Underneath the Surface
Disclaimer: If only, if only…
So not many people are reading this, which makes me sad, but at least a lot of people like my other stories… If you find yourself reading this, please review so my heart wont be crushed! * cries *
Chapter 3
I woke up the next morning and got dressed quickly, I had forgotten to do my math homework and I wanted to get to school so I could do it in homeroom.
When I got downstairs, my parents were acting very strangely…
They seemed… nervous almost.
"Are you guys okay? You're acting weird." I said and sat at the table with my cereal.
"Well, sweetie, we wanted to talk to you about something." My mother said with a creepy smile.
"Ummmm, okay? What do you want to discuss?" I asked.
"Well… We wanted to know about what happened yesterday… you never stay out there on a school night past six, let alone by yourself." My father said.
"Well, I was surfing and I drifted and got lost…" I said. Well, it was slightly true.
"You wouldn't have been out there for four hours trying to find our house Riku, this island is only so large." My mother said with a frown.
"Well, I got distracted by something…" I said, hoping they would leave it at that.
"Cut the crap Riku! We may be old, but we're not dumb! We know you must have met someone last night!" My mother yelled.
I stiffened. Did they really know what happened? Were they allowed to know? Could I say anything about it? I would have to ask those questions to Zexion when I see him later.
"I knew it! I can see it in your face! Who was it? You better be careful! There are some things that can't be reversed and the last thing you need is one of those problems." My mother yelled.
"Mom! What are you talking about? I didn't have sex with anyone if that's what you're implying!" I yelled. Jeez! What is up with my mom? I may be a kid but I'm not stupid!
"Oh? Okay. So that may not have happened but I know something did! Don't lie, something happened, am I right?"
I tried to hide the small flush on my face. "N-no! Nothing happened! I just met someone and he took me swimming." I said.
"HE!" My mother wailed.
Ah fuck! There's no stopping this woman!
"Yes mom, I swam in the ocean with a boy. Tidus and I do it all the time. I don't get why you're making such a big deal out of this. I had a lot of fun. HE showed me the deeper parts of the ocean around the island. You wouldn't be able to comprehend the vastness of the water, Mom! It went on forever! And the ecosystems there are so complex, it's fascinating!" I explained with excitement.
"Looks like we have a future marine biologist…" My father said.
"Hey! Let's not deviate from the subject! I want to know who this boy is and exactly what you did with him!"
"We swam, mom! That was it! If you can't bring yourself to trust me then fine! But that's what happened. You make it seem as if you were waiting for me to have sex just so you could yell at me for it! It didn't happen, okay? Jeez, I'm not some stereotypical horny teenager like the others! You should know me better mom!" I yelled and walked out of the door and down the steps.
"Riku! Come back!" My mother yelled.
"Hun, you were hounding him… give the poor kid a break! He's a good boy… we should know, we raised him!" My father said.
She sighed. "I know, it's just that I could see it in his face! You saw how his face flushed! He never blushes!"
"He'll tell us when he's ready. Just be patient." He replied.
-Underneath the Surface-
When I got to homeroom I quickly turned to the page in my Calculus textbook to do my assignment. It wouldn't take me long; I was a really good student in all my classes.
"Wow! I never thought I'd see the day you would cram your homework in homeroom!" Tidus said with a smile.
"I was occupied yesterday and couldn't find the time to do it." I said.
"Occupied with what? Surfing? No offense Riku but you really don't do much other than studying…" Tidus said sheepishly.
"I was swimming in deeper waters." I said simply.
"That sounds pretty cool! Did ya see a shark!" Tidus said excitedly.
"No but I saw a lot of other animals and fish…" I said.
"Oh… that's boring!" Tidus said.
I laughed. "You are just like a five-year-old."
"No I'm not! I'm eleven years older than that!"
"Let me finish my work, Tidus." I said.
"Alright, I'll see you later!"
I turned back to my work and finished the rest of the questions with ease. Math was one of my easier subjects.
When the bell rang I walked to my history class. This was probably my favorite class. Learning about how things came to be is really interesting to me. I really liked this class because it was History of Civilizations. This class basically narrows in on the creation of the human race and why things are the way they are. It was interesting.
I sat in my desk and waited for class to begin.
"Everyone! You have a paper due next Monday on the myth of your choice and I want you to explain how it affected the behaviors of the civilization it was born in. this paper must have a minimum of one thousand words." Mr. Ross, the teacher, said.
There was a general sigh from everyone.
"Hey! I want none of that! At least I'm letting you choose the myth you want to write about. Okay who already has an idea of what they want to do?" Mr. Ross said.
"I want to write about mermaids!" Someone yelled.
"Can I write about the lost city of Atlantis?" Another person asked.
"Dude! Mr. Ross! I call the Kraken!" Tidus yelled over everyone else.
"I want to talk about nymphs." A girl said.
"Alright! Atlantis is formidable if you can find some myths about it. Everyone else, that's fine. Two people can't have the same myth though. I saw two people wanted the mermaids… why don't you write about dragons or something. I really wish someone would pick one that was unusual, sure it would be more work to find information on it but it would be really interesting!" Mr. Ross said.
I raised my hand.
"Yes Riku, what myth would you like to do?"
"Could I possibly write about the legend of the water guardian?" I asked.
"I've never heard that one. Are you sure this is a real one?" He asked.
"Yeah my mother would tell me stories about them when I was little. I've recently found some interesting information about them. I would love to write a paper on it." I said.
"Well, I guess I'll know if you're lying when I look at your bibliography. Trust me guys, I know when your just pulling random, fake sources out of your ass! Please, just do your work and read a frikkin' book on the myth! I promise it's not boring."
"I promise it's a real one, sir. It's a very intriguing but an almost tragic myth." I said.
"Can't wait to read about it then in your paper. Alright everyone, turn to page two hundred seventeen we're starting the lecture now!" Mr. Ross said happily.
I smiled when there was another general sigh from the class.
-Underneath the Surface-
Under the Sea with Zexion
I swam through the water as fast as my fins would let me. I needed to find my parents and tell them who I had found.
I also really needed to talk to the sea mage, Ansem. He would be able to tell me if I had really found the one.
"Mother, Father! I am looking for Ansem. Do you know of his whereabouts?" I asked.
"He is in the ruins, as he always is, but why do you make such haste?" My mother asked.
"I am certain I have found the human from the prophecy. I want to confirm my certainty by consulting Ansem about the situation." I said.
"You should be careful about swimming in those ruins, Zexion. The mermaids have been rather vicious lately." My father warned.
"I will not waste my time with them. They bite the very hand that feeds them!" I said. Mermaids are so very stupid and unkind.
I darted through the water towards the ruins. I looked to see a couple of mermaids fighting over a large fish carcass.
"It's mine! I saw it first!" The blue mermaid screeched.
"You lie! You are nothing but a liar, you filthy barnacle!" The green one fought back.
I shook my head and swam faster when I saw Ansem.
"Zexion. I have been expecting you." He said.
"Yes sir, I am certain that I have found the human from the prophecy but I wanted to confirm this before I acted on my assumption." I said.
"But Zexion, you have already acted on the assumption. You have exposed your gills to that boy. I can see them on your neck, their covering is gone." Ansem observed.
I put a hand over my neck. "I was so sure that I acted impulsively. But he is of the prophecy right?" I asked.
"Yes… you are correct. He is the boy from the prophecy and it is only fit that the prince of the entire Pacific Ocean would find him."
"I'm not a prince… my father happens to guard the pacific just because he was chosen to do so by God. God has chosen his son, me, to handle the ocean waters near the shores for him. God never said anything about me succeeding my father in any way."
Ansem laughed. "Only you would think that way, child. About this boy, he has much to learn before he can aid us. He must understand both his own world and ours before he can proceed in the prophecy."
"I will teach him everything I know." I said.
"You realize that by revealing your gills, you are bounded to him for life. He holds your life in his hands. What he feels, you will feel. If he dies, you will die. Your loyalty lies with him and you must remain by his side for the rest of your days." Ansem explained.
"I know… I was prepared when I chose him." I said.
"Do your parents know that you have chosen your match?" He asked.
"My mother is sharp… she didn't mention anything but she has been waiting for me to choose someone to give my soul to. I do not think my gills went unnoticed by her." I said.
"Hm." Was Ansem's reply.
"I must go. It seems that Riku is waiting for me." I said when I felt a pull towards the shore.
"Is that his name? Riku?" Ansem asked. "It is ironic that his name is derived from the Japanese word meaning 'Land.'"
"Until next time, Ansem." I said as I swam towards the shore.
"Be careful with that boy… he may become a savoir but he is only a boy." Ansem said.
"Understood." I said.
Back to Riku's Point of View
I quickly finished all of my homework in study hall so I could come straight to the beach after school. I was very excited to see Zexion and learn new things about the universe found under water.
I sighed and floated on the surface of the water, feeling he gentle rocks of the waves. I closed my eyes and relaxed.
I wonder if Zexion ever just floats on the water? I wouldn't think he would, only because he has big obligations to fulfill as a water guardian.
If he doesn't he should try it sometime.
"Are you ill? Why are you laying belly-up?" Zexion said from out of nowhere.
I jumped and sunk under the water for a second when I came back up I composed myself.
"No, I'm not sick. I was just floating." I said.
"Are you sure? I can take you to the healer if I must." Zexion said.
"No, really I'm fine. I was relaxing when you came and frightened me."
"I apologize for frightening you." Zexion said.
I nodded. I could feel my heart thudding in my chest. Why on earth is it beating so fast? Was it… because of yesterday?
"Your heart beats faster than normal, why?" Zexion asked.
"What? My heart is beating like it always is. So what are you going to show me today?" I asked trying to change the subject.
"Do not attempt to avoid my question. I will not allow you to be unwell in any way. You will tell me or I will take you to the healer and she will tell me." Zexion said with the firmest seriousness I had ever seen contained in his eye.
My heart started to beat faster.
"Are you frightened by me?" Zexion asked.
"No! I spent the entire afternoon with you yesterday, why would I be scared of you?" I said.
"Your heart is palpitating violently. It is as if you felt threatened by me." He said.
I looked away and tried to calm my beating heart. It was really hard to do because I didn't really know why it was beating so fast.
"I'm taking you to the healer. Come with me." Zexion pulled me under the water and I was slightly fearful of the fact that he was pulling me deeper into the water.
"Do not hold your breath. You can breath as long as I am near." He said.
It's not as easy as you think! I've lived believing that it is physically impossible for me to breath underwater. I can't just expect myself to let go.
"Do not be afraid. I'm right here. If you couldn't breath down here I would not have taken you." He said.
I couldn't hold it any longer and I gasped for air…
I was not hindered; no water entered my lungs…
"See, everything is fine. Come forth, the healer is near."
I looked around to find a cove. Zexion was pulling me towards it.
As we moved into the cove, a dolphin exited.
The dolphin paused and circled us. "Hello!"
Did that dolphin just greet me?
"Hello. I am Riku."
"I am Saabi. The healer is ready for you!" the dolphin replied.
"I… okay…" Holy shit. I'm talking to animals.
"You will get used to it eventually" Zexion said
We swam farther into the cove and I spotted a woman with webbed hands and feet arranging bottles on various rocks.
"Healer, I need you to look at my friend Riku… he is the human from the prophecy. His heart beats far quicker than normal and refuses to calm." Zexion said.
"There is nothing wrong with me! My heart will slow down eventually! I'm terribly sorry for wasting your time. I don't know why Zexion is acting so drastically." I said.
"It's only natural that he is concerned for the health of his mate." She said.
"What? I don't understand. When did I become his mate?" I asked… now my heart was beating a lot faster.
"Yesterday, Riku. I showed you my gills. I told you it was an act of binding. I gave you my soul and my loyalty. And now, you are my mate." Zexion explained.
"You definitely left out that tiny detail!" I said.
"I thought you understood." Zexion said.
"I understood that I would help you and fulfill the prophecy. I understood that because I was going to help you, you showed me your gills. I was not under any impression that I was going to be your mate." I said.
"Are you unhappy?" Zexion asked softly.
"Yes, I just… I wish you had told me. I feel like I've been lied to."
"I was not trying to trick you when I told you what would happen. I did not mean to mislead you or beguile you in any way." He explained.
"Zexion." The healer said.
"Yes, Healer."
"Do you wish to know why your mate's heart beats so quickly?"
"Yes." He said.
Could she really tell me why my heart won't calm? Was I nervous? Was I afraid?
"Do you not know your own feelings, child?" the healer turned to me.
"I am unsure. I don't know why my heart won't stop fluttering."
She laughed. "Zexion you act so wise, but you are no smarter than a plankton. Your mate is anxious when you are near."
"What? Why? And I will ignore your insult because your answer to my question is more important." Zexion growled.
"Your mate is anxious when you are near because he is attracted to you. Do you not use your brain, child. Use your nose, you can smell it."
I looked away to hide my light pink face. I've blushed more in these two days than I have in my entire life. Could they really smell my feelings? Why couldn't I recognize my own feelings?
"Denial." The healer said.
"Huh?" I asked.
"Dating a person of your own sex is frowned upon in you world, yes? It would make sense that your mind automatically denies any sort of inclination that you like someone of the male gender." Healer explained.
It really did make everything make sense. I just can't believe I had to have someone lay it out for me… I felt stupid.
"Do not feel stupid. Your confusion is understandable." Zexion said.
I looked away again, my heart beating faster.
"Riku, are you truly unhappy with being my mate?" Zexion asked.
"…no, but I don't understand. Don't you want someone of your own kind? Don't you want your species to prosper? You need babies for that you know?" I said.
"I want you… I wouldn't have chosen you if I didn't want you. I knew you were the one I wanted when Atufal died. The way he described your spirit before his death… it was what I wanted. There is no one like you here and I would not settle for anything less."
"I'm your mate, so what do I do to fill that role?" I asked.
"You will learn that eventually. In order to move forward in the prophecy, you need to understand both my world and your own." Zexion explained.
"Do you think you could sum it up for me so I don't mess up?" I asked.
Zexion swam up so that he was really close. My heart started beating again.
Zexion smirked. "Don't let your heart beat like this for anyone else. Don't ever let anyone try to love you. I will do it better than they ever will. Trust me and never leave my side." Zexion's hand moved over my heart. "Is that enough for now?" He asked.
I nodded.
"Please get out of this cove with your raging pheromones. This is a place of healing!" Healer yelled.
"Come with me." Zexion said. A blue eye that wasn't covered by hair was glowing in anticipation.
I took his hand and we swam towards what looked like a sunken cathedral. "What is this?" I asked.
"Where my family sleeps." Zexion answered.
"I'm meeting your family?"
"Yes."
I followed as Zexion opened the door and moved into the place. He took my hand and pulled me into a room.
"Mother, Father I want you to meet my mate. This is Riku, he is the boy that will aid our quest to survive." Zexion said fervently.
There was silence before a woman, Zexion's mother, spoke.
"The deed has already been done, child. But I cannot say that I approve of this."
I frowned and Zexion swam forward. "Mother-"
"This human does not understand. He doesn't realize that magnitude of harboring a life that is not his own." Father continued.
"Then let me teach him to understand. He is the human that will help me save our dying race. I may have acted impulsively, but I was thinking clearly when I offered my soul to him."
"You are a child Zexion! A child! And that boy is but a baby! He does not know of love and commitment. And you are still far too naive if you believe that he will prevail." His mother hissed.
"You must understand, Zexion. We fear for your safety. We fear that your heart will be destroyed unknowingly by this human." His father said.
Zexion swam even closer. "Why are y-"
"How dare you?" I said quietly.
"What? You will speak against us?" His mother bellowed.
"How dare you… tell me what I do and do not know! I don't know much about your race but I know loads about mine! I'm not stupid and humans are not demons. We feel compassion and happiness and love as well! We also adapt and persevere. Yes… I didn't know that I was Zexion's mate until today and yes… I know that I'm not in love with him. I don't know him! But that doesn't mean anything. I know that lives are precious and if Zexion is kind enough to offer his on a silver platter to me, then I am obligated to cherish and protect his life by protecting my own. You keep telling me that I don't understand… but that doesn't mean I'm incapable of understanding if you teach me. I like your son, it's strange but I do… and because of that, I won't betray him. We have a bond now… " I trailed off.
Zexion's parents looked at each other. "Can you prove it?"
"Mother-" Zexion tried again but I stopped him.
"What do I have to do?" I asked.
"Swim to the surface from here, without Zexion." His father said.
"FATHER! There are hundreds of feet of water above us. You know that when he gets far from me his ability to breath under water will fade! He could die!" Zexion argued.
"That would mean that Zexion would die as well." I added.
"It's the only thing that will convince me. If you can get to the surface without dying, I will deem you worthy." His mother said.
"You are being foolish!" Zexion yelled.
"YOU WERE BEING FOOLISH WHEN YOU GAVE YOUR SOUL TO A HUMAN!" His father roared.
"I'll do it." I said.
"What?" They all said together.
"If there is no other way, then I must do it. I won't die, not with your son's life in my hands." I said.
"Riku… It is impossible…" Zexion swam to me.
"If it was impossible then why would they suggest it? That would be like trying to kill you. That doesn't make sense." I explained.
"But Riku-"
"You said that I had to trust you right? Well you have to trust me too. I won't let you down. I have too much to lose."
"I am… afraid…" Zexion admitted slowly.
"I am too… but I have to do this." Riku said.
"Why? Why do you risk our lives?" Zexion asked.
"I promised that I would help you. But how can I save 70% of the entire world, if I can't even swim fast enough to the surface of one ocean? Trust me. I can do it." I said.
Zexion closed his eyes before opening them again. The firm seriousness he had lost came back full force.
"Go… do not fail." He said.
I smiled. "I got it."
We walked to the middle of the room. Zexion and I looked up to see nothing but blue.
"When I say go…" Zexion said.
I nodded.
"Go." He said and I shot off the ground and swam as fast as I could towards the surface.
It was nothing but blue but I kept pulling myself upwards towards a nonexistent light.
Then suddenly I felt myself slow. I felt my breathing become labored, and my vision blurry.
I couldn't allow myself to panic. I kept swimming.
When I felt the lasts of my breaths fading, I took the largest breath of oxygen I could before using my human body to swim towards the surface.
After about twenty seconds I spotted the sun above the water.
It was still very far from me. But I pulled and pulled, my feet were kicking me upwards.
My lungs felt as if they were shriveling up. I pulled further and further towards the white orb that seemed to float just above the surface.
I was about twelve feet from the air when I felt my lungs give way. I choked but managed to keep scrambling for air.
I was so close!
I felt as if I were buried alive and I was scratching away at dirt in order to dig myself out.
I kept kicking but I felt myself sink.
NO! This couldn't be the end. With my last ounce of consciousness, I inched upwards.
And I broke water.
I immediately coughed up the water that was filling my lungs and replaced it with air.
I could barely keep myself afloat I was so exhausted and so I laid myself on the surface and looked into the sky.
Still nothing but blue…
"RIKU!" I heard a yell and I managed to turn myself to see Zexion darting towards me.
"I did it…" I said softly and started to sink into the water.
Zexion held me up. "Yes… you did it…" he said and kept me close.
"Is it okay if we don't go back down there? I-I…" I trailed.
"I understand. I can return you to the shore if you would like?" Zexion offered.
"The shore… please…" I said before passing out.
A/N: Go review!