Paradise
By: Mew Ami
Beta Reader: Miakemi
Chapter Two: Runaway
Iris
The young princess of the Mediterranean Sea poked her out behind a pillar. She glanced around and saw no one. She then slowly moved out behind it and swam off. Unfortunately she didn't get too far. A hand reached out and grabbed the end of her tail and pulled her back. The young princess looked back and saw her older sister, Élise.
"Where do you think you're going, Iris?" She asked, still holding on to her little sister's tail.
"Taking a morning swim. It's going to be a beautiful day after all."
"A swim, huh?" Élise did not look convinced.
Iris fidgeted. Why must she always see right through her? "Yes..."
"Iris.."
"I'm going human watching! There, happy?"
Élise laughed in triumph. "Thought so."
"Now, let go of me!"
"No. You need to stop going to the surface. It's dangerous."
"You sound like Papa."
"Well, it's true! Humans used to hunt us!"
"Only because our ancestors would mess with them." Iris managed to pull herself free from her sister's grip. "I'll see you later." Iris swam off, but Élise got right in front of her. "Will you chill out? I'll keep my distance from the scary humans." She made a face of terror. Iris then laughed.
"It's not funny, Iris. What if you get caught in a fishing net?"
"I'm not stupid, Élise! I never go near boats. I just watch people on the beach."
"Nothing I say will convince you?"
Iris shook her head.
"Ugh fine go. I won't tell Papa and Mama."
"Thank you!" Iris hugged her sister.
"You're too stubborn for your own good."
Iris just grinned. "See you later." She then swam off. As she was swimming Iris could have sworn she heard her sister call out to her one more time, but she ignored it. She was just probably telling her to be careful.
It didn't take long for Iris to reach the surface. She popped her head out of the water and could see the city of Mer in the distance. Iris dived back underwater and swam toward the city. She popped her head out again, when she got a bit closer. Iris smiled when she saw humans slowly making their way on to the beach. By the look of it, there was going to be a big crowd today! She glanced around. She needed to find a safe place to watch the beach. Iris then spotted some rocks that went out into the deeper parts of the water. She dived back under water and swam over to the rocks.
When Iris reached the rock at the end, she pulled herself up on it but kept her tail in the water. It was a fantastic view of the beach. A few hours went by and Iris was still on the rock. There were more people on the beach now. Then suddenly she felt something pinching her elbow. Iris flinched and looked down. It was a crab.
"Shoo," she said and tried to flick it away.
"There's a human coming," it said and dodged her fingers.
"Huh?"
"Across the rocks." the crab then went into the water.
Iris looked back at the other rocks and saw a boy human walking across them. She noticed his attention was on a book. Her heart leaped with panic and she went under the water. Once under water, Iris was trying to calm herself down. She kept telling herself he didn't notice her. Even if he did there was no way he saw her tail. It was completely underwater.
Iris looked up at the surface of the water. She was at an angle where she could see the boy standing on the rock. Iris bit her lip. She should go, but this was a great opportunity to watch a human up close. This was her first time seeing one close up in person. Iris swam to the rock behind the one he was standing on.
She got behind and slightly pulled herself up. The boy was now sitting on the rock. His back was turned to her. Iris breathed in relief. He still had his attention on that book which meant he didn't see her at all! She then noticed his arm was moving. What was he doing? She moved around the rock and approached him. Iris quietly moved up on the rock and peeked over his shoulder. He was drawing the sea! Ah he must love the sea! She got too excited and her tail made a slash in the water. He looked up from his book. Iris quickly went back under water.
Iris felt her heart pounding in her chest. He saw her. He definitely saw her. She looked up but didn't see him looking into the water. Curious Iris slightly poked her head out of the water. She saw him drawing again. A grin spread across her face. He had to be a true artist if he was so into his drawing. Messing with him would be easy! Iris rose her tail out of the water and made another splashing noise. She quickly went back under water. Iris waited a few more minutes before going back up. He was drawing away. Iris frowned she was going to have to try harder.
Once again Iris rose her tail out of the water and made a splashing noise. She waited until he moved and stayed put when she saw him moving forward across the rock. Iris held back a laugh. The boy was oblivious to the sound direction. She splashed the water again, but this time louder. Iris saw him turning his body around so she went back under the water and went behind the other rock. She laughed out loud. This was too much fun! Now she understood why her ancestors messed around with humans.
Iris then heard a female a voice all the sudden. She frowned. Another human? She moved between the rocks and looked up. Iris could see a human girl standing there. She could hear their conversation clearly. So his name was Gabby? What a horrible name! The poor guy! As for the girl, Iris didn't care for her name.
"Please stop calling me Gabby," he said.
Oh, thank Neptune! That wasn't his real name. She wondered what it was then. Iris shook her head. She shouldn't care about that. It wasn't like she was going to see him again. Iris floated down a bit. She probably should go..
"No we don't. Now go away," said the boy. He sounded annoyed.
"Must you be so cold?" said the girl in a whiny voice.
Iris folded her arms. This girl was bothering him! He probably wanted to go back to his drawing. She moved herself to the side of the rock they were standing on. She poked her head out and the two teenagers were focusing on each other. So Iris quickly made a splash with her tail and went back under the water. There! Hopefully she got that girl wet!
"What a lovely drawing!" said the girl.
Iris pulled on her hair. Ugh! Her splash wasn't powerful enough. She decided to stay put. She had to stay out of this. She was becoming too bold. Iris just kept floating there until the boy took off.
"Gabriel!" the girl shouted loudly.
Gabriel? That had to be his name. Iris peeked her head out of the water and saw the girl hopping across the rocks now. She then rose her whole head and upper body out of the water. Iris let out a sigh. That girl ruined her fun. Oh, well it was probably for the best. Iris turned around and dove back under the water, when the girl made it to the shore.
The rest of the morning Iris had a difficult time watching humans. Since it was a hot summer day, the beach was jam packed. There were a ton of people in the sea and Iris couldn't return to those rocks. There were human children playing on them now and they wouldn't leave! She decided to call it day when she heard a few people call out mermaid. Great.. They probably saw her tail while she was moving around.
The young princess decided to swim along the shore. It was too early to go home. A voice in the back of her mind was telling her to go back. She had a feeling there was a reason why she needed to go back home, but the young princess couldn't remember. She shrugged it off and kept on swimming. Eventually she discovered a cove and swam into it. The young princess then beached herself on the shore. She leaned back on her hands and started to sun herself. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
"I was able to get a salty square!" said an annoying voice.
Iris opened of her eyes and saw two seagulls sitting on a rock. She let out a frustrated sigh. Seagulls. Out all of the sea birds they were the most annoying. "Do you guys mind?" The two birds looked at her and then went back to their conversation about human food.
She crawled back into the water and was going to make attempt to splash them. When she got close to them, they quickly jumped up into the air. They were screaming human and flew off. No! Why? Humans never came down this far! She dove under the water and went back out to the sea. She turned around and popped her head out of the water. She let out a gasp. It was Gabriel! And he was alone!
Iris giggled to herself. She couldn't resist. She had to watch him for some reason. Iris swam back over to the cove and hid behind some rocks on the left side of the cove. The rock she hid behind allowed her to sit on it without him noticing her. She sat there watching him and when he got into the water, her lips curled into a smile. She could mess with some more.
She dove back into the water and quietly swam into the cove. She saw him just floating in the water. Iris swam to his side and could see that his eyes were close. She felt her heart skip. This was her chance to get a better look at him. She just had to be quiet. Iris rose her upper body out the water and stared down at him. Iris's eyes softened. He was cute. She wondered about the color of his eyes. Iris shook her head. She shouldn't be this close to him. She should go..
Then suddenly Gabriel's eyes opened. Iris's eyes widened and she found herself staring briefly into his eyes. They were a soft pale blue. He then thrashed about and Iris used a small wave to get away. She decided to call it day and return home. Iris hoped that Gabriel didn't see her tail.
When Iris returned home, she still felt shaken up from encounter with Gabriel. If he did see her tail would he tell other humans about it? Then she remembered the other humans from the beach spotting her. Oh what was she going to do? Iris took a deep breath. Everything would be okay. Humans weren't going to discover her kingdom. They didn't believe in mermaids like they used to. She took another deep breath.
"Iris," said a person from behind and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Ahh!" Iris nearly screamed and turned around. She then looked relieved to see it was her sister. She then glared at her. "Don't scare me like that!"
"Sorry," said Élise. "You okay? You're shaking."
"I'm fine," Iris replied in a weak voice.
"You're lying."
"Uh.."
"Iris..." Élise folded her arms. "Did something happened while you were human watching?"
"You could say that.."
"Iris!"
"What!?"
"You got too close didn't you?"
"...Yes.." she looked away. "One saw me."
Élise's jaw dropped.
"But he only saw my eyes!" Iris looked back at her.
Iris's sister raised her hand and it was trembling.
"Élise, what's wrong?" Iris gave her a confused look.
Élise grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. Iris's eyes were filled with fear. Their father was floating there and he did not look happy. He just gave Iris a look and swam off. Iris sighed and followed right behind him.
They went into his study. He took his seat behind a desk. Iris just remained floating there with her head hung low. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She was so dead.
"Iris," he said trying to keep his voice calm.
"Yes, Papa?" she replied.
"What do you mean that he only saw your eyes?"
"Uh, we were face to face.."
"Iris!" he slammed his fist on the table. "Human contact is forbidden!"
Iris flinched. "He didn't see my tail! He had his eyes closed when I got close up to his face. Then when he opened his eyes, our gazes briefly met!" She wasn't going to bother to tell him about her whole contact with Gabriel and the other humans who saw her. He was angry enough.
"I don't care!" her father rose from his seat. "You put our kingdom in danger!"
She bit her lip. "I'm sorry, Papa. Please stop yelling at me."
He turned his back to her and took a deep breath. "Iris, I have told you countless times that going to the surface is dangerous. That human could have done something to you."
Iris didn't say anything.
"You are grounded for a month. You are not allowed to leave the palace walls."
"But, Papa!"
He looked back at her. "No buts. Now go to your room and get ready."
She blinked. "Get ready?"
Her father just stared at her. "The royal family from the Tyrrhenian Sea. They are bringing their son. I would like you and your sister to show him around the kingdom."
Iris refrained from slapping her head. She forgot about the Tyrrhenian Royal family staying with them for a week.
"Now go."
"But how can I show him around if I'm grounded?" she back talked him.
"You're allowed to leave the palace walls for royal duties."
Iris held back from rolling her eyes.
"Now, go."
"Yes, father." Iris left her study and went to her room.
Once entering her room, she collapsed on her bed. Great now what she was going to do for a month? As much as she loved the sea there wasn't much to do compared to the human world. She stared up at the ceiling. She would give anything to explore the human world. Iris then heard a knock on her door.
"Come in," she said.
Élise opened the door and floated in. "Are you ready?"
Iris sat up. "They're here?"
Her sister nodded her head.
Iris swam over to Élise. "Yeah I guess."
The sisters headed over to the throne room. When they entered the room, their parents were sitting on their thrones. The sisters joined them by floating to their sides. The main doors to the throne room opened and the visiting royal family entered.
Iris looked over at the prince while her father greeted him and his family. Compared to Gabriel, he was rather bland looking. Wait. Why did she compare him to Gabriel? She didn't know him at all! And she would never see him again! Then she learned the prince's name was Piero. Pfft Gabriel was a better name. Ugh! Why did this matter!?
After king's welcoming, the sisters took Piero on a tour of the kingdom's capital. Iris let Élise do most of the talking. She started hang back behind them, when she noticed Piero staring at her. What was his deal? It was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. Iris gave Élise a look and they sped up the tour.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself," said Élise, when they returned to the palace.
Piero stared at Iris briefly before returning his attention Élise. "Yes I did. Your kingdom is lovely. It's much bigger than ours."
"Well the Mediterranean Sea is much bigger".
He nodded his head. Piero then looked at Iris. "Princess Iris, would you like to have lunch tomorrow?"
"Uh.. sure," Iris replied. She probably couldn't use her grounding as an excuse since her father would consider entraining the guests as "royal duties".
"Wonderful, I look forward to it," he said with a friendly smile. "See you two at dinner." he then swam away.
Iris sighed. "I don't want to hang out with him tomorrow. He gives me the creeps."
"I wonder why he was staring at you. Well at least he's nice?"
"Élise, if he was nice he wouldn't have been staring."
"At least he's not a weirdo."
"I guess. He seems normal besides the staring."
"We better get ready for dinner."
Iris nodded her head.
At dinner their father had the chefs prepare a feast. As they ate dinner Iris wondered why their father invited Piero and his family in the first place. It only made sense for his father to visit. He had in the past so why bring his wife and son?. It bothered her that her father never explained why when he told her about their visit last week. Then her father cleared his throat right before dessert was severed.
"Iris," he said.
Iris looked at her father. "Yes?"
"I am happy to announce that Piero has requested your hand in marriage."
Of course! Their fathers were planning an arranged marriage and judging by his behavior they were letting Piero pick his bride! Anger boiled through her veins. She would not stand for this! She rose from her seat. "No."
"Iris!" her father cried out in anger.
"I'm not going to marry someone I don't love." She then stormed out of the room and went straight to her bedroom.
The moment she got into her bedroom, Iris locked the door and floated over to her bedroom windows. She was fighting back tears. Despite her refusal she knew her father was going to make her marry him. She bit down on her lip hard. What was she going to do? She was not going through with this. Iris floated around the room thinking until an idea hit her. She'd run away. ...Swim away? She laughed at her own joke.
Iris opened her door and glanced around. She didn't see anyone. She guessed her father was going to have a talk with her after dinner. Probably busy cooling down Piero's parents.
She swam to the left and headed into the courtyard. She made her way around the guards and left the palace grounds. She swam toward Mer. To be honest Iris had no idea where she was going. She didn't have any friends. Even if she did she couldn't hide with them. Her parents would turn to them first. Iris stopped swimming and tried to think of a place to go to. She would have to go a different kingdom and disguise herself. But which kingdom?
"HELP ME!" screamed a voice.
Iris jumped and turned around. She an older merman being chased around by a shark. She gasped. She needed to help him! Iris swam over to him as fast as she could. When she approached the shark and the merman, the shark had him pinned up against a rock wall. Iris looked above and noticed a rock leaning over the edge. She quickly floated up to it. The shark didn't notice her. She pushed the rock over and it landed on the shark's tail. It let out a scream. Iris swam down to the merman and took him by the arm. They then swam away to safety.
"Thank you so much," said the merman when they were far away from the shark. He then recognized her at once. "It's honor to be rescued by a princess."
"No need to thank me," said Iris blushing.
Master!" said a frazzled voice. Iris turned her head and saw a little green sea turtle swimming toward them. "Are you alright!?"
"Yes, Wayzz" said the merman and gave the turtle a reassuring smile.
Iris floated back slightly and glanced around. "Be careful going home." she needed to get out of here. They were out in the open and could easily be spotted.
"Ah, princess! Would you care to join me for some tea?" he returned his attention back to her.
"Tea?"
"Yes. I can tell you have a problem and I might be able to fix it."
"Oh, no thank you."
"I Insist! It's the least I can do."
"You don't owe me anything."
"Please."
Iris looked around again. They were alone. Perhaps no one had noticed her disappearance yet. She could probably use his invitation to lay low for awhile until she figured out her next move. Iris nodded her head.
"Excellent. Follow us." the old merman and Wayzz swam off. Iris followed right behind them.
She was doubting her decision. He could be a killer or want to hold her for ransom. But his pet sea turtle was so cute. Would a criminal own such a cute pet? She rolled her eyes at herself. She shouldn't be judging people based off of their pets. She'd just have to keep an eye out.
They led her to their home which was a small cave on the outskirts of the capital. He showed her the living room and she took a seat while he made them tea. Iris looked around the room. It had nice decor. She let out a sigh. What was she doing? Could she really run away? Would she be able to make it on her own? She should probably go back home, but that would she would have to get married..
The old mermaid returned and handed her a cup of tea. He floated to his seat and sat his cup down in front of him. "Now, if you don't mind me asking. Why is a princess all by herself?"
"Oh, um.."
"Don't worry. You can trust me."
Iris looked down at her tea cup. She hesitated. She shouldn't tell him. He could turn on her and inform her father. She clenched her tea cup, but her gut was telling her that she could trust him. However, she needed to know something before she answered his question. "I will tell you, but please tell me your name first."
"Oh! Where are my manners? The name is Fu."
"Fu!?" Iris had heard about him. He was famous among her citizens! He helped solved both merfolk and other sea life problems with his magic! She smiled. Now she trusted him completely.
"I guess you've heard of me?"
She nodded her head.
"Now," he said and took a sip of his tea. "Answer my question."
"I ran away."
"I see. How come?"
"I have to marry someone I don't love."
He just nodded his head. "So where are you going?"
She sighed. "I don't know."
"Surely there is somewhere you want to go."
Iris thought hard. The only place she would love to go to is surface. She then laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Well, I would love to be able to go onto the surface and live with the humans." Now that she thought about, it the surface would be the prefect place to hide. No one knew her background.
Fu gave her a grin. "Wait here." he rose from his chair and left the room.
Iris looked confused. She looked at Wayzz and he just shrugged. When he returned, he handed Iris a bottle which was filled with a red liquid. She took it from him and she stared at it.
"Drink this and it will make you human," he said.
"What!?" she looked up at him wide eye.
"It's a magic potion."
She looked at the potion again, unsure. Should she really change herself just so she could run away? She needed answers first. Iris looked at him. "So how exactly does this work? Will I be human permanently?"
"No. All this will do will give you legs when your body dries out. To return to your mermaid form you must completely submerge your legs under water."
"So, let's say I get caught in the rain. Will I still have legs?"
"Yes. That would be terrible if that wasn't case." he chuckled.
"Is this a one time only thing?"
"No. It will last throughout the rest of your life. However, I can give you another potion if you don't want change anymore."
Iris gave him a small smile. She looked down at the potion again. If she drank this she could live in both worlds. Iris decided to go through with it. "Thank you."
"No. Thank you. If you need anything you know where to find me."
Iris rose from her seat. "Goodbye." She then left his house and headed to Mer.
When she got near Mer, Iris went down the shore. She needed to find an area of the beach that humans normally didn't venture. When she popped out of the water, she didn't see anyone on the beach. Perfect. She swam to shore and beached herself and made sure she was away from the water. She then drank the potion.
She made a face. It tasted awful. Iris then sighed. Now she had to wait and dry out. This was going to take forever. Iris looked down at her body. Her bikini top was soaking wet. Iris took it off and tossed it to the side. There. That might help it. No one was around anyway. She laid back on the beach and stared up at the night sky. Iris ended up falling asleep.
"Um," said a voice and someone shook her arm. "Are you alright?"
Iris snapped her eyes open and saw a pair pale blue eyes staring down at her. She jumped up and her eyes widened. It was Gabriel! He stared at her for a second and then looked away. His face was slightly red. She cocked her head. Why was he being shy? "Yes, I'm fine. What's with you?"
"You're naked."
She looked down at her body and noticed the magic potion worked. She had two legs. Iris stopped herself from touching them. She didn't want him to question her.
"Why are you naked?"
Iris tried to laugh at his question. She needed to think of an excuse fast. "I survived a shipwreck."
He looked back at her with a skeptical look. "You did?"
"Yes," she answered calming down and doing her best to lie. "I was on a small ship and there was a terrible storm. I floated here and along the way I lost some of my clothes." She then held up her bikini top. "This is all I have left."
"I see.."
Iris tried not to fidget.
"Where are you from?"
Iris frowned and played dumb. "I don't remember...All I remember is the storm and my name."
Gabriel just stared at her. She could tell he didn't believe her, but for some reason he was going with it. "What's your name?"
"Iris. What's yours?" she asked him.
"Gabriel."
"It's nice to meet, you Gabriel." She then tried to stand up, but since she had never walked before she fell over and landed on her knees. "Ow.."
"Are you okay?" he asked and helped her up. Now he looked like he believed her story.
"I think so.." She leaned against him for support. Standing was harder than it looked.
"Remember to bend your knees."
Iris looked down and stared at her knees. She did know human anatomy since she researched about humans in her studies. It was important to understand humans despite being banned from contact with them. She just nodded her head.
"I guess you have nowhere to go.."
She shook her head.
"You can stay with me."
"Really!?" her eyes beamed.
"Yes until you figure things out."
"Thank you so much!"
"Okay, do you think you can walk on your own?"
She shook her head. "I feel weak still."
"Would you mind if I carried you?"
"Not at all."
"Okay, but first." he pulled off his shirt and handed it to her.
Iris felt her cheeks blushing. He was so kind.. "Thank you." she put his shirt on while trying to keep her balance. Luckily she had seen humans put on clothes before. Gabriel then lifted her up bridal style. Iris's face turned a deep shade of red and she clenched her bikini top in her hands. She tried to stop herself from staring at him.
"You okay?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes!" she stuttered.
He shrugged and they kept on walking.
