Saturday, October 21, 2006

Chapter 4 - The Guy (4)

Lovely day for a swim, ain’t it, mates? You guys feelin’ up to it, hey? Don’t worry, it’ll all be over in a few secs. Seen it myself dozens of times, I have. Drop ‘em in the water, a few strokes, a few struggles and whammoh! They’s a goner. This is the best shark territory in the whole of Landscape’s seas, that’s a promise!”

So we’re still in Landscape, mused Sinister. That’s some good news. He would have hated to be inside one of King Incarnate’s sharks’ bellies. Come to think of it, he would hate to be inside one of King Blink’s sharks’ bellies! He’d better do something quickly! Casting a furtive look around, Sinister gauged their surroundings. It wasn’t a very big ship and apart from the sailor with them, he couldn’t see anyone else nearby.

“Hey, listen, er, mate,” said Sinister. “Wouldn’t you like to experience those sharks firsthand? I mean, you sound like you’re always just the spectator. Probably been like that your whole life, hasn’t it? Always the on-looker. Never taking part. Your brothers and sisters getting all the action, all the attention from your parents. And oh, yes, we seem to have forgotten little Jimmy, that’s your name, isn’t it, doesn’t matter, we’ve forgotten little Jimmy at the mall again, oops, we’ll go and look for him after dinner, now don’t forget again dear…Aren’t you tired of being neglected, pushed to one side, never getting any cookies, er, rum, always watching others enjoying themselves, getting munched by ferocious sharks. Everyone always talking about the ‘others’? Oh, that one put up a real old struggle, didn’t he? Shark missed him twice, bet he’s gonna be there for a while. What about you? What about your feelings? No-one ever says ‘now that Jimmy, he’s thrown in more people than I could count the barrels of rum I’ve drunk in my entire life! It’s time you claim your rightful place in the history of the high-seas! Go on in! Give them sharks all you’ve got!”

Having ended on this high note, slightly embarrassed by the shrill sound of his own excited voice, Sinister peered expectantly at the sailor. He seemed somewhat bewildered by this outbreak, probably more used to his victims simpering for mercy. Then the full impact of Sinister’s words hit him like a tidal wave and with a last desperate look around the deck he cast himself into the sea.

The next moment Dexter and Sinister were surrounded by sailors.

“You did that to Crazy Jimmy?” asked one incredulously.

“His name really was Jimmy?” asked Sinister and then quickly recovered. “Well, yes, he, er, uhm, asked for it.”

“You must be superhuman heroes sent from the depths of the seas!” exclaimed another and soon the sailors were all cowering against the mast.

“Leave us! You are sea gods in disguise! Oh mummy!”

“Then take us to the nearest port!” commanded Sinister. “And bring me a deckchair and daiquiri with a little umbrella in it!”

Soon Dexter and Sinister were ensconced in deck chairs, sunbathing, cocktails in their hands. Dexter seems to be recovering, thought Sinister, but perhaps he’d have to take him to a healer as soon as they’d landed. But for now he’d just enjoy the ride!

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