The Sky's Eternal Sunset

When I'm Across The Ocean

Send me a line when I'm across the ocean
Send me a line to show me your devotion
A letter nice and long
As sweet as any song
To tell me that you'll remember
Ev'ry promise while I'm gone

Write me a word about my dear old mother
I know I'll miss her more than I can say
So while I'm over the sea
Just show your love for me
By sending a line to me each day

Send Me a Line When I'm Across the Ocean - Irving Crocker

ლ⁠(⁠'⁠ ⁠❥⁠ ⁠'⁠ლ⁠)ლ⁠(⁠'⁠ ⁠❥⁠ ⁠'⁠ლ⁠)ლ⁠(⁠'⁠ ⁠❥⁠ ⁠'⁠ლ⁠)ლ⁠(⁠'⁠ ⁠❥⁠ ⁠'⁠ლ⁠)

Over the course of the next few days, Sora spends time getting used to his new body.

The first couple of times he wakes underwater he has a minor panic, but at the sight of Roxas right next to him, he calms down fast enough. He also has an innate desire to stand up at times and remembers a little late when his body doesn't cooperate, making him topple over into the water right on his face. Roxas worries the first time it happens, but each time Sora re-emerges with a cute albeit perturbed pout, he only smiles fondly at him.

Thankfully, the scientists have adjusted to the dim lights Sora needs to be able to focus. Despite that, he still gets minor headaches on occasion. It prompts a suggestion in the form of some kind of hidey-hole area for the tank in the future. Just in case there's a need to keep another deep-sea or nocturnal mer in the recovery tank in the years to come.

Mostly Sora spends his time eating and sleeping. He gets a few shots now and again from Cid to help fight his infection and boost his nutrient intake. Roxas gets one of the latter as well, though he's reluctant to let Cid do it. After a little pleading from Sora, he gives in, a slight wince on his face as he's given his shot. Then the good doctor checks on Sora's waterproof bandages.

♋Your injuries are likely to scar,♋ Cid tells Sora as he's packing up his medical supplies. ♋Sorry.♋

⛎I figured as much,⛎ Sora sighs, rubbing gently on his stomach. ⛎But it's better than the alternative.⛎

♋I'll say,♋ Cid chuckles.

⛎Cid, did you...did you get clearance for my family to see me?⛎ he asks, before he can leave.

He knows that Cid's been on the phone with a lot of people the last few days. Lots of yelling mostly because not a lot of people believe what's happening here even with data and photographs. Kairi said her dad was working on it, but it's hard to be patient. He used to call them every day and now it's been nearly two weeks since his reported 'death'. Anxious would be an understatement.

♋It took some finagling, but yes,♋ Cid tells him and a relieved smile splits on Sora's face. ♋But, it's only for a couple of people and it won't be for another few days.♋

⛎That's fine,⛎ Sora assures him with a content nod. ⛎I'm just glad they're coming.⛎

Not that he has any idea what to say to them.

♋Have you decided what you're going to do once you've healed?♋ Cid asks, hitting Sora right where his insecurities are.

Sora is sure a lot of marine biologists are curious to know the answer to that question too. They'll want to know what he'll do. Where he'll go. And if they can track him. Thank god he's now a protected species so no one can just scoop him up and stick him in a lab for study. By law he has to be set free into the sea once he's well enough.

That said, the ocean is dangerous and he's nowhere near prepared for the hazards within. Sharks, poachers, and fending for his food in the open waters as they traverse for weeks from migration spot to another. The mer of the pods have been living like that all their lives, but Sora has only been a mer for a week. It's daunting to think that he's going to have to learn an entirely new way of life if he wants to survive.