Time Travel: Age of Discovery

"Brother Tiger, I'm so sorry for dragging you and me into this storm." Tiger stood beside Teya, his tone a little apologetic but mostly relieved. His thoughts were still lingering on the previous conversation, like waves repeatedly lapping at the shore.

Teya turned his head and met Tiger's complicated eyes. The corners of his mouth curled up into an understanding smile: "I said, I will stand by your side. This is my choice. I have no regrets."

Upon hearing this, Tiger was speechless and just patted Teya's shoulder vigorously. It was a tacit understanding that did not require any words and was understood by both parties.

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps was heard from inside the Dragon Palace, accompanied by Princess Otohime's slightly anxious call: "Please wait a moment!"

She hurried out, tears still streaking her face, but a resolute glint gleamed in her eyes, as if she had something important to say to the two warriors about to embark on their journey. Gently caressed by the gentle sea breeze, Princess Otohime slowly strolled over to Teya's side. She gently smoothed her flowing hair, took a deep breath, and spoke to Teya in a voice so gentle it could almost ripple the waves, "Mr. Teya, if it's convenient, could you please step over to the quiet pavilion over there? I'd like to have a heart-to-heart talk with you."

Following Princess Otohime's graceful steps, Toya seemed drawn by an invisible force, stepping into the pavilion hidden among the blossoming flowers. Here, the sea breeze seemed even more delicate, each wisp carrying stories from afar. Princess Otohime's gaze, like pearls from the deep sea, shimmered with determination and tenderness. She spoke, recounting a journey of endeavor unknown to the world.

"Tya, I harbor a dream in my heart, a grand blueprint for the integration of Fish-Man Island and the human world. Though our homeland and the human kingdom are currently separated by vast expanses of blue water, as if two worlds were at the end of each other, I firmly believe that one day in the future, Fish-Man and Humanity will stand shoulder to shoulder, watching the sunset under the same sky. I am working tirelessly to achieve this, attempting to bridge this seemingly unbridgeable gap."

As Princess Otohime spoke, Teya imagined countless merfolk and human children, hand in hand, chasing and playing on the beach. The warmth and harmony made his heart flutter. But he knew this dream wouldn't be achieved overnight; it would require the unremitting efforts and perseverance of countless generations.

"The reason I mentioned this is that I want to hear what you, Teya, from the human world, have to say about all this." Princess Otohime's eyes were full of anticipation.

Princess Otohime observed Toya with such meticulous attention that she could even detect the turmoil within him through every subtle expression. Yet, the hidden and complex emotions within him remained like a beacon in the fog, flickering and elusive. But one thing Princess Otohime could be certain of: Toya's heart was sincere.

Teya smiled faintly, a hint of self-mockery in her tone. "Princess Otohime, please just call me Teya. Perhaps my words sound a little abrupt, but I believe that you have a clearer understanding of your dreams than anyone else. However, I still want to say that your vision is undoubtedly great, but why do you always choose to give in along the way?"

Upon hearing this, Princess Yiji frowned slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes: "Give in? Teya, why do you feel this way?"

Teya took a deep breath, as if concentrating all her thoughts on this moment. "Princess, you are committed to the coexistence of murlocs and humans. Your courage and determination are admirable. But you also know that not all humans share your goodwill. Human greed and prejudice can sometimes become sharp blades, harming the innocent. Are you truly willing to rely entirely on the goodwill of all humans for the future of the murlocs? If this isn't giving in, what is it?"

Teya's words, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirred up ripples. His words contained a profound insight into reality and a concern for the challenges that Princess Otohime might face in her dream.

Upon hearing this, Princess Otohime's eyes flashed with shock, followed by a moment of deep thought. At that moment, the air within the pavilion seemed to freeze, leaving only the sound of waves lapping against the shore and the beating of two hearts, each beating for its shared vision.

She never expected that the young Teya could speak with such profound and frank words, pointing directly to the dark side hidden in the human race, like the first ray of sunshine at dawn, piercing through the long-standing veil of hypocrisy.

Princess Otohime's heart was deeply moved by Toya's powerful voice, but even more so, she was struck by the boundless longing for the future contained in that voice. It was like a seed sprouting in darkness, stubbornly yearning for light.

Perhaps, deep down in his heart, Teya has long shared the same ideals as Princess Otohime, but their paths to their dreams are like winding rivers. Although they have a common destination, they are tortuous and changeable.

"Though the road ahead is long and filled with unknowns, all races are like the stars in the night sky, some bright and some dim. We should not blindly hope for a simple coexistence between murlocs and humans, but rather firmly believe that it is the shared innocence and kindness that can become the enduring bond that unites different races."

Teya's words carried a power that could not be ignored. He turned around and looked towards the distant Fishman Island, his eyes flashing with a warm light like the sun, and a bright smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Your dream, that future shining with the light of hope, I believe, will eventually become a reality." His voice was firm and gentle, like the softest breeze in spring.

Princess Otohime gazed at Teya, as if she could see the outline of her future through his figure. She and Tiger, two souls connected by kindness, were they not the best proof of the bond Teya spoke of?

"Thank you, Thea." Her voice was full of gratitude.

"I just said what I really thought in my heart." Teya answered humbly.

He then bid farewell to Princess Otohime and walked toward Tiger, who stood nearby. At that moment, the image of humans and merfolk walking side by side became a beautiful scene in Princess Otohime's heart. Her eyes moistened, but she remained resolute and held them in place. At that moment, she whispered to the corner of her eyes, "Stop hiding! Come out."

King Neptune slowly walked out from the corner, and facing Princess Otohime's slightly unhappy expression, he shrugged helplessly.

"You actually already believe him, right?" Princess Otohime looked directly at King Neptune.

King Neptune did not answer directly, but cast his gaze into the distance, as if looking for some answer on the boundless sea level.

"About that human... never mind. I'd better go back and enjoy my seaweed salad." King Neptune smiled and turned away, but in that smile, there was a subtle firmness hidden.