𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇𝗲 (𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔)

3

"Finally." Your boss said as you stepped out of the elevator.

"Sorry, " You shrugged. "I got lost halfway."

"Alright then. Remind me next time to give you a map or a mobile GPS taped on your forehead."

Ouch, grumpy enough?

You didn't say anything as he led you through an arched hallway. You both stopped when you reached a metal door. He typed in a code and you watched in awe as a few lines on the door glowed blue and they slid open.

"Woah... That's so cool!"

You didn't even bother to contain your excitement as you walked inside. The roof was high above the floor. The area was large and spacious with metal railings that go all over the place. There were stairs leading to a second-floor, you could see people wearing the same uniform as you did walk up and down the stairs and going somewhere.

What caught your eyes the most are two entrances. One on each side of the room.

Your boss walked ahead of you and you followed behind like a lost puppy, looking around in wonder.

"You will start your first day of working by checking the Mers for their weekly examination," he said.

"Okay."

"But before that, you have to get used to your new office."

He opened the door on the right side and stepped in. You followed and instantly gasped.

The first thing you noticed when you got in was a wide pool area filled with water. It was filled with large rocks and plants all over it. You could see a bit of sand below the waters. Around the pool were rubber carpets to make sure people didn't slip while they walked by. There was an opening on the side with metal ladders going into the water.

The roof was transparent and sunlight shone inside.

"This is where you will work and over there is your office." he pointed to a small area protected with glass walls and a sliding door. "Your shift ends at 7, you may exit this room to explore the building a bit but make sure to lock the door."

"Right. Okay, anything else?"

"Nothing else." he turned around and gave you a smirk. "Just look after the Mers."

And with that, he walked out and the door shut behind him.

You stood there, the box still in your hands as you stared at the spot he was on before. You sighed and moved to your new office. You placed the box on your table, sorted the things on the shelf and cabinets and sat on the seat behind the desk.

You stared at the pool in front of you through the glass. It was calm and peaceful here. The sun made everything here warm and cozy.

Then you heard a rumble coming from your stomach. You looked down.

"Oh yeah, I haven't eaten breakfast yet." You said. You took out a paper bag, your phone, and your water bottle from your bag.

You opened the paper bag and grabbed a piece of toast that you made earlier. It was burnt on the edges.

"Eh, who cares?" You took a bite at your late breakfast and smiled. "Still tastes delicious."

Your boss said to watch over the Mers, you didn't know what they were. Probably a sea creature that you never heard of. Maybe it's hiding under the waters. You didn't see anything yet so you scrolled through your phone looking at some adorable turtle pictures.

As you ate your food, something slowly emerged its head from beneath the waters. Curious blue eyes looked at your form, ear fins flicking. It swam closer to the edge of the boxed-in area.

You froze mid-bite when you heard a splash.

Your eyes trailed away from the screen of your phone and onto the wide area of water. You heard a splash again and now you stood up slowly from your chair. You placed your phone down on the table but took your toast with you.

"Hello?" You called out.

It was silent for a few seconds then you heard a clicking noise coming from the edge of the pool. You stepped nearer but froze when you saw something move underwater.

"Is someone there?"

You heard the clicking noise again. You crouched down on the edge of the pool, gazing into the waters. You couldn't see anything but you swore you saw something move.

You looked at the food in your hand then at the water. A smile crept up to your face.

"Well, I guess I'll eat this yummy and delicious toast all by myself then." You grabbed a piece and prepared to bite it.

You heard a squeak and a bit of water splashed on your feet. Now you understood why they made the pants shorter than usual. Good thing your wearing sandals. 

A small head poked out from the waters before you. It had a grey metallic tinted face, adorable big blue eyes, and head fins. Then it's webbed hand rose up and grabbed the edge of the pool. You smiled gently at it and broke a chunk of toast and held it out to the creature.

Glowing blue eyes looked at you for a moment then at the food in your hand. It slowly took the piece from your fingers and popped it in its mouth. While it did that, you could see that there were small fangs poking out.

The creature ate it happily and you saw something move behind it. A small yellow and black striped tail rippled the surface of the water as it swished side to side in a repetitive motion. Your eyes widened.

This creature is a Mer?