forum O/O The Goddess is in Trouble (Open)

Started May 22, 2019 by @Elder-God-Whisper work

tune

Alex held his breath for a moment longer, then took a tentative breath. Finding he breathed just fine, he relaxed.
"Think nothing of it." He smiled.

Aukai smiled and did a back flip. She grabbed his wrist and started towing him towards the reef. "Okay, now I need to show you." She let go of him then sped at full speed towards the reef. When she got there it was like she had hit a brick wall. She floated slowly in the water, dazed.

Alex swam down to Aukai.
"Are you okay?" He asked, holding her arm.

Aukai shook her head as if trying to get water out of it. "Yeah, I'm fine. But do you see what I mean? Try going beyond yourself." She patted the hand on her arm gently and looked at him, tilting her head almost curiously.

Alex nodded, then started to swim. He was sitting for the impact, but it hadn't come yet.

Aukai watched sadly as he passed the reef. She motioned him back, her tail drooping.

Alex swam back sadly.
"So, we know it's not a physical barrier."

Aukai sighed and sank down to the sand, curling up in despair. "I don't even know anything about this curse, much less how to break it…"

Alex sat down next to her, putting his arm around her.
"We'll break it. I swear."

Aukai just slumped some more. "I'm trapped. I hear the ocean calling to me for help and I can't do anything about it…" She started to cry.

Alex pulled Aukai closer to him. He rubbed her back, trying to calm her.

Aukai curled up to Alex, crying. Her tail split into legs and she held herself, feeling so lost.

Alex held Aukai; he wanted her to know she wasn't alone. He was still rubbing her back gently.

Aukai slowly calmed. When she did, she looked up at Alex, sniffling. "What am I supposed to do now..? I don't know…."

Alex looked down at Aukai.
"We work together to figure this out. Do you know of anyone who could have done this?"

Aukai thought about this. "no, but I remember something that they said. Before they sent me to the café, they said something about how I took their inheritance and how this was revenge against me…."

Alex thought for a moment.
"I see. Well, I think we're gonna have to do some research on this."

Aukai looked up. "Library?"

"Yeah." Alex looked into Aukai's eyes.

Aukai's eye turned bright grass green. She smiled and suddenly they were on the sand and dressed again. "Which one? I could also get us to the library of congress if you think we'll have more luck there."

"I think we should start a bit… smaller than that. Perhaps some local folklore? Whatever did this to you sounded like something the local lore would cover." Alex smiled.

Aukai perked up. "Okay." She stood up then bent over, scooping some sand into a tiny satchel and tucking it into a pocket of her new jean jacket. Then she held out a hand to help Alex up, her eyes a deep, sparkling blue. "Are we walking?"

"If you want to." Alex gladly accepted her hand, pulling himself up. He looked at the pocket she had put the sand in, but didn't question it.
"Shall we?"

Aukai smiled and nodded, heading for the sidewalk, towing Alex behind her.

Alex followed behind, smiling. He knew this was serious, but he was enjoying his time with Aukai.