Living alone, Gear grew up with the legends of the sea, learning the dangers and wonders. What happens though, when she discovers information lost to time.
- Art of any characters other than myself were made by the amazing CreepyPSo -
Not long after breakfast, Reaper offers to take me back where we met so that I could stop home and gather anything I needed. Agreeing, I test if I can walk and succeed, hiding the pain with a strait face. Thus, I slowly get into the water as Reaper grabs me from behind and starts to dive as I take a deep breath.
Once we arrive, I get out and give and estimated amount of time. Heading out, the first thing I do is check the paper for any major news as I walk. Finding nothing of note as I enter my house, I toss the paper to the side and grab my waterproof backpack and start filling it with any essentials. Utensils, pans, plates, bowls, extra clothes, etc. As I did this, I continually checked how heavy it felt, not wanting to weigh Reaper down on the trip back. If nothing else, I could always swim back on my own with Reaper leading ahead.
Satisfied with my packing job, I grab something I had left out and head back. Locking the door, I take one last look at my house, not knowing when or if I would ever return. If I didn't, there were people I trusted and knew what to do. Living in such a small ocean town made things a little easier. I enjoyed the scenery as I walked, admiring the flowers and buildings in a way that I hadn't in a very long time.
Returning to Reaper, he questions the weight of my bag and I assure him I can handle it. "But the extra weight will make it harder to swim. You're gonna run out of breath." I shake my head and get in the water, holding onto the edge so I don't have to tread as I open a vial. Reaper gives a blank, knowing look as I drink its contents and close it, diving into the water. "I should have known." Smiling, I start to swim as Reaper follows close behind.
"So from what I've gathered, you aren't the fastest of swimmers. Correct?" He swims up beside me before responding, "Correct. Part of it is my fin, and part of it is how thin my tail is." Nodding, we continued to swim in silence. 'I figured as much. I may not know much about his life after no longer living in the deep, but I knew my fair share.' Once we arrived, I placed my bag on dry land and dived back under water.
"What do you think you're doing?" I turn to him with an anxious expression, "I want to explore. I don't want to waste what time I have to breath under water." He gives me a stern look as he tells me how dangerous it is and yadda yadda. I'm not a child, I just want to see the ocean in a way I never have before. The route we have been traveling to and from isn't allowed for scuba divers. It's all new territory to me and I want to see as much as possible.
As Reaper realizes I wont back down, he gives some rules like I'm a kid and I nod. Climbing out of the water and grabbing something from my bag, I enter a small side cave, running back and taking my bag with. "My room now!" I giggle silently as I change into my hand made outfit that better resembles that of what a coast monster would wear. I run out and dive into the water, splashing Reaper in the process. He ducks down into the water and looks at my change of clothes, seeing that I am no longer wearing my standard bathing suit from before.
"So I take it you expect to find coast monsters?" I nod, "that's the plan. I made this suit a while back with some help from a friend." I beam with joy, excited to finally get to use it. Reaper gives a soft sigh as he practically waves me away, signaling that I should go already. Promising I will be back, I swim out of the cave and out into the open ocean.
Recalling the rules of the vial, I keep track of how long I am under water, resurfacing every few minutes. I soft smile crosses my face as I recall memories of when the contents of the vial was in its testing phases. It was one of my favorite memories. None the less, I make my way to the coast, pondering if I should look for a loner, rather than a group or pair. I head for what looks like a cave, deciding it would be best to watch from afar and stay hidden for now. I resurface inside the cave and look around, seeing something behind a natural pillar of rock.
"Hello? Is someone there? I'm sorry for entering without permission if this is your cave." The figure remains still and so do I. Getting no response, I see a smaller exit near them and set a plan in motion. "I'll leave then. Sorry once again for intruding." Ducking back under water, I swim past them from below and head toward the exit. However, a voice stops me from going further. "Wait. Y-You're human?" Turning around, I smile as I nod. "But how? Humans aren't aloud to swim in these waters, and no human has broken the rule before."
"Let's just say I'm, a special case. Name's Gear." I hold out my hand with a gentle smile. They hesitate, cautious and clearly unsure about the situation. I try reassuring them by explaining why I'm able to talk under water. They slowly get closer, keeping a close eye on me. "My name is Outs." He takes my hand, shaking it gently. A warm smile spreads across my face as we end the handshake, and start talking together.
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