Strangers of Sea & Land

Chapter 8

I was jolted awake by a loud knocking on my door. Still held by Starla, I gently shook her awake. The knocking continued.

"Katt! Mom wants you downstairs!" Sam shouted. He continued waiting outside, tapping his foot on the carpet.

Me and Starla stared at the door and then at each other. I hadn't came out to my family yet and I didn't know how they'd react. I'm glad I locked the door last night.

"Come on, Katt. We're all waiting on you!"
Sam shouted again.

"Just give me a second!" I shouted back, nervous but irritated at his tone.

I looked around the room nervously, Starla panicking as well.

"Katt, you haven't told your parents yet have you?" She whispered.

I shook my head slowly.

Starla facepalmed and quickly got out of bed.

"I'm gonna go through the window, I'll see you at Method later mkay?" Starla spoke sharply.

"Yeah..got it." I scrambled around the room getting ready to go downstairs as she climbed
out my window. Even though my room was on the second floor, it was an easy climb down.

Once she was out of sight, I hurried to open the door for Sam. My hands were clammy and I nervously smiled as I cracked open my door.

"What do you want, Sam?"

"Kitchen, now. Mom and Dad want to talk to you."

I groaned.

"Yeah, yeah, be right there."

-

Sand scraped against my on the palms of my hands as I clawed at the shore. My face broke through the water and I took a sharp painful breath. Not used to the dry cold air.

The waves lapped onto my tail, foaming, as they transformed. Soon my sleek scales faded into soft skin, a new pair of feet replacing my fins.

My dark tail was gone instead strong lean legs took their place, clad in a cropped black and silver clothing.

I believe this is the human clothing they call 'shorts'.

I stretched my legs and tried to move them, a strange feeling stuck them to the ground. The water never pulled me down before.

I laid on my back and squinted up at the sky. Creatures soared across the blue scene. I breathed in the salty air, fingers hovering over where my gills once were. Fingers that were no longer webbed.

I brushed my hair back and sat up, pulling my so called knees up to my chest. I had always admired the ocean's beauty but never have I seen the humans' view of it. It was mathematically beautiful, an abundance of natural science.

The fins on my forearms were slowly fading as well, leaving only a mark on my left arm. The mark was detailed and bold, resembling a tattoo.

I decided to start my search for that girl, I could feel her aura around this area. I stumbled onto my feet, wobbling to gain my balance. I staggered to a collection of rocks, grabbing hold onto the largest.

This is going to be harder than expected.

-
??? POV

I saw a young man wash up onto the beach, seemingly unconscious. I could sense his magic. Crouching behind some rocks, I looked on intensely.

I watched as the water foam and bubble around a shining black tail. Smirking, I took my pocket journal and began writing down everything I saw.

It's been years since I've seen another of his kind here, or should I say our kind. Fifteen years had passed since I first came here, Braderian was only a child...

I thought to myself for a moment, but turned my attention back to the boy. He was standing up and trying to walk, I chuckled lowly, but fumbled onto some nearby rocks.

This reminded me much about my first time on land, in this exact spot. I emerged slowly from the rocks and made my way to the him. And as I got closer the tattoo on my arm grew hot.

"Braderian!"

-

I whipped around at the sound of my name, suddenly able to find my balance. I shifted my feet into a defensive stance. The mark on my arm growing frigid.

A man was walking towards me cautiously. I recognized who he was, a face that I hadn't seen in fifteen years. I let out a low growl, sensing his strong aura.

I marched over to him with a scowl, clenching my fists. Anger boiled inside me for this man, this pathetic excuse of a leader. He abandoned us, left for the human world for his mistress.

For years we searched for him, for years we thought he was dead. No merfolk could've survived on land for this long, not unless they used dark magic. Dark magic stolen from the sirens.

My steps grew heavy and my fists curled tightly.

I thought he was our leader.

I thought he would change the world.

I thought he was my hero.

I thought he loved us.

I thought.

I was only about a foot or two away from him when I stopped. Looking him in the eye,I clenched my teeth and frowned deeply. He would pay for what he did us. What he did to me!

I raised my fist and drove it into his jaw, using all the force and anger that burned inside me. I pushed him down and spat on the sand. This man deserved no mercy but if he dies so do his secrets.

"Finally decided to show up again, huh?"

"I can explain, Bra-"

"Enough! I'm here for one reason and you have no choice but to help. To repent for all you've done!"

Wiping the corner of his mouth, he stumbled back to his feet. Glaring at me, I could see the stain of blue blood on his chin.

"I will not, I have no remorse for the actions of my past. But I shall assist you as your only kin in this world."

I growled.

"Fine. Show me the customs of the mud people. Then I must fulfill my mission."

The man harrumphed.

"I was just like you when I was younger."

"Quiet! I am nothing like the monster you are." I hissed aggressively.

He merely chuckled.

"Am I merely a monster to you? Only distant kin?"

I shook my head and crossed my arms, I knew what he wanted me say. And regretfully, I complied.

"No, Father."