If only I better prepared myself
If only I knew what was to come
Because I know I did the right thing
Now no one will hurt again

Miracine Seaton

     I was about to leave for school when I heard voices.  Usually I would hear either Azurine or Mivozene, but this was different.  It was someone else.  Someone unknown.  And Mivozene was speaking to them.

     "Muji sukeh voi kohta....Yes." I heard my brother say.  But for some reason I couldn't understand any of it.  It was like it was a deep ancient language from past merphans.

    "Kill him?  Or should I get him to somehow leave her alone.". I heard the voice say.
     Him?  Sei...Seivon?!

   "Either.  They both sound perfect." I wanted to go over there and stop him.
    They do not sound perfect, Mivozene.  You are one sick blogfish.

    "I have been trying Your Highness, but your sister is persistent." Oh?  I listened in some more.
     "And she is trying to get him to realize who she is."

   "Maha jer ken!  That is a problem.  And I no longer wear the crown, so you are not required to call me that"

   "I guess it is." The voice only stated.

   "What do you mean I guess it is?" My brother was upset,
    "I could get someone else to do the exact same thing you are required to do."

    "You do realize I am only doing this for the reward you offered." The voice huffed,
   "Besides I am better and know more than any other ones that offered."

"Hmmph"

    "I can fight.  I can kill.  I can destroy places and things all with one little cord of a note." The voice stated mysteriously,
    "I can make myself look appealing in the eyes of the beholder."

   "I guess that is why I keep you.  Do everything correctly without her getting hurt and you will get want you want."
    He only cares about me being safe and not what I actually like or interest me.  He was the only one who understands me and he gets me.  He may be human, but that doesn't matter.

   "It is impossible to do this without her getting hurt, sir." The other voice said and it was right.

    "What do you mean by that?" My brother was horrified by that suggestion.

     "Not physically.  But most likely emotionally" The speaker said.
     "But if it hurts her emotionally enough, it could hurt her physically."

   "Just make sure she is safe." Mivozene sighs.

    "And I would prefer if no one else knew I was doing this, not even the other ones."  Other ones? 
     Who could it be?

     "Alright.... Call me back with more details, Mina might be awake." Little did he know I was already awake. 
      He was talking about me and getting rid of Seivon to some mermaid who does errands for him.  And the only reason the mermaid is doing it is the reward. 

    I waited awhile until I came into the room."Hi..." I whispered.

    "Hey Mina." He smiled, "Did you just woke up?  And I suppose you are going today?"

      "Yes." I turned to my brother, "Is that a problem?"

      "N-no not at all.  Go! Go ahead and I will be waiting for you here as always." He exclaimed before sighing. "I still do not understand why you like being around humanics."

       "We are trying to blend in with humans." I told him in determination, "What other way could we than act like we are one?"

      "Humans?" Mivozene narrowed his eyes at me.  Oops.

     "I meant humanics.  It is just I am trying to say the humanic version of our words in front of them.  How silly of me, haha." I laughed fakely.

     "Mermaids do not laugh.  Mermaids do not say the humanic version of words.  And mermaids do not have emotions or feelings."  He glared at me as if the hair on my head was being yanked out of me.
       "Although, you were the exception and had feelings and emotions." He almost whispered.

      "I will see you." I left quickly as I could.  That was close.

      The water that surrounds these islands always seemed to call me to it.  I wonder if I follow the callings, the voice what will happen?  Will the key finally unlock the lock?  Will the spirit demons surround the defenseless powerless one? 
       Or will the oceans reborn?  If each crowned one were to go to the center of each sea, will we be able to stop the sea demons?  Will it create a new ocean filled without dark spirited ones?  Those questions I do not know.

       I paused when I arrived.  I overheard a few voices.  By the rosebushes was Seivon and Melody.

     "What do you mean you don't know what happened?" I heard Melody's yells from across the grass.  

    "It is as I tell you.  I do not know.  It just suddenly came to me.  Something I thought I seen or heard before, but it is confusing.  Then you interrupted making me forget everything including what I was going to say and my exact thought process." Seivon exclaims tiredly, "Maybe if that happened again and I could remember what I was thinking then I could remember what I was going to say."
     They are discussing this.  Oooh maybe if he remembers from talking about it, he will realize who I am.

     "I'm sorry.  Ughh why did I interrupt." She lowered her head defeated, "I should've stayed silent."  Yes, you should have Melody.  But my question is why is Melody asking about that.

     What is it today with me over hearing voices?

      "Morning." I walked over to them and at once they were silent.  "Where you talking about me?  Did I do anything?"
      If two become quiet as soon as one come over it is usually because they are talking about that person...Unless they have a secret about a mermaid.

    "No, we were...you see...I.. just....you know....umm....well...we...were done talking when you... just...well... arrive?" Seivon rubbed the back of his neck so adorably.

      I burst out laughing.  "Alright if you don't want to say just say so instead of lying,"

    "How did you-"

     "I always know when somebody..."I lowered my voice. "...especially you...lied to me." Melody looked at me in amazement. 
      How do I know?  It is just that simple.  I always know.

     "Still doesn't mean I am going to tell you.  Look it is nothing...really.  Forget it." He looked away, "Just something between Melody and I." I raised my eyebrows at that.

       "Since when did you and Melody did things just between the two of you?" I asked stupidly as ever.  I realized how bad that sounded as soon as I said it.

      "Since when did you care what happened between the two of us? Melody quickly rebutted. 

     "Sorry I was just curious, " Then I looked down, "If I told you....Then you wouldn't believe me." I whispered hoping they would drop it.

    "Oh try me." Melody responded.  I did not see that coming.

    "Look just forget it.  You would not understand."  Melody looked at me and hesitation was on her lips.  She leaned into Seivon's ear and started to whisper.

    "...Miracine  ...might .......one ......Let's .....and ...ask" I only caught a few words.

      "No...Shush!" Seivon whispered shouted. "....probably...not"

      "Umm what?" I looked at the two of them.  Seivon was whisper yelling while Melody looked like she wanted to do something.

    "Ignore Melody she is acting weird and has some weird obsession." He laughed giddily, " She must be drunk!  Or maybe high..."  What.  In.  The.  World.
  What is going on?  "I am not sure!  She is crazy!  Don't believe anything she says!" He suddenly said so quickly I had to think for a moment to process it.

    "What?" I blinked looking at them.  I am surprised no one else is here.

    "You are being so stupid about this!" Similar minds do think alike.

   "Oh, there is a this now?" I added in.  

   "I am not being stupid about you saying stuff to Miracine.  Leave her out of this!"

   "What about Saturday?!" She is referring to what happened two days ago at the festival.

    "Miracine had nothing-" He turns to me. "I'm sorry she is bring you into this- Miracine had nothing to do with Saturday." Except you are wrong Seivon.
     That is where you are wrong.  It is because me and your mermaid are the same person.

    "But did you hear what Kaisa and Malseania said?" Melody pestered her friend a bit more

     "That annoyed me," Seivon sighed, "They both wanted to change the subject."

    "I know right!" She raises her arms in the air out of frustration.  "Why on earth are you still together?"
     Finally someone tells him something useful and maybe it will knock some sense into his brain. 

     "I... It's complicated.  I just need to find out something." He tells her.

      "What are you using her?!  I mean I always thought she was kinda two-faced but nobody deserves that," Melody huffs.

     Seivon looked surprised, "What?  Do you have a problem with it?"
          Yes.  I do.
     I am standing right there in front of you and you have no idea who I am.  Maybe if some people look right in from of them, they would realize what they are missing?  If you look right in front of you, Seivon, you will realized what you are missing.
    Here's a hint, it's me.

     "You just do not seem into her that much and you don't get along much.  And as I said she is two-faced.  She's your level B manipulator."

     Seivon laughed, "Mel that's harsh.  Level B manipulator?" He shook his head before carefully saying, "We....get along." For some reason he protested.

      "As in romantically."

       "Oh so now you are the relationship expert?  You haven't even been in one!"  He exclaimed, "Look I just need to find something out."
     Good point, but I agree with Melody on this regardless.

       "Well...that's because I...." She sighed, "I read a lot.  I know because I read romantic novels.  The best of the kind and from reading them I am a total expert and I say it is not working out." She points out a matter of factly,
        "It is kind of toxic.  She not letting you do things you like and pulling you away from us."

         "Look you have to sacrifice certain things in relationships."  The mermaid council's trust.  Mermaids liking me.
       Those are things I would have to sacrifice.

       "Do you even like her?"  Melody asked Seivon again.

      "Yeah...I guess." He likes me more.  I knew it!
        I mentally had to tell myself not to jump with glee.

      "I guess?" She exclaims, "What was the real reason you decided to be with her?"

     "She....she..."  He sighed.  "She reminds me of someone else.  I thought it was her, but I am not sure.  She said many things to make me think it was, but I just don't know anything."  I stared at her wide eyed.
     Wait what?  He thought that she was.......me?  But why?

     "You don't even like her." Melody states as she crossed her arms.

      "You should just end things with her.  It will be better for everyone." I finally spoke up.

     "See I am not the only one, Seivon." She looked as if she just won a prize.

    "Have you been with anyone Miracine?"  Seivon simply asked me.  Oh if you knew.

    "It is kinda complicated." I only whispered.
      More like the person I have kinda been with is right in front of me, but they do not realize it, I tell myself.

     "I thought you didn't like telling about your past." She got me there.

     "I can't really easily.  I have a brother that only wants me to be with certain types.  Pure blood and all," I sigh.  "I guess you can say same nationality as me."

     "But have you followed those rules?  Did you do anything romantic with anyone?" Melody asked quite intrigued.

    "What do you mean romantic?" I heard humans do things differently than mermaids when they are romantic.

    "You know sneaking out to see each other.  Secret meetings.  Gifts of flowers or various items.  Kisses.  Hugs.  But only a few know about it.  You know anything like that." She just described my relationship with Seivon, but it is not that kind of relationship.

    "Well...I guess.  I don't know?" I shrugged

     "EEEEEEEEEEK!  OMIGOWSH REALLY!" Melody screamed in a high pitched voice.

      "I forgot you screamed when you are excited about something." Seivon groaned covering his ears.

      "I mean I met with someone secretly.  I kissed someone that he does not like.  Not liking is an understatement.  He hates him.  I guess I gave him a gift.  I definitely hugged him." Loopholes, I thought, grinning.
      I met Seivon in secret behind the school.  I kissed Seivon and Mivozene hates him.  I gave him my pendant.  And lastly, I hugged Seivon.

     "When?" Melody asked just as excited.
      W-when?  How do I answer this?

      "Oh...uhhh....I don't remember how long it been." I mean it was half truth, but why do I care.  Melody's words echo in my mind:

'It's hard to lie to people that mean a lot to you, right'

      "Look, fine.  I will try to end things." My heart skipped a beat.  Really?!

     "Thank the heavens!" Melody sighed out in relief.

    "You know, Melody, you are right.  It is hard to lie to people that mean a lot to you."  She was about to say something, but Ashton arrived along with Malseania.
      She was laughing fakely as usual.  Shortly behind them was Kaisa.

     "Hey, how are you?" Malseania leaned into Seivon.  He looked at her awkwardly.  I mean talking about breaking up and then when the person that you are dating comes up is kinda awkward.

     "We are doing well, thanks for asking." Melody answered for him.

   "Were you talking about me, Miracine?  All good things right?"  She smiled evilly at me.  Oh honey, if only you knew.

   "Why would I talk about you when I could talk about more pleasant matters."  I told her harshly.
    Just then the phone device ringed and played a tune I always loved to sing.

"Look at you every day,
was a time of memory.

It was before the dream-like tale
with glass flippers,
and a dancing carriage,
could even begin,
the end credits were already rolling.

When I looked up into the sky,
All I saw was you
And I just wanted to fly

That story, from the very beginning,
has merely been following the summary."

       "Oh, I'm sorry.  Hold on." As I picked up the phone I noticed Seivon's eyes widening.  Did he recognize the tune.  I always did hum it.
      "I thought you said you would leave me alone until I come back?" I yelled angrily into the phone.  Annoying Mivozene.  Sometimes I notice I act more like my mermaid self when I am annoyed.

     "Oh come on, I just want to let you know someone is interested." I could just hear his grin from the other side of the line.

     "What does that have to do with me?" I state shrugging.

     "Desired."  My eyes widen.  I already knew this could happen, but why so early.

    "No." I frowned.

      "What do you mean 'no'?  You can't just refuse without a proper explanation.  You will do it.  Please do not tell me you think something special of someone you hang around."  He practically was yelling into my ear. 
     The rest of them could probably hear us.  I crossed my arms groaning.  That is not it.  I am just....I can not.

      "And what does that having to do with anything.  DeSIrE, brother. Maybe I should repeat it to you because you clearly can not understand.  I.  Do.  Not.  Care.  You are BeINg stupid and ridiculous."  My accent was coming out and I said several phrases in my own language. 
         Great.  I had to hide my accent because it was no accent humanics speak.

     "Death." He whispered, "A thing that ends one life.  It would be a shame if something happened to one of those close to you."

     "What are you talking about I do not care for anyone.  I do not have ezmotyions or feelings." I stated simply, trying to hide any emotion for anyone.

     "As good as a liar you may be, I know the truth.  You see there is a little fishie that keeps an eye on you.  They would never admit doing it for me, but I am glad for her help.  I might even DEsiRe her myself." 
     Kaisa?! 
No...It has been her!  Who else am I around that I can't trust.

      He hanged up.  He hanged up on me?  What was he thinking?

     "Mira?" Melody looked at me with concern.  "What was that about?"

    "Oh you are not from here.  Nice accent." Malseania laughs.
      What is she trying to pull?  As far as I know Malseania is from Asia.

     "It does not matter."  I looked at Kaisa and glared at her.  "Kaisa...how could you?  He said you were helping him all this time!"

   "What?" She asked me plainly in quite a bored manner.

     "Do not play koi with me!" An untaming furry raged throughout me.

    "Calm down." Melody came between us.

    "You are changing.  You do have them.  How pitiful." She shook her head before going inside.

      Seivon looked confused, Malseania was smiling evilly as usual, while Ashton looked like he was eating up the arguments with his popcorn.  Yes, he has popcorn.  

     "I...uhmm......" My eyebrows furrowed.  I slightly frowned.  I saw Melody and Seivon exchanged secret glances.  "I should go."

     "Miracine, wait!" Seivon called out, but I foolishly ignored him and went inside.  It was like everything was breaking down.  I thought maybe this conversation would make him realize, but now I have to focus on who has been following and keeping track of me. 
     Who has been feeding Mivozene information?  I can not trust anyone, but Seivon.  I need to catch Kaisa doing it in the act.

    Oh let the games begin.

~~~

    'For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.....'  Ughh so boring. 
      I bang my head on the desk.  How do humans understand this?  Help, I am dying inside.  This makes no utter since.  Why do I have to learn this anyway?  I am not going to become a chemist.  Why do I have to have a Chemistry class. 
     It is not fair, Seivon does well in it and is in an advanced class.  Why does he have to be in a different science than me.  Oh why me?!

    'The ability to preform a change and bring into existence, one must give up something equal value.  The value of thee could be considered different value to another....Example 12 shows the most valuable items are to different to each person.  Jared treasures diamonds the most, Ashley values clothes the most, and Megan values her family.' 

        "Stop reading and do the assessment questions on page 174.  There is a test coming up and make sure you are prepared." 
    Ugh a test.  Please tell me I am not the only one who did not understand that.  The bell rings announcing the point in time to switch classes.
     I walked out of the classroom and waited for Melody who has a bright and cheery smile on her face.

     "I can't wait for the test.  It is going to be so easy.  I am going to ace it.  Finally there is something that makes sense." I looked at her as if she is crazy. 
    That makes sense?  "What?"

     "How do you understand any of that?  Like all I read was something about values and changing." I exclaimed, "And we also have to do vocabulary.  I hate these classes."

    "Better than some electives.  There is this one where you have to sing in front of people."  And her point being? 
    Can I switch to that?  Oh wait I might memorize people on accident until they keep walking to the sea on the road to their deaths.  "Only special talented people can do that!"

    "At least that is easier." She looked backed at me as if I was crazy, but she is the crazy one who thinks that is easy.  I shrugged walking to find Seivon.
  He was here somewhere.  I just needed to find out where he was, so he can help me.    And then I can spend more time with him.  Ohh!

   "Seivon!" I saw him in the distance.  He turned around stopping.

   "Miracine...?  This morning...ummm well-" I put a paper in front of his face that said Chemistry.

    "Chemistry?  Please.  I do not understand anything they are saying.  I can only trust you to help me well." I smiled. 
Apparently some humans do it to get what they want.  Besides it is not just Chemistry I need help with... I need help with our Chemistry.

     "I am sure Melody does it fine, but yeah I'll help." I turn my head looking around.  Someone was following me.
      Seivon looks at my questioningly.  "What are you looking for?"

     "Shhh." I put a finger on his lips.  "Come with me quick!"

     "But-" Not waiting for an answer I pulled him along with me to a hidden class. "Whaaaat!"

     "I can not trust anyone but you.  Someone is following me and spying me." I whispered with my head down.

      "How do you know it is not me?" I ask that same question about you not realizing I am the mermaid. 
      That is an easy question, but answering it without him knowing who I am is harder.

     "The person is female." I state proving my point, "They are telling my brother things so he can use that against me."

     "Last I checked I was male, but I could change any second." He leaned back joking.

     "Oh quiet, I know it is not you." I laughed. More like I know because Mivozene hates him and I trust him way too much. 
              Seivon... 
    "That is why you are the only one I can trust.  So are going to help me or not?"

     "Well you won't act suspicious like you are hiding from someone if I do.  And finding out mysteries are fun.  I'm in, and I have nothing better to do anyways."  He grinned putting his hands behind his head.  "So what is the plan?"

     "You like mysteries and finding out things huh?" I explained, "So why are you not good at it?" He opened his mouth, but than realized something.

      "What are you talking about?" He almost looked horrified that I could possibly know something.  I still can not believe he does not know who I am.

      "Oh!" I turned my head embarrassed, "I just assumed.  But I am not going to do all the work of this.  Also, do not tell anyone even Ashton."

    "Why would I make you do all the work?" He laughed, "Don't worry unlike the little faith you have in me, I am not going to say anything?  I can keep secrets, trust me I have a few myself."  I smiled at him.
     Oh I know Seivon, I know.

    "It is not that I do not think you will tell anyone." I leaned back into the vacant room we were discussing this.  "I am just making sure you understand."

       He hesitated for a bit before asking a question.  "Why do you talk like that?  What, do you always think you are in the presence of someone important?"

      "I mean that could be a reason, but I just always have." I always have.

'It just always been done that way.' 

Ermgh!  Go away, stupid memories.  Shoo! 
     I pressed a hand to my forehead groaning.

    "Miracine?  Mira?  What's wrong?" He looked at me concerned.

    "It is nothing.  I am fine.  I just thought of something." I dismissed his words.

   But instead he said, "Why do you pretend?"

   "What do you mean?" I looked up.  It is because of telling could result in being a sea snail for eternity.

    "Pretend to be someone you clearly are not!  It's so obvious!  None of us do that, but you." He exclaims and I was taken aback, "You don't have to pretend anymore.  And the lying thing, that is why you are good at it." Does he know?

      "The reason is if I stop I will dir." I whispered.  He looked at me, widening his eyes and shook his head.

     "It couldn't be that bad.  Mira....The real you, I like much better..." I smiled softly.  I know Seivon, I know you like the real me better. 
    You like when I am a mermaid, but a part of me wants you to like this version of me too even if I have no tail.  And I see that he is finally getting there.

     "We should head to class.  You should wait a bit after l go so if there are any spies, they will not go after you.  I do not want you to get hurt because of you." I brushed my hand pass him as I went towards the door.
      I felt lightening go through me as soon as my hand brush against his.  All of the sudden I heard him gasp.  "Seivon?"

     "You....Your arm.  Has it always been that way?"  My arm what is Seivon going on about?  Did he feel the same thing?  What am I talking about, of course he did. 
      He brings up the oddest things.  But I lo-like him anyways.

"What?!" I look at him strangely.

      "They are so cold and smo-....soft"  I looked at him raising my eyebrow.  He was not going to say soft.  "...It just reminds me of someone else."

      "I know..." I looked at him and smiled sadly when I left the classroom.

      Something inside me filled me endless joy that I could not express.  It was crazy.  It was like that lightening I felt earlier but way more extreme.  I felt like I was flying in the air, it was amazing. 
       It was almost hard to think.  I looked at myself and I did not knew what it was.  It was like an emotion, but I was not good at emotions or feelings.  Kaisa was right.

    I was changing.  Was it for the better or not?

     But all I knew was I am not going to class.  I was going for a swim.

See you soon, Seivon...

New Author's note:
Crazy, when I first wrote this, I was a freshmen and now I'm a senior.

.

Please vote and share the story if you could.  I am also writing chapter 32 and is close to being finished which I am excited about.  Please note my school which is kinda small have gotten some staff member to be tested positive for covid19.  They have not been there since Wednesday.  None of the teachers I have has been absent for the past two days, so there is that.  So I might have to get tested and if I am positive that going to be the worse for everyone else because they have to quarantine for being around me.  Though, cases for younger people been mild I am nervous.