Prey

Chapter Two: Cruel Ways.

The Atlantic Ocean.
September 9th, 2023.
5:17 am.

After finally settling down, the mermaid assisted me with swimming to the rock I was laying before my spastic attack. After a few attempts, I found a rhythm of moving forwards, and only moving forward.

With my tail, I didn't have a clue how to move forward while steering straight. The blue scales sparkle with each slender movement. Glimmers from the moonlight enhance the monstrosity attached to me with each jerk.

The beautiful mermaid swims elegantly as I watch her sit down beside me, holding my hand tenderly. She smiles, offering a slight nod in my direction. I swallow my skeptical due to her kind hospitality.

The mythical creature speaks first, "My name is Larose, and what is yours, love?"

Her beautiful smile blinds me as I stare at the blue-eyed woman, curious for the reason as to why she cares. Then again, this is a mermaid, not a human like I once was. There's always the possibility they have a different way of life.

I smile softly, and slightly hopeful, to Larose while she sat beside me. She tilts her head a bit, enticing me to answer after a moment.

Being put on the spot had me instantly nervous as she devotes her sole attention on me. My nerves were already jittery due to the predicament Larose had brought me to. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to answer her.

"It's Pandora," I reply, intently watching her facial expression as I speak clearly.

Larose smiled, looking at me with excitement as I spoke. Her eyes dance with happiness as she grabs ahold of my hands abruptly. She appeared happy at the fact I answered her question, but I did my best to ignore her innocent facial expressions as she offers me another gentle smile.

Spotting the glimmer in her eyes, I knew she was plotting something in her pretty little mind. It was only a matter of what and when.

"Lovely name; Pandora, that is." Larose smiles openly, showing off her pearly whites. "I suppose you are wondering how you managed the tail and fins, hm?" Larose giggles shyly.

Her eyes darken a shade, causing a warning to alarm for a barrier between me and this female. She motions toward the heavy thing that has replaced my two legs. I'm only trying to understand what the hell's happening here as she continuously laughs at me as if we were nine-year-olds in the school cafeteria.

Hesitantly, I look down, dreading the sight of a tail and fins. I wince at the black mass, squeaking out, "Yes, I'd like to what happened to my legs."

My eyebrows knot together, and I stretch my hand out to touch the slippery scales. My first initial reaction was shocked; I wasn't expecting my tail to be silky smooth.

"I gave you the chance to become one, actually—" I heard her speak something inaudible under her breath before continuing, "—as you should also know that you may shift back at any time you please, once you learn to do so that is," Larose explains kindly, disregarding my question.

I only nod in return when she pauses, and I wait for her to continue her explanation. It's nice to know I won't have to stay like this forever. I can have my two chubby legs back, I'll just have to earn them.