An Unus Annus Fanfic: But it Gets Increasingly More Frustrating to Read

Chapter 8

Mark and I made it out safely. Soaking wet, but safe. Stepping out of the mouth of the cave opening was so nice, though I can't say the same for the poor kiddo we made cry. Some cowardice child just so happened to be climbing on the rocks right by where Mark and I made our grand entrance, or, exit I suppose. He probably thought we were some kind of sea monster or whatever and attempted to run away crying. He kept almost falling off the rocks into the water though and honestly it was kind of hilarious. I almost got eaten by a creature that shouldn't even exist, I should be the one crying right now kid. Get in line.

It was time to find Ethan and finally figure out what was going on. Mark and I climbed up onto the pier, trying to squeeze the water out of our hair and clothes in the process. I hate the way saltwater makes me feel, hopefully we can go somewhere with a shower soon. I spotted Ethan talking to someone back on the beach and pointed him out to Mark.

"Ethan is probably really worried about us," Mark said, "Or at least me anyway."

"Yeah, we should probably let him know we're okay," I said as we started tiredly walking down the pier.

A man passed by us with an ice cream cart. The telltale music played from a speaker on the cart, alerting anyone nearby of the available creamy treat.

"Yeah..." Mark agreed, distracted by the cart passing by. "But we wouldn't want to interrupt his conversation."

"You're right. It looks like they're talking about something important."

"Maybe we should grab some ice cream first?"

I was already walking to the ice cream man before Mark could finish his sentence. We each picked something out and headed over to where Ethan was. He was now talking to someone new. It seemed like he was asking people if they had seen us anywhere. Aww he did care!

"Hey Ethan!" I said merrily.

His eyes darted over to Mark and me. For a moment he just seemed shocked but then he threw out his arms and rushed at us with a hug, effectively knocking the lady he was talking to out of the way in the process. Mark expertly dodged the hug like he was used to it, but all I could do was try not to drop my ice cream.

"You guys are okay!" Ethan exclaimed.

He quickly let go of me and embraced Mark who, despite his best efforts, couldn't escape this time.

"I thought you were dead," Ethan continued.

"Nope. very much alive. At least for now," Mark joked, pulling out of the hug. I did not appreciate the joke.

Ethan noticed the ice cream in our hands and his eyes narrowed. He was quiet for just a moment before berating us.

"I have been searching this beach up and down, asking people if they had seen you, and you guys got ice cream?!"

Mark and I just glanced at each other before slowly taking another bite of our treat.

"I've been here worried sick about you, doing everything in my power to save you guys," Ethan continued, "and you have the audacity to get yourselves some ice cream before even telling me you were okay?"

"Look man, if you want ice cream that bad, the man is over on the pier. Go get yourself some." Mark responded.

"And you didn't even get me one?!!"

"Okay mom chill out, we're fine" I teased. "Let's get on with it."

"Oh yeah, there is something terrible going on." Mark said.

"What do you mean? Like, other than the obvious of course."

Mark then explained to Ethan about our little adventure with The Gongoozler and how he turned to ash and was entrapped in the glowing music box. Ethan seemed to be catching on to what was happening but I still felt out of the loop.