*”Statement of Arbor Gray, regarding an unexpected trip to the middle of the ocean. Original statement given May 21 2012. Audio recording by Jonathan Sims, Head Archivist of the Magnus Institute, London.”*
*”I know how this is going to sound. But I need you to understand I am only here to talk to you simply because I know you and your… patron need these statements. I mean honestly I’ve never been a fan of the eye. Truly too much to worry about with something like that, and rather creepy if I must say. Though I suppose that’s the point is it not? I’m sorry I’m getting off track here. I was ten, ‘too young to remember such events’ I’m sure you're thinking, or perhaps not, you do know all don’t you? But I understand it's important for you to gather the fact I know what happened, and I know what I am, as do you.”*
*”You see, the ocean was always somewhat of an…interest. From the moment I could comprehend what deep even meant I fell in love with the idea of it. Knowing that below the water there is something that not even the prying eyes (pardon the joke) of humanity have seen. It was all so intriguing. I grew up in Edinburgh, and visited the beach often with my parents, John and Anna. But when I was ten, I don't remember how long ago now I’m sure you could tell me couldn’t you? Anyway, I had my first visit to the beach unaccompanied by my parents. I was with a few friends, though I don’t remember their names, I have long since forgotten the specific details. It was only about mid afternoon, a sunny day, but not too warm, a perfect day for a swim. And so that's just what I did. I left the group for the ocean, something I had done with my parents many times before.“*
*”The second I felt the water on my feet it felt like everything else just melted away. See it wasn’t just about the swim, I wanted to see how far I could go. It was a little game I often played with myself, well more like a challenge. But with my parents around I was always called back before I could get nearly as far as I would like. And so without their interference, and my friends' lack of attention, I swam. It couldn’t have been more than a minute at most when I turned to see how far I had gone, only to see the beach was completely gone. Nothing but the vast blue and line of the horizon. But even I knew I couldn’t be that far from shore, but…I wasn’t scared. I felt calm, the tranquility of it all made me relaxed for lack of a better term. There was nothing but the water below and around me, the empty sky all that rested above. No one could be seen, all was silent, even the birds did not exist, nor the fish. It was all so blue. I've always enjoyed blue.”*
*”The vastness of the waters, it filled me with something I can’t even begin to explain, especially not on paper. I’d have to show you, perhaps you’d care to join me on a trip to the beach someday? I only jest, partially. I’m sure my own ‘patron’ would like a bit of fresh fear, don't you think? No? Well I suppose no harm done. Now, where was I? Oh yes, I floated there for who knows how long? I don’t know when the sun fell below the horizon, casting me and the waters in a dark I have never known before, only the stars cast their light down upon me for what little it was worth. It wasn’t until a rescue boat came for me did I realize how dark it was. The sudden introduction of people that dreaded interruption. I tried to swim away, to enjoy the vast expanse of my watery solitude for just a bit longer. But what good is a ten year old boy swimming to that of a rescue vessel? I kicked and screamed, tried to fight my way back to the water when they pulled me out, the deep calling to me louder than it ever had before. They claimed it was hysteria caused by dehydration and exhaustion. But I knew, I know, they were wrong. I wasn’t hysterical, I am not hysterical. I know what I wanted, I wanted back in that water, to explore the true vastness of it all. Not just how far out I could go, how could I limit myself on a two dimensional plain? I wanted to explore down, visit what no one else could, I even wanted to go up, search the skies for the same blue of the ocean. And now, I suppose I can, from that day on I transformed. Sure I still have the appearance of a man, and age like one too, though that process is slower than even you might comprehend. I am not here to have you look into my terrors, but instead to gaze upon my accomplishment, the freedom I now have. The sky is truly a magnificent blue, but none compare to that of the ocean itself, I have always loved blue.”*
*”It’s hard to prove any of this. Mister Gray’s Parents did accept a follow up with us, giving us the name of one of their son's friends who still lives, Mister Colin Shepard. He as well as Gray’s parents tell the same story. Arbor was swept out to sea by the tide, no one noticed until he did not return a few minutes after his disappearance. And hours later he was found by a rescue ship sent for him. His parents haven’t heard from him in over 20 years. Poor Mr. Gray wasn’t in good shape when Sasha went to speak with them, cancer. Though the Grays did admit a large lake began to grow in their back yard when the diagnosis was given. Not sure what that could mean, but I can't help but feel a connection with a certain Simon Fairchild within this statement. His name isn’t strictly mentioned, however Mister Shepard, in our follow up interview, did mention they had gone to an old man, who gave them the name Simon, for help. It is a very loose connection, but I cannot afford to take many chances with the Fairchilds, any statement I suspect has his involvement I am inclined to take note of.”*
