Title: Successor

Couple: Lucia/Kaito

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"My successor, Mermaid Princess Lucia of the North Pacific Kingdom, bearer of the Pink Pearl," the voice of Aqua Regina called in her head, the memory of the announcement echoing repeatedly in her mind. "My reign draws to an end. Your reign soon begins. Be ready, child."

Lucia sighed as she stood out on the balcony of her room in Pearl Piari, dressed in her favourite pink pyjamas with soft white heart-shaped designs all over, her honey-brown eyes looking out over the darkened sea wistfully. Wind whistled past her as it blew out across to the sea, gently caressing her face and teasing her dark blonde hair. The light of the diamond-like dots in the velvet night sky twinkled innocently back at her, reflecting their warm white glow in the calm ocean waters. The full moon peeked out from behind a curtain of shimmering clouds, casting its light onto the princess.

The pink mermaid let her shoulders slump slightly as she leant most of her weight on the railing of the balcony, staring at the stars and humming her favourite melody, letting her voice carry out across the ocean, a calm and soothing sound. The blonde princess arranged herself to let her elbow prop her up as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. Her brown eyes fluttered shut as she started to sing to herself.

Blown by a wind of seven colours

I was aiming for the faraway peak of the plateau

The melody I heard before the dawn was a nostalgic song

"Oi, Lucia!" a familiar voice called to her as she finished the verse, snapping Lucia out from her musings and making her push herself up on her tiptoes, looking down from the balcony.

Kaito was standing below, dressed like he wasn't yet ready to go to bed, even though it was already late at night. The orange-haired surfer grinned up at her, running a hand through his spiky hair. He waved at her, calling out, "You going to come down or do I have to come up?" His tone was light and joking, almost completely casual, not even affected by Lucia's own thoughts.

"Um..." Lucia paused, thinking for a while. Her gaze slowly lifted up to stare at the full moon, pondering whether to go down or to let him come up.

Two strong arms wrapped around her waist minutes after, making her shriek a little, taken by surprise, but Kaito's familiar warmth and scent soon made her relax. Lucia sighed softly, enjoying her beloved Kaito's close proximity to her. Under her breath, she continued humming to the tune of her melody as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

"What're you thinking about, Lucia?" Kaito abruptly asked, still not moving from their position. "You've been spacey all day, you know. You alright?" He cocked his head to the side, staring at her through the corner of his eyes as he waited for her answer, patiently pulling her closer as they stood out on the balcony. His orange eyes shone with clear worry, and the surfer pulled back a bit, kissing her temple lovingly.

The dark blonde sighed softly, turning to face him as she reached out to clasp his hands in her own, holding their hands up to her pink shell locket, the pearl within pulsing softly in response. "I don't... it's nothing to worry about, nee, Kaito?" the princess murmured. "I'm just... worried, you know. Worried about a lot of things." She sighed yet again, letting her eyes flutter shut.

The surfer pressed a kiss to her knuckles, letting his lips linger before he pulled their hands down and gently cupped her face. "Yeah, I know," Kaito said softly. "But you can tell me, okay?" Without waiting for a response, he pulled her closer and kissed her firmly on the lips. After a short while, he pulled away, hands cupping either side of her face as he looked deeply into her soft brown eyes. "You know I love you, Lucia. I'm here for you."

Lucia leant into his arms, leaning her head against his shoulder as her eyes fluttered shut. The girl gave a wistful sigh, savouring the feeling of the closeness. "I know... I love you too, Kaito. I'm just... so worried and stressed about everything right now, especially Her Majesty Aqua Regina... too... It's so hard to believe that she's named me her successor, you know?" The princess bit her lower lip and pulled back, eyes meeting his as she rested a hand over his.

"I'm stressed over all the responsibility," she admitted softly, voice quivering. "What if I fail? What if I'm not suited to rule? What if—"

Kaito pressed a finger to her lips, stopping her almost panicked rambling. "Shh," he murmured. "It's okay. I know you'll be great at it, no matter what." His hands clasped one of her own as he suddenly knelt down before her on one knee, kissing her knuckles yet again. "And I promise, no matter what, my Mermaid Princess-sama, I'll always be here with you. I'll be with you through all of it, be it war or peace."

Lucia started shaking a little, her eyes filling with her tears and growing watery. "H-hey... Kaito..." Her voice cracked a bit as she spoke, sniffing.

The orange-haired teen snapped his head back up, concern in his eyes as he straightened, pulling her into his arms. He murmured soothing words in her ear as she started sobbing in earnest, soaking his red jacket with tears. He pressed a loving kiss to the crown of her head, soothingly stroking her hair. "I promise, Lucia," he whispered in her ear. "I promise that I'll always be here with you. No matter what happens, Lucia, I'll always be with you."

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