Toronto, Ontario, Canada
November 1, 2011
Charlotte felt a sense of helplessness overwhelming her the longer she remained captive in her father's dungeon, where not too far away, highly advanced technology meant to experiment on her friends stood menacingly, a soft blue glow filling its chambers and lighting up the otherwise darkened room. She had lost all sense of time, her stomach growled with frustration, and her bladder ached something fierce.
"Oops, not anymore." Heat flushed through her face in a wave of embarrassment and shame. When Charlotte decided to join IAA and become an agent, she never expected dangers like this before. Then again, she knew what she was signing up for. She just didn't think any of this would happen all in her rookie phase.
Gregory Watsford stormed into the dimly lit dungeon with a limp, his face contorted with frustration and impatience. His normally stern demeanor had turned into a volatile mix of anger and disappointment. The soft blue glow from the advanced technology in the corner cast an eerie light on the walls, making the shadows dance around him as he paced back and forth.
Charlotte, bound tightly to the chair, looked up with a mixture of fear and resignation. Her eyes, wide and pleading, met Gregory's as he approached. He seemed to relish in her discomfort, taking in her distressed state with a grim satisfaction.
"Damn it, Stephan!" Gregory muttered under his breath. "I should have heard from him by now. This was supposed to be a simple operation. Capture a few merpeople and bring them back for experimentation. How difficult can that be?"
He stopped abruptly in front of Charlotte, his frustration boiling over. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her, the daughter he had abandoned when she was just a baby. The years of neglect and estrangement had bred a deep-seated resentment in him, and he was determined to make her feel the weight of it now.
"Look at you, Charlotte," Gregory said, his voice dripping with scorn. "Tied up and powerless, just like you always were. Did you really think you could make a difference? That you could change anything? You're nothing more than a pawn."
Charlotte's eyes filled with tears, but her gag muffled any attempt she might have made to cry out. Her entire body trembled with the weight of his words. She was fully aware of the inadequacy he had always seen in her, but hearing it now, in such a cruel and direct manner, made the pain more palpable.
"Always a burden, too," Gregory continued, pacing in front of her. "I left you behind with your mother because I didn't even want you."
The harshness in his voice cut through the silence, filling the room with an oppressive atmosphere. He seemed to take a perverse satisfaction in her suffering, his anger finding an outlet in the torment of his own flesh and blood. Charlotte could only look on, her heart heavy with the weight of his words. The man who was supposed to be her father, who had abandoned her without a second thought, was now reveling in her humiliation and helplessness.
Gregory stepped back, his face a mask of cold satisfaction. "I guess if I don't hear back from Stephan soon, I can always put you out of your misery."
Feeling her heart stop suddenly in her chest, Charlotte cast a glance down at his hands which reached for a gun. Suddenly, she couldn't stop hearing the pounding of her own heart in her ears as a cold sweat drenched through her clothes, leaving her trembling with fright. Gasping into her gag, Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut just as she heard the safety unclick.
But before the gun could fire, she heard Gregory grunt with discomfort. Opening her eyes, Charlotte watched as he collapsed to the floor in an unconcious heap. Standing behind him was Elizabeth, whose face was red with exertion. In her hands was a heavy looking plank of wood. Dropping it, sighing with exhaustion, Elizabeth stepped over his body then approached Charlotte. Extracting her claws, she sliced through the ropes then removed her gag.
"Are you alright?" Elizabeth asked, pulling Charlotte up to her feet.
Trembling, unable to find her voice, Charlotte collapsed into her and hugged Elizabeth with all her might. When she was finally able to find her voice, it was weak and whimpery. "He- he was g-going to kill me."
"I got you, babe. It's going to be alright." Elizabeth's voice was a soothing balm to Charlotte's weary soul as she stroked her back.
Feeling Elizabeth's healing powers working through her body, Charlotte sighed with relief then finally found the strength to stand on her own two feet. Brushing away her tears, she sniffled "How'd you sneak past security?"
"Please." Elizabeth scoffed then smiled triumphantly. "Now that I don't have mermaid powers and I'm back to my feline powers, it's easier for me to fight without going insane or weak."
Elizabeth shuddered for a moment with discomfort, remembering the psychological toll both powers put her through. Brushing it off, she smiled at Charlotte then turned to grab Gregory. Forcing him down on the chair, she tied him up and gagged him while he was still unconcious.
"Charlotte, do you still have all that evidence you gathered?"
"No, he took it. But I know where it is." Charlotte went to the spot where she watched her father tuck away her phone, camera, and other belongings and retrieved them. Elizabeth noticed the equipment in the background, took out her phone and snapped photos.
"I think we've got more than enough to put him away for good. Stephan Charmichael will be harder to prove. I couldn't find any records of his involvement," Charlotte explained while Elizabeth called the authorities.
After getting off the phone, Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Some people in power get away with everything, and Stephan is one of those people. But at least we have Gregory Watsford, and he was the one pulling all the strings."
Charlotte pouted and crossed her arms to her chest. "It just doesn't seem fair."
"Politics are always unfair, especially when elitists like Mr. Charmichael are involved in major crimes."
"He murdered Linda Denman, though," Charlotte mentioned, then shuddered. "Right in front of me."
"But you have no proof except for just your word, and that can easily be twisted by Stephan. Trust me, Gregory here is all we need to deal with," Elizabeth replied, gesturing to the man who was now coming around.
Hearing her voice, giving his head a shake, Greg blinked a few times then glared up at her with frustration and disgust. "Striker. You bitch, I should have known-"
Before he could finish that sentance, Elizabeth swung out her fist hard and fist, striking him hard across the jaw! Gregory slumped, blacking out again. Blowing back a piece of jet black curly hair, Elizabeth cracked her knuckles. "God, that felt good."
Turning, resting her hand upon Charlotte's shoulder, Elizabeth guided her away just as the doors burst open, revealing the police. "Come on, let's get you some clean clothes. Then, I'm buying you a juice."
Charlotte sighed with relief, looking forward to both.
One week past since Gregorys arrest and incarceration, and all equipment for the science experiment on merpeople had been dismantled. Joshua took the lead on the scientific equipments deconstruction, while Elizabeth handled the evidence against his involvement. True to her comment that Stephan would get away with his crimes due to lack of evidence, Elizabeth felt a small amount of frustration before putting it on the back burner for more important matters.
Uniting Merpeople with Humans.
New York City, United Nations Headquarters
November 8, 2011
The grand hall of the United Nations Headquarters buzzed with anticipation as world leaders, diplomats, and representatives from various nations gathered for a historic meeting. The air was thick with a mixture of formality and urgency, underscoring the gravity of the session. At the heart of the gathering was a pivotal moment: the presentation of a groundbreaking Bill designed to protect Merpeople from scientific exploitation and experimentation.
The assembly hall was filled with a diverse array of attendees, from seasoned politicians to curious journalists. The banners of nations hung proudly from the walls, their colors a testament to the global nature of the occasion. Among the audience, there was a palpable sense of expectation as the delegates prepared to hear the final arguments for the Bill.
At the forefront of the presentation were two key figures. Veridia, the esteemed leader of the Merpeople Council, stood tall and poised, her deep blue tail glimmering subtly under the hall's lights. Beside her was Elizabeth, representing the human side of the argument, her resolve evident in her determined posture. Both were clad in formal attire that signified their respective roles—Veridia in elegant mermaid robes and Elizabeth in a tailored suit, a symbol of her unwavering commitment to the cause.
Veridia approached the podium first, her presence commanding attention as she began her address. The hall fell into a hushed silence, each person eager to hear her words.
"Distinguished members of the United Nations, esteemed guests," Veridia began, her voice resonant and clear, "we stand before you today to address a matter of great importance and urgency. The Merpeople have long been subjected to fear, misunderstanding, and, most tragically, exploitation. For too long, our kind has been hunted and subjected to experiments that disregard our autonomy and humanity."
Her voice carried the weight of centuries of suffering and resilience. She spoke of the cultural heritage and the rich traditions of the Merpeople, emphasizing their right to live free from fear and oppression. Her words painted a vivid picture of a world where both Merpeople and humans could coexist harmoniously, built on mutual respect and understanding.
As Veridia concluded her speech, the audience erupted into applause, acknowledging her powerful and heartfelt plea. Elizabeth took her place at the podium, ready to address the assembly with her own perspective.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attention," Elizabeth began, her voice steady and assertive. "Today, we are faced with an opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference. The Bill we present is not merely a piece of legislation; it is a testament to our collective commitment to justice and compassion."
Elizabeth highlighted the critical issues surrounding scientific experimentation on Merpeople, drawing from the evidence gathered and the experiences of those who had suffered. Her speech was a powerful call to action, urging the world leaders to recognize the moral and ethical responsibilities they held in safeguarding the rights of all beings.
"The Bill before you," Elizabeth continued, "is designed to establish legal protections for Merpeople, ensuring that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. It prohibits any form of scientific experimentation that violates their rights and sets forth guidelines for ethical treatment and protection."
She emphasized the importance of the Bill in fostering a new era of cooperation and unity between humans and Merpeople. Elizabeth's passionate delivery and the sincerity in her voice resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the urgency of the issue and the need for immediate action.
As Elizabeth concluded her speech, the hall was once again filled with applause. The support for the Bill was evident, and the atmosphere was charged with a sense of accomplishment and hope. Following the speeches, the assembly moved to the voting phase. The world leaders cast their votes, and the results were quickly tallied. With a resounding majority, the Bill was passed and officially legalized, marking a historic moment for both Merpeople and humans.
Veridia and Elizabeth exchanged a look of triumph and relief, their hard work and dedication having paid off. The passage of the Bill was a significant step towards achieving a world where Merpeople and humans could live together in peace and mutual respect. As the delegates began to disperse, the sense of unity and accomplishment lingered in the air. The Bill was not just a legal victory; it was a symbol of progress and the promise of a brighter future for all beings, regardless of their origin.
Later when the meeting had let out, all the merpeople, adopting legs and clothes, had gathered in a private room with Elizabeth standing before them for the last time. All the stresses she carried after stepping into their world finally rolled off her back, leaving her with an air of relief and content. "Well, this is it. I know things haven't been easy, but all of this has been worth it."
Still, a sense of regret lingered. If she had never stepped into their world, there would have been no need for any of this. Their lives would have been fine had she not been stranded on Mako Island following a mission gone wrong. But it was all in the past and there was nothing she could do about it. Smiling past the pain, Elizabeth glanced around at all of them until her gaze finally landed on Charlotte; her bright green eyes sparkled with pride and admiration for the one who often felt out of place amongst the mermaids after her power hungry trip against Emma, Cleo and Ricki which felt like a lifetime ago.
Charlotte had grown a lot and still had much growing to do, but she was on the right track. After what happened in captivity, she still wanted to stick around and do her part to make the world a better place. Charlotte wasn't alone anymore either, and sat beside her now boyfriend, FBI Agent Steve Olson. Grateful to be reunited with him, she rested her head on his strong capable shoulder and relaxed into his arms.
"I just want to say that it's been a pleasure to know all of you, and to work alongside those brave enough to endure this fight for your rights and freedoms. If there's ever any trouble in the future, you all know how to find me." Elizabeth checked the time on her watch then cast a glance to Charlotte. "We've got to catch out flight back to Toronto."
"Oh, actually... I'm going to stay here for a while. Steve's promised to show me around the city," Charlotte replied with a smile on her face, her brown eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Alright. Good to know." Flashing her a teasing little smile, Elizabeth waved goodbye to the others then took off to get to the airport on time.
After she left and the rest of the merpeople began to dive deep into discussion on their future plans, Emma, Ricki and Cleo approached Charlotte who rose to her feet alongside Steve. Before she could even react, all three girls bombarded her in a group embrace.
"Woah! What's going on?" Charlotte asked, stunned by their presence.
"You've been amazing, that's what's going on," Cleo replied, smiling with excitement. "I can't believe you managed to turn your entire life around... after everything you did. That takes a lot of guts, Charlotte."
Blush creeping up on her face, a wave of discomfort hitting her, Charlotte gave Cleo a modest and somewhat painful smile. "Oh, I don't know, Cleo. I just... well... to be honest, I wanted to make up for all the things I did to you and the girls after I lost my tail. I felt so powerless."
"Yeah, you were after we kicked your arse," Ricki quipped without a second thought.
Rather than brooding over it, Charlotte gave her a witty smile. "Not as powerless as you felt though when I had you hanging in the air like a doll, eh, Ricki?"
Ricki gave her a tight lipped smile, impressed by the banter. "Alright, touche. I deserved that."
"We all went through a lot, let's just say that," Cleo said, slinging her arms across their shoulders while standing between them. "Right, Em?"
Emma nodded, a smirk of amusement on her lips. "Right. Nothing's ever going to be the same again."
"Well, I wouldn't want it any other way. We're all stronger now, whether we have our powers or not," Charlotte chimed in, her heart soaring with acceptance.
Soaking in the moment of silence between them while the other merpeople conversed around them, Ricki finally perked up with curiosity and glanced over to Emma and Cleo. "So... now what?"
Smiling with excitement, Cleo looked over to Lewis who was in a corner talking to Zac and Erik. Noticing, he smiled and waved back, excused himself, then began walking over. Glancing back at her friends, Cleo let them go.
"Well. Lewis and I are going on a trip to New Zealand for Christmas break," Cleo admitted, then joined her boyfriend and hugged him close; Lewis kissed the top of her head.
"Aw, how adorable. Zane and I will be going back home to keep running our cafe, while simultaneously advocating for Merpeople rights along the way," Ricki explained while walking over to him. Zane returned from a separate meeting with members of the United Nations with his father Harrison, who went to speak with Veridia and other council members.
"And Ash and I will going out to Ireland with Bella and Will to check out the sights," Emma mentioned.
"Well." Charlotte grinned as tears filled her eyes. "I guess it'll be quite some time until we see each other again. If only I had my tail again... we could all swim and meet with each other."
Exchanging a look, grinning, Emma, Cleo and Ricki looked back at Charlotte. "Who says you can't have it again?"
Charlotte's eyes popped wide open with surprise. "What?"
A knowing look in their eyes, they looked over at Veridia who was deep in discussion with Harrison Bennett before they looked at Charlotte again. "We spoke with Veridia," Cleo began.
"And she informed us that a mermaid who loses her tail under the full moon of fifty years can only receive their tail again from a spell and moon ring," Ricki chimed in.
"So she agreed to give you back your tail. Congratulations, Charlotte. You've earned it," Emma said.
"That is... if you want it?" Ricki questioned with slight uncertainty.
Excited, her heart pounding wildly, Charlotte smiled as tears spilled down her face. "Wait... are you kidding me right now?"
"Not at all. Veridia even said that you can have your grandmothers powers," Cleo replied, nodding with excitement.
Gasping with surprise, opening her mouth to accept, Charlotte stopped, paused for a moment, then turned to Steve. "What do you think? I don't want to make this decision without knowing your thoughts."
Steve shrugged, giving her a smile. "Hey, you've known them longer than I have, and if they say you've earned the right being a mermaid again, I think you should take it. But only if you want to."
"Yes, of course I do!" Charlotte twirled back around to the girls. "Yes, yes, I'd love to be part of the pod again."
"Great, then let's go! The full moon will be up soon and there's a moon pool here in New York near a lighthouse," Emma explained, grabbed Charlotte's hand, then pulled her along.
As Charlotte walked alongside her friends, her boyfriend tagging along behind her, she could see a light shining through a dark tunnel that had plagued her since her defeat last year. After fighting through the battles life had thrown at her, she finally found her way to the top once again and this time, she was going to use her powers the proper way... the right way.
It was a hard lesson to learn, going from a power hungry mermaid to a nobody who felt lost with no way of gaining any bravery to rise back on to her feet. But meeting Elizabeth Striker, who took a chance on her, gave Charlotte the ability to rise above and find herself along the way.
Life never could have changed had the once green tailed mermaid never made a presence in any of their lives, but perhaps if wasn't meant to stay that way. Perhaps mermaids and humans were meant to meet and learn to coexist rather than go to war for centuries, or hide from society forever.
Either way, Charlotte knew that her purpose was clear. She was meant to learn the right way to wield power and authority without falling into the same trap as her father,
And she planned to make the most of her life from here on out.
THE END!
I hope you all enjoyed this fanfiction series even if it did take me forever to complete!
If you're interested in Elizabeth Striker's character, you can find her stories on Amazon titled The Striker Series by Emma Bois.