Ripjaws descended to the lake bottom, approximately one hundred meters below the surface. The depths were eerily silent, dark as a black hole, and oppressively vast. The crushing weight of water above created an atmosphere of primordial solitude.
His phosphorescent lure could only illuminate a few meters in any direction. Beyond that luminous sphere, the darkness remained impenetrable, hiding ancient secrets in its obsidian embrace.
"Where did the Krakken go?" Ripjaws wondered aloud, his voice creating bubbles that rose toward the distant surface. He had been swimming for over a minute now, carefully carrying the stolen eggs. If he couldn't locate the creature soon, he'd have to return to Max and the others before his transformation time expired.
Ding!
"Sign-in target detected: Krakken beneath the lake!"
"Return the Krakken eggs to complete sign-in!"
Ripjaws paused in surprise. The system had detected the creature nearby? Generally, the sign-in system only triggered when targets were in close proximity, if the object was distant, no task would appear.
This meant the Krakken was right here with him!
"But there's nothing around!" Ripjaws looked left, right, and forward in confusion. He adjusted the position of his bioluminescent lure, sweeping the light in wide arcs, but still couldn't see any trace of the massive creature.
Unless...
Ripjaws slowly tilted his head upward, his phosphorescent light following the movement. The faint glow struck an obstacle directly above him and was blocked by what appeared to be solid rock.
But rocks didn't exist in the middle of open water.
His eyes focused on the "rock" with growing realization.
WHOOSH!
The massive obstruction shifted upward abruptly, revealing a round object as black as polished obsidian and larger than a dinner plate!
That was...
A Krakken eye!!
The ancient creature had been hovering directly above Ripjaws the entire time!
"This time, I'm not carrying any hostile intent," Ripjaws said quickly, displaying a peaceful expression toward the massive predator. "I came to communicate with you peacefully. I hope you can, "
ROAR!!
Before he could finish his sentence, the Krakken's thunderous bellow cut through the water, sending streams of bubbles cascading from its cavernous maw. The creature's massive head descended toward Ripjaws with obvious suspicion and residual anger from their previous encounter.
"These are your eggs, please don't be angry!" Ripjaws immediately held up the stolen Krakken eggs, gently pushing them toward the approaching behemoth with both hands.
The Krakken's aggressive posture changed instantly. Its roaring ceased, and the ferocious gleam in its ancient eyes softened to something resembling relief. With infinite care, the creature extended its massive tail, gently coiling it around the precious eggs.
Its enormous body curled protectively around its offspring, massive head moving close to nuzzle the eggs with tender affection. It was remarkable to witness such a powerful apex predator display such delicate maternal instincts.
Watching this touching reunion, Ripjaws felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him.
Ding! Congratulations to the host for successful sign-in!
Reward obtained: Uncommon Green - Special Ability: Aquatic Creature Communication!
A special ability!
Suddenly, a flood of new knowledge filled Ripjaws' consciousness, making his head feel dizzy as unfamiliar memories integrated themselves into his mind. It took more than ten seconds for him to adjust to the strange new information.
But when the disorientation faded, he felt... different.
"My children... my precious children..." the Krakken rumbled in low, mournful tones. To Ripjaws' amazement, he could now understand every nuance of the creature's communication!
"You, can you understand what I'm saying?" Ripjaws tested his new ability, focusing his thoughts toward the ancient creature rather than speaking aloud.
Can you hear my words?
The Krakken's massive body straightened with shock, its head moving directly in front of Ripjaws until they were eye-to-eye, or rather, one enormous eye staring at two smaller ones.
The creature's expression showed pure astonishment!
Was this smaller being actually one of its own kind?!
"It seems you really can understand me," Ripjaws marveled, realizing this special ability functioned like telepathy. It didn't matter what sounds he made, what mattered was that he could project his thoughts directly to aquatic life forms!
This was an incredible skill!
Perhaps he could eventually communicate with sharks, whales, and countless other marine creatures throughout the ocean. The potential for building alliances with aquatic life was limitless!
"Thank you for rescuing my children from those humans," the Krakken expressed with awkward gratitude. Despite its immense power, the creature possessed considerable intelligence. Though it couldn't speak human language, it clearly understood the concept of different species and their conflicts.
"You're welcome," Ripjaws replied solemnly. "But I need you to promise me something, stop attacking innocent tourists. They mean you no harm. If you attack civilians again, I won't show you the same mercy I did today!"
To emphasize his point, he raised his right fist in a gesture that the Krakken would certainly remember from their previous encounter.
The massive creature visibly flinched, its head drawing back as unmistakable fear flickered across its ancient features.
That sensation of being thoroughly beaten...
It was definitely an experience the Krakken never wanted to repeat!
"I will never attack innocent humans again," the creature promised softly, its mental voice carrying genuine sincerity. "My children have been returned to me, I have no reason for anger now."
Witnessing this exchange, Ripjaws felt deeply moved. Animals, like humans, possessed profound love for their offspring. When children were stolen, any parent would experience devastating anguish, whether human or ancient lake predator.
The Krakken's rampage hadn't been born of malice, but of desperate maternal instinct.
"I have one more question," the Krakken's mental voice carried curious wonder as its massive eye studied Ripjaws intently. "Why did you transform from human to this aquatic form? What manner of creature are you?"
The ancient being had delivered the ultimate question, one that touched the very heart of Asher's alien heritage and the mysterious power of the Omnitrix!
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