A Worthwhile Invention
The primal pals take a leisure trip to the Alohas Super Resort at Nezha's suggestion. Medusa and Satyr end up getting hooked on a mortal invention called a "water slide," mastering each and every one before the day is done.
Satyr: Wooow! I heard Alohas was big, but it's positively ginormous!
Baal: Hm. The pictures in the travel guide didn't do it justice.
Nezha: Indeed. I can see why it's called a super resort. There's quite a lot to take in.
Medusa: Humph. I guess it isn't too bad—for a mortal amusement, anyway.
The Primal Pals survey the resort, with its leisure facilities stretching out as far as the eye can see.
It all began when they gathered for one of their sporadic meet-ups...
Satyr: Hey, this might sound totally out of the blue, but why don't we all head to the ocean?
Satyr: Last time we met up, we went on a picnic in the mountains, right? So I figure somewhere with water'd be nice this time!
Medusa: Oh, you mean that one time we played house?
She recalls the time she and the Primal Pals sat down to a make-believe meal.
Satyr: Okay, everyone, what time is it?
Medusa: Dinnertime!
Satyr: Be sure to eat a bunch, everyone! There's a lot left over for seconds!
Village Girl: ...
Satyr: Ah! The girl looks interested!
Medusa: All right, let's keep it up!
Medusa: Now open wiiide!
It was thanks to their "picnic" that they could befriend the shy little girl.
Medusa: Can you even call that a picnic? Besides, I only played along because you all roped me into it.
Baal: So you say, but I could see that twinkle in your eyes. You were enjoying yourself.
Medusa: A-as if! There wasn't anything better to do, so I graciously gave my time! That's all!
Nezha: That aside, our surroundings were less mountainous and more forest-like.
Medusa: That's the part you're fixated on?
Medusa: Anyway, it's not that I'm against the idea of the ocean, but this isn't the best time of year for it.
As she speaks, a snappy breeze dances across Medusa's skin, making her shiver.
Medusa: We might be primals, but I don't think any of us would enjoy swimming in the freezing cold.
Satyr: Hmm, you've got a point...
Medusa: Personally, I'd rather go somewhere warm, like a hot spring.
Satyr: Aww, that's a great idea Meddy! Let's do that instead!
Baal: Just remember, a hot spring is for soaking, not for swimming.
Medusa: I know that! Stop treating me like I'm a kid!
Medusa: What about you? Do you have any bright ideas?
Baal: As long as I can listen to music at my leisure, I don't care where we go.
Medusa: Sigh... Figures. It's your trip too, you know. You could at least help us brainstorm...
Nezha: Hm. A venue where we can all enjoy ourselves... A place where Baal can indulge in music, somewhere temperate with water...
Nezha: In that case... the Alohas Super Resort would likely suit our needs.
Medusa: Super... What now?
Satyr: What's an Alohas?
Nezha: Most people just refer to it as Alohas. It's a popular resort that opened not too long ago. I read about it in this travel guide.
Satyr: Ohh, let me see!
Medusa and Baal also sidle closer to check out the feature in the guide.
Satyr: Heeey, they have indoor heated pools! No need to worry about getting cold that way!
Baal: They also have performances incorporating music and dance. Interesting.
Nezha: I'd say that covers everything we're looking for, wouldn't you?
Medusa: Your reading interests are really branching out, huh? They're more... mortal-leaning these days.
Nezha: So, what will it be? I myself wouldn't mind trying out this so-called "scalp massage."
Medusa: Sure, why not? It doesn't look like any other place will come close to what we're all looking for anyway.
Satyr: Woohoo! Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, go, gooo!
The four part ways. Baal heads to the nearest stage to watch a performance, while Nezha goes off in search of his scalp massage.
Medusa and Satyr change into swimsuits and make their way to the pool, where they lounge in the warm waters.
Medusa: Ahh, the water feels great!
Satyr: Right? It doesn't get better than this!
The two drift peacefully down the lazy river, letting their cares wash away with each lap of the currents.
Satyr: Your swimsuit looks adorable too! Ahh, I could just stay here all day, basking in your cuteness!
Medusa: Not to sound suspicious or anything, but you didn't suggest going to the ocean because you wanted to get me into this swimsuit, did you?
Satyr: Teehee. Maybe just a teeeensy bit.
Medusa: Sigh... I can always count on you to do you, Satyr.
Medusa: Well, it's not like I've had the chance to wear this until now anyway. I guess I owe you thanks for that.
Satyr: You know, I wondered about that! What made you get a swimsuit in the first place?
Satyr: I mean, I didn't know you even owned one!
Medusa: Huh? Oh... Well, that's because...
Medusa: I was sort of... kind of invited...
Satyr: Really? By who?
Medusa: Wh-who cares about the details! The point is, I finally got a chance to wear it, and I'm not letting it go to waste!
Eager to brush the topic aside, Medusa points to a peculiar looking structure nearby.
Medusa: I want to check that out! The way it twists and turns reminds me of Medusiana!
Satyr: Oh, I know what that is! It's a water slide! That's what the sign we passed by said!
Satyr: You slide down along with a bunch of water, and when you get to the bottom, you make this huuuge splash!
Medusa: Huh. Mortals sure do come up with some weird ideas.
Medusa: But we did come all the way here. Let's give this water slide thing a try!
Medusa and Satyr climb the stairs to the water slide and eventually find themselves at the front of the line.
Medusa: So I just have to enter this tube and slide down? Seems easy enough.
Satyr: Have fun, Meddy! Be careful out there, okay? I'll see you on the other side!
Medusa: Careful? It's just a trip down a slide. What's the big deal?
Satyr: Wellll, the sign said this slide is an intermediate level one, so it might be more intense than you're expecting.
Medusa: Pfft, as if a winding tube is going to get the better of me! Watch, I'll glide as gracefully as a cloud!
Medusa: Here goes!
Medusa: Wh-whoa! H-hey, this is—
Medusa picks up speed, each turn coming more swiftly and sharply than the last. Finally, she shoots out of the slide, crashing into the water with a mighty splash.
Medusa: Bwah!
Medusa: Oww... I didn't think I'd hit the water that hard. That slide should come with a warn—
Satyr: Wheeee!
Satyr: Aww, that was fun! You were right about hitting up the water slide, Meddy!
Medusa: Mrrgggh!
Satyr: Huh? Why the frowny face, Meddy?
Medusa: Again! We're going again!
Medusa scrambles out of the pool and marches up the stairs to the water slide again.
Medusa: I wasn't prepared the first time, but this time, I'm going to show this slide who's boss!
Medusa: Bring it!
Medusa: How's that! Was that a perfect run or what?
Satyr: You were so fast, I almost didn't see you! The huge wave you made when you came out was so cool!
Medusa: I think I've got the hang of this slide! Let's try out one of the expert-level ones next!
Burning with the desire to conquer all the water slides in the resort, Medusa makes a beeline for the next one she sees.
Before the day is done, there isn't a slide she hasn't mastered.
Medusa: Whew! That was great! I feel so refreshed!
Nezha: You seem to have really enjoyed yourself.
Satyr: Uh-huh. Meddy took on every water slide in the resort! She's like, a water slide pro now!
Medusa: Not bad for a mortal invention. I suppose they deserve some praise for coming up with the idea.
Baal: You can never just be honest with your feelings, can you?
Medusa: Yawn... The slides were fun, but maybe it was too much of a good thing... I'm really sleepy...
Satyr: Then why don't we stay overnight, since we're here and all? That way, we can start off rested and refreshed tomorrow!
Baal: If you insist.
Nezha: If we're staying, I'd like to partake of the hot springs. I didn't get the chance earlier in the day, so it all works out.
Satyr: A hot spring sounds like the perfect way to end the day! Come on, Meddy! You too!
Medusa: Okay, okay. Just stop pulling at me.
After a soak in the hot springs, Medusa finally sinks into bed, pleasantly exhausted after a fun day with her primal pals.
Competitive to the Core
Medusa and Satyr arrive at the Alohas pool to see a man called the Water Slide Surfer glide across the water. When Medusa tries to imitate him unsuccessfully, the man offers to give her pointers, but this just angers her and causes her to quit for the day.
On their next day in Alohas, Medusa and Satyr head straight back to the pool.
Medusa: Another day, another challenge! Let's move out!
Satyr: Teehee, coming here really was the right choice! You're all fired up and ready to go!
The two of them race to the water, but slow down when they see a crowd of children gathered by one of the slides.
Satyr: Heeey, there's a pretty big crowd over there! I wonder what's going on?
Medusa: That's the pool you slide into at the end of the ride. Why are they just standing there?
Resortgoer: All right, slide's all clear. Better step back from the edge, kiddos—safety first!
Resortgoer: Hup!
Resortgoer: Wooooo!
Just as he hits the water, the man sticks his arms out on either side to balance himself.
Still maintaining his speed, he glides across the water's surface before coming gracefully to a stop poolside.
Medusa: No way! What did I just see?
Satyr: Wowee! He just skimmed the water the whole way across!
Junior Resortgoer: Whoa! That. Was. Epic!
Junior Resortgoer: Yeah! I've heard about the Water Slide Surfer, but this is my first time seeing him in action!
Medusa: Water Slide... Surfer?
Water Slide Surfer: Hahaha! Thanks for the support, everyone. 'Ppreciate it.
Water Slide Surfer: But don't forget: safety first! Gotta know the rules before breaking them, amirite?
Water Slide Surfer: I can show you the ropes, but we need to get you limbered up before we get down to business. You ready?
Junior Resortgoers: Ready!
Satyr: They're hanging on to his every word! I can see why, with an amazing move like that!
Medusa: True. It's not a skill that will come in handy anywhere else, but I do wonder how he came up with it.
Satyr: Why don't we find out? Let's go talk to him; we can learn how to surf the water too while we're at it!
Medusa: I'll pass. It doesn't look that hard, anyway. I'm sure I'll have it figured out in no time.
Satyr: Ooh, count me in! We'll see which one of us can master it first!
Medusa: You're on! I should warn you, I'm a quick study—give me a minute and I'll be surfing rings around everyone!
The two race up the stairs to the water slide. Satyr is up first.
Satyr: Here goes nothing!
Satyr: Eek!
Satyr: Cough!
Satyr: Aww, I sank like a stone! This is harder than it looks!
Medusa: Guess I'm next. Here we go!
Medusa: My turn!
Medusa flings her arms out, but only succeeds in making a big splash as she's submerged underwater.
Medusa: W-well, it's not like I was expecting to nail it the first time. I'll get it perfect on the next run!
Medusa takes run after run down the slide, but every attempt ends up with her diving right into the water.
Medusa: Grr, why can't I get it! I just have to throw out my arms, right? What am I doing wrong?
Water Slide Surfer: Hey, you holding up all right?
Satyr: Oh! It's the Water Slide Surfer!
Water Slide Surfer: Your determination is like, supes inspiring. Good on you for keeping at it.
Water Slide Surfer: But it takes a lot more than jumping in and hoping for the best, ya know? It took me forever to get that move down right.
Water Slide Surfer: You'll get there if you keep up the hard work. I can give you a few pointers, if you like.
Medusa: ...
Medusa: Humph! Who asked you? I've had enough of swimming for one day anyway!
Medusa: Let's go, Satyr!
Satyr: H-huh? Meddy?
Satyr: Where are you going? Wait for me!
After leaving the pool, the two treat themselves to a scalp massage. Finally, they end up lounging in the lobby.
Satyr: That massage really hit the spot! I could practically feel my follicles jumping for joy!
Medusa: ...
Satyr: M-Meddy? Didn't you like the massage? Did you want to do something else instead?
Medusa: No, that's not it...
Medusa: (Grrr! That mortal's words are rubbing my scales the wrong way—but why?)
Medusa: Sorry, Satyr. I must be more tired than I thought. I'm going to get some rest.
Satyr: Are you sure? I can go with you...
Medusa: I'm fine. I just need some time alone.
Satyr: M-Meddy...
Satyr's brows furrow in worry as she watches her friend trek back to their lodgings.
Competitive to the Core: Scene 2
Medusa returns to the pool at night to practice alone, but she is soon joined by the other primal pals. She confesses to them that she doesn't understand why she's so obsessed, but her friends reassure her that it's just because she doesn't like to give up.
Medusa: All right, let's do this one more time!
Night has fallen upon the resort. Under cover of darkness, Medusa practices run after run, trying to surf across the water.
But no matter how many times she tries, the results are always the same.
Medusa: Sigh... I'm not getting anywhere.
Flopping onto her back, she floats on the water's surface. She stares at the ceiling, as though it could provide her with answers.
Medusa: Why am I so hung up on this, anyway?
Medusa: It's not like doing this will be useful. It's not going to magically awaken my sisters, or anything important.
Medusa: This is stupid...
Satyr: Meddy!
Medusa: Satyr? What are you doing here?
Satyr takes a running dive into the pool, then wades over to Medusa.
Satyr: Meddy! I'm so glad I found you! Are you all right? You're not hurt, are you?
Medusa: Why would I be hurt? I was just thinking, that's all.
Satyr: Oh, I'm sooo relieved! I thought you were a goner!
Satyr: When I saw you just floating there, not moving, I thought maybe you bumped your head or something, and I got freaked out...
Medusa: Your imagination really gets the better of you sometimes. But... I am sorry for scaring you like that.
Medusa: Back to my original question: what are you doing out here?
Satyr: Oh. Um, well, you see...
Nezha: Satyr was concerned for you, since you weren't acting like your usual self.
Baal: She asked us to help search for you, so here we are.
Medusa: W-wait a second... Don't tell me you were all watching me the entire time!
Baal: We were. We saw every single strange pose you took before you landed in the water.
Medusa: ...!
Medusa: Grr! You could have said something, you know!
Nezha: We figured you wanted to do this alone. That's why you chose to practice at night, isn't it?
Satyr: Sorry for barging in on you like this, but you can talk to us, you know? We're pals, aren't we?
Medusa: It's not like I'm hiding stuff from you guys...
Medusa: ...
Medusa: I'm just... frustrated. Why can't I do what a mere mortal can pull off with ease?
Medusa: It's not even a useful skill, but for some reason, not being able to do it made me even more desperate to pin it down.
Medusa: And the more I tried, the more annoyed I got... Sounds pretty dumb, doesn't it?
Baal: Huh. Is that all?
Medusa: Excuse me? Here I am pouring my heart out, and that's all you can be bothered to say?
Baal: I'm just saying, you've always been dense when it comes to your feelings.
Medusa: Are you trying to pick a fight with me? What does that even mean, anyway?
Satyr: He just means that once you decide to do something, you give it your all!
Satyr: You don't give up, you don't let anything stand in your way! That's what makes you the Meddy we all know and love!
Baal: Don't put words in my mouth. I meant she's stubborn, plain and simple.
Medusa: Pot, meet kettle! You're the last person who should be throwing stones!
Nezha: Call it what you will, you do have an unmatched determination to see things through.
Nezha: We're all aware of that, and we're here to stand by you.
Medusa: Wh-why are you all so... so...
Nezha: Heh.
Medusa: Did you just laugh at me? You did! And stop looking at me like I'm some wayward child that needs looking after!
Satyr: You want to make this work, right? You want to be able to surf across the pool?
Satyr: Then we'll all work together to support you! Think of us as your personal cheer squad! Yay!
Medusa: Satyr...
Nezha: Though we haven't seen the Water Slide Surfer in action for ourselves, we can make a few suggestions based on what we've seen of your technique.
Baal: Besides, it's not like you're going to let us go home until you're good and satisfied. If we're going to do this, we're going to do it right.
Medusa: Nezha... Baal...
Medusa squeezes her eyes shut and then slaps at her cheeks, shoring herself up.
Medusa: Okay! If you guys really want to do this, then who am I to back down?
Medusa: Besides, if I let something like this get me down, how in the skies am I ever going to reunite with my sisters?
Satyr: Yeah! You said it! Go, Meddy, go!
Cheered on by her primal pals, Medusa takes on the water slide once more.
Satyr, Nezha, and Baal watch on, sending words of encouragement. The four stay together until the resort closes for the night.
Competitive to the Core: Scene 3
The next day, Medusa shows the Water Slide Surfer the fruits of her training, sliding gracefully across the water. After apologizing to him for her rude behavior, she cheers up and spends the rest of day being called "Miss Water Slide Surfer" by the children.
Medusa: Phew...
Medusa stands at the entrance to the water slide and takes deep, steadying breaths.
Waiting by the pool below are Satyr, Nezha, Baal... and the Water Slide Surfer.
Medusa: There you are! I've been searching for you everywhere!
Water Slide Surfer: Hm? Oh, you're the one from yesterday...
Medusa, spotting the Water Slide Surfer, calls out to him and waves her hand.
Medusa: Good. I wasn't sure you'd still be here, but I guess I lucked out.
Water Slide Surfer: You were looking for me? Well, you've found me. What can I do for you?
Medusa: ...
Medusa: Look, I know we didn't get off on the right foot, but I was wondering if you'd watch one of my runs.
Medusa: I spent hours practicing after we talked. I think I've finally got the hang of it.
Water Slide Surfer: You don't say...
Medusa: You're the one who inspired me to try water slide surfing in the first place, so I want you to watch me do a run.
Medusa: I... hope that's all right?
Water Slide Surfer: ...
Water Slide Surfer: All right. Show me the fruit of your training!
Medusa: (I can't fail, not when I made a point of asking him to come watch.)
Medusa: I've got this! I know I do!
Medusa: (I've got to put my feet together and think of myself as a sharp, pointed javelin. That way, I'll pick up speed, and...)
Medusa: (Let gravity do the rest!)
As she gets closer to the pool, Medusa lets instinct take over and thrusts her arms out on either side of her.
Medusa: (Keep your arms straight and lift your legs so they're just above the water's surface! Make sure your balance is steady!)
Medusa: Gooo!
Maintaining her posture, Medusa glides across the water's surface...
And comes to a graceful stop poolside.
Medusa: I... I did it... I really did it!
Satyr: Meddyyy! Congratulations!
Nezha: Your practice has paid off.
Baal: Good. All that time we spent didn't go to waste.
Junior Resortgoer: You. Were. Amazing!
Junior Resortgoer: You're like, a totally different person from yesterday!
Medusa: H-huh? What do you think you're doing? Who said you could hug me?
Water Slide Surfer: Hahaha! Looks like you've got yourself a fan club.
Medusa: I... Oh...
Water Slide Surfer: You really killed it out there. I didn't think I'd get to witness such superb form.
Medusa: I just remembered what you did when I saw you surf the first time. It's not hard, when you've got a memory like mine.
Medusa: And, um... I'm sorry about the other day. You were just trying to help, and I bit your head off.
Water Slide Surfer: Hey, no harm, no foul! It's all water under the bridge. Or water under the slide, I guess.
Medusa: Still, you didn't have to hear me out. Why did you? You could have just refused.
Water Slide Surfer: I could feel your determination. You know, I used to have a teacher who was tough on me, so I know how frustrating it is when you can't do something right.
Water Slide Surfer: In fact, they were so tough that they drove away every other student except me.
Water Slide Surfer: The art of water slide surfing's dying out 'cause hardly anyone's doing it anymore, so like, I felt pressure to pass on what I know.
Water Slide Surfer: But here you are. You're like, the savior of the water slide surfing world.
Medusa: Oh. I guess that makes sense.
Medusa: No, wait. It doesn't! I never said I wanted to carry on your legacy!
Medusa: This is the first time I'm hearing about any of this!
Junior Resortgoer: Can you show us that move again, Miss Water Slide Surfer?
Medusa: Hold it! What's with the weird nickname? I never agreed to this!
Medusa: Mrrrgh, fine! I'll do it just one more time! But only because you asked so nicely!
Medusa: Don't you even dare to blink, because I'm not doing it again!
Satyr: Teehee, looks like Meddy's cheered up!
Medusa gives in to the children's request and zips down the water slide again.
Though she grumbles and complains, the smile on her face is all anyone needs to know how she truly feels. And so, Medusa and her friends bask in their last day at the resort.