mermaid kingdom

The fire crackled warmly in the middle of their makeshift camp, its light illuminating Akari as she leaned back against a tree, clearly exhausted. She'd done everything so far—hunted, cooked, and even managed to keep the two runaway noble boys from stepping into danger. But now, she was determined to do nothing more for the rest of the night.

Kuro and Arnold, on the other hand, were sitting nearby, exchanging glances that could only mean one thing: they were up to something.

"Akari…" Kuro began, scooting closer with a look that could only be described as weaponized adorableness.

Akari groaned without even looking at him. "What do you want this time?"

Arnold leaned in, backing up Kuro with a carefully practiced pout. "So, you know… we're nobles, right?"

"Yes, I've noticed," Akari said dryly, her arms crossed.

"And nobles," Kuro continued, his voice sweet as honey, "don't usually sleep on the ground. Especially not in a jungle."

"Yeah," Arnold added, nodding earnestly. "We're more used to... beds. With actual pillows. Maybe some blankets."

Akari opened one eye to glare at them. "Then maybe you shouldn't have run away from home if you're so delicate!"

"But Akari," Kuro whined, clasping his hands together in a pleading gesture, "you have plant powers! You could easily make us a cozy little hut. Just something simple to keep us off the ground. You wouldn't want us to get bitten by bugs, would you?"

Arnold nodded in agreement. "Think about it: one tiny hut. Maybe a hammock or two. Nothing too fancy."

Akari sat up straight, fixing them both with an exasperated look. "Let me get this straight. I hunted the prey, cooked the food, made the fire, and kept you two pampered idiots alive, and now you want me to build you a house?"

Kuro and Arnold didn't even flinch. Instead, they leaned in closer, their puppy-dog eyes dialed up to maximum.

"Please, Akari," Kuro said, drawing out the word like a toddler begging for candy.

"We'll owe you forever," Arnold added, his voice dripping with mock sincerity.

Akari stared at them, her expression unreadable, until finally, she threw up her hands in defeat. "Fine! But if you complain once, I'm dumping you both into a pit of vines."

With a flick of her wrist, the ground around them began to stir. Vines twisted and grew, weaving together to form a small but surprisingly sturdy hut. Inside, she added two hammocks, though she made sure they looked just a bit uncomfortable—just enough to remind the boys who was really in charge.

"There. Your royal suite is ready," she said, brushing her hands off as if she'd just finished a chore.

Kuro and Arnold exchanged delighted looks before rushing inside.

"Wow, this is great!" Kuro said, bouncing on the hammock experimentally.

"Yeah, you even made it look rustic," Arnold added with a grin. "You're the best, Akari."

Akari rolled her eyes, muttering, "If I'm so great, maybe you could do something yourselves once in a while."

Kuro poked his head out of the hut, his grin wider than ever. "We're more the idea guys. You're the execution."

Arnold followed suit, leaning casually against the doorway. "And you've been doing a fantastic job so far."

Akari shook her head, but she couldn't help the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Tomorrow, you two are doing all the work," she said firmly.

"Of course, of course," Kuro said with a dismissive wave, already settling into his hammock. "We'll totally handle it tomorrow."

As she walked back to her spot by the fire, Akari could hear their muffled laughter from inside the hut. She sighed, shaking her head again. "Idiots," she muttered under her breath, though she couldn't deny that life with them was at least... entertaining.

Their journey was nothing short of chaotic yet awe-inspiring. From encountering bizarre Noor species to learning basic living skills, every day brought something new. Kuro and Arnold, accustomed to a life of luxury, found themselves stumbling through lessons in cooking, archery, swordsmanship, and survival—all under Akari's sharp guidance.

"Hold the knife like this, not like you're trying to stab the air," Akari said one evening, demonstrating as Kuro fumbled with a fish he was supposed to clean.

"Well, excuse me, chef," Kuro grumbled, earning a laugh from Arnold, who was no better at the task.

As time went on, their funds dwindled rapidly, thanks to their inexperience with managing money and their reliance on Akari's skills to get by. By the time they entered the Shapeshifters' Kingdom, their purses were nearly empty. It was then that Akari decided it was time to make the most of her unique abilities.

Standing by a riverbank, she muttered a spell and transformed into her Shapeshifter form—a striking figure with long, dark blue hair and slightly sun-kissed skin.

Kuro and Arnold froze, their jaws dropping as they stared at her.

"What?" Akari said, raising an eyebrow at their gawking.

"Why didn't you tell us you could do this?" Kuro asked, gesturing dramatically.

"I thought it was obvious," Akari replied nonchalantly. "I mean, you've seen me do weird stuff before."

"Yeah, but this is next level!" Arnold said, still staring.

"Focus, boys," Akari said, snapping her fingers to get their attention. "We have to sell the skins and items we gathered. And since this is the Shapeshifters' Kingdom, it's easier if I blend in."

The boys reluctantly used a simple spell to conceal their wings, appearing human for the time being. Together, they entered a mercenary-run trading post, where they laid out their collection of Noor skins and various jungle goods on the counter.

The grizzled mercenary behind the counter gave them an appraising look, then turned to Akari. "So, young lady, who are these two boys with you?"

Akari didn't even blink. "My students," she said smoothly. "It's an exchange program sort of thing."

Kuro and Arnold nearly choked at the blatant lie, but they wisely kept their mouths shut.

The mercenary grunted in approval. "Good to see someone teaching the next generation properly. Now, you selling this stuff or just showing it off?"

"Selling," Akari said with a polite smile. "But I've been out of the loop for a while. What's happening in the capital these days?"

"Not much. We're at peace for now. But you should head to the capital—there's a lot of new sights and trade goods coming in," the mercenary said, his tone friendly enough.

Akari nodded, finalizing the transaction with an air of confidence. The boys, meanwhile, were still struggling to process what they'd just witnessed.

As they left the shop with a pouch of much-needed coins, Arnold leaned closer to Akari. "You just casually lied to that guy like it was nothing."

"You're welcome," Akari replied, smirking.

"And," Kuro added, still wide-eyed, "you also spoke their language fluently. How many languages do you even know?"

"All five that exist," Akari said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Kuro and Arnold exchanged incredulous looks before Kuro muttered, "Of course you do. What don't you know?"

Akari grinned, tossing the pouch of coins to Kuro. "How to babysit two spoiled noble brats. But hey, I'm figuring it out."

Arnold burst out laughing as Kuro scowled, and their journey continued, filled with surprises, challenges, and no shortage of Akari showing them just how much they had to learn.

Akari adjusted her dark blue hair and took a deep breath as she approached the gates of the Shapeshifters' capital. The guards at the entrance glanced at her and waved her through, uninterested in yet another visitor. She turned back briefly to see Kuro and Arnold, both waiting outside the gates, hidden among the trees. They waved awkwardly.

"Good luck," Kuro mouthed dramatically, as though she was going on some dangerous mission.

Rolling her eyes, Akari walked into the bustling city. The capital was a sight to behold—grand structures made of wood and stone intertwined with living plants stretched high into the sky. Beasts of various shapes and sizes roamed freely alongside their Shapeshifter companions, and the air was alive with the chatter of merchants, performers, and travelers.

"This place is beautiful," Akari murmured to herself, momentarily awestruck by the vibrant, harmonious blend of nature and civilization.

Her awe quickly faded when she spotted someone in the crowd—a boy with striking blue hair and an aura that made her freeze in place. Her stomach twisted in knots. It was him. Or at least, someone who looked like him—the one who had killed Arnold in her previous life.

Her fists clenched instinctively, but she forced herself to breathe and calm down. "This is not the same person," she reminded herself under her breath. "This is a different dimension, a different time. He hasn't done anything wrong here."

Still, she couldn't help but feel the memories of that day creeping up on her. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she tried to walk past him unnoticed. But just as she moved, his sharp voice stopped her.

"Hey, you."

Akari turned, her heart pounding but her expression calm. "Yes?" she asked, her voice steady.

The boy stepped closer, his piercing gaze studying her. "What's your name?"

"Akari," she said, raising an eyebrow. "But why do you ask?"

"I'm a knight," he replied curtly. "Just ensuring no one suspicious enters the capital. You can go, miss."

Akari nodded, suppressing a sigh of relief. "Thanks," she said simply, walking away without looking back.

After buying the essentials—provisions, basic supplies, and some spare clothes—she made her way out of the city, her mind still buzzing from the encounter. She met Kuro and Arnold near their camp outside the gates.

"You're back!" Kuro said, running up to her with a grin. "What took you so long?"

Arnold followed, eyeing the bags she was carrying. "Got everything we need?"

"Yes," Akari replied, handing Arnold the heavier bags with a smirk. "And for the record, that place is incredible. You two missed out."

"What was it like?" Kuro asked eagerly.

"Beautiful. Full of shapeshifters and their beasts," she said, her voice trailing off slightly as she remembered the blue-haired boy. She didn't mention him, though. They didn't need to know.

"Did you get into any trouble?" Arnold asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No trouble," Akari said, shaking her head. "Just a routine trip."

"Well, let's move on then," Kuro said, stretching his arms. "Next stop: the Mermaid Kingdom!"

"Finally!" Arnold grinned. "I've always wanted to see it."

"Then let's hope you don't drown," Akari teased, slinging her bag over her shoulder as the three of them set off once again.

The three of them stood at the edge of the vast ocean that led to the entrance of the Mermaid Kingdom. The sparkling water stretched endlessly before them, shimmering under the sunlight.

"So, uh, how exactly are we supposed to get in there?" Kuro asked, gesturing dramatically at the waves. "I don't know if you noticed, but we're not fish."

"Hmmm," Arnold added thoughtfully, scratching his head.

Akari sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Of course you're not fish, Kuro. But I can breathe underwater, so it's not a problem for me."

Kuro and Arnold both turned to her, eyes wide with disbelief.

"What?!" Kuro exclaimed. "How?! When did this happen?!"

"I'm half-mermaid," Akari said casually, shrugging as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Of course you are," Arnold said, throwing up his hands. "Let me guess, you're half-dragon too?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Akari said with a smirk. "That's completely different."

Kuro looked like he was about to explode. "So, Miss I-Can-Do-Everything, what about us mere mortals who can't just sprout gills or fins or whatever?"

Akari crossed her arms and smirked at the two. "Oh, I have a solution. I'll make a thin ice shield around you both with just enough oxygen for you to stay alive for about five hours."

Arnold raised an eyebrow. "And then?"

"And then we're going to ask the Mermaid Queen for help in exchange for that medical supplement recipe I got "

Kuro blinked, clearly unimpressed. "That's… oddly specific."

"It's called planning, Kuro. You should try it sometime," Akari said, rolling her eyes.

"And what exactly are we trading for?" Arnold asked, already bracing himself for the answer.

"We're going to get some magic seaweed that lets normal people breathe underwater," Akari said, smirking.

Kuro burst out laughing. "Wait, wait, let me get this straight. We're bartering for seaweed?!"

"Yes, Kuro, seaweed. The thing that will keep you from dying underwater."

Arnold tilted his head, clearly amused. "You know, this really sums up our entire journey so far. Akari doing all the work, and us just trying not to die."

"Exactly," Akari said, snapping her fingers at him. "Now hold still while I make your oxygen bubbles, or I might 'accidentally' forget to include enough air for you."

Kuro and Arnold both immediately straightened up, looking like chastised schoolboys.

"You're scary when you're sarcastic," Kuro muttered.

"And you're helpless when you're useless," Akari shot back, forming two shimmering ice bubbles around their heads.

As the three of them plunged into the water and began their descent to the Mermaid Kingdom, Kuro's muffled voice could still be heard through his bubble.

"Seaweed. I can't believe I'm risking my life for seaweed."

Arnold's laughter echoed beside him. "At least you're not the one doing the negotiating. Imagine if Akari traded us away instead."

"Don't tempt me," Akari said, swimming ahead effortlessly. "Now hurry up before your five hours run out."

"Five hours!" Kuro yelped, kicking his legs frantically to keep up. "What happens if we don't make it in time?"

"You'll drown, obviously," Akari said, smirking over her shoulder. "But don't worry, I'll write a lovely eulogy for you both."

Arnold grinned. "I call dibs on being the heroic one in the story."

"And I'll make sure to leave out all the whining," Akari added, laughing as they continued toward the glowing underwater kingdom ahead.

The Mermaid Queen sat regally on her coral throne, her cascading hair a mesmerizing blend of light blue and pink that seemed to flow like water itself. Her gaze was sharp and calculating, her every movement elegant yet deliberate.

Akari, Kuro, and Arnold stood before her, the glow of the palace's bioluminescent walls reflecting in their eyes.

The Queen's gaze lingered on Akari. "Tell me, child, how is it that you can breathe underwater?"

Akari straightened her posture, looking calm and unbothered. "Oh, I'm half-mermaid," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "But I haven't had my awakening yet, so no tails for now." She kicked a foot slightly to emphasize her very human legs.

The Queen's lips curled into a faint smile, though her sharp eyes betrayed amusement. "Half-mermaid without an awakening? How… unusual."

Kuro leaned toward Arnold, whispering, "Why is it always her with these hidden heritage bombshells? Next thing we know, she'll sprout antlers."

Arnold smirked. "Or claim she's part phoenix. Honestly, at this point, I'd believe it."

Akari cleared her throat loudly, silencing them with a glare. She turned back to the Queen. "Anyway, Your Majesty, we're here to offer something in exchange for your assistance. We have rare medical supplement recipes—valuable information that could benefit your kingdom."

The Queen raised a delicate eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not entirely sold. "Hmm. And what, exactly, is it that you need from me?"

Akari gestured toward Kuro and Arnold, who were standing awkwardly with their oxygen bubbles. "My friends here aren't as adaptable as I am. We need something—like your kingdom's famous underwater weed—to help them breathe freely while we're here."

"Underwater weed?" Kuro muttered incredulously, just loud enough for Arnold to snicker.

The Queen tapped a finger thoughtfully on the arm of her throne, her expression unreadable. Finally, she spoke. "Interesting. Very well. Have dinner with us tonight, and we'll see if your offer is worthy of such an exchange."

Arnold blinked. "Dinner?" he whispered to Akari. "That's unexpected."

The Queen's gaze sharpened, her voice turning sly. "You're welcome to decline, of course, though I imagine your friends wouldn't last long without my help."

Akari smiled tightly, sensing the Queen's quick wit and subtle challenge. "Dinner sounds lovely, Your Majesty. We'd be honored."

As they were escorted out of the throne room, Kuro whispered to Arnold, "Dinner with royalty. Bet she's just testing us."

Arnold shrugged. "I'm more worried about what she'll serve. What if it's raw fish?"

"Relax," Akari said, smirking. "If it is, I'll teach you how to eat it without looking like amateurs."

"Because you're half-mermaid, of course," Kuro muttered sarcastically, earning a laugh from Arnold and an exasperated eye-roll from Akari.

The dining hall of the Mermaid Queen's palace was as grand as the throne room, with a massive table carved from shimmering coral and lit by glowing orbs suspended in water. The Queen sat at the head, her light blue and pink hair floating gracefully around her like a living crown.

Akari, Kuro, and Arnold were seated further down the table, trying their best to adapt to the underwater etiquette. Kuro had nearly knocked over a floating plate of what looked like seaweed-wrapped pearls, while Arnold was intensely focused on not accidentally inhaling water through his bubble.

The Queen, however, was fully focused on Akari.

"You intrigue me, young one," the Queen said, her tone smooth but pointed. "A half-mermaid with no awakening, yet you navigate the water as if you were born to it."

Akari smiled politely, though she could feel Kuro and Arnold glancing at her, trying not to laugh. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It's just natural for me, I suppose."

"Natural," the Queen repeated, clearly amused. She leaned forward slightly, her light pink eyes shimmering with interest. "You would fit in well here, you know. Your abilities, your heritage—it's as if this kingdom was meant for you. Why not stay?"

Kuro nearly choked on his drink. "Stay?!"

Arnold's eyebrows shot up. "Forever?"

The Queen didn't even glance at them, her gaze fixed on Akari. "Yes. I could offer you a place of honor in my court. You would be free to develop your powers, no longer tethered to the limitations of the surface world."

Akari tilted her head, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "That's a very generous offer, Your Majesty. But I'm not sure how these two would survive without me."

The Queen's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Perhaps they would find their own way. After all, they seem resourceful... in their own way."

"Resourceful?" Akari snorted softly, casting a glance at Kuro, who was now poking at his food suspiciously, and Arnold, who was discreetly checking if the water was ruining his boots. "That's one way to put it."

"Hey!" Kuro said, finally catching on. "We're plenty resourceful! We don't need her!"

Arnold nodded firmly. "Exactly. We've been learning to survive on our own!"

Akari raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Who caught dinner last night?"

The boys exchanged glances.

"Who built the shelter?" Akari pressed.

Silence.

"Who saved you from that Noor beast three days ago?"

Kuro threw his hands up. "Fine! We need you! Happy?"

Arnold sighed, muttering, "This is why we don't let her talk to royalty."

The Queen chuckled softly, her amusement clear. "It seems your friends are quite attached to you." She leaned back gracefully. "A pity. You would have thrived here."

Akari smiled, her tone light but firm. "I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but I think my place is with these two. They'd probably get lost in their own shadows without me."

"True," the Queen said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But should you ever change your mind, the doors of this palace will always be open to you."

As the dinner continued, Kuro leaned toward Arnold and whispered, "What just happened? Did Akari almost become a mermaid princess?"

Arnold nodded. "Yeah. And we almost got left behind to fend for ourselves. Again."

"Good thing she likes us," Kuro said, relieved.

"Debatable," Akari muttered, clearly overhearing them. "Now eat your seaweed pearls before I reconsider."

The trio spent their days in the Mermaid Kingdom blending work and leisure. Akari's natural affinity with the underwater environment made her a favorite among the citizens, while Kuro and Arnold, despite their struggles with adjusting to life underwater, managed to charm their way into acceptance—mostly thanks to Akari covering for them when their "resourcefulness" failed.

Their time wasn't wasted, though. They delved into research on the Noor beasts unique to the oceans, documenting their behavior and weaknesses. Akari even shared her knowledge with the kingdom's scholars, while the boys helped improve the defense systems with their creativity, albeit in ways that often involved trial and hilarious error.

The Queen, impressed by their contributions, granted them greater access to the kingdom's resources, asking for their assistance in various matters. From advising on trade to experimenting with underwater technology, they found themselves becoming a key part of the community.

One day, the Queen summoned them to observe a rare event: the introduction of the candidates for the next Mermaid Queen.

"They're not your children?" Akari asked as they swam toward the palace hall, her voice muffled slightly by the water.

The Queen smiled, her light blue and pink hair floating around her. "No. It is tradition for the next queen to be chosen from among the most capable and deserving. Bloodlines mean little when the future of the kingdom is at stake."

"Fair," Arnold murmured.

Kuro, however, leaned toward Akari and whispered, "Do you think we could apply? You'd make a great queen. I'd happily be your royal advisor."

Arnold scoffed. "You'd bankrupt the kingdom in a week."

"Shut up," Kuro muttered, earning a smirk from Akari.

As they entered the grand hall, a group of young mermaids stood before the Queen, each with unique traits and an aura of confidence. The candidates were introduced one by one, their accomplishments and abilities listed. Akari observed them closely, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.

Then her gaze landed on one of the girls—and stopped.

She blinked, tilting her head slightly. She couldn't see the girl's face. It was just... blank, as if her features had been smudged out of existence. A chill ran down Akari's spine.

"Akari?" Kuro's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Hm?" she said, keeping her tone casual.

"You okay?" Arnold asked, noticing her sudden stillness.

"Yeah," Akari replied, though her mind raced. This wasn't the first time she'd encountered someone whose face she couldn't see. It wasn't coincidence. She knew that much.

The Queen noticed her hesitation. "Is something the matter, young one?"

Akari shook her head, forcing a smile. "No, Your Majesty. Just admiring the candidates. They're... impressive."

The Queen nodded, her expression unreadable.

Kuro leaned toward Akari again, whispering, "That sounded fake."

"Shut up," Akari hissed, kicking his leg under the table.

As the introductions continued, Akari kept her eyes on the faceless girl, her unease growing. Whoever this was, she wasn't ordinary—and Akari had a sinking feeling that their paths were about to cross in a way she wouldn't like.