Underwater adventure [Private with ShiningWater and Arkhor]

Atlantis was finally done with his leader tasks. His work has been particularly exhausting this day. Besides the regular duties, this time he was also busy listening the needs of a group of SeaWings that was asking for more food. After a long negotation they have arrived at a mutual agreement: Atlas would grant them more fishes from the Trackers, but in the exchange they would patrol and protect the SeaWings borders. He wondered how Shine was passing her time instead. They worked a lot together, but they often separated to do different tasks.

Atlas went outside the Summer Palace, looking to enjoy a swim and relax a little. He realized to also be hungry and he would hunt something for himself. Atlas wished to spend his time with someone, but it looked that everyone was busy that day. He sighed annoyed. Atlas disliked loneliness. He started to immerse himself in the water, but a wave suddenly splashed him. He realized the sea was becoming agitated and the sky was cloudy. The weather wasn't very good and it was making Atlas more sad and unhappy. It wasn't one of the best days.

Today...
was boring.
There really wasn't another day to put it. She felt bad for leaving Atlas to deal with the group of Seawings alone, and wished she had stayed, but there are times when you just have to leave. Shine was having one of those moments. Korramyr's absence had hit her hard, even after a few months.
Some wounds never heal. Not only physical-like the large rip in the left fin on her head-but emotional, and those lasted longer anyway.
The Healer/Leader finally dragged herself onto her feet, unable to ignore her stomach any longer. She launched herself at the waves-mostly due to the fact that she tripped over a rock-and her nose immediately wrinkled. The weather was getting worse, clouds had been stirring the sky all day, but she felt like a thunderstorm was brewing. And you did not want to be in the water for that. I better get back to the palace, see if I find Atlas on the way back too. She thought to herself, her hydrodynamic body and stocky forelegs sending her flying through the water. A shape to her right caught her eye and she twisted. "Atlas!" She flashed the stripes on her body in an attempt to catch his eye, and hoping he would see her poor attempt at using Aquatic. The waves were getting rougher, and the water murkier.

Another wave splashed Atlantis, directly hitting his snout. He shook his head a little dazed. The weather was bad with no doubts now. Perhaps it was better to not go outside and remain at the palace. However he was a seadragon, so bad weather couldn't really cause a problem. He received an acquatic signal, but it was hard to identify the source. It was certainly coming from another SeaWing. He looked around, but the high waves were almost covering his visual. So Atlas wasn't really able to see another seadragon approaching him. He unluckily didn't notice Shine. Atlas heard a strange hissing sound and a strong current suddenly dragged him away from the palace, despite his size. The current was too strong and his attempts to resist were apparently useless. Atlas didn't take much time to realize that a huge whirlpool was forming not far from the palace. The seadragon was getting swallowed inside the vortex. Atlas extended his fins and wings, powerfully shaking them in the attempt to swim away from the whirlpool. His body was strong and agile. so he was successfully avoiding the menace. The whirlpool was growing in size and it could also trap Shine in its lethal spirals.

Shine broke the surface of the choppy waves, and tried to get airborne, to see if she could get his attention that way.
No dice.
A strong current and large waves kept her in the water, and she only flapped her small wings futilely. She turned-green gaze widening-as noticed the issue. A whirlpool. One, massive, whirlpool. She couldn't remember seeing one this big before. She dove under again, and swam furiously against the current, but when you're a small dragon, there's only so much you can do against a giant swirling vortex of water. And she was easily getting dragged towards the center. She caught sight of Atlas-it was definitely him this time-and flashed her stripes again, still struggling to get free of the current. She resisted the urge to turn and look behind her, knowing that-if she did that-it would most likely turn her around and then she'd have no chance of escape.

Atlantis has almost escaped from the whirlpool. It took some efforts, but his life was safe. The vortex was too large for its standards. It was indeed a maelstrom. A very rare event that would happen a couple of times in a year, usually in the open ocean. However this time the vortex was close to the palace and it was representing a serious menace. Atlas looked around, wondering if other seadragons would be in danger. He couldn't feel the presence of other big water creatures, so all the SeaWings were probably back at the palace in their lairs. Atlas noticed something flashing in the distance. There was someone else. He immediately recognized the other SeaWing. She was Shine! I'm arriving, hold on. He comunicated in aquatic, sending sonars like a dolphin would do. Atlas was going to do a very risky mission. He was willing to save Shine's life, but this would result to be instead Atlas death. It was almost impossible to bring her to safety without risking himself to get swallowed inside the maelstrom. It didn't matter. His friends always come before anything else. Atlas would never abandon them. He closely swam towards Shine. Grab me! He spoke again in the aquatic language. His plan was to personally drag her away from the whirlpool. However this plan was probably crazy. If Shine would grab Atlas, then they would both risk to be sucked in the vortex. Between all the enemies you would encounter in the sea, a maelstrom was the most dangerous. No way you could stop such a terrible force of the nature.

A flash to her right made her turn her head slightly, and she nearly went limp with relief. Instinct kept her moving, and she quickly flashed a "Sorry" before latching onto his tail, still swimming against the force of the storm. But-even two dragons in peak condition-can't really hope to overcame a whirlpool, especially one of this size. Sharks, sea monsters, rouge dragons, anything else. Nothing could compare to a whirlpool for deadliness. She forced herself not to grit her teeth, but pushed herself harder. But it was still pulling them in.

Atlas was revelied that she has grabbed his tail. He used all his strenght to bring Shine and himself away from the maelstrom. He was swimming fast, but soon he lost his energies. He was too tired to fight anymore. The strong current was bringing them close to the whirlpool's center. It was impossible to escape now and death was probably waiting them. Atlas accepted his fate and he thought who could lead the tribe now. Arkhor and Oceana would become the new leaders. The SeaWings were in good paws. Atlas instinctively embraced Shine with a wing to protect her, desiring to spend the last moments near to his fellow leader, his closest friend. "Let's pray Shardas." He told her with a whisper, feeling a bit optimistic they would survive. He closed his eyes, wondering what was going to happen next...

Shine's heart jumped in her throat as the whirlpool grew closer, and she stiffened at the sudden wing around her. In the darkness of Atlas's wing, his final message was all the more vivid, brilliant neon blue flashing brightly in the dim light. She swallowed and closed her eyes, feeling the whirlpool's current suddenly grow exponentially stronger.

((Time Skip? Maybe to when they wake up?))

// Yes. //

Wake up... Atlas heard a voice calling him. Come on! Wake up! The voice repeated more louder. Someone was speaking at him in aquatic, a language pretty common between sea creatures. Atlas slowly opened his eyes, regaining consciousness. There was a dolphin in front of him.
Hey, are you fine? The little mammal asked.
Atlas looked around a bit dazed. He was in a underwater cave. He realized to be miraculously alive. He didn't know exactly what has happened. He has lost his senses. He only remembered to be sucked inside a large whirlpool. He didn't answer at the dolphin's question, having another worry in his mind.
Shine, where are you? He roared in aquatic, sending sonars in every direction. He hoped she would receive the signals.

"Am...hello?"
"Is it alive?"
"Can I see? I wanna see the strange animal!"
"Hold on, we don't know if it's dangerous."
"Ma? I think it's dead."
The conversation sounded not far from the dragoness's ear, and she slowly came back to reality, one sense at a time. Shine groaned slightly, shifting and trying to stand. There was a series of shuffling on what sounded like sand, and startled yelps and barks. She pried her eyes open, then quickly shut them as annoyingly bright sunlight bounced of stark white sand. She slowly opened them again, slower now, to let them adjust. When they did, she lifted her head and glanced around.
"Ha! I knew it wasn't dead!"
Her head turned at the voice, and she found a family of Sea Lions. They weren't often prey for dragons, but if you were hungry enough...Though Shine didn't much like the taste. Too oily. She preferred fish. A moth stood protectively in front of a small female and a slightly larger male pups. The mother turned to the female. "Hush!" She turned to Shine, a curious look on her face, but wary. "Are you alright, Dear? You haven't moved for quite a while."
"Yea, I think so. I don't really remember what happened though. There was a storm, and I was with..." She trailed off, before she stood quickly, green eyes wide with fear and worry. "Atlas? Atlantis! Where are you!?" She worriedly wondered where he could possibly be, and how they could have been separated. Sure, the whirlpool was strong, but he also had a tight grip. But if they had both passed out..."Oh man, I gotta find him."
The sea lion cocked a head at her, large brown eyes curious, confused, and worried. "Who?"
"Atlantis, he's my fellow leader and close friend. Oh, Shardas, Atlas, if you're dead, I'll never forgive myself." She whined, sitting down and looking across the beach and over the ocean sadly. There was just so much to search!

((When should Dusk come in?))

// I guess Dusk would appear later //

Atlantis didn't receive any answer. Some of the sonars returned back. One was communicating a message.
Idiot, you have woken me up from my slumber. The voice spoke in aquatic. Atlas reimaned upset, wondering which water creature he has annoyed.

Shine wasn't unlickily near or else she should have received his message. They probably got separated after they were both collapsed. The dolphin swam around Atlas to take his attention.
Shine? Who is Shine? The little creature curiously asked. Atlas sighed turning his gaze towards the dolphin.
She's my fellow leader and friend... We get sucked into a whirlpool. After that I have lost her. He explained. The dolphin shook its head.
I'm sorry, but there isn't anyone else here, besides you, me and... The dolphin looked towards a giant crab. ...that hot-headed crustacean. It laughed.
Hey, I'm not hot-headed! And don't call me crustacean. The crab yelled, snapping a single pair of claws. This is my home. Bulky sea dragons aren't welcome here.
Atlantis heard amused the crab's speech. You're very kind. He joked. Don't worry. My intention is to leave. The seadragon started to swim, stretching his fins. Atlas felt pain on his back. I'm wounded! He growled. The dolphin gave a look on the injury.
It's indeed a bad injury! It commented, noticing a laceration. You can't swim in these conditions.
Atlas sighed before to lie down on the ocean floor. The dolphin was right. He knew there was only one dragon able to heal him. Shine... Where are you? I need your help. He sadly whispered, also very worried for her conditions. Perhaps she was even dead. Atlas fate was to remain in this cave for the rest of his life... No, he would die, because he couldn't hunt.
Again this Shine? The dolphin asked. Is she your mate? The little creature gave Atlas a questioning look. Atlas slightly blushed in response, because he had a interest.
No, she isn't. Shine is a healer, so she's the only one that can save me. He explained.
How does she look? The dolphin immediately asked.
"She's a blue dragon with green stripes." Atlantis replied. After those words the dolphin swam away at high speed.
Don't worry, I'll find your girlfriend for you. It chuckled, vanishing in the underwater tunnels in a matter of seconds.
Wait...! She isn't my girlfriend! Atlas replied, feeling embarassed. And thank you for the help! He hoped the other dolphin would have listened him.
Just because you're injured, I won't let you to stay for a long time. The crab suddenly grunted, causing Atlas to startle.  Understood?
Atlantis glanced at the crustacean and sighed. Between all the misadventures, there was also a petulant crab. it was one of the rare times that Atlas would have prefered to not have company at all.

Shine stalked up and down the beach, pacing worriedly. She wondered how it was that she wasn't injured, then remembered that she often came out the least hurt of everyone, most likely due to her healing powers. Though she was still curious how she had ended up without a scratch. The sea lions peered at her with worry and slight curiosity. They had long-since gotten over their wariness of her, and now only wondered why she looked so worried. "But a storm wouldn't spread you too for apart, would it?"
"It was the one last night...I think. It created a really big whirlpool, biggest I've ever seen."
"Oh...I could go find your friend, if you want me too."
"No, I can't ask you to leave your pups for me. I'll go find him. The sea's calmer today, it shouldn't be an issue."
"Alright. Good luck!"
"Wait!" Shine paused on the water's edge as the smallest called her. "What are you?"
"And what's your name?" The brother called.
Shine gave a toothy grin and called over her shoulder. "My name's Shine, I'm a dragon from the Seawing tribe!"
She bounded into the water, hearing stunned silence, then: "Mommy, Mommy, we have a dragon friend!"

The dolphin was already outside the underwater cave. It quickly swam towards the surface. The dolphin jumped from the water, giving a look around and also to take a breath. Shine would probably be near. The whirlpool couldn't have separated the two dragons for a long distance. Its eyes spotted a beach. There was a SeaWing standing in the water. Her aspect exactly matched Shine's description. Perhaps its search was already finished. The dolphin headed towards the beach, jumping and releasing aquatic sounds to take Shine's attention. Hello! Are you Shine? There's a handsome blue dragon that needs your help. The dolphin communicated with a chuckle.

Atlantis tried to remain patient, ignoring the pain on his back. He was optimistic that Shine would be safe. Atlas has survived himself from the whirlpool, so it would be the same also for the SeaWing Healer. However depression was starting to take over him. He was tired, hungry and also wounded. His humour was surprising bad now.
Bah, between all the sea dragons, a fat one is invading my cave. The crab commented with a snort, glaring at Atlas. The SeaWings turned towards the crab. I'm very hungry. I warn you that I would start to eat crabs in desperation. He told one of his jokes, but this one was serious. The crab stepped sideways in fear, vanishing inside a hole. Atlas was really alone now.

The Seawing Healer had just barely stepped into the water, when a voice caught her attention. She turned upon hearing her name, and was hoping for someone she knew. She was sorely disappointed. A dolphin was bobbing up and down in the water, and she realized the sound had come from it. her heart jumped upon hearing that Atlas was alive-if not safe. She raised an eyebrow and spoke. Where is he now? Take me to him. Had she not been in such a hurry, she wouldn't have sounded so snippy, but worry was making her annoyed and grumpy; more so, any way.

The dolphin happily squaked. Follow me. It told her, diving underwater to enter some tunnels, looking behind to be sure she was after the dolphin. He's wounded. The little mammal explained at her, more serious now.

Atlantis rested his snout on the floor, trying to relax while death was probably waiting him. He would have never imagined to end his life inside a desolated underwater cave. It would take too much time before the other SeaWings would start to look at him. Anyway Atlas was going to die because of his injury. The laceration on his back was painful and he was preventing him from swimming. He sensed that other water creatures were coming to the cave. Perhaps the dolphin was returning back with bad news: Shine was dead or nowhere seen. On the other side, he really wished to see Shine. Atlas was a optimistic dragon afterall and he would never see too much negativity in things.

Shine immediately felt something was wrong and-once their path was clear-she pushed ahead of the dolphin, swimming faster. She forced herself to slow to a stop and she entered the cage where Atlas was. She resisted the urge to hug him-happy to see him alive-and went straight to work, peering at the wound on his back. Her heart sank when she looked at it. It was bad. She forced some amount of optimism into her voice. We've got two options. Either way, on of us is getting dragged out of this cave. She was only half joking.

Atlantis couldn't believe to see Shine. She was alive and without a scratch. Atlas was very happy about that. Shine! He nuzzled her neck with his snout in a sort of close hug, feeling joyful he has reunited with his fellow leader and friend. I have missed you so much. He confessed. Than he looked at her worried when she was speaking about two options. What have you in mind? He asked. The wound on his back would risk to become worse with time.

The dolphin pondered about a solution. There's a upward current at the end of the left tunnel. It can easily carry both of you to the surface. The little creature proposed its plan.

Shine looked at the dolphin. That makes either plan easier. Then she turned to Atlas, her green eyes slightly panicked. Two options. Option A. We get you to the surface so I can use herbs. They won't stick underwater. Option B. I use my powers, you go back to perfect health, I pass out and possibly loose my memory. She displayed the two plans, not sparing any details, and not leaving out any pertinent information. She secretly hoped he chose option one, it was much easier on her, but it would hurt him for longer. And possibly worse.

Atlantis pondered about the two options. He would choose the second one to immediately go back to full health. However something bad would happen to her. No, he didn't want to pick that option. Option one. It would hurt me too much to see you passing out. Atlas explained at Shine with a whisper. Then he glanced at the dolphin. Can you lead us to the current? He asked.
The little creature nodded, swimming towards a direction. Yes, it's near. It told them.
Atlas did a big effort to stand up. Then he slowly started to swim with little flaps of his fins. He gritted his teeth for the pain, snarling. Atlas couldn't resist for a long time. However he wasn't going to give up until he'll reach the upward current. He was a very strong and resistant dragon afterall. He wanted to survive, also for Shine that was close to him and the SeaWings that were waiting his return.

Shine nodded, barely able to hide her relief, before following the dolphin and trying her best to help Atlas so he wouldn't be in so much pain. She kept casting glances at him, checking to make sure he was in no more pain than necessary.
They soon reached the current. It was a warm upcurrent that had created a straight shot up to the surface, and Shine could see sunlight. She stretched out her wings and let it move her instead of doing the work, and telling Atlas to do the same.
A few minutes later, the top of the water was in sight and she clambered on land, then turned to help Atlas in any way he needed.

Atlantis, thanks to Shine's help, finally reached the upward current and he could let it to transport his body. He nodded at Shine's gestures, following her movements. The dolphin remained instead on the sea bottom, waving its little fins to say good-bye. Farewell. Take care, love birds. The dolphin chuckled, swimming away. Atlantis would blush in that moment, but the pain on his wound was preventing him to do that. So he remained silent, not looking at Shine at all, embarassed. He was aware to have a crush on Shine now.

They arrived at the end of tunnel, emerging from the water's surface. Atlas was relieved to see the sun again. The hole was close to the beach where Shine has found the sea lions. Atlas swam towards the sand. Only a couple of more efforts and he could finally lie down.

Shine pointedly ignored the dolphin's words, and instead focused on helping her friend. She guided him to the beach, then walked a little ways up to the point where the tide would not reach them. "Alright, you lay down, not on your back or side." She ordered, taking a seat herself.

((Que Dusk?))

// I'll tell you for PM when she would appear. //

Atlantis followed her instructions, silently nodding, purposely exposing the wounded part to help her to medicate him. He tried to relax and calm down his nerves. The healing process was probably going to be painful. Shine was now close to him and he was embarassed. It wasn't the first time that Shine was healing Atlas. However, due to his new attraction towards Shine, any contact with her had a deeper meaning. They knew each other for a lot of time and he liked everything of Shine: she was beatiful, gentle, caring, playful, loyal, calm, intelligent, wise... All awesome qualities. Atlas enjoyed a lot her company and his heart always raced when she was near to him. However he was aware his crush would probably die soon. Shine has never recovered from her trauma with Korramyr and she was apparently refusing to start new relationships with other dragons.

Shine gave the dragon a curious look. There was something....new about this time. He felt different. Shine was an expert at reading emotions through body language, as it was an invaluable skill when trying to find the cause for pain. It was obvious the cause here, but other things weren't. She shook the thought off, dismissing it as a stray thought from her worried mind.
She craned her head, somehow managing to fit inside the small bag around her neck. The secret? It was what Shine called a pocket dimension. In other words, you could cram hundreds of massive things into it, and it would never weigh anymore, nor get any bigger. She came out with a large wad of herbs in her mouth, and she set them gently on the ground. A quick moment of preparation, and they were prepared. "This might sting a bit." She warned, before quickly dropping them on the wound. Not roughly, but fast enough that Atlas didn't have time to rethink or get worried. She then spread them around using a light paw, then sat back, eyeing the wound. "That should work for now. The gauze I have in here is soaked, so it won't do any good. I have more back at the palace when we're ready." She said, then silently thanked herself for not mentioning that the seawater drenched herbs were more the cause for the sting than the herb itself.

((Got it.))

Atlantis released a growl of pain after she started to heal his wound. However he eventually relaxed, thanks to her very delicate touch. He knew her herbs were somewhat miracolous and he felt so much better now. It was only a temporary medication, but most of the pain was luckily vanishing. Atlas admired a lot her skills. He wished to have her regenerative abilities and the same competence in healing arts. Atlas was generally good in everything: hunting, fighting and water magic. However he totally lacked Shine's abilities. That was the reason because they both formed a excellent couple as tribe leaders. They covered their weaknesses each other.

Atlas could finally show a smile and be more happy. All the sadness and depression he was feeling in the abyss was gone. He was tempted to stand up, but he knew the better choice was to rest. He looked at her with gratitude for the help. "You have saved my life... i know I don't have to thank you or tell you something special." He joked, because he was aware they have formed a strong friendship and it was always a pleasure on both sides to help each other, even risking their own lives. "But I can't hold myself to say you're the most wonderful friend and fellow leader I would find in Pyyria." He told her with a sincere and natural voice, staring into her green eyes with his silver ones.