Hi everyone, here is chapter 22 and I don't have much to say. So, enjoy!
Chapter 22: The Vengeful Witch
-Julie's Room-
In the room of the Red Mermaid Princess, Julie was sleeping on her red bed as her pendant opened by itself. Her Red Pearl was shining, calling for it's sister.
-Dream-
Julie is back in her kingdom, however, unlike the last time she saw it, which was two years ago, it looks more cheerier, livelier, and even welcoming. Her Red Kingdom, other known as "The Kingdom of the Lunar Moon", was decorated with pink and red flowers. The light from the palace gave a gentle, warm glow to her heart. Last, but not least, is the throne room. It was filled with beautiful music and the red shell throne glowed.
"Could it be?" Julie questioned.
"Yes, it is." a sweet voice spoke up.
Julie turned around to see the spirit of a girl. She was a red mermaid, but more importantly, the second Red Mermaid Princess- her sister. Her appearance was not clear, so the only thing that can be seen is her silhouette. However, her presence is no different to Julie- it was the presence of a princess- or rather, a princess that is close to being born.
"You... You're going to be my imouto." Julie smiled.
"Mm! I can't wait to also wake from my own slumber." she smile then faded. "For centuries, after my pearl accidentally took a bit from Lucia nee-chan's Pink Pearl, I thought that nobody would want me. In a way, I felt like Yuki onee-chan... I felt unwanted."
"But if your pearl was never born, you wouldn't be born also. Your pearl is your heart and every heart shouldn't feel unwanted. I know because I too have that same feeling, but now, I have to let go of those feelings or else I can't move on and enjoy my life." Julie explained.
"Your right. Julie onee-chan, when you wake up, please find me and my pearl." she requested.
"Alright, but first what's your name?" Julie asked.
"My name..." she paused. "My name is Sakura." she smiled. "I can't wait for my wish to come true."
"And what is your wish?" Julie questioned.
"My wish is the same as yours. The next time, when we meet in our kingdom- when I am born... Let's meet for real next time, okay?" Sakura offers another request.
"Okay." Julie promised as Sakura's spirit is gone.
"Ask the Fire Prince, Kyle. He might have some clues to help you find me." Sakura's voice advised her.
-Dream Ends-
Julie wake up from her bed to see that it's already morning.
Today is December the fifth, a Saturday. Noel and Karen are going to spend their last day with the group since their kingdoms need their princess. Though their time was not meant to stay forever, they did have fun together with the other girls.
Julie changed from her red nightgown to a red blouse and a white skirt which reached to her knees. She then put on white socks onto her feet to keep them warm against the cold winds and wear her flat slippers. She didn't bother to wear a jacket or a coat because despite it's December, it's not really that cold- just chilly.
-Hotel Room-
In the afternoon, Kyle was looking at the beach, more specifically, watching Noel playing volleyball with her sister Karen. Lucia, Hanon, and Rina have went to Maki to help with his bar. He felt sadden about today when the wind started to blow. After the wind died down, he can smell the scent of roses.
"It's great to know that you're doing well. I'm happy that you get to wake up from that cursed slumber, Julie." Kyle told her without turning around. "We finally meet."
"Yes, we now have. I'm Julie Emiko." Julie went with the introduction as she walks towards him, even though they already know each other.
"Kyle Chang." Kyle introduce himself. "I'm guessing you're here for the information about your sister, right?"
"Hai." she answered.
"The Red Pearl is hidden in an underwater city, also known as Atlantis. Back then, you channeled her power to me so I can breath underwater. In the throne room of the palace, on top of the throne is where the pearl is." Kyle explained.
"Was there anything else?" Julie questioned.
"Yes, there is. The place in inhabit by vengeful spirits of the people who used to lived in the city. They only attack when they feel a presence of evil." Kyle warned her.
"I hope they don't think Yuki is a threat to them." Julie replied.
"You're not planning on taking her with you, are you?" Kyle asked in concern.
"Yes, I am. Why? Yuki is not evil." Julie told him.
"I know, but aside from that, how long are you going to keep that secret?" Kyle questioned quietly while looking at Miyuki sitting by herself.
"I don't know." Julie answered.
"You should tell your friends as soon as you can. Eventually, Shika will find a way to break the seal and if she breaks the seal-" he got cut off.
"I know, it's just... I need some time before I can tell everyone." Julie spoke quietly.
"Sorry, if I pushed you." Kyle apologized.
"No, it's alright. So, are you going to see Noel?" Julie asked.
"Today is also my last day and I have to leave at two o' clock." Kyle explained.
"Then what's stopping you from telling? Like I said before, you have is easy because you don't have to worry about your secret being blown and you already know who she is, so what's stopping you?" Julie questioned.
"I think it's my time to be figured out by Noel, not the other way around. We already have too much of that happening and don't worry, I'll come back soon." Kyle replied.
"Okay, have a safe trip back home Kyle." Julie turned to walk away.
"Wait!" he stopped her. "What is your sister's name?"
She smiled as she turned back to face him, "Sakura. Goodbye, Kyle."
-Afternoon-
Later in the afternoon, Julie, Akari, and Miyuki are swimming in the ocean to find the lost Kingdom of Atlantis. They traveled all the way to the North Atlantic Ocean and followed the light of Julie's pearl. It was like playing hot or cold because the more they are getting close, the pearl shines brighter and if they are getting farther, the pearl shines dimmer. When they are at the center of the ocean, Julie's pearl shined even more brighter, no longer flickering.
"It's here. Atlantis is here." Julie told her friends.
"But where?" Akari questioned.
"Akari, I have an idea." Julie replied. She reached out to her key necklace and have the moonstone embedded in the key bow shine its light on the opened space. It continued to shine until Atlantis is found.
"There it is!" Miyuki exclaimed excitedly.
"Let's go." Julie suggested.
"Mm." the Sisters of Light and Dark agrees.
"Yuki," Akari began. "When we go inside, stay very close to me."
"Okay, Akari nee-chan." Miyuki nods.
-Atlantis-
When they entered the palace, which most were in ruins, there were many eerie whispers that can be heard. The kingdom was cold and many spirits started to appear. They didn't attack the mermaids, but many went pass through them. Others were giving glares at Miyuki as she listened and stay closed to Akari. When they reached the throne room, it was just like Kyle said. On top of the throne, is the second Red Pearl. She swims to get it, but jumped in surprise when she suddenly got blasted back.
"Are you okay?" Akari asked her.
"I'm find, but what was that?" Julie questioned.
"It's dark magic." Miyuki answered sadly. "Shika got to this kingdom as well."
"First our home, then our second, then Julie's, and now Atlantis too?" Akari was clearly upset that the Sea Witch has destroyed many kingdoms and ruined their lives, just for her revenge.
"I'm sorry." Julie apologized.
"Why are you apologizing, Julie onee-chan?" Miyuki asked.
"Because of me, many people couldn't live their lives happily." Julie concluded.
"That's not true, you were always helping us." Akari counters. "Come on, let's get Sakura's pearl."
Julie nodded as Akari hold her left hand and Miyuki hold her right, "On behalf of the three original Mermaid Princesses..." Julie started.
"I, Akari, the White Mermaid Princess of the warm light, represent the White Moon." Akari replied.
"I, Miyuki, the Black Mermaid Princess of gentle darkness, represent the New Moon." Miyuki answered.
"And I, Julie, the Red Mermaid Princess of powerful strength, represent the Blood Moon. We asked for the dark magic used for evil to be vanquish from this kingdom!" Julie finished the spell.
Many darkness are forced out of its hiding place. With no where to go, they decided to attack the princesses. However, the spirit of Atlantis, free from their curse, arrived to protect them. Julie then used her moonstone to get rid of the darkness, sealing it forever in a place where it can never escape. The world of Pandora- where all evil shall never escaped again.
The moment the darkness is gone, the palace lit up. The throne room released a light and everything around them started to repair itself. Many spirits were also given a second chance. Appeared before them is the King of Atlantis.
"Mermaid Princesses, without your help, we would have live in darkness and revenge. I thank you for saving us." the King told them.
"It's an honer, Your Majesty." Julie told him as the three gave a little bow.
"That pearl on my throne, I'd also like to thank the girl too." the King replied.
"Sakura." Julie spoke.
"Sakura?" the King questioned. When he saw her nod, he smiled, "I'd also like to thanked your sister, Sakura-hime. Her pearl came here long ago, before Atlantis sunk to the bottom of this ocean. Then a few days later, Sakura-hime came. She warned us about Shika and although we found our best, we weren't strong enough. We remained trapped in our kingdom, roaming around as vengeful ghosts. Only Sakura-hime and her pearl stayed with us- to comfort us. She could have left, but she didn't. She really has helped us. Because of her, we now know that we can rest easy now and start our life all over again. Thank you, Mermaid Princesses."
He used his powers and the Red Pearl flow from the throne into Julie's hands. She showed it to Akari and Miyuki while staring at the pinkish-red pearl in her cupped hands.
'The second Red Pearl. My sister pearl. Sakura's pearl.' Julie thought.
"What a beautiful color... It's just like Lucia's Pink Pearl. It's in between white and red while Sakura's is between red and pink." Akari comments.
Julie started to reflect on the many secrets she's keeping from everyone and that she might ruined everyone's trust in her. It's time for some people she trust to share her secrets too.
"Akari, Yuki, I have to tell you something." Julie sighs.
"What is it?" Akari asked.
"I'm going to tell you something really important, but you must promise to not tell anyone, not even Lucia. It has to be a secret just between the three of us. Can you do it?" Julie questioned.
"We promise." Akari answered for both her and Miyuki.
"Okay." she starts to move her lips.
-Akari's and Miyuki's Room-
The girls returned to Pearl Waters at night where the four girls are waiting for her. Noel and Karen just left an hour ago so it's only just the seven of them. Akari and Miyuki have remain quiet during the whole trip back while Julie wondered if she did the right thing by telling her childhood friends her secret. Her secret is that Shika is not just after her revenge, but has many objectives. Julie was just half of the proportion of her revenge against two Goddess who have angered her and because Julie's connection with her friends, Shika would used them- making their life misery as she destroy the things they love. Despite that fact, the sisters know that Julie isn't to blame, but they do wondered why Shika wants Julie so badly. Unfortunately, Julie won't answer that question because she felt that they wouldn't be able to bare it.
"Nee, Akari nee-chan." Miyuki called her sister's name.
"Yes, Yuki?" Akari questioned.
"What do you think Julie onee-chan mean when she told us that the worse things that could ever happen to us is losing the most precious things closer to us?" Miyuki asked.
"I don't know, she's speaking in riddles. The things close to us and all Mermaid Princesses are our home, our friends, and family. Shika only wants Julie for something, but what?" Akari questioned.
"Do you think that witch will try to take Julie onee-chan away from us?" Miyuki asked another question.
"That's what she plans." Akari answered.
What Akari doesn't know is that Miyuki already knows what Julie meant. As the essence of darkness, good or bad, the feeling is all the same. Julie told them to keep the secret away from Lucia for a reason because it also involves her as well. The future Sea Goddess and the first immortal Red Princess are Shika's target.
-Julie's Room-
Julie was sitting in her chair staring at Sakura's pearl on her desk. The tiny hint of pink reminds her so much of Lucia and the possible tragedy that could happen to both of them. She closed her eyes as she repeat a memory she knows all too well.
-Flashback (Many Centuries ago, before the birth of the eleven pearls)-
Two Goddesses, Aqua Regina and Terra Elaina, and a woman with black hair were in the Kingdom of Kiseki, the birthplace of the Earth Goddess.
"How could you? We trusted you, but you let your greed took control. You wanted eternal youth so badly that you have to drained one of my important flowers- a part of me." Terra Elaina felt betrayed.
"We have faith in you, but now... We can see that you no longer have faith in us..." Aqua Regina told the young woman sadly and is disappointment.
"W-wait! I-I can explain!" the woman replied, she was becoming desperate.
"You were one of our faithful followers, but we can see that there is no kindness in your heart. There is only greed and jealously." Terra Elaina replied.
"B-but I can make up for that. Just give me a second chance!" the woman pleaded.
"That was your second chance, but you decided to show us... The side of you that we didn't want to see...Who you truly are." Terra Elaina voice's was breaking as tears form in her eyes.
"For this act of betrayal, you shall be banished to the sea." Aqua Regina declared, she was still upset at the woman.
"But I can't live in the ocean!" the woman started to became angry. She didn't understand. Why were these two Goddesses so sentimental over a little flower? Sure, it was one of the scared flowers and a part of the Earth Goddess, but still, that wasn't enough to punish her, right?
"The ocean will be your new home, to keep the humans safe for you. Just like Aqua Reina will watched over her princesses and mermaids, I will watched over my princes and humans. We have high hopes for you, but you let us down." Terra Elaina told the woman. She slam her staff on the floor. "I'm sorry... Let your actions scar you for all of eternity."
The woman was given immortality. For a moment she was happy, filled with a crazed version of happiness, but then that smile faded as she covered her face with both of her hands. She yelled in pain and agony as she felt something is happening to her face. She felt something on her skin, a mark that stretches from the upper right of her face and all the way down to her right cheek. Something was wrong, very wrong.
The woman runs to a mirror to find that her face has been scarred. Her face, the most important beautiful part of her is gone. Something was in her, anger, hated, and worse of all... Vengeance.
"How dare you... You dreadful Goddess!" the woman lunge at Terra Elaina to attack her, trying to make her pay for what she did.
However, she is stopped by Aqua Regina, "Attacking a Goddess in the presence of another, this is why you should be punished for what you did. I'm sorry, but I too, shall punish you for that offense." she waved her staff and the woman felt something in her body. Water surrounded her as it became black. Seven black tentacles came out as the water cleared to show that the woman is now the Sea Witch. She looked at herself in horror at what they did.
"One day, I'll be back. I will have my revenge of the two of you. And if I can't have it on you, I'll simply have it on your successors and everyone you love and care. I shall destroy your princesses and princes, because they are the only thing closest to you like a family, as your daughters and sons. Mark my words on it, I will get my revenge!" the woman vowed as she is exiled to the ocean of the North Atlantic.
-Flashback Ends-
Julie opened her eyes as she once again looked at the second Red Pearl in front of her. She will soon bring her sister into this world, but at the same time, she will also put her in danger of the vengeful Shika.
I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. And I hope your ready for the next, because the next one is Coco-centric during her time in the ocean. See you soon.
