twice burned . joining

[Whisper]

There are memories, phantom pains of father's creations strapped to the back. Nightmares that start with the sureness of straps settled around their joints and iron clasps that strained his neck. Madosa remembers the thrill of flying, at least for a little while. In their dreams they can hear their father's delighted laughter as they plummet, over their own screams because they were burning - father why does it hurt so much ?. Hungry water's reached to catch him- welcome him. But the salt water did nothing to soothe the stings that scorched down their back. Leather harness turning into a net to drag them deeper, into the bottomless depths of the ocean.

A dream of flying, falling, drowning. they were nothing but dreams, reality wasn't such a gift as the dreams. All Madosa can remember is the call of the ocean, the sudden need to dive in, deeper and deeper still. They are unsure of the memories of walking on land - when all they remember- truly is the feel of swimming under water. Sirens who would hum lullabies and sulkies who would teach them how to use their claws. Playing at the bottom of the sea, kicking up dirt and hunting turtles.

They know they were made for land, but the water was were they lived- it was all they known. As much as he longed for land he dreaded the sky with open fear. Did not want to lurk where his nightmare's could become reality. They told no one of their dreams, no one that would listen. Drifting in the sea like a log between blinks of sleep. Madosa has only known the ocean, but in dreams distant vacant ones- they dream of walking too.

So they try it.

Near their current lagoon, the Jaguar lurks within the depths of the sea, itching closer and closer towards the sandy lands of the island. Unknown to it's inhabitants. They are slow to make their way up, wading in the water for a time before- leaving it's depths entirely to walk on land. It's instinctual- easy. The stranger marvels on the dry sand that clings to their paws now, claws sinking into sand. It's a marvel- to walk - to breathe air. It's so different- so new. They turn wide eyed stares into the island, not once looking back at the water- or up at the sky.