Hi everyone. It has been a while since I last update. So sorry about that. I will admit, because of this chapter which I originally plan for it to be called "Shrunken Princess", I found difficulty in filling the plot up. So I decided to only mentioned what was suppose to happen in this chapter while merging it with what was suppose to be the next chapter. Please enjoy.


Chapter 44: The Blood-Red Curse

-Sea Cave-

The Sea Witch, although she wanted to have more fun toying with the princesses, decided to get back on business. She decided to now take things more seriously and you wouldn't want to know what she is like when she is serious.

"Lady Bat." she called out as she sits in her throne.

"Yes, Shika-sama?" the vampire appeared in front of the witch.

"I'm going to give you a chance to capture the Mermaid Princess. Do not fail me." she command him.

"It will be my pleasure, Shika-sama. I will certainly not disappoint you." he obeyed as he disappeared.

The Sea Witch was relax on her throne for a good reason.

'Soon, she will awaken. Once I know what is her powers, I'll ripped it away from her... And then, I'll destroy that menacing future Sea Goddess and the Earth Goddess' special princess. Like killing two birds in one stone. Or rather, catching two fish in one scoop.' she thought in malice. 'I can't wait for that day to come. Oh, I can taste it.'

-Shoreline-

Meanwhile...

Winter Break was over and the girls just watched Karen and Noel return home to their kingdoms. The only one who didn't return is Coco, who decided to stay to find the love of her life. However, before that, she wanted to spend time with Julie since she never got the chance to thank the Red Mermaid Princess when she protected her from Lady Bat in her palace. Maybe she can get both done in the same day.

"Julie." Coco walked up to the fifteenth year old.

"Hm? What is it, Coco?" she turned her attention towards her.

"I'm just wondering, how did you found your love?" Coco found it rather difficult to thank her. Nevertheless, the question was necessary for her to find her love.

"I don't know. It just... Happen. I found him, we spend time, and we fell in love. I'm pretty sure it happens to everyone." Julie answered. "It happened with Lucia, Hanon, Rina, and me. Noel, Karen, and Seira are just starting to get the hang of it by themselves."

"All, except me." Coco muttered.

"Don't worry. You'll find your love... Or should I say reunite with him." she assured the Yellow Mermaid Princess.

"That's right, we all have past lives." Coco remembered. "Who was I back then?"

"You were one of the dancing princesses. Your destined one got the better out of you and would sneakingly found out your secret." she answered.

"Oh..." Coco trailed off, wishing she could remember her past life. "Do you know where he might live?"

"I do have an idea and it's not very far. He probably live somewhere near the water-" Julie got cut off.

"Then let's go." Coco ran into the water.

-Ocean-

Julie wanted to stopped her, but decided to join her instead. They both transform into mermaids once they got mostly wet and started to swim. Julie explained to the princess that in the past, her lover was a soldier, who goes by the name of Izumi. However, Julie only know him from the past because Terra Elaina told her. She doesn't know who he is now. The tension was broke up when Julie started to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Coco wonder.

"I just find yesterday every funny." she answered.

"Oh, that. It was a good thing that the reversing potion wore off on her." Coco commented.

"Agreed." Julie replied as she remembered yesterday.

-Flashback-

It happened yesterday, however it started the night before yesterday. Lucia took a drink that Shika spiced up with a potion that will reverse time for her. Because she dreamt of meeting Kaito for the first time, she reverted to a six year old. There was a loud commotion yesterday morning.

"Julie!" she yelled as the door was burst open.

"What! What is it, Lucia onee... Chan?" Julie looked in wonders at Lucia's young age.

As Julie stared at Lucia, awestruck, Sakura came in to see the commotion.

A smiled spread across her face, "Waa, kawii! Julie onee-chan, Lucia onee-chan became our little imouto!"

"What's going on?" Hippo came into the room and started panicking at the six year old Pink Mermaid Princess. "WHAT IS THIS!"

The other Mermaid Princesses started to run towards Lucia's room to gasped in shock.

"What happened to you, Lucia?" Rina questioned, shocked at her best friend has become a six year old.

"I don't know!" six year old Lucia started to cry.

"They certainly gave 'The Little Mermaid' a whole new name." Julie joked.

"Kawii, kawii. Onee-chan is now imouto. I'm no longer the youngest in the family." Sakura cheered.

"That's not funny, Sakura!" Lucia yelled.

"Lucia, try to remember. Did something happen last night?" Noel tried to calm the little girl down.

"Nothing strange that I could recall. All I did was drink a glass of water." she answered.

"I think that old witch must have put something in your drink, Lucia." Karen suggested.

"Julie, is there a cure for this?" Coco questioned.

"There has to be one. Especially when Lucia onee-chan will became the next Sea Goddess on her 18th birthday." she replied. "But I don't think we need to worry."

"Not to worry?! I'm a six year old!" Lucia exclaimed.

"It's only temporary." Julie counters with a calm face. "Look it at a good way. You get to be a six-year old again for just one day."

"But I don't want to be a six year old again!" Lucia whined.

The Red Princess walked out of the door along with Sakura, leaving the other princesses baffled at the news.

"Is there no other way?" Hanon questioned Rina.

"It's not like what happen to you, Hanon. So relax." Julie's voice could be heard from the hallways.

"I guess there is nothing to worry about." Rina decided as she was the third to leave.

Slowly, all the other princesses left, leaving Lucia alone.

"You guys are so mean." Lucia cried.

-Flashback Ends-

"It would have been a disaster if that potion wasn't temporary." Julie thought after looking back at it. "But everything worked out find in the end."

"Thank you, Julie." Coco suddenly spoke.

"Eh? For what?" she stopped when the Yellow Mermaid Princess didn't continue to swim.

"For protecting me at my palace during that attack with that crazy vampire." Coco clarify.

"Oh that. It's no problem. I did have a bad feeling at that time. Now, are you ready? We're very close." Julie questioned.

"Mm." Coco simply nodded.

-Surface Rock-

There was a rock where the two climb up on to rest. In front of them was a house with a fountain. There were three tree decorations around the fountain. One that looked like gold, the second silver, and the third like diamonds.

"There he is!" Julie pointed at a boy around 18.

He was one year older than Coco. However, she felt her heart has skipped a beat and began to beat faster. He has dark hair like the evening's dusk. Lovely dark blue eyes like the night that counters her sunny yellow eyes like the dawn. He was wearing a simple light blue shirt and black pants. He was looking out into the ocean, but didn't see them. Thankfully, near his house is a large rocky cliff, so they can see him without been seen by him.

"Are you sure it's him?" Coco questioned, though her tone falters.

"I'm pretty sure. After all, if it wasn't him, your face wouldn't be flushed pink." Julie notice.

The mentioning of her face have turned her pick made it turned into a deep shade of red. Julie wasn't sure if that meant falling in love or the feeling of embarrassment.

"Thank you again, Julie. For being a great friend to me." Coco express her gratitude.

"Your welcome." Julie replied.

Coco looked at the young man as she remembered the time when Sara seeks a friend for advice. Back when she was in love with Taro Mitsuki, she would asked Coco for help. As a friend, she would encourage her to be happy.

"What should I do?" Coco questioned, returning on the subject since she is new to the experience.

Sure, she have seen her friends fell in love, but everything after was done all by themselves. There was a time when she tried to pushed Hanon to realized her feelings for Nagisa, but it turns out that she didn't need her help. Now it was her turn and she is the one who needs help.

"Maybe know his name? And later talk to him?" Julie suggested.

"Yes, maybe I should do that." Coco accepts the suggestion, her face returns to that tinge of pink.

"I won't allow it!" a voice cried out.

"Who's there?" Julie questioned as they both turned around to see someone emerge from the waters.

When the water disappeared, they saw a pair of bat wings and immediately realized who it was.

"The only one you will talk to is me." Lady Bat replied. "Especially you, Hime." he address to Coco.

Coco sighed, "I am not interest in you, you stalker of a vampire!"

Lady Bat looked a bit disappointed, "Unfortunately, I still don't know your name. It's quite a shame. But..." he turned to Julie. "I do know yours."

"Hurry!" Julie singled Coco on what to do. They need to transform.

~Yellow Pearl Voice!~

~Red Pearl Voice!~

They transformed and ready to sing, but Lady Bat beat them first.

"Today, your love will be mine!" he assured them as he open his mouth to sing.

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 suberi ochite yuku saa oide! Obienakute ii yo
Soshite eien ni nare

The Mermaid Princesses felt their powers draining as they can't maintain their form. They got de-transformed and were reverted back into their mermaid form. Unfortunately, they're also knocked out. Lady Bat was very pleased with himself. He has captured two princesses. Now, he has been wanting to do something that he haven't gotten to do since... Forever.

He picked up Coco and tilt her head back.

'So beautiful... And soon will be mine.' Lady Bat thought after imagining that he'll get to taste her blood.

He opened his mouth to reveal his fangs and was about to embed them into Coco's neck, when...

"What?!" he became frustrated when thorny vines got in the way.

The briars wrapped themselves around Coco, creating a barrier that Lady Bat can't get through. His attention turned to the Red Mermaid Princess, who had snapped out of her trance and had used the remaining strength she had left to keep him from his desires.

"Leave her alone!" she yelled, however, in a weak voice.

"How very amusing," despite he didn't get his chance with Coco, he wasn't displeased. He got on top of Julie to prevent her from escaping. Despite she tried to pushed him away, he was either too strong or too heavy, which is hard to believe. He hold her chin so she is forced to look at him. "To think that you would risked your powers to save her again. Is it because that you are jealous and you want to catch my attention?"

"I never like you from the start, must be my instinct. If you weren't on top of me I'd be gladly to rip you to shreds." Julie spat at his face in disgust.

"Oh, feisty. I like that. Just like her. However, I won't mind to take your blood instead since you are my second favorite. Also, I think it's a good idea to finish where we left off... Juliet. Or should I say Julie hime?" he suggested. The mentioned of her name shocked the mermaid. She desperately tried to struggle to get away, but he was holding her down. She would have screamed if he hadn't put a hand over her mouth. "Now, now. As much as I want to hear your sweet cries, I can't allow any sound come from those pretty lips of yours."

Julie tried to push him, but he had already tilt her head, exposing her neck to his fangs. As if her blood attracted him, he sink his fangs into her.

'No...' she felt her powers being taken from her.

She looked to where Coco is. The briars that was protecting her is weakening along with her powers. She knew that he is draining her of her powers and is stealing her memories through her blood. As his first victim, it was extremely unpleasant.

'What is this painful feeling? It hurts… I feel dizzy and tired… T-the briars… They are weakening…' she looked at Coco. 'However, protecting the others is the only thing I can do now. This is the only way I can repay them... Before they learns of the truth about me… Before my secret might turn into betrayal. I won't regret it no matter what happens to me!'

Her secret... She knew what the Sea Witch want. However, not telling her secret might not only waste time for them, but she might lose their trust. Just then, after a fairly large portion of her blood taken, Lady Bat pulled his fangs back along with his hand from her mouth.

"Hurts doesn't it? Your blood was very delicious just like your sweet roses. I have to say, I am surprise. You're the first that I get to have a bite, yet you still retain your memories. I wasn't able to learn the other identities of your fellow allies. I guess compassion allows you to keep them, since your love is full of it. But still, your powers are delicious. I like it better when I try it for myself than simply taking it. Not quite passionate, like mine. However, I'll be glad to give you that feeling. I shall steal your kiss, so give your love to me." he started to lean towards her.

Julie had no more strength to fight back. She can't ever pushed him away from her anymore. Her body felt numbed. Her briars started to dry up, turning grey instead of healthy green. The vines, no longer healthy, cannot protect the Yellow Mermaid Princess. It gently drop the mermaid onto a nearby rock before wilting to nothingness. The Red Princess' appearance is also reflecting on her diminishing powers. Her complexion is becoming even more paler than normal and she couldn't help, but shed tears in her eyes. The vampire was getting too close to her face that she can't evening stop him from kissing her. His lips then touched hers. The princess was shocked as she looked into his eyes.

'I couldn't take it anymore.' she closed her eyes. 'I don't know if it was from the bite or if it's the burden of my secret. I don't know anymore...I'm sorry Satoru… But my feeling towards you will never change. No matter what happens to me.'

The Red Pearl was calling out to the others, but it was starting to fade away. Lady Bat didn't realized that until... He receive a punched in the face from Satoru.

"Don't you touch her! How dare you..." he angrily yelled at the vampire as he backed away. Lady Bat scowl that a human was holding his Red Mermaid Princess.

"How annoying, you humans." Lady Bat muttered under his breath.

Distracted by Satoru, he didn't see the other princesses have arrived.

~Pink Pearl Voice!~

~Aqua Pearl Voice!~

~Green Pearl Voice!~

~Orange Pearl Voice!~

~Red Pearl Voice!~

~White Pearl Voice!~

The girls transformed into their super idol form and waste no time to place their mics near their lips.

"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

"No! Stop singing!" Lady Bat tried to plug his ears from the music.

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

"Why? Why don't you accept my love?" he questioned.

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!" they finished their song. "Do you want an encore?"

"No!" Lady Bat disappeared in a flock of bats.

After his defeat, the girls immediately rushed to their two friends. Lucia went over to Coco to try to wake her.

"Coco! Coco!" Lucia shook the mermaid until she stirs. "Thank goodness."

"What happened?" Coco questioned.

Before Lucia could answer, her attention was turned to Satoru trying to wake Julie up.

"Julie! Julie! What's wrong?" Satoru asked.

The others run to his side to see what is going on. Despite Julie is awake, she didn't look so well. Also, she was trying to push Satoru away.

"Let me go! Let me go! Please, let me go!" Julie cried as she tried to push him out of her way.

"It's me, Julie. Don't you recognize me?" Satoru tired to calm her.

The Red Mermaid Princess didn't respond, but gave him a big push until he let her go. She then dives back into the water.

"Julie!" everyone shouted her name, but she didn't resurface.

-Ocean-

In the water, Julie tried to swim, but she was on the verge to collapsed if Taiyo didn't caught her.

"Taiyo..." she trailed off.

"Shh, rest easy." the selkie told her as he looked up to the now moonrise. "It's almost time, we must go now."

The selkie carries his princess to "that place". The other mermaids have search after they left, seeing no trace of the Red Mermaid Princess.

"Where can she be?" Lucia wonder out loud as the ocean started to get darker.


And it is "To be Continue". I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for not updating for a while. Because I'm not sure when I will update the next time, please read my other stories so you won't have the feeling of agony when you wait for me to update. Also review if you have the time. Bye.