Chapter 7: Horizon of red

Romano heard a sad sigh next to him. He looked up at the nostalgic expression of the blond woman. Both were leaning against the rear of Antonio's large battalion. The ship is huge. Grand. Impressive. Like a sea fortress armed with fifty canons and three large mats. But Alice hardly seemed impressed when her husband exhibited their way back to Spain. At most, she had looked bored. Of course, Antonio had looked offended and insulted. It got him in such a bad mood that he was now barking orders at his own men, scaring them to death. But Alice stayed quiet. She waited for the ship to depart, and stared dully at her beloved land. Romano stayed by her side. He didn't want to get in the way of the Spanish sailors, it might get him a row from Spain. Also … he was worried about his mother. Strange how the word came so easily to him now. Mother. Mother. Mother

"M-mother …" he mumbled softly.

Alice jumped out of her daze and shot a curious glance at the boy next to her. Hiding his blushing face against the wooden edge of the boat, Romano cursed inwardly at his carelessness.

"Roma? Did you just …?"

"Alice!" the boy shouted a bit too loud for comfort. The woman tilted her head in confusion. She could have sworn Romano had called her … maybe she misheard. She smiled sweetly at the red flushed boy.

"What is it, love?"

"Um … uh … a-are you … are you ok … with this?" Romano spoke in English, not wanting those Spaniard to overhear them. He was getting much better at it but still felt it hard to speak in such a strange language.

"With this …?"

"Stupid Spain is forcing you to come back to Spain with us! Aren't you angry?" Romano shouted, staring angrily at a surprised Alice. She knelt down. She always did that when addressing him seriously. And Romano always felt more important when he saw her eyes at the exact same level as his own. He could see her face from so close. The face of an angel, smiling so sadly.

"There's nothing I can do about this. My Queen and his King are now ruling us both. I'm his wife. It's my duty as England and as Alice Kirkland Carriedo."

Romano felt his blood boil in anger. He didn't like seeing sadness on her face. He hated it! If only he weren't so … so weak!

"But …! It's not fair!" Tears or rage streamed down the child's face. Alice gently caught him in a hug and kiss his tears.

"Life is never fair, sweetheart. Some things you just have to accept. That's our sad reality."

"… But I don't …"

"Shhh … Do not fear, little one. I'm sad of leaving my home but I always dreamed of discovering new lands, new people, new cultures. And also …" She kissed his lightly on the tip of his nose, causing a wild blush to greet Romano's cheeks. "Also, I want to stay with you. I want to make sure Stupid Spain doesn't mistreat you! Or anyone else for that matters!" Her face grew hard with determination.

Romano nodded shyly before burying himself in her soft embrace. He inhaled her scent but could not differentiate it from the ambient scent of the salty sea of the port. Fresh and salty. Ah, no … he could smell the sharp mint flavour that complimented Alice's scent. Sharp as a blade.

"T-thank you … mother." Romano mumbled and this time, Alice heard him loud and clear. She seemed stunned for a minute. Mother. That's a … a very unusual word ringing at her ears. Mother. She smiled fondly and hugged the younger one tightly. Mother. It's a nice word. She might get used to such a word.

The ship left port that evening. Romano stared in awe at the disappearing island behind a soft mist. The rays of the setting sun gave the fog a orangey red colour, like a cloud of golden dust. He sighed. And surprised himself at his own sad sigh. Alice was having another argument with the ship's captain in his cabin. The Spanish sailors found amusing how this little English girl dared to defy Captain Carriedo on his own ship. But the ring at her finger was enough to give her the right to do so. But Romano knew that even without the ring, Alice would still give herself every right to criticise the Spanish nation, in his own palace if necessary. The boy chuckled at this thought.

Standing alone at the rear of the ship, Romano stared dully at the jumping waves hitting the wooden hull. The seagulls were long gone along with the land. Only the glittering sea surrounded them. The north wind howled loudly, sending chills down Romano's pine. It was getting cold … and dark. Suddenly, Romano heard Alice's shouts as she exited Antonio's cabin.

"GET A BLOODY MAP SPANISH BASTARD!"

Oh. So they were arguing navigation, uh. Romano ignored Spain's loud reply. He heard the sailors snicker at the lover's spat. Uh? Lover's spat? When did they even become lovers? This is getting much too confusing for little Romano. His chocolaty gaze drifted back to the dark blues and greens of the sea. It would be nice if they were lovers … maybe … maybe they'd be a real family … ah, but Alice hates Stupid Antonio. And Antonio hates Alice. They'll never … uh? Is that … singing?

Romano reached out, listening attentively to the soft sound. Muffled by the rolling of the waves, he was sure of it, Romano heard singing … very familiar singing …

"Romano!"

The boy jumped. His eyes searched the waters but only saw the still line of the horizon. He shrugged. He probably misheard. And turned back, running across the deck to meet Alice.

"Time for bed, love. What were you doing?"

"Nothing. Just watching the sea …"

Romano's eyes stared unsure at the dull waters. It was probably his imagination, right? Yeah, probably nothing. Nothing at all.

Her voice … so beautiful … whose voice is this …? He knew that voice. He was sure of it. But who …?

His feet guided him blindly across the sandy beach. Beach? Wasn't he on Stupid Spain's ship? Had they landed already? It doesn't matter now. He wants to meet that voice first. Then he'll discuss the failed logic behind this event.

It was growing louder. Much louder. That song … he had heard it before … when was that?

He tripped. His face landed on the breaking surface of icy cold water. Water? Where's the beach. Oh. He was in the middle of the sea now. This is strange. But the voice …

He runs. Faster and faster. Don't stop singing! Wait! Wait for me!

"Romano …"

That voice … crystal clear and singing like a sad melody … he knew it … but who …?

"Romano … come … come closer …"

Closer … much closer …

A figure, her arms wrapped around a small emerging rock, holding herself still from the sea's current. She was beautiful. He couldn't see her face but he somehow knew that she was beautiful. With golden hair falling like a waterfall on her back. Her pale snow white skin. Her ruby red lips … ah … she's singing with that voice. Where had he heard such a beautiful voice before?

"Come to me … love."

Alice?

"ROMANO!"

His eyes flew open as he felt freezing water hit his face and invade his lungs. He blinked, salty waters stinging his eyes. He tried moving but his movements were slow and numb. His body stopped responding and he felt the cold being replaced by a feeling of numbness. His struggling arms fell next to him, his small body floating lifelessly like a doll, swallowed by the dark depth surrounding him. He peered dully through the darkness, his face lifted towards the shimmering lights above. Torches? The ship? Were they worried? Were they looking for him? Probably not … He was unwanted. Unloved. Nobody would care if he died here. Maybe it's for the best. He could fall asleep and forget about everything. Forget …

Cold hands embraced him. Romano looked up. He couldn't see her face but he recognised the woman from earlier … ah, but she had dark hair. Short dark hair. Fins. Scales. Bony hands gripping him like a stolen treasure. And … she was blind. Her eyes, entirely white, emptied of pupils. She smiled. A crooked smile. Pointed teeth. Ah. So it wasn't Alice after all … He still heard her voice though. That enchanting crystal voice. Alice's voice. The words sounded strange though. Different. IT wasn't English she spoke. What was it? It doesn't matter anymore. Romano closed his eyes, letting himself drown in the soft melody. As long as it's Alice's voice singing to him, he'd never be scared. Not of the dark. Not of that strange woman. Not of the cold. As long as he could hear her beautiful voice …

A crashing sound. Romano opened an eye.

The singing had stopped. Instead, he heard a loud shrieking sound. Movements around him. Romano felt someone grab him and pull him away from the woman. He didn't resist. He couldn't. His body felt so heavy. Like a dead stone. All he wanted was to fall asleep and listen to Alice's singing. Alice …

Alice?

Romano's eyes froze on the figure before him.

Alice.

She was fighting with … with what? What is that? Before Romano could ponder more, he felt strong arms grab him and pull him back up. Cold. He felt the sudden cold hit him like a whip. His numb body started shivering again and the air stung his water filled lungs. He coughed and cried. Only one word escaped his lips.

"Alice! Alice! Alice!"

"… She'll be fine."

Romano stopped struggling as he heard the distinct rolling Spanish tongue and his eyes met with the stern face of Antonio. Antonio? What …?

"Captain!" a man shouted from above. Antonio lifted his head up and reached for the rope they were sending them. He tied Romano up tightly, mumbling curses.

"Pull up!" He ordered.

"No! Alice!" Romano shrieked.

"SHE'S FINE!" The man growled. His eyes glared at the boy but he wasn't angry. No. What Romano saw frightened him more than the hard tone. He saw panic and fear in Spain's fearless eyes. He saw worry twist the Spaniard's cheerful face. He heard frustration in his calm voice. Antonio wasn't growling to Romano. He was growling to himself. Romano could see his own reflection in the man. Someone weak and powerless. Frustrated and unable to protect what is dear to him.

"She's fine!" The Spaniard repeated. The conviction in his voice was fake and it sounded as though he was trying to convince himself rather than comfort Romano. Before the boy could answer, he was being hulled up. He shouted and screamed but none listened. Spain's figure in the dark waters turned to the cold ocean. His expression darkened. He was going back. Romano knew that. And he wanted to go back too.

The breaking sound of water caught everyone's attention.

Romano and Spain's eyes narrowed on the golden spot rising from the deep. Alice breathed in, her green eyes glowed of a strange light. Relief overcame both men as they saw her unharmed. Her hand griping a dagger and a handful of black seaweeds in the other. Seaweeds? No, hair? Something in between. Hissing sounds rose from the thing Alice held. A strange language. Sailors were staring with panic at the scaly tail hitting the water's surface. Blind eyes shot towards Romano and the boy shivered. He saw Alice whisper in a strange language too. She muttered darkly at the water woman, her dagger held close to the other's neck. The creature stilled itself. But a twisted smirk curled her lips as she answered Alice. Alice's emerald eyes widened suddenly and she turned to Antonio and Romano.

Her face contorted in panic. Her eyes screamed. Romano saw her open her mouth but all he heard was the sudden buzzing of hissing sounds. Antonio seemed to have understood. Since his own eyes widened. He barked at his men. They started pulling Romano up in a hurry, calling for their Captain who was swimming back to Alice. Romano soon hit the wooden surface of the deck. He rushed to his feet and screamed from the edge of the boat. He couldn't see anything. It was too dark. But he could hear the crashing of water and the hissings. He called. He called Alice. He called Antonio. He called. And nobody could do anything else but watch with him at the dark horizon, worry on their faces.

"Damn mermaids …" Romano heard one of the sailors mutter.

Mermaids? Are those the Sea woman he had seen?

Suddenly, Romano heard a scream. Worse. He heard Alice scream. His heart sunk in his chest. He called her. Begged her. Cried for her. But all he got for an answer was the sudden flash of golden light and the tense silence that followed. Nobody dared to make a sound, scared of breaking that waiting silence.

A voice. A song. Romano focused on it. He knew that voice. He knew it so well.

Alice.

Romano called her but all he heard was the soft singing of her voice. Through the misty darkness, he could hear the words so clearly. This time, he understood the English of her words.

Upon one summer's morning, I carelessly did stray,

Down by the Walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gay,

Conversing with a bouncing lass, who seem'd to be in pain,

Saying, William, when you go, I fear you will ne'er return again.

Romano panics as he noticed nobody move. Why aren't they sailing to her voice?! She's there!

"Move the damn ship!" He tried barking at the men, but his cold and shivering voice only sounded like a weak whimper. The men looked at him oddly. Hesitance on their faces.

"What's wrong with you stupid Spaniards?! Can't you hear her voice! She may be hurt!"

"It might be another trick of the mermaids, boy."

"What?! But I can hear her! It's Alice! I recognise her voice! Her tongue! I know that song!"

Romano didn't understand. What trick? What's with those mermaids? And why would nobody listen to him?!

His hair it does in ringlets hang, his eyes as black as sloes,

May happiness attend him wherever he goes,

From Tower Hill, down to Blackwall, I will wander, weep and moan,

All for my jolly sailor bold, until he does return.

The boy felt bitter tears roll down his cheeks. She was there and yet, he couldn't do anything. If she didn't come back then it must be because she's hurt! It might be too late! He cursed as he heard the arguing Spaniards. They were debating whether they should head to the voice or flee. Romano felt so powerless … if only … if only he had been stronger. And where's Antonio? Is he safe? Is he with Alice? Is he protecting her? He better be!

Romano cried, his eyes strained on the dark waters. Through his tears, the boy narrowed his gaze on a horrifying vision. The waters weren't black anymore. What he had before him now, was a sea of red.

My father is a merchant—the truth I now will tell,

And in great London City in opulence doth dwell,

His fortune doth exceed ₤300,000 in gold,

And he frowns upon his daughter, 'cause she loves a sailor bold.

"Look over there!"

Everyone turned to the small boy. They eyes followed the direction he was pointing. Everyone's faces paled with mortified expressions.

"… God save us …" one of the sailors muttered darkly.

Panic rose. Romano kept staring, in search of something. A sign that his parents were alive and safe. He could hear Alice's song grow quieter and his dread increase.

A fig for his riches, his merchandize, and gold,

True love is grafted in my heart; give me my sailor bold:

Should he return in poverty, from o'er the ocean far,

To my tender bosom, I'll fondly press my jolly tar.

"A body!" Someone yelled, pointing ahead. Indeed, in the red waters, a body floated. Everyone shivered as they saw the tail fined creature. Her blind eyes staring upwards, and even if she had no pupils, it almost felt like she was staring at them accusingly. Her greenish seaweed hair floated around her bony face. She looked like a mask … no … a skull. Romano turned away, gulping. He kept looking for Alice. But all he saw was the crimson horizon.

Sailors started arguing again. He was sick of it! At this rate … Alice might … her voice was already just barely audible, like a soft whisper of the sea. Romano had no time to waste with those petty sailors superstitions.

"We shouldn't have allowed a woman on board! See! It brought us bad luck!"

The sailor who had spoken those words suddenly got head-butted. He collided with the deck's floor, an angry, hard-headed Italian glaring at him while pinning him down.

"Get that ship moving now!" He hissed. His chocolate eyes turning of a red redder than the sea. His expression was one of a beast and he growled darker than Spain.

The sailor gulped and tried protesting but soon as he opened his mouth, he shut it back immediately. Romano's intimidating aura grew darker by every second.

"My parents are in those waters. Don't you dare insult my mother with your silly superstitions and get turn that ship around!"

All the humans on board froze at Romano's dark tone. His voice sounded like a purr but it wasn't pleasant. Not pleasant at all. It was a low whispered threat spoken like a killer. They all moved away as the boy rose to his feet and walked back to the edge of the deck where he could hear Alice's voice fading.

My sailor is as smiling as the pleasant month of May,

And oft we have wandered through Ratcliffe Highway,

Where many a pretty blooming girl we happy did behold,

Reclining on the bosom of her jolly sailor bold.

He took a deep breath, his lungs stung but he ignored the pain. He ignored the shivering of his body. He ignored the cold. He ignored the fearful stares of the stunned crew members. He only focused on Alice's song. Her voice was weak. She stumbled on her words and Romano had difficulty hearing her. He opened his mouth and sang.

He sang with her. He heard Alice's voice still for a moment before starting back. Stronger and more confident. She was calling him. He smiled in relief. Pushing his high pitched shivering voice. It didn't matter if his voice broke. As long as he could see Alice and Antonio again.

He sang. Louder and louder.

Without realising, he felt the ship move. He jumped around, still singing and saw shy smiles greet him. The sailors were turning the ship, aiming at Alice's voice. The boy grinned and almost screamed his song as he felt he neared Alice.

Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be

Who love a jolly sailor bold that ploughs the raging sea,

While up aloft, in storm or gale, from me his absence mourn,

And firmly pray, arrive the day, he home will safe return.

They passed many dead mermaids' bodies. The sailors shivered in angst and worry but none dared to anger Romano again. The boy kept peering at the darkness, his voice had long covered Alice's such that he could hear her anymore. But he didn't stop. He was afraid that if he stopped singing for even a second he might be greeted by silence instead of Alice's soft voice. As long as he sung, he kept hope. He didn't care for the mermaids. Or the sailors. All he cared for was finding his mother.

Romano felt the ship hit a rock. He stumbled and his singing was cut short in his breath.

Silence.

He couldn't hear Alice's voice anymore.

Tears rose to his eyes but he held them back. The sailors around him grew nervous and wanted to head back. No. Not yet. She had to be alive! She had to!

"MOTHER!" Romano screamed desperately, falling to his knees.

… …

My name it is Maria, a merchant's daughter fair,

Romano's head snapped up. He wiped his tears away but new ones kept coming. He looked back at the bloodied sea. The voice was strained. But he heard it.

And I have left my parents and three thousand pounds a year,

A figure emerged from the darkness. Romano's heart jumped summersaults in his chest as he recognised the golden hair. She was floating desperately out of the waters, dagger in hand and holding a much larger body than hers.

She was covered in blood, as was the frozen man. He seemed to be injured. Alice kept stroking his hair tenderly, her green eyes clouded in fatigue and death's shadow.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold,

She was struggling to keep the man's face out of water. Her voice was weak. She was cold and about to faint. Yet, she still forced herself to sing. Because she had to. Because her son is looking for her.

"MOTHER!"

Alice turned a ghostly pale face towards the approaching ship. Her hazy vision settled on the small figure on deck. She smiled in relief. At least … he was safe. Her green eyes dropped back to the frozen tanned face of her sailor bold. She kissed him lightly on his cold lips. Her voice becoming breathless from both the cold and the emotion.

There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

Alice lifts a beautiful smile to the worried boy calling her name, and drops unconscious, her body slowly sinking down in the red blood sea.

*~*~* Hours later *~*~*

Alice blinks her green eyes open.

The first thing she saw was the worried chocolate gaze hovering above her face. A weak smile stretches on her lips.

"Hello, love. Sleep well?" Her voice was raspy and broken.

Romano frowned, anxiousness covering his face.

"Don't speak. You're hurt."

She lifted a numb limb and reached for the boy's cheek, caressing it softly.

"My wonderful son … are you well? Are you safe?"

"Si! I'm fine! I-I … I'm sorry! It's my fault, isn't it? The sailors told me that I was sleep walking and that I jumped over board …"

"Shhh …" She appeased the dry sobs of her boy and pulled him in her embrace. He winced, tried to push her away, worried her body might break if he touched her. She looked so frail and fragile. But her grip over him was surprisingly strong. And she didn't let him go. Stroking his brown hair, she whispered comfortingly in his ear.

"It's alright, love. Nothing's your fault. I was careless. I didn't expect mermaids this early in season. If anything, I should have noticed them. I put you in terrible danger … I'm so sorry … forgive me …"

"N-no! It's my fault! I-I heard her voice before and I didn't tell you! I thought it was just my imagination! But … but …"

"Honestly … you two are going to kill me with your foolishness someday!" A groggy voice snapped at them. Romano jumped and glared back at the yawning man waking up. Alice watched him move and wince at his abdominal wound. Her gaze softened slightly as she noticed how he avoided crossing her eyes.

"You should stay put for a bit longer. Your wound is quite a deep one. And poisonous."

"Poisonous!" Romano shrieked. "B-but we don't have any antidote! I-I … we … didn't know … we only treated the wounds and …"

Alice chuckled softly at the panicked Italian while Antonio grunted.

"It's fine, love! Nations cannot die from mere poison. But we get weakened and it does hinder us for a while. Do not worry, it isn't deadly."

"As if a little poison from some fish woman could kill me!" Antonio grumbled.

He tried sitting up but a painful groan and a fusing pain struck his body. He slumped back on his bunk bed. Alice shook her head in exasperation. Such impatience!

"I told you not to move around." She scolded him gently. He glared at the wall in front of him, unable to glare at her directly as he spat back.

"Since when do you have any authority over me, witch?"

"My, my … aren't you a handful, dear husband." She chuckled, causing her said husband to huff angrily.

Romano watched them, slightly confused. He kept gripping Alice's cold hand. No matter what she said, she had looked on the verge of death when they finally reached her and pulled her and Antonio out of the water. Had they been human, both would have died after a mere 30 seconds in such freezing waters. Romano too would have died. A tear cornered his eyes as he thought back the events of last night. Alice frowned in worry at him and even Antonio was staring at the boy with a serious expression.

"What's wrong, love? Why are you crying?"

"B-Because … because it's all my fault! You could have died!" the boy sobbed weakly, burying his face in Alice's chest. She patted his head motherly.

"Romano, none of this is your fault. If anyone dares to speak otherwise, I'll cut their throat open just like I did with the mermaids." Alice's threat sounded scarier when she spoke it with such a light and cheerful tone. Antonio looked away in exasperation.

"Useless henchman …"

"Spain, shut up or your head is next!" Alice snapped at him darkly and for once, Spain didn't reply. Romano sniffed, trying to regain a brave face. When he spoke, his voice was a low hesitant whisper and he kept his eyes riveted on the Alice's bed sheets.

"W-what's … a mermaid?"

Both Alice and Antonio stared at the boy, dumbfounded. Romano pouted a bit at being stared at like he had asked the silliest question on earth. Alice grinned, amused.

"I see … so you've never heard of mermaids before? What kind of education did you get?" Her eyes glared sharply at Antonio who shrugged, ignoring her and pretending to sleep. Alice sighed in exasperation before explaining.

"Mermaids are sea creatures. Half human, half fish. You've seen their tails, right?"

He nodded. Yes, he still had a clear image imprinted in mind and feared it might never dissipate.

"Mermaids hunt sailors at high seas. They use their voice to attract men and force them to jump of ship then they drown them."

"… Only men?"

"Ah, yes. Mermaids are all females. So they can only attract men. Did you perhaps hear a voice? Someone inviting you to follow?"

"Y-yes … I … I-I heard … your voice."

Alice's eyes widened and even Antonio snapped a surprised head back the boy.

"You heard … my voice?"

"S-si. I couldn't recognise the words and it sounded strange … like a dream but it was definitely your voice and the same tune as your song!"

"… I see …" Alice looked shock. Antonio was frowning while staring warily at Alice.

"Is this … bad?" Romano asked weakly.

"No … no, it's not … bad, per say. But it's … surprising."

"W-why?"

"A mermaid's song will always differ depending on the man hearing it. They sing the song that can move your heart. That's why, it usually is a familiar song, one you would recognise, one which has a lot of meaning and personal touch to you, one which you would instantly follow even if you didn't recognise the words … and that's … my song?"

Romano smiled. The first smile since his parents returned from the dead. He smiled widely to both of them.

"Yes! Because mother's voice and songs are the most beautiful sounds on earth!"

Alice blushed, her eyes shifting towards Antonio in a silent question to which Antonio could only shrug and say:

"I liked your song. It kept me alive."

Romano grinned maliciously, Alice's eyes widened and Antonio shifted his head away, turning his back to them while hiding his own blush even deeper than Alice's. What the hell is wrong with him?! Romano must be influencing him! Did he actually compliment Alice? Worse, he actually saved her life back there against the sea creatures. The tanned man let his fingers trail down his wound. Somehow … it didn't feel unpleasant. Gah! He's going insane!

"Antonio …? Did you just praise me?"

"Why would I praise a goddamned witch like you?!" The man hissed angrily. He must be acting weird due to the poison. Yeah, that must be it!

*~*~* Weeks later *~*~*

A ray of light cracked the dark horizon. The sky and the sea both turned red around the land ahead.

Romano watched in awe and heard an amused giggle next to him. He smiled, watching the awed expression on Alice's face. She held him by the shoulders, in a lose embrace as they both stared at the fiery spectacle. Antonio walked up to them, he had finished giving orders. The man placed a possessive hand at Alice's waist. Throughout the trip he had noticed the envious, leechful stares of some of his crew members towards HIS wife. Of course it didn't help that Alice wore her pirate clothes. But nonetheless, he wouldn't let anyone too near her. He pulled her closer to him. She let him. All three watched the burning red horizon ahead.

Spain shines under the sun of its glory, redder than blood, an Empire soon to greet its queen.