Aquarius knodded at him dumb founded. Inside her thoughts were screaming... "Wait what? You slept here? Huh?" Pulling herself together she found that she finally wasn't worried about him anymore. Now he would be okay. Carter, this is awesome. I mean, I can't get over the fact that you slept here. You right, the stones are the same. The only difference is that I decorated my place. These seem to be here naturally. Do you think it would be okay if I collected a few of them? Though blue is nice... I think it would be neat to line the pool with green ones... Suddenly she felt awkward. Decorating was sort of a hobby and she had never talked about it before. There were many things she hadn't talked about before. Her thoughts stammered. You have your whole life ahead of you. What are you going to do with it now? He could do anything he wanted in safe assurance. Would he want to travel the world? She couldn't help but wonder, how a kid like him, could mentally have grown up so fast so solidly.

Carter smiled. “The green stones are rare.” He noted. “Haven’t seen them anywhere but here.” He went to the entrance of the cavern and looked out, into the dark. Her question was a good one. “I haven’t thought about what I’d do now.” He admitted. “I never thought I’d be able to be something like this, something as amazing as what I am now.” Quietly, he adjusted the bundle in his hands. “I’d be able to cross half the ocean in a couple days with no problem… I’d be able to outswim the best of merpeople, if I put effort into it. I could defend the marine life from poachers and hunters pushing them into extinction… Maybe I’d be able to show my parents what I am. I’m not a freak anymore. I’m better than they’ll ever be!” He laughed to himself. “But you know what? None of that appeals to me. I’m leaving my parents to live in their filthy existence. I’m helping what animals I can. But I’d rather stay with you. I can help you. I can watch the house, and work with you… Maybe even be part of the Council. I’m smart for my age, I’m fast, I’m able… You saw me, how good I am, considering my age. Maybe I’d be useful…” He was looking at Aquarius, but his gaze had grown distant.

Hearing his words brought a smile to her face. He was grown up. That was clear. He put revenge and being famous past him in order to turn to more fulfilling goals. She wished more were like him. Then maybe this world would be a better place. Swimming over to the exit, slipping up and out, she gathered seaweed into a bundle. She didn't particularly like the stuff, but it was both healthy and handy. Swimming back down, she settled down and wove herself a bag. With that in hand, she filled the little pouch with the smallest green stones. They would provide a beautiful glow and over time she would learn what else they were able to do.

The blue stones had a beautiful glow, kept her home at a temperate climate, and things generally didn't age there. She could store food easily. The green ones would have their own abilities and would provide her home with a unique environment that would make life just a bit more bearable. She carefully tied the pouch to her wrist and tested the water resisted by swimming around the room. Finding it satisfactory, she swam up behind her new friend and gave him a big hug. My friend, you are always welcome to by my side. I will teach you everything I can of the outside world. I will be your teacher for many things. You will learn to read and write. You will learn the intricacies of business. You will learn the subtle differences of how people behave from different empires and social economic stations. And, carefully, you may be a part of The Council. I will let the right people know about you. How does that sound?

Carter shook his head, but the smile he couldn’t get rid of gave it all away. “I’d be more than happy to learn from you. Reading and writing are things I’ve been dying to learn. To be needed, rather than take up space. I’ll finally be worth something!” He took off, speeding through the tunnel, taking turns faster this time, exploding out of the hidden cavern and flying into the water. He had never been as happy as he was at that moment, had never had a single friend to share his worries and sadness, not to mention his happiness, had he ever had any. “I’ll never leave you alone, Aqua!” He yelled, flying in circles, making figure-eights, holding onto the shirt tightly as to not lose a single pebble of eao stone. Those rocks were what gave him his power, took away the clumsiness and uncertainty, gave him strength and speed.

He didn’t notice the water starting to lighten around him. His vision was blurred by hope for the future, though it was uncertain and dangerous. But learning to read and write, being with someone who would look after him and who he could look after, made him feel as though he was doing something with his life rather than floating along with no aspiration.

Aquarius took off after him. As they cleared the crevice she noticed that the water was getting lighter. A boat? Sunrise? She sped after him and put herself into a happy mood. Best way to keep things going fun was to have a fun way back. Grabbing one of his hands, she spun him in a circle... she released him and fled for the coral reef. Keep up if you can! She darted among and through the coral, careful not to scrape against them. Coral is both delicate and sharp. She could easily break it, and just as easily scrape herself up bad. Jumping into a riptide, she let it take her around towards and past his beach, nearing the cove she exited and slipped into the boulder field to see how he did. She knew his hearing was excellent, but what about his speed? Would he have thought to get in the riptide or would he attempt to outswim it? That was something worth watching.

Carter got wide-eyed. A race was just what he wanted. “Keeping up won’t be a problem!” He darted after her, speeding without much effort through the coral. He kept his movement narrow, as to not brush too hard against the sharp coral and attract any shark that might reside nearby. He didn’t have to worry about whether he could outswim them anymore, at least, but it would be better to not attract them in the first place. He caught up to her just as she let the strong underwater current sweep her off, past the beach he often called home, and away to the cove. Gritting his teeth, he flew into it, passing through without being thrown off course. He glanced around, knowing where she was. He could hear her vibrations through the water. Perhaps he could show his swimming strength. Perhaps he would be able to outswim that powerful current that so often grabbed him up and tossed him, disoriented, far away when he wasn’t at his best.

Letting the current whip him off, he made sure to pass Aquarius. This particular current had made such a fool out of him many times, whether or not he was alone didn’t matter. The feeling burned inside him, and if he could show Aqua how strong a swimmer he was now, he would overcome both past failures and show her how good a companion he could be. Keeping his arms at his side, the shirt clenched in one hand, he kicked out, closing his eyes against the speed of the water pressing him back.

But he could tell he was making progress. He went back, toward the cavern Aqua called home, showing the current he couldn’t be beat as easily this time around. His lungs were working overtime, but when he pulled himself into calmer water, near the entrance to her cove, he didn’t take long to gather his strength once more. The current wouldn’t be a bother to him anymore.

Aquarius smiled in approval and swam over to meet him. Great job Carter! You did amazing. I know you can do a lot you used to not be able to do, but I would like to suggest that you challenge yourself to your limits everyday. Someday you might meet a challenge and should be ready to meet it. Come on, it is already Saturday morning. Let's go get some breakfast. She darted into her own cavern and swam up. Getting a towel before transforming so that her hair wouldn't be a bother, she easily was dry and looking through the cupboard for breakfast. It wouldn't be what she could make at the house, but it would be good and healthy.

With a faint smile he followed Aquarius. “I’ve always pushed myself.” He noted. “Probably more than I should have. Always in trouble because of that.” He was grateful to finally have someone’s approval. It was a feeling he wasn’t quite used to, but Aquarius was someone he could call a friend, and he didn’t have to look forever.

As he went through the tunnel after Aquarius, he dug in his shirt for one of the smaller eao stones and swallowed it. Though a bit clumsy and slower in the water, having feet would be easier than tails. The tingling returned, and he paused for a moment as feeling went back to his legs and feet, covered once more by pants instead of smooth scales. Pushing up, he got out of the water and shook his head. It didn’t take but a moment to get used to his mostly-human appendages. The stones he transferred to the plastic bag with his clothes and pulled out a comb before following Aquarius.

“Aqua, I know you don’t think I have to repay you, but I won’t be able to rest easily until I say this.” Carter stood back, careful not to get water near her in her human form as he pulled the comb through his tangled mess of faintly green-blue-stained hair. “I’m making it my mission to learn to read and write, to learn to cook and organize, to not really care what others think when they see this form of mine. And I’ll be the best I can be. I’ll make it my life mission to join the ranks of the Council.” He paused, watching her move about. “Er… What do you think? Would I be good?”

You would make a great addition to The Council. We aren't picky like the rich and wealthy who only want the best. We serve with what skills and abilities are available to us. You have a good heart and want to help others. That is all that is needed. Aquarius felt herself glowing inside. Her pupil was already on the right path. He wanted to make the most of his life and in a way that helped others and not just himself. He would be okay. Probably not what his parents had predicted.

Aqua wondered around and fished out bread, peanut butter, and jelly. Heating tea and making sandwhiches, she talked to Carter about the library near her Tea Shop that would have good books to start with as well as the customs of this particular empire. The small subtleties that marked a local apart from a foreigner. Even how to blend in with either the rich or rough characters. She had known a white person who had blended in with a group of tanner people simply by adjusting how he walked, head his head, and spoke.

“Help is the only thing I want to give.” Carter breathed. It was all he had to give, and all he planned on giving. Help, companionship, a second pair of eyes, but not much else.

A library sounded nice to him. He had never been in one, but he had seen them on television. Tall bookcases, quiet environments and lighting that was easy on the eyes, but not too dark. He had seen the school libraries, but they were no more than blindingly-lit, tile-floor rectangular rooms with flimsy desks and chairs. He couldn’t read much, but he knew his alphabet and simple words. If the smell of old books were the same in a large town or city library as in the books he often leafed through in school, the entire place would smell of old paper and leather, soft must of old books sitting on shelves high above his head. Couches and chairs sitting in front of short tables, magazines, maybe a few computers to do research. He had high hopes, his only vision of a library being from television dramas and his old school, but it would be quiet, and he could lurk in the corners and avoid others staring at his hands and feet. Or, hands at least. He didn’t think he would be allowed inside a public place without shoes.

Sighing, he looked at the table in front of him and drew invisible designs on the surface with a finger. He loved listening to Aquarius, her voice was calming and reassuring.

Aquarius continued talking as she made them breakfast. It would do for now. As they enjoyed breakfast, she talked about the plants she had around her house. The livingroom had the most. There were a few in every room. The kitchen had a few, the diningroom had a few, and her room had one. They were all ordinary houseplants you would see in anyone's home that you visited. Not flimsy ones but good ones. The aloe vera was her favorite. Outside in the herb garden there was... herbs. People would think she was a fanatical cook with the variety she had. However they all had their uses and combined in her teas could result in amazing variations. You just had to add the right plants with the right plants. Ocean and earth mixed together.

With breakfast finished and everything put away, Aquarius suggested they head topside. There would be plants to water, some dishes from last night to do, and a town trip to plan. She explained that his first reading lesson could be then. She could get him started and show him what to work on while she was at work come Monday. Thankfully the library was open even on a Saturday. She figured she might run into a contact there whom she could pass on the latest events and that the dark guild from the southern empire known as the Black Heart Guard was now nearby and deadly. At least, that was her plan for the day. Things changes easily so being flexible is important.

Carter couldn’t stop the smile from resting on his face. Just listening to Aquarius describe everything filled him with hope he never had. Finally able to help, and to learn, he didn’t have words to express his joy, and readily agreed to everything Aqua said or suggested. His clothes caked in dry sea salt, he couldn’t wait to get back to the surface so he could change into new clothes. Grabbing his bag he’d left by the entrance to the cavern, he fished out one of the eao stones and swallowed it whole. The effect was much faster than before, and he almost lost his balance until he dove with his bag into the water and sped through the tunnel and into the open water, breaking the riptide as though it were no more than a web of spun sugar.

“C’mon, Aquarius!” He called back, halting in the water. “It’s not quite early anymore!” As he spoke, he looked around. Indeed the water was much lighter with morning set in. As he waited for Aquarius to join him, he took advantage of the wide open water and spun about, stretching his dual tails and wandering the bottom of the ocean floor. It was constantly changing, and sometimes divers left behind some interesting things.

Aquarius followed and looked around at the pretty scenery around her. This was a peaceful place to her simply because her life outside of these waters never reached her here. It was her refuge from the cares and concerns above. Maybe she should put in security cameras at home for when they weren't around. That way she could know what might be happening around her place by whom. She sighed and headed for the beach. Once she cleaned up at home, she was totally letter her hair down. Having it always in a braid was a bit annoying.

Nothing but a couple coins and a ruined waterproof watch could be seen, and Carter gave up when he saw Aquarius approach. “Aqua!” He fled the sandy floor and joined her. “Come, we have to check your home for intruders, and then we can go to town! My beach is a bit closer to your house, and I don’t hear any voices up there.” He glanced up to the surface, and found he was nearer to dry land than he thought. Lifting up, he surfaced, bringing the bag up with him to get another eao stone and swallow it. With the effects taking hold, he went up to the beach and the shallows, crawling up the sand, pushed along by the waves. Letting himself sink to the dry sand, he looked up to the sky. The water seemed to go on forever. He knew it stopped eventually, but the endless expanse held endless mystery he always found interesting. And the sky being slowly alight with morning, the sound of rushing water and seagulls, always brought him a sense of peace, even under pressing or uncertain times such as this.

Aqua relished the water running around her for a precious few more seconds, letting the sound that carries underwater fill her. Then she used her energy to call the strong wind towards her, raced towards the surface, and breaking free from the water world. Sailing into the air, she enjoyed the feeling of flying as the wind met her. Grasping her key and transforming, in an instant she was once again human. Landing nimbly into the soft sand, she welcomed its warmth. Feeling the dampness, she froze a moment and let the wind finish drying her off. Best head on home.

Walking up the path to her place, she thought back to when she first bought it. Tired of living in town and around people constantly, she had started searching for a place with beach front property. They had all been expensive, the ones for sale that is. When she became a part of The Council, anything secluded from both her jobs became imperative. She had felt pride when this place had opened for sale. She liked the large amount of tree cover surrounding her property. It helped give her that peace she often didn't have.

Do you like trees Carter? I have a tree house. In the side yard between the front and back... between the road and cliff. Opposite side of the house of the creek. There isn't a way into it right now that most could use. But we could probably make some sort of ladder or staircase that you could use. From there you can see a lot, but it blends in well and is set back some ways from open areas. It could be your own refuge. I got the idea from Swiss Family Robinson. Not as elaborate as theirs, but if has several rooms with electricity and running water. Interested?

Carter’s flat feet saved him from sinking into the sand as he followed Aquarius up the beach. The idea of a house, a treehouse, no less, to himself, to hide out in, to watch over Aqua’s house, was something he couldn’t pass up. Even if it didn’t have electricity and water, he wouldn’t be any less excited. And the absence of a ladder or staircase was perfect. It wouldn’t alert anyone immediately to the presence of a treehouse if they were down below.

“I love that idea!” He said at last, unwilling to mask his enthusiasm in any way. “A place to watch your house and warn you of anything wrong or odd, or to see intruders before they have the chance to get up to the house. I could even take care of them before they got to the house!” He couldn’t help but imagine how useful he could be then, on watch for Aquarius, a guard dog. “I don’t need a ladder of any sort. As long as you’ve got a good line of rope, I’ll be set.” He smiled at her reassuringly as they reached the house.

She laughed. Your always full of surprises aren't you Carter. They went inside and she went to put water on to boil before heading upstairs to clean up. It didn't take her long. She came back down and started laundry. Then pulled the tea off the stove and pulled out some small sandwiches from the fridge. She wondered if Carter would be interested in a tutor studying by himself. Remembering the treehouse, she got out some rope and put it out on the patio.

Carter ran straight up to his room to avoid dripping water or leaving sand on much of the floor. This time he was far more awake and showered instead of submerging himself for an hour. After dressing in a red buttondown shirt and jeans, he found socks and shoes as well. He hadn’t worn shoes in ages, and couldn’t remember what they felt like on his feet. When he pulled the socks on, it didn’t feel terrible, but did throw him off a bit not being able to know what the ground felt like. The shoes weren’t bad either, fitting well to his feet, but gave him the odd sensation of floating a bit above the ground. It was harder than he expected, when he tested them, but he wasn’t falling over his feet anymore. He was no longer as clumsy as he used to be, and felt that once he mastered the art of walking in the shoes, he wouldn’t be tripping on the air anymore.

Going downstairs with mostly-dry hair, Carter looked around. Water was set to boil, and he could hear Aquarius moving about in a different part of the house. Moving past the patio doors, he looked out and saw that she had left some thick, long rope out for him. Running outside, grabbing it up, he went on a short search for a house in the branches of the trees above him.

He had wandered a ways away from the main house. It was in very good condition, what he could see of it, and didn’t have a trap door like most tree houses did. There was a door, instead, that appeared to have had a rope ladder before it had rotted away or broke. Spotting a particularly thick branch just underneath the tree house’s base, and he threw the rope up and around it. It was long enough to let it fall halfway, evenly folded over the branch. Twining it around itself, he used it as a vine and climbed up, onto the branch, to secure it to a higher branch closer to the doorway. Testing it out, he found the knot to hold perfectly as he climbed down.

She moved the laundry from the washer to the dryer. It was nice to keep caught up on such simple tasks. Heading back into the kitchen, Aqua pulled out a backpack and began packing them a late lunch. The tea and sandwhiches would do for now. After the library, maybe they could find a part to sit at and eat more. It would also be ideal for him to watch the different subtle differences of people. She looked out and noticed the rope no longer was on the patio. Aha! He was going exploring. It would be good for him. This was probably the best Saturday of his life. She finished packing their lunch and put the backpack by the front door. Getting the tea and sandwiches, she moved them to the patio and sat to recline and enjoy some of them in the warm afternoon sun. She wondered how his exploration was going.

Carter let himself into the first room of the tree house. It had a couple old chairs, protected from the elements by windows that opened by being pressed out rather than going up and down. A miniature fridge, empty, sat alongside two counters and a sink to the left, and a spiral staircase stood to the back in a small rectangular alcove.

When he climbed it, he found a very short hallway, less than five feet deep, and two archways covered by cloth doors One was what looked to be used as a bedroom, there being a small brass bed to one side of the room and a wall sink to the right. The other archway seemed to be a bare room, but had an old spyglass that, upon closer inspection, let him see through the tree branches to the distant shore of his beach. The lights worked, when he checked the various switches on the walls, and when he tested the sinks, they let water run, both hot and cold. He had never seen such an intricately-crafted home in a tree before.

Grabbing the rope, he let himself down. The house he would use well, he knew that. Stumbling a bit with his shoes taking the intuition away from his step, he went back to the main house and Aquarius.

Aquarius was sitting on the patio enjoying the breeze and sunshine. Hearing a step, she opened her eyes and looked over at Carter. He seemed pretty pleased and happy. Glad he had enjoyed his exploring of the tree house, she smiled. Hey come have some tea and sandwiches before we go okay. She always liked to keep mini sandwiches in her fridge. They were her own creation meant to refresh, relax, and re-energize you. It was a lot like a egg salad sandwich, only small vegetables instead of eggs. Do you have any hobbies or interests? Sports, favorite bands or groups? I figure I could teach you to read and write based off of something you like or are interested in. Aquarius felt herself beaming inside. She was working one on one with a friend. This was just too cool for her. She was excited for their town trip.

Carter gladly accepted the offer of food. It shocked him that he was as hungry as he was, but he supposed that being so happy made him forget that he didn’t eat much. It didn’t matter to him, though, he was perfectly content to just spend time with the girl who had accepted him while others shunned him. Though she said she didn’t need him to repay her, he wanted to, and would find any way possible to make that reality.

She had to think about the questions she asked. Thoughtfully looking at the teacup in his hand, he paused. “I... I don’t know any bands or groups that relate to song.” He admitted. “I know music, but not much, and names escape me entirely. Was never much for sports, for obvious reasons. Clumsy, outsider, no one would play with me and I’d never get too into the sports my dad watched. Stupid, in my opinion.” He sighed. “But I love learning. That’s what I love to do. And I’ve got a creative streak, I guess. I’d never turn down a chance to learn anything, anything at all! It’s just what I do. I... learn.”

Carter looked up with a smile. “I’m not a bad student. I never complain about a workload or a job.”

Aquarius laughed and helped pick up the cups and plate. Together they got things cleaned up and put away. Grabbing the bag by the front door, she locked the place up and they headed down the sandy path to the road. It was a nice day out. The sun was shining with pretty breezes. Aquarius loved the bright and happy weather. It seemed like nature itself was encouraging her to keep her chin up. She wondered how Carter would handle going into town. It had been a long time since the last time he had from what she could gather. She hoped he would be okay. So when was the last time you were in town? You going to be okay? Probably going to take some adjustment to the amount of people that will be walking around. If it is too much, just tell me and we can bail out and hide in my shop or something. She grinned and gave him an encouraging wink.

As they neared town she resumed her normal demeanor. Walking confidently, with her head held high, face a mask of cool and calculating calm. She was a picture of sophistication and beauty. No one would talk to them for fear of rejection or criticism on her part. Knowing Carter wasn't used to seeing her like this, she gave him a quick wink. She would have attitude and a lot of good pr skills. However, no one would want to stay in her presence long.

Carter was more than willing to help Aquarius around the house, and following her, he breathed out carefully. It had been a year or two since he had gone into the center of town, but with his own demeanor and ability to act, he would be sure to come off as no more than a timid little thing who couldn’t hurt a fly, much less make direct eye contact with anyone who would even consider looking his way.

As they got around more people, Carter put his mind at rest. He was used to people, he just didn’t like them. They were judgmental, angry at heart, foolish things and their numbers were just growing at an impossible rate. Destroying everything, even the precious oceans, made him dislike most humans of the world. He sighed, sticking close to a confident Aquarius, ducking his head and bending his back. He would endure their presence if it let him see a library, explore the endless shelves, look in the books, find beginner books to learn to read rather than guessing at every word and failing miserably. “Don’t worry about me.” He told Aquarius. “I’m fine with people. I just… would rather stay away from them. Kind of like how they’d like to stay away from me, for my oddity.” He looked at his hands, folded in front of him and held close to his chest. That position just made him look a bit weaker to prying eyes.

They arrived at the library. She showed him the different sections of the library and different types of books. There were three floors. She found an esl section and got some beginner books down. Heading to a couch in a corner, she motioned him to sit beside her. How much do you know? Letters? Numbers? Any words? She had a plan. Get him to read was important, but starting some writing was also important in remembering letters and words. First things first. What did he know already?