What Oliver said consumed my thoughts that night. It's plausible that others stayed on land due to hunters, but eventually, they'd need to venture into the water. Plus, we'd have to encounter each other at some point, right? The more I pondered, the less likely it seemed.
In the following days, my routine remained unchanged. I'd demonstrate my functional capabilities through various tests, chat with Taylor about my survival at sea, and spend evenings conversing with Oliver. Surprisingly, we shared more common ground than I initially thought.
He shared stories of his upbringing in a lighthouse by the shore and his passion for preserving natural beauty. We bonded over many nights exchanging humorous anecdotes. Oliver feels like my true friend in this unfamiliar world, teaching me a great deal about it. Wait, people trust annoying little circles they hate to wake them up?
"Yep, and they even enjoy smashing them to bits for waking them."
Isn't that a bit abusive?
"Yep, it kinda is!" he chuckled.
Oliver has been incredibly kind since my arrival. Neither he nor the scientists have subjected me to harmful tests, aside from occasional blood samples. Taylor has also been remarkably friendly, patiently explaining Oliver's discussions. While I grasp some concepts, much remains foreign to me.
"So, Kaiya, why were you named that?"
What do you mean?
"Well, isn't Kaiya a rather masculine name for a girl?"
I could say Oliver sounds like the name of a wimp, but it seems fitting for you.
"Ouch, taking a jab at my pride, huh?" he teased.
Well, if my name is masculine, then I should be jabbing at your pride.
"Fair point. Sorry about that. So, tell me more about your people."
Where should I begin?
"How about your people's connection to the ocean?"
From childhood, we've had a strong bond with the sea. Our lives revolved around it. Let me tell you about a story passed down by our village elders...
[Storytelling continues]
"Your people have a rich history."
I'd like to think so. I miss my family and friends; I don't even know if they're alive.
"I'm sure they are. You just have to find them."
But I can't. I'm confined to this tank, and once released, I'll be in a safe space. It's comforting, but I'd have limited freedom due to hunters and the risk of discovery.
"No one said you couldn't leave. I found a secluded area where you can dive deep without being seen."
That's what I did last time, and I was detected by a machine, taken aboard a ship. Oliver's expression shifted, making me feel like I misspoke. It's not that I don't appreciate his efforts; I just want to find more of my kind under better circumstances.
[Conversation about leaving continues]
"I trust you completely, but please double-check the other scientists"plans. Ensure they genuinely intend to set me free."
"Of course, I will. Now, get some sleep before dawn."
"Good night."
I observe as Oliver switches off the light and exits the room. He's truly a remarkable person, the only one here who shares insights about the island and his life. While Taylor and I converse, she never divulges details about her own life, only focusing on matters within this strange place. I descend to my hollow in the dirt, watching the fish in my tank glide gracefully in the moonlight, their tails shimmering. Strangely, I find it difficult to trust anyone here except Oliver and Taylor.
Other scientists attempt to communicate with me, but solely to assess my capabilities. I've overheard discussions among scientists debating whether I should be considered human or an evolved animal. Such conversations irk me, yet I grasp their perspective. On the island, we'd euthanize deformed fish without question. In hindsight, perhaps some were not deformities but rather undiscovered species. As I contemplate, I realize I should have paid more attention to the elders' teachings on activating our gifts. Since arriving here, I've never managed to deactivate my gift, unsure if I even can.
Lost in thought about my past life, I notice the water tunnel leading to Taylor's room has opened. Perplexed, as everyone has already departed, I swim through the tunnel, intent on uncovering the reason for its opening. Arriving at the end, I find it closed but with slots for observation. Peering through, I witness Oliver and Taylor engaged in a conversation with the elderly scientist from my arrival, their expressions fraught with distress. Intrigued, I eavesdrop on their discussion.
"Mr. Steven, please reconsider!" Taylor implores.
"It's unjust to subject Kaiya to this," she adds.
Mr. Steven, with his one white eye and stern demeanor, responds in a grating voice, "Listen, kids, this decision was unanimous among all the scientists here."
"But Oliver and I are scientists too, and we vehemently oppose this decision," Taylor protests.
"You may be a scientist, Taylor, but Oliver is still in training. Hence, only your dissenting opinion stands against the decision," Mr. Steven retorts.
As I continue listening, Oliver lets out a heavy sigh before confronting Mr. Steven, "So, after all the studies and tests proving her brain capacity matches any other human, you're just going to dissect her?"
YOU ARE READING
The Song of the Doomed Siren
AventuraA thriving story involving a young girl named Kaiya struck unconscious and awakened In a world much different from her own. What will happen? What happened to her family? And is this place much different from her home? Enjoy!
