"Don't you see? You're going to be like me." She looked at me apologetically.
"Like you? As in...?" Then something dawned on me.
"You're going to become a merman."
Thank you so much for all the great reviews! I honestly didn't expect this many! A few of you have been asking some questions about the other mermaids such as Tamara etc, and I have decided to include them in this story. I did have a different idea but I am going to see how this one goes. However, in a couple of chapters time you will find out more about the other mermen and such and to answer sk8ter147 This chapter will be in two sections. I'm switching to Syrena's point of view part way through so yeah, enjoy :D Oh and I'd also like to say a special thanks to all those who I can't actually pm because they don't have an account etc, so thanks! Also to Dehliahflower – I'm technologically impaired and couldn't work out how to use wattpad but I DID read your "A New Patch In Life" and thought it was very interesting and would hope you're going to update it soon. I couldn't work out how to tell you on there so here is my little review thing ^ Sorry last thing before the story – I'm setting up an account on FictionPress and here is a link to my profile .com/u/788848/Lady_Of_Cytherea and I only have one small little chapter but I'd appreciate it if you could check that out. Thanks guys!
I paused for a second to mull things over in my mind. It couldn't be too bad, could it? I didn't understand why Syrena was so apologetic, though. "How is this possible?" I asked, taking fistfuls of sand in my hands and allowing the hot grains to sift through my fingers.
"Well, when we share one another's blood at the same time, it means we will be tied together in every way possible... and I was going to warn you about it but when I get in that state there really is no stopping me. I'm sorry..."
I pulled her closer to me and tilted her chin up with my finger, "Surely, it can't be that bad, can it?"
When she didn't reply, I began to feel a little worried, "Syrena?"
She dropped her gaze the ground and I spoke, "Syrena, don't hide anything from me. I need you to tell me what the matter is."
She sighed quickly, "Philip, becoming a merman is probably the least of your worries right now. It's how the others will react."
"The other mermen?" Now I was beginning to feel more than just a little worried.
She shook her head, "No, though they are more powerful than we are, they are not as clever as us. We can easily fool them into thinking you've always been a merman, so that won't be a problem."
"That would be dishonest." I pointed out.
"As much as I respect your morals, Philip, right now I couldn't care less about being honest – I'm trying to work out how to keep you alive. So just let me think a moment." She snapped. I did not reply but sat back, giving her space to think. Her eyes were transfixed on the ground and I could see them flicker with each thought that passed through her mind.
I couldn't stop myself from wondering who I should have been afraid of. If it wasn't the mermen, then it would probably be Syrena's sisters... And the most dangerous one I knew was Claudia, but she shouldn't mind too much, should she? At least... at least I hoped not, anyway. I snuck a sideways glance at Syrena who appeared to still be frantically working things out.
I folded my arms and ran my hand through my hair, "Please can you just tell me what's going on?"
Syrena didn't seem to hear me.
"Syrena." I nudged her arm and her eyes narrowed.
"What, can't you see I'm thinking?"
That was probably the first time I lost my patience with Syrena, "Yes, I can see you're thinking but I would appreciate it just a little bit if you could give me some sort of insight as to what trouble we will be getting ourselves into. I'm just as much a part of this as you are, you know?"
What angered me further was the way she just shook her head and didn't say anything.
"Syrena... please can you tell me?"
"Philip, be patient, I'm trying to work things out for myself! Just stop bothering me for a minute, please!"
"Fine." I stood up and went back into the sea to find my trousers. I would wear what dignity I had left.
Syrena didn't even notice me leave for the tide, and I had to be honest, it did hurt a little.
I felt various emotions burn my chest as I swum down to the rock where we had made love the previous night. I was angry with Syrena, though I had no right to be, I suppose. I was upset because she was upset.
But even worse, I had no idea what was going to happen next and I felt completely lost.
Grabbing my trousers and forcing them on, I heard someone calling Syrena's name. Hurrying to fasten my button as I saw a silhouette approach me, I squinted to catch a glimpse of who it was.
"Philip, have you seen Syrena?" The silhouette's voice, who I recognised to be Claudia's, asked.
I nodded, "Yes she's on land."
"Why are you not with her?" Claudia was suddenly right beside me, her tone verging on frantic. "And why is she on land by herself?"
I shrugged, "Er – needed to fetch my trousers." I looked away awkwardly.
I then felt a hand touch the tender spot on my neck, "Please don't tell me... Please don't tell me Syrena did this."
I shot a glance at Claudia and she pulled her hand away, her eyes closed.
"She did, didn't she? Stupid girl..." She paused, "Would I be right in thinking you've bitten her too?"
I nodded, "But Syrena won't talk to me– she's just sitting up there thinking, and she won't even tell me what is going on."
"She's worried what the others will think." Claudia muttered.
"Who are 'the others'?"
"Our step sisters and their mother."
"Your step sisters?" I repeated, bemused.
"Our Father is effectively the king because he mated with the mermaid queen."
"What about your mother?"
"Hasn't Syrena told you?" Claudia's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Told me what?" I replied, exasperated. Just exactly how many things wasn't Syrena telling me?
"Our Mother died in battle eleven years ago, just after giving birth to Elaine. We convinced father to find love again because he was so depressed and he clings to Elaine which is why she's never allowed to fight. Anyway, we told him it would make him feel better. It turns out the mermaid queen had her eyes on him for quite a while and she had a fair amount of children and now we're all one big, happy family." Claudia replied bitterly. "They're alright really, but because they're royal blood, they don't take kindly to humans and they come across as... stuck up, if you will. They would certainly consider Syrena's actions as a sign of betrayal."
"So, why do they have to find out?"
"Well, if Syrena has a shred of respect, she'll have to tell Father about you sooner or later."
I felt incredibly small and intimidated about meeting Syrena's father who also happened to be the merman king. "Can I not just wait until I am a merman to meet him?"
"It's not my Father you should be worried about."
"Well, the queen doesn't have to find out, does she?"
Claudia pursed her lips, "Well... that's why I came to find Syrena... The thing is, Philip, is they are already here."
"Why not hide me or let me go back to my house now?" I asked, almost desperately.
"Don't be stupid, Ascelina doesn't miss a thing. There's no use in hiding you. When mermen and mermaids have reached the age Father and Ascelina are at, they develop powers we are not able to fathom at our young age."
"Ascelina, is that her name?"
"Yes." Claudia thought for a moment, "In fact, I'm sure if you went to your house now, we'll find a way around it." I could tell that Claudia did not fully believe what she was saying but I appreciated the fact that she still had hope.
There were so many things I wanted to ask but I knew my life was on the line and I had to go. With one final nod, I made my way to the surface.
Syrena.
That was it. I couldn't' think anymore. I tossed my hair over my shoulder. I had to go and find Philip. If Ascelina found out about the blood bond... we were both done for and that was a fact.
I felt my neck twinge where Philip bit me... I ran a finger across the bite, absently. He was upset with me and I knew it. It was true I had been harsh on him... but I was trying to think of a way to save both our lives.
I stood up and turned to go to the sea and Claudia was waiting for me, her arms folded tightly across her chest.
"I'm... I'm guessing you know about... about the blood bond." I said, toeing the sand nervously.
"Yes. As a matter of fact I met Philip on my way up to find you."
I couldn't help but smile when I heard her say his name, "Where is he?"
"I sent him home because at least there, he will be far away from the sea." She was still staring hard at me, her nostrils flaring. "Syrena, I can't believe you were so reckless! What possessed you to do such a thing?" Claudia was angry. Very angry. Her whole body was quaking as she tried to remain as calm as she could, "Not only will both you and Philip risk the possibility of being killed, but all of your sisters who knew about you both and didn't turn you in will also be punished. I knew I shouldn't have let him stay... I knew it." She was shaking her head at me and I knew I had crossed a line.
"I – I didn't think, Claudia... I... I'm sorry!"
"You will be sorry – and so will the rest of us!" Claudia walked stiffly over to me.
"Well, we'll figure something out. We have to. How long is it before Ascelina and the tribe come?"
"That is why I am here. I came to find you to tell you she is already here along with her daughters. She asked about you and I couldn't very well tell her the truth, could I?"
"That's it then. It's done. I'm leaving to see Philip, and I'll come down after I've said my goodbye." My heart wrenched as I said the words. No more Philip if Ascelina found out. And it was inevitable that she would find out. I turned to run towards Philip's house but I felt Claudia grab my wrist causing me to stumble onto the sand.
"Don't be such a melodramatic fool, Syrena. The longer you're out of water, the more suspicious she'll get. You already stink of sand and air as it is." Claudia spat and she pulled me up back onto my feet, "Now, come on. If we go now, we may stand a chance."
She had every reason to be furious with me so submissively, I followed her back to the tide.
...
"Syrena darling, where have you been?" Ascelina smiled sweetly at me and I bowed my head courteously.
"My apologies, Ascelina, I lost track of time."
She pulled me into an embrace, "It's so easy to do when you're enjoying yourself or you're deep in thought."
I quickly pulled away. "Where is Father?" I asked.
"Your father isn't feeling too well. He's been having nightmares about... well about your mother and he hasn't been sleeping too well so I advised him to get some rest."
"Is he alright?"
"He should be once he gets some rest. Anyway come and say hello to your sisters." Ascelina smiled warmly at me. The only reason she was paying this much attention to me was because it was her daughter's fault I was taken away in the first place and she must have felt the need to make amends.
Then I saw her. The blonde one emerged from behind her mother, smiling. "Syrena, it's so nice to see you." Then her eyes rested on my neck, "You've been having fun, haven't you?" She winked.
I laughed, "Well, I couldn't help myself." I casually flicked my hair over the bite to conceal it but I was suddenly aware that Ascelina was examining it at a very close range.
"Syrena, I did wonder about this when I first saw it... it does look awfully like a human's bite mark."
How did she know that? I watched as Tamara's smile faded and she seemed to be piecing something together in her head.
"She was attacked yesterday by a human. He was a fisherman and he caught her in his net. I was fortunate enough to be there at the time to save her – but not in time for he had already bitten her. We think he was under the impression that he would gain special powers or something if he bit her." Claudia spoke – and I was very grateful that she was such a good actress.
"You did not seem too fazed by this just a moment ago, Syrena."
Why did she have to pay so much attention!
I allowed myself a secretive smile, "It's true... a few nights ago I did have fun but with another merman, that's all. I had actually forgotten about the bite the human gave me." I feigned a sheepish, guilty look and Ascelina seemed to be satisfied enough.
"And who is this merman? What is his name?" She asked with genuine, mild interest.
"His name is Philip Swift. He isn't from a particular clan as he was orphaned as a child and he's been making his own way since then. He's done extremely well for himself – he's very strong and powerful. I should introduce you to him when you next come to visit. Unfortunately, he has other business to attend to this week. We're sort of together you see." I said easily and Ascelina smiled.
"Oh, wonderful! Yes, I would love to meet him one day."
Tamara looked at me and beckoned me to her, "Can I have a word, Syrena?"
"Of course." I turned to Ascelina and bowed my head before joining Tamara.
We drifted away from Ascelina and our other sisters and Tamara spoke, "Listen, Syrena... I really am sorry about leaving you. I thought we were all together and when I found out you'd been taken away, I couldn't forgive myself. Then of course I heard news that you somehow managed to escape. Oh, will you forgive me?" She asked.
Nodding, I replied, "Well... I suppose so."
She beamed, "So how did you manage to escape, anyway?"
"A man helped me." I fixed my stare ahead, determined not to give anything away.
"A human, you mean?" She did not sound surprised.
"Yes..." I replied.
"I'm sorry, but I have to ask if you still converse with this man?"
I dropped my gaze to the ocean bed below us, "Yes." My voice came out in only a whisper.
"He is the one who attack you, is he not?"
I immediately straightened up, "No of course not! Philip would never do something like that!" Then I recognised my blunder.
"I knew it! I knew it! Philip is a human! There is no merman, is there? You had to cover up your mistake, didn't you?" Tamara stopped and took hold of my shoulders.
I nodded meekly. There was just something about Tamara that made you tell her the truth.
"So he was the one who bit you and attacked you?"
I shook my head, quickly, "No, that was a lie. We... oh, Tamara, please don't tell Ascelina. You know what she would do to us!"
"And she would be right in doing so!" Tamara let go of my shoulders and folded her arms, tightly.
"You wouldn't tell her, would you?" I pleaded.
"Wouldn't I? I wouldn't tell her about her daughter betraying us all, would I? I don't know about that."
"I'm not her daughter... and I didn't mean to betray... please Tamara." Tamara may have had the ability to make me tell her the truth – but I had always been very persuasive. That was something I was born with.
She scowled at me, "Supposing I don't tell her, would you promise to never see him again?"
"No. If you told her I would live on land with him and never return to the... to the sea." My voice choked on the last word. The sea was a part of me just as much as I was a part of it. I loved it and all the mysteries it held – but I loved Philip more. It would be a sacrifice I would have to be willing to make. Tamara wiped her hair from off her forehead and set her jaw, "You wouldn't dare." She said in disbelief.
"I would dare. And if you hadn't have left me–"
"–How dare you try to blame this on me, Syrena–?"
"–I was only going to say how thankful I am. I'm glad you did. I would never have met Philip. For the first time in eleven years, I am truly happy. Only, if you tell your mother, I will leave right away and continue living in happiness on land. Ascelina would be angry with my sisters and they would be the ones who got punished and we both know that they don't deserve that."
"They would deserve it if they were as much a part of this as you!" Tamara replied, crossly.
"If you doubt my sisters' judgment then by all means tell your mother. But I know you respect Claudia and if she trusts him... why shouldn't you? It took her a few days before she finally accepted him. But he saved my life, Erin's life and I am sure he has saved more lives and will continue to do so. He protects."
"It is going against everything we live by. And I still can't believe you lied to the queen." She folded her arms indignantly.
"To protect the one I love? Would you not do the same?"
Tamara wrestled with herself internally before saying, "Humans are different. You should know that." She paused when I didn't reply, "Syrena... please."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Give him up. Never see him again."
"I would rather die."
"That is the alternative."
"In that case, I'm leaving. Goodbye, Tamara." I turned and made my way to the surface before I felt her take hold of my wrist.
"No, wait."
"What?"
"Syrena, I'm sorry. I just want what's best for the family." I could see she was truly apologetic and I respected her for doing what she thought was right.
"I know you do. And casting me out would be the best thing. It just seems a shame that Philip is going to become a merman and he will be a powerful one at that. To me, it just seems to be a waste." I tried to pull my wrist free and Tamara let go, shocked.
"Philip is going to be a merman?" She raised her eyebrows.
"Yes. We shared a blood bond. I was a fool, I know." I indicated to the bite mark.
I could sense Tamara was battling with her conscience, so I waited.
"Let me meet him." She said at once. Orders were generally distributed by the older mermaids but even though Tamara was a lot younger than I was, she was also a princess which meant I had no choice but to obey her.
But I was already breaking the rules... what was breaking one more going to do? "You'd kill him."
"Then let me meet him on land." She commanded, authority ringing in her tone.
"And give away his location? I don't think so."
"Oh come on..." She rolled her eyes and looked at me with irritation.
"You can meet him when he becomes a merman."
"Syrena... that will be too late."
"What if you are the first to meet him?"
She clicked her tongue, "What would you give me in return?"
"I shouldn't have to give you anything. Just remember who it was who let me get taken away by the humans in the first place and I would not have met him if it were not for you." I knew that was a little harsh but it was still true.
She finally nodded, reluctantly, "Fine. So be it."
"And Tamara, I must ask you one last favour. Promise me that you will cover for me if necessary and to not tell a soul. And I mean, do not tell a soul. I don't want anybody else finding out about him."
"Only if you promise me to dispose of him if he poses any threat to our kind, alright?"
I nodded, confident that Philip would never do such a thing. She even managed to give me a small smile, "Come on, we must join the others."
On our return, I tugged Claudia to my side and whispered in her ear, "Claudia... Tamara knows..."
I felt her freeze, "And...?"
"And she promises she won't tell but only if I take him to meet her when he first becomes a merman."
"Do you want me to speak with her?" Claudia asked me and I thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Yes, I think that will be best. But I have to go and see Philip. We parted on bad terms and I really should make it up to him..." I had something special in mind and as though she read my thoughts (or just saw my fangs lengthen suddenly), Claudia shook her head.
"No, you have to lay off the mating for a while. Try not to get his scent on you too much until he becomes a merman."
I felt my face fall, "But... I was rather hoping… you know..."
Claudia shook her head again, "At least just wait until Ascelina has gone."
"Oh, I wasn't going to bring him down here." I told her.
"You would be stupid to do so, naturally. But, it would put my mind at ease if I knew you weren't making matters worse for yourself. As it happens, I am completely astounded that Ascelina doesn't know and you're probably best to go as soon as possible."
"Fine... Can I still embrace him, though?"
She inhaled slowly, "Just be careful."
I wrapped my arms around her, "Thank you. You're such a good sister."
"I know I am." She laughed before ushering me away, "You'd better get going."
...
I opened the door to his house and I crept up the stairs to his room. His door was left slightly ajar and I could see the slow rising and falling of his chest as he slept. He looked so peaceful, I wasn't sure whether to go to him or not.
Then I knew I would be ridiculous not to, so I tiptoed gently over to the bed and rested my head on the pillow next to him.
"Syrena..." He mumbled and I watched him turn over to face me, his eyes still closed. I leaned forwards and hesitated before planting a light kiss on his lips.
"I'm here." I whispered before remembering just how tired I was myself.
I felt myself drift in and out of consciousness before my eyes closed and I let sleep wash over me.
...
I awoke to see Philip rubbing his eyes blearily. He sat up and glanced down at me, "S-Syrena."
"Yes?" I replied, edging closer to him before sitting up myself.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, and I desperately wanted to reach out to him but I had some explaining to do and I knew it.
I told him all about Ascelina and Tamara and about how Tamara knew about him but Ascelina did not and that he was to stay away from the water until the change took place, even though I wasn't sure when that would be. I told him about my mother, "She was so calm and loving. She only ever went to battle when she had to and she died trying to protect Elaine. My Father was distraught. He never forgave himself. But he met Ascelina and she has made him happy and I'm grateful to her for that. But Mother was my greatest role-model. She was so good natured. I was told I was a lot like her in looks. Though, I am not sure... she was so beautiful."
"And in your qualities as well." Philip said and I quirked and eyebrow before he continued, "You said she was loving and that she only fought when she had to and that she was good-natured. You are all of these, Syrena. And Syrena, I've never met any woman who could compete with your beauty. So I am sure that your family is right when they tell you that you look like your mother."
I didn't speak. I couldn't speak, I was so touched at his words and especially the way he said it with passion and sincerity.
Finally I told him how sorry I was and I simply couldn't hold myself back any longer. I threw myself against his chest, "Philip, I'm sorry for being short with you earlier. I didn't have an excuse, I know. I am just so grateful that I am still alive to tell you how sorry I am."
Philip ran a hand through my hair and replied soothingly, "It is in the past. It is forgotten."
I smiled. I did not, could not understand why the gods were so kind as to bless me with Philip. I felt him wince suddenly, "Well... I wouldn't – I mean... I don't mind but your fang is in my chest... and it...sort of... hurts a little..."
I pulled back suddenly and saw blood drip from his body and my fangs lengthened even more. "I am sorry... but..." I twitched involuntarily towards the blood and began lapping it up. Claudia or no Claudia, blood is blood. And this was Philip's blood which just so happened to be very nice.
"No, Syrena." His hands rested on both sides of my head and he pulled me away, "We can't. I do not think it wise... also there is no time as I have to go to church this morning. I haven't been in at least two weeks and I fear have been neglecting God and he most definitely deserves all the worship I can give him. He has been so gracious and kind and–"
It was true that I respected his faith... but sometimes I got a bit fed up with this god of his. "–Philip..." I muttered, "Take me with you."
"You want to come to church? I am afraid I don't have a dress for you. How about we go out somewhere when I come back?"
I nodded, "I can live with that."
Then he kissed my forehead softly before standing up to change. As I watched him leave the room, I felt as certain as the sun that he would make a fine merman.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had to do a lot of thinking as I changed the plot completely, so if there are any flaws or errors, sorry! Although I did enjoy writing this chapter and I hope you enjoyed reading it just as much!