Find the source of the suck.

At the very bottom of the hillside, all the water converges into a swirling vortex in the ground. The sound of the whirlpool is loud, though you don't see or hear anyone else around besides a curious Lynx. The two of you inspect the vortex, though she doesn't seem to have any idea what's going on. You peer around, and then see Amara and her mother clothed and hurrying down the path as well.

"Stand clear!" Yaera shouts. "Is anybody injured?"

"We're fine!" you shout back.

The two of them arrive beside you. Amara grabs your arm and looks towards the swirling hole of water with fear. "What is happening, Kyle?"

"I have no idea," you reply. "But I--

"It looks like a portal," speaks her mother. "And we have no idea whether or not anyone else has been pulled through to the other side. There is no doubt in my mind. I must traverse to the other side and rescue any that may be trapped."

"Mother, no!" Amara cries.

The woman steps forward with no hesitation. It reminds you of Nyllia--a woman of action, of power, and of virtue. She stops at the end of the swirling vortex of steaming water, and she doesn't waste anymore time. Yaera leaps in and disappears with a splash.

Amara squeezes your arm tight, but then releases, and begins running forwards. "I will come as well! Wait for me, mother!"

"No, Amara!" you yell. "We don't know what's on the other side!"

There's no stopping her, however. Though she may be more soft-spoken and quiet compared to many of the other girls you've met, she's not so different than her mom. She leaps forwards, and plunges straight down into the watery portal.

"D-Damn it," you mutter. You squeeze the handle of your sword and gaze into the hypnotic swirling water. I can't just leave her. But what if I die? This could go anywhere. But she if she dies? Shit! I'm braver than that. If those two can jump in without a second thought, then I better take a page from Niki... and charge forwards!

You drop your pack to the ground, sprint forwards, take a deep breath, and dive straight down into the center of the whirlpool.

The sensation is hot. You feel your clothes cling to your body. Everything goes dark. You can't tell if you're actually spinning, or it's just in your head. Whatever is happening, it doesn't feel like falling. It's like you're shooting down the slide in a swimming pool. You're tossed and turned, and then the water gradually gets cooler. Soon, you feel yourself floating in water that's actually rather cold. What you can't find, however, is air.

You keep your lips shut tight. Slowly, you open your eyes as best you can, and try to find somewhere to swim. There's an intense weight on your body though, and it's beginning to ache--the water pressure. You must be incredibly deep. Your lungs burn, and your head feels like it's going to pop.

Amara... Where did you go? Where are you?

Suddenly, you feel someone grab your hand. You turn, and although it's difficult to see in the darkness, you cast your eyes upon the girl in question floating there beside you. Her hair floats around her head, but she looks just as lovely as ever, even deep beneath the sea.

Then, you turn to face another figure in front of you. You're taken by surprise when it presses its lips tenderly against your own.