear. His hair isn't as remarkable or eerily perfect as Alucard's, but it is still an oddity. Covering it is better.
Cesar, he sends to wait with Alucard at the stairs. The trip is going to be an anxious one, and at least one of them can benefit from the
emotional supportpug's presence.There's wind enough to move them along, though Hector wishes it was a stronger breeze to get them there faster. Lights appear on the deck of the pirate ship in the distance, likely from the realization of their loss of steering power and the investigation into the cause.
Hopefully it is enough to distract them from the ship in the distance in the dark, but unease gnaws at Hector's gut. They discovered it so quickly. Happenstance, a mere adjustment of their path, or had they been preparing to turn and make for Hector's ship?
Hector keeps the lights low on his ship, putting his faith in his crew, his knowledge of the ship, and the course Alucard had set them on. Sailing nearly blind, he eventually loses sight of the pirate vessel.]
Come out, but stay low. I need you to check and make sure they're out of sight.
[He keeps his voice low as he calls to Alucard; vampiric ears don't need much, especially when they are actively listening up for the call.]
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[He says it as a snide comment, but Alucard is genuinely surprised. He's a fluffy dog, and Hector is Hector. To not even ask is...well. Weird and wrong.
Cesar's company is appreciated, and the emotional support pug gets pet for all his troubles. He's a good boy. Best, even, worthy of all the attention he recieves. It also allows Alucard to do something besides just standing and waiting, which is the real mercy all things considered.
He's not sure how much time has passed when Hector calls for him. Alucard's careful to crouch once he gets up the stairs. His stomach may as well be to the ground when he gets to the side of the ship, and he places his forearm over his head to obscure his hair when his eyes peak over the railing.]
Just barely, and it looks like they may be changing direction. Hang on.
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What? You’re still you in there. It’s not like.... I couldn’t....would you say yes?
[This is The Worst situation and he hates it, and he would sure as Hell pet the big dog if it was an option. But he can’t go around asking to pet Alucard.
He’s regained some composure at least by the time Alucard returns to scout.]
Damn, they fixed it that quickly? They’re much more competent than the last ship.
[The same trick won’t work on them a second time. Fuck.]
Look for movement in the skies. They could have creatures to send out. I’ve got a watch set below the surface.
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[Alucard keeps his eyes focused. The ship is moving, flags sailing and....]
It's turning around. Slowly and--
[And that is the moment that there is movement over the sail. Alucard swears softly.]
They have something in the sky. I can't tell if it's circling their ship or it is awaiting instruction to come here.
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I'm so sorry, my inbox apparently ate this notification
No problem !
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