With a deep sigh, Levy sat down on her stool, both annoyed and satisfied that she finished counting today's new shipment of novels...for the fifteenth time in a row, and it wasn't even noon.

Business was certainly slow today, but what could one expect when the kingdom's prince was hosting his birthday party for the entire day? Only the most beautiful of mermaids were invited as suitable mates for Prince Laxus, but Levy McGarden was not one of them. She lacked what the others had: height, large breasts, long hair that flowed elegantly in the water. She possessed none of the above, so it did not shock the girl when not a single invitation was mailed to her store/home.

Her best friend, a voluptuous mermaid by the name of Lucy Heartfilia, had been invited over five times throughout the past week, but she turned down each and every one of them in order to stay behind with her friend and manage the store...well, if there was anything to manage.

Levy felt guilty that Lucy sacrificed such an opportunity to stay with her. After all, her beautiful royal blue tail and lengthy blonde hair was sought after by many mermen. But, as Levy knew, Lucy was not one for the spotlight—at least—not anymore. She had her fun chasing around mermen and flaunting her uncovered breasts(as it was their culture to not wear breast coverings)to any male that lingered his eyes on them, but those days were over. Lucy was ready to settle down with a true mate and begin a life with someone, but not if it meant leaving her best friend alone...

Levy's tail was the color of the sun, a mixture of orange and yellow that shined brightly for all to see. Her wavy, azure colored hair bounced with each movement she made, and her smile was most definitely enchanting, but her small breasts did not bounce as dramatically as the other females did. Her hair wasn't long enough to capture a willing male in. She was...plain for a mermaid, and the males consistently reminded her of that.

Lucy opened her mouth to say something to her friend, but she was stopped when a bubbly young sea-dragon by the name of Wendy popped in, "The prince has chosen his mate! It's Mirajane! He chose Mirajane!"

Sea-dragons were the sworn enemy to mer-people, and they have been for thousands of years. There were many stories that theorize over why the two groups hate one another so much, but the truth of it all came down to the fact that their cultures were simply too different. Where as mer-people enjoyed a rather peaceful life within borders, sea-dragons enjoyed a nomadic culture—roaming the seas in search of adventure, battles, and treasures. They were deemed barbaric to mer-folk, and after centuries of war, it was decided that the mers were to remain inside their borders unless of certain circumstances, and sea-dragons could roam the oceans battling whatever non-mer foe they so choose. Despite being a sea-dragon, Wendy had become an exception. One of the guards found her as a hatching just outside the borders, and without parents to care for her, the royal family pardoned the rule so that she could live as one of the mer-folk. She thrives with everyone, and they wouldn't have it any other way. Her pointed ears, razor sharp teeth, clawed/webbed fingers, tail, and navy blue scales(that covered her entire body) were an eye sore at first, but the kingdom learned to grow fond of it.

Lucy giggled, covering her mouth slightly, "That doesn't surprise me. She's the most beautiful mermaid in the kingdom!"

Mirajane Strauss, a gorgeous mermaid with a soft pink tail and thick, long locks of snowy white hair that cascaded around her body. Many, many mermen desired her companionship, but her brother, a very muscular merman by the name of Elfman, usually prevented that from happening. When it came to the prince himself, even someone as strong as Elfman wouldn't have been able to object such a request.

Levy smiled, "I'm happy for her."

Lucy nodded in agreement, glancing back at the young girl, "So, Wendy, while you're here, would you like to—"

"No thanks! I'm still reading the book you guys picked out for me two days ago. It's really good, so don't worry. I'll buy another one when I'm done," she chirped out, causing the other two to laugh.

"You've always been such a loyal customer," Levy noted with a bright smile, patting the girl on her head.

Wendy smiled back, "I need to go home now. My dolphin hasn't had much to eat today, so I need to go tend to her."

"That's fine, little sea star! We'll talk tomorrow!" the blonde mermaid told her, bidding herself farewell along with Levy.

After the adolescent left, the duo decided that it was time for dinner. As both made their way down the shell pathway to their local cafe, they nearby bumped into one esteemed mermaid—her scarlet tail smacking Levy to the ground.

"My apologies, girls, but you two must know to watch where you're going, yes?" she said in a deep, authoritative voice.

Both girls nodded swiftly, "Yes, Captain Erza!"

Erza Fernandes, captain of the Royal Guard, was a large mermaid that spiked a fear unlike any other. Her fighting skills were unmatched, and her temper followed suit. She was married to a timid merman by the name of Jellal, a stay-at-home dad to their three kids, all girls. She definitely made enough wages to cover their expenses and more...

Erza warily eyed the two, "If I were you, I would stay away from all borders. My scouts have spotted a few sea-dragons circling our borders. I'm not sure why, but there could be a break-in soon. I'm telling you because you two...I consider friends, and I want the two of you safe. Stay together, and whatever you do, do not go out at night."

Lucy nodded, "Of course. We will stay as safe as we can!"

Levy absentmindedly nodded, but she was more focused on the idea of meeting a real, culturally accurate sea-dragon for the first time. She was, very obviously, well-read, and sea-dragons have always fascinated her. She would do anything to have a life of free-will instead of being confined behind walls. Perhaps...perhaps she could...sneak out? No, such an idea idea was absurd, she thought, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

"Are you alright, Levy?"

The blunette snapped out of her mental dilemma to gawk at her red-headed friend, nervously chuckling, "Just great! I'm getting pretty hungry is all."

She nodded, "Understandable. I will leave you girls be, but hurry, it's getting dark. Everyone is already beginning to clear the streets. I am going home to see my mate and calves."

The girls waved bye to her before continuing on their way. Erza was surely not joking about the new curfew. The cafe was already closed, and there was not a single mermaid or merman on the pathways.

"Levy...I think I need to go home," Lucy said, waving to her before bolting away.

Levy giggled to herself. The blonde has always been afraid of the dark...

As she neared her home, a crashing sound emerged from behind her store, causing a small gasp to escape her. Her eyes quickly narrowed as she thought that those pesky lobsters were back again digging in her trash.

"When I get my hands on them..." she muttered to herself, swimming towards her trash container.

"I'm going to seriously hurt you this time since you think it's okay to eat m-my...trash..." her voice slowed down more and more until she ceased talking altogether once she realized the size of the creature in her garbage.

"You are certainly no lobster..."