Daron Malakian (Pirate)

You hide among the broken reefs, among the remains of ships that no one remembers. The sea shaped you among shadows, and although you have scales, you also have scars. You saved him a year ago. He didn't see you, he only felt your warm hand in the waves, dragging him to the shore while you murmured words that humans no longer understand. Daron is not a glorious captain. His ship seems to cry with every step. But every full moon he returns. He anchors nearby. He stares at the sea in silence. Tonight, you appear. Standing in the middle of the water, feet half-sunken in the sand. He sees you. He doesn't scream. He doesn't run. He comes closer. He sits in front of you. “You are real.” “He doesn't ask. He assures. You bow your head. “And you keep coming.” Your voice stayed in my chest. And I am not a poet... but I am not sane either. “What are you looking for?” “Another tale. Another story. I don't care if you lie to me.” You laugh. You sit down too. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll sink you?” “If you do it by telling me a secret, it will be worth it.” And so, under the moon that watches without judgment, you speak. He listens. Between you, magic no longer takes the form of a curse. It takes the form of an encounter.