Leviathan

1. A vast sea monster of tremendous strength, described as the most powerful
and dangerous creature in the ocean.
2. Something large; behemoth.

The sea is not a place for the foolhardy or the arrogant. The depths are filled with
more than water; the gloom of the deep is for the good of all. While the ocean has
an abundance of beauty and wonder, there is also a darkness and melancholy
hidden within the waves and currents. The creatures found in the water surpass
mere sharks and whales, true leviathans of the deep reign in the furthermost
corners of Poseidon's kingdom. However, not all deities remain in their slumber.

*

The obsidian waves parted before the ship’s hull. The glasslike sea slowly being
carved by the relentless wood. Froth splashed against the side of the stained oak,
like a fervent painter upon his canvas. The night sky was lightly clouded, hazy grey
swirled over the inky heavens, obscuring the moon but still allowing the sky to be
visible. The constellations burned bright above the ship, writing ancient stories in
the heavens. Captain Elijah Ahlstrom sighed lowly, a visible breath rising into the
arctic night, as he gently steered the ship though the still water, wary of ice in the
darkened ocean. The sky above was reflected perfectly in the sea, showing the
clouds stirring softly in the nocturnal breeze. The twilight night held a hint of
serenity, calming the captain’s anxious mind though his fingers continued to beat a
steady rhythm into the wheel. The rest of the crew slept below, resting before their
tasks in the morning. Elijah shifted his weight slightly, his dark leather boots 
creaking in protest into the night. The clouds were slowly drifting apart, allowing
some of the light from the moon to land upon the water. The water seemed to
gather mist on the places where the lunar beams struck. Elijah's eyes were drawn
to the strange sight, held there by a strange desire.

 The moonlight grew stronger as the clouds dissipated, allowing the entire rock to
appear. Elijah's eyes remained fixed on the moonlight on the sea, swaying lightly.
The moonlight never faltered on the onyx water, the white and black clashing in
haunting beauty. The boat seemed to drift faster toward the misty water, Elijah
having let go of the wheel. An eerie sound filled Elijah's ears and seemed to beckon
him on, sealing his ship's fate as the sound heralded him closer. A low keening wail
sounded leagues below the surface, disturbing the calm waters, and stirring
something deep in the primal thoughts of the enraptured man. The dull thrum
emitting from the lunar rays, grew louder as the ship drew closer. Mist billowed
over the waves, seeking the hull with a faint desperation. Elijah began to breathe in
time with the soothing sound, exhaling with a wistful smile gracing his lips as he
was tugged back into more pleasant times.

 The water swirled lightly as something stalked out of sight below the surface, the
deep current beat weakly against its powerful form. The being's scales bulged with
every movement as its muscles grew taught against the sea's desire. The serpentine
form stretched deep into the water as its head sought out the wooden vessel far
above, the crimson eyes drifting over the surface in search of its prey. Far above
Elijah continued to stare, the incandescent white danced with the ghosts of a past
long gone within Elijah's grey eyes. His mouth twitched lightly as though wishing
he could address this perfect sight, yet all words failed to encapsulate the feelings
which stirred his soul. The sails twirled with the twilight breeze, carefree in the eye
of the storm which swirled around them. The silence of the night lay heavily over
the ship as though it was a shroud.

“Sir?”

 The crisp night’s silence was shattered by an unsure voice, the first mate had
appeared at the stairway to the quarters. His eyebrows were furrowed together as
he stared at the unresponsive captain, whose eyes never wavered. The first mate’s
worry kept his eyes away from the hypnotic sight which lay some distance from the
hull.

“Sir? Erm… some of the men are complaining about sounds below the ship. Have
you seen anything out of the ordinary?” The first mate's worry had leaked into his
voice, as he regarded the captain’s blank eyes. Sighing lightly, the man wandered to
the side of the ship, and peered over the side and gazed into the water. The man
gazed deep into the abyss, struggling through the pitch-black water. He had
challenged the abyss, and it had its answer waiting. A glint of red drew his
attention, steadily growing larger; the scarlet orbs never wavered from its target.
The man struggled to form words as the beast began to take shape, its massive
body appearing behind its furious glowing eyes. 

 As the leviathan of the ocean bed broke the surface, ice cracking under its
primordial rage, it let out a grating screech piercing the calm night, wrenching
Elijah from his celestial prison. Water boiled into steam at the points closest to the
monstrosity, as its fury and bloodthirst manifested. The ancient horror slammed
into the side of the vessel, causing the wood to crack under its weight, and Elijah,
along with his first mate, were thrown to the floor. The colossal snake began to
wind its frame around the ship slowly, water being sprayed everywhere in its fury.
Elijah strained to collect himself after the lunar phenomenon, trying desperately to
think. The scales of the beast shimmered against the light like unholy diamonds.
The first mate scrambled to his feet in an effort to round up the crew, but the tail of
the beast slammed into his chest sending him hurtling towards the mast of the
ship. The horrifying sound of splintering filled Elijah's head, yet the mast seemed to
be untouched. Elijah realised too late as scarlet began to pour from the dead man’s
chest, his shirt barely disguising a bloody ruin which was once a torso.

 Elijah's mouth opened to roar for help as he knelt on the soaking wood. The
moisture soaked into the cloth, colouring the fabric almost black under the fading
light. It was then his dark grey eyes met the creatures crimson gaze, and the world
seemed to stop. The wind forgot to blow, the waves halted, and Elijah's breath
refused to leave his lungs. The behemoth’s head tilted slightly, jaws slowly drawing
apart, as it stared at the proud captain. Elijah could not draw his eyes away from
the monstrosity. The deck was abruptly bathed in moonlight once more, painting
shadows alabaster in majesty. The glistening body of the leviathan caught Elijah's
attention, mist rising from its scales as the lunar beams hit the water dripping from
its coiled body. Moonlit water always was beautiful.

The End

 (c) Owen Reilly