Deafness and Mermaids

What Else Were You Expecting?

Without thinking, Weston stopped short. She tried to, at least. The city below her was beautiful and she wanted to take it all in. She had never seen anything like it before. Askonette's hand slipped out of her grip.

What are you waiting for? Askonette asked.

Nothing.

Don't you want to come meet everyone?

Yes.

Then come on! Askonette said, beckoning Weston forward. I want to show you some of my friends.

Askonette dashed away, leaving Weston to struggle to catch up. She followed as best she could, lagging behind as Askonette dove down toward an empty space between buildings. Despite her practice, Weston was still only half as fast as her friend.

When Weston caught up, Askonette was already speaking with her friends. They were not what Weston had expected. Two had the same scaly tail as herself but the remaining two were different. The boy had the black and white markings of an orca while the girl had a collection of tentacles like an octopus. They all had long hair ranging from silver to a medium blonde, held back by braids when held back at all. No one was wearing anything. Weston, in her black bikini top, stood out as the only one. It was all Weston could do to keep from staring.

Slowly, she realized that the group was talking. She shook her head to clear her mind and tried to focus. The girl with a green tail was looking at Weston expectantly. Weston shot a desperate glance to Askonette, silently pleading for help.

She's Deaf. Askonette announced as the wait stretched on.

Why didn't you say that! The green-tailed girl demanded. She returned her gaze to Weston. I'm sorry. Usually we're better. We were just talking about someone we knew. My name's Kreena.

Markeo, the boy with the orca tail said.

Flaesk, the girl with a deep blue tail said with a wave. She pointed to the octopus-girl, the only one that hadn't introduced herself yet. That one is Treka. She's shy. What's your name?

Weston.

The group shared a look.

That's...unusual, Kreena said. She moved on quickly. You must be the one Askonette was talking about. She said someone would be visiting. What pod are you from?

Weston looked to Askonette for guidance. Her friend's smile nearly faltered.

It's far away, Weston answered when she received no help.

Most pods are, Markeo said.

You should know that, Flaesk said.

Weston sent another desperate glance to Askonette. She didn't want to ruin her first impression.

I may have lied a little bit, Askonette admitted.

Treka's reaction was the most obvious. Her tentacles began to swirl around her. The rest of the group contained their reactions better. Markeo grew stony while Flaesk tried to smile.

What do you mean? Kreena asked, her tight smile slipping.

Never mind, it's not important, Askonette said.

It's too late for that now, Flaesk insisted. She shook her head in disapproval. You do some crazy things sometimes but this has to be one of the craziest if you did what I suspect.