*Flash!*

Three divinities appearing at once could cause quite a show. Anyone from the future would have thought someone had gotten over-enthusiastic with sparklers and Roman candles.

Bliss and Impetua, with Accord still held tightly between them, appeared on the beach. Impetua said, "Bro, I need ta go get Polly. Can you keep Unc here from runnin back?"

Bliss snorted. "You don't usually enjoy insulting me quite so blatantly."

Imp quickly pinched Accord's nose. "Don't try ta run off, or I'll make sure that yer first three or four romances look like soap operas." She disappeared.

Bliss looked down at Accord. "She'll be a few minutes. You know what it's like getting Polly away from Hercules."

Accord nodded. "He's getting better. Now it's just like pulling a cork out of a bottle, not pulling a tooth." He paused. "You can let go. I won't try to flash back home."

"If you insist." Bliss let go, and in the same motion dropped into a sitting position. A fluffy blanket appeared under him before his butt could hit the sand. Bliss patted the ground beside him. "Have a seat. I'm not going to try to talk to you while you're standing up--I'll get a crick in my neck." As Accord settled lightly beside him, He said "Dude you are gonna be tall when you get your full growth. You get it from both sides."

Accord nodded. "Yeah. I felt kinda puny till I realized it was because I was comparing myself to my dads, and not everyone else."

"Puny you're not." Bliss frowned. "But..." He waved, and suddenly there was a silken canopy over the blanket, throwing them into shade.

Accord flushed. "I am not delicate!"

"No, man, but your skin is." Bliss shrugged. "Don't spaz over it--it's not like it's a flaw, or anything. You know how pale Strife is, and he's one of the coolest people around."

Accord had crossed his legs and propped his elbows on them. Now he settled his chin in his hands. "I just wish it was because I wanted it, not because I don't have any choice." He slid a dark-eyed glance sideways at Bliss. "So, are you going to hold me for ransom, to make the kidnapping worthwhile?"

"Just getting to spend some time with you when your mind isn't on the next study session will be enough of a reward. Cord, you're in dire danger of turning into a boring fart. You know what Strife says--all work and no play means you're a tight ass moron."

Accord snickered. "I wish you hadn't told me that. I just know that the next time I'm in the middle of one of Athena's lectures, I'm going to remember it, and she'll want an explanation of why I'm laughing." Accord looked around, and Bliss could actually see him relaxing. The pucker that had so often creased his forehead the last few months smoothed out. His shoulders settled a little, so that they weren't held so rigidly. "I haven't been here before."

"We usually go to a different beach." Bliss pointed out to where several large rocks were visible above the surface of the sea, the waves just lapping around their rims. "See those? This is one of the merfolk's favorite basking places. There's no, like, feud going on between them or either of our houses, but you know that some of them are kinda prejudiced against what they call 'split tails'--and that includes gods."

"Then why are we here?"

"Fuck 'em if they're going to be snotty. No one has officially declared this place off limits, and it's got the cleanest, finest sand, and gentlest slope to the ocean bottom of any beach I know of." Bliss sat up straighter. "There's one of 'em now."

Accord looked in time to see a pretty woman with long, blonde hair pulling herself up onto one of the rocks. Instead of legs, her (rather impressive) torso was followed by a great, shining, finny tail. She scooted to a more secure position on the rock, glancing around. When she spotted them, she frowned. Bliss flapped his wings pointedly, and her expression cleared. She'd recognized that they weren't mere mortals. She gave them a wave, reached into a small pouch that hung on a strand of tough seaweed around her neck, and pulled out a comb that looked as if it was carved out of a seashell. She began to comb out her long hair, making sure that it fell on either side in the front, covering her bare breasts.

"Is it just me," said Bliss, "or do the merfolk tend to favor long hair?"

"Some wear it longer than others, but I've never seen one whose hair was actually short--like yours. I think it has something to do with the way it sort of waves around underwater. Is this going to be a picnic, or are we going to just sit here..." Another of Poseidon's subjects had hoisted himself up to sit beside the mermaid. This one looked like a rather brawny man from the waist up, his red-brown hair hanging down below his jawline. "Or are we just going to admire the scenery?"

Bliss poked him. "Imp is supposed to be bringing Polly by way of Hestia's."

"Oh." If Hestia was going to provide the food, no one was going home hungry. Accord flapped the edges of his vest, saying, "You know, I keep forgetting how extreme the weather can be off Olympus, or maybe it's just that marble halls are naturally cool."

"If you're hot, it's your own fault, doofus. You're way over dressed for a day at the beach. Take off some of the rags." Accord pulled off his vest, then paused. "Oh, wow, you're nearly naked."

"Stop being sarcastic."

"With Strife as my father?"

"All right, smarty. What do you think I should take off?"

"Are you wearing underwear?"

"Personal much? Are you?"

"I asked first."

"Yeah, well, I don't have to wait for an answer. Your legs are crossed, and that kilt ain't all that long." Bliss quickly tugged his hem down another inch. "Not much good, Mister Natural. Yes, I'm wearing underwear. Joxer doesn't push me about many things, but that's one of 'em. 'What if you get hurt, and a healer has to take care of you, and you have no underwear on?' You know what Ares says?"

"Probably something like 'What difference would it make? If the healer knows what's good for him, he won't be paying attention to anything but helping my son.'"

Accord snickered. "Something like that--maybe a little more graphic."

"If you're wearing underwear, I'd say take off everything but that." Accord shifted his shoulders. "What?"

"Bliss, Polly and Imp are gonna be here any minute now."

"So? It isn't as if we haven't all seen each other naked at one time or another."

"Yeah, but we were kids then. I mean, Imp is growing boobs."

"And she's proud of 'em, too. You know, she didn't want 'em when she was a kid. She kept trying to find a way to avoid having them when she grew up."

"What did Auntie Dite think about that?"

"We tried to keep it from her, but I think she had to spend at least one afternoon lying in a dark room, with a cloth on her forehead. It isn't like you'll be nude, dude."

"Well... Maybe it would be all right." He stood up and started stripping out of his clothes.

Bliss quickly curved one of his wings around and began straightening the feathers at the tip, thinking, *I will not stare. I will not drool. I will not get hard. Okay, I may not entirely have control over that last one. If I do start to get hard, I will immediately go into the water and try to find a cold spot.* Accord was speaking, and Bliss forced himself to focus on his friend's words--maybe that would distract him from thinking about his body.

"You don't think Hestia will send us any fish paste sandwiches, do you?" Accord was folding his pants as he spoke.

Bliss found himself thinking that the pants would look better in a pile, like they'd been dropped somewhere hastily--somewhere like his bedroom floor. "The merfolk won't be offended. They eat the fish, too."

"Not that, dummy." Accord made a face as he arranged his clothes in a pile. "It's the texture. I can't see why she wants to grind up perfectly good fish. And I hope she sends some of her date-nut cookies. I love them. They're chewy without being gummy."

"And practical, too." Accord cocked one dark eyebrow at him. "Keeps you regular."

"Regular at what?"

"You've been hanging around Apollo and Ace, and you don't know what," Bliss gave the next word particular emphasis, "regular means?"

Accord snorted with laughter, then said, "I haven't ever had to worry about that. Dad Joxer still likes to cook, and prune whip is one of his specialities."

Bliss made a face. "And you eat it?"

"It's not so bad, and besides, how could I refuse to eat something he gave me?"

"I did, at least once."

Accord sat beside him. "Yeah, that's one of the old family stories. Thank you for being a brat. I wouldn't be here if you weren't."

"That would be sad."

Both boys fell silent for a moment. Then, simultaneously, they both looked away and cleared their throats, then spoke at the same time. Bliss said, "I wonder what's taking Imp..." Accord said, "I don't care if I get..." They stopped, then said, again at the same time, "You go first."

Both disolved in laughter, and Accord said, "You're oldest--you go first."

"I was just wondering what's taking Imp so long?"

"She's got Polly with her, right? And she's stopping at Hestia's, and Hestia always has goodies sitting around, right? And Polly is whose daughter?"

Bliss rolled his eyes. "Iolaus'. Right. We'll be lucky if there's anything in the basket except crumbs. What were you going to say? You started off with 'I don't care if I get'. Are you thinking about your birthday, or the next winter solstice?"

"Neither, though I guess my birthday would be closest to the truth. I'm always thinking about my next birthday these days. I'll be sixteen."

"I know." *Oh, boy, do I know. I've found myself thinking about putting up a calendar and crossing off the days. I might have done it if I wasn't so sure someone would find it.*

"I was gonna say I don't care if I do get sunburn. I'm going in swimming before we leave today."

Bliss shrugged. "Sure. Not much point in coming to the beach if you don't swim. We could get sand in our food without leaving Olympus. You just need to practise moderation." Accord giggled. "What now?"

"Well, have you got any idea how that sounds? Someone who's bloodlines and major influences are War, Love, Passion, and Mischief counciling moderation?"

Bliss thought of it for a second, then laughed. "Oh, man! I'm glad Strife didn't hear me say that. He'd have laughed himself into a fit."

There was a shower of green and silver sparks nearby, and Imp and Polly appeared. Imp had a firm hold on Polly's arm. The younger girl was holding a large basket of woven reeds, and she was in the process of stuffing something that looked like a cookie into her mouth. Her cheeks were already as plump as any chipmunks. Accord shot Bliss a 'told you so' look. He called, "Polytimos! What are you doing?" He'd managed to drop his voice into a deeper register, and he sounded surprisingly like Hercules.

Polly stopped in mid-chew. She sprayed crumbs as she said, "Ahwha jus' tathtin', Dathy..." She saw Accord leaning against Bliss, laughing. After swallowing, she said, "That's rotten, and you don't sound like my Daddy at all!"

"Sure. That's why ya almost swallered yer tongue," said Imp cheerfully. "Lay off th' desserts, Pol. You're gonna be so big I can't transport ya if ya keep stuffin yer face like that." Imp turned her head slightly and said, "Priss, giddown. Yer puttin holes in me." The little black and white cat crawled out on her shoulder, coming from behind a curtain of green-brown hair, then jumped down to the sand.

"Imp, no wonder you always look like someone has been beating you with a bramble bush," said Bliss.

"Well, it was that, or let her ride in th' basket. I dunno about you, but much as I love her, I'd rather not have cat-butt that close to my food."

The two girls came over to the blanket and sat down. Imp plopped, then sprawled. Polly settled as daintily as Aphrodite wished her grandchild would, then placed the basket in the center of the little group. "Hello," she said quietly to Bliss and Accord. "Daddy Hercules and Daddy Iolaus send their regards."

"I bet Hercules told you to say that," said Bliss.

"Daddy Iolaus said to ask you how they were hanging." She frowned. "How what are hanging?"

Imp was snorting with giggles, and Bliss was covering a smile, but Accord said solemnly, "Just tell him 'free and comfortable'." Polly obviously didn't understand, but she nodded. "But just tell Iolaus, huh?"

"Okay." Polly's eyes went back to the basket. "Maybe we should eat now." She looked around at them quickly. "I mean, I know I had breakfast, but I thought maybe you guys..."

"I'm about to starve," said Bliss genially. "And we ought to eat now if we want to swim before we go. Even gods shouldn't go swimming right after they eat."

Imp nodded vigorously as she dug into the basket, coming up with a wedge of cheese in one hand and a chicken leg in the other. "Drownin is a bitch an' a half."

"Imp!" said Bliss.

"Well, it is! 'Specially in salt water. It stings something feirce. When it happened to me, my sinuses weren't right for days." Impetua pulled a corked jug out of the basket, saying, "Hestia spelled this so it'll pour whatever you want." She took out four mugs. "Except anything that'll make us loopy, so no ale or wine. Tough stuff, Bliss. I'm gonna have peach nectar."

Bliss had broken a chunk of bread off a loaf, and was placing a slice of roast meat on it. "Like that bothers me, and it taught you not to sass a water sprite unless you're out of reach, didn't it?"

Conversation slowed down as the young people began the serious task of demolishing the contents of the basket. Priss, who had been prowling around, sniffing and pawing at the sand, came over and... She didn't really beg, she demanded, from each of them. Soon she was so full that her belly could be seen rounding out, even under her fur. She curled up beside Impetua and fell asleep, purring in spurts that sounded remarkably like snores. This time Polly remembered to swallow her mouthful before she spoke. "Imp, aren't you going to let Hiss down to play?"

Imp shook her head. "The sand is too hot for 'im. He'd burn his belly if he crawls all over, but..." She unlooped the serpent necklace from around her neck. It immediately turned into a real snake, winding around her arm. She held it close to her face, and it's tongue flickered out, brushing her nose. "I love ya too, Scaley. Keep Priss company, hey?" She laid the snake down. It slithered over and curved around Priss, its head coming to rest under the cat's chin. Not waking up, Priss hooked a paw over Hiss, pulling him into a hug.

Polly was peering into the basket. "Isn't there any more spice cake left?"

"Don't you remember eating the last slice?" said Accord.

"I thought maybe some might have gotten under the napkin, but I guess not."

"You mean to tell me we ate all that?" said Bliss, sounding drowsy.

Accord peered into the basket. "A couple of grapes escaped, but they're kind of squashed. Want them?"

"I'll resist." Bliss yawned. "I think we ought to take a nap."

"I don't gotta," said Imp promptly. "You can't make me if I don't wanna."

"I didn't say had to, brat--I said ought to. It's been a long time since I could order you to do anything unless the Dads left me officially in charge."

"You mean she ever did what you told her to?" asked Accord.

Bliss shrugged. "Sometimes. Mostly to humor me, I think. Anyway, I'M taking a nap." He stretched out on his belly, rustling his wings till they were folded comfortably.

Accord's eyelids were drooping, and he said, "I used to hate having to take a nap, but if I don't have to--it does seem like a good idea." He settled down beside Bliss, closing his eyes. "You girls do what you like." He slitted one eye open, giving Imp a pointed look. "And it better not involve anything like sand in my britches, or a bucket of cold water."

Imp stuck out her tongue. "Spoilsport." But Accord's breathing was already slowing. "That's okay. Polly, you and me can... Polly?" Polytimous was laying on her side, hands folded under one plump cheek, fast asleep. "Well, darn it! Now what? I'm not sleepy." She yawned. "I'm not." Bliss shifted onto his side, turning toward Accord, eyes never opening. She yawned again. "But I guess I can keep you guys company for a little while." She laid down. Soon all four of the young people were sound asleep.

A Little Later, Out on the rocks

Another two mermaids had joined the couple. The women all sported long hair, and they were combing it, or combing it for each other, as their fins flapped lazily. One latecomer said, "You're sure those are all gods? I mean, the two with wings are pretty obvious, but what about the other two?"

The first mermaid who had arrived said, "The winged ones are Bliss, God of Joy, and his sister, Impetua--Goddess of Jealousy and Envy. The little blonde girl isn't a goddess, but she does have some divine blood. She's Hercules' daughter."

"What about the dark haired cutie?"

"Yes," drawled the merman. "What about him? That's Accord, God of Mediation. I saw him once when Ares was doing a sort of take-your-son-to-work thing, and he came around to discuss a sea battle with Lord Posiedon." The merman cocked his head. "He's grown since then--a lot."

The women exchanged looks, and one said, "That's you all over, Andreas." She spoke to the others. "He likes long, dark hair. Doesn't make any difference what sex it's attached to--he's equal opportunity lustful."

"But I'm picky, dear lady. They have to be attractive, too." His eyes turned back toward shore. "And that one certainly is." He sat up straighter. Accord had stood up, and was rubbing his eyes. The boy glanced down at his still sleeping companions, then looked longingly at the water. Andreas immediately smiled at him, giving him a wave. The boy blinked, then tentatively returned the wave.

"You wouldn't actually try anything, would you? Not knowing who his father is?" said the blonde mermaid, disbelief clear in her voice.

"Oh, nothing drastic--but something that pretty needs to be admired. He's coming in."

Accord was slowly wading into the surf. Andreas slid off the rock into the the water. As he swam toward shore, the mermaid he'd been speaking to shook her head. "If he tries anything with that kid Areas will scale him, filet him, and feed him to Greagus, then let Cerberus have the bones."

"Eirini might keep Ares calm enough so that he'll just kill him quickly," said another, watchng their companion swim toward the boy.

Accord was enjoying the water. It was just cool enough to be refreshing. Standing chest deep in the water he untied the leather cord that bound his braid, winding it around his wrist so he wouldn't lose it. Then he shook his head, loosening the braid. He'd learned a long time ago that if he was going to get his hair wet, it tended to tangle more if he kept it braided. Somehow the hairs just didn't seem to want to let go of each other. Once his hair was free, sweeping down past his shoulders, he squatted, dunking his head quickly. When he stood up again, hair plastered over his face, he found himself looking into a pair of eyes that were almost as green as Imp's.

Startled, he stumbled backward, losing his footing. He'd have gotten another ducking, but strong hands grabbed him under the arms, holding him up. "Careful, there," said an amused voice. "I'm not that scarey, am I?"

"No! Uh... I was startled. I didn't hear you... I mean..."

"I swam as quietly as I could."

"Um..."

"Yes, I'm teasing you." He made sure Accord was firmly on his feet, then let go. "I'm Andreas."

"Hi. I'm..."

"I know. You haven't taken up your duties yet, have you?"

Accord flushed slightly, a light pink appearing high on his cheeks. "Not yet. Is it that obvious?"

Andreas shrugged. "It's just that active gods usually find places even more deserted than this when they want some down time. So, are you going to swim, or just paddle around here in the shallows?" Accord flushed more deeply. *Oo, that looks nice. Just a little nudge...* "Can you swim?"

"Of course I can swim!"

"I thought you might want to come out to the rock and give the girls a thrill, but if you're not sure you can make it that far, I can swim along with you, and if you get tired..."

Without another word, Accord started swimming toward the rock. Andreas bit back a chuckle and followed. He did so underwater, so he'd have a good look at that pale, slender body. The boy was wearing only a think pair of linen drawers, and the water make them billow enticingly--but not enough. *That's all right. They'll cling when he gets out of the water.* When they were about two-thirds of the way to the rocks, Andreas broke water near Accord. "Doing all right?"

Accord stopped to tread water. He was a little breahless as he said, "I... I'm fine. It's farther than it looks." He started swimming again. They reached the rocks, and Accord grabbed hold. He was panting now. He tried to heave himself up onto the rock, but didn't quite have the strength.

The mermaid on the rock he'd approached began to reach down to help him, but Andreas, behind the boy, gave her a glare, shaking his head, and she withdrew her hand. Andreas swam up behind Accord. "Need a little help?"

"No. Just..." Accord strained upward a few inches, then dropped back. "I really have been spending too much time studying and not getting enough exercise. Yeah, if you wouldn't mind..."

"I wouldn't mind at all." Andreas put his hands on either side of Accord's waist. "Ready, set, and up!" He boosted the boy up, but not quite far enough to make it to the surface of the rock. "Just a sec..." His hands slid around, and he planted them firmly against the boy's buttocks, then pushed. He wiped the grin off his face as Accord finished scrambling up into a sitting position, then quickly crawled up to sit beside him. "I think you're going to need to rest before you go back, unless you'd like me to tow you?"

"I just... I just need to catch my breath." He noticed the mermaid sharing the rock, and nodded at her politely. "Hi. I'm Accord."

"I know. And since Andreas doesn't feel the need to make introductions, I'm Aquilla." She noticed his glance flick down to where her hair barely screened her breasts, and thought, *So, gods aren't much different than any other kind of man.* But instead of staring, he quickly looked up at her face. *Okay, maybe I'm wrong. How long has it been since a guy was last interested in my face before my tits? Nice kid.* Her eyes narrowed as she noted the way Andreas was stroking the boy with his eyes. *Andreas'll eat him alive. Oh, well, maybe it'll be a life experience for the kid, and I'd kind of LIKE to see that horn-dogfish get a little something dished out by Ares.*

Andreas reached over and touched the dark leather thong tied around Accord's wrist. "What's this--friendship bracelet?"

"That's just my hair tie," said Accord absently. Even though he wasn't as sheltered as most kids on Earth and some kids on Olympus, he still didn't connect the suggestive tone with the fact that some owners who didn't want to brand or collar their slaves put them in leather cuffs. Accord started trying to rake his fingers through his hair, wincing as he encountered snarls. "It's going to be a real booger getting it untangled."

"I can see that." Andreas reached over and lifted a thick hank of black hair, rubbing it through his fingers. "That can't be comfortable." Accord grimaced. "I can help you with that, if you like. I'm sure Aquilla will loan me her comb." *And then she'll shift ass out of here, if she has any sense.*

"Thanks, but I'm gonna have to swim back, and it'll just get wet again."

"No need for that. I've already offered to tow you. All you have to do is put your arms around my neck, and I'll pull you along, with your head above water. Aquilla, lend me your comb, would you?" He gave her a hard look as he held out his hand.

She handed the shell comb over, saying, "Careful, Andreas."

"Don't worry--I have a lot of practise at this." As Aquilla slipped off the rock, disappearing beneath the waves, Andreas once again lifted a handful of Accord's hair and began to carefully work the comb through it. Accord hadn't actually given Andreas permission to comb his hair, but he hardly saw how he could protest such a friendly gesture. He still hadn't quite learned that there was such a thing as being too polite. "Of course, on the way back you might get tickled a little by my fins. Do you like being tickled?"

Accord wasn't sure how to answer that, so he looked for an excuse. A faint noise gave him his reason to dodge a reply. "Are there any wild dogs around here?"

Andreas blinked at the sudden change in subject. "Not that I know of, but then, I don't get on land for more than five or ten minutes at a time. Why?"

"I'm worried about my friends on shore, because I hear something growling, and..."

Bliss woke up lying on his side. He remembered their position when they'd lain down, and he expected a good, close look at Accord when he opened his eyes. Back, front, side--he didn't care, but the stretch of blanket beside him was empty. He sat up, looking around drowsily. There were Imp and Polly, tangled into a heap as they usually ended up when they slept together. Hiss was coiled comfortably near the girls, and Priss was a short distance away, digging busily in the sand. Bliss looked away quickly when she started to squat. That's what directed his gaze out to sea. He'd have been looking there next anyway, to see if Accord had gone in for a swim. He saw Accord all right.

His friend was sitting on one of the basking rocks, and Bliss' first thought was, *He shouldn't have swum out there without someone with him. It's too far to be safe.* His second thought was, *What the fuck is that fishman doing touching him?*

Imp sat bolt upright, throwing Polly to the side. Polly squawked in protest, but Imp paid no mind. Her wings unfurled to their full span and flapped briskly. Her eyes were bright, and a huge grin split her face.

Then the merman reached out and caressed (well, that was how Bliss saw it, anyway) Accord's hair, saying something to him. Bliss could see the bemused look on Accord's face. *It's not his fault. He can't help being gorgeous. However, that piscean putz and sure as Tartarus resist putting his hands on him!* He wasn't aware of the low, grating sound he was making

. Bliss launched himself into the air. He'd never flown so quickly--not even that time that Ares had talked some harpies into helping him learn defensive flying maneuvers.

There was the rush of wings, and Bliss dropped lightly onto to the rock. "Accord," his voice was very calm. "Who's your new friend?" Accord had lived with Ares, so he should have known that when anyone who carried the blood of the God of War got that quiet--look out.

Andreas got it immediately, and he while he'd have loved to fondle the sweet little morsel a bit longer, he wasn't about to dispute a full god for the chance. "Sorry, kid, but you're going to have to make your way to shore on your own. I just remembered some urgent business." He dived into the water.

Accord, wincing, gestured after him. "That was Andreas, and I think he took some of my hair with him."

"Didn't I tell you not to go swimming alone?"

"No, you didn't. And I wasn't alone. Andreas swam out here with me, so I was safe."

Bliss' expression and tone was blank. "Uh-huh."

"I'm still a little tired. Can you fly me back to shore?"

"You've had enough sun." Bliss raised his voice. "Imp!"

"Yo!" The young goddess' voice almost vibrated.

"Get Polly back to her parents in a little while. I'm taking Accord home." He grabbed Accord, hauling him to his feet, and flashed out before the boy could comment or protest.

The second he was gone, Imp screamed, "Wheeeeee!" and lifted off with one huge flap. Polytimos watched, wide-eyed, as her friend proceeded to do aerial acrobatics. Imp flew loop-the-loops, did barrel rolls, and buzzed so low over the basking rocks that the remaining mermaids dived shrieking into the sea.

It went on for a good five minutes, and when she finally landed near Polly, she started skipping back and forth, still unable to stop moving. Polly said, "What was that all about?"

"Energy burst! Whoa, I haven't felt anythin like that since... since... I was at Demeter's place th' last time Hades came to bring Persephone down for her yearly visit, an' it was almost as strong as this was, but not the same type, ya know?"

"No."

Imp snorted. "I keep forgettin yer a baby."

"Am not! Is it like it was the time that barbarian pinched Daddy Iolaus on the behind, and Daddy Hercules put the barbarian head first in a slop barrel?"

"Yeah, like that."

"Okay." Polly looked out at the now bare rocks. "I guess all of those mermaids must be in love with the merman if they all got so jealous that you..."

Imp giggled. "You're sooooo young."