Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Brynn, Mermaiden Jia, and Mermaiden Mariana

Mermaiden Brynn 

The whole lot, Mermaidens, MerKings, MerCouncil assistants, and other mers I didn’t know, had gathered in the MerCouncil room, royalty and assistants sitting at the table and others in the balcony seats above. It also seemed that MerCouncilors Seth and Ian were going to get a verbal lashing as they sat, surrounded by guards against the wall. Father stood and addressed the room.

“I welcome each of you to this meeting, despite the circumstances. With traitorous actions from the MerCouncil, the MerKings have decided to appoint a new council comprising two mers from each kingdom. Each mer has endured a rigorous interview process and background check, so with the utmost confidence, we present each member to you.”

He sat, and I rubbed his arm, whispering, “Well said, da’.”

MerKing Takumi arose. “Former MerCouncilors Seth and Ian, please come forward.” They moved forward until they reached the end of the table. “Each MerKing commends Seth and Ian for their bravery in the face of evil and their protection of Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Raine.”

Oh, right. After we left the Mediterranean Sea and came back to the palace, we learned that Seth and Ian had acted as double agents in their work with Calisto. They kept Darek and Raine safe while the others wanted to finish Calisto’s job, convincing them to save them for Calisto’s wrath and focus on other tasks. That’s why they left the gems in a locked room for us to rescue. But by that point, the rest of the council was starting to suspect them, which is why Calisto still got her hands on one of each gem.

“Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Raine are retiring from their positions but would like to train the next members of the council. So without further ado, Seth, the eight kingdoms of the sea appoint you Chancellor.”

Claps echoed around the room, but MerKing Takumi continued. “Ian, we appoint you MerCouncilor.”

He appointed each new council member with rounds of applause. After the thirteenth member’s appointment, a wizened merman with long, white curls from my home sea, we waited to see who the final member would be.

“Finally, for his dedication to the MerWorld, strength in difficult circumstances, and adoration and following of the late MerCouncilor Aldric, Damon of the Mariana Trench, we appoint you MerCouncilor.”

What? Damon didn’t tell us beforehand, so we stared at each other in amazement before hopping out of our seats and clapping louder than anyone else in attendance. Dad gave me a wee nudge, and before I knew it, we were surrounding Damon. 

“Congrats, lad,” I called above the noise and slapped him on the back. 

“Thank you,” he smiled.

A deep voice boomed above the applause. MerKing Orion announced, “The former council’s trial will be held next week. However, today is a day of celebration, so we invite you all to join us for a ball at sunset.”

The noise only grew louder in response. Waverlee’s pink tail fought through the crowd and gathered the Mermaidens together. “Let’s go get ready! I can do everyone’s makeup!” She squealed. 

I laughed. “Alright, lass, but not anything that’s going to clash with my hair!”

We swam to the ballroom together full of giggles. I playfully elbowed Mariana’s arm. “So… are you going to dance with Amani tonight?”

She groaned in mock annoyance. “You all keep trying to make this splash happen. Just because we get along doesn’t mean I like him!”

Everyone giggled. “I don’t know,” Destiny joked, “Maybe you should dance with him tonight and see what happens!”

She waved us off as we approached the doors to the hall. Waverlee made us stop and turned her adoring eyes onto all of us. “We haven’t had fun like this in a while, so let loose, ladies!” She swam in a spiral and left us all in the dust.

Zoey chuckled and looked over at me as we were the last to enter the ballroom. “How much do you wanna bet she dances with Sid all night?”

I laughed, but then my eyes locked onto Finn. I had no idea he’d be here! Our eyes met, and he waved. I broke eye contact with him and replied to Zoey, “Maybe you’re just hoping you have someone to dance with all night!” With a daring smile back at her, I beelined it to Finn.

“Finn, I didn’t know you’d be here!” I beamed widely and threw my arms around him in a quick hug.

“MerKing Murdoch invited me while you were out saving the MerWorld,” he responded, then quickly added, “You’re wearing the starfish I made for you! I told you I wouldn’t forget.”

“And neither will I! Your face when the starfish smacked you between the eyes is burned into my memory forever!”

We had made our way over to the food table, and he handed me a seaweed cake. “Forever, huh?” he teased. “I hope we’ll laugh about it for the rest of our lives.”

Confused, I said, “Well, yeah. You’re my best friend!”

He had drifted closer to me. “Maybe something more one day too,” he said softly and leaned down to kiss the top of my head.

I felt my face turning as red as my hair, so I continued to munch on my cake and desperately tried to think of something to change the subject. 

“Hey, look at that!” I exclaimed after I swallowed my last bite, grabbing Finn’s hand. “Zoey’s dancing with Aiden after all.” Her light brown hair drifted around her as they waltzed in slow circles along to the live orchestra with reed pipes and kelp string instruments. 

Finn positioned himself in front of me, bowed, and offered his hand. “May I have this dance, Brynn?”

I placed my hand in his. “Of course, Finn.”

As we spun around the dance floor, we laughed every time our tails hit each other. “Sorry, I’m not a good dancer.”

Finn laughed, “Maybe not, but I always have an adventure and a good laugh with you!”

We waltzed around the room so we could greet all the other Mermaidens and their dance partners. 

Waverlee and Sid seemed locked in a serious conversation—Sid was apologizing for something—so we moved on pretty quick. 

Zoey was covered in bandages while her burns healed, but I could still see that she was bright red as she danced with Aiden. We playfully bumped into them, and she seemed grateful to talk to us for a moment. 

Serena and Leon were making googly eyes at each other, but when I teased her in passing, she flicked a splotch of yellow onto my tail and laughed. 

Crystal was dancing with a merman I’d never seen before, but she was actually talking more than normal, and he was listening intently. 

Mariana was dancing with Amani, and when I gave her a look, she rolled her eyes at me. 

“Live a little, will ya!” I hollered as we danced away.

Destiny was dancing with a mer I didn’t recognize, but when the song ended, she made a request of the orchestra and started singing along for everyone.

Jia and Damon were dancing together, somewhat awkwardly I admit, when Destiny’s song started. I gave her a wide smile and a big thumbs up as we passed, and she hurriedly returned her gaze to Damon.

“You and the other Mermaidens are pretty close,” Finn observed.

“Oh, you know, saving the world really does that to you,” I laughed.

“I hope we can all get together one day so I can get to know them.”

“That would be a blast! That’s a brilliant idea, Finn!”

“Brynn,”  Finn stopped dancing and grabbed both of my hands. 

I glanced over and, thankfully, saw my father in a deep conversation with MerKing Francisco. 

“I’ve liked you for a long time, so after we return to the Celtic Sea, can I take you on a date?” His hands were shaky, but his voice was strong. I thought my chest would explode.

“Of course! I… I like you too, Finn.”

His smile quickly grew, and he drew me into a hug. As I started to pull back, I barely had time to think before Finn’s face was right in front of mine and he kissed me.

In shock, I floated for a moment. Behind me, I could hear Waverlee whooping and calling out my name. Face red and beaming ear to ear, I grabbed Finn’s hand and turned to wave back.

Mermaiden Jia

Destiny sang a truly lovely song, though to be honest, I didn’t hear all of it. I was surprised when Damon asked me to dance, but talking to him was easier than I thought. 

“So did you always know that you had a power?” I asked.

His deep blue eyes met mine for a moment before they flitted around the room to observe his surroundings. “No. As a child, I remember throwing tantrums and my parents getting really mad. Looking back now, I think that’s why they distanced themselves from me. My emotions were always strong and difficult to control, so they stayed away to keep themselves unaffected by me. However, the neglect only made my emotions stronger and angrier.”

“I see. I’m sorry you went through that.” I gave him a caring smile.

“Don’t be. When I came to the council and met Aldric, I’m sure I was a difficult child, but he taught me patience and love. For years, I actually felt normal. And perhaps Aldric became attached to me because he felt how deeply I cared for him.”

His body stiffened as he thought of his mentor, but he relaxed after a minute.

“Well, Damon, what you did back there—when we were fighting Calisto—was incredible. I didn’t think that such a power could do that.”

“Under normal circumstances, I don’t think I could have. But with Mariana’s pearl, I was not only able to push my emotions onto others, but I could pull other’s deep-rooted emotions out. But look at what you did! You took those emotions and flashbacks and displayed them in the gem’s shards.”

My eyes widened. “Oh, that wasn’t me! I only used my power to calm her and stop the spasms.”

“Then who…” Damon’s voice drifted off as his eyes met mine, and we slowed our dance to a stop.

I returned his thoughtful gaze. “Perhaps it was Calisto?”

“Maybe she wanted to show us her past so we could see why she did what she did.”

“Her past… It’s just as your father, Prince Malik, told us. The secret to defeating her was her past. I didn’t know what that meant at first, but I assumed we’d have to interrogate her. In reality, you were the secret, Damon. You’re the only one who could have defeated her.”

Destiny’s song ended, and we moved off the dance floor. “Do you miss her?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I can’t miss what I never had, Mermaiden Jia. But I’m sad about what our relationship could have been. I may never have a proper mother, but—” his eyes crossed the room to his father who was conversing with MerKing Caspian, “—I finally have the chance to make amends with my father.”

I put my hand on his shoulder. “You’re going to make a great MerCouncilor, Damon.”

As I dropped my hand, he caught it in his. “Thank you. With all my heart, thank you.”

The ball drew to a close, and the other Mermaidens, Sid, Damon, and I swam the halls together. 

“So,” Zoey started, “We all leave for home in the morning. What’re all of your plans?”

Serena was the first to speak. “I’ve missed out on so much school that I’ll probably spend a year catching up!”

“Same,” Waverlee groaned.

“Okay, yeah,” Zoey waved her hand, “We’ve all got studying to do besides Mariana and Damon. What else though?”

“I’ll go back to guiding ships,” Brynn stated.

“I’m going to work on my ice sculpture gallery!” exclaimed Crystal. “I form my art from my memories, and I have so many great memories with you all that I can easily fill an entire art exhibit!”

“There’s a rumored treasure in the Caribbean Sea, and Frank and I really want to find it,” Destiny smiled.

“I’m surprised he let you come here alone!” said Zoey.

“Well, I didn’t give him a choice,” Destiny laughed.

I went next. “My garden has been depleted due to healing everyone’s injuries, so I’m going to cultivate it and research new ways to treat the mers in my kingdom.”

Next was Serena. “Like Crystal, I want to paint our adventures so I can always remember them.”

“I’m going to return home for now,” Sid said, looking down. “I’m not sure what’s in the future, so I think I need to reflect and make goals.” I watched his eyes flit over toward Waverlee really quick.

Waverlee didn’t seem to notice. “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I intend to reach out to the landfolk in my kingdom! That was our original assignment from the MerCouncil, and I’m going to make it happen!”

“That’s great, Waverlee!” I smiled.

Serena laughed. “After the fiasco in my kingdom, I think I’m going to wait a bit longer.”

We all nodded in agreement.

“Let us know how it goes!” Zoey said. “As for me, I think I’m going to create a special animal task force that keeps an eye on the ocean and reports back to me. After all the crazy things that have happened, I think we need a better system of learning what happens in our waters.”

“I like that idea!” Brynn nodded.

Damon smiled. “I’ll be here, doing what I can to make the MerWorld a better place.”

We all smiled back in response, and Zoey softly elbowed him with her bandaged arm. “Welcome to the crew, Damon. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’ll stay in touch. Who knows when we’ll have to save the world again!”

I giggled. “Yes, let’s all keep in touch. We’ve been together so much that I’m afraid my palace is going to feel empty without everyone.”

“Alright, how about we meet up on the first of every month? Then we can report on our work on a regular basis,” Brynn suggested.

We all agreed and joined in a group hug. “I’m going to miss you all!”

Mermaiden Mariana

After everything that had happened those years ago, we couldn’t stand not seeing each other, so we took things a step further than our fathers. Instead of communicating through one mirror, we filled our respective rooms with nine mirrors in a semicircle. It made it so we could all see each other at the same time.

Crystal floated regally, her long silver hair drifting in the current and icy blue eyes full of kindness and understanding. 

Zoey was laughing boisterously, hardly staying in the frame. It appeared that Aiden was tossing Cooper, who was lazily chewing a mouth full of seaweed and seeming not to care, through the water.

Destiny was so excited to see everyone that she was practically dancing around. I think I saw Frank smile for the first time too.

Waverlee and Sid sat together, sneaking glances at each other and grinning. 

“Sid, what are you doing there?” Crystal asked, giving a quick wink that I almost missed.

Sid blushed. “Just visiting.” The rest of the girls laughed and teased, which caused Waverlee to turn almost as pink as her tail!

Akiko was swimming circles around Jia, occasionally rubbing against her cheek. She had started wearing more makeup, and we each complimented her on her purple lipstick.

Serena and Leon were close together, hands clasped and smiles soft. She was absentmindedly painting miniature pictures in the water while Leon swirled them into mini kaleidoscopes.

Damon was also there representing the MerCouncil. His arms were crossed and cool eyes watching everyone chat, but I saw him fight back his own laughter on several occasions.

Brynn and Finn hovered together, playfully elbowing each other periodically. “What a good-looking bunch of lasses and lads!” Brynn exclaimed. “Are we ready to get started?”

We all started to nod until Waverlee blurted, “Are we not going to talk about the fact that Amani is with Mariana?”

This time it was my turn to blush. Amani swooped in and smiled wide at them. “The Mariana Kingdom needed soldiers, and I accepted the offer to be the head of Mermaiden Mariana’s royal guard.”

“More like royal splash, if you know what I’m saying,” Zoey prodded, looking over at Destiny, who giggled in response.

I lightly pushed Amani off to the side and changed the subject. “ANYWAY, ladies, don’t we have some business to discuss?”

It took a few seconds for the giggles to disperse, but Serena quickly straightened. “Yes, actually. There’s been some activity in the Indian Ocean that needs investigating. From the information the Sea of Japan, Coral Sea, and Mediterranean Sea have gathered, it’s possible that there’s a hidden kingdom there. Who should we send to find out?”

It was silent for a moment, and we all looked at each other. As soon as I saw the light in Brynn’s eyes flash, I knew what she was going to say.

Destiny gasped, but there was a trill in her voice when she asked, “You’re not suggesting—”

We were all nodding along by the time Brynn declared, “Let’s do it ourselves!”

It had been a long time since we’d all been together to go on an adventure. We discussed when and where to meet, and it was clear that we wouldn’t be accomplishing much else in this meeting. Everyone was wriggling and sneaking excited glances at each other. 

I laughed. “Believe me, I’m just as excited as you are! But there’s one more item to address. It hasn’t been long since we tracked down the humans making fake mermaid tails so landfolk can pretend to be like us. Have you all sent your letters to Fin Fun?”

Waverlee, the first to spot these tails what seemed like ages ago, was the first to respond. “Yes! I’m so excited to start talking to the landfolk. Actually, I think I’ve already got a stack of letters from young humans wanting to know what mer-life is like!”

Everyone else nodded, and Crystal shyly added, “I didn’t think anyone would want to know about mers in the Arctic, but I’ve even gotten letters back. So far, I think the landfolk are really supportive and want to live in peace together.”

Serena was next, letting go of Leon’s hand so she could talk with her hands. “Once the contest to catch a mermaid in my home sea calmed down, I’ve also seen people wearing fake mermaid tails. I think everything is going swimmingly!”

“We’ve got a wide world to explore, mates,” Zoey stated with a wide grin. “Not only are we learning more about landfolk from themselves, but the ocean is so big! I can’t wait to meet more of the mers in the world!”

Everyone let out exclamations of agreement. “The MerCouncil has been impressed with the results thus far, and we are grateful to each of you for taking your ambassador duties so seriously,” said Damon with a small smile. Everyone was cheering, laughing, and starting excited conversations amongst themselves.

My eyes darted over to Amani, who gave me a thumbs up. I grinned and looked back at my friends. “That’s great news, everyone! Now, let’s get out there and show the world what the Mermaidens can do!”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Destiny, Mermaiden Zoey, and Mermaiden Waverlee

Mermaiden Destiny

I was just as shocked as everyone else. Serena didn’t tell us anything as she led us to Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Rain, but I knew it was going to be big. 

Immediately after her declaration, MerKing Murdoch waved his arm and soldiers poured into the room. 

Chancellor Darek straightened in his bed and stated, “Mermaiden Serena is correct.”

Two soldiers quickly grabbed Seth’s arms, but he didn’t fight them. The rest hurried off to gather the rest of the council members. 

The rest of the MerKings rushed to Darek and Raine’s room as soon as they heard the news. Fathers held daughters with care while also raving over the council’s actions.

MerKing Orion, in his deep, rumbling voice, demanded, “Chancellor, MerCouncilor, why are we only now learning this?”

“You must understand,” Darek started, “we were threatened by Calisto herself. If she wasn’t so concerned with reaching the Sea of Japan when she escaped, she very well may have destroyed us. Raine and I are lucky to be alive to prove Mermaiden Serena’s words true.”

“If only my body was as sharp as my tongue,” MerCouncilor Raine scoffed. “Your Majesties, we would have told you sooner if we thought it wise.” She turned her icy eyes to Serena and added, “I gave Mermaiden Serena a clue, and she figured it out herself.”

I smiled at Serena next to me and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“I hate to say this—” MerKing Caspian interrupted. We all turned to him. “—but the sooner we deal with Calisto, the better. Mermaidens (and Sid, of course), could you leave to face Calisto now if need be?”

Waverlee’s mouth dropped open, and we took turns meeting each other’s eyes. After a moment of silent looks between us, Mariana answered, “With our gems returned, we’re ready, Father.” We all nodded in agreement.

We made our preparations in the entrance hall of the palace. Amani stocked us all with weapons, and he led a troop with us. I smiled in gratitude to him as he handed me a spear. 

“Just like you practiced,” he reassured me.

“Right.” I couldn’t stop the trill in my voice, so I only gripped my spear tighter.

Damon soon joined the ranks, stating, “I’m coming with.”

We didn’t even question it. “We’re grateful for all the help we can get,” Brynn said. “We let her get away too many times, so we need to defeat her properly this time.”

Several of the MerKings swept by, followed by flanks of soldiers who held the treasonous, bound MerCouncilors. Most of them spewed threats at us as they passed.

“Lady Calisto will bring true greatness to the seas!”

“You’re no match for Lady Calisto. She’ll turn you into sea foam!”

When the ancient woman sneered at my father, “Say your final goodbye to your daughter,” he visibly shook with anger.

“Get them out of my sight,” he growled. He then grabbed my hand and kissed my brow. “Don’t listen to them, Destiny,” he whispered. “You are powerful and merfolks will sing for generations to come detailing your heroic deeds.”

I squeezed his hand and whispered, “Thank you, Father. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

And then, we set off, and I sang, leading everyone to Calisto.

“Let’s stop for the night,” Amani suggested to me after we’d been traveling in darkness for a while. “We’ll have more strength after we rest.”

I slowed to a stop. “You’re right.” I was slightly out of breath. “Yes, let’s stop.”

Jia pulled out some crab sandwiches and passed them around to each Mermaiden, as well as Sid and Damon. I mumbled thanks to her and tried to find strength in her warm smile.

We ate in silence for a while, until Mariana spoke up. “Damon.” 

His dark hair covered his face until he slowly raised his head and met her eyes. “Yes?”

“Don’t think we forgot that you still need to finish your story.” Her eyes were hard, similar to when I first met her as Scarlet. She had grown tough to protect her feelings. But as a wave of emotion passed over Damon’s eyes, I saw her own mimic his.

She’s learned to feel too. She’s so strong. I smiled to myself for a split second before turning my eyes to Damon.

“Of course, Mermaiden Mariana. I didn’t forget. In fact, I’ve spent my time since then determining how to tell you what’s transpired.” 

Damon took a deep breath. Packs and weapons fumbled around us as a number of soldiers laid down and others took the first watch. He lowered his voice so as not to disturb them. 

“My mother used my position within the MerCouncil to sway them to her side. Several of them followed her willingly at first. They were like my father, hungry for power and jealous of those above them. She spoke to MerCouncilor Aldric many times, trying to sway him to her side, but he was a good, steadfast merman. He refused her advances. 

Darek, Rain, and Aldric, the most senior members of the council, were the only ones who stood against her. She didn’t seem like much of a threat, taking their rejections gracefully, but she had the rest of the council working secretly behind their backs. 

She was closer to making her move and wanted to rule the council outright. She confronted Aldric again and, this time threatened him, but he still refused. She commanded me to destroy him, but I couldn’t. He had been the closest merman I’d had to a father. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t harm him.”

He wrung his hands out, looked down, and sighed. He started speaking several times, then stopped, choosing his words carefully.

“She… she crushed my hand in her grip so I couldn’t swim away while she put a spell on me. When I came back to myself, Aldric was… cold… in my arms…”

He lifted his head to Mariana. The current swept his dark locks from his face, and for the first time, I saw tears flowing freely from them. Without hesitating, Mariana started to weep too, as did the rest of us.

“And she expected me to take his place at the MerCouncil afterward. I clung to him with all I could and only wanted to stay with him. As a result, she placed a different spell on me that squelched my emotions. I couldn’t feel a thing, which happened to be around the time you met me. I… I wasn’t myself then, and I’m sorry for the atrocious manner in which I acted.

I understand if you can’t forgive me for what I’ve done. I can’t forgive myself. But please know that now that I’m more myself, I want to do what’s right. I want to help you defeat my mother and put an end to her violent ways. Each of you will be exceptional leaders in your kingdoms, and I am honored to even sit among you tonight.”

Damon slowly met each of our eyes, his own eyes red from weeping. When he met my eyes, I offered him a small smile.

Mariana sat straight, stoic as ever, but then she swam over to Damon and knelt before him. “Cousin, thank you.” She embraced him, and it seemed as if Damon melted into her arms.

“Please forgive me,” he whispered.

Unable to stop ourselves, we all gathered around them and wrapped our arms around Damon, each whispering words of encouragement and acceptance.

Underneath all of us, I heard him sob, “Thank you.”

Mermaiden Zoey

I woke up the next morning to little guppies playing in my hair. “It’s time to wake up,” they sang. I rubbed my eyes and saw Amani waking the others. 

Waverlee had a piece of seaweed woven through her hair, and she struggled to pull it out with heavy eyelids. “Time to go already?”

“Yes, Mermaiden Waverlee,” Amani responded while taking Mariana’s hand to help her up. I held in a chuckle because I’m pretty sure I saw her blush!

Destiny’s humming cracked every now and then through her tired vocal cords, but she led us through the water, inching closer to Calisto with every kick of our fins. Jia handed out more food, delicious seaweed and rice rolls native to her home sea and land. Destiny took breaks every few minutes to eat before resuming her humming.

“Jia, these are amazing,” Serena mumbled, eyes still fighting to stay open. “One of these days, I’m going to make you some food from the Mediterranean Sea.”

Her laugh was small. “I look forward to it.”

Sid added, “There’s nothing special about food from the Arctic Ocean. Most of it’s frozen!”

I laughed pretty hard at that one. As time went on though, we got tenser, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one mentally preparing myself for the battle ahead.

It didn’t take long before Destiny brought us to a stop. “We’re close,” she whispered to us, voice lowering just in case. “We should make sure we have everything ready.”

While soldiers tightened their packs and readied their weapons, we counted our gems. “Problem, mates. I’m missing one of my gems. I might’ve lost it while traveling?”

“No, I’m missing one too,” said Serena.

“…Me three.” Brynn groaned.

It looked like each set of gems that the Mermaidens received from Darek and Raine was missing one.

Serena drooped. “Those treasonous MerCouncilors probably knew that we were onto them and sent off a smaller number so we wouldn’t notice.”

“It’s alright,” I said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder to comfort her. “The rest of our gems are greater than her eight!”

I think everyone tried to take heart in my words, but they were still nervous. I was too. I gripped my spear even tighter. “C’mon, mates. Let’s get this over with.”

The sun was shining brightly overhead as the sun came out in the late morning, and the water was starting to get shallow. “I think she’s on this island,” Destiny suggested. 

“She’s got to be. My waves aren’t sensing her nearby,” Waverlee added.

“Where are we, anyway?” Brynn asked.

As a native of the area, Serena was quick to respond. “Greece. This human country has lots of islands in the sea, and it’s rich in history that both landfolk and merfolk share.”

“It’s true,” Jia added. “These were some of the only humans who knew about Poseidon.”

“Poseidon isn’t the only powerful being known in this part of the world,” a voice cackled from nearby.

We all turned in different directions to find the source, gripping our weapons tightly. “Up above,” Mariana called, pushing her head above the water’s surface.

It was Calisto alright, lounging on a smooth rock on the shore and sporting a shining crown inlaid with each of our missing gems. She wore a purple, flowing dress, twirling her trident, and she had… legs? 

“What gives?” I blurted. “What happened to her fin?”

“That’s not important right now,” Mariana said in a low voice before calling out to Calisto. “Your days of tormenting the MerWorld are over! Come back to the MerCouncil for your trial on your own, or we’ll bring you by force.”

She laughed long and hard, obviously relaxed and not at all worried about us. She buried her toes in the sand and taunted, “What are you going to do? Come out of the sea and get me?”

I gritted my teeth. She’s right. What do we do if she’s out of reach? A fish out of water isn’t going to win any battles! Speaking of, I could feel the water draining around me, exposing more of my body to the surface.

“Back up, everyone!” Waverlee called, collecting a mountain of water behind her in one gargantuan wave.

She didn’t have to tell us twice. We all dove back into the water as Waverlee’s wave crashed onto Calisto’s rock and pulled her out to sea. Immediately, her legs transformed back into her deep purple tail. Brynn tossed out a ball of light to stun her while soldiers formed lines in front of us. Amani shouted a command, and they dove toward her, spears at the ready.

Of course, it would’ve been too easy if we’d captured her then. A massive burst of purple lightning shocked the first wave of soldiers, and they fell back into the mers behind them. 

No problem. We know how to destroy it. 

But there was so much more in store. A ship was sailing close to the island, a long net hanging from its side, ready to capture us where we swam.

“That’s right. The contest.” Serena gasped.

Amani shouted, “Men, destroy that net! But don’t get caught!”

“Let me help,” Crystal swam to Amani’s side, already forming ice daggers in her hands.

“Me too,” Sid added, joining them. “We’ll take care of it. You protect the others.”

Amani hesitated but nodded. “Good luck.”

Sid turned his devilish grin toward Crystal. “Ready, sis? Let’s give them some mermaid stories to talk about!” 

And like that, they blasted ahead of the soldiers, Crystal throwing knives with amazing precision to cut the many pieces of the net and Sid burning through rope like it was nothing.

The rest of us turned to Calisto. 

What can I do? I thought. Using my power puts the animals at risk. Maybe—

Another electric shockwave hit the next wave of soldiers, and I lept in front of them, spear tight in my hand as I swam toward her. “Hey, sea witch!” I shouted to get her attention and distract her from the others.

She looked my way and smiled. “Careful, dear. I’m not sure you can handle what’s coming.”

I let out a short laugh as Waverlee seized the moment and unleashed an arrow at Calisto. It struck her in the arm, and she cried out in pain, releasing another shock in a broad circle around her. I took the moment to aim and hurl my spear at her before the wave hit me.

All my muscles tensed up, teeth clenched shut in my head, and my vision flashed purple and red. But I heard her cry out again, so I must have hit her.

“Zoey!” I heard Jia cry. 

I still couldn’t move, and I couldn’t see clearly. But I was soon enveloped in thick ropes that dragged me away from the action. Many of my friends screamed my name, but they were busy fighting. 

I filled my voice with my power and hollered, “Help! Please!”

Just as my sight started to clear up, I saw a school of swordfish fast approaching. “Cut the rope, cut the rope,” I gasped as I tried to pull myself away from the net. They quickly hacked at the pieces that bound me, and I was free. But surely they had another net. 

“We need to keep the landfolk from tossing another net out… Mates! Pull the net overboard!” Together with the school of swordfish, we pulled at the ropes with all our might. Finally, we lurched forward, and a group of humans fell into the sea. 

When they opened their eyes and started to swim away, Mariana and her blazing blade was the first thing they saw. “Go help her,” I said to one of the swordfish, and his entire school rounded up the humans in a circle. “Don’t let them drown, mates!” I called before turning back to Calisto.

I had missed the bulk of the action. Destiny had flung herself at Calisto’s tail, and others grabbed her arms and torso, much like when I had instigated our game to take down Sid. Brynn pried the trident from her fingers while the witch screamed threats all the while. Brynn popped her head out of the water, raised her arms up high, and brought the trident down onto a rock, breaking it in half and rendering it unusable.

Crystal tore the crown from Calisto’s hair and tossed it to Serena, who focused her power within the gems until they shattered into a million tiny pieces, glittering in the sunlight as they fell to the seafloor. 

Mermaiden Waverlee

Damon approached his mother, and Mariana joined his side. She reached into her pouch and handed him a pearl. “You’re the firstborn of a MerKing, right? I felt it a while ago and didn’t realize it, but you have a power, don’t you?”

His eyes were full of amazement as he accepted the pearl. “You trust me?” 

Mariana smiled and tipped her head back slightly. “I don’t know anyone who wants Calisto brought to justice more than you.”

Damon’s fingers curled around the gem, and his face hardened. 

Calisto laughed. “You’ve never been able to disobey me, son. You think now is any different? You’re just as helpless now as you were when you begged me to spare that old man’s life. You’re pitiful. Worthless. You—”

Damon’s eyes squeezed shut as he yelled, “Enough! I’m not yours anymore!”

Calisto’s eyes rolled back, and her body tensed up. Fearful, Destiny, the soldiers, and I let her go and backed away. She sank to the sand, muscles spasming at random.

I looked to Jia for her medical expertise. “Jia?!”

Her eyebrows pressed together in confusion and concern, Jia landed in the sand next to Calisto and grabbed her head. She closed her eyes and focused her power on the witch. Serena joined her side.

“What kind of power do you have??” I turned my eyes, wide in terror, to Damon.

He shrunk as we stared at him. His mouth opened a few times as he tried to find the right words, but in the end, he stayed silent and watched his mother.

As Jia used her power, Calisto fell motionless, her mouth dropped open and eyes closed. The gem shards in the sand rose, reflecting all the colors of the rainbow, and blended together to play out a scene.

We watched a young, beautiful Calisto singing while surrounded by animals that had brought a man ashore on her island. She nursed him to health, and they fell in love.

I’ve seen this story before. I didn’t notice that Sid was by my side. Forgetting about our argument before, my fingers quickly found his and grasped them tightly.

Reflected in the gem shards, the man sailed away, and we watched young Calisto cry and stare out at the horizon for his return that never came. She begged Poseidon to help her, and she crumpled to his palace floor in agony. She screamed at him, face contorted, and she ran away, cursed to search the ocean alone. It was just like the legend MerKing Takumi related to us.

I didn’t realize it until the lights faded and the shards sank back to the sand, but I was sobbing uncontrollably. Sid wrapped his arms around me and held me close. Once I calmed down a bit, I turned my head away from his chest to see the others. 

Almost everyone was rubbing tears from their eyes by the emotions that overwhelmed us. Even Sid sniffled.

Mariana waited until Damon’s eyes met hers before she spoke. “So you can force others to feel your emotions. That’s your power?”

“Oh, that’s why I feel like an emotional mess right now?” Sid chuckled, letting me go to rub his eyes.

Damon nodded, eyes downward. “That’s likely why each of you felt so uncomfortable around me… and perhaps why my own mother couldn’t seem to stand me.”

“…Damon.”

All of our eyes fell on Calisto, still laying in the sand. Jia was still by her side, though she was leaning on Serena for support. Calisto’s eyes cracked open. “Damon, I’m sorry.”

He slowly dropped to her side, and the rest of us joined him. Sid grabbed my hand again.

Calisto continued, “I was consumed. I just… wanted to find him.”

I had that feeling of bubbles in my chest again that expanded my chest until I let out the words building up inside me. “But that’s no reason to harm countless innocent people. None of us deserved this, least of all Damon.”

Damon shot me a small smile that I returned.

I continued, “Calisto, please let this go. I know it’s hard, but you have a family right here, right now. Let’s go back to the MerCouncil and work this out. We don’t want to fight. But as the Mermaidens, we must keep our kingdoms safe.”

Zoey spoke next. She was covered in burns from Calisto’s trident (and Brynn was still holding the pieces), so she sat carefully. “Calisto, I could help you in your search if you want. Every sea creature listens to me, so we could use them to inspect every piece of sand, every cavern, and every wave around the world. My one condition is that you stop the violence. Poseidon may have ignored your pain, but had you turned to others for help, maybe things would have been different. You can try now though, and I know many people will be glad to see the kind mer you used to be.”

For the first time, I saw a sincere smile tug at Calisto’s lips. And for a brief moment, I saw a flash of the young woman that saved a man and wanted nothing more than to spend time with him and care for the ocean. “Mermaidens… you’re too kind. But I must decline.”

I stiffened at her words. Is she still going to fight us?

“I… won’t be around much longer. I neglected my duty. I… will become one with the sea.”

Damon reached out to grab her hand. His motions were stiff, but I’m sure he’d never had such an opportunity before. “Mother.”

Calisto’s eyes closed, and I watched her fingers tighten around his. “Damon, I wish you all the love… and happiness… that I couldn’t give you.” Her fingers lost their grip, and her muscles relaxed. Little bubbles gathered on her skin, then floated up to the surface. And where the bubbles left, she started to disappear. She was dissolving into sea foam.

Damon’s lips tightened as he fought back his emotions. However, I could feel guilt, anger, and despair wash over me. Jia sat up from Serena’s embrace and placed a comforting hand on Damon’s shoulder.

“It’s okay to cry,” she said quietly. “It’ll make you feel better.”

He ignored Jia until Calisto’s hand had fully dissolved and his was left empty. Then, in anguish, he fell into her arms and cried long and hard while she stroked his hair.

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Crystal and Mermaiden Serena

Mermaiden Crystal

It had been two months since I parted ways with the Mermaidens and returned home. 

The table next to me held a mountain of newly-formed ice daggers. Sid sauntered a ways off, then turned to face me. 

“Crys, can you even hit me from there? I don’t remember your aim being very good—”

I flung a dagger in his direction, soaring right above his head, causing him to shout and duck. “What was that about my aim?” I called.

Sid watched in amazement as the dagger clanked and bounced across the stone floor. His words started slow and gradually became more confident. “I said that you’re lucky you have good aim, but I’m still too fast for you!”

“Uh huh, sure,” I mumbled, grinning, and then called, “Let’s see just how fast you are!”

In rapid succession, I hurled ice daggers at Sid. He dodged, sunk, and threw his body around to avoid each one and pointed his palms at them to melt them with his fire power. While he was busy with that, I crafted thick walls of ice underneath and behind him, eventually closing him in on all sides. He quickly started melting through it, so I swam toward him and forged another dagger in my hand. 

He emerged from the ice just as I lunged at him, dagger first. He yelled and grabbed my wrist, using his power at the same time. I shrieked and yanked my arm back.

Sid knelt next to me as I sunk to the floor. “I’m sorry, Crys, I didn’t mean to burn you! You caught me by surprise and I reacted before I could think.” He tenderly took my hand so he could look at my wrist. There were five distinct, red lines where each of his fingers were. I gasped when he touched it. “Sorry. We’ll get you all wrapped up. At least the water is cold here, so it shouldn’t swell too bad.”

“One of the only perks of being in the Arctic Ocean, huh?” I let out a small laugh to lighten the mood.

Sid swam me over to where we kept a first aid kit and started applying an ointment to the burn. His lips twitched with a smile. “Travelling with Snowflake and her orca pod has taken me all over the world to beautiful and fantastic places, but it doesn’t beat the feeling of being home.”

“Really? I was afraid you’d never come back,” I said as he finished tying off the bandage.

He chuckled. “At the time, I didn’t want to. You know how Dad and I are. But coming back made me realize that I like having a merfamily more than an orca one.”

I nudged him. “Don’t let Snowflake here you say that! You’ll break her heart!”

“That wouldn’t be the first…” he mumbled, but he quickly changed the subject. “But anyway, Crys, your power has changed a lot since I left. Is it your gems from the MerCouncil?”

Sid sat and stared at me as my eyes wandered around the complex architecture of our frozen palace. “I think so. Remember when all I did was create ice sculptures? I made one—oh, I wish you could’ve seen it—of a polar bear cub reuniting with her family, and it was beautiful.”

He smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “I bet it was.”

“But now I feel like I don’t see that beauty anymore. I’ve seen so much evil now that it’s tainted how I view things. I can’t stop thinking about Calisto and how I have to stop her. I don’t think I’ll be able to rest until I do.”

“At least there’s the other Mermaidens. You aren’t doing this alone, you know.”

“I know, but some of them are natural fighters. Mariana, Brynn, and even Waverlee are so tough, and Jia is so brave, and—”

Sid faced me and grabbed my shoulders. “I also remember that it was you who caught Noodles in a block of ice, took care of the bewitched guards in the Mariana Trench, and created the ice weapons the Mermaidens used to defeat Noodles and Calisto. You’ve become so strong, sis!”

I smiled and finally looked him in the eyes. “Thanks, Sid.”

He let go of me and started swimming back to our training area. “Maybe if I train harder, I’ll be as strong as you!”

I gasped and swam after him. “Wait a minute! I’ve only gotten stronger because of the gems from the MerCouncil. Let me give you a few.”

Sid waved me away. “Those were a gift, Crystal. I can’t take those! They weren’t meant for me.”

I quickly pulled three gleaming sapphires from my satchel and held them out to Sid in cupped hands. “Sid, please take them. If you’re going to fight with us, we need your strength.”

“Where would I put them?” he asked. “I’m not going to wear a bedazzled flower in my hair like you.”

I laughed. “What if I made you a belt? And you could keep them in a pocket!”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to take your gems from you.”

I started chasing Sid around the room, the water filled with our laughter. “I have plenty, Sid. Take them!”

Finally, he gave in. “Alright, alright!”

That evening, we sat at a work bench while I pieced together Sid’s new belt. It was navy blue and had several pouches to hold different items. I carefully sewed each piece together while Sid and Pepper watched. 

“It’s going to look so good on you!” I exclaimed. “I bet Waverlee will love your sense of style. Just give me the credit, will you?” I sneakily glanced over to him to see if he’d blush, but his reaction was the opposite. He looked away, head down, and nervously flipped his black fluke back and forth.

“About that…” He looked at me with pleading eyes. “Can you help me, Crys? I think I royally messed up.”

I stopped sewing and gave him my full attention. “What do you mean? What happened?”

He sighed and blew bubbles at the ceiling. Pepper swam up, trying to catch them before they popped. He told me about their disagreement back in the Sea of Japan, finishing with, “And then she just swam away! Just because I don’t know what I want in the future doesn’t mean that I don’t know what I want now!”

I had started stitching a pocket onto the belt while I listened, but I stopped to look Sid in his icy blue eyes. “And what do you want right now, Sid?”

His response got caught in his throat, and his cheeks flushed. Clearing his throat, he muttered, “Um, is it warm in here?”

I elbowed him playfully. “We’re in the Arctic, so no, it’s not warm in here. Out with it! What do you want?”

“I…I want to get to know Waverlee better. She’s spunky and playful, and she has goals, unlike some of the other mermaids I’ve talked to. She seems pretty determined to be queen of the Pacific Kingdom, but—”

“But what? I thought you didn’t want to be king here.”

Sid’s words burst out like water from a broken dam. “I don’t know if I want to be king at all! And if things keep going well with Waverlee… I don’t know. We’re too young to be thinking about that anyway. I just want to have fun in the moment, and I think Waverlee’s expecting too much from me right now.”

I pulled Sid into a hug. “It’s okay to not have every detail of your future planned out.” I then let go and continued, “Waverlee likes to have fun too, you know.”

“I know, but—”

“But,” I interrupted, “Waverlee also has insecurities and worries that you don’t know about, and I won’t tell you what they are. I know that she cares a lot about you, and you should apologize.”

“What did I do wrong though?”

I sighed, “I wouldn’t say that you did anything wrong, but maybe she interpreted something you said differently than you intended. I would apologize for the misunderstanding. I don’t think she’s blameless either, but I think if you talk to her, you’ll understand her more.”

Sid playfully slapped my shoulder. “You sound pretty grown up for someone that’s only 17.”

I shrugged him off. “Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I wish you and Waverlee didn’t like each other. I feel like I just got you back, and I don’t want to share you with anyone. You’re my twin; you know me better than anyone else.”

Sid crept closer and got into my face. “Someone sounds a little jellyfish.” He poked and prodded at me until my frown turned into a smile.

I aimed my sewing needle at his nose. “Do you want your belt or not?”

He laughed. “You know I like to poke fun.”

“I know. I’m still jealous though.”

Sid picked me up and spun me around, causing me to drop the belt and needle. “Don’t worry, Crys! Nothing will ever come between the two of us. You’ll always be my closest friend.”

“Alright, I believe you,” I laughed, pushing him away to go pick up the belt again. I held it up to him. “What do you think? Do you like it?”

He grinned and put it around his waist.

“Oh wait!” I grabbed the three sapphires I’d offered him and put them in the smallest pouch. “How does it feel?”

I watched excitement bubble up inside him. “It feels great! But the real question is…” His words trailed off and his grin turned into a devious smile. He gazed at his hands, then aimed his palms behind him and took off like a torpedo. Intense heat erupted from his hands into millions of tiny bubbles that trailed behind him. Pepper tried to follow him, but the bubbles only forced him further behind Sid.

Sid let his momentum carry him back to me. Still grinning and slightly out of breath, he urged, “Hey, trap me in ice again like you did earlier today.”

“Alright,” I said, backing up and holding my hands out. Thick walls of ice encased Sid.

“Ready?” his muffled voice called out to me.

“For what?”

The ice box exploded. Each wall shot away from him, but melted within seconds to avoid harming me or Pepper. Still, Pepper jumped behind me and peered over my shoulder. 

Sid hovered, grinning at his hands. “You didn’t tell me how good those gems make you feel!”

I shrugged. “You didn’t ask. Aren’t you glad you have them now?”

His eyes pierced me like one of my ice daggers. “I think I’m ready for Calisto.”

“Good,” a voice boomed from the opposite side of the room. We whirled around to see Father in the archway. “Prince Malik has returned to the MerCouncil and requested our immediate presence.”

Mermaiden Serena

The next morning, all of the Mermaidens, MerKings, and MerCouncil members sat together with Prince Malik. 

Like MerKing Caspian, Prince Malik appeared to have transformed since the last time I saw him. His scraggly, long hair seemed fuller, shining in the light, and his once gaunt and angled face had color on his cheeks. 

“Mermaidens,” he greeted us with a soft smile and nodded in acknowledgment to the others in the room. “As I promised, I’m here with information to help you defeat my wife, specifically with the electric weapons she has. She—”

The door cracked, and Seth’s apprentice popped his head through the doorway. “MerCouncil, Damon would like to join the meeting. He wants to assist the Mermaidens as well.”

Malik’s eyes widened, and the muscles in his shoulders dropped slightly. He looked to the council members with apprehension and waited for their response. 

Without hesitation, Seth answered, “Of course. Let him in.”

With his eyes to the ground, Damon entered the room. I briefly saw father and son’s eyes meet, and their faces said it all. It was a combination of despair, shame, and embarrassment, though I believe there was love in Malik’s gaze too.

“Thank you for joining us,” Malik said softly, his smile forming thin lines around his eyes. “Now, Mermaidens, back to my travels. I’ll admit that my memory is fuzzy from Calisto’s many spells, but my tail took me to a beach in the Mediterranean Sea, where I met a group of humans Calisto has associated with for decades.”

I gasped.

“These humans manufactured her electric weapons, and in return, she gave them secrets and power to overcome their enemies. I’ll admit, they weren’t too happy to see me without her as I wanted a lot of information without anything to give. I… lied to them about what I had to offer, actually, and narrowly escaped with my life.”

“Oh my!” Crystal exclaimed.

Malik bowed his head toward her and replied, “But I escaped, didn’t I? I promised Your Highnesses that I’d help you defeat Calisto, and here I am. Now, here’s the secret to disarm her—”

The meeting left me feeling the most hopeful I’d ever felt about the whole Calisto situation. We were so close to ending it! The thought of returning to a peaceful home and seeing Leon again made my heart skip.

But don’t get too far ahead of yourself. We haven’t defeated her yet, I reminded myself. 

“Well, I don’t know about you lasses,” Brynn started, “but I’m feeling much more confident about facing Calisto now.”

“Me too!” Zoey exclaimed, and the rest of us quickly agreed. 

Destiny added, “And this time, we don’t have to destroy any gems first!”

“We’ve got our own to help us too,” Crystal stated.

Jia looked into her satchel as if reminding herself where she placed hers, and she immediately started digging through it frantically.

“Jia, what’s wrong?” Mariana asked.

Her eyes met ours with terror. “I made sure I had my gems with me when Father and I left, but I can’t find them. I might have misplaced them.”

I rifled through my bag as well, dread spreading through my chest. “I… I can’t find mine either.”

Everyone else grew more distraught as they looked for theirs. No one knew where their gems had gone.

“What happened?” Mariana demanded, looking past all of us and into a hallway. Before we could answer, she dove through the door, quickly unsheathing her knife. “Okay. No one’s spying on us,” she stated before coming back. “But something’s fishy. We all had our gems when we got here, but now they’re gone? We’ll need to investigate because I know we’ve all grown a lot, but I don’t want to face Calisto without them.

We all fervently agreed. 

The realization dawned on me, and I quickly turned to Jia. “Do you remember when Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Raine told us?”

She bit her lip. “Which part?”

I hushed my voice to say, “The part where Calisto has eyes here. And the part where she said I may have to disguise myself around here.”

The rest of the Mermaidens’ mouths dropped open.

“Sorry, we forgot to tell you.” Jia smiled shyly. “It was right before we left for the Sea of Japan when Calisto attacked.”

“That’s brilliant!” Waverlee exclaimed. “Let me send out some waves to see if they’re still in the castle.”

We all watched as the water ripped through the room and split down the hallway to the different areas of the palace.

None of us moved for several minutes, watching for the slightest disturbance in the water. Finally, the wave came back, and we all watched Waverlee’s surprisingly calm expression.

“They’re here! In the west wing of the palace, on the third floor, through the second door on the left.”

Relieved, we all encircled Waverlee in a group hug. 

“Alright,” Brynn said, “Serena, we’ll go all the way there with you. We’ll play games and have fun so no one suspects us and distract anyone nearby so you can get into the room.”

“Good idea,” I laughed nervously. “I’m kind of scared, actually.”

Everyone turned the group hug onto me. “You can do it!” Crystal encouraged. “You’re so good at camouflaging!”

“Okay, let’s do it now before I lose my courage.” I stiffened up, and the girls let me go.

Starting with my fluke and working up to my hair, I enveloped my body in a swirling rainbow until the hues blended to match my surroundings. I kept to the wall as the others adopted loud and boisterous demeanors as they swam down the hall. 

Amid the giggles, Zoey turned to Sid. “Hey, remember when we all tackled you out here?” she laughed. 

He smirked. “Oh, you mean that time when you didn’t give me a fair chance? I won’t be forgetting anytime soon, Your Highness. Not until I get you back!” 

He nudged her elbow and swam closer to Crystal. I thought Waverlee would be close to him, but she wasn’t. In fact, her face flashed pursed lips and glaring eyes before she quickly donned a wide smile and laughed and Brynn’s joke. 

Finally, we came to the large hallway that housed the room we were looking for. The water was empty and somewhat cold. Brynn motioned for everyone to stand in front of the door, and she swam a ways away. 

“Ready for a game of skittles, mates?” She grinned big as a large ball of light filled her palms.

“Oh, boy,” Jia whispered to Destiny while laughing nervously.

Brynn hurled the glowing ball at the group, and Mariana, who was the centermost pin at the front, braced herself for the impact. As the ball rolled into Mariana’s fluke, it exploded into millions of shards that lit the hallway up brighter than I had seen the sun above the surface. Everyone flew in different directions, giggling as they drifted to the floor.

Brynn threw up her arms in victory and let out a fierce battle cry.

While the light was still bright, the door opened. I swiftly tucked myself into the room without touching the merman in the doorway. I slid along the wall until I had a clear view of everything. 

Five MerCouncilors huddled together on the far side of the room, and the sixth growled at the loud merfolks in the hall. “Your Highnesses, please move your seahorseplay to another part of the palace. Some of us have other duties to attend to.”

They were quick to apologize, and the councilor closed the door.

Seth and Ian were the two councilors I knew the names of. Another was the ancient woman that told us previously about Calisto’s picky eating. The other two had rarely spoken up during our meeting.

The one that returned to the door had heavy eyebrows and a dark beard. The other was another old woman with plaited silver hair and sagging eyes. 

“Do you think they’ve found us out?” the latter asked the first.

Seth interjected, “Impossible. They don’t have any clues to trace back to us.”

The other woman said, “But what if Darek or Raine said something?”

A chill ran down my spine, and I focused on keeping my breathing low and steady.

Ian rested a hand on her arm. “They know they’ll meet the same end as Aldric if they breathe a word to anyone.”

“Ian is right,” Seth stated. “Besides, none of us is a match for Lady Calisto, so our story was merely a half-truth. You needn’t worry.”

“And what of the gems?” the one with the large eyebrows asked.

My nails were digging into the wall, and I had to remind myself to relax. As I let out a breath, a few bubbles came out. Oh no.

Seth saw the bubbles. He quickly arose, and the others watched him intently. Slower than a sea slug, I inched away as he came close. His nose was maybe half a meter from mine, and he rubbed a hand down the wall.

After a moment, he shrugged and turned away. “It must’ve been my imagination. Forgive me.”

They all nodded as he returned to his seat. 

Seth continued. “The Mermaidens will certainly be on the hunt for their gems when they discover that they’re missing, but the ruckus in the hall shows that they’re too busy being kids to notice. If the tide’s in our favor, they won’t notice until they come face to face with Lady Calisto.”

“Because I’m the youngest,” Ian added, “I should be the one to take the gems to her. I can swim swiftly for long periods of time and get them to her faster than anyone else.”

They nodded again.

“It’s settled then,” Seth said, placing a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “Ian will leave at midnight with the gems while the others are asleep. By the time the Mermaidens awake, they’ll be in Lady Calisto’s hands. Ian, keep the gems in here and lock the door behind you when we leave. Keep the key on your person at all times. I doubt any of those kids will come meddling around here again, but this is just to be safe.”

They each bowed to each other and murmured, “For Lady Calisto and her vision,” before getting up and leaving the room.

I waited an achingly long time—I’m not sure how many minutes passed—before I released my magic and slid to the floor. I was cold and clammy, and my breaths were fast and heavy.

The council is behind this… The council is working with Calisto. I can’t believe it. They’ve been on her side this whole time!

I whispered to myself to gather my thoughts. “So I’ll take the gems, return them to their owners, and tell Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Raine! We have to stop this!”

I hurriedly shoved the pouch with all our gems into my bag. Thankfully, the door didn’t lock from the inside, and I disguised myself as I peeked down the hall. Empty, thank Poseidon.

I barreled down the hallway and through the palace, colors flying off of me as my disguise wore off. After a few minutes, I ran right into Destiny, knocking her back into Waverlee, and they both fell to the ground. 

Their eyes were wide as they looked at my face, no doubt seeing panic written all over it. The others in our group rushed over.

Before they could say anything, I breathlessly commanded, “To Darek and Raine. Now.”

They flanked my sides as we tore down the halls again, causing a few assistants to dive out of the way. I’d normally feel bad, but this was crazy. I thought I was scared facing Calisto, but knowing she had this powerful force backing her was even scarier. The MerWorld as I knew it would crumble if we didn’t end this right now.

Jia waved the guards aside as we approached Darek and Raine’s room. I shoved my way through the door to see MerCouncilor Seth and MerKing Murdoch before Darek’s bed. The water was tense, but our loud intrusion caught them off guard.

MerKing Murdoch spoke up first. “Lasses, what are you—”

I interrupted by pointing an accusing finger at MerCouncilor Seth. “Your Majesty, the MerCouncil has committed the highest degree of treason by serving the sea witch, Calisto.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Mariana

My eyes were closed, but I could feel the deep blue of the ocean pressing against my eyelids. I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart and relax all the muscles in my body. I rolled my head around my shoulders and shook the excess tension out of my arms.

Then, my right hand tightened around my knife and my eyes flew open. “Ready!”

Two guards rushed in from my left and right. The one on the left thrust a spear at me, causing me to dive to the side and deflect the blade with my own. My other arm pushed the shaft away to make an opening for a jab.

The merman jumped back just in time for the other to wrap a rope around my torso and arms. “Gotcha!” he laughed.

Not quite. I flipped myself upside down and whacked him in the face with my teal fluke. One of his hands let go of the rope to hold his nose, leaving him wide open for an attack. 

“Ha!” I yelled, going in for a punch with my left hand.

He dodged, still covering his nose, and the other guard lunged with the spear again. I ducked and stretched out to slice at his tail, but I couldn’t get close enough to hit my mark. 

Wasted effort, I thought. Now I’m open to attacks on both sides. Time to try it again.

Both guards pounced at the same time. I quickly sheathed my weapon and directed an open palm to each of them. I focused on the power within me and pushed it outward. A couple of ripples started from my palms and expanded toward the two. “Stop now,” I demanded.

The spear-user stumbled mid-thrust, and the other barreled into him. They groaned and settled in the sand of the courtyard. I could feel the disappointment emanating from them, and I didn’t blame them. I was disappointed too.

Sighing, I stated, “You’re still going too easy on me. You need to actually try to cause harm.”

“But you’re the princess,” the spear-user objected. His deep brown eyes glinted in the light of the lava surrounding the palace. “Our kingdom is already demolished. We can’t have the princess injured at our own hands.”

“But how am I supposed to strengthen my body and my power?” I put my hands on my hips. “There’s no one else here to spar with than the guards who wished to remain in the Mariana Trench.”

I could feel sadness coming from the other merman. “We’ll keep practicing, Princess. Perhaps you ought to spar and use your power separately first so we don’t risk harming you in the beginning.”

My shoulders slumped. He was right. I was getting too far ahead of myself and trying to learn everything at once. I had an inkling of what more I could do with my power beyond feeling other merfolk’s emotions, but I hadn’t quite unlocked it yet. 

“I’ll take that advice to heart; you have my word.” I replied. “Let’s try again.”

A voice carried over from the far end of the courtyard. “You’ve been sparring since lunch, Mariana. Wouldn’t you like a break?”

We all turned to see father and Ricardo the stingray swimming toward us. The guards hastily straightened themselves and pounded left fists on their breastplates to create a dull clang that echoed off the palace’s dark, lava stone walls. 

“At ease, men,” he chuckled. 

They eyed each other nervously before slowly lowering their arms. 

The spear-user said, “If I may, Your Majesty—” Father nodded, so he continued. “The last 19 years have been stolen from us by Calisto’s magic, so we aren’t used to a MerKing that is so… relaxed.” 

His nervousness crept into my subconscious as he hesitated to finish the sentence, afraid that his boldness would bring punishment upon him. However, the look on Father’s face showed that it was the furthest thought from his mind. His brow was soft, eyes warm, and lips turned up slightly.

He responded, “I understand you were one of our newest recruits before the Mariana Kingdom fell, right, Armando? And you as well, Vito?” 

They nodded. 

“I am so sorry for the losses you have borne due to Calisto’s wrath. She worked you to the bone and sapped you of your youth. I, of all merfolk, empathize with you.” He was instinctively prodding the crow’s feet around his eyes with timid fingers. 

I took a breath to speak, but Father continued. “Perhaps that’s why I am, as you say, ‘relaxed.’ I wish to be young again and be the father I couldn’t be to my daughter.” He raised his voice so all in the courtyard could hear. “I suggest you all do the same. Fulfill your duties, but also live your lives. We’ve already lost many years, and I intend to make up for it.”

Each mer in the vicinity bowed their heads out of respect.

Father then turned to me. “That includes you too, dear Mariana.”

I smiled. “Perhaps you’d like to spar with me instead?”

He widened his eyes. “My old tail couldn’t dream of keeping up with you! I’m merely suggesting a casual swim around the grounds.”

Laughing, I responded, “Alright, just give me one more attempt and I’ll be ready.”

Armando and Vito returned to their previous positions, ready for my command. 

“As you said, Vito, no powers this time. Let’s go!”

Instead of waiting for them to rush in, I lunged at Vito, knife first, the pearls inlaid on the hilt glowing a subtle red in the lava light. Vito wasn’t prepared and quickly unsheathed his own knife, barely raising it in time to deflect mine. I took another swipe at him, forcing him to swim backwards across the courtyard. Occasionally, his fluke brushed against the sand. I kept an eye on the specks that danced through the water as they slowly settled again. 

Perhaps…

Vito ducked to avoid another slice.

“Not so fast!” Armando growled.

Just as Armando was about to thrust his spear forward, I scooped up sand with my fluke and flung it into his face. He cried in surprise and lifted his hands to his eyes to protect them.

Quickly, I pulled rope from my belt, dove behind Armando, and wrapped the rope around his arms and face, effectively immobilizing his top half. Armando flopped like a rabid fish to free himself, but my hold was firm.

Vito rushed forward to help, and I directed my knife at Armando’s throat. Vito slowed and held his hands up. 

“You caught me by surprise there, Princess,” Vito admitted. He kept his hands up, torso still, but his amber tail was inching himself toward me.

“Hmph. Didn’t you teach me to surprise an opponent?”

He shrugged and laughed. “You’re right. You’re learning quickly, but is it quick enough?”

His confidence made me uneasy. “Wha—”

Before I could even think, Armando’s seaweed-colored tail bumped my arm that was holding the rope, allowing him to slip away from my knife and grasp. Vito dove after me while Armando retrieved his spear. Vito locked his strong, dark arms around me and pushed me into the sand.

Armando held the tip of his spear between my eyes.

I stopped squirming. “Alright, you beat me. Again.”

They immediately let me go and stood at attention before me, but Armando grinned. “Don’t be too upset, Princess. You had us there for a moment!”

“Yeah. Well, I think I’ll take Father up on that swim now. Same time tomorrow?”

Vito tossed my fallen rope back at me. “Sure thing, Princess. I can’t wait to see what you scheme up next!”

Their enthusiasm made me smile. As I turned tail to swim over to Father, he met me with a grin.

“Well done, Mariana! Taking on two opponents at once isn’t an easy feat.”

I shrugged as we swam to the edge of the courtyard. “True, but I need to be better.”

We exited the gate and several guards tagged along a few tail lengths behind as we swam the perimeter of the palace. The Fortress of Fire truly was a spectacle with its jagged lava rock barriers nestled in the heart of the volcano. Lava glowed beneath us and bioluminescent plants lit the palace windows above.

Ricardo swam lazily around us, occasionally swooping in to nuzzle my arm and look up at me with adoring eyes.

Father noted, “I think Rico’s trying to tell you that you’re too hard on yourself.”

I gave him a half smile and looked down at Rico. “Is that what you’re saying, Pal?”

He rubbed himself down my arm and playfully hit my shoulder with his tail.

Laughing, I responded, “Okay, okay. I get it. I’ll be more patient with myself.”

I could see the contentment in Rico’s eyes at my words, and he continued to swim around us.

Father kept his hands together behind his back as we swam, royal mantle rippling over his shoulders. In the short amount of time he had been reinstated as MerKing of the Mariana Kingdom, his strength continued to come back. His shoulders appeared broader and lean muscles filled out his arms. Even his hair seemed less thin!

“You know, Father, I wish I could have grown up with you. If it weren’t for your scarlet red tail, I’d have a hard time believing we’re actually related!”

His eyes became deep wells of sadness as he looked into mine. “My wish is the same as yours, darling. Oftentimes, I laid in my cell and wondered about you. How you looked, what new things you were experiencing, whether you’d ever learn about your past… I missed so many important phases of your life, but I’m happy to have you now.”

I flashed him a smile. “Yes, at least we have each other now. And look at you! You already look younger and healthier than before!”

He let out a deep laugh that shook his shoulders. “So you’ve noticed the change in my physique since you and your friends freed me from Calisto!”

It felt good to laugh together. “Yes, actually!”

“Well, I’m not the only one. You should pay attention to the members of our military that have been here since before Calisto’s takeover. They have experienced similar results, and I have a theory as to why.”

“Really?”

His smile slowly faded and he sighed, small bubbles escaping his mouth. “Yes, but it’s difficult to explain since you have never been under Calisto’s spell.”

I searched his face. His eyebrows knitted together, forming a deep line between them, and his eyes gazed off into the distance.

“Once you’re under her power, it feels as if your body doesn’t have the energy to keep up with her demands. And fighting against her is incredibly draining. That’s why it’s easier to give in. Fighting almost feels as if… she’s taking your very life energy.”

I was quiet in case he had more to say., and Rico pressed against my side. In that moment, I was aware of how heavily the ocean weighed upon my shoulders at this depth.

“Spending 19 years in a cell was enough to make my body frail, but I think there’s more to it than that. Right before you saved me, I was certain that death was creeping in and would take me. But as soon as you and the Mermaidens broke the spell over the kingdom, my limbs started regaining their strength. I felt… alive… once again.

Though I can’t say for certain, I believe Calisto’s magic is to blame for all the merfolk in the kingdom experiencing accelerated aging. We will have to monitor our changes in the coming months, but I think I’ll be ready to fight soon.”

“But Father—”

“I understand your concern, Mariana, but this is my decision. I should have put an end to all of this when I first noticed her influence on Malik. Although,” he turned to beam at me, his smile accentuating the wrinkles around his eyes, “I’ll be depending on the Mermaidens for help!”

I smiled back. “Of course, Father. We’ll do this together!”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Brynn

“Ah, my head’s mince,” I muttered to myself as I swam toward the coast by myself. Well, Fergus was with me, but his bonnie blubber was much happier chasing orbs of light than listening to my problems.

The setting sun glittered on the cresting waves when we broke the surface, casting everything in a warm glow. Fergus shot out of the water, mouth wide open to catch the next orb, but he narrowly missed and reentered the water with a giant splash. 

“You wee scunner!” I called, diving on top of him in mock annoyance.

He wiggled out of my grasp and eyed me with a defiant look just out of reach. 

“Ah, ye want another orb? Well, go get it, boy!” In one of my hands, a ball of light grew until it was the size of one of those inflatable ones I saw landfolk play with. I launched it across the waves, and it barrelled along the water’s surface past Fergus. 

He jumped, flippers stretched wide, and landed on top of it. Sparks flew in every direction, and Fergus barked with glee.

I smiled. It was good to be back, and it was good to have Fergus by my side again. I glanced down at my right hand, where I was wearing a gold ring inlaid with a shell and one of my power-enhancing emeralds. Three more were in each of the earrings I wore. I wonder what more I can do with my power, I thought. Surely, I’m meant to do more than guide ships.

“Mermaiden Brynn, you shouldn’t act so foolishly.”

Oh, right. I wasn’t alone with Fergus.

The morning after hearing the story of Calla from MerKing Takumi, we gathered to discuss our thoughts and ideas. While the story was interesting, none of us knew how it would help us track down Callisto. So, the MerKing saw fit to send us all home until we received further information.

I was still bleary-eyed from lack of sleep by the time I emerged from the transport caves in the Celtic Sea, but my da was anxious to hear the details of the Sea of Japan’s attack. I filled both my parents in and explained why I was home for the time being. 

Honestly, I think they were relieved to have me away from danger. However, Da put me on ship duty that same night, and he wanted to take extra precautions.

He told me, “You’re a smart lass, Brynn, and tough too, but you have to be careful. If the landfolk in the Mediterranean Sea want to capture one of us, who’s to say they won’t try that here?” 

His way of protecting me was to send two mermen as guards while I watched for lost ships. The one who reprimanded me was a seasoned soldier with ruddy cheeks, graying hair, and a brick red tail. The other was younger, though still many years older than me, with cropped short auburn hair and a silvery gray tail.

“Well you’re as fun as a rainy day,” I retorted. Sighing, I immediately apologized. “But you’re right. I’ll be more careful.”

The older merman smiled and bowed slightly. “You’re growing, lass. You’ll make a fine queen one day.”

I flashed him a toothy smile. “Well, well! And you haven’t seen me in action yet!” Clouds were creeping in and the sun was fading fast. “Looks like we’re in for a long drizzle tonight,” I added.

I was right. The rain didn’t let up all night long, but the sea was relatively calm and the winds mild. Most of the porting ships didn’t need my help, and the ones that did only needed the smallest orbs of light to guide them.

Fergus swam beside me the whole time, nudging me if he felt we swam too close to the crags. I shouted to him over the storm, “I’m a tad rusty, friend! Thanks for your help!” He happily rubbed his body across my arm in response.

The guards kept their distance and remained onlookers while I worked. I’ll admit, I was hoping for a more adventurous night so I could really show them my power, but it was probably for the best. Keeping my light small wouldn’t raise suspicion, but it would be enough to keep the sailors safe.

This is a bit boring compared to fighting Callisto, I mused. What am I supposed to do until we have an idea of her location? Sleep all day and guide ships all night? No, there must be more. I can’t sit idly! I’ll think of something.

“Mermaiden Brynn, it’s hard to tell through the rain, but it’s morning now!” The younger guard reported.

Though the sky was still dark with clouds, there was a wee bit of light behind them. “Well, lad, I think you’re right! Let’s head home.”

Our swim home was quiet, and I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. At one point, I must have fallen asleep because Fergus nudged my elbow right before I swam headlong into a rock.

“Silly me,” I laughed through my exhaustion. “I’ll just need a little shut-eye and I’ll be good as new!”

I felt slow as a sea slug all the way up to my room. However, I couldn’t help the excitement pouring out of me when I saw my clamshell bed, whittled driftwood trinkets, and purple seaweed plants. 

There was something new on my bedside table though. “Oh, what’s this?” I exclaimed, forgetting about sleep.

It was a starfish hairpin with a folded note from Finn. My heart started pounding and I felt my face turning red. I quickly unfolded the note and read its contents.

Brynn,

Welcome home! It’s good to have you back. Fergus tailed me the whole time you were gone, and I’m sad to report that he’s not cut out for stonework. He’ll be much happier guiding lost ships with you!

I’m glad to hear you’re safe (though I wasn’t worried about a strong lassie like you!), and I can’t wait to hear about your latest adventures. I’ll be working on the stone military barracks—we’re ramping up security around here—so come find me when you’re ready! Just don’t tell anyone else about my whereabouts. That Darcy girl hasn’t given me a chance to breathe since you left, and I don’t want her to find me anytime soon.

I’ve missed you and can’t wait to see you,

Finn

P.S. I fashioned the hairpin for you. I told you I wouldn’t forget about that starfish!

By the time I finished reading, I realized there was a grin as wide as the sea on my face. I picked up the hairpin and examined it. It was a gorgeous purple sea star with tiny, swirling pearls decorating it. 

Quickly, I removed the flower from my hair and replaced it with the starfish. I turned to Fergus and said, “It’s beautiful, and it matches my top! Although, it doesn’t match my hair very well. Hah, that lug must have not thought about my fiery locks! I’ll have to tease him for it later.”

I yawned and sank into the blankets on my bed. “But for now… I’ll sleep.”

Fergus with his silky skin nestled up beside me, but the final thought on my mind was the last time I saw Finn. I had hugged him so tightly and his arms were strong and secure. I think—I think I could stay there forever.

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Waverlee

MerKing Takumi sat at the head of a square stone table, his caramel-colored cloak rippling in the water. 

His face looks as lifeless as the table, I sighed to myself, leaning forward to rest my chin in my hand. I feel more like I’m going to get a lecture than an old fable! I flipped my fluke back and forth, creating tiny whirlpools beneath the table. No wonder Jia is always so serious.

I frowned slightly. That’s no way to think! I love Jia, and I’m so grateful for her and the other Mermaidens. I sighed. It’s just stress, that’s all it is. If I don’t catch a break, my skin is going to start breaking out. 

I let out another deep breath, letting go of the tension in my body and pushing my shoulders back. I hope I can go home soon. That would be nice. Hm… but that means I probably wouldn’t be able to see Sid. 

Sid was sitting on my right, and Crystal sat on the other side of him. Since we had gathered together to save the MerCouncil, that’s how we were, flanking Sid’s sides at all times. Right now, Sid also didn’t seem very excited to sit and listen to others talk again, but he kept his pale blue eyes on Takumi’s face. 

I lowered my eyes to see his left hand dangling next to me. Should I hold his hand right now? My hand twitched in response, as if already deciding what to do. No… now’s not the time. I’ll talk to him after this. I clenched my fidgeting hand and focused on MerKing Takumi again.

Though the King’s face was unemotional, his dark brown eyes seemed to hold a bottomless pool of knowledge. “Mermaidens, and Obsidian, of course,” he started. “This is a tale known in all the kingdoms. In fact, my nursemaid told me this story when I was young. It’s been passed down for centuries to teach young merfolk to abandon acts of revenge. What we know of Calisto brought this story to my mind, so listen carefully.”

Calla lived on an island and spent her days cultivating ocean life. The animals loved her, and the coral around her island flourished. Like many of the ocean goddesses and nymphs, her fulfillment came from the companionship of her finfriends. 

“It sounds like a utopia,” MerKing Takumi interjected. “I’m sure many of you have found similar joy in your daily lives because you have established relationships with the merfolk and sea creatures in your respective kingdoms.”

Everyone around the table nodded, including me. But Calla’s life does sound a bit boring, I thought. Could I spend every day with Bubbles and no one else? Probably not. I continued to flip my fluke under the table and kept listening.

One day, there was a terrible storm. A fisherman had been caught in it, and his boat was destroyed. Calla’s finfriends rescued him before he drowned and placed him on the shore of her island. She took him into her home and nursed him back to health. She only planned to help the man and send him back to his home as soon as he was able to sail again, but Fate had another plan in store.

“What was it?” Serena asked, eyes full of wonder.

Takumi smiled, eyes roaming the room until they fell on her. “They fell in love.”

There was a collective “awwww” around the table, but I saw Mariana fold her arms and sit back in her seat. Zoey elbowed Mariana’s side and remarked, “Oh, come on, mate! Everyone loves a good love story!”

Mariana allowed herself a small smile but kept her gaze on the MerKing.

I glanced over at Sid, who was also sneaking a glance at me. My face grew hot, and I couldn’t suppress my giggles.

Thankfully, Takumi was ready to continue.

The man had no desire to return to the human world and asked to stay with Calla. She had never spent so much time with someone, let alone a human, but she thoroughly enjoyed his company. With Poseidon’s approval, the two married and spent decades together in harmony.

Because Calla was a sea goddess, she didn’t age as the years passed. She couldn’t bear the thought of life without her love, so she used her power to extend her husband’s life. He was not immortal, but she effectively kept him from growing older.

Then, Calla’s finfriends brought news from the distant mainland. The humans there were at war and had harmed one of Poseidon’s sons in the process. Legends portray Poseidon’s ill temper time and time again, and this instance was no different. His anger caused mighty storms and earthquakes, which started to harm the sea itself.

After several days, Calla’s husband decided to set sail and confront Poseidon. He planned to talk some sense into the angry god for the sake of the ocean’s health. She begged him to stay. She was afraid of how he would fare during the storm and how Poseidon would react to a human’s advice. However, her pleading didn’t convince him, and he set out.

Less than a full day after his departure, the sea calmed. Calla urged her finfriends to bring her word of her husband and what had transpired between Poseidon and the human’s war. For days, she waited by the shore, plagued by a pain in her heart that she’d never felt before. 

Calla started to fear that her husband was never going to return because she hadn’t received any word regarding him. All she knew was that the human war had moved further inland and was no longer a threat to ocean life. Distraught, she sought an audience with Poseidon.

Because she was a minor sea goddess, Calla could live on land and in the sea. Her legs bound together to form a fin, and she swam to Poseidon’s gem and coral palace on the ocean floor. 

The god of the sea was still in a foul mood from the war, so he was calloused to Calla’s plea for aid. She asked for help finding her husband, reminding Poseidon that he was only trying to help keep the sea safe. However, Poseidon could only think of the evil in humans and refused. All logic failed against his stubbornness. 

Calla’s despair morphed into anger, and she threatened to abandon her post as the sea’s caretaker. Not only was she going to leave the sea’s health to the whims of Fate as she searched for her husband, but she offered one more threat to Poseidon.

“You may think that the loss of my husband is equal trade for the harm to your son, but I will maim the rest of your children 10,000-fold and tear the oceans apart until I find him.”

“As you know, we merfolk are the descendants of Poseidon. The legend ends with Calla wandering the ocean for centuries, never finding her husband. Her abandonment of duty and quest to harm Poseidon only led to the pain and suffering of countless people. Our ancestors oftentimes attributed mysterious disappearances and deaths of merfolk with Calla’s anger.”

MerKing Takumi paused and watched each of us around the table. Everyone’s faces had furrowed brows and small frowns. I assumed they were like me and weren’t sure what to think. 

Zoey’s voice was hesitant. “So… do you think… Calla and Calisto are related?”

“Like… blood-related?” I asked.

“No, no. Just that the story is similar.”

I let out a small giggle to laugh off the embarrassment of taking it so literally. “Oh.”

MerKing Takumi responded, “Mermaiden Zoey, I’m not sure. It’s merely an old merfolk tale, but I can’t shake the similarities between the two.”

“I’m going to need to think about this story for a while,” Mariana stated. “Is it okay if we take a break?”

Takumi nodded. “Take some time to yourselves before you retire to bed.”

The rest of the Mermaidens started pairing up as they left, probably so they had someone to chat with and process everything. I quickly turned to Sid. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Crystal, who was still at his side, glanced between the two of us. She reached out to squeeze his hand and stated, “I’ll be with Jia if you need me.” 

Sid and I swam down an empty hallway that overlooked a courtyard where several of the Mermaidens had gathered. Mariana and Destiny looked to be in a serious conversation, whereas Zoey, Brynn, and Serena seemed to be outlining a new game. Jia and Crystal must have taken another route.

I wasn’t sure if I should hold Sid’s hand or not, so I kept my arms folded across my chest. I thought back to when Crystal witnessed our first kiss, and how embarrassing it was for someone else to realize that I wasn’t always as confident as I seemed.

“So, what’d you think of that story?” Sid asked, holding his arms above his head to stretch.

I let out a nervous giggle. “Oh, I don’t know. I mean, there are similarities, sure. But I’m not sure how it would help us find Calisto and take her down.”

“I’m with ya, Waverlee,” he agreed and turned to face me. The corners of his mouth were turned up just barely, and he reached out to grab one of my hands. 

A grin spread across my face, and we turned to watch the others in the courtyard, fingers intertwined. His hand felt rugged but warm. I inched a bit closer so that our arms were touching.

“So, Sid…” I hesitated and looked up at his face.

His blue eyes were like the waves back home: bright and full of adventure. He looked down his shoulder. “Hm?”

This is one of the moments I told the girls about! This is the perfect opportunity to kiss him. I imagined Destiny’s surprised shriek and Jia’s embarrassed blush if I told them about this. But then I remembered Crystal’s “Ew!” from before.

I broke the gaze and stared back into the courtyard. “Once this is all over… once Calisto is defeated, and we all go back home… what happens? To us, I mean.”

I sneaked a glance back up at Sid’s face. He was looking out at the courtyard again. His jaw had stiffened, but his hold on my hand was still soft. 

Afraid of what he would say, I kept talking. “Obviously, we’ll still have studies and learning more about the royal court, as well as preparing to take our parents’ places—”

Sid’s grip tightened, so I stopped.

He let out a sigh. “I don’t know, Waverlee. I already told my parents that Crystal should be heir to the throne because I don’t want it. But I also don’t know if I want to go back to the Orca pods. Can’t we just enjoy what we have at the moment and not worry about the future yet?”

“So are you going to talk to other mermaids after this? Crystal said that you used to—” I knew I shouldn’t have asked, but it was one of those thoughts that just popped into my head like a bubble and came out of my mouth immediately after. 

Sid let go of me and groaned in frustration. “Man, why does it matter what happened in the past? I was just having fun—”

Then it was my turn to get frustrated. “Just having fun? Is that all this is to you?” I could feel my bones rattle as anger bubbled up inside of me.

His whole body was rigid. “No, Waverlee, that’s not what I meant! I just—I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m saying right now.” He dropped his arms and head in defeat.

I could feel my eyes welling with tears, but I didn’t want Sid to see them. “Well, maybe we should each take some time to figure out what we want.” 

I turned and swam away before he could say anything else. As I turned the corner, I saw Sid sulking against the wall.

“Oh, Waverlee, you dunce,” I groaned.

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Jia

By the time we left Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Raine, Father had our things ready to depart. The other MerKings were going back to their respective kingdoms, but they encouraged the Mermaidens to accompany us to the Sea of Japan. 

I witnessed many tender moments as fathers embraced their daughters and firmly instructed them to return home safely. A tear carved a path down MerKing Delmar’s cheek as he held Serena in his arms, and he quickly wiped it away before she could see it.

MerKing Orion clasped Crystal’s and Sid’s shoulders with rough hands, eyes glistening. He drew them into a hug at the same time and squeezed. 

“Come on, Dad,” Sid wheezed, struggling to free himself. “We’ll be fine, I promise!”

Orion only held him tighter.

MerKing Lyron sent a company of soldiers from his army with us, including Amani, just in case. Father was quick to thank him and vowed to send them back as soon as possible. 

As soon as everyone finished their goodbyes, we were swimming swiftly to the transport caves. The light of the palace faded behind us, and I only briefly glanced behind me. Poseidon, please keep them safe until we return.

I had been trying to keep logic at the forefront of my mind, but panic was spreading fast. I could only imagine the worst. I had healed many people since my power manifested as a young girl, but I had never seen anything as bad as Mariana after the shark attack and Darek and Raine after Calisto escaped. What state will Mother be in when we arrive?

My eyes watered, but I quickly blinked them away and swam even faster. Don’t think about that, Jia, I told myself. Everything is going to be okay. It has to be.

“Jia, let the rest of us catch up!” Waverlee called from behind. 

I hadn’t realized that I’d swam much farther ahead of everyone. I slowed a bit, but the movement felt far too slow. I wanted to go faster and faster at breakneck speed until I was certain Mother and the rest of the kingdom was alright.

As they caught up to me, Father swam close to my side. “We’ll do this together, daughter. We’re a more formidable force together than apart.”

I sniffed and fought the urge to cry. Nodding, I responded, “You’re absolutely right, Father. Yes, let’s do this together.”

As the darkness of the cave enveloped us, I felt arms hook through my own, and the water rippled around me as tails pushed through the water together. I pulled the two mermaids next to me closer and gripped their arms tighter. 

Thank you.

Emerging on the other side, I had to squint my eyes to protect them from the light. Once I could see, I realized that Destiny and Brynn were the ones who swam beside me. The other Mermaidens had latched onto their arms so that we swam in a long line together. 

Brynn smiled at me. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

On the other side of me, Destiny added, “We won’t leave your side, Jia!”

I allowed myself to offer a small smile back to them.

The other Mermaidens offered words of encouragement, speaking over one another. 

“Ladies, fall back a bit, okay?” Sid interrupted and swam ahead just as the Caribbean soldiers came to the front to lead us to the palace. Each soldier held their weapon at the ready, prepared to strike at a moment’s notice. 

“Right, mates,” Zoey murmured. “Get ready.”

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but it seemed to be stuck. 

As we came upon the outskirts of the city, the water was empty of merfolk and fish. It made the water eerily quiet, and our procession felt too loud. 

Waverlee glanced around in all directions. “You know, this looks a lot like my kingdom when I headed home after the conch shell horn sounded a few days ago.”

Father responded, “We have conch shell horns as well, Mermaiden Waverlee. Everyone should be in their homes, waiting until it’s safe to come out.”

“But why are the fish hiding too?” Crystal asked. We passed a field of coral and spotted butterflyfish wading in the shadows.

“I wonder if they can sense the evil here,” Zoey suggested.

“I don’t doubt that,” Father replied. “The conch shell horn is also partly to blame. Anciently, our people used the horn as we hunted fish because it disoriented them. However, they had to stop this practice when humans started consuming more seafood. Several species were declining, and they saw it best that we refrain from eating fish.”

I had heard this information from Father previously, but it was apparent that the others were unaware. 

“You know, I’ve always wondered why we didn’t eat fish,” Waverlee stated. “Seaweed is just sooo boring sometimes!”

A few of the Mermaidens giggled, but it sounded forced. I appreciated Waverlee trying to lighten the mood, but it didn’t feel right at the moment. We had no idea if anyone was hurt yet.

For the first time in a while, Mariana spoke up. “Destiny, Waverlee, will you use your powers? Tell us if there’s anything ahead that we should be concerned about.”

The two nodded, and Destiny started softly singing.

The ebb and flow

Beats against the shore

Without regard for friend or foe

Without feeling sore

Go, ebb and flow

Chase the gloom away

Bring the change and bring the tide low

And keep fear at bay

As Destiny’s voice trailed off, Waverlee turned to me and the rest of the Mermaidens. “My waves show that the outside of the palace is clear. No one is around.”

We all turned to Destiny. She sighed and dropped her gaze to the sandy ground. “Calisto isn’t here either.”

Everyone let out groans at another failed capture, but I looked to Father before reacting. His face was calm and smooth. It was without fear.

“Relax, Mermaidens. This attack was brief, meaning she likely didn’t find what she was looking for. However, damage can be dealt quickly. Let’s hasten to the palace.”

The soldiers in front of us burst through the front doors, and we followed, ready to attack if need be. However, we came face to face with my kingdom’s army. Spears pointed forward, they prepared to defend the palace once again. When they saw Father and I come to the front, they lowered their weapons.

“MerKing Takumi!” The general approached us and bowed. 

Before Father could open his mouth, I asked, “Where are the wounded? Let me tend to them.”

The merman turned his bow to me. “Of course, Your Highness. They’re with MerQueen Yui. Tetsu, Takeshi, please escort them to the Queen.” He then turned to Father and added, “We will continue to patrol the palace in case Calisto returns.”

“Thank you.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank you, Poseidon. Mother’s tending to the wounded. That means she’s okay.

The two soldiers announced us as we entered the makeshift infirmary. Mother had placed cushions and blankets on the floor for each injured soldier, which didn’t appear to be more than two dozen. Groans filled the room as many of them vocalized their pain.

I started toward them, but Mother caught me in an embrace. The tension in my body melted away and I sank into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re safe,” I whispered.

“Me too, daughter.” She released me but kept one arm around my shoulders. “As you can see, I’ve tended to them to the best of my abilities. However, your garden is a bit bare now.”

I approached one soldier with small brown leaves wrapped around his arm. “This plant… Mother, were they burned?” I turned to face her and realized she also had pink splotches on her arms and ruby tail. I gasped. “You’re burned too!” Quickly rummaging through my satchel, I pulled out a clamshell filled with a salve made from the same plant.

“Don’t worry about me, Jia,” Mother responded. “We need to discuss what happened first.”

I paused, arms slowly falling to my sides. “Alright, Mother.”

“Yes, Yui, please inform us what happened.” Father reached out to gently hold her hand.

She squeezed his hand and let go. “Thanks to your warning, we were prepared. All the merfolk stayed indoors, except for the army. One platoon caught Calisto after forcing her way into our library. They surrounded her and attempted to catch her, but she held a weapon. It looked like a trident, but it emitted an electrical force that burned all the mers closest to her. I arrived with another platoon to retrieve the wounded, and she sent out another wave.”

Mother sighed. “Before we could recover, she was gone.”

“So she was looking for information,” Mariana concluded.

Mother nodded. “Unfortunately, we intervened before she could even pull a scroll from the shelf, so we don’t know what sort of information she’s seeking.”

“Unfortunate, indeed,” Father agreed.

I offered a smile. “But at least you’re all safe.”

“Yes. There were no casualties. We’re very fortunate.”

Brynn folded her arms. “So we’re back to square one then. We have no idea what her plan is, what she’s looking for, or where she’s going next.”

“Wait.”

We all turned to Zoey, who had pursed her lips and furrowed her brow. 

“MerKing Takumi, what legend were you talking about with the MerCouncil? Do you think it could help us now?”

He offered a small smile. “It might, Zoey. Let’s make sure everyone here is alright first, and then we’ll talk.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Serena

Damon’s interrogation was long and exhausting, and the MerCouncil was disappointed that Damon didn’t have more information on Calisto. He didn’t know anything about the map, what it represented or what Calisto’s plans were. MerCouncilor Seth asked question after question, trying to rephrase the same ones for more specific answers. His voice gradually dropped lower as it went on, an obvious sign of frustration. Damon’s answers became tired as he repeatedly told Seth that he didn’t know or wasn’t sure. 

Finally, my father put an end to it. “MerCouncilor Seth, it’s obvious that Damon isn’t giving us any helpful information. This is a waste of our time. I’d much rather spend my energy protecting my kingdom from the landfolk that want to capture one of us.” He then turned to MerKing Takumi. “And I’m sure our friends in the Sea of Japan would like to protect themselves as well.”

Seth stopped and faced the oceans’ royalty, who were all nodding in agreement. “Very well. The council is dismissed and Your Highnesses may make your preparations to leave in the morning.”

Everyone swam their separate ways, but I spotted Jia asking where MerCouncilors Darek and Raine were resting. I caught up to her and lightly grabbed her hand. “Do you mind if I come with you? I was so scared before, but I want to see them now that they’re doing better.”

Jia’s amethyst eyes lit up. “Of course, Serena! They’ll be glad to have some visitors!”

Two guards barred the entrance to the room Darek and Raine occupied, but they swam aside as soon as they saw Jia approaching. With a slight bow, they acknowledged us. “Mermaidens.”

I turned back to smile at them before entering the room. 

The two seniormost MerCouncil members lay in beds next to each other. Darek was awake and turned his head toward us. “Mermaidens Jia and Serena.” He started to smile but immediately winced. 

Jia swam quickly to his side and offered a small smile. “No need to expend more energy than you have,” she gently scolded him and started examining his head wound.

Coming closer, I smiled at him. “I’m glad to see that you’re awake, Chancellor Darek.”

His long white beard twitched with his mouth as the corners turned up again to chuckle. “I wish I could say the same, Your Highness.”

“You’re lucky,” Jia stated, applying more salve to his head. “Had we come any later, I don’t know if you’d be as well as you are.”

Darek’s smile faded. “And I have you to thank for that, Jia. It seems that your gems truly have  enhanced your already extraordinary healing abilities.”

“You’re welcome, Chancellor.” Jia’s smile turned sad as her eyes dropped to the floor. 

I made eye contact with Darek, then turned to Jia. “You may not believe it, Jia, but you really are a master! Your power is incredible!”

Jia returned my gaze, too humble to respond. “I should check on MerCouncilor Raine,” she mumbled and swam over to her.

While Jia examined Raine, Darek turned to me. “What about you, Mermaiden Serena? What aspects of your power have you discovered since receiving the gems?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Nothing too much, Chancellor Darek. I mostly see myself as an artist, so there isn’t much my power can do when fighting Calisto.”

“That’s not what I was asking, child. Your power holds more value than being able to fight. Show me what you’ve discovered.”

I knew he was right, but I couldn’t help but feel inadequate to help capture Calisto again. The other Mermaidens had useful powers when fighting, and I was just the artist. I had to use Crystal’s ice daggers to attack Noodles the last time, and I only had basic training from Amani to use a spear. My ability was pretty useless compared to the others. 

But there was the time when I—

“Right! Take a look at this, Chancellor.”

Darek pushed his body up to a sitting position on his bed as a rainbow of colors swirled from my fingertips. I started at the tips of his fluke and worked up his tail so that it matched the colors of the blankets beneath him. 

To the Chancellor, it must have looked as if his tail was disappearing before his eyes! He gasped and clutched the blankets. “Serena, this is spectacular! I’ve only seen such camouflage from Damon’s cuttlefish, Noodles.”

I grinned at his praise. “This is what I did when we freed the Mariana Kingdom from Calisto’s grasp. It helped us sneak around the palace without alerting the bewitched guards.”

Chancellor Darek loosened his grip on the blankets when I waved a hand to dissipate the color from his tail. “Splendid! You truly have a gift, Mermaiden Serena. Never doubt it again.”

“I—t-thank you, Chancellor.” 

I dropped my eyes to the floor and closed my hands into fists. See, Serena, you’re not useless, I told myself. I have something to offer. We would have never destroyed Calisto’s gems had I not been there, and I’m a necessary part of taking her down next time.

A dry voice interrupted my internal pep talk. “You’ll need that gift for more than Calisto, Mermaiden.”

Surprised, Chancellor Darek and I turned to look at MerCouncilor Raine’s bed. Jia was applying a salve to Raine’s arm, and Raine had turned her head to us, icy blue eyes glittering.

“You’re awake!” I exclaimed.

“Yes, child, but do not worry about my health. I’m only grateful I survived to help you further.” She tried to sit up, but Jia stopped her.

“You don’t have the strength for that! You need to rest!”

Raine shrugged off Jia’s helping hands, eyes glued to mine. “Serena, you may find a need to disguise yourself in this palace at times.”

I immediately thought back to us sneaking around to speak with Damon and tensed up. Breaking Raine’s stare so she couldn’t see my guilt, I looked to Jia. Her small lips frowned slightly as she watched Raine’s face with an analytical gaze. She inherited that look from her father.

I looked back to Raine. “What do you mean?”

Chancellor Darek cleared his throat, causing each of us to turn to him. “She means that Calisto’s eyes are still here in the form of—”

The door burst open, bringing into view MerCouncilors Seth, Ian, and the older woman who spoke in the council previously.

“Mermaidens, come quick!” Seth urged. “Calisto has attacked the Sea of Japan.”

I gasped, mouth open like a fish, and immediately turned to Jia. Though we had known this was a possibility, it felt unreal. Even Jia looked shocked. Chancellor Darek and MerCouncilor Raine shared a knowing glance and remained still in their beds.

Then, Jia tightened her jaw and straightened her back. “In a moment, MerCouncilors. I’ll finish caring for MerCouncilor Raine, and then I’ll be right out.”

Seth’s eyes darted from Darek to Raine and finally settled back on Jia. “Very well, Your Highness, but please work quickly.”

He bowed himself out of the door to leave us alone, and Jia finished rubbing the salve onto Raine’s arm.

“Mermaidens,” Darek whispered, causing each of us to look at him. His aged face was wary and alert. “If you can, please leave some of your soldiers here to guard us. We’re not safe here.”

Raine nodded.

I frowned and turned to Jia. Her father had already sent their soldiers back home to protect their kingdom, and my kingdom needed as many soldiers as possible to protect us from the human contest. I felt torn, but Jia nodded at me.

“Of course,” I replied. “I’ll arrange for some soldiers to keep you safe.”

Raine reached out and grabbed my hand with both of hers. There was a subtle warmth in her skin, but her hands felt thin and fragile. “Keep yourselves safe, Mermaidens. We’ll be waiting for your return.”

I grasped her hands and nodded. “You can count on us!”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Crystal

I settled into the seat next to my father, MerKing Orion, as the council reassembled. He turned his somber gaze onto me and asked, “Where did you and the Mermaidens go during lunch?”

His long, dark hair gently waved in the water, sometimes hiding one of his eyes from my view. He had several silver strands at his temples that perfectly matched mine and Sid’s.

I averted my eyes when I responded. “Oh, we were wandering the halls. We’ve been here so much recently, but we realized we’ve never even explored the whole palace!”

Dad moved his eyes to watch the gathering council, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. “Do be careful,” he urged. “I know you’re getting older and are becoming your own person, but your mother and I would be devastated if anything happened to you or Obsidian.”

Everyone had finally arrived and were taking their seats. MerKing Takumi and Jia slipped through the doors last. Their eyes looked tired and strained. Oh Poseidon, I hope their kingdom is safe. 

Dad placed a firm hand on my back, and I shifted my focus back to him. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be careful.”

He allowed himself a small smile and patted my back. “Good.” 

The meeting started with one MerCouncilor announcing that each apprentice had been summoned back from their travels and would be arriving within the next 24 hours. It seemed a bit odd to me that all of them happened to be gone at the same time, but the topic changed before I could think about it more.

The council member then asked for MerKing Takumi’s report. He stood, hands clasped behind his back, and let out a sigh before speaking. “I’ve informed my wife of the current situation and sent our soldiers back to the Sea of Japan. They need the protection more than I do.”

MerKing Brock spoke up. “Nothing has happened, I presume? Everyone is currently safe?”

Takumi nodded. “Thus far, nothing has changed. However, my people are now on the lookout for any suspicious behavior. I will inform the council of additional news when it arises.”

He sat and MerKing Murdoch stood. “Now, MerCouncilor Seth, please share your story. How did Calisto escape?”

Seth came forward. “While some of our memories are fuzzy, we’ve determined that Calisto escaped three days ago. According to MerKing Delmar, this was the same day Mermaiden Serena came across the human contest to capture a mermaid. This is why we were unavailable when he tried to reach us. However, there’s information we must share prior to her escape to paint the full picture for you.”

There was a brief pause. I saw many of the councilors and royalty in the room shift in their seats and settle themselves for a long story. I even felt myself sinking deeper into my clamshell seat and folding my arms across my chest. 

The MerCouncil was intrigued when the Mermaidens told us that Calisto was using five gemstones during their first battle. We asked her during our interrogation where the stones had come from, but she refused to tell us. However, we know that MerCouncilors Darek and Raine presented each of the Mermaidens with precious stones that enhanced their powers. Perhaps these gems have the same source, but we don’t have evidence to support that claim yet.

It was this knowledge and Calisto’s refusal to cooperate that led to our sending out our apprentices to inquire after the Mermaidens’ gems. We assumed that it was likely she would take their gems to replenish her loss, so we are grateful to know now that the Mermaidens’ gems are safe.

Before questioning Calisto further, we asked Prince Malik for additional information. For someone who married her, he had very little information. It seems that his memories are fuzzy after being under her spell for so long.

However, Malik was able to remember some of Calisto’s old contacts, some of which are human. We gave him leave to travel the seas to find those contacts and bring the information back to us. That’s why the Prince isn’t here with us today. We hope he will return soon, but we also recognize that it may take some time. It’s a dangerous quest, after all.

We decided to keep Calisto in the fortress until Malik returned. We then decided to question Damon, since he had easily infiltrated the MerCouncil and used his influence to aid Calisto. He’s a bright young man. Not many children performed as well as he did when the council tested children from each kingdom to select the next generation of apprentices.

My eyes had gone out of focus while listening, but hearing Seth talk about Damon brought me back. I looked to the side of the room where Damon stood between two Carribean Kingdom soldiers, shoulders slumped like before. 

My heart went out to him. Sure, the relationship between Sid and my father had been strained for several years now, but they always loved each other. Damon didn’t have that. How lonely he must have felt! His strong attachment to MerCouncilor Aldric came because he was the first person to show him love and kindness.

Damon lifted his head slightly to as least acknowledge that Seth was talking about him. His face was blank, eyes staring past the council, perhaps deep in thought. 

Oh, I should pay more attention! I scolded myself and tore my eyes away from Damon.

Damon had little to share during our questioning as well. We wanted to know where MerCouncilor Aldric had gone after his illness and disappearance, but Damon supposedly only knows that Calisto took him. Sadly, we have likely assumed correctly that he is no longer living. Under normal circumstances, Damon would have become the next council member, but his criminal activity led us to choose another apprentice, Ian, to fill Aldric’s place. 

Seth gestured to the youngest merman in their group, who had sandy blonde hair and a vivid green tail. He turned up the corners of his mouth ever so slightly, then dropped his gaze to the floor and allowed Seth to keep speaking.

The next day, we gathered to question Damon again. Instead of meeting all the way down here, we had been using a large room close to the fortress. It allowed Damon and Calisto less time out in the open when they’d have better odds of escape. 

Seth lowered his eyes for a moment as he remembered everything that had happened.

Looking back now, we should have never taken Damon from his cell while our apprentices were gone. We are vulnerable and unskilled in combat, and doing this by ourselves was costly. 

As MerCouncilors Ian and Raine escorted Damon past Calisto’s cell, she cackled and cast a spell. I was down the hall, outside the meeting room and witnessed everything. A shadow passed over Damon’s face and he suddenly had the strength to break his bonds. His body grew—at least three times his normal size—and his eyes were as yellow flames. He attacked MerCouncilor Raine, and his fist sent her flying through the water until she hit the wall. Bubbles escaped her mouth as the impact emptied her lungs. 

Ian swam as fast as he could toward me, but Damon caught him by the end of his tail. Damon threw him down the hall and he crashed into me and knocked me to the ground. The rest of the councilors heard the commotion and poured out of the room, stopping with mouths agape at the sight.

We didn’t know how to fight him, but we tried. We swarmed him and tried to push him back to his cell, but he wasn’t interested in us. He ignored us and turned to his mother’s cell. He broke the cell lock with brute strength and Calisto came out as smug as she could be. 

We all hesitated as we were unsure what she would do next—everyone except Chancellor Darek. He demanded Calisto and Damon stop and swam toward them, hand outstretched. Without a command from Calisto, Damon hit him on the head and knocked him out. The water around him became murky as his head wound bled. 

Calisto caught the rest of us in a dark vortex full of purple bubbles that spun faster and faster. I remember bumping into others as we spun. Several times, someone’s fingers caught hold of my robes or my fin for a brief moment before the whirlpool ripped them away. It didn’t take long for my vision to fade, and I passed out. 

MerCouncilor Seth paused for a moment to let out a sigh. “When we awoke, we were locked up in the rooms where you found us. It’s just as much a surprise to us that Damon is still here. We had assumed he’d be with Calisto.”

I realized that my hands were covering my open mouth. It’s horrible, I thought. How did we not think something like this would happen? Why did we leave Calisto all alone with the council?

MerKing Murdoch nodded to Seth and then addressed the room. “I think I speak for the rest of the kingdoms when I express our deepest apologies. We will right the wrongs of Calisto and bring peace to the seas once again.” He then turned to Damon. “Alright, laddie, it’s your turn. Does the council speak the truth? Did you free your mother from her cell and injure the MerCouncil?”

Damon lifted his eyes to meet MerKing Murdoch’s. I was expecting hardness from Damon, but his eyes and words were soft. “MerCouncilor Seth is telling you the truth. I am an accomplice to my mother’s crimes.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Zoey

Minus Jia, my adopted sisters, Sid, and I all grabbed food from the kitchen and ate as we swam through long and winding halls. The bad news wasn’t far from my mind, but I wanted to have a bit of fun before we had to meet with the MerCouncil again. 

“So, Siiiiiid.” I drew out his name and swam beside him, hands clasped behind my back. “How about we play a game, mate?”

The girls giggled while he eyed me warily and finished chewing his food. After a large swallow, he folded his arms over his chest. “Depends on the game, Your Highness. I’ve spent enough time around you to know you’re a devious one!”

That got everyone to laugh. Waverlee laughed the loudest and most high-pitched, forcing through her giggles, “He’s right, you know!” 

I grinned at her and swam in front of Sid, then turned to face him. This caused him to stop, and the rest of the girls surrounded us. “As you know, Obsidian,” I used his full name knowing it would get a rise out of him, “We Mermaidens have learned to work well as a team. You’ve almost always worked alone, traveling with the Orca pods.”

Sid’s arms fell from his chest and he put his hands on his waist. A smug smile crept on his lips. “Now, wait a minute. I’ve fought along with you this whole time! What’s your point, Zoey?”

Unlocking my eyes from his and looking up, I mused, “Oh, I was just wondering if you could take on THIS!”

I threw myself at Sid and tackled him, turning in circles in the water and trying to pin him down. It only took a few seconds before the rest of the girls joined in and we were a mass of flailing tails. We were inches from pinning him onto the floor, when he shot out from under us with a burst of hot water from his flames.

He turned, the biggest grin on his face, and tried swimming away. But Waverlee knew exactly what to do. He didn’t make it far before a large wave brought him right back to us. I wrapped my arms around his tail so he couldn’t wriggle away, while the others latched onto him. Destiny had his left arm, Serena his right, and Brynn and Mariana went for his chest. Crystal crept up behind him and covered his eyes, and Waverlee used a wave to help us push him to the ground.

As soon as his back touched the floor, we lept away and cheered. “Oh, come on,” Sid moaned, “seven against one isn’t fair at all!” 

I swam close again and tapped a finger against Sid’s nose. “But Sid, you just proved a point for me. You’re strong on your own and nearly got away! But with everyone’s help, we got you! I feel better about our teamwork because I didn’t have to ask the others to help. They knew exactly what to do!”

“And you’re pretty strong, Sid!” Crystal chimed in, patting his shoulder and smiling fondly. “We can take on Damon today if he tries anything.”

“We also have our gems to enhance our powers!” Serena reminded us.

Brynn stretched out her arms and smirked. “Besides, a little fun every now and then keeps me from worrying too much.”

The rest of us nodded. Mariana lowered her voice so no one nearby would overhear. “Well, are you ready?”

We all fell silent. Then, there was mumbling. “Ze crab has never been ready, and ze crab disapproves of each of your actions.”

We all turned to Destiny, who was trying to calm Frank down. He had slipped out of her hair and was glaring at each of us.

“Sorry, François.” I kneeled down next to him. “We’ve come this far, and we can’t turn back now.”

Destiny sighed. “Frank, you know you didn’t have to come here with me. Now, you can either come with us to see Damon, or you can wait here for us. It’s up to you.”

Frank tapped his legs against the floor and thought for a moment. With a long sigh, he said, “I’ll come, but I am not happy about it, mademoiselle. Not happy at all. You will take me treasure hunting every day for a year when zis is over!” 

Destiny smiled and held out a hand so Frank could scurry back up to her hair. “You’ve got a deal.”

As he settled into her black locks again, I heard Frank speak so softly, I almost missed it. “Please be careful, mademoiselle.”

I made eye contact with Destiny, knowing that she would have been the only other one to hear it clearly. She gave me a tight-lipped smile that proved she was nervous. I touched her hand and smiled back.

“Okay,” Mariana gathered us closer so she wouldn’t have to speak up. “We won’t have much time before they expect us back in the Council room, so we’ll need to be fast. Serena, can you camouflage us again so no one sees us?”

She nodded, and I watched in awe as a rainbow of colors formed at Serena’s fingertips. “There’s only so much I can do, so stay close to the wall. Others will see us if we swim out in the open.”

We each waited patiently as Serena painted each of us and then herself. Before we started creeping forward, Crystal whispered, “Wait!”

“What is it?” Sid whispered back.

“There’s probably a guard at the door. How are we supposed to get past him?”

“Don’t worry, lass. I’ll send a ball of light at him, so he won’t even notice the door opening and closing.”

“Okay.”

We swam as silently as possible, staying close to the wall as Serena suggested. When we approached the guard, Brynn sent her ball of light out. The guard responded just as we’d hoped, covering his eyes and letting out a yell, allowing us to slip past him. Just before closing the door, she sent a second ball of light down another hall to distract him.

“Phew!” I exclaimed to the group, letting out a chuckle.

“Well isn’t this a surprise. Had I known the Mermaidens would be joining me for lunch, I would have prepared for it.”

Our giggles died and we all turned to Damon as he spoke. He wore a confident smile as he held his seaweed sandwich. I can’t quite describe it, but something about the way he looked at us made me uneasy. I wanted to slap that smile off of his face.

Brynn crossed her arms. “You’re awfully chipper for a prisoner, laddie.”

Damon shrugged and looked away from us to take another bite of food.

Mariana came to the front of our group. “Damon, we know there’s information you’ve been hiding from us. Tell us what you know about Calisto, her plan, and your role in it.”

The silence was painful as Damon continued to chew. Sid looked at the rest of us, “How long do we have to wait?”

I shrugged and looked at the others. Brynn thought for a moment before moving closer to Damon. “For someone who claims to want the best for the MerWorld, you sure have a hard time showing it.”

Damon swallowed and sighed, rolling his shoulders back. Putting down his food, he turned to us. “Because you don’t understand the position I’m in.”

Mariana gritted her teeth. Apparently I wasn’t the only uneasy one. “You’ve already betrayed Calisto though—”

Damon stood. “Do you think she cares? She’s manipulated me with her power my whole life!” It was unusual hearing him shout when his voice was normally so smooth. He sighed again and lowered his voice. “Imagine growing up knowing that your mother only wanted you so she could use you as a tool. I have never been myself. I have always done what she wants, whether I wanted to or not.”

Mariana’s shoulders sagged. The rest of us didn’t have her power of empathy, but it was easy to feel his sadness. “I… I’m sorry, Damon.”

He clenched his jaw for a moment, then relaxed it. “I don’t tell you this so you’ll have pity on me. I’m telling you this so you can understand that I truly do want what’s best for the MerWorld. Though it wasn’t my decision to become Aldric’s apprentice, I enjoyed every moment learning from him. He was wise and kind… something I never saw from either of my parents.”

Crystal’s eyes dropped to the floor. “Damon, I want to apologize for my hurtful comment back when we first met. I said that your family must miss you terribly without realizing how much hurt you’ve endured from them.” Sid placed a hand on her back to comfort her.

Damon sighed. “You didn’t know, Mermaiden Crystal. I’m not offended. Besides, my father was manipulated by Calisto’s power too. I imagine he would have been as great a father as MerKing Caspian had he not been twisted by my mother’s magic.”

“Speaking of your father,” I added. “Where is he? He promised to help us when we freed him from Calisto.”

“Gone. The council allowed him to leave in search of additional information. I don’t know when he’ll be back.”

There was silence for a moment, then Brynn spoke. “You mentioned MerCouncilor Aldric. Damon… where is he?”

The rest of us stiffened. All we knew was that Adric was missing and presumed dead, but no one had any evidence of it. 

Damon averted his eyes and sank to the floor. He brought his hands up to hide his face from us. “Mermaidens… Obsidian… you’re asking a question that you don’t want the answer to. My mother is a horrible, demented person. What I’ve done… is unforgivable. Please don’t hate me for what she made me do.”

Horror filled my whole body, and I felt like I was plummeting to the bottom of the ocean. No… he didn’t. He’s just a kid, like us. There’s no way—

Mariana spoke in a low voice. “You’re right. We don’t want to know, but we have to… However, our time is up.” She looked at the rest of us, and the rapid sinking feeling dissipated. “We need to leave before we’re found out.” She glared back at Damon one last time. “This conversation isn’t over. I suggest you figure out how you’re going to tell your story.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Mariana

I had barely sat in the clamshell chair next to my father when MerKing Murdoch stood. “Now,” his booming voice filled the room, “we can begin.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mermaiden Zoey lean forward, elbows on her tail and head in her hands. Crystal and Waverlee fidgeted on either side of Sid, and Serena sat in the same seat as Jia to watch over her. Brynn was sitting back, arms crossed and brow heavy. Destiny looked so anxious that she was hardly touching her chair.

I could feel the anxiety coming off every royal court member, and anger rolled in waves from the MerCouncil. Instead of focusing on them, I stared hard at Damon. His sagging shoulders and drooping eyes showed defeat, but the emotions coming from him were confusing. It appeared that there was guilt in there, but there were other emotions swirling around him that I couldn’t quite make out. Is that a side effect from Calisto’s spell? I wondered. Whatever it is, something’s fishy. 

King Murdoch continued speaking. “Let’s start with the MerCouncil. Tell us what has transpired since we left and how Calisto escaped.”

Multiple voices erupted from the body of 12 merfolk. King Orion of the Arctic Sea interrupted with his deep, gravelly voice. “Everyone talking at once will get us nowhere. Councilor Seth, please speak to us for the Council.”

The chattering stopped and one merman arose. He wasn’t ancient like many of the others. In fact, he looked to be the same age as many of the MerKings. He had jet-black hair, deep brown eyes, and a striking, golden yellow tail. Understandably, I felt his twinge of fear after being so abruptly called upon, but he carried himself with confidence.

He bowed slightly. “Of course, MerKing Orion.” As he straightened, his eyes flitted around the room until they met each of ours. I recoiled as our eyes met. In that fraction of a second, I felt unbridled anger.

“Shortly after each royal party returned home, the MerCouncil met to decide the fate of the fearsome Calisto and her son, Damon.” Seth shot a look at Damon, who never lifted his head to acknowledge him. Seth pulled out the map that we had taken from Calisto’s hideout and laid it open on the table. “We found it necessary to question Calisto specifically about this map to learn what her plans are.”

Many of the MerKings and Mermaidens leaned forward in their seats to see the map better. Black lines divided each ocean into quadrants and smaller subsections. “As you can see from the markings on the western Pacific Ocean,” Seth continued, “It appears that Calisto started her attacks 19 years ago when the Mariana Kingdom fell.” 

I watched his face as he talked. As he was leaning over the table to point to my home, he briefly lifted his eyes to mine. This time, I stared back with a face of stone.

“From there, she has moved in a pattern that spirals outward from the Mariana trench. However, we aren’t sure what she’s up to.”

Waverlee’s father, MerKing Francisco, spoke. “It’s been nearly two decades since the Mariana Kingdom fell, and she hasn’t attacked another kingdom since? Perhaps she only had it out for that kingdom—”

Seth silenced him by interrupting. “And as such, she should be judged for her crimes.” An uncomfortable silence followed.

MerKing Brock from the Coral Sea stood and spoke, causing Zoey to break her intense study of the map and look up at him. “MerCouncilor Seth, what did Calisto say when you questioned her about the map?”

Seth straightened himself as well. “Nothing. She refused to give us any information. Some of us tried guessing her intentions, but she only seemed amused. I fear that we’ve unknowingly played into her hands.”

This time, MerKing Takumi spoke. “Did she say anything at all in the time that you held her captive here? Even the slimmest dialogue may help.”

As the MerCouncil thought, Zoey raised a hand. “MerKing Takumi, Calisto said something to me shortly after delivering her to the council.” All eyes moved to the usually bubbly mermaid princess. As Zoey spoke she gained more of her confidence. “She looked at me like I was a sea slug and said ‘Will you ever learn?’ I have no idea what she meant by that, mate, but it sounds like MerCouncilor Seth is right. She might have let us capture her.”

A ripple of unease spread through the room. King Takumi held Zoey’s eyes with his, but she stood her ground.

MerKing Orion started to speak. “That sounds a bit ridic—”

MerKing Takumi held up a hand to silence him but kept his eyes on Zoey. “Are you aware of the legends of old?” She slowly shook her head. After a moment of thinking, he turned back to MerCouncilor Seth. “I apologize. I have many thoughts, but I’d like for you to continue before I say any more.”

Seth nodded. “Calisto spoke to members of the council several times, though they were mostly complaints that the food and cell in the fortress weren’t to her liking.” He turned to the other MerCouncilors. “Does anyone remember specifically what she has said?”

One mermaid with flowing white locks and pale skin came forward. “Before we dismissed our apprentices to travel to the other kingdoms, my apprentice and I took Calisto her evening meal. It wasn’t anything fancy; it was just a seaweed and crab salad. As we slid it through the bars of her cell in the fortress, she complained that there wasn’t any rice and mumbled, ‘Looks like I’ll have to go get some myself.’ We didn’t think anything of it because we thought her cell was secure, but she escaped the next day.”

Everyone turned to MerKing Takumi when she finished speaking. However, we were distracted as Jia yawned and stretched. Serena kept an arm around her to ensure she was stable. Eyes blinking blearily, Jia asked, “Calisto wanted… rice?”

“You were awake for that?” Serena asked, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Only for a few minutes,” she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “I’m still pretty groggy though.”

I watched the rest of the royalty start to smile, grateful Jia was okay. However, I had another thought on my mind. “MerKing Takumi.” He turned to face me, hands clasped behind his back. “I’ve spent most of my life traveling the seas and visiting kingdoms around the world. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t rice a popular food for the landfolk around your kingdom?”

He closed his eyes and nodded, then turned and fixed his gaze on MerCouncilor Seth. “You say she was working in a spiral from the Mariana Kingdom?” 

Seth nodded, face cold and emotionless.

Takumi approached the map and drew small circles extending from the Mariana trench. “Then naturally,” his finger paused as it passed through the Sea of Japan, “this is where she’s heading next.” Dread spread through my chest as Takumi’s eyes roamed the room. “Forgive me. Let’s break for lunch so I can inform my wife.” 

Before anyone had the chance to fully register the implications of this information, Takumi swam from the room and Jia followed. 

Murmurs erupted among the council, but they quickly died as King Murdoch solemnly stood. “We’ve made good progress this morning. I suggest the rest of you carefully consider anything you may have heard because the sooner we piece together her dastardly plot, the better.”

The merfolk in the room slowly trickled out as everyone parted for lunch, and King Lyron ordered that Damon be given food and kept in a cell until we needed him for questioning. I grabbed the remaining Mermaidens before they could swim away.

“It sounds scary,” Crystal whispered. “What if she attacks Jia’s kingdom?”

“I know, right?” Waverlee let out a nervous laugh. “But we don’t have enough information to know if that’s actually her plan.”

Brynn nodded. “All we have are guesses, and it sounds like the MerCouncil wasn’t effective in their interrogation.”

Destiny chipped in. “And not to mention, Calisto waited until all the younger council apprentices were gone before she escaped.”

“Talking to the Council is going to take ages,” I said. “Have you ever seen them act so strange? They’re so scatterbrained that they can’t even think straight.”

“You’re right,” Serena agreed. “It feels weird, doesn’t it? Aren’t they supposed to have all the answers?”

Zoey frowned. “I think this is one of those instances when we know more than they do.”

“And that,” I added, “is precisely why I suggest we take this into our own hands.”

Each of them stared at me. Crystal’s mouth was open. “Think about it,” I continued. “We’ve seen firsthand how she fights, and we know how cunning she is. Besides, we have her son, and I think he’s still hiding information from us.”

Destiny gasped. “You’re not suggesting—”

Brynn smirked.

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. Let’s go and get information from Damon ourselves.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Destiny

“Jia!” 

I heard Serena’s exclamation and quickly turned toward the open door. MerKing Takumi and his mermen were already there before me. “Get MerCouncilors Darek and Raine beds to rest in while they heal,” he ordered. “As for Jia—”

“I’ll carry her.”

Sid swam through the soldiers to stand before the king. “She needs to rest, but it’s best to keep her with us so she can be a part of the discussion when she’s ready.”

I jumped in. “King Takumi, perhaps we can take this down to the MerCouncil room and lay Jia on one of the clamshell seats.”

He nodded. “Very well. You may carry her, Obsidian.” Sid gently took Jia from Serena’s arms and waited for the rest of us.

Everyone in the hall was causing a commotion. MerCouncilors were speaking over each other, making it difficult to hear any individual sentences. King Murdoch of the Celtic Kingdom swam before the councilors and raised his voice. “Alright, you lot! No one can understand you, so we’re taking this conversation to the MerCouncil room. Keep your thoughts to yourselves in the meantime. There’s much to discuss.” He then turned and led the procession downstairs. 

I swam over to one of the MerCouncil members and helped stabilize him as we made our way down. 

As we moved in relative silence, my thoughts swam in a flurry. So much had happened so fast! What did Calisto do? How did she overpower everyone? Where was Damon? I stopped for a moment, causing everyone else to swim around us. I haven’t thought about Damon at all! Did he escape with Calisto?

I hesitantly moved forward again and started humming. The tip of my tail started twitching, pulling me further down the building and to a room on the left. He’s here!

Grabbing a soldier next to Amani, I handed the disheveled councilor off to him. “Continue taking him down to the council room,” I stated, then turned to Amani. “I need your help. Damon’s still here.”

“What?” he exclaimed. “Alright, let’s take a couple of the other Mermaidens. Who would you like to come with us?”

Frank was chattering in my ear, obviously annoyed, but I ignored him. “Let’s ask Brynn and Mariana.” 

We told MerKing Caspian where we were going and asked him to have the others to wait for us in the council room. 

“Please be careful,” he urged before we parted ways. Mariana smiled and reassured him that we would.

“Lead the way,” Brynn urged, and I led them down a few more levels. We eventually parted ways with the main crowd, and it was eerily quiet without the sound of so many fins pushing through the water. Amani, Mariana, and Brynn looked into every room we passed, but I kept leading them further.

Finally, we reached a circular room that had multiple smaller rooms branching off from it. I nodded to the door on our far left, staying quiet. We slowly approached the door. When we didn’t hear any sounds, Amani motioned for us to move back. Gripping his spear with both hands, he rammed the butt of the spear into the door.

It flung open, and Amani immediately pointed the spearhead forward to protect us. Mariana pulled out her knife, Brynn held a ball of light ready, and I positioned myself behind them.

Damon was seated at a table in a large dining area with his head in his hands. Through the large windows, I could see that it was finally light out. It illuminated Damon’s pale skin and bluish-brown tail, but his face was shadowed.

“Don’t move!” Amani shouted. He approached Damon, ready to attack.

Damon lifted his head and stared at us. Something was off about him.

“His eyes!” Brynn exclaimed.

She was right. I thought back to the day we fought Calisto and Damon’s fiery yellow eyes when he was under her spell. This time, his eyes were only slightly yellow, and his pupils were close to their natural size. 

“Greetings, Mermaidens.” He smiled and started to rise.

“Not another move,” Amani growled, pointing his spear inches from Damon’s throat. Damon hesitated.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Mariana barreled into Damon and forced him down, pressing his face onto the table. “You miserable little—”

“Easy, lass,” Brynn murmured, laying a hand on her shoulder. “Look at him. He was clearly under Calisto’s spell recently.”

Grudgingly, and with a few mumbled words, Mariana let go of Damon and backed away. However, she kept her knife ready. Amani took his stance again, pointing his spear at the MerCouncil apprentice. “Listen,” Amani ordered, “You have a lot to explain, so we’re going to escort you down to the MerCouncil room to meet with the other MerKings and Mermaidens. You can do so willingly or by force. The decision is yours.”

Frank continued to chatter from my hair, anxious for what would come next. I gently pressed a finger through my dark curls to rub his shell. We’ve got this, Frank, I thought. Last I knew, Damon was on our side.

Damon’s cheek was red from Mariana’s force, so he rubbed it and stared at her with his yellowed eyes. My muscles tensed up, and I saw Amani’s fingers tighten around the spear shaft. Mariana frowned at Damon, but she looked calm and ready to lunge at him again if necessary. 

Damon’s shoulders slumped forward. “Of course, Mermaidens. I understand if you don’t trust me right now, but as I’ve said before, I only want what’s best for the MerWorld. I’ll assist in any way that I can.”

I started to relax, but I saw that Amani, Brynn, and Mariana remained tense. 

Amani started speaking, not moving and keeping his eyes fixed on Damon. “Brynn, there’s a rope on my belt. Take it and tie Damon’s hands together. Mariana and I will watch him and use additional force if necessary.”

Brynn nodded and worked quickly to fulfill his request. Damon willingly held his hands out and allowed Brynn to tie them. When she finished, he tried to pull his hands in opposite directions. “That’s a good knot. Well done, Mermaiden Brynn,” he muttered.

Amani moved away from the door and positioned himself behind Damon. “Alright, you know the way, Damon. We’ll flank your sides, and you’ll swim at a nice and easy pace down to the MerCouncil room.”

Damon didn’t say a word and did exactly as Amani ordered. We moved silently, on guard the entire time until we reached the black marble doors. Amani nodded to me, and I pulled one of the doors open.

Mariana was first into the room. “MerKing Caspian, we’ve found Damon and brought him here for questioning before the council and royalty.”

I heard murmurs from everyone inside. Some of the MerCouncil weren’t so quiet about their disdain. I glanced over at Damon. He kept his eyes down and shoulders forward in defeat.

“Thank you, Mermaiden Mariana. Please join us.”

We entered the room to see everyone gathered around the black marble table. The MerCouncil sat in the clamshell seats on the far end of the room, while the MerKings and Mermaidens filled the seats closest to the doors. The emotions expressed on each face were different. Some were anxious, others curious, and some obviously angry. Most of the angry faces came from the council.

Mariana, Brynn, and I returned to our fathers and faced the council. Amani took Damon to stand against the wall so he could see everyone around the table, where another guard joined him.

After the water was still, MerKing Murdoch stood. “Now,” his eyes met each of the council’s and Damon’s, “we can begin.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Jia

It was early as we exited the transport caves. The water was even darker in the giant chasm than the last time we came through, and we wouldn’t have been able to see were it not for the luminous stones lining the rock walls. The water felt thick around us due to the soldiers my father and I had brought. 

Mother stayed home to attend to the other affairs of the kingdom, so it was just my father and I. I think Father would have preferred that I stayed home too, but our discussion the night before persuaded him to let me come. If Calisto had broken loose and was wreaking havoc, people were bound to get hurt, meaning that my power would be necessary.

Besides, it had been the Mermaidens that fought Calisto before. We knew a bit more about how she operates, although I’ll admit that there were still many mysteries about her. Regardless, I’m sure my adopted sisters also felt determined to stop whatever evil scheme she was planning.

As our small army progressed through the darkness, I saw the outlines of the other Merkingdoms emerging from the other caves. The MerCouncil building loomed ahead with a dull, golden glow. Tightening my fists, I continued to swim forward. Be courageous, I told myself.

I glanced over at my father, King Takumi, as the glow illuminated his face. I could see in his eyes that he was already analyzing everything. 

“What do you think, Father?”

He briefly looked at me before setting his gaze again on the MerCouncil building. “Nothing has changed on the outside,” he said quietly, “but we won’t know about the inside until we get there.”

I followed his gaze forward and tried to swallow the lump in my throat. Before I could respond, I felt a warm hand slip into mine. 

“Jia!” Destiny exclaimed, keeping her voice quiet. Her bright orange tail looked like it was glowing as it reflected the gold of the building ahead. I heard nervous chattering coming from her hair.

“Destiny, I thought finfriends were supposed to stay home! This could be dangerous!”

She sighed. “I tried to tell him that, but he wouldn’t listen! He got so mad after our last run-in with Calisto, but he still wouldn’t let me go alone.” She smiled at me, adding, “Under that shell of his, he’s just a softy.”

I giggled as Frank mumbled in response. 

As we approached the building, each of the Mermaidens found us. Crystal took my other hand. She appeared to be a bundle of nerves, but we all were. We had no idea what we were swimming into. Even Obsidian had joined us. He stayed close to Crystal, and Waverlee gravitated toward him. I watched as her fingers hesitantly found his and wrapped around them. Brynn and Mariana looked the bravest, shoulders squared and jaws set. 

When we were almost at the front of the building, King Lyron of the Carribean Sea approached us. “Destiny, will you use your power? Tell us if Calisto is still here.”

Destiny nodded, her dark curls bobbing in the water. She started humming as we continued our slow and cautious approach. Stopping at the doors, we all gathered around Destiny.

“She’s not here.” 

Everyone shuffled uneasily. Soldiers from each kingdom warily watched our surroundings for a surprise attack.

Destiny sighed. “She’s not even close to here. She’s long gone.”

Brynn gritted her teeth. “She won’t be getting away from us that easily.”

My father pushed for more. “What about the MerCouncil?”

After a moment, Destiny replied, “They’re still here.”

A bit of relief ran through me, but I knew I couldn’t let my guard down. Brynn swam up and looped an arm through mine. “Well, let’s get in there, lasses!” Remembering the Merkings, Sid, and soldiers around us, she giggled, “And lads, of course.”

The grand halls were empty as we swam through, looking for signs of commotion. Everything was still and quiet. The Merkings sent some of their guards outside and around the perimeter to keep watch. Mariana and King Caspian didn’t have any soldiers to bring, so they stayed in the middle of everyone else’s. I tried not to smile as I saw Amani close to Mariana.

Zoey peeked through the black doors to the council room and shook her head. We continued moving, looking through each and every room together. Destiny started humming a soft song and led us up through the many floors around the council room. 

Eventually, she stopped us at the start of a hallway that led to several rooms. “They’re split up in these rooms.”

Each Mermaiden and their fathers took a door along with several soldiers. I pushed the door open, ready to face whoever was inside, but it wouldn’t budge! “It’s locked!” I exclaimed. 

“No worries,” Crystal said, already forming pillars of ice. Each group of soldiers took one and stood at the ready to break down each door.

King Murdoch, Brynn’s father, stood in the center of the hall. “Ready men? On three. One, two, THREE!”

In sync, each group of soldiers swam as hard as they could, using the pillars of ice as battering rams. Each door burst open, and everyone started shouting as they discovered each MerCouncil member and rushed to their aid. Similarly, I entered the room I had chosen to see who was there.

It was Darek, the wizened MerCouncil Chancellor. He lay alone, propped up against the coral wall. His robes were slashed and there was smudged blood on the side of his face. His eyes cracked open briefly and slowly closed.

He’s breathing at least, I thought, flying to his side. I immediately opened my pouch of healing medicines and balms and started assessing his needs. 

My father asked, “Chancellor Darek, what happened to you?”

Darek tried opening his eyes again. “King Takumi. Princess Jia. You’re too late.” His breathing was labored, but he could at least speak.

“Too late for what?” I asked softly, dabbing a salve onto the wound on his head.

He winced. “Calisto. She’s gone.”

Father replied, “We know. Did she attack you?”

Darek slowly shook his head.

“Was it someone with her?”

He nodded.

Father continued on. “Who? When did this happen?”

Darek’s eyebrows furrowed. “Not… sure. I don’t… remember.”

“Father,” I interrupted. “He needs to save his strength. We can glean more information later or discuss the matter with council members who are more coherent.” I turned back to Darek. “I’m going to place this seaweed pouch under your tongue, Darek. Let the contents dissolve; that will dull the pain. Then, you can eat the seaweed for extra strength.”

He slowly nodded, closing his eyes again.

“Keep an eye on him,” I ordered one of the soldiers, “and let me know if his condition worsens. I need to see the others.”

The other Merkings and Mermaidens had brought the remaining council members out into the hall. Each was in various stages of disarray and consciousness. Robes were ripped, hair was askew, and faces were distraught. Some were hysterical as they spoke.

Wait, there were only 12 Mercouncil members in the hall. Darek was number 13, but where was the 14th? I swam past each door in the hallway to look for the last one. I stopped when I saw Serena’s multicolored tail next to someone else’s ghostly pale skin. It was MerCouncilor Raine. 

Serena held her hand. “You’re going to be okay. See look, Jia’s here! She’s amazing. She’ll take good care of you.” Serena looked up at me with watering eyes, and I knew she was hoping that I could save her.

I knelt down next to MerCouncilor Raine. Gray strands of hair had escaped her normally neat bun and rested gently on her pallid countenance. Her eyes were closed, and her breaths were short and ragged. Upon closer inspection, I noticed deep bruises forming across her body.

“There’s internal trauma,” I whispered, mostly to myself but also to inform Serena. I pulled out my kit and made quick work of the bruises. My hands started to shake. I needed to heal her on the inside too.

“Serena.” I didn’t even look back at her as I placed my hands on MerCouncilor Raine and focused my energy. Serena turned to me. “Catch me if I fall.” 

She must have remembered what happened when I healed Mariana after the shark attack. She moved closer and watched me intently, ready to help me if I passed out again.

I offered her a small smile before closing my eyes. Heal, I told myself, Save her. I saw MerCouncilor Raine’s energy scattered throughout her body, signifying the damage beneath the bruises. Pouring my own humming energy into her, I watched both of ours combine almost instantly. Her energy was practically begging for life.

I’ll give all that I can.

My strength started to wane and blackness entered the edges of my vision. Pull back, pull back. As my energy withdrew from her, tendrils clung onto it. Come on, I urged. Let me go. I can’t give any more. I focused everything on pulling away from her.

Gasping and eyes flying open, I started to fall backward. Serena grabbed one of my arms and placed her other hand on my back. I felt my energy quickly drain as the adrenaline slowed, so I slumped back into Serena.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

I nodded and closed my eyes. “She didn’t want to let me go.”

Before letting the exhaustion engulf me, I opened my eyes again and examined MerCouncilor Raine. Her bruises were gone and there was a bit more color in her face. Her breathing seemed more relaxed too. 

“Keep an eye on her,” I whispered, closing my eyes and sinking into Serena’s arms. “I just need to rest for a moment.”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Mariana

Father was recounting tales of my mother. I could tell that he loved talking about her because his emotions always lifted to euphoric heights. He would get lost in the story but then fade to sadness as he came back to reality, remembering that she was gone. 

Each time this happened, I would hold Dad’s hand softly. His body was slowly filling out again as he healed from being incarcerated for so long. Immediately after freeing him, he was frail and bony. At this moment, his hand felt fuller and stronger. 

The lines around his eyes turned up as he smiled. “You’re just like her, sweet Mariana.”

I could only smile in return. We were in his bedroom, and the mirror that connects him to the other kingdoms stood in the corner. Before I could find the words to cheer him up, the mirror flickered to life.

King Delmar of the Mediterranean Kingdom stood stoically. “King Caspian, I require a word with you. It’s urgent.”

I filled with dread that seemed heavy enough to sink me deeper than the Mariana Trench. Some of that dread came from King Delmar. I didn’t realize that the pearls that the MerCouncil had given would allow me to feel the emotions of those so far away through a mirror.

Father approached the mirror. “Yes, King Delmar. What has happened?” His voice quavered through the first words as he sought to control his emotions. I swam to his side and held his arm in support.

King Delmar’s deep brown eyes darted over to me and then back to Father. “I need to speak with you alone.” 

With a twinge of annoyance, I grasped Father even tighter. As if he read my thoughts, Father responded, “Our Mermaidens have demonstrated their ability to handle dangerous situations. By relaying your information to both of us, you save me the time I would take to tell Mariana everything.”

“You’re right, King Caspian. Very well then.” He cleared his throat and continued. “There’s a contest among the landfolk in my kingdom to capture a mermaid. While the Mariana and Arctic Kingdoms are quite safe, the rest of us are in danger if this spreads across the seas.”

My heart jumped and I felt similar emotions from Father. “Have you alerted the MerCouncil?” I asked.

“I have, but no one is responding. The other MerKings and I fear the worst has happened with their interrogation of Calisto.”

I had to force my heart out of my throat. “What do we do now?”

“Yes, what do you suggest we do?” Father added.

King Delmar’s brows furrowed and he took a deep breath. “I’ve already discussed the matter with every kingdom but the Arctic, since they are most at risk. We have concluded that we have no other option but to go to the MerCouncil ourselves.”

Father’s chest stopped for a moment. Mine did the same.

I asked, “Do you think… there will be danger waiting for us?”

King Delmar’s eyes sagged. He must have spent a long time deciding the best course of action with the other kings. I decided right then that no matter his answer, I was ready to accept what he was asking of us.

“I’m not sure. But something has happened that has prevented the MerCouncil from answering me. Either the council members are in peril now, or the danger has moved on to another part of the sea. So,” King Delmar straightened his shoulders, which seemed to struggle holding up his exhausted frame. “I’m asking you, King Caspian and Princess Mariana to join the other Merkings and Mermaidens in the morning.”

Instinctually, my father and I also straightened. He responded, “We will.”

King Delmar bowed his head, and I felt the gratitude rolling off of him. “Thank you, Mariana Kingdom. We’re taking our finest soldiers as a precaution. I understand that you don’t have much of a kingdom yet, so we will protect you as well.”

I bowed my head in return. “Thank you.” 

As the mirror flickered off to show our reflections, Father placed a hand on my shoulder. I felt a variety of emotions from him. Pride, love, worry, fear, and even a twinge of excitement. I smirked at him. “What could you possibly be excited about?”

He chuckled. “I’ve been a prisoner too long, dear Mariana. If Calisto is the reason for this mess, I won’t rest until she’s defeated.”

I laughed and smiled at him. He was clearly the one who gave me my stubborn determination. “Well, let’s do it then!”

Fin Fun presents a mermaid story from Mermaiden Waverlee

I was floating on the surface and staring at the clouds in the sky. Ocean blue has always been one of my favorite colors because it matches my eyes, but the bright blue of the sky always felt special. Sky blue meant seeing new landfolk and their fascinating human things. I also loved holding my bright pink tail up to it and giggling at how well the two colors went together.

The feeling was different this time. Knowing that Calisto had been working with humans formed a pit in my stomach. Bubbles could sense my anxiety and gently nudged my elbow. A smile tugged at my lips and I patted his head in response. He chirped happily and continued to swim in lazy circles around me.

Calisto.

Thinking of that scroll from the MerCouncil made my hand tighten around my satchel. Ten of the twelve diamonds the MerCouncil had given me rested inside, and the other two were in the earrings I wore. I gently opened the pouch and lifted one out, holding it up to the sun. The light created thousands of pretty rainbows in the dazzling gem that reflected onto the water’s surface.

I started to giggle, but it was cut short when bubbles bumped my fin. The diamond slipped from between my fingers and disappeared into the water with a soft plop. 

“Oh, Bubbles!” I groaned before diving under the water and racing to grab it before I lost it. None of the other Mermaidens had stones missing, and I sure didn’t want to be the first! The gem was only a glittering speck beneath me. “Faster!” I urged, pushing my fin to the limit. 

I reached out a hand, straining to reach the gem, but Bubbles dove in from my left. Quickly adjusting my fin so we didn’t collide, I slowed down next to him. He grinned, diamond caught safely in his mouth.

“Thank you, Bubbles!” I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around him. He squirmed until he broke free and dropped the gem into my hands. “That was close,” I said. “I think I better keep them safe in my satchel from now on!”

I wanted to hug my cheerful dolphin friend again, but the echo of a conch shell horn froze me solid like Crystal’s ice. Three long bellows. Each one rattled me to the core as I realized what it meant. 

“Oh no,” I whispered. I was already swimming home as fast as possible before I had the chance to call, “Come on, Bubbles!”

I was 10 years old the last time I heard that conch horn. A young merman had spotted human divers in tight outsides and strange masks. Mom told me later that it helps them breathe underwater. At the time, I didn’t realize that humans couldn’t breathe both air and water like us! Anyway, the merman was able to alert the conch-blower, who sounded the alarm. Everyone had to return their homes until further notice so the humans wouldn’t discover us.

Thankfully, I had only been playing in the seaweed garden right outside my home. When the conch horn sounded, I continued to play, not realizing what was happening. Then, Mom dove into the garden, snatched me up, and swam indoors as fast as possible.

That scared me and I started crying. Mom gently scolded me and reminded me that the conch shell meant there was danger nearby. She held my face in her hands, wiping away tears with long fingers, and said, “It’s alright, Waverlee. Landfolk can’t hurt you when you’re home.” Her blue eyes held mine tightly until I nodded.

I wasn’t so sure how true that could be anymore.

Swimming as fast as my fin could take me, I occasionally looked back to make sure there weren’t any humans around. I didn’t see any, and the waves around me didn’t bring images of them. The ocean in front of me was empty, except for the occasional school of fish. Everyone else must be home already!

I need to go faster, I thought. Maybe… I concentrated on my power and brought a wave up from behind me. It pushed against my fin and accelerated my pace. I was flying past the fish and seaweed faster than I had ever gone before. 

Bubbles rode the wave with me, and we soon saw the Pacific Kingdom palace come into view. No one was outside their homes. 

I wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but I knew there was still danger ahead. Father would fill me in as soon as I got home, but one thing was clear to me:

Merfolk were in danger.