Tide Between Two Worlds

Here's The Plan

       After the trip to his family tomb, Shuichi decided it was time to cross one of those things off his list since he had the time for it. With the lights of Tsuran City in the distance, Shuichi perched himself on a cliff with Kiyoni and Botan nearby where the perspective was similar to that of the view from the Hollywood hills to Los Angeles. Sparkling shades of blue, pink, green, and yellow shone like water-hued diamonds in the distance including the tower of firefly squid and the Imperial Palace. As he sat there in silence, Shuichi actually took a moment to get better acquainted with his subaquatic body, paying close attention to the way water circulated in and out of his gills the same way air does to lungs.

       Kiyoni was still in disbelief of it all, "This is so...surreal. Ningyo and an underwater city with royalty and life and... And then there's you as you are...and me! I'm a mermaid, Minamino! A real mermaid. I mean I don't think I'll ever watch either version of Ariel and not think about this anymore. Holy crap, what if Misaki finds out about this? Wait, could you do this with Misaki? I mean how would that work out? Better yet, how is this working out? How did we get here?"

Shuichi watched in admiration as Kiyoni opened herself up like an emotional geyser. Despite everything that's happened up to this point, this is what he wanted. A taste of life underwater with at least one of his friends.

       "I'd be glad to tell you whenever you're ready to listen," he said.

Kiyoni was all over the place, made evident by her hair standing on end. Add some electricity to her and she could pass for a plasma ball. Reaching for a more tranquil state, Kiyoni finally sat down next to the sea prince with her hair flailing around her as if she was back on land.

       "In short, it's called a psychic link," Shuichi informed, "One that was established between us some time ago."

      "How long are we talking?"

      "I'm not sure."

      "Wait, you said 'psychic', right? Wait, so does that mean you can read my mind? Quick, tell me what I'm thinking about."

Botan quietly snorted. This young ningyo is quite hilarious. Definitely reminiscent of Botan's younger days.

       "I don't think telepathy is a part of it," Shuichi awkwardly disclosed, "Then again...I could be wrong."

       "Okay so how does it work?"

       "Well, it's a bit unusual to explain."

       "Shuichi, you and I are a couple of...mer...people hanging out as if we were back in school under the cover of a dream. What could be weirder than that? Oh, wait. My hair." Kiyoni gasped, "My hair! I can wear my hair any way I want to and no one would give a crap!"

       "Hm, you have a point. That is a unique trait. Nevertheless, I can't exactly...pinpoint the precise moment that it happened but I know for certain the link was made before the day I told you and Misaki about my previous dream. The one where...I told you more about Lady Botan and...the first sighting of you."

       "So...how did it happen, this link?"

       "Again, I don't know when but...well my best guess would be..." Shuichi froze right then and there, admiring Kiyoni's eyes. Those same eyes that brought them both to this maritime dance.

Unlike how they were seen in school on a bright, sunny day, Kiyoni's eyes were much deeper in color due to her aquatic surroundings. That's not to say it's a bad thing. There was a reflective sparkle in those eyes due to the "city" lights. In fact, despite the color, those eyes were easy to read. They spoke of curiosity, enthusiasm, and bewilderment. The same feelings that come up whenever Kiyoni's instinct is front and center.