Markus 1.2

After that (un)pleasant surprise, they followed the Finfolk to a nearby island. A grey, barren island with nothing of note. A rock, really. A big one, but a rock nonetheless.

Before he could say anything, he was handed a bottle, with a green, swirling concoction inside. He stared at it for a second. He glanced at the others. They all drank it. Next to Markus, Rafn gave him a nudge. He reluctantly nodded and downed the potion in one go.

Revolting. That was the only thought that came to mind. The sickening liquid made him want to retch. It was worse than old, out-of-date fish soup; don’t ask him how he knew that. Ten times worse. He felt as if he was consuming wet sand. Or mud. Salty mud. Then, inside him, he felt something squirming and writhing, moving through his body from head to toe. He shivered.

“It’s truly disgusting, isn’t it?” Rafn said. “You’ll get used to it.”

Still groaning, Markus asked, his face paling to a deathly white. “I have to drink this again?”

“Hm? The potion? That’s ordinary stuff. We’ll drink that all the time. It gives us water breathing, you see.” The older man smirked. “It’s one of my prouder works, actually.”

“Why...Why didn’t you give me a heads-up?”

He choked and sputtered.

The man had the gall to chuckle. “We do that to all the newbies. Give them a sense of our lives, you know what I mean? A life, full of surprises. Honestly, this isn’t much. What’s happening next, though, will be very memorable.”

“What’s going to happen?”

Rafn just revealed a shit-eating grin. “No need to spoil the fun. Just relax. It’ll be worth it.”

Markus never wanted to punch someone so hard (that’s a lie). He scoffed. “It’d better be.”

“Trust me. It will. And by the way, prepare for the ride.”

“What?”

Adalward shouted. “BRACEEEEE!”

The boat lurched forward and then dipped down. They were now under the sea.

In a panic, he tried to hold his breath. Then a hand hit him from behind. He sputtered, and his mouth went wide open. However, just as he thought he would drown, the water went through, and yet he could still breathe. His vision was still horrible. He could still make out Rafn bearing a shit-eating grin, though.

He then realized he was tied down with a rope. Probably the work of his mentor. It was a necessity, otherwise, he’d just float away. Even now, he was still drifting at speed. The ship was plunging going through a current of some sort. This current acted like a tube, sending them into the deep ocean. While they themselves were protected by a dome (probably magical), it only prevented the worst. It did not even hinder water from getting through.

Despite the situation, he marvelled at the scenery. Or the lack thereof. It was dark, incredibly dark. He could faintly see the outline of a ship in front; most likely the Finfolk, but that was it. Once some time had passed, there were some creatures with light, but they were moved too fast for him to sightsee.

He briefly wondered what would happen if something went wrong. The answer was quite obvious.

Would he die from the pressure? Or would he die from drowning? Place your bets!

He brushed those questions away and turned his attention to his companion. He asked, though his voice was a blubbering mess. “Where are we even heading? Actually, I know your answer already. It’s a secret, isn’t it?”

He could barely hear the answer, but with some conjecture, he understood what Rafn was saying. “You are learning. And no, it’s not a secret. I just don’t know where we are either.”

Markus twitched. He then sighed. Or tried to. “What did I even expect out of a drunkard?”

“Hey, no discrimination allowed on my boat!”

“It’s not even yours!”

“Great logic, for an uneducated brute.”

Markus ignored the stupidity of the comment. “How long will this take?”

“A half-decent question. Don’t be impatient. Our destination should be on the seabed, but it won’t be that long. The sea here is quite shallow. I think. And the current had been enhanced. Probably another hour or two. So, just relax. I’d be having a drink if it was possible.”

Goddammit.

Seeing that Rafn had returned to staring into the void, Markus turned his attention elsewhere. Mainly towards the surroundings. His teeth were chattering like there was no tomorrow (he did not even know that his teeth chattering could occur under water!). Not surprising, considering where they were. But even then, with his thick clothing, he was freezing.

Ah yes, clothing. It was probably completely destroyed after today. While the material was resilient, and he was told it could handle the water, he doubted it would last after today.

Actually, all of the cargo, how did that work? He seriously hoped there’d be some form of solid protection downstairs. While the food had not been the most pleasant, he preferred it over starvation.

His mind was taken to some more pressing matters. The cold. It was increasingly unbearable and he felt as if the ice was seeping into his bones. Perhaps he should ask for help. Would he be seen as weak?

He shivered again, his teeth chattering. Whatever. He could not care less.

“It’s cold.”

“Yes. And?”

“Is there a solution?” He wondered if his irritation could be felt in this environment.

“Well… bear it like the man that you are. Such a large body; put it to good use.”

“I’d rather not suffer, thank you very much.”

“Like, it’s normal to feel cold. Especially at this depth.” Shaking his head (very slowly, what with the water), Rafn said. “It’s going to be a common thing. So, take it as training.”

He stayed silent for a bit. “…Can I just stay with the supplies? I’m sure you guys need to keep it dry.”

The man laughed. In the water, it slightly resembled the screech of a dolphin, which would’ve been amusing, had things been different. “Everything is wet and gone. Don’t panic, we’ll be fine. Probably.”

“…how have you people survived for so long?” He looked up, at the darkness around them. And it was only getting darker. Despite knowing it was all virtual, he still shuddered.

His companion then said thoughtfully. “While it’s not my first time going under the surface, it’s the first time I’ve ever reached such depths. If anything goes wrong, we are completely doomed.”

“Ah. That’s interesting. Very insightful. Very good for the heart.”

Rafn stared with a raised eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you have more to say? Scream, perhaps? Or at least let out a few curses. While I can’t claim any proficiency at the art, I can introduce you to one of the best.”

“I’ll opt out of it. I’d rather take the last moments of my life slowly and calmly.” Or rather, he was just waiting for the inevitable. He doubted it would end so quickly, and even if it did, it probably meant the trial run was over. With that in mind, he couldn’t even muster the effort to glare or anything else for that matter.

“…Why are you such a killjoy? My luck sure is shit. And don’t give me that look. Of course, we aren’t going to waste all our supplies. Rations at sea will always be of the utmost priority. Especially water. Well, for our specific group water is not such a big deal, but it isn’t like you can count on having a weather warlock on hand at all times.”

“What was all that about?”

“Just messing with you kids. Look at those newer guys over there, they are scared witless. That’s what I’d have liked to see. But no, you just stood there, doing nothing, saying nothing. Are you the sort of person who just lies down and accepts their fate?”

“Then is crying about it any better? I don’t think so.”

“Still better than standing still.” Rafn patted his back. “And don’t glare at me. It’s just tradition. Either way, we should go down.”

And so, they did. He had no idea how anything worked, but the doors prevented any water from going through. The myriad of glowing runes probably had something to do with it.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

A flask was suddenly tossed over. He caught it and looked at Rafn questioningly. The man blandly stated. “Something to warm you up.”

“You do have some conscience after all.”

“You can say so. The more you say it, the more conscientious I might become.”

The moment the liquid went down his throat, he started coughing uncontrollably. It was very “warm” indeed. He felt as if his insides were burning, his blood was literally boiling, and at any moment, his body would simply be roasted. Human meat, hot and fresh, ready to serve.

After rolling around for a bit - without effect, he might add - Markus got up. “What the fuck was that? Still joking around, even now?”

“Hey, hey. Don’t get angry now. While it’s uncomfortable-“

“That’s putting it lightly.”

“It does have its effects. Don’t you feel it? The energy overflowing in your veins.”

That was true. However, his shit-eating grin and his glee were getting on his nerves. And that energy was telling him to do what his heart calls, and give Rafn a good-old beating.

He threw a punch, aimed straight at the face. And he missed. He stumbled and planted his face on the floor.

“Classic move. Classically stupid, that is. You have been pumped with strength, and don’t know how to control your own power. It’s always good to keep that in mind. Many times, you will be met with this situation. Mostly from my potions. But sometimes, from artefacts or spells, or anything along those lines.”

“Fucking hell. Can you stop teaching me?”

“I can and I will. It’s always fun, you know. And reign in your temper. It’s unbecoming.”

Markus screamed. He felt something hit his head and passed out.

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“Did you really have to knock me out?” He asked, rubbing the back of his head.

“Going unconscious is a good way of calming down. That’s another valuable lesson I impart to you.” Markus grimaced. “But, enough about that. We have better things on the horizon. Etch this day in your mind. Probably will be the highlight of your miserable life.”

His words rang true - the former part - and a sight for the ages appeared before them. In the midst of the dark, murky waters, crystal palaces and towers glittered with splendour. The waters glowed with shining sea plants and luminous crystals. From here, he could see beautiful gardens unlike anything seen on the surface. Whoever designed the place had to have been a master of their craft.

Markus staggered as the ship halted and then lurched upwards. Suddenly, they had risen out of the water. He was still drenched, but that would go away soon enough. More importantly, he could breathe properly, speak properly, and move properly. The translucent bubble that surrounded the entire place probably had something to do with it. Whatever the case, he never felt so grateful that for such normal body functions.

His attention was now mainly on the structure in front of him. A series of spirals shooting up to the… skies? To the surface?

Coral and stone were used as the base, while gems and crystals were utilized for lighting and décor. These buildings were truly something else.

The tops went past the protective layer, and even from here, he could see figures moving about in the open waters, under depths no being should be able to withstand. He heard a sudden crash, as something fell out of the sky. Or rather, the sea. He needed to get used to the current situation.

A tall thin man stood on deck. Like all the other pirates, the man was unnaturally tall, probably 2.5 meters in height, which had the added effect of making him absurdly skinny. He had a gloomy look on his face, stern and stony like all his kin.

This person, if you can call it that, said. “All of you will behave here. You can go around and gawk, but listen when you’re told. Brother, go take your crew and relax, your job is done. Cousin, come with me. You must have some stories to share.”

The man then turned and left, not checking if people would follow his commands. His voice had been monotone, not changing even when mentioning his family or friend. Despite that, his tone and actions brokered no question, no arguments; just instilling in them all a sense of absolute authority.

The sharp chill that seeped into their body upon his arrival might have helped with that.

“You heard him.” With that simple sentence, Alvilda leapt overboard and followed the man. Just as they left, the latter stopped and glanced at Markus questioningly. He turned to Alvilda and as the two conversed, his captain’s face turned increasingly severe.

He calmed his nerves, telling himself that this had nothing to do with him. Just then, Drastion spoke up, “Now, go do whatever you landlubbers want. There’re the whales, the steeds, the cattle. Just don’t take anything. If they permit you, then that’s fine, I suppose. I doubt that would happen though, so don’t get your hopes up.”

The man turned to Rafn. “Come with me. Someone wants to see you.”

Rafn shrugged. Before they go, Drastion suddenly stared intensely at Markus. The latter began shifting out of discomfort. The Finman – was that the right way to call them? – said, “Someone needs to keep an eye on him. In fact, you must go with that loudmouth vice-captain of yours.”

There was a brief moment of silence. Adalward asked. “Why?”

“Just do it. A small request from your captain’s distant cousin.”

Adalward sighed. “Okay, then.”

The man then beckoned Markus to join him. The young man glanced at Rafn, who just shrugged.

“It’s a good opportunity to get to go around in the deeper parts. I don’t care about it much, but just know that this place is one of the most wonderful structures in the world. That’s the rumour anyway. And,” he smirked, “it’s not like you have a choice.”

The four men walked along the crystal path. As they approached the towers, he couldn’t help glancing back. Men of both ships were getting off, streaming into various areas. None seemed to follow their path, likely forbidden from doing so.

In front of them stood two massive doors, each made of crystals and embedded with pearls. These people truly loved their pearls. The towers, the buildings, the walls and even the ground were decorated with these things. Abundance. That was the only word he had to describe them. Even if pearls were relatively common under the sea, crystals certainly weren’t. Or maybe they were and he was just ignorant.

They, of course, weren’t going through the main entrance. They only got to go through a small doorway. Immediately afterwards, Rafn and the other guy went another route. He was now left with Adalward.

Markus dumbly walked toward Adalward. The older man jumped down and he followed suit. “Do we have a destination in mind?”

“Not at all. Just taking a look at anything that catches my fancy.”

The remaining two decided to wander around; to appreciate the scenery. Not a minute in, they came across the farm. Herds of whales swam in a gigantic floating ball of water, splashing about with their colossal bodies.

“Wow….”

“Yeah. The Finfolk have a good reason to be proud of the place.”

“They ought to be proud. You know, I do have a question.” Markus pointed at the few humans that stood around the whales. They seemed to be doing menial work. “Why are they here?”

“Just ignore those poor, unfortunate souls. They are...beyond saving.”

Markus continued to glance at them. They looked back with blank expressions. He turned away. The two men silently walked in another direction.

“So… why are we here?”

The man brightened up. “Ah. That’s because of our great captain. Alvilda saved a Finfolk. Long story short, the Finman was grateful, and gave him a token, marking her as a Friend of the Finfolk. The “cousin” part is just how they address it.”

“So that’s the case. I wonder if I'll get that someday. I do want to return to this place, after all.”

Smiling, Adalward said. “If the Gods will it, then you certainly will.”

“Speaking of entering Finfolk… whatever the rest is, is there a reason we are allowed inside?”

“They are humans, I guess. Like, I’m not entirely human. My mother was a Selkie.” He spread out his webbed hands. His voice turned grim. “And I was accepted by the Council.”

The man was silent for a split second. “Selkies are relatives of the Finfolk if you didn’t know. Some even mix up the two. I believe that is why I’m allowed in. Rafn should be here for his medical ability; he’s pretty good at that. That does beg the question though. How are you here?”

“Um.”

“Don’t say it if you cannot. I don’t really think you even know the exact reason.” The man then said in a solemn tone. “If this affects our crew, though, then that’s an entirely different matter. No pressure, of course.”

Markus let out a weak smile. “I… don’t think it will.”

“Good!”

An awkward silence resumed.

The silence was broken. Quite quickly, too. “Oh fuck. I forgot to take the whale milk.”

“Whale milk?”

“Yeah. From the farm that you saw earlier. It is very good. God…. why!”

“Should we go back?”

“Nah, no need. Alvilda and Rafn were probably given some. Those outside likely would get some themselves.”

“They have access to the farm too?”

“Uh-huh. Did you not see when we were going down? The main difference is probably the quality, but it’s not something I really care about.”

“Oh. I mean, it’s something I care about.”

“And that, my friend, is definitely not something I care about. Your opinion that is. Now, let’s go meet the Finwives. Let me bring you to them. You’ll like them.”

The two men walked into a room. It was a bright, delightful room of water, full of wonderful plant life. Those exotic trees weren’t the target of his attention though. What caught his eye were the people floating in the room.

Swimming around gracefully were charming women. Their hair was flowing in the air, as they moved in sync with each other. Their skin was a flawless pale blue, their eyes as green as the sea. Their figures were as perfect as Freya herself.

That wasn’t mentioning the long, glistening fish tail that each one of them bore. These tails were among the most beautiful things he’d seen, adorned with seashells and pearls. The movement of these mermaids struck him dumb.

Adalward muttered. “Truly beautiful, aren’t they?”

Markus blankly nodded.

The mermaids noticed the two, and they all let out the most beautiful laughs he’d ever heard. It was music to his ears.

These gorgeous beings swam close to Markus. Noticing the forming blush, they laughed once again. Embarrassed as he was, he still desperately wanted to hear that wonderful sound again.

Before he could do a single thing, however, Adalward dragged him away. The younger man tried to break free and he failed. The vice-captain knocked him in the head. “Don’t lose yourself.”

Markus blinked. He blinked again.

“Are you okay now?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

“Hm… let’s go back.”

The young man blankly nodded.

I never thought I’d say this, but 3D fantasy girls are even more dangerous than 2D ones.

As he took one last glance back, he noticed one particular woman was looking at him. The mermaid’s deep violet eyes followed his every move. There was naked curiosity behind those eyes. Following this, her gaze revealed a desire to devour and conquer, to take what she deemed hers.

Markus quickened his steps and made his way out.

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It was night. They’d left by this point, being gifted a few good things, such as whale milk (which tasted quite delicious) and pearl necklaces (the pearls were massive). Markus was breathing in the cool winter breeze. Even after a few days, he still found the air… delicious? Perhaps refreshing is a better word. He’d no idea.

For the first time in years, he could take in the night sky in all its glory – a spectacular sight indeed. All the stars were different, though. He told himself that this meant he could discover new constellations, with amazing new names such as Markus I and Markus II.

He wasn’t having much luck if that wasn’t obvious enough. How the ancients came up with the constellations with such rudimentary lines was a mystery.

As he was star-gazing, one person appeared next to him. It was Alvilda. The woman, too, was looking at the sky. Suddenly, the captain pointed at a few stars. “See that? Those form The Sword of the Brave. It’s good to be brave. But only to a certain degree.”

“What are you getting at?”

The woman then said softly. “I know who you are. What you are. You are a threat and you will be threatened here. Don’t be rash and stupid and make me regret accepting you on board.”

“Um. Okay?”

She sighed. “I know you are a demigod. Just don’t go around boasting about it. You won’t meet a good end. Especially not here, where most of my crew despise your lot. It surprises me that you came on here knowing our reputation.” Here she looked at him with pity and incredulity in equal measure. “Anyways, have I made myself clear?”

“Wait, can you-“

But by then, the woman had already disappeared. Markus reluctantly returned to star gazing. His mind, however, was entirely on other things.