Pavel runs across the winding sand bar road, steam rising on either side. He chants as he runs:

Pavel: ow hot ow hot ow hot ow hot ow hot ow hot

The hot waters and the morning sun have heated the sands to the point where his bare feet burn with each step. Finally, he throws himself into the shadows of the first tunnel with a fwump. He collects himself, clutching his oar to his chest and glancing behind him as he pants. Like the cave walls by the beach, the grey stone around him is carved with glowing cyan designs, reminiscent of stars or suns.

Pavel: Eddy… I really hope you just went to the bathroom…

Voice: He did-- right before going to find ME.

Pavel flinches and looks to find an older woman looking distastefully down at him. She has grey hair tied back behind her head and a feather barrette. Small spectacles sit on the end of her nose and her robes are a deep black with a turquoise blue accenting the seams and adornments. She holds the twin of his walkie talkie in her hand and from behind her, A boy with red hair and pink eyes pokes his head out to look at Pavel.

Woman: Your poor roommate is trying so hard to keep you alive, Mr. Morena. Won’t you show some gratitude in return?

Pavel is unimpressed.

Pavel: Aww, sure. That’s VERY nice of him. Thanks, Eddy.

The boy scowls.

Eddy: You’re welcome. Stupid.