Tsuran City. The place where a young ningyo never got the chance to see firsthand due to unforeseen circumstances. An empire missing its one and only prince, left behind by its last empress. The same empress who was happy and eager to show off her home to her lone offspring.

At an entrance gate similar to an Indian torana, a Japanese Torii, Korean hongsalmun, or a Vietnamese tam quan, Shuichi requested a pause to take it all in. Standing at guard were two male ningyo draped in armor made of whale bone and shaped molten rock. Their spears, helmets, and shields were also made of the same material and each were equipped with daggers made of carved stone and volcanic glass. They didn't resemble the samurai of old but were just as militant.

The gate itself was nothing to wave a fin at either. Centuries, if not, millennia of erosion, evolution, and good ol' stone carving made this aquatic door what it is today. Detailed carvings displaying the citizens beyond were seen along the twin sides of the gate, leading up to the awning where the shapes of past rulers formed a border with Botan taking front and center. Above her sat the figure of the country's patron goddess draped in an open, kimono-style shawl made of nothing but pearls and seashells. Although it isn't fully shown, the deity was quite busty. She didn't have a fully defined face but her mouth was like that of an angler fish with a feminine jawline. The upper half of the head was shaped like an octopus where many of her followers believe contained the celestial waters for deceased ningyo to eternally rest. Along with her tail, octopus or squid like tentacles adorned her waist like the skirt of a traditional, western-style wedding dress. In some human cultures, the goddess could either be described as a chimera or the infamous kraken. To Botan and her subjects, the goddess is simply that. A goddess. The entire thing was made of limestone and is assumed that it was the purest of white when it was first constructed. However, due to time, lingering water pollution, algae, and barnacles making it their home, whatever was pure white has now been changed to either greenish blue or bluish green. On brighter days, if the sun was in the country's favor, the gate could be mistaken for raw, untouched, deep aquamarine.

"Amazing," Shuichi marveled, "Are you sure those guards can't see us?"

"Quite," Botan assured, "Of course, should you visit this place for real, you'll be greeted the same way as any noble. Let's go."

And through the gate, the mermaid and her son went. Shuichi's jaw dropped for a seemingly countless time upon the view. Hidden deep in a city-wide canyon, thousands of feet below sea level was the empire of Tsuran City. An aquatic reminder of the days of old, before modernization. Because of the darkness of the surrounding waters, the city itself was illuminated by millions of bioluminescent fish, serving as either pathway lights, portable lanterns, and household lighting. Thousands, if not, millions of merfolk made this place their home and were seen either leaving the city, coming home, or commuting like the humans back on land. Speaking of land, Tsuran City might as well be an underwater version of Mushiyori City the way it looked from above. There was even a tower where the brightest light of the city was actually composed of an aquarium made of sand glass full of firefly squid that were fed daily. Other sources of light came from angler fish, lantern fish, and comb jellyfish. The combination of rainbow-like lights reminded Shuichi of the holiday lights seen around the city back home.

As far as structure was concerned, individual and family homes occupied a majority of the rocky gorge that bordered the metro area. Most of them had their special touch. Doorways made of seaweed and kelp, entrances decorated in glass shards from the surface or fish bone from a hunting trip. A couple was seen setting up their own nesting ground in preparation for family life.

Huh. No different from apartment complexes and some neighborhoods back home, Shuichi analyzed.

Closer to the metro, one would find hut-like buildings made of either limestone, sea salt, coral, colored quartz, volcanic rock and glass, and the earth itself and were partly inspired by the cultures the citizens came from. A few of them were constructed into domes. These were areas where social gatherings and recreational activity would occur similar to dancing or shopping. Assuming that the kingdom was located within the eastern seas and Oceania, influences from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and any and all islands in between became factors of the aesthetic. The tallest structures could be compared to some of the luxury and high-rise buildings of the dry world which housed many more ningyo similar to the apartment complexes of India and China, ningyo swimming in and out of them as if it was a normal day.

Speaking of the people, they were just as diverse as the sea life they share the waters with. Merpeople who looked like koi fish and the like hung out in areas where their homes appeared similar to the days of old Asia. More merfolk with dark skin, brightly-colored tailfins, and salt blonde, curly hair swam through the more populated areas of the city. A group of islander mer were seen getting traditional tattoos either on their torsos or on their faces. Instead of using ink made of dyes and pigments diluted in water, these marking enthusiasts were getting inked with cephalopod ink made fresh.

Remarkable, Shuichi thought.

There were two assumed male ningyo swimming together holding hands smiling in favor of the future. One of them was pregnant which raised one of the questions Shuichi had about ningyo biology. Young guppies attending something resembling a school were seen playing a game of catch with a ball made out of the inflated and depricked carcass of a pufferfish, a game of hide-and-seek, or a game of tag that looked more like flag football. In the shopping district, merchants were having a community-wide sale, exchanging everything from jewelry to hair accessories to tools to manmade knick-knacks all paid for with either gold, silver, or bronze doubloons and coins from the surface, loose pearls, random sea pebbles or untouched, aqua-friendly stones such as clear quartz. One merchant in particular had a shop full of old gadgets long forgotten by humans such as eyewear glasses, wrist and pocket watches, engagement rings, and the earliest versions of the cellular phone that could double as a holder for small trinkets or be used as a whipping weapon due to the flexible antenna. There was even an airport that was more like a naval port. Since the kingdom sat deep within the ocean, some of the largest and/or most dangerous sea creatures took residence there. Despite that, the people of Tsuran City managed to domesticate some of these creatures. Case in point, the naval port was where a few of the largest manta rays around made the area their home. In exchange for their residence, they serve as subaquatic planes. Using an adhesive-like substance, merfolk can ride on the backs of these manta rays like seats on a plane whenever they want to travel long distances. Even though the speed of a single ningyo is on par with a dolphin, body surfing and swimming long distances through vast amounts of water can really take its toll on even the strongest of swimmers. Riding on the back of a giant manta ray saves time and energy.

Shuichi couldn't believe it all. It was one thing to know that merpeople exist. It's another to see that they had an unique grasp on civilization. They were able to build and maintain a community. They had structured systems in place with their own technology. They were diverse in terms of style, culture, and appearance. They had a structured government and way of society virtually unheard of on dry land with an empress as a monarch. If Shuichi stayed out any longer, he would be able to hear their language if they had one. Wait a minute. Language?

"Lady Botan," he called.

"Yes? What is it?"

"I just realized something. Language. What is it?"

The language of the ningyo or eastern mer in general is a combination of old aboriginal, islander, and Asian dialects mixed with terms stemming from the Mediterranean and north and western Africa since the first settlers of the area were from those geographic locations. Since Shuichi never noticed, he was able to not only understand what he was saying but everything Botan said as well without thinking. If only English was this easy.

"We're close to the palace," Botan informed, "Are you ready or would you like to explore the city some more?"

Before Shuichi could answer, the sounds of a horn rippled through the city similar to the sounds made on dry land of an upcoming earthquake or tsunami. It made everyone in Tsuran City stay exactly where they were.

"What was that," Shuichi asked.

"Oh, that's just a warning horn," Botan continued, "You might want to look up to see why."

Shuichi did look up, "Why?"

Within seconds, he got his answer. Aquatic greetings from above came from a family of blue whales just minding their business as they swam above the maritime city, a couple of them were about to land at the naval port to rest. Whatever was left of the late afternoon, nearly evening sun was quickly eclipsed, illuminating the city even brighter for as long as those whales were around. Those who planned to swim out of the city were forced to stay behind until the coast was clear. Shuichi was mesmerized. He's seen blue whales before but they were either on a screen or in a photo. To see one in person, so to speak, was absolutely breathtaking. This must've been how humans felt when zeppelins, blimps, and war planes first coasted through the skies.

"My god…" he whispered.

"They come by whenever the tides change," Botan said, "Aren't they just wonderful?"

"Absolutely," Shuichi replied, nearly hypnotized. No doubt about it. Misaki and Ikeda would lose their minds if they saw this.

"Eh, Kurama? The palace?"

"Oh! The palace, yes. I'm…I'm ready."

"Right this way."

Much like the Imperial city of Tokyo, Tsuran City's imperial district had the same idea. Three domes, larger than any of the residential homes of the country yet reminiscent of Grego-Roman civilization, composed a space two professional soccer fields wide, was perched on a small mountain made of raw, untouched rocky earth, and centered within a sea grass-covered park surrounded by guards and fellow great white sharks and swordfish. The pathway to the front door was paved in precious stones ranging from obsidian to lapis lazuli, amethyst, smoky and white quartz and dressed in patches of moss and algae. To the far left were the private quarters for the ruling family including Shuichi's room where it had remained unchanged ever since his departure. The far right was for dining and large gatherings which haven't seen much life since that time either. In the center of it all was the throne room. If there was a decree to be made, it was there. Coronation and honorary recognition ceremonies? That too. Immediate meetings with the royal court? Sure, why not? Where has Emperor Yoko spent most of his time since the fallout with his family? Yes, indeed. Speaking of, that's exactly where he was by the time Botan and Shuichi found their way inside. Before his majesty stood about ten guards lying in wait for their next order. Illuminated by lanterns full of firefly squid, Yoko sat in silence wondering how or why did so much bad luck fall upon him.

The room, itself, could rival the Chrysanthemum Throne back home. The entire space, from floor to ceiling was made in pure aquamarine and blue aventurine for a marbleized effect. On the back wall was assumed to be the royal crest of Tsuran City, a clam shell with the flair of a fleur-de-lis carved in glass. Four open spaces provided proper circulation of small sea life such as crabs and krill and gave way for occupants to visit the royal garden on one side or to view the city from above all around. The columns that divided the space provided a nesting ground of algae for fish to feed from. To add onto the submarine ecosystem, bundles of seaweed and sea tulips gathered around each column. At least ten lanterns filled with firefly squid provided light for everyone. In the center of it all, perched on three steps of marbleized stone, sat the current face of Tsuran City, Emperor Yoko. There he was seen on his smooth, white quartz throne that had apparently seen better days. Next to him was an empty throne made of pure Australian opal. A throne that was more elaborate than its counterpart. It was shaped similar to the crest behind it with only the head of the goddess carved on the back rest. That was where Botan held her office. Whenever she went into leader mode, those who positioned themselves before her, would see the goddess sitting above their queen, symbolizing the divine connection and blessing between the creator mother and her descendant daughter.

"That's him," Shuichi quietly questioned.

"Yes," Botan replied, voice full of yearning, "That is your father. Emperor Yoko."

Time may have remained on his side but it didn't show on Yoko's face. It's been fifteen years since he's lost his family and he has nothing to show for it. He hadn't smiled since the day he became a father. Those long, silver locks of his hadn't shone so luxuriously or flowed so regally since he held his firstborn. Those eyes that once resembled silver coins from above and matching tailfin had lost their luster with the former developing a hint of darkness around them due to lack of rest. The trident that was bequeathed to him by his deceased wife's will, blessed and enchanted by the great goddess herself had been reduced to a mere trinket hanging on a makeshift strap around his neck. No matter how many firefly squid was needed to brighten up the place, Yoko's sadness kept diminishing it. His right hand served as a placeholder for his head on the armrest to reminisce about the good ole days. Days when he courted his bride, when he proposed to her, their wedding and coronation day, the day Yoko found out he was going to be a father, and the day his son was born. Those memories were on repeat for the last fifteen years with subsequent changes and added details here and there. Everything else that happened afterwards, Yoko constantly prayed to the goddess to forget.

Shuichi's heart sank for him, "He looks absolutely miserable."

"I agree. And to be that way for so long…"

"Couldn't he find another…another mate?"

Once again, Botan's happy face takes a back seat, "What did you just say?"

"Eh… Well, you said it…yourself, didn't you? This country needs a new queen, right? Isn't he allowed to find one?"

"Well, of course, he is. That's his duty! However…there's no need to rush."

Deciding to lighten the mood, Shuichi gets playful, "No... Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Lady Botan?"

"What in the world are you saying? There's not a jealous bone in my body."

"Eh…I'm not so sure. I think you're a little bit jealous."

"I have nothing to be jealous about. Your father is well within his right to find a new mate. It's just…too bad it won't be… Ohhhhhhh! What am I saying? Of course, I'm jealous! I've never loved anyone the way I loved your father and by the looks of things, he would say the same thing. It's just…hard to move on…in that regard. Honestly, Kurama, I don't…I wouldn't blame him…for the decisions he makes. Whether it's done out of politics…or feelings."

Words concerning wayward souls and their attachments to the living world from Kiyoni came back to haunt Shuichi. On top of assisting her son get better acquainted with who and what he is, Botan also has to work on letting go of her one and only love before spending an eternity in peace in the oceanic heavens. Should Shuichi be lucky enough to find a lifelong partner, he would have to worry about that too, whether he goes first or said partner.

Out of respect for Botan's feelings, Shuichi displayed an apologetic bow, "Forgive me, Lady Botan. That was incredibly childish of me. I'm sorry."

All Botan could in response was smile and pat her son's head, "All is forgiven. Let's go check out your room."

Just as it was fifteen years ago, the nursery of one Prince Kurama remained the same as it did the day construction was finished. The space was encased in well cut and polished rose quartz with some light dusting of the ocean floor from sea creatures who swam and crawled their way through. The room's only window provided views of the eastern part of the city where shimmering lights in pink, blue, and purple claimed dominion over the residential towers and homes. A border wall that separated the city from the imperial palace was faced with open space covered in sea grass and a couple of seaweed bushes. Shuichi was told that that area was going to be his playground when he became a guppy. It was imagined that Shuichi would learn how to make bubble art, practice his swimming speed, learn the basics of combat training, and gather some friends. Shuichi immediately thought of Kiyoni when Botan mentioned bubble art, assuming Kiyoni was an artsy kind of girl.

The crib where Shuichi was stolen from was made of a larger than life clam shell and padded with pillows of mussel, oyster, and clam flesh encased in kelp or the same fabric Shuichi was found on land in. The crib was made that way because whether Shuichi was going to be a boy or a girl, he would be considered the jewel or pearl of the kingdom. Corny? Absolutely. The curtains surrounding the bed were brought in from sunken ships bound together by water-resistant twine. Some of the clothes that remained were questionable. Judging by the design, it seemed these materials came from no later than the times of Titanic, ruffles being the reason why. Shuichi knew that much.

"This is…interesting," he observed.

Botan beamed with pride,"Oh, I'm so glad you like it! We had such a hard time coming up with a design."

"...Right," at that moment, traces of sea foam began to form along Shuichi's body. If the sun was setting in his "dream", it's possible that the sun was rising in the waking world.

"Oh, no," Botan noticed, "It's happening again."

Shuichi noticed it too, "Wait, what's happening? What's going on?"

"Our time is short, my son. At least I got to show you more of this world. Don't worry. I'll still be here when you come back."

"Wait, there's so much I still want to see. Lady Botan, please–" in one fell swoop, Shuichi disappeared, transforming from merman to sea foam.

Botan quickly gathered every last bubble, using the fabric from the baby bed, holding it close to her heart, "I still have time. Just not much."

An alarm on Shuichi's phone went off, marking a new day. Groggily, he rose from his bed with his dream still fresh on his mind.

"Shuichi," Shiori called, knocking on the door, "Shuichi? Are you awake? It's time for school."

"Good morning, mom. I'm awake."

"Good. Breakfast is almost ready. Hurry up and get dressed. Oh. Also, when you get a chance, make sure to clean out the bathtub. You left a ring of salt in there."

"Sure thing. I'm getting out my clothes now."

That's what Shuichi said he was doing. Instead, he collapsed on his bed again, thinking about any and everything he wanted to say to his friends. Shuichi is a sea prince and one to an impressive, unbelievable, absolutely mind-blowing kingdom at that. Thing is, it needs a princess. It needs an empress. If Shuichi mentions that to Kiyoni, what would she think? Would she think that Shuichi is thinking about making her one? Even if she did say yes, how would that come about? She's human. Humans can't survive underwater, yet alone, that deep underwater. And then there's Kuronue. If Shuichi is asked to take his rightful place under the sea, what would that mean for their friendship? There's long-distance relationships but…long-distance friendships?

For the second time today, Shiori called, "Shuichi?"

"Coming!"