Beyond The Waves

Thank you for the ride back. It was helluva fun!

Stoked to help, Your Gnarlyness... You can hang ten on my shell, anytime! If you ever want to go to the Dragon Palace again, just give us a wave. It'll be more epic than any old boat ride. Anyway... Latronic, dudette!

Today was so much fun! I do love to PAH-TAY!♪

So, whydya wanna come to this here beach anyway, Milsha? Weren't we plannin' on swimmin' back to Atlantica on our own? You know, just the two of us...

Yeah, I prolly shoulda swum back, what with all that food I ate and all. But...

Aha! There she blows!

I found you, Aldo!

Oh hey, Milsha and Minchy! Were you visiting the Dragon Palace again?

You bet we were! It was A-MAY-ZIN'! But then I suddenly got the urge to come see you, Aldo...

Oi, oi! That's how it is, is it? You're bloomin' serious about this bloke, eh?

So, Aldo...

Would you mind takin' me on a li'l trip to the future?

That's kinda out of the blue!

I don't mind...I guess. But why the sudden request?

Oh, it's somethin' I've been thinkin' about for a while now. You see...I've always liked makin' my own clothes, even back when I was a small fry.

Yeah. You did mention that. And that outfit you made that I saw sure was pretty!

Teehee! Why, thank you!

Really? That's pretty cool...

Anyhoo, while I was gettin' my freak on at the Dragon Palace, my passion for fashion started to well up in me.

So I am like, I have the need! The need for, er... needle- and thread-work. I've just gotta tailor up some special clothes!

Some special clothes? Like a dress for a momentous occasion of some kind?

Yeah, well what it's for is a secret. But I simply must level up my tailorin' skillz. Up to now, I've whipped up all kinds of clothes based on my own sense and abilities... Usin' whatever materials I find in the jetsam and flotsam of the sea. But I want to challenge myself by makin' somethin' more avant-garde... more futuristic-fashion lookin'.

So I am beggin' you, please Aldo! Take me to the future so I can learn all about their sense of style!

In that case...all right then. I'll be happy to help.

YA~AAS! Great!!! I knew I could count on you, Aldo!

W-Well, I'll do my best to help, too! Even if I turn myself into fishmeal tryin'!

If it's future fashion you are after, then I suggest we go to Elzion. I think there are a lot of stylish people there.

Oh, wow! That sounds A-MAY-ZIN'!!!♪ I can't wait. Let's head there now!

So, this is Elzion, the future city you mentioned, eh? Didn't expect it would be floatin' up in the skies like this, though!

Yeah, I was surprised by that too, the first time I came here. Then again, I was surprised to find the Dragon Palace and Atlantica at the bottom of the oceans as well...

Well that's totes normal to us. Now that you put it like that, I guess there is nothin' to be screechin' on about here, either.

*Screech* O-M-G! This is SOOO awesometastic! My brain is already overstimulated.

Y-Yeah! I am all awash in excitement, just like you, Milsha! Ahahaha...

Hahaha...

Hey, Milsha... What's with that getup?

So, Milsha... What's with that getup?

I just had to wear my best ensemble on my first big outin', didn't I?

Like, I am only here in the future to check out their latest trends...! So I felt I had better dress for the occasion, and all...right?

Oh my... Those clothes you are sporting are simply exquisite!

Huh? Are you talkin' about li'l ol' me? Wow! This is CRAAAZZZY! Are you tellin' me I'm a future-world trend-setter?!

Is that a new line for next season? I haven't had the chance to check out all the designers' new creations yet. But how did you get that before the start of the season? And WHERE did you get it?

New line? Next season? How and where? ...Huh?

This is just somethin' I designed and sewed myself, I'll have you know!

You're joking?! But the essence, the je ne sais quois, of it is so similar... I thought, surely, it had to be the latest work of Sashé Shanté!

Er... Who in the seven seas is Sashay Shantay?

You don't know it? It's the brand recently started by the most popular young designer on the planet. Ah! Did you reference her designs when you created those clothes? Even that would be incredible!

Is accusing someone of knocking off other people's work some kind of praise in the fashion world...?

W-What the bloomin' heck?!

Calm down, Milsha...

So the designs I spent so much time comin' up with have already been in vogue in the future? Well that blows more than a whale sneezin'!

Er... Well this is the future so, technically speaking, you did come up with the designs first...

I guess that brand's designer must have an awesome sense of style. I sure would like to meet her!

Then why don't you come to the fashion show being held today? I was actually taking part in it as a model, myself. But Sashé Shanté is staging it so she will be there.

A fashion show? That sounds sooo EX-CI-TIN'!!!

Oh, I am so goin' to be there! Count me in, fo'sho! Where is it bein' held, now?

We were told to gather in the Gamma District.

Right. Got it! Thank you! I have no idea where that is, so... Aldo! I'm gonna need you to accompany me there!

If you don't know the way, then don't run on ahead! Gee...

Milshaaa! Wait for meee!

Excuse me, pretty lady. Would you mind also telling me the details of what you just told those people? It's the first I've heard of a fashion show being held today! If they allow last-minute entry, I too would very much like to attend...

My stars!!! Aren't you one-and-only Miss Elzion!? Wow. This is such an honor! But of course... I am sure Sashé Shanté's designer would be more than delighted to have you in attendance!

The designer has been personally selecting the models, regardless of whether they are pros or amateurs... Based on her line's concept. But I am sure she will simply swoon if you show up expressing interest in her work!

Why, thank you! You're making me blush. So it's being held in the Gamma District, then? I guess I shall see you there!

Please come! Please come! Everyone would love to see you there. Oh, I can't wait to tell the others...

Hey! It's me... You got a moment? I need you to check into a fashion show that's being held today for me...

This has to be the place where everyone is supposed to gather.

Ha! Lookin' at the humans gathered here, none hold a candle to my beautiful Milsha!

Speaking of Milsha, what is she up to?

How do I look now?

Er... What's different?

Can't you tell? I gave it some extra zhoosh!

All eyes at the show are gonna be on you, fo'sho'. Thatta gurl, Milsha!

See, Minchy gets it! I'll totally win over my audience, fo'sho!

Your audience?

Ah! Weren't we supposed to just watch the show? Don't tell me you intend to participate in it instead?

Why, heck yaas I do! Isn't that what we came here for?

Ah, no! That's not what we signed up for. We just came here to observe! Besides, you can't just suddenly turn up to an event and expect them to let you model on the runway.

Huh? How do you know what they will or won't let me do, Aldo?

I guess I don't but...

Hey, you there!

That look... That style... That feel...

You have an "it" factor that only comes along once every hundred million years or so!

Would you perhaps consider joining in my show as a model? I Banks on you becoming Elzion's Next Top Model!

Wha-huh? Can such a thing really just happen like that? And besides...the timing is a little too good to be true, isn't it?

Don't be so rude, Aldo! You're talkin' to the "it" gurl that only comes along once every hundred million years or so, you know! Like, I was totes aware I have the X Factor, meself though...

Goddess on the mountain top... The summit of beauty and love... You're the Venus I've searched for! The design concept of my new line is based on my lifelong vision of the sea and mermaids, you see. You fit that image like a glove!

The theme of your clothing line is mermaids?

Well, that WOULD fit me like a glove now, wouldn't it?

Wow! It's like the role was made for you, Milsha!

So...that is a yes you will walk in my show, I take it?

Fo'sho'! I was hopin' to join in from the get go.

That's great! I am ever so pleased. Without further ado, let's move on over to the venue, then.

My dear models! Please allow me to guide you to our secret fashion show's event space.

This way, please! Now, walk...and walk... Walk, and walk...

Keep up, Aldo!♪ You don't wanna get left behind now, do you?

That's my, Milsha! She's got it! Yeah baby, she's got it!

I don't believe this is happening...

The airport? So, this is the runway where you are going to do your show?

Um... Why isn't there anyone here except us models? Isn't there s'possed to be an audience, or somethin'?

I saw you receive your lucky break! Congratulations on being allowed to model in the show!

You're the one who told me about this show earlier! Hey, p'haps you can tell us whether it's normal to do these shows without a live audience or not?

Normally you'd expect there to be clientele, media reps, and what not, so I'm a little surprised as well.

Oi! It looks as though that designer lady has arrived.

Sorry for the wait, my dear specially-selected models.

Our secret fashion show will begin momentarily.

We are doing the show here? In this barren place?

Isn't there an audience? Or is it broadcast-only?

Oh, we don't need a stage or an audience. Why is that you ask...?

Well, it is because this is an exclusive show for my, and only my, pleasure!

What's going on?

Oof! My head feels woozy all of a sudden...

I...gotta get...outta here...

What did you just do to them?

Are you alright, Milsha?

My body...is all numb and tingly...

Milsha?!

Oh, my! It seems the drug is proving too powerful for you, there. Don't tell me you're a...pureblood?

There'll be plenty of time to find out about that later, though. But first... All of you! Get on this cargo bus!

Has she brainwashed 'em or somethin'? Everyone seems to be obeyin' her command!

Stop it right there! You let them all go now!

Hehe! Too late for that. But if you don't want to see them get hurt, then we'll be waiting on the Last Island. Bring that girl with you...or else you won't want to know what'll happen to these poor people.

Urgh!

Don't overdo it, Milsha.

Erch... But we can't let her get away with this! After all, these are my fellow lovers of fashion, my kindred spirits, we're talkin' about here...!

She said they'd be at the Last Island, didn't she? We've gotta go after her, Aldo!

I know. But I don't want you to push yourself in that state. Here, I'll lend you my shoulder to lean on. That way we can both go and help them together, okay?

Awww... You're too nice a bloke, Aldo.

Now hurry up and lend me that there shoulder of yours, thank you! We've gotta hightail it over to that Last Island place.

This is a fitting spot for me, indeed. Here I shall return to my true form!

But in order to do that, I need you all to...

Could you please stop doin', er... whatever it is you are doin'... to my model friends here.

What exactly ARE you doing to them?!

Oh, they are just taking a little nap. For now, at least... But you got here faster than I expected. That's some recovery ability you've got! You must really be close to a pureblood for that to happen.

What're you gabbin' on about?

That drug I administered...it's a special concoction I made that only affects merfolk, you see. It takes away their freedom and makes them obey whatever I say. And the more merfolk blood you have in your veins, the better the effects. So that's why I can tell you have a lot of mermaid blood in you.. practically a purebred, even.

What the heck?! So you mean to say all those models are...

Merfolk, yes. Or mixed descendants of them, to be precise. Why, I can even sense the sea in you, and those models, whenever you draw close to me.

Descendants of merfolk...?

That would make them the merfolk of Atlantica's and my great-how-many- times-over-grandchildren! But why are you gatherin' them all up here like this? If this is your idea of a beach party, I gotta tell you, it kinda blows!

Well... Ahaha... You see...

I need merfolk blood! The more the better. The purer the better.

Don't tell me you're another one of those charlatan merchants who claim to sell mermaid blood?

Perish the thought! I would never do such a thing.

Then why the need for merfolk blood, eh?

Well if I gather enough blood of merfolk descendants, even if it has been diluted over the generations... I can concentrate it back to a pure form that I can infuse into my body to become a complete mermaid, myself. A perfect, flawless, friend of the sea...a being that is one with the ocean!

A complete, perfect mermaid? Why would you want to become like that for?

"Like that"? "Like that"? I guess a near-pureblood like yourself wouldn't understand this feeling. But it doesn't matter whether you understand my motivations or not. All I want from you is...

Your sweet, sweet blood!

Stop it, you...you...giant enemy crab! We are all friends of the sea, here. There's no reason for us to fight.

Damn... And it took me so long to tame the blasted thing.

That'll learn ya! Milsha has awesometastic powers of persuasion over friends of the sea, you know!

Urgh! This must be the difference in how pureblooded she is from me. If only I could have a higher concentration of merfolk blood in me...

So tell me... Why're you so fixated on becomin' a perfect mermaid? It's got me wonderin', there must be some reason behind it?

...... Th-That's all I've got left...

From an early age, I knew I was some- how different from everyone else. I had this yearning for water... And a love of the sea.... Nothing else could replace it. I wanted to know what made me this way, so I investigated my family tree and history books... I even tested my DNA... Whatever I could think of, I researched it.

That's how you realized... that you descended from merfolk?

I thought knowing my roots would fill the emptiness in my chest. But nothing could've been further from the truth. Instead, knowing I was indeed different from everyone else, made me sadder, and desire a place... Where I truly belonged. I was neither human nor merfolk... just a watered-down mix of both.

And that's why I am so conflicted, it hurts. If only I could become a true mermaid, then I could return to the sea. And once I did return to the sea, this suffering and this yearning, would finally go away.

Even if you were to achieve that, you wouldn't be able to return to the sea. That loneliness you feel will never go away.

How dare you! What would a near pureblood like you know about this?

I know this... The place that you belong, your home, isn't the sea. It's right here.

Huh...?

You are not sad because you aren't a perfect mermaid. You are not lonely because your blood isn't pure, either. It's because you are simply unable to be yourself in this town where you live. And because you don't have friends who can smell the tides in the same way as you do.

Friends...?

Yeah. It is sad when you don't have mates who can see or feel the same things as you do. It's no different whether you're a merfolk or human, though. So I betcha can see the solution already, eh?!

You've gotta become besties with me... er, I mean, all of us! Heck, we can all be like one happy family, even!

What do you mean, "all of us"?

I also grew up thinking I was different from everyone else somehow. I have these little birthmarks on my back that look like scales. I came to have quite the complex about them.

I have the same birthmarks and also dream about the ocean a lot. I always thought it was strange.

Me too! That's probably why, when I saw the clothes you designed, I was overcome with nostalgia.

You all have these feelings? I thought I was the only one who felt this way!

Listening to you two just now, gave me a great sense of relief. Hehe... Why, it even made me feel pride knowing that I am okay as I am!

From now on, why don't we all become friends? And live together as a kind of family?

*sniffle* *sniffle* *sob* I am so sorry! I did a terrible thing to all of you! Waah! Someone stop me from crying. I am scared I will cry pearls instead of tears!

Ahaha! You honestly believe that mermaid tears become pearls, do you? Well it's safe to say that's just a fairytale!

But now I finally realize why your and my designs are so similar. Your clothes have memories of the sea infused in them. And that's what makes them so awesometastic!

......! If you say so...

Nobody move!

What's going on?!

I am Agent Renri from the COA. We received a report of a suspected kidnapping taking place in the vicinity, so, Hm... But what's this, though...? Something seems...fishy.

I am Agent Renri from the COA. We received a report of a suspected kidnapping taking place in the vicinity, so, Huh...?! Aldo! Did you also get word of this and come running on to the scene?

Er... Not exactly...

We know nothin' about no kidnappin'! Why, we're, er... We're just havin' a beach PAAATAAAY, ain't we just.

A beach party, huh? According to witness reports, a suspicious female used some kind of drug to render a number of... Individuals into a sedated hypnotic state in order to abduct them against their will from the airport area. They were last seen boarding a cargo bus that headed towards the Last Island, here.

Well, er, actually...that would be m...

O-M-G! That sounds SOOO scary!

Luckily we haven't seen anyone acting suspiciously around here, have we chaps?

No, no.... This is just a gathering of the Merfolk Appreciation Club.

Yeah, er, we like to look out at the sea as we...discuss legends of mermaids...and, er, mermen, too...

That's right. And we even enjoy dressing up like merfolk...thus the costumes, ahaha....er...

...... *sigh* It appears our friendly tipster might have mistaken what they saw and filed a false report here. Forgive me for disturbing you all.

I shall leave you in peace... In the future, please be mindful not to carry out any actions that might alarm your fellow citizens, okay?

Gotcha, Officer! But hey gurl, why dontcha join us in our li'l PAAATAAAY here?

I thank you for your kind invitation, miss, but I am afraid I am on duty. So I'll have your leave...

I am glad I didn't bring you-know-who with me! She would have definitely wanted to join in this party if she was here...

Why did you cover for me?

Well, it was just like we had a li'l family argument. Nothing more. Besides, we've already all kissed and made up, anyway...

Oh, and we can't go lyin' to law enforcement like that... So I guess we'll just haveta have ourselves a li'l PAAATAAAY for reals, now! I wanna hear everythin' about each and every one of you!

Phew! That was a blast! There ain't no party like a Merfolk Appreciation Club party!

I guess Minchy and I had better be headin' back to Kira Beach soon...

Huh? I thought we'd be headin' home to Atlantica?

I just have the urge to view the scenery from the shore there. Y'know, the sea, or the waves, I guess...

Haha... Let's return to Kira Beach, then.

(...Renri? She seems a little different from the Renri I know who works as a reporter.)

(Could this be...the Renri from this time layer?)

Ha~h! It's SO good to be back here!

What a day today turned out to be!

But it was CRAAAZZZY fun. I was able to talk so much about fashion with my mates at the party. I got to make friends with all those descendants of us merfolk, and that kinda inspired me, too! Now I'll be able to create some AMAAAZZZIN' clothes, fo'sho'!

Right. Those special clothes you were gonna make... You never did tell me what they're for.

Teehee... Well, you see... It's for Poseichi to wear at his welcome home PAAATAAAY!

Poseidon's homecoming clothes, huh?

Yeah. After seein' my li'l bro grow up so big and strong, I wanted to make him some decent duds. But I didn't think I had the right taste or sense of style to make him somethin' fittin'.

Oh, so that's the reason for our whole adventure!

Seeing the future fashion trends was all very well and good, but... Meeting with those descendants of us merfolk, was super-duper amazeballs!

Did you notice, Aldo? Amongst those descendants were men as well. And they were treated totally as normal!

Yeah, now that you mention it...

That's what made me the happiest. In the future, there will be mermen who are not considered abominations to be cast out of society. Seein' that gave me hope that Poseichi might have a brighter future ahead of him, too.

Ahaha... Although from their perspective this would be in their past. But Poseichi 's personal future... Oh, you know what I mean...

Yeah, I get you...

I just hope I am able to express that feelin' through the clothes I make him...

In that way, the memories I received from those guys in the future, can flow through the seas of time... From here, and return to them in the future, once more...