How I Became the Sea

"You know, that's technically writing."

I receive a squirt of shampoo to my face. I glare at Fluttershy as I wipe it off, taking care not to get any in my eyes or mouth. She shrinks back, smiling innocently. I swipe the bottle away before she gets any other bright ideas.

I go back to the book I had cradled in my lap. It's not as helpful as I was hoping. There's no concrete information about hippocampi in the entire chapter dedicated to them. There are a bunch of drawings, and a few paragraphs with vague statements regarding the origin of the hippocampi. There aren't any stories, references, or documents. And there certainly aren't any notes about the hippocampi having an undersea arch-nemesis.

I look up back at Fluttershy. She's constantly squirming and flopping in the tub. She acts as if she just can't remain still.

"Well, it looks like we're going to be here for a while. Do you mind if we talk?" Another short jet of water hits my face. I inhale, trying to gather my patience. "I'll ask yes or no questions, just nod or shake your head. Can you do that?"

Fluttershy nods.

"Okay then," I turn the book so Fluttershy can see the page I'm on. "Let's do this."

Fluttershy's chin rests on the edge of the porcelain tub. I pace back and forth to keep my limbs from going stiff with pain. I've cleared up a few things already, but I keep getting the feeling that there are things that Fluttershy refuses to let me know.

For starters, I know that hippocampi don't look like the ones in the book. They are meant to be about the size of a pony. According to Fluttershy, she's the last one left, but I don't know if I believe that. They are also magically prohibited from speaking above water.

To confirm this, Fluttershy had me walk over and dip my head into the bathtub so that I could hear her voice. Instead, she had wormed underneath me and planted a sneaky kiss straight on my lips. I growled at her for pulling a fast one. I told myself that I was more upset that I didn't actually get to hear her talk.

Aside from that, hippocampi can live in saltwater and freshwater, can live longer than a pony, are omnivores (that got a shudder out of me), and usually live along the coast.

"Are you ready to tell me what you were trying to get away from?" I ask.

Fluttershy looks up at me and sticks her tongue out. I continue to press the matter.

"Is it one of the creatures in this book?" I wave it in her face. "Is it an angler? A megalodon? What?" She doesn't acknowledge me. I huff.

"Fine," I wave a woof dismissively. "How about this: if you're the only hippocampus, then how do you..." Fluttershy narrows her eyes at me as I trail off. I clear my throat. "Preserve the race?"

Fluttershy crosses her hooves and looks away. I sigh. All of a sudden, something clicks in my mind.

"Is that creature the reason you're-" I stop myself as Fluttershy turns back to face me. Her eyes already flash with growing irritation. I decide not to finish my question, lest I say something that genuinely hurts her. I swallow.

"You know what? How about I just teach you how to play Uno?"

Sixteen defeats later (she is a fast learner), I went out into the living room to check the time. I grimaced as I saw the hands on the face point to 4:00 PM. I trotted back into the bathroom, and tried to pick Fluttershy back up.

"Okay, we gotta go. Blaze is gonna be back within the hour," Fluttershy squirmed in protest while I tried lifting. "Fluttershy, I gotta get you outta here! I will have no explanation for this if Blaze comes back and finds you here!"

Fluttershy shook her head furiously. "You mean, you can't go back until the whole day is over?" She nodded. I wanted to pull my hair out.

"Fine. Fine!" I stormed out, digging my way into Blaze's basement. When I found what I needed, I hauled it back up the stairs. I dragged it into the bathroom, and began to fill it with water, Fluttershy staring at me in uncertainty all the while. Once it was full, I gestured to her.

"Get in."

It took all of my strength to shove that stupid fish tank all the way out of the house and down the cliff path. The whole time I kept thinking about all of the glossy green scales in Blaze's tub that I would have to clean out.

I pant heavily, sweat covering my entire body. I lean against the tank in which Fluttershy comfortably floats. She taps the glass. I look up. She's moving her hoof in a motion for me to move closer.

Concerned by this, I lean in. She motions more frantically, eyes darting. I practically press my nose to the glass. What's wrong with her?

My worry is misplaced, as she only smooches the glass that thinly separates our touch. I groan as she giggles silently. I cannot believe that she decided to rub that in.

"Okay, we're here. Now, how long before I can chuck you back in there?" I lean against the tank. Fluttershy traces a 2 on the glass with her hoof. So, two more hours, I'm guessing. That's pretty close to sunset.

Doable. Well, I think so at first. The next two hour hours spent kicking at pebbles and chasing seagulls leaves my head feeling like a drill just went through it.

"Alright, time for you to go home." I push Fluttershy's tank down to the edge of the beach where the waterline reaches. She gazes out in blissful eagerness. I brace my hind legs against the glass, ready to up it over and send her sliding right into the water.

Just as I begin to push, I hear something. I hear a... a voice. My ear twitches. I turn around to look at Fluttershy.

"What... what is that?"

It's growing louder. Thicker. Fluttershy's eyes are widened in a mix of alarm and confusion. I don't know why; I feel so... happy. I swear, I hear somepony singing.

"Mmm... wow." I giggle. It's a melodic voice, accompanied by a quiet enchanting echo. It's calling to me. It wants me to go into the water. It's funny, I thought I hate the water, but I happily trot forward anyway. I ignore the hippocampus pounding on the glass as she screams inaudibly at me.

My hooves meet the seawater, and I gasp out how cold it is. It doesn't stop me. That voice wants me. It needs me. How could I deny it? The water is up to my belly now.

I keep going. By the time it's above my wings, I see who has been calling for me. I gape at the sheer beauty of her. A slender golden mare towers above me, standing on the water. Her mane shines like an eternal flame, and her ruby eyes look down on me, such a low, unworthy being with outstanding compassion.

I wet my lips. She draws a perfect hoof along my cheek, spreading a cherishing warmth where she touches. Oh, Celestia do I want more!

I sigh when she opens her mouth to bless me with more of her tantalizing singing. I could listen to it all night. That beautiful voice coming from that beautiful mouth, full of those beautiful, razor-sharp teeth.