A few minutes later, Alex was pulling into the parking lot of the beach. He tried to glance back at Aukia, but she had buried her head in his jacket.
"We're here." He tried to pry her arms off of him.
"Perhaps I could get my body back?"
She squeaked and quickly let go. She slipped off the cycle, legs wobbling. "S-sorry…" She quickly made a little bow, clutching her skirts. "Thank you very much for the ride! Maybe I can repay you?"
"It's fine, don't worry about it." Alex ran his hand through his hair, which was sticking out in odd angles.
Aukai looked up curiously, eyes turning a deep blue with silvery spatters. "I want to though. Here." She dug in a pocket before pulling out a small pink shell. She took Alex's hand and placed it in his palm, curling his fingers over it. "If you ever want to ask a favor, or need help, just throw this into any body of water. I'll be there as soon as possible." She smiled as her hair turned to water, with seaweed and other plant life swimming in it. Her body turned transparent and her dress turned to churning sea-foam. "I thank you again." She then disappeared.
She watched him from the water, waiting to see what he would do.
Alex blinked for several moments, then uncurled his fingers. He stared at the shell for a few moments. If it hadn't been for the shell, he would have thought it was all a dream. He paled a little.
"That was… interesting," he mumbled to himself. He looked around, wondering if he would see a glimpse of the girl. He hadn't even thought to ask her for her name…
He unbuttoned his jacket pocket and slipped the shell in. He started his bike again, and he started to drive away. About halfway down drive to the street, still in full view of the ocean, his motorcycle shuddered to a halt.
"Dangit!" He said. The gas had run out. Swinging off his bike, he started to walk it home. Soon, he disappeared from view down the road.
Aukai watched him walk away, before slipping for the open ocean. But she hit an invisible wall, stunning her. She started to panic, trying to push through, and get into the open water. When she finally accepted that she wouldn't be able, she broke down crying, sinking to the sandy bottom.
Soon, Alex had reached his home. He pushed his motorcycle into the garage. He pulled the door down after him as he left, then walked into the house.
"I'm home, Mama!" He called. There was no response. Of course, Alex knew this would happen; she was probably still at work. He set his keys down and walked to his room.
"Hello Marco," He said, dipping his hand in the tank. Marco brushed against Alex's hand several times. Alex pulled his hand back out, closing the lid.
Lu Lu swam over to Aukai and nuzzled the crying goddess. "Lu Lu, what am I supposed to do…?" Lu Lu said nothing, just kept gently nuzzling. Aukai finally stopped crying and swam up, crawling onto the beach to stare at the fading sun, her body becoming solid again. She curled up on the sand and went to sleep.
Alex had started to doze in his room when he heard the door open downstairs. He stood up and went down to talk with his mother.
"Hello, Mama." She nodded to show she had heard him.
"Have you ate dinner yet?" She nodded again.
"Okay, Mama. Love you." Alex kissed her cheek, taking her coat and her bag and putting them away. She grunted, then walked to her room. Alex went back upstairs and changed into his nightclothes. He felt the lump fo his pocket and pulled the shell out. He had nearly forgotten about it. He placed it on his shelf by Marco's tank.
(Let it fall in!! lol. Alrighty. Time skip or what?)
(Later, later. I'm up for a time skip)
(Ok, when to?)
(gtg. Lunch ended.)
(okay!)
(Alrighty! I'm back! So when do you want to start up again?)
(The next morning would be good!)
(Okie!)
Aukai shifted on the sand in the morning sun. She didn't want to wake up, and she didn't have to. So she slept, dreaming of the starry skies, the comfort of the waves, and her mother's arms…
Alex woke up to the beeping of his alarm. He groggily opened his eyes.
"8:52?!" He yelled, falling out of bed. He rushed about, pulling his clothes on and strapping his deck holder to his belt. He didn't notice his jacket knocking the shell into the water…
Aukai was jolted out of her sleep to find herself on a bed. She sat up quickly. "Where am I!?"
Alex stopped what he was doing, which was pulling his pants on. He was getting his second leg in, and was in a very awkward position. He looked like a mess.
"WHAT THE F-"
Aukai squeaked and quickly covered her eyes. She was covered in sand on one side, and flowers bloomed in her hair.
Alex fell down, nearly hitting his head on Marco's tank. He pulled his pants up all the way.
"H-How did you get here?!"
Aukai. "I-I don't know!! The only way I would be here is if the shell I gave you fell in water!" She shivered a bit, chilly from being pulled so abruptly from her warm sun. She kept her eyes covered and flowers fell from her head onto Alex's sheets.
Alex, now fully clothed, stood up. Seeing Aukai shiver, he pulled his blanket around her. He picked up one of the flowers. What is she? he thought.
Aukai peeked out when he put the blanket around her. She realized the flowers were there. She waved her hand over them, causing all of them except the one Alex was holding to disappear.
Alex looked from the flower to Aukai.
"Who are you?" He asked in a small voice.
Aukai sighed sadly. "I am many different things…. My name Aukai. I'm protector of the ocean and all aquatic animals. I'm sorry I've disturbed you. I can go back if you didn't intend to call me here."
Alex fall, landing in his desk chair.
"Aukai…" He looked pale, the flower still in his hand.
Aukai's face fell. "I can erase your memories of me if you want me to… You probably don't want to know or have anything to do with me, right?" Her eyes were a sad, watery blue.
"W-what?" Alex said.
"No, nonononono! I- I don't want to forget this."