Chapter Thirty Six: The Stubborn Mermaid

Techna felt her consciousness coming to greet her and rebelled against it, she did not want to wake up. After all the annoying stuff she'd had to deal with she did not have the metal capacity to take any more, right now she'd give anything to sink back into that sweet oblivion again. But she couldn't, she was already waking up, plus the fact that after she took a quick tilt to the side she realised that she was still in water after swallowing a mouthful. Her first thought was: Oh gods knew how much bacteria I just swallowed! Her second thought was: Oh right swimming. Kicking her legs Techna gasped and fully broke the surface of the water, coughing and spitting, she flailed and tried to whip her pink hair, now dark, out of her face. Squinting through wet eyes she noted that she was no longer in a river at the bottom of a cliff but in deeper, wider water, like the ocean. Alert now she let her feet drop and was surprised to find that they connected with sandy ground, standing the water came up to her collar bone. Now properly safe from drowning Techna looked around wildly for Layla, quickly spotting that the girl was still actually tethered to her arm "Layla!" Techna exclaimed, grabbing the girl and pulling her above water level, wondering frantically how much time they'd both spent under its depths. Brushing the hair from the girls face Techna sought her pulse; the steady beat of it sent relief coursing through her. Panting steadily Techna looked around, finding herself in a completely different setting, daylight beamed down at her. She stood in the oceans water just off a small beach, trees lining and blocking her view from much else. The thing that caught most of her attention was the sky in the distance, above her it was blue but further in land it had morphed into a raging red in the sky. She warily thought for a moment hell had descended upon them but dismissed it with a shake of her head, scolding herself for jumping the gun and not thinking clearly. Taking a deep breath Techna let herself relax slightly, eyes straying to the water, the green and blue depths were calming and peaceful.

A glittering light in the water a few feet away caught her attention, it moved and sped away quickly, causing Techna to jump and scoot away. Dragging the still unconscious Layla ashore, grunting with the water filled weight of her, until she was on dry hot sand. After checking that the girl was actually breathing properly Techna tried to wake her, with no luck, so the girl finally decided to scout out her surroundings. Techna walked quickly up the beach a few minutes, making sure to keep Layla in sight, until she came to a bend in the coastline. This is where she made a startling discovery: They were on an island far out at sea, a long stretch of land that was tiny but filled with trees. From where she'd left Layla she'd assumed that they were still on the mainland but it appeared they'd strayed out to sea and been sucked in by the tide from the island "Oh sweet merciful gods" Techna muttered to herself.

Already she could feel the blazing sun soaking into her sensitive skin, most likely causing sun burn or heat stroke. She scowled and shook her head "See Techna, this is what you get when you don't drink enough water in a long time. Plus you haven't had any decent food in days, what's going to happen now? You'll die of dehydration on this beach and never see Timmy again!"

"You had food at the tavern" Layla replied behind her, causing Techna to jump and whirl. Her friend, still drenched, sat cross legged in the sand. She was wringing out her hair and dress as she squinted up at her.

Techna felt relief at seeing the girl awake again but quickly smooshed it down and pursed her lips "I said decent food. And I refuse to call what they served at the tavern any kind of eatable substance at all"

"Whatever you say" Layla smiled and looked around "Jeez, nice change of scenery, huh? Things are looking up; we won't find any tusken boars in this place"

Techna had to close her eyes to ward off the large list of dangers that you could suffer from at the peril of island life, she knew now wasn't the time. Plus she most definitely didn't share her friend's opinion about the 'nice' change of scenery. She'd take a cabin deep in the woods to this any day, beaches weren't her thing. Layla wandered up the beach, looking mighty happy with their new surroundings, she skipped along and dipped her feet in the water "Ah just like home"

Techna was still on the beach, crossing her arms sourly when she called out "Speaking of which: Can we please go home now?!"

Layla smirked under her breath, knowing Techna hadn't had coffee in days, and sighed "Okay okay" She was about to walk out of the water again when a thought struck her, the smile slipped from her face and she turned to look warily at Techna.

Techna observed her face and sighed after a moment, spreading her arms apart and saying softly "He's not here. He probably wasn't there to begin with, for all we know Nabu is back at the castle right now waiting for you"

Layla felt the dull pain again and fidgeted with her fingers, looking down at the water, willing Nabu to just appear out of its depths. All she saw was shells at the bottom and a flash of gold, sighing she turned back and strode up the beach, forcing a happy voice "Alright, home we go!"

Layla led both of them up and around the beach, all the way to the other side of the small island until the mainland loomed in the distance, a swimmable distance away. Well...swimmable for them "Probably best if you stretch first, swimming that far can be hell on your muscles. Be sure to take deep breaths and don't panic, if you get into trouble, let me know" All through saying this Layla had pulled up her long skirt and tied it securely around her upper thigh and waist, giving her full access to her legs. She also started stretching while Techna lingered behind her not moving. After a moment Layla turned and eyed her curiously.

Techna looked her dead in the eye "I don't swim"

Layla blanched, almost fell over with shock, she stumbled back a step into the water "You can't swim?!"

Techna uncrossed her arms and looked irritated "Of course I can swim, who can't? I'm just saying that I think we should come up with an alternate way of getting back to the mainland because I. Don't. Swim"

That headache that had been threatening to come on for days finally surfaced, pounding into Layla's temple like a jack hammer, she rubbed her forehead "Techna" She sighed warily. Never had she met anyone, besides Stella, who was so high strung and determined to make everything difficult. For a small moment she longed for the days when they were all together at Alfea, all just young girls obsessed with the guys and having fun, going shopping and occasionally stopping the dark forces from killing them all. Good times.

Layla continued to rub her forehead for another minute before looking up and whining "Pleeease! You said you wanted to go home and this is the quickest way!"

Techna pursed her lips and eyed the heavenly clear water with disdain, already feeling butterflies at the prospect of swimming, it was gross and unsanitary. She had to smile a little at the time when Valtor, while in training, had demanded that they all become expert swimmers. Techna of course had rebelled, a little. But one look from the tall calculating man and she'd felt all her doubts whizz away and dread of something different take its place. Problem solved. But Valtor was dead now and wasn't around to give her the stink eye. But a look at her pleading friend and she felt herself melt a little. Sighing Techna hiked up her skirt as well and tied it tightly around her hips, after cracking her neck she walked hesitantly toward the water.

Layla looked on and smiled encouragingly, waving her in and saying soothing words "That's good, see not too cold. It's gonna be fine. Come on"

Once Techna was in the water up to her knees, Layla rejoiced at her victory and prepared and dive right in. But after Techna took another slow step in her wary and irritated expression abruptly turned curious and then horrified in an instant. She did something then that Layla never would have thought she'd see.

Techna squealed like a girl and high tailed back to the beach in record time, still screeching and jumping on the spot. Alarm shot through layla "What?! What is it?"

Techna did another little jump and waved frantically at her "Come out of the water. Now now now!"

"Why?!" layla demanded frantically as she ran back onto the beach, casting curious glances back at the water.

Techna pointed quickly at the water "I saw something! It was gigantic!"

Layla sighed quickly and held up a calming hand "It was probably a fish"

"It was not a fish!" Techna insisted in outrage.

Layla rolled her eyes and groaned "Come on!"

Techna actually stamped her foot "I saw it!"

"Like I saw Nabu?" Layla arched an eyebrow at her and smirked "Now come on, stop this little episode, you're freaking me out. This is not like you" Layla turned back to the water, eyes instantly zeroing on a rather obvious and terrifying thing in the water. Layla instantly screamed and stumbled out of the water until she came to Techna's side, the two girls temporarily forgetting themselves and screaming while holding onto each other "Oh my god what is it?!"

"I don't know!" Sobbed Techna as she pulled them back more.

It wasn't like the thing in the water was gigantic, just that it was long. Really long with golden scales that sparkled in the sunlight, the water in which it swam was shallow, knee length. It whizzed quickly through the water and disappeared. The two girls stood hyperventilating on the beach, both still grasping the other tightly. Then came their moment of clarity and they immediately let go of each other, clearing their throats and looking embarrassed. They hadn't reacted like that to a monster in years; they were too tough for that. The disappointment was clearly on both their minds. Layla shuffled from one foot to the other "We're stressed"

"Yes" Techna agreed quickly "Yes we are"

Layla continued "We've been out in the wild for too long, we're at our wits end"

Techna nodded vigorously "Wits end"

Layla sighed and let the last of her panic evaporate "Now let's act like the mature adults we are...and swim home"

Techna's nodding slowly stopped until she was looking warily at the water; both seemed none too eager to approach the beautiful depths. Techna took a quick glance at Layla and nodded the two of the started to approach the water again. But once they'd taken three steps the water right in front of them rose up and out splashed the creature from its depths. Both girls shrieked and ran into the tree line, leaving the creature on the sand. They'd just hit the wide tree line on the beach when both girls, in their hysteria, hit the ground and pressed as close to the earth as they could. A few seconds passed and the girls heard nothing but waves and birds, until...

"Well he did warn me but...seeing it is a whole other thing" A female voice commented behind them.

Both Layla and Techna's eyes snapped open, recognising the familiar voice and not being able to believe their luck. She had a deep girlish voice that matched the beach around them, a carefree sort of attitude with sass thrown in. Layla poked her head up from the ground and observed a figure standing three metres from them, on the sands, dripping water. Like looking into a mirror, the woman was the perfect image of Layla, dark smooth skin with blue eyes, reddish brown hair and tall as a tree. She stood with one hand on her hips, wearing what looked like a skin tight scaled...dress thing. It didn't have sleeves but it did cover all the important places around her chest and extended down her legs in long golden scaled strips.

The woman observed the pair with a raised eyebrow in the ensuing silence; finally she asked "Are you always that hysterical?"

Layla sat up, eyes wide "You-you're-"

The woman nodded smugly "Yep"

Techna shook her head, mouth hanging open "That is so...unlikely"

The woman laughed a carefree sound with a throat feel "I know right!"

Layla felt a elated laugh escape her and then a curious look "But wait-" She looked behind the woman at the water "Are you-were you-"

Techna finished for her "The sea monster?"

The woman scoffed and rolled her eyes "Honestly, people have no imagination" She looked back at them and smiled "I'm a mermaid"

"Get out!" Layla yelled in disbelief, a smile erupting on her face "You are not!"

The woman laughed, in equal glee "I totally am!"

Layla sat upright now and punch the sand with her fists in excitement "Holy crap, I'm descendant from a mermaid? That is so cool!"

The woman nodded, mouthing 'I know'

Techna pursed her lips and thought: Finally, someone gets along with their ancestor.

Layla quickly stood up from the ground and walked forward, leaving Techna sitting, she smiled and held out her hands in a sign of happiness "Oh my gods, it's so amazing to meet you!"

The woman smiled, taking on a sly smile "Let me guess: Layla?"

Layla jumped on the spot "I'm Layla!" The two women squealed in delight "What's your name?"

The woman spread her arms out "Lana!"

"Lana!" The women squealed again and hugged, as if they were old friends.

Behind them Techna sat on the ground with a dead pan look, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. Finally after a minute she cleared her throat loudly enough to get the two women's attention "I don't mean to break up-" She waved a hand at them "Whatever this is but...how did you find us?"

Lana stepped back from the hug and shrugged "I had a little tip off, I saw you both come floating out of that stream and out to sea, you would've gone further out but I was able to drag you both back in"

Techna furrowed her eyebrows curiously "Why didn't you just appear when we woke up?"

Lana shrugged again "Well it's a little hard easing someone into the idea of talking to a mermaid, they see the tail and they freak out!" Both Layla and Techna flushed with embarrassment. Lana turned to Layla "Would you have preferred I wait until you were swimming back and just pop up beside you and yell 'Hey there!'? I don't think so"

Layla nodded, getting the point. She sighed in happiness, knowing she'd finally done something really good to contribute to the mission. Another piece of the puzzle. She observed the woman and marvelled at how alike they were "Hey umm" Layla began hesitantly; she gestured to Lana's legs "So ugh...you have legs?"

Lana looked down at her long dark legs "Oh yeah that, mermaids can turn their tail into legs when they go on land. Handy trick, staying in the water too long has a lot of unnecessary pruning"

Layla nodded again when she caught Techna's eye, the girl was giving her a meaningful look and gesturing to her ancestor, a thought struck Layla and she gasped "Oh yeah!" She turned to Lana quickly and chuckled "So umm...I know that we just met and everything but I need a favour?"

Lana sighed and nodded "You want me to come with you to the castle and take part in the spell that will be the witches undoing and restore peace to the land"

Layla blinked and tried to think through her shock "Oh well...yeah" She wrung her hands together nervously "So will you?"

Lana laughed hard "Oh Layla, definitely not"

There was a record scratching in Layla's head and she blanched, blinking and trying to form words. Techna beat her too it "Excuse me?"

Lana looked sympathetic "Sorry but there's no way I'm going near that powder keg"

Layla was shaking her head softly, looking for a sane thought in her head "B-but—why?"

Lana placed her hand on her hip again "Have you met the people you're taking me to see?" She asked incredulity "First there's that Saloria girl, nice enough but trouble follows her all through life. And Tatianna, my god she is off her rocker half the time! And that Medusa, Jesus she is just awful! Florance is a savage killing monster and Scarlet! Oh don't even get me started on her, what a hypocrite!" She finished with a breath, looking worn out. She looked at the two girls and smiled "But you two seem nice enough, so do your friends. I really do wish you luck"

Layla was going to beg or something when Techna asked "How do you know all this?"

Lana shrugged "Mermaids are known for being shameless gossips"

Techna looked dubious and crossed her arms "Who's your informant?"

Lana looked confused "My what?"

"You're informant. The one that gave you the special tip off that Layla and I had been dragged out to sea, and I doubt you heard all that about our mission from gossip"

Lana looked like she understood "Oh! Him!" And she nodded easily "Nabu told me"

Layla tackled the woman to the ground.

Techna jumped and let a surprised yell escape her as she watched layla do an impressive tackle and take Lana to the ground, Layla grunted with the effort and yelled "Where is he?!"

Lana coughed "Get off me!"

Layla shook her woman, possessed "Where is Nabu? Tell me now!"

Lana coughed again, trying to bat the girl away but being hopelessly outmatched by Layla's impressive strength and killing expertise "He's on the mainland, alright? Now would you get off me?!"

Layla immediately let the woman up, brushing herself off as if she hadn't just cracked a little "Thank you"

Lana coughed again and held onto her stomach "Why did you tackle me?"

Layla shrugged "It is quicker than asking politely" She sniffed and brushed hair out of her eyes "Okay, time to go!"

Techna looked shocked "Go? Go where?"

Layla angled her head to the land in the distance "To the mainland, to find Nabu"

Techna really wanted to object but she suspected she'd get tackled. Sighing she followed the determined Layla into the water, Lana humming happily behind them. Once in the water up to their waists they looked over to see Lana next to them, looking very at home, she gave them one last smile before diving into the sea. There was a flash of gold under the surface and then a long golden tail appeared to arch up out of the water and splash them. Layla smiled victoriously and jumped in after her, leaving Techna to shake her head and scowl.

...

Techna crawled up the beach on the mainland, gasping for breath and coughing hard, pink hair sticking to her face and her ruined dress lying limply around her shaking form. Layla strode up the beach confidently, wringing out her hair again and sighing happily "We made it!" She turned back to the sea to see Lana walking out of the water now, a small hint of golden scales fading from her legs to disappear completely "Can you take us to Nabu?"

"Are you going to tackle me if I say no?" Lana asked as she picked a piece of seaweed off of her shoulder and let it drop.

Layla just smiled sweetly at her. Lana chuckled and pointed to an opening in the trees head, almost like a path "Come on, he's this way"

The two women travelled up the beach, leaving the still coughing Techna to empty out the last the sea from her lungs and stomp after them weakly. In the forest they went, it wasn't like the forest they'd been in before, it was tropical. And very hot. As Techna whipped the already forming sweat from her brow she wondered: How was it that this land, that wasn't gigantic but by no means small, able to sustain so many different weathers and landscapes. She remembered Saloria mentioning a desert, the green forests, the tropical rain forests, the beaches, the cliffs, the rock mountings and even a place where it snowed. It was like they had their own little piece of everything packed into this piece of earth.

The women continued onward for a few minutes, until Layla cracked "So where did you find him? Is he okay? What's he doing out here? Why hasn't he just come back to the castle?"

Lana sighed "I met him about a week ago, he'd fallen off one of the cliffs like you did, I grabbed him before he could drown and brought in to safety. You can imagine his surprise when he woke up and saw me, not only was I a mermaid but I was the spitting image of his fiancé. Poor guy. That's when he told me everything he knew about the mission and asked me to come back with him, I said no of course, so he stuck around and tried to convince me otherwise. He's very persistent. And good at surviving, not many people are that good at making the best of living off the land by themselves; he's been asking me every day to come back with him. He really wore me down, and then he found out you and Techna had gotten lost in the woods. He'd bug me by day and hunt for you two by night, been tracking you both all over the place" She looked back at them "You're rubbish at navigation, you know that right?"

"We are aware" Techna ground out.

Lana looked back ahead "So then last night, he comes tearing through the tree line, screaming my name and demands I go rescue you both. Seemed he'd finally caught up with you only to see you both stupidly fall off a cliff. I had to threaten to toss you both back into the ocean to get him to go back to his camp and wait for us"

"Sounds like him" Layla replied, feeling joy spread through her. She was going to finally see Nabu again, after all this time.

OKAY! I do owe you all an explanation and an apology. Lately I have not been updating as much as I should and as much as you'd like, I'm sorry. I've just been massively busy (Lazy) and spending a lot of time on other things (TV shows and eating chocolate) BUT the lucky ducks that you are, get a surprise. I'm going to try and finish this story, which is still only two thirds of the way done, by the end of the year. That's right folks, I'm totally promising you this so that when I don't update, I'll be wracked with guilt and force myself to write. And yes I have been having some writers block lately but it's mainly because THIS STORY IS SOOOOOO LOOOOOOONG! I've never written anything this long and it's taking its toll. But YOU GUYS. Oh! You're the best! I'd hug each and every one of you if I could. Especially reviewers, you guys get a cookie as well.

Just a hint: The actually honest to god way to make me update is to bug the crap out of me. Let me feel the guilt and I'll write. It's strange I know but it works for me. That or I'll just sit at my computer sobbing and yelling dramatically "Damn you! Damn you all to hell!"

But underneath that I love you guys.

Review! xoxoxo