Because they're not actually fish at all! They're amphibians, neither fish or reptile. But they lay their eggs in the water, so the babies need to be able to live there for a while. They even have gills at first!
Not only do they grow legs they breathe through their skin! They're remarkable!
[...He's not sure if he'd call breathing through your skin remarkable. It's kindof weird...but no less weird than being a fish or snake person, he guesses.]
I do not quite understand why water born creatures would need legs, in that case...though I do suppose sea turtles have them, and are born on land...
Hm...I assume your lake is in the very center of your island? Too far for me to actually reach from the shore.
[If there were some way he could shrink himself down or change forms then this wouldn't be a problem...and he'd be able to get to see these strange frog things.]
I should be able to! It would be similar to a magic I used to perform for people who wished to see certain things, like how family was doing or places they'd never been. I... can't quite do that anymore, as it's too extensive for my current abilities [ hence why he hadn't offered it to Poseidon before to check on Choromatsu ] but if I am using my own memories... then that should take substantially less power. It's more like letting you into my head than showing something very far away.
[The god echoes quietly as he lets his eyes slip closed, keeping his hand still to make it easier for Megami to do his thing. He tries to focus on nothing in particular, letting his mind empty as best he can.]
[ Megami smiles, then closes his own eyes, concentrating and keeping his hands on Poseidon's finger.
It may take a bit of time but if Poseidon's mind is truly empty then eventually an image will come to mind.
The image will show a clearing in the middle of a forest. A lake is indeed there, though considering its size, it may be more accurate to call it a pond. It can't be any larger around than their children's room back at the reef; walking around it would take mere minutes, crossing it even faster. The water is a bright, brilliant turquoise blue and completely clear: pure and untouched. Despite the clearness of the water and the size though, it seems impossible to gauge the deepness of the center, where the blue becomes much darker. Around all the edges of the lake, large clusters of some plant Poseidon probably won't recognize grow, their green leaves and pink and white flowers sitting just on the surface. Past those, various kinds of seaweed can be seen along the lake floor, along with swimming creatures: small turtles and strange spotted four legged creatures. Some of those same creatures can be seen sitting on the plant leaves as well.
The area around the lake itself is immaculate. The grass is short, there's no debris, and the trees have stayed well away from the shore, letting in a perfect amount of sunlight that adds to the divine feeling of the place. Towards the back of the lake on one side is some kind of human built structure. It's small and judging by the state of the gold paint it's also well taken care of. It doesn't seem to serve any immediately obvious purpose, at least not if the ways of humans are unfamiliar, but there is a section of it that someone has set up a vase of fresh flowers and left a plate of sliced fish. A few well treaded pathways can be seen coming from the area into the woods.
There's no sound at all, except a constant chorus of some kind of chirping that doesn't sound like birds. The area is serene and peaceful otherwise.
[Poseidon is silent for a while, unable to help but stiffening when a sudden image appears in his mind that he didn't initially think of. It's....gorgeous. Stunning, really, and despite how small it is (it's way too small, if you ask him) it's an area befitting a god. The structure isn't something he fully understands, and he can guess that the little spotted creatures are the frogs that Megami was gushing about. The lake itself draws him like a moth to a flame. Instinctively, he wants to dive into it to see just how deep the water goes.
As a whole, it's an impressively well kept area despite the tragedy that struck so long ago. It makes Poseidon wonder what things must have been like before that happened...probably a lot busier with humans visiting constantly, yet still serene assuming all of the humans were respectful of the place.]
[ Poseidon doesn't have to wonder that for long, because after a moment of silence Megami speaks again ]
Thank you... it doesn't... quite look like this anymore but...
[ For a moment the image changes. The grass is a bit longer, reeds have started to creep in among the lotus flowers, the forest isn't as dense and the human structure... well it's clearly aged. The gold paint has worn almost completely away, moss has overtaken most of the wood, and the vase from before lays on the ground in shattered pieces. The sunlight is covered in overcast making everything look dreary, but worse of all the blue hue of the water has dimmed, tainted by ash...
It's still beautiful but sadder.
Then Megami shakes his head and the previous image, one of fonder times is back. ]
[This new sight that Poseidon is presented with is sobering. It's easily enough to nearly shock him out of his reverie with the anger it fills him with, especially since he initially thought the first image was the real one.
Now everything is just...so tarnished. Devoid of care and previous signs of the reverence it once had...and it makes him very, very angry to see.
He grits his teeth as the first image melts back into view, but now he knows the truth. It's hard to go back.]
What a waste.
[He says with disdain, and it's clear that if he ever met the god of the volcanoe, only one of them would be around to talk about it.]
I am so sorry. It...you never deserved what happened to it.
[ Megami for this part... doesn't seem to realize he showed Poseidon the current state of the lake. So he presumes Poseidon is only speaking of the memory.
He also doesn't want to dwell, so he tries to brighten up. ]
A-Anyway-- h-here, here!
[ the viewer in the memory (Megami himself obviously) moves to the edge of the lake then and peers over. Between the lotus leaves, tiny black "fish" are swimming about, a frog closely watching atop a lotus leaf. ]
See! That's a frog there! And those are her babies! They're called tadpoles!
[He doesn't have much of a chance to continue to stew on what he's seen, because Megami is suddenly- excitedly- showing him these mysterious frogs that he speaks of.
And...the young look nothing like the actual frog, and that baffles Poseidon greatly.]
My...why would they ever grow legs to live on the land? Are they not perfectly happy in the lake?
They do like the lake... they need the lake in fact! But they like to be out of the lake too and do things they can't do without legs!
[ Memory-Megami reaches down at that point and picks up the mother frog carefully. She doesn't seem to mind but that's probably because Megami is friends with the frogs and they're comfortable with him. The closer to view the memory brings it the clearer it becomes that the chirping sound was coming from the frogs. ]
Without legs you can't climb trees or walk on land or--
[ and then very suddenly the frog leaps out of hand, back towards the water with a splash. As it does, other frogs in the area get startled and hop away to other lotus pads ]
[Seeing and hearing Megami talk about the frogs is...really endearing, honestly. Maybe he doesn't understand why they are the way they are, but he can tell that Megami likes them very much regardless. Poseidon himself can't help but be charmed as well.
...do frogs climb trees? He supposes they would, if Megami mentioned it...what a strange and quite long shift from water to land for such small creatures.]
My goodness. They do seem rather energetic! And there are quite a few of them besides.
The turtles...they look rather different from the ones I am used to. Very......round.
They're cute, aren't they? I very much love their shell patterns.
[ The view gets closer to the ground then - Memory Megami is crouching and looking at the plants ]
Ah- but these are possibly my favorite thing besides the frogs. I grew them myself!
[ A hand comes into view to caress a flower ]
It's call a lotus. The humans in this region think very highly of them. Even though they grow from the mud, dirt cannot stick to them and they rise above to bloom beautifully. Because of that they're viewed by many as a symbol of the journey to enlightenment. Overcoming hardship and humble beginnings to rise above to heaven...
[ then he laughs sheepishly ]
Ah... but my reasons for growing them are not that deep I'm afraid.
[He just barely stops himself from commenting on how they are beautiful like he is, but he's...not interested in severing the connection to this memory just yet. He's enjoying getting to see what Megami's home used to be like. What it should still be like.]
And meaningful, regardless for your reasons for letting them grow. And I am sure the animals appreciate them very much...especially the frogs.
[ He's silently grateful Poseidon isn't asking what the actual reason was. Because the answer to that is they make good snacks. And that's embarrassing. ]
They do. And the humans appreciated them too. Each part of them is edible, you know! They used to gather up the pods after they were shed and left me all sorts of meals as offerings...
[ Okay he needs to stop thinking about that before he gets too sad. Or before Poseidon realizes his true intent. ]
[ The viewpoint shifts and dives into the water and now there's a full view below the surface...
The most surprising thing is probably that... the center is suddenly not that deep at all. The lake is still quite deep but nothing in comparison to where the merfolk live obviously and the going ons above are still visible. It's definitely not as deep as that dark blue center might have suggested. ]
Ah-- I apologize if it's a little surprising. There is a spell cast on the surface to make it look much more intimidating so as to dissuade humans from trying to get down here. It's also to give me some privacy.
[ He heads to the center. Unlike Poseidon's reef where their children have a bed places to sit, to eat, things to play with... Megami has nothing. Not even a bed carved out of stone. There is a pile of trinkets, gold coins, children's toys, little statues, etc... and that's... it. ]
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[ Poseidon has never seen a frog before though... oh no that won't do ]
Frogs are my favorite though! They're so cute and always making noise! And before they grow their legs they look like little fish!
You must see one!
[ HOW MEGAMI....... ]
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[They...they what? They...grow legs? From- fish?
??????????]
I have never heard of such a thing...how can a fish grow legs?
[...without the help of a sea witch.]
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Not only do they grow legs they breathe through their skin! They're remarkable!
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I do not quite understand why water born creatures would need legs, in that case...though I do suppose sea turtles have them, and are born on land...
Are they docile?
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...Though I do have to be careful when in my smaller snake form. Some of the larger ones view snakes as snacks.
I wish there were some way to show you them... and my entire lake. Hmm...
[ He's trying to think of some way to do so without bringing Poseidon there directly... ]
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[If there were some way he could shrink himself down or change forms then this wouldn't be a problem...and he'd be able to get to see these strange frog things.]
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[ thinking thinking ]
Oh...! I could show you my memory of it, if you'd allow me.
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[Color him very surprised.]
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If you'll allow me that is.
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[He smiles a little, lifting Megami somewhat in his hand.]
I would love to see your lake, even if I cannot visit.
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[ He sits up finally, having regained enough strength after exhausting it earlier to do so. He puts both hands on one of Poseidon's fingers. ]
You'll need to close your eyes and try to clear your thoughts... all right?
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[The god echoes quietly as he lets his eyes slip closed, keeping his hand still to make it easier for Megami to do his thing. He tries to focus on nothing in particular, letting his mind empty as best he can.]
Alright.
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It may take a bit of time but if Poseidon's mind is truly empty then eventually an image will come to mind.
The image will show a clearing in the middle of a forest. A lake is indeed there, though considering its size, it may be more accurate to call it a pond. It can't be any larger around than their children's room back at the reef; walking around it would take mere minutes, crossing it even faster. The water is a bright, brilliant turquoise blue and completely clear: pure and untouched. Despite the clearness of the water and the size though, it seems impossible to gauge the deepness of the center, where the blue becomes much darker. Around all the edges of the lake, large clusters of some plant Poseidon probably won't recognize grow, their green leaves and pink and white flowers sitting just on the surface. Past those, various kinds of seaweed can be seen along the lake floor, along with swimming creatures: small turtles and strange spotted four legged creatures. Some of those same creatures can be seen sitting on the plant leaves as well.
The area around the lake itself is immaculate. The grass is short, there's no debris, and the trees have stayed well away from the shore, letting in a perfect amount of sunlight that adds to the divine feeling of the place. Towards the back of the lake on one side is some kind of human built structure. It's small and judging by the state of the gold paint it's also well taken care of. It doesn't seem to serve any immediately obvious purpose, at least not if the ways of humans are unfamiliar, but there is a section of it that someone has set up a vase of fresh flowers and left a plate of sliced fish. A few well treaded pathways can be seen coming from the area into the woods.
There's no sound at all, except a constant chorus of some kind of chirping that doesn't sound like birds. The area is serene and peaceful otherwise.
After some time, Megami clears his throat. ]
...W-Well? Can you see it...?
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As a whole, it's an impressively well kept area despite the tragedy that struck so long ago. It makes Poseidon wonder what things must have been like before that happened...probably a lot busier with humans visiting constantly, yet still serene assuming all of the humans were respectful of the place.]
I do...it is incredible, Megami.
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Thank you... it doesn't... quite look like this anymore but...
[ For a moment the image changes. The grass is a bit longer, reeds have started to creep in among the lotus flowers, the forest isn't as dense and the human structure... well it's clearly aged. The gold paint has worn almost completely away, moss has overtaken most of the wood, and the vase from before lays on the ground in shattered pieces. The sunlight is covered in overcast making everything look dreary, but worse of all the blue hue of the water has dimmed, tainted by ash...
It's still beautiful but sadder.
Then Megami shakes his head and the previous image, one of fonder times is back. ]
I'm... still fond.
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Now everything is just...so tarnished. Devoid of care and previous signs of the reverence it once had...and it makes him very, very angry to see.
He grits his teeth as the first image melts back into view, but now he knows the truth. It's hard to go back.]
What a waste.
[He says with disdain, and it's clear that if he ever met the god of the volcanoe, only one of them would be around to talk about it.]
I am so sorry. It...you never deserved what happened to it.
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He also doesn't want to dwell, so he tries to brighten up. ]
A-Anyway-- h-here, here!
[ the viewer in the memory (Megami himself obviously) moves to the edge of the lake then and peers over. Between the lotus leaves, tiny black "fish" are swimming about, a frog closely watching atop a lotus leaf. ]
See! That's a frog there! And those are her babies! They're called tadpoles!
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[He doesn't have much of a chance to continue to stew on what he's seen, because Megami is suddenly- excitedly- showing him these mysterious frogs that he speaks of.
And...the young look nothing like the actual frog, and that baffles Poseidon greatly.]
My...why would they ever grow legs to live on the land? Are they not perfectly happy in the lake?
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[ Memory-Megami reaches down at that point and picks up the mother frog carefully. She doesn't seem to mind but that's probably because Megami is friends with the frogs and they're comfortable with him. The closer to view the memory brings it the clearer it becomes that the chirping sound was coming from the frogs. ]
Without legs you can't climb trees or walk on land or--
[ and then very suddenly the frog leaps out of hand, back towards the water with a splash. As it does, other frogs in the area get startled and hop away to other lotus pads ]
Jump!!
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...do frogs climb trees? He supposes they would, if Megami mentioned it...what a strange and quite long shift from water to land for such small creatures.]
My goodness. They do seem rather energetic! And there are quite a few of them besides.
The turtles...they look rather different from the ones I am used to. Very......round.
[Kindof dumpy, but cute.]
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They're cute, aren't they? I very much love their shell patterns.
[ The view gets closer to the ground then - Memory Megami is crouching and looking at the plants ]
Ah- but these are possibly my favorite thing besides the frogs. I grew them myself!
[ A hand comes into view to caress a flower ]
It's call a lotus. The humans in this region think very highly of them. Even though they grow from the mud, dirt cannot stick to them and they rise above to bloom beautifully. Because of that they're viewed by many as a symbol of the journey to enlightenment. Overcoming hardship and humble beginnings to rise above to heaven...
[ then he laughs sheepishly ]
Ah... but my reasons for growing them are not that deep I'm afraid.
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[He just barely stops himself from commenting on how they are beautiful like he is, but he's...not interested in severing the connection to this memory just yet. He's enjoying getting to see what Megami's home used to be like. What it should still be like.]
And meaningful, regardless for your reasons for letting them grow. And I am sure the animals appreciate them very much...especially the frogs.
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They do. And the humans appreciated them too. Each part of them is edible, you know! They used to gather up the pods after they were shed and left me all sorts of meals as offerings...
[ Okay he needs to stop thinking about that before he gets too sad. Or before Poseidon realizes his true intent. ]
...Would you like to see below the surface?
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[Funnily enough, he might not have even found that weird. He and his sons munch on seaweed and similar things all the time.
But yes, let's not get Sad here, this is supposed to be enjoyable.]
Oh, yes I would!
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[ The viewpoint shifts and dives into the water and now there's a full view below the surface...
The most surprising thing is probably that... the center is suddenly not that deep at all. The lake is still quite deep but nothing in comparison to where the merfolk live obviously and the going ons above are still visible. It's definitely not as deep as that dark blue center might have suggested. ]
Ah-- I apologize if it's a little surprising. There is a spell cast on the surface to make it look much more intimidating so as to dissuade humans from trying to get down here. It's also to give me some privacy.
[ He heads to the center. Unlike Poseidon's reef where their children have a bed places to sit, to eat, things to play with... Megami has nothing. Not even a bed carved out of stone. There is a pile of trinkets, gold coins, children's toys, little statues, etc... and that's... it. ]
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tmw you accidentally show your future husband your baby photos
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