Chapter 10 - What were those creatures?

Chapter 10 - What were those creatures?

Just when they'd hoped that nothing more would come to plague them, Kellen and Colton were dismayed. Now that they understood they were plopped into the setting of Survival to Purgatory Waystation, it looked as if they'd become some of the protagonists, antagonists, or extras. Neither of them knew which quite yet, though nothing really made sense as they tried recalling what information they stored in their memories.

Colton shrugged. "Meh, well, I don't feel as if I'm in any part of the chapters that I read." In fact, he'd read all of the volumes included in the serialization of the web novel. The only thing Colton needed to do was play the game that it had been turned into. What he had done was read all the guides about the background information and species. Now that he thought about it. "Damn, if I knew what year and calendar the setting was placed in, I would have a better idea of what we're supposed to represent." That was a sticking point for Colton. "Did you play the app version of the books?"

"There was more than one book to this storyline?" Kellen frowned. "I don't remember any of that at all." His shoulders were hunched, and he rubbed his jaw with some discomfort. "I'm at a loss as to what these creatures are," Kellen admitted because he'd hoped that Colton might be able to identify them.

The fact that Colton was also stymied right now made Kellen aware that he'd fallen into the wrong spot. He really looked like a pathetic, ignorant fool right now. That didn't sit well with Kellen, as he spoke in frustration. "Sadly, I never paid attention to any specifics, even when the author spoke of certain creatures." He regretted it now and damned the fact that the author would taunt him later for it.

"At one point, he told me I'd regret not paying attention," Kellen sighed loudly. "Now, I definitely do." He muttered with acute disgust.

*

The sentient mammals swimming in the oceans around the raft didn't appreciate the two ignorant fools trying to land in their territory.

"Why must we put up with these good-for-nothing land-based creatures?"

"I don't see why we must tolerate them in our territory."

"They can't swim at all."

"This is ridiculous."

At least, that was until one of the creatures recognized Colton Malta. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on the person who recognized him. "Wait, he's a human, probably one of the Noctu-Shydon!"

That stopped the others from overturning the boat. The Noctu-Shydon people were known for their psychic abilities.

"This one isn't flying though?"

"Well, there is the possibility that he hasn't activated his abilities. A flightless fledgling isn't all that uncommon these days."

Grumbles arose at that observation, no matter if it had been true lately.

"Wait. We should observe the two men a bit more before making a decision, you young, restless ones." an elder advised. Besides, don't we have someone of their ilk within our ranks now?"

They turned their attention to the one who'd become a part of their group, whether he liked it or not. It became clear that he didn't want any part of this mess. However, now that he was here, he had to deal with the situation promptly.

"Please let me observe them a bit longer to determine what should be done about them. I wouldn't want to make a hasty decision we'd all regret later." His mild request was addressed with courteousness as it hadn't been initially when he first joined their ranks.

"Fine then; more interesting sounds and sights to examine elsewhere." There were signs of disgruntlement, but the creatures held off, disturbing the raft.

Instead, groups of duos and trios split off to investigate some islands. Even underwater, wild screeching and warbling were heard alternately, as if someone had gone utterly insane.

The author was sure something had gone horrifically wrong with the plot by now.

*

Kellen and Colton were at a loss when they studied the creatures beginning to surface from the oceanic waters. True, they were in a slightly rougher area, but to have these enormous creatures eyeing them was scary, and they weren't afraid to acknowledge that neither of them was equipped to deal with it!

"These are what now?" Kellen regarded them cautiously. "I think they're sentient."

Hmm, Colton regarded them carefully. If that was so, then he might know what they are. "Whale sharks, there are three subspecies that can shapeshift into humans." He recalled after a moment. "The most common are azure, emerald seafoam, and mottled black and white. A few others are rarer and viewed as delicacies for feasting." He shook his head in disgust. "That was before they were sentient."

Kellen looked revolted. "Disgusting, eating sentient creatures?" He shook his head. "I'd puke if something was put in front of me." A sigh escaped Kellen as he thought over the situation a bit more. "Didn't anyone begin enacting laws against doing such things?"

Colton shrugged and shook his head. "Different worlds, different rules, and there's no telling what could happen at any given time, you know that." he reminded Kellen. "That is always something to consider when dealing with unexpected circumstances." He grimaced. Though that is a copout now that I think about it." Colton shook his head. "I just don't know. It has been difficult to think about anything, you know?"

Kellen winced. "Yes, I know, and I'm sorry for being such a dunce." As for creating laws or some policy within the various civilizations, Kellen shook his head wearily. "I'm finally beginning to have fragments seeping into my head." He was sure that had happened at some point.

Colton blinked and grinned. "Awesome, that means I won't have to be the one digging for information all the time." He folded his arms. "I'm going to meditate for a bit." He lapsed into silence.

Kellen grunted. "Fine with me." Huh, what do you know? He was finally beginning to receive memories of this world in his head. It must be something that triggered an uptick in his intelligence stats?

As tempted as Kellen was to look, he didn't do so. It would interrupt their trains of thought, which could be disastrous. Or, in this case, he'd need to track their progress in heading for the eagle's wing landmark. Hmm, found it. Kellen corrected the course of the raft and settled on, making sure nothing stopped their progress. Their conversation could be resumed at any time.