Hello Splinterlands warriors. My blog this time is an entry to @takeru255 contest. This time Ratbound Corsair takes center stage.

This story is inspired by @henruc and @ineyashami story from previous rounds.

It's a continuation of my story in the fifth round.

---

The Fellowship Breaks

The group had barely left the grove when they noticed something strange.

A little kid was hiding behind a tree.

He was just standing there, peeking at them with a smile that made everyone uncomfortable.

"Is it just me, or is that kid creepy?" Ember asked, her tusks twitching nervously.

"He's definitely creepy," said Buns the Unseen, adjusting his grip on his beloved spear.

The kid slowly leaned out from behind the tree.

"Perhaps he's lost," someone suggested.

"Or perhaps he's bait," Jolius Blast replied. "I've read about this. Creepy children hiding behind trees are usually connected to something terrible."

Buns sighed. "Jolius, you think everything is connected to something terrible."

Jolius ignored him.

Meanwhile, the creepy kid had disappeared behind the tree.

Then a small hand slowly emerged from the other side.

It was holding a flower.

The group stared.

Ember declared. "I'm taking a look, but I'm not getting any closer than necessary."

And so, after a brief argument, the party decided to investigate the mysterious child.

Everyone except Jolius and Buns.

"We're not wasting another day," Jolius announced. "We're finding Culebro."

Buns nodded firmly. "Agreed. The spear and I have places to be."

Jolius smoothed his hair.

And with that, the two adventurers continued their journey while the rest of the party cautiously approached the tree.

Behind them, they heard a strange giggle.

"Should we go back?" Buns asked.

"They're fine, we'll meet them in the next chapter."

They kept walking.

---

Ratbound Corsair

After hours of walking, the forest finally opened into a wide stretch of sand. The waves rolled onto the shore and birds flew above.

Jolius took a deep breath.

"Finally! Fresh air, sunshine and no creepy children."

He ran his fingers through his hair and examined his reflection in a small pool of seawater.

"Not bad. The humidity hasn't completely destroyed it."

Buns stared at him.

"We're on a quest and you're checking your hair?"

"Appearance is important, Buns."

Buns opened his mouth to respond, but suddenly a rat darted across his boot.

He squeeled and jumped backwards.

"WHAT WAS THAT?"

"A rat," Jolius answered calmly.

"I KNOW IT WAS A RAT!"

Another rat appeared. Then another.

Within seconds, dozens of rats were scurrying across the sand, heading toward a wooden pier where a ship rocked on the waves.

The vessel looked like it had survived a dozen storms. Its sails were patched and its body was covered in barnacles.

A black flag fluttered above the mast.

Jolius squinted at it.

"Pirates?"

Buns gripped his spear.

"Probably. Go ahead, I'm behind you."

"Why?"

"Because you're a frontline tank and I have Reach ability. It's how we position in battle."

A voice suddenly boomed from above.

"HALT, LANDLUBBERS!"

A figure appeared on the deck.

He wore a pirate coat and had rats crawling around him. His appearance was strange enough, but what caught Jolius's attention was the figure's lower body, which seemed to be a serpent or fish.

"It's a mermaid!" Jolius shouted.

The stranger looked offended.

"How dare you misgender me. I'm a merman! A MERMAN!"

One rat climbed onto his shoulder. Another sat on his head.

Buns pointed his spear at the stranger.

"We're looking for someone."

"So am I!"

"His name is Culebro."

The pirate went silent.

"You know him?"

The stranger spoke, his luxurious black hair flowing in the wind.

"That depends. Who's asking?"

"Jolius Blast," he answered proudly. "I'm a frontline tank and a man who has excellent hair."

"And I'm Buns the Unseen," Buns added, lifting his spear. "Anti magic off-tank and owner of a perfectly long and shiny spear."

The pirate stared at them.

"Bah! My trident is sharper than your spear and my hair looks far better!" the stranger shouted while rubbing the shaft of his trident and finger combing his hair.

Jolius and Buns looked offended and readied for a fight.

To be continued...