Mermaid Story from Mermaiden Zoey

My sisters and I quickly exited the MerCouncil’s chambers with tails full of exhilaration.

“Mariana, I am soooo excited that you’re finally going to be a real Mermaiden princess,” exclaimed Serena. “Do you want some help getting ready for tonight? I can always add a little color to whatever you’re planning on wearing.”

Brynn quickly interrupted. “Serena, that’s a lovely offer, but I have some pressin’ matters to discuss with our bonny teal princess.” Mariana gave me a sideways glance. I think we all saw the flirty exchange between Amani and Mariana and I guessed that Brynn was the only one gutsy enough to ask nosey questions.

Simultaneously, Brynn and I grabbed Mariana by the arm and began leading Mariana out of the fortress.  “Where in the deep blue sea do you think you’re taking me, Zoey and Brynn?” Mariana spoke with concern.

“Oh, just some girl talk. Relax princess,” I retorted. We all laughed. I locked eyes with Brynn and we both knew the information that we were after. Mariana was still very cautious with each of us as she navigated her new life. We understood. We’ve all been princesses our entire lives with our families intact. Mariana had just been given a new life.

We swam happily a short distance outside the kingdom. I was seeking the perfect spot for us to talk to Mariana amongst the radiant coral and glittering starfish, when I could sense a ripple in the water. Something was nearby. Or maybe someone.

“Mariana and Brynn, do you feel something?” Although I didn’t know what Mariana’s special power was, any mermaid worth her tail should be able to feel what I felt. From the corner of my eye, I saw a little movement in a small sand hill. “Girls. Don’t move too quickly, there is something hiding over in that mound of sand,” I whispered.

Stealthily, we swam toward the unknown mass. Brynn quickly created a ball of light to shine on the sand. I could sense that this was a creature of some sort in hiding. As I watched the tip of a blue fin emerge from its sandy coverage, I recognized that it was a baby stingray! We moved closer and the stingray came out of hiding. But something wasn’t right. The baby’s tail was unusually high and its left fin wasn’t in line with the right. Obviously, Mariana could also sense that something wasn’t right and hurried over to the distressed fish. I gently placed both of my hands on his textured head and tried to communicate with him.

“This little fellow got caught on a floating piece of metal,” I repeated.

Lovingly but with caution, Mariana began looking for a wound.

“Found it. Poor guy. I think the metal hit his spine, which is probably why he’s having trouble swimming,” said Mariana sympathetically. She scooped him up in her arms in flash. I hadn’t seen her treat someone or something this well since Cal.

“Hey little stingray. Our friend Jia can help heal your wounds if you’ll come back to our resting place. She can make you feel better,” I softly whispered. The stingray communicated his compliance and at once, we were traveling at high speeds to find Jia.

Thankfully we weren’t far away. “Jia! Please save him!” Mariana cried in panic. In a flash, Jia grabbed a soft pouch of colorful powders and shiny liquids. I showed her the place where the metal pierced his delicate flesh. Jia rubbed a beautiful cerulean potion on the wound and within seconds, I could see the skin beginning to heal.

Mariana held the curvy creature during his treatment and looked as if she would never let go. The warmth and compassion I knew existed in her came to life when she looked in his piercing turquoise eyes.

I approached her and gently place a hand on his right fin. “Hiya fellow, I’m Zoey. What’s your name?”

“Ricardo. Please thank your friend for saving me. I have been wandering alone for many weeks now, separated from my family. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it.” I passed along his sentiments to a beaming Jia whose grace and generosity had no end.

Soon, our new animal friend was asleep in Mariana’s arms, looking perfectly content.

“He’s a bit sleepy from the medicine. He should be good as new in a few hours,” offered Jia. “I’m going to finish getting ready for the party tonight, unless there’s anything else you need.”

“The party! Yes, I had almost forgotten,” I teased. We still needed to talk to Mariana about Amani.

As Jia swam away, Brynn and I floated in tandem closer to Mariana while she continued to comfort Ricardo.

“So, Mariana. I’ve gotta ask, bonny. Did I sense some flirtin’ between you and Amani at the MerCouncil meeting?” Brynn went right for the info.

Mariana turned as red as her old tail. “I couldn’t care less about some fancy-tailed hunk.”

Just then, Destiny came dashing toward us. “Mariana! What…or should I say WHO are you holding?”

“His name is Ricardo. We found him hurt among the coral just outside of the entrance. Jia healed his wounds,” Mariana explained.

“He’s a cutie. And so is Amani. He’s been looking for you. You better put that fish down and get ready for your big night,” Destiny exclaimed excitedly.

“Ricardo isn’t going anywhere. I’m never going to let him get hurt again,” Mariana said protectively. “Rico, that’s a better name for you.” She stared maternally at the beautiful blue fish. “I was once lost at sea with nowhere to call home. I relied on Cal to be my family. Rico doesn’t deserve to feel the pain I felt on my own. This is my chance to pay back what Cal did for me.”

We all stared reverently as Mariana transformed once again.

After a few moments of silent support, I softly said “Mariana…did you hear what Destiny just said? Amani is looking for you. He’s so cute!! Come on – aren’t you interested? Looks like he’s very interested in you…” my words trailed off.

And before she could answer, her mouth told the story. The curves of her lips rose and her eyelashes began to flutter. This should be an interesting night after all!

Mermaid Story from Mermaiden Brynn

Fergus lay sleepily on me lap. I’d love to spend hours and hours playing with me beloved FinFriend and the other wee beauties that live in the Celtic Sea, but taking a nap feels good after all the recent excitement. We leave today to journey to the MerCouncil and I don’t want to leave my slippery li’l fish-loving friend behind again. I’m ready for life to go back to normal. But will it ever?

Just as I start to drift away to join Fergus in dream land, Zoey pops her head through the door and tugs me back to reality. “Brynn, it’s time to go. The rest of the crew is waiting on us.” I move my sleeping li’l seal friend gently to a nearby cushion. With a heavy sigh, he curls up in an unbreakable slumber as I lean down and give him a sweet kiss on his whiskered nose. Farewell for now, mate.

The journey to the MerCouncil passed more quickly than usual. Perhaps because I was so anxious to see Mariana finally become a Mermaiden. Or, maybe because I was a touch excited to meet Amani. I know I can come off salty, but I’m as interested in protecting our lives as the rest of the lasses. Either way, I was happy that the trip didn’t drag on. We’ve got work ta do ta catch Calisto and her dodgy gang and meeting with the MerCouncil is the first step.

The curves of the MerCouncil’s chambers and the smooth onyx doors provided some small comfort from the otherwise nerve-wracking situation that we were about ta face. Our parents may have let us off easy for our nearly deadly escapades in the Mariana Kingdom, but would our highest councilors dole out their own punishment? I hope not! Havin’ the chance to mingle with the two-legged folk is a privilege I don’t want taken away.

The intimidating MerCouncil members entered the room silently. But from the looks on their faces, they were hiding deep exuberance that set me at ease. Chancellor Darek was the first to speak, and as he began, his blue eyes flashed as bright as a blue tang.

“Welcome dear Mermaiden princesses; we are so glad that you’re here safe and sound. We know that you’ve already had quite the chastisement from your parents regarding your recent choices. So, you’ve been called here not to be scolded, but to help us in locating Damon, Calisto, and their vile little puppet Noodles before they do any further damage. Plus, we are thrilled to welcome King Caspian and his daughter Mariana as royalty in this gathering,” Darek continued.

I looked over at Mariana. She was beamin’ from ear to ear. Her da looked at her tenderly and I could sense that his heart was startin’ to heal.

“Since your next adventure awaits,” Darek said enthusiastically, “we are eager for you to begin your advanced skills training. Now I’d like you to meet Amani. Although he is only 20 years of age, he has already become the leader of King Lyron’s army. We proudly introduce you to Commander Amani…”

A small, gold encrusted door opened a short distance away. I could see a imposing figure swiftly approach the circle. With tribal swirls and crimson and navy scales, his tail was like nothing I had ever seen.  Dark curls surrounded his face, which wasn’t half bad if ye ask me, and his stone brown eyes quickly took in the whole room. Stoic but friendly, he smiled in our direction.

“Your highnesses. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I am Commander Amani and it will be my privilege to train you for the unexpected.”

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we handled ourselves pretty well,” Mariana blurted out before she could stop herself. Her face shone bright with excitement, but her mouth acted otherwise.  Zoey rolled her eyes as Serena let out a small giggle, and Crystal looked horrified.

“You must be Mariana,” Amani replied calmly. “I’ve heard that you like to play with knives.”

Now it was Waverlee’s turn to laugh. It took every scale on my body not to crack up myself.

“I’ve spent my entire life on my own – or. well, with my sidekick swordfish, Cal,” said Mariana, wistful yet defiant at the same time. “I have real sea experience to bring to the ocean floor,” she added, looking Amani right in the eyes, even though she had to tilt her head back to do it.

“I can’t wait to see what you can teach me,” Amani said.

With that obvious flirtation, Amani bowed gracefully toward the MerCouncil, quickly said farewell to the rest of us, and swam away before Mariana could pull herself together for a response.

“Now that you’ve met Commander Amani, our next order of business is to officially appoint Mariana as the newest Mermaiden. We will have a grand ball this evening in honor of Princess Mariana and her father, King Caspian. You may all be excused to prepare for the event tonight,” said Darek.

“But what about Calisto, Damon, and Noodles? We’re not just goin’ ta let the slimy sea terrors go, are we?” Even though I trust the MerCouncil completely, I wanted to make sure they know I’m about jumpin’ out o’ my tail to see Cal’s death avenged and our home seas protected.

“Oh Brynn, we will deal with the demoness trio soon enough, my dear,” my da said with a chuckle. “Tonight, calls for celebration.”

As my fellow Mermaidens and I made our way back to our rooms to begin gussyin’ up for the big ball, my wee brain swirled with questions and concerns.  Would we be able ta stop Calisto before the wicked she-witch did any more damage? Could we learn the skills we would need to defeat them> And most importantly, how had the bonny young Commander  disarmed our unshakable merfriend Mariana so quickly? My curiosity piqued, I had ta make a plan – quick – if I was gonna find out whether Mariana was splashing for our new trainer.

Mermaid Story from Mermaiden Mariana

King Takumi softly opened the door to the spot where we had been relaxing. Jia was the first to flutter at the sight of her father’s elegant amethyst robe as he drifted in. “Your parents are gathered in my private chamber. We ask that you come at once to discuss your recent journey,” he gently commanded. Somberly the seven princesses (plus Sid) let go of their FinFriends and one by one made their way to the king’s meeting room. I couldn’t help but think of losing Cal, my oldest friend and confidant.

“How long do you think they will keep us in isolation as punishment?” Serena whispered to Zoey.

“Hopefully just long enough to find that evil sea witch!” Zoey snarled.

Brynn took my hand as we entered the room. “Remember Scar–, I mean Mariana. We lasses gotta stick together! No matter the trouble, things will end up grand.”

I appreciated her optimism but there was so much turmoil, it was hard to think straight. I hoped that finding my true identity would provide new clarity, but it seemed to be scrambling my thoughts even further. Combined with my ability to feel the emotions of others, my brain felt like an overflowing volcano. Ugh. Volcano. How could I possibly live in the Mariana Fortress?

As my mind continued to wander, I felt a pinch on the arm that pulled me back to stinging reality.

“Ya better answer your father, lass,” Brynn murmured.

In a flash, I realized that my father was standing in front of me, apart from the other parents.

“Mariana, did you hear me? I need to know if you have any information that could help us find Damon, Calisto, or that disgusting fish Noodles.”

I recalled our harrowing experience in my once-beautiful kingdom. The memories played through my mind. The smothering blackness with no end. The heat of the lava flowing dangerously. “No, father. I can’t remember anything useful.”

He turned to look at the others. “Zoey. I need to know if Cal told you anything that may help us find those wretched spirits,” my father pressed.

“No, King Caspian. It was total chaos. ,” Zoey replied sheepishly.

“You didn’t let me – or us – down. You’re all very brave. You rescued me after nearly two decades of captivity and fought my tormentors with unbreakable strength. Soon we will need to go to the MerCouncil and I want to make sure that we provide them with complete information,” he explained.

The MerCouncil? The other Mermaidens seem comfortable talking to the highest council of the Merworld. But me? I still get nervous. Especially now that the MerCouncil will be deciding the future of Mariana Kingdom and…me. Will I have to tell them about my special power? Destiny told me that when we visit the MerCouncil, they will officially appoint me as the newest Mermaiden. I’m excited to have seven new sisters and to represent my home sea. But this is too much, too fast.

One minute I’m prowling the seas looking for pirates with Cal, the next minute Cal’s gone, my Father’s alive, and I’m a princess!

My thoughts turned melancholy as Destiny’s father began to describe the consequences for taking on the evils in Mariana Kingdom alone. I wish Cal was here with me.. He understood me. He made me feel better.

“You were all reckless. Sneaking out to take on Calisto and her army was foolish. You could have been killed.” Destiny interrupted. “Father, with all due respect, we aren’t children anymore. You’re going to have to start treating us like the women we are.” She spoke firmly, but respectfully.

“Ah, don’t judge the punishment before it’s doled,” said King Lyron firmly. “You might be surprised at our proposal.”

We all floated silently, waiting for him to finish.

“As your parents, we agree that with each passing year you’re transforming into talented princesses with a propensity for curiosity and a bit of mischief. We know we can’t keep you under lock and key, but we want you to be safe and learn to protect yourselves. We have decided that the consequence of your escapade is that you are all going to mermaid self-defense training right after we visit the MerCouncil. It’s time that you learn to protect yourselves from potential danger as you begin to deal with humans and their complexities.”

I was stunned. Who would have thought that becoming a princess was going to provide me with this opportunity? This may feel like punishment to the others, but I was thrilled! As I looked around the room I could sense fear in Jia and Waverlee. A little excitement from Zoey and Destiny. Brynn’s mind was churning and eager. Serena and Crystal seemed hesitant and confused.

“What am I? Chopped seaweed?” said Sid from the back of the room. He had tried to stay quiet and hidden – especially when he thought a harsh punishment was coming – but now his emotions were on fire.

“Oh Sid. We know that you’ve learned a lot during while you’ve been out on your own. But it’s time for your sister and the other Mermaidens to learn how to defend themselves,” said King Lyron. “You’ve all just experienced some of the worst kinds of merfolk. What will you do when you run into human that are just as bad . . . or worse?  Ones that want to capture or even kill you?”

He was right.  I had the misfortune of running into land folk more than once, and I know how dangerous they could be – especially for mermaids. I thought this defense training was a great idea!

“You will be taught by the chief commander of my army,” explained King Lyron. “He’s shown incredible capacity and courage since he was a young boy. He’s about your age now but has already been leading our militia for two years. His name is Amani and he will be joining us when we visit the MerCouncil. Your training with him will begin immediately after.”

I couldn’t contain my excitement at the news. “I already know a bit about sword handling, as my new friends have witnessed, but I’m looking forward to learning new skills, King Lyron.”

“That’s the attitude I was hoping for, Mariana. But first things, first,” he replied. “We need to get you all to the MerCouncil, so we can figure out how to find Damon and his wicked mother, and that miserable little creature Noodles. Plus, there is the business of King Caspian regaining his throne and you, Mariana, being officially recognized as the newest Royal Mermaiden Princess.”

I felt my father’s arms encircle me, pulling me close in a hug, and it gave me a strong sense of peace. Although there were many unknowns, the future looked full of possibilities.