Post by Artsy Astra on Jun 7, 2022 21:18:02 GMT -5
On a chilly mist filled day, a father his son and their crew of friends prepare to set out on a special fishing trip. It's the boys birthday, his 17th to be exact. They gathered at a local fisherman's bar and dined on the seas gifts. Soon after smiles were on all their faces, alittle ale had wet their whistles and made them just abit more chummy. His father approached him as they boarded their ship to begin their journey. "You ready boy? Those Spook Claws give no quarter." He spoke in harbor drawl with a thick Mariners accent. His son, Haligan, responded with a smile "Aye Pa, I'm ready.", his father smiled in response and walked towards the helm. Their boat was of decent size, an older vessel with very clear new parts added to replace that which had fallen apart a few barnacles also adorned the old vessel. Below deck diving suits made for the depths they would face adorned shelves below deck and their harpoon guns sat ready. They sailed for 2 days before reaching a Deep Fright feeding area. They geared up and descended into the depths, 5 minutes of slipping into the dark later they arrived at the floor harpoon guns and nets at the ready.
Haligan followed his father with 2 of his friends behind him, the air in his helmet felt dense and sweat rolled down his brow. He was scared but ready.
In the murky depths, it appeared like a winter landscape. The marine snow slowly falling and reflecting off their flashlights beams. Shadowy figures graced the edge of their vision, carcasses or smaller scavengers patrolled the depths uninterested in the group. At the edge of their vision larger figure materialized. It towered over them by at least 3 men as it strode along the floor stripping it of its decayed loot. Haligan was stunned, this beast was nothing like what he had been told of. His father suddenly stopped and motioned for the group to hid. They moved quickly to some fallen carcasses avoiding the figures gaze. But as they got a better look, a painful realization finally set in. They had ventured too deep and now faced a much more difficult threat. The Floor Stalker stopped and rose up to its full height, its antenna slowly whipping around as it sensed their presence.
They all sat still for a moment, fear or shock gripping them as they laid still. Haligan watched it's uneasy dance across the sea floor, each foot fall kicking up a white puff of sand and material. It loitered in between the two groups before eventually looking towards his fathers hiding area. Spurred by fear of loss and bravery, the young fisherman emerged from his spot, to his partners surprise, and fired a harpoon at the beast. It went wide but drew its attention away from the other two. His partner having come to his senses aimed and fired as well, this time striking true and nailing the creature in one of its legs. It seemed to buckle, only for a moment, before regaining its balance. A low and deep rumble was felt as the crab bellowed in pain and anger into the depths.
It began a much faster approach to its assailant's. As they reloaded another 2 harpoons were sent its way from the other group. Both striking the beast in the rear, one hitting what could pass as an artery, causing a plume of violet-blue to to jet from the creature. Another bellow as the creature screamed in pain but pressed its attack. It continued to race towards Halligans position prompting him and his partner to run. The air in his helmet became warm and his visor began to fog as he dragged himself forwards the weight of the suit making every step linger as he hoisted himself through the water. The man to his side tripped and as Halligan stopped to assist him his eyes for a moment darted right. His blood ran cold as he hastily hoisted the man up, shouting "GET UP ISAAC!" so loud, the other man may have actually been able to hear him. He panic fired with one hand missing as the creature descended upon them. Isaac hit the dirt again as a large claw snapped right where he was before.
Haligan followed his father with 2 of his friends behind him, the air in his helmet felt dense and sweat rolled down his brow. He was scared but ready.
In the murky depths, it appeared like a winter landscape. The marine snow slowly falling and reflecting off their flashlights beams. Shadowy figures graced the edge of their vision, carcasses or smaller scavengers patrolled the depths uninterested in the group. At the edge of their vision larger figure materialized. It towered over them by at least 3 men as it strode along the floor stripping it of its decayed loot. Haligan was stunned, this beast was nothing like what he had been told of. His father suddenly stopped and motioned for the group to hid. They moved quickly to some fallen carcasses avoiding the figures gaze. But as they got a better look, a painful realization finally set in. They had ventured too deep and now faced a much more difficult threat. The Floor Stalker stopped and rose up to its full height, its antenna slowly whipping around as it sensed their presence.
They all sat still for a moment, fear or shock gripping them as they laid still. Haligan watched it's uneasy dance across the sea floor, each foot fall kicking up a white puff of sand and material. It loitered in between the two groups before eventually looking towards his fathers hiding area. Spurred by fear of loss and bravery, the young fisherman emerged from his spot, to his partners surprise, and fired a harpoon at the beast. It went wide but drew its attention away from the other two. His partner having come to his senses aimed and fired as well, this time striking true and nailing the creature in one of its legs. It seemed to buckle, only for a moment, before regaining its balance. A low and deep rumble was felt as the crab bellowed in pain and anger into the depths.
It began a much faster approach to its assailant's. As they reloaded another 2 harpoons were sent its way from the other group. Both striking the beast in the rear, one hitting what could pass as an artery, causing a plume of violet-blue to to jet from the creature. Another bellow as the creature screamed in pain but pressed its attack. It continued to race towards Halligans position prompting him and his partner to run. The air in his helmet became warm and his visor began to fog as he dragged himself forwards the weight of the suit making every step linger as he hoisted himself through the water. The man to his side tripped and as Halligan stopped to assist him his eyes for a moment darted right. His blood ran cold as he hastily hoisted the man up, shouting "GET UP ISAAC!" so loud, the other man may have actually been able to hear him. He panic fired with one hand missing as the creature descended upon them. Isaac hit the dirt again as a large claw snapped right where he was before.