Creatures [2]

They halted, encircled by the creatures. Backs pressed together, they readied themselves to strike at any who drew near.

"GRRU AJ REOR OPAIT IRI," the tribe leader intoned.

All creatures surrounding Jack the Captain and Mary the Pirate lowered their heads to the ground. Then, in unison, they raised their heads and arms before returning to their supplicant position, a gesture of reverence.

"What do they reckon we are? Gods?" Mary mused.

"Mayhaps lass. Let's play the part," Jack suggested.

"And how does one go about that?" Mary inquired, her knowledge of gods limited to a single tale of the Sea God.

"Commandin' and intimidatin'," he replied, a glint of determination in his eye.

Then Jack arched his chest and shoulders, raising his head high as he let out a fierce growl, "GRGRGRWOOWLL."

Mary mirrored his gesture, her own growl not quite as gravelly but just as fierce.

The creatures ceased their prayers, and the tribal leader bellowed in a deep voice, "HURUNTU KOE KEO OPA ITOE LALPA."

Two creatures from the circle stepped aside, making way for another to approach, bearing ancient stone tablets in its grasp.

It knelt before the supposed 'Gods,' offering up the tablets with reverence.

Jack accepted them, a grin spreading across his face. "Oi, Mary, take a gander at this. We're Gods, HAR HAR."

Mary leaned in, her eyes fixed on the tablet depicting the arrival of two figures from a pirate ship, both adorned with dark blue hair—one shaped like a man, the other like a woman.

"Aye, captain, that be us, or a fair mimicry," she remarked, jabbing a finger toward the age-worn portrayal.

"We're spared, lass," he proclaimed, realizing they were now seen as more than mere mortals, but as deities themselves.

The creature, having fulfilled its duty, rose and departed through the gap in the circle, replaced by another bearing two more ancient stone tablets.

It bowed its head to the ground, presenting the tablets with reverence.

Jack set down the ones he'd already perused and retrieved the new pair.

This time, the tablets depicted two grand wooden thrones, intricately adorned. Seated upon them were figures with dark blue tresses.

"Seems to be the next chapter in this tale, I reckon," he spoke, displaying the etched scenes to Mary.

With another creature's shuffle, he picked up two fresh stone tablets.

In this depiction, the figures on the thrones were presented with the treasures the island had guarded for millennia—just two items.

"Oi, be that their only treasure? I'm hopin' it's gold," Jack mused.

"Captain, we've a rare fortune just to be breathin'. Don't let greed cloud your senses," she cautioned, her voice resolute.

Then, like a well-rehearsed dance, the monsters that had formed the circle now spread out into a single file, leading the way towards the open field.

They exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them, as they walked tall with chests held high.

Upon reaching the field, some of the creatures resumed their prayers while the tribe leader's voice thundered, 'UKU LO KEJ JALOE LOPAH.'

Others scattered, following their given tasks.

"Arr, what if these scoundrels change their minds, Captain?" Mary's worry was clear in her eyes.

"I've a feelin' they won't. But once we've laid hands on their booty, me'll shout 'nd we make ourselves scarce, savvy?" He retorted with a crafty smile.

"I've me doubts 'bout this plan, Captain," she said, her gaze fixed on the potential dangers.

"Have trust in yer captain, Mary. I've got it all plotted. If we tarry, we might find ourselves trapped here, playin' at bein' their so-called gods," he stated with a shrewd certainty.

"Aye aye, captain," she yielded.

Afore long, the creatures hove into view, returnin' with two grand wooden thrones bedecked in intricate patterns. Another pair of creatures toted two ornate wooden treasure chests.

"Lass, this be it. This be the very thing me father spoke of," he exclaimed, his voice brimmin' with elation.

"They do have treasure," she mused, her thoughts drifting to the spirits she could indulge in, day and night.

The creatures carefully positioned one throne to the left of the towering wooden mask statue, and another to the right.

Then, their tribe's leader bellowed, "URURU GUR TU JUE JI TI."

"I reckon that translates to 'Come and grace your thrones, ye Gods, for we've brought treasures aplenty,' HAR HAR," Jack quipped, making his way to the right throne.

Mary mirrored his move and settled into the left throne.

Again, the leader's voice boomed, prompting nearby creatures to join in the clamor, while those concealed in the forest emerged to join in the prayer.

As Jack occupied the throne, he cast his gaze upward and whispered, "Father, see me now. I'll be the Pirate Lord, mark my words."

Meanwhile, on the other throne, Mary murmured to herself, "May that sea dog's scheme unfold without a hitch."

The fire pit blazed, casting a warm glow that pierced through the night's chill. The stars above twinkled, lending their light to the scene. The yellow moon added a golden touch, painting everything in its gentle hues.

Every creature from the island, even the towering four-meter behemoths, gathered in reverence. They all bowed their heads, their voices uniting in an ancient chant led by their tribe's leader.

A throng of at least 300 creatures awaited the fulfillment of a prophecy etched in the annals of time.

Then, two figures bearing botanical grass approached Jack's throne, swirling it around his head before repeating the ritual with Mary.

Having completed their task, they departed, leaving the way clear for the bearers of the treasure boxes. One knelt before Jack, the other before Mary, presenting the aged, tightly sealed box.

It bore the marks of time, its color darkened with age, yet it remained securely closed, as though it hadn't seen the light of day in eons.

With a sense of reverence, Jack and Mary each took hold of the treasure box.