Water swirls all around the team's makeshift boat. Occasional splashes of the dirt-riddled water douse the creatures, causing them to shiver.

Olimar, on the other hand, has taken to the edge of the plate, nervous as to what could be happening. The water rushes beneath his eyes, casting brown and dark blue reflections on the transparent glass of the captain's helmet. He swallows nervously, as tiny drops of water collide with his suit. Nothing can permeate the fabric, it's made to withstand these kinds of conditions. But, there's always a risk.

Olimar sits back down, checking behind him to make sure he doesn't squish one of his companions. His eyes drift up from the yellow-white porcelain beneath him, to the mass of pikmin beside him.

The creatures jump and twist about, dodging the various pebbles and rocks the water has flung at them. The purple ones, though, seem to have offered themselves as a sort of shield, sacrificing their chubby bodies to protect the scrawnier ones. The dance performed by the teammates is quite a spectacle. With the entire picture completed, it appears to be mass chaos, but with an underlying sense of order.

Olimar sighs, taking comfort in the fact that he's still able to see his breath hit the glass of his helmet. The only thing illuminating the tiny area around him, is the light perched atop his head. The pikmin don't seem to mind, though. Perhaps they're used to such odd conditions.

The captain returns his focus to the water in front of him, growing anxious as time passes. His hands clutch madly at the edge of the plate, keeping him steady, and from flying off of the back. His eyes widen, and he swallows nervously, as he leans over the water a bit more, to examine it.

A red pikmin stumbles up to its leader, and grabs the fabric on Olimar's arm. It gives a slight tug, hoping to catch his attention. The captain doesn't respond, too engrossed in the water's hypnotic abilities to notice the creature trying to tell him something. The pikmin pulls a bit harder on Olimar's suit.

The captain flinches, and then looks down at the member of his crew. The pikmin offers a hug, stretching out its arms as wide as possible. Olimar smoothes down the leaf on its head, not wanting to crush its fragile body. It snuggles close, hiding itself beneath the white fabric of Olimar's spacesuit.

Olimar grits his teeth, and despite the darkness, glances behind the plate. Nothing but the dimly illuminated splashes of dirty water. He purses his lips, and stands, slightly unsteady, due to the plate's rapidly increasing speed.

The pikmin have not stopped their fearful dance. They continue bouncing about, dodging the stones and bits of tree root hurled at them. The music they dance to is drowned out by the sound of rushing water.

Olimar collapses next to a group of purple and yellow pikmin huddled together, and does not stir.

A/N

Short. Chapter. Anyways, that doesn't matter, the next one will have PLENTY of action ;D

So, thanks for reading, and have a great day!

-Twilit Lady of Majesty