Without a Pod [#underthesea2016]

Chapter 4: The Real Journey Begins

Oceana was confused at the thought and figured someone was messing with her. She shook her head and said, "No, not possible. I was my father's only living relative and he never mentioned having a sister."

"My little guppy," Abalone said softly. "I am the reason your father was so protective of you from Sirens. He saw what our father and mother went through when I was taken."

"My lady," Opal interuppted the long silence, "They are going to fnd the Sirens' lair and destroy, Venus."

"In that case, Opal," Abalone said with authority, "I want you to go with them. You know the area well and will be a helpful guide to my niece and her company."

"I can handle myself and the company," Opal protested. "M'lady, I am perfectly capable of escorting them by myself." She corrected herself, so not to disrespect the chief.

"We don't need another female slowing us down," Reff interjected and received glares from Opal and her pod, "are there male warriors in your pod?"

Abalone sighed. "Yes, there are males." She called out a name and a young male, who looked around seventeen migrations.

"I'm North." The male warrior said nervously. He had brown hair and an iridescent tail like Opal. Oceana assumed they were related.

"This is my twin brother." Opal sighed. "He is apparently going to accompany us on our 'quest'..." she trails slightly annoyed.

Coral introduced herself first, then Atlas, Caspian and Reff. Oceana was slightly nervous and reluctantly said, "Hello, I'm Oceana," she stated softly and swam back a bit.

So you're younger than Caspian? Oceana asked Opal through their connection as they headed to a secluded area to rest.

Why? Did he ask about me? Opal asked anxiously. Oceana smiled at her.

Well he's been staring at you, she laughs, and you're staring at him. I made a connection.

Opal looked at her and smiled, shaking her head. Oceana smiled back and they both received confused looks from Coral.

"What's going on?" Coral states, almost as a demand. Her pearly complexion became tainted pink with frustration when they did not tell her. Instead they were thrown into another fit of laughter. Coral began to go into a fit of rage and Atlas looked over confused.

"What did you do to my sister? I'm not complaining, but tell me," he chuckled lightly, "what did you two do?"

"We were having a private conversation and Opal said something really funny..." Oceana said, laughing.

"They were talking about me!" Coral whined. "I just know it!" She swam ahead with a scowl on her face.

"I'll talk with her..." Opal said sighing and swam up with Coral, leaving Oceana and Atlas together.

"Is she always like this?" Oceana asked, giggling.

"You don't know the half of it," Atlas laughed, "she's the spoiled one." He whispers.

"I can tell." Oceana said smiling at him. "I still wish I had siblings though..." She trailed off sadly. Atlas smiled sweetly at her and nudged her with his elbow.

"For the record, she's an annoying brat," he said reassuringly to Oceana.

She looked at him with her deep blue eyes and stared at his. There was a strange feeling of connection to him. Oceana couldn't put her fin on what made Atlas different.

Maybe it was his compassionate look or the way he was always gentle with his words. He always thought before he spoke.

Atlas gently took Oceana's forearm and examined her fin.

"It looks almost healed," he remarked. "Are you glad to be better?" She simply nodded.

They caught up with the rest of the group soon enough and Atlas asked Reff where they should spend the night.

"There is nothing here but coral," Reff reported. "It's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever felt."

Opal simply laughed. "Don't be silly!" She remarked. "Coral is very comfortable, right Oceana?"

"It's the most wonderful bed." Oceana added. "Id love to sleep on coral."

Coral turned her nose up at the idea. "There is no way I'm sleeping on that!" She frowned. "It's horrifically brittle and itchy!" She complained once again.

"Come on," Atlas rolled his eyes at her ridiculous statement. "It seems comfortable!"

After arguing about the bedding, it was decided that the group would sleep in pairs. The siblings were supposed to share but Reff refused to spend half a night with Oceana because she was a siren.

"If you're going to be so rude, then you can switch off with Coral," Atlas intervened, "I'll share with Oceana." Reff was baffled, but he soon agreed and went to keep look out for the first half of the night.

"You didn't have to-" Oceana began to say something to Atlas but he cut her off.

"I want to share with you," he said smiling softly. She nodded and settled in a solid bed of coral.

Atlas laid beside her. She turned and faced him. Oceana had fallen asleep so she was unable to see the caring smile that had made its way onto Atlas's face.

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A/N: I'm so sorry for my absence! I've been busy and blocked. Also what are your thoughts on the chapter? Lemme know!
-Hannlzy {•.•}