[ketsup]

STYLISH undead pawed-cloven lambicorn // impish
{ All-over body fluff edits, shadowmelded tentacles, snaggleteeth, vents, shadow skeleton claws, weight edits, goat horns, hat }

Struggled with deciding if the feet edits were UNIque or not.....
This is a rarer type—the grey area of Stylish and UNIque can get a little fuzzy with edits, but we'll swing with Stylish! ;3

The final pirate... and what a sight. This lambicorn is clearly cursed—but what are they cursed with? How did it happen? Is there hope of any redemption or peace for them? What are they doing about it? Let's find out!

- This lambie is a semi-PYOP as well as a prompt comp!

-You can choose 5 colors to apply to any of the white areas on this lambicorn (we can discuss the specific spots if you win!) The colors will also be integrated throughout, very subtly. Please just list the hex codes for now.

- Interpret the prompt as you like—but it should definitely be 3 solid paragraphs or more as a response!

- Prettying up is allowed and definitely encouraged—make it very tailored for this lambie! ^^

-x-

Won by Petscop!

Arr-U's won by:
BlueberryOtter
• adriana •
Modern.Vintage
Only_Sky

-x-

⇣⇣⇣ ENTER ⇣⇣⇣
⭐︎ Ends 9/29 ⭐︎

Code: Select all

Username:
Lambicorn name:
Gender:
5 Hex Codes (or less):
Curse:
Prompt:


[Ghostly Creature]

Username: XxStarlordxX

Lambicorn name: Corruption

Gender: male

5 hex codes (or less):#400080, #000000, #FF0000, #000080, and #808000

Curse: Hatred n Darkness

Prompt: Corruption sat across from you with his devilish grin, his eyes said it all, he had no heart nor a soul. As he gazed at you with his cold dead eyes, you started wishing you hadn't come to hear how he became cursed, you felt uneasy and your heart started pounding hard in your chest. "Why is he so cold?" You thought to yourself, as you were about to think to yourself again, the heartless cursed Lambicorn spoke in a ghostly voice that sent shivers throughout your body.
"You came here to know the story of how I became cursed. Yet, that's not all you have come for. You have so many questions, but so little time."
You took a gulp and stuttered, "t-t-t-time s-s-s-sir f-fo-fo-for w-w-what?" The cursed Lambicorn slammed one of his paws down onto the cold hard ground of an abandoned pirate ship that he owned. The sudden burst of anger made you jump, as he snapped harshly at you, "Little time before I go back to the depths of the sea you foolish child! Now shut up and pay attention and no more questions!!!"
You were about to cry as you tried holding back your tears of fear, the cursed Lambicorn noticed your eyes started to water and laughed. You shut up then and there and decided that it was best to not ask questions. The cursed Lambicorn cleared his throat and continued his speech.
"It was long long long time ago.
I was just a lad with a bad reputation and a bad father. It all started when I was just a lad. The sun was shining as the birds were chirping. I was part of my father's crew, though he put me in the worst position as possible, the cleaning boy.
My father was the baddest Captain in all the seas, other pirate Captains and there crew feared him, even the law and towns feared him. Even our own crew feared him. Except for me of course, oh did I wish I could make him walk the plank along with



Hope its chill I post this (pausing as Inside Out came on TV, might go to bed afterwards, will continue tomorrow. PM me any questions, comments, etc. about the story so far and I hope your enjoying it so far)

[Griff]

I forgot I marked this so skip to page two for the entry woops o.o

[smoothie_strawberry]

Username: smoothie_strawberry
Lambicorn name: (True Name) Davy ( Pirate/myth name) Kraken
Gender: Male
5 Hex Codes (or less): #6B84A5 #77CCD9 #4A429E
Curse: WIP The Kraken
Prompt: You and your crew were traveling through the unforgiving Crow's Sea. You had heard many tales of the creatures that live in the unforgiving sea. The Kraken a Crew of Sirens and many other creatures. A crew member screamed then another then another. Then you see it, a giant tentacle from the deep dark sea. Your ship descends into the depths everything goes dark. Then you awake surprisingly, you look round and see a dark yet giant cave. Then Kraken comes You cry out ' u-uh wha--what WHERE AM I-I ' . A deep low voice answered 'your tomb....'. And the looming beast left him in there forever for not respecting the myths that lived there.

[Rylf]

Username: Rylf
Lambicorn name: Vorlak
Gender: Male
5 Hex Codes (or less):
Curse: He can't breathe air - he's forever cursed to the deep waters of the sea.
Prompt:

WIP

[modern]

"A cheater once, now cheated of sight- an endless darkness and a terrible blight.
Shifting eyes create eternal night!"

Username: Modern.Vintage
Lambicorn name: Simian
Gender: Male
5 Hex Codes (or less): #B5CA8D, #8BB174, #426B69, #222E50, #2A4849
Curse: Blindness
Prompt:
"Hello, [REDACTED]" Simian cooed, waltzing confidently to his beloved of 10 years, his handsome face and careful gait drawing the attention of the other lambies in the tavern. Other girls clung to his words like burrs on cotton, but his eyes fixated only on [REDACTED]. Her sly smile sent his mind soaring, and the world was still for what felt like forever. As he made his way to her side, she looked him up and down with grin. "Where have you been?" She asked, turning her eyes down towards her drink with a blush. He chuckled. "Out on my ship, enjoying the sea. You know how much i've missed you". He said, stirring disappointment in the ladies swarming behind him. He put a paw on hers, and together they walked out of the tavern, lovers reunited at last.

Simian and his beloved had been through this again and again- leave, and return. Leave, and return. He came back each time with lavish gifts. One journey, however, he did not come home, instead drawn to the Island of the Sirens. He had passed this route a thousand times, but this time the affection he felt for [REDACTED] had been eroded by the long journey and rough tides, his eyes wandering to other crewmates and the females of distant lands. While his love had kept him out of the Siren's thrall before, this time he was foolish, and his mind betrayed him. He docked his ship on the island's shore, and walked onto the rocks to find the source of the call, deaf to the worried warnings of his crewmates.

Simian's paws hit the dock, and moved in a daze towards the beautiful sirens, who's manes and tails rested on the rocks, shining in the moonlight. However, what was once harmonious singing became strangled, hushed, and strangely word-like:
"Traitor!" "Cheater!" "Scorned!"
He tried to turn back, but to his horror, he saw a ghostly vision of his beloved, sitting on the ground in front of him, eyes turned downwards. Tears ran down her ghostly face. He reached out to comfort her, but it was too late- the sirens had already started their terrible cursed spell. He saw his beloved's face, twisted into a hurt grimace, one last time, before the world went black.

Simian knows his curse can never be reversed, his eyes forever blinded by the vengeful sirens, protectors of those who love. His once handsome face draws the ire and fear of those he walks by, making him an outcast, a freak, a failure. But one shining hope remains- a girl living in a village by the docks, who despite her fears has a gentle chat with him once a week or so. Though he misses [REDACTED] terribly, his heart is beginning to thaw to one who can look past his grim visage.

[Petscop]

▸ Username: Newmaker
▸ Lambicorn name: The Captain
▸ Gender: Male
▸ Hex codes
x▋▉ - #FFFFFF
x▋▉ - #FEFFD9
x▋▉ - #DDF3FF
x▋▉ - #D8DDF3
x▋▉ - #BACEFE
▸ Curse: Missing.
▸ Prompt:

❝ Old legends speak of a place just beyond the senses, a home foｒ thosｅ ｍissing and forgottｅn. Lord of the rolling ｍists, a fog that consumes those who stray too far into it. People ｂｅcome silhouettes, a shell of theiｒ former selves. Stories tell of the King and his keratin shell, hiding him from the world's peering eyes. Gold that has been forgotten ends up in his domain, piled in mountains of riches. Stories tell that if you ever pierce his skin and can shed a drop of his blood, he'll give you more than you could ever imagine in worldly possessions. This is, of course, if you can even find yourself in the realm of the mist. It follows on the King's heels, never able to be tracked with anything but pure luck. Elders bless the stupid fool who finds himself in its clutches. ❞

A ｙoung Lambicorn stood on the edge of a small ship, his eyes narrowed as he peered ｏver. A group of 4 other Lambicorns stood as still as they coｕld as the sound of distant bells sounded through the air. They were surrounded by a mist so thick it ate up the sun, the only light flickeｒed from torches lit in their paws. The Lambicorn stared down into the silent ocean, a rising sense of dread in the pit of his stomach. His face was absent from his reflection. He flexed his claws, digging into the wood of the ship as he raised his head up to meet the mist. The ship continued to silently drift as the environment around it began to shift. Rocks seemed to jitter and move, occasional trees just reaching the top of the water before ducking back down into the depths. One of the smaller Lambicorns on board slowly lowered their head and took a step forward.
"This was a bad idea-"
"Shut up." The Captain sｎapped, not even bothering to look back at the shivering figure. An ａir of discomfort hung thick above them, silent glances and prayers. The ship slowly came to a stop, the creaking of the wood the only sound louder than their breathing. No one dared to ｍove now as the mist seemed to creep closer, looming above them. Suddenly, the water shivered. Through the fog, a figurｅ seemed to creep closer. Its face decorated in eyes that shone like lanterns through the thick darkness. The Captain stared dead in its eyes, sure to be the only thing in its focus. The water rippled under the beast as if he was just a leaf drifting on the surface.
"FIRE!" The Captain suddenly screamed. One of the Lambicorns practically jumped on one of the cannon, and a sudden boom shook the whole shｉp. The cannon ball fired ｓtraight towards the beasts head before the ocean suddenly gave out under it, dropping into the water. The Captain rushed towards the front of the ship, throwing his head over the edge to watch out for where it went. The mist around them contorted and rolled, sudden storm clouds rolling in with a fierce wind that dragged the ship along the waves. The beast's head suddenly rose from the water behind the ship, placing its feet onto the water and dragging itself up. The Captain curled his claws and banged his fist on the wood as the other Lambicorns rushed to ready the cannon again. The beast refused to go down, but with the narrow misses it also refused to fight. It circled them, the mist billowing out from its heels before the roaring wind swirled the mist around them.
"I really think w-we should go!" one of the crewmates called as the others gathered around them, staring out at something in the distance. The Captain rolled his eyes with a growl, a soft "damn it" under his breath.
"You're a bunch of stupid spineless cowards!" He yelled as he stalked up to the group, shoving one of them out of his way.
"But-"
"Shut up!" He snapped again, not even bothering to glance at what they seemed fixated on. He clutched a crossbow in his claws. He rushed to set it up on the side of the ship, the beast in his sights. It stood there like a statue, all of its eyes fixated on him. For a moment, The Captain felt hesitation. A bead of sweat dripped down his brow as its stare cut through him.
"Captain!" the sudden sound was followed by the trigger being pulled and the arrow quickly soaring through the air. It burrowed straight into the beast's head, its keratin cracking with a sickly noise. A grin painted itself on The Captain's muzzle for a moment, but then distorted into a shocked frown. The arrow quivered then clattered down as if the beast was nothing but an illusion with no body before it sunk down into the water. Before he could react, the ship's bow shattered into a thousand bits, breaking the ship into half and throwing them all to opposite ends. ｈe found himself thrown over the edge with the force, the shock of the freezing water nearly knocking him oｕt. His whole body shivered, sinking ｄown into the ocean. The only ｓound he could hear was his own heart beat. He struggled to make his eyes fｏcus, the saltwater stung but he couldn't move to close his eyelids. There was ｎo light, no sound, no movement, the only thought in his head was the silent dread that this is what the end of time felt like...

Suddenly his eyes grew wide as he could feet teeth burrow into his scruff. He was suddenly dragged up to the surface, gasping for air over the raging waves. The water underneath is body stretched and cradled him as his head hung low through heavy wheezing breathes. The world came back into focus and when he glanced up the only thing he saw was the beast. King of the mists, dastardly beast with a thousand eyes and names, but in this darkness the only thing it seemed to have was a sorrowful look. The Captain's ears perked as he could hear the distant calls of his crew. His mouth was agape with both surprise and unbearable anxiety, desperately looking for where the voices where coming from. He could see something just on the horizon, but everything felt so distant, voices reverberated across the mist. The water threatened to give out under him when he tried to scramble to his feet, leaving him sprawled out in a desperate attempt to crawl. The beast stood over him, still as it ever was.
"Please..." He turned to it, his voice quiet. "Let me go home."
"What's your name?" It asked in a thousand voices, each one just slightly different from the other.
"The Captain"
"Your real name. Do you remember it?" It's brow furrowed. The Captain opened his mouth to speak, but he didn't have the words. His eyes darted around for a moment as he tried to recall, but there was nothing. He had come to the edge of the world with his name, where was it now? The beast closed its eyes, seemingly recognizing the panic on his face.
"I'm sorry. I don't know how to take you home." It muttered before turning to leave.
"Wait, but aren't you the king or something? Can't you just send me back?" The Captain rose to his feet, his tone suddenly harsh with desperation.
"I am no Lord of this place, I'm as much of a defenseless prisoner as you are now." It spoke both with sorrow and automation, like it had been through this conversation a million times before.
"You're lying to me!" He screamed, flexing his claws. "This wasn't supposed to happen, i did everything r-right, this.. THIS ISN'T FAIR!" He couldn't help it as tears welled in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. The beast stopped for a moment, then turned to stare at The Captain. It lowered its head to be on the same eye level as him, a softness in its gaze.
"I know its not fair, child. Its not your fault, you did everything right. You were just doing what they told you to do." It spoke gently.
"What... what's going to happen to me?" The Captain's voice wavered, his anger slowly turning to hopelessness.
"Nothing. A missing book does not age, a missing toy does not break, and a missing person does not bleed."
"But doesn't something missing become found eventually?" He asked. The beast blinked before chuckling.

"Hold onto that thought. Maybe you can find yourself, eventually."

[craig?]

Username: Spottedpuppi
Lambicorn name: Cain
Gender: Male
5 Hex Codes (or less): wip
Curse: Eternal life
Prompt: wip

[BlueberryOtter]

Username: BlueberryOtter
Lambicorn name: Beauty
Gender: Female
5 Hex Codes (or less): #DDE8B9 #E8D2AE #D7B29D #CB8589 #795465
Curse: The Krakens Curse (realizing theres a curse name very simular to mine, sorry D:)
Prompt:

Once upon the time there was a gorgeous and pirate named Beauty. She had pastel swirls all along her body, tattooed tentacles along her legs and the most luscious, bouncy and silky white hair there ever was across the seven seas. . .

Her father was a captain of a great big ship. She would always tag along with her father and his crew. She liked to get messy and have a blast! Weither it was fighting a giant squid or exploring an island!

Though, the only thing that bothered Beauty, was her fathers selfish wealth. Her father was very rich in gold and treasures. She felt jealous she or her father crew couldn't have a piece of that share.So she thought of a plan, and shared it with the crew mates who seemed to agree with it. . .

A few days later she approached the her father and begged him for them to try to fight the Kraken, which was said so have taken many scars from past pirates, but was never defeated. She told her father "If we defeat the beast, we'll be the wealthiest pirates in the world!" It was a bit of a white lie, but it might hold hidden treasure somewhere. Beauty knew what was going on in her fathers head. HE and him only was going to have to treasure. No one else. . .

She wanted this to happen, it was her plan. For her father to get so wrapped up with himself in the thought of more riches, and plunge toward the Kraken to fight it. But they'd make sure he gets injured right before they fight, and the crew will away tassel with it before swiftly sailing away from the Kraken, in hopes that the captain will believe it was slayed. And to give it even more realism in slaying the beast, they will smear themselves of squid ink.

There was one bump in the plan that someone poked in about, Sea Biscuit. "Beauty? Theres something wrong about this plan." They trotted forward "About the Kraken. . ." Beauty tilted her head "What?" Biscuit cleared her throat "There are many stories about the Kraken's Curse. One blow from them and it could hold a type of poison that will either kill you, or curse you. Its of course a scary risk to us." Beauty's eyes fluttered in astonishment, she was speechless. Even going deeper into the conversation she found out that it was true! There were a few cases where a lambi got a nasty scar and was slowly cursed from their own bitterness caused from the wound itself! A lambi could be practically taken over by the curse!
But Beauty honestly had no choice but put the thought aside. Besides, how high of a chance is it?

Soon enough the plan was in session, her father called the announcement on fighting the Kraken and started their adventure. Then was the next part of then plan. Her and Biscuit, while gathering the captains breakfast sausage , Beauty purposely slipped, and dropped a cutting knife that landed directly on the lambies thigh.
It was surprisingly a brutal sight as the captain rolled around dramatically like a lambaby not getting sweets. But in the end he wouldnt be able to fight in battle.

The day went by fast, and next arrived a new day. They quickly arrived at the gloomy waters where the Kraken was mostly found. It was boring yet nerve raking, every lambi on board was on edge. Even the captain was outside in a comfy chair sipping on apple juice as he studied the waters. Everyone was listening and watching as if they were fishing. Suddenly a random crew mate suddenly screamed and was plucked off the boat. And as soon as that happened, everything was so quick! Tentacles waved and lashed at the buckaneers, There were swords slashing and stabbing clueless tentacles, and the worse part was that the whole ship swayed! Biscuit rushed the captain to his room for safety. It was choas everywhere, Beauty fought as many tentacles off the ship as she could, surely this was enough to prove her father right?

At the same moment her father barged out, his tiny wings making him hover every time he limped. "CHARGE!!" He bowled toward a tentacle before being swiftly and effortlessly being flung up and down into the water. . . "NO!" Beauty cried as she fended off her own battle. "RETREAT RETREAT!" Beauty cried and caused a large light ball to glow to grab everyone's attention as to escape. The Kraken didnt seem to like the light at all, because soon she felt a large blow to her underbelly and the breath was knocked out of her. Dizzy with pain she coughed and took gasps of air. Still pushing on, Beauty with the rest of her energy used a great burst of her magic to push away the tentacles just in time for the boat to turn around and sail away. . .

The next day she found herself on her fathers bed. The memory quickly hit her that he was eaten after he tried to fight the Kraken. She remembered his determined face and could see the selfish glint of pride in his eyes. Beauty then remembered her own problem, was she ok? Was her injury bad? As she tried to sit up, a shot of pain pulsed threw her and caused her to lay her head down again. She was stuck in the captains cabin to think for now. Beauty quickly fret about the others, she hoped they were ok. . . As if replying to her thoughts, the pain eased, she could sit up briefly and look around. The whole room now that she took a great look was stocked with treasures.

Her father was gone, so what about all his stuff? That would be passed on to her, correct? The pain seemed to grow little by little "Arrgh," she muttered through clenched teeth. All the treasures were hers now? She'd surely share though. There was a large shot of pain that coursed through her body "Gah-" She gasped in pain. The glint of the treasure and gold seemed to tease her. It was kept away from her all this time! And it was now hers. . . It wasnt part of the plan for her father to get eaten. The pain grew worse, but it was almost satisfying. But the accidental plan was better! "Ahahah- hahah-" She gave a wheezing laugh.

She finally had the strength to look at her wound, it was bandaged up, but even though it throbbed in pain, she ripped it off. It was dark and gray. . . little black and grey veins sprouting from it. What were they? She started to panic, she could almost see them grow on as she gave an awkward laugh. Beauty's head whirled in confusion, she was now the owner of this ship, it was all hers, no one else. It had been away from her far too long. . . even as a lambaby she never got rewards of jewels, it was all HIS! But now it was all HERS! The thought of it made her head hurt, she sobbed in pain. "Its mine. . ." she giggled, and slowly blacked out, a single tear falling down her cheek.

The next moment what seemed a short nap she woke with a gasp, water was splashed onto her face. "Are you ok Beauty?" It was Sea Biscuit and a few other lambis on her crew. Her crew, that felt weird thinking of that. "Yes, I-Im just fine." She reassured. "Are you sure? You have a very dark scar and im worried its the curse." There was clearly worry in the small lambi's eyes, but Beauty seemed to not notice. "I said, im fine." There was a hint of growl to her tone and she felt herself clench her stomach and feel the scar pulse underneath her paw. She didnt care to notice that the crew all took a step back. "Oh! So I know its sad news for you, and I hope you've had time to cope. But since the captain is dead, what about his belongings?" Biscuit gave a wag to their tail. As if by instinct Beauty laughed "HAH! No its mine!" wait why did I say that? "Of course you cant." And again! Biscuit frowned "Wha-" "You heard me!" Beauty interrupted. "Now scram!" Her voice had deepened, but there was a sad squeak of her sweet voice at the end of her sentence. The crew flinched and scurried from the room.

The next few days, Beauty refused to leave the bed she layed on due to the growing pains. And with this few days her words had gotten more bitter, and had started using more pirate slang. Her rooting veins have now basically covered her whole underbelly, which worried the crew greatly, and the pains had slowly soothed to a sensation. . . With about 3 days after commanding her new crew to do what she said, Sea Biscuit came into the room with her daily tea, perfect timing as usual. "It better not scold my mouth again," Beauty glared at her. Biscuit seemed to stiffen in defense. After taking a long sip she commented "Its quite good. You may now leave."

Sea Biscuit seemed to have snapped "Seriously? Not even a thank you? What happened to my sweet loving Beauty?"She sniffled "Its like I dont even know you anymore! Its the darn curse I tell you. Just let us hel-" Beauty growled "No!" Biscuit shook her head slowly "Take a good look at yourself. . ." she whined and then sadly trotted out of the room.

What happened to her? It was as if something took over her? She felt incredibly weak. She felt like she was dying. Whatever was taking over her was like her jealously that has finally come out from hiding. Was this the curse? The bitterness from her wound spreading to her head? Making her spit these unkind and selfish words? She felt like she could cry. But she felt too weak. Was she dying? She could feel her heart slow, was this her going to sleep? No. . . She built up her strength to look at her wound and found it had reached to her flanks, black root like veins showed even through her fluffy fur. Beauty suddenly laugh as pain took over her body once more, at least she died wealthy.

She felt her heart stop, and a cold sensation overtook her body. Beauty's throat was dry, she could still breath . . ? She sat up effortlessly, she felt no pain. . . Was she a ghost? She got to her paws, feeling heavy and thumping her paws on the ground as she hopped down. She looked back to where she slept and there was nothing there. . . She looked at her paws and screamed, they were black and bone like claws! Beauty felt dizzy as she raced to a mirror "Im hideous!!!" Was the first thing she shrieked. Her beauty. . . the only thing she honestly felt proud of. Was gone.

She hadnt had much other to feel proud of with a selfish father. . . But that wasnt the point. She was a dark gray MONSTER! Her light brown hat was torn, and her peach eyes had clouded to white. Her bright patterns were now only seen in streaks, she also now had terrifying tentacles, and her hair. . . what was once beautiful and silky. Was now a greasy black mess. . . "I-Im a monster." She croaked in sadness. "I could never live like this- everyone probably hates me now for being as selfish as my father." Beauty sobbed. Could her name even be Beauty anymore? Never! She would be called Beast and continue to have her selfish life.


She took a large shaky breath before barging out oh her captains cabin and outside where are all eyes seemed to turn to her. A few crew mates screamed and charged for her, with Biscuit leading! Soon she was pinned to the ground by the tough and small lambi "Where is she? Did you kill her you monster??" Beauty couldnt help but sob, she couldnt really though with her body being so dry. "Its me-" She cried. Biscuit hopped off of her, soon recognizing her hat "The-" Beauty finished her sentence "Curse." She sniffled "Im a hideous selfish monster." She glanced around "Please dont take my coins. I mean-" she stomped her foot "Arrrgh." Biscuit stepped forward, and comforted the hideous lambi "What- But im hideous and selfish! Leave me alone!" Sea Biscuit shook her head "People can change. Curses sadly cannot."

Beauty's jealousy from deep down had grown too far. She grew selfish because of her father, and the only thing she felt proud of was taken away from her. Her father didnt change and decided to be crude and had no generosity. So when Beauty's father died and everything of his was finally hers, she felt powerful and selfish due to the curse. The curse took an advantage of her hidden jealously and lashed it out. The curse weakened thankfully after time so she doesn't have a lash out of selfishness. Though she cannot break the curse of her new hideous form. She'll have to cope with that too.

[~ moth ~]

user: • adriana • | lambicorn name: davy jones | gender: male | curse: the eternal wanderer
hexes : ▉ #483D8B ▉ #4B0082 ▉ #800080 ▉ #9932CC

promt: trigger warning, decimation of wildlife

xxxxxfor years now the world has been in despair when in comes to the wildlife. quite a few species have gone extinct as habitats are torn down, animals are forced from their homes and into smaller and smaller areas, and over hunting occur. disease spreads, animals fight for territory as it becomes fewer and fewer, killing off their own. living becomes a raging battle of survival. even in recent years certain species once thriving have dwindled or disappeared completely. it's a tragedy to see happen. lesser known is about the aquatic wildlife that is vanishing from over fishing, nets released from fishing vessels and left to sink in the ocean, and the trash that builds up each year. these factors and much more threaten under water species who cannot defend themselves from these threats. even more so, trafficking ad poaching of endangered or rare animals occurs all but too often, creating even more problems for these species who are already in grave need of help. there are those who fight for the cause, advocating for wildlife and nature. one so in particular who was once the cause of all this.

xxxxxit was years ago that a young, spry lambie was discovering his seafaring legs. with the whole life ahead of him the world looked bright. born in poverty and with nothing to his name, this young one was coming up in life, having found a job that paid well. the description was simply that of being a fisherman on a boat, nothing more. little did he know this job would entail more than simply fishing.

xxxxxalright little lackey, welcome to the crew! the old lamb said, slapping a paw against davys back. the old lambicorn was missing and eye, having a fake one in his right socket, and his gray, curly beard could use a trim, as did the rest of his furry body. the job's simple. all ye's gotta do is cast this here net down into the water and afta minute pull 'er back up. then ye release 'em to the holding bay under the boat through that there opening. got that kid? davy gave a wide eyed nod.
xxxxxaye, captain, he said, raising a paw to his head. the old lamb smiled crookedly,
xxxxxcaptain, i quite like the sound of that. in the crew were three other lambicorns who were much more experienced, having been doing this job for years now. none looked too nice or looked twice at the kid when he climbed aboard the old fishing vessel. it wasn't long until the ship set off either, heading for some fishing spots the captain and his crew frequented. after sailing for hours the ship slowed and the captain called for the nets to be released. the waters were calm enough under the blue sky, and several feet under the water were large swarms of fish ripe for the taking.
xxxxxuh sir, aren't we in protected water? those fish down there can't be netted, it's illegal, davy called to the captain. the three others snickered, once saying something about him having made a mistake. from the helm the captain came marching.
xxxxxnow what was that, little lackey? are ye questionin' my authority? now i know yer knew and all that, so i'm willing' to let it slide this time. however, this is my boat and i'm the captain. you listen to me, the lamb hissed out, bringing his face down to davys. the old man's breath reeked of rotting, and when he spoke his teeth were clearly yellow, missing, or had holes in them. question me again and it won't be the nets that are goin' in the water, you got that, lackey? with a gulp young davy stepped back, nodding once more.
xxxxxy-yes sir.
xxxxxyes what?
xxxxxyes captain!
xxxxxnow that's what i like to 'ear, the old sailer said with another crooked smile. scurrying around little davy made way for his station, reluctantly casting the net down into the sea. he gazed into the water, a terrible feeling in his gut. much like the fish, he was trapped in a tangled net and there was no going back.

xxxxxthis bad feeling in davy jones' gut didn't cease for months. every day he would arrive at the dock before the sun rose, and with the crooked crew, he would sail into protected water to fish bountifully. at times creatures other than fish would be caught in the nets. when this occurred one of three things happened. the nets are cut completely, leaving both the net and animal tangled in them to sink, the creature is pulled up to be inspected, and if deemed worthy enough, is kept and sold off later, if not it is released in the net, or finally certain parts of the creature is removed before being released back into the ocean while still being tangled.

xxxxxhey! one of the cremates yelled one evening. i caught something! help me pull it up! he called, the other two lambs as well as davy and the captain running over. davy helped the three others to pull the net up, revealing that a shark had been caught in the nets.
xxxxxnow she's a biggen, isn't she? you kiddos know what to do. the captain decided with a wave of his paw, turning around and marching off back to the steering wheel. davy on the other hand hadn't the slightest idea of what to do. to his terrible dismay shark was released back into the waters still in the net. a few times before he had spoken up about the problems this boat and its crew has, however, too many times now his life has been threatened or he has been thrown into the cold water of the unforgiving sea by doing so. looking away davy clamped his mouth shut and continued back to his station to cast a net into the protected waters.

xxxxxit was one day that the captain had gathered the crew to give a talk about the job for the day. that day there were large tanks of water hidden on deck, revealed to the crew only after the ship was long out of sight of the docks. i have a special job for you lads today, the captain said with a wicked grin, his eyes casting daggers at davy. we're not fishin' today. instead, we're goin' specimen huntin'. details aren't needed, but a lamb with big bucks is funding this exploration of a sorts. with his head down davy could only listen to the captain, too afraid to back out or speak how wrong this was. the ship set sail into waters that davy was not familiar with. suddenly he was being forced into a wet suit with a very questionable oxygen tank and mask, as well as being handed jars and nets. below, a vast coral reef expanded outward. wonderfully colored fish darted in and out of the corals and rocks, eels snaking through the water, and the plant life swaying with the waves. being pushed off the boat by the others, being told not to come back until he had an array of specimens, davy was forced to capture the aquatic wildlife. with nets and jars he swam around scooping bright fishes up in jars, or netting eel. if not for the illegal poaching, he would have been wowed by the beauty of it all.

xxxxxactions like these became a norm, and after a while davy became numb to it all. he stopped speaking against the captain and his crew, falling in line beside the others. he hated them all, cursing them each night, but even more so he hated himself. his one bright smile turned into a scowl. his fur became unkempt and dirty. the lackey was looking much like the other crew members now. for a year and a half davy went on like this, following the orders of the captain. nothing the captain ordered surprised him anymore, not even the foulest of deeds. the members continued to gang up on him, and one night things went wrong. it was just after midnight as the fishing boat was once more illegal fishing in protected waters. this time around they were on the hunt for sea turtles. bright lights flashed into the rough water, nets at the ready. in the distance thunder rumbled, but the captain refused to head back until they caught a turtle or two.

xxxxxcome on lackey, catch me somethin' good or it'll be ye in the nets! the captain called out, only half joking. once more davy pulled up and empty net, growling at himself. if he screwed up this time it'd be the second week he wouldn't be paid, and thus the second week he'd be going without a means to feed himself.
xxxxxi don't think the little guy is gonna catch anything. it's been three hours now. one crew member said.
xxxxxshould we show him what happens when he fails the captain? another chimed in, inching closer to davy.
xxxxxy'know what, i think we should. the third said.
xxxxxgo easy on 'im now, boys! we still need 'im for tomorrows specimen search! the captain called with a tone that said "go all in". at once the three older, stronger lambies jumped davy. he had been in this situation many times before and was quite used to it now. throwing a bucked at ones of the lambies face, davy scurried around him while he was distracted. the second slid on the wet surface of the deck as he turned, but quickly got back to his hooves.
xxxxxwhere do you think you're going? there's nowhere to run little lackey! the third called, chasing after davy as his buddies recovered. reaching the port side of the boat davy found himself cornered by the tanks of water that the turtles were to be put in. jumping on him was the third crew members, the other two cheering him on. hooves beat against hooves and paws beat against paws. soon the two were tussling on the ground, blood tricking from wounds on the both of them. being pinned under the bigger lambie, his face being pushed against, davy looked for a way out. reaching over he grabbed the port side net and flung it over his aggressor, causing the lamb to stumble and get tangled. standing up davy grinned wickedly.
xxxxxlook who's stuck now! davy cried out triumphantly. suddenly a weight crashed into him, forcing him over the side of the boat. unknowingly davy himself had gotten his hooves tangled in the net. falling over the port side came both lambs who had attacked him as well as a net that had been cut from the rig. crashing into the unruly waves below and three lambies, now caught in the net, struggled to free themselves. on screamed out, thrashing around, only tangling himself further. the other grabbed for his knife and managed to free himself. davy, on the other hand, floated there, staring up at the moon above. was this what death felt like? a cold embrace that batters you around, forcing you under into the depth of hell? the thrashing stopped. the waters seemed to calm. it was beautiful. the moon, the stars. how come he had never looked at them before? there were so many. the twinkled, he didn't know that they twinkled. everything blurred. his lung burned. it didn't matter anymore. nothing mattered anymore. releasing his last breath davy shut his eyes, accepting this cold embrace.

xxxxxwhen his eyes next opened the sun shone brightly from far above. the world shimmered and flowed around him. tangled in a net the lamb managed to free himself. around him on the sea floor fish darted in and out of rocks and crevices. death was not what he was expecting to say the least. his paws, what was wrong with them? tentacles emerged from his body. he was sure those hadn't been there before. some barnacles had even grown on him. how long had he been laying at the bottom of the sea? davy would soon find out that his life under the waves would be eternal. some way, some how, a curse had been laid over him, making him immortal but with a cost. no longer could he breathe the air above, no longer could he speak. silently, he swore to rectify that which he did wrong by being the protector of the seas. no longer would he allow for overfishing, cutting of nets, illegal poaching, or otherwise destruction of the underwater habitat. in his life he had done wrong, and now with his curse he will do good. his actions may not be fixed, they are done, but the future can always be protected.