//------------------------------// // Reel // Story: Fins // by daOtterGuy //------------------------------// Flash was underwater. The monsters circled around him, staring at him hungrily with their teeth bared. He was looking up towards the surface, filtered light shining through, dappling his fur in white spots. Wave held tightly against him, tense as the danger closed in. They were being pulled down towards the depths by an unknown force. They needed to rise, but every flap of his wings only served to drag them further down and away from their salvation.  The Sky had claimed them and it would end them. Either by drowning or as food for the predators around them. Up. They needed to go up! He needed to be going— “—Up! Wake up, you dullard!” Groggily opening his eyes with a groan, Flash turned his head towards the source of the grating voice that had woken him. A butter-yellow pegasus mare stared back, her mane done up in a tall brown beehive with a disapproving glare that was always permanently affixed to her face. “Morning, Busy Work,” Flash commented dryly, “time for our next supply run?” “You are late,” she stated in clipped tones. Her head swiveled back and forth like a searchlight seeking an escaped convict. “Where is that over-eager colt friend of yours? Shouldn’t he be with you?” A low groan emanated from the nest of blankets as Wave Crest promptly buried himself further into Flash’s chest.  “I-is he—” Busy’s face flushed as she stood stiffly in place, “—t-that is highly inappropriate!” “He’s just sleeping against me, Busy,” Flash answered with a lazy drawl, “and even if we were doing something inappropriate, we’re in a secluded tent far away from everyone else. You’re the intruder here.” “You could have at least closed the entrance flap!” “That you had us remove,” Flash patiently explained, “because you couldn’t figure out the zipper and were annoyed trying to open it every time you fetched us for a supply run.” “It was too complicated!” “That was the point since it gave us some warning in case we were in the middle of something we didn’t want an audience for.” Drawing herself up to her full height, and puffing up her wings to appear more menacing, Busy said, “well, I expect you both to get ready to leave post-haste as you are running late.” “By what metric?” “By what— the metric of time!” “We measure time based on the position of the sun and moon. Both are frozen in the sky. So, since you can’t really tell the time, how are we late?” Stomping a hoof, Busy flustered, “T-that— You—!” she snorted in frustration, “just hurry up and join us at the planning tent!” With her piece said, Busy pivoted on one hoof and stomped away, her body leaning forward into each step. Releasing a heavy sigh, Flash refocused his attention on the heat source tangled up in his body. Pulling the covers and opening his wings revealed the peaceful sleeping form of his colt friend.  Smiling warmly, Flash used his wing to part his splayed-out green locks from his face. It was funny to Flash to see Wave like this. When he spoke with the Nobility or Princesses, he seemed massive, larger than life like a roaring wave crashing upon the shore as per his Cutie Mark. But seeing him curled up against Flash made him seem smaller than he already was. Flash’s short stack, half his size but bulky from years of surfing. A frown marred his face as he recalled his nightmare. He trailed the criss-cross of scars just barely visible underneath his fur with his eyes, proof of his occupation. Comparatively, though a warrior in his own right, Wave was spotless.  Flash kept running the scenario over and over in his head and couldn’t help, but worry over losing the love of his life.  Privately, he made a decision. If it came down to him or Wave, Flash would choose Wave.  Always. Leaning forward, Flash gently kissed Wave on the lips. He was rewarded with a light peck that quickly transitioned into something more heated.  Before it could go any farther, Flash pulled back and said, “Morning, Wave.” Half opening his eyes, Wave snorted before dropping back into the comfort of Flash’s fur. “Morning, Flash. Did I hear that shrill suck-up come by while I was out or was that just in my nightmares?” “We’re running late for our supply run apparently.” “Ugh, of course, she thinks that. How about she minds her own business?” Wave grumped, “we need more sleep.” “I think that option is off the table since we’ll end up with a rooster call before long. Now, come on. Let’s get ready to go.” Begrudgingly and with an annoyed frown directed at his colt friend, Wave disentangled himself and stumbled out of their shared hammock. Flash followed shortly after him, embracing Wave from behind, and resting his head atop Wave’s.  “Weren’t we supposed to be getting ready?” Wave said as he grabbed a nearby mane tie and used his wings to tie his braids back into a tight bun. “You maybe, but I’m fine.” Flash hummed contentedly as he took in the smell of the ocean off of Wave.  Wave snorted. “Nothing, huh? You are in desperate need of a shower and a mane brushing.” “Smelling clean might alert the unicorns, and I can just do a spit back.” Releasing a noise of disgust, Wave said, “Ugh, that’s so gross.” Grinning widely, Flash kissed Wave sloppily on the side of his face before rearing back up. He used his wings to gather the leftover spit and slicked his unruly mane back into its usual wavy form. “You’re disgusting.” “You only have so much time in the day as a guard, and I don’t want to waste it on mane care products.” Instead of answering, Wave just snorted as he continued to brush out his fur and do a light wing preen.  Flash left Wave and moved to the entrance of their tent. He looked down and found the expected newly cleaned saddlebags. He grabbed them both and trotted back into the tent tossing one of the bags to Wave who caught it in his hooves. Digging through the bags, Flash took out the newly charged breathing mask and breathalyzer. Strapping the collar and mask securely to himself, he threw the saddlebags over himself and turned to see Wave having done the same. “Oh, do you know where I put that pin?” Flash asked. Wave furrowed his brow in puzzlement before he said, “I think you tossed it onto the nightstand?” Turning towards the indicated piece of furniture— it was just a cardboard box — Flash spied the pin amongst several miscellaneous items.  As he pinned the brooch to his bags, Wave asked, “where did Busy tell us to go?” “Planning tent.” Scrunching his face, Wave said, “I was kind of hoping we would only have to deal with Ledger and your mom.” “No fish, but at least we get some time alone together before we have to deal with the others.” Smiling, Wave tucked himself under one of Flash’s wings who pulled him in close. Together, their hooffalls in sync, they trotted towards their destination. The planning tent wasn’t much. A larger tent that contained a single planning table and piles of well-marked maps with notes about raiding routes, supplies, and similar. Situated around the table were Vice Scroll, Busy Work, Strict Ledger, and Tumultuous, concern etched on the latter two’s faces. “Good morning, so great to see you colts safe,” Vice greeted, his smile as fake as his personality, “raring to go on your next supply run?” “Not really since we didn’t get enough rest,” Wave answered curtly. “O-oh?” the facade collapsed before it redoubled its presence, “well, this is an important job and we need the best two stallions for the job!” “Why not one of the other teams?” Wave asked curtly. “They’re busy with other runs.” “Then why couldn’t one of them be busy with this run?” Before Vice could formulate a response, Wave continued, “I don’t understand why you had to ask us specifically so soon after our last run.” “Listen you ingrate,” Busy piped in, “you should be grateful to have this opportunity from our leader.” “If this is such an opportunity, why don’t you go, Busy?” Wave scowled at her. “I’m sure if any of the unicorns show up, your shrieking can scare them off.” Before Busy could retort, Ledger placed a hoof on her withers. “Now, now, simmer down everyone. We need to focus.” “Yes, thank you, Mr. Ledger,” Vice said, “as you may know the battery on our water purifier is running low, and we need a replacement as it's unicorn powered. So—” “We wouldn’t need to if somepony hadn’t used our drinking water for a makeshift waterpark,” Wave cut in bitterly. Adjusting the collar around his neck with a wing, Vice looked askance at Wave. “I felt that everyone needed something fun to do with how stressed everyone is about the whole situation.” “And you couldn’t have just had ponies play yahtzee?” Wave threw up his wings in exasperation. “You wasted our water supply for the most inane—” “Watch your tone!” Busy shouted, “he has gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep our community safe!” “All he’s done is keep us stuck here hiding—” “Wave, please,” Flash urged. “—and not doing what’s necessary to get us as far away as possible from the unicorns!” “Not this again.” Busy rolled her eyes. “The unicorns can’t swim. That’s a pegasus skill!” “Being able to doggy paddle isn’t exclusive to a pony with wings!” Wave angrily retorted. “They have literal horn lasers! They only need to get within range before we’re all dead!” “Now is not the time for you to start again with these conspiracy theories,” Vice said placatingly as Wave turned his ire towards the politician, “we don’t want to panic anyone needlessly.” “Panic anyone—!” Pulling Wave tightly to his side with a wing, Flash interjected, “okay, we’re getting sidetracked.” He rubbed at Wave’s withers soothingly with a wing causing him to visibly calm down. “So, we’re going to get a water purifier replacement?” “Yes, that is correct!” Vice’s smile reasserted itself, “the aquarium is the closest location to have a new purifier for us that doesn’t require traveling into town.” He gestured towards Tumultuous. “Mrs. Sentry has done a wonderful job of mapping out a route through the building.” “Got it right here,” Tumultuous said as she slammed her hoof on the map in question. “Should give you a clear path through the marine life entrance to the mechanical room. In and out before the unicorns even realize you’re there.” “Also, if you have time,” Ledger added, “there should be some extra diving masks and medical supplies. We could use some more as, despite Flash’s recent run, we are running low.” Scanning over the maps quickly and memorizing the necessary route alongside other possible avenues, Flash nodded and said, “alright, seems manageable. Is it just Wave and me?” “Yes, though,” Tumultuous furrowed her brow in concern, “I was hoping someone else could do the route.” “We’ll be fine, ma.” Flash nuzzled the side of his mother’s face. “We’ll be back before you know it.” “You better, or you’ll be in for the lecture of a lifetime for worrying your poor old ma.” She nudged Flash playfully with a wing. “So, when do we leave?” Wave asked.  “Now,” Vice said, “good luck gentlecolts!” A fact about the aquarium was that I was named incorrectly. It was, first and foremost, a marine biology lab. The best in Equestria with the runner-up being the Fillydelphia Lab that was as effective as a square surfboard. The building was made up of several white stone cylindrical towers at the far end of the docks. There were several entrances, all of which connected to massive chambers filled with tanks of water to contain various sea life.  Originally, this was solely for professional observation, studying the various behaviours of fish in a place that resembled their original habitat as much as possible. Later on, once money became tighter, part of the lab was opened up for paid public viewing attracting tourists and becoming a prime money maker for the city. In present times, the front half was for the viewing public, while the back half was for research.  It was the latter part that was of interest for Flash and Wave. They floated just outside the facility near the marine life entrance to the lab; a large hole through the mountain for any ponies entering and exiting on a boat from the open sea. Flash scanned the exterior for any possible unicorn threats as Wave waited patiently beside him.  “Looks like it's all clear,” Flash said, “but we’ll need to be quick in case there’s any prowling inside.” “So, to review, we’re entering the research half of the aquarium, heading to maintenance, grabbing what supplies we can, then getting out?” Flash nodded. Wave grinned. “Kiss for good luck?” Both stallions pulled up their masks to give each other a quick peck on the lips. Afterward, they secured their equipment, then dove into the water. As the underwater sky opened up to them and they swam towards the lab, Flash allowed himself to admire his colt friend. Where most ponies swam with function in mind, Flash included, Wave swam with grace. Like a dancer. He moved with fluid motions that went with the currents of the ocean. If there had been a team of underwater swimmers similar to the Wonderbolts, there was no doubt in Flash’s mind that Wave would be a part of it. As they continued to swim up into shallower water, both stallions soon breached and clambered up onto the pier. Before them was a massive warehouse complex of intake pools for marine life to be transferred from this area to the research or public zones via tubes. The area near them was stocked full of desks and filing cabinets, heavily laden with documents.  “Which direction?” Wave asked. “Don’t you know where to go?” Flash replied.  “You memorized the map.” “And you didn’t?” Flash said with a teasing grin.  “I’m not in a career that requires me to remember massive amounts of information over a very short period of time,” Wave retorted, “so, which way,  Mr. Guard? Laughing lightly at the title, Flash jerked his head down a pipe-lined corridor on their right. They both galloped at an easy canter across the metallic flooring as they made their way toward the maintenance room. Clang. Stopping in place, Flash whipped his head in the direction from whence they came, searching for the source of the noise he heard.  “What’s happening?” Waves asked. Flash waited for a moment before he answered, “nothing, but I don’t like the idea of random noises in hostile territory. Let’s get going.” Resuming their trek with renewed urgency, they found themselves in a winding corridor through massive water tanks devoid of vegetation and fish. A closer inspection found the plants limp on the tank floors and the fish floating dead upon the surface of the water.  Touching the glass with a wing, Flash pulled back quickly with a hiss of pain. “What’s wrong?” Wave asked, concerned.  “The glass is hot meaning the water is probably worse. The dials don’t even go that high, which means there’s another source of heat causing this. Since there aren’t any pegasi or earth ponies nearby…” Flash trailed off as the implications sunk in, “how important is that water purifier?” “We would have a day or two of drinking water left at most,” Wave replied. “Right.” Flash took a deep breath. “We need to move quickly.” Both stallions raced through the pathway between tanks, careful to avoid touching the glass walls. They arrived in an open area past the tanks filled with various machines. The space was dominated by shelves filled with medical supplies, diving masks, batteries, and, most importantly, water purifiers.  “You grab the medical supplies, I’ll pack up the masks and purifiers,” Flash ordered.  Without waiting to see if Wave followed his instructions, Flash ran over to the shelf and started packing the masks and thermos-shaped filters into his saddlebags, taking extra care to grab the ones with a full charge. In the middle of their packing, a large shadow passed over them. Freezing in place, they both turned towards the source, finding a turned unicorn floating in the tank. It was bright pink, with a two-tone purple and blue mane staring at them with a tar-flecked grin. On its flanks was a Cutie Mark of two dolphins circling each other.  Then it swam away. “Tighten your straps and get ready to run,” Flash said.  When he received no confirmation, Flash turned to see Wave staring at the place the unicorn had been in wide-eyed shock.  “Wave!” Flash said sharply.  “It was swimming,” Wave said. “I saw the mark, it's probably—” “It was swimming!” Wave shouted.  Rushing over to Wave and holding his head in Flash’s wings, Flash said, “I know. You were right, they can swim, but right now we are in danger. I need you to focus.” Finally broken from his stupor, Wave nodded and began securing his saddlebags and checking his equipment. Flash followed suit.  When they were both ready, they started galloping back the way they came. As they reached the halfway point, the sound of broken glass echoed through the huge room. They skidded to a stop.  “The unicorns, despite being monsters, are smart, right?” Wave asked. “Unfortunately, yes,” Flash replied. “How much do you want to bet that it broke the tank glass filled with near-boiling water?” “Enough that I think we need to find a different route,” Flash recalled the map from earlier and began inspecting it mentally for a path to escape. “Can you fly?” “My wings are dry enough, why?” “There’s some grates back the way we came that we can go along to reach a maintenance tunnel leading towards the tourist side of the facility. Come on.” Turning around, they galloped back the way they came as the sound of rushing water followed behind them, rapidly increasing in volume. Sparing a glance backward, Flash saw the growing swath of blue heading towards them. “Is that it?” Wave called out.  Swiveling his head back around, Flash turned towards where Wave was looking and saw catwalks along the top of the tank. “That’s it!” Flash yelled. “Fly up to it!” Both stallions unfurled their wings, and leaped into the air, flapping hard downwards to push them both up to the metal grill above them. Scrambling back to their hooves, they watched the water race past them. Turning away from the sight, Flash spied the tunnel and nudged Wave with a wing. Getting the message they continued their mad dash through the narrow pipe-lined corridors that hissed small clouds of steam as they ran past. Soon, they reached the public side of the marine lab; an open area filled with various tanks containing different exhibits amongst tacky decor. Far across from them, down several ramps, was a glass door leading outside. Pushing onwards, they raced down the ramps. Before they could reach the front doors, the unicorn from earlier charged forward and tackled Wave who went skidding across the floor with the unicorn quickly following after him.  “No!” Flash screamed.  He chased after them both as the unicorn slashed at Wave with its teeth leaving thin red slashes across his face.  Flash tried to think of a way to get the unicorn off of him and happened to notice the glint of metal on his saddlebags.  Thinking fast, Flash took Pharma’s pin into a wing and raced forward.  He bashed into the unicorn that released a guttural roar before Flash stabbed them in the eye with the pin.  It screamed, pulling away from them as it frantically tugged at its face with its hooves. Flash slung an unconscious Wave over his back and galloped out of the building, the monster’s agonized screams following after them.  Once he reached the pier, Flash tied Wave’s saddlebags to his own to keep him secure to his back before diving into the water. He began the long swim back to the cove. Flash sat near the center of the cove with his and Wave’s saddlebags lying on the ground next to him. He hung his head as he replayed the events of earlier over and over again, blaming himself at every turn.  “Hey, little vapour, how are you holding up?” In answer to his mother, Flash grunted. “Not great, huh?” Tumultuous said as she placed a comforting wing on Flash’s withers.  He leaned his head onto his mother’s shoulder. “No. Wave got hurt.” “I know, but there’s only so much you can do.” “I could do more,” Flash asserted.  “That’s not how it works,” Tumultuous explained, “and I don’t like that you’re ignoring that Wave got off with minimal injuries. He’s alive and very much in one piece. I would call that a win.” Nuzzling his mother, Flash said, “I still feel horrible.” Returning the nuzzle, Tumultuous replied, “seeing your partner get hurt is never not horrible, little vapour.” “Congratulations!”  Flash turned towards Vice who trotted towards them, wings open in greeting alongside the ever sour Busy Work and a concerned Ledger. “Hello, Vice,” Flash greeted, “the supplies you needed are in the saddlebags.” “Wonderful!” Vice exclaimed then gave a look of sympathy, “I heard about Wave, I’m so sorry. Is he awake yet?” “No, but we need to talk about the unicorns. It isn’t safe here anymore.” Busy rolled her eyes. “Not this again. First, Wave, now you? Honestly, you’re both broken records.” “I’m serious, we need to—” “We need to celebrate this victory!” Vice said, “stop worrying about swimming unicorns and rejoice at surviving another day.” “Vice, you need to listen,” Flash tried to stress, “we’re all in danger.” A scowl marred Vice’s face, “Well, now. I’m really starting to get tired of this continuous rabble about danger this and danger that.” He waved a wing dismissively. “Honestly, would it hurt you just to take the win?” “Yeah, it would actually.” As one, the group turned towards Wave as he trotted towards them, fresh scars marring his face. “Wave!” Flash exclaimed as he ran towards his partner. They both nuzzled each other before Wave returned his focus to the others. “I don’t know how much Flash has managed to tell you, but the unicorn that attacked us at the marine lab had a swimming Cutie Mark.” The collective tensed. “Are you certain?” Ledger asked. “Yes, and we don’t have much time, since we may have accidentally led them all the way here.” “What utter nonsense!” Busy said.  “What do you mean?” Tumultuous asked. “I was bleeding all the way here and the monsters have a heightened sense of smell,” Wave said, “it’s entirely possible that the unicorn from the marine lab could follow us.” “This sounds even more ridiculous than a unicorn that can swim!” Vice cried out, “how can you even be so sure that the unicorn’s mark was for swimming? It could have been for something else. Perhaps even marine biology studies based on the location.” “And following a trail of your blood from Vanhoover to here?” Busy scoffed, “you’re paranoid Wave.” “You need to listen to me,” Wave stressed, “you are endangering everyone here by not acting.” “I would be endangering everyone by acting without just cause,” Vice retorted, “I will not rally the survivors to have them leave our only safe haven on hearsay.” Wave stomped his hoof in frustration, “why aren’t you listening?” “Because you’ve only proven to be an overgrown colt,” Busy insulted. Stomping his front hooves with a snort, Wave glared at Busy. “I can vouch for Wave, there really was a unicorn that could swim,” Flash said as he recalled the actions of the monster in question, “and they are a lot smarter than we give them credit for.” “Okay, that is enough,” Vice said as he waved his wings in exasperation, “we are not leaving the cove, there is no swimming unicorn, we are perfectly safe here, and that is final.” He stomped his hoof on the ground.  An explosion rocked the cove. Ponies muttered in panic as they searched for the source of the noise. “Now, now, everyone no need to—” Vice tried to placate. Another explosion blew through the cove as a creature stepped out from the new hole in a nearby wall. It had pink fur and a two-tone blue and purple mane.  It looked across the crowd and directly at Flash with its one good eye. The monster grinned. And from behind it, a herd of unicorns entered the cove, horns charged and ready to fire.