By Crystal Arbogast

----- As the summer sun peeked over the edge of the blue ocean, the
dolphin plunged vertically out of the water as if it were a rocket. Flashes of fin and white belly rotated in a spinning motion before crashing back into the sparkling depths. Others in the family broke the surface in the same fashion. The smaller calves raised their heads above the water to take in much needed air after a long sleep.
----- The young male enjoyed being the first to break the surface each morning. Although keeping a steadfast eye on his mother, he was no longer bound to stay by her immediate side. There were moments when he was frightened, such as the time the school was signaled by the male scouts of danger as it approached sharks. During this particular time, he found himself rushing to the comforting underbelly of his mother as the dolphins raced to the shadowy depths for safety.
----- The day was like most others he could remember in his lifetime. The brilliant globe of light appeared; the family awakened and rose to the surface to breathe. He wondered if he would see the strange creatures which floated above the water again. Upon his first encounter with them, he was afraid. Soon, his fears were soothed as he discovered that the creatures meant no harm to him. They seemed to have an endless supply of food and he wondered how this could be possible. After a period of time, he became familiar with their caress and enjoyed playing with them. Perhaps he would see them today.
----- The warm globe rose higher in the sky. The dolphin raced ahead, relishing everything about the day. The light's reflection on the water encompassed the world that he knew and loved. Signals from the scouts ahead indicated caution. On this day, he felt brave and chose not to run to his mother in moments of danger. The time would come when he would join the older males. He would share the responsibility of being a protector.
----- In the distance, the dolphin saw another floating thing. Curiosity drove him onwards. Perhaps he would be fed and enjoy some playtime with the strange creatures above the surface. A strange clicking noise could be heard in the distance. This was most curious to him. The sounds were almost a language to his ears although he could not interpret them. Did the creatures above make these sounds? What do they mean? Perhaps they signaled to others as the scouts do for the school. What kind of dangers do they experience above and what maneuvers are used to escape?
----- Beneath the school, a shadow crept ever so slowly towards the surface. The clicking sound seemed to grow louder and the dolphins' circle grew smaller as something strange and powerful enveloped them. Within moments, the ability to break free of the shadow became impossible. The family became engulfed in this strange creature and he could feel himself being pulled. Panic set in and his heart beat wildly as he tried to wrest himself free. In all of the pandemonium, he thought of his mother. He was torn between the need to be comforted by her presence and the need for oxygen.
----- In an effort to breathe, the Spinner Dolphin tried desperately to rise up to the surface and fill his bursting lungs. The cries of others in the school filled his head and darkness crept to the edge of his eyes. He was growing weaker, and he realized that he was being pulled by the floating thing. Surely the friendly creatures that fed him would set him free! He cried out as the vessel moved closer. The light sparkled on the surface and burst into a million diamonds. One flickering spark shone in the young dolphin's eye. He lurched towards the light; it was gone.