Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“I thought you said that the clock sound sent Neverland’s ‘beasties’ running with their tails between their legs.”</span> you said, turning to face Pan.
He scratched the back of his head in confusion. <span class="mu-g">“It does! Or at least, it’s supposed to. I’ve never had that happen before. Most animals give me a pretty wide berth when I make that noise.”</span> he said.
<span class="mu-r">“Well, why didn’t that thing tear the ship apart with its tentacles? Using the drowners seems like a waste of time.”</span> you asked.
<span class="mu-g">“That tattoo lady enchanted it. It’s a lot sturdier than your typical ship. But that doesn’t explain why drowners and strafes are working together now. Something is seriously wrong here.”</span> he concluded.
<span class="mu-g">“I assumed it was a symbiotic relationship.”</span> Anastasia put in. <span class="mu-g">“The smaller ones throw the crew overboard while the big one eats.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Those ‘drowners’ probably have brain parasites controlling their bodies or something.”</span> Callisto added.
Pan shook his head. <span class="mu-g">“Even still, it’s not natural. Neither have ever been known to cooperate on anything.”</span>
While you all chewed on that, Pan decided to steer the ship towards a nearby shore. You took this opportunity to drink in every second of the island’s majesty. It was honestly unlike anything that you’ve ever seen before. The air was so fresh and free of pollution, and the sky was so clear and blue that you thought it had been painted onto some infinite, ever-expanding canvas that you couldn’t see. And as you drew closer, you saw something even more unbelievable.
Down by the shore, coasting on some large, flat rocks, were half naked women. They were downright gorgeous, with long, flowing hair that covered their bare chests. It was like someone photoshopped a supermodel to an unrealistic, unobtainable degree. The only thing that broke the illusion was your sudden realization that their lower halves didn’t line up with the rest of the ensemble.
The three beautiful women had tails. Fish tails. They were mermaids.
As you wrestled between attraction, disappointment and fascination, one of their eyes met yours. They were a clear, crystal blue that somehow held more beauty, depth and splendor than the ocean itself.
The mermaid’s face was expressionless for a moment, and then she turned to face her friends. They all glanced towards you, and then away again just as quickly. And without a sound, or so much as a splash, all three of them fled into the shallows and swam out in search of deeper waters.
(Cont.)
