#damien

[mintydoo]

[eeveegirl13]

Seaduce Me: Damien the Little Merman Part 3

This will be the most recent update for a while, since I have to write more chapters. never the less I hope you enjoy! thanks

Characters from Seduce me the otome, Created by Michaela Laws @vamichaelalaws Damien originally portrayed by Jonah Scott @immrtransistor @loveydoveydollo3o shout out to a reader who showed interest in new chapters

Seaduce Me: Damien the little Merman/Siren [ Part 1 ] [Part 2]

Part 2: Chapter 11- Chapter 14

Chapter 11 Wandering Free

“Woo, Look at that view.” With an impressed whistle, Matthew held a hand above his head to shade his eyes from the light of the sun and stared out to the horizon and the seemingly endless blue ocean before them, with only some rock formations here and there peeking out of the water.

“Wow…that looks so beautiful….” Damien couldn't help but agree. It was even more beautiful than he had imagined from Mr. Anderson's thoughts, stories and memories. Now out of the cove, the six of them could now see the vast blue sky above them as well. Clouds floated lazily, drifting high in the air overhead. 

“Why don't you boys go for a swim? Test the waters and have a little fun.” Harold Anderson suggested as he made his way over to the back of his ship. All of them seemed to like the idea. But, before anyone could do anything, Matthew had decided to have a little fun of his own and splashed Sam with a big wave of water from his tail before challenging his older brother. “Race ya to that rock Sam! Try and keep up!” Taking advantage of the distraction from his splash attack he dove into the water speeded away with a head start. “HEY! Oh you're one ya little pipsqeak!” Sam smirked and chased after him beneath the waves. James and Erik followed, to make sure those two didn't get into too much trouble. 

Damien stayed behind watching them and too content taking everything in to join in just yet. He swam to the back of the boat to meet his human friend to talk with him alone as he descended down a small set of steps that stopped just above the water. He took off his shoes on the deck and rolled up his pant legs, sitting on the step and dipping his legs in the water. After a moment, he pat the empty space beside him, silently expressing to Damien an invitation to sit with him, who happily accepted the offer.

Damien hauled himself onto the low step and turned to sit side by side. “Thank you….Thank you so much for all you have done. I…I don't know how I and my brothers could ever repay you…you saved our lives.” 

“It was my pleasure to help a friend in need. You don't owe me anything. All I care about now is that you are safe and happy…oh, by the way, I have your last gift right here. Hm. Close your eyes, and hold out your hands.” Damien wasn't so sure, but obeyed. He couldn't read the other's thoughts as to what he planned to do, as he seemed to be good at blocking and evading his powers when he wanted to. After a moment, something soft and light was placed in his hands, and his eyes slowly fluttered open to gaze upon the gift. It was a small furry stuffed kitten, its fur was pure white and its beaded eyes were a beautiful shade of cyan, with a velvety light grey nose and stitched on curved smile with little thin white wiry whiskers. It even had soft padded pink paws. It didn't seem magical or able to do anything. But it was fluffy and cute, and that was enough for him. Damien hugged it close to his chest and pet over its form. All of a sudden…everything seemed to finally hit him…he was free…he was safe …he was in the human world. And he was his brother…a true family. Nearly everything he could ever wish for. His body trembled and water leaked from his eyes. “W…what is this? W…what's happening?” He put a hand to his cheek, wiping the droplets in confusion and overwhelming confusing emotions. 

“No need to worry…those are tears …it is completely natural. When our emotions are heightened, it is our body's way to get those feelings out…sorrow, anger,...and joy. These seem to be the latter.” Harold lifted a hand to Damien's face and gently and ever so tenderly wiped his tears away…and then did something very unexpected. He carefully pulled Damien close to him and held him in a loving comforting embrace, a hug. This was the breaking point. He could no longer contain it. He gripped onto the sleeves of his human friend, his newfound father figured and sobbed into his shoulders, overwhelmed with emotions and a feeling that for once in his life, everything is, and will be okay, if not better. The old man simply held him, letting the boy let it all out as he rubbed his back and shushed him soothingly. 

At the same time, Damien could feel energy from the hold flow into him. The first energy of unconditional love he had ever received outside of his brothers, it felt nice…warm. He had never felt more safe and secure than he had in that moment. Finally, when Damien had exhausted himself and the well of tears had dried up he pulled away with a shaky exhale and then a deep rejuvenating breath in. He never got tired of that feeling of clean air dancing in his lungs as he took a deep breath. 

Suddenly, overhead, the sound of sweet mellifluous coos sounded as two white doves circled above them before landing on each opposite shoulder of their master. Damien leaned away in timid caution, which only made the bird's owner softly laugh. “Do not be afraid, these are my friends. On the left is Columbia, and the right is Pax. They are my pets, and mates to one another. They are harmless and very friendly.” Harold held out a finger between himself and his frightened siren friend and gave a short whistle. At the command, Pax fluttered off the shoulder and perched on the outstretched finger. “Would you like to pet him?” Damien gave a small nod and slowly raised his hand to stroke the birds back, which gave a gratified coo in response. At the positive reaction, the tension in Damien vanished and was replaced with a restrained elation. Columbia, always a bit more forward, flew up and perched on Damien's shoulder and rubbed her head under his neck affectionately. “She likes you! Ha ha!” Damien couldn't help but let out a giggle as the feathers and playful rubbing tickled under his chin. “Ah ha ha ha!” With another whistle both birds returned to the shoulders of their human and stayed there. 

“Why don't you go and join your brothers. I have to write to my darling Mika, to let her know I will return home soon. We can all catch up a bit later. Alright. Take some time to enjoy yourself and be with your family. You have earned it.” Damien nodded and then stretched. Afterwards, placing his cute kitten toy onto the deck, facing to where his brothers were playing around so it could watch him safe and sound and dove back into the water to spend some quality time with his brothers for the first time, as true equals, without anyone to tell them otherwise. As Harold watched him go off, his smile faltered slightly. He summoned a walking cane in his hand and used it to hoist himself onto his feet. He did not want to show weakness in front of the boys, or how much the spell to bring them here had taken a toll on him. He stood and rubbed under one of the doves chins before heading back to the deck.

The rest of the day went on, well, swimmingly! Matthew and Damien went exploring, finding seashells and chasing after small schools of fish.. Erik half lay on a large rock protruding halfway out of the water. Laying on his stomach as he sunbathed, his tentacles swaying loosely in the water as he did. James had taken to reading from his new magical book of knowledge on various subjects as he glanced up from the pages from time to time to watch his brothers relax and enjoy themselves. Sam was practicing Tai Chi with Mr. Anderson, listening to his instruction and following his movements from the water as best he could as he watched his human coach from the deck of his ship. 

Soon enough though, the day began to wane. Matthew and James were called over to the ship to assist with dinner, to help prepare the ingredients, as they had shown interest in the process of cooking. Erik was given some fabrics to experiment with to practice his sewing. Sam however, was sitting by himself on a sea rock, staring out into the horizon as the Sky began to change colors with the twilight. Damien swam over to join him, sitting beside him and looked out to the setting sky with him. The clouds and sky which were white and blue only an hour ago were now tinted with shades of pink, orange, purple, red and yellow, blending together all at once. “Pretty sight huh? I didn't expect the human world to be so…pretty.” Damien turned at his statement, but kept his eyes on the view with a very soft amazement in his eyes. “Yeah….it really is…Sam? Thank you…Thank you for always protecting me. And for convincing James to come with us. I know we all have our own reasons for wanting to come. But you came to be with us…and I'm happy you did.” 

Sam only glanced back and nodded, but Damien could tell he appreciated the sentiment in his mind, even if he would not say it aloud. “Couldnt let you have all the fun in the sun now could I?” He gave his little brother a simple but not too hard smack on the back. “And besides. I'm looking forward to seeing you get all hot and bothered when we finally run into your little crush.”  At this unexpected comment Damien's cheeks went red and looked away, trying to act nonchalant. “I…have no idea what you're talking about…”

It was not very convincing. Sam let out a large chortle. “Right, yeah, you might be the mind reader among us, but I've seen the way you carry around that little doll of Anderson's granddaughter and your little subtle love notes and little gifts snuck into his letters to her. You're not as slick as you think.” With a sly smirk Sam poked Damien's forehead with his pointer finger in a teasing way, which was met by Damien slapping his hand away with a flustered and frustrated pout on his face. 

“Sam! Damien! Dinner's ready! If you don't come get it I'm going to eat both of your portions!” Matthew called out to the two of them to call them to eat. “Like hell you will runt!”  Sam immediately dove into the water as he went straight to the boat, Damien was just happy to have a distraction from the previous conversation. They were all plated scrumptious smelling and mouthwatering plates of Chicken Fettuccine alfredo. Pasta in a creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cut slices of chicken topped with other seasoning which only increased the flavor of the dish. Each and every one of the mermen were on cloud nine as they delved into the delicious meal that had been made just for them. After several second helpings they were all full and very satisfied. By the time they were done the sun had just set and night was upon them. They had been so busy eating they had only just noticed the darkness that was now falling. 

As soon as all the plates has been picked clean and returned to the ship to be washed, Harold Anderson put out the lights in his ship cabin, and watched the reactions of his new wards to the unadulterated beauty of the night sky. The clouds from the day had long departed to leave a clear open sky. The light of the full moon shone and reflected off the water, as did the millions of stars that were scattered in the sky, pure and unsaturated by man-made light. The sirens had literal stars in their eyes as they couldn't tear their gaze away from the magnificence of the universe above them. It was absolutely breathtaking and left them all speechless. After a while of letting them absorb it all, Harold pointed to a group of stars. ”Right there, those bunch of stars, make up the constellation Capricorn. A constellation is a set of stars that make a pattern or shape and have a great lore tied to them. Just as James said. The gods did indeed put Pricus in the heavens, as the constellation.”

 He could see the boys squint, trying to make out the picture the shape was supposed to make, taking the explanation a bit too seriously, which only made the old man chuckle softly. “Here. I will show you…Lux” with a deep breath and a tightened grip on his cane, he held out his other hand and a small orb of light began to form above his palm and grow bigger, he raised it up and it flew upwards from his hand higher and higher into the sky of stars before disappearing,  but then, like a firework, the ball of light exploded into a ripple that spread across the endless scape of stars above them. Lines stretched from the stars to connect to another, connecting the dots to outline the constellations. A collective gasp arose from the waters where the brothers waded, but it was not over yet. After the patterns and shapes had been established, images formed around the constellations to match and embody the formations. There were so many different creatures, characters and objects now filling the sky. The Capricorn constellation now had the perfect intricate and clear image of a regal sea goat. From the curved wound horns to the fish tail and hooves it was vibrant and bright, almost real. And yet it was only one of many. Centaurs and scorpions, waterbearers and wolves and so much more. 

For a time, Harold regaled the boys of the myths and legends of each, until tye tiredness of day finally and fully caught up to him. Hr stretched with a yawn. “I think it is time for me to retire for the night, you young ones may be able to stay up until dawn, but alas I can not. I need to sleep. However, I would recommend for you boys to give it a try yourselves. These waters are safe, and there is nothing here to fear while you rest. I will see you all in the morning. Goodnight my friends.” And so, with the help of his cane he rose to his feet and gave his guests a small bent bow and walked down the steps to his cabin below deck,”Goodnight Mr. Anderson.” They replied in unison. The five brothers were now left alone to mull over his suggestion. 

“I suppose it is possible for merfolk to sleep. He is correct that there is no reason for us to have our guard up continuously as there was in the Decaying Sea… from what I have heard, you simply need to lie down, relax, close your eyes and empty your mind…and sleep should come eventually.” James mused at his brothers, who looked around at each other, unsure but also curious and exhausted. “Well, I would like to try. I've been told humans dream when they sleep. Visions in your mind that could be or mean anything…and it's not as though we have anything else much to do until morning.” Erik announced, and the others seemed to agree. They all sank beneath the water to soft sandy bottom, gazing up at the rippling waves and the blurry images of the stars and moon high above. They all felt safe and happy. One by one they closed their eyes and went silent, soon falling into silent slumber for the very first time in their lives, their minds growing silent and still. Damien, clutching his toy kitten, was the last to let go of his instinctual hyper awareness and let himself close his eyes and fully submit to sleep's sweet embrace.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself somewhere completely different. It was daytime again and the sky was clear. All he could hear was the sounds of the wind and water. There were a couple of birds, but they didn't bother him. Their chirps were pleasant and soothing. He felt at peace. The sound that caught his attention however was a small purring noise. He looked around. There were trees everywhere, and the body of water he was in was not the vast ocean but a much smaller and much less salty body of water. He had heard about such places from Harold Anderson's stories. The numerous trees meant he was in a forest, and the large pool of water he was in must be a lake. Lakes have "freshwater” as in, without salt. He looked everywhere in every direction until he saw the source of the noise. A small pure white kitten, drinking from the lake. It looked just like the stuffed one he had been given not so long ago, only brought to life to be real. It looked up at him with its mysterious teal eyes and stared at him for a bit. Before going back to drinking. “Oh, hello there…” unable to resist his curiosity. Damien swam over as the kitten continued to lap up the lake water. He raised his hand to pet it but it leaned away from his wet dripping hand. “Oh, I suppose you don't like getting wet. Do you?” However,as his hand lingered out of the water, he noticed something strange. The black tint of his skin began to slowly dissolve away. The water droplets turned black, dripping off his hand and into the grass next to the kitten, the rest faded away as the air dried the moisture from the water, almost evaporating off his skin. Soon, the black color had vanished. Leaving his hand the same color as the rest of his natural skin. Damien stared at his hand in awe as he turned it to look at all angles of it. 

The kitten at least had finished and quenched its thirst and noticed his purified hand as well. The kitten gave a soft meow and nuzzled its head against his hand, purring. Damien could feel the soft vibration of its throat against his palm and fingers. He scratched its chin and neck and pet the adorable animal. Once the kitten was satisfied with the attention it received it liked his hand and turned, beginning to saunter away into the forest.

“Hey! Wait! Don't go!”  he reached his pale hand out to it.  It did stop, looking back at him with its large eyes…as if…waiting for him. In fact, he was certain of it. The kitten's mind was patient, as if thinking “well, come on then.” Damien looked down at the edge of the lake and the grass where the kitten had just been. He placed his now more human-like hand on the ground, feeling the cool grass between his fingers, and pulled his other hand from the water beside it, still black and damp as the other one had once been. With a bit of effort and upper arm strength, the merman pushed against the earth and hoisted himself out of the water, crouched over onto the grass and fully out of the water. He was out of the lake…but now what? He couldn't walk…could he? But as if to prove his words wrong, his body began to change once more. His blackened hand began to drip away the darkness and he felt his tail begin to split in two, then felt fabric around newly formed legs and felt the grass against his new feet. As though he had always had them. He stood from his kneeling position with ease and looked down at his lower half. He wore black pants that encased his human legs and his bare feet peeked out from the bottom openings. 

He was busy admiring the look when he was interrupted by the kitten meowing at him once more. He looked up and back at it as it began to stride away. Without really thinking about it, his feet began to move on their own, following close behind the kitten. For a moment though he turned around and thought he saw some sort of red creature in the water, watching him in his peripheral vision but he turned to see, nothing was there.

As he tailed the tiny cat, he heard a feminine voice echoing off the trees, singing the same wordless song that had been stuck in his head for months.The more he kept pace with the white kitten, the louder and clearer the voice became. The creature was leading him to the source. After what felt like hours of walking, observing his surroundings as they went, he finally spotted the mysterious singer. The kitten meowed happily and happily ran over to them, rubbing against their legs with a purr. Two delicate hands reached down and picked him up and stroked over its fur in their arms. The figure had long flowing black hair and wore a plain but lovely white dress that made the figure look innocent and even more endearing. They turned to look back at him. It was a woman with beautiful green eyes that stared into his soul.. it was her. “Oh! It's you. Hello there. Welcome.” She tilted her head ever so slightly with a friendly smile. “I'm Mika, but you already know that, don't you?” Damien felt his words trapped in his chest at the sight of her and merely nodded. His body again moved on its own and stepped up towards her, drawn in. "It's a pleasure to meet you, even like this. In a dream. “ "A dream?...” Is that what this was? That would explain why he felt so serene and casual about suddenly appearing here, and not being overly worried about where his brothers or Mr. Anderson had gone too…he had nearly forgotten about them in fact…perhaps that was the nature of dreams…, your consciousness does not question things, and goes with the flow, like a strong but not overwhelming current. In reply, the dream Mika nodded. “Not bad for a first dream, is it? You must be lucky. So..what brings you here?” She looked at him expectantly, but he wasn't even really sure how to answer. “I…honestly don't know…” why was he dreaming of this place? Of her? Of the kitten…what did it mean? Did it mean anything or was it just a dream, a wish his heart was making? Whatever the reason or circumstance, he did find it relaxing, and he was enjoying himself. “Well, would you like to take a walk with me? It will be a bit before you wake up and have breakfast, so we'll have some time to spend…That is, only if you want to spend time with me.” The kitten jumped from her arms and climbed up onto her shoulders with little claws, sprawling across her like a shawl. “Y-yeah…I'd like that. Please.”. At his confirmation, she took his arm and  looped her arm around his, and they began to walk side by side.

It was a lovely walk, they observed birds chirping in the trees, squirrels running along branches, which were nothing like the odd toy version Matthew had made. Thankfully, these ones were smaller, brown and much cuter. As they walked the leaves began to change colors. From green to the sunset colors he had watched with Sam earlier. Yellows, oranges and red and even some brown. As the wind blew, the leaves began to fall and glide in the wind before drifting down to the ground in their path. However, eventually their path was blocked by a large iron gate. Mika sighed and released his arm, stepping in front of him to face him. “I'm afraid this is where we must part ways. "She turned his back to him to open the gate but she unexpectedly found herself stopped as a hand took hers. She turned to see Damien who was holding her hand back with a frown “do you have to go?...” His eyes pleaded for her to stay, this dream..it was so nice. He didn't want to wake up and have it end

Mika looked back at him with a warm smile. “It's alright. We will see each other again…I'm certain of it…either in a dream, or the waking world…but for now. You need to wake up…you have quite the journey ahead of you. And you don't want to miss it.“ She gently released her hand from his and opened the gate. As she did, suddenly the cat jumped into Damien's  arms, making him stumble back a bit before settling into the catch. He stood in shock for a moment before relaxing and petting the cat in his arms. His head rose however to see his feminine human friend behind the gate, waving to him before turning and slowly walking down the rest of the path. All Damien could do was wave back with the hand that had been petting the cat…the further away she walked, the more he could feel the dream fading around him, until he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him ever so slightly. 

“Huh?..wha?...” at the sensation of being shaken the merman finally came to his senses and awoke. And yes. He was indeed a merman once again. He looked up to the figure, their face silhouetted from the sunlight from above the water. After his eyes adjusted, he saw it was his brother Erik, a smirk on his face. “Sorry, you looked so peaceful and I would have loved for you to have “slept in” but breakfast is ready, and I wanted to make sure you had a chance to eat before it got cold.” Erik offered a hand to him to help him up, which Damien gratefully took. However he soon noted the stuffed kitten was still beneath his arm. Causing him to blush a bit in embarrassment, but mercifully, Erik made no mention of it and simply guided him back to the ‘Sirens song” boat. 

“Ah, Damien, finally awake I see, did you have a good sleep?” James swam to him, giving both Erik and Damien a play of fresh hot breakfast and a cup of coffee and tea. Damien took his plate and coffee with an appreciative nod “yes, thank you james…what about all of you?” The brothers all seemed quite well rested and happy, even Sam. Interestingly enough he was the first to speak up. “Well, I don't know about all of you, but I slept great. And I DID have a dream. I dreamt all five of us beat the shit out of our old man before we left. My one regret that we didn't. But it was fucking glorious…oh

.um…carp...i mean…er..pardon my language Mr. Anderson…uh…sir.” Harold.merely chuckled and shook his head. “It's fine…I was young once too…nothing I haven't heard before…” Sam relaxed a bit more, glad he didn't have to filter himself, a smile still on his face remembering his dream. “Well my dream was much less violent.” Sam rolled his eyes at James as he continued. “I dreamt about a Library, apparently humans have public libraries anyone can use to read, study and borrow books for a short period of time. There were books on so many human topics, and I was there for hours just reading and learning. It was quite nice.” At this Damien's head shot up from his coffee cup in fascination and interest. “Humans can learn anything, at any time?” Jamed nodded in response. “As far as I can tell. Right Mr. Anderson?” Harold nodded in confirmation as he placed another forkful of food in his mouth. Damien looked back down at the reflection of himself in the coffee and muttered quietly to himself. “Humans have the freedom to learn anything…” 

Upon seeing Damien's face fall, Matthew spoke up of his own dream in hopes of distracting him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder in brotherly affection. “Well in my dream, you and I made a human collection ten times bigger than your old one! With this nifty bag, it could be possible too!” 

Harold Anderson set down his empty plate and stood himself up with his cane. “Matthew, might I borrow your bag for a short while?” “Huh? Oh, of course." Matthew handed the bag back as the elderly human took it and went back into his cabin. 

The only one who had not chimed in was Erik…but…he had a devious and knowing look on his face. Damien stared at him down, focusing on his thoughts, before his eyes widened in realization. “Erik…you were there…weren't you? In my dream…in the lake. And in  all our dreams. You found your ability” Shock swept over the others as they stared at Damien and Erik at the claim. Erik grimaced at his little secret being spilled with a sigh, but his smug smile returned to his face and shrugged as he took a sip of tea before answering. “Yes yes…I saw. I don't know how…but apparently I can see and enter dreams. I didn't mean too. It just happened. I couldn't help it. But…yes Apparently my gift is to enter another's dreams. We have just never slept before or known anyone who has. Apparently you're not the only one who can ‘get in someone's head’ my dear Damien.” His brothers congratulated him on finding his unique ability, although a bit awkward that he had seen their dreams. As the five of them finished off the last bites of food on their plates, Harold came back and returned the bag to Matthew and collected the plates. He however looked a bit glum as he set the plates aside. Damien looked over to him. He knew what was coming but had  hoped they would have more time. 

He swam closer to the boat looking up at him, silently asking with his eyes if it was time. Harold gave a small sad smile and nodded. “I'm afraid boys, it's time for me to return home. I cannot delay it any longer. I need to head back, the sooner the better. I have been gone for quite a long time.”  The brothers looked at their new human friend with the same sad expression he had a moment ago. Harold was their savior and in a way, a pusefo-father figure to each of them. It was bittersweet, they had spent so much time with this man between the two worlds, but now that they were all together in his world…they had to part ways. “I hope all of you well on your journey of exploration and freedom. I can only imagine the places you'll all go…I may not be with you in body, but I will be in spirit and mind…Damien, if you ever need me, just call out to me. No matter when, I will always call back." Harold placed a hand over his Capricorn shell brooch, which happened to be right over his heart as well. 

Tears welled up in Damien's eyes once more and nodded, before he could go, Damien wanted one last thing. He climbed up the boat and to the railings to reach the human, with Erik giving him a helping hand with his tentacles, and wrapped his arms around him, giving him a tender hug, just as Harold had done for him. “I'll still miss you…” the embrace was fully reciprocated. “Hm, tell you what, How about, in 6 months time, you come back and visit me? That should give you all plenty of time to explore and enjoy your freedom, and then you can tell me all about it when you return, and then I can help you explore humanity? Alright.” Damien pulled away, wiping away tears with the back of his hand. “That sounds reasonable…um…Mr. Anderson? Could you-. But Harold held a hand up. “Yes…I will give her your regards. When you come back, I will fully introduce you to her, alright?” Damien nodded, a hopefulness and grateful relief in his eyes...he could also see the smuggest of expressions on Sam's face in his peripheral vision, which Damien attempted to ignore. 

Erik carefully helped Damien back into the water. James swam forward next. “Mr. Anderson, on behalf of myself and all my brothers, I can't thank you enough for all you have done and provided for us. You have given so much for us. You are by far one of the wisest, kindest, and most generous people I have ever met. If there is anything we can do for-” but Harold held a hand up stopping him. He would not hear of it. “What you can do for me…is to take care of your brothers. And enjoy yourselves. Enjoy your freedom…And to come back and visit sometime.” James' face had a sincere smile grace his lips as he gave a nod. It was time. Harold went to the front of the ship as the winds began to pick up, he went to the ship wheel and waved to his temporary wards as he sailed back home. Each of the boys waved back yelling out farewells, until neither party could see the other anymore.

Chapter 12 On land they understand

A young woman stood on the dock of a private beach just behind a large and – mansion. She kept scanning the horizon and checking her pocket watch impatiently before her eyes returned to the sea again. As she gazed out. She saw a familiar looking pair of birds fly up ahead and straight to her, fluttering around her form before perching on her shoulders and nuzzling under her chin, which elicited a giggle from her. “Pax! Columbia! It's so good to see you…if you're here, then that means!!.” Finally she spotted what she was looking for. The colorful little toy-like vessel had finally made it back to land and pulled up along the dock. Mika felt her heart leap, she had waited so long for his return. She lifted her skirt and practically ran to greet him. 

As soon as he stepped off the boat, Mika's warm arms embraced him, nearly tackling him in the process, causing a loud hearty laugh to emit from the old man. “Grandfather! I missed you so much! I am so glad you're back!” She gave him another squeeze before pulling away. “I am glad to be back sweetie, Thank you for coming to see me home.” He stepped back, his wooden cane making a loud “clomp” sound as he repositioned himself. Mika looked to him in concern, he only used his cane when he said he felt weaker or more tired than usual, the journey must have taken more of a toll on him than she realized. Thankfully though, he was back and would have plenty of time to rest. “Come on. Let's get you inside. I prepared lunch for us to enjoy and you can tell me about your trip! I want every detail!” She took his arm in hers to be close to him and give him some more balance alongside his cane. They two carefully walked together up the stairs leading to the back door of the mansion. 

The wind blew as autumn leaves danced in the wind from the nearby forest near the property. The air was crisp and a bit nippy, but it didn't bother either of them, as they were both together again at last. 

Harold was sat down in the dining room, and Pax and Columbia were let in their cage to rest. Mika went to the nearby kitchen to retrieve the lunch she had made. She had just finished making it when she had gone outside to wait for her grandfather, letting it cool down to still be hot enough to eat without burning one's mouth. It seemed to have paid off. Mika took the two plates and placed them on a platter, then covered them with a silver cloche For presentation. She took the platter and set it in the middle of the dining table across from her grandfather. With a grand exaggerated gesture and a flick of the wrist she revealed the meal she had prepared. In the two plates were two tender cuts of beef marinated in soy sauce, on the side was vinegar over rice. A savory steam rose from the food, the aroma filling the area with its mouthwatering scent. After the meal was served and Mika was seated, the two of them began to eat. It was simple but absolutely delicious. The grandfather and granddaughter enjoyed their food and each other's company, happy to be able to sit to eat as a family.

When a good deal of progress had been made on their food, Mika spoke to strike up a conversation. “So Grandfather, how was your journey? Did you help out those brothers? What did you do? Please, I want to know everything." 

Harold smiled fondly at her, amused by her enthusiasm."Well, it was a long trip, but yes. I did help out those boys. They successfully managed to escape. It was a group effort but they are safe. I sent them off with the means to explore the world out at sea. We agreed they would come here to visit in person in about 6 months. I could introduce you to them.” Mika breathed a sigh of relief. She would be lying if she said she hadn't been worried about the group of brothers, especially the one known as "Damien", who had become somewhat of a psuedo-pen pal to her. She had hardly taken off the necklace of agate sea stone he had sent to her. She often fiddled with it when she was nervous or in deep thought. “I'm glad…I would love to meet them…Better than father trying to make me meet the sons of his business executive friends in order to try and matchmake me.” She stabbed her fork into her meat with a great deal of resentment. 

“Oh dear, I'm sure he means his best…” “well he certainly didn't send his best.” Harold frowned. He knew his son really was being too hard on Mika, he wanted to protect her, but was pushing her away in the process. He knew she looked up to him as a father figure more than his son was. All he could do was comfort her and listen and try to help her cope. “What happened? Do you want to talk about it?” Mika looked up at him…she did want to vent but he had just gotten back. She did not want to burden him with her personal issues with her dad…but…seeing the sincerity in his eyes she sighed. “six dates in three months. Likely would have been more if he wasn't busy with the company. Each with a son of some executive or other from the Anderson Toy Company…all of whom were entitled patronizing sexist snobs.” She picked at the rice on her plate with a frustrated and disappointed expression. Harold reached out and held a hand over his granddaughters. “I'm sorry you had to deal with that. It wasn't fair of him to put you in those situations. But it's alright. .When you find someone, or even if you don't. It will be your choice. Not your fathers. You are a beautiful, intelligent and spirited young woman. Some just aren't deserving of you and are intimidated by how amazing you are.” The tension in Mika's body subsided at his words and put her hand over his as well. “You always know what to say. Thank you. And I'm sorry. I've just missed you so much. Please. Tell me more about your trip and this band of brothers.’

And so Harold told her, telling her all he could while withholding their actual magical identities. Painting them as very isolated to explain their naivety about the world such as during stargazing and learning about constellations, learning about cooking and gifts and so on. Mika listened with rapt attention. Her admiration for her grandfather only grew by the minute. After their food had been finished as they conversed, Mika took the plates and washed them before returning to her grandfather to help him unpack and do some chores around the house. Dusting, sweeping, laundry and so on, as the manor had been uninhabited for quite some time. “I'll never understand how you get so much done here without any servants or house staff Grandfather.” She said as she wiped her brow and sat down to rest. Harold simply shrugged. “You know me, I'm quite independent and a hard worker on my own. It runs in the family.” He winked at her which made her give a little giggle. 

After a long afternoon's work, Mika and Harold went to the garden to rest and relax, as well as water the flowers. Harold Anderson sat in the shade of the Gazebo as Mika took out the watering can from the shed. Pax and Columbia flitted about chasing each other through the garden to stretch their wings after their long nap. As Mika tilted the watering can, she let her mind wander. Contemplating what her Grandfather had said. He was right. Those snobbish nepotism boys didn't deserve her. She doesn't even really care about dating, why did her father have to be so persistent. It wasn't her priority right now. Her priority was to herself and loving herself as she was. But she couldn't help but go back to her dream, of the masquerade ball…the more she thought about it, the more she convinced herself her subconscious was just mixing different issues or events in her life into her dream. Grandfather's story about those brothers, Her fathers pressure, the want for freedom both in life and love, all mixed together. 

Mika had absently moved around to water flowers in rows when a thorny vine hand somehow tangled around her ankle, when she pulled her foot up to go to the next patch. The vine tightened and the thorns dug into her ankle. A wave of pain, shock and a buried traumatic memory of the part where her dancing dream turned into a nightmare with the malevolent creature who pulled her down to drown. With a scream of pain and agitation she fell backwards, the watering can flew into the air as its contents spilled all over her, making her gasp as the cold water soaked her. Her yell had caught her grandfather's attention who rushed to her side, checking to see if she was alright. Mika trembled…some tears streaming down her face and her breathing heavy. “Mika dear, what happened? Why did you trip?” Harold looked at her feet, seeing the cause and freed her ankle from the vine and helped her to stand. Taking her back inside to dry and check her ankle for injuries.

After being wrapped in a cozy towel and sat down at the dining table, Harold inspected Mika's bare ankle after she took off her sock and shoe for an examination. A few cuts and punctures. Nothing serious. But he diligently cleaned the wound with soap and water, and then disinfected it, which stung to high heaven. “Ow!” She yelped and sucked in air through her teeth. “Sorry sweetie. It can't be helped…what happened exactly…you seemed more…upset about something on your mind than in pain from your accident…” Mika pressed her lips into a fine line, not wanting to worry her Grandfather or make him think she was acting so childish over a little nightmare. “Whatever it is dear, you can tell me, I only want to help, but I understand if you'd rather not talk about it.” He looked up at her earnestly as he bandaged her ankle. He gave it a small kiss over the wrapping, and suddenly it felt much better. Anytime she got hurt, her grandfather would always kiss over the bandage. She could always feel a tingle on her skin even over the bandage when he did. He  claimed it helped to heal it through love. And he was right. Whatever scrape, bruise, scratch or pain she had vanished by the end of the day or the next. Her grandfather had always been so patient and respectful of her boundaries and always took care of her. She sighed in defeat. “A few weeks ago…I had a very scary nightmare, even if it started out really nice…The vine wrapping around my ankle…It just…reminded me of a particularly upsetting part of the nightmare” Harold looked up at Mika with an unreadable expression, but he was listening very intently. “Can you tell me about this dream? It may help you feel better to tell someone.” And so, she recounted her dream in detail. The Party, the bird in a cage symbolism, seeing him in the crowd and meeting the five mysterious men, dancing with one as the scenery changed, and then with more effort to continue her tale to the get to the main point, she told about the mysterious hand that dragged her under the water to drown, before her dance partner saved her and brought her to the stormy surface where he was nowhere in sight. And then she woke up. 

Her grandfather hung on every word and looked deep in thought as she went on, a disturbed and worried look on his face. “I see, that does sound quite frightening indeed. I am sorry you went through that, and that the dream couldn't just stay pleasant for you.” He opened his arms for a hug which she gladly accepted, he gently pet over her hair before kissing her sweetly on the forehead. When he did, Mika suddenly felt very warm and safe. Her skin tingled and the hairs on her body raised, the feeling seemed to spread all over her body from her forehead, like goosebumps, but it dissipated as soon as it began. That sense of safety and love felt overwhelming in that moment as she sunk into her grandfather's arms, just as she did when she was a little girl. “Dont worry about it. You can't control your dreams. You're safe, and no one will hurt you.” And she believed him. 

As Mika pulled away, she looked down at her grandfather's chest, noting the gorgeous black shell brooch. She hadn't noticed it before. “Wow, where did you get that? It's beautiful!” She pointed to it which made Harold look down. “Oh this? It's a rare shell I acquired. A Capricorn Shell, it is said to have magical properties and has a wonderful myth to it. Would you like to hear it?” “Yes please!”

And so, Mika sat and listened to him and his tale of the Capricorns. He was always the best story teller. She really empathized with the little sea goats. Wanting to be free and set out on their own but always pulled back. At least their story had a happy although somewhat bittersweet ending. “You know, that story reminds me about when you and I used to collect sea shells on your private beach! One time we found a conch shell, and you said I could listen to the waves when we put it to my ear, and I did!” That was one of many wonderful memories she had of spending time with her grandfather as a little girl. She loved shells, she felt it was the next best thing to going out to sea, having a little piece of the sea she could keep, and connect back to sea even when you weren't anywhere near the ocean  at all “Oh yes! I remember, I still have quite a few of those shells in my office. The conch is the centerpiece of the little collection…say, would you like to listen to this shell, who knows what you might hear.” Although a bit surprised her grandfather would allow her to handle something so rare and precious, she couldn't help but beam at him with the warmest of smiles and nodded, holding her hands out to take it with care. Harold unhooked the brooch from his jacket and put it in her open hand. Handling the shell with the gentlest of hands, she raised it up to her ear and closed her eyes. To her astonishment, she could hear the ocean, clear as day, the lapping of the waves and wooshing of water, splashes and the sound of bubbles underwater. Mika pulled the shell away a bit, to make sure she wasn't imagining it as she went to listen again, the sounds were still there, but not there was one other sound…a song. A beautiful masculine voice was singing a wordless song, it was smooth and clear, so pleasant to the ear. She felt her heart feel lighter as the melody echoed in the shell. For some reason, she felt she would remember that song, and that voice…it even sounded somewhat familiar.

She heard enough. She slowly pinned the shell back onto her grandfather's jacket. “Youre right…it does seem magical.” Harold had a small smile, as if he knew something she didn't, before clapping his hands together as he made her an offer. “Why don't we have some afternoon tea and snacks? You should rest that ankle, and I don’t know about you but I worked up quite an appetite.” Mika’s stomach rumbled in agreement, followed by a laugh from both of them. After Harold Anderson had put on a kettle and finished making some finger food, he gracefully poured the tea and served the cup to Mika on a small tea dish and put the sandwich and fruit plate in front of her chair. Mika bent down and blew on the steaming rim of the cup before taking a sip and relaxing into a sigh. A warm drink could make all the difference. After they had finished their finger food and tea, Mika wanted to resume their earlier conversation. ”Grandfather? Can you tell me more about those brothers you helped? What will happen when they come back to visit you? Will they live?”

Before Harold could answer, there was a knock at the door. Mika knew who it was, one of her fathers coachmen to take her away back home. With a sigh she gathered her things and got up from the table. Harold walked his granddaughter to the door to see her off with a hug. “I will come visit again soon, and often alright?” she pulled away reluctantly. “You know you are always more than welcome.” he pat her hand lovingly as the coachman escorted her out. When she had gotten settled in the carriage, she couldn't help but watch the mansion disappear with the distance. She was happy he was back. She hummed the song of the capricorn shell as she absently watched the scenery go by. The tune stuck in her head…and in her heart.

Many months passed by without much incident. The Mika dolls stocked the shelves of the local toy stores and were sent out to sea as cargo to sell in other foreign ports. Mika’s brilliant ideas improved sales even more. With each purchase of a Mika doll, a large portion of revenue was put aside for charities and organizations that helped young women and girls pursue not only education, but careers to gain more independence on their own merit. Many young girls loved the idea of a doll that didn't just represent beauty of femininity, but intelligence and aspirations. The dolls sales earned hundreds for the charities. Mika was quite proud of her idea, even more knowing it irked her father, and he had no say about it at all. With this small action she began to feel more confident, turning down her fathers blind dates before they could happen and putting her foot down more often. Harold couldn't be more proud of her. Time passed as it always had, quicker than you expect. The fall turned into winter, and the winter turned into Spring. True to her word, Mika spent more and more time at her grandfather's estate, at least a couple times every month. When his granddaughter was not visiting, and he wasn't back running the company, (much to his son's disappointment) Harold Anderson prepared his home for his Siren friends to live both in and out of water. As he prepared he couldn't help but think back on the conversation he had with Mika on his first day back. The description of Mika’s dream had disturbed him, and before she left that day, he had placed a protective spell on her after she had told him. He had always had his suspicions of her magical aptitude, unbeknownst to her. He had heard about her dreams in the past and they seemed to sometimes come true somewhat not long after. He had to protect her, better she be safe, even if she did not know it, than regret it later.

One April day, Harold Anderson had gone to visit a family friend who had been in hospital. After checking in on them, he went outside to get some fresh air. The hospital was located right next to the sea, so the patients could see the lovely view of the ocean from their window. Harold preferred a more up close and personal look. He loved to feel the sea breeze and take a fresh breath of that ocean air. He had sat down on a bench stationed at quiet pier that was behind the hospital. Sometimes patients would be wheeled out to enjoy the ocean view and also enjoy some fresh air. Some ships also arrived from rescues out at sea and could pull up to the shore for easy transport to the hospital. He was looking forward to the coming week. It had been 6 months since he helped the sirens escape…it took a great deal of his life force, but the boys pulled their own weight sacrificing some of their own power so it wasn't all on his shoulders. He had quite a bit of life ahead of him still. He had been recovering slowly over time to gain more energy, but still needed his cane to assist him. He had been in regular contact with Damien with the Capricorn shell, checking in every so often. Last they spoke he said he and his brothers were on their way to his home, as agreed upon. Harold had prepared everything for them. He would use the spell to give them legs and teach them to be human. He was also hoping to introduce them to Mika, not to set her up…but to give her friends, connection and a little bit of magic in her life. Friends who will protect her from whatever her dreams were foretelling. Even if she did gain romantic interest in any of them he would approve, as long as they made her happy. That was the most important thing afterall. He needed to pick Mika up from the study group soon. 

As he was lost in his thoughts he felt a raindrop on his nose and an odd feeling in the air. Overhead, heavy storm clouds had suddenly begun to gather unnaturally. It wasn't supposed to rain. The wind began to pick up as well. This wouldn't do. As Haorld began to stand to go back inside the hospital before the light drizzle that was starting would become a downpour, he gripped his chest, his heart beating wildly. What was happening?! In the water before him, a small whirlpool began to form and grow in size. The larger the swirling watery vortex became the more Harold Anderson felt his life slipping away from him; he felt himself getting weaker and more unsteady on his feet, his hand trembling on his cane and his knees shaking. His heart beat faster and harder in a steady intensity as the whirlpool was now about the same size as the one the boys came through. He couldn't keep himself standing any longer, the cane dropped to the ground, just before he began to as well. As he fell, in what felt like slow motion a figure leaped out from the whirlpool and was flung toward the pier. Both bodies hit the hard wooden boards at the same time. 

As the rain that poured around them, the whirlpool began to close. The creature that had been shot forward flipped their sopping long brown hair out of their face revealing half of a beautiful feminine visage, and a striking purple ear like fin. A mermaid. She panted hard. Breathing air for the first time. She turned her head, just in time to see the dying human man, whose last bit of life she had used to get through. She gasped in horror. He was…so old…she had expected someone young had helped the fugitive princes escape. As the whirlpool closed, he took his last breath and closed his eyes. With a shaky purple colored hand she reached out to his neck to feel his pulse…there was none…his heart had stopped. Her hand pulled up and covered her mouth with shocked tears. She did not have time to react too much before she heard the voice of a nurse attempting to call in the now dead man from the rain. “Mr. Anderson? There's a storm coming.” The nurse had stepped outside and was coming closer, the mermaid could see the top of the umbrella she carried. There was no time  to waste in grief and regret. She had to get away. She looked at the body of the old man and whispered. “I'm sorry.” Before jumping back in the water and swimming away as fast as she could. She couldn't think about this now. She had to focus. She has to find the boys before it was too late. She had to find them at any cost…it had already cost a life. She did her best to push down her guilt as the terrified scream of the nurse upon discovering the body faded into the distance.

Chapter 13 Oh why did you have to go? 

Rain poured on the somber April day. The dreary voice of the local young women's study group teacher, Mrs. Phillips, droned on in a lecture about economics. Her lectures were boring despite the passion in her voice, especially to Mika Anderson, who was not very interested in what she had to say and just stared out the window. She always sat next to the window, spending more time staring outside than paying attention. She loved the sound of rain. The way the raindrops fell, like the soft tapping of fingers, it was soothing. Even looking at the droplets hitting the glass calmed her. Mika already had good grades as she read the textbook and did assignments on time. She was happy to be able to have a proper education at all, but it felt so mundane and stuffy. The study group was only meant for wealthy socialites and heiresses. The daughters of respectable upper class families. There weren't enough girls to form an actual school, but a building was rented that acted enough like one. They were taught a wide variety of knowledge. More practical and intellectual things like mathematics, science, reading, writing, economics; alongside more creative and delicate courses like embroidery and sewing, music, dancing, art, etiquette, cooking, cleaning and so on. Her favorite lessons however were self defense. They were taught taekwondo and some other martial arts and tai-chi. It was a requirement for all of them.  While many of the young women had bodyguards to protect them, it was important to teach girls to defend themselves as well

According to Suzu, the public school was nothing like these study groups. She had gone to one before she was transferred. Apparently public schools only taught the bare minimum and weren't well funded. They were also coeducational, boys and girls learning together, instead of the two separate elite study groups for the boys and girls as they were used to, only interacting during dance lessons or balls. Speaking of boys, those boys her grandfather helped should be returning soon. She never got a more detailed answer about them from her grandfather before they were interrupted, but she was looking forward to meeting them. But for now she just stuck in class, staring at the faint outline of raindrops in the distance .

“Ms Anderson” Mrs.Phillips' raised voice interrupted her scattered thoughts “um, yes ma'am? “ Mika straightened up, trying to look as though she hadn't just been spacing out. “Would you care to name the six basic elements of a contract?” She was caught a bit off guard by the question but remembered she had read about that in her textbook last night. “Ahem. It should be, the offer, the acceptance, the awareness, the consideration, capacity and legality.”

“Very good as always Ms. Anderson.” Ms. Philips replied simply.  Suzu turned toward her best friend and gave her a light punch in the shoulder with praise “You go, girl!” Naomi cleared her throat quietly to not interrupt class , but also congratulated her friend. “Good job.” Ms. Philips soon turned her attention to Suzu, ready to test her as well. “Ms. Cappini. Would you care to elaborate on the first three elements Ms. Anderson just named?” Now Suzu was not normally one for economics. Number crunching and equations weren't her style…but contracts and deals? As the daughter of a casino empire, THAT was more up her alley. “ Yeah! Sure! I can do that Mrs. P.” Suzu stood from her seat to speak. 

“The offer is basically, well, just that. What one party offers to another, the whole point of the contract. Whether it be a trade, the beginning of a partnership or a promise to do or even to NOT do something. It has to be something the one being offered too would want or need. It lays out the rules and what's to be expected. The second part is acceptance. That both parties agree to the idea of the contract and will be held to it, it can be accepted verbally, with a signature or even a handshake or gesture of acceptance. It just has to be agreed upon but also VERY clearly a yes. Awareness, both groups KNOW they are making a contract. That they know what they are getting into and aren't being tricked or misled or forced to enter the contract. Otherwise it doesn't count and is invalid.”

Suzu put her hands on her hips, exuding pride as some of the girls stared at her in shocked surprise at her demonstration of knowledge, Mika and Naomi even gave soft and quiet but enthusiastic applause. Mrs. Phillips gave a hard earned smile and acknowledged her speech. “Very impressive Ms. Cappini. Well done indeed. You may sit down now.” Suzu sat down as Mika nudged her arm in a playful manner as Mrs. Phillips spoke up again. “hm. Ms Patterson. Can you finish us off and tell us in detail about the last three elements?”

“Of course! Ahem. consideration is what each party is to give up and gain with something of value, so it's fair. For example an employer would give an employee money and in exchange the employee works hard to earn that money. Or in the case of a promise or agreement to do something, you must fulfill your end of the deal for the other party to do the same. Capacity is making sure both parties are fully competent to enter into a contract to begin with. Someone underage, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, someone with a mental condition that makes them unfit, or can have a significant understanding of the language in the contract can not enter into one without proper assistance. And legality, making sure the contract follows the letters of the law and can not override laws, whatever the contract may be.”

“Very good Ms. Patterson.” Ms Phillips nodded with satisfaction at the trio's answers, going back to her blackboard. 

“Show off.” Suzu aimed at Naomi with a cheeky smirk however, but not out of frustration merely playful teasing. After all, she had for once managed to show up Naomi at getting a question right. Naomi gave a small smirk and rolled her eyes. “That's the end of today's lecture. You may all be excused for lunch. Your homework today will be to create a fictional contact that meets the six essential elements. It will be due in a few weeks. You're dismissed. Enjoy your lunch.” Now that the lesson was finally over Suzu unsurprisingly leapt out of her seat and headed straight for the door. “It's about time! Let's go already!” Suzu was the first one out of the classroom as always. She cheerfully strolled out. Despite her seat not even being closest to the exit, she was always the first one out of the door. Naomi and Mika gave each other a look and shrugged with a sigh and a smile, following as all the students filed out of the room to go eat. The “lunchroom” was a room set aside with tables and chairs and a buffet as well as tea and cakes and other snacks for a lighter meal. The three sat down at their usual table against the wall as the other girls got in line for the buffet or unpacked their own lunches at their tables. Today, Suzu had told her two best friends to not bring any lunch as they usually did or go to the buffet, as she had a special surprise. 

“Now, what's this surprise Suzu? I'm starving…I didn't pack anything like you said…so this better not be a prank!” Naomi was the type of person to always be prepared and have a plan, surprises like this always made her anxious. “Relax Patterson, I wouldn't do you wrong like that…now, it should be here right about now!…” Suzu pointed to the hallway door, just as she did Mrs Phillips came into the room with Suzu's father beside her and approached their table. “Suzu, your father is here and said you forgot your lunch, please be more conscious next time so this doesn't happen again. I'm sure your father is a busy man with more important things to do.” Suzu practically grew a halo to answer Mrs. Phillips as innocently as she could “ oh of course, sorry Mrs. P! Grazie Papà!” Suzu reached out and took the lunch bag from her father with a wink who winked back. “Of course Suzu, nice to see you girls! Have a good day at school!”. Mr Cappini was an Italian immigrant so his accent was thick, but it added to his charm. He was still a very fun and sweet man and a great dad to Suzu. “Thank you Mr. Cappini!” Naomi and Mika responded in Unison before Mrs. Phillips went to escort him out again. When the adults had fully left the room Naomi gazed at Suzu with a suspicious glance. “you didn't REALLY forget your lunch, did you Suzu?” At Naomi's accusation Suzu only grinned. “You know me so well Patterson. Nah, I didn't, I just wanted it to be nice and fresh for us. I hope you're hungry ladies because lunch is served!” From the bag her father had given her, Naomi pulled out three beautiful and steaming hot slices of authentic Italian Pizza and placed each slice on their individual plates. Suzu's piece was topped with lots of cheese and spicy peppers, Naomi's plate was cheese and pineapple and Mika's was just plain cheese. “Wow! Suzu, this is amazing! Did your dad make this!?” Mika held up the delicious looking Italian delicacy as her mouth watered."You got it! This is the real deal. Just for us. So enjoy it while it's still hot.” Suzu shoved took a giant bite into the pizza and stretched the cheese out as she pulled it away. “Well that was very kind of him to do that. Give him my regards for me then. “Naomi took small delicate bites as she ate. Mika ate as well before a giggle interrupted her meal mid bite. Looking over her shoulder, Mika saw Lisette White laughing with her circle of friends, composed of girls from very influential families, but were also quite classist. She was the paragon of the perfect lady, charismatic, affable, good humored and the type of girl other girls wanted to be like. She was also just as confident and ambitious as Mika which resulted in a rivalry which started in childhood. Naomi and Suzu disliked her as well, siding with Mika 100% and finding her to be a snob. However, their group had more important things to focus on, like the amazing homemade pizza before them. 

The three passed the time making small talk about classes and so on before Mrs. Phillips came back…but something seemed off…she looked a bit somber. “Ms. Anderson, your Family coachman has arrived to take you home. Please gather your things and say goodbye to your friends. As soon as possible please.” Before Mika could ask why Mrs. Phillips had already turned her back to them and left the room once more. Something was definitely going on. Her fathers coachman always came when the study group officially let out, and that wasn't for a couple more hours. Why was she being summoned home now? Naomi was clearly concerned, Suzu could sense the tension and tried to lighten the mood with a joke. “Looks like our plans have been cut short. How much do you want to bet your dad married you off and he's sent the coachman to deliver you straight to the wedding!” Naomi sternly turned on Suzu to scold her. “Suzu, don't joke around! What if it's serious?" Suzu brushed her off and turned her attention back to Mika. “”Ehhh, fine. If something happens just let us know.”  Mika gathered her belongings and left hoping it really was nothing

Something did happen. And it was certainly no laughing matter

Cold. It was really cold. The rain had become heavier that afternoon, a thunderstorm had seemingly come out of nowhere early that day. Mika stared at the grass beneath her feet the sound of people weeping around her. The monotone eulogies reminded her that she was at a funeral. Only after the speeches had ended could she raise her head. Everyone was huddled around a small simple grave. The only sound was rolling thunder and raindrop hitting the umbrellas, otherwise there was a heavy silence. Mika's father held a large black umbrella over his wife, Laura, his daughter and himself. He looked emotionless next to his sobbing wife. When the gathered group finally parted, only the family of three was left.

Harold Anderson’s lawyer dressed in a clean black suit approached the family and introduced himself. He pulled out a few documents from his suitcase and began to read aloud, Harold Anderson's last will and Testament. After some preliminary legalese and descriptions of some applications of his assets, a twist none of them expected was announced “And to my dearest granddaughter, I give my estate. All the furniture and decor that resides within the house will also be given to my granddaughter.” All of them were stunned. Mika most of all. She couldn't believe her ears. She had inherited the family estate at 18? It felt nearly impossible but it was written in her grandfather's hand. The lawyer continued.  “I also give my granddaughter full ownership of my two beloved pet doves, Pax and Columbia, knowing they will be well looked after in her care.”

David Anderson's shock soon turned into resentment. “He passed the family estate to her…why am I not surprised? Well, did he say anything about what will become of the CEO and Chairman of the Anderson Toys Company?" The lawyer shook his head under the intensity of Mr. Anderson's stern glare. “ No. It is presumed that the Vice Chairman will succeed the position.” David Anderson scoffed in unsurprised disappointment “heh…even to the bitter end he wouldn't give in. What a stubborn old man… is there anything else?” The lawyer turned the page looking through his notes. “Almost, just a personal adornment found on his body that was also to be left to his granddaughter.” David once again huffed. “Well that seems to be it. Give her the little trinket then. After that, we'll be taking our leave. I'm sure the little heiress needs some time to adjust…” 

“David…!” Even though his wife raised her voice, he wordlessly began walking back to the carriage, disinterested and taking the umbrella with him, leaving the two women in the rain. The Lawyer however kindly offered them his which Laura Anderson graciously accepted. She turned to her daughter to comfort and reassure her. “Dont mind him, honey. I think that your grandfather's passing really affected him. I will talk to him. For now, take all the time you need. We will leave when you are ready.” With a quick hug she gave her daughter the umbrella and hurried after her husband leaving only her daughter alone with the lawyer. Mika was quiet…numb almost. She turned to the lawyer, just wanting to get this over with so she could spend some time on her own at the grave. The lawyer pulled a small black velvety box and handed it to her, along with the keys to the mansion. “My condolences for your loss Miss Anderson.” And with that, he left. 

Once he was gone Mika half-heartedly opened the box and gasped at its contents. The beautiful black shell brooch he had worn and told her about on a small cushion to keep it protected. “He was wearing it when he died…” and the man put the box in her hands. Wordlessly, Mika very carefully took out the broach and placed the empty box in her schoolbag, balancing the umbrella under her arm and on her shoulder. With careful deliberate action, Mika pinned the brooch to her own vest. She gently caressed and traced the swirling outline before looking back down at the sullen looking grave in front of her. She was sure if her grandfather were in charge or arranging this it would have been much different. Her father was clearly in charge of the whole event. He buried his own father on the very same day he passed away. Everyone knew of Harold Anderson's love for his youthful outlook and his precious toys, and yet the grave was a mere stone slab on the ground, void of any warmth. She didn't even have a chance to buy flowers before she was rushed here, and she knew her father certainly didn't bother to bring any…his disdain for him was almost pitiful…She truly wished she had something to leave at the grave; but perhaps she did after all. Mika looked down and fumbled in her schoolbag before pulling out one of the Mika dolls she had bought for herself. She liked to carry it around and even talk to it at times, as a constant reminder of her grandfather, and what he saw in her. 

Bending down she looked around and spotted some wild daisies growing around the grave. She plucked a few and placed them in the arms of the doll before putting it on top of the grave. “I'm sorry grandpa…” she wanted to say more but all that came out was a choked sob. “You told me to stay strong…but right now, I'm the farthest from it. I was so looking forward to seeing you today…but not like this. You willed me the very home I loved to see you in…why? Why would you think I would be ready to take it?” She had so many questions still left unanswered and now likely never would be. Her vision blurred as tears rolled down her heated cheeks. “I hope this little me can give you some company and comfort. I will get you some actual flowers later.…I miss your grandpa. I'll try to keep my promise I gave to you, to stay strong. Even if the world might be turned against me.” With a shaky breath, Mika wiped her tears hastily so her parents wouldn't see as she headed to the awaiting carriage.

“Well, time to head back home. I'll cook up your favorite lasagna when we get back home, okay?” Laura was clearly trying to be as comforting as possible. Mika nodded. “Thanks, Mom….”but first…there is something I need to do before we go home.” “Oh? What is it?” Her mother looked puzzled. “Pax and Columbia…they are still in their cage back at his house…they will be waiting for him to…” she shook her head, unable to finish the sentence and moved on. “He gave them to me to take care of. I need to check on them, and get their things if they are to come live with me back home.” Her mothers eyes softened. “Of course" she turned behind her and opened a small window behind her facing the coachman. “Excuse me, can you please take us to the Anderson estate instead please?” The coachman affirmed her request and changed course. David cleared his throat and spoke up. “About the estate…should we send her there to get used to the building? It'll be a good place for her to establish herself.” Laura and Mika shared a surprised and uncertain glance. “Are you sure we should?” Laura Anderson was not so sure, but her husband seemed to have made up his mind. “Why not? This would be a good experience for her” his wife was still not convinced, turning to their daughter for her input. “Honey, what do you think?” But Mika was silent, unsure what to say. Was she really ready to live on her own? Was she even an appropriate heir to the mansion? Before anything more could be said they arrived at the gates of the mansion.

Chapter 14 Up where they run

As they arrived at the empty mansion The coachman stepped down from the carriage and opened the gates on his own before returning to his position and urging the horses forward. The carriage pulled up beside the large house. Mika took the keys that she had been given and unlocked the front doors. It felt so empty and quiet when they entered the house, but at least it was dry. Pax and Columbia were snuggled together in their cage as Mika entered. They chirped happily at seeing her, but soon quieted upon seeing her red puffy eyes and face streaked with tears as she opened the cage. “Hey guys…I…I am so sorry But…Grandpa…he's gone. But I'm here, and I'm going to take care of you from now on.” The birds froze for a moment, as if processing what she had just said. She hoped they would understand and not be confused…but they instead flew up to each one of her shoulders and nuzzled against her simultaneously, both seeking and giving comfort. Mika let some more tears fall down her face as she reached up her hands to pet them both. 

After wiping her eyes she went back down to the lobby where her parents were waiting, but it was only her father. “Where is mom?” Mika looked around but saw wet footprints leading away further into the house. “She went to find a restroom to freshen up.” He only half paid attention to her as he answered, he was looking around as if appraising the house. He had not been there for a very long time. However, seeing that the two of them were alone (aside from the birds) Mika gathered her courage, deciding now was the time to talk. “Dad? Why do you want me to move into the estate so soon?” As this question was posed, David turned and gave her his full attention. “I thought I made that rather clear. To establish yourself. After you finish your classes, you can live here and start to get used to taking care of the home. Perhaps you can hire some servants to help you.” Mika remained silent as he continued “ You will learn to become a lady of the house, and a woman with property on top of a good education is highly desirable. You will have someplace where you can begin to raise your own family. It is a perfect fit for you.”

Although frustrated at his stubborn presumptions, Mika tried to reason with him. “ but…it’s so sudden. You just decided so quickly after the funeral.I’m just saying that maybe we could talk a bit more about my future.” In reply her father rubbed his temples and sighed quietly. “We have already discussed this. After you graduate school. We will present you at a debutante Ball and hopefully find you a good husband who you will hopefully give a chance to, you will be married and be Lady of the Anderson estate. If you're lucky and play your cards right your husband may allow you to indulge in helping with the company by his side or starting a small reasonable business of your own with his help.” Miku felt her frustration bubble in her chest, doing her best to suppress it and remain calm. “But what I don't WANT to marry?” Her father rolled his eyes. “Don't be silly. All women your age get married. You are my only daughter, I'm not going to let you be alone, having to face this harsh world on your own. I want you to have someone who will look after and protect you. I wouldn't just hand you over to some incompetent fool.” Taking a step closer to Mika his face softened and took her hands in his. “Look, this is all for the best, okay? You may not know it right now, but you will appreciate it later.”

For some reason, what he had said made something inside her snap, she couldn't put her finger on what..but it transformed her frustration into full blown anger. She pulled her hands out of his “Do you even care that grandfather passed away today?” David's eyes widened in shock at her outburst. “Of course I do.” “Well it sure doesn't feel like, it seems like for you things couldn't be better!” David's eyes narrowed at Mika with warning. “I don't like your tone, young lady.” But Mika couldn't hold it back any longer. “ I DON'T CARE! It's my turn to say my peace! It's like nothing happened! Just another day with YOU deciding my future and acting like I don't even have a say over my own life.” 

The birds on her shoulders flinched and flapped their wings, startled at her eruption. Her fathers temper rose to meet her level of anger. “ Do NOT raise your voice at me! I am still your father! You will not speak to me like that!” Mika shook her head “ Grandpa was more of a father to me than you ever were. He was the one who raised me with love. He cared about me as a person, he loved me for ME, not just a future bride. He cared about what I wanted, what I had to say and how I felt. What happened between you two that was so bad that he deserves such contempt?” Mika panted, catching her breath from pouring her heart out and clasped the Shell brooch on her chest with both her hands as she spoke. Trying to anchor herself to the last precious gift he gave her.

Her fathers face hardened as he crossed his arms and erupted in angry laughter. “HA! You sure place him on a pedestal. Revering him like a savior or god.  As if he was a saint, when he was anything but. It makes me sick…” as he looked at his daughter in bitter disgust, his eyes fixated on the item she was clutching. “What do you have there?” When Mika wouldn't answer he stepped forward and grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand away. “Ah! Get off me!!” his eyes narrowed inspecting the brooch. “What is that? Where did you get it?” Mika pulled her wrist from his grip. “It's a brooch. Grandfather had it on his person when he…passed. The lawyer gave it to me when you stormed off. It's just like the shells we collected when I was a child…although he said this one was special. He told me a story about it. And let me put my ear to it and hear the ocean…and I really could…it was beautiful, almost magical.” Mika's anger began to diminish slightly as the memory resurfaced, a once happy memory not forever tainted with a bittersweet sadness now that he was gone. 

Something she said had triggered her father and set him off, making his anger rise astronomically, a wild look in his eyes of fury and…fear? What happened next was almost a blur. David Anderson reached out and grabbed the brooch before physically snatching  it off her chest, ripping her vest it had been pinned to with the sheer force of his action. Her vest was now damaged with a large tear where the brooch had been. The Doves got frightened off by the sudden aggressive action and flew off, or somewhere in the mansion Mika gasped in genuine shock, looking down at her torn vest, then back to her father. David lifted the shell to his own ear, a serious expression on his face. His eyes widened as he seemed to hear what Mika had heard the first time she listened, but his expression was not one of wonder, but of alarm. With a violent jerk he pulled the shell away from him and turned around. Making his way down the long hallway. Mika chased after him, trying to get her confiscated shell.

 “Father, what are you doing? Have you gone mad?? Give it back!” She grabbed onto his hand that he held her inherited gift, but her father barely glanced at her before giving her a hard shove and kept walking. It wasn't hard enough to knock her to the ground but enough to push her away from him. She stumbled back and stared at his back in stunned disbelief. He was headed straight for the back door, which led out to the  private beach and dock. What on earth was he doing? He pushed the doors open wide and walked down the short path to the beach, staring out at the sea, not caring he was getting soaked in the rain. Mika regained her composure quickly and resumed her pursuit. She had made it out just in time to see her father,  reel back his arm with the shell in hand. “NO! DON'T!” Mika cried out, but nothing she could say or do mattered. David threw the shell as hard as he could, casting it out into the sea.

 It skidded across the water a great distance before it was out of sight and all they could see was a splash fair off into the horizon. Mika ran as fast as she could to the beach beside her father, staring at the endless ocean that now claimed her precious item her grandfather entrusted to her..silent tears ran down her cheeks as she glanced at her father coldly and spoke in a voice barely a whisper. “Why would you do that?....” “for your own good.” He didn't even look at her. Which only enraged her more and sent her over the edge.

“What is wrong with you!? Do you hate him and me that much? You would take and throw away one of the few things he left behind that was special to me? You would rather it be in the bottom of the ocean than let me have it? Are you happy he is dead? While we grieved, were you just holding yourself back from laughing at us? You're happy about it aren't you? Now nothing can stand in the way of your aspirations for running the company. That's all you care about after all! Not me! Not him! You probably went out of your way to make sure his grave was as drab and dreary as possible just to spite him! Now I have no one! I lost the only father who ever loved me, because you make it very clear you don't!!" 

A flash of rage overtook his face and backhanded Mika right against her cheek. Mika held her hand up to the side of her throbbing cheek staring at him.  “You don't know ANYTHING! running your mouth like you have it all figured out! You're just a little girl who doesn't know her place! You did NOT know my father! You did not know what he was capable of. Mika stood silent for a moment, a storm of emotions swirling in her chest like the storm raging above them…she spoke in an ice cold monotone voice, that shook with pain, both physical and emotional “I now know what you're capable of…and I clearly don't know you at all…and if I could, I wouldn't want to know you at all. I…I hate you!“

Mika's words seemed to snap him out of his enraged state of being, the full weight of her declaration and what he had done crashed down on him at once. He raised her his hand he had smacked her with and back at her eyes, filled with nothing but loathing bitterness. He stuttered, but found himself unable to say anything more. “I…I..ah…” from behind them, Laura's voice called out to them from the doorway back into the mansion. “There you two are, is everything alright? I came back out to the lobby but you weren't there. The doves guided me out here. Is everything alright? What happened?" Mika looked away from her mother and rubbed the rouge tears away with the back of her hand. “Nothing…I…I'm not ready to go home yet…But I also don't want to stay here. I need space. I'm going to my friends. I need to get out of here.” Mika pushed past her father as he reached out to try and stop her, and past her mother as ran past her into the mansion “H-Honey? Wait!” But Mika ignored her.  She thought she had seen the doves in her peripheral vision but didn't stop to check and out the front door. Past the coach, causing the horse to startle and rear back with a whinny, but she didn't stop and she didn't look back. She just ran through the streets as rain poured all around her, soaking her to the bone. 

Her tears blended with the rain against her swollen cheek. At least the cold rain helped somewhat soothe the stinging pain from the slap. It was getting close to night, it was late evening now and getting darker the storm clouds were already dark enough as it was which didnt help. The streetlights were being lit as she passed them in the rainstorm. Suzu's house was too far out of the way, Naomi's house was closer. That was her set destination. She was almost there but didn't notice a large puddle in her path before it was too late. She tripped and fell into the freezing and filthy muddy puddle,  the cold dirty water shocked her system and chilled her even more than the rain already had. She got to her feet and found herself covered in mud and muck…great, just what she needed. But she was almost there. Ahead of her was Naomi's door just a few hundred feet away. She sighed and walked, slowly and carefully this time before knocking on the door, and waiting. It wasn't long before Naomi's father opened the door, gasping at the sight of the drenched and grimy girl, thinking at first it was a beggar before recognizing her. “Ms Anderson!? What happened? What are you doing here!?” Mika shook her head, not wanting to explain it all and too ashamed and embarrassed of her current state. “I…I need to see Naomi…please…is…is she home? May I come in?” Mr. Patterson looked at her with great concern and pity before stepping aside for her to enter. “Of course, you're practically family. Come inside and get warm. Suzu is here as well. Let's get you out of the rain and into a towel ” He put an arm around her with great care, paying no attention to the mud that was now coating his arm. Mika nodded in thanks, shivering and rubbing her shoulders as she stepped inside.

Mrs. Patterson's motherly instincts took over the second she laid her eyes on the poor girl, taking her up to the bath immediately. Suzu and Naomi only caught a glimpse of her as they ascended up the stairs. Mr. Patterson distracted the girls, telling them they could talk to Mika after she was clean and dry. After a hot bath, and being given a clean nightgown, Mrs. Patterson suggested she spend the night, as it was too dark and dangerous to go back out in the storm. Her mother had called on the telephone while she took her bath to confirm she was there and alright. Mrs Patterson had reassured her and told Mika her mother had her permission for her daughter to stay until morning. Mika nodded again in thanks as she was escorted to Naomi's bedroom. Naomi was sitting on her bed, hugging a pillow and waiting anxiously, Suzu was pacing around her room. Both girls were in their sleepwear. Their heads snapped to the door upon seeing Mika, standing to attention but not approaching yet, unsure if they should give her space or embrace her. Mika's eyes remained downcast as Naomi's mother spoke. “Mika is going to stay here tonight. All three of you will go to your study group in the morning.” She then closed the door, leaving the three girls to catch up. 

Naomi took the initiative,  slowly stepping toward her friend. “Mika…what happened? Are you okay?” Mika steadily lifted her eyes to meet theirs and opened her mouth to speak. Before she could let out a sound, the sound of tapping startled all three girls. It was coming from the window. Suzu, who was standing closest, looked out, straining her eyes to see into the dark, before looking down at the sill with a gasp. She quickly unlocked the window and opened them. As the wind and rain blew in, something else did too, two small white wet birds,  landing on the ground in exhaustion. Suzu slammed the windows shut again. They resisted at first with the wind, but Suzu was stronger than she looked and fastened the lock in an instant. “Pax! Columbia!" Mika rushed over to her collapsed feathered friend. She bent down and sat on her knees in front of them. She yanked off the towel that hung around her shoulder to dry her hair from the bath and scooped up the two birds with it. Beginning to dry them off before shaping the towel into a makeshift nest, sitting it on her lap.

The doves cooed gratefully, resting from pursuing her. "Wait…aren't those your grandfather's pets? What are they doing here?” At the mention of her grandfather, Mika's heart wrenched. Now that she felt she was somewhere safe, everything crashed down on her all at once. She hunched forward, and huddled above her newly inherited companions, finally letting the emotions consume her. She let the sadness run through her entire body. Her lungs seized as she sobbed profusely, unable to hold back the floodgate of emotions she had welled up inside. Naomi and Suzu stared at the pitiful and alarming sight, unsure what to do or say before looking to each other for some idea on how to proceed, they each had the same thought and nodded to each other. Both girls bent down on each side of their inconsolable friend. In unison, the girls put their arms around her in an embrace and comforted her, for as long as she needed, they would be there. After a moment, Mika lifted her arms as well holding her two best friends in the whole world, and held them close. They would be there together, and up all night if they needed to. As long as Mika felt safe and comfortable with them, it's all that mattered right now. To Be Continued (eventually)

[wild-giggle]

The both of you are going to wake up so sore

[sp8ce-queen]

this is a set

do not seperate

[eeveegirl13]

Seaduce Me: Damien the Little Merman Part 2

Hello! I meant to post this is mer-may but life got in the way. Here is part 2 of my Little Mermaid Seduce me the Otome Au fanfic. I had a bit of a creative streak last winter but never got around to posting the new chapters until now I hope you all enjoy though! I may make small edits here and there if I find any mistakes but it should all be good!

Characters from Seduce me the otome, Created by Michaela Laws @vamichaelalaws Damien originally portrayed by Jonah Scott @immrtransistor

@loveydoveydollo3o shout out to a reader who showed interest in new chapters

Note: Feejee is the equivalent of an imp, a hybrid low level demon servant, based on the feejee mermaid, and pigfrog is a pacific breed that is the equivalent to the pig-faun in the game.

Seaduce Me: Damien the little Merman/Siren

[ Part 1 ] [Part 3]

Part 2: Chapter 8- Chapter 10

Chapter 8 Reprimand the Sons

“I swear on my life my lord, I saw it with my own eyes. I would never lie or deceive you!” The underhanded pigfrog bowed at the throne of the Sea Lord himself, who towered over him as he sat upon his throne of stone. “Yesterday, I saw your Third Son open and enter a hidden passage against the wall in the oldest part of the unused courtyard. He even knew a spell to seal the path behind him.” The sealord glowered down, power radiating off of him at every moment. He was a fearsome cruel creature with a strong muscular physique. A royal red cape with a trim made of black scales, as though plucked from a fish or perhaps, an unfortunate merperson’s, tail by hand to line it with. His massive Black tail with a gradient of grey at the bottom and red vein like patterns swished impatiently as the feejee recounted its story. He then bellowed in a thunderous booming voice, “And where exactly does this alleged passage lead, might I ask??” The pigfrog shrank, bending its frog knees to become even lower. “I…That I do not know, sire….” At this response the sealord rose from his throne, his temper flaring at the sniveling servant. “Then WHY have you come to me without that information!? You are wasting my time! This castle is ancient and has numerous secret passages, hidden nooks and crannies. Why should I care what my third son does? As long as he does not distract the heir, he is of no importance to me.” The frightened feejee hopped back defensively, trying to reclaim his value to the towering tyrant “BUT THAT IS JUST IT, SIRE!! I am not finished. Out of loyalty to you, I stayed put and waited, my patience paid off as I saw ALL FIVE of your sons open and exit from the passage together!!”

The Sealord stopped in his tracks, this had certainly caught his attention. He sat once more on the throne and used a clawed webbed hand to stroke his beard. “All five of my sons you say? Including my eldest son, the prince?”  his eyes narrowed at the pigfrog, looking for any signs of deception. “Are you absolutely sure?” The servant caught himself, straightening up to portray confidence and appear undaunted. “yes…all four of the noble sons ...and the mistake…” The Sea Lord contemplated what he had just been told. The Mistake. His bastard son who caused the death of his favorite harem girl, who was the boy's mother. The Sealord growled in barbaric regret at having allowed him to live. Only doing so at the pleading of his legitimate sons. But he had not seen much of his bastard child  at all for the last few months. He had merely thought the boy had finally accepted his place and was staying out of his sight.

But now the truth was clear. He must be distracting his brothers somehow, including Reastero. It was unacceptable. It was time he corrected this mistake once and for all. “Did you manage to hear the spells they used to reveal this secret entrance at least?” The pigfrog grinned maliciously and affirmed. “Yes. I did, my lord.” The Sealord rose from his Throne once more. “You have done well then. You will be duly rewarded for your loyalty and valuable information…should this pan out." The pigfrog hopped with delight before the demon lord caught it by its neck with a firm but mild grip. “STOP that. I still need to confirm this for myself…take me to this place where my sons have been hiding. I want to see it for myself.” 

In the grotto, Damien looked at himself in the full-length Mirror that had been there since he first arrived. He stared at his own reflection with a blank expression. His blue and purple eyes stared back at him. He raised a hand to move his bright orange bangs to the side ever so slightly, and to move a single strand of hair behind his black protruding fin-like ears. Dark markings covered his hand and body all the way down to his tail, where the end frayed out like a wing of an animal he saw in one of the books called a bat. He held his inky hand to the mirror as his reflection did the same. He was no doubt in every way a siren…but…he wondered. 

He took a deep breath and let energy flow from his body through his fingertips and into the shining glass. The mirror began to fill with the darkness he was emptying into it. Pouring in and engulfing the glass until his reflection was gone. He focused on what he wanted to see. Putting all his concentration on it. Although the mirror kept its black tint, his reflection soon returned…only now, it was what he had wished to see. His breath hitched in surprised glee as he stared at the illusion of himself, which stared back. Most of the features were the same. His hair and eyes were unchanged. But the black fins on the sides of his head had transformed into curved and rounded human ears. He felt the side of his head but his fingertips only brushed along the delicate fringe of the fin. It was still there. He was still a siren. Only his reflection had been changed. He kept looking down at his likeness in the mirror, noticing the differences he had willed into this vision. The streaked markings were gone. Only untainted pale flesh, even down his arms to his hands. The lower half of his form was in shadow, as he himself did not know what humans looked like down there, but the shadow only remained right above where his tail, which now were human legs, had begun. 

Damien couldn't help but allow himself to smile just a little, which his human reflection copied in unison. “So this is what I would look like as a human…” He thought to himself. He twirled, looking at all sides of what this human form of himself looked like. The smile gracing his lips parted slightly to let out a tiny whisper of an innocent giggle. He was like a child trying on a costume and making believe they had become what the costume depicted. After a moment he picked up his Mika doll from the shelf and leaned against the mirror, sliding his back against it into a sitting position.

He stared down at the doll. He felt an elation and impatient excitement rising in his chest. After his brothers agreed to his escape plan, they had discussed it with the warlock. They had all decided. They’d leave tonight. His brothers were at the castle now, preparing to leave at that very moment, and otherwise going about their usual routines to not draw suspicions. To finish up their duties to have time to all meet and finally leave this place for good. He couldn't wait. The five…no…six of them, with his human friend, would finally all be together. He would be safe and never be mistreated again. They would  be free in the waters of the human world. He could finally meet the man who had brought him so much comfort and the courage to go through with it. a real live human, in person. He was practically giddy. As he sat he felt the small rumble of the entrance spell opening the path. It was probably his brothers. Their lessons should be finished by now. Damien got back up, but froze in terror. Every inch of him was paralyzed in dread….no!…no! no! no! no! This can't be possible. These thoughts…they weren't his brothers…they were his fathers…and they were getting closer. And louder. He found out! That damned feejee saw them and told their father. The siren desperately looked for a way out but the only exit was the pathway that his father was currently and steadily coming down, and the whirlpool portal that only went one way. The wrong way. 

His brothers were nowhere nearby. He was panicking. His breath heaving. He had to do something. He had to hide.  He quickly removed the illusion from the mirror, to erase any sign of his magic. He frantically looked around the grotto, grabbing the items he treasured most: the doll and marbles that had been gifted to him, and a book or two from the shelves: the “encyclopedia” which had been James’ favorite and most informative book on the human world, and the book of fairy tales. He hurriedly hid them under a large stone with a tiny crevice underneath, making a small secret storage space. The perfect hiding spot to hopefully keep these precious objects safe and undamaged from the tirade his father would surely go on when he arrived. He then finally hid himself behind the mirror, shrouding himself in shadows to camouflage himself. silently praying his brothers would come…before it was too late…but his time was up. 

With a great burst of red electric energy, the boulder that had blocked the entrance exploded making the cavern's trove shake, as the rock broke apart in an instant, sending chunks of rubble flying. flying into and colliding with some glass items and dishware, with a symphony of smashing and crashing as it did. Damien put a hand over his mouth to hide any sound he might  make that would give him away, as the water began to heat up and broil with the raging presence of the brutish merman. The Sea Lord looked around at all the human “treasures" with disgust and disdain, yet  almost a hint of sadistic amusement as he gave a loud howling and chilling laugh. “Mwa ha ha ha ha! So this is where you have been slinking away too, YOU cowardly mistake?! This is where you have been dragging your brothers too? This is where you have been luring away my heir, to indulge you with this garbage!? With a violent wave of his hand bolts of power burst forth from his palm toward one of the shelves of the stuffed animals Matthew had made, including the birdcage that had held his creepy living squirrel-like doll. The thing took the opportunity to hide and dodge the second incoming attack once his cage had been destroyed. Fluffy stuffing fell down in light wisps in the water as the fabric had been torn to shreds and button eyes ricocheted off the walls. But this was just the beginning. The Sea lord's eye soon caught sight of the small makeshift bookshelf above them, only fueling his fury. “BOOKS!? You have been DARE trying to READ!? Does your audacity have no limits, you arrogant little Bastard!? Raaahh!” with another angered wave the books went flying disintegrating and into ash. The Sealord scanned the area trying to find his prey. “Where are you? Can't even come out and face your own father!?” 

Then he spotted an area darker than the rest of the cavern behind the mirror, much too large a shadow to be cast by the mirror alone. A disturbing barbaric smile curled on the Sea lord's lips.”There you are!” Boiling hot bubbles formed in the Sea lord's hand and manifested into the shape of a weapon, a Trident. He clenched it with a firm grip and aimed it directly at the mirror as red glowing dark magic sparked and the ends of the trident's prongs. The Mirror shined, reflecting the magic and illuminating the Area even more in the sickening red light as he smiled. He tauntingly shouted “Mirror Mirror bathed in red, show me the son who's about to be DEAD!” Then with a deadly blast of concentrated energy, the mirror was blown to hundreds of thousands of slivered fragments. The shards shot out in all directions and the wood frame of the mirror became charred and broke apart The blast was enough to hurl the hidden merman out from behind where the mirror had been and straight into the rocky walls and shelves, strong enough to leave an imprint of his form as he hit the wall. Soon he came crashing down into several of his collected objects and crushing them underneath him. To make matters worse, multiple shards and slivers of glass had grazed or dug into his skin as he shouted in pain. “Auughh!” Now vulnerable and in the open the Sea Lord grabbed his bastard child by his bright orange hair and hurled him into another wall on the other side of the trove. 

The stone rocks cracking as his back made contact with the wall. He weakly slid down in pain as the Sealord came over to him once more, this time, pulling back his Trident with both hands to use it against his injured son. “Since you haven't seemed to learn your lesson after all these years, I think it's time to show you what happens when you dare defy me and try to be more than what you are. A worthless mistake never meant to be born.”  With a swift thrust. The trident went straight for Damein's neck.

Not long before this, Sam had been restlessly pacing the halls of the castle. Something had not been sitting right with him ever since yesterday. This nagging instinctive feeling of danger was eating away at him. It wasn't just their plan to escape either, something was wrong but he didn't know what it was, or when it would happen, and it just made him more irritated. What the hell was taking his brothers so long? Needing to get this energy out, Sam punched a hole into the stone pillar beside him, leaving a fist sized indent in it. “woah, what did the pillar do to piss you off? Matthews' voice rang out behind him, playfully teasing his brother.  “Finally! What took you so long.” Sam's anxious energy had calmed only slightly, but he still wanted to get going. “I was just taking care of some last minute things…with my mother.” Sam's tension eased a bit more, feeling a bit guilty for snapping. He knew Matthew and his mother were close, he thought of his own mother and shook his head to shake the thought away. “Sorry...I just…have been feeling off about all this.”

“You and I both.” At long last, James and Erik entered the scene. James was the one who had spoken. Heavy tired bags hung under his eyes from many a sleepless night. He clearly had been working tirelessly studying, training and reading without rest to be able to meet his brothers and avoid suspicion. He too had a very clear look of concern etched into his worn features as well. "You won't need to worry about that ever again, it will all be over with as soon as we–” before Erik could say another word the sea floor rumbled  with a powerful shake. “What the heck was that??” Matthew looked around, confused and a bit dizzy. “A tremor?” James muttered. “But it's not the time of year when they usually–” another quake. This time, Erik had bent low to the ground as it occurred. Stretching his eight tentacles in all directions as he bent down low and used his suction cups to secure himself to the floor. He placed his hands on the ground in front of him and concentrated. At first it seemed like he was trying to steady himself. But as the ground settled once more, the cephalopod brother lifted his head and opened his visible eye. He raised a hand and one tentacle pointing to a certain direction, down the hall to the courtyard. “It came from that way.”

Sam felt his skin crawl and his fins flare out, a feeling of dread washing over him. His instincts were screaming at him. “Oh SHIT!” Before his brothers could even turn to face him he was already gone. Leaving only bubbles in his wake as he jetted ahead of them, calling out for them to follow. “COME ON!” Without a moment's hesitation they dashed behind their most agile brother, avoiding the bubble stream that trailed behind him. Sam quickly rounded a corner out of sight, but they could hear his voice, in a panic. “FUCK!!” The three other brothers caught up at last and turned to see what had caused this kind of distress…then they saw it too. The pathway to the grotto was open. And two  guards positioned near it, making sure no one could go in…or out.  

A wave of dismay soon spread over each of them realizing what this meant. This time James was the first to rush over and lead his brothers as he stopped in front of the guards, his body trembling slightly but using all his strength to stifle it and command an air of authority. “I demand you move aside at once!" He ordered the guards in a forceful tone, his eyes glaring daggers at them as they were bathed in gold. The two flinched but did not obey. “we are sorry your highness. We can not. We have been given strict orders to let none pass but the Sealord…not even you.” James went agasp and his eye twitched. He opened his mouth again to demand them to comply, but the voice that rang out did not come from him. “ NOOO!! STOP!!” The voice that rang was Damien’s. It came from behind the guards as another even larger tremor shook the sea itself. The pained cry sent a simultaneous shudder through each of the boys, confirming what they had all been quietly dreading…Damien had been and still was in the cavern. Their only relief was that he was at least still alive …for now. 

 “We don't have fucking time for this!!” Before anyone could blink, Sam had shot forward, his knuckles colliding with the side of the guard's face sending him flying a short distance. The three other brothers stared speechlessly as Sam growled in a low voice and swiveled his head back, pointing to the entrance to the passage. “GO! NOW!!” and without missing a beat his focus returned to the guard. The guard had gathered himself and charged back at Sam. Sam cracked his green knuckles and jumped back into battle. James didn't waste a second, he pushed past the other guard as he was distracted by Sam's attack on his partner. When he realized the prince had gotten past him, he reached to try and grab his golden tail, but tentacles wrapped around his wrists, arms and weapon, pulling him back. “I don't think so! Zecaeru, you go too. We will catch up momentarily “ the youngest noble son gave a nod and followed after his oldest brother. 

By the time they reached the end of the path, half the grotto had already been destroyed. On the far wall, Damien had been pinned against the rock. The prongs of the Sea Lord's trident, which trapped him, scraped at the sides of his neck, barely allowing him to move or struggle without the sharp blades slicing at his skin and gills. The Trident was embedded so deep into the stone it had Damien in choke hold. Any attempt to push or pull away could result in either him slitting his own throat, snapping his neck or suffocating himself. All Damien could do was desperately try to pull and pry at the trident while moving his neck as little as possible  His palms were bleeding at his effort. Damien's focus was split between getting himself free and what his father was doing. The Sealord was in a mad frenzy, firing magic in every direction, hitting and destroying something new with each movement as Damien could only watch helplessly as the only items that had ever belonged to him were being demolished before him, and the remorseless bombarding of his fathers hostile thoughts pounded in his skull. His purple and blue eyes were red and puffy from sorrow. All he could do was scream and beg for him to stop…but the more he screamed, more blood trickled down his neck  “P-Please…Stop!...”

“IZROUL!” The eldest and youngest noble sons screamed their brothers' true name aloud in unison. A strategic move, as a siren's true name was not only a precious title that only families of the same blood were permitted to use, but was tied to the individual siren's soul. It could be used as a spell to summon them in dire situations. A bright flash of purple light engulfed the area and a strong current flowed around them all. The light and current died quickly down. As the light dimmed, Damien now appeared before them, now free from the trident's grip and at his brother's side. Damien began to sink down in exhausted pain and sorrow until Matthew took hold of him before he collapsed. “I've got you!”

After the Sea Lord had heard his other sons he pivoted to the three of them, glaring with cold contempt. "Reastrao…Zecaeru…This doesn't concern you….” his eyes bore into Reasetro’s, making him unable to move as the Sea Lord's eyes glowed a sickening yellow. Making him halt in place with a sudden enthrallment  of fear.  “I am very disappointed Raestrao…We will have to increase your work load even more now, and forbid your worthless brothers from your presence,  so you are never distracted with these pointless diversions ever again. Now move aside, both of you. It's time to do what I should have done long ago. “ With a mere flick of his wrist, The Sea Lord pulled his Trident out of the wall with head and aimed the end exactly at Damein's heart. Damien could only lift his head up weakly, his eyes filled with fathomless hate and a tinge of defiance still in him despite everything. Matthew glared back as well, holding up his brother close in a tight embrace, giving him as much energy as he could while defending the wounded siren, pulling him back and away from the weapon and behind him. 

“Father! No!” James swam between his brothers and father protectively, his arms outstretched. “This is my fault! I…I was the one who found this place…I was trying to research the human world on my own, and invited my brothers to keep me company.” James said as he lied through his teeth. He knew as the eldest and heir whatever punishment his father would dole out would not be a death sentence for him at least. At this point, Erik and Sam had made it to the scene, after dealing with the guards. Both gasped as they saw the ruins of the wrecked trove, before their eyes landed on Damien. Rushing to his side to help him heal, Erik wrapped his tentacles around his brother's waist and sides to help even the load of hoisting him up with Matthew, and give him e

eight times as much energy with each appendage. Sam could only look down at his brother's injuries and clench his teeth in outrage and regret of having not been there sooner. He instead channeled that rage energy to help his brothers heal the many wounds they could see which VERY slowly began to fade, and a bit of his energy was restored.

The Sea Lord merely laughed in his heir's face. “Assertive! Even in the face of danger, that is why you are my favorite son…however, you do need more training in a certain area it seems...” the end of the trident slid under James’ chin, tilting his head up and pointing at his throat. “Training In deception…” he growled, not believing his lie. “You are too intelligent to waste your time on nonsense like this…” he turned to other boys with a glare. “I might have expected this foolishness from the others…but this has that abomination's scent all over this damned place, more than any of my other idiot sons…and…” The sea lord sniffed the air, clearing out a deep breath as his eyes glazed over in gold. “another scent…a strong scent of a different kind of magic.. “ a low growl vibrated on his throat. “You couldn't have gotten all this human crap on your own…who helped you? ANSWER ME!” he demanded of all five of us sons. But none answered back. 

At the defiance the Sea Lord's anger only grew and he redirected it once more at Damien. “If you won't answer, then never say another word ever again, worm. Raestrao, step aside now.” “I won't!” he…he has been punished enough. Please Father, you have made your point…I…I will get back to my studies. I will marry the princess of Atargatis without any resistance. I will be the Sea Lord you want me to be. Just spare Izroul's life one last time. I BEG of you…”

The Sea Lord did not move. Only continued to point his tridents at his offspring, eyes glancing between James and Damien…and then, a wicked cruel evil glint in his eye twinkled. He lowered his weapon which disappeared with a wave of bubbles. “Very well Raestrao…I will spare him…” a shaky breath that James had been holding onto released as he exhaled. But something still wasn't right…he looked up to see his father  turned to Damien and gave a vindictive sadistic smile. “You wanted a ‘room’ so badly you disgrace? A place to belong? So be it!! Your new place shall be in the castle dungeons, in chains and punished for your folly. You will live…but there are fates worse than death. You should know that very well by now!” The suspicious tension flattened out into horror and anger. All the noble sons spoke out at once. “Father you can't–” “No way! we won't let you!” “  Wait! That isn't, you can't possibly-” “You fucking bottom feeding scum-sucking piece of shit!!” “ SILENCE!” The Sea lord's voice roared, loud enough to shake the cavern and caused a few more rocks to crumble down. “The rest of you will be confined to your rooms until after Reastero weds and ascends the throne. 

As his brothers protested, Damien held his head, overwhelmed by the intensity of the thoughts around him, James did the only thing he could do…think. His eyes darted desperately everywhere, at everyone and everything around him. The caved in ceiling, the disturbed sandy ground, the broken objects, Sam, Erik, Matthew and Damien and then finally back at his Father. Before closing his eyes tight and yelling aloud, drowning out everyone else. “ ALRIGHT! ….alright. We…will do as you say father… all of us.”

The brothers looked at James as if he had grown three heads, too stunned to say a word. James turned back around to face them and stared hard at Damien, making eye contact, looking at him with intense and beseeching eyes. Not breaking eye contact, as he communicated some sort of strategy to him in his mind. “ALL of us…”  Damien felt a bit shaken by the expression and concentrated solely on the thoughts James was relaying to him. Thankfully the others were still too dumbfounded that their brains seemed to have momentarily shut off in shock, to process what James had just said. Damien's eyes winded in deep uncertainty and worry, seemingly trying to find any hidden doubt in his brother's plan, but…he knew it was the only way… he trusted James with his life.

“But, first…please…grant me a short time with them before that. If I truly am not to see my brothers again until I am Sealord…and…if I should ever see Izroul again…I would like some time to say my goodbyes…and reassure them that this is for the best…to convince them to obey your orders without any more issues. I ask you to grant me only that…please.” to heighten the power of his plea James lowered himself to the ground and bowed at his fathers tail.

The sight entertained the Sea Lord so greatly he burst into a cold-blooded howl of laughter. “Very well my son…only because you grovel so well. If it were anyone but myself you bowed down too I would have killed you myself for your weakness. I shall give you ten minutes and not a moment more…in here. It is not as though you can get out of here anyway.”

The boys looked around. He was right. The destruction the Sea lord had wrought had caused a cave-in above them. The whirlpool was nowhere in sight. They couldn't believe that James was just giving up like that. Satisfied with his victory over his sons the Sea Lord pushed past his other four, giving them only a glare and one last look of smug malice before exiting down the long corridor to the exit, of the and out of sight. His laughter echoed off the walls until that died down as well.

“What the FUCK was that about Raestrao!?” Sam released Damien to approach James, ready to literally knock some sense into him. You really just expect us to–” “no…I don't. I expect you to be quiet and listen…this isn't over.” Without even looking at Sam, James turned towards Damien. “Well?”

Damien's eyes were closed, listening intently. “I can't hear his thoughts anymore. He should have left out the entrance by now…Bit, what I did hear is he will keep his word. He has told his guards to get us as soon as time is up.” He glanced at the door anxiously. “And our friend?” James looked up at the ceiling of rocks and rubble that  obstructed their view of the portal. “He has been trying to call out to us for the past 20 minutes …he heard every word. But he has already prepared everything on his end.”Sam, Matthew and Erik looked back and forth between them feeling confused and frustrated at being out of the loop before Matthew could not take it anymore and shouted “ WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!?” Jamed turned to his brothers with the most serious expression they had ever seen on his face. “What's going on is our plans must progress faster than we had hoped…but progressing none the less. 10 minutes is not a lot of time but if we use it wisely we can do it ...we can't wait any longer. We leave for the human world, now!”

Chapter 9: Out of these Waters 

“So, just to be absolutely clear, you aren't throwing us all under the whale and giving in to father?” Erik questioned James, who was still acting very strangely. He was bent down sifting and digging through the sand at the bottom of the cove. “Of course not. Do me a favor and use your tentacles to move away all this sand, I need to see what's underneath it…” Erik raised an eyebrow, questioning to himself if James had finally snapped and lost his mind. Damien shook his head at Erik's thoughts. “Just trust him. please.” With an exasperated sigh and a shrug, he used his tentacles to sweep aside enough sand to reveal the black fine-grained rock flooring.

At the discovery James grinned with relief. “Basalt. Just as I had hoped.”  Sam, still finding all of this crazy, barked at James. This odd behavior to him all seemed irrelevant. “How is that going to help us? It's not exactly something we can dig our way out of” “Exactly!” James answered back. Leaving Sam even more frustrated and confused. “Sam, can you still perform that boulder trick by slamming your tail?” Sam's eyes widened, starting to somewhat understand what he was getting at. “Yeah? Why?” He raised an eyebrow, not liking where this was going. “Do it to this stone. Make another bolder. Bigger, heavier and denser than the previous one that blocked the entrance if you can.” James took a piece of burnt but sturdy wood from the rubble and drew a massive outline of a circle. Sam looked at him in disbelief. He really had gone crazy!

“I've never made one that big before! I don't even know if I can! Besides, what's to stop him from smashing through a new boulder like he did with the other one?!” James held a finger to his temple, preparing to drop the bomb of his normal brotherly lectures. “This is Basalt. Basalt is an extremely heavy and strong mineral that has natural heat resistance to extremely high temperatures which makes it very difficult to degrade and break apart even for our fathers magic, which is also naturally resistant too. I know you've never done one this big but we neither have the choice nor the time to dwell on it because the longer I take to explain this all to you just to have you argue with me the less time we have to make this very time sensitive plan work! But if you would rather talk back and wait for father to come back, and lock you all away, torture Damien for eternity and marry me off to become the next ruthless Sea lord by all means PLEASE just keep arguing with me!!”

All the brothers stared in silence at James' overpowering golden aura and energy as his eyes were glazed completely in gold before he closed them again to regain himself. “Besides. If anyone can do it, it's you…unless YOU don't think you're up for the task.” A challenging smirk appeared on James face as his eyes narrowed down at Sam. Sam knew what he was doing. Trying to bait him into compliance. He didn't like it…but James' plan did kind of make sense..and he was doing his best to make this happen. There was no point to rebel against a rebellion. So Sam simply gave a nod and backed off, doing his best to contribute without further outburst.

 He examined the outline. “I'm gonna need some momentum then. So stay back.” The sirens moved their backs against the walls as far as they could as Sam swam to the very top of the rocks caving them in. His back and palms flattened against the stone as he psyched himself up. After a brief moment that seemed like an eternity to them, Sam pushed himself off the top of the cavern and sent himself propelling down to the ground with incredible speed headfirst, a jet stream in his wake, and quickly turning in mid drop to reposition himself to have his tail slam against the Basalt circle causing the earth below them to give the biggest quake yet, that was enough to lift the encircled stone slowly up into the water from the impact, it was twice as big as the bolder that had blocked the entrance. With a quick agile spin, he slammed the rock against his tail with all his might. The boulder collided with the entrance. The basalt had been wedged flawlessly into the wall. Creating the perfect barricade. Matthew cheered as Sam sank down to sit in the newly formed crater, exhausted. He had used up all his energy. Panting to catch his breath he manged to say “phew…well fuck me. it actually worked…damn.”  

He didn't get a break for long as the impact from the basalt boulder was the perfect catalyst to loosen and release the rocks that had caved in on them from the ceiling. Sam quickly dodged and got out of the way. “Oh shit! Woah!!” He swam to the side wall leaning into it with the others as the crater filled with more large stones and rocks. The whirlpool portal was visible once more. James’ face glossed over in smug pride and growing confidence. “Does anyone else want to question my plan?” The four other sirens shook their heads without a word. 

“Good.  Damien? Are you fully healed yet?” Damien nodded again. His wounds had vanished and he had a look of silent determination. “Excellent. Alright then. Go up to the portal and contact Mr. Anderson, tell him we need to get to the human world NOW. It's an emergency. Matthew, help give Sam some more energy, if you have any food on you which I know you almost always do, give it to Sam. I will search the cavern for anything useful that wasn't too damaged that we can take with us. Eric, help me clear the rubble to do so. We only have eight minutes, or likely less, since the whole castle probably felt that boulder release from the ground. If we are going to do this we have to do it now!” 

The four brothers were inspired and impressed at their brothers leadership skills and quickly went to complete their assigned task. There was no time to waste. James got to work gathering what he could find that survived the destruction with Erik's help, finding Damien's secret storage spot and gathering the items within in the process. Matthew was giving Sam all the food he kept stashed on hand as he scarfed it down with large bites, tearing at it and swallowing without a chance to really taste it. And Damien regained contact with Harold Anderson. “Please! If we don't get out now, we never will have the chance to again. Please! Help us!”. By now the Sealord had discovered their deception and had begun to do everything he could to get in to no avail. Roaring in fury as he did.

Harold Anderson had been on his boat when he felt the quakes in the human world from the portal. He had heard every moment of Damien's agony and the rampage. When he couldn't get him to answer he had already prepared the spell. Everything was set. It was time. Damien called to his brothers as they swam up beside him. Ready to face whatever was on the other side. Harold Anderson had thought the words that Damien needed to say in his mind as clear as possible, until Damien had finally got it . He placed a hand on his chest and the other touching the very tip of  the whirlpool before speaking aloud.

“O Tenebris portas aperiat nobis largiatur exitum desiderium...”

As the last word Damien spoke, the Whirlpool began to invert upwards and get larger and wider. Purple magic swirled inside it hypnotically as an Elderly male voice broke through, chanting another phrase in Latin to strengthen the spell from his side. A swirling current began to seep into the room, becoming stronger, as if trying to pull the boys in, like the sea during a storm. Sam rushed forward and gripped the glowing magical edge of the portal to pull it, making it widen and enlarge even further. Eventually, at the very center of the portal, they could see bright blue water and the silhouette of a boat floating on its surface. The voice called down to them imploring them to make haste. “Hurry up boys! I can't hold it open. For long!” 

As they prepared to swim through, they could hear their father still roaring, enraged from the other side of the Basalt Boulder. Clearly getting more and more infuriated the harder he tried to get in and was failing. This was it. The moment of truth. The brothers pushed Damien forward, insisting he do the honor of going first. Even if not all of them could make it into the portal, for some reason. They wanted him to be safely on the other side regardless. Matthew, Erik and James soon followed, leaving Sam as the last to go in. He released the portal and had one last look at the basalt boulder with a wide grin and raised his middle finger to it. “ and a good Fuck off farewell to you old man. You won't control me or my brothers ever again.” And with that, he took the leap of faith and dove in the portal. It slowly shrank and closed behind him, only leaving a single bubble as the only trace it had ever been there…which quickly popped into nothingness.

The whirlpool was like a vortex, pulling  and pushing them up and up the rushing dizzying innermost ring, until it had spat out each siren so hard the flung out of the into the air above the whirlpool on the waters surface it and had them land a short distance away and into of the cove pool with a splash. The four bewildered brothers, now very dizzy, steadied themselves before regaining their senses and were able to fully absorb their surroundings.

The water was blue and clear. No blood, no death. The only consistent detail was the taste of salt. The light of the ripples above them danced over their skin and all around them. The movements were beautiful and relaxing. It was like a shadow, but made of light, and it was absolutely mesmerizing. The water felt weightless, with no overbearing sensation of the heavy oppressing pressure of the Decaying Sea. They truly were in the sea of the human world. The boys looked at each other still processing this change in environment …they did it...they really did it. All at once they looked up at the water's surface above them, where the boat was gently floating upon. None of them had ever even been close to the surface of the Decaying Sea, no merperson ever had, as it would drag anything close enough to it back down. All of them were a bit nervous to even attempt, but Damien decided to test it first. He slowly ascended to where the water met the air. Tentatively, he raised his shadowy hand out of the water, feeling the cool sea breeze gently caress his skin. Reassured and with a burst of bravery, he swam up, his head and shoulders surfacing as he took his very first breath of air. As he inhaled, the gills on his neck closed, sealing themselves , sensing no water to filter air through, the air filled his lungs with clear fresh pure oxygen, making him feel light and refreshed in an instant. He then exhaled, fully relaxed. He gestured to his brothers to come up who were watching him still from under the water. Each in their own time, one of the sirens lifted their head above the gentle waves and breathed in their first breaths of air as well.

 They felt the water droplets slowly drip down the strands of hair from their bangs as the rest of their hair clung to their necks. Their eyes were still adjusting to the dry air without the salty tinge they were used to, blinking several times. Everything looked much clearer above the water when their vision finally adjusted. They gazed around the rocky cove, almost mystified by the sight. Their eyes eventually all soon fell upon the man who had brought them there. He chuckled, his hands resting on the railing of his colorful vessel. He was catching his breath from the closing portal,  but couldn't help but be delighted by their reactions. Truly like fish out of water. “There now. Welcome to the human world, boys. Let's see…” he turned to the side, grabbing some plates full of steaming hot food that had been placed upon a barrel, waiting to be served. The brothers were all still speechless but stared at the plates full of food with hunger in their eyes. As if to confirm how famished they were, their stomachs grumbled in perfect unison, leaving a small awkward blush on all their faces. The five of them lined up in a row to receive the food, waiting their turn to receive what had been made for each of them, as well as utensils and a cup filled with a strange brown liquid. They all looked around and found some rocks, shallow sand banks and edges of the cavern to sit on, just peeking out of the water. They had trouble at first as they hoisted themselves upon their rocky sandy seats, still getting used to the change in gravity from water to land and in between. But eventually, one by one, all  had managed to sit down and eat.

To all of their surprise the food was even better above the water and under it. Yes there was a LOT less sea salt. But it wasn't as, well, “watered down”. The heat, texture, flavor and smell only intensified the experience. “Hey Mr. Anderson. What's this stuff? It's not water and it smells kinda funny.” Matthew held up the cup he was given with uncertainty, his nose wrinkling.  “It's coffee. A human drink made from coffee beans. It's a bit bitter but can give you boys some much needed energy back up… If you don't like it, I have another warm drink called tea.” Since the boys were raised breathing water instead of drinking it, he explained and demonstrated how to drink from the cup, warning them to blow on it or it could burn their tongues.  Damien looked at his cup, sniffing it, to him the aroma was quite pleasant, albeit strong. He carefully dipped the tip of his tongue in after blowing on it to taste, before discerning the flavor. It was rich and inviting, it made him feel at ease and soothed his tension. He let out a relaxed sigh, enjoying the moment as the flavor danced on his taste buds before taking a small sip. Sam also seemed to like the drink, which to him seemed to perk him up considerably, the others enjoyed the warmth but the flavor, not so much. They traded their coffee for cups of tea, which suited them much better. The six of them just sat and finished the food and drink, adjusting to the calm atmosphere of it all and taking the time to fully enjoy their first-ever meal together as a family.

Chapter 10 Whosits and Whatsits Galore

After they had all finished, content with full bellies, they all enjoyed the cool gentle breeze and the sunlight gleaming in from the a natural skylight in the cove. “Now that you have all had time to eat, rest and relax I think it would be a great time to get to know all of you better. I have heard so much about all of you from Damien and what he has relayed to me for you, however I would still like to properly introduce myself. I am Harold Anderson. I run a toy company and as you can tell know all about merfolk and your world. I know you have all had a lot of trauma and likely many of you don't fully trust me. But I promise I mean you have nothing but good will and only want to make sure you are safe, happy and free to do as you like and stay together as a true family. Anything you need I will be happy to provide. I hope it's not too forward, but I want to treat you as if you were my own sons. I also have gifts for each of you. As gestures of what I hope will be the start of a wonderful friendship.” 

“You got us presents!? Matthew was the first to speak up excitedly, which made their new friend laugh heartily. “Yes. I would like to give them in order if you don't mind. James.” He turned to the oldest golden tail siren who seemed uncharacteristically nervous. He set down his teacup and lowered back into the water, meeting Harold on the side of his boat. “Yes, Sir?” The old man reached into a bag he had been carrying on his side and pulled out a pair of black glasses and held them up. “Thess are glasses. Most humans use them to see, when their eyesight is not as good as it should be on its own, sometimes all their life or as they age. This pair was originally my own, before I learned about magic which took away my need for them as I healed my eyesight on my own…Glasses however aren't just a tool. They are a symbol. They represent intelligence, studiousness and maturity. I wore them as I studied magic, learning all I could, to gain the knowledge I have today. They won't do anything for your eyes, but I think they would look very handsome on you…and is my gesture to you, to welcome you to this world, to be the person you want to be, not what is expected of you. To study, and learn and explore the world as simply, James, not as a demon prince. Your duty, your obligation from here on out. Is to yourself and your brothers.” Harold gently put the glasses over the golden Finn like ears, which somehow, magically, seemed to fit perfectly over them. James’ whisky eyes gazed back at Harold through them, in complete awestruck silence, he seemed to be very touched, and a large gratified smile graced his lips. “It's an Honor, sir…thank you.” He adjusted the glasses as he stared at his reflection of himself with them on in the water. “And I also have this.” Harold then handed James a large leather bound book with a built in red bookmark, a journal of sorts, but it radiated magical energy. James gingerly took it and opened it…but the pages were blank. James looked back up unsure what it was meant to be? “Ask a question about anything, anything at all you wish to know, that is knowledge you wish to seek.” Jamed looked back down at it and thought for a moment. Tell me more about glasses please.” As he spoke words and pictures began to appear on the page. The topic was about glasses. He turned the pages to see more, about glasses in depth, their history, how they worked, their multiple uses, everything.” “It's enchanted. Anything you want to know it will tell you, to find something new, simply close the book and the pages will go blank once more, but if you still want to learn about that certain item, simply use the bookmark and close it and it will still be there. It can't give you specific things that are not general knowledge such as things about individuals' private lives or matters of opinion. Only solid facts. The book is enchanted to also be waterproof so using it underwater will not damage it. A look of elation flashed over his eyes as he had all the knowledge he could ever want about the human world at his fingertips and hugged the book close to him. “I…I don't know what to say!” Harold simply gave him a warm smile and nodded. James bowed his head in thanks and went back to where he had been sitting. Sipping his tea and began to read. 

“Erik.” Next it was the second brother's turn who was now very intrigued at what he might receive. He approached and used his tentacles to climb up a bit more on the ship and sit on the railing. “Yes?” Erik's brothers had expected the human to give their most charismatic brother something sparkly or shiny, but to everyone's surprise, he did.  Not. Harold Anderson pulled a simple white flower from the bag with a yellow center. And a green stem. Just as surprised by the gift Erik carefully took the stem examining it. As Harold Anderson gave another explanation. “At first, I had considered giving you another flower, a red rose, the symbol of romance with a strong floral fragrance …but, that isn't all you are, now is it? This is Daisy. A very common and seemingly simple flower, with an earthy smell like freshly cut grass. This one is enchanted to never wither. They represent innocence, new beginnings and cheerfulness, and sometimes true love. You seem to me like the sort that is very creative and your charm does not lie in your charismatic decorum, but the subtle sincerity just under the surface you do not fully let shine. A rare type of person who can bring out the beauty in those around you, and find ways to enhance their natural beauty inside and out.” Erik was stunned. His face tinted with a red blush. He brought the flower to his nose to smell. The scent was indeed very faint, but fresh and crisp. One of his tentacles gently caressed the petals, and the colors of the Daisy began to change, the stem burned black as the petals became purple and the center a vivid pink. Erik smiled and put the flower behind his ear fin with a wide confident grin. “You flatter me sir, I do not deserve such kind and poetic words but my gratitude for such a gift is great and vast. I thank you.” His tentacles swayed contently hanging off the ship or curling around the railing beams. “And, to help your creativity grow further. I'll give you this.” A small wooden box was placed in his hand, as he opened it, he saw needles, colored threads, scissors and buttons, a thimble and other such things as well as small scraps of fabric. Erik had already been practicing sewing with the needle and thread Matthew had made for him, but this was even better and this would make it so much easier. Erik beamed in gratitude.

Sam knew he was up next. His arms were crossed as he swam over. He was grateful to the human for helping his brothers, but he wasn't sure what could possibly be given to him. He didn't really care about coming here in the first place and had already seen all the stuff that Damien had collected without much interest. Nonetheless, the Human man smiled down at him, from the bag he took a chain with some sort of flat rounded piece  metal at the end, two of them linked together. “This may seem like a trinket, but it is much more. This is an identification tag, for those who have been in war. Mine to be precise

 I have seen my fair share of war, fighting and bloodshed…But, I also saved countless lives, defended my comrades and fought for what I believed in. This tag is a symbol of Valor, and horror, and of who I am, that those experiences shaped me into who I am, and only I decide how it does.  Damien has told me how you have always been the one to protect him, and do good for others less fortunate than you…So I am giving this to you, to recognize your strength not only in body, and actions but in your soul. A warrior whose sense of honor can never be denied. In that way, I think we are kindred spirits ” he lowered the tag around Sam's neck. Once he did, Sam held up the tags that hung over his shoulders, one tag seemed to have the information of Harold Anderson, with all the words on it, Sam, like Damien could not read. The second, was only three letters inscribed on the metal plate…S-A-M. Erik glanced over his shoulder at his younger brother. “It says "Sam ", the human name you chose.”  Sam traced the letters with his fingertips before looking back at Harold's face. “Thank you…” Sam waited, expecting a second gift like the other two had gotten. Seeing his patience, Harold Anderson once more gave a hearty chuckle. “My second gift is not a tangible one per se. I know many martial arts, human fighting styles, that I would like to teach you, one very much in particular called “Tai Chi,” it is very good for channeling your energy.

Having skills like this to defend yourselves and your brothers and perhaps bring you a sense of balance I think would benefit you, we can start later this evening or tomorrow if you like. “ Sam was intrigued by this thought. Human fighting techniques, he did love to train and fight and could be useful. “Yeah, that sounds good.” Sam nodded and laid back on the water, deciding to float and relax as he slowly glided away across the water. 

“Oh! Oh! Is it my turn!?” Matthew was next in line impatiently waiting with Damien behind him, exhilarated to see what he would receive. His brothers stifled their laughter seeing his giddy excitement. Harold smiled widely back at him, his enthusiasm infectious. “You were a bit difficult as well Matthew. What would someone give to an individual who could create almost anything they  could ever desire or need. So instead, I give you this.” An ornate silver hand mirror was the next thing to be pulled from the mysterious bag and handed to Matthew, who took it carefully, a bit confused. “You may be able to make anything, but that does not mean you can create all that you may actually need. This mirror can show you anything you wish to see, but, at times, it may also show you what you NEED to see. Much like James' book, this should help you to learn and grow. You deserve every opportunity to do so. You are just as mature, intelligent and able.” Matthew looked up at him, surprised at what he had said, but frowned, looking down at the mirror. “But…eveyone just sees me as…a kid…a child…i mean..i know I act childish but that doesn't mean..I mean…ugh…” “being childish does not make you a child. Look at me. I am a very old man but still have the heart of a child. I make toys and love to play, but that does not make me immature. It is merely who I am, and I love that about myself. Even if others look down on me for my youthful spirit, I am still an adult. And I am still serious when I need to be. As an adult I can choose who I want to be. And I choose to be the bigger person, to not let their words affect me. In the end, how I see myself and what makes me happy matters more. You can be mature and playful, they are not mutually exclusive. And you are Matthew" Matthews blue eyes shimmered at the inspiring speech and ginned from ear to ear at the recognition. “Yeah?...yeah! Thanks Mr. Anderson!” he did a somersault out of the water in elation before flapping back in, splashing his other brothers who groaned.  Matthew just snickered in return. Haolrd Andersoon soon unhooked the strap of the bag he had pulled all the gifts from off his shoulder and handed it to Matthew as well. “This is an Endless Satchel, it may look like a regular bag, but it is enchanted. A very rare hard to get item. It is an endless void inside that can carry an infinite amount of items, you can store your creations or whatever you brought back with you from the Decaying Sea in here. Nothing will get lost to it. Just picture the item you want in your mind and you can pull it out with ease.” “Wow! That's so cool!” Just as Matthew reached for it something pounced from the water and snatched it with a maniacal little laugh. “What the!? That thing followed us!?!”” It was the small squirrel like stuffie that Matthew had created, now alive and clearly mischievous. “Give that back-you little!!...” and so the dolphin-like siren chased after his rogue creation to retrieve his latest gift. 

Finally, It was Damien's turn. He shyly swam forward. He looked up at Harold like a child would look at a father or uncle. Harold knelt down to be face to face with Damien to address him. “Damien, my boy, You have been through so much haven't you? I am so sorry for all that you have had to endure…but I promise. You are safe now. For you, I have searched far and wide for the gift I am about to give you, but it was well worth it. You are worth it. “ The older man fumbled in the inner layer of his jacket before pulling out a rounded object red handkerchief before handing it to Damien. Carefully, his dark blackened hand unfolded the wrapping and revealed two gorgeous coal colored shells. They resembled nautilus shells, or perhaps  snail shells, but what it looked like most were tightly wound ram horns. They were both glossy and had a beautiful sheen, they felt light, but not delicate, it was sturdy and magic seemed to radiate off of them. Damien held one between his fingers and gazed at it in the light. “What is it?” “They are Capricorn shells.” James, upon hearing this spat out some of his tea mid sip that sputtered into the water. Sam, Erik and Matthew, who had finally managed to retrieve his bag from the thieving little plush, burst into laughter at this spit-take from their normally very regal older brother, who was now embarrassed as he wiped the tea dripping down from his mouth with an arm. “Excuse me, I beg your pardon but Did…coughh…did you just say a CAPRICORN shell!? And more importantly ShellS? as in plural!?” 

Damien turned back to his oldest brother, not recognizing the significance that was clearly known to his brother. James looked to the human who had gifted the shell, silently asking for permission to explain, which was met with a nod. James cleared his throat to tell the tale. “Capricorns are Sea-goats, long since extinct. They were said to be extremely intelligent, capable of speech and great power. The father of their race and their immortal king, a near god in its own right was Pricus. He was honorable, noble, diplomatic, free and extremely powerful, it has been said he had power over time itself. The young Capricorn sea-goats however grew curious about land and would shed their tails to walk ashore…but the more time they spent on land, the more animalistic they became, losing their ability to think and speak. Pricus used his gift to turn back time to bring them back into the sea. The Capricorns were ignorant, not remembering what  had never occurred, but their curiosity was not forgotten. Several times they went back on land and several times Pricus received time to stop them, but he grew weary. He soon realized it was pointless. His children would always return to land no matter how many times he interfered. And so, putting his children's blissful ignorance above his want to keep them at his side, he allowed them to return to the land and accompanied them for a short time. When the Capricorns lazily slept, Pricus took their horns, which contained their knowledge and magic, the source of their power and turned them into shells, to keep with him as a reminder of whom his children once were…He watched over them for a time as they became regular goats, so longer cognizant but happy. Capricorn could no longer take the pain of being alone and the last of his kind for all eternity. And so, in sympathy, he was sent to the heavens to watch over his children forever and be remembered as a great honor. The shells were said to be mere legends. One shell on its own was said to hold great power…but TWO of a matching set, like a matching pair of horns, are unheard of and the power is intensified 10 fold.”

The brothers listened to the tale in utter shock. None of them knew how to respond “I…I don't understand. Why would you want me to have something so rare? So important and powerful?” Harold Anderson looked down upon him with a kind gentle smile. He picked up one of the shells and dropped it from his hand, but it did not fall, instead a small black chain caught it and made it dangle in his hand. He took the chain and placed the shell, now a necklace, Over Damein's orange hair to around his neck. “Because the most special thing about this shell is not its power or rarity, but its story, and what it represents. The sacrifice of letting the ones you love go and be who they are for their own happiness. That you do not need power or magic to gain that happiness. That no matter what, you will always remain true to who you are and what you believe even if everything seems against you, no matter what tries to prevent you. This shell also represents connection. To connect to our past…but that our past also does not define us, and connection to the ones we love…” As he said this, the shell was around the siren's neck. A white light glowed from the interior of it, shining brightly, as it did, each of the objects that the others were gifted glowed as well in unison in different colored lights, matching the colors of their markings and tail. The lenses of James glasses were coated in gold, causing him to take them off his face to look at them in his hands, the Daisy resting on the side of Erik's head gave off glowing red pollen, the chain tag around Sam's neck shimmered green in sunlight and the surface mirror in Matthew's hand gave off a blue light reflection, and the second shell, which Harold Anderson had just made into a brooch and put on his jacket glowed purple. After a moment the glows died down, before Harold spoke once more. “You, Your brothers and I are all connected as well, as your family and friends. It has connected us, so that we may always be there for you, and for each other. Wherever you go, no matter how far apart you are. You are all linked, by blood and by love for each other." The siren family of five looked between each other, contemplating on what had just happened and what had been said. Smiling to each other. “You didn't need some overpowered shell to tell us that.” Sam chuckled and wrapped an arm around Damien with brotherly affection. “That is not all…your shell will always be connected to its  twin, the one I have, so no matter where or how far you are, you can contact me anytime you need. Through our thoughts…it also acts as a conduit for your mind reading ability, to help you better control your abilities.” Damien's eyes widened at this most of all, it would help him control his ability to read minds. “Granted, however, you likely won't need that one as much…until I can give you legs to walk around humans…” The little merman couldn't take any more surprises. He practically jumped out of the water, gripping Harold Anderson's hands,  his eyes practically sparkling with disbelief and hope. “ You can give us legs!? To make us human!?”

Harold let out a hearty laugh at his excitement and gently pat over his orange head. “In a manner of speaking, yes. It is a glamor spell, it will give you the forms of humans, turning your tail into legs, but you wont be fully human..  you would still be sirens, and could return to that form whenever you like if you submerge in water, but you would be able to walk on land just as I can. You whatever humans do…but, not just yet.There is no land around for many many miles and my boat is not big enough for all of you. I also spent a great deal of energy on that spell and need to rest now. I'm sorry, but once I sort some things, we can try.” His excitement began to fade but his hope still lingered in his chest at the mere possibility and implied promise that they would one day be human…enough at least. “I have to return to my family first in a day or two, I will make preparations there for you to stay with me and make sure everything will be in order.”

Erik chimed in, a bit confused. “Wait, then what are we supposed to do in the meantime?” Harold winked and turned to Matthew, beckoning him over before whispering in his ear. “Oh!! Okay!” Matthew held up the bag and reached inside, his whole arm up to his shoulder reaching in. He stuck his tongue out a bit in concentration until he found what he had been told to look for. He pulled out a large rolled up map, unfurling it as the others gathered around him to examine the map of the entire 7 seas of the human world in awe. Several spots were marked as suggested hotspots. The Great Barrier Reef, The lost city of Atlantis, The Bermuda Triangle, Migration patterns of various sea animals and various shipwrecks. Some of the items on the map had a slight ethereal glow, indicating it was a place with a magical element to it. One part of the map had a tiny house on land, which they assumed to be where Harold Anderson lived. “ The Earth is made up of 71% water, compared to only 21% of land. Since you are aquatic beings, when it comes to exploration, you have a much better opportunity to explore the majority of the earth humans can never see. I don't want to deprive you of such an opportunity. You can go anywhere you like, do anything you want for as long as you wish. When the preparations are done back home. I shall use the shell to call out to you and let you know. You can come back whenever it suits you. I will be waiting. “ Although Damien wished he could become human as soon as possible, the thought of exploring this new world with his brothers did excite him quite a bit. His brothers seemed just as excited, always craving the freedom to go out on their own without any responsibilities, but together. “In the meantime, why don't we put some distance between ourselves and the cove. Follow me.” And with that, he went to the front of the ship, facing out of the cove mouth, placing his hands on the wheel. A magical wind seemed to pick up out of nowhere and pushed the boat out. The five siren brothers followed close behind. Leaving Open Wound Cove…their own personal wounds, now just beginning to heal.

To be Continued...

[daemonicchopsticks]

no one asked for this

but i made it for @lairongy and @ohhelloimsotired

silly silly realcarnations

[notsoheterosapien]

So about that house you were talking about @meowkittyplier