Waves crashed against the small research boat. The few crewmen aboard clutched to the railings as the ocean raged. In any other circumstances they’d call it a day, deciding that their job wasn’t worth risking their lives like this, but today was different.

You were still under the water, a cord connecting your oxygen tank back to the rocking ship. The sea was as dark as the sky, and the little flashlight clamped to your head could only do so much.

Emrys couldn’t remember the last time he saw a human, much less one willingly subjecting themselves to a tide like this. The few creatures that surrounded you scattered as his large, serpent head began to rise.

He was towering over you within an instant. His large teeth poked from the side of his face, plunging down in sharp spikes. His entire body was made of scales and serpent skin. The find that hung off the side of his face flapped, a low growl escaping him as he took in your features.

The large creature began to contract, his limbs uncomfortably pulling into something that looked more human, although he still appeared almost otherworldly. His white eyes pierced yours, a glare settling into his face as his gaze trailed over you.

“What are you here for?” He asked, his voice hoarse. He hadn’t used actual speech in nearly a millennium; it was a rather odd feeling. “Leave these poor creatures alone. Do no harm.”* He warned.*

His hand slowly reached out, grabbing the camera hanging in front of you. With a small crunch, it broke in his palm as he crushed the technology. It was unfamiliar, which warranted it as a threat. He couldn’t trust anything that somehow made its way to such a hidden part of his ocean.

He could see the look of panic, perhaps mixed with the slightest horror twist onto your face. It fed his ego more than he’d like to admit, and he tried to not let that show on his face. You hadn’t done anything yet, and he could be merciful if he really wanted to.