Shadow Of The Colossus- Taming The Beasts

Chapter 11- Hydrus

Splashes and squeals erupted from the water as Hydrus tumbled around, every movement causing a surge of pain to erupt itself within his body. His once beautiful spines were now dulled and dim, the cracks behind them erupting with blood with each shift. The whiskers that gave his adorable face even more charm were tangled and messy. Hydrus needed to rest, but the only solid ground he could reach above water was a platform far too small for him. Soft squeals and whines escaped the poor creature, begging, pleading for help. Luckily, it was on its way.

Avion dove down to the entrance of the lake, frantically looking around for his eel friend. Barba was soon to follow, exhausted pants escaping the minotaur as he put his hands on his knees to catch a breath. And, following behind Barba, was Gaius, who was coming as quickly as his old body could bear. Aiko hopped from Avion's back and through the bridge, skidding to a halt at a mossy, broken end. A spiraling tower stood in front of her, plant life covering most of its rocky texture. Aiko leaped onto it with some difficulty but managed to walk to the top. By the time she got there, Gaius was leaning over the crumbling gate separating the desert from the lake. He was very noticeably concerned and panicked, whimpering at Hydrus as if to reassure him. The eel responded with some whines of his own, trying to hoist himself over the tiny platform in the water. 

Just hold on for a quick moment, we'll get you out!

H-hurry, it hurts, I-I can't move-!

Suddenly, Gaius perked up with an idea. With some leverage of his sword, Gaius lifted himself up and faced the two other colossi. They exchanged frantic bellows, Barba and Avion looking at each other with confused expressions until Gaius used his left arm to point towards Hydrus. Reaffirming his statement. With some hesitation, the two agreed to whatever Gaius was planning. Aiko decided to just sit back and watch, although she held her bag close just in case it was needed. She peered as Avion flew to Hydrus' sinking head and grabbed ahold of the glowing, metal rods sticking from the sides of his head. With an overexaggerated grunt, Avion hoisted the fish up and started dragging him towards the other colossi, who were sitting atop the hill. Once in reach, Barba gently grabbed Hydrus' upper body while Gaius used his sword to lift up his lower half, Avion holding onto his tail. Hydrus' eyes switched from a panicked orange to a calmer blue, although it was apparent he was still uneasy. The three colossi hoisted Hydrus onto dry land, where he could rest for a bit.  Gaius and Barba looked at one another. 

Is he alright, Barba?

He's uh...he's seen better days.

Hydrus was in pretty rough condition. His electric spines were barely able to muster a spark, the cracks behind each one were large and painful, and he was exhausted from trying to keep himself stable. Gaius laid down next to him, allowing the fish to put his tiny, in comparison, flipper on his left arm. It was clear that Hydrus was pretty young, even for a colossus. Maybe even a child by their standards, as even Barba was gentle with him. Aiko ran over to them as quickly as she could, observing the injured fella. Avion pecked at any parasites he found on Hydrus' fur, being the only colossus there with a functioning mouth. Barba tried to straighten out his tangled whiskers and Gaius watched Hydrus for any signs of pain. 

Aiko noticed the cracks on Hydrus' body. Recalling the time where she rubbed Valus' to ease the pain, she figured it was worth a shot to try and help. She walked to the farthest one, on his third spike. Once she put her tiny hands on it, she looked at Gaius for any sign of disapproval. There wasn't any, so she continued to pet Hydrus. His fur, despite being submerged in water, was quite soft and welcoming. Aiko wiped the blood off of the crack, her hands covered in the dark substance by the time a minute passed. Fortunately, her work was done by the time she felt tired, as his spine began to glow with a beautiful orange! It was the same color as the string of dots lining his sides, bright and welcoming. 

Once the colossi began to take notice, they took the responsibility of cleaning up the wounds. Barba, despite his rather brash and bold personality, took interest in helping out the eel. With gentle fingers, he brushed aside the blood and massaged the cracks, eventually healing both remaining spines. Despite this, Hydrus was still somewhat sore and couldn't swim to different areas using the underwater tunnels. So, Barba hoisted the serpent up, allowing him to coil around his body like a friendly snake. 

Aiko couldn't help but notice Gaius' relationship with the other colossi. They seemed to respect him, certainly, but some seemed to fear him in a way. Barba seemed less bold and more submissive around the knight, contrasting with his usual loud and brash manner. Avion seemed to look up to him, always looking to him for the solution. But the one that really intrigued her was Hydrus. Hydrus held no fear for the knight, and while he did respect him, Gaius seemed...playful around him. As the five were walking to their next destination, Hydrus and Gaius exchanged various bellows and whines.

I thought you were dead!

Are you alright?

I missed you so much!  

Why'd this have to happen?

Almost as if...Gaius was fatherly to more than just Aiko. She had to wonder...Were these creatures always this way?