Philian Apolesai

Awakening

The oars crashed against the ocean waves. Despite the fatigue plaguing every fiber of their beings the men managed to move in perfect synchrony. For six days now the galleon drifted aimlessly through the open seas, but the end was finally in sight. The Count has found land and that was left to do was row the ship to shore. This should not have been so difficult for them however the lack of food has taken its toll. But none would allow themselves to fall it. Not when they were so close. Still forcing themselves to move as one. Pushing and pulling the massive oars through the water.

Hidden under the waves, fish swim away from them. Fleeing further to the ocean floor. Unwittingly disturbing the monster resting in the stony spires below.

For fifty years she has done nothing but stare up at the sun reflecting through water. She had seen the world and decided there was nothing worthwhile in it. The boredom consumed her. The loneliness was almost crippling. But with nothing to do, she continued to stare up to the sky. Until finally, something disrupts her view. Fish fly past her to hide between the stones as a massive shadow blocks out the sun, lurching forward at a steady pace. A ship. The first intelligent life to grace this island, was arriving.

Colonization was nothing new. Such things would never catch her interest normally. Perhaps on a different day their mere presence would annoy her, leading to her either destroying the boat and killing them all or simply finding a new place to sulk. However, today must be a special day. The day the hand of fate reached down to her and pulled her to the surface to investigate. Or maybe she was just exceptionally bored and wanted someone to talk to. No matter the reason, her decision was made. Vesi pushed herself up from her rock to follow behind.

As the boat neared the shore the excited shouts of the crew rang out, reaching the ears of the aquatic beast stalking them. In spite of the years of loneliness jading her, Vesi smiled slightly. The joys of finding something new, the feelings of relief and togetherness they must be experiencing. Though the thought of it did bring a small pang of jealousy, she couldn't help but admit that it was cute. Reminding her of her days with the guild. Decades ago now, but still the best days of her life.

The ship cannot get any closer without running aground on the corals so smaller rowboats are dropped to the surface. The boats push themselves away from their mother ship and small oars break through the water's surface. The sea monster hides her form in the galleon's massive shadow as a low voice barks more orders to his men. The anchor is thrown down to the seabed, making it clear they plan to stay. Once the ship was secure, the twelve rowboats began their journey to shore. Vesi pushes herself up from the seafloor, ready to continue her pursuit until something comes to mind.

If she was going to speak to these humans rather than kill them she would need to change her look some. It would be difficult to walk amongst them without legs after all. Pausing under the ship's hull Vesi began to change. Her tail splitting into legs, limbs and fins shortening, and her green markings taking on a whiter glow. Nothing she did would make her look human, but this form was assuredly much more approachable than her more 'monstrous' form. So hopefully like this she will be able to have something like a conversation rather than having them run in fear as they usually did. Vesi looks down at her hands. No longer clawed but still webbed for speed. She now had to consciously breathe through her smaller gills, her lungs now much better suited for the pure air above the waves. Satisfied with her transformation, Vesi continued. Kicking her legs at a languid pace. Her white dress catching the light of the sun above as she emerged from below the ship. Looking like a gem sparkling under the water as she came closer and closer to the surface.

By the time Vesi reached the shore, all the explorers had already set up a humble camp. Despite the large numbers of boats that came to land, there didn't seem to be many people here. Ten humans huddled around a small fire. 'The rest must be checking the island' she thought to herself. Such a thing should draw concern. Walking into a group knowing full well dozens could be watching from the shadows was basically asking to be trapped, but Vesi has long since realized how weak this world was and just a glance was enough to tell her no one here could hope to match her strength. Even the capable ones among them seemed exhausted. With that observation her confidence rose even higher than it would usually be.