My lungs grow heavy.
My body is rapidly aching.
The water pressure is crushing me from the inside and out….
I must not let go…
I must not let go of my breath…or her.
I can feel the chunks of fish swimming in my gut, on the verge of being released back to the sea.
…I must keep my eyes open. If I lose sight of the rays of light from above…then I may give in.
And I can't do that.
I won't.
Sploosh!
Arising from the depths of the sea, Perlina emerges from a whirlpool. Her graceful resurfacing created merely gentle waves contrary to what would be typical of her gigantic size. Hanging on with one hand, Vex is barely gripping her wavy hair. Opposed to Perlina's bright, yet reserved, smile, Vex's face is slightly discolored.
"See? I told you I can maneuver in the water swiftly! What do you think? My skills are very useful, right? I hope this is the right place you were looking for."
"Pttt! Ye–cough…y-yeah….cough cough"
"Eh?! V-Vex, are you a-alright?!"
Turning her attention away from the scenery, Perlina's smile morphs into panic at the sight of Vex's condition.
"I'm fine…cough…now. Just had a little water in my lungs."
"Oh no, I forgot to resupply you with oxygen underwater! It must have worn off as we were swimming here. I-I'm so sorry, please forgive me!"
"It's okay, Perlina. Would you please put me down on land? The shore is fine."
"O-okay!"
For what was only a simple mission, I've had way too many near-death experiences in such a short timespan. Flenn is gonna pay double when I find her!...when I find her…
"Hey Perlina…this is the island's shore, right? The side that faces towards the tunnel entrance to the mystical garden?"
"Yes, that's right. This would be the most feasible location to enter the island."
"I thought so. Then that settles it…tch!"
Drat, just as I figured. The boat Sylow steered to get us here is missing; Flenn must have taken it to leave once she abandoned us–that swindler skank!
"Vex, you seemed troubled. Are you looking for a way back home?"
"Not my home per se, but the port town that I came from to get here. It appears that my ride back is missing."
"You know, I can take you directly to that town. You can use me as your boat–I'm more than capable, as you know!"
"You shouldn't dehumanize yourself like that–you are useful, I can't deny that, but you are not an object."
"B-but I really want to help you! I can't leave your side knowing that you are stranded here!"
"..."
A ray of sunlight peeps over Perlina, shining right into Vex's eye. In response, he takes a look at the sky, peeping back..
Looks like it's past noon. Have I really been gone for over 12 hours? I need to get back quickly, but the potential chaos and unwanted attention that a giantess water nymph could bring to the people in town is…not ideal. Especially since she is now "bonded" to me…saying that will never sit well with me.
"Vex, I see that you are worried. Is it about my appearance startling the civilians?"
"Is mindreading another skill of yours?"
"It's just a hunch. Besides, we are bound together now—I can more easily decipher your feelings, though I can't tell what you are thinking for sure."
"Welp, then you should be able to deduce that I am looking for a viable solution. Got anything?"
"Yes! I can launch you there from here. I'll create a large bubble that will safely guide you over the sea and to the town. My breath will guide it quickly, but smoothly, so both of us will be at ease. I'll go ahead and–"
"Wait, before you do, there's something that I need to ask you. I might not see you for a while, so I want to ask now while we are alone."
This is my chance. I need to make up for lost time.
"...okay, that's fine! But…I would like to…ask you a question too. It's very important, so will you promise me?"
"I hope that you aren't expecting too much from a nobody like me, but I promise to answer you earnestly."
A big warm smile stretched across Perlina's face, reaching from ear to ear.
"Then please, ask to your heart's content! Whatever it may be, I promise to satisfy it."
"I'll make this brief. Are you aware of the existence of the Goddess' crystals?"
"Hmm…are those special crystals?"
"I suppose so. Apparently, the Goddess requires them in order to be summoned."
"Wow, you are trying to summon a goddess? Which one?"
"The goddess responsible for curses…it's a long story, but putting that aside, do you have any idea where I could find them? Perhaps you or your sisters have seen some underwater? Maybe even took a few from the plethora of men you all consumed? Any help would be appreciated."
"Unfortunately, I can't recall ever seeing such a thing in the seas. The water is vast, so I'm sure that it's possibly somewhere at the bottom of the ocean. Could you show me one of these crystals? I think that could help me keep an eye out for them in case I ever find one."
"! That's right, it would be better if I showed you. Though I am not in possession of any crystals at the moment, so I will have to show you later."
Lily should be willing to cooperate. Even so, this is just another reason why I'd rather complete this journey alone–I'd have complete control.
"Okay, now that I've answered your question, it's your turn to answer mine!"
"Ah, that was our agreement after all. Go for it."
"Umm…well…"
Struggling to get the words that are swarming in her mind out, Perlina's pale skin bleeds light pink as she twiddles her fingers in her hair.
"W-what do you think about…Fayola, Isadora and Beatrice?"
"Never heard of them before. Who are they?"
"They are names that mean blessed and good fortune. Let's say…for instance, if I were to change my name...perhaps to balance out the misfortune you mentioned…if you were to choose one…"
"I think Perlina is a suitable name for you. It's perfect as is."
I refuse going through the hassle of remembering a new name for the same person. Just pick a nickname!
Shifting her eyes away rapidly to the point of rolling them to the back of her head, Perlina blushes cherry red. The remainder of the dripping water from her upper body evaporates into a steamy trail.
"T-thank y-you, Vex…but please, pick one."
"..."
Those names mean nothing to me, so I couldn't care less. Though I can't say that to her without hurting her feelings, so I'll just pick one to make her happy. I did make a promise after all.
"Among your choices, Isadora sticks out the most. I could see myself having a little sister or niece with that name."
"Really? Isadora…Isadora…I-I like it too! T-thanks for everything, Vex!"
Offering her cupped hands as a platform, Perlina picks up Vex and faces westward.
"Ready?"
"Yeah, I must go–it's way past due. Is there anything I need to do right now or–"
"Nope, just stay still in my hands and I will blow a bubble for you!"
"Okay, then. While I am traveling, I'll be sure to call you when I need your help. Take care–?!"
Before he could react, a giant pair of lips smothers Vex's face, nearly engulfing his entire body.
"MMMWHA! Sorry, I didn't mean to suddenly…k-kiss…eeeek, this is so embarrassing!"
FUUUUUUU!
A large bubble swallows up Vex, firmly nesting him inside of it. Just as soon as the bubble was complete, Perlina blew it away, launching it in the air at high speed. Before Vex could even interject, Perlina dives into the whirlpool, and disappears with no trace. No trace, except for the thin saliva coating that drips on the face of a dumbfounded man. Though the world around him moves rapidly, his mind is half-frozen.
"Her mouth really does feel cool…that's about all I can say."
In a bizarre way, it is somewhat nostalgic…though the feeling will never compare to the way she…
POP!
_________________________________________________________________
"Whoa, I didn't expect to see you here so soon…Bex? No, you're Rex!"
"Vex."
"Ah, my bad, Vex. Anyway, it's only the afternoon. Who in hell comes to a club to lounge during daylight? Must be something important or you have a heavy load of stress to relieve, huh?"
Following up his playful questioning, Malu nudges his elbow into Vex's shoulder. Given the fact that he is able to reach across with ease despite standing behind a reception desk is a testament to his somewhat lanky limbs.
"Are you the only bouncer that works here?"
"Nah, this is just my overtime shift. Yep, I've been stuck here for over 13 hours straight. No need to feel sympathy for me–my insomnia curse gives me the strength to keep working without sleep…if only I could sleep anyway."
"...okay. Well, since you are still here, that is convenient for me. So that I don't have to waste time searching for her in the lounge, do you know if Flenn checked in today? I have some…unfinished business with her."
"Hmm…sorry man, but I don't recall seeing her after you all left together past midnight. I'm confident that she isn't here–she's someone that nobody could ever forget!"
"Then, do you have any leads on her whereabouts?"
"Man, are you really that desperate to find her? She's your type?"
In a mere instant, Vex's forehead wrinkles.
"That bunny is the type to steal money that I'm owed. She is also the type who abandons party members, leaving them to die. Do I need to further clarify my motives?"
"I understand now, apologies for the unprofessionalism there. I just can't believe that a girl like Flenn would ever do such scummy things…but I can't dismiss your personal experience. I'm not authorized to keep close tabs on you Dark Mercenaries, but I overheard her boasting about a high-paying gig she got from someone in Fraus. Seems like a remote mission to me, but that is only my assumption. Let's be clear, you didn't hear it from me."
"A remote mission?..."
Something about this is tickling my mind…hold on, didn't Flenn mention receiving a gig from a "special client" when we first met the other night? Her inexplicable actions must be related to that! I don't know why she was told to do what she did or who commissioned her to do it–those details don't matter.
If she thinks that she left me to die with her buddy and that I have no way of getting to her across the Iniku Sea…
"Looks like my misfortune has acquired its next victim."
Besides me, of course.
_______________________________________________________
Ding-Dong
"..."
Ding-Dong
"...?"
Ding-Dong
"...!"
Ding-Dong Ding-Dong
Come on, what's taking her so long to answer the door?! I've been waiting out here for at least eleven minutes!
At the mercy of the humid weather, Vex paces back and forth on a porch. With every passing second, he resists the urge to spam the door intercom until it breaks.
"I've had enough! I'm better off climbing up the windowsills to get in from the rooftop–if I get mistaken for an intruder, then so be it."
Just as Vex prepares to reach out for the nearest ledge–
"Hello, this is Joanne. How can I–oh goodness, it's Vex! Please don't tell me that you've been standing outside, waiting for me; I can see tiny sweat drops on your forehead…"
After so long, a warm voice comes from the once seemingly inoperable intercom. Vex abandons his plan midway and rushes closely to the door.
"For the past fifteen minutes. That's how long I've been here…"
"Oh, I'm so sorry about that! I have been in the bath for the past hour…actually, I still am, but I am finishing up. I'll open the door remotely for you–feel free to make yourself at home!"
"Thanks."
Ka-click, Beep-beep
It's about time. I can feel the cool ventilation already.
The door automatically unlocks and even opens itself, permitting Vex to enter. The first floor, being the most spacious of them all, is filled with all sorts of fancy furniture…though no one in sight occupies them. The air of liveliness one would get a sense of at the scenery contradicts what the eye can see.
"Lily…it's me. I'm finally back…if you can hear me."
For some reason, it seems a little too…echoey? Then again, this is a four-story house with only a few people residing in it. I guess I have come to expect kids to make a racket when they are within proximity–especially at this time of day.
Eh, Lily could be chilling in my guest room, waiting for me to return. I didn't intend on her even knowing that I was gone, but it can't be helped at this point. At least, that other little girl should have kept her company. Lily would be much better off clinging to someone her age instead of me of all people, but alas, that's not my reality.
Step-by-step, Vex climbs up the spiraling stairs as he ascends each floor. All the while, he continues focusing on his thoughts, drowning out the sound of his footsteps against the cold-tiled floor.
"The third floor–the resting area for guests. It's time to check out of here."
Near the center of the hallway, a white door imprinted with pink floral arrangements is slightly ajar. This detail, as minor as it may be, catches the eyes of Vex, drawing him near.
If memory serves, she and that other girl slept together in this room. Even though the door is partially open, I'll show my manners. But only as time permits.
Knock
"Lily and friends, heads-up, I'm coming in."
Creeeeak
Gradually opening the door, Vex peeks his head into the room before bringing his whole body. Everything, from the bedding to the assorted furniture look prim and proper as though they were never touched at all. The only source of lighting comes from the sunshine that peeps through the window curtains.
"...and she isn't here. Fantastic. Wonderful, even."
Then she's likely down the hall, waiting in my room. At least, she had better be…
Ensuring that he returns the room to its original state, Vex backs out into the hallway once again, heading for the very last door at the opposite end.
"The door…it is not fully shut as I left it."
She must have snuck in while I was away.
Creak
Without being restrained by politeness as with the previous room, Vex pushes open the door without notice. Upon scanning the bedroom, the messy bedding and pillow stack are the only things that stand out.
"My decoy was tampered with. I didn't think Lily or anyone for that matter would actually fully break into my room and remove my covering. What did she want from me last night? Or rather, where is she right now? I feel like I am constantly one step behind!"
I checked the first floor when I entered–Lily was not there.
On my way up the stairs, I skimmed through the second floor that has the master bedroom and bath–Lily was not there.
The fourth floor is basically a gateway to the balcony on the rooftop; I had the chance to look up there as I was stranded outside and yet–Lily was not there.
"I don't have the time or patience for hide-and-seek. That's it, Joanne should have wrapped up her bath by now–I'm getting answers directly!"
"Answers to what exactly?"
"?!"
Behind Vex, a woman who is wearing nothing but a scarlet towel around her body and hair responds in a tender voice. The woman, Joanne, softly giggles at Vex's startled reaction.
"My my, haven't you been very busy last night. Welcome home! We all missed you, you know. Especially Lil–"
"Where is she, Joanne? If Lily is playing some sort of game with your daughter, could you please tell her to knock it off? I am grateful for your hospitality and generosity, but we need to leave at once."
"Oh, I see. So you have managed to earn enough money to afford a ride to Fraus, no? You are a very hardworking man indeed!"
"I have my ways. All I need to know is where Lily is and we'll be out of your hair."
"You know, Lily missed you so much. You must mean a lot to her. It reminds me of the crush I had when I was her age–"
"With all due respect, the only thing I care about is what I have already asked you. You are clearly avoiding the question!"
"...Sigh, I just wanted to chat with you a bit longer while the girls were away. You know, like adults."
A genuine-sounding sigh is breathed out from Joanne. All the while, Vex raises his eyebrows.
"They're away? Where exactly?"
"Well, I did tell you that Lily missed you so much, didn't I?"
"And what of it?"
"None of us knew where you went, but some nice lady said that you were coworkers and she knew where you disappeared to."
A "nice lady"? Who could that be…no, don't tell me…
"What did this 'nice lady' tell you?"
"That you went to Fraus."
"Obviously not, I'm right here! Why would I leave for another country without notice?! The entire point of me staying with you was to save money because I couldn't afford to leave!"
"Sorry, but it's not like we know much about you personally to be able to determine that. After all, we didn't know that you would randomly leave late at night so mysteriously. That's why I was hoping to get to know you more, now that it's just us."
"So what you're saying is that Lily…along with your daughter are–"
"On their way to Fraus."
Arc 3 Phase 1 end.