Chapter 18: Merman

In the vast, dark blue sea, where life thrived among vibrant coral gardens and mysterious underwater caves, countless sea creatures swam in harmony. Just beyond the magical boundaries of the majestic sea kingdom, a lone merman could be seen gliding through the water, his movements both purposeful and graceful. His long, dark blue hair floated around him like a shimmering halo, and his emerald-green eyes scanned his surroundings with sharp vigilance. Clutched tightly in his hand was a spear tipped with a sharp, crystalline point that glinted ominously in the filtered sunlight streaming from above.The kingdom behind him sparkled faintly in the distance, its towering spires crafted from shimmering pearl and glowing bioluminescent corals. Schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and the occasional shoal of glittering silver sardines darted around him, weaving through the dancing seaweed forests. But the merman's focus wasn't on the beauty of his home. A faint disturbance in the water had caught his attention, a ripple of energy that wasn't familiar-a foreign presence. His heart quickened as he tightened his grip on the spear, his sharp eyes narrowing in concentration.A flash of gold caught his eye.His breath hitched as he stopped abruptly, hovering mid-water. There, not far from him, was a figure unlike anything he had ever seen. A mermaid. Or was she? She was unlike the mermaids he knew in his kingdom-no gills adorned her slender neck, and her movements were somehow both foreign and mesmerizing. Her long, flowing hair gleamed golden, like sunlight captured in strands, and her delicate back faced him as she retreated warily. Her waist was impossibly small, and her golden tail glittered with an ethereal light, each scale refracting colors that weren't there. A baby manatee floated at her side, seeking her protection as if sensing her unease.His heart pounded as he swam closer, his green tail undulating silently through the water. He was cautious, his sharp eyes observing every detail.As if sensing his presence, the mermaid turned, her golden eyes locking onto him with a wary intensity. Adair's breath caught in his throat. Her face was flawless—too perfect, even by the standards of their mystical world. Her full lips, soft and unpainted, parted slightly as she observed him. Beside her swam a baby manatee, its small round body pressed close to her in a gesture of trust and protection.Adair hesitated. His sharp instincts as a protector of the kingdom urged him to be cautious, but his curiosity overpowered his wariness. Slowly, he released his grip on the spear, allowing it to sink to the seabed below, its dull clink swallowed by the ocean's embrace.To ease her distrust, he reached into the satchel strapped to his side and pulled out a small glowing clam. Its shell shimmered with an iridescent hue, and its faint hum resonated inthe water like a heartbeat. He waved it toward her in a gesture of peace.Xena frowned, her golden brows knitting together as she stared at him and the clam with suspicion. Her instincts told her to remain on guard. She activated her Eye of Truth, and glowing words floated above his head:"Merman (Level 16)

HP: 100/100

Attributes: Strong mermaid tail, fast speed, and magical abilities."

She analyzed him carefully. A level lower than her. He was no real threat, but the sight of his delicate features gave her pause. His long, deep-blue hair framed a face more beautiful than any girl's she'd seen, and his emerald tail glinted as he moved closer. "A femboy merman?" she thought, amused despite her caution.The glowing clam in his hand intrigued her, but she refused to lower her guard. He tossed the clam toward her, and she caught it hesitantly, her slender fingers gripping its smooth, luminescent surface. He opened another identical clam in his hands, urging her to do the same.Inside hers was nothing but a hollow space. Before she could question its purpose, a melodious voice echoed in her mind."Can you hear my voice?"She flinched. "What the—" she exclaimed mentally."I'm Adair," he said gently, his voice carrying a calm sincerity. "Don't be frightened. The clam is a communication tool. It transmits thoughts when opened and silences them when closed."Xena scrutinized him, her golden eyes sharp and probing. His smile was warm, disarming. For a moment, her wariness faltered. "What do you want from me?" she asked through the clam, her voice soft yet firm.Adair's emerald eyes met hers. "I mean no harm," he assured her. "I'm curious about you. You're… different from the merfolk I know."Her gaze didn't waver. "And how does knowing me benefit you?"His smile widened, though it held no malice. "It doesn't. I simply wish to understand a fellow merfolk. Perhaps we are more alike than you think."His sincerity was disarming, but she remained cautious. When he offered to take her to his home, she hesitated. The idea of following a stranger was unsettling, but his reasoning was sound. They were in open waters, vulnerable to predators. After a moment of deliberation, she agreed, keeping a safe distance between them.Adair led her through the expanse of the ocean. Vibrant schools of fish darted past them, their scales catching the light like liquid rainbows. A pod of dolphins swam overhead, their playful clicks and whistles adding a rhythm to the sea's ambient symphony. As they passed a kelp forest, Xena reached out to touch the soft, ribbon-like leaves, their texture smooth and cool against her skin.At last, they arrived at Adair's home—a palace of crystalline reefs that glowed faintly in the ocean's twilight. The structure seemed alive, pulsating with light and energy. Air pockets floated within, providing a breathable space for its occupants. Xena marveled at the intricate coral carvings and the soft hum of magic that seemed to linger in the water."This is your home?" she asked, her voice tinged with awe as the beauty of the place overwhelmed her senses."Yes," Adair replied, his smile gentle yet unreadable. "It's modest compared to the kingdom."Xena swam cautiously behind him, her golden tail flicking lightly to keep her steady. Her sharp senses remained on high alert, even as the baby manatee beside her nudged her playfully. The sight brought a rare, fleeting smile to her lips.Inside the crystalline abode, the air was oddly warm and fragrant, tinged with the faint aroma of ocean brine mixed with something floral and sweet. Smooth walls shimmered like polished gemstones, and faint echoes of water movement reverberated through the cavernous space."Are you hungry?" Adair's voice broke her reverie. She nodded, curious about the food of this world."Yes," Xena replied cautiously.He retrieved a large, shimmering fish from a storage nook. Its scales gleamed with a magical iridescence, and its eyes were wide with life. He handed it to her, his expression expectant.Xena hesitated. Since becoming a mermaid, she hadn't eaten any sea creatures. Her sustenance came from her skill Devour, which replenished her energy without the need for food. But here, under Adair's watchful gaze, she bit into the fish. Its flavor exploded on her tongue—rich, savory, and surprisingly satisfying.Adair observed her intently, his expression soft but his thoughts veiled. His eyes lingered on her golden hair and delicate features, his admiration shadowed by something darker.When her back was turned, his body betrayed him. His two hemipenis, both of them white in color and with a dull grey hue on the tip, oozing a body fluid similar to lubricant comes out subconsciously. Mermen have a male genital that is hidden behind a penile slit. When aroused or during mating season, their genital will protrude from the penile slit. With a swift movement, he pushed his hemipenes back into their sheath, his face a mask of calm when she glanced at him again.Unaware, Xena continued eating, the baby manatee floating beside her and nudging her playfully. When she glanced back at him, his expression was calm, his smile serene."You should stay here for a few days," he suggested smoothly. "The ocean is dangerous now. Rumors of awakened monsters have reached even us patrols."Xena paused, her mind flashing to the massive sleeping Kraken she had encountered. Could it be true?"I don't want to impose," she began, her tone firm but polite.Adair's gentle laugh filled her mind. "You wouldn't be imposing. I only wish to ensure your safety."Xena's delicate fingers trailed along the smooth surface of a crystalline pillar as she considered her options. The material felt cool and slightly slick, like polished glass bathed in ocean mist. Nearby, the baby manatee she had affectionately named Nana nudged her arm, its rubbery snout leaving damp streaks on her skin. Nana's large, curious eyes seemed to plead with her to stay in this newfound haven.Adair stood a few feet away, his strong, green-blue tail undulating slowly to keep him hovering in place. His serene expression betrayed none of the simmering emotions he harbored beneath the surface. He watched Xena closely, his sharp, emerald eyes studying her every movement as she toyed with the glowing communication clam in her hands. A hint of satisfaction flickered in his mind as she finally gave in, her voice transmitted softly through the clam."Well... now that I think about it, I guess a few days of stay won't be so bad. Me and Nana will try to help out in the house," she said. Her tone was resolute, though her golden eyes revealed lingering caution.Adair's smile widened, his delicate features radiant with what appeared to be genuine warmth. "You're most welcome here, Xena. It will be my honor to host you. Please, make yourself comfortable."The merman turned and swam gracefully toward a partitioned area of the chamber, motioning for her to follow. As she did, Xena noticed the intricate details of the space around her. The floors were lined with soft, luminescent algae that cushioned her every step, and the gentle glow provided a comforting warmth against her bare feet. Floating orbs of light drifted lazily near the ceiling, their surfaces dotted with tiny, luminescent creatures that blinked like stars.The smell of the ocean was strong here, a blend of salt and a faint metallic tang from the crystals, mixed with the earthy aroma of kelp woven into the furnishings. Adair led her into a small, cozy alcove where bioluminescent coral branches framed a seating area made of compacted sea sponges. The sponges were surprisingly soft to the touch, and Xena couldn't help but run her fingers over the plush surface as she sat down. Nana nestled beside her, letting out a contented sigh.