Human Error

The Things That Lurk Below

As they made their journeys back, the two groups chatted idly, laughed a little, and tried to stay optimistic about this place. There was no doubt about it, though; they were all terrified. No adults, no one to tell them what to do and how to do it, not one to give them advice. It was scary. You take all of it for granted, rebel, and don't listen only to have that snatched away and realize how much you miss it. But they definitely didn't miss Paradise.

The lake came into view and the sun was setting, casting a beautiful orange glow on the surface of it. They each neared and stopped to look at it. It was beautiful, captivating even. Then Eyes spoke up.

"You know we could take a pretty nice bath right now, right? I mean… the lake's right here."

They didn't protest, but Silencer rose a hand.

"We should make sure it won't hurt us first," she said in a quiet voice.

They each looked at each other, then the octopus boy nodded and stepped forward. Before anyone could say otherwise, he went forth on his limbs and stuck two of the tentacles in the water. He waited there for a good minute, then fell back, unmoving.

"Eyes?!" Fox said loudly, darting over. She shook him by the shoulders, panicking. "Eyes, no!"

A sly smirk formed it's way on his lips and the slime girl nearly beat at his chest, and would've had it not been for Vines who held her wrists.

"Ha ha! Gotcha~ Water's fine, come on in."

The rest looked relieved and also annoyed, but they nodded.

"Wait. Do we just keep these on or…?" Guardian started, looking a bit uncomfortable.

"I guess we should keep them on, but it might be cold after. At least keep your underwear on."

Eyes was in the water in a flash and he looked so comfortable there. The rest joined him one by one and found it was cold at first, but the water warmed up around them thanks to their body heat.

A few minutes turned into 20, and then 30, and then Eyes was underwater exploring. About 5 minutes passed before he was up and swimming towards them. Fast.

"What's going on?" Historia called.

"Get out! Hurry!" came the shaky reply, to which the kids all turned and either swam or walked quickly out of the water.

Panting, they all turned and looked at the lake again. Something dark cast a long shadow near the middle, which grew smaller. Then they caught a glimpse of it. That sent the 7 scrambling for the ship and drying themselves along the way.

Eyes didn't know what it was, but he told them that they shouldn't go in the deep end. After more conversation, they all laid down to try and sleep. It would be a long night of fear, worry, and restlessness.