#bdbs

I looked at the strange live fish that the creature held out to me, its slimy texture glistening under the dim light of the cave. The scent wafted up to me, mixing with the damp salty air.

"No, thank you," I said softly, shaking my head. The creature's three-eyed gaze locked onto me, emitting a low, questioning trill, their long arms still extended, offering the still wriggling fish to me.

I tried to communicate my refusal, pointing at the fish, and then shaking my head more vigorously. "I can't," I murmured, "I appreciate your kindness, but I…I can’t."

The creature's expression shifted, and they produced a series of clicking sounds, perhaps trying to convey reassurance or convince me otherwise. But I couldn't understand the meaning behind their words.

With a slow, deliberate movement, they opened their cavernous mouth, their gaze never leaving mine as if they were making sure I wasn’t frightened, and then slipped the fish inside. They trilled, before diving down into the pool and returning with another squirming fish clutched in their large hand.

As the creature held it out to me, I felt a mix of guilt and gratitude. It was clear that they were trying to provide for me, but the sight of the raw, wriggling fish made my stomach churn. I couldn't bring myself to eat it, despite the creature's intentions.

"I can't," I repeated softly, "I really appreciate it, but I don't know if it's safe for me. And…I don’t know what I’d do if I got sick here.”

With a low hum, the creature slowly withdrew their extended hand, the fish slipping back into the water with a gentle splash.

They stared at me, as if considering what to do, as if trying to figure out what to bring me. Then with a flash of recognition, their eyes widened, and they dove down once more into the pool, before returning with a large hand full of assorted plants, none remotely looking edible.

They trilled enthusiastically as they presented it to me. An amused smile crept to my lips even as my stomach rumbled in disappointment. Their gestures showed a genuine desire to help, even if their understanding of my needs was limited.

"Thank you," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I appreciate your effort. You're very kind." I pointed at the plants they had gathered and shook my head, indicating that I couldn't eat them. "But these... I don't think I can eat them either.”

The creature tilted their head, repeating their trill.

"I wish I could understand you," I sighed, feeling a pang of loneliness and frustration.

The creature's eyes softened, and they emitted a gentle cooing sound. They reached out again, this time with an empty hand, and gently stroked the top of my head. I leaned into the creature's touch, appreciating the comfort it brought. Despite our language barrier, their actions spoke volumes.

"You're trying your best, aren't you?" I murmured.

The creature emitted a soft, melodic hum, their touch becoming even more soothing. It was as if they understood the sentiment behind my words, even if they couldn't comprehend the specific meaning.

Several hours passed and my rock ledge became littered with their various attempts at feeding me. From semi-edible clumps of seaweed that I had half heartedly chewed, to the remains of small sea creatures that I couldn't even bring myself to touch.

I sat against the cave wall, lost in my thoughts. The creature had retreated to the depths of the pool, leaving me to contemplate my situation. I wondered if there was any hope of finding my way back home or if I would be forever trapped in this mysterious place.

I had spent at least an hour slowly walking around the confines of the cavern, tapping on the stone wall, searching for any opening while the creature was away. There were a few finger sized holes near the far roof of the cave, seemingly leading into other wider open air caverns, but they were inaccessible to me. The pool was the only entrance and the only exit.

Suddenly, a splashing sound caught my attention, and I turned to see the creature emerging from the water emitting an enthusiastic trill.

“Hi…” I greeted softly. “What did you bring me this time?”

They darted towards me, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. In their arms was a waterlogged cooler, adorned with colorful beach-themed stickers. It was clear that they had retrieved it from somewhere nearby, perhaps stolen from a beach.

They carefully set the cooler down in front of me, and I eagerly pried it open to discover a treasure trove of water bottles, Gatorade, and various snacks - granola bars, packets of crackers, and even some dried fruit.

I let out a delighted gasp, and immediately reached for a water bottle, unscrewing the cap, and gulping down the contents in a second, hardly having realized the extent of my thirst until that moment. I reached for a second one, drinking it down just as quickly.

The creature emitted a joyous trill, their eyes conveying satisfaction and happiness as they watched as I enthusiastically tore open a packet of crackers and devoured them, relishing the taste of something familiar and comforting.

As I savored the snacks, my gratitude swelled within me, and I thanked them between each bite. The creature responded with a pleased purr each time, clearly overjoyed at having been able to provide for me. Once I had finished indulging in the snacks, with enough left over for at least another meal, I sat back, staring at the creature in appreciation.

"Thank you," I said again, my voice filled with emotion. "I feel bad for whatever family you stole that from but thank you for bringing it to me. Thank you so much!”

As the creature leaned in to nuzzle their head against mine, a brief flicker of apprehension crossed my mind. Although the cooler no longer had ice and several of the snacks had been damaged or dented, the expiration dates on the plastic packaging indicated they had been purchased not too long ago. I must be near a beach somewhere. Close enough to land that the creature could return within an hour or two.

If so, why hadn’t they taken me there after they rescued me? It seemed strange that they would spend all this effort attempting to feed me, when they could have just dropped me off.  

I leaned back to meet their gaze, searching for any hints of their intentions, but all I saw was a sense of overjoyed contentment, as if providing for me was enough for them. It was clear that they genuinely cared for my well-being, but the question of their motives remained unanswered.

I pointed towards the cooler and then gestured towards one of the stickers of a beach at sunset, trying to convey my curiosity about where they had obtained it. The creature tilted their head, seemingly pondering my gesture.

The creature's three-eyed gaze locked onto the sticker I was pointing at, and their expression shifted into something darker. They let out a low rumbling sound, before nuzzling against me once more.

“Do you understand me?” I asked, despite the feeling of their damp face against the hollow of my neck. “The beach. That’s where you got this from, right?”

Another low rumble.

“Can you take me there? Take me to where you got the cooler?”

The creature seemingly ignored me as they cooed in my ear. I gently disentangled myself from the creature's embrace and sat back, staring at them. They emitted another soft cooing sound, their expression filled with what I could only interpret as affection.

"I appreciate you taking care of me," I spoke softly, "But I really want to go to the beach, to see where you found this cooler. Can you understand me?"

One of the creatures’ long tentacles sought out an unopened Gatorade bottle and held it up to me. It seemed that they were offering me the drink, perhaps as a way to divert my attention or express their inability to fulfill my request.

I took it from their grasp but set it back down on the rock shelf.

“The beach.” I repeated, “I want to see it. Can you take me there?”

I watched as their eyes narrowed, in a now familiar look of annoyance, just like the last time I had asked to go to the surface.

“You know what I’m saying, don’t you…?” I asked, feeling a sudden strange sense of unease. “You know that I want to go back to land. Back to people. You know what I’m asking, don’t you?”

The creature's three-eyed gaze met mine, and for a moment, there was a sense of tension in the air. Their expression seemed to blacken, and they emitted another low rumbling sound, but this time eerily resembling a growl.

I leaned back, maintaining eye contact with the creature, trying to convey the urgency and importance of my request. "I need to go to the beach," I said firmly, "I need to find my way back home. Please, understand me."

The creature emitted the sound again, their gaze shifting between the cooler and me. It was difficult to discern their true intentions, but I couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling that they were blaming the presence of the cooler for my request.

I reached out and gently touched one of their long tentacles. "You can understand me, can't you?" I whispered, my voice tinged with both desperation and hope. "Please, take me to the beach. Help me find a way back."

The creature's gaze softened, and they emitted a trilling sound, almost resembling a sigh. They withdrew their tentacle from my touch, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, with a sudden burst of movement, they turned and swiftly disappeared into the depths of the pool with the unmistakable energy of someone leaving the room to avoid an argument.

I sat there, staring at the empty space where the creature had been, a flurry of emotions swirling within me. The creature's actions left me feeling both disappointed and confused. I was certain they had understood my plea, but for some reason, they were unable or unwilling to grant it.

As I contemplated my next move, the realization dawned upon me that I couldn't rely only on the creature's assistance. If I wanted to find my way back home, I would have to take matters into my own hands. Now that I had eaten and drank, I felt a steady thrum of energy flowing through me.

I stared at the pool of water with a sudden sense of determination. Carefully I peeled a clump of bioluminescent algae from the wall and scooted towards the edge.

As I gazed down into the black abyss, I felt my courage immediately waver. Still, I lowered my feet into the bath-like salt water, the ominous dark void staring back at me, with no indication of how deep it was or where it led.

As I eased my body into the water, the familiar feeling of weightlessness embraced me, momentarily sending a wave of panic coursing through my veins. I told myself that I was only taking a quick look, a glimpse into what lay beneath the surface.

After a deep, calming breath, I submerged myself in the water. The world around me instantly transformed into a distorted blur of shadows and muted colors and I fought against the immediate instinct to resurface.

Using the algae in my hand as a feeble source of light, I glanced around, my eyes stinging painfully from the saltwater. The faint glow and my searching hand revealed the rocky walls of an underwater cave, covered in moss and barnacles. There were small fish darting in and out of crevices, and the occasional flicker of movement caught my attention.

As I started to swim deeper, I felt a sudden rush of movement behind me. Startled, I turned my head to see three intense balls of light bolting towards me. Before the fear even had a chance to settle, I felt the sudden suffocating grip of several panicked tentacles wrapping themselves around my body.

Desperate, I reached out, grabbing onto the creature's tentacles, hoping to pry them loose. But it only seemed to further enrage the creature. Their eyes burned with a ferocity I had not witnessed before, and they emitted a low, guttural growl that reverberated like an earthquake through the water.

With a swift motion, the creature jerked their body, violently propelling us upwards and back into the grotto. The force of their movement sent us airborne for a moment, and they landed on the rock shelf with a loud wet smack.

My eyes stung from the salt, and tears streamed freely down my face as I violently coughed out the water I had swallowed from my brief futile struggle.

Lying on their chest, gasping for air, I looked up to see the creature’s face hovering above me, its three-eyed gaze filled with anger and worry as the bioluminescence in their cheeks glowed a threatening, vibrant red, casting an eerie light on the rocky walls of the cave. Their rumbling voice reverberated deafeningly loud, the vibrations shaking my entire body.

Struggling to catch my breath, I reached out with trembling hands, "I’m sorry!" I panted, "Please! I just... I’m sorry. I…I just wanted to…”

The creature's three-eyed gaze bore into mine as I trailed off, and for a moment, the rumbling subsided. Their grip on me loosened, allowing me to draw in deep, ragged breaths, but their tentacles remained wrapped around me, nearly covering my entire body.

“I’m sorry.” I coughed. “I didn't mean to make you mad! I’m sorry.”

Slowly, the creature's expression softened, and the vibrant red glow in its cheeks began to fade into a simmering green blue. In a gentle motion, the creature loosened their grip further, and they let out a soft mournful cry as they nuzzled their face against mine. I remained cautious, not wanting to make any sudden movements that might reignite its anger.

Their hands prodded around my neck, and for a brief moment I thought they were going to choke me, but instead they just rested their fingers against my jugular notch, caressing the shell from my makeshift tentacle necklace, as if making sure it was still there.

“Yes I…I didn’t lose it.” I murmured, feeling my heart race a million miles a minute. “You, uh, you tied it really well.”

The creature let out a responding coo, their body relaxing beneath mine as if relieved. Their hands swept up my neck, and caressed my face, running their fingers over my cheekbones and clearing the stinging salt from my eyes in a surprisingly gentle and soothing touch.

“I…I’m sorry.” I repeated in a hesitant voice as they swept my soaked hair from my face. “I didn’t mean to make you so upset.”

The touch of their webbed hands sent a peppering of goosebumps down my limbs, and the creature swept them away, running their fingers down my arms. They seemed to be checking if I was hurt in some way, and when they discovered no injuries, their body relaxed further.

As the creature's touch continued to soothe me, I asked softly, "Why... why can't I leave?”

The creature trilled a high-pitched question, and I tentatively pointed to the pool of water. The creature's grip immediately tightened around me, their touch momentarily intensifying as a warning as they let out a sharp click.

"No, no!" I reassured them, "I'm not trying to leave again. I…I just want to know why."

The creature's grip strengthened, their three-eyed gaze searching mine for understanding. They emitted a series of clicks and trills, a melodic language that resonated with both caution and affection. Slowly, they eased their hold on me, their touch transitioning from protective to gentle once again.

"But please, tell me why." I implored, my words barely above a whisper, my eyes locked with theirs.

In response, the creature emitted a trill that conveyed both confusion and longing. With a slow, deliberate movement, they released their grip on me, setting me down on the rock shelf and allowing me a modicum of freedom, but their watchful gaze never wavered.

Summoning my courage, I repeated my gesture, pointing toward the pool of water. In an instant, the creature's response was rapid and resolute. They swiftly swept me into their arms, their grip tightening with a sharp click, a clear indication that straying beyond the bounds of the cave was not permitted.

My heart pounded in my chest as frustration and fear welled up within me. "But why?" I protested, as they nuzzled their head against mine, trailing their webbed fingers down the back of my hair. "That's the only way out. Why am I not allowed to leave? There are people who care about me, who need to know that I'm alive. I need to leave."

They briefly pressed their forehead to mine, their lantern-like eyes closing, before they lowered their head to press a strange kiss to the tulip shell of my tendril necklace, the gesture incredibly tender and reverent.

A shiver coursed through me as I felt the direct pressure of teeth around the delicate skin of my neck. As the creature grazed my skin, a surge of panic shot through me, and I instinctively tensed, expecting the worst.

But instead of pain, I felt only delicate contact as their teeth caressed my throat, in a dangerous display of trust and caution. Their touch became gentler, almost apologetic, as they emitted a soft, sorrowful trill.

With a tremor in my voice, I whispered, "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just... I need to know. I need to know why I can't leave."

The creature lifted their head to meet my gaze, their eyes brimming with a strange combination of emotions. They released their hold on me, their webbed hand trembling as they reached up to touch my necklace once more.

They wrapped their other hand around my own and brought it up to their neck placing my fingers on the black stone embedded in their jugular notch. The stone I had picked out for them was now glowing with vibrant pink bioluminescence.

Struggling to find my voice amidst the intensity of the moment, I whispered in a tremulous tone, "What... what are you trying to tell me?”

The creature let out a gentle, loving purr that reverberated through my fingertips.

With a dawning realization, a chill crept up my spine. I stared at the black stone, its pink glow pulsating in sync with their rapid breaths.

Dread swelled within me, twisting in my gut as I tried to make sense of it all. The creature's intimate actions, their eagerness to provide for me, their longing gaze, and now this gesture with the shell and the stone - it all painted a picture I hadn't dared to imagine before.

I had thought I was just expressing gratitude towards the creature for rescuing me, but in their eyes, I had unknowingly bound myself to them. Unintentionally accepting their offer of some sort of unbreakable union.

The stone and shell seemed to be as significant as a wedding ring.

The creature, sensing my growing unease, emitted a soft, pleading trill. Their eyes searching mine for understanding. In that moment, I saw a vulnerability in them that mirrored my own. They had opened their heart to me, and now they longed for reciprocation.

I struggled to find my voice, the words stumbling out in a shaky whisper. "I... I don’t understand…”

The creature's grip tightened around me once more, their three-eyed gaze filled with a mix of affection and possessiveness. It was as if they were silently claiming me, marking me as theirs. The realization sent a surge of panic through my veins, making my heart pound even faster as I now found myself entangled in a relationship I hadn't even realized existed.

Every instinct in me screamed to break free. The creature's touch, once comforting and gentle, now felt suffocating and invasive. "I... I never meant for this to happen. I didn't realize... I didn't understand.”

Their eyes flashed with hurt and desperation, their trills and clicks echoing through the cavern, a language I struggled to comprehend. It was a plea, a plea for me to see the depth of their feelings, to acknowledge the bond that had formed between us.

But the weight of their emotions only added to my fear. The thought of being tied to this creature indefinitely, unable to escape the confines of the cave, filled me with a profound sense of claustrophobia.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I implored, my voice cracking, "I'm sorry... I never meant to lead you on. But I can't stay here.”

The creature's response came in the form of a mournful cry, a sound that reverberated through the cave. The cry echoed in my ears, haunting and filled with a profound sadness that pierced my heart.

The creature's grip on me tensed, their three-eyed gaze locking onto mine with unwavering intensity. Their trills and clicks filled the air, conveying a raw blend of frustration, hurt, and a firm insistence that I honor the commitment I had unintentionally made. The cavern seemed to shrink around us, suffocating and closing in on every side.

A surge of fear coursed through my veins as the force of their gaze made it clear that they were not willing to let me go. Their arms tightened like a vice, restricting my every movement, and leaving me gasping for breath. In that moment, the creature's hold on me became not only possessive but also threatening. Their insistence on honoring the vow I had unknowingly made began to smother any rational thought, trapping me in a claustrophobic nightmare.

My mind raced with thoughts of escape, but as their shrill cries and clicks filled the air, desperation and hurt emanating from their very core, a new realization dawned upon me - I was in grave danger. The creature's eyes bore into mine, demanding a response and panic seized my body.

I had to calm the creature down, to ensure my own safety. With a trembling voice, I spoke the words that would seal my fate.

"Yes, alight" I croaked, my voice barely audible amidst the creature's wailing. "Yes, I understand.”

The cave fell deathly silent as the creature stared at me. Wide lantern-eyes swallowing me whole in their effort to understand my words. A momentary stillness settled over us, hanging in the air like a heavy fog. But beneath the surface calm, an undercurrent of possessiveness remained, like a predator ready to strike.

“I’ll stay.” I whispered in a rush. “I…I understand. I’m sorry. I’ll stay.”

Relief washed over the creature's features, their grip on me loosening slightly as their eyes softened. They began to emit soft, gentle coos of contentment, filling the cavern with a strange sense of serenity.

But deep inside, I felt a growing sense of terror. The choice I had made was not one of genuine acceptance, but rather a desperate attempt to appease the creature, to quell the storm that raged within them. I had succumbed to fear, sacrificing my own independence to ensure my immediate safety.

As the creature released their achingly strong hold on me, their touch now gentle and loving, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss. The freedom I longed for seemed even further out of reach, as I found myself bound to a creature I barely understood.

The creature let out a deep, purposeful purr, closing their headlight bright eyes, and enveloping me in their arms once more as they carried me further into the cave and away from the only exit.

There was a smooth dip in the rock where a smaller ring of stone created a natural cozy alcove. The creature had spent a small part of the day relocating my makeshift bed from last night into this area, and during their excursions to find me food, had collected several armfuls of soft plants and even a couple of damaged beach towels to add to the budding nest.

After the creature carefully placed me down, they gazed at me, cooing gently with a glimmer of satisfaction at having achieved their desired outcome. They settled in beside me, their large sinewy body forming a protective circle around me. Or a barrier to the only escape route.

As I lay there, enveloped by the creature's gentle touch and defensive presence, a wave of resignation and fear overwhelmed me. The reality of the situation sank in, and I understood that, for the time being, my best chance of survival relied on playing along with the creature's desires.

They cooed at me, as if asking if I was comfortable, and I stared up at them. My gaze met the creature's three eyes, and I mustered a weak smile, trying to convey a sense of gratitude and acceptance.

“Yes, thank you.” I mumbled, although I wasn’t in the least bit tired.

I watched as their tendrils wriggled in the soft light cast by their glowing eyes and the bioluminescent algae surrounding us. They replied in a gentle chirp, curling a tentacle beside my head, forming a strange writhing pillow.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond to this unusual gesture before cautiously resting my head against the creature's tentacle, feeling its soft and slightly cool touch against my cheek.

The creature emitted a soft purr, their vibrations reverberating through the rock beneath us. They seemed to take my response as a positive sign, confirmation of the relationship that they believed existed between us. Their three eyes closed in contentment, and I could sense a growing sense of satisfaction emanating from it.

Their arms enveloped me once again, and I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort. The touch of their hands on my face, the gentle caresses, and their soothing presence began to ease the tension within me. It was as if they understood my fears, offering solace and reassurance in their own unique way.

I allowed myself to relax slightly in their embrace, all the while wondering how I had gotten into this situation.

As they nuzzled their head against mine, a realization began to dawn on me. The creature's possessiveness and insistence on my staying with them weren't born out of malice but rather a deep-rooted longing for connection. They had saved me, cared for me, and in their own way, they believed they were reciprocating the bond that had formed between us.

But their understanding of that bond and mine were worlds apart. While they saw it as an unbreakable union, I saw it as an accidental promise made under pressure.

I knew deep down that I had to find a way to escape. But for now, I had to tread carefully, to appease the creature and gain their trust, while waiting for the opportunity to run.

Or more likely swim.