Not All is Fair in Love and War
Chapter 12
Hailey had finished her mission within another week and went back to Atlantica with her findings. She was talking to her father in his office and he commended her.
"You have done very well Hailey- however you have been asked to go to Tezrah."
"What?! Why?! I'm not an ambassador- I'm a soldier- a secret one at that- last I knew the last thing we wanted was to put me on any kind of display." She argued, hiding her real reason for not wanting to go.
"I'm not the one who is sending you- Finn is- he feels that you are impressive enough to sway support." Jim replied, not liking the situation any more then she did.
"Wait- is Finn sending me as in Hailey or me as in Mirage?" Hailey asked, wondering what Finn would be getting at.
"Mirage."
"But Ishmael will recognize me for sure- it's too risky." She said, revealing her real reason.
"You are looking at this the wrong way- you have the chance to be the pivotal piece in history- because of your intel we see that we will need more support- now I don't want you to go but it's an official order and last I checked you could change your appearance." Jim reminded her.
"Please tell me I'm not going by myself." Hailey conceded.
"God no- you are going with an envoy."
"Of who? Is Alexander going?" Hailey guessed.
"As a matter of fact he is- good guess." Jim confirmed.
"Well at least I will be in good company." Hailey replied with a bit of sarcasm.
"However you are on a mission while you are there." Jim added, hoping that will entice her.
"More intel gathering no doubt." Hailey grumbled.
"Well it does include that." Jim said with a smirk.
"Wait- what do you mean by that?" Hailey replied, her curiosity peaked.
"You have been ordered to make a kill this time." Jim said, handing her a folder containing all the information she needed.
"Who is my target?" Hailey said, taking the folder but not opening it yet.
"Afaf- he is a rogue general from Valdeez- turned drug lord who is finding sanctuary in Tezrah." Jim answered.
"I have heard of him- he slaughtered a school full of children just to make sure he killed the children of an enemy- not a nice guy to say the least." Hailey said, opening the folder and looking through the contents with serious skepticism.
"Well he is there trying to pick up some new recruits for his agenda- he is a very real threat but nothing you can't handle." Jim replied, his confidence building.
"Will you be coming?" Hailey asked, looking up from the folder.
"No- I wish I could." He answered.
"What about my squad?"
"They will have their own mission."
"Am I even part of a squad anymore? Or am I a lone operative now?" Hailey asked, needing clarification.
"You are technically part of the squad- you are just simply being asked to do some solo operative work." Jim answered.
"Well since the goal is to show off Mirage who is more weapon than anything else she should have helpers, handlers, assistants even- who know her." Hailey said, wanting at least SOMEONE to be there for her, to help her through the inevitable trial.
"Would you like a few members of your squad to be there with you? Is that what you are asking?" Jim replied, not surprised.
"Yes as a matter of fact it is because this last mission was fine but I prefer to work with my squad- my team- there is no I in team." Hailey said- as if it were a mantra.
"How many of them do you need?"
" At least...two."
"Who?"
"Well for starters I would like to have Trip with me- he is a brilliant tactical thinker and he works best with Lomi so he should probably come along as well." Hailey answered, trying not to give herself away.
"Ok- are there any other reasons why those two in particular should come along?" Jim asked, sniffing out a secret.
"Well I get along with both of them very well and they are exceptional soldiers." Hailey answered, trying to sound casual.
"Really- is that all? It wouldn't have any bearing on the fact that you got one of those soldiers out of enemy territory and nursed him back to health?" Jim probed, narrowing his eyes with a knowing grin.
"Well that does have bearing- he now owes me his life and will do anything I ask, he displays loyalty that will probably be very helpful on this mission, and one more thing- I trust both of those soldiers to a degree I do not trust the rest." Hailey answered, trying desperately to sound as assuring and unaffected as she is.
"How much do you trust them?"
"I trust them more than the others. Think of them like a safety net for me."
"Ok- fair enough." Jim said, easing the pressure off.
"When do I leave?"
"In a weeks time- however since you are going on public display I will need for you and the two soldiers to go to finishing school boot camp- we will be in a delicate situation and we can not take a chance on offending the hosts." Jim said.
"I understand, fair enough- May I be excused then Sir?" Hailey asks, trying her best to remain respectful. Jim nodded in response.
She swam out of the office and headed toward the gym where she knew her squad was working out. She found Trip first.
"Trip- come here for a second." She whispered at him. He nearly fell of the bench he was sitting on since she never whispered to him- it took him off guard.
"What?" He looked at her with concern since she looked like she was going to reveal the greatest secret.
"How much do you trust me?" She asked- he got scared and gulped not wanting to answer.
"Why?" He couldn't help his frankness.
"Because I have been asked to go to Tezrah and I want you to go with me. And I need to know how much you trust me because if you decide to come with me I will need you to trust me with your life because I will be trusting you with mine." Hailey explained.
"Why me?"
"Because you are the best tactical thinker I know- I need you to see behind the obvious." Hailey said- trying to be reassuring.
"What will we be doing?" Trip asks, still feeling unsure.
"We will be part of a political envoy to Tezrah to sway support for the impending war- so far they have been neutral but slightly favorable. But the catch is I will be put on display to sway support." Hailey admitted.
"Excuse me?" Trip asked, as if not hearing her right.
"King's orders..." Hailey replied with a shrug.
"That's foolish- don't show the ace till the last round." Trip replied, thinking the idea was remarkably stupid.
"Couldn't agree more but it's an official order that I can not refuse." Hailey said sadly.
"Is this payback for you then, or a favor?" Trip asked.
"It's a bit of everything at this point." Hailey replied with a sigh.
"So when is the convoy leaving?"
"In a week's time. Will you come with me?" Hailey asked, hopeful.
"Yes- there is no I in team." He answered, shaking her hand in agreement.
"Thank you Trip- now I will warn you- both of us will have to go thru finishing school boot camp- the same training us royals go thru but we get to do it in a week so we don't offend people." Hailey warned.
"So I can't say shit or bitch or hell Or any of that fun stuff?" Trip asked, sounding mockingly sarcastic.
Hailey started laughing really hard and shook her head no but thoroughly enjoying his sarcasm.
"No- God I wish- but some would probably find that offensive. But thanks Trip now I need a second person- who would you suggest?" Hailey asked, again doing her best not to sound obvious since Lomi and herself agreed to keep their close relationship a secret.
"Well I am leaning towards Lomi myself- if you are going for strict talent- Lucian but someone who can keep their cool in a political scenario- Lomi is your best bet." Trip answers, none the wiser of Hailey's intentions or hopes.
"Well obviously I trust your judgment so Lomi it is." Hailey agreed with another shrug, trying to be casual and hide her massive grin.
"When are you going to ask him?" Trip asked.
"Here in a minute- when he's done with his rep." Hailey replied, trying not to stare too intently at Lomi who was working out across the gym.
"Ok well when does the bull shit class start?"
"Tomorrow morning 9 am." Hailey answered, looking back at him.
"Well at least I get to sleep in." He replied with a shrug of his own.
"Yup- In the palace its class room 5 that we will be in. Ok- Lomi is done with his rep- I'm going to steal him while I have the chance- See you in the morning." Hailey swam away and got Lomi's attention with a smile a purple tint to her eyes and nod of her head towards the door and Lomi didn't need any other prodding- he shot nearly thru the doors. Hailey just looked at him and shook her head and laughed as she opened the door herself and he followed her out then once the door was shut she put her hand over his mouth to keep his lips from touching hers- she knew better- not here- not now.
"Slow down soldier." She whispered- he mumbled something behind her hand and she continued-
"Meet me at the large boulder in the corner of the field that is North West of the palace- there are purple starfish around the base- that's how you know it's the right one. I have to be seen leaving a different way- I will meet you there in 15 minutes ok?" She swam away and he headed toward his target. She swam thru the palace and made sure she was seen by several people she went home and once in her room went invisible and climbed out her window she sped her way to the large boulder with a plan.
She got there before he did and argued with herself on whether or not this was such a good idea. Lomi had become her best friend and was teetering on becoming her lover but after each and every encounter with Lomi, it left her feeling even more empty. A voice in the back of her mind constantly chastised her for even having a relationship like this. This whole thing just felt...wrong. As much as it felt amazing and it made sense logically- in the deepest part of her soul- it still felt wrong and she couldn't reason with herself.
"What is wrong with you? Why are you being so stubborn? Ishmael let you go without a fight, why can't you?" 'Because you made a mistake of letting him go in the first place.' Her heart answered. Hailey growled in exasperation at herself.
"Nothing is WRONG with you and Lomi..." 'Then why are you keeping it a secret?' Her heart asked before continuing. 'Your mind loves Lomi- he's strong, he's kind, he's handsome, you have the same goals, the same values- he can take care of you, treat you with respect...but you won't let yourself really love him. Why? Because you already love someone else- someone who let you go probably for the same reason you let them go- because they most likely thought that it would make you happy. Are you happy? No. Will you ever 'get over' Ishmael? No- not without at least seeing for yourself that he's moved on. Until that happens- you will always feel guilty for being with Lomi. And let's face it, the 'feelings' you have for Lomi- are NOTHING compared to the feelings you had for Ishmael. Ishmael set your soul on fire and took hold of all of you with such force you felt like you could barely breathe without him. With Lomi- the feelings are soft, fluffy almost, he may be rock steady but are you? No. You are constantly having to convince yourself that you feel something stronger then friendship for Lomi- with Ishmael- there was never a question- it was a statement that you loved him completely despite not really 'knowing' him.' Her heart told her plainly. Hailey hung her head in defeat, her heart was right. She had to come clean with Lomi- sooner then later.
Just then it seemed that Lomi appeared out of nowhere. He tried to kiss her again but her hand covered his mouth before he got close enough.
"What's wrong baby?" He asked, looking at her curiously. The look in her eyes told him something was definitely wrong.
"I can't...I can't do this...anymore." Hailey said, wringing her hands together, her nerves taking over.
"Do what?" Lomi asked, his heart sinking in his chest.
"You, me, us, this..." Hailey said, her exuberant gestures making it clear to what she was referring to.
"Why? Did I do something wrong?"
"No! No! Not at all, you've been PERFECT and amazing and I couldn't ask for more..." Hailey tried to explain.
"But you told me you loved me and if I'm so 'perfect' and amazing, why are you trying to break up with me?" Lomi asked.
"Because you have been my best friend and seen me at my best and been with me through my worst. But it just...doesn't feel right, I feel like I'm cheating you, keeping this a secret has been so hard..."
"But keeping it a secret was YOUR idea."
"Yeah I know, I have a lot of stupid ideas, I just thought it would make things easier with the squad if they didn't know but I just live in fear, all the time. I hate it."
"So let's come out and tell everyone, that should fix that problem, I don't see how us not being together solves anything." Lomi replied, his arms crossed on his chest. Hailey hung her head and pinched the bridge of her nose, her brain trying to tell her mouth what to say and how to say it.
"Wait...you don't love me do you...?" It was more of a statement then a question but Lomi had a feeling that Hailey often jumped into things head first without thinking things through. Hailey cringed and dared to look at him and shook her head no.
"It's not that I don't 'like you' cause I do, I really really do and when you put your hands on me or you kiss me it's...like I'm high on drugs or something, but the let down is crippling. You deserve someone who will love you with their whole heart, not just...half of one." She said, praying he will understand.
"You can't love me because you still love him."
"It doesn't make sense! I haven't seen him in seven months, haven't heard from him in 4 but it's like he haunts me! I can't sleep without at least an image of him popping up in my dreams, my ears still strain to hear his voice, my nose still searches for his scent and it's driving me insane! And yet here you are- right in front of me in all your amazing glory just waiting for me to get my act together and it's not going to happen for at least the next few weeks."
"The next few weeks?" Lomi questioned.
"Oh, yeah, about that- um...let me just show you the reason I brought you way out here in the first place... if you will please direct your attention at this boulder- it seems natural doesn't it? Just a boulder hanging out in a field of sea grass."
"Yeah."
"But if you will please note that not all the starfish are real- this one (touching a medium sized purple starfish) and pull- this happens."
A section of the boulder slid down and revealed a deep tunnel thru it that was strangely lit by a iridescent light blue light.
"Follow me." She whispered and swam inside- he followed and right after he was in the boulder went back to its normal self. He followed her noticing that this tunnel was getting bigger and he found himself in a large underground cave. It was full of books and glittering treasures much like her mother's private sanctuary was. Only Hailey and her immediate family knew of this location until today- now Lomi could see an outward expression of what Hailey was- she had on some of the walls pieces of art and poetry and glittering treasures from shipwrecks past and present she had treasures in there that would rival any treasury and any museum.
"Wow- so this is something else- how long have you been collecting these things?"
"Some of them were gifts- some were found and yet others were discovered but my mother discovered this place and gave it to me as a special surprise when I was 8."
"So you were just a little girl."
"Yup but if you know anything about my family you would know that even before my accident we weren't the average family- I mean you have my Dad for example who you see as the Admiral- strong, resilient, brilliant and probably the bravest merman in the oceans. Then you have my mother who is music personified. Then you have my brother Ayden who is very well known for his rebellious tendencies and fighting spirit..."
"To say the least."
"And that's what's weird about him- when it comes to every matter except me-my brother and my father don't see eye to eye on."
"Really? How so?"
"Well both of them are protective- sometimes overly protective of me- I am my fathers only daughter and forever destined to be his little girl- well…until recently when I became a soldier than that dynamic changed slightly but it still stands. My brother- would beat to a pulp anyone that made me cry because as he puts it 'If I'm not allowed to make her cry- no one is.' Which is sweet don't get me wrong- but it can feel suffocating sometimes. But any way- the reason I wanted to talk to you is because King Finn is sending me on a political envoy to Tezrah to sway political support- apparently I am the show piece for the journey."
"That's incredibly stupid."
"Tell me about it, but I'm sure you can probably guess why I'm less then thrilled..."
"But you have the advantage- you can change what you look like."
"Yeah but I worry he will be able to look right through me, again."
"You were never the one to back down from a challenge." Lomi replied trying to be encouraging.
"True, but what's different about this is I don't have the confidence in this mission as I did in the last one. With that last mission I had to be invisible which is something I am exceptionally good at, with this, I have to hide in plain sight. I have to be very careful- it's a lot of pressure that I don't know if I will be have the strength to withstand. Plus Alexander is going and he is wound up tighter then I am."
"Really? That's a risky move- sending your ace and your crown prince to sway support."
"Yup- but it's official orders and even I won't argue with those, but here is the catch we have to go to finishing school boot camp for a week so we don't offend our hosts."
"The school must be pretty tough if it's the catch."
"It is. Especially for someone like you." She joked.
"Oh- yeah, I'm so unruly and unmannered." He poked back.
"That's why we need the class- it starts tomorrow morning at 9am- classroom number 5."
"Hold on- why do I have to go to the class?"
"Because I want you to come with me- I need you there to keep me in-line."
"Ha- yeah, like anyone could keep you in line. At least I get to sleep in." Hailey thought to herself 'yeah- that's not déjà vu.'
"Thank you."
Hailey swam past a piano she had painstakingly put together in her sanctuary and her tail lightly tapped a couple of keys which got her attention- she smiled looking down at the instrument. Lomi saw this and asked.
"I think I would be safe to assume you like music?"
"While I don't possess the same vocal talent my mother exhibits- yes I do love music."
"Why is it every princess loves music?" He asked sarcastically, shaking his head and leaning on a pillar.
"First of all, I'm not just a princess, I'm a duchess, secondly, music can speak to the soul- music can inspire you and make you feel things that words can't always express. And because there is a catch 22 with being a royal- while you do live with privilege you have very little freedom- everyone has a say in what you do and how you do it- there is always some kind of pressure riding on your shoulders- so music allows a person to turn the rest of the world off for just a moment and can talk to you in a way that no other person can and allows you to be yourself without everything added. Now don't get me wrong- some princesses cherish the fact they were born into a glittering world and will do anything to stay there. But as for me- I'm grateful I have the rare opportunity to live outside my gilded cage even if I had to do it at great sacrifice..."
"What sacrifice?" Lomi asked.
"Normality- I get the ability to be anything I want except…"
"Except what?"
"The one thing every mermaid wants weather she wants to admit it or not- being a mother- when I was originally wounded, that is one thing that couldn't be repaired. And part of being a princess and/or duchess, is you have to bear heirs. But since I can not…" Hailey trails off, starting to play a tune she started writing when she first woke up from the coma. For Lomi it all clicked into place.
"It's beautiful..." He said, barely above a whisper. Hailey looks up and smiles sadly.
"Thank you." She replies as she stops playing and starts to fidget, her nerves coming back to her as her mind stars to race.
"You'll be ok..." Lomi soothes, moving from the pillar to sit next to her.
"I hope so." Hailey whispered, as he wrapped his arm around her for a hug.
"You're too good to me, you know that?" She replied, hugging him back.
For the next week finishing school boot camp was tough for the Marines- poor things- because cussing can be a second language for them. But they all survived- Hailey took it upon herself to talk to her cousin Alexander to fill him on the details of her two lives so he wouldn't blow it- she trusted him to keep confidence which was never a problem for either of them- they had a solid relationship- even if they were not related, they would still be friends. Hailey warned Alexander that the day they would be departing to not be surprised to see her in a different form but he would know it was her by an ancient saying.
Two days before they are supposed to go Hailey is nothing but a bundle of nerves and no matter what she does, she can't shake them.
"You ok?" Ari asks, coming up to her in the gym.
"Yeah...I'm fine." Hailey replies, trying to sound serious. Ari lifts an eyebrow in skepticism.
"You sure about that?" Ari asks, leaning on one of the machines. Hailey huffs in defeat.
"No...I have to leave in two days to go to Tezrah of all places to sway support for the war and I don't know if I can handle it. I feel like I'm a nervous wreck on the verge of a break down."
"Have you tried getting laid?" Ari asks rather seriously. Hailey looks at Ari wide eyed and in shock that Ari would even mention such a thing.
"What? It works. If anything like a stress reliever."
"No- I haven't..." Hailey replied slowly, now looking at Ari cautiously.
"Well what about drinking?" Ari replied, shrugging off Hailey's apprehension.
"The only alcohol I've had would be at parties and it's fluffy champagne. Which I don't hate but I don't love either." Hailey said. Ari grinned mischievously and took her cousin and best friend by the hand.
"Then I have somethings for you to try, go get some money and meet me at my house in 20 minutes." Ari said as she dragged her cousin out of the gym. Hailey went home and changed into something nice but nothing fancy or too alluring. She grabbed her pocketbook and stuffed it into her pocket.
"Where are you going?" Ayden asked as she passed him on her way out.
"I have no idea- with Ari- probably to a bar." Hailey said as she reached the door.
"Oh no you don't, not without me."
"What? You don't trust Ari?" Hailey questioned.
"I never said I didn't but you should know better then to go to a bar with just Ari- I know you think yourselves to be 'big girls' but I've been to too many bars and I know what can happen, I'm coming with you."
"Ugh...fine..." Hailey replied as she waited a few moments for Ayden to get ready.
When they came to Ari's house Ari came to the door with her brother in tow as well...Ayden and Andrew shared a nod before they went off to a bar that had a very good reputation for not getting out of hand...often.
Hailey and Ari belly up to the bar and Ari ordered for them.
Four shots later Hailey felt good and relaxed and buzzed. Not that she had that good of a resistance but Sephira's power was keeping her from getting drunk. Ayden watched her carefully and was making sure nothing bad happened. His presence alone was enough to keep just about every other guy away. Except a few who were beyond drunk, at which Hailey did her best not to laugh at them, to their faces at least. Hailey turns to Ari and whispers in her ear-
"I'm feeling pretty good, thank you."
"You're welcome...how good do you feel?" Ari asked, her mischievous grin returning.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you feel good enough to do something reckless?" Ari questioned. Hailey returned her evil grin and nodded.
"How reckless are we talking?"
"Behind the bar there is usually a prize fight or two, care to do some gambling?"
"Eh, why not..." Hailey replied with shrug.
"We have to loose the guys."
"I'll take care of that, you order me another drink." While Ari ordered the drinks Hailey turned to Ayden and Andrew-
"So where would the 'ladies room' be in this joint?" They pointed to the back of the bar and Hailey nodded, she and Ari downed their drinks and took off toward the back, once out of sight they took a B line for the back exit. Much to Hailey's delight they found a fight in full swing. But to Hailey's surprise she found that Trip was one of the fighters. He always one of the more 'gruff' characters in the group, now she knew why- she saw Charlie and Lucian egging him on on the far side of the group.
"Oh my god..." Hailey said- staring at them. Ari followed her gaze.
"You know those guys?"
"Oh yeah, they are members of my squad- I didn't think they would be into this kind of thing though."
"You would be surprised, I've seen them several times but I've never introduced myself, how about you do that for me." Ari said- pushing her cousin towards the guys.
"Hey!" Hailey called to them when they came close enough. They guys looked very surprised to see Hailey standing there with another girl whom they had seen before but never said hi to.
"What are you doing here?" Charlie asked.
"Having a good time and shaking off some stress." Hailey answered before turning her attention to her cousin.
"Guys- meet my cousin Ari- Riley's daughter. Ari- meet Charlie and Lucian from my squad. Although I'm surprised you guys haven't met each other before..." Hailey said before turning to the fight and watching Trip hit his opponent square in the jaw. She reaches in her pocket and pulls out 20.
"Put this on Trip for me." Hailey says as she hands her cousin the money. Ari smiles devilishly and comes back with a ticket.
"You're brave, This guy only wins half of the time." Ari told her over the roar of the crowd.
"What about the other guy?" Hailey asked.
"He's a good 90%-er" Ari said.
"Yeah but I have faith in Trip, he's a good guy." Then both girls recoiled as Trip got hit incredibly hard. But when the other fighter saw Hailey and Ari staring he was distracted long enough for Trip to retaliate and win the match. Ari took Hailey's ticket and came back with 10 times the amount Hailey had given her.
"His odds were 10 to 1." Ari explained.
"Nice! I like this." Hailey replied, putting the money into her shirt because her pockets weren't that big. Ari laughed at her cousin and did the same with her own winnings.
"It's awesome when you win, it sucks when you loose."
"Isn't that true of life in general?" Hailey asks, chuckling a little. Ari nodded in agreement.
"Hailey?" Trip asked, putting a cold stone to his black eye.
"Trip! Dude, congrats on winning but how am I going to explain this?" She asked, gesturing to his eye and giving him a comforting smile.
"I'm a quick healer, besides I needed to blow off some steam." He replied with a shrug.
"Likewise, Trip this is my cousin Ari- Riley's daughter- Ari- this is Trip, he's going to come with me to Tezrah." Hailey explained before looking back to Trip.
"Would you like some help?"
"Nah, I got this." He said, trying to be all tough and manly about it.
"YOU!" The looser yelled from a ways away. Hailey looked over and saw the man pointing at her.
"Oh shit..." Ari cursed under her breath.
"What's your problem?" Hailey asked defiantly, seeming never to be afraid of anything.
"You distracted me." He growled.
"No- you distracted yourself, all I was, was an observer- my friend beat you fair and square buddy." Hailey corrected, a hand on her hip. The looser looked at Trip for a moment before he taunted him.
"Oh, have to go to your 'girlfriend's loving embrace' after every fight?"
"Ha! He would be so lucky!" Hailey replied with a smirk, now crossing her arms in front of her but remaining in a comfortable stance, as if she was chatting with a friend. "What's your name girl?" The looser asked.
"Girl?" Hailey asked back- not realizing that not everyone would know who she was, she began to laugh as if she was laughing at the funniest joke.
"Why is that so funny?" The looser asked, laughing a bit with her.
"Why does every guy I meet just NEED to know my name- I am just another 'girl', another face in the crowd, why does it matter?"
"Ok, fine, I'll give you a name- angel face." The looser said, trying to pour on some charm, seeing as how she wasn't afraid of him.
"NICE! Why can't you guys come up with cute little nicknames like that?" Hailey asked her friends who had gathered around her. Her friends just looked at her like she was crazy.
"So what's your name?" Hailey asked with a smooth smile.
"Brutus." He replied confidently.
"Brutus...nice to meet you." Hailey said, shaking his hand a little clumsily from the alcohol still in her system. Of course now that she was this close she noticed he was 3 times her size. She wondered if he was part whale or something. Her hand was completely lost in his and she just stared in amazement. 'How did Trip think he had a chance against this guy?' She thought to herself. When she looked up to his eyes he saw a hunger that made her stomach churn slightly.
"So angel face, let's you and me leave and go to my place." He said suggestively.
"No...no I don't think so." Hailey replied, trying not to throw up on him at the thought of him crushing her while taking her hand out of his grip. He just squeezed tighter, determined to get what he wanted, he may have lost that last fight but he wasn't going home empty handed.
"Let go." Hailey warned, the effects of the alcohol leaving her system completely.
"I don't think you can fight it girl." He replied, his voice rumbling deep in his chest, pulling her closer.
"Ah, we're back to 'girl' now, nice. Well let me put it this way- you will let me go or I will drop you like a ton of rock and everyone will see that a little girl beat you faster and better then one of the toughest Marines just did." Hailey said, a smirk on her face despite the danger. He laughed at her.
"I'd like tosee you try sweetheart." He said.
"Ok, don't say I didn't warn you." She said as she used his grip as leverage to wrap her tail around his thick neck and using her momentum to send them to the ground. He let go just in time to keep his face from hitting the ground. He pushed himself up to see Hailey just standing there looking quite proud of herself that she could move so quickly. He growled before lunging at her but she used his size against him, she hooked her tail under one of his arms and counter balanced him before slamming his face into the ground once more. The gasps from the crowd only fueled her.
"Aw, did the big Brutus hit his face on the ground again?" She asked in tone she reserved for babies. She could see his whole body get red as he lifted himself of the ground once more to send a death glare her way. He lunged again, taking a swing at her, she leaned backwards and twisted so he just swung at water.
"Tsk, tsk. Such an unrefined fighting style. No wonder you lost." She taunted. But he grabbed her by the tail and threw her like a rag doll. She landed on the ground with a thud, Ari immediately went back inside to get Ayden. Hailey lifted herself from the ground and wiped her bottom lip with the back of her hand and saw she was bleeding. She just laughed in response.
"Wow- all that bulk and this is the best you can do?" She taunted as she casually swam up to him, swaying her hips as if she was seducing him. She could feel her lip swelling and her head was starting to hurt, but she didn't care- he was pissing her off and she wasn't going to let him get off that easy.
He swung again and she lurched forward, slipped her arm under his shoulder and twisted, making him hit the ground again, only this time more on his head. The crack of his head on the pavement was loud and shushed the crowd. But he grabbed her waist with his hand, he nearly had all of her waist in his hand, his fingertips dug into her scar and she yelped, no one had dare hit her or put pressure on her scar before and it hurt like hell.
He threw her down and she gasped, she didn't realize she had a weakness like that.
"Oh the big mouth shut up finally." Brutus taunted getting up and looming over her. But she wasn't out yet.
"You don't like your angel face's to have mouths? How boring..." She drawled lifting herself up.
"You may just have some fight in you yet girl." Brutus replied, staring her down.
Hailey laughed despite the pain.
"Again with the 'girl' talk, you're not very bright are you?" Hailey taunted, a wicked gleam returning to her eyes. This time she shot forward so fast she felt like was moving in slow motion, she hit chi points on his body so hard ans so fast she looked like a blur. Finally she hit him in the jaw so hard she felt it break beneath her fist. He fell down in a heap of groaning, moaning flesh.
"Hailey!" Ayden yelled and Hailey flinched and grimaced as she turned around.
"What did you do?!" Ayden asked, looking from Hailey who had a scratched and bruised forehead and a split lip to the blubbering heap of flesh that was Brutus, one of the more feared underground prize fighters.
"I...defended my honor?" Hailey replied with a nervous smile.
"Hailey...?" Brutus croaked as he sat up and stared at Ayden and Hailey curiously. Upon seeing the family resemblance he cursed under his breath.
"Figures, the only man to defeat me more then once would have a sister that could do the same..." Ayden glared at Hailey as he passed her and helped Brutus up.
"I'm sorry man, I didn't know who she was." Brutus apologized.
"What did she do to you?" Ayden asked, noticing all the bruising all over his body.
"What did I do to him?! It's what he did to me!" Hailey protested, slapping a fin on the ground like a child having a tantrum. Ayden looked from Hailey to Brutus who now cringed. Ayden narrowed his eyes and balled his fists.
"What did you do to her?" Ayden asked, his tone dangerously low. Hailey looked at Brutus expectantly to answer her brother.
"I...she distracted me and I lost a fight." Brutus grumbled.
"No...that's not all." Hailey said, swimming towards them.
"I...asked her back to my place..." Brutus said lowly.
"And when I said no he put his hand on my arm, I asked him to let me go and when he didn't I kicked his ass, end of story."
"You taunted me." Brutus argued back.
"You taunted me, besides you're like 3 times my size, I'm surprised I made a dent, let alone had a chance." Hailey shot back. Ayden looked at her in slight skepticism.
"Really? It's Brutus that didn't have a chance." Hailey narrowed her eyes at her brother her eyes giving off a red glow. Ayden didn't back down and neither did Hailey.
"Yeah, you two are definitely related." Brutus said, looking between the two. Hailey looked from her brother to him and her stare gave him the creeps, her eyes now glowed red and he could feel his entire body getting hot like he was getting boiled alive.
"Look, I'm sorry, if I had known who you were I never would have...you know." Brutus said. The red in her eyes diminished and Brutus didn't feel so hot anymore.
"From now on, if any 'girl', woman or otherwise tells you 'no' they mean 'no' and you better let them go, not every girl can kick your ass like I can." Hailey warned.
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright let's get you home." Ayden said, grabbing his sister's arm and dragging her away. Hailey's cousins and friends followed close behind and watched as the real entertainment of the evening happened as Ayden and Hailey bickered all the way back to the palace. Hailey went into Trips house and healed him so that it didn't look like he had gotten in that big of a fight. She comes out a few moments later and winks at her brother.
"What did you do to him?" Ayden asks, suspicious.
"I healed him, see?" She said as she breathed into her hand and applied the blue smoke onto her lip and forehead. Ayden and everyone watched in complete awe as the blue smoke seeped into her skin, leaving it clean and unbruised as if nothing had happened. "Yeah, it definitely wasn't a fair fight." Ayden replied.
"Shut up." Hailey quipped.
"Hey, I'm just stating the obvious. Did you have to use any of your powers on Brutus?"
"No, not really, just my knowledge of merman anatomy and a quick hand." Hailey replied with a shrug. Ayden looked back at Ari who was trying not to snicker.
"I blame you for this." Ayden said.
"Don't you dare! I did it to myself. Besides, I seem to recall that Brutus said you beat him on more then one occasion, and if I also recall, there were a few times you came home in the middle of the night with a bag full of money, black eyes, bruised ribs and a satisfied smile. So putting two and two together tells me you've done some prize fighting yourself." Hailey said defiantly.
"Damn you..." Ayden bit out as a response.
"I love you too." Hailey said, wrapping an arm around his waist and put her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah, you know I can't stay mad at you..." Ayden replied putting his arm around her shoulders. Ari and Andrew just look at them slack jawed and back at each other like they've seen the most shocking thing ever.
The morning of their departure came too soon- Hailey hugged her family goodbye and once outside transformed into the new image of Mirage - her hair was now white with black tips- it was long and perfectly strait- her eyes- silver gray, her tail started out white at her waist- then it faded to black to her fins but had that same silver gray in the middle- she had gone monochrome except for her skin which had remained her own flesh color however she had 'tattooed' tribal markings over her scars in her midsection which had remained otherwise bare. The tribal markings continued on her back as well- her brother had helped her- the tattoos would stay on her skin until she returned home and her brother could remove them with a special soap they had developed.
She was striking to say the least- for someone who had lived her life full of color she was for once- devoid of it. She had her trusty bag full of tricks and wearing the same cloak she had returned home in secret with. She had made a special head band that had onyx stones and black ribbon on a white abalone frame. Her shirt was a mid-drift and was black with white detail. Even in monochrome she was exceptionally gorgeous. She made her way to the front of the palace where a small caravan was assembling- she waited for the rest to arrive- King Finn and Prince Alexander were next to arrive- both of whom had to pick up their jaws from the ground. She approached and bowed low showing she had accepted her role as Mirage.
"La Fa La May" She says to Alex who answers
"La Shae Su Ze" He answers- it was the ancient greeting they had discussed earlier- Hailey smiles wide showing her brilliant white smile then says-
"Good morning."
"Good morning…Mirage." King Finn answers, staring at her in disbelief.
"I do hope my mission will be a complete success." Hailey remarked, hopeful that she sounded more confident then she felt.
"As do we- we are very grateful you were willing to give your support to this endeavor." King Finn replied.
"Of course."
She backs away and stands by the envoy- Trip, Lucian and Lomi show up. Hailey thinks to herself 'What the hell is Lucian doing here? God I hope he is here to see his brother off cause if he's going it's going to be a very long journey.' She goes up to them and says good morning- they stare at her as if meeting her for the first time.
"What?" She asks.
"When you said yesterday to expect you to look different... this is definitely different." Lomi said, looking her up and down.
"So…are you saying you don't like it?" She asks -the guys shake their head no.
"So…you do like it?" She asks- the guys shake their heads yes. Her cheeks blush slightly breaking up her monochrome but it still looked adorable. She then heard the attendant call everyone together. She goes and assembles- Finn sends them on their way and to Hailey's relief Lucian did come just to see them off. She boards the carriage like transport that seated 6. She took a window seat and Lomi came in next and sat next to her then Trip came and sat across from Hailey and then Alex came in and the door was shut behind him.
"Will there be just the four of us then?" Trip asked. Alex nodded yes. And added-
"Gentleman and Lady- it's going to be a long trip and if you would like you can just call me Alex- it's just easier that way." Hailey smiled at him in such a way as to say thank you and he smiled back in the same fashion.