A Friend from the Deep

“Eighteen years old… my, where has the time gone?”

Mordecai gazed at the mermaid in front of him with pride. In the eight years they have known each other, Roxanna had grown to become the merlady he had been shaping her to become. “Happy birthday, dear princess. It’s been an honor to watch you grow and learn each and every single day. It feels like only yesterday that you first arrived here, and I treasure every moment we got to share together.”

Roxanna grinned up at him, a blush adorning her cheeks as she went in for a hug. “Oh, Uncle Mordi, you’re gonna make me cry! You make it sound like I’m going away.”

The old merman gratefully embraced the young lady. “Well, it won’t be long now until you can safely return home to Aquatania. Your parents have prevented war between neighboring kingdoms, and those rulers are finally getting it through their thick skulls that your magic is no threat to their power.” He chuckles. “I know you’ve only been able to see your parents rarely during your time here, but I’ve been writing to them frequently telling them about your growth and progress here. They couldn’t be more proud of their daughter.”

Roxanna rubs her arm, smiling and looking longingly at the ground below. “Mother, father… I’ve missed them so much, and I can’t wait to return home. But, Mordi… I think I’ll end up missing you even more. Please tell me you plan on coming back to Aquatainia with me.”

Mordecai gave her a bittersweet smile. “I don’t know, Roxy. I’ve learned so much about this world, but I’m wondering if I should leave at all.” He grabs Roxanna’s spellbook from nearby. “You do remember why you’re going through all this training in the first place, don’t you?”

Roxanna straightened up and put on a confident grin. “To demonstrate the power of Poseidon's people and establish our dominance over the evils of the surface world!”

“Correct!” He smiles proudly. “And why do we have this goal?”

“The Mer originated from pure-hearted humans who were once slaves under their own people. Poseidon heard their cries and helped them escape, giving them improved forms to live one with his oceans. To avenge our ancestors, we will praise all-mighty Poseidon for his blessings by wiping away the evil from the above world with his waters!”

“Exactly! You have learned well. And he has blessed you, princess, with the power to do just that. You are what the Mer have been waiting for centuries for!”

“It will be an incredible honor to be the one to achieve our dream.” Roxanna bows her head respectfully.

“Poseidon has guided you on your journey, and now that you have ascended into young merwomanhood, I believe it’s time for you to begin bringing our people justice.” He swims out of the room briefly before carrying out a flowing magenta gown to her in his outstretched arms. Roxanna gasps as she examines the beautiful dress in front of her, feeling the silky material glide against her palms. Mordecai smiles in return. “Your parents had this gown prepared for your eighteenth birthday. It’s made with the finest material in all of the seven seas, the color made to perfectly match your fins.” He chuckles. “That is your favorite color, yes?”

Roxanna’s fingers ached to caress the fabric again, but her mind held them back in order to not risk possibly damage such a treasure. “Mordecai… I… it’s beautiful!”

“Your parents will be elated to hear that,” he grinned, “because this dress was made special. You shall wear this when you use your beautiful voice to submerge the land above.”

“Wow… this is incredible…”

“And that’s not all!” Mordecai said, pulling out a large clamshell and opening it up. Inside rested a majestic pearl tiara that shimmered even in the smallest bit of light. “You haven’t worn this since you were just born. Now you have reached the age where you can be entrusted with this crown, and I also trust that you will proudly adorn it during your grand performance.”

Roxanna’s heart pounded in her chest as adrenaline rushed through her veins, joy and shock flooding her mind as she longed to see her parents again and thank them for everything that they had done for her. For now, the princess settled on embracing the dear man she affectionately called her uncle. The merman gladly returned the favor, the two enjoying the sweet moment before letting go. “Thank you, Mordecai. This wouldn’t be possible without you.”

Mordecai gave her a kind smile. “And thank you, my dear. All the work we’ve done together will soon reap its reward. As such, you will be reviewing all of the spells you’ve learned under my instruction since your first lesson. And also…” he points to a bookmark inside Roxanna’s spellbook that she had seen every time she studied from it, “it’s time for you to consider an important decision.”

Roxanna’s eyes widened immediately. “Y-You mean…”

The man nods. “The siren songs. Some may consider these to be dark magic, but that is up to you, my dear. You’ve grown responsible enough to decide for yourself whether you should use these spells or not. I will not judge you either way. As long as you use these spells to bring glory to Poseidon and honor to the Mer, that’s all I care about.” He looked Roxanna straight in the eye, brows furrowed slightly. “These spells are powerful. If you do decide to use them, be very careful that you do not overwork yourself. You’re still young remember. Sirens were older women who were very experienced in their craft. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt.”

“Don’t worry, Mordicai. I promise to be careful.” Roxanna looked down at the book, then back up at her mentor. “Mordi… am I siren?”

Mordecai followed the girl’s gaze downward. This was not a new question for him. He gently put his boney hands on her shoulders. “It is not I who’s to give you either title. That responsibility is on your shoulders, Roxanna. Follow what your heart says is right. No matter who you think you are, know that your parents and I will always love you regardless. Nothing can change that.”

Roxanna lets out a heavy breath before planting a kiss on Mordecai’s cheek. “Thank you, Uncle Mordi. I love you.” She holds the large spellbook to her chest. “I’m going out to practice.”

Mordecai nods, watching Roxanna swim out the cave’s threshold. “...I love you too, my little mermaid.”

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There was an open space a little ways from the cave where Roxanna usually practiced her music when she got the chance. The water was clearer here compared to the more murky waters surrounding her home; it was easier for her gills to breathe deeper here. An algae-covered log rested beside a large rock formation that protruded a bit near the middle, the perfect place for Roxanna to prop her book on to read while standing up. While the lake had very little in terms of eye-catching scenery, Roxanna’s swims around the area reaped the occasional shell or shiny rock that she used to decorate her practice area. There were times where she would come across items she had never seen before, and her lectures from Mordecai helped her identify them as surface world objects. The temptation was strong to bring some of them back to beautify her space, especially the golden, shiny things that sparkled in the sunlight. However, not wanting to risk bringing bad luck or possibly even harm, she left the mysterious treasures where she found them.

Roxanna cast her eyes around her surroundings as she made her way to her area. As usual, the water was tinted green with the occasional log, rock, or tree branch protruding from the rocky sand below. She had to be careful not to swim to close to the bottom or risk kicking up a muddy cloud with her fins which would get in her gills and blur her vision. Her mind started wandering back to memories of her Pacific home of Aquatania. The endless blue ocean that greeted her every morning when she looked out of her window… the colonies of rainbow coral that were majestically sprawled across the ocean floor for miles… the friendly, colorful fish that she would always run into that had so many varying species that she couldn’t possibly remember them all… and the merpeople. So many different types of Mer would constantly be swimming around the kingdom before retreating to their homes for the night. Roxanna recalled a family of Mer with shark tails, some distant relatives who were half-octopus, and even two twin boys who were part seahorse. Thinking about it, she wasn’t sure she could handle having so many people around her now. Only having Mordecai and a few lake critters through her teenhood was plenty enough social opportunity for her. Besides, she preferred being on her own in the castle when she was little anyway. Her childhood home… the vibrant scenery, adventure around every corner, something new to see everyday… why couldn’t have Mordecai chosen a more beautiful world to study in? And why did the portal have to transport them to this drab lake? The lure to return to Aquatania after the submersion ritual was stronger than ever.

Roxanna arrived at her practice space and placed her book on the rock’s ledge. “Let’s see… all of my spells, huh?” She flicked her finger through her numerous bookmarks, the strips of seaweed getting more shriveled and torn the closer toward the front cover they got. Seeing how many songs she had to review intimidated Roxanna slightly; the ritual may have to wait longer than she had hoped. She opened up to the first song and read the inscription. “A… healing incantation?” She raised an eyebrow and inspected the song closer. “Since when did I learn a song like this? It looks like it should be the first song I ever learned, but…” Reading the notes, she tried to recognize the melody, but no song came to mind. Now Roxanna was grateful for the music interpretation lessons she was given by both Mordecai and her music teacher back in Aquatania.

After identifying each note, she was able to attempt singing the spell. Her body straightened up as she allowed her midsection room to expand. Taking a moment to let the freshwater circulate through her, she opened her mouth and slowly sang her music. About halfway through, Roxanna felt a warm sensation in her head. She put a hand to her forehead, though her voice continued to flow despite the slight concern she felt. It was then that her vision was filled with a golden glow, and strange visions began to flash before her. A starry night above the lake, a beautiful moon reflecting on its surface… the melody she was singing encompassed her and the surrounding lakeside… as she healed a land creature with her magic.

Roxanna gasped and stumbled, sitting down on the nearby log and putting her hands to her head. Her breath was quick, her heart raced, and shivers traveled from head to fin as she replayed the scene in her head. Everything was so vivid, it was almost scary. She wanted to dismiss it as a dream, but such detail wasn’t dismissable, and now the healing song was coming back to her memory. Roxanna’s throat tightened as she looked up toward the lake’s surface high above her. “...I went to the surface world. I met a land creature.”

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Mordecai was working in his study room, carefully examing old texts in front of him. Strange lettering scattered across the pages which he was in the middle of translating into his notes with the help of his staff’s magic. He felt the water surrounding him start to stir, signaling another presence. He turned around to see Roxanna swimming by. “Hello, Roxy. Back so soon?”

“Just taking a break.” She replied, not even glancing at him as she headed to her room. She set her spellbook on her window’s ledge and sat on her bed. The images in her mind played over and over like a broken record. Shame and guilt burdened her chest. How could she have broken the most fundamental law of the Mer? She may have been young, but she was a princess. If word ever got out about this, she couldn’t even fathom the disgrace and dishonor it would bring her and her family. Roxanna’s stomach churned and her head ached. Laying down, she decided the only way she was going to feel better was to nap. Closing her eyes, she focused on relaxing her tense body and falling asleep.

Roxanna shot up with a gasp. Looking around, she saw her bedroom was now dark. It was already night. She let out a troubled sigh, draping her fins over the side of her bed and placing her head in her hands. The one memory was disturbing enough… now even more plagued her. She started piecing together each of them. She breached the surface not once, but multiple times. She ate something while up there, somehow not getting poisoned in the process. She learned a story about the moon in the sky. Finally, she gave away one of her own necklaces. And all of these stories were connected by one thing.

“Macintosh…” Roxanna let the name roll off her tongue. She remembered his features well from his four-legged body, his orange hair that blew in the wind, and his emerald eyes that would light up whenever they met. That’s what threw Roxanna off. Not once in any of these memories was this land creature cruel. In fact, he was just the opposite, showing kindness and happiness whenever she was around him. However, Mordecai had always told her that all living things on the surface were evil and cruel. So why didn’t Macintosh try to kill her? Now that she thought about it, how could she have possibly forgotten about going to the surface? Roxanna got up and started swimming out her room, knowing only one place where someone as desperate as herself could possibly get some sort of answer. She heard Mordecai’s snoring and knew it was safe to enter his study without being caught. Books and parchment were strewn around the room, practically begging the mermaid to enter and rummage through them. She gladly answered the call.

Roxanna quietly hummed to herself, her voice producing a dim light just bright enough for her to read what was in front of her. Scribblings about various sorts of magic from the above world caught her eye, but nothing about the land creatures themselves. The textbooks Mordecai had next to his notes weren’t any help either; she couldn’t even read whatever strange language was written in them. Roxanna’s search was becoming fruitless. She was starting to give up hope when she reached the last of Mordecai’s research. Flipping through a textbook, Roxanna suddenly stopped on a page, one of the few not bookmarked. While she couldn’t read what it said, she did recognize an illustration on it. It was a land creature. Four legs, a large torso, and a head that reminded Roxanna of a seahorse. Roxanna glanced back at Mordecai’s notes. She saw magic spells, magic effects, types of magic… but nothing about these creatures. That’s when something clicked in her mind.

“Could… Mordecai actually be as clueless about the surface world as I am?”

Mordecai had always told her that the land creatures here were just as dangerous as humans, if not even more. However, she couldn’t recall him ever calling the surface inhabitants by a certain name, nor did he ever tell her what they looked like. All he cared about was the magic they possessed. Roxanna thought back on her times with Macintosh. Her heart was telling something odd, something she would’ve never thought in her entire life if it weren’t for that meeting many years ago. Maybe… maybe land creatures here weren’t as horrible as they thought.

Roxanna slowly swam back to her bedroom, reflecting on her findings. If what she thought was true, then they had no reason to hide from the above world here. She swam over to her window, poking her head out and gazing up once again. Mordecai would never agree to teach her anything about what was above the waters, that is if he even knew anything about this place. The only way to find out the truth, Roxanna thought, was to go up there herself. The thought made her swallow a lump in her throat, yet the allure of returning to the world up there that she remembered taking her breath away with its beauty was persuading both her heart and mind. Perhaps just this one time… just for tonight, she would breach through the water and look at what the land had to offer. She glanced at the spellbook next to her. “If I do go up there… I should protect myself just in case.”

She carried the book back to her bed and flipped toward the back, hoping to find an advanced defense spell to cast just before she would leave. However, the music she came across looked unfamiliar to her. That’s when she noticed a certain bookmark she had passed. Roxanna gasped, shutting her eyes as if to shield them from some unknown horror. She had opened to the siren songs. After a minute, she allowed her eyes to slowly peek back at the music she was reading. Flipping back a page, she saw what the spell was for. “A transformation spell?” Her curiosity peaked, she read the description. “A surge of power will alter the body of a siren, constructing out of pure magic the form of whatever creature they intend, whether it be above or below the sea. The waters of their home will cancel the spell.”

Roxanna’s heart began racing in her chest again. In theory, this was better than any protection spell she could find; she could simply blend in with the land’s inhabitants! “Then that’s what I’ll do.” Roxanna nods. The plan was set. She would perform the spell, explore the land until sunrise, then return back to the lake before Mordecai woke. So not to wake up her guardian, Roxanna took her book and swam out of the cave and toward her practice spot. The lake looked a bit eerie darkened by the absence of light. Recasting her lighting spell, Roxanna felt safer traversing through the night. Once she arrived, she sat down and studied the music in front of her. Without Mordecai to help her learn, Roxanna had to rely on her own skills to interpret what was on the pages. She didn’t know how long she stayed there, but it was still dark when she finally felt confident enough to try the spell out.

Getting into position, Roxanna pulled her book close and attempted the song. She stumbled a few times but managed to save herself and keep going until she reached the end. She stayed absolutely still, waiting for any sort of reaction. Nothing happened. Roxanna looked back down at her music. “Guess I need to try aga-” Her throat suddenly beamed with magical energy, Roxanna’s eyes glowing white as a flow pure magic surged out of her gaping mouth and engulfed her body. Frightened and dazed, she began thrashing about. She couldn’t see it, but the fins at the end of her tail and around her waist fell off like autumn leaves before dissolving into foam. Magic struck her tail, cracking it right down the middle in two. Their seafoam color traveled up and covered every inch of Roxanna’s skin. Her limbs thickened, her hands forced into fists before they began morphing with her arms. Her gills were getting sealed shut, and Roxanna desperately kicked to swim to the surface for air before she drowned. Just when her chest started aching for oxygen, Roxanna’s head burst through the surface. She gasped loudly for air, her sore and foreign body getting swept toward the shore.

Roxanna’s visioned was blurred, and her throat hurt too much to even swallow. Every ounce of energy had been drained from her body. Not even the bizarre feeling of air against her form could rejuvenize her as she washed up onto the rocky shore. Too fatigued to move, she passed out under the moonlit sky.