http://karuka-ikashi.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
karuka-ikashi.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
hetalia2012-03-24 02:40 am
karuka-ikashi.livejournal.com) wrote in hetalia2012-03-24 02:40 am
Entry tags:
[FIC] Initiation (5/6)
Title: Initiation
Chapter: Four, The Duel
Characters: Romano, Spain
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure, AU
Rating: T for violence and the dragon’s mouth
Verse inspired by this RP
Summary: Lovino is a dragon trapped in human form who was once considered the property of an evil wizard. When Captain Antonio rescues him and brings him to join his pirates, Lovino must undergo a series of tests in order to become an official member of the crew.
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
“Everything’s been prepared,” Antonio said. Was his voice shaking? If it was, it immediately stopped as he addressed his men. “Mis marinos! It’s time for us to begin the next phase of this initiation. As you know, to be a true pirate takes not only nerves and wit- it also requires strength. Tonight a fight will take place, and the victor of that fight will get to choose whether the loser lives or dies. Should Lovino succeed, he will move on to the third and final phase.”
Lovino noticed Antonio didn’t mention what would happen should he lose. Would they leave him behind on the island? Would he even be alive to care? Maybe Antonio would find a way around it somehow and let him stay. It seemed like something the idiot would do. But what would the crew think? What does it matter? I’m not going to lose to some pathetic human anyway…
“We need a volunteer,” the captain told them- a demand, not a request. “Who will face Lovino?”
The men looked around at each other, some looking uncomfortable, others sneering. No one dared to look at the dragon for more than a second, though. Lovino’s eyes were narrowed, golden orbs glinting at the crew members challengingly. He put on an intimidating face, daring someone to prove they were brave enough to fight him. He never realized how much satisfaction could be gained from their hesitation. He felt powerful. He felt feared. Most of the men knew better than to underestimate him, though. They all knew some of what he was capable of, but not everything, no…Lovino knew there was a side of him that they had never seen because he had never been provoked enough to show it to them. If they were lucky, he never would be.
Lovino waited, wondering if he’d win by default, when all of a sudden, one man pushed his way forward. The dragon locked eyes with him and scoffed. Really, he should have known. There weren’t many men who had made their hate for him half as clear. Raul glared back at him, standing tall and trying to look menacing before the man smirked slightly.
“I’ll fight him! Though only on one condition…”
Antonio raised an eyebrow.
“And what condition would that be?”
“No fire,” Raul said, curling his lip.
“Heh,” Lovino scoffed. “Are you afraid of getting burned, human?”
“Shut up!” the challenger snarled. “A real pirate should be able to fight like a man without having to rely on cheap tricks!”
Lovino fumed.
“I’ll hardly need to rely on my flame to beat you, bastard!”
“That’s enough,” Antonio said commandingly. “Raul, Lovino’s fire is a perfectly valid weapon, just like your sword. He shouldn’t be banned from using it.”
“You’re just trying to protect him!” Raul accused, anger in his eyes as he faced his captain. “You know a sword is useless unless you can get close to your opponent.”
“Then I suggest you withdraw or find another method of fighting,” the other man answered coldly.
The two glared at each other until Lovino finally let out a growl and stepped between them, looking Raul in the eyes with a fierce expression.
“Fine. I won’t use it. Let’s just get this over with so I can kick your ass and stop your whining.”
“Lovino, no. You don’t have to give in to him,” Antonio told the dragon.
“I’m not giving in to him, dammit! This fight will be over too fast if I just burn him to a crisp, and I was hoping for an actual challenge! This guy will have to do.”
“You talk big, dragon,” Raul sneered, “but you’re nothing more than a little lizard trying to act like a pirate. I’ll cut your scales down to size.” He took out his sword and pointed it threateningly at Lovino. The dragon glared back at him, trying not to flinch. He hated having swords pointed at him- it brought back such horrible memories- but he wouldn’t let himself be intimidated by Raul.
“We’ll see who does the cutting,” he growled as Antonio came up beside him, pressing the hilt of a sword into his hand. Lovino was surprised to see that the man looked rather pale.
“Be careful, Lovino,” he said in a low voice.
The dragon scoffed.
“Like I’m going to lose to him. You don’t need to worry about me, bastard.”
The captain frowned, but he didn’t say anything else. Lovino noticed it was hard for him to be himself when his crew was watching. The dragon guessed it had something to do with keeping his authority and their respect. He gripped the sword tightly, trying to keep his hand from shaking. He really wasn’t much of a swordsman. His training with Antonio had served him well, but he doubted he could best every man on the ship. Seriously doubted it…They all had so much more experience.
Lovino stepped further into the middle of the ring, sweat dripping down the back of his neck. All eyes were on him now. He kept his own gaze focused on Raul, though it was hard to ignore the urge to turn back and see what kind of face Antonio was making. He could sense the captain’s unease, and that, in turn, only made Lovino feel more nervous, which is why he avoided looking at him altogether.
Raul entered the ring just as boldly. He seemed a lot more confident now that Lovino had agreed not to use fire, but the dragon thought that cocky grin on his face was just fucking annoying. I’ll wipe it right off. You won’t be smiling for long, bastard…
The men were starting a round of cheers and taunts. Most of them seemed to be rooting against him, but Raul wasn’t exactly friends with everyone on the ship, and this became clear with the voices that called for him to be mauled. Lovino smirked. The dragon would be all too happy to oblige.
“Are both men ready?” Antonio called.
“There’s only one man here,” Raul muttered under his breath before shouting, “Si!”
Lovino growled and also raised his voice. “I’m ready!”
“Then START!”
Raul didn’t waste any time lunging forward, but Lovino was prepared for him. He stepped out of the way as the larger man swung at him, swinging his own sword in return and just missing the other man’s face as he severed a few hairs. Raul’s eyes went wide and he staggered back, ashamed that Lovino had come so close to hitting him.
“Bastard!” he snarled and leapt at the dragon again. Lovino blocked his next blow, and the steel of their blades clanged against each other, making the dragon flinch at the loud sound, but Lovino kept his focus. He blocked the next swing and pushed back against Raul, trying to knock the other man off-balance, but Raul stood his ground, laughing at the attempt.
“You’re too small for that, idiot!” he taunted. However, Lovino’s opponent had sorely underestimated him. Lovino may have been shorter and less powerful in appearance, but his dragon blood gave him the strength of a man twice his size, when he called on it. He could already feel the power strengthening his muscles now, and as he gave a snarl, he took a step forward and pushed with all his reinforced strength, successfully knocking Raul off his feet. The other man fell hard on the sand, blinking in shock and almost rolling out of the way too slowly as Lovino swung down at him.
“Not so full of yourself now, are you, human?” the dragon taunted.
Raul gritted his teeth and wiped at a small cut on his cheek. The men were laughing and ridiculing him, and even though Lovino got a lot of satisfaction out of making Raul look like a fool, he could tell that the idiot was becoming more and more provoked.
“Damned monster,” he hissed and leapt to his feet, fist clenched tight as he swung his sword at the dragon again. Lovino blocked him, but his opponent pressed himself close, forcing him to hold his ground. There was a shout of warning from Antonio that Lovino almost ignored. His eyes darted towards the captain for one moment, but they came back to Raul instantly and in the next second, were blinded as the other man threw a fistful of sand in his face. Fuck! Lovino staggered back and tried to recover, but Raul wasn’t giving him that opportunity. As fast as he could, he lunged at the other man, blade glinting in the torchlight and moving too swiftly for Lovino to stop it. Were the tables about to turn on him now?
“Lovino!” Antonio shouted, and the crew watched excitedly as the first real blood was spilled.
Lovino’s eyes widened as he cried out in pain, and he clutched the spot where he had been hit on his right upper arm. He held his sword limply at his side and trembled slightly. He was trying so hard to suppress his fear of blades, but now that his hand was covered in warm blood, he was having a difficult time getting himself to move. Wake up, dammit!
Raul sneered. “Liked that, dragon? You can have some more…” He brandished his blade, still spotted red with Lovino’s blood. Lovino gasped and staggered backwards, eyes locked on his enemy’s sword. This was just like that time…but no! There was no fucking way he was going to let it end the same, dammit! Not here! Not against this human.
“Go to hell, bastard!” Lovino snarled, glaring at Raul now. The pirate was unfazed, however. He smirked back at the weakened dragon, leveling his sword at him. His laughter made Lovino bristle in anger.
“Raise your sword, beast. What? You can’t do it? Come now, it’s not that heavy.”
Lovino wanted to tear the man to pieces. He knew Lovino couldn’t use that arm to fight anymore. Well…the dragon had two arms. Quickly, he tossed the sword into his left hand and held it up, pointing it at Raul’s own blade.
Raul only laughed mockingly.
“What’s this? Are you left-handed now?” He swung at Lovino, and the dragon reacted just in time to block. It was harder to coordinate his sword with his non-dominant hand, but Lovino had to try. He wouldn’t let himself be cut by that blade again. The dragon gritted his teeth and struck back, his blade clanging against Raul’s.
“Nice try, dragon.” The pirate pushed back hard against him. “But I think it’s time we ended this.”
Lovino’s breath hitched as Raul pulled back suddenly, causing him to stumble. While the dragon struggled to regain his footing, Raul swiped at his hand, leaving a deep cut there. Lovino cried out, but held onto the hilt stubbornly, blood running down his arm. He leapt back and swung his sword as Raul lunged for him, striking the other man’s nose. Raul yelled angrily and cursed at the dragon, lip curled back in rage. There was murder in his eyes, but Lovino was too angry and full of adrenaline to care. Though the wound he had inflicted was small, it was a start to the damage he now intended to follow it up with. He ignored the pain in his hand and swung at Raul again, catching him in a lock. Lovino’s superior strength gave him the advantage, but Raul was pushing back at him with more strength than the dragon expected. Lovino took a step forward, forcing him to back off a little, but Raul sneered at the dragon’s shaking hands and suddenly withdrew, taking all resistance with him, but this time, in addition, he swung at the back of his opponent’s head. Lovino ducked quickly, losing his balance and falling face first into the sand. Dammit!
Raul kicked Lovino’s sword out of his injured hand and pointed his own weapon down at him. The dragon froze, eyes widened in shock. No…I can’t lose! His heart was pounding as Raul laughed down at him.
“You really thought you could win, monstruo?” He leaned down a bit so only Lovino could hear the words he uttered. “There’s no way I’d ever let you live. Your very existence is an abomination. Time to send you to hell, demon.”
He raised his sword and prepared to deliver the final blow, but just as he brought it down, Lovino rolled out of the way, ignoring Antonio’s panicked shouts. Just because he had lost his weapon didn’t mean he was defenseless. Quickly, he swung his legs around and made contact with the back of Raul’s knees. It was a move he had practiced during combat training and a very effective one, at that. The pirate went tumbling down and Lovino sprang onto his back, pinning him against the sand and quickly drawing a dagger from his belt and pressing it against Raul’s neck with a trembling, yet firm hand.
“Looks like you’ll be going there before me,” he growled, keeping his knees planted firmly on Raul’s arms to immobilize them. Raul froze in shock as he felt the cold steel pressed against his skin. There were excited murmurs and shouts of surprise from the men surrounding him. Only Antonio remained quiet, smirking silently as he approached the two.
“Looks like you’ve been bested, Raul. Well, Lovino? His life is yours to take if you choose. What will you do?”
Lovino glared down at the defeated man beneath him. He felt the pain in his hand and shoulder that his enemy was responsible for. Inside, he was still burning with anger for all the taunts the arrogant man had taken pleasure in baiting him with. And yet, as all the men stood with their gazes set heavily upon him, Lovino finally pulled the dagger away from Raul’s throat and rose to his feet.
“Let him keep his pathetic life. There’s no reason to cut down our number- it just means more work for the rest of us, dammit. Besides,” he added, turning to smirk at the loser mockingly, “I’ll enjoy seeing that defeated look on your face for a while longer. Don’t forget who gave you your life, human.”
Raul bristled and immediately grabbed for his sword.
“I WON’T OWE YOU ANYTHING, BASTARD!” he bellowed and leapt to his feet, charging for Lovino.
Antonio put himself in between them, but Lovino took a step around the captain and opened his mouth, letting loose a stream of flame. Raul let out a cry as the flames engulfed him and fell down onto the beach again, rolling back and forth to extinguish the fire burning his clothing. His crewmates kicked sand on him helpfully.
“Well done, Lovino,” the captain chuckled. “Those burns will remind him not to be such a sore loser.”
The dragon scoffed.
“He was asking for it…What happens now, bastard? There’s still one more thing I have to do, right?”
“Right,” Antonio replied with a smile. “But first we need to get you cleaned up.
Oye! Marinos! Back to the ship! We’ll prepare for the last part of the ceremony on the main deck! Anda!”
Ceremony? Lovino thought tiredly. The blood loss was getting to him, but Antonio was already taking care of that by removing the dragon’s shirt and tying it around his shoulder. The captain tore a piece from the already-ruined fabric and wrapped it around Lovino’s hand as well.
“Hang in there for a while, Lovi. We’ll get you the first aid kit.” The dragon groaned, thinking of having that smelly ointment spread on him once again. The crew piled into the rowboats to return to the anchored ship. Before Antonio and Lovino entered theirs, however, the captain leaned close to the dragon’s ear and whispered something only he could hear in a low voice warm with approval.
“I’m proud of you."
TBC
Chapter: Four, The Duel
Characters: Romano, Spain
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure, AU
Rating: T for violence and the dragon’s mouth
Verse inspired by this RP
Summary: Lovino is a dragon trapped in human form who was once considered the property of an evil wizard. When Captain Antonio rescues him and brings him to join his pirates, Lovino must undergo a series of tests in order to become an official member of the crew.
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4: The Duel
Torches lit the sandy beach as the crew gathered and formed a ring around Lovino. The challenger had yet to be chosen, but the dragon knew it would most likely be one of the men who were the most eager to be rid of him. Antonio had moved all the men further down the shore to a spot on the beach that was a bit more secluded, should any strangers wander by. Lovino was still nervous about being chased by the humans he had stolen from earlier, but the captain had reassured him that he would watch out for everyone and keep the crew safe. Now they were ready to begin the next test. Even though the dragon was confident, Lovino had to admit he was a bit nervous as well. Okay, very nervous. So fucking nervous, but he dared not let it show.“Everything’s been prepared,” Antonio said. Was his voice shaking? If it was, it immediately stopped as he addressed his men. “Mis marinos! It’s time for us to begin the next phase of this initiation. As you know, to be a true pirate takes not only nerves and wit- it also requires strength. Tonight a fight will take place, and the victor of that fight will get to choose whether the loser lives or dies. Should Lovino succeed, he will move on to the third and final phase.”
Lovino noticed Antonio didn’t mention what would happen should he lose. Would they leave him behind on the island? Would he even be alive to care? Maybe Antonio would find a way around it somehow and let him stay. It seemed like something the idiot would do. But what would the crew think? What does it matter? I’m not going to lose to some pathetic human anyway…
“We need a volunteer,” the captain told them- a demand, not a request. “Who will face Lovino?”
The men looked around at each other, some looking uncomfortable, others sneering. No one dared to look at the dragon for more than a second, though. Lovino’s eyes were narrowed, golden orbs glinting at the crew members challengingly. He put on an intimidating face, daring someone to prove they were brave enough to fight him. He never realized how much satisfaction could be gained from their hesitation. He felt powerful. He felt feared. Most of the men knew better than to underestimate him, though. They all knew some of what he was capable of, but not everything, no…Lovino knew there was a side of him that they had never seen because he had never been provoked enough to show it to them. If they were lucky, he never would be.
Lovino waited, wondering if he’d win by default, when all of a sudden, one man pushed his way forward. The dragon locked eyes with him and scoffed. Really, he should have known. There weren’t many men who had made their hate for him half as clear. Raul glared back at him, standing tall and trying to look menacing before the man smirked slightly.
“I’ll fight him! Though only on one condition…”
Antonio raised an eyebrow.
“And what condition would that be?”
“No fire,” Raul said, curling his lip.
“Heh,” Lovino scoffed. “Are you afraid of getting burned, human?”
“Shut up!” the challenger snarled. “A real pirate should be able to fight like a man without having to rely on cheap tricks!”
Lovino fumed.
“I’ll hardly need to rely on my flame to beat you, bastard!”
“That’s enough,” Antonio said commandingly. “Raul, Lovino’s fire is a perfectly valid weapon, just like your sword. He shouldn’t be banned from using it.”
“You’re just trying to protect him!” Raul accused, anger in his eyes as he faced his captain. “You know a sword is useless unless you can get close to your opponent.”
“Then I suggest you withdraw or find another method of fighting,” the other man answered coldly.
The two glared at each other until Lovino finally let out a growl and stepped between them, looking Raul in the eyes with a fierce expression.
“Fine. I won’t use it. Let’s just get this over with so I can kick your ass and stop your whining.”
“Lovino, no. You don’t have to give in to him,” Antonio told the dragon.
“I’m not giving in to him, dammit! This fight will be over too fast if I just burn him to a crisp, and I was hoping for an actual challenge! This guy will have to do.”
“You talk big, dragon,” Raul sneered, “but you’re nothing more than a little lizard trying to act like a pirate. I’ll cut your scales down to size.” He took out his sword and pointed it threateningly at Lovino. The dragon glared back at him, trying not to flinch. He hated having swords pointed at him- it brought back such horrible memories- but he wouldn’t let himself be intimidated by Raul.
“We’ll see who does the cutting,” he growled as Antonio came up beside him, pressing the hilt of a sword into his hand. Lovino was surprised to see that the man looked rather pale.
“Be careful, Lovino,” he said in a low voice.
The dragon scoffed.
“Like I’m going to lose to him. You don’t need to worry about me, bastard.”
The captain frowned, but he didn’t say anything else. Lovino noticed it was hard for him to be himself when his crew was watching. The dragon guessed it had something to do with keeping his authority and their respect. He gripped the sword tightly, trying to keep his hand from shaking. He really wasn’t much of a swordsman. His training with Antonio had served him well, but he doubted he could best every man on the ship. Seriously doubted it…They all had so much more experience.
Lovino stepped further into the middle of the ring, sweat dripping down the back of his neck. All eyes were on him now. He kept his own gaze focused on Raul, though it was hard to ignore the urge to turn back and see what kind of face Antonio was making. He could sense the captain’s unease, and that, in turn, only made Lovino feel more nervous, which is why he avoided looking at him altogether.
Raul entered the ring just as boldly. He seemed a lot more confident now that Lovino had agreed not to use fire, but the dragon thought that cocky grin on his face was just fucking annoying. I’ll wipe it right off. You won’t be smiling for long, bastard…
The men were starting a round of cheers and taunts. Most of them seemed to be rooting against him, but Raul wasn’t exactly friends with everyone on the ship, and this became clear with the voices that called for him to be mauled. Lovino smirked. The dragon would be all too happy to oblige.
“Are both men ready?” Antonio called.
“There’s only one man here,” Raul muttered under his breath before shouting, “Si!”
Lovino growled and also raised his voice. “I’m ready!”
“Then START!”
Raul didn’t waste any time lunging forward, but Lovino was prepared for him. He stepped out of the way as the larger man swung at him, swinging his own sword in return and just missing the other man’s face as he severed a few hairs. Raul’s eyes went wide and he staggered back, ashamed that Lovino had come so close to hitting him.
“Bastard!” he snarled and leapt at the dragon again. Lovino blocked his next blow, and the steel of their blades clanged against each other, making the dragon flinch at the loud sound, but Lovino kept his focus. He blocked the next swing and pushed back against Raul, trying to knock the other man off-balance, but Raul stood his ground, laughing at the attempt.
“You’re too small for that, idiot!” he taunted. However, Lovino’s opponent had sorely underestimated him. Lovino may have been shorter and less powerful in appearance, but his dragon blood gave him the strength of a man twice his size, when he called on it. He could already feel the power strengthening his muscles now, and as he gave a snarl, he took a step forward and pushed with all his reinforced strength, successfully knocking Raul off his feet. The other man fell hard on the sand, blinking in shock and almost rolling out of the way too slowly as Lovino swung down at him.
“Not so full of yourself now, are you, human?” the dragon taunted.
Raul gritted his teeth and wiped at a small cut on his cheek. The men were laughing and ridiculing him, and even though Lovino got a lot of satisfaction out of making Raul look like a fool, he could tell that the idiot was becoming more and more provoked.
“Damned monster,” he hissed and leapt to his feet, fist clenched tight as he swung his sword at the dragon again. Lovino blocked him, but his opponent pressed himself close, forcing him to hold his ground. There was a shout of warning from Antonio that Lovino almost ignored. His eyes darted towards the captain for one moment, but they came back to Raul instantly and in the next second, were blinded as the other man threw a fistful of sand in his face. Fuck! Lovino staggered back and tried to recover, but Raul wasn’t giving him that opportunity. As fast as he could, he lunged at the other man, blade glinting in the torchlight and moving too swiftly for Lovino to stop it. Were the tables about to turn on him now?
“Lovino!” Antonio shouted, and the crew watched excitedly as the first real blood was spilled.
Lovino’s eyes widened as he cried out in pain, and he clutched the spot where he had been hit on his right upper arm. He held his sword limply at his side and trembled slightly. He was trying so hard to suppress his fear of blades, but now that his hand was covered in warm blood, he was having a difficult time getting himself to move. Wake up, dammit!
Raul sneered. “Liked that, dragon? You can have some more…” He brandished his blade, still spotted red with Lovino’s blood. Lovino gasped and staggered backwards, eyes locked on his enemy’s sword. This was just like that time…but no! There was no fucking way he was going to let it end the same, dammit! Not here! Not against this human.
“Go to hell, bastard!” Lovino snarled, glaring at Raul now. The pirate was unfazed, however. He smirked back at the weakened dragon, leveling his sword at him. His laughter made Lovino bristle in anger.
“Raise your sword, beast. What? You can’t do it? Come now, it’s not that heavy.”
Lovino wanted to tear the man to pieces. He knew Lovino couldn’t use that arm to fight anymore. Well…the dragon had two arms. Quickly, he tossed the sword into his left hand and held it up, pointing it at Raul’s own blade.
Raul only laughed mockingly.
“What’s this? Are you left-handed now?” He swung at Lovino, and the dragon reacted just in time to block. It was harder to coordinate his sword with his non-dominant hand, but Lovino had to try. He wouldn’t let himself be cut by that blade again. The dragon gritted his teeth and struck back, his blade clanging against Raul’s.
“Nice try, dragon.” The pirate pushed back hard against him. “But I think it’s time we ended this.”
Lovino’s breath hitched as Raul pulled back suddenly, causing him to stumble. While the dragon struggled to regain his footing, Raul swiped at his hand, leaving a deep cut there. Lovino cried out, but held onto the hilt stubbornly, blood running down his arm. He leapt back and swung his sword as Raul lunged for him, striking the other man’s nose. Raul yelled angrily and cursed at the dragon, lip curled back in rage. There was murder in his eyes, but Lovino was too angry and full of adrenaline to care. Though the wound he had inflicted was small, it was a start to the damage he now intended to follow it up with. He ignored the pain in his hand and swung at Raul again, catching him in a lock. Lovino’s superior strength gave him the advantage, but Raul was pushing back at him with more strength than the dragon expected. Lovino took a step forward, forcing him to back off a little, but Raul sneered at the dragon’s shaking hands and suddenly withdrew, taking all resistance with him, but this time, in addition, he swung at the back of his opponent’s head. Lovino ducked quickly, losing his balance and falling face first into the sand. Dammit!
Raul kicked Lovino’s sword out of his injured hand and pointed his own weapon down at him. The dragon froze, eyes widened in shock. No…I can’t lose! His heart was pounding as Raul laughed down at him.
“You really thought you could win, monstruo?” He leaned down a bit so only Lovino could hear the words he uttered. “There’s no way I’d ever let you live. Your very existence is an abomination. Time to send you to hell, demon.”
He raised his sword and prepared to deliver the final blow, but just as he brought it down, Lovino rolled out of the way, ignoring Antonio’s panicked shouts. Just because he had lost his weapon didn’t mean he was defenseless. Quickly, he swung his legs around and made contact with the back of Raul’s knees. It was a move he had practiced during combat training and a very effective one, at that. The pirate went tumbling down and Lovino sprang onto his back, pinning him against the sand and quickly drawing a dagger from his belt and pressing it against Raul’s neck with a trembling, yet firm hand.
“Looks like you’ll be going there before me,” he growled, keeping his knees planted firmly on Raul’s arms to immobilize them. Raul froze in shock as he felt the cold steel pressed against his skin. There were excited murmurs and shouts of surprise from the men surrounding him. Only Antonio remained quiet, smirking silently as he approached the two.
“Looks like you’ve been bested, Raul. Well, Lovino? His life is yours to take if you choose. What will you do?”
Lovino glared down at the defeated man beneath him. He felt the pain in his hand and shoulder that his enemy was responsible for. Inside, he was still burning with anger for all the taunts the arrogant man had taken pleasure in baiting him with. And yet, as all the men stood with their gazes set heavily upon him, Lovino finally pulled the dagger away from Raul’s throat and rose to his feet.
“Let him keep his pathetic life. There’s no reason to cut down our number- it just means more work for the rest of us, dammit. Besides,” he added, turning to smirk at the loser mockingly, “I’ll enjoy seeing that defeated look on your face for a while longer. Don’t forget who gave you your life, human.”
Raul bristled and immediately grabbed for his sword.
“I WON’T OWE YOU ANYTHING, BASTARD!” he bellowed and leapt to his feet, charging for Lovino.
Antonio put himself in between them, but Lovino took a step around the captain and opened his mouth, letting loose a stream of flame. Raul let out a cry as the flames engulfed him and fell down onto the beach again, rolling back and forth to extinguish the fire burning his clothing. His crewmates kicked sand on him helpfully.
“Well done, Lovino,” the captain chuckled. “Those burns will remind him not to be such a sore loser.”
The dragon scoffed.
“He was asking for it…What happens now, bastard? There’s still one more thing I have to do, right?”
“Right,” Antonio replied with a smile. “But first we need to get you cleaned up.
Oye! Marinos! Back to the ship! We’ll prepare for the last part of the ceremony on the main deck! Anda!”
Ceremony? Lovino thought tiredly. The blood loss was getting to him, but Antonio was already taking care of that by removing the dragon’s shirt and tying it around his shoulder. The captain tore a piece from the already-ruined fabric and wrapped it around Lovino’s hand as well.
“Hang in there for a while, Lovi. We’ll get you the first aid kit.” The dragon groaned, thinking of having that smelly ointment spread on him once again. The crew piled into the rowboats to return to the anchored ship. Before Antonio and Lovino entered theirs, however, the captain leaned close to the dragon’s ear and whispered something only he could hear in a low voice warm with approval.
“I’m proud of you."
TBC