I didn't get far before the nets encircling my waist and tail tugged. This was as far as I could go.

I couldn't risk dragging the net with me. Not only was I too far away from the edge, but I could also attract the attention of the fisherman.

As discretely as possible, I commenced untangling myself from the ropes.

The fisherman, who was still humming that annoying tune, continued to gather the struggling fish. It was only a matter of time before he noticed my presence.

Just as I had gotten half of the ropes off, the fisherman halted his tune. I froze, blood running cold in fear.

Did he finally see me?

"What the..."

He saw...

"Is... is that a..."

My ears seemed to turn into satellite dishes, listening for the smallest sound. I still refused to turn and face him, afraid of what I might see.

"Mermaid?"

My still body tensed. Not from fear, but anger. My jaw clenched, my eyes hardened.

He... called me a girl?

A GIRL?!

Swiftly, I turned around and sprung into the air, jumping into the very surprised fisherman.

My jaws wide open and my teeth sharp, I attempted to bite his face off, but he blocked it by shoving his arm in my mouth.

I continued to fight, scratching him anywhere I can while he tries to push me off of him.

I was in between his legs. His struggles were pointless, he couldn't push me off without his legs.

Soon enough, however, he shoved, with his arm still in my mouth, me to my side, before getting on top of me. Before I could scratch any more, he held my hand down, and then took his other hand from my mouth and blocked my other arm.

My tail curled and uncurled, but I could not use it, his position prevented me.

I flailed and twisted as he simply stared at me, eyes wide and breath coming out in gasps.

"A... mermaid..."

I grunted before replying angrily, "IM NOT A MERMAID!"

"... but..."

"I'm a merman.." I said, much calmer now.

Now that I was calmer, the events that had just transpired sunk in.

I had just exposed myself...

I was paralyzed, unable to move as the thought bounced in my head.

The fisherman seemed to realize my state, and proceeded to reassure me.

"Hey-hey. Come on man, it's not like I'll cut you up and eat you or something." He said with a chuckle, relaxing his grip on my arms.

His plan failed. All it did was encourage my fear to grow.

He was going to eat me?!

I pushed him away, quickly trying to pull myself away. The nets, which were still tied around my tail, pulled me back.

I was stuck.

My heart pounded in my chest as I felt arms grasp my torso, lifting my up. I was slung over the fisherman's firm shoulder. I pounded on his back, almost to the rhythm of my frantic heart.

I was panicking.

"LET ME GO! Let me go, beast!"

"Actually, in my eyes, your the beast. -cute beast..." he said that last part to himself, but I heard.

It confused me. Cute? Did he mean to say huge. For a moment, I paused my hits to think. That's when I felt a hand on my... rear.

Shocked, I whipped my tail around, trying to get away again.

"Hay-hay! Relax, I'm just trying to get these ropes off." The fisherman said.

I knew I was growing tired, too tired to fight. So I complied. I relaxed and let him take the ropes off.

It felt strange. His hands glided softly down my tail, lingering slightly. I doubted taking the ropes off was all he was doing.

Gently, he set me down. I scooted away, curling my waist and tail to my chest as a shield, and placed one arm out in case he got too close. My other arm keeping me lifted from the floor.

I studied him, along with his every move. He stood in a stance that suggested surrender, but still hinted at defense. He held his hands up and knees crouched.

Wait a minute... his voice is an awful lot like the guy I heard before with... bridge? Ditch? Fidge... I don't recall.

He was tall, I could tell. He towered over me and my- cursed- small frame. His brown hair danced in the wind, and his blue eyes sparkled like the ocean. But they held mischief.

I glared.

"Hey, my name is Lance. What's yours?"

I didn't respond. Instead, I hissed, jerking forward as a warning to not come close.

My canines looked deadly, I was sure, but he didn't swam faced. He moved in, getting in my face. His expression was of total tranquility, where as mine was scrunched up and my mouth open, ready to bite.

It was silent. The fisherman- Lance- didn't back down.

My glare intensified.

"Let me go." I hissed, backing away.

He slowly came forward. I scooted away again, only to feel wood pressed against my bare back, small splinters digging into my tender flesh.

How did I not notice he had cornered me?!

I continued to stand my ground- er, lay my ground?

"First, tell me your name." He said with a smile, one that held a secret.

"Will you let me go?"

"... yes"

I relaxed slightly. I knew I had to be careful, but what was the harm in telling him my name?

"... Keith..." I finally uttered.

He nodded.

"Okay, Keith, you are free to go."

Just as he said my name, I felt a tug. It was harsh, but it wasn't light either. Nothing around me was pulled, and the ropes were off. What could have done that?

I brushed it off as Lance picked me up. Startled, I wrapped my arms around his shoulder, afraid to fall. He only smiled as I scowled.

"I could have done it on my own." I huffed.

"And watch you struggle, no way." He said with a smile that could split his face.

Even as he dropped me over the edge of the boat and back into the waters, he still had that huge smile.

Honestly, it creeped me out...

Sorry it took so long to update. Hope you enjoy. 😁