Chapter Four

"Okay are we all ready?" Lina questioned her companions. They were all on the beach at night saying good-bye to Kaito and family. Satchels at their sides, the girls gave last minute hugs again and again.

"Remember to pace yourselves before rushing into anything. Be careful." Nikora-sama wagged her finger at them lovingly.

"I will tell you the results of your trip." pulled out her crystal ball. "I see..."

"Taki-san's fortunes are never accurate," Hippo nodded in self-affirmation, eyes closed and flippers crossed, "it might be better if, ah Taki-san!" He sweat-dropped at her reaction, panic on his face. She had been about to bean him with her ball, but doom-gloomed herself into a nice little cloud of shame and depression instead. Hippo at her back, trying to fix his blunder.

Nikora-sama awkwardly chuckled inching away from them. "Hanon," turning serious beginning her lecture, "just have faith. Tell him what you feel..."

Kaito softly linked his fingers with Luchia's and tugged gently. He led her a ways off from the rowdy crowd. Careful of Lina's wary eyes watching them. Stopping near the surf, he now wasn't sure what to say to his girlfriend. Good luck? Sounded a bit impersonal.

For a guy that could charm a viper into a butterfly he sure was at a loss for words. Not even his knack of flirtation and sense of indecent teasing could help him now. He gripped Luchia's hand tightly.

To be honest. He didn't want to let her go. They were finally together, really together. His mermaid. And now she was going to travel so many miles away, putting a whole continent and then some between them. He regretted not being able to go with them, with her.

"Kaito?" she felt the pressure from his hand, but he had yet to look at her. He just stared out to sea, watching the waves play with each other. Concerned she stepped closer, hugging his arm. 'Kaito.' leaning into him, she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Luchia!" Hanon waved her hand high in the air, using the other to help the sound of her yell carry. "We're leaving!" Lina was already entering the water, Hanon on her heels.

"Hai!" Luchia yelled back. 'Kaito.' She gazed up at him worried. "Um, I have to leave...It's time Kaito." She tugged his hand, hoping he would face her. He didn't. If anything he tensed up further.

Reluctantly she released his hand and he let her walk away. She couldn't force him to turn or to acknowledge that she was leaving, but it didn't make her any happier. Didn't he know it hurt her too? Sniffling she hugged everyone and moved towards the surf ready to dive in.

Kaito couldn't let her go. Not like this. "Luchia!" he bolted to her, tackling her into the water in a hug. Surfacing together, he wrapped Luchia's now blonde hair around his hand, caressing the smooth locks. Softer, he touched his forehead to hers, "Luchia..."

"Kaito." she held on to his shoulders as the waves bobbed them back and forth. Tears in her eyes, love in her heart she kissed him.

Smiling at her initiative he held her closer.

Down below Lina rolled her eyes, Hanon smiled sweetly, giving them time to say their good-byes.

"I love you Luchia." tightening his hold on her, memorizing her face. Eyes shining Luchia beamed, "and I love you Kaito." cupping his face with her hand, she gave him a last peck before they separated. "I'll wait here for you!" Kaito kept his eyes on her as she backed up further into the ocean, "I promise!" She nodded, too choked up for words. Waving good-bye she dove down to meet up with the other girls.

"You okay Luchia?" Hanon swam up next to her. Luchia nodded wiping tears only she could feel.

Lina placed a hand on her shoulder, "We'll be back soon. You'll see. He'll be right here waiting for you." smiling confidently at her prediction.

"Mm." the pink mermaid grinned, 'Until then Kaito' looking back up once. Then taking Hanon's hand, "Let's go find Mitsuki-sensei." Together the three princesses swam deeper into the ocean, straight to German waters. Hopefully they'd find him easily once there.