This is a side blog of DrSquishySquich! Disclaimer: I am an adult! I am over 18 years of age! If you are a minor, I politely ask you to click away. While my blog may not contain explicit sexual themes, it does contain some topics that can require viewer discretion and can be considered inappropriate. Again, if you are a minor, please click away. This is for your personal safety as well as my own. Feel free to browse! This blog contains OCs and various dorky shenanigans. All items shall be tagged accordingly, but feel free to ask to have something tagged specifically!
So I’ve got this concept in my head- we all know the trope of “predator falls in love and eats the object of their affection on accident because they got a little too into it”, but consider:
Preds are incapable of digesting their soulmate- in the same way a lot of fics go “The stomach doesn’t distinguish between friends and food” but reverse. their body sees the soulmate and is just- “wtf is this?? I can’t eat this??”
You could get so many good scenarios with this- the same build up of the horror of murdering the one you love and panicking only to find out that thank god they’re actually safe. Or a couple that’s REALLY convinced they’re perfect soulmates only for the prey to get pulped. Or a rivals/enemies scenario where the pred finally wins but then wtf why is the prey still alive in there. Or grabbing someone random off the street and whoops they’re your soulmate that’s an awkward first impression to make.
party drug that has a side effect of awakening predatory insticts / hunger in some people.
Its not a well known side effect, outside of users.
Often is the case, an unsuspecting someone will try the drug, experience an irreparable change in their psyche that leads them to crave human prey, and act on those cravings
When they ask the person who gave it to them, theyll be like 'yeah it can do that lol'
this is a concept I came up with that I'm obsessed with.
Basically, preds have the ability to go through a type of broodiness (similar to various avian and reptile species) that makes them obsessively desire to consume prey and keep them inside their bodies. It's very much an endosoma concept, with the pred showing physiological and behavioral changes, and an INTENSE drive to reach their end goal of having their prey inside them, tucked away safe and sound, warm, protected, and all theirs. It's a common mating and social bonding practice.
Many things on the prey's part can trigger broodiness in preds, from the prey being scared, shy, submissive, hurt, ill, or even cold from the elements. Usually triggered by the pred's mate (though it could also be a crush, or a friend or even acquaintance they have a sudden affection or possessiveness/protective feelings for), the pred will start feeling an intense warmth and possessiveness, a desire to envelope them entirely and protect them from threats.
This will cause them to puff out their chest, get dilated pupils, and fluff up (if they have fur/feathers). Some preds might even go through physical changes, such as developing more body fat, thicker fur, or special patches of brooding fur/feathers. Oxytocin will be released like crazy. They'll start to feel deeply warm and fluttery feelings in the belly, and an intense desire for it to be filled with their desired prey. It can reach a point of broody-drunkenness in some.
This may be accompanied by intense "hunger pains", and internal muscle spasms on the pred's part. They actually become physically starved for their desired prey.
Further signs of broodiness could start by the pred just being closer in general. They'll want to always have physical contact. Affectionate grooming behaviors will increase, such as licking or brushing the hair. This is especially apparent with feline preds as they'll lick their desired prey raw with the barbs on their tongue, but every species of pred shows initial signs of broodiness in different ways. Some will even give you a whole spa day just to be close to you and preen and pamper, and massage you!
Heavy drooling, and rubbing up against the prey will always be initial signs of broodiness. Preds will tend to rub up against/massage/squish their prey to a point where it can become painful for the prey. Think of it as cuteness aggression on overdrive, as well as a way for preds to mark the prey with their scent.
Preds may also become obsessed with "keeping their prey warm", by putting blankets over them, warming them with their body heat, or even giving them a hot soup or beverage. Nesting behavior will begin here as well.
Some preds may create an exaggerated "purring" sound or "shivering" sensation to increase warmth and a sense of well-being while cuddling. This is why most preds purr, even non-felines!
Symptoms will then get more intense and physical. The pred will start trying to "envelope" their prey with their body in any way they can. Snuggling, cuddling, leaning against the prey, very powerful hugs, and mouthing are common. Lovey-dovey affectionate feelings will intensify, leading to intense warmth throughout the pred's body, and an increasing hunger toward the prey. This hunger is indistinguishable from the broody and affectionate feelings.
While broody feelings can be mild or temporary with proper self control, preds will sometimes become feral to varying degrees and obsessed with devouring their prey to keep them safe, and "theirs". They might develop aggression to anyone who comes near the prey, and this will only intensify the desire to consume them in order to protect them and possess them. Preds may lay on top of their prey entirely before finally succumbing to devouring them whole.
This can be an inconvenience for the prey, as the pred may spend hours or even days lounging in a broody state with their prey in their bellies (or mouths/brooding pouches/etc).
Some preds may also exhibit "nesting" behaviors, finding the perfect comfortable hide-aways to have this special time with their prey alone, or they might stay in public areas. The latter tends to make the pred a nuisance (possibly even dangerous) and menace to everyone as feral broody feelings usually take over logic at this point.
Thankfully for the prey, broodiness in preds is usually harmless, only coming from a place of overzealous affection and protectiveness. A successful bond will cause the pred to stop producing stomach acid, thus making safe consumption of prey possible!
The pred will either stop eating anything else, only desiring their prey, or they will eat a TON of food prior to eating their prey for nourishment before the act, since again, broody preds don't usually digest their prey (eating food while broody is not recommended as it can cause indigestion). Broodiness goes hand in hand with affectionate and loving feelings, as well as extreme possessiveness and protectiveness, typically towards mates (but not always).
However, preds that DO get broody with their food are exceptionally dangerous, as nothing can stop a pred from devouring and digesting their desired prey once they get broody over them! The only way to possibly save the prey then is to use a decoy, but this isn't guaranteed to work. Possessive broodiness to a point of digestion isn't unheard of, and is a sign of underlying emotional or psychological issues. Unhealthy brooding practice can result in many dangerous and controlling behaviors, and should be corrected.
Need to tame a pred... need to put my fingers on his mouth and listen to him whimper as he tastes me, need to firmly tell him no when he instinctively starts trying to swallow up my hand
(THIS IS AN 18+ KINK BLOG, MINORS/AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED)
Not enough unwilling preds around here. So many ways you can force a pred to swallow a prey, especially willing prey. Come on we can't just have the prey have all the horrible things happen to them.
WARNING: contains some vore, violence, and digestion mentions! Minors do not interact.
Wanna read part 1? Find it here!
When he stirred, Jake winced. His head pounded, throbbing on one side. There was more pain, too, somewhere in his leg. His eyes opened, slowly, to the color gray. It took a few moments and blinks to register the gray as stone. Stone walls. Jake turned his head, sucking a breath through his teeth.
“Gods…fuckin’ head,” he grumbled. When he shifted to rub it, his arm stopped with the rattle of a chain. Rather, it was stopped. His ears pinned back. Damnit. Before he could investigate further, he felt something shift. Green eyes flicked down to his middle. A barely visible lump passed beneath his torn shirt.
“Jake?”
The muffled whisper made him tense. Shit. Chris. She was still inside.
“Yeah,” he murmured, straining to hear if there were other voices. Nothing for now… “The fuck happened?”
“I-I’m not sure,” Chris’ answer was tense, shaky. “I think…we were captured? I heard someone talking about a bounty, but someone else said they wanted the ship…something about manpower, I think?” There was a pause, before Jake felt her push out. “Are you…okay? You sound hurt-“
“I’m fine,” he grunted.
“If you let me out, I can-“
“No, ain’t doin’ that. If they catch sight’ve ya’, they’ll use ya’ t’get t’our…my ship…” he trailed off. His ship, his crew… They had to be searching by now. “Jus’…stay there an’ stay quiet fer now.”
“Until what?” Came the frantic whisper. “Jake, I’m in-“
“I know,” Jake snapped, then lowered his voice. “I’ll…I’ll think’ve somethin’. I jus’ gotta take a sec, okay?”
“…Aye.” Her answer sounded deflated, but the quiet was easier than having her panic. Jake was struggling enough to keep himself calm, he couldn’t have her taking his attention.
Scanning the room, it was clearly a cell. Stone walls, dimly lit by a smoking torch near him. The flames flicked across iron bars to his left, casting pacing shadows onto the floor beyond. Jake couldn’t see much beyond where the light reached. He opened his mouth slightly, taking a breath in. Humans, lots of them. There was the stale taste of old blood as well, gunpowder. He couldn't get much else.
“Damn…” Grunting, he yanked his arms forwards. They caught painfully, a rattle of the chains told him he’d go no further. Melting them could work…but he’d have a chance of hurting himself, and he couldn’t get good aim with them pinned behind him. Each time he tried to relax the spell holding his human form, something blocked the magic… Of course Hunters would take the easy way out. Jake scoffed. After a moment, he caught the sound of footsteps. He tensed, then growled at a shadow approaching him, hair bristling.
“Hooo,” a Hunter approached the gate. He reached forward and rattled the bars. Dark eyes gleamed at Jake, and a sharp grin glinted from the lights of the flames. Jake saw no hair, but the man’s bulbous nose wrinkled as he leered. “Can’t believe we got him…Jake the Snake~.” The Hunter’s eyes flickered, voice slathered with smugness. “You’re a lot rounder than your posters.” His gaze flicked to Jake’s middle.
Jake narrowed his eyes. “If ya’ know my tittle, y’know it’s not wise t’fuck with me,” he snapped, not liking the way the Hunter stared at his gut. If Chris moved… “Jus’ had a big meal I’d be happy t’letcha join…”
The Hunter hesitated for a moment, then straightened. Sure enough his gaze strayed from Jake's middle. “Bold for someone in blocking chains,” the Hunter shrugged. “Wasn’t cheap to get those… Thankfully for you, you’re worth more alive. I’m sure the head of the navy would love to hear what you had to say…~”
The dragon’s stomach turned, not from its occupant. The navy…shit. “When did Hunters start workin fer those pricks? Thoughts y’all’s were all about yer freedom as mercenaries.”
The Hunter regarded Jake with a stern glare. Before Jake could call him out for it, the look was gone, and the Hunter leaned forwards. “‘Work for them’ is a strong way to put it…we just take their…donations and put them to good use cleaning up the tides. Your head alone’ll get us enough to expand our operations.” The grin returned, “But your ship, your crew…even more worthwhile~.” He leaned back, then back into the gate again. “Maybe if you give us a hint on where to find them, we’ll put in a good word with the navy.”
Jake growled. He lunged forwards, arms wrenching at his back. Gods, what he wouldn’t do to be loose, tear this human limb from limb after he put a bullet in his head. “Yer gonna hafta try harder n’ that,” Jake lashed. “Unlike ya Hunters, we’s gots >honor among us.”
“Watch your tongue,” the Hunter hissed, though Jake caught him step back. “Could cut that off, I’m sure-.”
“Try it,” Jake bared his teeth, making a show of biting down so they clacked, dagger-point and dirty fangs meant for ripping. The man flinched. “I fuckin’ dare ya’.” Jake grinned. The Hunter leaned away from Jake, eyes wider than before. “Not so brave without them navy weapons, eh?” Jake smirked.
The Hunter’s face contorted into a sneer. “Say what you like, Snake. See how cocky you get when the real questions come.” With that, the Hunter turned away, sharp footsteps echoing along the stone corridor. Jake glared at the place he stood until the hall fell silent.
“Jake?”
His eyes flicked down. Right… He sighed, steeling his nerves. He was still captain.
“I’m fine. Coward didn’ even touch me…” though by his threat, Jake didn’t know how long that would last.
“Good…do they know…I mean-“
“Nah, they dunno where th’ship is. Prolly had navy guns an’ only scoutin’ ships. Explains why they gots on us so fast…” Jake scowled. He should have checked.
Chris fell quiet for a moment, then shifted. Her voice was quieter, shaky when she spoke again. “What…do you think they’ll do with us?”
He stared across the hall. “Nothin’ good…but I’ll think’ve somethin’.” He had to. He was the captain. Already, too, he felt hunger worming into his mind. For the time being Chris was safe. He didn’t know how long he could keep his body from mistaking her for real food… But it wouldn’t come to that. He wouldn’t allow it.
~~
Chris shifted among the gurgling walls. Jake was awake, from what she could tell. Normally he’d snore when he slept. Though she couldn't see his face, she could feel the tension in his body. He’d been hurt-that much she was sure of. How severe was the question… She pushed her fingers out gently. “It…we’ll be okay,” she sighed, unsure if the reassurance was for herself or Jake.
“Aye,” Jake murmured. “We’ll be fine. Jus’ gotta figure out how we’re gettin’ out…”
“Right…you have any ideas yet?”
There was a pause, then the walls shifted, loosening. “…Not yet. Think if I can get one of ‘em close, I can tries and break ‘em chains…”
“Can you break them now, maybe wait until they come in and ambush them?”
Another pause, a shift, and a muffled clanking sound.
“Nah…can’ts reach ‘em now. Maybe when they comes back for that questionin’, I can gets the drop on ‘em…”
“…And if that doesn’t work?” Chris frowned. She didn’t doubt Jake’s abilities, but if he couldn’t get loose now…
“I’ll think’ve somethin’ else.”
“…Okay,” she nodded slowly. “You sure about keeping me-“
“Yes,” Jake said firmly. The walls tensed around her. “Ain’t needja gettin’ questioned too.”
She winced. Her limbs felt sore from being curled up so long…and, too, Jake’s stomach felt more active. Where normally it would settle and gently churn, now his stomach growled and burbled around her. Or, maybe she was noticing the sounds more from how long she’d been hearing them…? Chris shifted uneasily. …Jake knew what he was doing. He had to. He was the captain.
“Okay,” Chris tried to make herself as comfortable as she could. “If you need me to…do anything, let me know.” She sank back, the fleshy hammock bowing to support her weight. Gods what she wouldn’t do to see what was happening… “I think…I might try and rest some…” Though telling the time was an impossibility, she felt tired from the day’s events. The constant, familiar heat did her no favors, either.
The tension eased. “Smart,” he sighed. “Prolly should while ya’ can.”
“Yeah…you get some rest too, okay, cap?” She pressed into a wall gently. “If we’re fighting our way out, you’ll need rest.”
“…Right.”
Chris closed her eyes, though it made no difference, and tried to ease her mind. If they were getting out, she’d need to rest. Her stomach growled softly… Images of the ship flickered into her mind’s eye. Her hammock in the kitchen quarters, her little nook away from the rest of the crew. Her tools, pots, all of it most likely gone, at best ransacked. Curling a little tighter, Chris sighed again. As she drifted off, she dreamed of going back.
~~
Jake stared at the floor for some time, focusing to try and gather any more information. He couldn’t hear much, hushed voices echoed through the halls, but they were too far to make sense of. He wondered if his cell was kept in isolation for a reason… After a while, his eyes fell to his middle. Chris had stopped moving. How long had it been since she’d shifted, moved-shown any sign of life? The dragon frowned.
No, she was fine. She…he wasn’t that hungry. Not yet. Shaking his head, he tried to ease back into the chair. His back and legs ached from being stuck for so long…he could feel sweat sticking him to the once cool metal. Gods, he missed standing. Missed food, too-he shook his head again. No, couldn’t think about food. Not with Chris inside.
Maybe he could sleep, too. Try to rest, freshen his mind. As he went to close his eyes, Jake felt his stomach gurgle. Instantly, he shot back into a seated position, waited, and sank back when he heard a muffled grunt. The small bulge that moved over his gut brought him some peace of mind, too. Good… No, he couldn’t sleep either. Couldn’t trust himself…
He looked to the ceiling above them. Had to stay awake… Jake bit down on his tongue. Not enough to make himself bleed. Just enough to keep his eyes open. If he could just get the chains off his ankles and wrists… He could tear the cage door open by the hinges. Probably use his true form, too. It didn’t matter if they saw him. He’d leave no witnesses. He could use fire, set the place ablaze and fly off, back to the ship. Greet his crew, eat some food and drink enough rum to sleep off the aches…
He almost tasted the imaginary drink when he snapped back to. No, focus. Have to stay focused. Jake bit his tongue harder. Just had to figure out how to get himself out…and Chris. Spitting her out definitely wasn’t an option. At best, she’d be questioned, putting the crew at risk. At worst, she’d be killed…in a way, also putting his crew at risk. He had to keep her out of sight. Have to stay awake.
. . .
Jake grunted as the whip lashed against his skin again. Blood dribbled onto the floor, the sound of it puddling filling the room. His eyes gnashed at the Hunter holding the weapon, too far away for him to reach. The lashes stung, each gash burned with every moment Jake made, every breath he took. Still, he held his tongue.
“Fuckin’…cut all ya’ like,” Jake spat. His voice heaved with gasping breaths. “I ain’t…talkin’.”
“Oh, we will~,” a Hunter purred, stepping forwards. She was small, skinny, perfect size for Jake to eat if he could move…she’d barely make a dent. Light hair framed a grin as she brandished her whip. “Navy’ll be here tomorrow, and they only need you alive…didn’t say how much of you we needed to keep…” She eyed the other Hunters, who nodded in approval. “But we’re done now. Can’t have you bleed out, Snake.”
Jake hissed as they left, yanking at his chains with what strength he had. Their smells were alluring, delicious, yet just out of reach. He melted into the chair once the footsteps faded, panting softly. Every breath brought a lancing pain through this form. His eyes begged for rest, heavy as his head hung low. It was quiet for a moment, before Jake felt a stir.
“Jake…you can’t keep this up,” his middle spoke softly. Jake blinked a few times before he registered the voice. Chris…right. He winced.
“Can’ts…get up,” Jake groaned.
“I think it’s time you let me out-“ Chris began, only to fall quiet as Jake groaned.
“No, can’t…y’all be…they’ll-“ He groaned again.
“Jake, if you don’t let me out, and the navy gets here we’re both good as dead anyway,” she insisted. “Please, just…trust me.”
Jake grimaced. She felt…nice in there. A familiar, comforting weight. Something to ebb the hunger, although it was getting hard to cage that beast. Chris was right. Or maybe he was too tired to fight her any more.
He leaned forwards, tightening the muscles in his stomach. A heavy cough was her only warning before he wretched, and she slid out of his jaws. Chris fell somewhere Jake couldn’t see, eyes closed as he tried to readjust his innards. So tired… So hungry. He lifted his head, watching Chris push herself up from a drool-soaked heap. She looked worn, too.
Brown eyes met his as she looked up, breathing heavily as well. Her face was hard to read, but seemed like she was thinking about something. She turned away from him.
“HELP! HELP PLEASE!”
Jake’s eyes widened. He pulled against his chains, bristling. What was she-?! Before he could finish the thought, Hunters rushed towards them. The all froze as soon as they were in view. Chris shakily got to her feet, throwing herself into the bars.
“Please, he-that thing has kept me trapped for days, I’ve been trapped on his godsforsaken ship for months! Please, I’ll tell you whatever you want if you >keep him away from me!”
“YOU LITTLE SHIT!” Jake roared at her back, only to fall back as his wounds seared. Chris paid him no mind, desperately reaching through the bars towards the Hunters.
One of the Hunters, the bald one, stepped forward. “How do we know you’re not with him?”
“Why would I be with him after he fucking ate me?!” Chris demanded. Jake could have sworn he heard tears in her voice. “He’s horrible! I can’t-I don’t…” she sank to the ground in a heap of sobs.
The Hunters stepped forwards, eyeing each other with weapons drawn. Slowly, the blond whipper unlocked the cell door. Chris fell through, clinging to the legs of a third Hunter. They closed the door behind her and helped the shaking brunette to her feet. Jake felt his blood boil watching her. She’d betrayed not only him, but his crew. After all they’d done…she abandoned them.
“YER DEAD!” Jake screeched at her back. He lashed out again, baring his teeth as she walked away.
Chris barely flinched as she vanished into the shadows.
~~~~~~~~~
Author’s note: Bean here!! If you got to the end, thanks for reading! Might post part 3 if this gets good attention still :) (I’m aiming for like 20 notes before I post new parts)
Also huge huge thanks again to @sindumpster for letting me use Jake :) they’re super cool n if you like this kinda art/story def look at his stuff!
“Findin’ whatcha needs?” The heavyset finger leaned into the doorframe, taking up the entire space.
“Aye,” Chris nodded to the captain, shuffling through some bowls. “Any sign of the guards yet?”
“Nope,” Jake’s voice brightened with a grin. “Seems we’re all alone~.”
“Surprised the mayor left his place so unsupervised,” Chris mused, holding a rolling pin up to the closest window. Near perfect condition…left here with no purpose. She shook her head and added it to her bag. “Hate to see good tools go unused.”
“Mm, any good snacks?” There were footsteps behind her, and a squeak as the captain opened a pantry door.
“There were some sweets in the upper cabinets, nothing great…”
“Hm…” a huff, then a series of crinkles as the captain snagged what he could find. “Damn. Well, th’others are plunderin’. Ya’ get whatcha need and come back out when yer ready, we’ll wait on ya’.”
“Aw, not taking the chance to be rid of me?” Chris shot him a grin. “I’m touched~.”
The captain snorted, ears flicking. “Can’ts be down a good cook is all, dun get cocky.” As he walked off, Chris didn’t miss him muttering something about ‘never opening that damn crate’.
“Mh-hmm~,” Chris crooned as he stalked off. She rifled through what else she could find, some new pots and pans, and some ingredients that would last a while, make the crew some good cakes and treats for a job well done.
She lingered in the kitchen for some time before departing, having taken most of the good utensils. As she walked through the expansive halls adorned with polished wood and the smell of age, she passed by a small office. Chris paused. She turned, slowly, and peered into the dimly-lit room. Books crowded shelves, a neatly-placed desk, the floor. Chris felt her fingers twitch. Casting a glance around, she stepped into the office and knelt to examine a book on the ground.
Minutes later, Chris dove into the fourth…or maybe tenth book, flipping through the pages to determine if it was worthy to join her collection. Her eyes flew across the words. She devoured the neatly-printed text, ravenous in a way she didn’t know possible. She added the book to her bag, and grunted with the weight as she tried to stand. Once she got to her feet, something on the desk caught her eye. A crinkled parchment weighed down with stones that overtook the entire desk.
Slowly, she moved to read over the paper. It was…a map. A map of the island, from what she could tell. Surrounding it was the thick lines of the mainland. At the top, the North point, the way they’d entered the island’s canal, and the only way to leave the island. She grazed the path inland and froze. Smattering the unevenly drawn waters around the canal were dark ink blots, each labeled “canon”. She felt her stomach drop. Amidst the blots was a large, red circle marked “pirate”, right on the northmost shore where they’d docked the ship. Frantic, Chris shoved the paper weights aside and ripped the map from the desk, sprinting to the exit of the building with it clutched to her chest.
Authors note: hi hello!! Thanks for reading so far~. This is part of a short series I’ll be writing under this prompt name using my gal baker!Chris and my good friend @sindumpster ‘s pirate!Jake. I love this AU so SO much and if you don’t follow Wiggs you def should~.
Please note, this story includes SFW \/ore in it. There’s mentions of gore and some of digestion but nothing more.
Chris slammed through the main entrance doors, and panted as she stumbled onto the extravagant steps leading away from the mansion. She scanned the beach until she spotted the captain. He was standing watch, arms crossed as the pirates moved to and from the ship.
“CAPTAIN! IT’S AN AMBUSH!”
Jake’s head whipped in her direction. His green gaze burned into hers as she approached, thrusting the opened map towards him. A few of the crew members in earshot hurried over and crowded around the pair.
“Here,” she wheezed, pointing to the canons. Jake snatched the parchment from her hands as Chris stopped to her knees, coughing while her lungs struggled to compensate for her mad dash. “Canon ships…that’s why…no guards-“
For a moment, Jake was quiet, observing the map. A clawed finger traded along the canal they’d used as entrance. He frowned.
“Bastards…knew we was comin’,” he murmured. He straightened, addressing the crew around him. “Loot whatcha got, get everyone back here and ready our blasts!” He barked. The crew nodded and scrambled away, shouting for the members still looting the ship.
Chris remained still, vision still pulsing. “What…should I do?” She managed.
“Jus’ get t’the lower deck an’ stay there,” Jake replied as he rolled up the map. For once, no teases on how he had a good place to hide her, no quips on her state from a short run. Somehow his genuine response was more worrying than being eaten alive.
“Aye, captain,” she nodded, making her way towards the ship. The crew filled the beach, all moving back to the ship with their treasures.
Chris caught a few wary glances cast her way. Not wary of her…for her, she imagined. While not close with the crew, she’d gotten on friendly enough terms with near everyone on the ship. Most of the crew addressed her as ‘baker’, or ‘cook’; a long way from ‘stowaway’, at least. It was hard to dislike the person that made sure everyone was fed and content. And, too, the closest equivalent the ship had to a medic. She put on a smile as she passed. Years on the streets taught her plenty on how to be cautious. Things…would be fine.
—
The ship was nearly through the second bend of the canal when the first blast hit. Chris yelped, pitched from her spot peering out of a stray hole in the ship’s hull as the ship groaned. There were shouts from above, and the blasts of returning fire. Chris winced, hearing pained cries from familiar voices. Above it all, too, was Jake. His voice was stern and sharp. Sometimes, among all the antics, she forgot he was the captain.
She hunkered down as another blast shook the ship. Shaking hands eased her back to her feet. Her middle felt sharp, like a knife scoring through her gut. She wanted, needed to do something to help. This was her ship too, dammit! Pushing herself back, she wobbled and searched for something to arm herself. Thankfully, there was plenty.
~~
Jake directed the gunmen, pointing to the masts of the enemy ships, and extra hands on the sails. Too many of the ships were getting too close for his comfort. If they were boarded, they’d be in trouble. His crew was large, capable, but even they could do so much against a fleet of bounty hunters. The main priority was escape for now.
The ship took some hits, thankfully nothing serious, and most of the injured were still able to move. His eyes scanned around the faces, ensuring everyone was in their positions until a brunette wielding a pistol caught his eye. His eyes widened. Ballsy, that cook…but she couldn’t get in the way.
He stalked up to Chris, who turned to face him with a bewildered expression. “I came to-“
“Thought I toldja to stay below deck.” Jake snipped.
Chris deflated, just for a moment, but straightened and met his gaze.
“I-I was-“!” She stammered, pulling the weapon close. “But, I just…I wanted to help, and-“
“An’ nothin’, Jake grumbled. “Yer not a fighter, an’ all ya’d do is get in the way. Yer better off hidin’, like I toldja, or gettin’ the injured below deck.” He met her scowl with one of his own. Gods, this cook…a part of him almost admired her bravery. Had there not been an active threat, he may have fostered it. But now wasn’t the time. She needed to be protected, and he needed to be firm.
Before she could pull away, he grabbed Chris by the shoulders and pulled her closer. His jaws easily yawned around her familiar frame. He pushed, shoving Chris back into his throat as he swallowed her. The crew hardly minded him as he bolted down the baker, throwing his head back to slurp down her legs. Her weight dropped into his middle like a ton of well-flavored rocks.
Jake grimaced, resting a hand on his squirming stomach as he felt it burble and shift uneasily around the sudden occupant. He ignored the muffled shouts of protest as he turned back to the crew. Things didn’t look good. While the ship was intact, many crew members were down, and with Chris out of commission for now, he couldn’t think of a good way to get them to safety, too.
He barked orders to the sails. Crew dashed towards them. Priority was escaping. Fighting could come another day. His eyes shifted to starboard, and-they widened. Shit. Bounty hunters flooded one side of the ship. Jake felt his stomach drop. He stepped back, claws readied should anyone try to trifle with him. The hunters didn’t seem interested in the crew-no, they scanned the ship as they fought their way through. One of them met his gaze.
“There!”
A clamor of shouts made Jake’s stomach roll. He stepped back, brandishing his fangs in a snarl. He’d show them the reason he was Jake the snake. He stepped forwards, only to hesitate as a movement inside caught his attention. Right, shit, he had to be cautious. While he could handle a scrap, a bullet or sword to the gut would be it for Chris….but mainly himself. She was making him vulnerable. He moved his hands to defend his middle. Was she still moving?
In the brief moment of distraction, the bounty hunters made their advance. Jake blinked and they were on him. He snarled, lashing out with his claws. He felt them impact flesh, tearing as he sliced through what he could. There was a scream. Jake lunged again, only to feel something drive into his leg. He roared as best he could, whirling around to deliver a blow, only for something to crash into his head.
The world pulsed once, twice, and fell dark. Jake’s ears rang. He felt something slam into his side, and jostle his gut. There was a moment of sounds, slipping away as he drowned in an inky blackness.
~~
Bean again!! If you read this far firstly thanks so much!! Second, if you enjoyed please reblog or leave a comment! I really enjoy writing, and engagement w my works helps boost me to create more. TwT also again if you don’t follow Wiggy ( @sindumpster ) please do, they’re a super sick creator and have a lot of really fuckin cool characters~. Also they’re a wonderful person. Big shoutout to him for being awesome and letting me borrow torture Jake…again XD
Part 2 should be out uhhh sometime soon…ish, depending how much engagement this gets :’)
