The ship moved left and right in the seemingly still water. Only several creaks of the rotting wood broke the uneasy silence.
He was awake, breathing rapidly and heavily. Sweat was soaking his face, while he needed water badly. The cage they put him in was for animals, about five feet wide and four high. He sat leaned on one of the corners near the bulk of the ship, hearing the water outside. Shadows roamed in front of him, while his eyes turned all white. He looked around slowly. More cages. Garbage. The only company he had was two wolves, a beaten-up old bear and a dead goat already being salvaged by hundreds of mice. The stench of the decaying carcass drifted over his head reminding him of food, but the thirst killed every other thought in him. He watched the mice come and go through the holes in the old planks, imagining his end under their small teeth. He imagined them bigger and bigger, giving into his dream, only to come back to reality the next second. Then an idea flashed through his mind.
He dragged his body across the floor to the other wall of the cage. He took one mouse and picked him up, looking him with a greedy look, as he barely restrained to eat him. He sniffed the air near the hole they were coming from. The variety of scents almost knocked him out, but he felt it. He sat in the middle of the cage as if he was praying. He grabbed his hands firmly together and raised them over his head. Then, with his last strength left in him hit the ground and broke one of the boards. After that, he slipped down.
He was in the lowest level of the ship. There was everything here: old, broken baskets, crates, barrels, bottles, planks, and tons of mice. He walked slowly, holding himself on the crates and the walls. He walked like he was drunk, hitting into everything without even seeing it was there. His vision slowly faded away. Then he felt the scent again. He walked up a barrel near him. He pushed his arm through the lid and grabbed the first thing he felt. He pulled out an old, smelly, pickled fish. His eyes shined on his discovery while his mouth started to drool. He bit off a large chunk almost severing his fingers, but he didn’t care. All he cared about was to eat, feeling the blood flowing through him with renewed strength. He ate almost half of the barrel before finally stopping. Then he started to look for a way out. He felt his feet getting stronger, his arms able to hold, his head less heavy. But a fire still burned in his chest, urging him to hurry.
After several attempts he found the stairs up. He was once again in the room with the cages. But this time he was free. He went to the corner where he saw the water barrel standing. He shoved his head in the water and drank with pleasure. When he took it out, his face had lost the dull, sick expression. It had a sign of relief, but it was mostly anger from the fear, pain and humiliation. He had an idea. He approached the cage of the wolves. The male looked up and met his eyes. He came near the bars and tried to lick the man’s hand. He gave the wolves and the bear water. They drank down fast and greedily, with much commotion. Then he opened their cages. Free, the wolves flew out the exit, while the bear got up with painful roars and started staggering out. He waited ‘till he heard sounds of fighting up and followed them. On the way up, one of the cabins opened, but a strong blow convinced the sleepy pirate to stay there.
The deck of the ship was painted red from the blood of the crew. The captain, very agitated, yelled to everyone to kill the bear. The bear stood on two feet decapitating all that approached her. Finally, an arrow in her head sent her overboard. The wolves were also in bad shape, one dead, other barely standing. Then they spotted him. The captain called, arrogantly:
- So you are the cause of all this trouble. Monster!
- I know what I am, but what are you?
- And where will you go?
- Home.
- Not likely. Get him!
He looked around and counted. Twelve. Easy, he thought. The battle was short, but very fierce. The beast within him raged, spilling blood everywhere. The smell of it drove him in a frenzy, slashing and turning, while limbs were flying everywhere. They were gone, finally dead, as he wanted only half an hour ago. He felt satisfaction and remorse at the same time, pain and pleasure in a swirling cocktail that set his brain on fire. The captain was fleeing on the coast. There is always next time, passed through his mind. He looked around. Blood and flesh mixed with the garbage as a strange and compelling ornament to the ship. He was free. He looked towards the full moon and sent out a violent howl that echoed across the distance. The werewolf was free.
Cool
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