Chapter Text
Subspace was seen holding a crystal to his eye, examining it. He observed how light would be filtered through it, beaming through its pink, faceted surfaces and feeling how brittle it was in his fingers.
“Ahoy!” A voice called out from behind him.
Subspace jumped, snarling at the voice that seemingly just appeared from right behind him.
“What is it??” He snapped, turning to face whoever greeted him.
Skateboard was hovering right behind him, peering at the bright pink crystal that Subspace had in his hand.
“So, what’s the deal with that crystal?” He asked, leaning a bit closer. “That thing was pretty much the whole reason we got robbed.”
Subspace grumbled.
“It’s nothing YOU should be concerned about! It’s none of your business!” Subspace scowled, moving the crystal farther from Skateboard and pushing him away.
“But it is kinda our business! We saw you use that thing, what’s the big deal?” Skateboard urged, leaning even closer.
“I said it’s nothing you should be concerned about!” Subspace insisted.
“But if those True Eyes or whoever want it, isn’t it at least super valuable?” Skateboard asked, looking at Subspace.
Subspace stiffened. He glared at Skateboard, wide-eyed before sighing loudly.
“Fine!” He relented, his eye narrowing at Skateboard. “Since you want to know so badly! But you better not tell anyone about this, alright? Not outside of the crew!”
“Aye, captain.” Skateboard agreed. Subspace presented the crystal to Skateboard again.
“This crystal has some pretty powerful properties. It’s not much in its raw form, but once shaped and refined, it can take on the properties of the wielder and give them some extra power.” Subspace explains, twirling the crystal in his hand.
“Done right, it can be very powerful. I’ve made great discoveries with these, created things most can’t even imagine making.”
“Ooh. Sweet!” Skateboard began to reach for the crystal.
“Don’t touch it!” Subspace hissed, taking it away from Skateboard.
“I just wanna take a better look!” Skateboard protested.
“I’m on a finite supply! Without these, we have no form of defense!” Subspace checks on the crystal again. “You can’t touch these, anyways! You don’t want to break them!”
Subspace pulled the sleeve on his right arm.
Skateboard sighed, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Alright, whatever. Can’t you just get more?”
Subspace tsked.
“Must I answer every question?” Subspace then shakes his head.
“I can’t get them. A mer took them all from me. That’s half the reason why I’m out here, to go look for him!”
Skateboard’s eyes widened.
“Seriously?”
Subspace cursed under his breath.
“Once we find the artifact, I’m not sailing straight home. We’re going to go look for them.”
Skateboard stopped.
“Wait, but–”
“I never told you how long we’d be out at sea for. If you find a white whale mer with a teal crystal between his horns, alert me immediately. He’s our biggest priority. I’ll pay extra if you do.” Subspace glanced out at sea.
Skateboard stood silent for a minute.
“...Aye, captain.”
"I'm not answering any more questions! Now go!" He barked, making a shooing gesture.
"Alright, Alright! I'm leaving! Geez!" Skateboard huffed, taking a few steps back before walking off somewhere else on the ship.