Alright let's g-
Meru: Hi everyone!
M-Meru! What are you doing here! You're not suppose to let the audience know that you'd be coming!
Meru: Well, you planned to not have me in this story. The only time I get to make my appearance is in this chapter and it's not really my own chapter. It's Hanon-sama!
I already have a lot of people's stories I need to finished first, Meru. Who knows, maybe you can appear more in the next story.
Meru: That is, if you decide on making another story, you mean.
Hey, be grateful that I shared this chapter with you. Again, I told you, I have the others to finished first. If I have to start on yours and the others like Nikora, then this story will overload and I'm not sure if the audience what to stay here forever.
Meru: I'm not sure about that. *Faced the readers* Mina-san, do you want this story to be long or short? Please tell me in the reviews and prove Pearl-sama that she is wrong.
I didn't say that the readers don't want this story to be long or short. I just said that they might not want to hang around here for too long.
Meru: You did not say that! What you just said was completely different from what you said before!
They're basically the same thing.
Hanon: Pearl, can you maybe not have my chapter be informal next time? Twice, I'm getting chapters where I get my date interrupted.
Sorry, but I did promised everyone that chapter 9, they would get some information. You're just unlucky to have it on your chapter. And to everyone, this is another chapter that is more information, less action. There will be a sweet scene between Hanon and Nagisa at the end.
Alright, mina-san, shall we get this started?
Chapter 9: The Mirror of Bestowed Gifts
In the middle of the night, Hanon was having a strange dream. At first, she was siting on a rock in her mermaid form, staring out into the Caribbean blue sea with her boyfriend. This was the day that she has been waiting for! Nagisa realized her mermaid self and accepted her for who she is. After staring at the stunning sight, the couple looked at each other in the eyes before closing them and leaning in for a kiss. It was a perfect dream until a storm came. A large wave crashed and separated the lovers apart.
"Hanon!"
"Nagisa!"
They reach out towards each others hand, but soon, the boy drowned from the waves. Hanon called out her boyfriend's name as she attempts to find him underwater. She couldn't find him, however, she did saw a light glimmering in the distance.
'What is that light?' she wondered. 'Could Nagisa be there?'
Swimming towards it, Hanon was finding it hard to look directly as the light shines brighter. When the light cleared, Hanon realized that she was in her human form. What was bizarre in her dreams was that despite it was raining, she did not reverted to her mermaid form. Seeing a slight glimmer, Hanon made her way towards the light.
The dream only gets weirder that Hanon started to suspect that this wasn't her dream. But if that's the case, to whom does this dream belongs to? When she got close to the glittering light, she heard someone crying. Up ahead was a girl of age 14. Despite she was technically a child, her crying didn't sound like one as a result of a simple matter. It sounded more like she was lamenting.
As Hanon got closer, she saw the girl's appearance. However, she could only describe the girl from behind. She was wearing a blue dress that has white flowers. Her hair was a beautiful ombre color. From lovely Caribbean blue that quickly fades to a perfect shade of aqua. Barely noticeable until the end, the tips faded to mint green. She had a pink carnation flower pinned on the left side of her head.
"Why are you crying?" Hanon asked.
"Why? Why?" the girl questioned.
"Eh?"
"Why did you do it? Even if it's for my sake, why did you all have to leave me alone and by myself?" she cried.
However, it didn't seem that the girl was addressing towards Hanon. It was like she was asking someone else. When Hanon looked over the girl's shoulders, her eyes caught sight of something in the girl's hands. A mirror.
'No, it can't be... That's...' Hanon gasped. 'Why does this girl have such a thing?'
The girl turned around with tears in her blue eyes. It turns out that her bangs are swept to the left with two short locks resting on both sides of her shoulders in the front. The way she looked at Hanon puzzled the Aqua Mermaid Princess as she step back. For a quick second, Hanon was completely taken over by shock. In that moment, she realized something unsettling.
"No... It can't be possible..." Hanon only expressed fear. "You're..."
But before Hanon could even spoke her next word, the girl's right arm glowed an aqua light. Hanon was blinded for a moment until she slowly opened her eyes to see the insignia on the girl's arm. It looked like... A sword's blade. On where the hilt was supposed to be is a pair of wings. However, before Hanon could react, the light overwhelmed her.
Slowly opening her eyes, Hanon sat up from her bed, complete dazed. What did she dream again? She groaned for she couldn't remember. It didn't make any sense and it frustrates her. The only thing she could recall was the girl. That was it.
'But... Who is that girl?' Hanon wondered in her thoughts.
At school... Seira, Mikage, and Takumi got ready for class as the teacher came in.
"Alright everyone. Since it's Monday, your homework is due." he told them. "Would anyone like to present? I'll give extra credit if you do."
Of course, Seira's group raised their hands since many of the other groups didn't want to share. Getting up in front of the class, they shared their story. Their tale began with a mermaid. She was the youngest out of eight of her friends. One day, on her thirteenth birthday, she surfaced for the first time and met with a handsome Prince. She saved him from drowning and took him to land. However, she had to return to the sea. As for the Prince, he searched for his savior for two years, but to no prevail. Soon, he gave up on his search, but never will he forget about her.
When the Little Mermaid turned 15, she decided to find the man she saved two years ago and help him realized that she was his savior. She was in love with him. Through an entire year, she spend more time with the Prince. Soon, he fell in love with her and realized that she was his savior. They lived happily, for a while. However, the Little Mermaid's home in the sea had evil lurking around. When she went to find the threat, the evil took control of the Prince. As the corrupted Prince encountered his lover, the mermaid made a huge sacrifice. In exchange for his life and freedom, the mermaid accepts the darkness, becoming the new host for evil.
However, because she was the vessel of evil, she insisted to her friends that she needed to be sealed away. They agreed, although, sorrowfully. Sadden that she'll have to part from her lover forever, the Little Mermaid gave him a farewell kiss before being sealed away. Many years have passed and the mermaid had slumbered in darkness. As time slowly came, the mermaid began her transformation into the Witch of the Sea.
When they finished, the class clapped their hands, even the teacher... All except Asuka and her group members. When all the other groups went, the teacher had a class vote on who had better creativity. The majority, voted for Seira's group. Hence, the three got more credit.
"Ugh!" Asuka scoffed. "Luck."
When class was over, everyone went for lunch. However, the bully waited until she was the only one in the room before getting up from her desk. Stalking Seira, the spoiled girl seethed. Because she wasn't alone, Asuka had to refrain from making a scene. She didn't want Takumi to see her doing something... Bad.
'If only she wasn't with that freak. Oh, Takumi... I'll make sure that she won't bewitched you.' Asuka thought.
Later when the school was over, Seira parted from her friends. As she made her way down a hallway, she was suddenly grabbed by two girls. She couldn't yell because one of the girls covered her mouth. Taken to the girl's bathroom, Seira was shoved against the wall.
"Ahh!"
Looking up to the girls, Seira didn't recognize the two. One of the them has short black hair and red eyes. The other has red hair tied in a ponytail and hazel eyes. Suddenly, the door opened as someone entered. The two girls smirked before stepping aside to reveal Asuka.
"Nice to see you alone, Seira-chan." Asuka spoke spitefully.
"Kane-san." Seira gasped.
"I believe you haven't met my friends. This is Kurosawa Irie." she gestures to the black haired girl and then to the red haired girl. "And Hanami Mori."
"This is the girl who is causing you trouble, Asuka?" Irie questioned.
"Yes, I know. Unbelievable, right?" Asuka sneered.
"Why are you doing this, Kane-san?" Seira asked.
"Why? I'll tell you why." the bully approached the girl in a threatening manner. "It's because you dare to challenge me since the first day of school. I was humiliated as you told me off!"
"I didn't mean for you to get hurt..." the girl meekly insisted.
"Hurt?! Rumors spread that you stood up to me!" Asuka screamed. "But, that wasn't the only reason why I hate you. No, the reason why I despise you is because you stole Takumi!"
"Stole? No... He chose me." Seira replied.
"Yeah, right." the bully scoffed. "After you bewitched Takumi, I bet you worked him to death. That's why you got a good grade on your assignment."
"No! Mikage, Takumi, and I worked on that homework together!" she reasoned.
"Whatever. Mori!" Asuka ordered.
"Yes, Asuka." Mori nodded.
The girl came with a bucket of dirty water. On purpose, she then threw the bucket at Seira, spilling its content and drenching the girl from head to toe. Luckily, it was not enough to get her to transformed, but that was the least of her worries.
"Ohohoho!" the bully laughed. "Now here is a sight to be seen! A commoner like you deserved to be dirty!"
After they were done taunting Seira, the bullies left the bathroom, leaving her by herself. Meanwhile, Mikage has just returned from her club activity to see the bullies exiting the girl's bathroom. Concern, she rushed in to see her friend on the floor, covered in filth.
Helping Seira up, she asked, "What happened?!"
"Nothing. I just tripped." she lied.
"Seira, don't lie to me. Asuka and her friends did this to you, didn't they?" Mikage questioned. When her friend didn't respond, Mikage took her by the hand. "Come on, we need to tell Ta-kun about this!"
"No!" Seira panicked as she took her hand away from Mikage's grip.
"Seira?"
"Please, don't tell Takumi." she pleaded.
"Why?"
"I don't want him to know. If he knew that I was being bullied, he'd come." she explained.
"So?" Mikage questioned. "That's what friends are for. We support one another."
"I know, but... I don't want to be a burden to him. If there is a possibility that he might get in trouble because of me, it would only sadden me to know that it was my fault." Seira clarified. "So please, Mikage. Promise me that you won't tell him?"
Mikage pitied her as she unwillingly agreed, "Okay..."
"Thank you, Mikage." Seira offered a sad smile before leaving the restroom.
Meanwhile, the girls returned from their school. There was a little delay because Kaito had to take a turn to get to his residence, but other than that, everything else was usual. Of course, that meant that Seira was ahead of the group in returning home. Among the girls, Hanon was all giddy. Today was the day that she'll resumed on her date. The time was set around six in the evening at the last place they hang out.
As the girls returned to the hotel, they exclaimed, "We're back!"
"Welcome home." Noel greeted.
"Were we taking too long?" Rina asked.
"No, you're in time. We didn't wait that long." Karen answered.
Setting their bags down, Lucia looked around to see that only one of them is not here.
"Where's Seira?" Lucia questioned.
"About that, Lucia, I think Seira could be-" Coco got cut off.
"I'm here!" Seira exclaimed as she descend from the stairs, out of her school uniform.
"Hey, Lucia, Coco, Seira! Hurry up and get in here! We need to start our discussion!" Karen yelled.
"We're coming!" Lucia replied. "Sorry, Coco, but we need to have our discussion now."
"Okay..." the young woman trailed off reluctantly as she followed her friends to the dining room.
Once everyone was seated, the discussion began. The first to explain was Lucia, Hanon, Rina, and Seira. They already told the girls about their new enemies, Haruki and Kumi, and the duos' plan that involves seven girls through their letter. However, they continued on. Explaining how they tried to stop them before, but to no luck. The aftermath... Which were the spirits, were sent to stopped them. When they finished, it was Noel who needed clarification.
"So this man is searching for seven Princesses?"
"Well, the ones he is looking for are dead." Lucia confirmed.
"But why? I mean, I know he wants revenge, but for what reason?" Karen wondered.
"He mentioned that they lived tragic lives and by aiding them in their revenge, he'll get his against the humans." Rina clarified.
"But not all humans are bad! Why should all of humanity be condemned for the act of those filled with malice?" Coco argued.
"We don't know." Hanon answered sadly.
"Anyhow, we need a way to stop him." Rina replied.
"But how?" Karen questioned.
"Haruki mentioned that once he get all seven Princesses, he'll get his revenge against the world. If we can just find one of the Princesses and prevent him from finding her, then the circle won't be complete." Seira voiced her opinion.
"Excellent thinking, Seira!" Lucia exclaimed. "I'm so proud of you!"
"But how are we going to find a Princess with a tragic end?" Coco pondered.
"Actually, we were hoping that you can help us, Coco." Rina addressed towards her.
"Eh?"
"Two days ago, Taki-san had a fortune. Her crystal ball showed the South Pacific Ocean Palace in relations with Haruki." Lucia explained.
"My kingdom?" Coco became puzzled.
"Coco, do you know why?" Seira inquired.
Silence fell upon the room as the Yellow Mermaid Princess remained quiet. It was after a few minutes until she let out a deep breath.
"I think... There could be someone who was in relations with Haruki once." Coco admitted.
"Who?" Karen asked.
"A girl who was a reincarnation of the Mermaid Princess from my kingdom." Coco answered. "However, that was a long time ago. Even I can't recall much of her history."
"I think I might know." Noel spoke as she opened a book. "I've heard of a story of a human girl who died an unjust death."
"So?" Karen responded.
"I once stumble about the tale in my library. This girl was very special. She was the direct reincarnation of the Yellow Mermaid Princess. In her previous life, she was known as Princess Aurora." Noel answered.
'That sounded like the story Mai-san told at the planetarium.' Seira noted.
Noel continues as she flips a page in her book. There was a time when humans and mermaids co-exist, but that was a different story. The story that she was about to tell them took place after the humans and mermaids no longer live together, when the humans apparently forgotten about the mermaids and any other traces of them were gone. And so began the tale of the first Little Mermaid. The first, but apparently not the original.
"Wait, why isn't Princess Aurora the original Little Mermaid if she was the first?" Lucia questioned.
"That's because..." Coco started off. "I think the original Little Mermaid was someone from your kingdom, Lucia."
"What do you mean by that, Coco?"
"I don't know why, but I feel that a mermaid from your kingdom was the original Little Mermaid. That was how our version of the story came to be." Coco speculate. "As for Princess Aurora, she followed the tragic way and that's how the human's version of the story began."
"But how do we know if our version was based on that mermaid who supposedly had a happy ending?" Rina inquired. "What if she was like Lucia and started out with hardships before getting her happy ending?"
"If that's the case, then there's no documentation of it in any of our books." Coco respond.
"Anyway, may I resume?" Noel asked politely.
"Mm." everyone nodded.
The story goes on with Princess Aurora taking on the form of a human. Like the human's version goes, the Mermaid Princess fell in love with a Prince at first sight. However, he never loved her romantically. When she saw how happy her Prince was with another girl, Aurora allows him to wed her. After she relinquished her pearl, Aurora died shortly after. 300 years later, legend says that Princess Aurora's newly gained soul was reborn into a human girl, given a second chance to find love. Sadly, her love was snatched away when she eventually learned of her childhood friend's death.
When Noel finished telling the story, everyone remained silent.
"Such a sad story..." Karen was the first to break the silence. "Even though she was reborn as a human, she lost her love to death."
"Yeah..." Hanon sadly agreed.
"However, there was something interesting about that girl." Noel pointed out.
"What?" Rina wondered in curiosity.
"You see, even though she was reborn, she somehow gain powers over water." Coco took over for Noel. "I think that could be the result of her past life being Aurora."
"A human with the powers of a Mermaid Princess?" Lucia muttered.
"I know it sounds puzzling, but that's the only explanation why she has ties to my kingdom. Even if she was reborn, she was once a Mermaid Princess in one of her life." Coco insisted.
"Do you know who the girl was?" Karen quizzed.
"I don't know her name, but stories claimed that she was the first Mizu Child." Coco answered.
"Mizu Child?" everyone questioned.
"However, because she was the first, she was mostly known as the Mizu Princess." Noel added.
"Water Child and Water Princess..." Rina pondered.
"Coco, do you want to explain? I think you know what happened after she died." Noel turned to the blonde haired girl.
"Sadly, I do." Coco sighed. "Anyway, after the Mizu Princess passed away, her gift would passed down to her descendants every one hundred years."
"Every..." Hanon trailed off.
"Hundred years?" Seira gasped.
"Yes." Noel confirmed.
"So... In other words..." Seira started.
"There should be a Mizu Child here." Lucia beamed.
"If only we could find him or her." Rina muttered.
"Actually, it says in here that when the moon is full, their body will glow a luminous color." Noel pointed out.
"But almost everyone glows under the moonlight." Karen countered.
"There's another way. When the Mizu Child is in contact with the blood of a mermaid, they will glow a silver aura." Noel claimed.
Looking at Coco, Karen joked, "Maybe the Mizu Child is related to you."
"Don't be ridiculous. Despite they have relations to my kingdom, they still are their own separate selves." Coco denied with a teasing smile.
Hanon looked at the clock to see that it was 4 o'clock, "Sorry, everyone, but I have to go."
"That's right, you have your date with Nagisa-kun!" Lucia exclaimed.
"Geez... Don't blurt out my plans for everyone to hear." Hanon mumbled.
When Hanon left the hotel, she was rushing to meet Nagisa at the park. However, a splash caught her attention. A joyful pink dolphin showed up with a letter.
"Momo-chan?" Hanon went over to the dolphin and took the envelope.
Opening it, Hanon read the content inside.
Hanon-sama, how are you doing? The people in the South Atlantic Ocean and I wished to see you. Our Sea Oracle
receive news and it's very urgent. We hope to see you again, Hanon-sama.
Pondering over the letter, Hanon was conflicted. She wants to see Nagisa, but if there was something important happening at home, then she must go.
'What if I don't make it in time?' Hanon thought, recalling the last time her date was interrupted.
Sighing, she pulled out her phone and dialed Nagisa's number. A few beeps were heard until he picked up.
"Hello?"
"Sorry, Nagisa, but I might not be able to make it to our date. Something urgent came up." Hanon sadly informed him.
"Really? That's too bad." Nagisa remarked. "However, if you somehow managed to come, please meet me at the beach."
"Okay." Hanon acknowledged as she hang up.
After putting her phone away, she went into the water and dived in, accompanying Momo as she swims her way to the South Atlantic Ocean.
At the park, Nagisa was sitting on a bench after having his conversation with Hanon. He sighed as Miyuki came up.
"Nagisa-kun, what are you doing here?" she inquired.
"Oh hey, Miki." Nagisa greeted. "I was waiting for Hanon until something came up."
"I see..." she trailed off. "Would it be fine if I sit next to you?"
"Sure."
When she sat down next to him, she asked, "Do you like Hanon-san?"
"Like? I love her." Nagisa corrected.
"Then... You're lucky." she smiled until she suddenly felt pain.
Her body was aching as she was starting to crave for something. She was breathing more shallow and Nagisa began to take notice.
"Are you okay?" Nagisa was about to reach out to help.
"No!" the girl slapped his hand away before getting up.
She was about to run away until she realized what she did. Turning around, Miyuki apologized before running away, leaving Nagisa is confusion and a bit hurt.
Meanwhile, Hanon had reached to her home in the South Atlantic Ocean. Many of her people greeted her, but none of them were more excited to see her other than a cheerful young mermaid.
"Hanon-sama!" she beamed as she swim up to her Princess.
"Meru!" Hanon exclaimed as she gave the girl a hug. "You have grown while I was gone."
It was true, Meru has grown a bit since Hanon last seen her. That was around two years ago. Her blue hair slightly got longer, reaching to her shoulders. But her light blue eyes still had that shine and curiosity in it.
"Are you being honest, Hanon-sama?" Meru questioned playfully.
"Yes." Hanon winked. "If you continue to grow into a pretty cute girl, you might be able to get a boyfriend."
"Honto?" Meru excitedly asked. When Hanon nods, Meru squealed, "Ah, I cannot wait for my 13th birthday! One more year and I'll become an adult! I hope I can become a beautiful bride!"
"Anyway, why did everyone called for me?" Hanon wondered.
"Oh... That's because..." Meru was no longer her cheerful self. "Come with me, Hanon-sama. My mommy can tell you."
The two mermaids went to the courtyard to meet a grown mermaid with long blue hair tied in a ponytail.
"Princess!" the mermaid bowed. "A pleasure to meet you, Hanon-sama. I'm Meru's mother, Himori."
"It's nice to meet you, Himori-san." Hanon greeted. "What seemed to be the problem?"
"Those." Himori pointed towards the black flower buds.
"The flowers?" Hanon questioned.
Himori sighed, "They're just one of our problems."
"They suddenly appeared out of nowhere and when they bloom, the countdown timer will begin!" Meru explained.
"Countdown timer? You mean..."
"Yes, Princess. These flowers... Are bombs." Himori confirmed.
'Bombs?!'
"And as each petal falls, it only means that they are close to explode." Meru sadly replied.
"Well, they haven't start blooming yet. We should be fine for now." Hanon tried to stayed calm, but clearly she wasn't. "What about the second thing?"
"The Sea Oracle. She had a prophecy that she wished to speak with you about." Himori answered. "We were concern if this prophecy had anything to do with you, Princess."
"She said that one day, the Aqua Princess will suffer from heartbreak. And for some strange reason, I'm related too." Meru added.
Hanon began to think if she had to do with the prophecy because she was the Aqua Mermaid Princess. However, she didn't have time to think long because a black flower started to bloom suddenly.
"The flower! It's blooming!" Hanon panicked.
"Correct, Princess." a voice congratulates.
Looking up, Hanon can see a figure descending down the sea. Many of the Aqua Mermaids gasped and cowered in fear as the enemy float to the ground. Himori pulled Meru away, planing to protect her daughter at all cost. The Mermaid Princess just stood her ground, determined not to let the spirit harm her people.
"Melanie." she hissed.
"Miss me? Do you love my gift?" the Spirit of Jealous Love questioned.
"Mizuiro Pearl V-" Hanon was about to transformed when she got cut off.
"I wouldn't transformed if I were you, not in the situation you're in. If you dare to sing a note, then I won't hesitant in pulling the trigger for the flowers to explode!"
"What do you want? If it's me, then leave my people out of it!" Hanon boldly claimed.
"Hanon-sama..." Meru whispered in awe.
"You? Oh no, dear. I don't want you." Melanie denied.
"What?" Hanon was confused, but that didn't make her feel assured.
"No, what I want... Is for you to surrender your kingdom's greatest treasure. If not, I will cause all my lovely dark flowers to wilt and leave this kingdom in ruins!" she threatened.
"No... You can't possibly mean..." Hanon gasped.
"I do. I want your treasure, Princess. The Mirror of Bestowed Gifts." Melanie demanded.
The mermaids gasped. The Mirror of Bestowed Gifts was important to them. It was a treasure that cannot be simply parted. Long, long time ago, the Sea Goddess before Aqua Regina created seven treasures for each kingdom to keep safe. Six of them were not as significant as the main treasure. The Aqua Mermaids have the mirror, one of the most treasured out of the three powerful artifacts created. They have hid their treasure safely away that even when the kingdom was attacked by Gaito three years ago, the chamber that kept the mirror safe was still intact.
"No! That mirror is vital to us! I can't just give it away, especially to you!" Hanon argued.
"If you don't give me the mirror, I will destroy your home along with your beloved subjects." the spirit dared. "With no hesitation or regrets."
Many of the mermaids shouted at Hanon to not give in. She didn't have time to think when what sounded like a bomb exploded.
"Ah!" many of the mermaids cried.
Hanon didn't dare to turn around. She didn't want to see her people or her home destroyed again. She just remained silent and froze.
The enemy just taunted her, "What's wrong, Princess? The more you hesitant, the more impatient I get. Who knows? I might pull the trigger and set all the bombs off. All that will remain would be the sound of screams and cries ringing and echoing in your clear ears. So... What will be your answer?"
"No." Hanon denied for the second time.
"What a shame." Melanie remarks as more explosion can be heard. "The third time of denial and it shall be the entire kingdom."
Hanon just shut her eyes as the mermaids told her no. She can imagine the enemy close to setting off all the bombs when...
"Wait! Stop, please!" she cried, near to tears. "I'll... I'll give you the mirror..."
"Hmph, wise choice."
"Hanon-sama, no!" Meru pleaded.
"Don't worry about us! Don't give away the mirror!" Himori yelled.
"I can't! I don't want to lose anymore of you! Any of you, all of you!" Hanon burst into tears. "I won't be able to bear it any longer if I know that I'm the cause of all of your suffering!"
"Hanon-sama..." Meru trailed off in shock.
"Aw, how sweet. But a deal is a deal, Princess." Melanie mocked. "Go and give me the mirror. I may promise not to detonate the bombs, but that doesn't mean that I can't hurt your people."
Hanon quickly swim to her palace. Through a secret passage behind the shell throne, she was led down to the basement.
'That spirit was smart. She knew that only I can access the room.' Hanon laments.
At the door, Hanon took out her Aqua Pearl and insert it in a small slot. For a few seconds, the lining of the door glowed blue, forming an image of a shell. Once Hanon heard a click, she took out her pearl and pushed the door opened. In front of her, floating and glowing on a pedestal was the sacred mirror. Hanon gasped in awe. She knew of the treasure, but this was the first time she seen it with her own eyes.
The mirror was somewhat circular, almost oval-shaped. It had a silver blue frame, very exquisite and extremely detailed as well. Of course, because it was called the Mirror of Bestowed Gifts, it was decorated with seven of them. At the top of the mirror was a golden star that shines a bright light with a tint of blue, almost like the jewel of a crown. This gift was the Morning Light's Brilliance. Near the star is a corona of flames, glowing a warm pinkish red color. At the same time, it burned a golden color, the Drop of Golden Flame.
A few space away from the flames are orange flowers on both sides, the Endearing Embrace of Earth. Blue wavy decor decorates the outer part of the mirror all the way around. At the bottom of the looking glass, lining up with the silver frame is a shell of blue Caribbean color. In the center of that shell is an orb, a gift known as the Calming Sea. Opposite to where the shell was, is sterling silver that styled to look like an upside down tiara. At the center on the tip of the tiara is a purple gem, the Lonesome Shadows.
Near the end of the shell were icy indigo shard-like crystals that resembles wings. Four shards on both sides, from longest to shortest if one were looking at it from up to down. This gift is called the Silver Lining of Ice and Snow. From end of the longest shards to the orange flowers are three leaves equally spaced out. What connects them is the green Graceful Rejuvenating Air, in the form of wavy musical bar lines to give it the appearance of the wind.
As she took the treasure in her hands, the mirror dims in light. Seeing her reflection, Hanon suddenly recalled her dream. The girl who was crying... She had this mirror in her hands. But why?
'I have no time...' Hanon thought as she hurried out of the chamber.
Once she got out of her palace, many of the mermaids gasped in awe and fear. Like their Princess, they never saw the mirror before. But all grew wary of what Hanon's choice will be. Melanie, however, was delighted at seeing the rumored treasure. In fact, she was quite pleased of Hanon's obedience.
"Now, Princess, if you just hand over the mirror..."
"No!" she refused.
"No? We had a deal!" she was quick to anger.
"And I said no! Legend says that this mirror reflects what's in the owner's heart! In the hands of a pure heart, they can use to the mirror to restore what has been lost. However, if someone was impure at heart were to posses the mirror, all they will bring is destruction." Hanon explained.
"And that's the point why I'm here! To give that mirror to my Mistress!" Melanie yelled as she charged towards Hanon.
The Spirit of Jealous Love and Aqua Mermaid Princess fought over the mirror, determined to get it away from the other. Knowing that Hanon wasn't going to let go, Melanie summoned tiny Soulless in the form of pesky flies to distract her. However, during the process, Hanon accidentally lost her grip on the mirror as the flies pestered her. The spirit would have gotten the treasure, but she didn't except for Hanon to let go so suddenly, letting the mirror slipped out of her hands as she got thrown back.
The mirror fall and unfortunately got destroyed as a result.
"Ah, the mirror!" Hanon clasped her hands over her mouth in shock.
"Darn it!" Melanie cursed.
Immediately, the seven gifts started to lose physical form after the mirror shattered and slowly faded from existence. The spirit then glared at Hanon. Angered at her failed attempt in retrieving the treasure, she sent a blast of energy straight at the defenseless mermaid. However, Meru managed to get away from her mother's grip and swim between Hanon and the attack.
"Meru, watch out!" Hanon warned.
As the attack was inches away, Meru braced herself for the impact. Suddenly, an aqua light shined. The beam of energy melts from the intensity of the light as it failed to hit the young mermaid. And it didn't just stopped there. The strange light also got rid of the black flowers and the threat it poses. When Meru opened her eyes, she saw that she was the one who was glowing. At least, her right arm was, shining an aquamarine color.
"No!" the spirit yelled, fazed by the light. "I can't believe my eyes..."
"Meru..." Hanon was speechless.
However, the young mermaid wasn't listening. She was staring intensely at her right arm. The child was shocked, awed, curious, but most of all, concerned. What did this mark mean? The insignia was very beautiful, having a sword-like shape and swirls like the sea. On where the hilt was suppose to be was a diamond. If she wasn't overcome with shock, Meru would have been more curious.
"H-Hanon-sama, w-what's happening to me?" Meru panicked.
The Aqua Princess cannot explained. Although, she began to recall more of her dream last night. The girl who had the mirror also had a similar mark on her right arm...
Suddenly, the Spirit of the Calming Sea appeared. Although she glowed faintly compared to Meru and looked more spiritually, she seemed to have chosen that child for some reason.
'One of the seven gifts, the Calming Sea... Chose her to keep it safe? Then that means one day...' Melanie trailed off in thought.
After looking at Meru's mark, she was reminded of the time when she encountered Mai. She also had a similar blade on her right arm as well, but a pink color. This mermaid was the same... Or, is she really a mermaid?
Smirking, Melanie declared, "You... You're a Umiko!"
"Eh?" Meru looked up.
"Heh, I thought Umikos were just a legend. That or there aren't much around left." the spirit remarked.
"Wait a minute! What did you mean when you called her a Umiko? What is a Umiko?!" Hanon demanded.
"Simple, Princess. A Umiko is the product between a mermaid and... A human." Melanie answered spitefully.
"A mermaid and a... Human?" Meru whispered. "No, that's not possible. I'm a mermaid, not this... This Umiko you're claiming me to be!"
"Sadly, that insignia of a blade proves otherwise. I've heard that Umikos have that to prove that they are the creation between the two race." the spirit taunted.
"Then, I have a human father..." Meru trailed off as she looked at her arm.
Soon, the light dimmed as the blade disappeared.
"And since it's an aquamarine glow..." Melanie turned to Himori. "That means that you fell in love with a human once, didn't you?"
Himori kept quiet as Meru looked at her in worry.
"Mommy?"
"Well, this has been quite an interesting day." the spirit mused. "But now I must depart."
"What are you talking about?!" Hanon interrogated.
"The mirror has lost its blessings and it seemed that the Spirit of the Calming Sea has chosen her to keep it safe. What's more is that girl is a Umiko. You haven nothing left that I'm interested in." Melanie explained. "So, until next time."
"Wait!" Hanon yelled.
But she had already retreated. With her attention away from Melanie, Hanon looked at the shattered mirror and the missing blessings that made it special. Taking a piece of glass in her hands, Hanon began to despair.
'What should we do? The mirror is unrepairable.'
"Even though the mirror is broken, don't despair Aqua Mermaid Princess, Hanon." a voice told her.
"That voice... Aqua Regina-sama!" Hanon looked up as a light shined on the glass pieces.
"Even though I've lost my form, both physical and spiritual, ever since Lucia has inherited my powers, I shall come to your aid one last time." Aqua Regina explained.
The pieces of the mirror was slowly getting together, building and getting larger. Soon, the glass shards formed the mirror. It was as good as new! However, because it was missing the gifts, it looked like a regular boring looking glass.
"It's good as new. It's ashamed that the mirror lost its blessings." Hanon comments as she picked up the plain treasure.
"I can no longer talk to you, Hanon. Take to the oracle, Periwinkle. She can fill you in. Good luck..." Aqua Regina's voice faded away.
As Hanon stared at her reflection sadly, Meru confronted her mother for some explanation.
"Mommy, what was she talking about? Is it true that I have a human father?"
Himori just looked down, partially in sadness and shame, "Everything she told you was true. Meru, you are a Umiko, a child of the sea."
"Why didn't you told me?" Meru felt a bit betrayed.
"I never told you because I thought you're too young to understand. I was hoping that when you turned thirteen, I could tell you." Himori insisted. "Much like the Panthalassa Clan, who are nearly wiped out, the same thing are with Umikos. There haven't been many of them around, almost like they disappeared."
"Disappeared?"
"I wanted to keep your identity as a secret. I didn't want you to carry the burden, knowing that you're different from the rest of us." she explained.
"So that's why you raised me in the ocean, so I can live as a mermaid." Meru figured out. "What about father?"
"I don't know."
"Why? You were in love, rig-" Meru got cut off.
"I was! But..." her mother trailed off.
"Mommy, what happened to father?" the child questioned.
"I don't know. Really, I don't" Himori sadly answered.
Hanon got up as she spoke, "Let's go inside. I hope Periwinkle-san has some answers."
Swimming away, Meru cannot see Hanon's eyes for they were shadowed by her bangs. But for some reason, she can feel the disappointment hiding behind those eyes.
"Hanon-sama."
When they entered a temple next to palace, they were greeted by the Sea Oracle, known as Periwinkle. She was a beautiful priestess with long blue hair, wearing a white and blue dress that reached the floor. When she heard of their arrival, the woman opened her teal eyes and greeted her Princess.
"It's an honor to see you again, Hanon-sama." she spoke.
"Periwinkle-san, we have some questions." Hanon replied.
"I see. Then perhaps I may have some answers." Periwinkle respond.
"Periwinkle-san, Aqua Regina-sama told me to speak to you about the mirror." Hanon explained as she showed her the treasure.
"The mirror is missing the seven blessings." the priestess noted.
"Do you know how to fix it?" Meru questioned.
"In order to repair the mirror, you first need to know the history of its creation." Periwinkle told her.
"Please, tell us." Hanon requested.
The Sea Oracle began her explanation. Long ago, there was an ancient mirror given to the Aqua Mermaids by a Sea Goddess. It stood plain on the pedestal, found inside a cave. At that time, humans and mermaids once lived together in peace. Hanon remembered that was exactly what Noel had mentioned earlier and kept that in mind. Anyhow, before the humans have forgotten about the mermaids, there were still a few who've befriended them. One day, there was a story that tells of an Aqua Mermaid Princess long time ago. She befriended seven humans with pure hearts. In order for the Princess to gain the mirror's help in restoring her fallen kingdom from an ancient evil's attack, the seven companions journeyed with her to obtained the gifts that made the mirror special.
"However, to make the gifts gain physical form, the companions have to give up their lives. A trade. The life of people with pure hearts for the manifestation of the gifts. Their souls are the gifts themselves." Periwinkle continued. "After their sacrifice, the gifts merged together to create a powerful, mystic orb."
"I remember there was an orb at the center of the shell, but it was gone when the gifts scattered." Hanon claimed.
The priestess nodded, "The orb would resonate with the looking glass and when joined together, the gifts spread around the frame, becoming the Mirror of Bestowed Gifts we know today."
"How can we fix it?" Hanon inquired.
"We cannot." Periwinkle simply answered as the mirror disappeared.
"The mirror!" Meru exclaimed.
"Don't worry, Meru. With the mirror inactive, it went to where the scattered gifts are. They're safely hidden." Periwinkle assured. " It'll only reveal itself and its location along with the gifts when there is a crisis."
"When that crisis come, how can the mirror be restored?" Himori asked.
"There are three requirements if you wished to fix it. The crisis, an Aqua Princess, and her seven pure-hearted friends whom will become the new gifts."
"You mean... Hanon-sama will have to sacrifice seven of her friends to restore the mirror?" Meru asked warily. "That's how she'll suffer from heartbreak?!"
"In my prophecy, I never said it would be Hanon-sama. I said an Aqua Princess. That rule doesn't just apply only Hanon-sama." Periwinkle clarified.
"You mean..." Hanon feared.
"Yes, Hanon-sama. It could be the Princess that succeeds after you or the one after her, so on and so forth."
"No way! That's just too cruel! Why should it be Hanon-sama or any other Aqua Mermaid Princess to take such a burden!" Meru argued.
"Meru, it's for the better of others. Just like your father." Periwinkle sadly informed. "I believe that was going to be your second question?"
"W-What?" Meru was taken aback.
"He loved your mother and you before you were born. However, destiny called him for something else."
"Periwinkle-san, what so you mean?" Himori questioned.
"I mean that the man left you, but it wasn't because he wanted to. He risked his life to save yours and Meru. That day of your 17th year, he was asked to go on an expedition to find another legendary treasure. The powerful Silver Sword of Taking." the priestess paused before continuing. "The treasure was located near around this ocean. The researchers took it to their research facility."
The three listened intensely as Periwinkle once more gave an explanation. Apparently, the head of the expedition, a crazed mad man wanted to use the sword to find out the existence of their kind. His greed in exploiting power for fame put many innocent bystanders in danger.
'Oh my, how awful.' Hanon thought.
"Your father, to save a child and intended to protect your mother and her home, got killed in the process."
"Oh, I see..." Meru spoke in disappointment.
"I'm so sorry, Meru... About your father." Hanon comforted the child.
"He did all of this and I never knew..." Himori cried.
"Periwinkle-san, where is this sword?" Hanon turned to her.
"Sadly, it's been lost. When that crazed man was caught, the sword vanished. Not a single trace of it could be found." the priestess claimed. "If you wished to learn more about the three legendary treasures, I would advised you to consult your friend, the Indigo Mermaid Princess."
"Noel..." Hanon trailed off.
"Perhaps she has the answers you're looking for." she replied. "Now, Hanon-sama, Meru, may you please step out? I wished to have a word with Himori."
"Forgive me for my intrusion, but I wished to know." Hanon countered.
"Me too." Meru agreed. "What's the matter, Mommy?"
Himori sighed, "Back then, when I married him, when our love was at its fullest... Giving up on my youthful days for motherhood was like giving up my tail to live as a human."
"So?" Meru wondered.
"Because I loved your father, I'm slowly losing my status as a mermaid to become complete human. Very soon, on my 30th year, I will lose my status as a mermaid permanently."
"But you were always a mermaid, Mommy." Meru pointed out.
"When I was pregnant with you, I returned to the sea to prolonged my change. But soon, the ocean will no longer be my home. I'll soon have to move back on land... Like I'd initially planned."
"Then I'll go with you." Meru insisted.
"That's right. You don't have to stay on land with no where to go. You can come to where the others and I live." Hanon offered.
"Thank you, Princess." Himori bowed.
After leaving Periwinkle and the temple, the three mermaids departed to check on the others. Hanon was relieved to know that no one was hurt severely. Only a few minor injuries, but everyone had safely escaped when the explosion happened. Seeing her off, the Aqua Mermaids said their goodbyes.
"I'll look forward in seeing you all again. Farewell." Hanon said her goodbye as she swim away from her home.
"Goodbye, Hanon-sama!" Meru waved.
By the time Hanon returned to Japan, it was close to being eight in the evening. She was two hours late! When she surfaced, she panicked.
"Oh no, I have to hurry!" she dives back into the water.
Little did she knew, Nagisa was close by. After pasted their time, Nagisa had left the park and went to a small cliff that overlooked the beach. When he heard something was at sea, he looked down to see an Aqua Mermaid. However, he didn't see her face, but was fascinated with her beauty and charm. As a soft breeze blow against his face, Nagisa took his bike and decided to go to Pearl Peri to check if Hanon has returned.
Meanwhile, on an isolated area of the beach, Hanon had transformed back into her human form. Quickly taking out her cellphone, she called her boyfriend.
"Hanon?"
"Nagisa, ano... About our date..." she paused. "Am I too late?"
"No. You're in time. Okay, maybe you are a bit late, but don't worry about it. We can still go now if you want." he answered.
"Honto?"
"Yeah. Where are you? I was about to go to the hotel, but since you called me instead..."
"I'm at the beach." Hanon respond. "Just like you told me."
"Okay, I'll be right there as soon as I can." he told her before hanging up.
After a few minutes of waiting, Hanon turned around to see her boyfriend has arrived. Getting on, the two pedaled around the area. With night taken over and the lights turned on, it was a sight to see. The girl would have enjoyed it if she wasn't troubled at the moment.
Noticing her deep thinking, Nagisa noted, 'She's having her thinking again... Hanon, what on earth is bothering you?'
Determined to get rid of her troubled thoughts, he pedaled faster which caught Hanon by surprised.
"W-What wrong, Nagisa? Why are you pedaling so fast?" Hanon inquired.
"Just wait, Hanon. I'll take us somewhere fun!" he told her.
He had planned to take her to the amusement park where they last had their date, but it was closed. Luckily, there was a festival around town. And it was free. As the blue haired couple got off the tandem bike, Nagisa was the first to grabbed Hanon's hand before pulling her in.
The boy tried many attempts to get Hanon out of her mood. Playing games, buying food, anything to lift her spirits. Very soon, Hanon started to smiled more.
'Nagisa... Thank you for cheering me up.' Hanon warmly thought.
"Come on!" he took her hand again and took her to their next location.
Going to the Ferris wheel, the couple sat opposite sides. However, as the wheel slowly turned, it started to get a bit awkward.
"So..." Nagisa started off. "What happened today that you had to go?"
"Oh, that's because..." Hanon trailed off, not knowing what to say.
She was back to thinking again, thinking about what Periwinkle had told her. Everything just seemed so overbearing. Nagisa frowned as he stood up so suddenly.
"Hanon!"
"W-What's the matter, Nagisa?" Hanon stuttered.
Placing a hand to his chest, he promised, "No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side if you need anything!"
"Nagisa... I'm happy to hear that." Hanon smiled.
"There's the Hanon I know." Nagisa laughed.
"W-What are you talking about? I'm always like this." she pouted.
The boy chuckled as he looked at the window, "Hanon, looked at the many stars out there."
She joined him as they looked at the glimmering lights in the night sky. It wasn't just the stars, but the colorful lights of the festivities.
"Waa, kirei!" Hanon exclaimed.
"Yeah." Nagisa agreed.
"Thank you, Nagisa. I'm really grateful that you took me here."
Suddenly, the two gazed into the other eyes. Closing their eyelids, the two lean in for a kiss. Immediately, the fireworks were launched into the sky, brightening the scenery. It only made the scene even more magical and enchanting. Once the fireworks were over and they've gotten off the Ferris wheel, the two ended their date and returned to the tandem bike.
After Nagisa dropped Hanon in front of the hotel, Hanon gave him a goodbye kiss before waving at him and heading inside. When she was greeted by her friends, she wasted no time in telling the girls everything that has happened. About Periwinkle's prophecy, Meru's mark, and her treasure was broken.
"So, the mirror is gone?" Lucia questioned.
"It was repaired, but the mirror now lost its blessings." Hanon answered.
"Hanon, would it be okay if I can borrow the mirror?" Seira asked.
"Well, the mirror disappeared. It won't return unless there is a crisis." Hanon replied.
"Oh, I see..." Seira sadly responded.
She was hoping that she could used the mirror to restore her kingdom and possibly find any Orange Mermaids. Lucia realized Seira's plans and comforted the girl. Hanon noticed too, but she turned to faced the Indigo Princess. She asked Noel if she was familiar with the three legendary treasure and if she can tell them more. Her response was that she knew about the treasures. However, it was getting late and everyone was getting tired.
"I afraid we'll have to discuss this at another time. I'm sorry." Noel regretfully apologized.
"No, no. It's fine." Hanon assured.
As the mermaids got ready for their bath in the bath house, Hanon didn't join the girls. She insisted in wanting to be by herself, taking a bath in her own room. Many thoughts and concern went in and out of her mind. What was she going to do with Nagisa? What will happen with the mirror? And who was that girl in her dream? This... Aqua Spirit?
'I should tell Lucia about her...' she thought.
When she was finished with her bath, Hanon dressed in her new aqua nightgown. Listening to her own advice, Hanon went to Lucia's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in." she heard Lucia's voice from the other side.
Opening the door, Hanon was welcomed in by her friend. Wanting some privacy, she closed the door behind her before talking to her friend.
"Lucia..."
"What is it, Hanon?"
"I need to tell you something. Something I think you need to know." Hanon replied.
"Something I need to know?" Lucia repeated.
She nodded, "Remember a few days ago, Rina told us about a Green Spirit?"
"Hai."
"Well, in my dreams in the morning, I saw a girl who glowed an aqua light." Hanon admitted. "I think she could be an Aqua Spirit."
"Aqua Spirit?" Lucia questioned.
"Lucia, what does this mean?" Hanon asked.
"I honesty don't know, Hanon." the girl sadly answered. "But thank you for telling me. Now, I think you should go to bed."
"Why?"
"Because you have too much on your mind today." Lucia insisted as she pushed Hanon out of her room.
Once alone, Lucia let out a sigh. However, it wasn't an assuring one.
'A Green and Aqua Spirit? Why are they getting so close to Rina and Hanon? Is is possible that they... Are trying to communicate with us?'
Meanwhile, in the cold, snowy area of a town, footsteps can be heard. It was such a beautiful night out. Beautiful, but mournful. The conductor looked at the dead girl laying on the floor, joined with Kumi. There were matches scattered around her small body. The poor thing. She was once a sweet soul. With brown hair and eyes, dressed in tattered rags, she had nothing to protect her against the cold.
"This is our next Princess, Haru. This child." Kumi spoke. "What do you think?"
"Oh, how sad. A young girl's body laid frozen in repose. Burnt matches that showed her fleeting hope and life. Tell me, why did you asked me for revenge? Please, sing for me."
At his request, a mask formed in front of the child's face as she moved her lips to sing of her sad tale.
Just so you can remember, why was Hanon led to the Aqua Spirit when she was searching for Nagisa in her dreams? And could that have been a premonition? Hmm, I wonder if this has to do with the other spirits as well?
Meru: I can't believe you, Pearl-sama!
What?
Meru: You left me off with a mysterious mark and a sad story about my father.
Uh… You do know that the world have infinite possibilities, right?
Meru: What? Really? So will there ever be a story where I am a secondary character and get my own chapter?
Yes. Just go jump to RSBCS's story. He has what you want that I can't give right now (although, he has not finish it yet).
Meru: Really! But how do I get there?
Oh one moment *went off to get something and returns with a button*
Meru: Remember, mina-san, leave down in the reviews if you want more chapters and help me beat Pearl-sama. *giggles* Bye!
Wha-! Well, enjoy the world that RSBCS made. Alright mina-san, let's get to concepts and the OCs, shall we?
Concepts
Mizu Princess- The first Mizu Child and the human reincarnation of Princess Aurora. She unfortunately had The Little Mermaid's Curse which caused her descendants, the Mizu Children, to end in tragedy... Just like her past life when she failed at love.
Umiko- Literally translate to Sea Child or Child of the Sea, but I think Umiko sounds more cooler, so I'll stick to the Japanese word. As explained in this chapter, an Umiko is the child between a human and a mermaid. The color of their Celestial Blade of the Sea depends on what kingdom their mothers were from. I will admit, Umiko is the middle of the new race. There are two others that can be stronger or weaker than Umikos, hence why they are in the middle. Pure 50/50 human and mermaid blood.
Mirror of Bestowed Gifts- One of the three legendary treasures. Each seven gifts reflects on the seven mermaid kingdoms and element. It was given to the Aqua Mermaids for safe keeping. Despite it's a blessing, it can also be a curse. Not all treasures are meant to be all good or all bad. Inspired and based off of one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Yata no Kagami.
Silver Sword of Taking- Another of the three legendary treasures. The power of it is very destructive, but there is no specifics at the moment. It used to belong to the Panthalassa Clan, but an event happened that led the sword to be stolen. Inspired and based off of another Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
...
Princess Aurora: I am a deceased Yellow Mermaid Princess who played the role of the first Little Mermaid, the version that the humans are used to. After my death, 300 years later, I reincarnated into a girl who grew close to Haruki. Can you guess who my reincarnated self is?
Himori: You already know, but I'm Meru's mother. Because I never had a name in the anime/manga, Pearl gave me one.
Periwinkle: I am the South Atlantic Ocean's Sea Oracle. I doubt that I'll return since I'm meant to be a one time character. But if you wished to know more about me, I'll gladly tell you since this is my last time in this story. I give out prophecy that concerns Princess Hanon or the future of the South Atlantic Mermaids.
Aqua Spirit: There is no information on me sadly. However, because I have an aqua Celestial Blade, you can assume that I am an Umiko. But if you can figure out the tiny hints Pearl gives out throughout the chapter, I'm sure you can find more interesting facts about me.
Mai (Updated): I did not appear in this chapter, but I can now confirm that I am an Umiko. And because my blade is pink, my mother was a pink mermaid.
...
Takumi: Was our retelling the best or what?
Mikage: I know! I wonder if there was such history. Noel did mentioned that Princess Aurora was the first Little Mermaid, but not the original.
Seira: Well, we know nothing of the original Little Mermaid, the one who supposed to have a happy ending.
*Laughs* Yeah, your retelling was definitely not foreshadowing... Or rather, *snicker* foreshadowing a flashback.
Remember everyone, if you want more Mermaid Melody stories, I recommend that you see Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Duo by RSBCS. His work is amazing and will leave you in awe. See you hopefully very soon.
