by Dee J. Stone
She leans her body closer to mine, and I do not know why, but I feel warmer. “How do you do that?” she asks.
I can trust this human. Yes, I am quite certain I can. No harm will befall me if I were to divulge a little information on how the children of the sea fare in the ocean. She is sharing a part of her world with me, and it is only befitting that I return the favor. And I…enjoy conversing with her. “Father along with my younger brother and I hunt for food. As soon as we see an edible fish, we attempt to seize it. There is a location on the fish we must bite in order to kill it. Then we place all the fish in a large oyster shell and bring it home to the rest of the family.”
“Wow. That’s pretty cool.”
Cool? I once again do not understand the words of this human. “The sea’s temperature is cool. The deep sea is extremely cold and dark. We do not venture too deep unless needed. The king sends a party to explore the deep sea. It is the only area we have not fully explored.”
She smiles.
There is once again noise coming from the door that I assume is the exit of the house. Cassie is now on her legs. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
I am beyond curious. I gradually place myself on my legs and walk to the entryway between the kitchen and the room that has many large chairs and a table in the center. It appears to be a room where humans relax. From my location, I can see the entrance to the house. Cassie stands in front of the door. The familiar female human known as Leah is before her, holding clothing. Cassie thanks her as she takes the clothes and places her arms around her.
Leah tilts her head toward the interior of the house, and every part of me fills with panic. I quickly hide behind the wall of this kitchen so she does not see me. My heart beats so rapidly that I cannot hear the next words that are exchanged between Cassie and Leah. When it does subside, I hear her say farewell to her friend. I hurry to the table and lower myself back on the chair.
She enters the kitchen with the clothes in her arms. I stand before taking them, examining them. I cannot fathom why humans conceal their bodies. We know it is due to their reproductive organs, but must they conceal their whole bodies? “I cannot imagine this being comfortable.” I hold a blue-colored object over my chest. I do not understand how this is to fit me.
Cassie laughs—that beautiful laugh that sends more joy through my body. She takes the object from me, turns it the opposite way, and returns it to me. “Believe me, you don’t want to be running around with nothing more than a towel. Although, I’m pretty sure some girls on the beach would love that.”
Now I understand. My legs are meant to fit in these two divided parts. But I do not like the way it feels on my skin. “This substance…it is rough.”
She informs me that this particular clothing is called jeans and is meant to feel rough. She then tells me to get dressed in another room, explaining the correct way to wear the shirt, which is meant to cover my torso. I cannot imagine my chest being masked this way. Never in my life have I been with my chest anything but bare. She tells me she will get dressed upstairs.
I nod and head to the room. I study the clothes. Both seem quite challenging, but I believe the shirt will prove more surmountable. I stick my head through the large opening, then slide my arms through the smaller openings. I feel a smile capture my mouth at the realization that I am wearing it the way Cassie instructed me to, with the strange symbols on my chest.
Now for the jeans. I open the right one as much as possible and attempt to stick my left leg inside. I am not prepared for the loss of balance and crash to the floor. I remain there for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, my body aching. I hope I have not alarmed Cassie. Once I am on my legs, I press my back against the wall to help me with the balance, then once again attempt to stick my leg into one of the openings. Once I successfully get it through, I do the same with my other leg, then pull the clothing up to my waist. This material is too tight and too rough for my liking.
I exit the room and return to the kitchen. Cassie has not yet returned. I attempt to loosen the jeans from my waist, and to my surprise, it does yield. I notice a small object in the back that has come loose. Have I broken this jeans? I admit it feels a little more comfortable.
I hear movement above, and then I see Cassie descending, her legs bending as she moves down a strange object with elevated platforms. I suppose this is how humans move from different floors, since they cannot swim upward or downward like the children of the sea.
Once she enters the kitchen and her eyes land on me—on my clothes—they shine with humor. “The zipper goes in the front.”
I do not know what a zipper is. “I do not appreciate human coverings, but this feels all right.”
“Okay. Suit yourself.”
I notice Cassie also wears this jeans. Though, it appears better suited on her than it does on me. I never imagined objects that cover the body could look beautiful, but Cassie looks lovely. The clothing that covers her chest is a white color and the jeans are fitted tightly on the lower half of her body. It causes my stomach to feel buoyant, as though I am floating on the surface of the sea. My gaze remains on her body as she walks to the white object that holds food and bends over. I feel warm, but unlike the other times, this kind of warmth does not make me feel uncomfortable. It makes me feel good.
She straightens herself and throws a red object at me. It is cool and feels good against my skin. “Stay hydrated, just in case,” she says. “Do you feel like you might need salt water?”
“I feel well.” If I do not take into account these strange sensations that are occurring in my body.
“Good. Here.” She stretches her hand toward the red object in my hand and lifts and bends a small oval object that protrudes from it. It creates an opening, and I realize this is liquid that humans must consume. As children of the sea, we are never without water. I bring the object to my lips and drink. The liquid tickles my throat as it slides down.
When I lower the liquid object from my mouth, I find Cassie’s eyes on me. They travel from the top of my head all the way to the bottom of this jeans. Once again, warmth consumes me. I enjoy the way Cassie’s eyes move over my body. My own eyes start to rove over hers. Does she feel the same way I do? The same tightness in her stomach, the warmth all over her body, her heart racing?
I do not know what is transpiring, but it cannot. I am betrothed to Princess Flora. And Cassie Price is a human. I push away the odd sensations in my body and ask, “How long before I may return to the sea?”
Cassie glances at the time-calculating device on her wrist. “Not for a little while.”
Though I nod, I am not happy with this news. It is imperative that I return home. Every moment I am here, I risk the safety of the children of the sea. And I cannot…I must not feel this way with a female who is not to be my mate. Even though I very much enjoy the way I feel at his moment.
Cassie tells me we are to watch the TV to pass the time. I do not know what this TV is, but from the expression on her face, I believe I will enjoy it very much.
***
Someone shakes my shoulder. I open my eyes and come to face with a strange female with eyes the color I have never seen before.
No, I have seen these eyes. On the beautiful female human whom I have rescued from death, and whom has rescued me. “Hello, Cassie,” I say.
She tells me the time has arrived for me to return to the sea. My entire being overcomes with relief. At last I will return to my home.
We leave her house and make way to the beach. I notice her studying the manner in which I walk, most likely wondering if I still struggle with these human legs. I have grown quite accustomed to them. But that does not matter anymore, for I will never return to land again. Never lay eyes upon Cassie Price again.
The notion causes my heart to feel heavy. But I push it aside because I cannot feel this way.
The feeling leaves my body, only to be replaced with something else. “I feel a bit ill,” I inform her.
“We
better get you to the ocean.”
Her movements are now faster, and it takes a few seconds for my speed to match hers. Cassie moves her head from right to left and then treks deeper into the beach. She stops before a location with many rocks piled between the sand and water. She climbs on top of the largest one before holding out her hand and assisting me up. “You can dive from here,” she says.
I pull at the clothing covering my chest, but it does not come off. Cassie takes hold of the bottom of it and wrenches it over my head. I feel a sudden chill as well as warmth spread all over me at her touch. It is light and soft, the way the wind blows against my head when I am above the surface. I do not have the opportunity to linger on this for too long because Cassie is staring at the jeans. She raises her hands, as if she is prepared to take them off, but then she drops her hands to her sides. Though it is dark, I see her face and neck redden. I understand this must be uncomfortable for her. I stick my hands into the top of the jeans and drag it down.
I turn my body toward the sea. The wind carries the salt up toward me. It caresses my body, the sea beckoning me. Cassie stands next to me, and we stare down at the waves that seem a bit violent.
Suddenly, she grabs me and encloses me in her arms. I nearly lose my balance due to the force. “Sorry,” she says and laughs. “You’re probably not used to hugs.”
“Hugs?”
“Yeah. It’s what friends do to one another when they say goodbye.”
“I understand.” I close my arms around her waist in the same manner. Her body feels soft against mine and her scent engulfs me. For a second, I am not sure I still have legs because I do not feel them. Perhaps they have shifted back into my tail? But then Cassie removes herself from this hug and I notice my legs are still there.
“You’ll be okay?” she asks.
The sides of my neck feel irritated. I scratch them. “Yes.”
Cassie’s eyes fill with moisture. She runs her arm across them. “Goodbye, Damarian.” Her voice is constricted and full of emotion. I do not know this human, but she is the kindest human—no, being—I have ever met in all my moons. And I am quite certain that I will never meet anyone as kind as her.
After I tell this to her, she smiles. “You’re the most amazing merman I ever met.”
“And I shall be the only merman you ever meet.” Because it is highly unlikely that another child of the sea will wash up on land in the manner I did. And is it too terribly selfish for me to not want Cassie to meet another child of the sea?
I turn around and stare down at the waves. Once I enter the sea, I will leave behind this intriguing world above water. I will never be in such proximity to a human again. I will never see Cassie Price smile again.
I face her. She stares at me just as I stare at her. I raise my hand and brush my fingers across her cheek. Her breathing grows uneven, and that causes mine to become unstable as well. I lean forward and press my lips to hers. Something passes through me, sending a jolt up my body. I quickly step back.
I turn toward the sea and dive in. At once, the familiar pain consumes me. But I do not pay much attention to it, for the only thing I see before my eyes is the beautiful face of Cassie Price, and the only thing I feel is her warm lips on mine, and the electric feeling that shot through me.
When my transformation is complete, I break the surface. Cassie’s legs and arms are on the rock, as though she is prepared to rescue me in case I did not shift. Though there is quite some distance between us, I see her face very well. The wind blows the loose strands of her bound hair over her eyes and lips.
I force my eyes away from hers and dive into the sea, back to the world I belong.
Chapter Seven
Damarian?
Fiske. Has he been near land all this time, waiting for my return? He must have sensed me here, and as it is his duty to protect me, he would not leave until I am safely back in the sea.
I sense him only a short distance away. And it is not long before his form swims toward me.
Damarian! His voice holds nothing but relief. Where have you been? I was so worried. We are all worried.
I swallow the saliva that has gathered in my mouth. It was not my intention to cause those I love anguish. It was not my intention to wash up on land. I was so upset last night…so lost and confused. So hopeless.
I look back toward the shore. Even though I am quite a distance away, I can still see the beach. Cassie Price is no longer there. She has returned to her home and she will return to her life, as if she had never laid eyes upon a child of the sea. And I must do the same.
I swim over to Fiske and nuzzle his nose. Forgive me. I did not intend to worry you.
Fiske’s eyes narrow at me. You were on land.
I cannot lie to him. Yes.
I was so certain! I sensed you were on land.
Panic takes hold of me. Have Father and Mother sensed me as well?
Fiske shakes his head. They sensed you were far from the colony, but I told them I would trail you until I found you.
I sigh in relief. Father must be too preoccupied with King Palaemon and the crown to search for me. His hunt would have led him to land, and he would have known what I have done.
And Mother? I ask Fiske.
She wished to search for you, but I assured her I would locate you. We must travel home immediately.
Fiske and I swim side by side. I begin to form an explanation in my mind that I will present Father and my family. But my thoughts are interrupted by Fiske.
Why have you been on land?
I shut my eyes for a few seconds before opening them. I appreciate your concern, but I do not wish to discuss this.
Fiske is not one to surrender easily, so it is no surprise when he says, I told you not to see her again.
My swimming comes to a halt. I did not travel to land in search for her. I…
Explain.
I was caught in the storm. I grew unconscious and washed up on land. The human rescued me.
I see the panic in his eyes, the failure that he did not perform his duty to protect me.
I touch the top of his head. Do not feel guilty, Fiske. All is well. I am all right.
Has she seen your true form?
I continue swimming. We can trust her.
Fiske bolts in front of me, blocking my path. You have exposed yourself to her.
I cannot meet his gaze. It was an accident.
Damarian!
I am not a fry, Fiske! You do not need to scold me. I am very aware of the consequences of my actions.
He does not say anything. He moves aside, and we continue the journey home. After a while, Fiske says, You are correct. She is a human we can trust.
I stare at him.
He slightly inclines his head. I felt it the moment you saved her. She is a good human.
I do not understand what you are claiming.
He shakes his head. I am not claiming anything. But you cannot see her again. You must promise to never see her again.
I cannot make that promise. I say, I am to mate with Princess Flora.
He looks into my eyes. Will you indeed?
Yes, I must. It is my duty, my destiny. Nothing can change that, not even the lovely face of a brown-eyed female human.
We do not converse anymore as we swim to the colony. When we reach the entrance, we are bombarded by the Sentinels. The voice of the largest bull shark of the group invades my mind. Who is trespassing?
Though I have been through this process many times, the sharks will refuse to grant me entry until they ascertain precisely who I am. And it seems to not matter than I have Fiske by my side.
Damarian of the Sapphire clan.
The sharks part to the sides so that the bull moves forward. He stares at me with intent eyes before placing his attention on Fiske. After a second or two, he moves aside.
There are not many children of the sea swimming around, for they are all asleep. It is not common for a child to leave the colony so late at night. I enter
the Sapphire colony and head to my home. Vinx, the shark sworn to protect my family, watches me with the same intent eyes as Fiske as I draw nearer to my cave. I gently rub the top of his head, then turn to Fiske. Thank you for everything.
He inclines his head. You have no need to thank me.
I rub the top of his head, too, wish him a good night, then swim inside the cave. Fortunately, it seems everyone is in their shell. As quietly as possible, I swim to my room. Just as I am ready to settle in my shell, I hear movement outside my room. For a moment, I fear it is Father and prepare myself for the harsh words I know he will send my way, but my body relaxes when my brother Kiander appears in the entryway.
“Damarian,” he says.
“Brother, why are you awake at this hour?”
He enters my room and floats before me. “I could not sleep. I saw you arrive.”
I study him for a few moments, wondering what troublesome thoughts he carries that inhibit him from having a restful sleep. Though he is only twelve moons my junior, I am not extremely close to him. He and I share many of the same features, such as our noses and shape of our eyes, which we have inherited from Father. I am taller than him, and my shoulders are broader.
“What troubles you?” I ask.
“Where have you been?”
“It does not matter where I have been. What troubles you?”
He shrugs, turning away from me. “That does not matter. I wish to know where you have been all day.”
“Brother—”
He turns around. “It is not becoming for you to disappear in such a manner! Father grows upset. Mother worries. Zarya worries as well. We could not sense you. We…” His voice wavers. “I was worried you were injured.”
I move closer and hold out my hand. “Kiander—”
“I understand you enjoy exploring. But you cannot travel so far from home. Father states the humans venture deeper into the ocean in their ridiculous vessels. The king and queen worry one day they will build a vessel strong enough to break through our barriers.”
