One With the Waves

Jump

-Brae-

Even though the Navy ships were gone, the danger was far from over. I turned to my new "master" and stared at him in shock.

He smiled faintly, reaching out a hand, "Come along."

I hesitated for a moment, not sure what would happen to me when I took it. He must have been some sort of strange magician in order to have pulled a stunt like that. But how in the world had he done it?

"No!" Cobra yelled, putting the gun to his head. The smile instantly disappeared from his face, becoming an angry scowl. "You are not taking him!"

His voice surged with power, "Do you honestly think that inferior weapon will kill me?"

I stepped forwards, putting a hand on Cobra's shoulder. "It's okay," I murmured. She stared at me with hurt eyes, slowly lowering the weapon.

"Brae," she whispered, "What will we do without you?"

"The Sea Maiden will be perfectly fine in your capable hands," I replied, hugging her gently. Cobra had been with me for so long, it was difficult to imagine being without her. "Keep it for me until I return, okay?"

But I wasn't sure I would return. This man could wipe the deck with me in a single motion of his hand. I feared what would happen if I did not honor my word.

Cobra nodded, "Please return."

"I'll do my best," I replied, smiling faintly. I couldn't promise tomorrow when I was uncertain about today.

The strange man reached his hand out again, "Come along."

"Goodbye, Cobra," I said. Then, louder, I commanded, "Cobra is in charge now. You will treat her with the same respect you do for me."

There were a few murmured goodbyes: 'good luck, Captain' and 'be safe'. I turned back towards the man, taking the hand he offered to me. As much as I didn't want to leave my crew, there was a part of me that was excited for a new adventure. However, there was also the part of me that hated the man for taking the choices out of my hands.

He stood at the edge of the boat, and I realized at the last moment what he was about to do. He looked at me, his bright blue eyes still glowing, "Jump."

I stared at him in horror, but didn't have time to ask questions. Still holding my hand, he suddenly leapt into the ocean, pulling me with him. I yelled as I fell off the side of the boat, hitting the water with a smack!

I swam back up to the surface, coughing. I had let go of the man's hand, and I wasn't sure where he went. Looking around at the churning waves, I panicked, realizing he hadn't come up. Suddenly, however, a lean pair of arms slipped around my waist, and he bit my ear.

"What, were you worried I drowned?" He asked softly, his voice low and sexy.

I shivered slightly, caught off guard by his tone. Geez.

Reaching a hand out in front of me, he turned my head to look at him. I stared into his bright aquamarine eyes. The blue cloth he had previously worn had disappeared, leaving only a muscular torso. I couldn't see his legs, which freaked me out a little. He suddenly leaned forwards, kissing me full on the lips. My eyes widened, and I didn't react at all. He pulled away, chuckling softly. "Come along."

"You've said that already," I muttered.

He smiled faintly at me before ducking under the waves.

When he didn't resurface a moment later, I started panicking again, "Hello? Where did you go?" There was no answer. I ducked below the water, looking for him. But there was only darkness around me. Suddenly, something grabbed my arm from behind, pulling me deeper. I fought to get away, but couldn't get free. "My new master" appeared in front of me, a smug look on his face. His fingers were wrapped around my arm. I started swimming towards the surface to get a breath, but the man pulled me back down. When I looked at him, I'm sure my eyes nearly popped out of my head when I realized he had no legs, only a long, scaly blue tail.

Where do you think you're going? He asked without moving his lips. I frowned. How was he talking? Ugh. Honestly, at this point, I thought I was dreaming. It didn't help that I really needed a breath of air. I tried to swim towards the surface again, but the man still had ahold of me. Breathe, he said into my mind. I stared at him. Was he crazy? I couldn't breathe underwater! I would drown! Just try it. I promise, you won't drown. His eyes were sincere, though slightly amused. Black spots were forming over my eyes, and I would black out soon if I didn't get some air. Realizing that he wasn't planning on letting me go, I finally did as he said. Water rushed into me as I took a breath. I expected it to hurt, to feel my life fading. Instead, it was like I was breathing.

How the hell? I thought, startled.

The man started laughing, bubbles coming out of his mouth. I gave you the ability to breathe underwater when I kissed you. You can speak to me, too. Just think what you want to say to me. Imagine yourself speaking to me.

You're an asshole, I thought.

He laughed again, Maybe I am an asshole, but I think you like it. He smiled in a seductive way and got closer, kissing me again. I resisted the urge to pull away, knowing that for whatever reason, he had claimed me as his and wouldn't take kindly to me refusing him.

When he pulled away, I asked, Who are you?

My name is Aura, he responded, motioning for me to follow him. I did, though I found it difficult to swim down. The pressure was brutal against my ears. He paused, as though realizing this were the case, and put his hands on either side of my head, pressing his forehead against my own. Immediately, the pressure lifted. Please forgive me, I forget that humans need so much attention.

What are you? I asked, looking into his eyes.

He dropped his gaze, I was raised among the merfolk, but I am not one of them.

He didn't provide anymore information, instead leading me deeper into the water. Once I became more accustomed to being under the surface, it became easier to swim.

Aura? I nudged his shoulder, causing him to turn his gaze back to me, Why did you want me?

He stayed silent, turning back ahead. I didn't ask again, though I planned on questioning him later. In the meantime, it was becoming much more difficult to see. There was just a murky darkness ahead of me, much to my discomfort, and I feared that we would be lost to the waves.

We are almost there, Aura said after quite some time.

I frowned, Almost where?

Suddenly, the area opened up, light streaming down to illuminate a cave opening on the sea floor. Aura pointed, smiling faintly.

Home.

***

Hey guys! I hope things are going well! Here's the newest chapter, I hope you enjoy it! Please let me know what you think by voting and commenting!

Alaina