Hase - Before Ever After

Chapter 14 - The Mermaid Lagoon

"Who does he think he is?". Hawk whispered to Travis while walking down the path to the mermaid's lagoon.

"What? Are you mad he took Rose's hand from yours?". Travis asked with a smirk on his face.

Hawk felt his cheeks burn and looked away from Travis, trying to hide his pepper red face.

"N-No... I mean... Yeah, whatever. But it's not just that. Haven't you noticed how he's always trying to get close to her?" Hawk questioned his friend.

"Yeah, you're right. I think he really likes her, if you know what I mean". Travis replied.

"You better NOT mean it, or else I'll just go punch that stupid smile out of his face". Hawk said and clenched his fist, his face now red from anger.

"Chill out, lover boy, we still need him to get the coin". Travis reminded him.

"Yeah, whatever". Hawk rolled his eyes and stopped at the edge of the lagoon. They had arrived.

The moonlight gave the lagoon a mystic glow, the breeze coming from the sea was light and chilly and the mermaid's were swimming and chatting when they noticed Peter's presence.

"Oh, Peter, what brings you here tonight?" One of them asked, giggling.

"Well, I need your help. Actually, we do". He said and the mermaid just acknowledged the presence of the others.

"Aw, they're so beautiful". Rose said, approaching the mermaids that were now gathered around Peter.

Being her clumsy self, Rose tripped over a rock and almost fell on the lagoon, but before she could hit the water, she felt Peter's grip around her wrist.

"Thank you, Peter". She said with a relieved smile.

Pulling her back and placing a hand on her waist to help the clumsy girl to get her balance back, Peter made sure she was okay before turning his attention back to the mermaids.

They were all looking at Rose with death glares painted on their faces, and knowing them well, Peter knew this couldn't be good, so he got some distance from Rose and began to explain the situation to his now irritated friends.

He was suspicious about the way they so easily agreed to help, but it was definitely not something to complain about. The mermaids would guide them through the dark sea and help them get to the Skull Rock without being noticed, that's all that mattered for now.

They divided in two groups and hopped aboard the rowboats. The mermaids held on to the ropes of the boat and began to pull them from underwater.

Peter was rather grateful that they were willing to help, but he couldn't hold back his suspicion. He knew the mermaids were not fond of outsiders, especially girls. He saw the way they looked at Rose when she was close to him, and knew they were jealous creatures.

"Your thinking is too loud, Peter. What's on your mind?".

Rose brought him back from his thoughts with the question.

He smiled at her, not wanting to worry anyone for a simple presumption.

"It's nothing, I'm just a little anxious about getting there. I hope we make it with no problems."

He said while placing his hand over hers and giving her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, it's gonna be fine". Rose smiled back at him.

Despite not knowing the real reason for his anxiety, her smile helped him be a little less anxious about the mermaids. After all, they were capable of being rather friendly towards him, maybe they had just learned how to be friendly to others as well.

Well, guess I just misjudged them, after all. He assumed.

Oh, but could his assumption be more wrong?

While the heroes headed confidently to their goal, a single mermaid swam across the open sea, searching for a pirate ship and its captain.