Twisted Wonderland 2

Coaster Ride

You and the boys surf as the sun sets. Each wave feels as if you're on a roller coaster ride. You've taken many pictures with the ghost camera of the boys surfing and playing in the water.

The sky is a deep blue transitioning to a lighter hue closer to the horizon. Large, fluffy clouds dominate the sky, glowing with vibrant orange and pink tones, reflecting the warm light of the setting sun. The ocean below mirrors the sky's colors, with the surface of the water catching the same orange and pink highlights. Stars start to dot across the sky. Azul, Floyd, Riddle and Lilia gather together atop their board in the water, taking a break from surfing.

Lilia laughs as he sits atop his board. "That was quite the ride. Surfing is so fun! The unpredictability of the waves made it even better. I lost count of how many spills I took! I still feel like I'm swaying gently on the ocean. And I can still feel it where saltwater went up my nose."

Lilia gazes out to the setting sun. "And the brilliant sun! The way it reflected on the endless stretch of sea! Ah, it's good to know there are still things in this world to surprise and delight me... What could be more wonderful than trying something new? Oh, what a lovely day!"

Riddle chuckles. "Agreed! I never knew the ocean could be such an enjoyable place. The moment when I first managed to stand up on my board was amazing... And I even saw a whole school of fish in a particularly large wave! They were all so tiny, and they waved hello when we made eye contact."

Floyd rubs the back of his neck. "Uh, you sure you weren't just imagining that? They ain't that smart."

"Was I?" Riddle shrugs. "I'll have to look up what kind of fish those were when we get back to school. I couldn't believe how loud the waves were when I was out there on my board. It's nothing like they sound from a distance. I should invite the rest of Heartslabyul to the beach once we return. I bet Cater and Deuce would especially enjoy it."

"Dang, Goldfishie." Floyd laughs. "For all the unintended dives you took, you seem pretty chill."

Riddle only smiles. "I fell a lot, it's true. But as long as I treated it like riding a horse, it wasn't anything I couldn't overcome." He looks to Azul. "If anyone was struggling out there..."

Azul scoffs. "How could maintaining balance be so hard? I fail to even see the point of standing on a board in the water. Human legs are so useless! They aren't flexible enough to wrap around the board, nor do they have suction cups to stick to the surface! How was it so easy for the rest of you?"

Floyd bursts out laughing. "It was hilarious watching you have to develop sea legs from scratch! If you're gonna whine about it, you coulda just laid on the board and paddled like I suggested."

"It's true." Lilia adds. "That would've been far easier than regular surfing."

Azul scowls. "I think not. It would have been humiliating being the only one using such a method. How did YOU adapt to it so easily, Floyd?"

Lilia looks to Floyd, tilting his head. "I'm curious about that as well. This was your first time, was it not? It was incredible how quickly you took to it."

"After seeing Azul, I can't chalk that up to being a merfolk thing. Is there a trick to it?" Riddle asks.

Floyd shrugs. "Just vibes."

Riddle quirks an eye. "Vibes?"

"Yup." Floyd grins. "Once you're ridin' a wave, just do what feels fun. That's it. The waves'll just take you for a ride if you do. Then all you gotta do is strike a cool pose on the board! Easy."

"What utterly unhelpful advice." Azul sighs. "That's what I get for asking Floyd, I suppose."

Riddle chuckles. "Knowing you, I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own time with or without advice. I know! Whenever I take my dorm to the beach, you should come with us."