dapper overpowered sea creature

One drag, that's all it took....take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find.

[dahaiyuan-blog]

On Strange Tides: Closed RP [ dahaiyuan ]

[dahaiyuan-blog]

"….eh….you could have done all of that, but you didn’t, no? So that means that I can trust you - but I’ll take that in mind. Thank you for the advice. 

Ah - I see. I’ll remember your name well, Idate!”

Wadanohara’s eyes crinkle in mirth at his comment, and she raises a hand to the little white sailor’s cap atop her head as soft laughter bubbles forth from her lips. Has she forgotten about his very recent attempt to take a bite out of her? Possibly - the little Witch has always been quick to forgive others, usually, and such are the rules of the oceans, are they not? 

No, she does not have the slightest inkling of what the orca is truly thinking, nor does she have the ability of Witches greater in power and age to capture the tenors of his mind. But she notes that he seems to be considering the idea - and he has swum extremely far from his home; is he alone? - so she’ll extend an offer to him if he’s willing to consider. After all, she is essentially familiarless now, and that is a very bad showing for all the denizens in her charge…

"I am a Witch, actually! The Japan Sea is my domain, so… - are there no others, where you come from?" 

Curiously, she leans in a little closer to examine the little stick he’s holding between his fingers, then pulls back once she catches the pungent odor of the strange-smelling smoke emitting from it.

"That smells - bad…" 

[killeroftheseas]

He shakes his head, but lets out a chuckle all the same. So trusting. He wonders how long it will last. He tilts his head to one side momentarily, considering her question. "Yes...but I travel alone. Pod life was too stifling for me."

Though his inflection doesn't change, an edge of finality in his tone indicates that this particular line of questioning is over. It appears he doesn't like discussing past personal details too much. The orca instead switches the focus back on Wadanohara. "What about you? You're out here all alone. Seems like someone with a title and a domain would have followers or guards or something."

Maybe they're dead. Or maybe she's strong enough to handle things on her own. Doubtful, however. She's certainly got some power, he'll give her that much, but she's still far too young and inexperienced. Could be this place isn't quite as hostile an environment as other seas he's passed through. It would certainly explain how she's been out here by herself all this time and not been eaten. Noting the small Witch's interest in his favourite hobby (aside from exerting his will over other creatures, of course), he takes a deep drag and tilts his head back, expelling a cloud of smoke into the air. "It does, doesn't it? You get used to it. This is a cigarette, a human invention. People on land use it to relax, or so I've heard. Me, I use it to dull my hunger. Except sometimes, when I use it to enhance a successful hunt."

The dangerous grin returns. The properties of whatever is in the cigarettes, a fact that eludes Idate at present though he believes he learned the names of the substances at one point, are particularly useful to keep his appetites in check on occasion. After all, it doesn't pay to kill or eat everything he comes across all the time: he's no mindless shark. Then again, these same properties also add a nice, sharp tang that accentuates the euphoric feelings he experiences in the aftermath of a meal or killing spree.

[killeroftheseas]

bye orca

"I’ll stay on longer, just because you said that. Why don’t you stop cowering back there and face me? Come forward, let me see who you are, traitor."

[dahaiyuan-blog]

On Strange Tides: Closed RP [ dahaiyuan ]

[dahaiyuan-blog]

Wadanohara’s turned away from the orca by then, first putting the staff back into her inventory and then tending to her own wound, though she still listens intently to him as she repeats the entire process on herself. The little nip he’s taken out of her isn’t half as bad as his own injury had been, so it only takes a few moments before the torn skin repairs itself under that same faint glow. Not even a full breath used.

 ”Mn…Samekichi - …my familiar, well, he didn’t have much aptitude for it either, when we first formed the bond, but eventually he managed to gain abilities of his own. I’m not too sure of it myself, but I think anyone can learn spells as long as they use a Witch’s power.” 

It’s something that she’ll have to reconfirm with Tatsumiya later, once she’s returned to her own domain. That is, if he’s really interested and all. 

His next piece of advice is not something she agrees with, however. A small frown creases her brow, and she’s too quick to answer the moment the cetacean finishes, clearly misunderstanding. 

"But I couldn’t just leave you like that, could I? You really were bleeding heavily, and needed it. Besides, you weren’t planning to attack me again, right…? 

Although it’s true that we don’t know each other yet. I don’t think I got around to introducing myself - my name’s Wadanohara. Of the Japan Sea.” 

[killeroftheseas]

The prospect of learning new abilities intrigues him, especially if they're of a magical nature. Naturally, the first thought that comes to mind is how they would be applied in a combat situation. He's managed to do very well so far with only his own brute strength and cunning but who's to say some unnatural variety wouldn't spice things up a little? Not to mention open up the possibility of facing different, stronger competitors. For one who has scaled to the very top of the food chain and found it lacking, the thought alone is tantalising. "Is that so? In that case, I should probably find myself a Witch, then."

He's not particularly fussy about the whole bond issue, whatever that might entail. It's not that he can't fathom the ramifications of making such a far-reaching, potentially life-changing choice. Rather, it simply doesn't cross his mind that it should be something to worry over. He has lived his whole life with absolute and unwavering self-confidence, backed up by his innate prowess and a staggering amount of ego. Let the weak be crippled by doubt and fear. He is the greatest, most efficient killer to ever swim the seas. Nothing is beyond him. He shakes his head at the young humanoid's earnest response. As green as seaweed. Still, he supposes, better she learn late than never. As he speaks again, he pulls out a cigarette from his jacket's inside pocket and deftly lights it. "No, but you couldn't know that. Had I felt less merciful, I would have cut you to ribbons. Besides, it could have just been a ruse to lure you in. Backing down and making your wounds seem worse than they are is a very old trick. Always keep your guard up around creatures you don't completely trust."

He nevertheless allows a slight smile to manifest when she introduces herself. "I've been called a lot of things so far. Usually no one bothers asking for my name, they just run. Call me Idate. I'm from the Arctic, to the far north."

The day has taken an unexpected turn. Instead of making a meal of this not-quite-human, although a morsel would be a more accurate description, he's instead talking to and, somehow, befriending her. His gut tells him to be patient and wait. The orca sees no reason to object.

[orcinuslady]

She could have sighed in disappointment when she thought he was making excuses, but when he returned her challenge, the glint returned in her eyes. She was glad to see that manhood had not dimmed his fire at least.

She made a “Hmph” noise, an almost chuckle, and took another puff of her cigarette. "You know…. I think I would," she responded. She found herself looking forward to this contest. She studied the male orca again. This may prove more interesting than what she had initially thought… "Where should I start?" she asked.

[killeroftheseas]

All things considered, it's not a difficult selection. One name is at the top of the list and, while Idate wouldn't mind taking care of it personally, he already has several irons in the fire. Besides, this is someone that has been on the receiving end of his attentions once before and if they meet again...well, suffice it to say, there won't be a third encounter. Let her have some fun with him, first. "Try this: a piddly little bottom-dweller named Samekichi. Barely worth bothering with, honestly, but he is a shark. You might get some use out of him. But, whatever you do, don't kill him. That pleasure's mine alone." An evil smile snakes across his face. "Although you could probably stay and watch. It can be nice to have an audience..." The orca regards a kill-steal as the height of bad form. Especially if the prey in question has already been tasted. And considering the absolute, seething hatred he bears for this particularly pathetic specimen, a breach of etiquette here would undoubtedly have consequences. Dire consequences. Nevertheless, as long as this one condition is respected, he's more than happy to share.

[killeroftheseas]

Would you kill SAL?

"In a heartbeat."

[greatdaimajo]

First the little Sea Witch, and now the prized creature wandering in that Sea of hers. Really, this is shaping up to be a most interesting day indeed — and all because one of her familiars had overturned her cauldrons while attempting to flee with secrets of her birth and true origin.

Interesting, that she did regret devouring him so soon afterwards in a fit of rage; she could have given him to the orca, made him fight for his life and added more red to the water. It would have been a fitting punishment. Entertaining too, a nice way to set an example for all of her other familiars. 

Though the orca has caught her in quite a foul mood, now that she’s recalling this incident, having simmered with anger throughout her entire exchange with the younger Witch. As he approaches her bored expression holds firm for the moment, and she studies him in all his unkempt glory, breathes in the metallic sweet scent of fiər lingering in the spilled blood of his unfortunate victims. 

"The spell was mine, yes. Though not originally intended for Wadanohara’s domain… —" 

A smile breaks across her face just then as she steps right up in his face, seizing him squarely by his jaw and dragging his face forcefully downwards to her eye level in one swift motion. 

" — I do not have any obligation to deal with you, however. You could turn her entire kingdom upside down and dye all of it as red as it was once before, and perhaps then you will be satisfied. To be so bold as to come to me, however, expecting me to grant you respite…"

"I could drain you dry, since you have left it up to me. Or mix your own blood into the mess you’ve dragged along with you, hm?” 

[killeroftheseas]

The orca doesn't offer any resistance, although he does hold her gaze unflichingly. He wouldn't be fazed if he was in his right mind and, as he is now, he's bold as can be, suicidally so. He smiles a vicious smile, halfway between ravenous hunger and blazing desire.

"You could do that. But you won't. And I'll tell you why: if you got rid of me too soon, you'd be bored again. Be honest, who else dares speak to you like this? You've got everyone terrified of you. Walking on eggshells around you just to make sure they don't incur your wrath, right? But there's no sport in that. Worms and sycophants. Not me. I challenge you, regardless of the danger, and you like it." Further cementing his possibly insane level of confidence, he raises a hand and grabs hold of the arm the Great Witch is using to hold him. He immediately feels a spark there, a connection that sends an excited shiver down his spine. She is truly the greatest predator he has ever faced. No, he's not letting this go for anything. Let her kill him if she must. To seal the deal and complete the trifecta of stupidly brave actions, he moves his face closer to hers, now inches away. "Whether you admit it or not, it's too entertaining having me around to destroy me. So why not join in the fun, instead? In any case, your resistance only makes me harder."

And indeed it does. It would be awkward for anyone else. Uncomfortable, even. Possibly mortifying. Not for him. Idate's in full-on bloodlust mode, revelling in his true nature.

[dahaiyuan-blog]

"….mn…."

Wadanohara pauses, allows herself a few moments of silence to consider and mull over his words. She’s positive that most of the residents in her Sea don’t truly need her protection and can handle themselves for the most part, but there are some things that only she can do. And while she can now hold her head high with the knowledge that she has become much stronger over the years, she is still young compared to the likes of Chlomaki, or other Witches. There is still so much to learn, this she knows very well.

"…you’re right, Mr Orca. It is my first priority. I don’t think I want to slip up a second time…”

Ah, how unsuspecting she had been, how clueless. How could she possibly have known where to look back then, even if she had detected danger?  

An enigmatic smile creeps over her lips, but her gaze falters slightly to betray her discomfort when she begins to understand what he means. Those terrible events that had almost robbed her of everything she held dear are indelible memories that she will carry now for the rest of her existence, serving as lingering reminders of the consequences one moment of gullibility and naivete had resulted in, even if they no longer have the power to bring her to her knees. 

"It’s an admirable thing you have, not being swayed by any one influence," Wadanohara muses. "I’d like to say that I’m much more resilient now, but…who knows.

And it’s a small comfort, but I’ll take it. I should be glad that you’re too obvious a danger for me to suspect if anything happens here, right? Fufu…”

[killeroftheseas]

He nods approvingly. She's learning, at least, making progress at her own pace. When she finally reaches her zenith, she'll really be something. Worthy enough to fight again, this time no holds barred. Worthy enough to kill, even... He returns from his murderous reverie. Not yet. Let her grow strong. When she's able to fully understand and appreciate it. There'll be no need for explanations then. Just the meeting of two powerful souls on the battlefield. "Nothing to it" he replies quite nonchalantly. "It's a state of mind as much as it's relying on your own strength. Could even teach you how."

Resisting the influence of others, subtle or direct, magical or mundane, all require the same approach. He allows them to wash over him, but never change him. Just like he let the Red Sea wash over him. After all, something only has power over you as long as you let it. Its promises were empty to him; he already had what he wanted and never denied his true nature. The pensive expression disappears from his face, heralding the return of the roguish grin. "That's one way to look at it. You know what my motives are, I make no secret of them. I don't skulk in the shadows or hide behind false appearances. What you see is what you get. No, little witch, it's those closest to you, the ones you'd never expect, that you should be wary of. Watch your back."

Whether she gets the hint or not, it's not his responsibility to babysit her. While he has his suspicions of those in her inner circle, she needs to understand on her own. Once she looks, opens her eyes, and really sees what's there, she'll know. Sentiment blinds even the most shrewd.

[orcinuslady]

She casually stuck a hand in her pocket, eyebrows raised, but not too much. She made a “hmm” sound, and looked the male orca up and down.

"Indeed…" she said, but her tone indicated that she wasn’t at all surprised. She had seen enough in this vast ocean, the dead rising, the waters turning red, fools, witches. She had taken it all in her stride, and she wasn’t about to be surprised now. "Seems rather calm around here, though…." she remarked, watching her cigarette as she dropped the ashes, "You must be losing your touch," there was a glint in her eye, a challenge, and her smirk widened into a toothy grin.

[killeroftheseas]

It really is like talking to a mirror. Everything is reflected back, not quite the same, but similar enough. He knows what she'll say almost before she even says it. Or maybe he just knows himself that well. In any case, he shrugs theatrically at her remark. "Hasn't really been anything worth the effort." He meets her gaze and returns it with his own. "And there still isn't, so far. Care to change that?" If she's anything like him, she won't turn down the opportunity for a contest between them. He stands there and waits, both hands in his pockets, for what the other orca will do. The gauntlet has been thrown.

[killeroftheseas]

....you are now closer to human. - otheroceanfukami

"Looks that way. And since humans are capable of doing so many bad things…guess who’s next on the list?”

[dahaiyuan-blog]

On Strange Tides: Closed RP [ dahaiyuan ]

[dahaiyuan-blog]

"….mn…."

Such a strange person, indeed. Wadanohara has never met anyone quite like him, so detached from their pain and being so completely indifferent to his own condition. Even Samekichi in one of his all-or-nothing moods would be gritting his teeth or wincing if he ever sustained an injury like this. 

But she listens intently anyway, and files his words away so that she can mull over them at a later date. After all, she’s lived under the protection of other loving people for so long, and it’s high time she sought out other sources of knowledge. As long as the orca doesn’t try anything like this again she is open and receptive to anything he has to say. And what he thinks about pain…well, this is new to her. She’s never had to worry about having to endure it to such degrees, as far as she can recall. A luxury that many other denizens do not have, for sure. 

The young Witch swallows just then to clear her throat, before stepping up towards him. Healing spells are rather simple compared to others, though she’s not as good at them as she should be - it takes her some time to retrieve the right set of notes, and to string them together just as she raises her hands.

"Okay then, this won’t really hurt, I think…"

If she were better at casting such spells, she wouldn’t require use of her fingers or more than 1 single note, and the whole process would be over much more quickly. As it is now, she closes her eyes; arms outstretched and aiming towards that nasty gash - and begins to hum a chord in one long breath. 

It’s not at all flashy, or particularly exciting. Just a soft, silvery glow akin to moonlight as she enchants the torn flesh, willing it with her voice to knit back together, to keep more blood from seeping outwards.

And it’s over as soon as she runs out of breath and moves away from him, checking to see that it’s worked the way she intended before picking up her staff from the seafloor. 

[killeroftheseas]

The girl is true to her word. The orca doesn't feel a thing, though he's more interested in watching what she does rather than noticing the state of his wound, anyway. After the spell's effects pass, he rotates and flexes his damaged shoulder to test out the sensation. Just like brand new. His smile is appreciative.

"Much obliged. Magic's certainly useful, isn't it? Too bad I don't have the aptitude or I'd pick up a trick or two myself." He stretches out the rest of his body, working out the kinks that sometimes turn up over long periods of travelling in his true form. Even though he's in top physical shape, both for his species and in general, even Idate's body needs a minute to stabilise. He's getting better at it, however, less aches and pains every time. He then speaks once more. "Oh, by the way: next time, don't get too near to a creature you don't know. Don't even heal them. It might just be a ruse to get you close and trap you. I could have snatched you up at any point while you were doing your thing. Just a thought."

This time there's no malice in what he says, no threat. His frank, matter-of-fact tone only highlights the seriousness of his message to her. He's realising more and more just how green she actually is. Her heart is in the right place, no doubt, but that alone isn't enough. Survival is a necessary skill.

[killeroftheseas]

you just got memed on bro

"You’re first on the to-eat list. You won’t be missed."

[killeroftheseas]

M!A: For the next 2 days you have no dorsal fin and no tail either. Are you a human? A giant dolman? Enjoy.

*sigh*"Well, this is embarassing. Wonder if this is magic? I hate magic."Guess it’s time to eat everyone to relieve the stress.

[killeroftheseas]

What do you think of the Sea Witch's 4 familiars? Yes, including Samekichi.

*smoke ring*"What do I think? Hm. Well, the octopus boy is promising. Inexperienced but he’s getting there. Might make a good challenge one day if he learns to control his temper. The seagull girl’s brash. Not a bad thing but she doesn’t have the power yet to back it up. She’ll have to be careful, in case she gets in over her head. The dolphin girl’s interesting. With more confidence she could really be something…just have to wait and see. She’s also the only one of this group who can speak my other language, which is nice."*sneer*"As for sharky, what’s there to be said? He’s just another dumb shark. Head full of barnacles and way too cocky for his own good. I already took a bite out of him once and it wasn’t that great. Should have stayed down. In fact, maybe I’ll end him for good next time I see him…"

[strategixn-blog]

More confidence….more confidence!

Dolphi has heard this many a time now, from well-meaning friends. Time and time again she has struggled to find her courage, and actually gone through with things that would have scared her to bits, such as venturing out and about to various isles alone, and swimming out of Wadanohara’s domain when tasked to hunt dinner.

It’s easier and easier now, she thinks with clasped hands, but as the young familiar approaches out of curiosity she realizes why the stranger would know about her and the rest of her companions. Isn’t this the orca that Wadanohara met before? 

It has been a very long while since Dolphi’s spoken in the language that she was born knowing, but she tries anyway, since he mentioned it. 

"Samekichi's not like....other sharks.....he's nice....."

[killeroftheseas]

Upon hearing the small voice, he looks around. Then down. Then further down. Then, almost by instinct, his features soften as he realises this tiny creature is speaking his other language, his first language. He crouches down so their eyes are level and responds in kind. "Not everything’s the way it seems. You’ll understand that better as you get older. Although, I’m sure this isn’t the first time someone’s told you that."

There’s something about the little dolphin that inspires a sort of kindness in him, though it doesn’t stop him from speaking his thoughts. Could be the language. The clicks, the whistles, the squeaks…it brings him back to a different time, years ago, when things were simpler and the world was much smaller. He misses it, sometimes, but the orca isn’t one for dwelling in the past. What’s done is done and what’s gone is gone. And here, right now, is the opportunity to influence a young mind, maybe even put her on the path to greatness. Dolphins are in a bit of a grey area, being often with few natural enemies and thus becoming apex predators in some cases, and this is something Idate recognises. He wonders if she has been taught any of this yet.

[orcinuslady]

There was a puff of smoke and a low chuckle. She emerged with a smirk, her eyes closed in a relaxed way. She stopped, and took another drag of her cigarette before opening her eyes a little. She could almost be mistaken for looking sleepy. "I see you’ve been having some fun," she said, the smirk never leaving her face.

[killeroftheseas]

"Guilty as charged." he replies, an almost identical grin appearing on his own countenance. He looks over the new arrival with curiosity and unabashed interest, his eyes following all the curves and contours of her body that can be seen under the suit. The look he gives her indicates he considers her a pretty impressive specimen, in more ways than one. "Now this is something you don't see every day."

[killeroftheseas]

What do you think of the Sea Witch's 4 familiars? Yes, including Samekichi.

*smoke ring*"What do I think? Hm. Well, the octopus boy is promising. Inexperienced but he’s getting there. Might make a good challenge one day if he learns to control his temper. The seagull girl’s brash. Not a bad thing but she doesn’t have the power yet to back it up. She’ll have to be careful, in case she gets in over her head. The dolphin girl’s interesting. With more confidence she could really be something…just have to wait and see. She’s also the only one of this group who can speak my other language, which is nice."*sneer*"As for sharky, what’s there to be said? He’s just another dumb shark. Head full of barnacles and way too cocky for his own good. I already took a bite out of him once and it wasn’t that great. Should have stayed down. In fact, maybe I’ll end him for good next time I see him…"

[jealoustentacles]

Fukami’s fists begin to clench into fists as he hears the orca’s words. There’s a large part of him that hears the words as if they were his own thoughts, and he barely even registers the orca standing before him. Samekichi is risky. If not for Fukami’s sake, for Wadanohara’s.

Was it not Samekichi’s own twin that caused all the trouble? Was it not some ridiculous attempt to belittle Samekichi that hurt Wadanohara? No matter how Fukami looked at it, Samekichi hurt things more than he helped… When the orca mentions Wadanohara, Fukami is snapped out of his thoughts so abruptly he stumbles back a step. He had almost been lost in himself enough to hear those words and listen, but he still had some control on himself. His eyes narrowed and he grit his teeth. Did the orca really expect him to feel so highly of himself that he would purposefully get rid of someone just to take his place in someone’s affections? He was jealous of Samekichi, but that didn’t mean he was blind. Fukami refused to believe for a moment that killing the shark would mean he got to be with Wadanohara. Jealous he may be, but hurting someone because of that jealousy was a feeling he vowed to never again let himself feel… "….My apologies. Your puppet seems to have cut his strings. I will not be removing him from an equation unless I feel he is a threat to people’s lives…… Not for personal gain." Fukami turned on his heel, and took even, calm steps as he began to walk away. The orca had at least succeeded somewhat, because Fukami was still going to have a confrontation with Samekichi, but as of now, it would be less lethal.

[killeroftheseas]

Idate shakes his head, not in any particular anger, but rather mild disappointment. He shouldn't have expected so much from the octopus. After all, he was basically housebroken, being a familar as he was. Still, if he couldn't see how the situation could have become much more beneficial for the both of them, then so be it. "You're making a mistake. I won't try to change your mind again, but just know that this was your opportunity to end a threat and you didn't take it. The shark will be your witch's downfall. I can see it and so can you. She won't do anything to stop it. And, it seems, you're happy to sit on the sidelines and watch it happen. Fine. But you're gonna carry that weight." Sensing the conversation has come to a close, the orca turns the other way and proceeds at a leisurely stroll. Not a complete wash, all things considered. Stoking the fires of animosity between the two creatures might have some pleasantly surprising results further down the line. It's not exactly what he wants but it'll do for now.

[dahaiyuan-blog]

Wadanohara has never been any good at dishing out warnings, and she inwardly flinches when the orca bursts into laughter, already having known that he wouldn’t take her very seriously, but not quite expecting him to find so much amusement in this. Blinking up at him with questioning grey eyes she listens to him as he regains his composure and speaks again, and gradually her surprised expression fades, a determined little scowl taking hold instead. 

"You should, Mr Orca. Samekichi…as well as my family and friends; they are all very important to me, so please don’t hurt them. Their safety is what I desire most…"

And as for him sticking around to keep track of her? Yeah, she doesn’t quite understand the fun in that, but if he wants to stay here in this domain it’s fine by her, as long as he doesn’t endanger the lives of those she cares for. Insulting them, though…

It’s not the first time people have directed such criticism at Samekichi, of course, and she herself knows how impulsive he can be even in the best of times, with his reputation for hotheadedness still well and intact within the Town.

But it doesn’t stop her from feeling indignant on his behalf, nonetheless.

"Samekichi’s not really like that…he’s just quick to react, and he’s a bit reckless sometimes…

…but he’s less of a danger to everyone than you are…” 

[killeroftheseas]

The smirk just won't leave his face, no matter what. That's just the kind of mood he's in right now. "I'm sure you do. And if that's the case, shouldn't you be worrying more about yourself? As the witch in charge of the area, many people are relying on you. You can't afford to slip up. Reaching your full potential should be your first priority."

He doesn't mention the fact that he'd also like for her to become a more formidable opponent for him. He's seen it, glimpsed the beginnings of greatness in her. As she is now, however, she's still too unsure of herself, still finding her footing. He supposes it can't be helped; after all, she's quite young. There's plenty of time for her to develop into what she needs to be. Not that it helps his impatience any. Ah, well. His smile becomes sharper, shifting his features ever so slightly and accentuating his wildness. "And you should never forget that. If nothing else, you can take comfort in the fact that my allegiance is my own. I don't bow down to anyone, friend or foe. But the most obvious dangers are never the ones you look out for..."

He takes a moment to let his words sink in, enjoying his cigarette some more. The girl sees the best in people, that much is clear. A strength and a weakness, Idate supposes. It leaves her wide open to betrayal and backstabbing. She'll learn, one way or another. There's not much room for kindheartedness in the world they occupy.

[killeroftheseas]

What do you think of the Sea Witch's 4 familiars? Yes, including Samekichi.

*smoke ring*"What do I think? Hm. Well, the octopus boy is promising. Inexperienced but he’s getting there. Might make a good challenge one day if he learns to control his temper. The seagull girl’s brash. Not a bad thing but she doesn’t have the power yet to back it up. She’ll have to be careful, in case she gets in over her head. The dolphin girl’s interesting. With more confidence she could really be something…just have to wait and see. She’s also the only one of this group who can speak my other language, which is nice."*sneer*"As for sharky, what’s there to be said? He’s just another dumb shark. Head full of barnacles and way too cocky for his own good. I already took a bite out of him once and it wasn’t that great. Should have stayed down. In fact, maybe I’ll end him for good next time I see him…"

[jealoustentacles]

Something nags at Fukami’s mind, telling him not to listen, that it is a bad idea, but he had already been planning to confront Samekichi at some point anyway, and he pays a little too much attention to the orca’s words, though he says nothing to begin with.

"……." He starts to think critically of the situation. Fukami didn’t have to physically fight the shark, but bringing some things to his attention couldn’t hurt…. Then he thinks back to what the orca said before that. What if his own feelings were clouding his judgement? He felt the orca was probably right there…. Still, nothing would deter him from his confrontation with Samekichi, it had to be done, and who else would do it? Certainly not Wadanohara, nor Memoca or Dolphi. There were some things that made Fukami want the shark far away from the Witch too, his appearance being so much like Sal’s was one of many… The orca’s words stuck in his mind, that maybe Samekichi was poisoning her, just like Sal had been… Fukami’s eyes narrowed at the thought. "……He is…… A liability….." he whispered, almost to himself.

[killeroftheseas]

Idate's grin widens, looking even more feral, and he stops circling to stand in front of Fukami. His words are striking all the right notes, it seems. Realising how much of a personal issue Fukami actually has with the shark is paying off, and very quickly to boot. Now to fan the flame further. "Exactly. You've seen what he's capable of. He's not cut out to be a familiar, doesn't have the loyalty for it. Having him around as a free agent is risky at best." But the dapper orca knows that merely pressing the matter won't be enough. It's obvious the octopus already harbours misgivings about Samekichi, but it's not purely hate that motivates him. No, it's something much more insidious...something Idate recognises as jealousy. And despite Fukami's best efforts put on a blank façade, the strength of the emotion seeps through. Almost too easy to exploit. "Your witch girl...Wadanohara, yes? She doesn't look at you the way she looks at him, doesn't see you like that. She can't. The space that shark occupies in her life is too significant, there's barely room for anything or anyone else. Remove him from the equation, however...she'll be able to focus on what's really important. Maybe then there'll be room enough for you, as well." He can almost see the wheels turning in the tentacled creature's head. A confrontation is basically inevitable now. Once that gets underway, Samekichi will play right into his hand, predictable as he is. And then...the orca will have his kill. Deferred but never denied.