Tath and Sathy

Tathyst hatched first, but from the beginning it seemed only natural that he should stick with the little female that hatched just after: a Ripple-Blue named Sathyst. Together with a Dark-Blue brother, they made their way to the water, squirming, rolling, and flopping. On land they were ungainly, but once in the water, though they splashed awkwardly for several moments, swimming came naturally.

Sathyst in particular seemed thrilled to dance in the waves. Even though they were merely ripples to the adults, the hatchlings could almost surf in the gentle waters. Gleefully she played in the shallows as Tathyst looked on in interest. You are so much fun, Sathy! he laughed.

Come play with me then! she cried, pausing briefly to look back at him. She squirmed, loathe to stop. Come on, Tath!

Torn, Tathyst made a similar motion. But I'm hungry! When she refused to move toward the fish, captured by their elders, he sighed in a rather fishy way that sprayed bubbles through the nearest "whitecap." Can I bring you something back?

Okay! But make it something big. I am also very, very hungry!

Without thinking, he turned to go, then stopped, turning back around. She was still watching. You were waiting for me to offer, weren't you?

Giggling, she replied, Maybe...

~ ~ ~

Their bodies were growing at an amazing rate. No longer were Tathyst and Sathyst short, almost pudgy little hatchlings, they were long, lithe, and fast! And there was nothing more the siblings liked better than to compete, such as in a friendly chase.

Catch me if you can, Tath! You'll never beat me! Sathyst raced through the water, dipping low and sliding high, whipping around kelp, rocks, and other fish as she went. Suddenly, as she dove into a pitch-dark tunnel, she was met with a pair of yellow eyes, glowing with laughter.

Gracious me, but you'll never outrace a sea-snail if you keep up that pace, sister-mine! Sathy was fast, but Tath was incredible. He would outswim a tuna if it had presented itself. Unfortunately for his ego, his sister's pride was greater than his skill.

Brother, next time you want to play hide-and-seek, tell me first. Otherwise, expect to find yourself in more such obvious hiding places!

The pair was never past giving one another a bad time, but neither was anything hurtful meant by it. Friendly competition often includes friendly razzing, after all. And where's the sport in that, hmm?

Exactly.

Sathy, I adore you, the larger Blue grinned, brandishing a mouth full of pearly-white fangs. We should get back home.

Sathyst nodded, her finned ears waving languidly with the motion. I agree. I am beginning to get hungry.

Oh no, you'll eat us out of beach and cove for sure...

She slapped him on the back with her tailfin before heading back home. The only one who can eat more than myself, is you.

Why, of course my dear. I am a growing boy.

~ ~ ~

Sathyst had grown into a magnificent young sea dragoness. She moved easily through the waters, a turquoise-and-lavender current in the warm tropical sea. In a spin, she shot past her brother Tathyst with a soft chuckle.

He watched as she slowly disappeared into their surroundings. They were in no particular hurry, their journey would be long but the supply of food was vast. They had only to keep going.

Not long after reaching adulthood, Tathyst and Sathyst had decided to venture out into the world together. They were not mates, but their bond was strong, like that of best friends. Tath liked it that way. To him, no journey would be worth going alone, and he knew his sister felt the same way. Perhaps someday they would part, but no time soon.

Come on, Tath. The oceans do not get any smaller.

We’ve only just begun our journey, there is no hurry especially in these waters.

Still ahead, Sathyst had slowed down for her brother and now waited, in her own way. That does not mean we cannot have a good race now and again.

He approached, not having altered his speed. True. When he came up next to her, he suddenly shot forward with a burst of speed, hearing a surprised growl echoing behind him.

Hey! Oh I’ll get you now, Tath! she cried gleefully.

I’d like to see you try, Sathy!