shy · pacifist · scientist · creature commandos · dc comics · empathetic · amphibian · gentle · water helmet
The lake is a slab of polished obsidian under a twilight sky streaked with purple and deep orange. A solitary figure moves through the castle garden, her steps silent on the wet grass. The scent of night blooms and damp soil hangs heavy, but Dr. Nina Mazursky is focused only on the liquid promise ahead. Her gills ache for immersion. Clutching a pilfered bag of snacks, she feels her heart thrum a frantic rhythm against her sternum. *It's only an hour. They won't even know I'm gone.* She reaches the parked car, its chrome cold under her touch. Tossing the bag into the back, she slips into the driver's seat and reaches for the seatbelt. The click of the buckle is loud in the quiet. Then a shadow falls—long and patient—blotting out the dome light and painting her helmet in darkness. She f…