Chapter 29 - BAYU

Ondale Reef was dazzling. The crystalline waters sparkled with shifting hues of aqua, lavender, and gold, their brilliance reflected onto the cobblestone streets that wound through the underwater city. Bioluminescent corals pulsed rhythmically in shades of pink and blue, casting soft, dancing light across the colorful buildings that lined the streets. Each structure was crafted from materials that seemed to grow naturally from the reef itself—walls of living coral, roofs made of woven seaweed, and windows shimmering with panes of enchanted glass that rippled like water.

The streets were alive with activity. Shops overflowed with treasures from the sea: glowing pearls, shimmering fabrics that moved like liquid, and delicate jewelry forged from shells and sea glass. Merchants called out to passersby in a mix of melodic and guttural tones, hawking everything from bubbling elixirs in small crystalline bottles to exotic fruits that seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive. One stall boasted shimmering orbs that floated gently above their stands, each containing tiny aquatic creatures that swam in mesmerising patterns.

Children darted through the cobbled streets, their laughter echoing as they played tag, their feet bare and nimble against the cool stone. Some carried small, glowing kites made from jellyfish-like materials, their tails trailing light as they weaved through the crowd. A group of mermaids lounged by the edge of a fountain, their silver tails draped over the rim as they braided each other's hair, their voices blending in a soft, lilting harmony. Water nymphs glided through the air, their translucent forms shimmering like sunlight refracted through glass, as they delivered goods to the upper levels of shops.

Even the air hummed with magic and life. Sweet and salty scents mingled, carried by a gentle current that seemed to guide the reef's energy. Above them, the faint silhouette of an immense aquatic creature moved lazily through the water, its glowing eyes briefly visible before it disappeared into the depths.

Isaac crept up beside Bayu, breaking his reverie with a long, dramatic sigh. "Bayu," he said, his voice dripping with theatrical flair, "my future wife is somewhere here. I can feel her."

Bayu shook his head with a fond smile. "She'll be lucky to survive meeting you."

The water nymph who had driven them through the reef floated nearby, her form shimmering with a pearly light. "I will wait for your return," she said, her voice rippling like water over stone.

"How long do we have?" Bayu asked.

"As long as it takes." Bayu felt the weight of their timeline pressing against his chest. They didn't have long—not really. The Tidewater Pearl was their goal, hidden deep within the reef's twisting caves. But the knowledge he had painstakingly gathered was vague at best. The pearl was said to be guarded by something—or someone. A monstrosity, perhaps. And Bayu wasn't entirely certain they'd all come out alive.

They needed more information.

Bayu straightened, clapping his hands to gather the group's attention. "Alright, before we start raiding Ondale Reef, we should first—"

He paused mid-sentence, catching sight of Isaac stuffing a strange, bubble-coated fried snack into his mouth. Crumbs scattered across his shirt as he turned to Tomoya, attempting to force the snack into his companion's mouth. Tomoya batted Isaac's hand away, his expression twisted in a grimace.

"So now that I've bitten you, you've decided to act annoying?" Tomoya snapped.

Isaac grinned through a mouthful of crumbs. "I'm going to break your walls, bit by bit. Just watch."

Kai cleared his throat, his face furrowed with concern. "We need to focus. Locating the pearl is our priority. We're on borrowed time."

Bayu interjected before Kai could press the point. "Actually, I think we should head to the bathhouses first."

Kai's brows knit together, and he opened his mouth to argue, but Bayu raised a hand to cut him off. "Listen, we've dealt with a lot lately. Even though we're all pretending we're fine, we're not. We're weak. And Ondale Reef's bathhouses are world-renowned—they're said to have restorative properties, both for the body and the mind. If we go, we can recover some strength and maybe find information about the pearl from the locals. It's a win-win."

Kai's lips pressed into a firm line, his gaze flicking over the group. Then, with a reluctant nod, he conceded. "Alright. But only for a short time."

Bayu couldn't help but admire the way Kai led. He knew when to push, when to step back, when to rise and take control. It was a quality Bayu deeply respected. That, and his piercing eyes, which always seemed to hold more emotion than Kai let on. And those broad shoulders... Bayu caught himself and forced his gaze back to the path ahead.

Isaac pointed excitedly at a nearby building. "What about that one?" he asked.

The structure Isaac pointed to was breathtaking. The bathhouse, named The Luminous Tides, was a masterpiece of aquatic architecture. Its entrance was framed by spiraling columns of coral, embedded with pearls that caught and reflected the bioluminescent light of the reef. Cascading waterfalls poured into clear basins that lined the exterior, casting an ethereal glow on the cobblestone path leading to the main doors.

A faint hum filled the air as they approached, a soothing vibration that promised healing and renewal. The scent of salt and something sweet, like crushed sea berries, wafted from the entrance, inviting them in. Bayu smiled. "The Luminous Tides it is. Let's see if its reputation holds true."

As they approached, a mermaid swam gracefully toward them.

She wore a golden shirt that shimmered as though woven from sunlight, with her name etched in delicate, flowing script: Serena. Her skin was a rich, deep brown that seemed to drink in the glow of the corals, and her long, flowing hair cascaded in dark waves, streaked with threads of sea-green and silver, like moonlight caught in a tidal current. Her tail was a masterpiece of color, shifting from a deep, iridescent emerald at the base to shimmering gold at the fins, which fluttered like silk in the water.

"Welcome to The Luminous Tides," Her eyes, a warm caramel hue that seemed to dance with flecks of gold, swept over the group. There was something playful and knowing in her gaze, as though she could read every thought they didn't dare voice. "How might I help you? We offer a variety of packages tailored to suit your every desire. But might I recommend two of our finest?"

Her tail flicked gracefully as she leaned closer, her golden shirt catching the soft light of the reef. "First, we have The Moonlit Drift. A tranquil soak in waters infused with moon kelp, rich in restorative minerals. It melts away muscle tension and quiets even the busiest of minds. The experience includes a head massage by our skilled nymphs and a seaweed wrap to rejuvenate your skin. It's perfect for unwinding."

Her gaze flickered to Isaac, who seemed transfixed. With a sly smile, she continued, "Or perhaps you'd prefer The Tidal Renewal. This package takes place in bubbling hot springs enhanced by magical crystals. They amplify energy and promote deep healing."

She leaned closer to Isaac, her flowing locks brushing against his chin. "And, of course," she said, her tone dropping to a sultry purr, "our mermaids also offer... other services." Her lips curled into a coy smile as her gaze traveled appreciatively over the four men. "They would be more than happy to serve you in any way you desire."

Isaac, wide-eyed and red-faced, stammered before blurting, "Yes, ple—"

Kai's hand clamped down on Isaac's arm like a vice, pulling him sharply back. "That will not be necessary," Kai said firmly.

"Bayu," Kai said."Choose a package for us."

Bayu stepped forward, offering Serena a polite smile. As he weighed their options, he couldn't help but notice the mermaid's lingering gaze and the way her presence seemed to melt the tension in the air. Her beauty and charm were almost disarming, but Bayu wasn't one to be swayed by seductive airs.

"We'll take The Tidal Renewal," Bayu decided. "We'll need the restorative properties to prepare for our mission."

"An excellent choice," Serena replied, her smile widening. She clapped her hands, and the waters around her shimmered as if in response to her command. "Right this way. You'll leave feeling as if you've been reborn."

Isaac shot Bayu an exaggerated pout as Serena led them through the coral-adorned doors. "You're no fun, Bayu.."

"Thank you for that valuable insight," Bayu deadpanned, rolling his eyes. But he couldn't help the small smirk tugging at his lips as he followed the mesmerising glow deeper into The Luminous Tides.

Bayu followed Serena's gesture to the showers, each stall separated by walls of shimmering glass etched with flowing patterns of kelp. The hooks glimmered faintly, enchanted to keep their clothes dry and pristine. He shrugged off his uniform and stepped beneath the shower's warm cascade, the water infused with a light floral scent that seemed to chase away every ounce of fatigue.

When he finally eased into the bath, it was as though he'd slipped into liquid starlight. The water glowed faintly, a deep sapphire hue shot through with ribbons of silvery light that moved like living veins beneath the surface. The heat was perfect—not just hot, but penetrating, as if it melted stress directly from his bones. As the water lapped at his shoulders, Bayu sighed in relief, his muscles unwinding like tightly coiled springs.

Isaac and Kai were quick to join him, Isaac immediately splashing water like a child. Kai retaliated by pulling Isaac under, his grip firm but playful. Their laughter echoed in the chamber, bouncing off the crystalline walls. The atmosphere was light, almost surreal, but Bayu's gaze flicked toward Tomoya, who lingered near the edge of the bath like a shadow.

Tomoya's posture was tense, his gaze fixed on the glowing water with an intensity that bordered on fear. "I'll wait outside," he muttered, already turning toward the door.

Before Bayu could think, he was on his feet, water streaming down his body as he hurried after him. Tomoya shielded his eyes with a grimace. "Boundaries, Bayu. Boundaries. I don't need to see all that."

Rolling his eyes, Bayu grabbed a fluffy towel from a nearby rack and wrapped it around himself. He approached Tomoya with measured steps, like coaxing a feral animal. "Do you know why I suggested this?"

Tomoya's silence was answer enough. Bayu glanced back at the others—Isaac now perched on Kai's back, crowing victoriously as Kai made a half-hearted attempt to dump him into the water. The sight would have been funny if Bayu weren't so aware of the underlying tension in Kai's jaw, the way his movements were just a fraction too controlled.

"It's for Kai," Bayu explained, his voice low. He turned back to Tomoya, who had dropped his gaze to the tiled floor.

"I know," Tomoya muttered, his lip curling slightly. "Kai is everything." His tone was bitter, but there was something else beneath it—a flicker of guilt, or maybe longing.

Bayu crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "He's not letting it show, but he's carrying the weight of everything that's happened—and everything still to come. He needs us, all of us, in the best shape we can be. That includes you."

Tomoya's face twisted as if fighting some invisible battle, his hands clenching at his sides. Bayu took a step closer, his movements slow and deliberate, as if afraid of scaring him off. Tomoya stood stiff as a post, his eyes glued to the tiled floor, avoiding Bayu's gaze like it burned.

"You don't have to go in," Bayu murmured, "but you need to let yourself relax, Tomoya. This isn't just about you—it's about all of us."

Tomoya's lips parted, then closed again, his throat working as if words were caught there, refusing to surface. When he still didn't move, Bayu took a step closer, letting the distance between them shrink until Tomoya's breath hitched.

"Let me help," Bayu said softly, his fingers already reaching for the stiff lapels of Tomoya's uniform.

Tomoya flinched but didn't pull away, his eyes darting up to meet Bayu's for a fraction of a second before skittering away. "I don't need—"

"I won't do anything you don't want," Bayu interrupted gently. "But I'm not letting you stand here like a wounded stray while the rest of us recover. So tell me to stop, and I will."

The silence stretched between them, taut as a bowstring. Then, finally, Tomoya gave the smallest shake of his head, so faint it might have gone unnoticed if Bayu weren't watching him so closely.

Taking that as permission, Bayu reached for the buttons of Tomoya's coat, his fingers deliberate and unhurried. Each button gave way under his touch, the fabric parting to reveal the pale expanse of Tomoya's chest. Bayu's breath caught for a moment at the sight of faint scars etched across his skin.

"You've been through a lot." His fingers brushed lightly against the edge of a scar near Tomoya's collarbone before moving to slide the jacket from his shoulders.

Tomoya stiffened but let the garment fall away, the fabric pooling at his feet. Bayu's hands moved lower, unbuckling the thick belt around Tomoya's waist. The sound of the buckle's release seemed to echo in the stillness between them, and Bayu heard Tomoya's breath hitch again.

"You're shaking," Bayu noted.

"I'm fine," Tomoya muttered, though the words lacked conviction.

Bayu crouched slightly, slipping the belt free and easing the trousers down Tomoya's legs. His eyes trailed upward, unable to stop himself from drinking in the sight of Tomoya's slender frame, the pale expanse of skin peppered with faint freckles and scars. There was something fragile and fierce about him, like a blade worn thin from overuse.

When Bayu's hands brushed against the waistband of Tomoya's underwear, he hesitated, his gaze flicking upward to meet Tomoya's.

"Tell me to stop," he said again, his voice softer.

Tomoya's lips parted, his breaths shallow and uneven. After a moment, he shook his head, just as faint as before.

Bayu's fingers moved with careful precision, sliding the last barrier of fabric down and away. Tomoya stood there, stripped bare, his arms wrapping protectively around his torso.

"You're beautiful, you know," Bayu said quietly, not in a teasing way but with a sincerity that seemed to catch Tomoya off guard. His face flushed, a vivid pink that crawled up his neck and settled high on his cheeks.

"I'm going in," Tomoya muttered, his voice tight, and before Bayu could say anything else, he spun around and plunged into the bath with a resounding splash.

The water surged, waves crashing over the edges and drenching Isaac, who let out a dramatic screech.

"Tomoya!" Isaac wailed, rubbing water from his eyes. "You got my face!"

Tomoya's lips curved, just barely, into something that might have been a smile. Bayu chuckled as he eased back into the water himself, the tension in his chest loosening.

Isaac launched into an impromptu tickling attack, his nimble fingers dancing across Tomoya's ribs.

"Did you just smile!" Isaac exclaimed, his voice brimming with triumph.

"No, I didn't," Tomoya muttered darkly.

"I saw you!" Isaac grinned wickedly, leaning in for another tickle.

Tomoya erupted into uncontrollable laughter, his voice sharp and ragged. "Stop, stop, Isaac! Stop!"

"Make me!" Isaac teased, refusing to relent.

Tomoya gasped for air between bouts of laughter. "Yeah—and that—" he wheezed, "that went so well for you last time."

Before the battle could escalate further, Bayu delivered a well-aimed splash, sending a wall of shimmering water crashing into Isaac's face. The effect was immediate—Isaac sputtered, retreating into the water, his laughter replaced by a sheepish grin. Tomoya's laughter subsided, his frame unwinding as he sank into the steaming bath. Bayu noted the subtle change—the way the tension in Tomoya's shoulders eased, the permanent frown smoothing from his brow. For the first time in what felt like ages, Tomoya looked at peace.

Bayu turned his attention to Kai, who floated serenely nearby, his eyes closed and his powerful frame bobbing gently in the water. Bayu couldn't help but admire the faint red dragon scales gleaming on Kai's arms and chest, catching the light like fragments of liquid silver.

"Kai," Bayu murmured, not wanting to disturb him if he was asleep.

Kai's eyes flickered open, warm and steady. "Yeah, what is it?"

Bayu pointed to the scales. "I didn't know you had dragon scales."

Isaac, ever eager, swam closer, his green eyes alight with curiosity. "Yeah!" he chimed in. "They're surprisingly soft!"

Kai's lips quirked into a small, shy smile, clearly picking up on the interest in Bayu's gaze. "You can touch them," he offered. "I don't mind, just... gently."

Isaac wasted no time, his slender fingers trailing along Kai's arm. The scales shifted slightly under his touch, rippling like the surface of the water. Bayu hesitated, but Kai gave him an encouraging nod. Tentatively, Bayu reached out, his fingertips grazing the scales on Kai's broad chest. They were softer than he expected, delicate yet resilient, like papery silk.

Kai let out a low groan, his eyes flicking between Isaac and Bayu. Bayu froze, heat blooming in his chest as Kai's gaze locked with his. For a moment, the tension between them hung thick, unspoken but palpable. Bayu's thoughts drifted to their bonding session in the submarine, and he struggled to suppress the rush of embarrassment that rose in him.

Then he noticed Tomoya, watching them with an intensity that bordered on hunger. Bayu swam behind him and nudged him gently toward Kai.

"You want to touch them too, don't you?" Bayu said softly, his voice coaxing.

Tomoya didn't answer, but Bayu had learned to read his silences. It wasn't a refusal—it was hesitation, uncertainty. Gently, Bayu took Tomoya's hands, guiding his sharp, lean fingers toward Kai's scales.

Kai's breath hitched as Tomoya's touch joined theirs. His head tipped back slightly, his chest rising and falling in slow, deliberate breaths.

"Does it hurt?" Isaac asked, his voice a mixture of fascination and concern.

Kai shook his head, his voice rasping. "No. It feels... good. Really good." His words hung in the air, charged with something unspoken. "But, uh, usually..."

"Usually what?" Isaac asked.

Bayu let go of Tomoya's hands, watching as Tomoya's fingers moved on their own, trailing up Kai's chest and lingering near the curve of his neck. Kai's eyes darkened, his lips parting as he swallowed deeply.

"Usually," Kai began, his voice rough, "a dragonborn's future wife touches their scales. It's a sign of... deep affection." He coughed awkwardly. "And lovemaking."

Tomoya's hands dropped as if burned, but he didn't move away. Instead, he remained close, his breath mingling with Kai's, as though tethered by an invisible string.

Isaac, unperturbed, tilted his head, his green eyes wide. "Can you turn into a dragon?"

Kai nodded slowly. "Yes. I can assume dragon form. It usually happens when a dragonborn gets married and forms a deep bond with their significant other. On their honeymoon, the two dragonborns assume their dragon forms... for three days and three nights."

Isaac's curiosity deepened. "That sounds incredible. But why just three days?"

Kai's gaze flickered. "It's dangerous to remain in dragon form for too long. If you do, you risk staying that way forever."

Isaac leaned back in the steaming water, his arms spread wide along the edge of the bath. "I wouldn't mind staying a dragon forever," he muttered, his voice dreamy. "I'd fly up into the sky and never come back down."

Bayu splashed a handful of water in his direction. "You'd miss me, though."

Isaac scoffed, his green eyes gleaming mischievously. "Not a chance." With a wicked grin, he lunged forward, gripping Bayu's shoulders and dunking him beneath the water. Bayu flailed, bubbles rising around him as he tried not to inhale the scalding liquid.

When he surfaced, coughing and sputtering, his gaze was already locked on Isaac, a playful vengeance sparking in his eyes. He pushed his wet hair back and geared up for retaliation when a delicate voice interrupted them.

"Do you men need anything?"

Bayu turned to see Serena standing at the edge of the bath, her graceful frame silhouetted by the glowing stones embedded in the walls. Her golden scales shimmered faintly with moisture, and the soft blue light of the room seemed to halo her flowing hair. Her smile was gentle, but her eyes carried a knowing sharpness.

Bayu swam closer, his natural charm kicking in. "Actually, yes," he said, his voice smooth. "I have a question for you."

Her lips curved slightly as she swept her hair over one shoulder. "Ask away."

"Do you know much about the Tidewater Pearl's location?"

The reaction was subtle, but Bayu didn't miss it. Her chest hitched, a sharp intake of breath that she tried to mask with a casual toss of her hair. "That pearl," she said slowly, "is in a very dangerous place. It's nestled in Reken Cove, guarded by shark shifters." Her tone turned icy, her eyes narrowing. "Why are you asking?"

Bayu straightened in the water, his broad shoulders emerging from the surface. "We're soldiers sent from the Aetherwing Brigade. We've been tasked with obtaining the Tidewater Pearl to temper the tensions brewing in Antigua."

Serena's laughter was unexpected, a sharp cackle that echoed around the chamber. "Are the lot of you barking mad?" she asked, her voice dripping with incredulity. "You think you can just waltz in, take an ornament meant for Ondale Reef, and whisk it off to the surface? It's no wonder the surface is in disarray. Jabari practically gave the island away to those crafty witches."

Bayu frowned, his chest tightening. "Jabari is dead."

Serena didn't flinch. She simply shrugged, her expression as cool as the shimmering water beneath her. "You try taking that pearl and see what happens to you."

With a slow, deliberate motion, she raised one lean arm. Water streamed up to her palm, twisting into a spiraling vortex before surging toward the drain. Bayu watched as the enchanted water of the bath began to swirl away, disappearing with a gurgling sound.

Serena met his gaze, her voice smooth and final. "You'll be lucky to leave with all your limbs."