<At Midnight...>

Ling Ling's POV

Ling Ling looked out from her window and saw Moon climbing down the rope from her bedroom's window. She heavily sighed.

Ling Ling: "Why doesn't that girl listen?"

Ling Ling sadly smiled.

Ling Ling: "She probably got her stubbornness from her father."

Ling Ling turned the book laying on the table beside her. It was the book Moon borrowed.

Ling Ling: "And her adventurous spirit from her mother..."

She picked up the book and brought it in front of her. She stared at the words written on the cover page, 'The Tales of the Hidden Merfolks'.

Ling Ling: "She did eventually found out about her mermaid form, didn't she?"

Ling Ling gripped onto the book tightly.

Ling Ling: "How would Hawk and Rose reacted to this? I know Hawk will be furious with Moon disobeying his orders."

It's been so long since Ling Ling last fulfilled her duties for Hawk, who is now the King of Clarines. She missed the times she used to handle a sword and stand by Hawk's side as one of his trusted protectors.

He had always been so kind to her and even welcomed her into the castle.

She knew if she had told Hawk and Rose about this sooner, the situation will get worst and Moon would be in serious trouble.

But now, she doesn't know what's right and what's wrong.

Ling Ling: "My loyalty to Hawk hasn't changed but I can't let his daughter drown in misery."

Ling Ling looked back at Moon from afar.

Ling Ling: "Moon...I hope you know what you're doing..."

<At the beach...>

While walking on the dry sand barefooted, Moon's heart could not stop beating. She had mixed feelings returning back to the ocean. She felt nervous but excited.

Moon made it to the shore and stood there staring at the far sea.

Moon: "It's been too long..."

Moon bend down and reached out her hand. She hesitated for a bit, but eventually, touched the silky and smooth water.

(Those with the Merfolk's curse can only turn to their mermaid form if they touched the water with their feet, not their hand so please don't get confused! :))

Moon: "*Smiles* It feels nice."

Moon loved the touch of the refreshing seawater as it help to calm her down. She got up and looked around the beach.

Even though she was alone on the shore, she had this feeling that she was being watched.

Moon: I bet Ling Ling is watching me right now...

Knowing that Ling Ling was probably viewing her every move, Moon did not dare to look back.

A while ago, Ling Ling tried to stop Moon from leaving the castle and warned her about the consequences.

But these moments were the times she could finally be free from her cage, and she could also do whatever she wanted.

The best part was that Moon also made an friend out at sea and both of them shared the same exact curse. Moon always felt at ease around him and she didn't want that to end...

Moon: "Is Orion late? Don't tell me he's going to scare me again."

The princess patiently waited for the Merman as she began drawing circles on the sand.

Time passed, but Orion was no where in sight.

Moon: Where is he? He can't just keep me waiting all night.

Moon looked to her left at the cliff that brought back many fond memories. The place where she found her hidden identity.

Moon: Huh? Is that...?

On the tall rock cliff, there was a man standing on the top. His platinum hair was blowing against the light breeze as his eyes stared out at the open ocean.

Moon: "Orion?"

Although her voice was so soft, it's seems that the Merman could heard her call.

Orion turned his head and faced in Moon's direction. His silver yet soulless eyes laid on the princess at shore.

However, without any warning, Orion moved his body and jumped back into the ocean.

Moon: "Hey! Wait!"

The sound of the water splashing was loud enough for her to hear.

Moon: "He didn't even say a single 'hello' to me..."

Moon was puzzled by Orion's action. Why did he leave all of a sudden, she thought.

Moon: "How rude!"

Moon exclaimed angrily.

Moon: "I have been standing here, waiting patiently for him and this is what I get??!!"

The princess was fuming with anger. She immediately dived into the waters and chased after Orion.

<In the Ocean...>

The moment Moon was fully submerged inside the ocean, her legs turned into her mermaid tail again.

She searched around the entire area and found Orion swimming just right ahead of her.

Moon: "Orion!"

Moon quickly swam after Orion. However, due to more 'experience', he was way faster than her and kept the long distance between them.

Moon: "*Huffs* Do you not hear me?!"

Although she was running out of breath, Moon continued to persevere and called out to him. However, Orion swam in silence.

Moon: "WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?"

Moon shouted loudly. She finally gave up and stopped to catch her breath. She could not take it anymore.

Thankfully, her scream caused Orion stop swimming too. His back facing her.

Moon: "Why are you ignoring me? What did I do wrong?"

Silence. The tension between them was stronger than ever. Moon was hurt. She didn't know why Orion was running away from her without any explanation.

Moon: "JUST ANSWER ME ALREADY!!-"

Orion: "YOU KISSED THAT MAN!"

Orion immediately turned around and faced Moon. His silver eyes once again stared at hers.

Moon: "W-What...?"

The princess froze right on the spot. Orion then swam towards Moon but this time, he was the one who was frustrated judging by his expression and tone.

The Merman paused right in front of her, still looking at her straight in the eye.

Orion: "You finally got your answer, happy now?"

Moon could not form the words she wanted to say. It was as if there was a knot in her throat.

Orion: "You betrayed me. I trusted you, but it seems like you went behind my back."

Moon: "Betrayed you? My relationship with him has nothing to do with you! Besides, he's just my frien-"

Orion: "Ha! A friend? I saw everything, Moon. Everything. You can't fool me anymore."

Orion turned around and was about to swim off again. Moon clenched both of her hands into fists but loosened them when realisation struck her.

Moon: "Why are running away? You're acting as if you're jealous!"

Shocked by her words, Orion's eyes widened like plates. His actions spoke louder than words.

Moon swam up and reached out her hand towards him.

Moon: "Please, Orion, just tell me the truth..."

*SLAP!*

Out of the blue, Orion slapped away Moon's hand. Despite being underwater, the sound echoed through the waters.

The princess was shocked. She brought her trembling hand close to her chest.

After knowing what he did, Orion quickly apologised.

Orion: "Are you alright? I'm sorry I don't know what I was thinking-!"

Moon: "Stop."

Moon backed up from Orion, leaving a gap between them.

Moon: "Just stop. I'm sorry...if I made you upset and broken your trust. I-I...think it's best if we go our separate ways..."

Orion: "Moon...wait!"

Moon: "No, you're right. I did betray you. But I can't solve the problem if I am always surrounded by lies. So...goodbye Orion..."

As Moon turned her back at Orion and slowly swam away, her tears began to fall as they coursed down her cheeks.

It wasn't her hand that was hurting, it was her fragile heart...

Moon: *Sobs* It's hurts...

Orion intended to chase after her, but thought it will only complicate the situation.

His heart ache at the sight of the Mermaid swimming further away.

Orion: "What have I done?"

Orion knew that he was the one in the wrong. The pain he felt, when he saw Moon was that other guy, was excruciating. He then remembered his mother's words...

.
.
.

???: "Your mind is really playing tricks with you. Soon you will realise the pain and suffering a human will do to you when they stab your back hard!"

.
.
.

Those words kept on repeating in Orion's mind. At first, he didn't understood what his mother meant, but now, he felt his heartbreak for the first time in his life.

Orion did truly cared about Moon and it was apparent.

He immediately swam up to the princess and embraced her from behind.

Orion: "Moon, please forgive me..."

Still upset, Moon tried to break free from his grip but failed to do so.

Moon: "And why should I?!"

Unexpectedly, Orion rested his head on Moon's shoulder. Surprise, she turned to face him as her cheeks suddenly began to blush.

Orion: "Last night, I was there. I was there... to witness you kissing that other man. I know it's stupid but...I couldn't help but feel irritated and hurtful inside..."

The Merman lifted up his head and released his hands. Moon spun around to look at him with tears still in her eyes.

Orion: "What am I feeling, Moon? What is this pain inside my chest? I want it to stop! But I can't control it at all...it's as if I am under a spell..."

Orion gripped his chest tightly. Moon could indirectly feel the pain in his heart. However, what shocked her the most, was the tears forming in the merman's eyes.

This was the first time...she saw him showing his true emotions. His eyes was full of sorrow.

Moon: "Love..."

Moon replied and reached out her hand once more to wipe away his tears.

Moon: "It's something both you and I don't fully understand and never experienced before. Sure, I may have my first kiss stolen but that doesn't mean I truly feel the same way..."

Her hand moved down to caress his cheek.

Moon: "No one can replaced you, Orion. You mean the world to me and I treasure the friendship we developed together. So, please don't think I was going to leave you just like that. I promise will continue to stay by your side...and I hope you will do the same."

Orion: "Moon..."

A smile spread across his face.

Orion: "Of course...and thank you."

He took Moon's hand and held it in between his hands.

Orion: "You truly are...someone I can trust."

Moon at last saw the real Orion, the Merman who was finally express his feelings. She couldn't help but let out a joyful smile.

Her heart was thumping loudly in her chest, but at the same time, had a slight warmth to it.

Moon: "*Laughs* You are flattering me too much."

Orion blushed at her words, showing a hint of embarrassment.

Orion: "At least I'm trying to be sound thoughtful here *Laughs*."

Their eyes made contact and their faces inches away. Moon was relieved Orion back to his old self. However, she couldn't help but think about his actions earlier.

Moon: Was Orion really jealous of me being with Aiden? Does he...no...it can't be...

Moon was more confused than before. Everything was such a blur. Even she, herself could not hold back her own feelings for Orion.

As she took another glance at him, her cheeks were blushing so hard as if they were going to explode! He was honestly...just as attractive as Aiden...

Before they knew it, they were practically leaning towards each other.

Moon: Oh my god! Why am I always surrounded by boys?! My heart can't take this anymor-!

However, all of a sudden, something interrupted their quiet and peaceful moment.

Guard 1: "OI! YOU TWO!"

Startled, Moon and Orion both turned their heads towards the main noise.

To their surprise, a group of guards (holding long and sharp spears) came swimming towards them.

Guard 2: "How did the two of you get past the barrier??!!"

Moon: "Who are they?!"

The princess started to panic. However, Orion kept his cool and said.

Orion: "The Royal Guards..."

Moon: "Royal??? There's a royal family underwater??!"

Orion just glared at the Guards, not answering to Moon at all.

Moon: "Hey! I'm talking to you mister-!"

All of a sudden, the Merman grabbed onto the princess's wrist and headed to the opposing direction.

Orion: "No time to talk! We gotta SCRAM!"

To be continued...

Hi guys! It's Chewy here! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I apologise for taking quite some time to finish and publish this chapter. The reason is because I was busy studying for my upcoming exams and I didn't have much time to write during the process. For the next few weeks, I unfortunately will be taking some time off writing and I hope you guys understand where I am coming from! Once my exams are completed, I will resume with my writing and continue publishing chapters like before! Alright, I got to get going now! See you all in the next chapter! Love ya ❤️