We Breathe Water, You Breathe Lies

Page 17

         Elara's heart raced as Dlir took a closer look at the relic, his eyes widening in astonishment. "Wait, it can replicate anything?" he exclaimed, leaning in to examine the intricate patterns that glimmered with an ethereal light.

"Yeah," Rina replied, her voice laced with pride. "That's what we think it can do. It's incredibly powerful."

"Can I try using it to duplicate something?" Dlir joked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Like a bunny? Just kidding! But seriously, what are mermaids like you doing with this?" His expression shifted to concern. "There haven't been mermaid armies since the Great War. Having this kind of power draws attention we don't want... So, what's the end goal?"

"That's actually what we came here to discuss with you," Elara said, glancing at Rina. "We need your help, Dlir. You're the smartest person I know, and that's why you're my best friend."

Dlir chuckled softly, a warm smile lighting his face. "Alright, I'm listening. But what's your goal?"

Elara hesitated, the weight of their intentions pressing down on her. "We want to protect our people, to ensure the safety of our pods," she finally said. "But we also... we also want revenge against the humans."

"That's a dangerous path," Dlir cautioned, his gaze steady. "It would be wrong to kill all humans. I don't like them, but that doesn't mean all their children and women need to die for the mistakes of their ruthless men."

Elara's expression hardened, a flicker of darkness shadowing her features. "Women can be evil too," she replied, her voice low and dangerous, hinting at something deeper within her that she couldn't yet articulate.

Dlir raised an eyebrow, sensing the turmoil beneath her words. "Fair point," he admitted. "But we need a smarter plan than outright slaughter. We have to think strategically."

Rina nodded, her grip on the relic tightening. "If we can harness this power, we can create a more effective way to defend ourselves. But we have to be careful—no merman can hold the relic for long without bursting into blood."

"Exactly," Elara added, a chill running down her spine at the thought. "We need to use it wisely."

Dlir sighed, the weight of their mission hanging heavy in the water. "Alright, let's brainstorm. We need to find a way to protect our people without becoming the monsters we despise." He rolls his eyes, thinking it's not that hard to NOT be evil.