Alma
The sun had risen about an hour ago on the calm Kazumaki sea, and Riptide had taken quite the trip to visit this water in the hunt for new trinkets to turn into jewelry. She was swimming around the ocean in her second form, her long shark tail swishing behind her, propelling her forward. 

Ripley was visiting one of the MANY shipwrecks in hopes of finding things like rare colors of sea glass, shells, and other treasures that may have sunk with the shipwreck. Her body was weaving between the broken-down wood, trying to get deeper into the wreck to dig through the sand. From the outside, it looked like a shark hiding head-first into the wreck as her tail was sticking out.
Michael
*On the surface the wreck had been located and The men had been getting the nets and harpoons ready for any loot that i might find below the seeming calm surface. My weapons on my hip and my arms around the anchor as it falls down to the surface, the scene for anyone seeing would make it look like i was being submerged to die a watery grave, not knowing that i could breathe both water and air, i descended with the anchor to the bottom of the ocean.* 

*Once there my eyes scanned around and i was able to see the back end of a shark, in my time diving they were not always fearsome and so with my connection to the ocean and the things in it i wished not to harm if i did not need to, simple avoidance would do the trick for now, and i left the section they were going to and i went to the other half of the ship, looking for anything shiny or magic.*
Alma
As Riptide went further through the wreck, crawling from one side of it to another, she dug through the sand. She had collected a couple trinkets that went into her pouch connected to her waist beads. Her eyes were trained on the ocean floor, hence why she didn't notice the man in front of her, and suddenly their heads collided with one another as they were both in their zone. 

Suddenly, Ripley looked up, noticing a man and she flinched back, quickly swimming away to create distance between them, though still close enough so she could watch him to ensure he wouldn't try anything. She was breathing heavily, a side effect of the shock, and her hand was brought up to rub the spot on their head where the both of them bumped together. 

What in the seven hells? Why was a human? No- an elf doing down here. Suddenly she started panicking more as Riptide realized his attire, a pirate. "I'm not a siren!" She blurted out, just to ensure he wouldn't kill her on sight which is the rule in Kazumaki.
Michael
*Ripping the water soaked wood from their place He move them aside and search through the watery grave of the ship, looking at the ground for the shiny glimmer of any gold or something similar. One might say he was a bit to focused on the ground seeing as there was an audible ka-thunk as his head collided with that of an attractive being, he was knocked back and got a look at her.*

*The man noticed her swim away and made no effort to chase after her, putting his hands up he spoke and hoped she could understand.*

"I hope you do not find me to be a tasty individual, i would simply like to scour this ship for jewels and things i can make money from, im not here to hunt."

*The man had peaceful intentions towards her, she had not taken anything of his, she was not wanted dead and she had not crossed or attacked him, there was no intent to harm, just a wonderment in his eyes, a certain idea. She was another that could be underwater to help excavate sunk ships like this one. She could be a useful ally.*
Alma
Ripley seemed utterly taken aback by his comment. Her?! Eat him?! She's not a god damned siren, but heavens forbid anyone takes a second to consider that. This was just a personal annoyance that Riptide had, so she knew she couldn't hold it against this obviously... Ignorant... Elf. "I'm not a siren, I said that already" She explained, trying to keep the annoyance out of her tone. 

She huffed and rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and looking down at the man, observing him. He was attractive, she'll give him that, but plenty of pirates had a rugged appeal to them. 

"I'm afraid I beat you to it, well at least that half of the ship" Riptide motioned towards the other end of the ship "I need the jewels and gold for my work. So if you wouldn't mind finding another wreck, I would like to continue" She had a bit of an attitude, admittedly, despite her efforts to hide it. It was purely because he had assumed she would stoop low enough to eat him.
Michael
"A siren gods no your part shark by the look of things. Hah a sailor worth have his weight knows the difference between whatever you are and a siren." 

*Detecting the attitude and annoyance he reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, seeming to feel the... Well whatever it was in the water. He did not intend to make her upset already, this had to of been some kind of record for pissing a woman off, for him at least.*

"Well i do not know how good you are at making jewelry and such but if you would like i could trade some of the gems i do have for some things you have already made, I hesitate to invite you upon the ship that has all of my stuff, I am sure you understand the caution. Apart from the fact your also more fish then person so I am not sure you even can go on my ship."

*He was trying to calm the rapid waves that were her mind, he meant no harm or insult, and trading uncut gems and things that had fallen from their ornaments to someone that could make them useful again would be nice, and if she like them enough he may get to meet her again later to work with her.*
Alma
Ripley took a moment to ponder his offer. Her annoyance slowly flowed away as she sensed the man being a bit more peaceful with her. Her eyes darted around their surroundings, trying to see if she could just move on to another wreck, though she hadn't even seen *One* On her way over. Going further into Kazumaki was a death sentence... And if she wanted to make any profit from her adventure trading with him might be beneficial.

"Fine. And for your information, I am a hybrid... Mermaid... Its hard to explain. I'm a zebra shark mer, and sharks don't even eat people, they just feel with their mouths which just so happens to result in injury" It sounded like Riptide had to have this talk with many people. Countless stupid stereotypes about sharks, and even then she was a zebra shark, that's one of the least aggressive along with nurse sharks. 

Riptide pulled herself forward in the water, swimming closer to the man and detaching her pouch of findings from her waist beads. "I have quite a bit. It might be easier to lay out up there" She motioned towards the surface. "Just so things dont float away"
Michael
"A hybrid mermaid, a Zebra shark mer, if they like feeling with their mouths does that mean your going to? Truthfully you should let me freshen up first if you have plans of getting close." *He was quite happy she did not take it as an insult, after all there were those that had done something similar thing to him and were now resting at the bottom of the ocean.* 

"Well fair lady i have to warn you, we are pirates, though we are not the worst pirates on the seas, we give those we steal from a chance to live. We admire the adventure and fighting more then killing." *With that he turned back and went for his ship, when he surfaced he called out for his mean to stow the weapons, there is a friend inbound.*

As he surfaced the cold breeze would be whipping into his face and he would then begin casting his magic to raise the water in a sort of controlled tunnel to on his ship, he did not know if she had her own way up so he left it there above his ship. The scene before him would be his ship just as it always was, for her a new sight, dark cherry wood made up most of the paneling, cannons made of a very shiny metal and the railing and accents painted a fine gold, it was a medium size galleon that was meant for a large crew, on the deck there were men dressed as armed traders and merchants. People played cards, moped the deck and ate food around. There were a few that came up to him spouting about what treasure there was and took his coat from his shoulders.

"Found no treasure but this fine lady, bring out the uncut gems, and let her take a look." *The guys would run off and bring up a dry wooden crate that looked like it should be used to store little odd and ends in a household yet here it was holding random gems of all colors and shapes. Opal and Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond, any gem known to the public and even some that were not, yet they were uncut or scratched, things that could not sell for the full price, they held onto.* "Do you see anything you like in there."

*He sat back and simply watched.*
Alma
The second the comment about feeling with her mouth slipped from the pirate's mouth, Riptide's entire face heated up and her cheeks blushed. "Wh- hey- no" She sputtered, trying to figure out how to respond to what the man had said. Although she wanted to circle back to that message, the man moved along and Riptide was just expected to follow his words. 

She watched him launch up to the surface and waited a moment. She took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself to greet an entire ship of pirates. As the man created the stream for her to enter his ship, she shot herself up the stream. As she swam through the stream, she shifted, flipping out of the stream, and landing onto the ship deck on her feet. 

She stood there, her lean figure embraced by loose-fitting fabrics, though they fit tighter at the time as her body was drenched in water. Riptide ran her hand through the wet mop of brown curls atop her head and shifted the mass of them off to one shoulder to tame her hair, even just a bit. She glanced around the ship, men of all ages and sizes covering the deck. 

She cringed "God this ship is in dire need of some femininity," Riptide said, looking the men up and down. "You men look like you haven't seen women in several years" She smirked, teasing them a bit.

Her eyes landed on the chest of gems and they went wide. She walked over to it and kneeled down, her hand gently grazing over the gems. "This is incredible-" She said, mostly to herself than towards anyone else.
Michael
*He watched her go through the tunnel he raised and as she leapt in the air he moved the tunnel back over the water and let it crash down. Then he waved his hand around his clothing and moved the water into a small orb that was turning and running into its self, seeing her do the fancy flip and land on the deck he was stunned to see her mobility outside of the water. And it was that and the small factor of her being a woman and being able to make jewelry, the last and maybe the most glaring reason was the fact she could also dive into the water to explore shipwrecks. SO he decided to extend an offer to her.*

"Well look at miss fancy tail over here, my ship and men need a feminine touch? Why don't you come with us then? You could join the crew, and make jewelry, see the world, and journey with us." *The offer was different from what he extended to others, he often went with the you join or you die and relied on making a bond with them after they joined to make sure they didn't kill him as he slept.*

"In case you are on the fence about joining me, you will get a place to yourself to work, steady money as you make jewels, food and water and a home should you stay loyal. And last but not least if you would like to be trained to make use of your magic more or be better with a weapon i can train you to fight."
Alma
Once the man laid out his offer, she shifted her attention from the gems and turned to face him once again. She stood and began making her way closer to him. Riptide was clearly assessing him, taking her time before she decided how she wanted to respond to this man. It was clear he doesn't play around, though nor does Ripley. 

"Fancy tail... Huh?" She breathed out a laugh. 

"So the pirate with a pretty face wants me in his crew?" She said, striding closer to him. She looked him up and down, cocking her head to the side "I think you just want something prettier than these lugs to order around" She began crawling her fingers up his chest before gently tapping his nose "I hate to break it to you, but I don't do orders, I can be a team player, don't get me wrong, but I won't be a pet for you to command." Her eyes pierced into his, almost challenging, but also flirting... It was like a test. 

In a lower tone, she whispered "Though, depending on the situation I wouldn't mind being your pet... Like I said, sharks feel with their mouth." Riptide was testing how far she could push him, and what resources she could use to get him to compromise with her. Flirting just so happened to be a resource.
Michael
*His eyes would remain locked onto hers as she closed the distance and began her little "Test" Or whatever it was and as she got closer and spoke to him he looked back down with a cheery smile, no different then before, yes he had been affected by her flirting but it was his crew, his ship he would not be made a fool of as the men watched so he stood his ground looking down into her eyes, she was vocally flirting. He kept to just a look, something silent yet seemed to speak so many words.*

"What I want is you on my bed every night, having you on my crew is a step to that. " *His right hand, the one riddled with the pain of countless lives being ended to its actions reach ever so slightly and point her face up at him with just a bit of a push along her chin, his hand taking what some would say its rightful place lightly on her neck.*

*She had started this little trend and he was not about to let her get away from it scott free, while holding her face up to look him in the eyes he gave her more of a cheeky grin like he was about to do something she had little say over.* "That game is not one you want to play with me little fish, unless you are ready to make due on them." *Once the remark is said his hand would fall from her neck and rest at his side as he walked a distance away to a chair.*

"So what is your decision? Little fish."
Alma
Riptide smirked at his response and bit her lip to suppress her giggle. Her eyes tracked the pirate's movements, watching him sit, her eyes dancing over his body. She glanced around at the crew, watching them gawk at her. Part of her was nervous, a ship full of men and there was only so much space to hide. If she was being realistic this was a terrible idea. 

She hummed, making it seem like she was reaaallly thinking "We have a deal, if, and only if, I share a room with you, or get my own." She said, walking back over to him. She extends her hand out to him "Riptide, My name is Riptide. Friends call me Ripley, but I hope we're never just friends, so let's stick to Riptide, kay?" 

Clearly, she had some sort of hold that other crew members on this ship didn't have, and Riptide would absolutely use every bit of that hold to get what she wanted. She wants her jewelry business to thrive, traveling and access to rarer gemstones would do that.
Michael
"Tsk Tsk Tsk... A woman after my own heart, using her little bit of charms to their fullest extent, I am almost proud of you Little fish. That is what I will call you in case you were wondering, I mean if your not gonna follow the rules like the rest of my crew then I wont treat you the same as the rest of the crew."

"If you would like to share my room then you will have to prove you have more of a use then being able to swim and breathe underwater, and in case you are plotting to kill me, keep in mind you could gain more working for me then killing me."

*His speaking was done and he leaned back in his chair taking a gander at her now, it was clear that she would not mind his gaze so he took it upon himself to let his eyes wander around her clothes, keeping his eyes glued to her, see normally a guy might have some sort of shame, but here. In the ocean surround by his crew he had no reason to hold back. And she did not seem overly concerned about it so he looked, and was the sight a feast for eyes that had hungered for some time.*
Alma
Riptide considered for a moment, what did she have to offer? Mediocre magic skills, horrid fighting skills, a sharp tongue, and a nice ass. Those could all be something, but would they be enough? Then it hit her. One by one, gently, Ripley began unclipping bits of her jewelry. She took off her necklace, her earrings, and her waist beads. Riptide then dangled the pieces in front of him and simply stated "Profit." 

Her jewelry was that of her own making, which she had explained to him already. She gave him enough time to observe the pieces before securing each one back onto her body. She specialized in sea-themed jewelry, though her work extended to all areas of "Aesthetics", it just depended on where she was sourcing her materials. 

Riptide was used to eyes being on her, especially after exiting the water wearing the clothing she had, but being on a ship in the middle of nowhere with only men, something about it irked her just a bit. She shifted uncomfortably, not under the captain's gaze, but everyone else's. Suddenly her clothing felt too tight, and she felt too singled out. It was something she was sure she'd get over, and she made a note to hide it. 

"Is that enough proof for you, Cap?"
Michael
"Profit? Hmm" *His scrutinizing gaze fell over what the woman had down and even took one into his hands to look at it a bit better before handing it back and watching her put it all on once more taking in the sight. Though he had noticed the other men looking at her and it enraged him a good bit, to the point he didn't care about showing her his weapon and pulled out his sword that seemed to be entrusted with barnacles and some blue energy as it morphed into the same style but it was a gun, one that fired between the legs of a guy looking at her ass.* "That booty is mine, you all can find your own at port, it will be a big payday you can pay for them if needed. Get us on course." 

*With the guy that got shot at having a wet spot like he pissed himself, the other men quickly took to raising the anchor and getting the sails down, all the while the captain simply sat there, now getting a chair for the little fish as well, letting her sit next to him if she like, he had turned to watch the ocean over the side.* 

"Stole two fish from some merchants not long ago, we will be docking at the port they were going to so we can sell them for a profit, when we get there ill get you somethings to get started, i just need to know what you need. So i can know how in debt you are, of course there are other payment options avalible for someone like you."
Alma
Riptide watched as the Captain handled his crew, a sense of comfort washing over her. Despite the flirting, and the tension between these two, she had a feeling she was safe with him and she would be taken care of. "I need 3 things, the rest is in that chest and on the sea floor. I need wire, jewelry clasps, and brown thread." She lists off "Those are the only 3 things I ever use."

Riptide stepped back, away from the captain, to turn and take in the whole ship. It was huge, she wouldn't even know how to navigate it or where to start. It was a bit intimidating, though Riptide was not one to back down from a challenge. At the same time, if help was available, she'd take it. 

"I think a tour is in order, don't you Cap?" She asked, turning and smiling at him. Riptide walked back over to him, gently grabbing his hand and guiding him up from his chair. She slipped her arm through his and pressed her body into his side "Please..?" She asked in a softer tone.
Michael
*He took not of the things she needed and added it to the list of what he needed for her as well as what the entire ship would need. Doing so he was a bit lost in his own thoughts contemplating the future and what it had in store for him and his crew, would the woman betray him in his sleep or would she prove to be loyal. He was not sure but truly only time would tell.*

*He was stirred from his trance by her reaching for his hand and gracefully pulling him up asking about a tour. He gave his cheery smile and went to lead her only to feel her wrap around his arm as he started the tour. Staring towards the front of the ship he showed her all around to the kitchen crews quarters and all around. Nothing about it was to special until his room came up, it was lavish with different silks and clothing scattered around, shirts around and pants and such near the bed, signaling he comes in takes shirt off then pants and sleep.*
Alma
Ripley took note of each and every little detail. Any kitchen staff currently in their quarters, Riptide made sure to greet and wave to. In each section of the ship, she watched how the crew reacted to their Captain. He was clearly respected, or was it fear? Regardless there was some form of respect and love that goes between him and his crew, she just couldn't tell if they feared him more than respected him. 

As they reached his room, she cringed a bit at the mess, noticing that before noticing the luxury his room held. Again... Clearly this ship needed a woman on it. Only a man would see clothing scattered across the floor and call it "Fine". 

She decided to tease him a bit "I'm assuming just by the looks of it you sleep bare? Cap... Was there more motive behind me sleeping in here" She asked, stepping out of his hold and placing her hands on her hips.
Michael
*As she looked around at the crew trying to see if they feared or respected him she would see a mix of both, the more hooligan type would be in fear while those that knew if they kept their head down they would not earn his anger, and a few people just outright respected him.*

*They reached the room and with her wrapped around his arm he could tell he cringed and he smirked and spoke out.* "It may look like a mess but it is a cleverly laid trap for people to slip on." *She did not know if there was a more bullshit lie then that right there. He even knew it and laughed a bit.*

"I know you sharks like to feel with your mouth but im asking you keep your mouth to yourself, i sleep with one item of clothing on, i know such a disappointment." *Her plan had been to tease him but he fired back at her teasing more.*
Alma
Finally, Riptide let loose a genuine laugh. This laugh made her nose scrunch a bit, and her belly shake. It was more than the fake flirtatious giggles or breathy laughs from before. She shook her head at the man "Oh you are so full of shit. I'm starting to think this crew needs me more than I need it." She teased "Don't worry, I'll do my part cleaning" 

Now that they were further from the crew, she let a few of her walls down, not all, but a few. She spoke more freely. It was less of a power play when she didn't have an audience. "If you have a spare blanket, I can make my own make-shift bed off to the side. You don't need to 'claim' me just so they leave me alone" She said, backing off of him a bit more. 

Not that Riptide wasn't willing to upkeep their flirting jokes back and forth, but she wouldn't be fake about it, or overdo it. At the end of the day, even she knew her own limits. "Though if you truly want me in your bed I wont complain" She added with a soft smile, joking with him.
Michael
*Watching the little nose scrunch as she let out a genuine laugh he smiled, seeing her genuinely happy for a short time.* "Yeah me full of shit? Sure. While we are recalling what happened i believe you were begging to in bed with me, now your trying to get out of it. Using some blankets as a bed will not work, my bed is big enough for both of us and I'm not letting your back suffer, now that your in the crew i refuse to go diving alone."

"Funny thing about the "Claim" I laid on you, it is fake but let me find you going after any of my crew and it wont be so fake, once we are at port do as you please."

*He might of been a ruthless killer but he would not leave her to do all of the cleaning and went around now picking up his clothes and putting them in a basket in the corner, went to the shelves putting things where they belong. As he was cleaning the room up he spotted a red set of lingerie from a previous encounter with a woman that quickly found themselves cast out of the window, he hoped he had gotten them before she had seen them.*
Alma
Riptide was observant, she'd made note of every detail in this room before Cap even spoke to her. Unfortunately, the red lingerie did not go unnoticed, but she was willing to let the captain think it did. All that meant was that whatever this flirting was, it wasn't real, it never would be, as he clearly had someone he'd been spending *Plenty* Of time with. If another woman had laid her claim, who was she to jump in the middle of that. 

"If you have clothes, I'd like to change, I didn't exactly dress for an entire pirate ship of men when I got dressed this morning," She remarked, looking down at her wet clothing "If you don't have anything, I'll live" She adds in, just in case her previous statement sounded too demanding. She didn't want to overstep her bounds.
Michael
"Well as much would like to see you wearing nothing. You probably should wear something better so you can wear some of my clothes until we get you to port or i can look in the cargo for something if you would like. We did rob a clothier transport a bit ago, you can come with me if you would like to take a look, see something I dont?" 

*He himself would have gone behind the privacy screen in his room to change, making sure she cant see the private bits, however as he reaches his arms up to put on his shirt she can see the signs of a tattoo yet it is covered before she has any time to really see what it was. Though he did have many scars that reached around his body, the scars told the stories about his life and the things he did. And due to the privacy screen only making it above his hips she would see quite the novel of stories on his body.*
Alma
Admittedly, Ripley allowed herself to stare at him... Even if he was taken. She looked at the scars, part of her wanted to reach out and feel them but that would cross a line she wasn't willing to cross(yet). After a moment of letting herself stare, she turned and gave the man some privacy. 

Her clothing was now mostly dry, and nothing could be seen beneath it, but a more secure outfit other than pieces of what is basically tied white cloth would be preferred. Once he was done with that, she turned and took in his new attire. She followed him to where the clothing was he mentioned and she crouched down, digging through it and trying to find something she could piece together that would still match her. 

She found a loose green dress and a black corset. Simple, but secure. It was now her turn to change, but unlike him, she cant hide behind a 4ft privacy screen and everything is hidden. Riptide would need him to leave or turn around. "Uhm... I have to change" She mentions "Could you..." She makes a circular motion with her finger "Turn around"
Michael
*While he changed he could feel her eyes on him and he was all for it, slightly turning while he changed so that she could see more and then when he was done he gestured to his outfit and did a little spin to show it off before he went and grabbed the crate for her to search through.*

*He was sad to see her revealing clothes leave her body, not knowing the new clothes she had picked out he looked at her as long as he could, until she made the motion to spin around upon witch he wiped the singular tear from his eye, mumbling under his breath.* "Today we lose one of the wonders of the world."

*In the end he did turn around rather then leave the room, he even looked around for a reflective surface that might let him see what he was missing out on, however he would not see one and even let out a grumpy sigh as he sat there, almost like a dog.*
Alma
After Riptide undressed, she slipped on the calf-length dress, the green sleeves fell off her shoulders and laid limp on her arms, and the dress had a slit that ended about mid-thigh. The corset she slipped on she did need a bit of assistance with. She could tighten it herself, but tying it was a different story. There were a couple pairs of shoes in the chest, and one of them fit her perfectly. They were a pair of deep brown boots, with silver details, and a 2-inch heel. Once those were slipped on she stood up and straightened out. 

She held the black corset to her body and approached the captain from behind. "You can turn, I need assistance with my corset. Unfortunately, my hands do not work the same behind me." She said before turning, pulling her now dry long brown hair over her shoulder. "It's tight enough, you could tighten it a bit more, I just need it tied mostly" She explained. 

As one got closer to her body, they'd notice freckles splattered across every inch of her skin. These freckles reflect the spots on her tail when she's in mer form, Zebra Sharks have freckle-like markings on their bodies. Her tan skin was littered with them, but they were faint enough to only see up close.
Michael
*Seeing her in front of him he seemed a bit stunned at first, "A bit" Being an understatement as he took a solid minute to gaze at her dressed up before shaking his head and snapping out of it. Realizing she needed help with the corset he kindly obliged and stood behind her, then slouched down to grab at the strings and follow them to where they made contact with the corset.*

*His hands pressed against the lower part of the corset as he slowly tightened it until she said it was tight enough and then went to tie it, however he was taking longer then he needed to "Dropping" The string or letting it slip just enough that he had another reason to grab her hips and feel her body a bit. Once he finally did manage to get it all done up right he chuckled a bit and went with what he thought was a funny response.* "You know, I think I would like getting you out of your clothes more then getting you in them."
Alma
Riptide laughed at his response, shaking her head at him. "I've heard that line before, many men before you have told me a corset is much easier to unlace." She pulled away from him once he was done tying her corset. She made her way over to his bedroom door. "I think I should go socialize with my new best friends, don't you think?"

With that, she pushed open the door to his bedroom and walked out to begin making her way around the crew. Making pleasant conversation, and introducing herself. She fit in just fine, or the men were adapting to her to ensure she stayed. Regardless, Riptide seemed like she would flow perfectly with this found family. 

This was just the beginning of a very long journey...

**END**