You swam deeper out into the ocean with Nemo. Briefly you surfaced for more air before sinking down again. You weren't like Nemo, you did still need air to breath. It wasn't often, but you did have to take breaks for it. At first there was plenty of seaweed where you swam, but as you headed deeper that faded away to leave just the sand and the currents. You could catch glimpses of fish swimming, and occasionally Nemo would shoot off with a speed you felt rather envious of to catch one.
Despite taking on more of Nemo's traits, you were adapted to the land. This was clear in how you could not match anywhere close to Nemo's speed. Nemo thankfully was more than happy to take their time with you, occasionally grabbing you to help pull you along. Their spines currently laid flat against their body, making them more streamlined for swimming. It was a sight to see. You were used to Nemo's slightly awkward gait on land. You knew they were perfectly comfortable on land. It was only now seeing them in the depths that you understood they had never been meant to live on land entirely. Perhaps part of the duty of the younglings was to help fetch things from land for their ocean bound masters. Nemo was certainly intelligent enough to be trusted with such a task as long as it was kept simple.
The first shark that you spotted had you tensing in fear. The shark didn't seem to notice your presence at all however, and you watched as it continued to drift lazily along. The next handful of sharks you saw were much the same, and you found yourself curious. You swam out to examine the sharks, and found much to your surprise that they were skittish. You had to stay still and drift before one came over to explore you, much like a curious puppy. It nosed at you with the round end of its head, and didn't even try to bite. You reached out and gently touched the surface of the shark. At first it felt smooth, but turning your hand back up had you cutting yourself on it.
Nemo arrived as soon as your blood hit the water, growling and wrapping around you protectively. You patted them gently and stroked their scales. You were alright, you just hadn't expected what touching a shark would be like. The sharks had, of course, scattered. It was strange and bewildering and wondrous to observe what was here in the water. You had expected so much, and yet none of your expectations were brought to life down here.
There was life, and it was beautiful. None of it was how you had expected it. Being here brought you an unexpected peace, and you were glad you had taken the time to come out.
You returned the next day for another swim, and another. You found red kelp that you could decorate with underwater, though it fell apart when brought out. You chased after fish, and you watched horseshoe crabs slowly scuttle over the bottom of the sea. A few times you thought you caught a glimpse of something more, but you didn't know if you were ready to break this peace you had found.
Sanity restored
[ ]Seek out deep ones
[ ]Have a picnic at the beach with Emily
[ ]Paint something you saw underwater
[ ]Write-in
