Season of Cycle (Sky: COTL)

Season of Cycle: Untold Feelings in The Reef

Pulling to shore was the Treasure Reef's boat, out stepped the silver lady, who quickly dashed by other sky children to dive into the reef, and swim ashore to the captain's ship, overseeing the reef and the foggy sea, the salty wind in her hair. Until, she felt someone hug her from behind, nestling their head on her shoulder.

"I see you came to Treasure Reef," the man chuckled softly, Laverne quickly spun around and leaned up against the edge of the boat, hands on the railing to see it was Aetrix, holding her by the waist. It was a few awkward moments of silent staring before Aetrix let go, leaning up against the railing next to her.

"Aye, you know I don't mean anythin' bad, Laverne." Aetrix cross his arms, and she nodded, "yeah, you just caught me off guard-" Laverne's cheeks hued a slight glow, as if blushing. "I came out here to look for the first person, apparently they're rumored to be the 'mermaid' of Treasure Reef."

"Oh? That tale?" Aetrix laughed, soon grabbing her hand, he lead her along into the reef's waters, swimming down to the sunny space of seagrass and plants, filled with coral and ocean life. Laverne quickly began to look around, both finding it rather odd the sea today was not as bountiful with life as it could be. Soon, they heard something from behind, Laverne quickly letting go of Aetrix and sweeping out of the way, a Dark Dragon had charged at them, Aetrix being swept away, he kept a hold on the back of the beast, it slinking away down below the depths.

Laverne quickly surfaced, gasping for air, she called out "AETRIX! AETRIX?!" she feared the worst, hold her breath, she sunk below, swimming around desperately, until, she heard a Dark Dragon closeby, it quickly swept her away, but, it had not killed her, instead, the beast had hurdled Laverne onto her back, Aetrix catching her and holding the silver lady close. "Sorry- I.. should've told you sooner."

"Told me what sooner?" Laverne questioned, and Aetrix flew them to the top of the tallest spire in the reef, the two standing at the edge. He had let go of Laverne. She could sense he did not radiate light, unlike the appearance he held up, the headpiece embedded with a red gem glowing brighter than ever. He took a deep breath, exhaling a grey cloud of smoke. "...Aetrix," Laverne started.

"What aren't you telling me?" she questioned, slowly joining his side.

"Laverne, I'm.." the man paused, looking at Laverne, his eyes changed from emerald green to ruby red, sharp teeth of black showing as he spoke now.

"I'm a child of the Dark Dragons." he blurted out, turning away from the silver lady.

She gasped, covering her mouth, and her eyes widened in horror and shock, to say she was stunned was an understatement. Laverne stepped back a few times, feeling sick to her stomach, Laverne turned away from him.

"...I'm sorry," was all Aetrix could muster to say, reaching a hand out to the other, but she couldn't help but reject him, slapping his hand away, "YOU LIED!" she cried out, "YOU LIED TO MAKUTO, AND ME!" Laverne shouted at Aetrix, "MAKUTO IS SUPPOSED TO BE YOUR BROTHER! ISN'T HE?!"

"Laverne..-" Aetrix held his hands out, slowly pulling Laverne into a hug, he held so gently onto the silver lady, letting her cry and sob into his shoulder, the man understood how it felt to have been lied to, all too well. . .

"I know I should've told you and Makuto sooner, and I'm sorry I did not, but I did not tell you to keep you safe, so you wouldn't be scared of me," Aetrix was cut off by Laverne, speaking over him, "scared of you?.. Why would I and Makuto be scared? You're his brother, and you're my friend..!" she wept, tightening her grip on Aetrix.

He grew silent, pulling his head back for Laverne to see, he slowly wiped away her tears, Laverne's eyes blinked a few times, looking up at his ruby eyes, he felt so, safe to her, despite the pain now hurting her heart. The moment felt eternal, both leaning closer, his hand resting on her cheek, eyes closed, just when they could've-

There was the sound of waves crashing and bellowing below, the birds cawing and the manta leaping from the water just like dolphins, laughter filled the air, and the two turned to see a girl with similar attire to Laverne, swimming and playing with the manta, her cape like the ocean itself with seafoam, and air in a short bob-cut, similar silver outfit with white, and blue face-paint, she leaped from the water, plunging back down.

The two stared, watching in awe, but quickly they realized what position they were in, and both let go of each other, awkwardly standing there. Aetrix rubbed the back of his neck while Laverne fixed her outfit. Both are silent with such tension prevailing in the quiet ambiance.