Tide Between Two Worlds

Better To Show Than Tell

       Later that evening, after narrating his victorious story and sorrowful ending to his parents over dinner, Shuichi prepared to turn in for the night. Unfortunately, the feeling he expected to have at this time was completely opposite of how he felt now. It was one thing to cause an electrical malfunction. It's another when there's a casualty. There he sat on his bed with nothing but the lights of his aquariums illuminating his bedroom in regretful contemplation and prayer for the assumed victims.

       I hope things turn out alright. I just...I never meant...

Just before going to bed, Shuichi sent out one last text to Kiyoni. She was about to turn in too but replied assuring Shuichi that she was okay. In response, Shuichi apologized one last time, wished her the sweetest of dreams, and joked about how she should listen to the soundtrack to Wakanda Forever as she slept. Upon closing his eyes, all Shuichi could think about was Tsuran City and Lady Botan.

       When those eyes opened, Shuichi was once again found lying in a different area of the ocean. This time his surroundings weren't made of coral or sand. The waters were warmer and of a lighter blue hue. Below him, vibrant green grass scattered along another field. The very platform that Shuichi slept on was familiar though. That same shimmering, pearlescent surface. Shuichi met up with Botan once again, pleased to see her warm, motherly smile.

       "Welcome back," she whispered.

       "Lady Botan." Shuichi shouted, "Lady Botan, you... You... Those swimmers...! Lady Botan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...I didn't know I could..."

       Botan immediately went into maternal mode, "It's alright. It's alright. Kurama, listen to me. It's alright. I know you didn't know. That wasn't your fault. That was my fault. I should've informed you of all of your abilities."

       "You knew...? You knew that was possible? Why didn't...why didn't you tell me?"

       "Kurama, if I've said it once, I've said it multiple times. I only have so much time to tell you everything there is to know. Once my time is up, it's up to you to continue on that journey."

       "What do you mean?"

       "Kurama, the goddess has only given me a limited time to do all that must be done before I return to her celestial waters. That includes letting go of this world I've called my home and hopefully lead you towards your path back to yours."

       "What?"

       "Yes, Kurama. While I am allowed to protect you, I'm required to...essentially convince you to come home. To reconnect with the place of your birth. You are a representative of two different worlds. It's time for you to come to know of this one. That's why we're here."

No wonder. No wonder Shuichi is going through what he's going through. The physical changes, the connection to water, these dreams, the way he's been swimming lately. It's no wonder all of this is happening at once. It's nature's way of letting Shuichi know who and what he is and how to handle it. Not only is he going through traditional, human puberty, he's going through subaquatic puberty...sort of.

       In an attempt to make sense of it all, Shuichi coasted towards the surface where he was welcomed by the prismatic waves of the ocean and afternoon sun, "This is...all so much. You're saying you brought me here...just to convince me to...completely abandon my current life for this one?"

       "Not abandon. Nothing was said about abandoning anything. It's just that...since you're coming into your own, it's best that you have or develop an understanding of why you are the way you are. Much like you're doing on dry land. Kurama...I realize it's a lot to take in but you have to understand it's for the best."