Captivity

Chapter 8: The Game

It was a troubling thought that left the phantom mer swashing about the waters of his tank. Throughout the weeks since he'd started learning to spell, he'd begun attempting to sound off the words he'd learned. However, he found himself all but unable to pronounce them. Mouthing the syllables as humans did was easy enough, but it seemed as though he was missing some key thing that would unlock the elusive sounds.

Finding that he was unsuccessful by the usual methods, he resulted to trying his own. Most of these attempts resulted in bizarre contortions that left his handlers concerned for his wellbeing. Whenever he felt he was close to replicating a sound, he'd repeat it over and over, usually causing such a racket to where the center was forced to close on days when they could not hide the noise.

Because of these days, Nate found it was probably wiser to find other methods of communication, as the commotion was beginning to raise questions among the visitors, and among the new science classes; mainly as the screeches and squawks brought a tortured animal to mind. Thus with a reluctant sigh, he turned this information over to his niece on the task of finding a new method for themselves, as well as their unusual friend.

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"So tell me again why it is that you've been looking up sign language?" Tucker pondered whilst stuffing another handful of jerky into his mouth, much to Sam's disgust.

Since they first introduction, the techno geek had made himself quite at home now that his girlfriend wasn't concerned about inviting him over anymore. Aside from his eating habits, Sam didn't have much to complain about, and the male's fondness for video games brought with it a childish stress reliever.

The only one to really complain was Danny, whom whenever he caught the teen's scent on her clothes would become increasingly agitated and attempt to sniff out the competition with no success. Thankfully it wasn't something she would have to worry about as the two of them were practically in two different worlds.

Giving a sigh and a shake of her head, she continued to search for content on the matter at hand, "A friend of mine is mute, so I wanted to lend a hand."

"I didn't know you had a friend like that."

"They don't go to the university," her tone had been far sharper than she had meant it to be, as Tucker quickly raised his hands in submission. At least he wasn't going to nag her about it. Her roommate on the other hand, was another matter.

"So, what's his name?" Valery mused as she flopped down upon her bed next to her boyfriend. The teen had gone back to stuffing his face full of the dried meat.

"I never said it was a guy," Sam defended.

"You didn't have to. I could see it in your eyes," she fluttered her eyes for emphasis, only earning a scowl in return.

"It's not like that..."

"Oh! I bet he works at the Aquarium! That's why you're always there! When do I get to meet him?" Val gasped, bouncing excitedly, causing her mattress to groan from the abuse.

However, instead of the usual sigh and relent, the goth proceeded to slam her laptop shut and leave the room without another word.

"I think you over did it..."

"Ya think?!"

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"So tell me again why we followed her to the aquarium?" Tucker frowned, his eyes wandering their surroundings with a nervous gaze. It wasn't that he feared the creatures within the many tanks surrounding them, but rather the sheer devastation the water could bring to his precious electronics. He probably should have forgone that last horror film as the thought of the glass shattering made him shudder.