*Date : January 15th, 1903 : 9:30 am*
Melody stretched her shimming green tail, feeling the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean caress her scales. She gazed out at the frozen landscape, chunks of frozen blocks that had landed in the ocean from their weight, from her window, her bright red hair fluttering in the gentle waters as she made her way out of what she referred to as '' her bedroom'' though it was far from that. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, and what awaited her. Today was the day she could finally make her way to the kingdom of Atlantica, a place she had always wanted to visit since she'd been told about her from her friend, Misty. And today, no matter what her father, and aunt said, she was going.
As she swam away from the door of her bedroom, and into the main room, she spotted her father, busy at work creating what appeared to be a bright purple potion of some kind. As she got closer to him, she noticed him busily mixing and stirring the purple liquid in the makeshift, cauldron. As he worked, she noticed the way his octopus tentacles curled and uncurled as he busied himself, their suckers glistening with a hint of moisture. The air was thick with the sweet scent of sea lavender and the faint tang of saltwater, as she drew near, it was as if the unique scents had her entrance. Pulling herself away from the sweet scent, she remembered what it was she wanted to tell him, as she opened her mouth to speck the words. ''Melody, why don't you come away from there, and drink what I've prepared for you.'' Said her aunt, Morgana, her expression one of annoyance, as she stared at Melody, hands on her hips. Melody's eyes narrowed, her grip on her determination unwavering. "What is it, Aunt Morgana? What have you prepared for me?" Clear as day, Melody noticed her aunt's rolling eyes, as she brought a small vile of the same purple liquid over to her, where she expected Melody to take it from her. Once she did, Melody experienced a bit of nerves, the same nervousness she had been experienced since she was a small child. Every morning for as long as she could remember, she had been told to drink the same potion over and over again. Try as she might to come off as oblivious, hoping it would somehow change, but sadly it didn't.
As Melody reached out to take the vial from her aunt, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The purple liquid seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and the air around her seemed to grow thick with an eerie silence. Morgana's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if daring her to refuse. ''Come on now, bottoms up.'' she aunt ordered, as Melody quickly downed the entirety of the potion, without another thought. Once the contents In the vile were completely gone, she handed the vile back over to her aunt. ''I still don't know why I must take that every morning. I feel like the taste gets worse every day I drink it.'' Melody complained, licking her top clean with her tongue, as to make sure their was no potion left over. Morgana's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as she accepted the vial back from Melody. ''Ah, good girl,'' she said ignoring Melody's previous complaints. ''You're learning to take your medicine without fight. I tell you, you were such a handful when you were little.''
Melody felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her aunt's reaction. As Melody listened to her aunt's words, a sudden flash of memory struck her like a bolt of lightning. She saw herself as a little girl, no more than five years old, crying and struggling as Morgana held her down, forcing the same horrible tasting potion down her little throat. The memory was vivid, yet distant, as if it had happened to someone else. Morgan's words echoed in her mind as she repeated. ''You were such a handful when you were little.'' Melody felt a pang of anger and resentment towards her aunt. Why did she have to be so cruel? What had she done to deserve such treatment? But more importantly, why was she constantly forced to take that potion? Though her memory hadn't been great growing up, she was sure she hadn't been sick, where she was in need of medicine?
''Enough Morgana, you're bringing the poor girl's spirits down.'' said her father, Morgan, his dark eyes suddenly looking up at them, as he was now present in the conversation. ''Why don't you tell me what you have planned for today, Melody?'' asked her father, as he began bottling up villas of the purple liquid. ''Well...I was going to do some more exploring with Misty today. I found a cave not to far from here, with lots of pretty treasures. I thought maybe I could put together something for myself.''
''You mean like jewelry?'' Said her aunt, distaste in her voice as if she thought that Melody's plan to make jewelry out of the treasures she found in the cave was stupid. ''Never mind,'' hissed Morgan, as he approached Melody's side. ''I think that's a great idea. Just make sure you aren't out late tonight. I've spoken with the doctor, and he thinks it best if you start taking a cup of your medicine every night before bed, starting tonight.'' he told her, which made Melody's spine shake. More of that potion, why so much of it? And why the sudden change? Melody's eyes narrowed as she looked at her father, a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. What was going on here? Why did she need to take more of that potion? And why did it have to do with her late nights? She'd never been told to return home early because of the potion, what was going on? ''Why do I need to take more of that medicine?'' Melody asked, try as she might to keep her voice steady. ''What's wrong with me?''
Morgan's expression suddenly turned serious, as he glanced at Morgana before answering. ''You're...different, than the other merpeople, Melody. The potion just helps you. It keeps you healthy.'' Melody's eyes widened as she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Different? What did that mean? And what was wrong with being different? She looked at her father, searching for answers, but he just shook his head. "It's not important right now, Melody. Just remember to take the potion every night, and you'll be fine." Melody felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why was she being kept in the dark? What was going on? Instead of pushing it with her father, as she knew this wasn't a battle she was going to win, she chose to try to ignore her feelings, as she set off towards open water, away from her ice prison, as it sometimes felt like.
''I grow tired of pretending to be that little girl's aunt.'' hissed Morgana, venom in her throat as she took a seat upon one of the chairs made out of ice, as most of the furniture was. Morgan's eyes gleamed with malice as he stroke into the dark, damp, ice chamber deep within the cave. ''You're doing well, Morgana,'' Morgan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Melody is just where I want her. The little fool is starting to suspect something, but she has no idea what's truly going on.'' Morgana's gaze flicked up, her eyes flashing with anger. ''You're enjoying this, aren't you Father? Using your pretend daughter like a pawn in your game?'' Morgan's smile grew wider. ''Oh, dear daughter, don't forget why we're doing this. You think dear Ursula can avenge herself? No, this plan will work. And once it does, the trident will be mine, with it I'll have all the power I need to destroy the merpeople who stand in my way. Starting with Trident, and his little daughter Ariel.'' Morgana's eyes narrowed. ''She thinks she's safe just because she's living on land, ruling the land kingdom, well guess again.''
''Morgana, I need to be altered if there are any signs of that pesky human husband.'' Morgan spat, eyes nearing bloodshot, as his light colored face began to redden. ''Do you mean Eric?''
''Who else?'' Morgan hissed.
''I've dealt with him, father, on the night we attacked his boat. Foolish King Trident thought he could somehow save his son in law, and the people aboard that ship, but he wasn't expecting me to sneak my way back on, and cast a spell on the crowd. I made sure Eric was among them when I did it. I have no idea what became of him, but I'm sure it's something terrible.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he listened to his daughter's words. "Ah, yes, the foolish King Trident. He thought he could stop us, didn't he? But you, my dear Morgana, you showed him the true meaning of power."
''Even though he managed to get out of there before anything could happen to him, I can confidently say Eric Is no more.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with pride as he stood before his beloved cauldron, the swirling depths of its dark liquid seeming to dance in response to his gaze. The room around him was a veritable treasure trove of magical potions, each one a testament to his skills and cunning as an sorcerer/alchemist. Shelves upon shelves of glass vials and wooden flasks lines the walls of the ice chamber, each one containing a brew that was deadlier than the last. To his left, a shelf was dedicated to poisons of various hues and textures, from the slimy, greenish-black of the ''Frog's Tongue'' to the thick, crimson liquid of the ''Blood of the Red Serpent.'' Next to it, a shelf held an assortment of trans-formative elixirs, capable of changing ones shape, size, or even form. Among the assortment, sat potions to induce sleep, or madness, to heal, or harm, and even a few that could grant temporary in invincibility or supernatural strength. Morgana had previously used that one to snatch up baby Melody from her mother, on the night in question. As he was deep in thought, Morgan's gaze wandered from one shelf to the next, his mind whirling with the possibilities. He could smell the sweet scent of victory wafting from the vials, like the heady aroma of freshly brewed potions. His eyes lined on a particularly potent concoction, a swirling mixture of blue and green that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
''If Melody starts becoming more trouble, then useful, I want you to replace the ''mermaid's breath'' with this.'' Morgan said to his daughter, Morgana starting at him, as he held his hand out to her, fingers twisted around the top of the blue and green potion. ''Sea-foam's kiss?'' Morgan's eyes widened in horror for a moment as she stared at the vial of potion in her father's hand. She had heard the whispers of the Sea-foam kiss, how it was a potion so deadly that even Morgan himself dared not to use it freely. The first time she'd witnessed him use it, was when he'd told her and her sister, he'd ''taken care'' of their mother. And now, he was offering it to her?
Morgana's eyes seemed to stare right through her father, her mind reeling back to the memories she had long suppressed. She remembered the day her mother disappeared, how Morgan had told her and her sister that she had left them. But she had always suspected that something was off, that there was more to the story. And now, as she looked at the vial of Sea-foam's Kiss, she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her. She remembered the way her father's eyes had seemed to gleam with a dark light when he spoke of using the potion, how his voice had been laced with a sinister intent. ''Morgana, snap out of it! Take the potion, I trust you to use your judgement. The plan isn't worth keeping the girl alive, if she becomes to much trouble. Besides, it would be nice not to have to whip up so much of the ''mermaid's breath'' potion every day just to keep her a mermaid.'' he said, venom in his throat as he went back to his work. *Date : January 15th, 1903 : 9:30 am*
Melody stretched her shimming green tail, feeling the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean caress her scales. She gazed out at the frozen landscape, chunks of frozen blocks that had landed in the ocean from their weight, from her window, her bright red hair fluttering in the gentle waters as she made her way out of what she referred to as '' her bedroom'' though it was far from that. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, and what awaited her. Today was the day she could finally make her way to the kingdom of Atlantica, a place she had always wanted to visit since she'd been told about her from her friend, Misty. And today, no matter what her father, and aunt said, she was going.
As she swam away from the door of her bedroom, and into the main room, she spotted her father, busy at work creating what appeared to be a bright purple potion of some kind. As she got closer to him, she noticed him busily mixing and stirring the purple liquid in the makeshift, cauldron. As he worked, she noticed the way his octopus tentacles curled and uncurled as he busied himself, their suckers glistening with a hint of moisture. The air was thick with the sweet scent of sea lavender and the faint tang of saltwater, as she drew near, it was as if the unique scents had her entrance. Pulling herself away from the sweet scent, she remembered what it was she wanted to tell him, as she opened her mouth to speck the words. ''Melody, why don't you come away from there, and drink what I've prepared for you.'' Said her aunt, Morgana, her expression one of annoyance, as she stared at Melody, hands on her hips. Melody's eyes narrowed, her grip on her determination unwavering. "What is it, Aunt Morgana? What have you prepared for me?" Clear as day, Melody noticed her aunt's rolling eyes, as she brought a small vile of the same purple liquid over to her, where she expected Melody to take it from her. Once she did, Melody experienced a bit of nerves, the same nervousness she had been experienced since she was a small child. Every morning for as long as she could remember, she had been told to drink the same potion over and over again. Try as she might to come off as oblivious, hoping it would somehow change, but sadly it didn't.
As Melody reached out to take the vial from her aunt, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The purple liquid seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and the air around her seemed to grow thick with an eerie silence. Morgana's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if daring her to refuse. ''Come on now, bottoms up.'' she aunt ordered, as Melody quickly downed the entirety of the potion, without another thought. Once the contents In the vile were completely gone, she handed the vile back over to her aunt. ''I still don't know why I must take that every morning. I feel like the taste gets worse every day I drink it.'' Melody complained, licking her top clean with her tongue, as to make sure their was no potion left over. Morgana's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as she accepted the vial back from Melody. ''Ah, good girl,'' she said ignoring Melody's previous complaints. ''You're learning to take your medicine without fight. I tell you, you were such a handful when you were little.''
Melody felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her aunt's reaction. As Melody listened to her aunt's words, a sudden flash of memory struck her like a bolt of lightning. She saw herself as a little girl, no more than five years old, crying and struggling as Morgana held her down, forcing the same horrible tasting potion down her little throat. The memory was vivid, yet distant, as if it had happened to someone else. Morgan's words echoed in her mind as she repeated. ''You were such a handful when you were little.'' Melody felt a pang of anger and resentment towards her aunt. Why did she have to be so cruel? What had she done to deserve such treatment? But more importantly, why was she constantly forced to take that potion? Though her memory hadn't been great growing up, she was sure she hadn't been sick, where she was in need of medicine?
''Enough Morgana, you're bringing the poor girl's spirits down.'' said her father, Morgan, his dark eyes suddenly looking up at them, as he was now present in the conversation. ''Why don't you tell me what you have planned for today, Melody?'' asked her father, as he began bottling up villas of the purple liquid. ''Well...I was going to do some more exploring with Misty today. I found a cave not to far from here, with lots of pretty treasures. I thought maybe I could put together something for myself.''
''You mean like jewelry?'' Said her aunt, distaste in her voice as if she thought that Melody's plan to make jewelry out of the treasures she found in the cave was stupid. ''Never mind,'' hissed Morgan, as he approached Melody's side. ''I think that's a great idea. Just make sure you aren't out late tonight. I've spoken with the doctor, and he thinks it best if you start taking a cup of your medicine every night before bed, starting tonight.'' he told her, which made Melody's spine shake. More of that potion, why so much of it? And why the sudden change? Melody's eyes narrowed as she looked at her father, a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. What was going on here? Why did she need to take more of that potion? And why did it have to do with her late nights? She'd never been told to return home early because of the potion, what was going on? ''Why do I need to take more of that medicine?'' Melody asked, try as she might to keep her voice steady. ''What's wrong with me?''
Morgan's expression suddenly turned serious, as he glanced at Morgana before answering. ''You're...different, than the other merpeople, Melody. The potion just helps you. It keeps you healthy.'' Melody's eyes widened as she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Different? What did that mean? And what was wrong with being different? She looked at her father, searching for answers, but he just shook his head. "It's not important right now, Melody. Just remember to take the potion every night, and you'll be fine." Melody felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why was she being kept in the dark? What was going on? Instead of pushing it with her father, as she knew this wasn't a battle she was going to win, she chose to try to ignore her feelings, as she set off towards open water, away from her ice prison, as it sometimes felt like.
''I grow tired of pretending to be that little girl's aunt.'' hissed Morgana, venom in her throat as she took a seat upon one of the chairs made out of ice, as most of the furniture was. Morgan's eyes gleamed with malice as he stroke into the dark, damp, ice chamber deep within the cave. ''You're doing well, Morgana,'' Morgan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Melody is just where I want her. The little fool is starting to suspect something, but she has no idea what's truly going on.'' Morgana's gaze flicked up, her eyes flashing with anger. ''You're enjoying this, aren't you Father? Using your pretend daughter like a pawn in your game?'' Morgan's smile grew wider. ''Oh, dear daughter, don't forget why we're doing this. You think dear Ursula can avenge herself? No, this plan will work. And once it does, the trident will be mine, with it I'll have all the power I need to destroy the merpeople who stand in my way. Starting with Trident, and his little daughter Ariel.'' Morgana's eyes narrowed. ''She thinks she's safe just because she's living on land, ruling the land kingdom, well guess again.''
''Morgana, I need to be altered if there are any signs of that pesky human husband.'' Morgan spat, eyes nearing bloodshot, as his light colored face began to redden. ''Do you mean Eric?''
''Who else?'' Morgan hissed.
''I've dealt with him, father, on the night we attacked his boat. Foolish King Trident thought he could somehow save his son in law, and the people aboard that ship, but he wasn't expecting me to sneak my way back on, and cast a spell on the crowd. I made sure Eric was among them when I did it. I have no idea what became of him, but I'm sure it's something terrible.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he listened to his daughter's words. "Ah, yes, the foolish King Trident. He thought he could stop us, didn't he? But you, my dear Morgana, you showed him the true meaning of power."
''Even though he managed to get out of there before anything could happen to him, I can confidently say Eric Is no more.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with pride as he stood before his beloved cauldron, the swirling depths of its dark liquid seeming to dance in response to his gaze. The room around him was a veritable treasure trove of magical potions, each one a testament to his skills and cunning as an sorcerer/alchemist. Shelves upon shelves of glass vials and wooden flasks lines the walls of the ice chamber, each one containing a brew that was deadlier than the last. To his left, a shelf was dedicated to poisons of various hues and textures, from the slimy, greenish-black of the ''Frog's Tongue'' to the thick, crimson liquid of the ''Blood of the Red Serpent.'' Next to it, a shelf held an assortment of trans-formative elixirs, capable of changing ones shape, size, or even form. Among the assortment, sat potions to induce sleep, or madness, to heal, or harm, and even a few that could grant temporary in invincibility or supernatural strength. Morgana had previously used that one to snatch up baby Melody from her mother, on the night in question. As he was deep in thought, Morgan's gaze wandered from one shelf to the next, his mind whirling with the possibilities. He could smell the sweet scent of victory wafting from the vials, like the heady aroma of freshly brewed potions. His eyes lined on a particularly potent concoction, a swirling mixture of blue and green that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
''If Melody starts becoming more trouble, then useful, I want you to replace the ''mermaid's breath'' with this.'' Morgan said to his daughter, Morgana starting at him, as he held his hand out to her, fingers twisted around the top of the blue and green potion. ''Sea-foam's kiss?'' Morgan's eyes widened in horror for a moment as she stared at the vial of potion in her father's hand. She had heard the whispers of the Sea-foam kiss, how it was a potion so deadly that even Morgan himself dared not to use it freely. The first time she'd witnessed him use it, was when he'd told her and her sister, he'd ''taken care'' of their mother. And now, he was offering it to her?
Morgana's eyes seemed to stare right through her father, her mind reeling back to the memories she had long suppressed. She remembered the day her mother disappeared, how Morgan had told her and her sister that she had left them. But she had always suspected that something was off, that there was more to the story. And now, as she looked at the vial of Sea-foam's Kiss, she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her. She remembered the way her father's eyes had seemed to gleam with a dark light when he spoke of using the potion, how his voice had been laced with a sinister intent. ''Morgana, snap out of it! Take the potion, I trust you to use your judgement. The plan isn't worth keeping the girl alive, if she becomes to much trouble. Besides, it would be nice not to have to whip up so much of the ''mermaid's breath'' potion every day just to keep her a mermaid.'' he said, venom in his throat as he went back to his work. *Date : January 15th, 1903 : 9:30 am*
Melody stretched her shimming green tail, feeling the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean caress her scales. She gazed out at the frozen landscape, chunks of frozen blocks that had landed in the ocean from their weight, from her window, her bright red hair fluttering in the gentle waters as she made her way out of what she referred to as '' her bedroom'' though it was far from that. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, and what awaited her. Today was the day she could finally make her way to the kingdom of Atlantica, a place she had always wanted to visit since she'd been told about her from her friend, Misty. And today, no matter what her father, and aunt said, she was going.
As she swam away from the door of her bedroom, and into the main room, she spotted her father, busy at work creating what appeared to be a bright purple potion of some kind. As she got closer to him, she noticed him busily mixing and stirring the purple liquid in the makeshift, cauldron. As he worked, she noticed the way his octopus tentacles curled and uncurled as he busied himself, their suckers glistening with a hint of moisture. The air was thick with the sweet scent of sea lavender and the faint tang of saltwater, as she drew near, it was as if the unique scents had her entrance. Pulling herself away from the sweet scent, she remembered what it was she wanted to tell him, as she opened her mouth to speck the words. ''Melody, why don't you come away from there, and drink what I've prepared for you.'' Said her aunt, Morgana, her expression one of annoyance, as she stared at Melody, hands on her hips. Melody's eyes narrowed, her grip on her determination unwavering. "What is it, Aunt Morgana? What have you prepared for me?" Clear as day, Melody noticed her aunt's rolling eyes, as she brought a small vile of the same purple liquid over to her, where she expected Melody to take it from her. Once she did, Melody experienced a bit of nerves, the same nervousness she had been experienced since she was a small child. Every morning for as long as she could remember, she had been told to drink the same potion over and over again. Try as she might to come off as oblivious, hoping it would somehow change, but sadly it didn't.
As Melody reached out to take the vial from her aunt, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The purple liquid seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and the air around her seemed to grow thick with an eerie silence. Morgana's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if daring her to refuse. ''Come on now, bottoms up.'' she aunt ordered, as Melody quickly downed the entirety of the potion, without another thought. Once the contents In the vile were completely gone, she handed the vile back over to her aunt. ''I still don't know why I must take that every morning. I feel like the taste gets worse every day I drink it.'' Melody complained, licking her top clean with her tongue, as to make sure their was no potion left over. Morgana's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as she accepted the vial back from Melody. ''Ah, good girl,'' she said ignoring Melody's previous complaints. ''You're learning to take your medicine without fight. I tell you, you were such a handful when you were little.''
Melody felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her aunt's reaction. As Melody listened to her aunt's words, a sudden flash of memory struck her like a bolt of lightning. She saw herself as a little girl, no more than five years old, crying and struggling as Morgana held her down, forcing the same horrible tasting potion down her little throat. The memory was vivid, yet distant, as if it had happened to someone else. Morgan's words echoed in her mind as she repeated. ''You were such a handful when you were little.'' Melody felt a pang of anger and resentment towards her aunt. Why did she have to be so cruel? What had she done to deserve such treatment? But more importantly, why was she constantly forced to take that potion? Though her memory hadn't been great growing up, she was sure she hadn't been sick, where she was in need of medicine?
''Enough Morgana, you're bringing the poor girl's spirits down.'' said her father, Morgan, his dark eyes suddenly looking up at them, as he was now present in the conversation. ''Why don't you tell me what you have planned for today, Melody?'' asked her father, as he began bottling up villas of the purple liquid. ''Well...I was going to do some more exploring with Misty today. I found a cave not to far from here, with lots of pretty treasures. I thought maybe I could put together something for myself.''
''You mean like jewelry?'' Said her aunt, distaste in her voice as if she thought that Melody's plan to make jewelry out of the treasures she found in the cave was stupid. ''Never mind,'' hissed Morgan, as he approached Melody's side. ''I think that's a great idea. Just make sure you aren't out late tonight. I've spoken with the doctor, and he thinks it best if you start taking a cup of your medicine every night before bed, starting tonight.'' he told her, which made Melody's spine shake. More of that potion, why so much of it? And why the sudden change? Melody's eyes narrowed as she looked at her father, a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. What was going on here? Why did she need to take more of that potion? And why did it have to do with her late nights? She'd never been told to return home early because of the potion, what was going on? ''Why do I need to take more of that medicine?'' Melody asked, try as she might to keep her voice steady. ''What's wrong with me?''
Morgan's expression suddenly turned serious, as he glanced at Morgana before answering. ''You're...different, than the other merpeople, Melody. The potion just helps you. It keeps you healthy.'' Melody's eyes widened as she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Different? What did that mean? And what was wrong with being different? She looked at her father, searching for answers, but he just shook his head. "It's not important right now, Melody. Just remember to take the potion every night, and you'll be fine." Melody felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why was she being kept in the dark? What was going on? Instead of pushing it with her father, as she knew this wasn't a battle she was going to win, she chose to try to ignore her feelings, as she set off towards open water, away from her ice prison, as it sometimes felt like.
''I grow tired of pretending to be that little girl's aunt.'' hissed Morgana, venom in her throat as she took a seat upon one of the chairs made out of ice, as most of the furniture was. Morgan's eyes gleamed with malice as he stroke into the dark, damp, ice chamber deep within the cave. ''You're doing well, Morgana,'' Morgan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Melody is just where I want her. The little fool is starting to suspect something, but she has no idea what's truly going on.'' Morgana's gaze flicked up, her eyes flashing with anger. ''You're enjoying this, aren't you Father? Using your pretend daughter like a pawn in your game?'' Morgan's smile grew wider. ''Oh, dear daughter, don't forget why we're doing this. You think dear Ursula can avenge herself? No, this plan will work. And once it does, the trident will be mine, with it I'll have all the power I need to destroy the merpeople who stand in my way. Starting with Trident, and his little daughter Ariel.'' Morgana's eyes narrowed. ''She thinks she's safe just because she's living on land, ruling the land kingdom, well guess again.''
''Morgana, I need to be altered if there are any signs of that pesky human husband.'' Morgan spat, eyes nearing bloodshot, as his light colored face began to redden. ''Do you mean Eric?''
''Who else?'' Morgan hissed.
''I've dealt with him, father, on the night we attacked his boat. Foolish King Trident thought he could somehow save his son in law, and the people aboard that ship, but he wasn't expecting me to sneak my way back on, and cast a spell on the crowd. I made sure Eric was among them when I did it. I have no idea what became of him, but I'm sure it's something terrible.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he listened to his daughter's words. "Ah, yes, the foolish King Trident. He thought he could stop us, didn't he? But you, my dear Morgana, you showed him the true meaning of power."
''Even though he managed to get out of there before anything could happen to him, I can confidently say Eric Is no more.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with pride as he stood before his beloved cauldron, the swirling depths of its dark liquid seeming to dance in response to his gaze. The room around him was a veritable treasure trove of magical potions, each one a testament to his skills and cunning as an sorcerer/alchemist. Shelves upon shelves of glass vials and wooden flasks lines the walls of the ice chamber, each one containing a brew that was deadlier than the last. To his left, a shelf was dedicated to poisons of various hues and textures, from the slimy, greenish-black of the ''Frog's Tongue'' to the thick, crimson liquid of the ''Blood of the Red Serpent.'' Next to it, a shelf held an assortment of trans-formative elixirs, capable of changing ones shape, size, or even form. Among the assortment, sat potions to induce sleep, or madness, to heal, or harm, and even a few that could grant temporary in invincibility or supernatural strength. Morgana had previously used that one to snatch up baby Melody from her mother, on the night in question. As he was deep in thought, Morgan's gaze wandered from one shelf to the next, his mind whirling with the possibilities. He could smell the sweet scent of victory wafting from the vials, like the heady aroma of freshly brewed potions. His eyes lined on a particularly potent concoction, a swirling mixture of blue and green that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
''If Melody starts becoming more trouble, then useful, I want you to replace the ''mermaid's breath'' with this.'' Morgan said to his daughter, Morgana starting at him, as he held his hand out to her, fingers twisted around the top of the blue and green potion. ''Sea-foam's kiss?'' Morgan's eyes widened in horror for a moment as she stared at the vial of potion in her father's hand. She had heard the whispers of the Sea-foam kiss, how it was a potion so deadly that even Morgan himself dared not to use it freely. The first time she'd witnessed him use it, was when he'd told her and her sister, he'd ''taken care'' of their mother. And now, he was offering it to her?
Morgana's eyes seemed to stare right through her father, her mind reeling back to the memories she had long suppressed. She remembered the day her mother disappeared, how Morgan had told her and her sister that she had left them. But she had always suspected that something was off, that there was more to the story. And now, as she looked at the vial of Sea-foam's Kiss, she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her. She remembered the way her father's eyes had seemed to gleam with a dark light when he spoke of using the potion, how his voice had been laced with a sinister intent. ''Morgana, snap out of it! Take the potion, I trust you to use your judgement. The plan isn't worth keeping the girl alive, if she becomes to much trouble. Besides, it would be nice not to have to whip up so much of the ''mermaid's breath'' potion every day just to keep her a mermaid.'' he said, venom in his throat as he went back to his work. *Date : January 15th, 1903 : 9:30 am*
Melody stretched her shimming green tail, feeling the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean caress her scales. She gazed out at the frozen landscape, chunks of frozen blocks that had landed in the ocean from their weight, from her window, her bright red hair fluttering in the gentle waters as she made her way out of what she referred to as '' her bedroom'' though it was far from that. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, and what awaited her. Today was the day she could finally make her way to the kingdom of Atlantica, a place she had always wanted to visit since she'd been told about her from her friend, Misty. And today, no matter what her father, and aunt said, she was going.
As she swam away from the door of her bedroom, and into the main room, she spotted her father, busy at work creating what appeared to be a bright purple potion of some kind. As she got closer to him, she noticed him busily mixing and stirring the purple liquid in the makeshift, cauldron. As he worked, she noticed the way his octopus tentacles curled and uncurled as he busied himself, their suckers glistening with a hint of moisture. The air was thick with the sweet scent of sea lavender and the faint tang of saltwater, as she drew near, it was as if the unique scents had her entrance. Pulling herself away from the sweet scent, she remembered what it was she wanted to tell him, as she opened her mouth to speck the words. ''Melody, why don't you come away from there, and drink what I've prepared for you.'' Said her aunt, Morgana, her expression one of annoyance, as she stared at Melody, hands on her hips. Melody's eyes narrowed, her grip on her determination unwavering. "What is it, Aunt Morgana? What have you prepared for me?" Clear as day, Melody noticed her aunt's rolling eyes, as she brought a small vile of the same purple liquid over to her, where she expected Melody to take it from her. Once she did, Melody experienced a bit of nerves, the same nervousness she had been experienced since she was a small child. Every morning for as long as she could remember, she had been told to drink the same potion over and over again. Try as she might to come off as oblivious, hoping it would somehow change, but sadly it didn't.
As Melody reached out to take the vial from her aunt, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The purple liquid seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and the air around her seemed to grow thick with an eerie silence. Morgana's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if daring her to refuse. ''Come on now, bottoms up.'' she aunt ordered, as Melody quickly downed the entirety of the potion, without another thought. Once the contents In the vile were completely gone, she handed the vile back over to her aunt. ''I still don't know why I must take that every morning. I feel like the taste gets worse every day I drink it.'' Melody complained, licking her top clean with her tongue, as to make sure their was no potion left over. Morgana's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as she accepted the vial back from Melody. ''Ah, good girl,'' she said ignoring Melody's previous complaints. ''You're learning to take your medicine without fight. I tell you, you were such a handful when you were little.''
Melody felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her aunt's reaction. As Melody listened to her aunt's words, a sudden flash of memory struck her like a bolt of lightning. She saw herself as a little girl, no more than five years old, crying and struggling as Morgana held her down, forcing the same horrible tasting potion down her little throat. The memory was vivid, yet distant, as if it had happened to someone else. Morgan's words echoed in her mind as she repeated. ''You were such a handful when you were little.'' Melody felt a pang of anger and resentment towards her aunt. Why did she have to be so cruel? What had she done to deserve such treatment? But more importantly, why was she constantly forced to take that potion? Though her memory hadn't been great growing up, she was sure she hadn't been sick, where she was in need of medicine?
''Enough Morgana, you're bringing the poor girl's spirits down.'' said her father, Morgan, his dark eyes suddenly looking up at them, as he was now present in the conversation. ''Why don't you tell me what you have planned for today, Melody?'' asked her father, as he began bottling up villas of the purple liquid. ''Well...I was going to do some more exploring with Misty today. I found a cave not to far from here, with lots of pretty treasures. I thought maybe I could put together something for myself.''
''You mean like jewelry?'' Said her aunt, distaste in her voice as if she thought that Melody's plan to make jewelry out of the treasures she found in the cave was stupid. ''Never mind,'' hissed Morgan, as he approached Melody's side. ''I think that's a great idea. Just make sure you aren't out late tonight. I've spoken with the doctor, and he thinks it best if you start taking a cup of your medicine every night before bed, starting tonight.'' he told her, which made Melody's spine shake. More of that potion, why so much of it? And why the sudden change? Melody's eyes narrowed as she looked at her father, a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. What was going on here? Why did she need to take more of that potion? And why did it have to do with her late nights? She'd never been told to return home early because of the potion, what was going on? ''Why do I need to take more of that medicine?'' Melody asked, try as she might to keep her voice steady. ''What's wrong with me?''
Morgan's expression suddenly turned serious, as he glanced at Morgana before answering. ''You're...different, than the other merpeople, Melody. The potion just helps you. It keeps you healthy.'' Melody's eyes widened as she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Different? What did that mean? And what was wrong with being different? She looked at her father, searching for answers, but he just shook his head. "It's not important right now, Melody. Just remember to take the potion every night, and you'll be fine." Melody felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why was she being kept in the dark? What was going on? Instead of pushing it with her father, as she knew this wasn't a battle she was going to win, she chose to try to ignore her feelings, as she set off towards open water, away from her ice prison, as it sometimes felt like.
''I grow tired of pretending to be that little girl's aunt.'' hissed Morgana, venom in her throat as she took a seat upon one of the chairs made out of ice, as most of the furniture was. Morgan's eyes gleamed with malice as he stroke into the dark, damp, ice chamber deep within the cave. ''You're doing well, Morgana,'' Morgan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Melody is just where I want her. The little fool is starting to suspect something, but she has no idea what's truly going on.'' Morgana's gaze flicked up, her eyes flashing with anger. ''You're enjoying this, aren't you Father? Using your pretend daughter like a pawn in your game?'' Morgan's smile grew wider. ''Oh, dear daughter, don't forget why we're doing this. You think dear Ursula can avenge herself? No, this plan will work. And once it does, the trident will be mine, with it I'll have all the power I need to destroy the merpeople who stand in my way. Starting with Trident, and his little daughter Ariel.'' Morgana's eyes narrowed. ''She thinks she's safe just because she's living on land, ruling the land kingdom, well guess again.''
''Morgana, I need to be altered if there are any signs of that pesky human husband.'' Morgan spat, eyes nearing bloodshot, as his light colored face began to redden. ''Do you mean Eric?''
''Who else?'' Morgan hissed.
''I've dealt with him, father, on the night we attacked his boat. Foolish King Trident thought he could somehow save his son in law, and the people aboard that ship, but he wasn't expecting me to sneak my way back on, and cast a spell on the crowd. I made sure Eric was among them when I did it. I have no idea what became of him, but I'm sure it's something terrible.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he listened to his daughter's words. "Ah, yes, the foolish King Trident. He thought he could stop us, didn't he? But you, my dear Morgana, you showed him the true meaning of power."
''Even though he managed to get out of there before anything could happen to him, I can confidently say Eric Is no more.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with pride as he stood before his beloved cauldron, the swirling depths of its dark liquid seeming to dance in response to his gaze. The room around him was a veritable treasure trove of magical potions, each one a testament to his skills and cunning as an sorcerer/alchemist. Shelves upon shelves of glass vials and wooden flasks lines the walls of the ice chamber, each one containing a brew that was deadlier than the last. To his left, a shelf was dedicated to poisons of various hues and textures, from the slimy, greenish-black of the ''Frog's Tongue'' to the thick, crimson liquid of the ''Blood of the Red Serpent.'' Next to it, a shelf held an assortment of trans-formative elixirs, capable of changing ones shape, size, or even form. Among the assortment, sat potions to induce sleep, or madness, to heal, or harm, and even a few that could grant temporary in invincibility or supernatural strength. Morgana had previously used that one to snatch up baby Melody from her mother, on the night in question. As he was deep in thought, Morgan's gaze wandered from one shelf to the next, his mind whirling with the possibilities. He could smell the sweet scent of victory wafting from the vials, like the heady aroma of freshly brewed potions. His eyes lined on a particularly potent concoction, a swirling mixture of blue and green that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
''If Melody starts becoming more trouble, then useful, I want you to replace the ''mermaid's breath'' with this.'' Morgan said to his daughter, Morgana starting at him, as he held his hand out to her, fingers twisted around the top of the blue and green potion. ''Sea-foam's kiss?'' Morgan's eyes widened in horror for a moment as she stared at the vial of potion in her father's hand. She had heard the whispers of the Sea-foam kiss, how it was a potion so deadly that even Morgan himself dared not to use it freely. The first time she'd witnessed him use it, was when he'd told her and her sister, he'd ''taken care'' of their mother. And now, he was offering it to her?
Morgana's eyes seemed to stare right through her father, her mind reeling back to the memories she had long suppressed. She remembered the day her mother disappeared, how Morgan had told her and her sister that she had left them. But she had always suspected that something was off, that there was more to the story. And now, as she looked at the vial of Sea-foam's Kiss, she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her. She remembered the way her father's eyes had seemed to gleam with a dark light when he spoke of using the potion, how his voice had been laced with a sinister intent. ''Morgana, snap out of it! Take the potion, I trust you to use your judgement. The plan isn't worth keeping the girl alive, if she becomes to much trouble. Besides, it would be nice not to have to whip up so much of the ''mermaid's breath'' potion every day just to keep her a mermaid.'' he said, venom in his throat as he went back to his work. *Date : January 15th, 1903 : 9:30 am*
Melody stretched her shimming green tail, feeling the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean caress her scales. She gazed out at the frozen landscape, chunks of frozen blocks that had landed in the ocean from their weight, from her window, her bright red hair fluttering in the gentle waters as she made her way out of what she referred to as '' her bedroom'' though it was far from that. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, and what awaited her. Today was the day she could finally make her way to the kingdom of Atlantica, a place she had always wanted to visit since she'd been told about her from her friend, Misty. And today, no matter what her father, and aunt said, she was going.
As she swam away from the door of her bedroom, and into the main room, she spotted her father, busy at work creating what appeared to be a bright purple potion of some kind. As she got closer to him, she noticed him busily mixing and stirring the purple liquid in the makeshift, cauldron. As he worked, she noticed the way his octopus tentacles curled and uncurled as he busied himself, their suckers glistening with a hint of moisture. The air was thick with the sweet scent of sea lavender and the faint tang of saltwater, as she drew near, it was as if the unique scents had her entrance. Pulling herself away from the sweet scent, she remembered what it was she wanted to tell him, as she opened her mouth to speck the words. ''Melody, why don't you come away from there, and drink what I've prepared for you.'' Said her aunt, Morgana, her expression one of annoyance, as she stared at Melody, hands on her hips. Melody's eyes narrowed, her grip on her determination unwavering. "What is it, Aunt Morgana? What have you prepared for me?" Clear as day, Melody noticed her aunt's rolling eyes, as she brought a small vile of the same purple liquid over to her, where she expected Melody to take it from her. Once she did, Melody experienced a bit of nerves, the same nervousness she had been experienced since she was a small child. Every morning for as long as she could remember, she had been told to drink the same potion over and over again. Try as she might to come off as oblivious, hoping it would somehow change, but sadly it didn't.
As Melody reached out to take the vial from her aunt, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The purple liquid seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and the air around her seemed to grow thick with an eerie silence. Morgana's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if daring her to refuse. ''Come on now, bottoms up.'' she aunt ordered, as Melody quickly downed the entirety of the potion, without another thought. Once the contents In the vile were completely gone, she handed the vile back over to her aunt. ''I still don't know why I must take that every morning. I feel like the taste gets worse every day I drink it.'' Melody complained, licking her top clean with her tongue, as to make sure their was no potion left over. Morgana's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as she accepted the vial back from Melody. ''Ah, good girl,'' she said ignoring Melody's previous complaints. ''You're learning to take your medicine without fight. I tell you, you were such a handful when you were little.''
Melody felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her aunt's reaction. As Melody listened to her aunt's words, a sudden flash of memory struck her like a bolt of lightning. She saw herself as a little girl, no more than five years old, crying and struggling as Morgana held her down, forcing the same horrible tasting potion down her little throat. The memory was vivid, yet distant, as if it had happened to someone else. Morgan's words echoed in her mind as she repeated. ''You were such a handful when you were little.'' Melody felt a pang of anger and resentment towards her aunt. Why did she have to be so cruel? What had she done to deserve such treatment? But more importantly, why was she constantly forced to take that potion? Though her memory hadn't been great growing up, she was sure she hadn't been sick, where she was in need of medicine?
''Enough Morgana, you're bringing the poor girl's spirits down.'' said her father, Morgan, his dark eyes suddenly looking up at them, as he was now present in the conversation. ''Why don't you tell me what you have planned for today, Melody?'' asked her father, as he began bottling up villas of the purple liquid. ''Well...I was going to do some more exploring with Misty today. I found a cave not to far from here, with lots of pretty treasures. I thought maybe I could put together something for myself.''
''You mean like jewelry?'' Said her aunt, distaste in her voice as if she thought that Melody's plan to make jewelry out of the treasures she found in the cave was stupid. ''Never mind,'' hissed Morgan, as he approached Melody's side. ''I think that's a great idea. Just make sure you aren't out late tonight. I've spoken with the doctor, and he thinks it best if you start taking a cup of your medicine every night before bed, starting tonight.'' he told her, which made Melody's spine shake. More of that potion, why so much of it? And why the sudden change? Melody's eyes narrowed as she looked at her father, a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. What was going on here? Why did she need to take more of that potion? And why did it have to do with her late nights? She'd never been told to return home early because of the potion, what was going on? ''Why do I need to take more of that medicine?'' Melody asked, try as she might to keep her voice steady. ''What's wrong with me?''
Morgan's expression suddenly turned serious, as he glanced at Morgana before answering. ''You're...different, than the other merpeople, Melody. The potion just helps you. It keeps you healthy.'' Melody's eyes widened as she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Different? What did that mean? And what was wrong with being different? She looked at her father, searching for answers, but he just shook his head. "It's not important right now, Melody. Just remember to take the potion every night, and you'll be fine." Melody felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why was she being kept in the dark? What was going on? Instead of pushing it with her father, as she knew this wasn't a battle she was going to win, she chose to try to ignore her feelings, as she set off towards open water, away from her ice prison, as it sometimes felt like.
''I grow tired of pretending to be that little girl's aunt.'' hissed Morgana, venom in her throat as she took a seat upon one of the chairs made out of ice, as most of the furniture was. Morgan's eyes gleamed with malice as he stroke into the dark, damp, ice chamber deep within the cave. ''You're doing well, Morgana,'' Morgan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Melody is just where I want her. The little fool is starting to suspect something, but she has no idea what's truly going on.'' Morgana's gaze flicked up, her eyes flashing with anger. ''You're enjoying this, aren't you Father? Using your pretend daughter like a pawn in your game?'' Morgan's smile grew wider. ''Oh, dear daughter, don't forget why we're doing this. You think dear Ursula can avenge herself? No, this plan will work. And once it does, the trident will be mine, with it I'll have all the power I need to destroy the merpeople who stand in my way. Starting with Trident, and his little daughter Ariel.'' Morgana's eyes narrowed. ''She thinks she's safe just because she's living on land, ruling the land kingdom, well guess again.''
''Morgana, I need to be altered if there are any signs of that pesky human husband.'' Morgan spat, eyes nearing bloodshot, as his light colored face began to redden. ''Do you mean Eric?''
''Who else?'' Morgan hissed.
''I've dealt with him, father, on the night we attacked his boat. Foolish King Trident thought he could somehow save his son in law, and the people aboard that ship, but he wasn't expecting me to sneak my way back on, and cast a spell on the crowd. I made sure Eric was among them when I did it. I have no idea what became of him, but I'm sure it's something terrible.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he listened to his daughter's words. "Ah, yes, the foolish King Trident. He thought he could stop us, didn't he? But you, my dear Morgana, you showed him the true meaning of power."
''Even though he managed to get out of there before anything could happen to him, I can confidently say Eric Is no more.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with pride as he stood before his beloved cauldron, the swirling depths of its dark liquid seeming to dance in response to his gaze. The room around him was a veritable treasure trove of magical potions, each one a testament to his skills and cunning as an sorcerer/alchemist. Shelves upon shelves of glass vials and wooden flasks lines the walls of the ice chamber, each one containing a brew that was deadlier than the last. To his left, a shelf was dedicated to poisons of various hues and textures, from the slimy, greenish-black of the ''Frog's Tongue'' to the thick, crimson liquid of the ''Blood of the Red Serpent.'' Next to it, a shelf held an assortment of trans-formative elixirs, capable of changing ones shape, size, or even form. Among the assortment, sat potions to induce sleep, or madness, to heal, or harm, and even a few that could grant temporary in invincibility or supernatural strength. Morgana had previously used that one to snatch up baby Melody from her mother, on the night in question. As he was deep in thought, Morgan's gaze wandered from one shelf to the next, his mind whirling with the possibilities. He could smell the sweet scent of victory wafting from the vials, like the heady aroma of freshly brewed potions. His eyes lined on a particularly potent concoction, a swirling mixture of blue and green that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
''If Melody starts becoming more trouble, then useful, I want you to replace the ''mermaid's breath'' with this.'' Morgan said to his daughter, Morgana starting at him, as he held his hand out to her, fingers twisted around the top of the blue and green potion. ''Sea-foam's kiss?'' Morgan's eyes widened in horror for a moment as she stared at the vial of potion in her father's hand. She had heard the whispers of the Sea-foam kiss, how it was a potion so deadly that even Morgan himself dared not to use it freely. The first time she'd witnessed him use it, was when he'd told her and her sister, he'd ''taken care'' of their mother. And now, he was offering it to her?
Morgana's eyes seemed to stare right through her father, her mind reeling back to the memories she had long suppressed. She remembered the day her mother disappeared, how Morgan had told her and her sister that she had left them. But she had always suspected that something was off, that there was more to the story. And now, as she looked at the vial of Sea-foam's Kiss, she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her. She remembered the way her father's eyes had seemed to gleam with a dark light when he spoke of using the potion, how his voice had been laced with a sinister intent. ''Morgana, snap out of it! Take the potion, I trust you to use your judgement. The plan isn't worth keeping the girl alive, if she becomes to much trouble. Besides, it would be nice not to have to whip up so much of the ''mermaid's breath'' potion every day just to keep her a mermaid.'' he said, venom in his throat as he went back to his work. *Date : January 15th, 1903 : 9:30 am*
Melody stretched her shimming green tail, feeling the icy waters of the Antarctic ocean caress her scales. She gazed out at the frozen landscape, chunks of frozen blocks that had landed in the ocean from their weight, from her window, her bright red hair fluttering in the gentle waters as she made her way out of what she referred to as '' her bedroom'' though it was far from that. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, and what awaited her. Today was the day she could finally make her way to the kingdom of Atlantica, a place she had always wanted to visit since she'd been told about her from her friend, Misty. And today, no matter what her father, and aunt said, she was going.
As she swam away from the door of her bedroom, and into the main room, she spotted her father, busy at work creating what appeared to be a bright purple potion of some kind. As she got closer to him, she noticed him busily mixing and stirring the purple liquid in the makeshift, cauldron. As he worked, she noticed the way his octopus tentacles curled and uncurled as he busied himself, their suckers glistening with a hint of moisture. The air was thick with the sweet scent of sea lavender and the faint tang of saltwater, as she drew near, it was as if the unique scents had her entrance. Pulling herself away from the sweet scent, she remembered what it was she wanted to tell him, as she opened her mouth to speck the words. ''Melody, why don't you come away from there, and drink what I've prepared for you.'' Said her aunt, Morgana, her expression one of annoyance, as she stared at Melody, hands on her hips. Melody's eyes narrowed, her grip on her determination unwavering. "What is it, Aunt Morgana? What have you prepared for me?" Clear as day, Melody noticed her aunt's rolling eyes, as she brought a small vile of the same purple liquid over to her, where she expected Melody to take it from her. Once she did, Melody experienced a bit of nerves, the same nervousness she had been experienced since she was a small child. Every morning for as long as she could remember, she had been told to drink the same potion over and over again. Try as she might to come off as oblivious, hoping it would somehow change, but sadly it didn't.
As Melody reached out to take the vial from her aunt, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The purple liquid seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and the air around her seemed to grow thick with an eerie silence. Morgana's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if daring her to refuse. ''Come on now, bottoms up.'' she aunt ordered, as Melody quickly downed the entirety of the potion, without another thought. Once the contents In the vile were completely gone, she handed the vile back over to her aunt. ''I still don't know why I must take that every morning. I feel like the taste gets worse every day I drink it.'' Melody complained, licking her top clean with her tongue, as to make sure their was no potion left over. Morgana's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as she accepted the vial back from Melody. ''Ah, good girl,'' she said ignoring Melody's previous complaints. ''You're learning to take your medicine without fight. I tell you, you were such a handful when you were little.''
Melody felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched her aunt's reaction. As Melody listened to her aunt's words, a sudden flash of memory struck her like a bolt of lightning. She saw herself as a little girl, no more than five years old, crying and struggling as Morgana held her down, forcing the same horrible tasting potion down her little throat. The memory was vivid, yet distant, as if it had happened to someone else. Morgan's words echoed in her mind as she repeated. ''You were such a handful when you were little.'' Melody felt a pang of anger and resentment towards her aunt. Why did she have to be so cruel? What had she done to deserve such treatment? But more importantly, why was she constantly forced to take that potion? Though her memory hadn't been great growing up, she was sure she hadn't been sick, where she was in need of medicine?
''Enough Morgana, you're bringing the poor girl's spirits down.'' said her father, Morgan, his dark eyes suddenly looking up at them, as he was now present in the conversation. ''Why don't you tell me what you have planned for today, Melody?'' asked her father, as he began bottling up villas of the purple liquid. ''Well...I was going to do some more exploring with Misty today. I found a cave not to far from here, with lots of pretty treasures. I thought maybe I could put together something for myself.''
''You mean like jewelry?'' Said her aunt, distaste in her voice as if she thought that Melody's plan to make jewelry out of the treasures she found in the cave was stupid. ''Never mind,'' hissed Morgan, as he approached Melody's side. ''I think that's a great idea. Just make sure you aren't out late tonight. I've spoken with the doctor, and he thinks it best if you start taking a cup of your medicine every night before bed, starting tonight.'' he told her, which made Melody's spine shake. More of that potion, why so much of it? And why the sudden change? Melody's eyes narrowed as she looked at her father, a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. What was going on here? Why did she need to take more of that potion? And why did it have to do with her late nights? She'd never been told to return home early because of the potion, what was going on? ''Why do I need to take more of that medicine?'' Melody asked, try as she might to keep her voice steady. ''What's wrong with me?''
Morgan's expression suddenly turned serious, as he glanced at Morgana before answering. ''You're...different, than the other merpeople, Melody. The potion just helps you. It keeps you healthy.'' Melody's eyes widened as she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Different? What did that mean? And what was wrong with being different? She looked at her father, searching for answers, but he just shook his head. "It's not important right now, Melody. Just remember to take the potion every night, and you'll be fine." Melody felt a surge of frustration and anger. Why was she being kept in the dark? What was going on? Instead of pushing it with her father, as she knew this wasn't a battle she was going to win, she chose to try to ignore her feelings, as she set off towards open water, away from her ice prison, as it sometimes felt like.
''I grow tired of pretending to be that little girl's aunt.'' hissed Morgana, venom in her throat as she took a seat upon one of the chairs made out of ice, as most of the furniture was. Morgan's eyes gleamed with malice as he stroke into the dark, damp, ice chamber deep within the cave. ''You're doing well, Morgana,'' Morgan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Melody is just where I want her. The little fool is starting to suspect something, but she has no idea what's truly going on.'' Morgana's gaze flicked up, her eyes flashing with anger. ''You're enjoying this, aren't you Father? Using your pretend daughter like a pawn in your game?'' Morgan's smile grew wider. ''Oh, dear daughter, don't forget why we're doing this. You think dear Ursula can avenge herself? No, this plan will work. And once it does, the trident will be mine, with it I'll have all the power I need to destroy the merpeople who stand in my way. Starting with Trident, and his little daughter Ariel.'' Morgana's eyes narrowed. ''She thinks she's safe just because she's living on land, ruling the land kingdom, well guess again.''
''Morgana, I need to be altered if there are any signs of that pesky human husband.'' Morgan spat, eyes nearing bloodshot, as his light colored face began to redden. ''Do you mean Eric?''
''Who else?'' Morgan hissed.
''I've dealt with him, father, on the night we attacked his boat. Foolish King Trident thought he could somehow save his son in law, and the people aboard that ship, but he wasn't expecting me to sneak my way back on, and cast a spell on the crowd. I made sure Eric was among them when I did it. I have no idea what became of him, but I'm sure it's something terrible.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he listened to his daughter's words. "Ah, yes, the foolish King Trident. He thought he could stop us, didn't he? But you, my dear Morgana, you showed him the true meaning of power."
''Even though he managed to get out of there before anything could happen to him, I can confidently say Eric Is no more.'' Morgan's eyes gleamed with pride as he stood before his beloved cauldron, the swirling depths of its dark liquid seeming to dance in response to his gaze. The room around him was a veritable treasure trove of magical potions, each one a testament to his skills and cunning as an sorcerer/alchemist. Shelves upon shelves of glass vials and wooden flasks lines the walls of the ice chamber, each one containing a brew that was deadlier than the last. To his left, a shelf was dedicated to poisons of various hues and textures, from the slimy, greenish-black of the ''Frog's Tongue'' to the thick, crimson liquid of the ''Blood of the Red Serpent.'' Next to it, a shelf held an assortment of trans-formative elixirs, capable of changing ones shape, size, or even form. Among the assortment, sat potions to induce sleep, or madness, to heal, or harm, and even a few that could grant temporary in invincibility or supernatural strength. Morgana had previously used that one to snatch up baby Melody from her mother, on the night in question. As he was deep in thought, Morgan's gaze wandered from one shelf to the next, his mind whirling with the possibilities. He could smell the sweet scent of victory wafting from the vials, like the heady aroma of freshly brewed potions. His eyes lined on a particularly potent concoction, a swirling mixture of blue and green that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
''If Melody starts becoming more trouble, then useful, I want you to replace the ''mermaid's breath'' with this.'' Morgan said to his daughter, Morgana starting at him, as he held his hand out to her, fingers twisted around the top of the blue and green potion. ''Sea-foam's kiss?'' Morgan's eyes widened in horror for a moment as she stared at the vial of potion in her father's hand. She had heard the whispers of the Sea-foam kiss, how it was a potion so deadly that even Morgan himself dared not to use it freely. The first time she'd witnessed him use it, was when he'd told her and her sister, he'd ''taken care'' of their mother. And now, he was offering it to her?
Morgana's eyes seemed to stare right through her father, her mind reeling back to the memories she had long suppressed. She remembered the day her mother disappeared, how Morgan had told her and her sister that she had left them. But she had always suspected that something was off, that there was more to the story. And now, as she looked at the vial of Sea-foam's Kiss, she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her. She remembered the way her father's eyes had seemed to gleam with a dark light when he spoke of using the potion, how his voice had been laced with a sinister intent. ''Morgana, snap out of it! Take the potion, I trust you to use your judgement. The plan isn't worth keeping the girl alive, if she becomes to much trouble. Besides, it would be nice not to have to whip up so much of the ''mermaid's breath'' potion every day just to keep her a mermaid.'' he said, venom in his throat as he went back to his work.