Heyo everyone. Sorry this chapter took so long to get up compared to the other two. But anyways, here we have the final chapter in the Union arc. And this time, we get to see Luchia and Kaito tackle their own challenge of being united as a pair.
The song used here for the melody is "White Wishes" by BoA.
Hope you guys enjoy, and thanks so much for continuing to read this fic.
Disclaimer: Mermaid Melody does not belong to me. All rights to appropriate owners.
Chapter 28:
True Unity
It was a short swim from the shore before Luchia and Kaito spotted the North Pacific Palace in the distance. The boy wasn't too worried about coming to this kingdom, having been here twice before. It was his partner that was the more concerning aspect. He had watched her become rather unsure of herself the closer they got to her kingdom. He couldn't blame her, seeing as how she was introducing a Pantherrassa as a Sea Prince chosen by Aqua Regina herself. It had to be torturing her to try to figure out how best to break the news to her subjects, who had been threatened by a prior Pantherrassa who looked exactly like him.
He could remember that day all too well. He had been brought to the palace by Momo-chan, though he didn't understand why. He suddenly was adorned in those robes and met with the mermaid he had sought out for so long. Shortly into their meeting, the water demons and Gaito attacked. Kaito tried to protect her, but they were separated in the process. And when he last saw her then, she was singing. After that, he was back on shore, remembering only meeting his mermaid and having her slip by once again.
Now here he was, about to be introduced to the mermaids as their Sea Prince. And Luchia was a nervous wreck.
Letting out a sigh, he told her, "Luchia, stop fretting over it. Everything is going to work out."
"Kaito," she replied, startled out of her mutterings. She then asked, "But what if they treat you as an enemy? They can't do that. But what if they think you brainwashed me? Or…"
"Luchia, knock it off," Kaito urged. Then he assured, "They are your people. They'll trust you. And besides, I was here earlier protecting you from Hishki, and before that I helped against Gaito. It will be alright."
Momo-chan chirped in affirmation, which earned him a rub from Kaito.
Seeing him be so confident everything would be well, Luchia settled down and thought on the matter. That's right, she told herself, Kaito has always been protecting me. Even before I knew he was a Pantherrassa, he always did things to protect me. If I can just show my people that side of him, they'll come to accept him as their Sea Prince. She looked back at him as they got closer to the kingdom, admiring the way the light made his face and hair shine.
"Everyone, I have someone to introduce!" Luchia announced once they had entered the kingdom halls. Mermaids had already gathered to see their princess return as well as see the person she had brought. Already, many of them were nervous by the boy's appearance.
Disregarding their mutterings and wary disposition, the mermaid princess introduced, "Everyone, this is Doumoto Kaito, the Sea Prince of the North Pacific." She looked at everyone eagerly after introducing him, before her face started to fall as she saw them all muttering amongst themselves. Her earlier doubts returned with a vengeance, making her worry excessively about how she was going to handle this.
But Kaito, knowing they might suspect who he was, greeted, "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I hope to uphold my responsibilities as Sea Prince and aid you and Luchia going forward." He gave a bow to them all, awing many mermaids with his politeness.
One mermaid came up to the two and greeted, "Welcome, Luchia-sama. And you as well, Kaito-sama. It is good to meet you properly this time."
Rising back up, Kaito questioned, "This time? I don't remember meeting anyone but Luchia before."
"You had been here before when the princess was attacked by that strange metal creature, correct?" the mermaid brought up, reminding Kaito of Dr. Hishki's first attack. She continued, "Thus, we are pleased to have made your acquaintance properly." The other mermaids bowed to him as well.
Relieved that everyone was welcoming him, Luchia informed, "Can you see to preparing a guest room for him while he stays here? I am hoping to bring him before Aqua Regina as soon as possible."
"Of course, Luchia-sama," the mermaid responded. She and two others went on their way to enact the instructions.
Grabbing Kaito's arm, Luchia then urged, "Let's go wait somewhere while they finish getting a room ready." And she just about yanked Kaito down a hall.
After she left, a couple mermaids watched on, glowering at the boy the mermaid princess had brought to their kingdom.
Finding themselves by the fountain, Luchia settled herself on the floor and let out a great sigh. Her heart felt like it had been about to burst from the encounter, yet it still would not settle. Kaito sat next to her, taking her hand in his.
"See Luchia? Nothing to worry about," he reassured her. "They saw what I did when I stopped Dr. Hishki before. And what happened at your ceremony was so long ago. They might have forgotten all about Gaito's attack."
Luchia shook her head, replying, "Gaito is one thing I don't believe anyone will forget. His attacks devastated every kingdom and the ocean world." Looking down, she added, "I'm still scared."
"Luchia," Kaito spoke. He then pulled her into a hug, resting her head on his chest. Luchia didn't quite register why he was doing this, but he rubbed her back to comfort her. While doing so, Kaito hummed "Legend of Mermaid" to her to help comfort her.
The combination of the song and gesture caused Luchia to close her eyes and rest against her boyfriend. She then thought back on everything they had been through. Events like when they first met when they were younger, Kaito protecting her candle in the Cave of Lovers, catching her at the amusement park, saving her in the blizzard. She remembered all the good times like the fireworks at the beginning of her first summer on land, and even some of the bad like when he forgot her after coming back from Hawaii.
Kaito, she said in her thoughts, you are my first love. I can't bear to lose you. I want you to be with me forever.
She nuzzled against him as she thought this, which was when Kaito took notice of the action. Looking how she nestled herself more into him, Kaito remembered how much she pursued him. At first, he thought she was just another one of his "fans", liking him because he was a popular surfer. But time and again, she stood with him for reasons totally separate from all of that. Even when he went after her mermaid self, she was there for him. During Christmas when he learned he was adopted, going to Hawaii after their battle against Gaito, and especially while he had that period of amnesia to protect them.
Luchia, he spoke mentally, you always stand by those you care about, even when it hurts you. After all you had to go through for me, I want to help you with whatever you have to deal with.
As the two held each other, their pearls shined softly, without their notice.
The next day, Luchia was making her way to Kaito's guest room. She was wringing her hands as she went, trying to think about what to do. Did she want to show Kaito around the palace? But he had been to it before. Maybe treat him to a meal? That didn't seem right to her. As long as she had been dating Kaito, she had no idea what to do with him while he stayed in the palace.
"Maybe Kaito and I can sneak back home so he can surf," she figured. It was worth a shot, so she decided to go with that plan.
But as she went, one of her mermaid servants approached her and addressed, "Luchia-sama, we need to discuss preparations for Kaito-sama's ceremony. The other mermaids are waiting in the throne room."
"Of course," Luchia responded. "I wish to bring Kaito along so he can speak on the matter with us."
"I will retrieve him princess," the mermaid told her. "Do not trouble yourself with such a task."
A little surprised, the mermaid princess suggested, "It's no bother to me. He's my Sea Prince, so I should help show him around more."
"These matters are urgent, Luchia-sama," the mermaid urged. "I will bring him to you before your tasks are complete." Seeing now way to convince her servant otherwise, Luchia swam off to handle the matters of her kingdom. But as she went, the servant remained where she was. "This is for your own good, Luchia-sama," she muttered as she watched her princess go.
Kaito came out from his bathroom, having washed up to get ready for the day. Wiping his head down, he went over to his bed to see his wetsuit set out. He was planning to go around the outside of the palace with Momo-chan. He had been around the interior the last couple times he had been here, though not all of it. He figured he could swim outside to keep practicing for the upcoming surf meets scheduled. It would also be a nice excuse to spend time with Luchia if she ended up coming outside so she wasn't always under pressure from having him here.
As he started to get dressed, he thought about what he might do for Luchia as her Sea Prince. Considering she had responsibilities to her kingdom, it was probable he would have some as well at her side. He didn't know to what end or how he might go about it, but he had to figure out what to do as Luchia's partner. He hoped the swim could help him figure it out more.
After he got his suit on, he went to leave, only to run into another mermaid servant about to knock on his door. "Oh! Excuse me," he spoke immediately.
"No, please excuse me, Kaito-sama," the mermaid returned. "I must apologize for startling you."
"How can I help you?" Kaito asked, figuring she was here for something.
To which she explained, "I am here to bring you to a fitting for your ceremonial garb." When she said that, the symbol on Kaito's forehead shined as lights sparkled on his form. After that, his princely garb manifested on his person. A blue robe with long sleeves and pants underneath, open slightly in front, and a diadem in his hair. The appearance of his garb surprised both of them, but it seemed to shock the mermaid even more.
So Kaito surmised, "I think this will about cover it. Where can I find Luchia?"
Getting over her initial shock, the servant informed, "Luchia-sama was in the kitchens looking over what we will serve for the feast." Thanking her, Kaito excused himself to go find her. The mermaid scowled after him, muttering, "You will not have it your way, you slime."
Kaito slowed his walk on his way to the kitchens to look over his garb again. This outfit he wore back when he first came to the North Pacific kingdom as well as in both confrontations against Gaito and Mikeru. He didn't understand why he was wearing it now, though something did seem off to him when he met with that mermaid.
It wasn't about her saying he needed a fitting for his garb to be worn when he met Aqua Regina to become Sea Prince of the North Atlantic. It was more how he felt around her. She seemed, unlike the other mermaids, to have reservations about him. Not to mention, he had to think about what Luchia would do in a kitchen.
She'd already have talked with the mermaids to prepare and they were more than capable of enacting her instructions. Still, maybe she went there to make something just for them.
He couldn't help but feel something was off regardless.
Momo-chan suddenly came up to him as he walked, squawking to him.
Kaito responded, "I was going to see Luchia. I was told she was in the kitchens."
Momo-chan chirped, responding in a way he would understand.
"She's in the throne room? Discussing the ceremony?" he asked.
Momo-chan nodded at his translation of what he surmised.
Kaito mused on this bit of information, slightly put off by someone trying something like lying to him about Luchia. Why were they wanting to keep him and Luchia separate? It couldn't be because of his resemblance to Gaito, could it?
Thinking about his situation more, Kaito decided to make use of their plan. They wanted him to go to the kitchens to not see Luchia, but that might just work out for getting them together later.
"Tell Luchia to meet me in my room close to lunch," Kaito requested. "I've got an idea for us to meet up and spend time together."
Momo-chan chirped at the instructions before zooming off. Then Kaito resumed his trek to the kitchens. Luchia might not be there, but that didn't mean he was out of the running. He arrived after turning one more corner, entering to find the kitchen not as active as he would have thought.
Only one mermaid was present, and she seemed to be cataloguing ingredients for tomorrow. When she turned and found Kaito there, she quickly bowed and greeted, "Kaito-sama, welcome. The other mermaids will be preparing lunch in a little bit."
"Actually, I wanted to make a bento for Luchia and I," Kaito informed. "Am I allowed to use the kitchens?"
"How sweet of you Kaito-sama," the mermaid returned sweetly. Then she said, "Absolutely. What do you have in mind to make for Luchia-sama?"
Kaito came over to begin working with the head chef on his bento for Luchia. As he did, he remarked how she always was the one to make his bento when he surfed, and now he was making one for her with her princess duties. He rather liked the notion.
The head chef was quite impressed at how quickly he got accustomed to cooking the food, watching him work. She made sure to help on the more difficult steps, but most of it was Kaito's doing. They got it into a cute box to bring to Luchia, finishing the bento.
After congratulating him on a good job, the head chef suggested, "Follow me. I can take you to the princess to give the lunch box to her."
Holding the bento in his hands, Kaito returned, "I had sent Momo-chan to tell her to meet me in my room. I'll meet her there. But thank you." With a bow, he went to his room to wait for Luchia with bento in tow.
Once she had finished discussing the ceremony with the other mermaids, Luchia was making her way to the dining room for lunch. She was beginning to miss Kaito immensely, often looking around during the discussion for any signs of her Sea Prince. The other mermaids kept her focused on the task at hand, but it didn't stop the yearning she had to see Kaito. And she was even more eager to see him now. She had been hoping the mermaid that intercepted her would bring Kaito the whole time she was in the meeting. She wondered what could have happened to delay them.
But she was saved when Momo-chan swam up to her. Princess, I found you! the pink dolphin cheered.
"Momo-chan, what is it?" Luchia asked.
Kaito-san gave me a message, he told her. He's waiting for you in the guest room for lunch. Without another word, Momo-chan began leading Luchia to the guest room.
The mermaid princess didn't know what to think about Kaito meeting her in his room for lunch. She had been waiting for him to join her during the discussion.
Had he stayed away so it didn't seem like he was intruding? Or maybe he wasn't fond of boring discussions?
She couldn't tell.
They arrived at the door before Momo-chan went off on his own. Luchia knocked, and was invited inside. Opening the door, she found Kaito having set a blanket on the ground, dressed in his wetsuit, with a couple lunches set out.
"I hope you don't mind if we just had lunch in here," Kaito told her, "I ended up going to the kitchens."
As she came to sit next to him, she asked, "What were you doing in the kitchens? One of the other mermaids was going to retrieve you to come to the discussion on the ceremony."
She thought she spotted Kaito giving a look when she mentioned that bit of info, but it disappeared rather quickly when he assured, "It's nothing serious. Just got turned around was all. Now, are you going to let the food get cold?"
She thanked him for the meal, putting the earlier matter aside, and carefully began to try Kaito's food. The first bite was utter bliss for her mouth. The flavors encompassed her taste buds, bringing unbridled joy. Thinking back on it, Luchia hadn't ever gotten to taste Kaito's cooking before. It was usually her cooking for him. The bento meals she made for when he surfed, the time he was sick and she took care of him, and even the time she tried to make him the best bread in school. This was the first time he had cooked something for her in all the time they had been together, at least in her memory.
After they finished, Luchia commented, "That was wonderful Kaito."
Said boy smiled at the praise, then suggested, "Let's try to have more moments like this. Where we can just be together."
Luchia nodded before resting her head on his shoulder. This moment was truly precious to her, being alone with Kaito. After saving him all those years ago, and going through all the tribulations with the water demons and Mikeru, and now having the rising threat of Dr. Hishki trying to capture them, she wanted more of these moments with him.
She suddenly felt her body be lifted suddenly before she was set in Kaito's lap. Looking up, she questioned, "Kaito, what are you doing?"
Softly, he told her, "I want to hold you closer to me." He adjusted how he held her so she rested against him more comfortably.
In return, she draped an arm around his shoulders while settling up against him before closing her eyes, relishing this moment.
Looking down for a moment, Kaito set his head on hers and shut his eyes, taking in everything about the girl he loved most in the whole world.
The next day, Luchia and Kaito made it their mission to be together as often as they could. The other mermaids were rather curious about how the two interacted, traversing the halls hand in hand. The sight of them together seemed endearing to the other mermaids, with many being unable to help but gush at how cute the two were together. When they could, Luchia and Kaito would steal away to someplace where they could be on their own, though these moments were few and far between. But with the help of individuals like Momo-chan, they got to steal these small moments together.
At one point, the two came out from a court session where Luchia heard from her subjects about any issues within the kingdom and how to solve them. Exiting the audience chamber, Kaito went to a nearby doorway and dunked his head into the water, washing himself off.
As he was shaking his hair out, a mermaid came up and addressed, "Luchia-sama, we need to see you in the dressing room to be fitted."
Slightly confused, Luchia wondered, "Really? I could have sworn we had already done that."
"We just need to make some last-minute adjustments," the mermaid explained.
The mermaid princess acknowledged this, and replied that she would be there soon. She turned to Kaito after and told him, "I'm sorry Kaito, I—"
"It's alright," he assured her, giving an easygoing smile. "Go do what you need to do. I won't be going anywhere, my Mermaid Princess."
Luchia beamed at his words, before going up to give him a kiss. Though it was only for a second, she felt like the moment went on for much longer. She looked forward to coming back to him, to cherish this time with him. They parted afterwards so she could attend to the fitting.
Kaito watched her go, feeling a slight twinge of loss at their separation. But he knew this would be only for a short time. She would come back, and he wouldn't have to seek her out. That helped set his heart at ease.
He began heading for the exit, when the mermaid servant asked, "Kaito-sama, where are you going?"
"Just outside around the palace," he answered. "I just feel like going for a quick swim." As if at his call, Momo-chan appeared and chirped upon arrival. The pink dolphin then turned and offered for Kaito to grab on to his dorsal fin. The boy accepted, grabbing the fin at the base, before the two ventured out into the ocean for a little swim.
The mermaid servant scowled at him as he left. She muttered, "You defile our glorious princess. But you won't have your way with her anymore. You will never receive Aqua Regina-sama's blessing. I swear it."
Outside on some sea cliffs, Lady Bat and Javer were looking out at the kingdom they were going to invade. They had been warned by Dr. Hishki that he had already attempted to take the mermaid princess here and that the mermaids might have prepared defenses. But neither of them saw any enhanced security. No guards, no detectable wards, nothing to stave off intruders. It was as if these mermaids were just asking to be attacked. Javer himself had to wonder how the kingdom hadn't fallen in all this time.
"We are to handle the Pink Mermaid Princess while the others handle the other two?" Lady Bat inquired, already knowing the answer.
"It's the doc's best plan for snagging them," Javer replied. "We can't beat all six when they are together, so we need to beat them while they are split up."
"By the way, how did the doctor find out the mermaid princesses were returning to their kingdoms anyway?" Lady Bat questioned. Not that she wasn't grateful for the opportunity, but even she was wary about how the doctor achieved whatever he was trying to achieve. Especially because something like this seemed more sudden than anything.
In response, Javer told her, "I don't really ask how the doc does stuff like this. All we need to know is we have a chance at getting the mermaids, and we are going to take it."
That still made Lady Bat leery about how they knew. With how the doctor kept pushing them to capture one of the Mermaid Princesses, she started to become skeptical to his ends. She suspected there was more to it than he was making known. Arara and Lanhua might be more prone to listening without complaint, but she was less so after everything with Mikeru. There was something more to this.
"We should be able to make a move when they start their little ceremony," Javer spoke to the Winged One. "And that little punk the mermaid princess fawns over won't stop us this time."
As she looked down, Lady Bat mentally warned, I would not underestimate that boy. Even Mikeru was surprised by the power he used. Either way, they probably had the hardest part in this plan.
That night, Luchia was taking a bath in her quarters to unwind from the day's events. While it might not have been like the ones back at Pearl Piari, the warm water was still soothing. As she splashed with her tail a little, Luchia was singing her song "Koi wa Nandarou".
xxxx
Kitte muno no hajikete tobichuru nandarou
Furete mune no chiisaku moeteru atsui honou
konna kimochi hajimete na no yo
Utaidashitara tomaranai odoridashitara tomaranai
Modorenai magarenai suki ni narazu ni irenai
xxx
She paused in her singing, thinking back on what happened earlier. Kaito had been led to the kitchens when she had asked him to be brought to the discussion on the ceremony. Why was that? She didn't think her subjects would be that spiteful to mislead them, let alone her. But it brought back concerns from before about the mermaids knowing Kaito was a Pantherrassa and being related to Gaito. She wasn't necessarily worried about Kaito being her Sea Prince, but having him accepted once it got out he was a Pantherrassa scared her. And after everything the two of them had been through.
She let out a sigh as these thoughts pressed in on her, sinking down until only her eyes were above the water. She just didn't know what to do about the whole thing. She loved Kaito and had worked so hard to build this relationship with him. What would she do if he could not be accepted? Would Aqua Regina have her take on someone else to be her Sea Prince? There was no one else she wanted to have at her side. Kaito was her only one.
In her musings, a mermaid servant came in, addressing, "Luchia-sama, I have a message for you from Kaito… sama." She trailed off when she found Luchia in the bath, looking depressed. So she asked, "What troubles you Luchia-sama? Is the water not warm enough?"
Lifting herself up, Luchia replied, "No, it's alright."
"If I might ask, what ails you, Luchia-sama?" the mermaid inquired. "You seemed much happier earlier with Kaito-sama."
Looking into the water, Luchia revealed, "I think some of the mermaids here don't like Kaito. I'm worried about what the reason might be."
"Why would we dislike Kaito-sama?" the mermaid questioned. She then told her, "He's very kind, courteous, handsome, and very easy to get along with. He even made that lunch for you himself yesterday."
Feeling like she had to take a risk, Luchia spoke up, "There might be something, but you have to promise no one else will hear of this until after the ceremony." The mermaid agreed to keep this secret. So the mermaid princess explained, "Kaito is a Pantherrassa, like Gaito. But Aqua Regina-sama brought him to the human world so he could grow up away from the clan. He's not evil, he means no harm, but I know the other mermaids won't accept him when they learn the truth." Tears pooling in her eyes, she went on, "Even so, I love Kaito. I have for so long. I don't want him to go away. I don't want to lose him again. Kaito is… Kaito is…" Luchia couldn't finish as fears that had happened before came to mind, like the time when Kaito completely forgot about her. She was afraid things now would be the same as then, that she would lose Kaito. Only this time for good.
But she was surprised when the mermaid told her, "I knew he was the Pantherrassa Prince." When Luchia looked up, she elaborated, "I think most of us knew who saw Gaito when he attacked our kingdom. I know many of them still harbor grudges against the Pantherrassa for what they had done to the ocean world. But Kaito isn't like them, right Luchia-sama? He's been protecting you all this time. That's enough for me to believe in him and see him stand beside you as your Sea Prince."
"Really?" Luchia asked earnestly.
The mermaid nodded, assuring, "I will go to him before the ceremony with a couple other mermaids. We'll prepare him and bring him to the throne room for the ceremony. And we'll see him become a Sea Prince, just as Aqua Regina-sama ordained."
Getting out of the bath, Luchia's lips trembled upon hearing this mermaid make the promise to help her, unbothered by his past. Then, she hugged her mermaid servant in jubilee, surprising the servant.
The next day, Kaito stood before a full body mirror to look over his appearance. He was dressed in his Pantherrassa outfit, though he hadn't called on it himself. It just appeared on him after he woke up earlier today. But looking himself over, the clothes were the last thing for him to worry about.
So far, the other mermaids hadn't done much beyond what happened the other day with him being misled like he had. That still left him wondering how many mermaids had the same opinion of him and what they might try to do at the ceremony. He doubted they'd do anything to Luchia, as she was their Mermaid Princess. But to him, he figured they would have no qualms giving him grief. If that happened, he'd have to do whatever he was able to circumvent their efforts so he could continue being by Luchia's side.
In his musings, there was a knock on the door. He invited whoever it was in, and was greeted by three mermaid servants, one of them holding a vase. The one at the head of the group came forward and instructed, "Please kneel, Kaito-sama." He did as he was told. The mermaid with the vase came over and poured ice-cold water down his head and neck.
Afterwards, the lead mermaid informed, "Now that you are purified, we shall take you to the throne room to meet with Luchia-sama."
Raising an eyebrow, Kaito replied, "Are you sure you won't lure me somewhere else in the palace?"
Bowing, the mermaid assured, "Do not fear. I spoke with our princess the other night. I know of those that disapprove of you being with our princess. But you have shown nothing that warrants such hostility. I believe Aqua Regina-sama was right in picking you to be the princess's Sea Prince. I only ask that you continue to look after Luchia-sama." The other two bowed equally to him, stunning Kaito a bit at their conviction.
But it assuaged his fears, as he returned, "Then I shall do everything I can to ensure her safety, and the safety of this kingdom. Allow me to do as much for you and your princess."
With everything settled, the third mermaid looked out and gestured they could begin making their way to the throne room.
For the most part, the journey was rather easy going. There wasn't anyone else that got in their way, and anyone that did usually bowed out of respect for Kaito. Even so, he kept his eyes open for anyone that might try and interfere with today's festivities.
Then, just as they were nearing the throne room, their way was barred by a pair of mermaid servants. Kaito recognized one of them as the one that sent him to the kitchens when he was looking for Luchia.
Stopping before them, the lead servant with Kaito instructed, "Allow us to pass so we may fulfill the ordaining ceremony."
But the one Kaito remembered from before spoke out, "We shall never recognize this villain as one to rule our kingdom. Not after all his kin have done."
"You both better have a good reason for this insubordination," the lead servant warned.
The other mermaid 'rebel' addressed, "These people have done nothing but sow chaos in the oceans. Aqua Regina-sama herself scattered them to the depths. We shall finish her task."
"You blinded miscreants!" one of the other servants with Kaito exclaimed. "Can't you see how important Kaito-sama is to our princess? Do you not remember how he saved Luchia-sama from the strange creature that attacked our kingdom before while training the Orange Mermaid Princess?"
"That changes nothing!" The two shot back. Spreading their arms to bar the way, they barked, "We shall not let him pass. We will protect our princess."
The mermaids seemed about ready to do something before Kaito stepped forward. To everyone's surprise, he kneeled before the two mermaids, head down. "I understand your concerns regarding me and my people," he spoke calmly. "I know that you do everything you can to protect Luchia and your kingdom. I do not fault you for this." But then, he added, "Even so, while you believe you are doing the right thing for her, you are not considering Luchia's feelings. You claim to be acting in her best interest, but what you are doing right now hurts her."
Before the mermaids could retort, Kaito went on, "I have spent over two years with her on the surface. I may not have always understood her intentions, but I felt I could understand what motivated her to do what she did. Whenever her friends are hurt or in danger, Luchia always does whatever she can to help them. If someone was in danger, Luchia would not waste a second to rush to their aid. And especially if someone she loved was in a dark place, she'll never give up until she brightens their day."
Looking up, seeing their stunned faces, Kaito concluded, "I will be a Sea Prince that looks after Luchia and all she does. Even if you do not accept me, even if every mermaid in the world hates me, everything I do will be for Luchia. She was the one I sought since we met when we were little. She is the one I fought for when danger loomed. I give my heart to Luchia!"
This declaration seemed to take the rebel mermaids aback, while the servants that had accompanied Kaito were touched by his words. His sincerity, his passion, his loyalty. These made them tear up slightly, seeing someone like this being intended for Luchia.
Sadly, the moment was disturbed when the palace shook. Everyone looked to the path leading to the throne room where it came from, fearing the worst. As the shaking quelled, Kaito shot to his feet and rushed past the mermaids blocking him to get to the chamber. He may not have known where everything was, but he trusted that he would be led to Luchia like when she was taken by Hishki.
Finding the doors, he burst in. And he saw other mermaids littering the ground, all knocked out. At the end, draped in the arm of one of the Triple Threat, was Luchia. Kaito noticed she was in the dress she wore when he first came to the palace, but he didn't give that much attention when he saw Javer and Lady Bat before the throne.
"Man, some Sea Prince you are," Javer taunted. "I thought your guys' job was to protect the Mermaid Princesses. Slacking on the job, aren't you?"
Growling, Kaito snapped, "Well I'm here. And I won't let you take Luchia."
"What can you do all by yourself?" Lady Bat jeered. "Without those other Sea Princes, or even the Mermaid Princesses, you are nothing."
"So it looks like you won't be able to stop us," Javer pointed out.
But then, Kaito smirked at their claim. "I don't need my powers as a Sea Prince to beat you this time," he told them. "I have a power that has protected Luchia long before you ever showed up. You won't win this time."
Lady Bat seemed to pick up on this, recalling before when Kaito defended the Mermaid Princess in a prior scheme. She shouted, "Javer, we have to leave now!" But the warning came too late.
As Kaito rushed at them, the symbol on his forehead shined, breaking the circlet he wore. Its radiance blinded the android and Winged One, forcing them to drop Luchia. Kaito managed to catch her but was feeling drained from using his power. Even so, he held Luchia protectively while the enemy recovered.
Shaking off the effects, Javer looked down and goaded, "That's it? Man, the doc could find a means around that silly light show in his sleep. And you look like you can't do anything else afterwards."
The Sea Prince grunted, but he knew the guy was right. Using his Pantherrassa powers always drained him of energy. He may have saved Luchia, but now he had no means of getting her out of this situation.
But just when it seemed like the two would reassert control, two figures charged them and knocked them back into a wall. It was the two mermaids that were against him becoming the Sea Prince. Following that, he heard some other mermaids call for him to hurry to the exit. The mermaid servants that accompanied him earlier came and helped get him to his feet before they all followed the lead mermaid servant out of the throne room to safety.
The group ended up in the fountain room after they fled from their foes. Kaito cradled Luchia in his lap, gazing into her face and being grateful she was alright. She probably had been knocked out by either Javer or Lady Bat. But that was way too close for his liking.
After making sure they were safe, one of the mermaid servants addressed, "Kaito-sama, it isn't safe for Luchia-sama to be here. We can delay those intruders as long as we can, but you must get the princess out of here."
"I'm not going to do that," Kaito replied, looking up at her. "Luchia wouldn't abandon her people, and neither will I."
"You both must flee!" she urged him. "They are after the princess. She is all that matters now. We can do all we can to protect her, but you must get her to safety."
"Knock it off!" Kaito argued. "How do you think Luchia will feel if something happens to you?" Looking back down at her, he told the servant, "Luchia would tell me to stay and fight. She would want me to stop those two. She can be rather selfless that way, even if it means she must give something up for the sake of someone else."
Thinking back on it, he realized how much that was true. She was like that for everyone she knew. For Rina, for Hanon, for Seira, for Hippo. No matter who they were, Luchia was always looking out for other people. To most people, she might seem to have a one-track mind, mostly with him. But she had a big heart regardless. And that really was what he loved about her.
The mermaid servants looked at the two, conflicted in how to handle the situation they were presently in. But they didn't get to think about it for long when they heard a dark song playing out in the air around them. The tune started to make them feel drowsy and weary, causing them to droop. Kaito noticed this, knowing it was Lady Bat singing her song, "Ankoku no Tsubasa".
xxx
BARA yori mo utsukushiku tsuki yori mo nayamashiku
Taisetsu na inochi naraba kono te de sakasetai
Ankoku no sekai tobira ga ima hirakareru yo
Mou ichido unmei azukete umarekawaru sa
Sono mabuta tojite mitsumete mayonaka no MASUKAREEDO
Ima yami ni suberiochite yuku saa oide!
Obienakute ii yo
Soshite eien ni nare
xxx
As she finished singing, she and Javer appeared in a flurry of bats as the mermaid servants slumped to the ground. Kaito was fortunate the song didn't affect him, but it would hardly matter now. He held Luchia close once again, staring daggers at the two enemies before him.
Scoffing, Javer said, "Give it up man. You can't do anything to stop us. Might as well just give that little princess over to us so the good doctor can get on with his plans."
"And why should I let Hishki have her?" Kaito barked back. "You haven't even said what he's going to do with her. And either way, if he's working with someone like her, then I have more than enough reason to protect her from you."
Lady Bat was put off by his remark, beginning to say, "Listen here you—"
"It hardly matters," Javer interjected, "because we're taking that princess one way or another."
"I won't let you! I am not losing Luchia again," Kaito proclaimed. And in that moment, his and Luchia's pearls glowed extra bright, engulfing the two in a sphere of light. Both Javer and Lady Bat tried to break through, but the sphere held strong, blocking their attacks.
Inside, Luchia began to awaken. She noted she was in a white space with no one else around her. But despite the situation, she was calm and felt safe, even if she didn't understand why or how. Yet she didn't understand how she was here. She remembered being in the throne room awaiting Kaito, when Javer and Lady Bat appeared and did something that caused her to pass out.
After she looked around a bit, she saw a transparent figure descend before her. The Sea Goddess, Aqua Regina.
"Mermaid Princess Luchia," Aqua Regina regarded, "you are a very fortunate one to have someone who knows your heart so well."
Confused, Luchia asked, "Knows my heart? Do you mean Kaito?" The sea goddess nodded, and the princess pleaded, "Where is Kaito? Is he alright?"
"Be at peace. He is well," the goddess assured. "But he faces a dangerous enemy right now that he cannot fend off alone. You know this."
Luchia nodded, thinking she meant Javer and Lady Bat. "I'll help him," she declared. "Kaito has done so much for me. He's the reason I have come this far. I want to keep going even more. I want to give him a happy life. I want to share everything with him. I want us to…" She trailed off as certain thoughts came to mind. But with these thoughts came a fear that she was being selfish. She wanted so much for her and Kaito, but she didn't know what Kaito wanted. Did he want what she wanted? Or did he seek out something different? It's happened before where she thought he meant one thing, and it was something else entirely. Was this one of those instances?
Seeming to sense her thoughts, Aqua Regina told her, "Luchia, do not fear to share your thoughts with your Sea Prince. For in truth, you both might not think so differently. And that was what helped give rise to the Sea Princes."
"What do you mean?" Luchia asked, wondering what the goddess meant.
So the goddess explained, "There were mermaids like yourself, who had human lovers. But because their worlds kept them separate, they could not be truly together. Thus they sought shelter in a place far removed from both mermaid and human society, leaving one trace of their existence behind." At those words, Luchia remembered the treasure cave she and her friends found, and the portrait with the seven mermaids and sailors.
"It was because of their tragedy that I sought a way to avoid such fate for you and the other Mermaid Princesses," Aqua Regina continued. "However, what helped this time was the Sea Princes themselves. Their declaration and desire to save you and your friends made it possible to share your power with them. Only those linked by their hearts and love could unlock such a power. And in truth, you and the Pantherrassa Prince are the first to truly possess this power."
Luchia was stunned by this revelation. She and Kaito had this power long before Hanon, Rina, Masahiro or Nagisa had theirs? But then why hadn't they unlocked it before against someone like Mikeru?
Rather than address the question, Aqua Regina urged, "The time has come. Now, Mermaid Princess Luchia, I grant you and your Sea Prince a new song to express the unity of your hearts." Raising her caduceus, she cast a ball of light that went into Luchia's locket, sinking into her pearl. And with that, the goddess faded.
Taking her locket into her hands, Luchia proclaimed, "Aqua Regina-sama, thank you. Kaito and I will sing with all our hearts, united by our love." She turned around and found Kaito standing behind her, smiling and looking ready to stand beside her and fight. The two nodded, before transforming together.
"Pink Pearl Voice!"
Just like back on the beach when facing Hishki, their transformation was a tandem one. As their bodies were bathed in light, the two helped apply the different parts of their outfits onto each other. Luchia helped drape Kaito's jacket onto him, he fanned his hands out from her hips to form her skirt, she tapped his collar to form the bowtie, he swiped his fingers across her forehead to form the charm she wore, and others. When they finished, they held hands while standing facing each other, mics forming in their free hands to help them sing.
As they reappeared in the Live Stage, Lady Bat and Javer squinted to see the two of them ready to sing. But before they could really do anything, a new melody began to play out. As the new song, 'Unity', went with its intro, Luchia and Kaito held hands as they faced the enemy together. As it got close to the first verse, they declared,
"Pichi Pichi Voice, Live Start!"
Luchia started the song, singing about how each day, she always wondered what was going on for her love. How she strived to understand, but feared she'd never understand. She then sang how she did everything she could, reaching out and trying to connect so she could comprehend the other. In addition to her own struggles, she sang of how she had to fend off the world to achieve her dream.
The chorus had her sing about her drive to connect, her will to reach out, her desire to be with the one she loved. She sang of how, no matter what stood against her, she would give all her love so that they could be united.
During the interlude, Javer and Lady Bat struggled to block out the song, grimacing from the power. "What is with these girls and getting new songs to beat us?" Javer griped over the music.
Lady Bat gave no answer, trying to block out the music herself.
Kaito came in on the second chorus, speaking about it seemed every day to be the same. That people believed they knew him and who he was, putting up this image he was meant to fulfill. He sang about not having someone truly there for him, that he was alone in the world. Towards the end of the verse, he sang about how the only thing he felt worth pursuing felt so far.
In the chorus, he sang about how the precious love he sought he would fight for, the precious one he would save. He sang that this was all he could want. Then he sang about how he would strive to connect, so his heart and hers could unite.
In the bridge, the two did a call and response where one asked if the other was who they sought, if the other was for them. Then they sang together of staying together forevermore.
For the final verse, they sang about how they had found the one they were meant to find, the one their hearts sought. They sang of how they filled what was missing in their hearts. And in that, they would strive to stay together and love one another, never being torn apart. They would share their love, proclaim their wishes, cherish what they have for others to see. They would write their story, build their lives, and forever remain united.
As the song wound down, the mermaid servants regained consciousness and looked to the source of the music. They saw Luchia and Kaito in the Live Stage, facing each other and holding hands, faces mere inches from one another so that if they moved any closer they would kiss. They all beamed and sighed lovingly at the sight.
But Lady Bat grunted, "Looks like we'll need a new strategy." And she and Javer disappeared, having been beaten back once again.
After the song ended, Luchia rested her head on Kaito's shoulder, never breaking eye contact. Looking up at her Sea Prince, and him at her, she felt like everything was as it should be. Even if someone came in on their moment, she probably wouldn't notice. All that she saw was Kaito, the one thing she loved the most in the world. And she knew, right there, that Kaito was much the same. That he only saw her and loved her so much.
But they were interrupted as not only were the other mermaids gathering, but Aqua Regina appeared before the pair as well. "Mermaid Princess Luchia, Sea Prince Kaito," she addressed, "your love for each other speaks beyond even the depths of the sea. Yet, it is not enough to awaken your power to its fullest potential."
Confused, Luchia asked, "Aqua Regina-sama, what do you mean? What power?"
Rather than answer, Aqua Regina imparted, "You will learn in time. You both already have taken the steps to awaken it. But you will awaken it before the calamity that approaches." Then she addressed, "And now, Prince of the Pantherrassa, will you kneel." Kaito did as instructed, parting with Luchia for a moment. As she tapped her caduceus to his shoulders and head, she announced, "By my power and sovereignty, I hereby proclaim you Sea Prince Doumoto Kaito of the North Pacific kingdom!" A great cheer arose among the mermaids at this proclamation while Aqua Regina faded away once more.
As Kaito rose and Luchia came to his side, the two mermaid rebels came up to him with stern-looking faces. Then, to his and everyone's surprise, they gave a deep bow to him. "We welcome you, Kaito-sama," they said together. Following that, all the mermaids gathered around gave deep bows to Kaito. He was a little flattered and not sure what to make of the gesture, but he was glad Luchia could rest easy about the opinion of her subjects. But the two of them still were confounded by what Aqua Regina said. What more must they do to awaken their full power?
Ryu: I just invited Coco to the museum for their new yokai exhibit.
Miyu: Brother, you know mother does not approve gallivanting around.
Ryu: I don't want her deciding my future.
Miyu: Stand your ground brother. Maybe Coco can help you.
Next time on Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Duo,
Behind the Veil
Ryu: Why do I feel like I know the yellow mermaid?