Okay, really gotta apologize for what has happened.

Hanon: You mean leaving us hanging for months?

Rina: Or putting us off for some story about swords?

Seira: Everyone, stop! RSBCS has done all he could.

Thanks Seira. Anyway, I finally got to finishing this chapter, and I learned something. I type lightning fast, better than I write. Even though I like writing my stories out. So expect a bit more progress on these stories down the road.

Hanon: Why didn't you type these stories in the first place?

I didn't have a good computer before, okay?! Geez! Can someone do the disclaimer already.

Rina: RSBCS does not own Mermaid Melody or its content. All rights to their owners.

Thank you Rina. Now...

Everyone: Pichi Pichi Voice, Live Start!

Chapter 24:

Ballad of the Swan Princess

Seira was resting on an outcropping in the middle of the ocean, singing her song, "Beautiful Wish." Her tail being lapped by the waves as she sang, she looked out to the horizon as the sun hung high in the sky. In the middle of her song, Seira felt someone wrap their arms over her shoulders, and press themselves against her back. This caused her breath to hitch, but the touch felt familiar.

"Here you are, Seira," came Hugo's voice.

With his presence revealed, the mermaid leaned into him and closed her eyes to enjoy the contact, whispering, "Hugo." They shared a moment of simple bliss in each other's presence. Then, dark clouds began to roll in from their left, and they looked up to see the various water demons coming at them like the Dark Lovers, Black Beauty Sisters, and the Winged ones alongside the Triple Threat.

Seira became fearful at their appearance, but Hugo stood and came in front of her to protect her.

He cast his hand out, causing a blinding light to engulf their enemies. When it subsided, they were no more. Seira began to feel hopeful, until she noticed how the dark clouds lingered despite the threat being dealt with.

Not long after, she heard Luchia calling out from her right before seeing the other Mermaid Princesses and Sea Princes rushing over to them. Though as they approached, the same light Hugo called engulfed them as well. Seira heard them cry out in anguish, with it being revealed that they were gone too once the light faded.

Seira turned to Hugo, aghast, and exclaimed, "Hugo, what did you just do? Those were our friends."

His form suddenly shifted, and he became someone else. A man draped in black with a black jacket with fur lining the rim and black pants tight against his legs. His hair was now silver and even looked like Kaito's. As he looked down at her, Seira saw how this man's face was more sinister, with reddish-orange eyes drawn into a sneer that were void of any warmth. And she quickly realized this man was Gaito, the ruler of the Pantherrassa.

"Now you are mine, mermaid princess," he spoke in a cold tone, void of empathy and comfort. Before she could flee, Seira was pinned by her wrists against the rock.

Struggling against his grip, Seira cried out, "Gaito, why?! What did you do to my Hugo?"

The demon ruler chuckled, replying, "Dear Seira, can you not see? I am Hugo. Always." Seira immediately denied it, when she heard a dark, somber melody play that she recognized when she and Hugo sang before. As someone sang "Return to the Sea," she glimpsed over Gaito's shoulder to see a woman with ebony hair and a black dress that went past her feet hovering over them. Upon seeing her face, Seira gasped as she saw herself, further confirmed by her voice and eyes. Seira suffered under the dark song, the torment overpowering her. Unable to take it, she cried out.

Seira awoke in her room, screaming at the top of her lungs. The immense sound waves from her shriek rocked Pearl Piari, waking up everyone inside while startling Nikora, Taki, and Hippo in their tasks.

The mermaid princesses came out of their rooms to see what the matter was, while Luchia charged out of hers and rushed over to Seira's room. She charged in to find the Orange Pearl Mermaid Princess flailing and crying out, eyes scrunched shut.

"Seira!" Luchia called out, hurrying over to her bedside. She grabbed hold of her hands and drew the young mermaid princess into a hug, but she fought her efforts as hard as she could. Luchia was able to pin Seira against herself and rode out the nightmare with her. Before long, her struggles died away, and Seira merely whimpered and cried against the Pink Pearl Mermaid Princess. Luchia shushed her soothingly, assuring her it was alright. But she began to wonder what Seira must be going through to cause this kind of reaction. She worried about Seira's well-being and what she could do as her mentor to help her.

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A little later after things settled down, Luchia took Seira down for breakfast once they were both dressed and ready for the day. At one of the tables, Nikora had set out several dishes to help Seira get her energy up as well as mitigate any stage nerves she had. Meru was already at the table, helping herself to some of the food. Seira beamed at what everyone had done for her and went to eat as well.

During the meal, Hippo came over to the table and his beak watered at all the food given to the girls. Eying everything greedily, he muttered, "They won't mind if I help myself to a few of these delectables." But just as his flipper was about to snatch one of the items, he was swatted away and barred by Luchia and Nikora, both giving him a hard glare.

Seira and Meru were oblivious to this, simply eating in total bliss.

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In a limo driving down the coast to the school, Hugo sat across his parents to discuss matters regarding the play. He wore a very disgruntled look at them questioning him so much to make sure he knew what to do in the play and that he had his part nailed down. Especially with what was coming after they asked all their questions.

"We shall be leaving once the play is done," his father told him. "So do not try to slip away to gallivant in the festival."

Appalled, Hugo argued, "Father, that's not fair! I've never been to these festivals before."

To which his father returned, "You have your duties to attend to in preparing to take over the estate. You cannot afford such wasteful distractions."

"They are not wasteful," Hugo shot back. "And stop regarding my friends as distractions. They are not a detriment like you claim they are."

"Then perchance one of them has a hidden fortune that you both can utilize?" his father brought up. "Or perhaps a relative of theirs has influence in the government."

Scowling, Hugo muttered, "Stop that."

"Putting you in this school was a mistake," the man reprimanded. "These friends of yours do nothing to advance your future. I will work to transfer you to a new school after this is over for your betterment."

"For your reputation, you mean," Hugo returned grumpily. "I have no fault in that. And I don't need you to decide my future for me."

"You know as well as I that our family must remain prosperous," his father reminded, an undertone of anger in his voice. "We cannot allow any other to usurp or strip us of our wealth. Someone like that boy from the Hamasaki family would be a better friend than a rival."

"His name is Masahiro," Hugo snapped, earning a glare from his father. Dialing back a bit, he added, "The guy's name is Masahiro, and he is also friends with the people hang around with."

Wanting to defuse the tension, his mother spoke, "Dear, we simply want you to consider the things you will need for your future. People you are close to can drag you down if you are not careful, not to mention create a terrible image for you. You must remember to be in the right place so you secure what will come." The boy simply remained silent in response, tired of arguing this same old subject repeatedly.

As they arrived at the school, his father instructed, "Once your play is done, we will be taking you straight home. This decision is final. Understood?" Hugo tightened his hands into fists at these 'instructions' he was being given. He was really beginning to hate that he wasn't even a child to them, but some doll they were making do whatever they wanted with him.

Through gritted teeth, he replied, "Understood… father." He exited out and got as much distance between him and the limo as possible when he was on the grounds among the stands, he muttered bitterly, "They'll never understand me."

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Some time after Hugo arrived, Seira and Meru came up to the school with all their friends behind them. Upon seeing the festival grounds, the two youngest mermaids were enraptured. Although she had once spent a day experiencing school with Luchia, Hanon, and Rina, the school festival was like nothing Seira had ever known before. Both she and Meru looked about the stands with great enthusiasm, even smelling the air for the delectable flavors being done by other classes.

"So cool!" they both squealed in excitement.

"Don't get too caught up in the festival just yet," Nikora advised the two. "You both need to check with your class to get ready for the play."

"But we want to see the festival," Meru whined.

But Nikora sternly instructed, "First help with your play. Then you can enjoy the festivities." The two agreed and raced off to the auditorium to meet with their class.

"They are certainly very eager to see the festival," Noelle commented.

"I can understand why though," Luchia told the others. "I'm just happy for Seira now."

"Not to mention she's got the lead with Hugo-kun," Hanon said, egging her friend on.

Before a retort could be made, they heard Masahiro and Kaito call out, "Oi, Luchia, everyone."

When the boys and girls met up, Coco inquired, "It looks like we're missing a Sea Prince. Where's that boy Nagisa?"

"Probably in the auditorium," Kaito figured. "We saw him hurrying in that direction earlier."

This bit of news surprised Hanon, and she mused, "He's certainly being responsible for once."

"Hanon, aren't you being too hard on him?" Karen questioned.

"Only so he can shape up to be a proper Sea Prince," she returned haughtily.

"Well why don't the four current students show us the grounds," Masahiro suggested. "You all know this place well. And we can all go to the auditorium later when it's near show time." With that, Luchia led the charge, followed by Kaito to rein her in, then everyone else.

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Inside the auditorium, Meru and Seira found their class making the last bit of preparations for their play. Some were already in costume, while others were moving set pieces and props around. The girls decided to get ready themselves and head backstage.

Just as they were about to go back, they heard Hugo call out to them, "Seira, Meru, there you are." The two turned, and Meru pouted as Hugo came up to them accompanied by Nagisa.

Nagisa's costume consisted of a dark brown jacket, black pants, and boots. The overall look was rather plain to see. But it was Hugo's costume that Seira was stuck on.

His costume was much more eye-catching. Dressed in a royal blue vest with a white, long-sleeved shirt underneath, decorated with gold buttons and a connected tassel on the left shoulder. White pants that hugged tight to his legs, and black buckled shoes. His appearance truly made him look more royal than before.

As Seira stood stock still seeing Hugo, he requested, "Can you guys help me before we start the play? I want to go over our last scene one more time. Just to make sure we have it down."

Tilting her head in confusion, Meru questioned, "You were the one working on that scene for the last couple of weeks. Why do you need more work on it?"

"Meru, writing it up and knowing the lines is one thing," Hugo reasoned. "I want to make sure the lines are said in a way that works with the scene. Now please hurry and get ready." Meru was a bit miffed at his attitude, but she complied as she turned to get into costume. Seira was still start-struck at Hugo's costume, and hadn't done or said anything.

Noticing this, and wanting Hugo not to, Nagisa hurried over and snapped Seira out of her state. "You better get in costume," he told her as she came back to reality. "Hugo wants to do the last scene one more time."

Stammering, Seira agreed and hurried back to change.

A few minutes later, the two girls arrived in costume. Meru's was as simple as Nagisa's, if not more so. Just a faded pink dress with a hood draped over her head and settling on his shoulders. But Seira was adorned in a dress like a ballgown, all in white with sleeves at the shoulder that were puffed. She also had white gloves that went past her elbow, and a tiara with wings on the sides. Just like with her, Hugo was fixed on how she looked, unable to take his eyes away.

Blushing and gripping her left arm, Seira asked hesitantly, "H-How do I look?"

Nagisa smiled and answered, "Really great Seira. Like a real princess." He and Meru took notice to Hugo's lack of response, prompting the boy to wave his hand in front of the guy. When he didn't react, Nagisa also worked to snap him back to reality.

Coming out of it much like Seira did, Hugo uttered out nervously, "You look… um, great. Beautiful. It suits you Seira."

"Really?" Seira inquired.

But before a reply could be given, Meru interjected, "Alright, let's get this practice over with. The play is in 15 minutes." She dragged Nagisa aside to watch them, while the two got into character and positioned themselves as they would on stage to the best of their ability.

"Odette, what have I done?" Hugo cried out. "I swore a vow of eternal love to you, and that imposter…"

"I know, my prince," Seira replied somberly. "But there is no changing my fate. Soon I shall forever be a swan. But I will not let the sorcerer win."

"What do you intend to do?"

"I shall cast myself into the lake and depart from this world."

"Surely there must be another way!"

"It is the only way I can be free of my curse now."

Suddenly, Hugo came over and knelt at Seira's side. Then he took her hands in his and said, "Then I cast myself with you. For ever since we met, my heart has known no greater joy than you." This threw the others off a bit, especially Seira. This wasn't what they had rehearsed. Not entirely anyway.

Doing what she could, Seira ad-libbed, "My prince, you cannot. My time in this world is ending. But you have so much to live for. Your kingdom needs you. Do not throw your life for mine."

But then Hugo caressed her cheek, earning a soft gasp from Seira. His hand felt so warm and comforting. "My life is no longer my own, my beautiful princess. It has been yours, always and forever." Seira's mind began to race with these words being spoken to her. This wasn't in the play. What was Hugo doing these extra lines for?

In that moment, they were interrupted by the teacher announcing, "Everyone, the audience is starting to come in. We have 5 minutes to show time." Everyone got into their places to begin the play, and Seira and Hugo broke away. The boy went to get into position, but Seira could have sworn he looked disheartened. Why was that?

Meru and Nagisa came up beside her, with Nagisa wondering, "What was that all about? That wasn't in the script." Meru was a bit miffed that Hugo would be going beyond what they had written, further solidifying her opinion about him being so entitled. But Seira sensed there was something in those words. They weren't just lines, but a message. But about what?

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In the auditorium, the group took a seat to the middle-right of the stage to view. The boys sat with their girlfriends, though Hanon didn't seem all that bothered to not have her Sea Prince beside her. Hippo kept eying the boys vehemently, staring daggers at how close they were to Luchia and Rina.

A thought came to Noelle's mind, and she asked Nikora, "Should we record this play for Taki-san? She should see Seira's first play."

"Unfortunately, I didn't remember to grab a camera before we left," Nikora replied.

To their surprise, Masahiro overheard them and assured them, "Don't worry. I have that taken care of." He reached down to the bag he had and pulled out a small video camera. "I can record the play, and we can show it to Taki-san after."

"You always were one to be prepared," Rina commented in a sly tone.

Giving a playful leer at Luchia, Karen remarked, "More so than someone so airheaded she forgets the bread for her guy."

Luchia whined at this, but was comforted when Kaito put an arm around her shoulders and drew her into him a bit.

The lights then went out, signaling the beginning of the play. The crowd applauded as Meru, dressed as the narrator, came out and sat at a seat on stage left with a spotlight on her.

"Greetings, honored guests," she spoke, her tone deeper than normal, "and welcome to a tale of tragic romance. No doubt you know of such tales of love that end in sadness. But not once have you heard a tale such as this. Today, let me take you to a time long ago to tell the tale of the prince and princess of the swans." At her cue, the curtain rose to a scene of what could be surmised as a ball. Most students were dancing as music was played.

"It begins long ago in the land of Germany," Meru narrated. "The prince of the kingdom, Siegfried, had come of age to which he would be eligible to marry. But despite such joyous times, the prince was troubled. His heart torn and heavy by the wishes of the queen." In the center of the stage was Hugo, standing to the side of the dancing and looking rather stern. The Mermaid Princesses remarked at how handsome he was, but were quickly shushed by Nikora.

Stepping forward to the stage's edge, Hugo spoke mournfully, "Must I endure this accursed fate? To be wed to one I know not is what is asked of me. But what of my happiness? Shan't I be allowed to follow my heart to the one who would bring me true happiness?"

Coming to his side was a boy dressed as the queen, who answered in a high-pitched voice, "Dear son, begone with your moaning. It is your duty as prince to take a bride. Solidifying our ties with another kingdom will bring prosperity to you and our people."

"I seek not to follow tradition," Hugo returned, casting his arm out. "All this will do is bring ruin to me and my own. I will not marry for the sake of marriage."

"Be not foolish, child of mine," the 'queen' chided. "To neglect your duties is folly. At the ball soon to come, you will make your decision then. And you will not be so prideful as to refuse to choose a bride and produce an heir." With that, the queen walked off.

Looking miffed, Hugo called out, "My friend, Amsel, come forth." At that, Nagisa came on stage with a prop bow at hand.

"You summoned, milord," Nagisa responded as he bowed, "are we to go hunting?"

"You speak truth, my most trusted friend," Hugo regarded cordially. "Come! I must clear my head of these troubling matters. Your bow will be most welcome at my side than an army of Valkyries."

"Such praise is unfit for one such as you, highness," Nagisa returned. And the two walked off stage left. In doing so, the curtain went down as Meru was highlighted once more.

"Oh, the troubles of a prince, born into responsibility," she lamented to the audience. "Such was the burden Prince Siegfried was forced to suffer. Yet hope remained in his steadfast heart. The queen asked for a bride, and a bride he would find. But not one that either would have foreseen." The curtain rose soon after she finished. And as she faded into black, the stage changed to one of what looked like a mystical lake.

Hugo and Nagisa came onstage, bows in their hands and looking around. Hugo then told his friend, "We shall separate to find proper game. Go around and find what you can. I shall forge on ahead." Nagisa said nothing in reply, and left the stage as soon as he had come in. As Hugo went more right, a prop in the shape of a swan rolled onto the stage before him. "Lo! A swan has emerged," the prince marveled. Readying his bow, he then said, "It shall be a fine prize to take with me." But then the stage went black, and a lone light shone on the swan as Seira came up from behind it, stretching her arms and twirling once as if she had transformed into the figure she became.

When the lights returned, and the prop removed before anyone noticed, Hugo dropped his bow and asked, "Who… Who are you?"

Turning to face him, Seira curtsied and replied, "Greetings, fair prince. My name is Odette, the princess of the swans." At her beckoning, students meant to represent the other swans came on stage around her and circled before kneeling around Seira.

In awe, Hugo spoke, "A princess? Of Swans?"

"Yes, fair prince," Seira told him. "Yet my subjects and I have been cursed. That is why we take the shape of swans."

Hugo came over to her, and asked in earnest, "Cursed? Who has lain this curse upon one as pure and innocent as she?"

Bowing her head, Seira explained, "It is by a sorcerer's hand. With bitter jealousy, the warlock cursed my subjects and I and turned us into swans. We may return to our former form only at this lake, and only at the moon's light. We have been this way for some time, though memory fails me now for how long this curse has lasted."

Furious, Hugo declared, "Then let me find this sorcerer. I will strike him down and have him undo the spell that has afflicted you."

"You cannot, fair prince," Seira pleaded, "for the curse can only be broken if one may make a vow of eternal love to me. If such fortune should befall us, we would be restored to what we have been."

Taking her by the hand, Hugo spoke tenderly, "Such a cruel fate for one such as you. I only wish there were a way to undo your curse." The scene faded to black, returning attention to Meru.

"For two days, the prince would slip away to the lake to meet with Princess Odette," Meru spoke. "And in those days, a great feeling arose in Siegfried. One he felt for no one else. A feeling that existed solely alongside the princess of the swans. Such was this feeling that the prince dared take the chance at a hope for himself and Odette."

The light returning to a scene of Seira and Hugo alone onstage, the boy proposed, "Princess Odette, I have come to a marvelous solution to our shared strife."

"Pray tell, Prince Siegfried, what solution do you have?" Seira inquired.

"In order to break your curse, you must have someone swear a vow of eternal love to you," Hugo recalled, then said, "I might know what to do. At the ball tomorrow night in my kingdom, I will make such a vow before the people. I will, unwaveringly so, declare this vow to you and you alone."

Hands over her heart, Seira asked hopefully, "You would be willing to do that? You would free me from my curse?"

"Without question," Hugo assured, taking her hands in his. "I feel this to be true. In our time together, I have never felt this way for anyone save you. I wish to cherish this feeling forever. And I know I will only do so with you."

Joyful, Seira returned, "I wish too to share this feeling for you. I have lost hope for so long of ever being free. But you give me hope that this accursed fate will not be mine forever. I would happily accept your vow."

"Then it shall be so," Hugo told her. As he moved away to stage right, he told her, "Come to me at the ball, and there I will give my vow for all to see."

"And so I shall, without delay," Seira returned. And as Hugo left, the stage went black once more. But then, the lights returned to see a girl cloaked in black at center stage.

"So, the princess has found her prince, eh?" she spoke in a cold voice. Then she cackled and declared, "Such a perfect chance for me. For when the prince makes his vow, he shall not know it is not to his beloved he declares to. And then, everything will be torn asunder." And with that, the stage went dark.

The audience applauded at the performance, amazed at how well the students were doing for a school play.

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During intermission, the students backstage were getting things ready for the next half of the play. While they did, Seira went to find Hugo. She was still wondering why he did what he did with that scene they practiced earlier. It still bothered her, trying to figure out what he had been meaning to say in those lines he said to her. He had been trying to tell her something, she felt it in her heart.

She finally found him talking with Nagisa and called out to him. The two parted, the Sea Prince having dressed down from his costume since he was not in anything else in the play. When she approached, Seira asked, "Hugo, can you tell me something?"

Smiling softly, Hugo answered, "Sure Seira. Anything."

With that, she inquired, "Earlier when we practiced, you said some things we never rehearsed in the play. Were you just acting in character or was it something else?" The minute she said it, she worried that she had overstepped. Maybe she misread what Hugo said and did. She was beginning to think it was better not to have asked at all.

To her relief, Hugo told her, "That's a good question to ask Seira. Thank you." Turning to the side, he spoke, "Sometimes, it can be hard to separate the character from the person. Especially when you share the same circumstances or feelings. For me, how I am is how I am." Looking to her, he assured, "Whether I'm acting or being myself, I am the person you see before you." He rested a hand on her shoulder before heading over to get ready for the next act.

Seira stood there, processing what she had been told. His words rang out in her head. She questioned each thought that arose, and each question was stomped out by the words he gave her. Particularly about how who he was is the person he was. And thinking back on his lines he gave her in their practice, she came to one conclusion.

He has feelings for me, she thought to herself, a tear escaping her eyes. And not just the mermaid me like before. He has feelings for the human me. This revelation brought forth great joy in her heart.

The hallway was clear when she finally decided to return Hugo's feelings. But before she could go, someone came up behind her and captured her. A quick peripheral glance told Seira it was the Triple Threat, most notably Christoph. He brought her inside a room where the other two members were, and she was suddenly bound and gagged by them.

"Finally got one," Javer said with a smirk. "Doc's going to be pleased with this one." And Seira's whole world went black as they sacked her.

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Out on the grounds at this time, the mermaid princesses and company were talking about the play and how well it had been going so far. Noelle kept gushing at how wonderful everyone looked and how Seira seemed to meld into her character. Hippo simply claimed she did alright, though he made an offhand comment about her acting being better than Luchia's which earned him a stare from said mermaid princess.

Amid this talk, Rina brought up, "The way Hugo-kun acted was unexpected. The way he spoke and delivered his lines seemed too genuine."

"You might be more right than you think Rina," Masahiro spoke up. "From what I've heard, Hugo's life has always been decided for him by his family. They run several businesses in a few countries, including here in Japan and America. He's expected to take up the business soon and has been raised like that prince was."

Catching onto that point, Karen commented, "If that's the case, this play may be more appropriate to his plight than most people would think."

"Seira and Meru said that Hugo-kun suggested they do Swan Lake as a play," Hanon mentioned. Then asked, "Do you think he did this to convey his struggle?"

"That seems a bit far-fetched to be true," Kaito reasoned. "It's probably just a coincidence."

Luchia wasn't easily convinced. Knowing about Seira's growing relationship with Hugo, she had seen how the boy seemed to depend on her. Maybe Hanon and Karen were correct about Hugo. Maybe this play was really him speaking out.

Before the conversation went any further, Nagisa rushed over to them, calling, "Hanon, everyone, we've got trouble!" He rushed over and took a moment to catch his breath. Once he did, he urged, "You guys need to help. It's Seira. She's being taken by Triple Threat." Immediately, the atmosphere around the group got serious.

Without a moment's delay, Rina addressed, "Luchia, Hanon, Kaito, Masahiro, let's go."

"Absolutely!" Hanon declared. "No one steals the leading lady before the final curtain."

Turning to the others, Luchia told them, "Save our seats and watch for anything suspicious. We'll go rescue Seira." Everyone agreed, and the three pairs hurried to the backstage.

Just offstage, Hugo looked on as they got things ready for the scene at the ball. Even though he was confident, he couldn't help but worry about where Seira was. They still had their final scene coming up, and she had a brief appearance in this one before the ending. He couldn't help but worry that he may have said too much to her when she asked.

"Two minutes to curtain," the teacher announced. Hugo looked back, took a deep breath, and resigned himself to what was to come.

Meanwhile, the three pairs made it to the backstage just in time to see the Triple Threat lugging what looked like a sack with something struggling inside it. There was no time to lose, so they quickly transformed.

"Pink Pearl Voice!"

"Aqua Pearl Voice!"

"Green Pearl Voice!"

After transforming, the group confronted the Triple Threat.

"Stop right there!" Luchia called out. The trio of villains stopped, before smiling at their turn of fortunes.

"Well whaddya know?" Avery teased. "If it ain't the rainbow squad. I am looking forward to kicking you losers to the curb."

"Like that's ever going to happen," Nagisa retorted. "We'll beat you every time. You and your boss should just give up."

"Hardly," Javer replied, "because…"

"We are the Triple Threat."

"The rad-awesome Avery!"

"The cool and collected Christoph!"

"And the red-hot leader Javer!"

After posing for their intro, Christoph told the group, "You won't be so fortunate to stop us this time. Doctor Hishki made a device that'll take you six down a peg or two, even when you sing."

As their melody started up, Kaito returned, "No matter what kind of scheme you cook up, we'll always defeat you."

"Our bonds give us the strength to fight…" Nagisa picked up.

"And our love gives us the will to stand," Masahiro continued.

Then Rina began to declare, "By our love…"

"And our songs…" Hanon added.

And Luchia finished, "We shall triumph." Then together, they called out,

"Pichi Pichi Voice, Live Start!"

They sang their song "Bridges" once more, singing about the connections they make to each other and with those around them. That even if the storms rage or the earth shakes, they would continue to cherish their bonds.

As they sung, Avery chuckled as he activated something on his wrist. And then, a pair of what looked like speakers descended from somewhere above. These devices started to play rock music to try and disrupt the Mermaid Princesses and Sea Princes, thus mitigating their power. Either because they didn't bother listening to the music or were unaffected themselves, the group continued to sing. As they neared the chorus, the Triple Threat thought the day was as good as theirs and prepped their headsets to begin singing their song. But that was when they noticed that the speakers were beginning to spark and crack.

"What's going on?" Christoph questioned in shock. "The Doc said their songs would be nullified by these new contraptions. Why aren't they being weakened?"

"Amp up the noise!" Javer ordered. "We gotta shut them up."

"We're cranked to the max," Avery informed. "This ain't right at all."

Once the group finished, they called out, "Love Shower Pitch!" And the speakers were destroyed, as well as the Triple Threat taking the full impact of their song without that buffer in the way. The idol group then inquired, "Encore wa ika ga?"

"What is wrong with these people?!" Javer exclaimed. "Why can't they just let us win?"

"Total washout," Christoph groaned.

"We gotta bail. It ain't worth it," Avery suggested. And the three teleported away.

Hurrying over, Kaito and Rina freed Seira from her bindings while Hanon and Luchia helped straighten out her costume.

Once freed, Nagisa told her, "You better hurry. The play is going to resume. You need to be ready for your part."

"Right," Seira replied. "Thank you all for saving me. I know what I have to do now." And she hurried to the stage.

Watching her go, Hanon wondered, "What does she need to do now?" But no one had an answer for her. Finished with their duty, the six hurried to the auditorium entrance to watch the rest of the play.

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The six returned to their seats just as the play resumed. The curtain rose to another ball scene, only Hugo was sitting on a throne in the center. Meru was highlighted again as she narrated the tale.

"The day of the ball had come, and many princesses presented themselves to Prince Siegfried to win his hand," she relayed. "But the prince's heart lay with another. He sought her out amongst the crowd. Sadly, his pursuit would lead him down a doomed path." She faded into darkness again as the scene played out.

Approaching him from his left, the 'queen' addressed, "My son, have you yet to make a decision? Many great kingdoms have brought forth their daughters for you."

"My heart seeks only one mother," Hugo returned. "And she will appear before the night's end." With that cue, a girl wearing a wig with hair to match Seira came from stage left. But this person wore a black dress instead. At her appearance, Hugo rose from his feet, even as Hippo was pleading him not to be deceived.

"My prince," the Black Swan greeted with a curtsy, "I have come at last."

"How wonderful it is to see you here, my dear Odette," Hugo welcomed with a bow. Holding his hand, he asked, "Shall you join me for a dance?" The Black Swan agreed, taking his hand and stepping with him to the center.

As they danced among the other students, Hippo was silently crying out, "No no no! Don't fall for it! It's a trick. Odette hasn't come yet." But he was quickly silenced by Nikora so as not to disturb the other audience members.

After a bit of dancing, Hugo stopped and addressed, "I have a declaration to make." Just then, Seira appeared behind a pillar, looking out of breath. No one seemed to notice, most thinking it was just part of the story. Hugo went on, "I wish to make a vow of eternal love to Princess Odette." As he gestured to the Black Swan, amid celebration from the party goers, Seira looked horror-struck. As if by some sixth sense, Hugo looked back just as she disappeared offstage. "No! What have I done?" he spoke with great regret. He rushed off stage right, and the stage went black.

Returning to focus, Meru explained, "A vow of eternal love. To the princess it was made, but not the one it was intended for. At this, the prince sought out his true love." The stage returned, back in the lake scene from earlier. Seira was kneeling center-left, crying. Hugo came from stage right, looking aghast at the circumstances.

"What have I done?" he gasped as he slowly approached Seira. "Forgive me Odette. I swore a vow of eternal love to you. And that imposter…"

"I know, my prince," Seira replied, wiping her eyes, "but there is no changing my fate. Soon I shall forever be a swan. But I will not let the sorcerer win."

Stopping right next to her, Hugo asked, "What do you intend to do?"

Looking down and away, Seira told him, "I shall cast myself into the lake and depart from this world."

Hugo suddenly dropped to his knees, grabbing her hand and drawing her up to face him. "Surely there is another way!" he pleaded.

Seira shook her head, saying, "It is the only way I can be free of the curse now."

Hugo seemed to ponder for a moment his next line, and said firmly, "Then I cast myself with you. For ever since we met, my heart has known no greater joy than you."

"You cannot, my prince," Seira returned somberly. "My time in this world is ending. But you have so much to live for. Your kingdom needs you. Do not throw your life for mine."

Caressing her cheek, Hugo told her, "My life is no longer my own, my beautiful princess. It has been yours, always and forever." A couple tears went down Seira's face without her knowing, so Hugo made to wipe them away. The look he saw in her eyes gave him pause.

Seira, please hear my plea, he thought desperately.

And then, Seira returned, "And mine is yours. I see now I was not the only one who suffered under a curse. My prince, if I must, then we shall go together to the next world." Hugo's breath hitched, but Seira continued, "For I wish not to cause you suffering any longer."

Smiling, Hugo spoke mentally, Seira, you heard me. You finally heard me. Thank you. Knowing you feel like I do fills my heart like nothing else.

Hugging her to him, Hugo muttered, "Then let us go, my dear Odette."

Returning the hug, Seira whispered audibly, "Yes, my wonderful Siegfried."

But the moment was ruined by the appearance of the sorcerer, who declared, "You shan't escape my grasp forever. You, foolish prince, have made a vow of eternal love to my daughter, the Black Swan. Now fulfill your vow before me today."

Facing the sorcerer in fury, Hugo shot back, "I shall only live my life for the one I swore for. I care not for your wishes, sorcerer." As the sorcerer called out to stop them and Hugo and Seira made as if to lunge into something, the stage went black. Meru reappeared in the spotlight to wrap things up.

"And so Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette cast themselves into the lake's depths," she said somberly. "And the sorcerer was set upon by the princess's subjects, slain at the lakeside. When it was all over, they mourned for the loss of their princess and her lover. Yet hope renewed at what they saw." A single spotlight shone on the two leads, standing and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. To everyone but the mermaids and friends, it seemed like just part of the act. "Their spirits rose to the heavens, forever entwined. Their vow fulfilled. The vow of eternal love." With that, everything went dark as the curtain fell. The audience was so moved that they gave a standing ovation to the class for their hard work.

The curtain rose to show the class lined up to do one final bow, with Seira and Hugo in the center. Nagisa wasn't bothered about not being onstage with them, though Hanon was miffed because she wanted to see him there taking such praise. With the bow given, the curtain descended.

But Luchia and Kaito noticed how the Seira and Hugo's hands were intertwined, causing them to smile.

Seira, I'm so proud of you, Luchia praised.

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As everyone began to put away props and costumes, Seira and Hugo were walking down the hallway after returning to their uniforms. No one seemed to notice how close they were to each other, but Seira was grateful for that. Meru didn't seem to be badgering her on the matter at all, which she was very grateful for. She wanted this time with Hugo now that she had it.

Before they left, Hugo asked, "Seira, do you want to explore the school festival with me?"

Gazing lovingly at him, Seira answered, "I would love to, Hugo." Though they agreed on it, they didn't move from their spot. Instead, they felt an invisible pull inching them closer to each other. Hugo had brief glimpses of the orange mermaid he had met before, but he began to disregard them now. He knew how he felt belonged to Seira. Said girl was ecstatic, longing to finally be with her love like Kaito and Luchia were. At last, she could take solace in finding her number one.

But again, like with the sorcerer in the play, the two were interrupted from their moment by a man in a suit and glasses barging in. He shoved Seira out of the way, much to Hugo's frustration, before he escorted the boy out. Seira made to go after him, but was stopped by his mother appearing in the exit.

"Do not be so foolish to mistake fiction for reality," she told her coldly. "A play is only a play. Do not forget your place." And she walked off to meet with her family. Even as Hugo called out to her, Seira was frozen by the words she was given. Their feelings for each other were part of the act? She couldn't believe that. But what could she do?

Meru came and shook her out of her funk, shouting, "Seira, go after him! Go after your prince!" As Seira came back, Meru continued, "You can't lose your love because someone says it isn't true. Your love for Hugo is as real as you and I. Now go save him!" Spurred by her words, Seira nodded and hurried after Hugo.

As she ran through the festival grounds, Seira cried out, "Hugo! Hugo!" She saw him entering his limo with his mother, about to leave. She tripped and fell partway, but quickly got up and tried getting to him. But the limo pulled away as she had just arrived at the gates. "HUGO!" she called out, running to catch him. She thought she saw him look back with a pained expression, but she was forced to stop when she came to the street corner and watch as he disappeared. Seira, anguished at his departure, fell to her knees and cried bitterly.

"Hugo," she muttered weakly.

Luchia: We received a message from our kingdoms. They want us to come home.

Hanon: Ho ho! Wait till I tell them all the good things we've seen.

Luchia: Eh?! Kaito, Nagisa, and Masahiro need to come too?

Hanon: Eh?! Why do they need to come to the kingdoms?

Luchia: There must be more to them being Sea Princes than we thought.

Next time on Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Duo,

Kingdom's Call

Luchia: What are we going to do this time?