From the Islands

chapter 3

I watch Yumi across the cave floping her tail as Raeli tightens the braids in her hair. I'm digusted with her, and myself. How could I be so naïve? They had complete control over the front of the boat, I look over at Lani. Did she do this on purpose? I roll over on my back on the smooth rock, and close my eyes. Soft chatter fills the cave as my conscious drifts. Flashes of the night before cross my memory. The image of the men dropping into the water in a deep trance makes my heart pump. I feel this strike a nerve in me, a rain drop falls onto my cheek. I crack my eyes open slightly as more raindrops hit my face, the sky is gray. "Kika, do you want to come too?" I roll back over to Lani, who is very close to my face. Her eyes are wide, "We are going to the inner islands." I shake my head,"How long will you be there?" I ask only to seem interested, but I know I won't be going. The last thing I want to do is spend time with Yumi and Raeli. "We were thinkin' three moons should be enough time." They always do this, they leave the cave for a couple days after taking down a ship. Usually I like tagging along, the water feels warmer on that side. I almost change my mind but instead I shake my head again, and lay back on my rock, "I'll stay." I can feel Lani sink down. She doesn't say anything, she must be thinking of a way to pursuade me. Instead she swims back over and begins chattering with the others. I turn my back towards them and think about the man I met centuries ago. I wonder if he ever made it to where he was going. Where was he going? I can't remember, I can't remember his voice. I keep thinking of all the things he told me. I think of the waterfall I would hide behind. I can still see the look on his face as he stood there in soaked clothing. I feel a small smile grow on my face. My thoughts keep swirling and swirling in my head until my mind finally drifts to sleep. ●○○○

The soft tapping of rain fills the cave. I can feel cold drips hitting my body. I let my thoughts swirl for a long time. I can hear seagulls in the distance. Morning already, the cave begins to fill with soft murmurs. They must be leaving soon. I lie still and keep my breathing slow. I don't feel like seeing them off. I hope the sun comes up soon my scales are beginning to dry. I keep my mind busy as I listen to the murmurs become soft chatter. I decide to drift back into a light slumber. ○●○○

My eyes snap open at the sound of a boat horn. My scales peel off the rock as i fall into the water. It feels refreshing, the horn sounds again. However, the muffled sound does not sound like a horn. It blows two times one after the other. I peek up and listen closer, it sounds like a whistle. I put my lips together and try to mimick the sound. Its too high pitched but I continue to listen. What could be making that noise? Unless... no, it would be impossible. A survivor? Didn't the ship sink? Sanaa pulled me away before it went down, there's no way a human could survive our song.