Blue submarine no. 6 fan fiction: The Nereid

Disclaimer: I don't own Blue Submarine no. 6. If I did, there would be more Blue sub. 6 merchandise. J

The Base

It was a lovely summer's day, not a cloud in the sky to cast shadows on the mansion or the people outside it.

A girl of ten was sitting on the grassy lawn wearing her new powder blue party dress and watching the grownups dancing to the band's music.

Marina loved to watch the dancing couples. The swirling skirts, the glittering jewelry, the graceful steps, and the smiles on everyone's face.

One couple, in the center, stood out among all the others. The man looked so dashing in his black tuxedo. His blue eyes twinkling merrily as he led his partner around the dance floor.

The woman was truly a sight to behold in her emerald green dress. Silky black hair flowed down her back in cascading waves. A necklace of diamonds and emeralds sparkled around her slender neck as she twirled in time to the waltz.

Marina sighed to herself, never had she seen a happier couple.

The music ended and everyone applauded. Hers being the most enthusiastic. The band took a short break and the crowd dispersed for refreshments.

Together, the woman in the emerald dress and her partner left the dance floor.

The guests bowed in respect to the regal looking young woman as she walked towards the girl. Her dance partner had gone to the table to get drinks.

Marina stood up and curtsied politely.

"Oh! Marie," the woman smiled. "That really isn't necessary."

"But you're a duchess, mother." Marina replied with a hug. "All the girls curtsy for you. They said it was to show you respect. I wanted to show my respect too."

"Darling, how many times must I say our family is considered untitled nobility. I'm not a duchess and even if I was, you're my daughter." Her mother stated, amused at the child's sweetness. "You don't need to do that for me." She gave Marina a peck on the forehead and whispered. "I'm going to go sit down for a while. These dance shoes may be pretty but they are killing my poor feet. Keep your father out of trouble for me, okay. Without your Uncle Gallagher here, he doesn't have anyone to play pranks on." They shared a giggle.

"Are you two talking about me?" Her mother's dance partner walked up to them, drinks in hand. "You know he starts it right?" He ruffled Marina's hair playfully and handed his wife a glass of sparkling cider.

"Sure he does." Marina's mother nodded sympathetically. "Now, if you'll both excuse me, I'm going to go visit with Aunt Lottie." She gave the man and girl an 'I'm watching you' gesture. "Stay out of trouble you two."

"No promises." Her husband kissed her cheek tenderly and put his hand on her stomach for a moment before letting her go.

Father and daughter watched the aristocrat walk away towards an elderly woman sitting at one of the tables.

As they struck up a conversation, the band started playing an instrumental version of 'Beyond the Sea.'

"I do believe this is one of our favorite songs." Marina's father turned to her and bowed with a wink. "Care to dance my little nymph of the sea?"

Smiling, she reached out to take his hand…

Marina eyes slowly fluttered open and she rose up into a sitting position on the bed. Ooh, bad idea.

Immediately, she felt a wave of dizziness and sank back down. She put a hand on the side of her forehead in hopes that it would help steady her vision. It was covered in bandages. She gingerly pressed on the area and winced in pain. Yes, there's definitely a tender spot. Where's an icepack when you need it?

Marina sat back up. Fighting the aching dizziness, she turned her attentions to her surroundings. From the looks of things, she was in somebody's bedroom.

A bookcase stood against one wall and a vanity against another. Golden sunlight poured into the room from a small window, illuminating half of the green quilt that covered her body. A small nightstand stood next to the headboard of the bed and at the foot lay her trunk. Where am I, she wondered. I have a strong feeling I'm not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

"You're awake", Said a child's voice nearby.

Marina twisted to see a girl standing in the doorway. A girl with cat-like features.

The cat-girl smiled sweetly once she saw she had Marina's attention and walked towards the bed holding a bundle of damp clothing. Awfully familiar clothing.

Marina looked down at herself and gasped. She was completely naked and it had taken her this long to realize it. Quickly, she pulled the covers over her chest. So much for my brilliant comprehension skills. "Who-who are you?", She asked the strange girl. "How did I get here? Why am I bloody naked?"

"My name is Amonyushuu." The girl said politely. "Some of my people found you and brought you here. I didn't want to further risk you getting hypothermia when you were brought in here so I took your clothes. I hung them outside on the clothesline to dry."

"Okay, I guess I can understand that." Marina felt a little better. "But where is here?" She had a feeling she already knew the answer to that.

"This is the home of my papa, Jung Zorndyke." The cat-girl said, gesturing to the room. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to know the name of the stranger that has been placed under my care."

"My name is Marina….Marina Jameson. So its true then, huh, I am in Dr. Zorndyke's domain?"

"Yes. If you don't think I'm too bold, how did you end up so far away from human settlement?"

Marina raised an eyebrow. "Why would you care?"

"I was just curious. If you don't want to tell me then don't. I will leave so you can get dressed." The girl turned to leave.

"Wait!" Marina reached out for the girl to stop. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just surprised that you would show me any concern."

"Were you expecting me and my people to hurt you when you woke up?"

"Well, yes actually." She blushed. Oh boy, this is awkward. "I've heard some pretty nasty rumors about the chimeras."

"You have no need to fear. But, to be on the safe side, I would stay away from my brother Verg if I were you."

Marina snapped out of her thoughts. "Verg is here?" Her voice quavered slightly. She had heard about the captain of the Phantom ship and had no desire to meet the tyrant.

"Yes, of course. In fact, he lives in this house with me." Amonyushu exited the room.

Great, Marina would be under the same roof with the creature that despised all humans with a passion. Just what I need.

Hastily, she put on some clean clothes and combed her hair with her fingers. Fortunately, none of the clothes in her trunk had gotten wet.

Glancing at the vanity's mirror to make sure she looked decent, she left the room to find her young hostess.

Amonyushuu was waiting for her in the living room. "Could I meet the people who rescued me?", Marina asked. "I'd like to personally thank them for their chivalry." She glanced around the room nervously, waiting for Verg to pop out of the shadows at any moment.

"Very well." The girl nodded in approval, leading her to the door. "All of them should be fairly close to the beach. They've been curious to find out if you managed to survive or not. Katsuma can point them out to you."

Marina froze in shock. "Ka-Katsuma, he's alive?" She could scarcely believe it. Maybe she's talking about a different Katsuma. Wait, how many Katsumas are out there? Well, I guess there's only one way to be sure.

Amonyushuu nodded. "He was the one who asked them to save you."

Marina felt excitement well up within her. "Show me the way."

Amonyushuu pointed a clawed hand. "Step out onto the porch and listen for the waves." She instructed. "They can guide you to him."

"Alright, I will", Marina rushed to the doorway. "Thank you Amonyushuu."

"You're quite welcome", The cat-girl smiled.

Opening the door, she turned back to her host. "I'll see you in a little while." She took a step forward and smacked into a wall of muscle and sinew. She looked up in horror to meet the angry eyes of the last person she ever wanted to see.

Verg.