Back to My World

Thursday, 29 April 2021

"Is she not going to send me off properly? Perhaps a simple goodbye?" I asked Procopio who seemed to be ready to take me back to my world. He was waiting for me near the long and thick green plants that served as the exit to the princess' chamber.

"She's not fond of goodbyes, and she doesn't like that word."

"I see."

Procopio and I were about to exit the chamber when we heard a greeting from the two mermen guarding the chamber just right outside. They greeted the queen, so I stepped back and moved to the side in anticipation of her entrance. When she came in, she was all smiles. And that instantly lifted my spirit. I responded with a big smile, showing all my teeth.

"Queen Mother, I'm glad to see you before I go," I said after a quick bow to show respect, then with much appreciation, I flashed another big smile.

She touched my cheek lightly and there was something in me that wanted so much to cherish it, so I tilted my head to keep my cheek pinned on her hand. Then, as if my hand had a mind of its own, it gently moved to cover her hand, pressing it to put more warmth on my cheek. "So, this is what it's like to have a mother." I whispered, then quickly came to my senses. I can't believe I just said that in front of the queen! "I mean, Princess Nicolette is very lucky to have such a sweet and caring mother like you."

"Oh, young man, you remind me so much of someone. Come here." She gave me a tight embrace. Only then did I realize I was way much bigger than her. She had a small body frame just like the princess. Maybe I didn't realize it because of the thick shell fabric that covered her upper body. As opposed to her compassionate demeanor, the printed black and red wardrobe made her look sharp.

"Thank you so much for being so welcoming during the very short duration that I was here. And thank you for sending me off in a memorable way. I really appreciate it, Queen Mother."

When she let go of me, I swear she was teary-eyed and to think, we didn't even have the chance to bond. There was something about the way that she treated me. It felt special. I couldn't exactly pinpoint why, but I could feel that there was something. Or maybe I just really reminded her of someone she liked. Perhaps someone very important to her. But who could it be?

"You shall not be alone on your journey. I assume that my daughter has informed you that Procopio will be joining you."

I wanted to memorize her face, so that I won't forget her. She had the same smile as Princess Nicolette, and the same exact features; she was the older version of her daughter. They have the same exact tail. Her shiny tail was blue in the middle, orange on the sides, and her fluke was green and glittery.

Another thing that hindered me from seeing her resemblance to her daughter, aside from her wardrobe, was her totally different hair. She had long black hair with big curls that almost covered her entire clothing, and half of her tail.

I took a glimpse of Procopio who was just behind the queen, patiently waiting for me, then I smiled at the queen. "Yes, she told me."

She put her arm around mine, to lead me outside. We didn't say anything as we both just slowly swam our way towards where I initially landed. There was a tube-like cave covered in green plants. When I followed how big and long it was, I couldn't see the end of it even if I look up; it was too high. I couldn't believe that was how I had travelled way down. I was lucky I didn't puke when I reached the Underworld. And now, I have to travel way up.

"Very well. Parting is such sweet sorrow; however, this shall not be the last time we see each other. We shall meet again whenever the time comes." She lightly tapped my head and gave me a last sweet smile.

I responded with a quick bow. "Goodbye, Queen Mother."

"No, young man. No goodbyes, just…see ya!" She giggled and waved her hand like a kid. I will surely miss her.

I waved back, and nonchalantly looked around to check for any sign of Princess Nicolette. However, there was none. Strangely, her absence pierced my heart, which I know is silly, considering the very short time that I was with her in the Underworld. It was as if she didn't care at all that I was leaving.

Procopio escorted me to the big entrance hole by leading the way. The queen was behind me, still waving when I looked back to check for the princess one last time. I waved once again at the queen who was in between two mermen. There was still no sign of the princess.

"She's not gonna come," Procopio said.

"I'm not waiting for her."

"Yes, you are."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Ahuh. You're super obvious."

"Great, thanks for letting me feel more ridiculous."

He laughed. "Let's get going, so that we can at least make it home before it gets dark."

"Alright."

We swam non-stop for a long time and it felt weird that I wasn't feeling even a bit tired. "How long have we been swimming?"

"40 minutes."

"Really? I thought it was more than that."

"Just 5 more minutes and we're there."

I noticed that the water wasn't purple anymore, then instantly recognized the fountain. I swam all the way up and finally emerged from the water by holding onto the cast stone. When I got out of the fountain, Procopio jumped out of it. "Finally, I'm back." I looked around and checked my watch. "This watch is invincible! I mean, I knew it was waterproof, but for it to still work after almost two days underwater is a miracle! It's almost 6pm. I gotta stop by Justin's place first. Thank you so much for the company, Procopio. I've had a nice journey with you."

"Why do you sound like you're saying goodbye?" He asked, tilting his head.

"What do you mean? You're supposed to accompany me to my journey and now, I'm back home, so I thought we were gonna split up."

"No, I'm coming with you."

"Wow, seriously?"

"Yes, that's why I was sent with you. I'm supposed to be with you as a…guardian."

I laughed. "You're kidding me, right?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

I swear, even without eyebrows, it was as if he raised an eyebrow on me. "You're really coming with me on my way to Justin?"

"Yeah, to Justin, to your home, to your room, and when you wake up, to the bookstore as well. I'm going with you anywhere you go. Like I said, I'm your guardian."

I scratched my head. I was dripping wet and a strong breeze just ran pass me, but I didn't feel cold, and that felt odd. Why am I not feeling cold at all when it's late in the afternoon and I'm dripping wet? I shook my head. I was too hungry to entertain any thoughts.

"But how do I introduce a talking crab to people? Don't you think that would be kind of weird?"

"You don't have to introduce me. In fact, you don't have to mind me. You can barely feel my presence at all because look…"

He disappeared…he disappeared right before my eyes! "Wow!"

"I know, right," said the voice.

"You are a talking invisible crab now!"

"Ahuh."

"Okay, now show yourself again."

He instantly appeared.

"You cheater! This is why I never caught you whenever I followed you! You can just simply vanish!"

He laughed.

"Okay, now, let's go to Justin. I'm hungry. I feel like I lost a lot of weight. I can't believe I just ate green plants for almost two days."

"You should dry yourself first."

"Nah, it will take a while and I can't wait to go to Justin's place and eat." My stomach growled. "See? Did you hear that? I'm so hungry! I never felt hungry underwater, but now, I can feel it in my soul!"

"But you have the ability to instantly dry yourself."

"Really? How?"

"Just wiggle yourself like a dog does when it's wet."

"Hmm…like a dog. Like this?" I wiggled my entire body including my head and voila. "Wowwwww!" I checked my white shirt, blue jeans, and white Fila sneakers, and they were perfectly dry. "This is amazing!"

Procopio laughed. "There's a lot that you need to learn."

"But this is disgusting though, I've been wearing this outfit for almost two days, but what the heck, I'm hungry. Let's go to my favorite friend in the whole wide world. God, I miss him." We both started to walk.

"Yeah, I know your friend. I've seen him around."

"You've been snooping a lot."

"Snooping? Snooping is not the right word. The accurate terminology is investigating."

"Investigating on what?"

"On Earthly matters."

I laughed. "Alright, Procopio, whatever. I am so hungry I could eat you."

He suddenly froze and stared at me with terrified eyes.

I stopped my stride. "I was just kidding!"

"Don't ever make a joke like that again!"

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. I don't even like seafood! And for me, crabs are like pet. They're cute. You're supposed to be cute too, but your voice sounds so deep, so you're no longer cute like I thought before."

"I don't want to be cute."

"I know. You want to be manly." We continued to walk.

"Of course."

"Well, same here."

When we went pass the gazebo then reached the church entrance, I made the sign of the cross. Procopio didn't pause to wait for my quick act of politeness and instead, he continued his steps. He easily went under the wrought iron gate and onto the other side. I tried my best to pull the horizontal cylinder gate opening quietly, but it still squeaked. When I got out and closed it, I suddenly had a lingering feeling that wasn't supposed to be there. I suddenly missed Princess Nicolette.