The Sea Sprite
Chapter 1
Written by: CS-Masyet
Uploaded on: March 19, 2015
My parents are weirdos.
My name is Tide. Yeah, a strange name, I know. Apparently I was born by accident while they were vacationing in some tropical resort or something, and named me on the spur of the moment. I'm not that bothered by my name though, as our other "family members" have gotten worse treatment in the naming department.
They are a dog and a cat. Named... Canine and Feline. And yes, in case you couldn't already guess, Canine is the dog and Feline is the cat. I have no idea why they would give them such unimaginative names, but I suppose I'm glad they at least didn't name the dog Feline and the cat Canine instead.
Canine is rather annoying. He absolutely loves my parents, and they love him just as much. I'm not sure he loves me too much though, as every time he manages to get into my room, he always finds as much stuff as he can to chew on and destroy. For the record, he never does this to any of our other stuff, although he would try to go after the cat as well, if he ever had the chance to. Canine and I don't get along very well.
Feline is a good cat. He isn't very loving towards my parents like Canine is, so they aren't very fond of him. I'm the only one he actually likes, which is fine by me, as he's pretty much the only friend I've got as well. I suppose we get along so well as we're both loner types. He never bothers me (or anyone else), is very quiet, and is usually spends most of his time sleeping. As I always keep my door to my room closed because of the dog, his favorite place to nap is my room. I don't mind, as he makes good company.
Despite my parents already giving the cat a name, I felt he deserved better. I began to call him by a different name when he just a kitten. I decided on the name Clef, after a music-note like mark on his stomach. This is only name he'll listen to when you call him, so when my parents call out "Feline!", he'll always ignore them. It's mostly because of this that I'm the one who always has to take care of the cat.
My parents spending time with Canine, and me spending time with Clef, seperately from each other... That's how it's always been. Despite us not getting along very well, things have always seemed to be fine in our household...
... That was until Clef became really ill suddenly...
--
I sat in a vacant seat in the vet's lobby, anxiously waiting for my parents to come back with Clef. I hoped with all of my heart he'd be alright.
A little while later, they came back from one of the examination rooms, along with two veterinarians. I immediately got up and went up to them.
"S-so? How is he?" I asked worriedly.
My parents said nothing, looking forlorn.
"How is Clef?!" I asked again, getting impatient.
"Your cat has caught a bad virus." One of the vets decided to answer in their stead. "To be more precise, a fatal skin disease. It is currently incurable, I'm afraid."
"W-what?! You can't be serious!"
"I'm sorry, it must be hard to take in. But it's the truth."
"N-no way..." I looked at Clef, who was sleeping in the carrier my father was holding, then back at the vet angrily. "There's got to be something you can do! Isn't it your job to help sick animals, you hack doctor?!"
"Tide, calm yourself!" My mother said to me. "Didn't you hear him? He said it was incurable! There's nothing that can be done!"
"I-if you really find it necessary, I could run another x-ray on him." The vet suggested, unnerved by my statement. "But I wouldn't get your hopes up..."
"An x-ray?" The second vet questioned. "Don't you mean a... catscan?" He began to chuckle at his own comment.
"That wasn't funny!" I stated furiously, giving him a death glare.
"S-sorry..." He apologized, no longer laughing.
"Anyway..." My father started, deciding to ignore the second veterinarian. "I don't think that second x-ray will be necessary."
"Yes. The first x-ray and the vaccination were expensive enough." My mother added.
"Vaccination?" I inquired.
"To prevent the disease from spreading." My father explained. "It doesn't affect people, but it does affect other animals."
"It would be absolutely terrible if something happened to poor Canine..." My mother added.
"Canine? You're more worried about him then Clef?" I responed angrily. "So if Canine gets sick it's bad, but if Clef does, it doesn't matter?!"
"N-no! That's not what I..."
"I bet you two must be ecscatic that you have a chance to get rid of the cat, right? Since you both hate him!"
"T-Tide, that's enou-..."
"Well, you know what?! I hate the both of you just as much!" I forcefully grabbed Clef's carrier from my father and walked out by myself.
--
Why did I even think I could count on them to help Clef? I don't need them, or those quacks! I don't need them for anything!
I should of left everyone a long time ago!
"'Incurable'? What do they know?! I'll find a way to save you, Clef, don't worry!"
I heard a weak meow come from the cage in response.
"You've actually been to Resort Gorudo?" I heard from a woman passing by me on the sidewalk.
"Yeah! It was great!" The other woman replied.
"You sure? I haven't heard great things from that place..."
"That's silly! You should come with me sometime; you'll love it!"
Jeez, why did I bother to stop to listen to them?! In the end, it was all nonsense...
"I've heard their facilities are able to provide eternal youth, and can even cure any illness. Is this true?"
Wait... WHAT?!
"Sure thing. I spent so much time in their jacuzzis and saunas; they did wonders to my skin!"
"Can they cure me of my warts?"
"Of course! ... Wait, you have warts?!"
If what they're saying is true, I could bring Clef to this "Resort Gorudo" place and cure him of his skin disease!
"Don't worry Clef, your suffering will end soon!" I told him comfortingly, dashing to my house.
--
I wasted no time. I grabbed my wallet and some spare clothes, stuffed them in a bag, and called a taxi to come pick me up. As I was about to leave the house, I saw Canine at the entrance.
"Bark! Bark!" He said, looking up at me, probably wondering why my parents didn't come with me.
"Goodbye, mutt... Forever." I glared at him, one last time, before I slammed the door in his face.
I walked away from the house enough that I was back on the road again. I sat down at the curb, carefully holding the carrier, my bag over my waist.
A short while later, the taxi arrived. I gestured toward the car to stop in front of me.
The driver said nothing as I opened the door and placed Clef's cage on one of the back seats.
"Where ya headed?" He asked, while I took a seat on the vacant spot next to Clef and closed the door.
"Resort Gorudo. As fast as possible, please."
"No problem." He started up the car again, and continued driving. "But Resort Gorudo? You got enough money, kid?"
"I've got plenty of money, don't worry. The cab fare won't be an issue."
"That's good, but that's not what I meant. That resort is a pretty ritzy place. Whatever you're planning on doing there may be a little costly, if you catch my drift."
"Um, how costly, exactly?" I inquired, starting to become uneasy.
"Depends. What're going there for? Vacation?"
"I want to save my cat." I answered bluntly.
"Your cat?" He questioned. "That's a very... original answer."
"I heard that there's somewhere there that can cure any illness. I thought... maybe I could save him if I go there."
"That cat must be pretty special to you, huh?"
"He's my best friend. My only friend."
"... I see..." He paused, and then... "You ever heard about mermaids?"
"Mermaids? You mean the mythical sea creatures that look like people, but have a tail fin instead of legs?"
"Yeah, those. There's a legend around these parts that there are beings known as 'sea sprites' in the waters near the resort. They're apparently supposed to be half mermaid and half normal. They have green skin like a mermaid, but they have legs like a person does. But I hear they're still excellent swimmers."
"Okay... But what does that have to do with anything?"
"I heard they have really soothing voices. It's said they swim through all the oceans and seas of the world, cleansing the world of evil and diseases."
"So, what are you trying to say?"
"I'm sayin', that if you meet one, they might be able to help your feline friend."
"... Are you making fun of me? And don't call him 'Feline'; his name is Clef."
"Sorry, sorry..." He apologized. "But, just in case, it might be good to keep in mind, y'know?"
I have no idea what this guy is talking about...
Both of us said nothing the rest of the trip.
--
"... we're here." The driver stated, once we had arrived. To be honest, he didn't even need to say anything, because it was already obvious.
Looming over us was an enormous, grand building, surrounded by a beautiful beach and a just as beautiful ocean. The building, leaning on an equally large rockface, had a big, shimmering sign that read 'Resort Gorudo' on it.
He parked near a small shack fairly close to the resort building. Unlike its larger "counterpart", the shack wasn't very nice looking at all.
I grabbed Clef's carrier and got out of the cab.
"So, how much?" I asked the driver, who had also exited the vehicle.
"Don't worry about it, my boy. Your furry friend comes first. You hurry and find a way to save him, ya hear?"
"What about the cab fare?"
"That'll depend on the actions you decide to take next. Come back and see me if you run into any trouble. I'll be here, sonny."
I don't really get what he means, but whatever.
"Sorry I can't take you any further than this. This ol' feller can't drive very well in these sands, I'm afraid."
I'm assuming he's talking about his cab...
"Don't worry about it. Thanks, um..."
"It's Mark."
"Thanks... Mark."
I ran toward the resort building, Mark waving to me from behind, wishing me luck.
--
When I had arrived, I was already exhausted. The sand was very fine, so it took some energy just to run on it. I could understand why that guy didn't want to drive his taxi over it.
I attempted to open one of the doors (which were also rather large) with my free hand, but the door wouldn't budge. I placed the carrier down and tried again, but... no luck.
Maybe I'm supposed to knock? There doesn't seem to be anything like a doorbell around here...
"Hey, you!"A man approached me suddenly. He was wearing a fancy getup, but it didn't seem to match the rest of his "slobbish" appearance.
"Are you talking to me?"
"Of course I am! Do you see anyone else here?!"
"U-uh, right. Sorry about tha-..."
"Whaddya want?!" He seemed to be angry with me, although I had no idea why. "I haven't heard about anyone making a reservation for today!"
"I'm not looking to stay here or anything. I was just wondering if I could help my cat if I came here..."
"A cat!?" He spat, looking more annoyed with me. "Does this look like a pet hospital to you?!"
"B-but I heard there's somewhere here that can cure any illness..."
He went silent, seeming to calm down. He walked closer to me, until he was directly in front of me.
He pointed at the carrier I was holding. "This your pet?"
"Yes..."
"Nnryahh!" He suddenly grabbed the carrier, and chucked it as far as he could.
"CLEF!!!" I dived for the cage, catching him before it hit the ground.
"Now don't let me catch you and your mangy feline here again, understand?" He spat again, going inside the building before I could look at him again.
I have no idea how he even got in, since I couldn't get the door to budge.
"Are you alright?!" Someone asked me, offering me a hand up.
"Oh, it's you!" I exclaimed, surprised to see the cab driver again so soon.
"Are you both doin' okay?" He asked again, looking at us worriedly. "I didn't expect him to throw the carrier like that..."
"I'm fine; I landed in the sand." I looked through the cage at Clef. "You doing okay, buddy?"
"Meow!" Clef replied.
"Thank goodness." Mark breathed a sigh of relief. "Sorry I didn't mention it before, but... The folks here at Resort Gorudo aren't the nicest bunch. They won't accept anyone unless they can get their money's worth from them. I'm surprised he didn't even give you a chance to make him any sort of offer..."
"Is that why you told me to hold off on the cab fare?"
"That's right."
"... Thanks."
"It's fine. You look like someone that needs some more kindness in their lives."
I'll say. I guess it's nice to know there are at least some good people in the world...
"Anyway, standing out here won't do us any good. Let's head back to the shack."
"But I need to find a way to help Clef still!"
"Don't worry, we'll think of something together, alright? Let's go, sonny."
I suppose there isn't much choice for me right now...
I reluctantly followed him to the small hut away from the resort building, heavily disappointed in myself for not being able to do anything.
I'm so sorry, Clef...
--
"I'm back, everyone!" Mark shouted, entering the shack with me.
"Welcome home, dear." A woman by the entrance greeted.
"You brought someone here, daddy?" A little girl added. "Hooray, a guest!"
"Wait, do you live here or something?" I asked Mark.
"Yep, my wife and I run this small inn. Business has been slow ever since that resort building was built, so I started a taxi service as well to make more money."
"So you're telling me I just happened to call the taxi driver who also runs an inn right next to the place I asked to be brought to?!"
"Yes, I suppose so; what a coincidence! Maybe it's fate?"
For real...?
"Only kidding! My taxi service is the only one among these parts, actually."
"Oh, so that explains it..."
"Ooh, a kitty!" The little girl shouted happily, staring at my cat through the cage. "Can I play with him?"
"M-meow..."
"Sorry, Clef isn't comfortable with people he doesn't know." I told her, moving the carrier away from her. "And besides, he's... not feeling well right now."
"Aww, phooey..."
"Clef is the darling's name? What about you, sweetie?" The woman asked me.
"Uh, it's Tide..."
"Tide, was it? My name is Linda, and this is my daughter, Marda."
"Nice to meet you, Tidey and Clefy!" Marda chimed.
"Have you come to stay at our small inn, sweetie?"
"Actually, I came here to try and find someone who can help my cat."
"Oh my, you did mention he wasn't feeling well. Is it serious?"
"He apparently has a fatal skin disease..."
"How terrible!" Linda said sourly.
"I heard the resort has a place that can cure any illness, so I thought I could help him if I went there."
"Unfortunately, they didn't let him into their establishment..." Mark added.
"Oh dear... Ah, I know! Why don't we call Dr. Rodrick? Maybe he might be able to help."
"But Linda, he's a doctor, not a vet... Although I suppose it's worth a try."
"I'm sure Mr. Ricky can help your kitty, Tidey!" Marda said to me. "Mr. Ricky is the best!"
"... Why?!" I uttered disdainfully.
"Why what, sonny?"
"Why are you trying so hard to help me? We've only just met, an-..."
"We can't just abandon someone in need. Whether that's a person or cat doesn't matter." Mark answered seriously.
"U-uh...!"
"My husband and I were saved by sea sprites when we were traveling across the water one day." Linda explained. "Ever since then, we've run this inn near the ocean and lake where they live."
"Wait, you've actually seen them before? Like, real ones?!"
"There is a lake nearby called Suns Lake. It's not easy to get to on foot, because it's surrounded by high rocks. But every once in a while, you'd be able to hear beautiful singing from the lake. It's believed to have been from the sea sprites that live there." Mark sighed. "Back then, this place was a popular tourist attraction, especially for young couples."
"Was?"
"But then Gorudo Aquacorp set its sights on Suns Lake, and turned it into their own, personal reservoir." He continued. "Ever since then, the wonderful melodies from the lake stopped."
"Gorudo Aquacorp? Is that the company that owns that giant resort building?"
"Yes, that's right. People have asked what happened to the lake, but the resort owners refuse to talk about it. I have a feeling something bad happened to the sea sprites there, but unfortunately there's nothing I can do..."
"Why can't you do anything, exactly?"
"Gorudo Aquacorp acquired ownership of this whole area, I'm afraid. We're lucky they even let us keep our jobs here."
"We use to have a lovely beach house here, but that company tore it down when building their own place." Linda added. "It took us all we had to build this shack."
"From what you just told me, I'm guessing the only people that come by this area anymore are here for the resort. So why remain here?" I asked.
"Because no matter what they do to us, we won't give in." Mark told me, with a more serious look on his face than before. "The belief in the sea sprites may have died in the hearts of many others, but they won't in ours. We'll never abandon the sea sprites."
"And if there's anyone who still wishes to come here and listen to the sea sprite's songs, we'll always be happy to give them a place to stay the night." Linda said with a warm smile.
"What we want to do more than anything is to spread the kindness the sea sprites have given us, like on the day they saved us. So, to answer your question, Tide, that's why we want to help you. We may not be able to help the sea sprites, but we'll at least do whatever we can to help your cat... Your friend."
There's something about these people that I haven't seen in anyone before, but I don't really know how to express it. Are they... amazing? No, that's not quite it...
"... I see..." I uttered, not knowing what else to say.
"Besides, isn't it only natural to want to help someone in need?" Linda stated.
"I... guess?"
"You look like you've been through a lot today; you seem pretty exhausted. Why not go for a walk and get some fresh air, sweetie? It's a nice day today."
"But I don't want to leave Clef behind..."
"Don't worry, we'll watch over him for you. By the time you come back, we should be done explaining things to Dr. Rodrick."
"I'm sure your kitty is okay with it! Isn't that right, Clefy?"
"Meow...!"
"... Okay, I guess I'll take a little walk around to clear my head. ... Thank you so much..."
"What was that, Tide?"
"N-nothing, be back in a bit..."
--
I decided to head away from the beach, towards the cliffside, because it wasn't as hot that way. I was otherwise pretty much wandering around aimlessly, though.
I ended up finding someone who can help Clef, but I'm not 100% sure they'll be able to even do anything for him. Is it alright for me to relax right now? I suppose needlessly worrying won't do me any good either, but...
I mean, how do I know for sure I can even trust those people? For all I know, they have some ulterior motive. It isn't the first time something like that's happened to me. Although I don't really know what they'll gain for something like this...
"They sure were talking some nonsense, though..."
"The belief in the sea sprites may have died in the hearts of many others, but they won't in ours. We'll never abandon the sea sprites."
"Pssh, like they actually exist... If they did, wouldn't I have heard of them by now?"
Because I wasn't paying attention, I bumped my face into a sign.
"Oww..." I rubbed my nose while I read it. "'DO NOT ENTER. This reservoir is private property of Gorudo Aquacorp'."
Guess they were telling the truth about this at least... But how could someone even enter the lake with this giant rockface in the way? Whatever, guess I'll see what else is around here...
I continued to walk forward, but... "Waah!"
I almost fell down a gap in the ground nearby. I was fairly up the cliffside already, so it would've been a long fall if I actually had tripped down.
I leaned against the rockface, away from the gap, gripping it tightly as my heart rate increased dramatically from fear. "J-jeez, if they're gonna put up an obnoxious sign about anything, it should be about that!"
I peered down into the gap in the ground, against my better judgment. But when I did, I noticed something strange.
There appeared to be a person down there, floating unconscious in some odd blackish-colored water. I didn't know if my eyes were playing tricks or not, as the person's skin appeared to be green.
"I-is that a... sea sprite?! No way...!"
"I have a feeling something bad happened to the sea sprites..." Is this what he was talking about?
Despite the large distance from the top of the cliffside to the waters below, it seemed there were enough grooves in the rocks to climb down without much trouble. But...
"... it's none of my business." I have my own things to deal with right now, anyways. I don't have time to care about other people's problems! I passed by the gap, continuing onward.
"Isn't it only natural to want to help someone in need?"
That sea sprite or whatever is probably already dead. Even if they aren't, it's a total coincidence I came by here; it's not my responsibility. Right?
I stopped, and looked back at the gap in the cliffside again.
... Right?
--
When I was younger, I was always a goody two-shoes. But I was always either made fun of, or people took advantage of my kindness. After that, I vowed to stop caring about other people and their problems, unless it benefitted me in some way. So why...
"... why am I doing this!?" I grunted, climbing up the cliffside with one arm, using my other to hold the sea sprite(?)'s body over my shoulders. "It's none of my dang business, so why!?"
When I had made the trouble of climbing down to it earlier, I got a better look at some of its features. It was a girl, who looked around my age. Her hair looked to be a lightish red color, but it was hard to tell since it was covered in some black goop from the water. She had green skin, a light-blue star mark on her left cheek, and had some small fins on her arms and legs, as well as a slightly larger tail fin. Her skin was kind of prickly, but at the same time wasn't as rough as that of a fish.
She was definitely alive, but didn't seem to be doing too well health wise. She didn't seem to be able to move, and she was barely conscious.
Is this really a sea sprite? She doesn't seem that different from a person. Mark did tell me they're supposed to be half-normal, but...
Somehow, I had managed to make it up the cliffside with the sea sprite on my back. I was exhausted, and it took me a while; the sun was already starting to set.
"Phew... I made it..."
"S-sea..." She uttered faintly. "T-the sea..."
"You want to be brought to the ocean?"
She nodded weakly.
I sighed. I might as well. I've gone this far, so...
Using my remaining strength, I carried her all the way down to the beach.
--
When I had made it there, I dropped down to my knees, and gently placed her body in the water. As soon as I did, I lied down, sprawling my body on the sand.
"T-there, did it. That was what you wanted me to do, right?" I asked her, breathing heavily.
All of a sudden, something in the water started to glow with a white light. I sprang my body up in shock.
"W-what the?!"
The sea sprite rose up from the water, her long, semi-transparent hair shimmering in the orange sky. Compared to before, she looked simply... dazzling.
"W-wow..."
"Thank you so much for saving me, kind sir." She told me with a soothing voice. "I thought I surely would have died down there."
"U-uh, it was no problem." It was kind of a pain actually, but whatever.
"I would like to show you something as a token of gratitude. Would you mind accompanying me somewhere?" She asked, offering me her hand.
"Sure, I guess..." I replied, accepting her hand with my own. But where does she plan on going? She's still in the water...
"Let us be going, then." She said, diving deep down into the water. Since I was holding her hand, I came down with her.
W-wai-...! Where is she...?!
As I looked around in confusion, I managed to get a good view of the ocean. Under the water was actually much vaster than I thought, and the reddish sky made my surroundings look quite pretty.
This all actually looks pretty neat. But...
"Mmnph!" I choked, no longer being able to hold my breath.
S-she's gonna kill me at this rate! Was saving her a mistake after all...?!
"Ah!" She stopped to look at me, noticing me struggling. "I am so sorry! I had forgotten your kind cannot breathe while in water..."
She gently grabbed my face, bringing hers closer to mine.
W-what is she...?
"Do not worry, it will be alright soon..."
She closed her eyes, brought her face even closer, and... kissed me. My face turned red as a result.
"Mnah!" I moved my face away in embarrassment as soon as she was done. "W-what are you...! ... Wait, why am I able t-..."
"You should be fine now, sir. Again, my apologies for startling you like that."
"How am I talking underwater? H-how am I breathing underwater?!"
"I have lent you some of my power. This way you will be fine in my home."
"Your home? Is this what you wanted to show me?"
"Yes, that is correct. I know normals are not able to dive down this deep on their own. So, what do you think?"
Having calmed down, I got a better chance to look at the sea sprite. I noticed part of her hair, the partly transparent part, moved around more freely than the rest of it. It was probably something she used to swim around, like that of a jellyfish. Still, the way it shimmered in the water like that made it look quite nice. Her dress shimmered as well; whatever it was made of, it complemented her quite well. All in all, she really was...
"Well? Do you like it down here?" She asked again.
"Beautiful..."
"Yes, the sea is quite beautiful, isn't it? I absolutely love it."
"T-the sea? ... O-oh, yeah!" I stammered, beginning to blush. "The sea i-is great! Amazing, even! Yep!"
"I am so glad you agree!" She gave me a happy, warm smile, which made me blush even more.
However, her nice smile suddenly turned into a forlorn frown.
"But it was much nicer before, when my kind still roamed these waters freely..."
"Huh? What happened to them?"
"They began to go missing... Soon after that strange building was built."
Does she mean Resort Gorudo?
"But then Gorudo Aquacorp set its sights on Suns Lake, and turned it into their own, personal reservoir." He continued. "Ever since then, the wonderful melodies from the lake stopped."
"Is it because they took over Suns Lake?"
"Indeed. And those people started to release some strange, dark substance into it, which not only affected the lake, but the surrounding area as well. Much of the aquatic life became sick, and some even died."
That black stuff... Is it some form of pollution?
"Many of us left to reason with those people, but... they never returned."
"Huh? What happened to them?"
"I do not know. They just... vanished."
Wha? Is this why their singing stopped? But where did they all go?!
"Eventually, I was the only one remaining. So I attempted to go myself."
"What did they do to you?!"
"... Nothing. I never even had the chance to go." She explained. "I became surrounded by that dark substance, and was somehow released from the lake. That is... all I remember."
"You're lucky you survived..."
"That is all thanks to you. Again, thank you so much, sir. I am very fortunate to have met such a kind person like you!"
"Kind? Me? There's no way that's true..."
"You do not need to be so modest, sir."
"... It's Tide." I stated. "My name is Tide. You don't need to keep calling me 'sir'."
"Tide? I see! It is a most wonderful name!"
Wow, I've never had someone call that weird name "wonderful" before...
"It reminds me of fond memories of the past..."
"Huh?"
"Never mind it. My name is Brooke, I am very happy to meet you!"
Brooke, huh?
"I do not know how much longer I will have to live, but I will always remember this day fondly in my heart." She told me with a smile, but I could see the pain in her eyes as she said that.
She's just like me... Brooke is all alone, and probably feels like things are hopeless, but she still wants to do whatever she can for the ones she loves. That's why...
"You're not dying. Not any time soon, at least."
"What?" She looked at me in surprise.
I placed my hands on her shoulders comfortingly. "I don't know what exactly is going on what the lake and that resort place, and I'm not sure I can do much really, but there's no way I'll just sit back and watch while you're risking your life all by yourself like that! Let's save all your friends... together."
"T-Tide..."
What the heck am I saying?! Aw, whatever...
"Will you believe in me, Brooke?" I offered her my hand this time.
She looked at it for a while, not saying anything, then she grabbed it with both hands, embracing it warmly.
"Y-yes!" She looked up at me, the tears in her turquoise eyes shimmering. "Thank you so much, sir Tide!"
While I was sure I was getting myself into something I probably couldn't handle, I had no idea that I had changed my life dramatically that day...
... but I don't regret it one bit.
End of Chapter 1
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Previous Release Date: August 22, 2012
Writer's Comments:
At the moment, I'm still thinking about what to write for S1A's 6th chapter, so in the meantime, here's... this! The Sea Sprite's 1st chapter... again.
Why did I re-write this one (again), exactly? Well, waaay back when I wrote the very first version of this, there was a certain way I wanted to write it and describe some of the events taking place, but I didn't feel I did it justice... or could even do it justice. Even when I re-wrote it the first time, I never felt I had captured the mood I wanted.
So while looking back at the chapter fairly recently, I decided to rework it from the beginning and try again, not even using my previous version(s) as a reference, seeing if my (slightly) improved way of writing would enable me to finally capture what I had always wanted in this series's 1st chapter. And, after working on this for a while, I think I was actually able to do it this time!
To those of you who read this back in 2012, this one may seem quite different than before. I have a clearer picture of the story for this series, so they're some plot important details I added to this one, and will add going forward. (Not that I ever previously wrote anything after this chapter really, heheh...)
So, you may see a new chapter come up sooner than you think. Uh... maybe. Until then, have fun under the sea!
*sigh* I wish it was summer...
- CS-Masyet