19 Years of Abyss

"Alehkzir, do you know what today is?" She looked down at me, narrowing her eyes as if I done something wrong.

There was probably something I was forgetting--not to mention Levy could be back any day now-- so my mind was a bit elsewhere at the moment.

"XXX6 X2?" I state thinking of the end of the year.

Keth Zykrula sighed, "It is the beginning of the new year!  It is not even XXX6 anymore.  And it has been nineteen years since you been here." She looked at me impatiently.

"Well Happy New Year Keth Zykrula!" I grinned, "Do you want to put on a celebration then with champagne?"

They stared dully at me, "No.  As once you were the youngest, but you are now one of the oldest as there are plenty ones younger than you.  And you know what happened to those above you?" I sighed, widening my eyes.

I knew this day would come eventually, but now?

I haven't even seen Levy in three years and I'm supposed to complete
my life's purpose.

As I might have mentioned before, life is different for an Ardizevepa.

We live in the caves until the age to move out and create our own and leave basically forever.

"They decided they didn't like it here anymore and left." I simply stated, "But don't worry, I actually like it here.  In fact I think I'm going to stay.  But because of the new year, we should celebrate with the best pranks."

Everyone I knew always end up leaving when their time came, so when I said that, it was unheard of.  Keth Zykrula widened their eyes in disbelief and sighed.

"Alehkzir, you are not getting that spell book back." I stared at the words that came from Zykrula and I was deeply saddened.

"W-what?" I laughed embarrassedly, "Now why would I... Of all things even think about that?!"

Zeth Zykrula laughed dryly, "You're terrible at covering up lies when you're embarrassed."

"Is that so?" I muttered sheepishly.  "Never noticed, haven't done that in awhile." I turned away looked out from the cave.

"I don't get you." Zykrula stated firmly all of the sudden as I looked over at the unknown depths, "You claim you want to stay here, but half the time you are out there doing who knows what and causing problems for other beings.  Not to mention you always used to explore different crests and various unknown acres."

I tilted my head back, "But it's my home--well it is a place I always know I can come back to."

Home sounded too stupid.

They pursed their lips, "Perhaps, but I guess that's not the real reason either." I was looked at knowingly.

"Not the real reason?" I was beyond understanding, "What do you mean?"

Zeth Zykrula just smiled, "Oh nothing," But her expression was anything but nothing-- in fact, it was almost secretive.

The ocean was silent.

No one said a word.  I just turned my head as the waves and currents danced together, remembering every time I got carried away.

I was a prisoner, an outlaw to all others.
Defied by society, shunned because of scarce rumors and superstitions.
And what did I do with that?

I shoved all that all behind my scales and serpent.

I cast spells and enchantments to them every day afterwards, bored out of my mind, hoping someday... Something would come and bring me joy once again.

Bring me greatness.

And tell me a tale where all hope won't be deprived but expressed with greatness.

Nothing should be repressed, but in times like these you often can't help but feeling so.

That is why my actions alone made me feel that way, a prisoner for what I've done.

I was tricked, mocked, and betrayed... All for what?

Fitting in and established as if that would make them like me so?

Since when did I care if mermaids liked me?

But their words got to me I suppose...

They belittled me like I could never be with her, as someone close, being an Ardizevepa.

So I asked, what can I do?

They smiled evilly-- like daemons whose alter motives were to trick, teeth so sharp you would die of fright.

Death shall take your soul, it be such a sight...

for all the sins you carried along the way,
for all you betrayed.

And it's all my fault, my everlasting fault.
~~~

"Keth Zykrula, I'm going to take a look at the coral," I muttered lazily, without even coming up with an excuse.

I was out of it.

Zykrula's words threw me off.

What did the Keth mean by nothing, when Zykrula held a smile that said more than anything, but I couldn't abide by those thoughts or looks that were shown to me.

My thoughts couldn't deny it, but saying it out loud makes it all so much too real.

I was screwed.

Seriously.

I said I would tell, I stated that I would.

Under the stars and the darkest seas, I whispered that I would.

I would show them.

And I would tell, but here I am at last hoping for forgetfulness.

And only forgetfulness.

I was 19, and nothing has changed.
I was still the same, unknown, fearful Ardizevepa who felt undying emotions for the youngest mer of royalty.

Keth Zykrula nodded their head, "Alright," I was given an amused look.  But otherwise, it was a simply nod.

I headed off to analyze the coral, like I stated.

I had nothing better to do anyways and I was bored outta my mind.

I laid flat on the sand floor when I made my way to the corals.  Crooks, rocks, and caverns flowed all around.

Maybe I could go to the Mesopelagic zone...

Thank goodness, I memorized some spells.

I haven't tried it yet, but it would be something a little different.

What if I made it where everyone who saw them, saw them as some hideous mer except for themselves, then that would teach them not to be vain?

Nono, too lame, I shook my head negatively.

Hmm...

I could turn them into bugs?
Make them be miserable as Narcissist once did when he got punished for being so vain?

I could make them all fall head over tails for rocks-- No even better humans!

Or what if it was the deceased?

I laughed to myself just thinking about it.

Wait, I need to ask Laiken something!

I can't believe I didn't think of it until now.

That prank festival idea.

I will do that right now.

I swam over to caves, rocks, and coral forests.  I avoided the sharp edges, whirlpools, and typhoons.

I headed up until I saw the glowing image of the mermaid city with all the dazzling pearls that gleamed, making quite the sight.

I was banned here, but so what.

What Keth doesn't know won't kill them...

Now how would I get in?

Hmmm....

I could get to Levy's old room.

Yes! I clapped my hands together, hitting my nails together.

There would be no one there and nobody would scream like if I snuck in a different room.

Hopefully it is still her room and not another's.

And if it's another, I'll turn them into seafish for a day, making their memories vanish.

...

I was at the city's outer walls.

They had to install protective walls because of me, the audacity!

I only scandalized some annoying individuals like a few 100 times and tarnished the city's walls

I shook my head in disbelief.

They were only harmless pranks too.

I propped my arms at the edge of the walls and checked to see there was no guards in sight.

Thank goodness, odd but still easier for me.

Maybe they are interrogating a prisoner or two.

Poor Unfortunate Souls, unless it is a mermaid.

I swiftly swam over to the courtyard that always lead to the main royal chambers and rooms.

I eyed her old room.

Ah perfect.

I was about to enter when I heard various activity.  Please don't notice me.

I hung at the windowsill when the noise faded.

I'm sure it was just randomly mermaids outside her room.

Oh no, I thought.

What if the others are going through her things and taking them?

I swam in from the window and laid on her bed, "Finally, I'm here," I thought laying down.

That actually took a lot out of me, trying not to get caught and everything.

I'm terrible at being sneaky, I usually act that I want to be somewhere as if I'm supposed to be there, but never do I just sneak around.

I looked around, it was just as I saw it last.

Like the last time, we hung out-- even inviting me over for that festival.

I smiled to myself, a memory that felt so long ago, but to me it was like yesterday.

Full of sorrows and happiness.

I remember what she told me,
     I haven't had this much fun in such long time, Lehz!

Lehz...

She hasn't called me that in a long time...

That festival she said I looked lovely, even though in comparison she was much more beautiful.

Yet she still had more fun helping me look nice than anything she did.

Memories... So many memories surrounded me, it was like a vast selection of various moments: good and bad.

I could stay here for a bit, I'm sure she won't mind and it's not like Laiken will leave anytime soon.

I shut my eyes remembering so much more.

But what if someone does come?

What if those voices sense me?

I mean Laiken sense me, when I was invisible besides Levy, but maybe he just knew because he thought I'd break the rules to be by her side.

I heard voices again.

"...What?  No... just....need to...  ...want to....see... ... don't want....celebration,"  They were way far off then I thought.

For once I couldn't hear everything.

Just then the seaweed moved to the side, someone was coming in, I thought.

But I was quite comfortable, relaxing, closing my eyes, and frankly-- I didn't want to move.

I'll just cast a spell.

But I heard a gasp and male laughter.

Wait I recognized that laugh, it was Laiken.

"Laiken?" I muttered not opening my eyes, "Oh phew, it's just you.  I came here to ask you something, if it was one of your annoying siblings I'd have to turn them into something."

"You're eyes are closed?" He observed, I honestly didn't know why he was stating the obvious, "And you're laying on... My sister's bed?"

"It was the easiest route without anyone screaming bloody murder," I shrugged, "But I got caught up in the memories..."

"Yeah, I can see that." He stated in an odd tone with his voice a bit higher than usual, it was like he was trying not to laugh.

"Besides she won't mind." I stated, but that was when I opened my eyes.

I screamed.

At that moment I had no idea if it was out of frightfulness, pure shock, or happiness.

But it was something and the mermaid next to Laiken had their mouth covered to keep themselves from laughing.

Their beautiful red, but bright pink eyes were widen in shock.

I pointed my finger at once, "What are you doing here?!" I asked like it wasn't her room at all.

I was being stared at with great confusion, "Wow Alehkzir, I'm so happy to see you too!" She mutter with sarcasm.

Levy was back.

And that was something anyone should be enjoyed about.. happy even.

But what followed lead only to misery and to one's own death.

//Legend here, I just really wanted to stop it here even though it's shorter than the rest of the chapters.

Also in the middle of the chapter after Zykrula said nothing, it is supposed to be in the future.\\