Well whaddya know? It's that time again folks.
So after the last chapter introducing this arc, we now step into the first of these Unions chapters. What do I mean by 'Union'? Well, always good to find out for yourself.
Before I get into it, I just want to give a big shout out to my partner, RavenBloom. Not only did they help beta read this chapter, but they also created something for this and the next chapter. Curious? Look them up on deviantart under the handle "Daphne-Phantom". They'll be posting a concept art set for this chapter with Rina and Masahiro that we collaborated on for the last half year. Look up "Rina's Union Form Design Sheet" and "Masahiro's Union Form Design Sheet" under their name.
Also, there is a new song that will be introduced here. To get an idea for the base melody, I'd recommend looking up the song "Labyrinth" from Tokyo Mirage Session #FE.
And of course, disclaimer: I do not own Mermaid Melody or its content. All rights to the appropriate owners.
Now then,
Pichi Pichi Voice, Live Start!
Chapter 26
The Mask Falls
The journey to the North Atlantic kingdom had taken quite a bit of the day to make, but Rina could feel they were almost there. The water felt colder here than back in Japan, not to mention more turbulent. Being back in these waters felt rejuvenating for Rina, having been away for so long so often. She almost forgot how the waters around her home felt.
She and Minke had descended under the surface, and the mermaid princess looked over to Masahiro resting on the whale's back. He had felt so comfortable on Minke's back that he had drifted off to nap. The sight of him asleep was endearing to her, and she came up next to him to stroke his face. She took that moment to think back on how far they had come since their initial meeting. How far she had come since going to the human world back then.
She looked back to see her kingdom coming into view. The palace looked as glorious as it ever did, now fully repaired and maintained since Gaito's attacks.
As they drew nearer, Rina shook Masahiro and told him, "Masahiro, wake up. We're here."
He stirred for a moment before opening his eyes to see Rina beside him. He smiled at her before raising himself off Minke's back to see the kingdom. He was amazed to see the structure here under the sea, not to mention it being so green. This truly was a beautiful kingdom. After gazing at it for a bit, Masahiro glanced over to Rina. The light from the kingdom seemed to make her radiant. But he could barely wait for when they went in and he was introduced. Of course, that excitement gave way to worry about what the mermaids would think of him. Even so, he figured his best bet was to set a good impression for them.
Upon their arrival, various mermaids appeared to welcome their princess home after the long journey. When they saw she had come with Masahiro, he could see their apprehension at his presence beside her. This was the first time a human came to their kingdom, so he figured they were just nervous about him.
One of the mermaids came up to them, bowing to her princess, and greeted, "Welcome back, Rina-sama."
"Thank you," Rina replied. Then she addressed everyone, "I have someone to introduce to you all. Someone very important." She gestured to Masahiro, and said, "Everyone, this is Hamasaki Masahiro, the Sea Prince of the North Atlantic."
At this introduction, a great murmur arose from the mermaids. Many questioned what a Sea Prince was, and about Masahiro overall.
But he stepped forward, bowed deeply, and spoke, "Greetings. I am honored to meet you all." When he rose, the mermaids were still rather shy. But he reckoned that was only natural with the current situation.
Rina turned to some of her subjects, and requested, "Please have a guest room ready for Masahiro during his stay here."
"Yes, Rina-sama," they returned before going off to do the task set before them.
As they left, another mermaid went up to her and asked, "Rina-sama, could you please help us understand why you brought a human here?"
"Of course," Rina replied. "Let us meet in the throne room and talk there." Before she left, she went over to Masahiro and informed him, "I must go and help them understand what has happened. Feel free to explore the kingdom. I will have someone show you to your room once it's ready."
Taking her hand, Masahiro replied, "Alright. I'll see you soon." The two shared a quick kiss before Rina went with the mermaids. Masahiro then walked around to explore the kingdom and familiarize himself with the place.
Just outside the kingdom, Avery and Arara looked on behind some outcroppings. The demon was getting antsy about the whole matter, wanting to just go in and take the Green Pearl Mermaid Princess then and there. But Avery was less inclined to rush in and capture the mermaid princess. They didn't even know what the kingdom would do if they just attacked out of nowhere.
Giving a great whine, Arara griped, "Why are we just sitting here and not going after them? We should be charging in now that we found the kingdom."
"Only if you want to get knocked away right at the gate," Avery chastised. He then told her, "We don't know if the mermaids have defenses against intruders. She might have a shark or something ready to chomp us to bits. So, we scope out the place, then figure out how to get in and attack."
Arara moaned but did nothing otherwise. He was right in that they couldn't just rush this. They had to figure out a plan of attack that wouldn't backfire on them. Thus, they stayed.
Inside the throne room, Rina beheld her subjects before her as she rested in her clam shell throne. Her smile had dropped once she arrived, and she seemed more contemplative and stern before her subjects.
The first mermaid rose and asked, "Rina-sama, who is this human you brought to your kingdom? We had been told you had a new ally, but a human?"
"Aqua Regina chose Masahiro to be my Sea Prince at a time where I and my friends were nearly defeated by our new foe," Rina explained to them. "She bestowed the power I possess onto him so he can aid me in this crisis."
"Rina-sama, are you sure he can uphold this responsibility with you?" another mermaid asked.
Looking at her sharply, Rina replied, "I am very confident. Masahiro has stood by my side, even when I pushed him away. He has been loyal, kind, and honest with me. I trust he is the one to help protect the ocean by my side."
The mermaids seemed to accept her reasons, though some still seemed hesitant about the whole matter.
Regardless, Rina announced, "While he is here, Masahiro is our guest until we are able to finalize his role as Sea Prince by Aqua Regina-sama's wishes. Please, do all you can to ensure he feels welcome."
Bowing, they all returned, "Yes, Rina-sama."
Though they would help her, Rina still couldn't help feeling this might not be such an easy matter to work out.
During this time, Masahiro found himself in a corridor that had led to a fountain. He kept looking around at all the mermaid statues holding stars that gave off light in the kingdom. This place was truly spectacular to see. Masahiro had always thought the title 'Mermaid Princess' was just something she had with the power she wielded. But looking around, it was clear she was true royalty to the sea. Rather than make him self-conscious about everything, Masahiro felt relieved. Mostly because, at the end of the day, she was still someone he cherished. Not to mention that he had a responsibility to her, being her Sea Prince.
As he sat on the rim of the fountain basin, his thoughts wandered back to that prevailing matter. While he would take up the mantle of Sea Prince, the fact remained that he still had one issue to work out with his family. He had been raised to one day take over the business. As the only son of the Hamasaki family, it was his responsibility to take up the mantle. But when compared to protecting the whole ocean, it seemed like such a small, petty thing. He knew his parents might resist his decision, but he was firm in his resolve to be there for her.
Just then, one of the mermaids came up to him and inquired, "Um, Hamasaki-sama?"
Spotting who addressed him, Masahiro gave a reassuring smile, and replied, "How may I help you?"
"Oh no, Hamasaki-sama, you are Rina-sama's guest," the mermaid protested. "It is our job to serve our princess. Please be at ease."
"I'm sorry," Masahiro returned, "this is all new to me too. I am quite unsure of myself, being here among you. I hope you will put up with my lack of familiarity."
"Not at all, Hamasaki-sama," the mermaid said with a quick bow. Then she told him, "We have prepared your guest room. If you will follow me, please." She then led him down another corridor to the room set out for him. Inside was a queen-sized bed with curtains for privacy, an armoire in the corner, and a desk close to the door. For a guest room, it was quite cozy.
"Thank you very much," he said with a bow before entering.
Returning the gesture, the mermaid informed, "If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call on us. We will do all we can to make your stay here comfortable." She then closed the door to leave him to his own devices.
Masahiro brought his suitcase over to the bed before setting himself down on it. It was certainly a different style from home, but it was not an unwelcome one. Mostly, he cared about how Rina might be faring with everything. She must have much of the brunt of his presence, having to placate the mermaids in letting them know he was not something to fear. Mermaids didn't have much contact with humans, even among the legends he had heard since he was a child. Not to mention there were people like Dr. Hishki, who wanted to cause mayhem wherever they went. Still, he did hope he might ease Rina's burden while he was here.
Suddenly, a knock came on the door. Following that was Rina asking, "Masahiro, are you there?"
"I'm here Rina," he responded. "You can come in."
She accepted his invitation, floating over to his bed before setting down next to him. "I hope you are doing okay with being in someplace new like this," she said, her face soft but showing slight pangs of guilt.
Masahiro assured her, "I'm doing alright. Your home is fascinating to see. It's truly an experience."
"I'm glad you think so," Rina spoke, her hands clasped over her chest. Masahiro noticed she seemed to be sagging as if burdened by some profound weight around her. No doubt due to everything regarding her bringing him here.
"Are you alright with everything Rina?" Masahiro inquired, noticing how she behaved around him.
To which, Rina quickly replied, "I'm alright. It's just taking a bit to reacquaint myself with my home and people."
But Masahiro didn't buy it for a moment. He knew Rina too well, and had learned how she seemed to always hide things if she wanted to protect someone. Taking her hands into his own, Masahiro urged, "Rina, put away your façade. You're hurting, aren't you?"
Rina deflated at being found out, and she revealed, "It's troublesome to have to assuage everyone's concerns about you. I had thought, hearing about the message to bring you here, they were readying to welcome you as Sea Prince. But now that we are here, it feels as though I have all this pressure to bear. At times, it feels so suffocating."
Even though she was revealing what was burdening her, Masahiro could still see her holding things back about herself. It was like she couldn't afford to express her true self, lest she be hurt more than she already had. It pained Masahiro to see her like this, a sight he wished he wasn't familiar with.
Without warning, Masahiro yanked Rina into himself and fell back onto the bed with Rina on top of him. He kept an arm wrapped around her back to prevent her from escaping and to bring her close to him.
"Masahiro?" Rina gasped, not sure what he was doing.
Looking up at the ceiling, Masahiro told her, "Rina, you shouldn't hold back like you do. If something's hurting you, don't hold it in. No one will think less of you if you allow yourself to show what's inside. When I see you hold back like this, it hurts me. Because I know you are suffering from something you want to protect me from."
"Masahiro…" she spoke, awed at how perceptive he was.
"Rina, you became more honest with me when I kept coming after you," he told her. "I want you to be open with me too. I will be here for you whenever you need me. So don't hold back. If you are hurt, cry. If you find joy in something, laugh about it. Do that for me, please Rina." His words rang throughout Rina's being. And the walls fell. At first, she whimpered as she struggled to keep her emotions in check, but Masahiro felt the first couple of tears fall on his shirt. Then, her whimpering became simpering sobs, until she relented and just cried against him. Masahiro set his other hand on the back of her head to comfort her.
She nestled into his chest, letting her tears fall and setting free all the emotion she had buried inside her. For how long they stayed like this, neither could say.
Eventually, Rina's tears ran dry, and joy returned in its warmth. She and Masahiro adjusted so they rested on their sides, facing each other. Masahiro wiped a couple tears away, gazing at her lovingly.
Then Masahiro whispered, "I had heard it said that pearls were the tears of mermaids. Even if that were true, I would give them all up to see you smiling every day."
"I would like that," Rina replied, "especially if you are the reason I can smile and be happy." Giving a loving sigh, Rina spoke, "I love you, Masahiro."
"I love you, Rina," he returned in kind. The two met and shared a loving kiss. Together they stayed in this embrace, in this moment, forgetting all the worries and troubles of the world around them. When at last they parted, it felt like they were robbed of each other, and they returned one more time. They parted before long, resting beside each other.
"Masahiro," Rina said, breathless from the kiss, "can I ask to stay here with you for a moment? I know once I leave, there may not be another chance for us to spend like this again."
Masahiro nodded, replying, "I would like that. Will that be okay with your people?"
"Honestly, I'd rather just spend my days with you as much as I can," Rina admitted, a bit ashamed at the statement. Realizing what she was saying, she remarked, "I'm turning into Luchia at this rate."
But Masahiro refuted, "You are Rina. That is who you are. And that is who I will be with." With those words said, the two rested in the embrace of the other. Their pearls glowing slightly at being so close to one another.
A couple days passed since then. The mermaids were becoming more comfortable around Masahiro and even approaching him of their own volition. This gave Rina hope for him to be accepted by her people. It wasn't instantaneous, as some mermaids still voiced concerns about him despite having nothing to back their worries.
Masahiro even went around helping the mermaids with tasks they did around the kingdom, which was met with mixed reactions from gratitude to annoyance. But overall, things were pleasant.
The second day he was here, Masahiro took some time to go for a small jog around the palace. Thanks to it looping and most corridors being clear, he was able to keep up most of his fitness around the castle. The first time he did this, Rina had to intervene with the other mermaids and assure them it was alright. Now, everyone was just curious to watch him workout.
After finishing another lap around the castle, Masahiro walked to cool down, dressed in his tank top and sweats. He stopped by one of the doorways leading into the palace and drew water to wash himself a bit and keep from getting too sweaty.
As he did, a mermaid approached him and inquired, "Excuse me, Hamasaki-sama, can I ask why you are doing… whatever you are doing?"
"It's alright," he replied, wiping some droplets off his face with his sweat towel. "I'm just building up my cardio. So I don't get tired when I do sports back home."
"What are 'sports', Hamasaki-sama?" she asked. Out of nowhere, a few other mermaids came up and asked for him to explain what sports were and why he did them.
"I'll tell you all," he said to get them to simmer down, "but please calm down. Not all at once." He took a seat on the fountain again, with the mermaids setting down in front of him as he began to explain about sports, along with the ones he did.
Rina was nearby, having just watched over preparations for a special event tonight. She smiled at the mermaids listening to Masahiro talk about an aspect of the human world, asking questions when appropriate and generally enthralled by the new information. It really felt like he was beginning to fit in among the mermaids of the North Atlantic.
A mermaid servant came up to her and addressed, "Rina-sama, the feast will be ready before sundown. Our seamstress is working on attire for Hamasaki-sama. She says it'll be ready just before."
"That's good. Thank you for letting me know," she replied, briefly acknowledging the mermaid before watching Masahiro again. The mermaid saw who she was looking at, and seemed disgruntled by the sight.
"If he tells them too many things about his human world, he might get it in their heads to go to such a dangerous place," she muttered with contempt.
"While I would like to keep everyone here to avoid trouble on the surface, having people among humans to help us mermaid princesses could be beneficial," Rina pointed out. "Nikora-san can only watch over us for so long before she must pass it on to someone else."
"Please princess, do not fancy such thoughts," the mermaid urged. "It would not do to leave our kingdom for a place beyond us." She then left to continue her duties.
While she had a point, Rina wasn't worried about the mermaids becoming interested in going to the human world. They were all more inclined to watch over this place to begin with. But telling them about the world above might help ease their worries about her when she went back. Though she did toy with the idea of dividing time between being here and on the surface with Masahiro. If so, it might ease his own burden with his family.
Masahiro finished his explanations, then glanced to his right to see Rina observing him. They shared a silent exchange for a moment before he went back to the other mermaids to tell them about surfing, making sure not to draw attention to Rina.
Said mermaid princess then dipped out to finish her other duties before going to prepare herself for the feast and ceremony.
In his guest room, Masahiro was looking over what clothes he brought to see what to wear to this feast. But he didn't consider bringing something formal or traditional to wear. All his clothes were casual or for keeping in shape. He grew worried about this, seeing as how he still needed to impress the mermaids here and show he could respect their traditions.
As he began to think about how he would let Rina down, a knock came followed by a mermaid carrying some garments in her hands. "Hamasaki-sama, your clothing is ready," she told him. In her hands look like a rather regal outfit, folded nicely in her hands.
Taking them carefully, he said, "Thank you for this. I will be ready in a little bit."
Bowing, the mermaid replied, "Of course. If you need any help, do not hesitate to ask. Rina-sama is being purified and getting dressed herself."
Confused, Masahiro asked, "Purified? Do you mean she is being cleaned?"
"Something different, Hamasaki-sama," the mermaid explained. "She is being prepared for the ceremony you two will conduct to bring you before Aqua Regina-sama."
"Then… shouldn't I be purified as well?" he inquired. "I don't want to be unpresentable before the goddess, especially if Rina will be beside me."
Looking a bit bashful, the mermaid told him, "Um… Rina-sama said your purification will be different from hers. Or at least, she thinks it will. We don't have any traditions in purifying humans."
"Well, what do you do for mermaids?" Masahiro asked further. "Perhaps I could do something similar to get ready."
The mermaid's face flushed red, giving him an indication as to what might be done.
"On second thought, maybe I'll just get ready for the feast first and worry about the ceremony when the time comes. I'll be out in a moment."
Calming down and returning to her natural color, the mermaid informed, "I will be outside when you are ready to go. Do not delay, please." And she left rather quickly.
With that, Masahiro set out the uniform to see what it was.
His attire consisted of a dark-green tunic with long sleeves that hugged close to his arms with cuffs, with a sash that would wrap around his middle of a lighter green color. The pants were dark green and went down to his ankles. He would have to wear what shoes he had to go with it. An additional accessory was the small cape that looked to drape over the left shoulder, covering it and a small part of his upper arm. With no time to lose, Masahiro went to work putting it on.
A few minutes later, after making sure the uniform fit him properly, a knock came at his door followed by parchment being slid underneath. Masahiro went to retrieve it, seeing that it was fortunately a message in Japanese. It gave instructions on a practice that would act as his purification, written up by Rina herself. After looking it over, he knocked on the door to let the mermaid outside know he was ready.
When she opened the door, another mermaid was next to her, holding a vase that he assumed was part of the purification.
"Hamasaki-sama, please kneel and bow your head," she requested.
Masahiro did as he was told, dipping his head down.
The mermaid came over and poured ice-cold water on his head that went down into his uniform. Thankfully, it was unaffected by the water, but he nearly gasped in shock at how cold it was. Once it was done, the mermaid reported, "You are now ready for the procession tonight. Please come with us."
Masahiro followed the two to a grand hall that held a rather long banquet table, decked with some seafood and a few fruit platters as well. It was quite an extensive feast that Masahiro was surprised at everything set before him.
The two mermaids escorting him directed him to a seat to the right of the head of the table, then backed away as he stood beside a seat set out for him. There was another next to him at the head that he assumed was for Rina, but he remained standing out of tradition.
The next moment, an older-looking mermaid announced, "Presenting, our beloved princess!" And the curtains across from Masahiro were drawn, revealing a sight that stunned him.
Rina was wearing a green dress with different layers of frills that were different shades of green with a green bow on her right hip, as well as a crown that looked like it was solid gold. Her face was kindly yet stoic, but she dropped it briefly upon seeing Masahiro. As she approached, the two resumed a more neutral expression as the mermaids joined around the table while Rina took the place of honor.
Before sitting, she addressed, "Today we celebrate the beginning of a new future for our people. We welcome the Sea Prince, Hamasaki Masahiro, who has been selected personally by Aqua Regina-sama to help in protecting the peace of the seas. Let us all rejoice at this momentous occasion."
The mermaids all cheered, and everyone sat down to begin.
Some mermaids were off to the side to play music for everyone, giving an ambience for the meal. A couple mermaids brought some food to Masahiro before bowing away, which he gave thanks for their service. The mermaids seemed abashed at his words and turned away, hiding their faces out of either shame or excitement.
Masahiro gradually dug into the food, observing whatever etiquette he could observe from the people around him. He engaged in some small talk with some of the mermaids whenever they struck up a conversation, but he mostly kept silent and only spoke when spoken to.
After about the sixth conversation he had with one of the mermaids, Rina spoke to him, "You certainly seem more popular now than when we first arrived."
Chuckling, Masahiro replied, "I guess that's because everyone has warmed up to me somewhat." Looking to the mermaids around them, he commented, "In a way, it reminds me of us when we first met."
"Those were definitely some difficult times," Rina remarked. "I still remember how persistent you were in getting close to me."
"I seem to remember you weren't against being around me too much," Masahiro fired back with a smirk. "Even when we started out, you at least tolerated me. That must be more than most boys can say."
"That's if most boys can say anything after I was through with them," Rina answered back, equally mirthful. Then the two shared a quick laugh.
At this point in the festivities, one of the mermaids across Masahiro asked, "Hamasaki-sama, can you tell us how you were chosen to be a Sea Prince for Rina-sama?" This seemed to still the room. Everyone stopped what conversation was held, and even the musicians paused in their playing.
Rina felt tense at the question, worried what it might bring, but Masahiro placed his hand on hers to ease her worry.
So he answered, "It was before summer when it happened. Rina faced an opponent that was too strong for her or the other Mermaid Princesses to fend off. I don't recall much of what she did, but I did receive a pearl out of nowhere." He held up the pendant housing the green pearl he got that day, and continued, "I had suspicions about Rina since seeing her other self, but I was both hesitant and determined to learn the truth. I soon put the pieces together, realizing the girl I knew on land was the same person I met at the sea at one time.
"With two others, I set out to find the Mermaid Princesses taken by our enemy. But we were confronted by this foe. Because we refused to leave them, Aqua Regina-sama's light shined down on us. She asked me if I truly cared for Rina, while asking the others about the princesses they cherished. When I told her that I did care for Rina, she endowed me with the power of a Sea Prince. And ever since, Rina and I have stood against this threat together." He looked at Rina as he finished, who returned his gaze with her own.
The mermaids were in awe at the story, very astounded by Masahiro's devotion to their princess.
Sadly, the festivities were interrupted when a crash came from one of the corridors near the banquet hall. Everyone stood as the smoke cleared, revealing Arara and Avery there.
"It's party-crashin' time!" Avery called. "And today's prize is one Green Pearl Mermaid Princess."
"And don't bother trying to defend her, little mermaids," Arara threatened as the other mermaids moved to impose themselves between the enemy and Rina. "I'm afraid you won't be standing for long." She raised her baton and cast a bright light. It caused the mermaids to become tired and fall to the ground in exhaustion.
Even Rina was not immune, feeling fatigue set upon her. If it weren't for Masahiro beside her, she might have collapsed herself.
Looking at all the mermaids, Avery figured, "You know, if we get all these mermaids with the Mermaid Princess, the Doc should have plenty of evidence for his little project to reveal mermaids to the world."
"Don't bother with the small fry!" Arara prompted, pointing her baton at Rina. "We are after her most of all."
But Masahiro was one step ahead. He picked Rina up bridal style and hurried out of the room.
Arara and Avery gave chase, slowly gaining on the Sea Prince since he was carrying Rina. He muttered a quick apology to Rina before knocking a nearby stand over to cause the two foes to trip and give them time to escape.
Finding themselves behind a pillar in the fountain room, the mermaid princess and her partner pressed themselves against the pillar to not be seen. If possible, they could fend off Arara with their power, but Avery was another matter.
The Triple Threat only seemed to be affected when all six of them banded together for their song. With just them two, the matter was not so cut and dry.
Before long, the two entered the room across from where they were. Avery looked around while Arara strutted to the center.
"Come out, come out, little mermaid princess," she taunted. "You know you can't win, so you might as well surrender now. You can't beat such cuteness like mine."
Rolling his eyes, Avery spoke out, "You better come out, Mermaid Princess. It's only a matter of time before we have you back in that little tube you were so comfortable in."
Neither Sea Prince nor Mermaid Princess moved, expressions set as they thought up a plan to escape.
That is until Avery regarded, "You know, Mermaid Princess, how can you be so sure your Sea Prince will even be able to stay with you? This castle is nice, but your boy is a human. A rather wealthy one set to inherit a prominent business."
Masahiro tensed at the reminder, making Rina worry.
"Face it," Avery continued, "you are barking up the wrong tree. These boys won't do anything for you. You can't beat us. Besides, this guy probably has so many girls fawning over him. He probably has a harem back home. His type is all the same, having much and being just hot air."
Masahiro looked to Rina with a firm gaze, making her breath catch in her throat. Silently, she begged him to not do what he was thinking.
Despite her wishes, he went out anyway and confronted the two. "And what would you know about people like me?" he challenged. "All you know is causing pain and suffering to good people. And for what? Some scientist who doesn't even know the first rule about mermaids?"
Smirking, Avery replied, "Who cares? As long as the Doc gets a mermaid, it's all over then. That's just how we roll."
"Come on boy, don't you want a cute girl on your arms?" Arara teased, giving a cute wink at Masahiro as she flirted with him. "I am a much better pick than that old hag."
"The only hag I see is the one right before me," Masahiro retorted, stunning the fairy. "I am Hamasaki Masahiro, Sea Prince of the North Atlantic kingdom. It's my job to safeguard the Mermaid Princess so she can fulfill her role in protecting the sea." Getting into a boxer's stance, he finished, "I will not let you cause Rina anymore harm. She is my partner, my friend. Nothing is more important to me than her."
Avery scoffed, entering into a similar boxing stance, and returned, "You noble types always get on my nerves. It's time I saw to taking you out. Then, I'll have my way with your princess after the Doctor finishes what he needs her for."
The two circled each other briefly before Masahiro went at him, working to keep him away from where Rina was hiding.
Avery easily ducked the blow and sent a punch at his midsection. Masahiro pushed it away before trying to deliver a hook. It impacted and disoriented Avery, but the metal under his skin made Masahiro's fist flare with pain.
He had nearly forgotten the guy was just a machine.
Avery turned around and tried laying another jab at his face, but Masahiro ducked under it and shoved his opponent back.
He was in the zone, facing a foe like he did back in the ring. But this foe was devious, using enhanced strength to dash at him and sock him in the stomach. Masahiro gasped from the blow, collapsing to his knees.
Not able to bear him being hurt any longer, Rina came out from around the pillar and called, "Oi! I'm who you are looking for. Let him go."
The two enemies spotted her and moved away from Masahiro.
But the Sea Prince rose and grunted, "No… I'm not… done yet…" He staggered as he still recovered from the blow, but he was determined nonetheless.
Avery turned and let out a 'tsk' at his bravado. "Give it a rest. You're beat," he told him.
"Masahiro, I can hold them off for a little while," Rina urged. "Find help, get the other Sea Princes. You can't fight them alone."
Grimacing, Masahiro replied, "I don't care if I'm outmatched." With a pained smile, he said, "I told you before Rina. As long as you participate, you're a winner. I win if I can stand for you. If we have to lose this fight, I'd rather lose it with you beside me."
Rina remembered those words. The day before the Summer Green Festival, he had said that to her when he showed her his secret of being a boxer.
Stubborn as he was, Masahiro would never abandon her. He would not leave her alone.
Scowling, Avery muttered, "I'm done." Readying a knockout punch, he said, "Say good night."
Rina raced over to them, calling out in prayer, Aqua Regina-sama, help me. Help me to save Masahiro. I don't want to lose anyone again. I don't want to be alone again. Please, Aqua Regina-sama, save him! In response to her wish, the pearls she and Masahiro bore shined brighter than ever, blinding the water demon and android as well as forcing them back. The room became awash in a bright light as the figure of the goddess of the sea manifested before Rina.
"Mermaid Princess of the Green Pearl, why are you so distraught?" Aqua Regina asked her. "Why do you ask to no longer be alone?"
Desperation mounting within her, Rina answered, "Because… I'm afraid. Ever since that day, when Noelle was taken, I have always resigned within myself that I would be alone. That even with Luchia and Hanon, I would stay separate to be spared the pain of losing someone. But then they, and Masahiro, drew me into their worlds. And I no longer desired to be on my own. But now, with everything that has happened, I am afraid again. Masahiro is too precious to me. He makes my world so bright, so wonderful. I cannot bear to see him suffer for my sake. And I don't want him to go away. I just don't want to be alone." Finishing, Rina bowed her head as tears threatened to spill out once again.
Aqua Regina looked upon her with empathy, stating, "Mermaid Princess Rina, your heart has been afflicted with so much pain it has lost its faith. Faith in those closest to you to be there for you. You have conjured masks to hide this pain in your heart, to pretend it is not there for the sake of your friends. But a heart that hides what's within will always be in pain. It will be unable to reach out and heal."
Standing before her, Aqua Regina continued, "You have hidden all your pain behind facades for too long. But that boy has seen through them all. He reaches out, even as you hide away, wanting to bring you peace. Mermaid Princess Rina, let go of your pain. Let the people around you begin to mend the wounds you have endured for so long."
Looking up at Aqua Regina, Rina searched within herself for the ability to reach out. Yet her heart still ached with the pain inflicted on it after so long. She felt it hold her back. Until a tender warmth touched it, chasing the pain away. And she felt him. Coming to terms, she let go of everything about her that she made to protect herself. She made to let go.
Seeing that she was beginning to grow beyond herself, Aqua Regina said, "Now, Mermaid Princess Rina, I grant you a new power to unite the hearts of you and your Sea Prince. Sing it so you may let go of your pain and open up to the warmth of your beloved." Raising her caduceus, a light washed over Rina. And Aqua Regina declared,
"Awaken, Green Union Voice!"
As she was bathed in light, Rina began to change into a new idol form. An evening gown first manifested that hugged her body, an asymmetric hem that was longer on the right. It was backless with a halter neck made of light-green straps, with a small cutout beneath the collarbone. A floral lace manifested on the hem of her dress, and a light-green belt wrapped around her midsection above the hips. Light-green opera gloves with dark-green lace covered her hands and arms, and heeled, strappy sandals appeared on her feet. Her hair went up in an updo with a braided headband. For the final touch, a headset with a mic manifested over her left ear, with the same design as her normal mic on it.
Elsewhere, Masahiro began to change too. He soon donned a military jacket of dark-green with light-green slacks and green dress shoes. The jacket had coattails trailing to his knees with chartreuse trim, buttons, and epaulettes on the jacket itself. Floral patterns of the same design as the lace on Rina's dress appeared on his jacket front in chartreuse, pale and medium green. A wide, pale green belt appeared over his jacket, with a green fencing cape embroidered with chartreuse floral patterns over his right shoulder. Chains connected to a chartreuse floral clasp held it in place, pinned to the topmost button. A similar headset to what Rina had appeared on the right side of his head.
Once the transformation was done, Rina was revealed to everyone as the light faded.
Avery and Arara looked on in awe and worry, as they could feel overwhelming power coming from her already.
Masahiro looked up after he changed to see Rina's new look, slowly rising to his own feet.
"Rina…" he gasped in awe.
Without warning, a melody began to play. Three harsh beats played out, with Rina striding forward. Then, before the main melody started, she called out,
"Pichi Pichi Union, Green Start!"
And she began her new song, "Façade." She began by singing about how she hid herself behind masks around others, hiding the person she was underneath. How she created these masks to shield how vulnerable she was. She then went on to describe how these masks hid a torn and damaged self, they were meant to please the people around her. That she got so used to putting up these facades that she lost sight of who she was underneath. But then she declared no more, she would hide no longer. She would face the world, with all her failings to show.
As she sang the chorus about casting her façade, leaving behind these false selves she had made, she danced around the place, swaying and stepping, her hands outstretched as if in a ballroom. As the chorus wound down, she stayed in place, bringing her hands in as she declared how she would no longer hide behind masks for her own sake. Then she reached out her hand to Masahiro, stating she would live for those she loved, always.
Masahiro then took her hand in the interlude, spinning her towards him before taking her right hand in his left, while she rested her left hand on his back and his right hand rested on her waist.
Beginning the second verse, Masahiro led Rina in their dance as he sang about how he came across someone he knew was living a false life, a life he hurt to see. How he had tried to remove the fake persona she gave him, but being thwarted at every turn. Twirling her quickly, Masahiro went on about how he kept trying to bring her to drop the façade she wore, to embrace who she was that he could see underneath. He paused his dancing in the prechorus, singing how he finally could see Rina underneath. Stretching his hand back with her doing the same, he sang how her beauty shined behind her mask.
Dancing around the fountain once more, Masahiro sang on with how he'd found her true self, someone he wanted to always be there for no matter what anyone said. He sang of how precious this true self was, and how he never wanted to hide it away. Slowing down and caressing her cheek, Masahiro declared this person he saw he loved beyond all. And through it all, he would show how marvelous this person was to him, forever.
The villains struggled to bear the immense power of the song that was sung. The song seemed even more powerful than anything they had faced before.
"Why do these mermaids always seem to have some sort of extra power like this?" Avery screamed as he tried to block out the noise.
"This is something else," Arara yelled. "I've never felt such power before."
For the last chorus, Masahiro and Rina sang together as they danced and spun around the fountain, singing of their declared conviction to be true. To no longer rely on the façade they had depended on for so long. Rina called that she would live for him, and Masahiro for her, that they would be together as who they were. They then stopped dancing as they concluded with wanting to live as they were. That even if they hurt, they would take solace in the love they shared, always. As the song ended, the two came together in a loving embrace.
Avery and Arara, too hurt to retort, retreated before any more damage was done.
With the threat gone, the two were graced by Aqua Regina returning. "Mermaid Princess Rina, Sea Prince Masahiro," she addressed, "You have taken the first step towards a greater path. Only together will you see this through to the end." Looking at the boy, she instructed, "Hamasaki Masahiro, kneel." Masahiro parted from Rina as he was told and kneeled. As he did, all the mermaids of the kingdom came to witness this momentous occasion.
Tapping his shoulders and then head with her caduceus, Aqua Regina declared, "By my power and sovereignty, I hereby proclaim you Sea Prince Hamasaki Masahiro of the North Atlantic kingdom!"
He rose after this, and all the mermaids cheered at the proclamation. Aqua Regina then faded away, leaving the two to greet everyone, still in their new idol forms. Despite that, they entwined their hands, taking solace in each other once more.
At the end of the day, the two found themselves inside Masahiro's room, having reverted back to normal. Rina was resting on the bed, her energy spent from the song they used, while Masahiro was sitting with his back against the bed. They had decided to take some time for themselves after everything that happened, which the servants were more than happy to oblige. Heck, they almost seemed to usher the two into the room together. Why that was, neither could say.
Pulling himself up to sit on the bed after resting, Masahiro took Rina's hand and spoke, "That was… amazing. More so than when we sang together the first time."
"I know what you mean," Rina replied, a bit breathless. "To think us together could have such power behind it. It's overwhelming."
"I'm just glad you are willing to open up now," he mentioned.
To which Rina reasoned, "I'm not quite ready to be fully open to everyone just yet. But with you, I don't want to hide who I am any longer."
Masahiro rubbed the back of her hand, staring down at her affectionately. He then laid down beside her, meeting her eye-to-eye. "No matter what comes, I will always be with you Rina," he declared softly.
To which she returned, "And I will always be with you, Masahiro." And the two lay there for a time, their hearts now one.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hanon: Nagisa, welcome to the South Atlantic kingdom.
Nagisa: Whoa! This is so cool! A whole kingdom of mermaids.
Hanon: Geez. Don't go gaga over everything. You'll look weird.
Nagisa: Hanon, I want to be your Sea Prince forever.
Hanon: Nagisa…
Next time on Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Duo
Sharing the Dream
Hanon: How did I ever get stuck with a boy who loves me for me?