Deep Away

Chapter One - The boy in the waters

Cold. It was cold. 

My eyes open only to be met by a wave crashing violently. It should have killed me. Should have. 

Sensations kick in, as they always do. Softly, a breathe leave my mouth and  a few bubbles escape my lips. My body is carried  away by the flows. Drifting without a goal doesn't sound so bad.

I close my eyes again, plunging into that useless yet somewhat comforting simulacra of sleep during hours, days, months maybe. Until I can feel it. 

The last blessing they gave, and it is dying.

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It was dark - as usual - when I left home. The faint glow of the city's lights could be seen far away. I took the path to the shore, feeling my shoes getting covered by more and more dust and mud. I keep going nonetheless. The dark water of the sea is the only thing still intact in this country. Everything else was soiled : the forest, the mountains... our future. We're helpless creatures unabe to leave, blocked by the turmoil of the sea that stops us from leaving and others from entering, stuck on a land already dead that can barely provide us what you need. 

Four years. That's what's left before the air becomes irrespirable. Before we all die here. 

I finally get to the beach. It would be magnificient was it not for the Ut'lahuk corpse lying half covered by sand. I slowly approach it, bow to the inanimate form then go closer to the ocean. I quickly write my name in the sand with the tip of my finger. 

'Alika'

Just as fast as I wrote it, it is swept away by the waves coming back and forth. I sit down with a sigh. What a pointless world. I stare at the gigantic body, lost in my thoughts. 

"Ut'lahuk, it's me again. I still can't believe you're really dead. Althought the proof is undeniable since this body of yours is real," I add after a little moment "To think that such a strong curse can fall onto a whole country because they killed a single being."

Of course, nothing answers me. Our Ut'lahuk is gone since a long time and forever. I'll never be able to hear their soft songs they hummed at the beginning of each season. I'll never see their figure as tall as a building rise up and make the leafs grow on the trees.

"I'm so sorry you're dead. I'm so sorry we couldn't protect you. I'm so sorry-"

That's it, my voice breaks. 

"So sorry they took my sister away from you. From me. Us."

I can't go on any longer and stop talking. Only my sobs can be heard in the silence of the night. I never had any great dream or anything to make me keep going. Still, I don't want to die. And I hate it. Hate that I am cursed because of other people actions, of course. Hate that I'll never see my beloved sister smile when I wake up ever again. But most importantly, hate that I can't find the courage to risk it all and throw myself into the waves and try to reach the other side. 

I want to leave this place but I don't want to discard the three years I have left like they are worthless.

Then I see it. The head of someone swimming in the sea, not quite far from here. I can see it going in and out of the waves border. And they aren't dead. I don't know why my fears decides to fade away at this very moment. What matters is that it does. Swiftly I put away my shoes, and leaves my stuff nearby. Keys, phone, anything heavy. I'm left with my baggy pants and large t-shirt as I jump into the water. I go straight ahead of me barely able to see anything even with the help of the light cast by the two moons and stars. 

And then, the first wave hits me. Water fills my mouth, my already blurry vision is even more troubled and I cannot breathe anymore. I fall deeper and deeper, not finding the strengh to swim until something flashes before my eyes. 

The ocean  around me disappears to be replaced by a blank, empty space. The silhouettes of a twenty-feet tall snake-like creature with red glowing eyes  and a woman appears. An Ut'lahuk and their priestess. Even thought I can't really see her face I can see her curly brown hair and her warm smile. 

I can't seem to tear up but I know if I could I would. My sister don't move and we keep staring at each other in silence. I, who never had the chance to say her goodbye nor to be restitued her body can finally see her again. 

'I missed you.' I want to say. 

The Ut'lahuk doesn't do anything either. They just contemplate us from above, compassion filling their eyes.

A last blink, a last smile and it all fades out as I release a last breath. Everything turns dark and I lost counsciousness.

Then, I wake up. 

Alive. 

Only to be met by two red glowing eyes.

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A.N. : Hey there ! It's my first published story and I'm very excited to share it with you all. I really hope you enjoyed it ! The first chapter is a little short but I primise they'll only get longer and longer. Don't hesistate to comment what you think of it and follow for more. 

Have an amazing day ! <3