Water is a curious thing, it exists everywhere there is life and can be soft, kind, and generous.

Water can save lives.

On the other hand, it can be cruel, heartless, and hard. It can be dangerous if provoked, and sometimes it doesn’t even need a push. In a way I’m like the water. I’m practically made out of it with a mix of flowers and gemstones tossed in. No one would ever know of course, I spend more time in my human life than I do as a Lunite.

“Reaching a full twenty minutes now.” The instructor’s voice broke the surface.

Right, the test. I’d forgotten all about it. I became painfully aware of the glass mask plastered to my face. It’s terribly uncomfortable, but I have to wear it even if I’ll never use it for its intended purpose. Twenty minutes isn’t impressive when breathing underwater is natural for me, but when the standard test was designed for a human. Well, I’m the best the Carrion has ever had.

“He spends more time in the water than he does with his family. You know kids, always doing things they shouldn’t.” Luke has this way of speaking to me when I’m about to get in to trouble, not when I’m in trouble, but that moment right before I could make a choice to do something bad or nothing at all.

“Quite a talented kid you have Luke. Looks like you have another Leviathan in the family.” The instructor said.

A Leviathan? No, no I didn’t want this. I mean, I wouldn’t mind going diving every day, but no. I broke the water’s surface and left behind all my frustration. As expected I didn’t receive any help getting out of the training pool.

“Nice job kid, you’ve made a new record to beat. You’ll do exceptionally well on a Scavenger team.”

I winced at the hard pat on my back and pulled the oxygen mask off, struggling to take a fake breath in.

“Uh sir, is there any way I could not be on a Scavenger team? I’d really prefer First Response, if possible.” The request sounded stupid the second it left my mouth.

“And waste your talent saving expendable lives?” The instructor laughed so hard he almost choked.

I must have missed the joke.

“He’s under your instruction now Luke. Let’s try not to get him in the same situation you did.” The instructor left.

Luke chuckled half-heartedly and grabbed tightly at his robotic left arm. A few months ago, he went out on a scavenge and almost didn’t have a chance to return. It was thanks to the First Response Team that he came back at all.

“How could you let him do this? You know how much I wanted to be on the FRT. I aced that test! I even passed the Demon,” such a ridiculous word, “wound treatment portion, no one passes that!” At some point, I had begun to ramble in my frustration. Normally, I’m the calmest of the calm, but with my dad it’s always different.

“Slow down, slow down.” Luke whispered softly. “I’m sorry, I did give you a warning.” He sighed through his nose. “But, he’s right.”