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!”
Feb 19, 2021 at 5:41 am
Hi! I’m making a Koi fish themed custom tail,but I’m not sure what bikini to use! Have any suggestions?
Feb 19, 2021 at 8:10 pm
How fun!! What are the main colors you’re using?
Feb 27, 2021 at 7:01 am
I’m using black and orange spots, with white for the base.
Feb 27, 2021 at 2:26 pm
That sounds so pretty! I’d recommend the Black Sea Wave Bikini, the White Iridescent Sea Wave Bikini (if you like a bit of shimmer), or the Tropical Sunrise bikini or tankini 🙂
Mar 5, 2021 at 4:06 am
Thank you so much!!!
Feb 19, 2021 at 5:37 am
This was a great story!
Jan 21, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Hello, I really am enjoying the stories, I’ve shown my merfriends too! I think your holidays are over? When will the next come? Thank you!
Jan 22, 2021 at 4:55 pm
We’re working on it 😉
Jan 19, 2021 at 8:47 pm
What a great story. I need some help though. About two years back I ordered a youth monofin from the Mermaid Linden website. Then I realized that they don’t sell tails. So I went in search for good quality, affordable, and unique fabric mermaid tails, that’s when I found FinFun. I saw all the amazing tails you guys had to offer, so after debating and contemplating what awesome tail to get, I ordered the Sapphire Sea Mermaid Tail about a bit over a year ago. When the tail arrived I unboxed it and saw just how amazing of a job you put into the tail. Yet because there were no beaches or pools near me I was unable to try out my tail with the monofin and use it. Yet a few months ago I moved, and found out that there is a community pool near me. So after going through my boxes I found my tail and monofin. So I took them out and I tried to put it on and I saw that sadly the monofin didn’t fit my tail. Now my return warranty for the monofin and tail is over and I’m unsure what to do. By summer though I’d like to be mermaid ready for the water. Do you have any helpful advice I could use to solve the problem?
Jan 20, 2021 at 5:16 pm
We’re so sorry that happened! Fin Fun doesn’t offer tails that fit the Linden monofin, but we have monofins on our site that fit Fin Fun tails perfectly! You can find them at this link: https://www.finfunmermaid.com/reinforced-monofin-pro-and-jr
Let me know if you have any other questions and I’ll do my best to help you! 🙂
Jan 5, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Hi fin fun, I’d like a swimsuit that matches the saphire seas tail but idk what to choose! Plz help me
Jan 6, 2021 at 10:05 am
I would suggest the Royal Blue Sea Wave swimsuit (only $5 on Fin Fun’s website right now!) or the Black Sea Wave swimsuit. Hope that helps! 🙂
Jan 3, 2021 at 2:44 pm
More more more! so so good
Dec 25, 2020 at 10:58 am
Hi I’m new
Dec 25, 2020 at 10:57 am
What’s the story about
Dec 28, 2020 at 8:38 am
The Mermaiden Tales are about a group of mermaid princesses and their animal friends! They go on lots of adventures and fight an evil sea witch! If you want the whole story, start with the first one!
Dec 8, 2020 at 10:59 am
EPIC STORY VERY INTENSE BUT VERY EXCITING AT THE SAME TIME
Dec 2, 2020 at 7:40 am
Hi Lacey ( or any other Fin Fun worker), idk if you can see this but i had a question about the Fiji Fantasy tail. The other tails i have looked at has a shop the collection and Fiji Fantasy had one to but now it doesn’t. I would like to get a matching swimsuit with my tail but idk which one works.
Dec 2, 2020 at 8:28 am
Hi Joy! If you want a swimsuit that matches Fiji Fantasy, I’d suggest the Iridescent Silver Sea Wave set. The Mint Green Sea Wave swimsuit also matches and is currently part of our $5 swimwear sale! Let me know if this helps!
Dec 7, 2020 at 6:55 am
Thank you Lacey!
Dec 7, 2020 at 8:45 am
Anytime! 😊 I’m always here to answer everyone’s questions!
Nov 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
marian is the best mermaiden
Nov 4, 2020 at 10:27 am
I just found these like yesterday and i finish all of them! This is the best mermaid series EVER! Also, can you make like a purple-blue-teal ombre tail? That would be awesome!
Nov 16, 2020 at 11:12 am
Hi! That tail u described sounds AMAZING! I loooove ombré!
Nov 3, 2020 at 12:12 pm
ok thx! 🙂
Nov 2, 2020 at 10:59 am
when is the next story coming out?
btw is it ok that I’m writing my own?
Nov 2, 2020 at 11:21 am
It’s okay if you write your own stories! Just make sure you state that you don’t own the Mermaidens and that your stories are fan fiction if you post them somewhere.
Nov 2, 2020 at 11:24 am
We’re still working on the next one! It may take a little longer because we’re getting everything ready for the holidays over at FinFunMermaid.com, but we promise we haven’t forgotten about it! 🙂
Oct 26, 2020 at 7:27 pm
I can’t wait for the next one!
Oct 25, 2020 at 2:50 pm
“a rabid fish”
–Mariana 2020
Oct 30, 2020 at 3:40 pm
Haha. That is funny and weird but where in the story is it???
Nov 6, 2020 at 3:59 pm
“Armando flopped like a rabid fish to free himself, but my hold was firm.”
Me.
Oct 21, 2020 at 11:11 am
Thank you fin fun for all your wonderful stories! Just wondering, could you please bring back the rio red please?
Oct 22, 2020 at 8:52 am
I’ll pass that on to the team at Fin Fun! 🙂
Oct 25, 2020 at 2:51 pm
Thanks! Also, when is #87?
Oct 26, 2020 at 8:22 am
Our writer and illustrator are still working on it. Thanks for being patient with us! 🙂
Oct 27, 2020 at 6:47 pm
Hi I don’t remember posting this comment so if you are copying my name that’s okay but please and #2 at the end.
Oct 29, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Never mind I remember posting this it was like 4 or 5 days ago haha.
Oct 27, 2020 at 6:49 pm
Thank, I’ve always loved it.
Oct 28, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Hello Lacey, i have a question. How do we know you work at Fin Fun? All Fin Fun employees have the Fin Fun logo as there picture so i just wanted to know. i mean this in the best way possible. thanks!
Oct 28, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Haha you have a good point, but I can assure you that I do work for Fin Fun! (I just haven’t figured out how to change my picture yet, oops.) I’ll get that changed soon so I can prove it to you. 🙂
Oct 29, 2020 at 11:09 am
Thanks!
Oct 30, 2020 at 11:33 am
Hey Reijah, I changed it! Happy swimming!
Nov 5, 2020 at 12:47 pm
Hooray! So happy you were able to change that. And thanks for answering my question!
Oct 15, 2020 at 11:51 am
Hi merfriends! i just got back from the Mariana Kingdom and wow is it beautiful there. i got to meet Mariana to! She was super awesome. I was so sad when i had to leave but ill be headed that way again soon. While i was there i learned about these things humans wear on their tails, i mean feet. there called shoops? How do you humans manage to get those on your feet?
Oct 23, 2020 at 11:05 am
Shoes.
We slide them on.
Oct 25, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Ooh, that’s cool! I’ll tell Mother and Father this. They will be intrigued, no doubt. And Akiko, well, she’s Akiko, and you cant change that.
Oct 27, 2020 at 9:24 am
Shoes? Wow, i figured I’ve been calling it wrong, oh well. So you slip them on your feet. I wish i could try some but i only have one tail not two. Oh well! Thanks for the help Lei!
Nov 6, 2020 at 4:04 pm
No problem, gurl 😉
And also, humans don’t have tails, but there is a human who died years ago who was a real mermaid OMGoodness. I’ll tell you her name so you can look her up. Her name was Shiloh Pepin.
Nov 12, 2020 at 8:22 am
Really? Thats an interesting story Lei! ill be sure to ask my family about her. And sorry I’m so used to calling legs tails!
Nov 13, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Hi Mermaid Coral!
A glitch in the system made it so I can’t reply to some comments (question mark?!?) so I am just doing it this way. She died of pneumonia and she was only 10.
R.I.P Shiloh……
Anyways, have a great day!!
Lei
Nov 13, 2020 at 3:25 pm
I think it’s just that you can only have so many replies within replies, you know what I’m saying? But what you did works just fine!
Nov 21, 2020 at 7:29 am
HI Lacey,
Thanks! That makes sense since you can’t have (200?) replies to one comment.
thx!
Lei….
P.S. Also, when on earth is the next story? It seems as if they’ve disappeared into thin air.
thx!
Lei
Nov 23, 2020 at 8:20 am
We promise there are more stories! Our writer and illustrator are just busy getting FinFunMermaid.com ready for the holidays 🙂
Dec 2, 2020 at 7:42 am
Interesting story, i will have to explore this story some more.
Jan 9, 2021 at 9:38 am
WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE COMING OUT????? IT’S ALREADY JANUARY!!!!
Jan 11, 2021 at 8:51 am
We’re working on it, merfriend! Thanks for being patient with us 🙂
Jan 19, 2021 at 5:30 pm
I’m a human, but whatever. Thx!
P.S. WIll it be in the next few weeks?
Jan 19, 2021 at 6:31 pm
I can’t say when just yet, but our writer is busy typing away!
Jan 30, 2021 at 4:40 pm
(sigh)
ok
Mar 7, 2021 at 6:31 pm
It’s March. Friggin March! MARCH! Why is there such a delay?
Mar 8, 2021 at 9:00 pm
We know… it’s because what’s coming next is going to be BIG!
Oct 13, 2020 at 8:54 am
Wow what an epic story! I’m on my way to the Mariana Kingdom soon and i can’t wait to meet Mariana! Hi friends my name is Coral princess of the Atlantic Ocean! if you have any questions let me know in the comments and ill do my best to get back to you.
Oct 11, 2020 at 11:17 am
Ha. I’m first
Oct 11, 2020 at 1:09 am
hi, love the story so much and Mariana is my favorite mermaid, I even have her tail! can’t wait for the next one
Oct 10, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Yay! so glad that the storys are starting again! haha, marina is so great
Oct 17, 2020 at 5:35 pm
I agree.
Oct 10, 2020 at 3:46 pm
I think I was first, but also… if anyone did make it before, great job!
But did anyone notice that in the last story, Brynn looked too young, like a girl, not a teen, and now Mariana looks like a woman, not a teen. But technically she is a woman, since 18 counts as an adult. RIP teenage years 🙂
Oct 12, 2020 at 10:27 am
yes it is weird
Oct 23, 2020 at 11:07 am
PLEASE release an unaminated photo of us!!!!!!
Mar 7, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Yes.
Oct 26, 2020 at 7:21 pm
I know right!?
Oct 30, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Yaaas Queen!
Nov 13, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Hi SOMEONE ELSE HO IS ANONYMOUS BUT ISN’T CALLED ANONYMOUS WAIT WOULDNT THAT BE A NAME SO IM NOT ANONYMOUS THIS IS CONFUSING?,
My goodness, that is a long name.
Hey….. but it ensures that nobody finds out your real name!!!!!
Best Wishes,
Lacey 2.0 #2 numero dos II wait what?!?!?!?
P.S. I have a long “name” too, so its ok 😉
Nov 16, 2020 at 8:45 am
Good one 😂 my name is pretty cool, not gonna lie haha
Nov 21, 2020 at 7:40 am
I just wanted to say . . . . . I’m so sorry for the loss of a “W” in “who,” but I meant no offense by that . . . yeah.
ANYWAYS………………………………………..
Have a gr8 day!!!!!!! Stay safe!!!!! Stay happy!!!!!!!!!!! Stay swimmingly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay….. um……………. lively!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For anyone in school, stay school-y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW: If you are in-person, I feel you. I am fully in-person as well.
I have a long username so I’m not going to spell it all out, even though this is longer………….
P.S. When is the next one? I know y’all are preparing for Christmas (which I don’t celebrate, ngl, I’m Jewish), but after the holidays, will it be every two Fridays again????
Sincerely,
LACEY 2.0 #2 NUMERO DOS II WAIT WHAT?!?!?!?
Have a gr8 Thanksgiving!
Nov 23, 2020 at 8:23 am
After the holidays (totally fine to not celebrate Christmas, I’ll wish you a happy Hanukkah!) we’ll figure out when the stories can start back up 🙂
Dec 6, 2020 at 3:40 pm
Hi Lacey,
Well…. slight problem—-we don’t celebrate Hanukkah, soooooo………
ANYWAYS,
Have a gr8 day!
Lacey 2.0 #2 Numero Dos II wait what?!?!?!?
Dec 7, 2020 at 8:43 am
Ope, sorry about that! Well I just hope that you’re happy no matter what you do or don’t celebrate! haha Stay safe out there!
Dec 27, 2020 at 11:23 am
No problem. We’re just super weird and different. But whatever…
Sincerely,
Long name
Oct 30, 2020 at 3:37 pm
yeah
Oct 10, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Hi mers and girls, first one again! And anyone who came in second, kudos to you 😉
Wish you all safety and happiness
-karly
Oct 12, 2020 at 11:30 am
Lol Karly u were not first
Oct 23, 2020 at 11:09 am
Lol Coral u don’t have to be so salty
Oct 13, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Sorry :I
I didn’t notice
Oct 10, 2020 at 7:20 am
keep up the good work fin fun
these are soooooooo good