Hi everyone. Before I go ahead and let you read this chapter, which is going to be long, it will be Seira, Coco, and Karen-centric. I will have something at the end so until then, enjoy!


Chapter 12: Forgotten Melody

-Pearl Waters-

In the morning, the Mermaid Princesses, minus Seira, are at the table eating breakfast. Lucia continues to worry about the Orange Mermaid Princess for she have not spoken to her since the beginning of the game yesterday. It was kinda ruining her apatite.

'I wish Seira could tell me what's going on.' Lucia wished as she took a bite of her pancake with a fork.

You would have think having six princesses in a room, eating breakfast together would be cheerful and lively, right? Wrong! It was very quiet, perhaps it's because of the mood or the fact that Seira has not join them. Of course, they do have their own reasons. However, the silence was killing Noel so she decided to start the day off cheerfully.

"Everyone guess what? Karen is going on a date with Subaru!" she exclaimed. Her plan worked a bit because immediately, Hanon and Rina perk their heads up.

"Really?" Hanon questioned.

"I told you not to tell them, Noel!" Karen yelled in embarrassment. The expression is clearly written on her face.

"Karen..." Rina called her name.

"What?!" Karen asked.

"Your face is red." Rina points out. That's when Karen ran out of the dining room to the hallways.

"How could you, Noel?!" they heard Karen yelled from the halls.

However, both Lucia and Coco ate their breakfast quietly and in concern.

They both wonder, 'What is going on with Seira?'

-Seira's Room-

Seira laid on her bed, hugging on her fluffy pillow. She didn't have a lot of sleep last night because she was suffering from a sad burdened heart for she has now been bullied for the third time. Twice in school, when Asuka broke her pencil on the first day and then pushed her into the pool a few weeks after. And now, she has not only claimed that Seira is nothing but an inferiority to her but took Takumi away right when they got a chance to spend time together. Because she locked the door last night, she still has Julie's pearl next to hers. She also heard Lucia knocking last night but she kept quiet to make it seem that she was sleeping.

Her room, which is dark with no sunlight reflect what she feels right now. She somewhat understands how Sara feels even though Takumi didn't betrayed her. She then heard a knock on her door.

"Yes?" she answered.

"Seira, can we talk? I want to asked you something." she heard Lucia's voice on the other side.

"N-no. I want to be alone right now." Seira replied.

"Oh, I see... Well, if you are feeling better and you want to talk, you'll know where to find me." Lucia told her as Seira can hear footsteps getting fainter until there isn't anymore.

She got out of bed and went to her closet. She opened the door to pick out an orange dress. She went for a strapless one with a cute red bow on the side of the top hem. Because it is now November, she also took out a faint orange shawl wrap and a pair of white socks. Seira changed from her nightgown to the clothes she picked for today.

-Kitchen-

While Coco is washing the dishes, she notice that Lucia came downstairs to help her.

"Were you able to find out what's wrong with Seira?" Coco asked.

"No. She wanted to be alone." Lucia answered as she picks up a dish and begins to scrub it with a soapy sponge.

"Just like Sara." Coco recalled sadly. She suddenly remembered something, "Wait!"

"What's wrong, Coco?" Lucia asked with a hint of panic in her tone.

"Lucia, what were the remaining items we have to find?" Coco questioned.

"Let's see... We need a Heart of New Friendship, the Flowers of Eternal Happiness, a Tear of Pure Magic, a Coral of Wisdom, a Charm of Courage, and the Golden Key of Loyalty." Lucia listed.

"The Golden Key! That's it! That's what we need to help Julie!" Coco exclaimed.

"Eh?"

"Long time ago, a key was made out of gold to opened a music box that Sara and I shared..."

-Flashback-

-Royal Gardens-

Twelve year-old Sara was in the royal gardens with a white music box in her hands. A nine year-old Coco swim to her.

"Sara, what's wrong?" Coco asked.

"It's this music box. I want to hear the music it plays but it won't open." Sara answered as Coco took a closer look.

"There is no key." Coco replied.

"I know. Without it, we can't hear the wonderful music. I heard from someone that it plays the most sweetest tune ever. I also heard that it was made by a human prince who fell in love with someone. He made it for that person because she reminded him of the gentle sea but he then let her go so she can do something important in her life. After centuries have passed, the prince who became king threw this music box so it's melody can be heard by his lover. However, the key is lost so the music cannot be heard. I really want to hear... The music inside." Sara explain sadly.

Not wanting Sara to feel sad, Coco returned to her kingdom, where she decide to make a key for her friend. It was not a good shape. The key is shaped as a heart with a white gem inside. It was crooked because it was made out of coaled straw.

-Next Day-

The next day, Coco returned to the Indian Ocean.

"Sara!" she exclaimed.

"What is it, Coco?" Sara asked.

"Here." she pants as she gives the Orange Mermaid Princess her key.

Sara gasped, "This is..."

"Yes, I made it for you. I didn't want you to feel sad that you can't hear the lovely music inside and because there was no key, I decided to make... One." Coco explain. She is given a hug by her childhood friend.

"Thank you, Coco." Sara replied. "You truly are my friend... And my little sister."

Coco hugged her back. "Let's go try it out!" she suggested.

"Mm!" Sara agrees as the two hold hands while heading to Sara's room.

-Sara's Room-

In Sara's room, the white box is on her desk. Sara picks up the box careful and put it down on the floor. Even though they thought that it's not going to work, they still done it together.

The two little princesses hold the key together. They slowly put it in the slot. To their surprise, the straw heart-shape key turned into gold! The key is no longer crooked as it turned into a shimmering golden color, completing it with small gems and designs. Their eyes widen in wonder as they both turned the key, opening the music box for the first time. A sad yet sweet melody flow out of the box. No words can describe it. The compassion and love but bittersweet music sounded as if a group of angels are singing from the sea. There is a hint of sadness yet still hopeful. The two listened to the music until Coco spoke:

"It's beautiful, so soothing." she comments.

"It is really wonderful." Sara agrees. She then notice a letter inside the box. She picks it up and read:

To my dear beloved, 0985

I wished to see you again. You were my first friend and love. I was hoping to give you this music box on your birthday because you've meant so much to me. I may have spent restless nights making it but it does matter. A couple nights of no sleep doesn't compare to these feelings I have for you. It has the melody of the sea, how it's always appeared mysteriously yet it's filled with such beauty, calmness, and a caring and loving heart... Just like you. I was planning to give it to you on your eighteenth birthday but by then, you already left to take your place as the Sea Goddess. Because of this, that means I can't see you again. I have to let you go so you can fulfilled your duties as the Goddess of the Sea. However, my love for you will never die. I shall wait, in life or death, for us to be together again.

Love,

King Tamotsu

"Wait did he wrote what I think it said?" Coco questioned.

"Yes! This person- King Tamotsu... I think he wrote this for Aqua Regina!" Sara exclaimed.

"Look, there's more." Coco pointed out as the bottom of the letter started to glow.

Sara unfold the bottom and read:

P.S. To the person who is able to open this box and hear it's melody, your devotion to your friends and families have passed my test. Before I threw it into the ocean, I locked it but I lost the original key. However, for the box to open means that your love is just as strong as my love for the Sea Goddess, Aqua Regina. When there is complex love in your life, don't fret. Even in our most sadness and darkest moments, the love deep within our hearts will always succeed. I am grateful for your love for I get to hear the music that I've forgotten, that I made for my love... One last time- Titanic; My Heart Will Go On.

-Flashback Ends-

"After Sara read the letter, we decided to keep the music box safe. We locked it again after putting the letter back inside. Sara kept the box while I kept my Golden Key." Coco replied.

"So the key is in the South Pacific Ocean?" Lucia questioned.

"Yes, if we can find it..." Coco trailed off.

"Then we'll be one step closer to save Julie! I'll go tell Hanon and Rina." Lucia dashed out of the kitchen.

-Outside Seira's Room-

After Lucia have told Hanon and Rina the news, she went to Seira's room. She knocked on the door.

"Seira?" Lucia called out her name.

"Yes? What is it, Lucia?" Seira asked from the other side.

"Coco and I figured out where to find the next item. Do you want to join me and the others?" Lucia asked hopefully.

"Sorry, Lucia. I don't feel like going today." Seira answered.

"Oh, well... We might not get back until evening. Until then, can you keep Julie's pearl?"

"Sure." she heard Seira replied.

"Thank you, Seira." Lucia told her before she turned to head for the stairs.

A click sound came from the lock as the door is opened a bit. Seira poke her head out for a little while before leaving her room.

-Karen's and Noel's Room-

The sisters were in their room when Lucia burst in. She told them of the key and asked if anyone of them wanted to come. However, they both decline the offer. Noelle because she wanted to spend her last day here and Karen because she has her date. Lucia understands and wished the Purple Princess good luck before leaving the two alone.

After Karen picks out a dress, which is a soft lavender color and a denim jacket, she left the room, leaving Noel behind to read a book.

-Throne Room-

In the throne room, Shika gave assignments to Alala and Lanhua since Lady Bat has failed two times.

"I sensed that four Mermaid Princesses are heading to the South Pacific Ocean. Lanhua, I want you to catch them and Alala, make sure you attract the others on land." she gave them orders.

"Yes, Shika-sama. I will not fail." Lanhua obeyed.

"I'll attract more than just my rivals, I will attract my adoring fans!" Alala cheerfully declared as the two disappears.

-Sea-

Seira is in her mermaid form. She is singing her song sadly until she heard footsteps getting closer. She stops and turn to see who it is.

'Takumi.' she called out his name in her thoughts.

"It's you... So we meet again." Takumi spoke. Seira looked away from him. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing." Seira respond quietly as she turned back to look at him again.

"Mind if I sit and talk to you?" he asked.

"No."

-Ocean-

Meanwhile, in the ocean, the four Mermaid Princesses swim to the royal gardens of the South Pacific Ocean Castle. Coco stopped in front of a maze.

"At the center of the maze is where I hid the key. Come on, let's go." Coco told them as she was about to enter.

"Wait, Coco. How can you be sure of your way?" Hanon stopped her.

"Because me and Sara used to go and play in there when we were small children. Let's hurry." she insisted as she enters the maze, followed by Hanon, Lucia, and Rina.

-Land-

On land, Karen is waiting for Subaru at the park until he came.

"Subaru."

"Karen."

"S-so where do you want to take me?" she asked.

"I'll show you!" he exclaim as he grabbed her hand and before she knew it, they were running.

-Sea-

"It's lucky of me to see you two times." Takumi replied. Seira wasn't saying for she is playing around with her pendent.

"Ano..." she began.

"Hm? What is it?" Takumi questioned.

"What is your name?" Seira asked despite she already knows.

Because she is in her mermaid form, she has to pretend that her mermaid and human self are two different people. However, that wasn't the real reason why she's pretending. Even if Takumi were to realized who she is and despite it would make her happy, she won't be able to face him. Not after Asuka threatened her.

"My name is Takumi." Takumi answered.

"Is there someone you like?" Seira asked.

"There is one person but I don't like her, I love her." Takumi replied. "Her name is Seira but for some reason, she has been avoiding me lately."

"Why is she avoiding you?" Seira questioned.

"I don't know." Takumi respond. "It's funny, a few months ago, she told me that I'll meet a mermaid and that I'll love her just like she'll loves me."

"And?" Seira waited.

"And?" Takumi repeat what she said in confusion.

"Your friend got that last part right. I do love you. The question is, do you? Do you love me just as your friend said?" Seira continue to throw questions at him.

"The moment I first set eyes on you, I have a strange feeling we've met before. Seira was right, I got to see a mermaid and love her just as you love me." Takumi answered.

"And Seira?" she asked.

"I love her but like I said before, I don't know why she's avoiding me." Takumi replied.

"Describe her to me. What does she make you feel?"

Takumi took a deep breath, "She's pretty, she is very supportive of me... She's sweet, kind, loving, and something about her has always made me feel lighter, warmer, and more happier."

"Does she has... Classmates who don't like her?"

"Why would anyone in my class don't-" he stopped for a moment to realized something.

"What is it?" Seira questioned as if she doesn't know him.

"Maybe... There might be one person who don't like- or rather hate her." Takumi is slowly getting it.

"Who?"

"Asuka Kane." he realized as his hands clenched into fists. "If she did anything to Seira, then I will-" Seira grabbed one of his fist.

"I may not know of Asuka's intentions but I don't think Seira would want you to go after her out of vengeance." Seira advise. He asked why to which she answered because Seira isn't that type of person who would want revenge. "Can I... Spend more time with you, Takumi?" she asked shyly.

He smiled, "Sure."

-Maze-

In the maze, the mermaids are close to getting to the center when multiples of butterflies appear to reveal Lanhua.

"Lanhua!" the trio exclaimed.

"What you are doing here?" Coco asked.

"I'm here to capture you ugly Mermaid Princesses. Get ready!" Lanhua warns them as she started to transform into many chibi forms of her.

"Coco, go get the key." Lucia told her.

"Hai." Coco agrees as she swims around the corner towards a statue.

~Pink Pearl Voice!~

~Aqua Pearl Voice!~

~Green Pearl Voice!~

The girls transform into their idol forms but were too late to sing their song because Lanhua is already singing.

Tsukiyo ni saita hana no kaori wa kaguwashiku
Murasakiiro no yoake ni hikaru mitsu no aji

Kono yo no subete o watashi ni kuretara
Yogoto no utage wa tanoshiki yume no en

Odori odore! Koyoi wa.. hana ni you ageha no mai

The mermaids started to dance, having no control of their bodies.

Meanwhile, Coco is at the center of the maze. At the middle of it, there is a statue of a woman and on her neck is Coco's Golden Key. She took the key off of the statue's neck and look at it in her hands when a flashback came to her.

-Flashback-

"Coco, whenever it's me or the sea, or anyone else who are feeling sad, can you help make the music box play?" Sara asked.

"Yes, I promise!" Coco answered.

-Flashback Ends-

After receiving that flashback, her Yellow Pearl started to glow brightly.

"Lucia, everyone!" she remembered as she swims back to help the girls.

-Cliff-

On land, Subaru has taken Karen to the cliff. With November coming in, it's getting more colder. When they reached the top, Subaru showed her the view. It was dazzling. Seeing the faint sunlight shining over the fields... The orange, yellow, red, and brown leaves on the trees as they gentle fall on the ground, the cool breeze blowing on her hair, and the large mountains from the horizon.

"Do you like it, Karen?" Subaru asked.

"Yes." Karen answered. "Subaru w-" she got interrupted when many joyful screams can be heard.

"What's that?" Subaru wondered as the two run to see what it is.

They saw a group of people, mostly men, are crowded because of someone.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to my concert!" Karen can hear a cheerful voice. She immediately recognized it.

'It's Alala.' she guessed correctly.

"Here I go!" the fairy exclaim in happiness as she sings her song, Star Mero Mero Heart.

HAATO ga dokkidokki suru yo na shisen
Arara, yappari watashi ni kugidzuke
Kuchizusanda MERODI
Kimi o meromero ni shitai

Taiyou no hikari ni mezameta asa
Kinou kawashita yakusoku wa
Mou wasurete shimatta kedo
Kaze ga utau RIZUMU kikitai deshou?
Chikyuu wa watashi o chuushin ni mawatteru

Mahou no tobira akete
Kiseki no hako hiraite
Genjitsu o mikaesou

HAATO ga dokkidokki suru yo na KISU
Arara, yappari watashi ga daisuki
Hoshi no BATON futtara
Kimi o muchuu ni saseta

Immediately, the the boys started to have lovey-dovey eyes for Alala.

"I love you, Alala!" Subaru suddenly shouted.

"S-Subaru?" Karen was shocked at his outburst. Karen had no choice but to knocked him out since she knows it isn't him. She then run to hide around the corner.

~Purple Pearl Voice!~

Karen transform into her idol form. After her transformation, Alala finished her song, causing everyone to passed out.

"Hold it right there!" Karen shouted as the fairy turned to her.

"Oh look! My rival has appeared!" Alala exclaimed happily. "Now, Mermaid Princess, will you listen to my wonderful song of dreams and depravity?"

"Never! For playing around with people's feelings, I won't forgive you!" Karen shouted. "Pichi Pichi Voice Live Start!"

Asahi ga ureshikute
Omowazu namida ga deru..

"Stop singing! Please stop!" Alala yelled as she cover her ears.

Dokoka de miteru ka na?
Onnaji sora dakara tsudzuiteru

"I'm sorry! Just don't sing! Please!" Alala pleaded.

Yume wa mada, yume demo
(Let's stay ima anata ga)
Iru basho o shinjite

OORORA no kaze ni notte "my wish" todoiteru?
Mukae ni yuku yo datte zettai aitai yo
Juujisei no shita ima wa Two Life hanaretatte
Kokoro wa hitotsu
Onaji One Wish dakishimete

"Love Shower Pitch!" Karen finished her song as Alala screamed in defeat. "Do you want an encore?"

"No!" Alala yelled as she retreat.

-Maze-

Back at the maze, Lanhua was about to finish the three mermaids off.

Kagen no tsuki o tategoto ni shite kanadeyou
Sen no suzu oto fue no neiro o togi sumasu

Watashi ni kashizuku kawaii shimobe yo
Kirameku shishuu no hagoromo sazukeyou

Hi ra ri Fu wa ri odoreba tsumasaki koboreru hanabira
Yuubi naru SERENAADE subete o wasurete odore!

~Yellow Pearl Voice!~

Coco transformed to help assist the girls.

"Coco!" they exclaimed.

'Oh, no! I've forgotten about her!' Lanhua thought in panic.

"Let's do it!" Lucia told them.

"Mm!" they all agree as they transform into their super idol form.

"Pichi Pichi Voice Live Start!" they sing Perfect Harmony.

Arashi no umi ni utarete makesou na ima wo
Furiharae ai wo mitsumete kono mune ni

Tachiagaru yo nando demo yakusoku no tame ni
Shakunetsu no raito wo abite shibuki ga mau

Taiyou yori mo atsuku atsuku atsuku
Utagoe wa motto takaku takaku takaku
Ima koso, ima koso

Hageshii kodou afuredasu ai no MELODY
Takanaru kodou shinjitsu wa tatta hitotsu
Kumori no nai kagami ni utsushite
Tsutawaru kodou wakiagaru ai no chikara
Soshite umareru atsui pafekuto hamoni

"Love Shower Pitch! Do you want an encore?" they asked as the many chibis merge back into Lanhua. She told them that she'll never forget this and then retreated as the girls de-transform.

"Lucia, here." Coco gave the Pink Mermaid Princess her Golden Key. "I made a promise to Sara once that the music box will play again. Will you do that for me?"

"Yes, of course but isn't the music box hidden somewhere in the Indian Ocean?" Lucia asked.

"Yes, but I have a feeling that it will be back at Pearl Waters." Coco replied. "I wished to come with you but you already know that today is my last day. Noel and Karen will have to return to their kingdoms tonight so if you do find it back home, will you play it?

"Yes!" Lucia promise.

"I guess we'll be separated once more." Hanon comments.

"Until we save the White and Black Mermaid Princesses." Rina finished.

"And Julie." Lucia added. "Well then, goodbye Coco!"

"Goodbye everyone and thank you!" Coco waved at them as they went home.

-Land-

After Karen and Subaru returned from the cliff, they headed to Pearl Waters. Karen looked out at the sky as she is walking with Subaru, hand in hand.

"Today was a fun day. Too bad it has to end." Subaru told her.

"Yes, it is." she stops. "Subaru."

"Hm? What is it, Karen?" he asked.

"Today is the most happiest time I get to spend with you, however, today is also my last day here. I'll be going home with my sister tonight." Karen explain.

"Oh, that's a shame... After we finally got to see each other again." Subaru replied.

"What about you?" Karen questioned.

"Hm?"

"When you are done with your investigation, are you going to return home?" Karen revise her question.

"Actually, I plan that if I do get my investigation done, I'll move here." Subaru answered.

"What?" Karen became confused.

"The way how this part of Japan is really calming and soothing... Compare to my home back in Britain, it's much better here." he explain.

"I see..." Karen trailed off.

"But I know, we'll see each other again, right?" Karen was surprised that Subaru has a lot of faith in her.

She nod her head yes and smiled, "Right."

-Sea-

In the sea, Takumi continued to sit next to Seira. They watched at the sun started to set.

"I have to leave soon." Takumi spoke. "Will I see you again?" he hold Seira's hands.

"Yes." she answered as she dives into the water. She surface a bit so most of her tail is submerged in the water. "I love you, Takumi."

"And I do too." he replied. He was surprised to feel her soft lips touch his cheek before she dives into the water completely.

-Pearl Waters-

Seira felt lighter today. Sure, her heart still needs more healing but today took some of the weight off of her. She entered the bath house.

'I confessed my love to him... Even though it half of the confession, I'll try to confess again. Only next time, I'll do it as Seira Misaki, not as a Mermaid Princess.' Seira thought as new hope fills her instead of doubt.

"Seira!" Lucia voice snaps her from her thought.

"Lucia." she smiled.

"Seira, we did it! We found the key!" Lucia exclaimed.

"Really! I'm so happy for you." Seira replied.

"Come on, let's go to your room. I think the music box could be in your room." Lucia suggested.

"Eh?"

"Coco told us that the music box would return home and because Sara originally had it..." Lucia trailed off.

"Then that means it's now in my possession." Seira realized.

The two girls, followed by Rina and Hanon, went to Seira's room.

-Seira's Room-

Once they went inside the room, they saw Sara's spirit appeared.

"Sara!" the girls exclaimed.

"Everyone, thank you for helping Coco getting her key back. I can't wait to hear it's beautiful melody one last time... And Seira, I prayed for you to have complete happiness with Takumi." Sara replied. Seira nodded as Sara disappears, leaving behind the white music box. Lucia hold up the key.

"Do you want to do it together, Seira?" Lucia asked.

"Yes." she replied as she hold the key too. They opened the music box as the song plays. Seira's pendent opened to reveal Julie's pearl. It glowed along with the Golden Key. A voice went into Seira's head.

"I'm happy for you, Seira." Julie told her as Seira smiled.

-Lucia's Room-

After they have played the music box. The girls went to say goodbye to Karen and Noel who have to leave. They promise to meet again as the girls return to their rooms. In her pink room, Lucia looked at Julie's music box.

'I wondered what kind of music does Julie's box play? The one that King Tamotsu made for Aqua Regina was sad but nostalgic.' Lucia thought. 'Wait, now that I think about it... The prince made it for Aqua Regina but he was too late to give it to her therefore the melody was forgotten and Kaito told me that Julie's love wasn't reached out. Did that means that Julie's melody is also forgotten?'

Lucia took Julie's dairy, flipped it to the fourth entry and read:

Dear Lucia, 2000

I will be able to surface for the first time! I'm still not of age yet because I am 11 years old. However, Taiyo said its important that I have to come. So for one month, I will be in the human world so I can be familiar with this new realm. Since Taiyo has been up there before, he will help me get used to it. How exciting! I still wish to meet you but that can't be done. After spending one month is when I will begin my one week mission. I don't know where or what I'll find because I don't know myself. And even if I do know, I'm not suppose to tell.

Love,

Julie


I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. Now, like I said above, I have answers to request.

To marinabtr: Spread a smile on your face because the next chapter is when Nagisa finds out Hanon's secret.

To Zahir890: It's been a while. Anyway, there will be more bullying from Asuka but eventually, there will be a chapter when Takumi and the girls realized the truth since Seira does not want to "trouble" her friends. Julie will be the one to tell someone indirectly about the bullying.

Thank you for everyone else who support my story. Keep it up! Remember to Favorite, Follow, or Comment. See you soon.