Ashley and Richard saw a young Arzyrian boy running towards them. Tolae... it translated to mother.
"This is Rona, my son," Shira said, lifting the small boy in her arms.
"He looks just like his mother," Ashley statement.
"And thank Arza for that," Shira replied.
Arza was one of the Arzyrian gods Richard remembered.
Rona whispered something in his mother's ears.
Richard had never fully learned Arzyrian but he could understand a few words.
"No Rona," Richard replied.
"What's going on?" Ashley asked with a smile on her face.
"Nothing," Richard answered.
"Then why is your face turning red," Shira asked.
"Stop imagining things," Richard replied, crossing his arms.
Everyone burst into laughter. It was beautiful indeed Richard thought. The scenery, everyone around him... Richard truly wished the moment would last forever.
Ashley, Richard, and Rona played to together for almost an hour.
"I have known Richard for fifty years and I have never seen him laugh like that," Shira said to Ashley.
"Wait! F-Fifty years... How old are you two?"
"I am hundred and thirty-five in earth years but about a third of that in Arzyrian years," Shira said. "Richard is well... more complicated."
"So time moves slower here?" Ashley asked.
"You catch on fast," Shira replied. "Let me take this young one to his father... I'll be back shortly."
Shira and Rona teleported and disappeared.
Richard and Ashley were alone now. They tried their best not to stare at each other.
"I guess you have a multitude of questions," Richard finally stated.
"Me, Nah... Not at all... I mean it not like I just found out you're a prince and you're over fifty years old... Are you a Vampire like Claudia...?"
"No I am not a Vampire," Richard said.
"Then what..."
Shira appeared.
"Alright time to get back home," she said.
Richard and Ashley sighed.
"Was I interrupting something?"
"Not at all," Ashley replied and stood next to Richard.
Shira held both Richard and Ashley by their hands. Richard closed his eyes and when he opened them he and Ashley were standing in the middle of Richard's living room. Shira had already gone and once again it was just him and Ashley.
"That was the best ever!" Ashley exclaimed. "I can't wait to tell Leah."
That's right... Ashley's adopted sister, Leah. Out of everyone, Leah was the only other person Ashley had decided not to keep in the dark.
"Look Richard," Ashley said. "It almost dark outside... We only spent about an hour in Arzyria."
"Time variations like this are common between realms," Richard said. "An hour in Arzyria is about three here on earth."
"Looks like the rains have stopped too," Ashley added, her fingers playing with the ring Richard had given her.
Suppression Rings... whenever a merman or mermaid in human form came in contact with water, their bodies would automatically respond and transform into their mer-forms. But this was only limited to water directly from natural bodies and rainwater. Processed tap or bottled water never had this effect on them. The same was true concerning Richard's curse. Whether from the ocean, sea or rain, such water would burn his skin but he was able to drink and even swim in processed water. It was one of the mysteries that no one really had the answer to. Merfolk who came on land wore Suppression Rings to prevent their bodies from transforming by accident.
"I guess I will be going now," Ashley said.
"It was fun," Richard replied.
Ashley walked to the door but stopped when she had only opened it half-way.
"Is something wrong?" Richard asked.
"Um... well..."
Ashley shook her head and looked straight at Richard.
"Wanna join us for dinner today?" she finally asked.
It was a simple request but Richard found himself speechless. Dinner, inside a house, invited, people... He couldn't even remember the last time entered a home.
His mouth slowly opened and the words finally came out, "Um... Sure... I will just go change."
"Yes... Oh did I say that out loud," Ashley said, laughing at Richard. She opened the door and was about to leave when Richard stopped her.
"Wait... I don't exactly know where you live," he said.
"Well... Consider that a test master prince Richard," Ashley replied and she dashed away with incredible speed. It was faint but Richard heard her say, "Seven PM."
"What have I gotten myself into?" Richard said to himself. He smiled as he walked up the stairs to his room.
**
Richard's heart was beating vigorously against his chest. He was wearing a black T-shirt, blue leather jeans and black boots. He had managed to find out where Ashley lived. He didn't even have to use his powers to track her aura. Ashley was well known in the town and he was able to find her place after asking only a few people.
He raised his hands and gently knocked on the door. He heard footsteps approaching but they weren't Ashley's. From the aura the came near him Richard could tell that it was a child. The aura was quite strong and filled with so much joy and love. This must have been...
"Hi Richy," a little girl exclaimed as she opened the door.
Richy?
"You must be Leah," Richard said. "Ashley's told me all about you."
Leah gestured her hand and Richard had to bend down to her so that she could speak in his ears.
"I am rooting for you okay? Don't lose hope," she said.
"What do you mean?" Richard whispered back.
"I can hear you two you know."
It was Ashley. She wore an exotic blue dress and high heeled shoes.
"Ashy... He is much taller than you said he was," Leah said.
"And why are we keeping our guest out in the cold? Come in Richard."
It was Ashley's mother who spoke this time. Richard could see where she got her beauty. Ashley resembled her mother in so many ways. They both had brown eyes and hair and had perfectly curved faces. Their skin tone was also the same... fair and smooth.
Richard had already been invited in so he took a step forward and entered the house. He needed that invitation. Actually, all dark creatures did. Without it, dark creatures couldn't enter places were living people dwelt. This was also only limited to homes and other private places. Dark creatures could enter public places like schools, shops, churches unless the buildings were magically protected.
Dinner was lovely Richard thought. He had already taken in some blood before coming so he was able to enjoy this meal to the fullest. He teeth sunk into the perfectly cooked steak and Richard couldn't help but relish the crispy taste. He pierced a boiled potato with his fork and wow... just amazing. He had already finished the amazing spicy soup that was prepared for him but felt a bit embarrassed to ask for more.
"This is the best meal I have had in years," Richard said, unable to hide his delight... and appetite.
"Why thank you... you can have as much as want Richard," Ashley's mother said.
"Thank you for having me, Mrs. Morgan."
"Don't be so formal... call me Rina," she replied. "So Richard, Ashley tells me you are new to Salem."
"Yes... I have been in Salem for almost a year now," Richard replied. "My parents died a long time ago and I guess it's safe to say I have been moving up and about ever since."
"Foster homes?" Mrs. Morgan asked.
"Something like that," Richard replied. "But now..."
Richard turned to Ashley.
"I think I may have finally found a home," he said.
Ashley smiled at him.
"Mom, why don't you tell him about your work?" Ashley said.
"Well..." began Ashley's mother as she swallowed. "I am an archeologist."
"Amazing work," Richard replied. "Prehistoric or Historic archeology... I hear those are the most common in the States."
"Someone's been paying attention to their classes," Mrs.... Rina replied. "Mostly Prehistoric but I do dabble into Historic as well."
"That's admirable," Richard complimented.
Dinner was almost done Richard thought regretfully. Leah was also a great host, telling Richard some very funny Ashy... Ashley stories. She was quite smart for someone her age. Psychology appeared to be something that really interested the young child.
It was quaint and fun but Richard had to confirm something as well. He looked at Ashley. There was a huge possibility that she would never want to talk or see him depending on how this went. That risk frightened him but so did the alternative.
So much was at stake but Richard decided to do it. He closed his eyes and emitted an enormous amount of power. This was a different kind of power and it spread out of him in a sphere and hit everyone in the room. However, Ashley was the only one who seemed to be affected. She was wearing her Suppression Ring so she only dropped her glass of water and appeared to be a bit dizzy. Her mother seemed not to be affected at all.
"Are you alright Ashley," her mother asked.
"Y-Yes," Ashley replied, her hand on her forehead. She sent a deadly stare at Richard.
Richard finally had the answer to his question and it truly wasn't the one he wanted.
Dinner was finally over and Richard and the rest stood on the veranda.
"Thank you so much for dinner Mrs. Morgan," Richard said.
"Hey... Rina remember... In any case, be sure to stop by anytime," Rina replied.
"I'll see you off," Ashley said. There was a bit of annoyance in her voice. It was to be expected Richard thought.
"Bye Richy," Leah shouted as the door closed.
Richard and Ashley walked down the street until Ashley stopped.
"What was that Richard?" she asked.
"Ashley... The surge you felt. It is a high-level technique that only a few Merfolk can perform and it is called Reveal. It basically forces any creature nearby to reveal they're true forms."
"Then why did you... Wait you wanted to see if my mother was a Mermaid like me?"
"Well yes and I am sorry I did so without your permission," Richard said apologetically.
Ashley's eyes were filled with anger at first but they still looked as though they were trying to understand Richard.
"And judging by what I guess you realize that she is human," Ashley stated in a stern voice.
"That's the problem," Richard replied. "I can think of only two reasons why it didn't work on her. First is that she is not your biological mother..."
"What... I know she is the woman who gave birth to me."
"And after just seeing you two... I know for a fact that she is," Richard replied. "But then that only leaves one other possibility..."
"Which is?"
"You are a Half-Breed... Your mother may be human but your father must have been a Merman."
Ashley's eyes widened. She was obviously so caught up in her newfound abilities that she never once asked herself how she must have gotten them.
"Ashley..."
Richard walked to her and held her hands.
"Ashley you are the very first and only one of your kind. Dare I say it but your existence is nothing short of a miracle but with it comes many dangers."
"What do you mean?" Ashley asked, her eyes turning red.
"Ashley... I have been alive for over fifty thousand years and never once have I come across anyone like you. You being Half-Breed... born of two worlds... this changes everything. Ashley, I will tell you everything about me... But first, you need to know about someone..."
"Who?"
"The one Sebastian is trying to awaken... Ethan."