Chapter Ten- Three Weeks Later

Kuwabara ran his fingers over the obsidian piece and felt no imperfections. He held it close to his eyes to see if he could spot any cracks or chips. He then smiled at his fellow customer. "It's perfect and certainly worth the price this merman is asking."

The elderly mermaid smiled back. "Thank you Kuwabara." She handed over the money, accepted her purchase, and left the store.

The proprietor gave Kuwabara a relieved smile. "She's always a difficult customer. She always questions about the quality of my jewelry, whether it's worth the price."

"It was my pleasure. I had gotten training in examining jewels and had thoughts about being a jeweler."

"You still have time before you'll need a trade, but I would be happy to teach you the finer points of my trade if you are still interested when the time comes."

"I would like that. I need to go. My family is getting ready for a camping trip."

"Oh! Sounds like fun. Have a good time." The owner waved as Kuwabara swam out of the shop.

Kuwabara felt a little bad about lying or rather not being completely truthful. His family was going on a trip; one to see his parents and sister as it was going to be the days of the full moon. The camping part was if they had to sleep overnight. Hina and Hiei were eager to meet Kuwabara's family and reassure them that their son was like another son and brother.

Kuwabara was eager also as he was curious if they had sold at least one of the pearls. He wasn't sure how much one was worth on a regular market; he hoped it cost almost as much as the black market ones did.

He arrived at home to help pack for the trip before hoisting his pack onto his back, seizing the packed tent bag, and then leading the way to the pier, following the markers he had made the week before.

Kuwabara admired his surroundings even though he had grown accustomed to them. The vibrant plants that danced in the currents and their colors dazzled his eyes. The fish and other sea life swam as gracefully as birds flew across the sky. He couldn't help smiling as he swam. He lived in an amazing world that humans could only dream about and yet not even their dreams could come close to the beauty and splendor that he encountered every day. I am grateful that Yukina kissed me. I get to live in a lovely world; one free of the complications of the human world. I never realized how hard it was to be human until I became a merman.

It was dark when they reached the pier and they lit their lamps before setting up the tents. They then sat by the lamplight and ate some food Hina had prepared earlier that day. The four ate and talked, the latter continuing after eating and was punctuated with jokes, laughter, and singing.

Kuwabara and his family swam about the area, taking in the view and digging in the sand for anything of interest the next day. He knew that some human items might turn up as humans did occasionally throw things in the sea, sometimes by accident, other times on purpose.

"Kazuma," Hiei called as he swam toward him with something glinting in his hand. "I think I found one of those clocks you spoke about." He held out his hand and Kuwabara saw a man's watch.

"Actually, it's called a watch. It is a smaller type of clock as most clocks are too big for humans to carry around. The strap there is to be attached to the wrist so one can check the time wherever they go."

"Clever. A shame it doesn't work."

"I believe we have company," Hina said as she swam over. She pointed to the pier and Kuwabara looked over at it.

"Those are my parents and sister," he said as he went over and rose up to the surface with the others following suite. "Hi Mom, Dad, Shizuru," he said as he hoisted himself up and sat on the edge.

Celina and Senma hugged him. "Thank you for the pearls," Celina said. "We were able to update some of our appliances and we're making plans to remodel the bathroom."

"So, both sold well?"

"Quite well. We didn't realize how much we would receive for them."

"Will you need any more?"

"No, no," Senma said. "We're fine." He smiled at Yukina who had joined them. "It's good to see you again. Oh and you brought others," he said as he spied Hina and Hiei. "I'm guessing they're your mother and brother."

Hina swam closer and extended a hand. "I'm Hina and this is my son, Hiei."

Senma took the hand. "We appreciate that you took our son into your home."

"It made perfect sense to do so. He loves Yukina and she loves him. He also didn't know anyone else at the time. I was more than happy to take him in and consider him a member of the family."

"Naturally, that's changed," Celina said.

Kuwabara nodded. "I interact with the others and they speak happily with me. They were eager to help me adapt and feel at home in the town and the sea. They use my surname while my family uses my first name."

"Which is no different from how it was done on land," Shizuru commented.

"True," Kuwabara admitted.

Shizuru turned her attention to the last merperson. "So, you're Hiei. Kazuma said that you're curious about humans and our things."

Hiei nodded. "I just found a watch." He held up the item.

"A man's watch," Shizuru noted. "The strap's wide, indicating it's meant for a man."

"Interesting. Would the same thing apply to rings?"

"Yeah, it would."

"I learned about how you communicate with other people and your different modes of travel. I find it fascinating with how inventive humans are."

"I sure Kazuma can answer your questions and, if not, maybe I can or Mom or Dad might be able to."

"I'd like that and understand if some questions can't be answered."

The group talked, joked, and laughed for most of the day. Celina had rushed home around lunchtime and returned with food and drink.

When the sun was starting to set, the humans bid the merpeople goodbye and looked forward to seeing them next month. They returned the sentiments and dived down to head back to their campsite.

"Kazuma, your mother is a wonderful cook," Hina said as they turned on the lamps and got out their dinner. "I hope to sample more and maybe trade cooking tips or recipes."

"I'm sure she would like that."

"I look forward to talking with Shizuru again," Hiei said.

Kuwabara inwardly beamed. His two families have met and liked one another. They'll get to know one another with each monthly meeting and we'll be one happy family.

The End