Bare feet kicked up with wiggling toes? Check.
Hair down, flowing in its natural, free state? Check.
A soft humming that has little regard for being on key or anything else at all? Check.
All together, these are the telltale signs of relaxation. The relaxation of the water nymph, Perlina.
Happily lying down on her bed, in such a comfortable position some may envy, Perlina twirls her hair with one hand as she softly rubs her bellybutton with the other.
"Any moment now…he'll need me soon…right?"
"Who ya talkin' about sis? Your handsome hunk of a man?"
"Nerissa?!"
Nerissa, unconcerned about the delicate environment of relaxation carefully crafted by her younger sister, abruptly barges into Perlina's bedroom. Naturally, Perlina was startled, but she also had a well-subdued sense of slight frustration underlying. Regardless of whether Nerissa is aware of this fact–which she probably is–she continues on with a playful grin.
"Sis, I told you that I would prefer it if you'd knock first!"
"Oh, but I did."
"No, you did not!"
"Yeah, I did. See? Like this."
In a nonchalant demonstration, Nerissa knocks on the wall near her…to call it "knocking" would be a huge assumption on the part of the listener.
"How was I supposed to hear that? That knock is way too quiet!"
"I mean, you never specified how loud you wanted me to knock, so I did not break any promises. Anyway, let's have a little ladies' talk–I have a bit of time before I get dragged away by…"
"Ladies' talk? About what, sis?"
Nerissa smirks, then climbs onto Perlina's bed. Hearing such inviting words from her beloved little sister, how could she resist?
"About your love life, silly. Come on, spill the tea–how has it been going between you two?"
Perlina blushes instantaneously. In fact, her face reddened the moment Nerissa said the word "love".
"N-nothing s-special, r-really…"
"Yeah, right. You have been getting summoned more frequently as of late, no? What for? Hugs? Kisses? Maybe even–"
"N-no! I…I just have been assisting him on his quest. I primarily help him travel through the water…"
"Ah, that's so lame. Let's get spicy–have you tried the technique yet?"
"!!!"
Now Perlina's face bears no sign of its natural paleness. Though her words are scarce on details, Nerissa understands the message Perlina's body complexion was conveying clearly–it was practically shouting out.
"W-w-wwwhat?!"
"Oh come on, do you really want me to spell it out? You know exactly what I'm talking about. MMMM!!!"
Nerissa playfully flicks her tongue out of her mouth, back and forth rapidly. This demonstration of hers is fueled by a lot of enthusiasm; so much so, Perlina cannot bear the urge to cover her face.
"Haha, I knew it–you totally did it! How did it go? Did it work?"
Perlina cools down a bit, regaining some of her natural tone. She then averts her eyes, sinking her head slightly into her pillow.
"Yes…I did that technique you taught me…but only for Vex's sake! It was to help him relieve his stress from his body, and it worked well, I think."
"Oh, so it was ONLY for his sake? Then tell me, how did you feel when you did it?"
"I-I…I I I I–"
"Can't hear ya, Perlina."
Perlina lifts her muffled face from her pillow.
"I felt so good! I didn't want it to end! I want to do it again and again!"
Like a waterfall, drool spews from Perlina's lips…and her pupils turn into hearts, no different from succubus.
"Heh, I knew you were a freak–you can't hide behind your innocent demeanor when it comes to me!"
"Sister Nerissa, please don't call me that! I'm not a freak, okay?"
"Hahaha, okay okay. But you better keep yourself under control, unless you want your man to find out your…'eccentric' side. He's such a cute guy, but he doesn't seem like the type who is into that kind of stuff, unfortunately for you. Though personally, thank goodness I can't relate to that issue!"
"Nerissa? Are you in there? It's time to go! Looks like we have a handful of tasty-looking males visiting. Don't be late!"
"Okay, Milokari, I'm coming! Geeze…"
Rolling her eyes as she reluctantly obeys the distant voice of her older sister, Nerissa gathers herself and pulls herself off the ever-so-comfortable bed. All of her joy was completely drained.
"Are you sure you don't want to come, Perlina? I don't mind trading places with you."
Perlina softly shakes her head and looks towards her dresser. Inside a fish bowl-shaped container, a frowning bunny settles with her arms crossed.
"...nun-uh. Vex gave me the responsibility of watching this demi-human–I can't relegate that to anyone else, not even my sisters."
"Whew, your bond with your man is something else…I'm happy for ya, sis. Despite everything, you have accomplished your dream and I couldn't be prouder."
"Thanks…thanks a lot, Nerissa."
"Though I can't help but wonder…"
Mustering up the last bit of energy within her to make one last mischievous grin, she closes in on the dresser in a sudden burst of speed, startling Flenn to the point of making her leap.
"...what would she taste like?"
"Sis, you can't eat her! I must make sure she stays alive and well."
"I'm just messing around. You know–"
"NERISSA!"
"OKAY, I'M COMING! Sheesh! Later, Perli."
Exhausting one intense groan in response to the yelling voice seeping into the bedroom, Nerissa waves goodbye and swiftly swims out the open door. Not wasting a second, Perlina exhaustedly slams the door behind her, and for good measure, seals the lock.
"Sigh, she can be a nuisance at times…but I still love her dearly. Now then…"
"...?"
Perlina turns her head, staring directly into the only other pair of eyes within the room. Her gaze gets gradually intense the more steps she takes towards the dresser. Finally arriving, she bends her head downwards towards the bowl.
"!"
"Fuuuu..are you ready now?"
"Yeah, ready to get out of here. Release me already–this is illegal kidnapping!"
"No can do, Flenn. We need to discuss something important…I want to hear from you."
"What's even the point of talking to a creature like you? Just go ahead and eat me already. No use in delaying the inevitable."
"But I've told you already, I don't want to eat you at all. I do not want to bring harm towards you in any capacity; in fact, I am grateful for you…in a roundabout way."
"Huh? I have never worked for you, let alone performed any favors for you to be grateful for."
"No, but thanks to your selfish actions, I was able to meet the second greatest man of my life. I know that is selfish of me, and I am not happy about the harm you've caused, but my heart can't imagine how my life would have been without your interference. However, with that being said…"
Disproving the thought that she could not get any closer, Perlina leans her face further towards the bowl housing Flenn; her eyes appearing as gigantic celestial bodies approaching the earth–Flenn's earth. Her already impossible to ignore presence intensifies.
"Now that he and I are bound, I cannot easily overlook your attempts to bring harm towards Vex or anyone he cares about. Please, please tell me your reason for betraying him. What wrong has he ever done to you?"
"...nothing. Absolutely nothing."
"So why would you deceive him?"
"..."
"Please answer me…I cannot–no, I will not have any more patience."
Perlina balls up her fists and…moderately slams them against the dressing top. She squints her eyes–and perhaps for the first time in centuries, if not ever–frowns somewhat angrily.
Flenn barely managed to swallow a giggle that almost busted out of her mouth.
"Isn't it too late to try to put up a facade? I already know that you brought me here to confine me. You won't kill me, so don't bother pretending–you should've done so at the beginning."
"...you are correct. I will not harm you as per Vex's wishes. However, you will run out of air soon, and will drown without me resupplying your breath."
"There's no way that you can let me drown, so why–"
"You won't drown, but I won't give you more air until you are on the verge of drowning. I will wait until the very last possible moment before I give you just a little more air, and do it all over again."
"Hey, are you threatening to torture me?!"
Suddenly, genuine fear lit Flenn's eyes. It was not merely Perlina's words that caused such a reaction, but the reality that her lungs began to feel progressively heavier.
"Only if you don't answer my questions."
"Come on, I can…feel my lungs…sinking…p-please…!"
As desperation sets in, Flenn involuntarily grips her chest tightly–it does nothing to end her gasping. All the while, Perlina maintains her composure and does not budge.
"Nope, not until you answer me. Please do not continue to harm yourself."
"Gaaah!..."
Flenn collapses onto her knees, reaching out desperately for fresh air–any air. Mustering up the last of what remains in her lungs–
"I DON'T KNOW! IT JUST FELT RIGHT TO ME!"
–she screams at the top of her lungs, resulting in an immediate knock-out.
"Is that so? Such a nasty thought came to your mind naturally? You seem like a bad person…"
PERLINA!
"Vex?!"
I can hear him–his voice! Vex is calling out to me! That tone…he must be distressed!
"I must leave at once, sorry if I handle you a little roughly, but there's no time!"
Having no time to consider convenience anyone else–rather, there is no one else to convenience on Perlina's mind except the one her heart belongs to–Perlina snatches Flenn's collapsed body and swiftly swims out into the greater sea outside her underwater palace.
No matter what it is, I'll save you, my love!
A light envelopes her body, starting from her beating chest, then spreads to every part of her skin. As she disappears, the only trace left behind…
A trail of warm bubbles.
______________________________________________________
SPLASH
Emerging from the depths of the pristine river, time itself seems to slow down as a beautiful figure rises from the sparkling waters; her long wavy hair flows gracefully like a wave. At that moment, all eyes near and far couldn't help but be drawn to her. Without a doubt, her gigantic size played a major role in that.
"What's the matter this time? I came as fast as I–"
The moment Perlina's eyes drift in search of Vex's general direction, her body freezes in place. Her hand, no longer able to maintain the energy it needs for gripping, drops Flenn into the water. Perlina's mouth slightly opens as she notices the peering eyes silently staring at her with piercing gazes–not a single sound escapes.
"Um..uh…V-Vex…w-what did you–"
"No way, you really did come after all! Ah, you really are a great dealmaker and promise keeper, Vex. Bravo!"
Being the first person to break the ice, Waltine abandons M without a second thought–not even bothering to look in her direction. With his true heart's desire in sight, he runs up to Perlina in amazement–much closer than anyone else present.
"Oh…oh how marvelous, a gorgeous sight to behold here, at the Pristine Festival! You have come here to bestow us with your presence, yes?"
"I-I…umm, I…"
Perlina shifts her eyes frantically, doing her best to avoid the thousands of strangers closely observing everything about her. Finally spotting Vex within the crowd, their eyes meet; despite Perlina indirectly conveying her desperate need for bail out of the situation, Vex slowly nods his head as if to say, "go on". Reluctantly keeping her composure, Perlina swallows the remaining moisture in her mouth.
"...y-yes! I have been summoned to partake in this festival along with you all. I look forward to greeting all of you."
"Splendid! I am at a loss for words…"
Waltine spins towards the crowd, who were still mesmerized in silence. As expected of the Lord of this country, many eyes were drawn to him–but even he could not obtain the attention of even half of his own citizens when compared to Perlina's presence.
"You heard her correctly, this majestic water nymph has come to grace us with her presence! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, come! Come and gather around and let's celebrate together!"
The moment Lord Waltine gave the green light of approval, bodies of all kinds of people made their way to the translucent bridge–which was the closest place on land–eager to meet Perlina up close. Very close. There was not a single thought of practicality or courtesy on anyone's mind.
Who would dare risk someone else taking advantage of this opportunity?
"How beautiful!"
"Thank the goddess for blessing us!"
"I need to record this! I never want to forget this moment!"
"Oh, I want to touch her lovely hair!"
One after another…, no–the word "simultaneously" would be more accurate–praises flooded the plaza and into the gigantic ears of Perlina. Though given the sheer number of voices, to her, their messages of adornment were nothing more than assorted noises one could hear from tiny insects. Though these "noises" don't just bounce off with no effect–far from it. Seemingly, they have the power to alter her skin complexion.
"Okay everyone, be sure to give space for the nobles. If there are any elders around, please help orchestrate the crowd. We must greet our special guest with decency and order. Also, my father should be here somewhere, so be sure to guide him this way, if you'd please."
"Yes, Lord Waltine. We are on it!"
"Now, dearest water nymph, please tell us all what we should call you. I dare not speak in your place."
"P-Perlina. Please call me that…"
The crowd murmurs her name repeatedly. The very sound of her name coming out of their mouths brought pleasure.
"Thank you, now we can all formally acknowledge you. Oh Perlina, with your power, would you please care to wash us over with your pure water?"
"W-wash over you? I, um–ahem, okay, I will. A clean, purifying shower I can provide for all of you at once. P-please, some of y-you, s-stand back a bit, o-okay?"
In the midst of cheering and rejoicing that loudly erupts, Lady Endori doesn't look displeased with the sudden events unfolding, but not nearly as interested as everyone else around her.
"Thank you for the offer, Perlina, and thank you, Lord Waltine, for your consideration. However, I will postpone this opportunity until after I spend personal time with…"
A strained smile replaces the look of indifference on Endori's face–it was the moment when she realized that her hand was empty, and nobody is at her side except for the random unrelated people who now occupy that space.
"...Where. Is. He?"
Her eye twitches.