=== Mermaid City - part 6

[So what are we going to do next? I'm quite famished so I'm going to have a snack. This ticket means everything is free, hence I guess I'm going to have everything. You know, I can't say when I will have another chance at being in this place.]

[My apologises dear child, I did not think you were this hungry. All those nights alone in poverty must have taken its toll, so that without knowing the limit you have awaken to gluttony. Lord does know of your desperate cry, I shall pray for your sake.]

[What did you say...I'm a growing child that just needs the meat okay? I can't help that you don't actually grow or get fat, at least in this world, but tasting meals from around the world should not be a sin. Do you know...the potato diet? Cheap, but you soon know why. Did you the taste of curry, but minus the meat? All I can say is that I had my share of cuisine craving during a period of my life.]

[But of course my poor child, you mustn’t speak about your past experiences for me to understand your everyday hunger. The shepherd shares his bread with one, to bring smiles to faces that long for even the simplest foods. The Lord brought you this opportunity as a reward, I hope, but please be wary that...Child, you have a bit stuck at your chin, please allow me to assist...pff~]

As she reached to my mouth with her hand to pick up the bit, I could notice that she released a suppressed guffaw, behind her other arm. But that’s normal for her, I think? Despite still acting like my mother, Noctia was notably livelier today, unlike her usual self. Her face wore a slight smile, which is as genuine as an angel's. Ever since we dived in this underwater park, she seems to have absorbed to the situation nicely. She started to talk more openly, with the people around...Though still she would speak of God most of the times.

As for others, after the Wing Sisters left the bubble roller coaster, we decided to split and went our separate ways. I was stuck with the owl cleric, while the other two trouble makers fancied their luck at a shooting gallery or something. We can still use personal messages here, so no one complained. We have twenty two hours renaming. I wonder really, how does doing a little nap feel when you are submerged?

Not only me but others seem to greatly enjoy this place, even too much actually. I still need to try everything, like the rides, food and most of all have everyone leave in good spirits. If this mission will be a success then I'm will think about going back. Yea, the tickets won't be a problem, if we get them at a reduced price, considering the money we were earning last week of course.

[So you are not going to have this fried squid? Are you just going to stand here with sponging your saliva every now and then? Well that beats me—I still have the entire confectionery section to try. I wonder how that moss-like cotton candy tastes like.]

[I ponder my sweet child, why are you so easily giving in into the earthly pleasures? For some reason I have difficulty fathoming, in spite of my wisdom. The goal that you sought was to bring us together in a dungeon, in order to expand our wealth. Although, others seem less motivated, I fear that your presence was the only one that could convince them in end. Without your certitude, it might be impossible from now to continue evangelising those poor lost lambs, who know not of the path they call their own.]

[They will manage as long as they stay on this recent track. You know that the bathing suits we are wearing we earned in a week? Actually, it was less than that, more like thirty percent of our profits. They are in fact very low tier, but quite conformable. You can't really complain since we did this for you too. If we take small steps like that we will eventually spread our wings too.]

[In order to reach heavens, isn't that right Oddia? But think not about the destination, since the road ahead is filled with evil. What is the goal of humans in the end? Only God knows the answer to that question, thus he stands as the signpost near the fork. It's said that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over other souls who need no repentance. Thus, in his great wisdom, if there was even one lost sheep, he would shepherd it back to the herd, for that one is in need the most.]

In other words, it seems she was quite keen on talking me into something all of a sudden. This might be because the lack of sleep, but I'm also not in the know about this religious stuff. Even if she is making this delicate begging face with her hands in prayer, even if she tries to kneel while being underwater, even if she looks at me with puppy eyes full on desperation...well she is cute, but I still don't know how I would reply. Of course I want others to work hard during the hunts, as always, but I tried and tried...

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I think it's time to change something, and even if it means some spending, since as long as we get larger profits, we should be okay. Right, there is no sin in munching onto this delicious shrimp corn dogs, though I have no idea how they keep them balmy here. It's actually quite interesting because the steam from the grills and stuff comes out in form of tiny bubbling air pockets.

Stretching my legs for swim, I passed by different kind of delicious stalls and lost the track of where I was. In the deep, I no longer saw Noctia, or others in the vicinity. Despite how this place is horizontally designed, there are a lot of people, so you can easily get swarmed by a school of fish. Yet, speaking about them, it seems that for the very time my eyes were...

[Well it's not like I don't try, I have a very high range voice and my throat is able to carry most lasting notes. Furthermore, I have been practising with an instrument to get the proper pitch, so no problem there. The only issue I have with my stuff...Gush, this is hard to say! I'm sorry, I'm just too embarrassed to admit this. I'm sure I have very few fans that never talk, and they keep me going, but that's not exactly what I want. You see, I really want to create something that will bring joy.]

[Then the problem lies not within your control? I understand you want others to enjoy your music, everyone does, yet there is another part to being an idol. Consider your own feelings first, why do you want to show to others?]

[That's a good question, I don't know. I think as long as they feel the song and smile, it's fine right? I don't expect a lot—just their reaction is something that fills me with tenacity. If I didn't succeed at first I am going to try again, or so...]

[Do you consider that as important for you? I know that very well...change is not something easily achieved. Even if you throw words out in the air, they are not decisiveness—they engulf you inside a bubble. Trapped, you will not know the wrong from right. Without the means of escape for yourself, only others can assist you. I can't help you with that, at least not now. You need to seek aid from your friends first. Are you...content?]

Above my head and little to the right, away from the buzz of the visitors and inside a dark coral cavern formations, there was a peculiar scene taking place. With keeping my distance, and in silence, I hit myself behind a small rock, and gazed at what appeared a discussion about idol work. After all, it was a familiar voice which got my attention.

[Well, don't say I didn't try too, but I'm not into music stuff...I'm just a simple person who draws here and there. I can at least relate to idol work so allow me to speak, okay? You know when you start you can do only simple things? You try to improve until you get your own style, like colouring...Yea, I remember deleting my old work some time ago. So you might be in the same situation now. You want to create something better, improve your art, but there's a block.]

[Oh there is definitely something stopping me from going crazy. Take this girl for example, I like her style and all, but she always stays in her own little world. I can't reach out to her...because of my lack of skill? I do wonder, and I don't want to trouble you both, but if I at least manage to make her smile, there is no bad in that, right?]

[That's not all okay with you. I can tell from your eye and finger movements...but let's assume you did make her happy. I want you to imagine she became your number one fan and is absolutely crazy about you...kinda something like that. Now take that image and tell me, do you feel realised? Do you feel like...you have achievement any higher expertise?]

[You mean like if I feel better as an idol? I don't know, partially I do and don't. Because I managed to make someone happy, yet I knew that she is also doing this to cheer me up, not since she likes what I do...Oh my goodness! Allow me a moment, I need to think about it. You're saying that improving your art is worth less doing it for others, but more for yourself?]

The two mermaids, who I figured were part of the staff here, were clearly players, not some automatic response service AIs. One of them, the one with a softer voice and who spoke first, had a puffy white dress, decorated with various marine algae, glitter and pearls. Though I didn't see her tail from beneath, her clothes were shaped to resemble a jellyfish. The other one, she had a simple mermaid blue top and a very frilly bottom, also with very glossy and elegant accents. This was the first time I started to think how would it be like to have a fishtail...Wait? Why I’m interested in that?

[So in general I think you can't help me, it's something that I have to figure out myself. Do I continue this idol thing, or do I do something else? Who knows right? I'm grateful that you gave me the time, of course, I have nothing in return.]

[Oh I wouldn't be so sure about that...say Pearl, are you sure you want to do this again? It's been only one week. Did you recover so soon? I mean...oh you are clueless, aren't you? Sorry, business stuff. I need to look pro at this.]

[That won't be needed Tear. Did you hear actually? Your sister told me, she is one of the winners actually. This makes me feel a lot worse asking her...but if you consider this as a good chance to see if you want to continue being an idol, I won't stop you.]

[Oh yea, my sister did her stuff again...I completely forgot about that. Thanks for remind me though, I'm glad. Anyway, as for you Corona, we will be in touch. If you need any help with the rides...You can call me I guess.]

With the little fish fairy's face full in appreciation, and my expression in doubt, the mermaids and I briefly exchanged glances. Somehow they were more attentive then the usual people I meet, oh well. It's not like they know me so I'm going to scram before...

[Excuse me Corona, before you go I think I saw your friend just there, she had a similar swimsuit. I think you will still be able to catch her if you run now right. Good luck!]

[Wait you saw who? Oh that could be Oddie. Anyway girls! Thank you for your time!]

[A pleasure...from a fellow artist I guess. I wish you luck with your stuff.]

Right, before that Corona, let's just say I was never here to begin with, okay? Just pretend that was someone else.