by Jaymin Eve
I leaned over the side to examine the seahorses. There were four out in front, just visible beneath the crystal-clear water. They looked a little like a mix of dolphin and octopus, large gray creatures with at least eight legs. Their back four tentacles were attached to small ropes on the front underside of the pontoon. I continued to watch as we started to move.
“They are strong and amazingly smart. Cacaol is one of my oldest friends.” Talina was next to me; she pointed to the smallest one out on the left.
“Can you talk to them?” I asked, fascinated by their graceful play through the water.
She shook her head. “No, they have no vocal cords to speak, but that doesn’t mean we can’t communicate. They have a form of sign-language that is pretty easy to understand. And they comprehend most of our words.”
She waved to her friend, and I saw two of the long limbs shoot up out of the water. Talina laughed and blew a kiss down to her.
I smiled, looking at Talina’s happy face. “Spurn is pretty amazing. Where we’re from, no one could comprehend a world without land. Some people have never even been in the ocean before.”
I was starting to wonder if, in the end, Talina was another person I’d have to convince to leave. She had more here than she realized.
“I can’t imagine that. There is nothing comparable to the silence and majesty that comes from dancing through the oceans, riding the currents, seeing the beauty that lies beneath.”
“Stop,” I said with a sigh. “You’re making me so jealous. I’ll never get to experience that. You’re pretty lucky to have almost the best of both worlds.”
“Yeah, I guess I’ve never thought of it that way. I’ve always hated my defects, the things that made life so hard for me here.” She looked away, the breeze blowing her emerald hair back in one long thick stream. “Now I have to start believing in that which makes me special, unique. If I’m to accept your story then there’s no other like me in all of the worlds.”
“That’s it, girl. Embrace your differences, and flip off all those who don’t recognize all that’s awesome about you,” Lucy said, hearing the end of our conversation as she walked up behind us.
Talina smiled. “Flip off?”
Lucy waved a hand in her direction. “It’s something we do on Earth, and it basically means go eff yourself.”
“Eff yourself?” Talina parroted again.
I laughed. She was never going to understand Earth slang, and since we had no idea what the Spurn equivalent would be, we couldn’t explain.
“I think that’s their way of saying take a long dive into a shallow sand bank.” Raror put an arm around his sister.
Comprehension crossed her features.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be confident enough to tell anyone that, but I’ll work on it.” She looked petrified at the thought.
We moved as a group to sprawl on the meshy beds spread along the top deck of the pontoon. It was nice to have some down time; it seemed as if life was reasonably relaxed on Spurn. Swimming and lying around. As I lay back to stare into the pink skies I realized there were no clouds. I was pretty sure I hadn’t seen any since we arrived. Just the pink half-sun days and the four blue moons nights.
“Does it rain here?” I said, reaching my hands behind me so I could prop my head up.
“What’s rain?” Talina and Raror asked at the same time.
My eyes widened. The water planet had no rain. That was weird ...
“When water falls from the sky,” Lucas answered. “We don’t get a lot of rain on First World. I hear it’s more common on Earth.”
“Water has never fallen from our sky. That would be amazing to see.” Talina’s voice sounded wistful.
How had this world ended up being mostly water? What was their water source?
“You’ll get to see rain when we leave Spurn,” I said, ignoring the reappearance of Raror’s scowl.
He seemed pretty confident that she wouldn’t get permission to leave. What did he know that we didn’t?
It didn’t take long for the men to become bored and decide to jump in the water. They were all strong swimmers, and Raror promised they’d be able to keep up with the boat. Lucy, Talina and I stayed to continue the glorious task of getting a tan. The wraps didn’t cover too much skin so we had plenty of the half-sun exposure. It was weak enough that there was no chance of burning.
After an hour I rolled over onto my front, cradling my head in my arms. Lucy shifted next to me.
“I’m going downstairs to check Sammy hasn’t drowned,” she said, getting to her feet.
Talina nodded, before following her. She probably didn’t like to be out of the water for too long. I felt better knowing she’d be looking after Lucy in the water.
“Mmm, hmmm,” I mumbled drowsily into my arms.
My mind drifted. The sun felt so good, recharging and regenerating me.
Eventually boredom kicked in. I got to my feet. I wasn’t very practiced at lazing around. I was ready for some swim time.
I made my way down the stairs, and then stepped out onto the open deck area of the lower level. Leaning my head over the side, I expected to see everyone swimming alongside the pontoon. Instead, they were all sitting in a huge side net. Okay, that’s how they were keeping up with the seahorses’ speed.
The net ran almost the full length of the pontoon with the majority dragging in the water, which was perfect, considering I wasn’t the strongest swimmer. I could just lie back and be pulled along for the ride.
“Just jump in, Abbs.” Lucy kicked her legs out in front, her hands tangled in the side netting so as not to be thrown out accidentally.
With a shrug, I jumped off the side, landing on my butt. The cool water immediately enveloped me and my weight pulled the netting down. I went completely under. Spluttering, I launched myself above the water level, coughing out the salt water I’d swallowed.
Reaching out a long arm, Brace hauled me over to sit on the edge with him. We were on the opposite side to everyone else, and with the sound of water rushing past, it felt semi-private. I could see Lucy and Samuel laughing together, and Lucas flirting with Talina, a skill which seemed as easy to him as breathing.
“You know I can’t remember the last time I got to relax and just have fun,” Brace said as he lay back, letting the water run over his body. “My life is family obligations and following orders. I’m about ready to walk away from that for a while.”
“I know what you mean.” I was trying really hard not to plaster myself to his warm skin, but the bumpy water kept throwing me into his side. “Earth was just training and survival. Having fun was not on our schedule. Until an hour ago I’d never sun-baked. I’m eighteen years old and that was my first chance to lie in the sun.” I looked up at him. “Want to tell me how old you are?”
Although he’d mentioned being twenty-two before, something told me that was not entirely accurate.
He ignored me, flashing one of those brilliant smiles. “It’s about time you acted like a teenager.”
He hauled me into his arms and threw me across into the deep center of the netting. Once again I found myself submerged under the water, but at least this time I’d closed my mouth first. I was about to propel myself up, ready to kick some butt, when I was distracted by the scene before me. My vision under the water was almost as clear as above, and the world below was incredible.
Glittering and shifting beneath us were creatures: at least a hundred different fish species. One of the smallest drifted close to me; it looked like a black puff of cloud. I could have reached out and touched it.
There were also huge beasts, with lots of teeth, gliding lazily along. Those I definitely did not want to touch.
I would have sat there for hours observing the diverse ecosystem, watching the different species interact and chase each other. But I wasn’t a Spurn, so I couldn’t breathe under water and eventually my burning lungs forced me to rise above the surface.
Brace grinned at me from where
he was perched. “I wasn’t sure if you’d decided to live under the sea or if my skills had scared you a bit too much, Red.”
Without thought I launched myself at him, practically landing on his head. As we wrestled in the water, I was determined to dunk him. Our scarcely clad bodies touched everywhere and there were far too many electrical jolts running between us. Our play was sexy and tempting in all ways, but more than that it was fun. I’d never roughhoused with anyone before. It wasn’t Lucy’s style; she hated her hair getting messy.
My competitive side couldn’t let him win. Although with his strength and limb-length advantage I wasn’t having much luck, even when I utilized all my speed and flexibility. Brace captured me a few times, but I always managed to free myself. After a while we declared a truce. We lay back side-by-side, letting the water cool our heated skin.
“You’re deceptively strong and devious, Abigail.” Brace glanced sideways, his brows raised. “You’d have made a good ninja.”
I laughed. “Don’t let Lucy hear you say that; she thinks she’s a ninja.”
As I relaxed against his side, I couldn’t believe how comfortable this was. Of course it was unbelievably nerve wracking and the electrical current continued to buzz, but I felt a strange sense of contentment. As my body relaxed, so did my brain.
“Do you think we’ve had the dreams, and feel this connection because we’re true mates?” As the words fled my mouth I realized what I’d said.
Had the filter between my brain and mouth suddenly become defective?
I was about to hang my head in shame and sink beneath the water to escape his probing gaze when my pride kicked in. No ... No way was I hiding. I might not have meant to put that out there so soon but I deserved to know. Or, more importantly, I needed to know. I’d fight for anything that was real, but I had no time to waste on games.
“I think it’s slightly more complicated than that, Abby. But, yes, I think there’s a high possibility you are my mate.” He smiled then, his serious expression lifting. “A term I’m coming to enjoy.”
I really loved it when he smiled.
“You’re kind of pretty when you smile,” I said, unable to stop myself again.
“Tough and manly, Red,” his brow furrowed, “I’m manly.”
I patted his arm in a placating manner.
“So where do we go from here?” I couldn’t tear my eyes from his. This was the conversation I never believed I would have. “Do we have a choice in this mate thing?”
“Do you want another choice?” he asked as he flicked his gaze toward Lucas.
I followed his direction and noticed a pair of icy blue eyes watching us both closely.
“I want ...” I shook my head.
“You want?” he repeated.
I want you.
I almost blurted it out. What the hell was with my mouth today? I attempted to cover the awkward silence.
“It’s a lot to take in when I’ve basically been raised in a world where soul-mates and one-true-loves don’t really exist,” I diverged.
“Nice segue, Red.” He smiled. “You can try and fight it, and you can run if you want.” He touched my face, his expression almost reverent.
I was lost again. He really was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. He should make me feel insecure, make me wonder what he wanted with someone like me, but instead I felt powerful and strong around him. Like I could do or be anything. When he locked me in his gaze I felt the perfection. He continued speaking, unaware of my thoughts.
“But I won’t give you up. I don’t even think I can stop ... being with you. I can’t stay away.”
“I assume you’ve already tried to fight this.” I thought of the time he’d disappeared after our journey to Earth.
He nodded. “Yeah, I’m not too proud to say I attempted to run like hell. I have so much sh ... unpleasant things in my life, I don’t want to drag you into it. And I don’t like things that are outside my control. Plus, you’re young, with many things to experience. You deserve a chance to grow. But it is what it is, and I’m not strong enough to give you up.”
I looked away; I needed to catch my breath. But I found no relief as Lucas captured my attention. For once he watched me seriously, his expression ... intense.
“What’s the connection there? I’m not sure I understand.” Brace’s words were soft but drew my full awareness.
I could see in his stare a brutal vulnerability, a sense of helplessness. I didn’t understand my connection with Lucas either, and I didn’t like it. And I had no answers for him.
The rest of the time went quickly. We had lunch of the same old fruit and salty salad. I was really starting to crave meat and flavors of a different variety. Just remembering the foods of First World had my mouth watering.
Talina eventually announced that we had arrived. We stood on the front deck, waiting for Raror to receive permission to enter.
I turned to Talina. “You said earlier that your powers whack out of control at times. What exactly are your powers?”
Her brown eyes crinkled. “I’m not really sure. I try to never use them. But they are definitely water-based. Sometimes, when I’m in danger, they take over. I create waves, whirlpools, water jets. And I’m strong. I can keep anyone out of my mind, and no one can manipulate me.”
“These half-Walker powers are too unpredictable. How the hell can they expect us to fight these Seventine?” I was frustrated with our lack of information.
No wonder Raror was holding strong to Talina staying here. He must see we were crawling our way through the dark.
Talina’s face paled. “I’m excited to leave Spurn, although I’m not sure what to do about leaving Raror. But, to be honest, I really hope the Walkers have a better plan than gathering the halflings, and we will do the rest.”
“Well, Josian, my father, is out finding Walkers for the battle. Hopefully they have an idea. I’ll definitely ask him when we get back home.”
“Josian will never let anything happen to you, Red,” Brace said from where he stood beside me. He hadn’t been far from me all afternoon, and I was kind of hearting the hell out of him. “And neither will I.”
“Well, not all of us have a tall, dark, and hot-as-hell-man to watch our back, so I think I’ll keep on worrying.” Talina’s comment was more like Lucy’s style, who must have agreed since she high-fived her.
“You two have to stop hanging out so much,” I said drily. “Luce’s starting to rub off on Talli, and one of you is enough.”
Lucy rolled her eyes at me, sticking her tongue out for extra measure.
“Alright, we have been granted permission,” Talina said, pointing to where Raror glided through the water.
The pontoon had drifted close to the tube – a clear round structure that stuck out of the water at a forty-five-degree angle.
“It looks like one of those huge slides that used to be in amusement parks before they all fell apart.” Lucy jumped up and down, her curls bouncing.
We’d always been sad that we’d missed our chance to go on the roller coasters.
Talina towed Lucy and I across first, leaving us to hold on the tube edge while she ferried the rest. Raror’s presence was comforting as he waited with us.
As soon as everyone arrived, he spoke.
“It is quite a distance down to the city. The tube has grooves fitted throughout the base, so you should be able to descend at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. I will go first and wait at the bottom.”
With that he launched the few inches out of the water into the open shaft of the tube. And then he was gone.
Glancing up, I gulped audibly. How was my claustrophobia going to hold up in the little slide?
“Abbs and I will go down together.” Lucy reached out to hold my hand under the water. “Otherwise I know your butt will bail halfway,” she finished quietly.
I flashed her a look of gratitude.
“Alright then, move around to the front, and we’ll boost you up.” Sam
uel waved his hands; he trod water effortlessly.
I moved first, and Lucy followed as we made our way around.
Samuel gripped me on either side of my waist and without any strain lifted me up and into the small opening.
The moment I was resting on the angled tube I started to freak out. The sensations started. I felt like the space was closing in on me. I breathed deeply as my pulse raced and sweat broke out along my body. I closed my eyes, which helped immediately to quell some of the sensation. Using my hands, I felt the deep, almost ladder-like grooves along the base of the tube. There was no way you could accidentally slide down it. I started my descent slowly, going feet first with my eyes remaining closed.
“I’m right behind you, Abbs.” Lucy’s voice echoed near my ear.
Since I was already borderline having a panic attack, her voice didn’t scare me at all.
“You’ll be fine. Just keep moving along.”
Soaking up her comforting presence, I continued the slow plunge.
“Open your eyes.” Her command came after what felt like ten hours but must have only been minutes.
I shook my head vehemently. “No! Hell, no, Luce. I’ll freak out, and there’s no way for me to escape. I’m sure you don’t want a screaming, fighting, biting Abby on your hands.”
“Just trust me, weirdo. Open your eyes.”
“Well, when you put it like that ... No!”
She poked me in the back, and then continued for the next five minutes.
“Lucy!” I finally yelled, my eyes flying open. My body had decided I needed to see so I could punch her.
I froze.
“Holy sh ... crap in a bucket,” I trailed off.
We were about halfway down the tube, but I didn’t have to worry about my claustrophobia. I definitely didn’t feel enclosed. I was floating in an endless sea, as if we were part of the ocean, the clear plastic providing no visual barrier. It was well lit, even this far down. I felt as if I was sitting in the center of a fish tank. There were creatures everywhere, and even more fascinating were the many Spurns, mostly blue-haired ones, but a few of the other colors were present as well, racing through the waters. Others drifted lazily in the currents, their amazing hair flowing behind them in a graceful arc.