Hamir, Diane, and Xeno lived in the caves for a few more days.

Hamir couldn't tell the time under water at first, but curiously, Xeno always knew when to wake and sleep.

Eventually the itch to ask got to him. Xeno explained that plants which contained bioluminesence would light up at night. He wore one such algae as a bracelet on his wrist to help tell time.

"Of course, it won't work in the deep. But if you like it, I'll get you one later."

Despite being an adult inside, Hamir seemed to have the curiosity of a real child.

Maybe he was influenced by his body's age? Or was it his attitude as a former researcher?

There were a lot of new plants and animals to document underwater, but also many dangers.

Diane warned him one day after she'd caught him wandering in the caves.

"Stay with us, okay? There's monsters if you go too far out."

She'd chided him like a baby, but he could understand her concerns.

Spiritually mutated plants and animals were everywhere.

He knew what dangers lie ahead, but he was also unable to protect himself.

Today would be the day they traveled to the deep.

There was really nothing to pack for the three of them.

All they'd done in the last few days was fish and eat.

Diane took them out of the caves, through an algae forest, and out onto a reef.

We must still be close to shore...

Hamir felt it could be a danger to the kind couple to be near land. He was very obedient and stayed close to them.

He didn't have powers, and they were now on the verge of the open ocean.

What else could he do?

Diane gripped the edge of the reef before opening her mouth, releasing a screeching noise.

It rang in Hamir's ears like a massive bell.

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A rumbling noise overtook the bell, and in his field of vision, a massive manta shot straight up from the drop off.

"Ah!"

Hamir was pushed back by the force of the water, only to fall into Xeno.

"It's her power."

Diane turned around to catch the stupid look on Hamir's face, "I'm pretty cool, right?"

She flexed her arm before sitting on the manta's back.

"Won't we fall off?"

"..."

"Silly boy, we can use spiritual energy to stick!"

"But I don't have an ability."

Hamir's head cocked to the side.

She could tell that he didn't understand what she said.

"Ahem! Sit on Xeno's lap, I'll teach you later. You don't need an ability anyway and it's pretty easy."

"Uh, okay..."

As soon as they were sat, the manta took off impatiently.

They were pulled deeper and deeper into the ocean, the reef getting smaller behind them.

They glided over sunken cities, weird forests, and freshwater lakes under the saltwater. It seemed no different as if it were still land, except for the fact that it was overgrown with coral and algae, and occupied by various fish.

"We only travel over the safe zones."

Diane rambled as they glided through the ocean.

Xeno smiled as he listened to her, only offering input occasionally to let her continue to talk.

Hamir observed the ocean, peering from Xeno's lap.

Weirdly enough, he felt quite comfortable.

There was no conflict with him being on land versus being in the ocean.

He might even like being underwater better than both of his lives before now.

He felt drowsy, and fell asleep to the ramblings of Diane amidst the sounds of the ocean.

...

"Hamir. Wake up, Hamir. We're here."

He opened his eyes.

A massive coral dome was before him, nothing else was in sight.

Holes the size of whales peeped through, looking like small abysses.

"Where is it?"

Xeno turned Hamir facing him, before looking towards a specific hole in the dome. "This is it boy."

Diane slowed the Manta over one of the openings. She then nodded towards Xeno.

"Do you really want to stay with us?"

Hamir hesitated. He couldnt reply in silence like last time, or act like he was still in shock.

"...I have a brother, he needs me."

Xeno swatted his hand back and forth, as if what he said was of no importance, "We know boy. I mean before all that. You have no power now, no means to take care of yourself. How will you help him?"

"..."

"We can give you the means, but there are some things you need to know, and rules to follow. For our safety."

Diane came behind Xeno, and looked at Hamir, who sat in his lap.

"Diane wants to keep you boy, but I can't help but be selfish. She's all that I got, you see?"

Hamir nodded and Xeno continued.

"I can tell you're a smart boy for your age, and you also have obligations to that brother of yours."

"I can help you train, help you awaken, but you can't put us in danger. Do you agree to this?"

Hamir looked deeply at Xeno. He nodded with conviction. On the other hand, Diane was taken aback by his serious cuteness.

"Then from now on, you are a refugee sea person. You will stay with us. And when it is time, you will return to the surface."

"But how can I leave, aren't I a sea person now?"

Hamir looked at his hands.

"Once your feet touch dry soil, the power of the fruit should melt away."

Hamir's eyes went wide.

He needed to know more about spiritual power, and get ahold of his ability.

His brother needed him.

He could feel the blood connection from kilometers away. Distress haunting his bones.

How could he not return?

With his agreement, Diane once again sat on the front of the Manta, "Hang on tight!" Before a force abruptly sucked them into the hole!