Chapter 13: The Tough Sea Mission

Author: 鍩颯爱

Last updated: 2017/9/30 13:02:40

Word count: 2605

"...B-beautiful?"

Kiana knelt to the ground, overwhelmed by disappointment, as tears welled in the corners of her eyes. If it were possible, she'd much prefer to be called "handsome."

The three mermaids continued to stare at her in awe. They seemed utterly entranced by the angelic beauty of the young girl before them, a beauty that defied their expectations. Clad in a striking, crimson battle armor, her delicate skin peeked out like that of a newborn, soft and pure. Her long, smooth, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her flustered, adorable expression tugged at their heartstrings.

Kiana grew increasingly awkward under their stares. Why weren't they saying anything?

Finally, a mermaid with short blue hair spoke, breaking the silence. "Are you the human Grandma talked about?"

"Uh...yes, I'm a human," Kiana replied hesitantly.

"Amazing! You really are human!"

The three mermaids suddenly crowded around her, curiosity shining in their eyes, staring at her like she was a rare find.

With an eager grin, each mermaid extended a finger to poke Kiana's chest.

"Hey!"

Kiana's patience wore thin as the mermaids took turns pressing against her chest, causing a light jiggle with each poke. She clenched her Pulse Katana tightly, barely restraining herself. What kind of greeting was this?!

"It turns out humans have upper bodies just like ours," observed the blue-haired mermaid. Then, a red-haired mermaid attempted to reach for the hem of Kiana's skirt.

Smack!

Kiana slapped away the mermaid's hand, glaring fiercely. "That's enough! If you push your luck any further, I'll add you all to my target list!"

"But...I just wanted a peek," the red-haired mermaid replied innocently, her head tilted in feigned confusion.

"NO!" Kiana drew out her response firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Fine, fine, you're no fun," the red-haired mermaid pouted, puffing her cheeks in annoyance.

"Um...big sister, second sister, she's human, right? A dangerous human? Grandma told us to avoid humans if we saw them," a green-haired mermaid said quietly, raising her hands to her chest as she spoke.

Kiana couldn't help but be distracted by her...form. But she quickly shook her head, reminding herself to focus. Don't let your guard down just because it's a "two-point-five-dimensional" character!

"Sheesh. Grandma's stories are just exaggerated!" the red-haired mermaid declared dismissively. "This human doesn't seem dangerous—just a little grumpy."

"No, it's your behavior that's rude!" Kiana retorted. "Do you think it's okay to poke people like that or peek under their skirt?! The fact that I haven't drawn my sword is me being nice!"

Finally calming down, Kiana looked around, then asked, "So, can I ask something? Do you know what this island is?"

The red-haired mermaid looked puzzled. "You mean you don't know?"

"I wouldn't be asking if I did!" Kiana sighed, already feeling drained by the conversation.

"This is the sea near the Windless Belt, and the island is called Graff," the red-haired mermaid said, her fingers trailing through Kiana's silky hair as she spoke. Kiana didn't brush her off this time, thinking she might need more information, but her skirt remained off-limits.

"Mermaids usually live on Fish-Man Island, don't they? Why are you out here in the West Sea?" Kiana asked, recalling scenes from a pirate-themed story. She remembered that most mermaids lived on Fish-Man Island, and seeing them elsewhere was rare.

"We've always lived here. Not all mermaids live on Fish-Man Island," replied the red-haired mermaid matter-of-factly.

"Well, you're the first humans we've ever met. Are all humans as beautiful as you?" the blue-haired mermaid asked as she curiously held Kiana's arm.

Kiana felt the soft pressure of the mermaid's chest against her arm, and she resisted the urge to complain. This wasn't Earth, and the open-sea environment here was leagues more dangerous than anything she'd faced before. If she needed to cross these waters, she'd need a sturdy ship—if she didn't drown as a Devil Fruit user first.

"It's true. This area is our clan's chosen habitat, with reefs and wild beasts all around. Not even regular people would come here," the red-haired mermaid continued, gently stroking Kiana's hair.

Kiana inwardly groaned. She'd have to get off the island eventually to find those dragon balls, unless her sister had kindly left them all here for her. But with no humans or ships passing by, was she supposed to build her own boat?

"Are you leaving already?" the red-haired mermaid asked with a hint of sadness.

"I live on this island for now, and I'll be here for a while. Maybe I'll come by to see you again."

"Really?" The blue-haired mermaid's tail splashed happily.

"Really. I'd be a liar if I didn't," Kiana said with a slight smile, thinking that a visit here might make for a nice break someday.

"Oh, by the way, what's your name?" the red-haired mermaid asked. "I'm Elise, and these are my sisters, Eliza and Elina."

"I'm Kiana," she replied, then disappeared into the forest as the mermaids watched her with wistful eyes.