Otohime

When her emerald eyes met Jack's, they held none of the suspicion that many others had shown. Instead, they were filled with a mixture of caution, curiosity, and sincerity.

She smiled, a soft, genuine smile, her voice gentle yet filled with conviction. "Sorry. Although mermaids can sense humans' intentions, whether good or bad, humankind still has a bad reputation here. I am sorry if my kind offended you."

Jack, not one to be swayed by simple courtesies but recognizing genuine sentiment, responded, "Thank you, miss. I'm sorry for my kind as well. We haven't always been kind to you."

She looked taken aback for a moment, perhaps not expecting such an honest reply. She then smiled warmly, "You are truly a kind person."

Sophie chimed in with her signature grin, "It's a refreshing change to meet someone who doesn't judge based on appearances or past tales."

Luna, her eyes still guarded, noted, "Appearances can be deceiving, though."

Isabella, her voice carrying the wisdom of many years, added, "Yet, sometimes a simple act of understanding can bridge the deepest of chasms."

Otohime's gaze then fell on the children. "Such a beautiful group," she mused, her eyes softening further. "You've traveled far, haven't you?"

Aria, her young eyes reflecting her father's calm intensity, replied confidently, "We've been to many places, but this one is truly special."

Robin, gripping Jack's leg with one hand, pointed with the other at Otohime. "Fish...lady pretty."

She chuckled, "Thank you. You are also so pretty."

She then introduced herself, her voice soft as the waves that gently caressed the edges of Fishman Island. "I am Otohime. I work at a local café not far from here. It's called the Mermaid's Pearl." Her eyes, filled with sincerity, met Jack's calm blue gaze. "Would you and your family be our guests? We'd be honored to have you."

Jack's eyes, those deep blue mirrors to his soul, assessed Otohime for a moment. His demeanor was neither warm nor cold, but there was something in his gaze that suggested he had sensed her genuine nature. With a slight nod, he replied, "We'd be pleased to join you."

Otohime's face lit up, her smile broadening. "Wonderful! Follow me, please."

As they began to walk, the colorful underwater landscape unfolded around them, a spectacle that seemed to dazzle everyone in the group. Yet, the Fishman Island inhabitants' fearful glances lingered, a reminder of the tensions that lay beneath the surface.

Otohime, sensing the mood, looked over at Jack's family, especially the younger children. "Fishman Island can be overwhelming at first," she said kindly. "But I assure you, we are a peaceful people."

Aria, her six-year-old eyes filled with curiosity rather than fear, replied confidently, "I know you are. My daddy says that people are sometimes scared of things they don't understand."

Otohime's eyes softened as she looked at the little girl, clearly touched by her wisdom. "Your daddy is very wise."

Robin, tugging at Jack's shirt, asked innocently, "Fish...lady nice?"

"Yes, Little One," Jack responded, his voice gentle yet firm. "She is nice."

They soon arrived at the Mermaid's Pearl, a quaint café adorned with intricate shell designs and illuminated by soft, glowing lights that resembled floating jellyfish. The interior was filled with the soothing sounds of a harp, played by a mermaid in one corner, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Otohime led them to a large table, gesturing for them to sit. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Our special today is a seaweed salad with clams, a delicacy of Fishman Island."

Sophie, always eager to try new things, grinned at Otohime. "Sounds delicious! We'll have that, please."

Luna, her eyes still displaying a cautious curiosity, asked, "Tell us, Otohime, why is there so much fear towards humans here?"

Sighing, Otohime looked down, her fin fluttering as she collected her thoughts. The glow from the Sunlight Tree Eve cast a gentle luminescence over the table, highlighting the expectant faces of Jack's family. Their eyes, filled with understanding and concern, were a stark contrast to the suspicious glances of other Fishmen in the café.

Otohime finally began, her voice tinged with sadness, "your question delves into a painful history that we Fishmen share. A history filled with hurt, misunderstandings, and a deep-rooted fear that has festered for generations."

Jack's calm blue eyes never left Otohime as she spoke. Though his face remained impassive, there was a perceptible intensity in his gaze, compelling her to continue.

"You see," Otohime continued, "Fishmen have always been viewed as inferior by many humans. To them, we are exotic creatures, valuable commodities, something to be captured and sold as slaves." Her eyes glistened, and she looked away momentarily, overcome by the weight of her words.

Aria, listening intently, furrowed her brows, her innocence wrestling with the harsh reality Otohime described. She glanced up at her father, her eyes seeking understanding. Jack's soft gaze met hers, reassuring her without words.

Otohime looked at Aria and continued, her voice firm, "We Fishmen have close to zero rights in the world above. We're often treated with contempt and disdain, as though we were mere objects rather than living beings with emotions and dreams."

Luna, her face etched with empathy, asked gently, "But why? Why would people treat you this way?"

Otohime's eyes welled with tears as she looked at Luna. "Because we are different. Our appearance, our way of life, our very existence—it's all foreign to them. And humans, much like Fishmen, can be fearful of what they don't understand."

Sophie interjected, her voice filled with indignation, "But that's no excuse to treat anyone so cruelly! People should be judged by their actions, not their appearance."

"You are right," Otohime nodded, touched by Sophie's passion. "But fear and ignorance often lead to cruelty. Human pirates who pass through to the New World often act wantonly, disregarding our rights, treating our home as their playground."

Titi's adventurous eyes narrowed, and she asked, "Hasn't anyone tried to bridge this gap, to create understanding between Fishmen and humans?"

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