| Lustrous Seas |

{} Chapter 3 - Lifespan {}

King Pelagia pointed at Pearl with a cruel voice, "So that's the Bone who will save our kind? Don't make me laugh."

"I'm certain Pearl is capable, do not fret Pelagia." King Atolla reassured and guided the cruel lady to her seat. King Atolla sat down as well.

..Well, this isn't terrifying at all. Pearl stared at his plate, feeling King Pelagia's eyes on him. He looked up at King Atolla with a smile, "King, I don't really need food, so I'm not hungry. I don't mean to be rude."

King Atolla nodded, "Ah, I forgot. My apologies Pearl." She gestured her hand and the closest maid took the plate away.

The group ate in silence for what felt like hours until King Pelagia spoke. 

"Not much of a talker isn't it? How's it going to lure some Bones if it can't even talk?"

King Atolla dabbed her mouth with a napkin, "Pearl prefers to be referred to as he. Please respect that.." She sighed and continued, "You know what happened last time, don't you Pelagia? Pearl is crucial for the mission. If he is not yet fit, he'll be trained."

That shut Pelagia's mouth for a while. Jorunna cleared his throat, "King Atolla, what do you mean by trained?"

"Whatever skills Pearl lacks for the mission, Ruler will teach him. Say he needs to be a better liar, Ruler will give tips." King Atolla explained and lifted her veil out of her face, showing only one of her eyes, "However, it will be the Bone species who teacher Pearl how to fight."

Lochi tapped her chin, "Fight..? What would Pearl be fighting for? Isn't he just.. Luring?" 

King Atolla lowered her veil, "Lunarians attack the Bone every so often. Pearl will be taught to fight by them just in case. Because to the Bone, Pearl is the same as them." 

Lochi nodded and looked at Pearl with a slightly worried look. "Are you sure about this, P?" Jorunna looked at him as well.

Pearl hesitated. Lochi and Jorunna have been getting thinner and thinner as the years went on. If he doesn't succeed, his entire village might starve. They'll revert back to those tribes who eat each other.. He can't let that happen. Because, unlike Pearl, the Admirabilis can die.

Mama and Papa died long ago. He's seen a handful of generations of his village come and go as he got older. He was an immortal being as he had no predators. Lochi's mother was a beautiful person too before she passed. Pearl remembers aiding her in her schoolwork. Meeting Lochi when she was just born.. Jorunna came from a long line of tailors and seamstresses, who were personally a great help to Pearl. None of the clothes fit Pearl's unusual proportions, so his family customized them just for her as she grew. 

Everyone's been so helpful, this is the least he could do.

"Of course I am," Pearl nodded with a determined smile, "You guys are my main motivation. The village, too. My mama and papa would be so proud of me.." 

Jorunna pat Pearl's head, "I'm certain they would be, Pearl."

It's a blessing, Pearl gets to see everybody grow up into amazing individuals. The curse.. He must see them pass away as well.

...

It's late at night now, and King Pelagia has taken her leave back to her region, Levialean. 

A knock. Pearl was in his bedroom. He called out, "Come inn!"

Jorunna walked in, smiling at him. He took a seat on the edge of the bed, "I don't know how you're so strong all the time, Pearl."

Pearl sat up, coming out from under the blankets, "Strong? Didn't you see how easy my arm broke when you were a kid?" He chuckled. "You were so frightened.. At the time, you didn't know I could just reattach it."

He chuckled too, but it lacked enthusiasm. Sounded bitter, almost. "Yeah.. You watched me and Lochi grow up. Both of us.. We're already halfway through our lifespan. And.. I don't want to leave you. How old are you now, Pearl?"

Pearl hated bringing up their short lifespans. Common Admirabilis live for about 20 years on average. The royalty live about 40. Compared to Pearl, it all goes by in the blink of an eye. "I'm.. probably somewhere around 700. I'm not really sure." He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. 

"But- I never actually interacted with Admirabilis until about 100 ago! It's really not that hard, I got used to it." Pearl tried to explain, not wanting Jorunna to worry. He lives too short to be worrying.

Jorunna looked at Pearl with an expression that made him feel heavy. Pearl has never seen Jorunna's eyes look so hopeless, without a light. 

Jorunna smiled at Pearl, but it felt fake. "Maybe when you meet the Bones, you'll make a few friends? They'll live just as long as you will, I bet. That way you won't have to worry.."

Pearl went over and grabbed Jorunna by the shoulders, gripping him so tight that his weak fingers couldn't handle it. Cracks formed up his cheek as he begged, "Jorunna, don't ever say that! I will always, always be you guys' friends. Nothing can replace you and Lochi." 

Jorunna pat his head, making Pearl relax himself. "I didn't think.." He sighed, "I'm sorry, P. We'll always be your friend too, so don't be afraid to lean on us too." He smiled, the light in his eyes coming back. Pearl hugged Jorunna as he rubbed his back, "Don't worry, we'll be here. Always."

That's what Pearl's last generation of friends told him. But.. For his own sanity, he'll fall for the lie again.