We have another chapter and on boy. That is an ominous title. I'd like to mention that in this chapter, there are scenes that happen not in chronological order. It's because I don't want to cut back and forth between the scenes. Otherwise, the scenes would be short. I'm letting you guys know beforehand so when you read this chapter, you won't get confused at the sequence of the two scenes. Well, enjoy.


Chapter 12: Inevitable Fate

Two years have passed and the Grak Princess turned thirteen. As a gift, the King - now in a fine age of thirty three - gave his daughter a new dress. He had the dress inspired off of Wanda's. As his daughter grew, she was becoming a splitting image of his dearest beloved. The Princess gratefully accepted the gift and tried it on. The Royal Guards and the Grak King waited for Brigid to return... As well as a few servants from the palace.

When she came out, she was wearing a forest green dress with a white trim and some coral detailing at the end of the light green layer of the skirt. The innermost later has a darker shade of green at the bottom of the dress. She wore a coat with parts of the skirt aligns with. Creme white, long sleeves with ruffled ends, the coat has some coral trimming and the gold detailing on the creme color of the overskirt was similar to her mother's dress. There was a coral pink bow in front of the neckline and a lacy white choker with a green ribbon tied around her neck. Her long hair is let down, reaching down to her waist. A small gold tiara is on her head with tiny ivy plants on the right side of her hair.

They were astound. She truly grew to greatly resemble her mother as the girl give a little twirl to show off the dress. Some of the servants - whom were mostly males - were eying the Grak Princess. Serafina send a glare down their way as a dark aura manifested around her, forcing the servants to back down, coughing awkwardly. Mercy hid a small giggle at her older sister.

She recalled telling Serafina two years ago, as it was tradition for any kingdom, that Brigid would have to find a suitor to rule with when it is her time to inherit the throne eventually. That sends alarm bells ringing at the older Royal Guard's head. She began to question why can't their little sister simply rule the kingdom alone. Even if that option was possible, suitors would still would want her hand in marriage no matter what reason. Political choices, alliances created, marriage to avoid a war... The list goes on and on. Serafina didn't take the answer too well and being the overly protective sister, she won't let anyone use or hurt Brigid and get away with it. If she ever catch someone breaking her sister's heart, she'll burn them right on the spot!

Why, just a year ago...

There was a servant boy who was admiring the Princess. After all, interactions with servants and royalty rarely happens, so it was understandable why the boy was excited. However... He might be overstepping the boundary a bit when he started holding her hands.

"C-Can you please let go of my hands?" Brigid requested meekly.

A hint of blush was on her face since she was never touched by a boy around her age before. However, she was telling the servant boy to let go not because she didn't like him or he was making her feeling uncomfortable. There was a reason for that.

"Why, Princess?"

The Salt Princess was glancing around her shoulders worriedly, on a lookout for her older sister. She was trying to warn the boy and get him to leave. They can't be seen together at such close proximity.

"Eek!" Brigid directed her attention at the bushes, having spotted glowing eyes and a dark, murderous aura.

Serafina stood up, having been spotted. She was glaring at the servant boy who was still holding Brigid's hands. That dark aura that surrounds her got even bigger.

"Isn't that your Royal Guard? Why do you seem worried of her?" the boy questioned, oblivious that he is done for.

"I'm not worried about her, I'm worried for you!"

"Huh?"

The Royal Guard basically threw a sword between them, shocking the children. That did the trick. He finally let go of the Princess' hands.

"How dare you get intimate with Princess Brigid! Is it forbidden to try to woo her heart at such a young age. Have you no shame? As her Royal Guard, such a disgrace is punishable by death!"

"W-Wait, Serafina! He isn't doing anything to me!" the girl tried to reasoned as the boy hid behind her.

"Coward! You better run before I scorch you to nothingness." she threatens.

The dark aura grew even more stronger and monstrous around her as she summoned her elemental power.

"Ahh!" the boy screamed, fearing for his life.

Having heard all the commotion, Mercy just walked in to see the boy ran passed her followed by her older sister.

"What's going on?" she wondered.

"We have to go after them!" Brigid told Mercy as the two of them followed suit.

After chasing the pair, the two sisters finally caught up. Serafina has gotten the servant boy cornered behind a wall as she was ready to use her powers to burn him alive!

"Any last words?" she taunts the frighten soul.

"Merce, you have to stop her! Sera is going to kill that poor boy!" Brigid pleaded.

The younger Royal Guard was hesitant. She wasn't the same height as her elder sibling. She wasn't quite sure if she can secure her. Although, if she tiptoed, she might be close enough to reach her height. Sneaking quietly up to her sibling, just before Serafina could attack, Mercy slipped her arms under hers, holding her back and stopping the attack.

"Let go of me, Mercy!" Serafina yelled as she struggled.

The younger Royal Guard was also struggling in restraining her older sister. Because of the slight height difference, it was hard to keep Serafina from moving. With her older sister flailing about, Mercy was sure that she might get lifted off the ground and thrown around. So, she resolve that problem by having ice forming and encasing around her feet, ensuring that it stays firmly planted on the ground as she tries to keep Serafina at bay.

Running to the boy, Brigid explained that it was okay for him to leave. The servant gave a nod before escaping... But not before pulling down his lower eyelid and sticking out his tongue at Serafina. Sighing at the troubling scene, Brigid turned towards her older sister. A look of exasperation and a hint of embarrassment was clearly on her face. From the looks of it, it seems that Serafina has calmed down already, having exhausted herself from all her flailing.

"Enough already..." she quietly muttered before walking to her sisters. Flicking her sister's forehead with her index finger, Brigid responded with, "Dummy!"

"Ow! What are you... That hurts! Why did you do that, Bri?" Serafina whined, placing her hands on her forehead as she made a sad pouting face.

"Because you can't go attacking every boy who got close to me." the Princess chastised. "Otherwise, you'll be hated."

She was angry, but she was trying to help. She deeply cares for her sisters and wouldn't want anything bad happening to them. Otherwise, it would have made her sad.

"Gee, Serafina. I never knew you had such a severe case of a sister complex." Mercy remarked, letting go of her elder sibling as the ice around her feet melted away.

"It's not a complex, Mercy." the Royal Guard insisted. "I'm just trying to protect Brigid."

"Anyway, how did it went from wanting to protect me to chasing down that poor boy with the intent of burning him alive?" the Princess questioned.

"I wasn't planning on burning him alive, just rough him up a bit." Serafina mumbled, twiddling her fingers embarrassingly.

"Ah... That might be my fault." Mercy admitted. "I gave her some books to read on other cultures. Apparently, I think treason against the royal family is punishable by death. I assume Serafina took that the wrong way."

"Mercy, how could you?!"

"It's not my fault! I didn't think Serafina would take it so seriously and quite literally."

Since then, the sisters, specifically Mercy, were tasked to make sure that the older Royal Guard won't ever conduct herself in that type of manner ever again. She may send a message, but she can never straight out attack someone whom she believe will harm the Princess. The result have improved. The older sister has managed to control her urges to end any fiend's life and have reduced her over protectiveness down to a simple glare along with the "keep away" aura of hers.

Anyway, back to the present...

As the Salt Princess was about to run off, she nearly bumped into the Royal Advisor.

"Oh, sorry, Ms. Cailleach." Brigid apologized.

"It's alright, dear." the old woman insisted. Holding her hands, the witch remarked, "You've certainly have grown, Princess."

She gave a warm smile in return.

'She's very nice.' the girl thought happily.

From a distance, Mercy watched worriedly at the two. She was so concern, she didn't hear the King approaching behind her. King Henryk said nothing and followed her gaze after noticing her expression. He too, frowned at the scene and also grew concern. As for Serafina, she turned her sight away, not wanting to see her master conversing with her precious little sister. After hiding behind the curtains, the older Royal Guard was about to teleport away from the Throne Room, but Mercy stops her.

"Serafina, wait!" Mercy whispered behind the curtains.

"Why?" the older sister asked, clearly a bit irritated.

The younger sister flinched a bit. This wasn't the first time Serafina displayed such loathing emotions. Still, the attitude she felt towards the Royal Advisor that is directed at her always make her flinch.

"We don't really have a choice in this, Serafina." Mercy started out slowly.

"Is that all you came to tell me? I really have enough of Master's belittlement of me already, I don't need you to start reminding me too."

"That wasn't my intention."

"I know. I-" older Royal Guard sighed. "I know. I'm sorry if it's like I'm venting my anger towards you."

"I understand that you didn't meant for that to happen the way it did."

"Listen, Mercy. I really don't want to talk about Master or her plans right now. I just - I just need some time to myself, please?"

"Wait-"

Not waiting for a response, she teleported away, leaving behind cinders in the air. Mercy sighed as she looked out of the curtains. The Royal Advisor was gone, so was Brigid and the King. It was most likely that Brigid will seek out Serafina, King Henryk will resume to his paper work, and the Royal Advisor will be sipping tea in her room. Sighing again, Mercy leaned against the wall, letting the drapes shield her from the light.

'I wanted to asked you... If you think this life of ours will last.'

Memories of that haunting dream flashed in her mind. Serafina laying on the ground near the entrance to the Underground Lake, Brigid's lifeless body abandoned in the Abyss, and the entire world completely turned into salt.

'Knowing that my future will play out like this... It's just too cruel...'

The girl lowered her head with her hand covering her eyes as tears started to fall. She wanted to tell someone. But how? She can't. It was knowledge that she has to keep for herself. Telling such a dark truth would only resulted in the construction of poor comforting lies. Besides, no one would believe her. Even if they did, they would only grew to distrust her. In all honesty, she wished she could be like Serafina. That girl never like things to be complicated. She's the type who would most likely run when the situation got out of hand. That's why Mercy could tell that if given the chance, Serafina would run and wouldn't hesitant to betray their creator.

After all, the Royal Advisor already hurt her. There is no doubt that their estranged relationship would only cause a bigger rift. As for Brigid, she most likely would run unless she is forced to face her problems. But living in a time of peace, that wouldn't be happening soon.

"You're running away again and leaving me all alone once more." the doll cried bitterly with a sigh.

Wait... What did she meant by "again" and "once more"? Realizing what she had just said, Mercy was shocked. Why did she said such words like that? Maybe something similar happened in her past before she first woke up in the lab? No, that was impossible. Then... Could that be Meranda speaking? After all, Mercy has already established that she is the embodiment of her sadness. Still... The doll shook her head in dismay.

It was a mistake - growing so deeply attached to her sisters. Because now, there is completely no way to deny her feelings right now. Perhaps she was in denial and wanted to believe the Royal Advisor's words. That the emotion called "love" was erased from her. But perhaps deep down, she knew that wasn't the truth. There are still traces of the emotion. She truly loves her sisters, but it only makes the story more and more sad. Because no matter what ending she gets, it will always end with her being alone with her sisters gone.

After some time to herself, the younger Royal Guard teleported to the Grak Palace and made her way to her room. By the time Mercy returns to her Snow Room, Meranda separated from her. She actually attained physical form and was confronting her without the need to dive into the subconscious. The manifestation was glaring at her followed with a fed up sigh.

"You used your love for the Brigid and Serafina to distract me." she seethed. "And just when I thought you were reminding that hopeless girl of our mission."

"How...?"

Mercy was completely shocked to see Meranda right in front of her. It was as if her own demon manifest itself. However, she was aware that the girl in front of her wasn't Meranda. It was the Royal Advisor, possessing her. It was a bit strange, to see your master with your looks. Perhaps it was because Meranda was a part of her, but seeing the Royal Advisor act like her was also strange... As if she was a different person when possessing the hurting side of her.

After some time, Meranda's expression softens, "Surprise to see me? Your expression was just priceless."

"How are you here when I'm not even forced to sleep?" Mercy asked, regaining her composure.

"Do you remember all those discarded dolls? Master original intends to have two of us." Meranda reminded. "Serafina was never supposed to exist because of her eventual failure."

Mercy winced at the reminder. It was also unsettling to hear it from her, despite it was really her master talking.

"Don't refer Serafina to that."

"Are you still thinking like that? You and her are too human." Meranda scoffed. "If you continue on like this, your love for the Princess will eventually lead to your uselessness too."

"Get to the point." Mercy muttered.

Meranda took a sit on one of the glass benches, in a somewhat unladylike manner. Crossing her legs and resting the side of her face on the palm of her hand from her propped arms, the splintered soul direct an amusing look at Mercy.

"Hm, feisty today, aren't we? Anyway, Ma - I - wanted to create two of us. And by 'us', I meant two servants of mercury. But because two water dolls cannot coexist together, it has to only be one. You know this already." Meranda continues. "However, after I place a piece of my soul inside your heart gem, I've manage to attach myself to your insecurities and fears. Basically, the weaker side of you - or the real you, if you consider it like that. It wasn't long until I separate that piece from your soul, thus the being you call 'Meranda' is born."

"So..."

"This form of mine is only temporary. Though you see me as a spirit, my body appears to solidify, granting me substantial form. Despite this, my body is with you."

"What is it that you plan to do?"

"My job is to make sure you do yours... As Meranda, we have to accomplish our master's - my - desires... With or without Serafina." Meranda replied. "I wonder if you have noticed what is happening with your Princess?"

"What?"

"Oho, so you haven't realized. Very well. Allow me to illuminate you..."

Through the Royal Advisor's magic, she pulled memories of what she saw and showed them to Mercy. The doll stumbles, feeling the weight of all those memories rushing into her mind. They were all the times when Brigid was suddenly fell and could never provide an explanation.

The time of Brigid's tenth birthday. Back when she was about to return to the palace with her sisters. She turned, but nearly tripped.

"Brigid!" Serafina exclaimed. They had caught her before she could fall. "Are you okay?"

"What happen?" she had wondered.

"I-I don't know. I suddenly feel tired all of the sudden." was Brigid's explanation.

"You shouldn't sneak out in the morning or else you'll become tired. Let's go."

Another memory flashed, but this one Mercy doesn't recall seeing. Perhaps it was what her master had seen.

From the Royal Advisor's memories, Mercy saw Brigid in her room. If memory serves her correctly, this must be on April Fool's Day two years ago. She recalled not wishing the girl goodnight. What had happen to Brigid back then?

In her room, the Princess was about to head to bed. However, she suddenly collapsed onto the floor. Shaking her head, the girl tried standing, but collapsed again. She had to crawl her way to bed before becoming unconscious.

Then, there was that time when Brigid wanted to find a book about her ancestry. The Frog Prince book was on top of the shelves and she had went to get it by climbing up on the latter.

"Aah!"

She had lost her footing. Luckily, Mercy, at that time, caught the falling Princess before she could hit the ground. The moment after when she scolded the girl.

"Brigid! Thank goodness you're not hurt. You need to be more careful."

"I'm sorry, Merce. I don't know what happen myself."

"What happened?"

"Suddenly, I felt a bit dizzy. I couldn't focus my sight. Everything seemed fuzzy for a moment."

Meranda spoke once she saw the realization on Mercy's face, "It's because of the Salt Enchantment Ceremony. The Princess is close to reaching that special age."

"What does the Salt Enchantment Ceremony do? Will it help Brigid?"

"It won't. It will kill the Princess. That is why she has been feeling tired. Even though the ceremony hasn't being performed yet, as she grows closer to her 14th birthday, her life force is being drained. Every time she use her salt powers, she grows weaker." Meranda explained. "Master doesn't trust you to know. She had a feeling that you'll turned your back on your mission if you found out the truth and judging from your expression, she... I, had a good reason to keep it from you."

"What?"

"Now that you understand my motive... I think it's time for my turn to control you obediently."

"Ahh...!"

With some sort of invisible magic, Meranda forcefully pulled Mercy towards her, making the body whole again. However, this time, it wasn't Mercy who was in control. With her eyes turning silver with a hint of blue, the witch smiled. It would be hard to distinguish between the colors, so nobody would notice.

"I need to take a walk, so stay inside and remain asleep. Don't even think about resisting against me."


At the Training Ground, near the Edge of the Forest, Serafina was practicing the swings of her sword. Practicing swordsmanship always help her cool down. She continued like that since this morning after she disappeared from the Throne Room until she heard the sound of grass rustling. The Royal Guard stopped to turn, seeing that it was only Brigid.

The Salt Princess was dressed differently, looking more like she was ready to handle combat. The outfit was similar to the dress her father had given her this morning, only shorter on the skirt and on the sleeves, which - in Serafina's opinion - probably better with moving around than in a full length skirt. Because the skirt only reached to her knees, Brigid wore white tights with ivy designs and green slippers.

However, that doesn't change her opinion that wearing dresses are suitable for sword fighting. It could make the wielder look fierce while being cute, but no one is really going to take anyone seriously if they were wearing a dress. The Royal Guard snapped out of her thoughts when she saw a sword in the girl's hands.

"What are you doing, Brigid?"

"I thought you might need someone to help practice your swings." Brigid replied.

Earlier, after the Princess found Serafina, she was watching from the sidelines until she decided that her sister needed someone to duel. Plus, she wanted to try the arts of sword fighting too. Hence why she left all of the sudden to go changed out of her dress and into a different one.

"Brigid, I can't."

"And why not?"

"Because... Pfft!" Serafina tried holding back a laugh. "I'm sorry, I can't take you seriously if you wear a dress. You just look so adorable!"

"But Mercy wears a dress and you never laughed at her." the girl pouted, her cheeks flushed a bit. "Also, don't they say appearances can be deceiving?"

"Well... That's because I never seen Mercy wield a sword before." the Royal Guard tried to find an excuse.

"Please?" the girl pleaded. "Don't hold back on me just because I'm your little sister."

"Alright, but just to warn you, I won't be going easy." she paused. "...Even if you wear a dress."

"Likewise." Brigid smiled confidently with determination in her eyes.

They both took their stances. For a while, it was just them looking at one another, waiting to see if the other will make the first move. Coincidentally, they both dash forward at the same time. They fought, swinging at each other with neither holding back. This was all done with effort. Initially, Serafina was surprised. She had expected for Brigid to lose, but she unexpectedly managed to do very well. She was blocking all of her attacks and had made great progress on her attacks. This was surprising indeed. Who knew that such a dainty looking Princess can be such a tough fighter?

Eventually, both sides took a step back and stopped, panting from the effort they put into blocking and attacking.

"I'll say this in advance." Serafina spoke.

"What?" Brigid inquires.

"This is fun."

"It is fun for me too." the Princess smiled with a determined look on her face.

They both run, raising their swords for a final swing. The clash between metal and metal met. The sound rang with a clang. Only one of them came out the loser, disarmed, and the other came out the victor.

"Congratulations." Mercy clapped, having just found her sisters.

"Hey, Mercy." Serafina groaned. "Who taught you how to sword fight, Brigid? You're a natural."

"She may be a natural, but I wonder if you can fight two people at the same time." Mercy wondered, summoning a sword made out of ice.

"You want to fight too?" the older Royal Guard asked. "That's a bit unfair, isn't it?"

"I-I don't mind!" Brigid spoke up.

"See?" Mercy directed a sly smile.

Serafina shivered. It wasn't because of the chilly season. It was the way Mercy was smiling. Something about that smile seem to hide a devious intent. Little did they knew, it wasn't Mercy whom they are practicing with. It was Meranda, possessed by the Royal Advisor. After the sisters got to place, they all readied their battle stances.

"Mercy, are you sure you want to use that type of sword? What if the ice breaks?" the oldest sister asked.

"It won't. I made sure that it's stronger than any normal ice. The only thing that could break it is steel." the middle sister assures.

Soon, the fight starts. For a while, Brigid manage to fend for herself, but battling two people at the same time was hard. The two fought at a time that they didn't give her the time to think of a strategy. If she was fighting Serafina, Mercy would have an opening. And if she blocks Mercy's attack, she'd be too distracted to handle Serafina. This was indeed challenging.

Neither side weren't going to give up. For the sisters, they aren't worried about getting hurt. However, they are aware that in a mortal's body, the Princess cannot heal faster like them. So occasionally, they made sure not to strike too hard. Eventually, Serafina and Brigid were tired, having reached their limits because of their previous match. Under her master's control, Meranda was becoming a bit aggressive and competitive.

"Mercy, let's stop." Serafina pants, stopping her sword play.

"No." she answered with defiance, as if no one can tell her what to do.

"Mercy, Brigid and I are tired!" she reasoned.

"You're just weak." Meranda coldly replied.

With that remark, the middle sister ran forward, clashing her sword against Brigid's. The girl was too tired that she barely could have blocked the attack. She stumbles, taking a few steps back.

"W-Wait, Merce. I'm too tired, I'm not ready yet." Brigid stutters.

"Stop it, Mercy!" Serafina yelled.

But Meranda wouldn't listened, ignoring her sisters' pleas. She continued her attack, forcing the Princess back. Too exhausted, Brigid lowered her sword in response. Taking another shot at the defenseless girl, Meranda tried another attack. Surprised and on instinct, the Princess raised her sword to block. Sadly, she wasn't quick enough to block efficiently, earning a long cut on her arm.

"Ah!"

Immediately after, Meranda stopped. It was when she heard the sound of her cries that Mercy regains control over her body again. She was shock and completely distraught at the damage she allowed her other self to inflict onto Brigid. Dropping her sword, Mercy helped settle the Princess down.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, Brigid!"

The girl didn't respond. Whether it was because she was angry or was in pain, Mercy didn't know. All she did was summon a dragonfly to sprinkle a little salt on her wound. Luckily, the cut wasn't something serious and with the salt, it might disinfect the wound. Serafina finally had caught up to them, checking on her sisters.

Examining the cut, she comment, "Gee, Mercy. A little too excited, don't you think?"

Mercy kept quiet. She can't really tell that it wasn't her who did this. Looking down in shame, the younger Royal Guard starting to heal the injury with her water powers. She continued until the cut slowly closes. It was as if there wasn't a wound in the first place.


After the sword fight, Brigid and Mercy were given a chance to talk. For one, Mercy needed to apologize to Brigid for hurting her, even though it wasn't really her who did it. Luckily, Brigid accepts the apology with no resentful thoughts towards her middle sister. However, the reason why she wanted to speak with Mercy is because she has been waiting patiently. She also wants to understand Mercy more and perhaps if she knows her secret, she will. They were sitting on the bench in the Royal Garden. At the moment, it was just silence and awkwardness.

Brigid took a small glance at Mercy. Her sister who always hides behind her smile with her feelings locked up inside. She was the most mysterious that Brigid sometimes had a hard time figuring out. Meanwhile, Mercy was considering on which secret she should let out. Her fate is inevitable and she knows that, but she might be able to warn Brigid of the impending danger. Obviously, she can't tell Brigid certain truths... Like how she is growing up to become a unknowing sacrifice. As the second oldest, she can't just break it to her like that. Besides, she doubts the Royal Advisor would even allow her to spill certain beans. Finally, she decided to cut to the chase.

"Brigid, can you keep a secret?" Mercy asked as Brigid nods in response. "Listen very closely and never speak of this to anyone, okay?"

"Okay."

This was now her chance! She must take every precautionary action to ensure that that her little sister lives. Never does she wished for that dream to come true.

"If one day, I'm not acting like myself and I've started hurting people... It's because by then, the Mercy you knew had already died. I will become an empty shell... And an evil, cold being has taken over my body and claimed my name. If that happen one day, I want you, Brigid, to personally end my life."

As she explained, Mercy wasn't quite sure if she meant that her dying was literally or figuratively. Who knows? It could be both. Brigid seems to be thinking about the same thing. She can never imagine someone replacing her sister literally and suddenly hurting people nor can she understand if Mercy was speaking metaphorically and that she'll actually take a life. The entire request just seemed so sudden and upsetting. It sounded ridiculous.

"Why would you asked me to do such a thing, Merce?"

Mercy looked down, "You don't have to know the reasons why I'm suddenly hurting people. You just have to fulfill my wish. Only you can do it, Brigid because... That's how much I truly love you."

"That's how much you... Truly love me?"

Mercy nodded, "In a different country - somewhere in the east - there are these flowers called Sakura. They are very beautiful, but the lifetime of these flowers are short. My love for you are just like them. They're beautiful and the fragrance are sweet, but eventually, the flowers wilt, becoming ugly before dying over time. But... With hope, the flowers eventually bloomed, reborn in the next spring. My love for you is like that. Even though it may be short, it will last till the next lifetime."

"You love me so much that you would trust me to do... To do such a thing?"

"Yes."

The Salt Princess shook her head, "That will never happen. I'm sure that it won't ever come to that."

"But if it does, do you promise?"

"I... I promise." the girl paused hesitantly. "But I don't understand. Why?"

"Because... To not be with the people I loved the most, I would rather die." Mercy answered. "I have grown a little tired of my current life."

"Your current life?"

"It's time for me to tell you my secret. Mine and Serafina's. After all, this was the secret I had promised to tell you when you grew up." Mercy explained. "Serafina and I... We aren't human like you. We are dolls. That is why we never knew so much about your world."

"So that is why you never celebrate birthdays and many others..." Brigid realized.

"Correct." Mercy paused. "I understand... If you don't want to be near me or Serafina. We weren't humans to begin with."

Perhaps that was the better option. Having already grown so attached, it was probably best to end it all before more suffering occurs, right? But even so, it would be quite a sad and lonely way of living. Mercy understood that. It was, after all, normal for any human being to lose trust in the person who've kept big secrets.

The Salt Princess hold her hand as she looked at her in the eyes, "Even if you and Sera are dolls, it doesn't matter. You two aren't my guards, but my sisters. And, I know... Although your bodies aren't real, your souls - yours and Serafina's - are. You're both real and you deserved to be humans as much as I am."

She was shocked. She didn't expect for her sister to react so well despite this was one of the biggest secrets she has kept from her.

"Thank you, Brigid. Really..." Mercy wrapped her arms around her little sister.

Although Brigid thought that Mercy did it for comfort, it was actually because she wanted to hide her tears. They remain that way for a while until Mercy was ready to pull back. Sighing, the Royal Guard got up, promising to see the Princess at a later time.


Left alone, Brigid eventually got up to go find Serafina. Truth be told, she was unhappy and a little upset over what Mercy had told her, especially when the middle sister sounded so sure that she'll not be herself in the later future. In hopes to cheer herself up, she immediately thought of Serafina. Returning to the Training Ground, she found Serafina continuing to perfect her stance as she swing her sword.

"Sera." the girl called out.

"Oh... Hey, Bri." Serafina greeted until she gasped, "Brigid, what's wrong?"

"I feel a little down..." the Salt Princess admits.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, the older sister asked, "Would you care to tell me why?"

"I'm sorry..." the girl mumbled.

Serafina frowned before sighing. With a twirl of her hand, the Royal Guard made a firework display. It was on a small scale, and tiny colorful sparks blossomed like flowers. Purple, red, pink, and yellow sparks. Tiny sounds can be heard as the fireworks ignites. Phew, phew, phew, ping, ping...

Taking Brigid's hand, Serafina place the tiny ball of fireworks into the girl's hands. Holding the fireworks in her cupped hands, the Salt Princess smiled as she felt the sparks fizzled near her cheeks. Seeing Brigid cheered up a bit also brings a small smile to Serafina's face.

"This... Brigid," she spoke. "Is how I express my love for you. I love you like the fireworks brightening up the dark sky. The way fireworks lit the sky so beautifully. Though the light will eventually dim, the bright colors leaves a spark behind."

"This is how much you love me?"

"Yes. Do you understand?"

"Mm." she nodded. "Thank you, Sera."

"You're welcome, Bri." Serafina warmly smiled.

Eventually, the fireworks eventually died. Much like how the tiny lights dimmed, the girl's smile also falters.

"Oh... The fireworks are gone..."

"It's alright. I can always make more." the older sister assured.

And she did as she summoned more tiny fireworks. Bright colors continued blooming again. Seeing the flowers blooming in the sky, the Princess' smile returned. It was a beautiful sight. As the girl watched the tiny lights, a thought came to her mind. Why did her sister pick fireworks specifically to compare her love? Did these tiny lights have a meaning behind them?

Seeing Serafina watching the miniature fireworks with such longing eyes, Brigid began to wonder, 'That look that Sera has... It's not just any type of longing. I wonder... Who is she thinking of while continuing to gaze at the blooming flowers dancing in the sky?'

Curious over her sister's fondness towards the sparkling fizzles, Brigid asked about it. She also questioned the Royal Guard's apparent yearning for someone. Although she doesn't recalled, Serafina mentioned that the fireworks helps her cope with her sadness. Specifically why though, she doesn't remember. The memory was a blur and anything about her past were forgotten. Although... She does remember someone who was once close to her. They were the ones who showed her the beauty and magic of these light flowers.

It was strange, really. The more she thought about it, the more she wonders. Perhaps whatever past she lived before becoming a doll, her love for fireworks were subconsciously transferred over. Maybe... The real reason why she really love these light flowers is because that person whom she was once close to had always kept her company. In a way, now that she was seeing her little sister upset, she was reminded of her old self. Perhaps that it why she decided to show her little secret to cheer the Princess up.

"It sounded like you were in love." Brigid teased.

"Maybe I was." the Royal Guard replied, thinking about it.

The girl immediately started to pout as she continued her teasing, "If you are infatuated with someone, I wonder if you'll stop loving me one day."

"Oh? What is this I see? Is my little sister trying to be coy?" Serafina joked as Brigid playfully stick out her tongue as a response. "Well, in that case, I think the Princess needs a little punishment for doubting her older sister."

Her eyes widened as she started to take steps back. Serafina raise her hands up and wiggled her fingers before laughing mischievously. The girl screamed before turning around and running for her life, initiating the chase. Serafina laughed before running after her.

"You can run all you want and as many times as you want, but you won't get far! I'll always find a way to bring you back each and every time!"

After five minutes of running, the Royal Guard finally caught up to the Salt Princess before tackling the girl into the ground. The girl cried out, pretending to be frightened.

"Please, have Mercy." she meekly respond.

"Mercy isn't here to protect you right now." Serafina sneered.

The Princess struggled against the older girl, but her eyes sparkle with amusement, "Sera!"

"Let your punishment begins." the Royal Guard declared as she started to tickle her.

"No! Ahahaha!" Brigid laughed as Serafina tickled her side. "No, no, no! Please... L-Let go, Sera! Ahahaha..."

"Ehehe... I won't ever let you go." Serafina giggled as she continued with the tickling.

"Ahh!" the Princess squealed in laughter as her older sister started to plant kisses on her cheeks.

"Even when you grow up, I won't ever give you up to suitors. No one will seduce my little sister."

After some time, Serafina exhausted herself and fall on her back right next to Brigid, who was taking deep breaths from laughing so much. She was also exhausted, so just laying in the grass was very nice. Turning her head to see her sister, Brigid smiled as she laced her fingers with Serafina's. They both smile before turning their sight at the sky. Silently, the two of them stared at the serenity above them. Such a beautiful day and it was so soothing that anyone would have dozed off. With some time passed, Brigid heard the sound of the grass. Tilting her head back as she looked curiously, she saw an upside down Mercy.

"What were you two doing?" she asked, having a look of amusement.

"Oh... Hey, Mercy." Serafina greeted.

"Me and Sera were enjoying the sky." Brigid answered, rolling onto her side as her sister was no longer upside down. "Would you like to join us, Merce?"

The middle sister had a hint of a warm, yet faint smile as she shook her head. Somewhere in the depths of those beautiful blue eyes of hers were sadness despite the bright smile she cast over for them to see.

"Maybe some other time. We have to go back."

Serafina got up, "She's right. The sun's about to set."

The sisters extended their hands as the Princess took both. Together, they headed to the palace until Mercy parted, having need to go somewhere.


Earlier that day, after Mercy had left Brigid from their private conversation, she went to the Palace Library. The stories there give her solace. She has a love towards Asian folklore because the tales talked about different kinds of love... And to whom the love is being directed at. There were so many kind - the love between family, the love between friends, the love between others of different status, and the love between lovers. There was another reason why she is attached to this building. The library was close to the Pavilion, which is next to a small pond formed from the waterfall.

While looking for a specific book to create certain potions, her sight was caught by a book next to it. Pulling both out, she read the title on the book that caught her attention. The Tale of Shim Cheong. Hm, a curious tale. Taking the book with her along with the one she was looking for, Mercy sat outside on a bench at the Pavilion. After just reading one page, she was already intrigued.

"Choo!" she unexpectedly sneezes.

Was someone still making fun of her? Anyway...

The story was about a girl named Shim Cheong. According to the naming system in Asia, the family name comes first and the given name comes second. Back to the story... She was very loyal to her blind father. Unable to see her father without his sight, the girl became a sacrifice so the old man can see again. She was a tribute to the Sea Goddess to calm the storm and raging sea. Out of pity, Thalassa give the dying girl a second chance, encasing the slumbering spirit inside a lotus flower. The flower floated to the surface and drift along until it reached a distant kingdom. It was found and give to the reining Prince. Eventually, the lotus fully blossomed and Shim Cheong was reborn - regaining physical form.

Just as Mercy was about to reach the ending, a lotus flower came floating by, its petals brushed against her shoes. Looking at the flower, Mercy sort of wish to be like Shim Cheong - to be reborn and given a second chance. The story so far made her feel puzzled. Reading about this girl, she felt like she knew Shim Cheong or at least had a connection, but doesn't recall anything.

"It's painful, isn't it?" a voice spoke sadly.

Mercy looked up to see Meranda sitting next to her. She appeared incorporeal, not physical like before. However, she knew that it was really her, not her master talking.

"What do you mean? I don't have love in my heart anymore." Mercy replied, recalling what the Royal Advisor had told her.

"That's not true, Master lied to you." her other self insisted.

"What?"

"The love in you - in us - has not disappeared. Despite what Master said, whether she spoke in real time or through me, the feeling was merely suppressed. It was never taken away from you." Meranda explained. "She thought that if she deceived you, you would believe it for truth."

Looking at Meranda, Mercy could see that a genuine conversation was forming from her hurtful side.

"Is that so?" she wondered.

The two sat in silence for a while until Meranda questioned fidgety, "Mercy, what do you think of me?"

"Pardon?"

"I consider you to be the real one. I'm just a former shadow of you." she admits.

"Let's not talk about that. I rather not discuss about that right now." Mercy replied.

Meranda nods as she stared at the distance with longing eyes, "What do you think is evil?"

"I-I don't know."

After thinking for a while, Mercy began to ponder on the question a little more. Just what in the world is evil? She doesn't understand that concept being a doll. It was very frustrating for her to don't know or understand something. She doesn't know how to react. During these two years, through Meranda, she would see glimpses of the Royal Advisor's memories. People call her evil. But what is evil? Someone who does heinous acts? Someone who is corrupted? Someone who wishes for others to suffer? It was a pretty ambiguous concept. The girl doesn't know if she, herself, is evil. There was only one thing she knows.

All human beings are greedy and selfish. She knows because she, herself, is the same as everyone else. She wants the love from Brigid, but she also want the love from the Royal Advisor. Does she really have to choose? Can't she choose both? Or was that not an option? It seemed that Meranda was thinking the same thing.

"I'm sorry, Mercy. But Master said one day, I might be the one convincing you to stray from what you want." the spirit sadly remarked.

"Why?"

"Because I'm selfish and evil." she simply answered before fading away.

Left all alone, Mercy began reflecting on the two options that were laid in front of her. There wasn't any more time to think of alternatives. The first was to defy her master, which probably would be the worse outcome. She could be killed. The witch has already made herself clear. She wouldn't even hesitant at the given opportunity. The second was to simply play her part - to put aside her feelings and play the part of the doll. The outcome from that would mean betraying those she loved. It might also lead to that dream she dread would come true.

But... What other choices does she has?

"I'm sorry, Brigid, Serafina... But it looks like I'll be losing this battle between myself." she apologized.

If fate is so against her, then fine. If she must, she shall play the role of the villain. Even if it ends up with her being hated, it will be worth it if she can see Brigid alive and well... And just perhaps if she dies by her hand, she'll get the chance to catch a glimpse of her real self before she sleeps forever.

The doll let out a tiresome sigh.

Had she known that this was the choice she was going to choose, she wished that she hadn't allowed love to enter her heart since the beginning. Sharing a close bond with her sisters will only make everything more sadder. It will make things more difficult for her. Just then, another thought came to her mind. Letting out another tired sigh, Mercy shook her head. She was tired over everything. It was so complicated. Honestly, if she was a human, she'd probably would want to sleep forever so she wouldn't have to think of her ordeal.

Closing the book, Mercy got up to find her sisters. It was close to getting dark and they must return to the palace.


In the Throne Room, King Henryk sat on his throne. He was growing more and more concern. The source of his distress was towards the Royal Advisor. After Mercy had warned him that day, he has gotten more suspicious towards the old woman. The King sighed tiredly. It was getting late at night.

Getting up from his throne, the man left the room and went to the Grak Palace. While he was about to go to his room, he noticed the door to Mercy's Snow Room slightly ajar. That raise curiosity as well as suspicion. He was a bit curious since it was the younger Royal Guard who had warned him about the impending future. There was also that look she gave this morning at the Royal Advisor. He wanted to see if she was inside. At the same time, he wanted to know what she is doing. If he can't trust his own advisor, that would mean he can't really trust the sisters, right? After all, she did created them.

Reaching out, the King was about to push the door a little wider until he shook his head, "I shouldn't pry on her."

Gripping on the door handle, he pulled the door, closing it. Frowning as he resume to his room, the King wondered where the younger Royal Guard would go at this time in the night.

Meanwhile, roaming around the kingdom in the middle of the night was Mercy. She was wearing a light blue cloak. Despite the cloak was probably unnecessary seeing that everyone was asleep, it was still better to hide herself. Under the light of a full moon, the water doll pulled down her hood to stare at the giant pearl in the sky. Now, why would she be out at this hour? The answer is simple. She is searching for ingredients to create a special kind of potion - a memory potion to be exact.

After scouring the Grak Kingdom for the ingredients she needed, the water doll very soon returned to her room. Opening the book, Mercy began to brew the potion. According to the spell book she found, the memory potion can act in two ways: one, restore all memories including those that could have happened in a different life or two, suppressed all of them.

As much as she prefers the former and fill in the blanks she has been experiencing over the years, she won't be restoring her memories. Having knowledge now isn't the right choice, especially with her situation currently. If there is ever a day when the Royal Advisor might overwhelm her, she plans to suppressed her memories so her master's soul can also be suppressed.

Taking a ladle, Mercy scoop a spoonful of the potion and pour it into a glass vial. Sighing, the girl stared sadly at the receptacle.

'This is just extra precautionary action.' she reminded herself.

Looking up at the table, Mercy looked at the lotus flower - the same one she saw at the Pavilion. She had taken the flower with her after finishing with her melancholy thoughts. There was one thing she had to do. From the story she read, there was this ancient legend. The legend was created - inspired after Shim Cheong.

She sacrificed her life to get her wish to come true, so her father can get his sight again. But of course, she was reborn because of her charity and her wish came true. What was lost might be returned. Shim Cheong lost her life, but she got it back. If Mercy understood the tale right, if she gives up something, she might get what she wants. After much thought, she decided to part with her bracelet in order to get her only wish. Whether her wish is guaranteed to be granted or not, it doesn't matter. She want this.

Taking the lotus flower, Mercy left her room to go to the Lakefront. Alone at the shore, the girl stares longingly at the distance with the flower clutched closely onto her chest. Taking off her shoes, the water doll dipped her feet into the cool lake. Walking till the water reached to her knees, she stopped.

If you make a wish and whispered it in the lotus flower
And part with something that you cherished
And let it get swept away by the water, then perhaps, one day...
There's a chance you'll regain what you've lost...
Your wish may just come true

That was how the legend goes. Using her water powers, Mercy retrieved her bracelet - the same one that she was forced to throw away a few years ago - from the water. Staring at the piece of jewelry in her hands, she was delighted to have it back, but was immediately sadden that she'll have to part with it after. It made sense. This was the only physical object that she treasured despite how briefly she worn it. It was necessary to part with it to get her wish to come true... Hopefully. Besides, it's possible she might get her bracelet back one day.

She couldn't even keep it even if she wanted to anyways. Her master would know and might control her through Meranda again. So, she place the blue bracelet inside the lotus flower. Inside the flower should also be a wish. But... What wish should she make? She doesn't know. There were so many wishes, so many dreams. It was impossible to boil it all down to one. Should this wish be for herself or for someone else? The wish wasn't for physical gain, it was more spiritual.

"Can I join you?" a soft voice spoke.

Looking to her side, Mercy saw Meranda. From one glance, she can already tell that it wasn't the Royal Advisor. It was purely her sadness alongside her.

Given a small nod, the doll smiled, "Sure."

Giving the lotus flower, Meranda hold it. Without the Royal Advisor interfering, it was just her and her other half. Together, they thought of a wish and whispered into the lotus before closing the petals, placing the flower onto the water's surface. They both gently pushed the lotus further away.

Once it was far, Meranda faded away as Mercy controlled the water to give the flower a stronger push. Very soon, it was left to drift away towards the misty horizon. She doesn't have to worry about the Salt Enchantment Barrier. Although it surrounds the kingdom, there were a few ways of entries. Some area of the Salt Mine connects to the outside world... The same thing can be said about the water. Even if her theory was wrong, she had already prepared for that. Looking up, the doll stared as the lotus drift away from the kingdom and out to the world. The destination where it was heading was unknown.

Directing her eyes to the sky, Mercy sadly smiled at the twinkling stars that shines above her.

'If I were to have my wish granted, the only thing I desire would be...'


1) I don't have siblings, so I don't know what a relationship with one is like, but I get the vibe that Serafina is the overly protective sister. So any topic about suitors trying to win Brigid's hand... Well, I feel she won't do well with that. I also got the vibe that Serafina has a bit of a sister complex just the way she reacted in RotSP. Don't believe me? Remember this quote?

"Princess Brigid is too weak to stand up? Who did this to her? I will kill anyone who hurts the Princess."

You can hear that "kill" part quite clearly. Also when it comes with sisterly love or sworn sisters, I feel like they would teased their relationship a lot. Even I teased you guys a lot because I consider you guys like family :)

1.5) I've seen many Asian drama where you finger flick someone on the forehead. I added that in because apparently, it's suppose to be used as punishment.

2) Remember my warning in chapter 9? That's right. Brigid started to feel the effects back when she turned ten years old. Don't believe me? Go back and reread it.

3) The warning Mercy gave to Brigid, about how she will die and someone else will taken her place, be aware that she could either be speaking metaphorically or literally. Metaphorically, because she is doing her part - acting like a doll, so she isn't really herself. Literally, if the Royal Advisor succeed in possessing Mercy's body through Meranda. We'll see which of these outcome will rise.

4) The promise Mercy was referring to was in ch 8.

5) Welcome to the teaser of Serafina's possible past life.

6) Ah, so sad. Scenes with Serafina and Brigid are warm and happy. Every scene with Mercy and Meranda are sad and depressing.

7) The legend is made up, just so you know. Although, it would have been really cool if traditions centers around like that. Obviously, I created that legend based on the story of Shim Cheong.

Okay, I'll be saying this. A little selfish of me, but I have to say it. When you read this chapter, give my reviews as quickly as you can! I'm on a time constraint and I cannot wait for you guys to review! And if you've got catching up to do, also review on the chapters you forgot!

Anyway, with that being said, please review. I really value your opinion on how well I did on certain scenes, character development, exploration, and everything. I'll see you guys very soon.