Orchid

A Tasty Meal of the King of the Sea

We follow Albatross and Auklet to a grand castle with intricate designs, so beautiful it sorta makes the elves's castle look like a dump. The tips rise above, and as I look up, I see we're really deep below the water, so deep it could be Atlantis. Wait, is this Atlantis? Probably, yes. Though it looks nothing like the Atlantis cartoons I've seen on TV. 

 The high curves of the castle are tipped with glorious statues of mermaids arching their bodies forward and their arms above their heads, as if they were dancing. The castle itself is clear and shiny, polished silver. No Outsider could build this. Actually, they could. In infinity years. Even after a hundred years, they would've only composed a poor imitation of a fourth of the castle. The blue water augmented what it was originally supposed to look like...maybe it was supposed to crumble like a sandcastle...but this water is probably special. Enhanced. So instead of crumbling, it strengthens it.

 Welcome to Seaworld, Tsukune says gruffly, swiping his chin with a hand, though no stubble layers it.

 No really, I say sarcastically. Then, where are the dolphins and whales?

 Orchid! Jason says, sounding appalled. He's always believed that Seaworld was animal abuse. Actually, it's pretty awesome(I may be biased because I went there before). That is like so animal abuse.

 What the hell are you talking about? Tsukune stares at us.

 Dude, are you for serious? I chuckle. You're king of the sea and you've never been to Seaworld. That's sad. What about the Shedd Aquarium?

 I have no clue what you are referring to, and I don't care. Tsukune either really has never been to an aquarium before, or he has a really good poker face. Not me. I always laugh when telling a lie, or my cheeks get cherry red. Y'see....

 Anyways...Tsukune sighs in his grumpiness. Here's the castle. He waves a hand indifferently to the grand, huge doors of the castle, as if it was just a shack and he was saying, Here. 

 Dang, it's beautiful, I comment, and pay attention to how he reacts. The king of the sea merely blinks and proceeds. Darn, what will break him?

 We enter, stroking through the water, and Tsukune points to a side room. That's the bedroom you will share with your friend here. He jabs a finger at Jason. Dinner is in a hour. Dress yourselves properly. He scans a quick eye over my ragged hair, my torn jeans, and my ripped jacket. Are you old enough to dress yourself, or do you need a handmaid? He whistles and Albatross comes over, her eyes alert and focused. Uh....

 No, I'm sixteen, I say pointedly. I don't need any stranger playing Peeping Tom or looking at my girls while I bathe or anything, especially a woman.

 Albatross's face turns bright red, and she coughs.

 Go ahead, Tsukune says in a hard tone. I'll be expecting cleanness and formal dress when you come to the dinner table. Amphitrite will fetch you. He strides away, Auklet and Albatross scurrying after him like lapdogs. Amphitrite shrugs, shoots us a sympathetic look, and follows him.

 I peer into the room and see two queen beds--water beds?, and a walk-in closet. I enter and see a side bathroom--luxurious with a whirlpool and silver sinks--damn, even the toilet plate is gold. Tsukune is definitely rich. I open the door to the closet and gasp in delight.

 Dresses upon dresses--a girl's ultimate dream unless they're tomboy. Dresses of fine stitches, of all colors--all beautiful to the eye, heels and elegant footwear. The other side has boy's wear--suits and tuxedoes, and polished leather shoes on the floor. I jump in and pick through them, despairing. All of them are so pretty--but I settle for a dark blue dress with long pale purple sleeves, a pink quartz necklace, and diamonds in the shape of hearts and roses on the waistline, with silver flats that shimmer when I step. The fabric feels like creamy liquid to my skin. I discard my old clothes on my bed. I don't bother taking a bath, because I'm starving, and I don't apply make-up.

 Jason is lying on the other bed, dozing. I frown at him disapprovedly, but brighten up as Amphitrite steps in the room. She's carrying a covered plate in her hand.

 How is this? she asks. Her long dark hair is ornamented with glittering sapphires.

 Awesome. I smile enthuisiatically. What's that?

 She uncovers it. My contribution to the dinner. I peer at it. It's a couple of saucy meatballs on sticks that smell great and steamy, and fried. Come to think of it, it reminds me of someone.

I frown. What is that?

 She winks. Obviously...tsukune.