Crossover Escape: Gotta be more than Lucky to survive

2.12 Into the Water

“Certainly, I will swim the crossing. Can I just ask if you mind people on the raft acting to defend me if something attacks me while I swim? I don’t wish to affect the ecology of your home, but I have no interest in being a meal for the natives no offence.” Luca had no idea if there was anything to eat him in the river, but he didn’t want to find out there were crocodiles or something in it later and not be able to do anything about them.

“No that is fine, they can certainly try to protect you.” The siren laughed and as she spoke, and Luca nodded in response. Before Luca could say anything else though a strange silence engulfed him, and Shade spun him to face him.

“You cannot go in the waters, you will sink.” Shade’s tone was horrified.

“Is the water between the worlds significantly different?” Luca was puzzled he’d put a hand in the water and done a test with a piece of bark earlier to check the temperature and current. The water hadn’t acted any different than a typical river. In fact the current had seemed slower than normal. Trying to cross it without propulsions would just leave them drifting in a crawl downstream.

“No, of course water is water.” Luca was relieved at the response though while it was clear the beings of this side new more about the existence of the other side than what he’d new of this side he did have to wonder about the detailed knowledge since he got the impression that the gate between the worlds hadn’t been opened for a very long time.

“Then why would I sink?” This was the confusing point for Luca. Why would he just sink if there wasn’t an issue with the water density?

“Because people are heavy.” Luca was stumped at this response. That was a particularly antiquated view.

“Ah, do you not have swimming here?” Luca felt it was necessary to clarify that he new what he was doing in the water.

“The slow paddling that the beasts do, that is insufficient.” Luca was speechless right, he supposed it would be difficult dealing a legit style for swimming if the waterways were ruled by sirens and such. Still the thought of dog paddling was beyond a disturbing visual.

“We have systematic means of swimming in our world. While not as fast as a fish it is definitely better than the beast’s means.” Luca explained. He didn’t know how long this isolation would last though it was concerning that it affected the coms as well. Though what really bothered Luca was what if the sirens backed out in the meantime. Shade stared at Luca for a moment before he slowly nodded.

“Alright, I chose to work with your group I should trust you to know what you are doing.” Luca nodded in agreement while he wondered at the weird personality fluctuations. Seriously it felt like he’d spoken to three different people at least when talking to Shade. As suddenly as it had disappeared the noise returned. A look at the sirens showed that they hadn’t particularly changed their faces, so he hoped things were fine.

“Alright then, if you don’t mind, we’ll just finish getting organised and then get started.” Luca smiled and then when the siren leader nodded, he resolutely turned away. Catching Rӓv’s eyes he left monitoring the movements of the sirens to her. She wasn’t good at working with wood anyway. The raft was practically finished so Luca didn’t call for Help to come back to it just gestured for them to go down to Holly who was closest to the tree they were in.

 With a bit of work the manoeuvred the raft to the edge of the river. Tails secured the tow line onto either side of the raft. Luca waded into the river shallows and looked out into the depths of the river. It looked crystal clear. He couldn’t see even any fish. Which he thought might be due to the presence of the sirens. The siren’s themselves had swum away up and downstream to some rock out cropping’s or to the shores. It was clearly an attitude of being spectators for a good show.

Luca took his swords off and passed them back to the raft. Ghost reached out to take them only for the sheaths to vanish as the swords moved to hover in the air. Luca glanced at the swords and then shrugged handing his glasses to Declan who showed that he was quick on the uptake and put them on his nose. Luca activated his contacts grateful that they’d thought to make them water resistant even as he pulled goggles out of his bag. They’d been for sand or wind interference, but they’d work in the water. Declan would be in rage just barley on the raft, so he’d be able to see messages if not respond. Luca waved a had at Rӓv and received a nod okaying the gloves for the dive. Not that Luca expected to be able to message while swimming per se, but he should be able to respond to yes, no comments.

A faint chirp like sound came from the dragon on his shoulders as the swords circled around. The next thing Luca knew the weight of the dragon vanished and a quick glance around showed that the Lil’ Miss had vanished in place. Luca tossed up whether he should be worried about that but decided to just be relieved that he didn’t have to try and move the thing or worse swim with it on his neck that would have been awkward.

Stepping into the harness design Tails had made Luca tightened the straps and then looked back. Shade stood on the bow of the raft looking hard at the water. While the remaining eight people had spaced themselves out three on each side and two at the back of the raft. As Luca moved deeper into the river, they pushed the raft the rest of the way into the water and then jumped abord.

Luca dove down when the raft entered the water, and the rope went slack. He swam forward and up until the vine grew taunt. Sticking his head up he turned to check the raft. Ghost had an arm around Shade’s neck while he held one of his makeshift spears in his other arm. Tails also had spears. Rӓv stood in the middle of the raft with her tablets in had while three butterflies moved out over the water one to each side and the las t straight forward. Clearly, she was looking to give early warnings.

After Shade met Luca’s eyes, he stopped straining in Ghosts hold and instead accepted another makeshift spear. Cowboy had his guns out and scanned the water around with a serious look. Luca appreciated that he was holding it together after the two he’d been with had died and he’d had a couple of close shaves. Though he wasn’t sure if he wanted him shooting near him in the water. Declan held what looked like a javelin of ice while the two sorcerers held the makeshift oars. The stick to steer was held by Holly with Help on his shoulder.

Satisfied that everyone else was organised Lucas turned back around stretched himself out and started swimming .There was a slight tup of resistance from the boat before it started to move. It wasn’t the best shape for this, but it didn’t offer a huge amount of resistance and without a substantial current or obstacles Luca could swim quite easily.