Beckon the Souls [Chapter 4]

Over the intercom the sad song of death plays for Ms. Penicure. KIA in a mystical battle against an evil foe that threatens the rest of the crew. Her remains were placed in a fancy jar, The seawater that was flesh and the dust of bone mixed together slushing within the makeshift coffin. The members of the ship were lined on each side of the deck, even members from the engine room were up from their home or work to bare witness, even though they lacked proper cleaning. Their faces were blackened by work and their clothes covered in filth. But still they came to pay respects to the dead. Our captain walked between the rolls of people, silent, straight, slow, almost as if a statue on wheels. The music bared a haunting tone of death and paranormality. To add to the occasion the sea seemed almost to darken itself for the occasion. The stars though did twinkle and shine down upon the depressed ship, almost as if paying last respects to an elderly soul.1

"Here ye all who bare witness to the funeral of this beloved soul". The captain's voice was loud and strong and full of sympathy yet. Moans swept through the still air and tears rolled. No one knew her very well, but still the crew saw her worth as a human, and the bravery that showed through her actions. She was the first hero of the ship and through unfortunate conditions the first to fall.2

"Now lads and lasses, we lay Ms. Penicure to rest in the next world, may her soul be blessed". With that her makeshift coffin was opened, and her remains poured overboard into the dark ocean. Maybe not the best funeral to partake in, but we had few options. Ohh what a sad trip this is becoming. Hope was bleak before but more so now, with a pinch of hatred for the beauty of carnage that laye within the sea. 3

'Sweet lord look!' An excited voice rushed over the crowd as every eye went to match the location. Over the side of the ship the old hag was visible, almost invisible. It was her soul, free from her remains to reach the final resting place. She payed little attention to us but instead begun to float northward away from the ship. An amazing feat of luck, not only had she been freed but we now knew the way to put behind us. Though a scene of sorrow, the crew was glad to watch her soul go in peace. But sadly I must repeat a line, dreams have a habit of becoming nightmares.4

"No, no, no, no, NO!" I yell out as I see a damp, undead looking limb burst from the water, grabbing the soul of the hag. The soul tried to speed up, trying to break the grip. We though could only stare in horror as the gothic maiden's head emerged from the surface. Her black eyes settling on me. My breathe being stolen by fear of them. Even though there was no pupils to tell direction, or why of telling where she was truly looking, I could feel it. In my blood I could feel the warmth leave me, my thoughts dispatch from my brain and my muscles stiffen themselves. I could only stare helplessly at the scene. My gothic beauty emerged until her waist down was in the water, the rest of her goddess body showing, and her eyes gaining almost a hue of dark crimson, a slightly lust filled variation of red, one that lures. Like a girl in a flowing red dress at a party I couldn't help but, wait, no. She is a murderer. These emotions can't be allowed. It's a trick. It is all a illusion to trick me. That smile that accomplices her eyes must tell me so. It is like a sick trick that will drive me to oblivion. 5

"Let her go you Bitch!". These worlds ring out from the old man from before. Showing he was not afraid. With something worth fighting for I can see why. I'm sure with a family like his, one would give anything just to see a sweet-as-pie face like that again. But it does no good. Her soul is dragged down beneath the surface. Ripples vanishing beneath the ship. She remains though. Staring at us, smiling her evil grin and staying still. Like a landmark to know we are close to our forthcoming doom. Everyone was under the horrific spell save one. The captain wasn't near. How do I know?. because the ship started to move. The tip turning away from the deadly beauty. The water forming waves finally. If only I meant them under better circumstances. 6

"Hold on everyone!". One of the engine workers yelled well the others ran through the doorway. The sudden movements caused the trance to break. Most grabbed onto the rail, others grabbed the shoulders and waist of the ones in front of them. The captains sudden throttle and turn was a dangerous move, sending the one who couldn't find a hold flying backwards onto the deck. Finally we are sailing quickly across the black blanket like seas, good to see movement and have a sense of direction. Maybe this was the end. Perhaps escape was getting closer, or maybe it's just another nightmare in hiding. To late to rob hope from here though, she already has done that. At least we have something to look forward too. Maybe our hope can rebuild itself. 7

"Behind us!" A female voice sails through our ears as we turn around. The ship going in a straight direction made walking possible. Of course we didn't brother to walk, we all run in a confused hurry toward the back. Up stairs to the back of the ship we head, finally reaching the rail to look in horror. We weren't escaping her, she was walking behind us in a fashion that seemed slow compared to the ship yet stayed the same distance from the back. 8

"NO NO NO NO!!" The man beside me yelled. He obviously had a lot to live for. His college shirt and wedding band encouraged that idea. His hands grab his head in panic, being in college I assumed he had some stress management skills that had just broke. I break my stare from him back to her. Those damn eyes were fixed on me again. I hated and loved them. They were getting worse, I kept feeling my fear turn to lust. Even now I can't manage my thoughts. They turn from running to loving, like a hate song turned soft. The others gave up their sightseeing of terror trip and went in a dimmed down fashion of the college student. Not yelling but moaning and walking ether around or away. It was a long trip, and it's about to get longer.9