Nothing Has Changed

The Jellyfish Prince

Once upon a time in a land far below, there existed a strong aquatic species of warrior known as the Odysians. The Odysians bore a strong resemblance to modern-day jellyfish with their smooth, gelatinous bodies, lithe builds, and limbs as well as tentacles, it was common for locals to mistake them for the familiar organisms. However, unlike jellyfish, they possessed both lungs and gills allowing them to breathe air and water. The Odysians, once land dwellers, made their home in the ocean far away from humanity in magnificent glass castles never to be seen again.

Ocean had spent the majority of her life near the water, like her namesake. A marine biologist by trade and an adventurer by nature, Ocean found herself juggling many responsibilities daily. When she finally had the opportunity to earn her scuba diving certification, Ocean spent every spare second she could exploring the waters near her home. It wasn't long before she discovered a cove with a series of tunnels that lead to seemingly nowhere but down. Ocean prepared for weeks in advance, collecting oxygen tanks and wet suits specifically designed for underwater pressure. She had to know if those tunnels ever ended or what secrets could be found in them and nothing was stopping her.

"Sire, I don't think humans hold any real value to the kingdom. I believe we have to cease contact with them for the safety of our people."

The chief advisor, Tasey spoke to the king in a stern tone. Scotirios, turned towards his chief advisor pacing in front of the throne and spoke in a calm, confident tone.

"Am I to believe, that you want the kingdom to cut contact with the land dwellers because of your own personal bias? Are you purposefully disregarding the benefit they hold to the kingdom?"

"Sire, please, I would never be speciesist but you must agree that ever since the human governments have begun to increase in diplomatic relations we have not gained nearly as much as they have" Tasey responded carefully.

The king stopped pacing and sat on the throne and contemplated carefully for a moment before turning to his son.

"Callum, your thoughts?"

Callum, heir to the throne and Scotirios' own pride and joy, sat adjacent to the throne and was passively flicking his tentacles.

So far, Callum had been bored out of his mind - the answer was obvious.

Callum tipped his head in the direction of the High Council and Tasey and replied.

"Clearly, the Council as a whole has assembled to convince you of this so it's obvious the humans have done something to piss them off. It's only a question of what."

I don't understand why we let these humans take advantage of us like this, Callum thought.

The king chuckled heartily

"How astute of you. The Council is dismissed for further relegation and investigation."

The High Council, albeit grumbly, dismissed themselves from the throne room while bowing to the king and prince as they left.

Callum then stood and turned to his father, and declared:

"I'm going for a swim. I'll be back by third tide."

His father inclined his head, already engrossed in his various devices, seeking to investigate his son's claims.

Callum strolled out the room and into his bedroom down the hall. He stripped from his princely robes and observed his smooth green skin in the mirror. He took note of the formation of his legs and torso, the four extra tentacles extending from his back, and both of his arms. He contemplated swimming naked today, while not uncommon, it was typically only done during the dusk hours but today he needed to feel the water glide against his skin. Callum exited his room and headed to the bridge that contained a diving ledge into the surrounding waters. He jumped straight in reveling in the icy shock. Callum swam towards his favorite area, a maze of tunnels extending upwards. Using his tentacles to propel him forward, Callum entered the tunnels.