(Originally a one shot, I decided to continue the story due to its popularity. Enjoy :D)
*
"Hmsgph!" Nikki was jerked out of her slumber by a large object being tossed onto her sleeping bag. "Good, you're awake. God I thought you'd sleep forever." She heard Elena's voice.
"Mmph." Nikki buried her face in her pillow, her mind fuzzy and feeling slightly nauseous from lack of sleep. "Ugh get up, we've slept for nine hours already, do you honestly want to sleep this beautiful day away?" She felt Elena's hands on the outside of her sleeping bag, kneading her side.
"Hahaha!" She laughed uncontrollably, opening her eyes so she could shove Elena's hands away. For you maybe, it's only been a few hours for me, Nikki thought grumpily to herself. On this side of the day, it was hard to believe that a few hours ago she had met a mermaid for the first time. On that thought, she couldn't help but grin, remember the pleasurable night.
"See, it's not that bad." Elena said, misinterpreting the grin. "I already packed your stuff for you; get ready to do some hardcore hiking!" The grin was gone in an instant.
Nikki felt the hot sun on the back of her neck as they traversed white-grey rocks. Only Elena would think of hiking first thing after waking up, Nikki thought to herself, wiping the sweat off her brow with one hand. The scent of pine trees was muted in this hot afternoon, the air felt thick, like it would catch in her mouth if she breathed in too much.
She found herself taking breaks often to look down at the lake, a perfect blue green, the lake stretching far beyond her sight. She wondered if the mermaid had ever left the lake, and immediately found herself wishing that the mermaid could talk. I wonder what she's doing now, Nikki thought to herself, enviously imagining the mermaid floating languidly in the lake, perhaps enjoying the shade of the large mountain in the distance.
She heard impatient footsteps coming towards her and quickly whirled around. "You are so slow." Elena complained. "It'll be dark before we get anywhere. Maybe I'll just leave you behind." Elena teased.