Defeating Dragons

Chapter 12 - Mermaids

Eventually, we get to the underwater city filled with golden towers and stone vines of many colours - more than I have seen on land. I think there are even some gems, such as ruby and sapphires around. So fancy. My mum and Aunt would love to be here.

So would my cousin. Though she'd probably want to do a Twitch stream whilst playing one of her otome games, but a sea theme one. Or a tiktok. I don't get tiktok.

Chafulumisa leads us through the end of the tunnel to the town hall. That's where the tunnel ends. The town hall. A weirdly written sign says so. I shrug, it gives the feel of pirates and treasure. And a mermaid story is kind of a treasure in itself, so that's cool. Like Atlantis, or something.

I grin.

Once inside, there's a slight change in temperature. Either that or I just farted in the suit. I don't remember doing so, but I have been distracted by the seabed life so who knows.

Anyways, we go into the Viziers office and tell him what's been going on. The missing messenger, Dazz, the cultists and the materials we need for the stone.

"So, in short, the first thing you need is the Hatmehit scales." Hmmm. he rubbed his beard. I didn't think mermaids could have beards, but I guess they say 'don't judge a book by its cover' for a reason. Which actually doesn't relate to this. Is it 'assume makes an ass out of you and me' then? Anyways. It would be less surprising if I didn't think it wasn't possible before, but I sort of only realised I thought this when I saw him and thought 'I didn't think this was possible', isn't it ?

I nod at his question, "Yes, Sir."

"Hmm, okay," he smiles. Is that mischievousness I detect? Like, he looks a little younger with a glint in his eye. Kind of like my friends younger brother whenever he hears I'm staying for the night... We never get to sleep through it peacefully. I purse my lips, still trying to smile. Chafulumisa coughs, "I'll go refill myself and return later then." He walks off, continuing the direction we were coming in and going before turning into the Viziers office (which also has the same pirate feeling handwriting on the door saying it's his office).

"I've always wanted to do this," I hear him cackle.

And he shouts for three people and their catch to come in. "Great great timing" he chuckles, "Great timing"

Then he looks to me,

"Which is the Hatmehit fish?"

"Huh?"

He smiles. I totally don't get it.

I point to a random fish of the three.

The Vizier laughs, then tells the guy holding the fish, Jo, to scale it for us.

Kirsec stays and helps ready forces for the cult group to be wiped out with. Itotia and I follow Jo.

We walk outside the office and go through a sealing tunnel, two doors close and water fills up, our suits up over our faces and fins seal.

We are swimming now, the doors open and we follow Jo and go into another sealed area and get the fish skinned and receive the scales.

Itotia takes them. I nod, I still have a variety of potions for them on their way back to the Lakamhaan home. They did use all of their potions by lunchtime.

The place is all very pretty. It is also as an underwater upside-down pyramid. Now that we have been through the tunnels, the town hall was first big tall building, but many small building are shoved inside the ground. at top level of concave pyramid (the largest part) is small businesses, like the fish taking apart place we are at. Mining small industries etc are here. Next layer is similar, but more personal and tailoring and food shopping type etc.