Prompt 2
--- VoidRinkusu
--- team octopi
--- Wylan, Hawking, and a few NPC kals (Shark, Captain, Egg) (If you would like me to remove any of these from the story or think I have represented them poorly, please let me know)
Seems like you're stuck for a bit, but your kalon has the day free!
What's the first thing they want to do on the island?
I looked at the map, my legs swinging over the edge of the dock.
Hawking had stayed behind to help Carcharodon with the reparations. He thought that he was strong enough to be helpful there, flexing his well-built arms to prove the point. I had asked why he wouldn’t help Carter instead because that would be the most physically demanding job. He grinned nervously and admitted that his back was getting a little brittle with age and he didn’t want to over-do it. He then added
“Besides, that Shark fellow seems very serious, I’m determined to make him lighten up! A smile is all I want, but I get bonus points if I can make him laugh.” We then said goodbye and I warned him not to bother Carcharodon too much.
I was having a tougher time figuring out where to help. I am pretty scrawny, so repairs weren’t an option. I could have helped with cooking but I was certain there would be better chefs for that, and I’d feel terrible if I burnt someone’s dinner. Though, they did need volunteers to catch sea creatures to cook. I stood then, going to get my rod. I might not be good at most of the things we needed, but I could fish like an expert. Looking at the map, I decided I should try the southeastern coast.
After getting my tacklebox and other supplies, I made my way to the shore by mid-morning. There were a few volunteers, mostly kits who weren’t strong enough to do much else, helping to clean the beach. I didn’t see either Captain or Egg around but I assumed that I’d be good to go as long as I kept some distance from the others. I found a nice rock to use as a seat and put a lure on my hook. I cast it out and started securing the rod in the sand.
“Nice cast.” Someone said. I looked over to see Egg making his way over.
“Thank you.” I said, “It’s nice to know that I’ve still got it.” I sat down, expecting him to leave and help with the beach cleaning. Instead, he sat right next to me and offered a bottle of water.
“I’m alright, thank you.” I declined. I always had trouble socializing but I had gotten better with practice and it usually took large groups to unnerve me. So why was this one kalon such a struggle?
“I insist,” He said. “It’s hot out and dehydration is a real threat.” Admittedly, I did need some water and I was getting a bit of a headache, so I accepted with a quiet “thank you.”
There was a minute or two of silence, nothing but the sound of waves. I was starting to feel faint and my headache kept worsening. I drank some of the water I was given, growing frightened as I became dizzy. I saw my fishing rod bend and stood to reel it in. I caught a large sea trout but I froze before I could do anything else.
“Well, what a catch! Must be a good spot, maybe I’ll get my own rod and join you?” Offered Egg. I stumbled a few steps backward and had to sit down. Suddenly, the sun got very bright.
“Hey, are you okay?” Asked Egg. I looked at his face but couldn’t process what was happening. I struggled to breathe and had to shut my eyes to lessen the headache. My chest began to hurt so I instinctively clutched a paw to my sternum. I started to shiver uncontrollably. I heard Egg stand and shuffle around.
“Where is Captain?” He muttered and started to walk off.
“Wait.” I croaked. I was panicking now and didn’t want to be left alone. It was safer if someone was there to help if need be. And I was frightened, I didn’t know what was happening. I forced my eyes open and looked up at him. I was a little less dizzy and my vision was slightly clearer. He stopped and crouched a few feet in front of me, looking concerned. As I breathed I was able to steady myself.
“You alright?” He asked. I was unprepared to speak so the sound I made was more like a toad voice-cracking. I laughed a little and I cleared my throat before trying to talk again.
“So sorry, I’m not sure what just happened. Probably a panic attack.” I mumbled.
“Thanks for sticking around, I was quite spooked there. Again, sorry.” I repeated.
“Hey, don’t be sorry, and it’s no problem.” He assured me. A minute or so passed in silence.
“You were going to get a rod and join in?” I asked. Egg grinned.
“Well, we should take care of that trout you caught first.” He suggested.
We got a cooler to keep the fish in and found Captain on the way. We explained what had happened and Egg asked if he could fish a bit. Captain checked to make sure I was feeling well but she said it would be ok for Egg to join in if he would help on the beach when he was needed. We both went to get his fishing supplies, he insisted I shouldn’t be alone in case I started feeling worse, and we found a few more kalons who chose to join us. By the time we returned to the beach, we had quite the group.
We spent the rest of the day catching what we could and brought back multiple coolers filled with fish.
A few of us had stayed behind to help the chefs organize and store what we caught. Hawking had heard of what was happening and came to lend a hand. He entered the storeroom where I was scooping handfuls of fish into a freezer. He was carrying a cooler on each shoulder and was followed by Egg who seemed to be enjoying their conversation. Hawk dropped what he was carrying and stretched his arms.
“Well, looks like you were rather productive today!” He said.
“I’d say, but we wouldn’t have half this many fish without those who joined in.” I shut the freezer door and faced the two.
“Thank Egg here for getting a group going and helping me.” I said, gesturing at Egg who shrugged in response.
Helping me through a panic attack I did not say, but the omitted detail was caught and Egg smiled as he figured it out.
“Anyone would’ve done the same.” He said.
“It’s getting late.” I mentioned, “Hawk, you should rest after your work today and Egg?” I grinned.
“Maybe you should check to see if anyone needs help at the beach?”
