Chapter 0: My life before

no no No NO! I'm running late! I need to get to the boat for the field trip! Why did I oversleep! I should've slept earlier instead of reading up for the trip. Now I have to sprint across town before I get marked absent!

*honk* *honk*

So closeee! Almost there! I just need to cross the gate and get their attention!

"Noooooo!!"

I'm too late, they already left the harbor. I could barely make out the shape from the morning fog; maybe I can swim up to it?  Is there a spare boat rental nearby?

"Boy! Need a ride?"

A man called out to me, he stood there on his dingy wood boat. His clothes gave me the impression of a fisherman with his long rubber overalls and scraggly beard.

"Really?! Thank you so much! How much do you need, I have some cash."

"Oh, no need. You just need to help me man this boat. Your group is just headed to the island right across, right? I plan to set up around there too. Hop right on in!"

You know what? Screw it, I don't have time to waste. No way am I going to waste my once in a life time opportunity to visit the ancient ruins! 

I carefully stepped onto the small boat to avoid tipping it over. Looking around, there was barely anything on it. Maybe a few loose change stuck between the floor boards, but nothing else.

Just what did this guy need to set up? I guess his stuff is already on the other side?

After securing myself, the boat sped off from the harbor to follow the ship where my classmates were.

"Kid, make sure to keep watch. We may not be far from land, but the ocean can be unforgiving to the unfortunate."

"okaayy."

Got me a bit on edge, but okay..? I thought he was going to ask about the weather, not give me a scary omen...

As if the heavens above eavesdropped, the waves began rocking our tiny boat from side to side. I tried to get my footing, and call out to the sailor. When I looked up, there was no one there.

Did he go overboard? What do I do?

Slowly, the winds became harsh; blowing in dark clouds. Rain soon followed, and I lost sight of the island and the ship. Losing any control in the situation; I could only grab the boat tight, and hoped to not get thrown over the only barrier between me and the deep blue below.

After endless stirring from the sea, I suddenly felt a jolt from the boat.

Did I hit something? Did I land?

I opened my eyes to a clearing fog. It revealed a long stretch of sand, accompanied by dense greenery, but no signs of civilization.

Sick of the ocean, I jumped off, and ran my way up to solid land.

"LLLLLLLAAAAANNNNDDDDD!! Finally!! Solid land!"

I'm sooo tired. The sun is still out, maybe I can rest a bit. There should be someone nearby who might spot me and help.

Drifted into a deep sleep, I wake up to see the ruins I always dreamed of seeing.

Where was everyone? Should I look for them? Nah, they have each other. I should take advantage of scenery before any else blocks the view.

I walked through the remains of a once formidable nation. Left untouched since centuries past. Pillars inscribed with figures and details long lost to time. Architecture completely unlike the monotony of concrete and steel boxes in the city. 

Walking past the stone monuments, I imagined fighting against the fictional creatures from the stories I read. A far cry from my mundane reality of school and home life.

Taking a deep breath after my time at sea, the air felt heavy. I was unable to breath in. I noticed my surroundings getting flooded. 

A flood? Now?

I tried to walk back to the beach, but the water rose so high, I could no longer see the ground. I felt heavier, sinking into the waters.

PLEASE! I need to breathe. LET ME!

I wake up with my mouth blocked, my hands already reaching to clear any object in the way.

Sticky?

Ripping it from my mouth, it was gelatinous, with no clear form or shape.

"Slime?"