The sun had risen once more, and the sea grew calm. Tiny fish darted through currents that danced softly above them, while seahorse-drawn carriages glided overhead like spectral commuters.
"We're taking one of those carriages," Fiu announced. "I'll explain everything on the way."
"Shouldn't we wait for Ficky? He's nowhere to be found."
"Didn't he tell you? That he'd meet you later at a specific place?"
Aya froze. She realized then that Ficky's last words hadn't just been a parting remark—they were a literal plan. He really was gone for now.
"Alright, Fiu. Let's go," Aya sighed. "I want to get this over with. As your guard, I'll ensure you arrive safely."
Fiu offered her hand. Aya took it firmly, leading the princess toward the seahorse carriage.
"Very well, Princess Fiu."
Ficky, stay safe until we meet again, Aya prayed silently, bidding a temporary farewell to her bodyguard who was still missing in action.
The carriage was remarkably similar to the ones she had seen near the Aurora Kingdom, except for the obvious fact that it was pulled by giant seahorses instead of stallions. The vehicle moved gracefully, suspended in the mid-currents of the ocean.
"The journey will take five days," Fiu explained as they settled in. "Once we reach the next city, we'll switch to a different marine vehicle."
"Do we have to switch? Is it because the seahorses get exhausted?"
"Exactly," Fiu replied, pausing to pull out a parchment map.
She pointed to a circle marking their starting point, then moved her finger to another mark. Their path curved significantly to follow the natural flow of the ocean currents.
"This is where we get off. It's called Salt—a city famous for its salt production. The ruler is a distant relative of mine, though no one here knows that."
"It's dangerous to tell me that," Aya countered. "What if I decide to betray you halfway there?"
"I trust you." Fiu's voice was steady and devoid of any playfulness. It was a simple statement that carried immense weight.
"Goodness, Princess Fiu... you're making me emotional," Aya muttered, turning away to wipe a stray tear. "But if the ruler is a relative...?" Aya trailed off, her suspicion lingering.
The undersea map was vast, seemingly even larger than the lands above. Reaching the palace would take nearly a week of non-stop travel.
"Aya, look at this." Fiu pointed to a section of the curved path marked with an 'X'. "We have to pass through this danger zone to reach City of Salt. Don't panic, though; it's mostly dangerous because of the massive undercurrents."
"Undercurrents? You mean like a high-speed gale?"
"Precisely."
Marine currents are not always friendly. Fish swim with the flow to survive, but their path led straight into the heart of a violent surge. They would have to push through it to reach their destination.
"Is there no other way?" Aya asked.
"Unfortunately, no. That's why I'm telling you now—so you won't be caught off guard."
"Fair enough. I do startle easily," Aya admitted with a weak smile. "I'm just lucky I have a strong heart. And what comes after that?"
"You'll see. For now, focus on surviving Salt."
Half an hour into the gallop, Fiu's exhaustion caught up with her, and she drifted into sleep. Shortly after, the carriage began to slow. The roar of the currents sounded like a train on a track, waking both girls.
"We're almost there," Fiu whispered.
The carriage surged upward. Waves of pressurized water slammed against the vehicle, but it remained sturdy and stable. It was clear that without such a heavy-duty carriage, no one would survive this passage.
Aya shrank back into her seat, unable to look out the window. Her tails manifested again, twitching with nervous tension.
"Aya, your tail is injured. What happened?"
"Ah... I forgot about that." Aya pulled her tail forward to inspect the wound. "It's nothing. It'll heal on its own soon, don't worry."
But Fiu wasn't convinced. "I can't use healing magic, but once we're in city of Salt, I'll find something for it."
As the currents subsided, the four-wheeled seahorse carriage descended into the city of Salt. Various sea creatures crawled out of their homes in an orderly fashion. The water here felt different—denser. Aya couldn't "smell" the air, yet she could still breathe perfectly fine.
"Chameleon."
Fiu cast the camouflage spell as they stepped out. They reached the gates of UnderSalt, where guards were conducting thorough inspections. Rather than risk it, they chose to take a detour before reaching the border checkpoint.
"Come, Aya. I'll lead the way."
"The guard should be leading the princess, Fiu. But taking the long way around is a good idea."
City of Salt was a industrial marvel, white with salt deposits. As they navigated the back alleys, Aya's tail began to throb with a sharp, burning pain.
"Ow!" Aya winced. Blood was starting to seep from the shark bite again.
"Aya, hang on. Wait here while I—"
"No," Aya interrupted, grabbing Fiu's hand.
"Don't go alone. This tail comes and goes; it's not a big deal."
As they walked, the tail gradually faded back into her body, and the bleeding stopped as if the wound had never existed.
"I've survived being stabbed before," Aya said, trying to sound tough. "A little shark nip won't stop me."
They dropped the camouflage spell as they entered the city proper. Fiu pointed toward a specific building, signaling Aya to follow.
Aya pulled her back and whispered, "Wait, Fiu. Is it safe to go in there? What if someone recognizes you?"
"Don't worry. I've checked the area; I don't see anyone who looks like they're part of the rebellion." Fiu paused, letting out a long sigh as she looked at Aya with concern.
"Honestly, what I'm worried about is the scent. A fox's scent is very distinct... though luckily, yours isn't as strong as a full-grown one."
Aya stood in stunned silence. She hadn't realized that Fiu was actually looking out for her safety just as much as the other way around.
Their first day in City of Salt began without Ficky. Aya and Fiu had sought refuge in a medical clinic to treat Aya's worsening injuries.
Inside the facility, Aya's fox tails manifested the moment they stepped through the door. Panicked, she tried to hide them, but the physician—a man with the tentacles and head of an octopus—advised her against it.
"You seem far too anxious. Relax, Miss Fox. I have no intention of harming you," the doctor said calmly.
Aya positioned herself between the doctor and Fiu, her instincts screaming that he was a threat. It was a reflex born from Ficky's constant warnings; after being deceived so many times, trust was a luxury she couldn't afford.
"Aya, he's an old acquaintance of mine. You can lower your guard," Fiu said, gently stroking Aya's tensed back.
"I'm sorry, Princess Fiu. If you say he isn't a threat, I'll try to calm down."
Aya sat and revealed her tail. The shark's bite had festered, the gashes appearing longer and more inflamed than before.
"This is quite a nasty wound," the doctor remarked. "But I must wonder... what brings a Fox Lady like you to a place like this?"
The doctor applied an ointment to the wound. Almost immediately, a cooling sensation washed over Aya, dulling the pain and stanching the bleeding.
"There. That should do it."
"I'm not here by choice, Doctor," Aya replied coolly. "My only mission is to ensure Fiu's safety until she reaches the Undersea Palace."
"Doctor, I cannot explain the full situation, but can I count on your discretion regarding my presence here?" Fiu asked.
"Of course, Princess Fiu. It is an honor to serve you. It isn't every day a royal visits a lowly commoner like myself," the doctor replied with a bow.
"Nonsense. We are all equal," Fiu countered. "I was simply born into a different station."
They shared a polite smile, breaking the heavy silence that had filled the room. Then, the doctor turned back to Aya.
"Miss Fox, I am familiar with the Kruger name. But I never heard of them having a daughter. Could you tell me what happened?"
"I'm not discussing my family," Aya snapped, her eyes narrowing. "For all I know, you'll sell that information or use it against me."
"I told you before: I am not your enemy."
"And stop calling me that. If someone overhears you, it'll only bring more hunters to Princess Fiu's doorstep."
Aya stood up, her gaze remains sharp and distrustful. While the doctor seemed friendly, she sensed a hidden agenda and was determined to keep the conversation strictly professional.
"Wait... something is wrong." The doctor's smile vanished as he noticed something about Aya. "Forgive me." He grabbed her hand and unwrapped the cloth binding her wrist.
"What are you doing?!" Aya tried to pull away, but his grip was surprisingly firm.
"Your wrist is dislocated. Simply wrapping it won't help it heal."
"It's been like this for three days. I'm fine."
"Do not take your health lightly, Miss Fox."
The doctor applied the same viscous liquid he had used on her tail. Within seconds, the swelling and bruising faded away.
"This medicine is incredible," Aya admitted, surprised.
"This is the finest medical facility in the city," the doctor said proudly. "Your identity is safe with me."
"I don't care who you are or how you know my parents," Aya muttered, turning to leave. "They kept secrets from me, and I intend to keep my own."
She took one step toward the door, but her body suddenly betrayed her. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor.
"Aya?!"
Fiu rushed to her side, horrified. The side effects of the underwater breathing spell were finally taking their toll. Nausea hit Aya in waves, and her lungs felt as if they were collapsing.
I can't breathe... is Ficky feeling this too? Aya thought, clutching her throat.
"HEY, DOCTOR! ARE YOU HIDING SOMEONE IN THERE?!"
A loud, violent banging echoed from the front door. All three froze. Aya looked at Fiu and gestured frantically for her to hide.
"Princess Fiu, there is a secret passage behind that cabinet. Quickly!" the doctor whispered.
"But Aya—!"
Aya shook her head, her eyes pleading with Fiu to run.
"I didn't think they'd reach this city so fast," Fiu hissed, disappearing into the hidden room.
The door was kicked off its hinges with a single, powerful strike. Two figures strode in, scanning the room with predatory intent. They were fish-men with horns—one was sniffing the air like a bloodhound.
"Tell me, did you catch the scent?!"
"No doubt about it. I know the Princess's scent anywhere. I'm not wrong."
The smaller of the two horned fish approached Aya, who was still slumped on the floor, struggling for air.
"Hmph. A land-dweller," he sneered, looking down at her with disdain.
Aya remained paralyzed, unable to move or breathe. She was reaching her limit.
"I can't help her right—" the doctor started, but he was interrupted by a loud crash.
The larger horned fish had smashed his fist into the cabinet—the very one hiding Fiu's escape.
"What's the matter?" his partner yelled.
"Maybe she's in here?"
He tore open the cabinet doors, revealing only neatly organized rows of medicine bottles.
Please... please don't let them find her! Aya screamed in the silence of her mind.
The horned fish kicked the cabinet with such violence that the room shook. "It's in here," he growled. "Our target is right behind this wood."
"Are you serious?" his partner mocked.
"You're acting like a brute. You should treat the prey better so she stays obedient when it's time to kill her.
The cabinet doors open, but found only rows of medicinal herbs—pills and liquids that looked like processed seaweed.
"See? Just a medicine cabinet," the partner spat. "Your nose must be failing you. Let's go!"
"Impossible! I know that scent. She is here!" In a fit of rage, he smashed the cabinet to the floor, revealing the well-hidden secret door behind it.
The doctor immediately blocked their path.
"This door leads to my experimental chamber," he said firmly. "It is far too dangerous for laymen. If you value your lives, leave now."
"An experiment, eh? Maybe we'll take our answers in blood instead!"
The sea creatures moved to shove him aside, but Aya acted first. With a burst of desperate energy, she lunged forward, pushing the horned fish back just long enough for the doctor to unlatch the door.
"Go! Quickly!" the doctor hissed.
Aya and Fiu scrambled inside. The doctor slammed the door shut and locked it from the inside just as the soldiers began pounding on the other side. "That didn't go as smoothly as I hoped," the doctor muttered.
Fiu rushed to Aya's side. Aya was turning blue, her lungs burning from the lack of oxygen. Fiu quickly chanted a stabilization spell, and finally, air—cold and magical—filled Aya's lungs again.
"Hah... hah... thank you, Princess," Aya gasped. "But we... we have to move."
"Follow me," the doctor urged. "There is a secret exit. They won't know where you've gone."
The exit led them out of the city and into the vast, open deep. Ahead lay a brightly lit path, but to their left and right was nothing but an infinite, terrifying darkness.
"I didn't know this place existed," Fiu whispered. "This must be a hidden route used by the seahorse carriages."
"Exactly, Princess," the doctor replied. "It's my private escape route for when debt collectors come knocking. Go now. I will stay and stall them."
"Thank you, Doctor. For everything," Aya said. They stepped out into the deep, and the secret door clicked shut behind them.
They were no longer in the safety of a city. There was only the endless stretch of white sand and scattered coral reefs. It was beautiful, yet hauntingly empty.
"I don't plan on being stuck out here forever, but Aya... Aya?"
Fiu turned to see Aya staring into the darkness, her face pale with terror. Fiu followed her gaze and felt her heart drop.
"The sea serpent! It's back! It's coming for me!"
The monster roared through the water, its massive fins creating a violent turbulence that turned the calm sea into a chaotic whirlpool. The current swept them away, dragging them down into a deeper, darker trench where no light reached.
As they tumbled through the water, Aya positioned her body to shield Fiu. They slammed into a hard, metallic structure.
"Aya! Why did you do that?! You're already injured!" Fiu cried.
"Better me than you," Aya wheezed.
"Besides, it'll take more than a bump to break my bones."
Aya looked at what they had hit. It wasn't a rock. It was the rotted, encrusted hull of a ship. "A shipwreck?"
"Yes... but where are we?" Fiu looked around, her voice trembling.
Fiu clasped her hands and summoned a Doppelgänger. The clone swam out into the darkness to scout their surroundings.
"We're lost," Fiu admitted after a moment, "but at least we aren't in the Death Triangle.
The wreck caught us just at the border."
"The Death Triangle? Is that a bad place?"
"The worst. But for now, we're safe from the serpent. I don't see it anywhere."
Exhausted and battered, they crawled into the belly of the half-destroyed ship. "We'll rest here for a while, Aya," Fiu decided.
"I'll stand guard, Princess. You sleep."
"I can't sleep. You should be the one resting," Fiu countered.
"No. I'm your guard. I might not be Ficky, but I'm the one you asked for help. I'm staying awake."
Fiu sighed. "Fine, you stubborn fox. Then we'll both just sit here. My clone is watching, so we'll have warning if anything approaches."
Aya leaned against the damp wood of the hull, watching the silent, dark water. It felt surreal—breathing underwater, traveling with a mermaid princess, and being hunted by a giant snake. She still struggled to believe any of it was real, yet the cold sting of the salt in her wounds told her otherwise.