[KRX]

Iruka, Part I

A few miles east off of the coast of Pennsylvania, there was a kingdom. This kingdom was submerged by the sea, and this sea was within the sea. In this kingdom under the sea within the sea, there were large, biomechanical dolphins. These dolphins were a peaceful race, wanting nothing more than to continue their merry lifestyle. Most of the time, our world could not see these dolphins. But sometimes, on especially bright and sunny days, there would be enough energy hitting the water to perceive this world. However, these days were rare.

In this kingdom their lived a dolphin family, and in this dolphin family was a father named Iruka. Iruka was a large dolphin, powerful and intimidating upon first impressions. However, his bright-blue eyes had a spark of wonder in them, and his laughter was rewarded to every joke he heard. Iruka was a loving husband and a doting father; everyone loved him.

Iruka was out alone one stormy night when he saw a little sailboat. The scene was a bit murky, since the sailboat was in the sea encasing the sea, but Iruka's highly-receptive vision allowed him to perceive what was happening. The sailboat rocked back and forth violently in the stormy water, lightning crashing around it with its thunderous entourage like prison bars. Iruka watched in horror, wishing he could help the boat. But he knew he could not, and swam solemnly away.

It was then that he heard the cry of a small child.

Resolution steeled Iruka. By no means was Iruka a scientist, but he knew that with enough energy, the outside world could perceive his home. Perhaps, if Iruka were to place himself in an area where the lightning from the outside world, the lightning would be able to provide enough energy to allow Iruka to escape his world and enter the one outside. Iruka dove to the bottom of the sea and waited.

CRASH!

Iruka rocketed upwards, swimming faster and faster until he could swim no faster. Suddenly, he breached.

Iruka felt heavier, as if he were being dragged back down to his world. Iruka fought against it, swimming towards the boat. Grabbing the anchor, Iruka swam around the boat, anchor in tow. Completing an orbit around the boat, Iruka clumsily tied the rope holding the anchor together, lodging the anchor in the side of the boat for extra security.

Inside the boat was a father, shielding his son from potential impacts. The boy was crying in fear, and the father tried to comfort him. The two heard something crash numbly against the side of the boat, and then the boat was moving. The two ran outside.

Iruka towed the boat by the anchor rope, having fashioned a makeshift harness. The two watched in awe. Iruka looked up at the pair, smiling at the two through his eyes, before his focus returned to the task at his flipper.

Iruka slowed as he reached the shore. He let go of the harness and crashed onto the shore, the boat trailing lazily behind him. The father and son raced out of the boat to assist their savior.

Iruka struggled against the force when the father approached him.

The child, Iruka asked, is he safe?

The father was stunned to hear the voice in his head, but he recovered quickly.

"Yes... you saved us."

Good.

"Do you have a name?"

I am Iruka. And with that, Iruka surrendered to the force, and he was gone.

"Daddy?" the boy asked his father, "What was that?"

"I don't know, Nathan. I don't know."

"I like that name. Iruka."