Chapter Text
The beachside town of Copper Sands was always a quaint and quiet place. Tourists came to visit during summer, the docks were busy all times of the year, and the tides changed with the moon phases.
It was honestly kind of boring sometimes. Mostly in the winter, when the waters got freezing and the beach became barren. Yet Uzi did not let the cold weather deter her. It was perfect to take lonely beach strolls and clear her mind after a stressful day. This time wasn’t much different. If not for the fishing supplies she dragged with her, of course.
A beach cart filled with all you could ever need to go fishing. Uzi knew a secluded spot that was perfect for it. She’d go there every now and then to see what she could catch and see if anything new has arrived.
Most of the time it was just small fish. Nothing special. She threw them back after inspecting them for a few minutes, maybe taking a picture. Perhaps she’d take one home and keep it as a pet, or prepare it for dinner.
But seldom was there anything new or interesting. Not that she minded too much. It was a good enough reprieve from everything else in her life. Just some time away from everything to relax and calm her.
Maybe it’d be more fun if something were to change. But this town has stayed the same since its original founding many, many decades ago. Asking for change now would be asking the impossible.
Uzi sighed as she stared at the rocky cliff face. Grasses and ferns teetered over the edge way up above. Some moss painted the tops of rocks and snuck into their crevices. The beach sands were as gritty as ever over here.
Tucked away and hidden by larger rocks, slowly eroded by time and salty ocean water. Lying in wait for who knows how long now. Uzi doesn’t think they’ve ever changed since she first saw them in her childhood.
But the lack of change was rather soothing. Although Uzi likes to take risks and go on “adventures,” being able to come back to a place ever-idle was relieving. With her current homelife as rocky as this cliff, it’s a nice reprieve.
Though, the town she lives in doesn’t have this same, soothing feel. It has never changed, not much anyway. So what’s so different about this place?
It’s a question Uzi always wonders when coming here. The soft echoes of footsteps in the stone cavern don’t give her an answer.
‘Maybe I never will get an answer…’ Uzi wondered, eyeing the droplets falling from stalagmites and the shine of water on the walls and floors.
Sometimes, when the high-tide comes in, the place will fill up a bit. A few inches of sea water will cover the whole floor and ripple with stalagmite tears. It isn’t terrible, but Uzi does prefer to just wait until the tide lowers again.
But right now was perfect. The tide was moderate, the cave was glistening, summer was right around the corner, and the sun was out and shining brightly today. No greyness or clouds to obstruct its view of the world or remove its colorful life.
Uzi made it to the other side of the cavern. An enclosed oasis greeted her, a shallow indent connecting to the ocean. Crabs and insects steered clear of her path as she entered the place.
A log marked by a knife became the watcher of her items. Uzi stepped through more grass to set up her stuff. The blades and grit tickled the tips of her toes through her short-heeled sandals, a familiar feeling.
Her black and white summer coat was unzipped enough to let her chest breathe. She then adjusted the pale teal baseball cap on her head and put on her sunglasses. Grabbing her fishing pole and some bait, she headed for the surprisingly deep pool of ocean water.
Crabs and birds watched her curiously as she sat on a relatively flat and warm rock and set up her fishing hook. The sun was already beating down her back. Uzi’s glad she put on sunscreen at home.
She finished setting up her rod and cast it far into the pool. The thing was large, like it was trying to imitate a lake. Uzi wondered if any turtles came by to lay eggs? Maybe she should keep a better eye on the place to catch a glimpse of some baby sea turtles…
But for now, she should focus on fishing. She’s not expecting to get anything, she isn’t far enough into the ocean for that. But maybe she can get a crab or a small wandering fish?
‘Maybe I’ll even get an old boot!’ Uzi thought with an amused smile.
She then leaned back onto a hand, letting the sun kiss her skin further and keep her warm. It was moments like these that Uzi loved; Just her, the nature, the sun, and the ocean’s eyes.
As evening rolled around, Uzi packed up her things and got on her way. Her small cart was loaded and the wheels bobbed on rocks and pebbles.
“Bye-bye, little crab guys.” Uzi gave a small wave to the tiny crustaceans.
They didn’t much acknowledge her. Uzi didn’t mind. It meant less social interaction. But she still liked the little fellas enough to say goodbye.
However, when she came out from the oasis-like spot she’s stumbled upon long ago, she saw that the beach had filled up quite a bit. Loud music played and a volleyball was being bounced around.
“I didn’t know there was going to be a party today.” Uzi noted as her expression fell a bit. “Welp, there goes my chances of going home in some peace and quiet.” She sighed.
She didn’t want to stick around too long. She quickly got a move on and began making her way home. Everyone at this party were busy with themselves and their friends. Uzi was more than glad to leave them be.
“Hey!! Uzi! I didn’t know you were out here!” But a boy’s familiar voice called out to her.
Uzi turned around to see Thad jogging up to her. Her face went a little flush as she saw the open Hawaiian shirt sitting on his shoulders, showing off his abs. Though, his navy blue swim trunks kind of clashed with the bright red shirt…
“I had actually been looking around for you earlier, you know!” Thad said in greeting, caught up with her.
“H-Huh? For what?” Uzi asked back, stirred from her staring.
“I wanted to invite you to my shin-dig of course!” Thad laughed and pointed to the party. “But when I went to your house, you weren’t home! I’m glad I caught you out here, though!” He added, beaming brightly.
“Oh-h. Sorry about that. I didn’t even know…” Uzi rubbed her neck, feeling the sun’s heat on it.
“Ah, it’s alright!” Thad waved off. “Why don’t you come join us right now? You’re already in swimwear, right?” He pointed to her coat.
“Oh- Well- Yeah, I am.” Uzi nodded, looking down at herself. “But I have all this stuff on me right now. I kinda want to take it back home…” She added, turning to her cart.
“Don’t worry! A few of us have bags and stuff! Just leave it over by there!” The jock gestured to a small pile of bags and carts.
Uzi gave a small sigh, weighing her options. She didn’t know how much of a mood she was in to hang out with these people. Ones she doesn’t know nor get along with. And Uzi knows that if Thad is here, so are her bullies.
‘Uggghhhh, but I really don’t wanna see my dad right now, either.’ A grimace formed on her face. ‘We had a fight recently and I do not want to see him right now.’
“Alright, fine. I can stay for a little while.” Uzi decided to concede with another sigh.
“Alright!!” Thad cheered. “If you need any snacks or drinks, there’s a couple of coolers by the bags! I hear a few girls are setting up towels and umbrellas, too, if you’re interested!” He added.
“Thanks.” Uzi nodded back.
“You should join us for volleyball or something, though! Maybe a chicken fight in the water!” The jock laughed as he ran off.
“I’ll think about it!” Uzi called after him.
As the boy left, Uzi let out a breath. She turned to the coolers and bags all huddled together. Uzi left her cart with her fishing supplies by it, then took a water bottle from the cooler.
The ice-cold water gliding down her throat felt incredibly nice after being in the sun for so long earlier today. And since the sun was just starting to go down, it meant the air would cool off a little.
Uzi turned back to the other college-aged people partying hard and playing harder. There were a few students she recognized, like Emily and Sam, and others she wished she didn’t recognize, like Rebecca, Lizzy, and Doll.
With a slight furrow of her brows, Uzi growled and capped her bottle. She picked up her towel and walked over to Emily and Sam. Uzi prepared herself a seat and plopped down onto it.
“Oh, Uzi! I didn’t know you were here!” Emily greeted, an ever-nervous smile on her spectacled face.
“I wasn’t planning on it, but I stumbled upon you guys.” The purple-haired woman returned, her head tilting towards the sky.
“Well, it’s nice to see you join us.” Emily smiled a little wider.
“Mhm.” Uzi hummed in reply, lying onto her back.
She closed her eyes and listened to everyone partying and the ocean swashing. Emily went quiet and Sam was probably zoinked out of his damn mind. Not that Uzi cared. Though, she’s surprised he hasn’t overdosed yet.
After a few minutes and honestly growing a little bored, Uzi moved her head to stare at the ocean waves. Its hands grappled at the wet sand, as if trying and failing to crawl onto land.
The orange and yellow rays almost blinded Uzi if not for her sunglasses. But even then they threatened to leave her world pure white.
‘What the hell am I even doing here…?’ Uzi had to question as she stared at the ocean. ‘I should be getting home, even if I don’t want to see my dad. Maybe I could sneak in through the back door and rush to my room?’
Sitting up, Uzi drank some more of her water. Her lavender stare fell onto all the other kids from previous classes, still roughhousing and chattering lively and loudly.
With little else to do, Uzi got back onto her feet. She took off her heeled sandals and unzipped her coat to toss it onto her towel. Her hat and sunglasses followed suit.
Uzi made her way to the ocean’s grasping hands. White foam and orange waves splashed onto her feet, chilling them. Uzi stared out at the glittering ocean, watching it all roll over and over again.
A breath was released from her lungs, the air nearly taken from them. Uzi was content to simply stand here and let the ocean enchant her. The sun was warm and the waves kept her cool. The beauty of the sea kept her gaze locked onto it.
Uzi walked further into the waters, letting it reach her knees. More waves crashed into her legs. Yet she’s known these waters all her life. They couldn’t knock her down without more force.
‘Especially since I surf here sometimes.’ Uzi added to herself.
Her gaze was locked onto the endless orange and blue for a while longer. She then turned to the pile of bags and carts next to her. Uzi’s eyes narrowed.
For a few minutes, she went back onto the dry sand. She put on her sandals and grabbed her wallet just to head onto the boardwalk. She made a quick exchange before hurrying back.
Her sandals were kicked right off again and her wallet was dumped by her towel along with her white cover-up shorts. Emily saw her rush by with new vigor, opening her mouth to ask her something. But the other girl was too far away for her to say anything.
Uzi rushed back into the ocean waters, going deeper and deeper. She hopped onto her rented surfboard. She had one at home, but she wasn’t going to leave her stuff with these people for very long.
“It was only a few bucks anyway!” Uzi told herself, swimming deeper into the rolling waves.
Once far enough, she sat up and stared at the evening sea. Her navy blue bikini reflected the sun’s light in a lighter blue color. It was snug on her tanned skin, multiple lines wrapping around her body.
Uzi doesn’t usually wear anything too revealing, even if it was a simple bikini like this. But she thought this looked pretty with the way it reflected light so she bought it. And while she tends to cover it up with her short-shorts and summer jacket, she needs to feel the waves on her again. A necessary sacrifice.
A big wave came rolling in, grazing the bottom of the sun. Uzi smirked and turned her surfboard around. It caught onto the wave and began carrying her back to shore. Uzi stood up and let the waves crash behind her.
The roaring of the brine all around her made Uzi’s simper widen. Her board bobbed and hopped on the blue and white moana. And as a tunnel started forming around her, Uzi ducked her head and watched a waterfall cover her form.
Orange and blue colors clashed with accents of white swirling around her. Uzi held out a hand to touch the waves. She laughed at the sensation of the fluid running through the gaps of her fingertips.
But as she stared into the Neptune of the planet, she saw the refraction of rainbow colors. Her smile fell, her eyes went wide for a moment, and she became distracted.
“What is that…?” She muttered, watching a dark yet multi-colored silhouette follow her.
Her loss of focus on the waves prevented her from seeing the end of the tunnel. The waves crashed onto her body and she yelped, being sent under.