51 - Mer Guardian (2.60k words)

Vick, in his half-human, half-octopus form, was still a giant. Not as huge as in his full beast form, but enough to make me feel like a dwarf instead of a mere bug."How do you feel?" I asked."Hungry," he rasped, his arm curved around me like a rookie dad handling a toddler. I've never asked Vick about his past. He was secretive, and if he wanted to reveal something, he would have revealed it whether I asked or not.I watched his long tentacles catch fish swimming in the deep water and feed them to his second mouth, located at the center of his octopus body.Muir landed on top of one of Vick's tentacles in his beast form and started eating the fish that another tentacle fed him. Curtis jumped into the water in his beast form to get a nice soak and have a meal as well.A flock of mermen stared warily at us from afar, but none dared to attack us. Then, more and more began to resurface until there were thousands upon thousands of mermen. Some were holding tridents, while others had crossbows.They began to murmur amongst themselves, "Leader, she must be a mermaid. Otherwise, how could she attract a sea creature like him? There must be a reason why she is covering her face.""Our tribe already has Jean," their leader said, his eyes still fixed on his people. His presence was a force of nature, with golden locks flowing down his broad shoulders like a waterfall while four shining stripes adorned his chest, whispering tales of his power."But Leader, you never allow us to mate with Jean! Our strongest warriors have been abstaining for too long," one of the mermen spoke."If you allowed us to mate with Jean, we wouldn't have called you here to ask the sea creature for help," another merman snapped, "Leader, please let us mate with Jean. We have to increase our numbers and regain our power. Jean hasn't given birth to anyone in the past ten years. If she is sick and the Elders are seeking a remedy on land, we require a new female, and the only one who can help us fight another tribe is that sea creature."(A/N: Help. I forgot what a year is called in the beast world.)The Leader's fingers clenched around his trident, his eyes flashing with an icy fury that sent shivers down the spines of those present, "If you are that worried about increasing your numbers, then go trade some salt for a land female and mate with her."The merman's expression twisted in disgust. "You mean those ugly females? They are so hideous, even the lowest-ranking merman can't stand to look at them, let alone touch them."The reason why mermen only bred with mermaids was because land females were not beautiful enough for them. So, one could say that an entire Merfolk tribe would rather go into a bloody war against another Merfolk tribe or go extinct rather than mate with a land female.After a while, the leader approached us cautiously, flanked by a trio of striking mermen, "I see you've found what you've been searching for."Vick nodded, sounding like they'd met before, "Yes, I did."The leader looked at Vick and then at me, then back at Vick, "We have a favor to ask. All you have to do is help us fight a battle against another merfolk tribe. It's a half-moon's journey from here. If you are willing to do that, we will provide you with enough salt and seafood to last you a lifetime. Furthermore, should we emerge victorious and secure a new female, I'll protect your female and offer her the finest of everything as her guardian, regardless of her appearance."Vick raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "Aren't you already mated, merman? Becoming my female's guardian means you'll protect her with your life without expecting anything in return."The leader paused for a moment, his features betraying no emotion. "I can't afford to prioritize personal matters over the survival and prosperity of our tribe," he explained, his words carrying a sense of duty and cold determination, "Mermen don't leave a spousal imprint on their females, so I have no fear of becoming a rootless by offering your female a position of higher importance."While being held at his side like a baby (literally), Vick leaned down to ask me, "Do you think the seafood will come with an express delivery?"I shot him a look that clearly conveyed 'you're ridiculous' before averting my gaze. "Forget about being my guardian," I replied, "What I want is a water canal from the ocean to the Beast City.""How dare you refuse our leader's generous offer?!" a merman snarled, his voice dripping with contempt. "He is sacrificin-"The leader gave me an odd look, his handsome features furrowing in confusion as he silenced his underling. "What is a water canal?""It is a path dug in the ground, allowing water to flow from one place to another. It looks like a river, but it doesn't flow," I explained. "But let's get one thing straight. I'm not asking for your opinion. You have two options: do it or die," I stated, my lips behind the veil forming a sinister smile. "If I'm satisfied with your job, I will make my male fight for you. Otherwise, I will make him kill you all," I gestured toward Muir, perched on Vick's tentacle, "He will inform the land beasts that you are building a faster trade route for salt trading, which would also help during the drought and flood seasons. This should prevent any protest from the land beasts."Muir's eagle eyes stared at me, his sharp beak twitching exasperatingly."Why would you need such a thing?" the leader asked."Because I want it.""...""...""...""...""...""Fine, we will do it," the leader relented when Vick kept his silence without a single objection."If anyone from your tribe asks why you are doing it, tell them you must do it to impress their future female. You want to give her a way to travel the land safely without exposing yourselves to the danger that comes with the land beasts," I said, smoothly swatting away an overly playful tentacle, "If you're going to wipe out her whole tribe, you might as well welcome her with a generous gift that will kill her boredom-one that might help her overlook your brutal deed and make her want to stay with you, right?"A ripple of emotions danced across the leader's features, his eyes widening slightly as a glimmer of hope sparked within them. After contemplating, his lips curved into a faint, determined expression. "I will ensure that every member of our tribe understands the purpose behind our actions," he declared resolutely. "I'm Gold," he introduced himself, "May I know your name?""Yang Yali.""Yang Yali," Gold repeated, committing the name to memory, "I will remember this. If we succeed, I will always be at your service. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me. As long as it's within my capability, I will do whatever it takes."I had a lot of questions, but they could wait for later, "I'm not familiar with the tools you employ for building your homes or mining salt, but I suggest you let us take a look at them-we might find a way to enhance their effectiveness," I said, my tone cool and detached, "Provided, of course, our meeting remains confidential. Everything was your decision, not ours. Do you agree?""I do," Gold confirmed, his expression a mask of stone."I'm Bluepool," A merman raised his hand enthusiastically, "Can I ask why you are hiding behind that layer of cloth? Can I see your face?"He was a merman with a laid-back vibe, his bright blue hair cascading in loose waves. He boasted a swimmer's toned physique, complemented by three stripes on his right chest that shimmered subtly like ocean waves under the sun."Bluepool," Gold grabbed Bluepool's neck in a stranglehold, "Watch your manners." His eyes sparkled with a golden hue, but they were icy cold despite their sun-like brilliance."I'm sorry!" Bluepool stammered quickly, his face turning purple. "I just wondered if she looked like those land females," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else."Very well," Vick flashed me an amused expression, "What a way to make my future food deliveries extra express for me, Precious," he grinned as he pecked my chest, "Thank you," he tightened his hold on me before placing me on top of Muir, "Take her to your place. I will join you guys in a while.""Take your sweet time," I said, grabbing the thick feathers as Muir took off and headed straight towards his clan, with Curtis tagging along.· · ──────── · ⊱❈⊰· ──────── · ·"Yaya," Curtis said, hugging me in his embrace, his expression dropping, "I could have done the same thing as Vick and scare of the merfolks," he grumbled, looking like a big, hurt baby, "If you wanted a canal, you could have asked me, and I would have had them build it for you in no time. I've already stolen one mermaid from mermen, and I can steal another easily," he said."I know you can. You can do a lot of things, but I don't want you to have to," I said, rubbing the spot between his eyebrows, "Shouldn't you be enjoying your free time with me instead of fighting for me?"Curtis gave me a small, genuine smile, his eyes twinkling with an unspoken affection, "You're right, I should," he murmured.Muir's clan was near the ocean's coast. He brought us to his previous nest, where he used to live with three other eagle beastmen-a small cave behind a thin crevice."Caw, caw, caw." Three small eaglets waved their wings at us. Eagles never bring their females to the eagle clan, so they must be surprised to see me."Hello," I waved at the three eaglets while Muir hastily tidied the mess inside his nest."Ku-kui," the bigger one cried, waving its wings, "Ka-ku."I crouched before the eaglets, finding them absolutely adorable, "Who's a good boy? Who's a cute boy? Who's a handsome boy?""Coo-coo." One raised his little wing."Caw." Another one cried, trying to get my attention."Kuu-ku-ku," the last one cried, jumping and flapping its wings excitedly.I couldn't tell who was who, but they were all very cute. I rubbed their heads and smiled when the three eaglets nuzzled against me.Curtis's aura changed instantly, and his body emitted a threatening aura. He stared at the three eaglets as if they were his mortal rivals, his fingers twitched as he stopped unpacking his luggage. "Yaya, come over here. You should stay close to me."Startled by Curtis's intensity, the eaglets retreated, clustering together with fear in their eyes. At Muir's command, they quickly took flight, leaving the cave in a flurry of tears and feathers.I smacked Curtis's butt, "What is wrong with you? Can't I play with baby eagles?""That was not playing. You were coddling them and cooing at them," Curtis said, his face scrunched up."How was I supposed to play with them, then? By wrestling them?" I asked."Yes," Curtis replied seriously.Muir bobbed his head as if agreeing with him.I rubbed my temples, "Do you know how ridiculous you look right now? You're acting like they stole my virginity.""No. It's just that...""Just that what?" I raised a brow, "Just that what?""I don't like to see you be that nice to others except for us," Curtis grumbled, looking down."Oh," I snickered, "I thought something was wrong with your head, and I was ready to slap you silly, but since you're just a bit jealous, I'll let it slide.""I'm not jealous; I just don't want you to be that overly nice to those who don't deserve it," Curtis corrected."Right. Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night," I snorted, taking off the niqap, "Jealousy is fine. Over-jealousy, not as much. I know that you are mad at me somewhere deep down. So why are you taking it out on them? If you can't control it, take it on me instead.""I don't want to take it out on you," Curtis stared at me silently as if asking if I was mad at him."I won't get angry if you act jealous and possessive once in a while. It doesn't bother me. I prefer to know your triggers than find them out the hard way," I explained, "You know my triggers too, and that's what matters.""You don't mind my possessiveness?" Curtis asked, still frowning, "I didn't want to kill them. I just wanted them gone.""No. I'd be more concerned if you were completely indifferent about it. It's not a crime to be selfish," I said."Is it okay to be this selfish? I want to keep you all to myself, and I don't want anyone else to have you," Curtis mumbled, looking guilty."I know, so pat yourself on the back for letting me go. That's an achievement right there," I pressed the spot between his brows again, "Now, if you were to act a certain way just because I told you to, not because you wanted to, then I would have been furious and would have given you a black eye.""I followed my heart, tried to stay true to myself, and kept your feelings in mind too," Curtis said, his frown disappearing as he returned my kiss. "Can you pat me on the back instead?" he asked, smiling hopefully.I patted his back.Muir's head rested on my shoulder as he circled his arms around me, hugging me from behind.I looked over my shoulder at Muir, "Do you have the same problem as Curtis?"Muir tilted my head to get a kiss, "I'm satisfied by just being your spouse. I don't need anything else. But if Curtis tries to keep you for himself only, I will take you from him."Curtis hissed at Muir, flashing his forked tongue, "No, you won't.""For a while," Muir finished his sentence and tilted my head back in Curtis's direction, "Go ahead, have your kiss. I'll have mine after you go to fetch water.""..." Curtis gave Muir an annoyed look before turning his attention back to me, his expression softening. He held my face between his palms and planted a soft kiss on my lips before going outside to fetch some water.Muir understood Curtis's situation, but he still wanted a piece of me, and he was not shy in stating it.I didn't have to please or give everyone equal time and attention, and it was a relief not to have to. Regardless of who I favored the most, it was their responsibility to prove their worth to each other, not mine to mediate. I would rather have them fight each other than beg them not to fight.Even if they ended up with a broken arm, leg, or black eye, I was okay with it. They were not fighting to push each other away from me (Muir and Curtis), but to prove themselves, and in a way, it was a good thing.When they get tired of fighting, and I know they will eventually, they will realize that sharing me would give them the same result, but with less pain and bruises.They still loved to beat the crap of each other during their sparring, though.╔═══ Author's note ════╗Bluepool's tribe had around 200k mermen when he kidnapped Bai, and Curtis was able to wipe them out in his penta form like nothing, I swear. 💀Just imagine how fast they can build YaYa's canal with all that manpower. 🚧 🤣╚═════════════════╝