A New Day

Part 11

Yurena's heart was beating fast when she first stepped off the ground. She immediately put on her clothes and did all the things that her mother Celes taught her before leaving the ocean. Every first time is always scary, somehow the young lady has prepared herself for the worst things that could happen.

She thought it would be a big challenge to find Kaikane, her mother's friend. But she did not expect that she was already waiting on the shore as if she already knew that she would have a guest. Kaikane is also about the same age as her mother, Celes. Even though there is a trace of aging on her face, her beauty is still noticeable.

"I felt the energy of the magical shell so I immediately went to it. I thought it was Celes who I would see holding it," she said, greeted Yurena with a beautiful smile on her face.

"Celes is my mother and my guardian as well. By the way, my name is Yurena," she introduced herself, smiling.

"I know, Celes often tells me stories about you when we meet under the sea. And she told me then that when you decide to come up here on the high ground, I will help you adjust to your new environment. So here I am! I will be your guide in this new world," she excitedly answered.

At that moment, Yurena's uneasy feeling slowly faded away because she knew that Kaikane would help her with the things she needed here in the high land. Somehow, having a companion is encouraging.

They were right, the high ground was too broad, crowded and chaotic. People are also noisy and busy with their activities. And above all, it was also here that she realized that people are no different from mermaids who have legs. You can never tell the difference. That's why it's hard to know who is a mermaid and who is a real person.

Kaikane sheltered Yurena in her residence. Since she is often alone, she is happy to be with the young lady. "You're here alone? How do you live in this place?" Yurena asked her.

"I'm just used to it. You know, when I was young my dream was to live here on the high ground. That's why Celes and I went here together trying to live freely. When Celes failed in love she returned to the ocean and I stayed here to continue life. Sometimes it's really hard to give up on something especially if it's your dream. Maybe that's the reason why I stayed here," Kaikane narrated with all honesty.

Yurena was just following her as she walked around. "Is it difficult to live here on the high ground?" she asked.

"I don't think it's hard as long as you're strategic. Here, I can do all the things I like the most such as painting pictures and designing clay pots. Don't worry because I'll teach you all about it," Kaikane assured her.

Kaikane couldn't hide the joy in those moments. She immediately introduced Yurena to her friends as her niece vacationing here at the beach. Meanwhile, Yurena just kept looking at her surroundings because everything was new to her eyes. The beautiful sunshine is also refreshing. It feels good on the skin especially since there is nothing like this under the ocean.

"I'm glad Celes taught you the basic things you should do here above ground. How was the first time you stood with your new legs? Does it hurt?" Kaikane asked.

"Yes, the first time I stepped with my feet was very painful, but it was worth it because walking is easier than swimming with the waves," Yurena answered, her eyes sparkling.

Kaikane laughed. "I can relate to the feeling, but when it gets dark, we have to hide ourselves because our tails will come out again. It's dangerous when people find out we're a mermaid, they'll definitely do everything to catch us."

"I understand, that's what my mother always taught me. Humans are cruel and they abuse everything in the ocean," Yurena answered.

"Life here in the high ground is not that easy. That's probably the reason why fishermen and other people do illegal things. As you can see, the high ground is filled with crowded people. As the population increases, the supply becomes fewer. So that's probably the reason why people do illegal things to survive," Kaikane explained.