Ocean waves gently rolled making a hush rhythmic reverberation. No other sound could be heard for miles. The white noise of the water could lull an insomniac into a deep sleep.

It was difficult for the both of them not to succumb to blissful sensation of sleep. Nevertheless, they pushed onward. His massive hands plunged into the surface of the waters as his equally massive body followed behind him. With every stroke, his arms grew heavier and sore. At times, he would grunt in frustration. When he did, she would pat his head in the little support she could offer him. She couldn't do much considering the great difference in their sizes. Every so often, she would sing to him giving him some release from the ominous sounds of the ocean's lullaby.

He'd enjoyed her singing. It had seemed like a lifetime since he'd last heard her sing. Her voice had change, no doubt. It was better if you could believe it. Every note was pure and sweet and somewhat melancholy. Not only had her voice changed, but she had too. It was all too easy for him to tell. She was much more passive, more reclusive. She wasn't the once cheerful girl he'd seen grown up. She'd smile and laugh a bit whenever small talk would arise. But to him, it was clear that a wall had been built. He tried to convince himself that the wall was simply there because they'd been apart for so long; eventually, that wall would disappear as they got to know each other again. It was futile though; he knew deep down that it was much more than that.

He didn't know what happened over all those years she was gone. After time, he had to assume she was dead. And that killed him inside. When he found her afloat that tiny, yellow raft, his heart almost burst. He had so many questions. But she would refuse to answer any. It pained him that she wouldn't open up to him.

"Why you wearin' that mask fo'," he asked her the day they reunited.

"Do you like it?" She stroked one side of the disguise.

"It'… uh… cute." He grinned as she adjusted her position in his palm. "Take it off, lemme see yo face, baby-girl."

"No, I like it on," she stated a-matter-of-factly.

He was confused, "C'mon, lemme see 'ow beautiful ya got."

"I look the same." She stood and began crawling up his forearm and up his shoulder to prop herself upon his head.

"Baby-girl, why won't ya take tha' mask off?" He grew a bit concerned as any good father would.

"Because I like it on."

And she left the conversation at that. He wouldn't press on; he knew it would go nowhere. When she was ready to talk, she would; and he would be there to listen to every word.

The red sun beat down on the two. She grew increasingly hot underneath her mask. Perspiration built itself snug on her forehead and nose. A drop of sweat trickled down her cheek. She desperately wanted to rip off the mask and feel the ocean breeze against her skin. The gentle wind that brushed off her arms and legs teased her. It was too much. Slowly, she untied the strings and let the mask fall into her hands. Cool air hit her face as she craned her neck letting the sensation overcome her. A small smile spread across her face. It had been the first time she disrobed her mask since she acquired it. Stray hairs tickled her face and swept across her red cheeks. She reached up to pull the locks out of her sight, her fingertips brushing against her engorged and unsightly eye. Instinctively, she withdrew her hand and clasped it with the other for a minute, then placed the mask back in its proper place, and folded her hands neatly on her lap.

"Damn," she heard him groan. She reached down patting his large cranium seven times.

They both were growing restless and impatient. It had been two and a half days since the two reunited and it seemed like they were never going to reach their destination.

She regained her former position and looked ahead. A light fog settled upon the two travelers, assuaging the heat from the sun. The once endless blue horizon suddenly broke and an enormous pale-pink figure came into sight. As they grew near, the pale-pink figure became brighter; the pink even seemed to glow. It looked like somewhat of an island paradise. Her heart leaped into her throat. She had seen the sight before and she rushed to retrieve where she had seen it. The unconventional case she held in her hands was a mirrored image of what she was in front of her.

"We are finally here," she almost murmured feeling some sense of relief.

The swimming giant slowed his pace to catch his breath and take in the sight of the mammoth structure before the two.

Noodle and Russle finally arrived at the base of Plastic Beach.