Rutile's expression is grave and their eyes are somber as they say, "That's part of what I want to find out."
They keep on through the water, slipping almost as often as Antarcticite does (but with more dignity) on seaweed and soft sand. The smaller reefs and rocks become fewer and farther between as the two lustrous make their way out to the larger reef, and the sea life becomes rather more solitary: some yards away, a shark skims along the bottom; a barracuda lurks in the shadowy grass; and Rutile gently bats aside a jellyfish that bobs in their path.
Rutile stops short when they find the reef. The difference between this one and the ones they and Antarc had passed on the way is striking: instead of a colorful assortment of plants, algae, and animals teeming with life, the coral is more akin to forest brush in the dead of winter, brown and skeletal and devoid of creatures as far as the eye can see. There is something sobering about it, that snatches Rutile's tongue and holds their gaze captive.
It is not certain whether or not Rutile's actions were responsible for this - but now, it doesn't seem to matter. The tragedy is that it's happened at all.
you're the real mvp
They keep on through the water, slipping almost as often as Antarcticite does (but with more dignity) on seaweed and soft sand. The smaller reefs and rocks become fewer and farther between as the two lustrous make their way out to the larger reef, and the sea life becomes rather more solitary: some yards away, a shark skims along the bottom; a barracuda lurks in the shadowy grass; and Rutile gently bats aside a jellyfish that bobs in their path.
Rutile stops short when they find the reef. The difference between this one and the ones they and Antarc had passed on the way is striking: instead of a colorful assortment of plants, algae, and animals teeming with life, the coral is more akin to forest brush in the dead of winter, brown and skeletal and devoid of creatures as far as the eye can see. There is something sobering about it, that snatches Rutile's tongue and holds their gaze captive.
It is not certain whether or not Rutile's actions were responsible for this - but now, it doesn't seem to matter. The tragedy is that it's happened at all.