"I believe I was awakened the moment you pulled me from the brink of death oh so long ago." She rested against Jack's chest, her tail softly stirring the water as she spoke, "I believe I fell in love with you that day as well." He blushed and she chuckled. "Why are you so forward?" she batted her eyes at him, "Questions after the story my dear Samurai." He sighed and she mocked him, "Alright, I'll answer that one then; it's just too bothersome to beat around the bush. On should just out and say how they feel right?" He thought about this for a moment, "No, for if they did the world would be plunged into chaos." She blessed him with her laughter before continuing her story and he held her closer so he could better listen.
"I had been cursed from touching a root from Aku's tree. He took my sight and almost my life but the Gods had other plans for me and sent me to you so we could meet. I assume it's because I would be changed after you released me into the ocean that final day. Aku's magic was strong inside me but I managed to change it within myself and form it into a pure energy. I transformed into the hideous creature before you and became gifted with the ability to see into the future for short bursts of time; however the magic drains me and I wind up falling into a deep slumber. Aku can sense me when I'm not fighting to hide myself and this drains me as well."
She sighed and closed her eyes, "Jack I have fought him for so long you could never imagine. I tried to save you but you were thrown through a time stream before I could reach you. Aku laughed at my futility and locked me away in the bubble. He had intended to drain my very essence then but I was able to harness enough of my energy to throw myself a hundred years into the future by using his own magic against him. I tried to find you but it was for nothing as he had sent you so far I could never reach you; so I waited. I waited and learned about myself while I was stuck in that bubble. Many heroes thought they had what it took to free me, but their hearts were not pure and they were ultimately destroyed by the bubble, their lives sent to Aku each time and each time I was forced to relocate my sphere."
She yawned, "You cannot imagine how difficult it is to move something so solid as that ridiculous bubble." He smiled and thought of his past battles, "Oh I think I can imagine." She nodded, "I bet you can after all; I just read your thoughts." He tensed, "You can do that?" She gave a sheepish grin, "It was an accident Jack, it was something you wanted me to see correct?" He wasn't sure what she meant but he knew he didn't like this ability of hers. His mind flashed dangerous thoughts and he blushed, "Did you read my mind then?"
She blushed and shifted, "I didn't have to." He could feel his entire body turn red but she dismissed his actions and instead returned to her story. "Where was I?" he cleared his throat, "You were moving your sphere." "Oh, right, well every time I had to relocate I had to sleep. I once relocated to a place where a music concert was being held and they thought I was part of the act so I was safe enough to rest until I could move again." He didn't want to interrupt her, but she sensed his question with a smile, "I could sing for you later if you would like." "Very much so." He stated happily despite his nervousness.
"The ladies sang of you and I you know; it was really quite the song." "I thought you did not beat around the bush." He joked lightly, running a finger over her fins. She shivered and swatted his hand away, "I do not move that fast Samurai." "What?" "I moved a short distance away to a place safe enough I could listen to the music and still hide from Aku. You were never far from my thoughts and I trained myself to use the magic so I could see beyond my own limitations. I used this ability and promised myself to the first man to find you for me. Needless to say this plan did not work and I was left with no choice but to continue my search. It was shortly after you were first seen that I landed in the spring and was called a Goddess by the people around it.
I had to have a water source and because of my sudden intrusion an underground spring burst and filled the river again despite Aku's stubborn control of the waters; this is why the people worshipped me and protected me." She formed the water into an orb, lifting it into the air and solidifying it with her breath into a solid clear sphere of ice. "I can see through this if it is infused with magic." He touched the orb and it sparked, "What did you do?" They asked in unison, her eyes cleared for an instant. "You did not cast a spell?" Jack wondered aloud. "No, I have no idea what happened, but I saw your face with my own eyes."
She puzzled over the orb as he puzzled over her, "What are you?" She giggled, "I believe you would call me a 'Ningyo,' but the people now call me a mermaid. I have no idea what I truly am, merely what my title is now… same as you." He nodded and slipped into the water with her, "You call yourself a monster, why?"
"Wouldn't you? I'm parasitic and feed from the energies of those around me. I'm immortal but constantly need to feed to remain in a state of consciousness. I look like this rather than like you," He stopped her, setting his hand over her lips, "I would not like you as much if you looked like me." They stood in silence for a moment, her tail circling his hips until she began to giggle. "What?" "You wouldn't like me if I looked like you?"
He joined her in her laughter, unaware that a dark presence was keeping a close monitor on them; and he had heard every word.