Chapter 21: A Mermaid's Will

Age: 12

After my time fixing Karmillia kingdom and spending time with my maternal family, I left towards the location the Fairy Queen had given me.

When I arrived as a small secluded cove of beautiful blue waters and soft white sand, I was forced to part ways with Ricin who I ordered to report back to Frare and check on my family and wait for my return.

It would be difficult without him... after all, he was my first helping hand and trusted person in this strange world when I first woke up with my past life's memories.

Yet I knew I needed to grow independent, stronger... I needed to be so strong, I wouldn't be tricked, captured, or defeated in battle. Whether that battle was of words, fists, or fate.

I needed strength.

I was given the space ring that Ricin had always carried, which allowed me to camp on the cove and wait.

Wait for? The song of the mermaids. So beautiful and captivating, it led millions to their death at the hands of cannibal mermaids who ate the flesh of adulterant men. Or so I heard... I did not know the truth.

It took over three weeks of waiting, before I heard a single singing voice. During that time I practiced meditation, yoga, the sword, and cataloging and capturing medical plants which I could use later in Ricin's ring.

I had even found a native plant of this world which was made of a poison that could make the entire body go numb like anesthetics. It was stimulating and a wonderful discovery.

When the mermaid sang, I followed her voice to a side of the cove I had only visited once.

I saw her first before I saw the ship she was lurking into dangerous and spiked rocks.

She was enchanting. Seductive and surreal unlike the cute and pretty Fairies.

Her strong blue and gold tail looked like gems in the moonlight. Her dark tan skin glowed, like bronze instead of human flesh. Deep black hair was darker than onyx, but shined and nearly reflected the fairytale like image of the ship and calm sea. Her back was to me, her shoulder length hair allowed me to see her toned and strong back... which was also bare of any cloth. Her top was likely naked.

I stayed silent and cringed lightly when I saw the ship crash. I could see the sea glow with a bright light as the seamen screamed and tried to swim. It was a like a movie, serene and fictional, as more mermaids emerged and took the men away beneath the water like dolphins and toys. It happened quickly, my blood boiled and my heart squeezed but I bit my lip and stayed silent.

Those men would die.

I knew this world was not fair. It was cruel, ugly, and full of despair.

I knew it from my past life as an ignored and ugly woman. I knew it in this life through haunting nightmares of fate which still follow me like a plague. I knew it as I watched human trafficking, theft, poverty, disease, murder, and execution.

The day the King of Karmillia publicly executed his brother who I helped take down, I did not turn my head away or hide from it. I watched, holding the Queen's hand. I watched the citizens scream horrendous slurs at him, watched them throw rotting food and waste at him, rocks and dirt. Watched the malicious hatred in the people's eyes. Watched a single tear leave the King's stony face.

I watched a man lose his head.

These fishermen or merchants would die today. At the hands of mermaids who retained their immortal life and beauty through their flesh and souls.

It was part of the life cycle. Mermaids protected and healed the sea, they were necessary to nature like a lion. It just so happened that those men were the gazelles in this instance.

Their screams finally subsided, and the mermaid that was now only 25 feet away from me, finally spoke as silence filled the chilly night air.

"Go home child. You are too young to seek this path" Her voice was like velvet, and when she turned to face me my breathe left me.

She was too enthralling. She looked more like a goddess than a mermaid. Her gaze more gold than eye- so striking, like a cat. Blood red lips were curled in a cruel smile, yet she still looked so lovable and gorgeous. Her sharp straight brows were raised mockingly.

Though my heart was unsettled, my face and body were not. I stood strong, my dark brown pants which were tucked neatly into long black boots had no dirt on them. My loose white blouse slightly moved in the breeze. My body had become stronger, more lean, and my breasts had finally slightly developed. My waist slimming and my face devoid of baby fat. My eyes sharper, a little colder.

My pink hair was tied back in a simple braid except for a few pieces that weren't long enough to be pulled back and my bangs.

"I wish not for immortality. I wish for strength to defy fate, strength to defy men who dare to lessen my power, and strength to survive" My voice had become more refined, solid, willful. The Queen's training I was under taught me confidence and eloquence which I did not posses before. Though I was educated as a lady, I did not take it into practice into my everday life. I lived spoiled and free under my parent's care. I was still ignorant despite over 40 years of knowledge and memories, and I would remain so if I didn't change. I let the nightmares haunt me instead of confronting them. The Fairy Kingdom seemed more like a vacation and business transaction than actual progress despite the grandeur I saw and experienced. My time in Karmillia was the most eye opening, under the direct tutelage of the Queen in etiquette and socializing, economy and rule under the King and Crown Prince, and sword training under my second Uncle the Commanding General of the Karmillian Army.

The mermaid finally spoke once more, "You don't crave revenge nor immortality... but strength. To defy fate? Come here child, let me see what fate you wish to defy" I moved towards her, fascinated with her tail and exposed body. Her thin elegant hand was stretched out towards me as I kneeled before her, her cold fingers swept across my forehead, a slight electrical jolt going through me.

She gently pulled her hand away, but I kept my head down respectfully as she went silent before a small hum came out.

"I see... what nasty endings..." she murmured, though her voice held no pity or empathy.

"Very well, I will allow you to train under me. Your will is desirable. You must first pass the three tests of the Mermaid Clan before we will allow you to drink the elixir of our warriors to be accepted as an apprentice" I raised my head finally and nodded.

Her smile was captivating as it was terrifying. She screamed power and tyranny, and my heart shook with fear and excitement. So fearsome.

The three tests of the Mermaid Clan were strength, intelligence, and will. A Mermaid's Will was considered unbreakable. It was what made them fierce warriors, it was what drove their power forth.

It was what I wanted.

"Child. Rosalia. I am Eviquence, Queen of the Mermaids. Leave behind your moral name and give me the name of a Mermaid Warrior" Her strong tone jolted me, as I started at her startled.

Change my name? She basically meant for me to choose a Warrior's Name.

The name of a warrior.

A Romain goddess of force, power, and strength. Sister to Nike and Kratos.

Bia.

"Then my name will be Bia. I will represent power" I declared boldly.

The Queen's smile widened, her golden eyes glowed before I felt my head begin to weigh down.

"Very well child. Let the first challenge begin. Strength" She said, before I heard the sea become disturbed and another mermaid leave the sea. Golden hair and sharp golden eyes, pale skin with rosy lips. Her long tail disappeared and two legs appeared. She was completely nude but it felt as if I was looking upon a statue and not a woman. Her elegance and graceful steps on the white sand were beautiful.

"You will fight Penelope. Show me your strength" She commanded in a lively and amused tone. She was truly like a dictator watching a death match in a colosseum. I had no 'ready, set, go!' Before Penelope charged at me, no weapons as her fist raised back to strike me. I quickly dodged, rolling out of the way before she struck the sand, and like a bomb sand sprayed into the air and the ground shook with her force. I nearly had a heart attack. She wasn't human for sure!

I moved again, as her speed was also amazing. I was tiring as I continued to roll and move out of her destructive path of force and violence. My stamina was wearing down quickly as sweat soaked my clothes as well as sand which stuck everywhere on me.

I gritted my teeth in anger.

Would I keep running away? A coward in the past and a coward now? I drew blood as I bit my cheek, before I side stepped Penelope as she still continued to rain hell onto the beach. I could see the Queen momentarily out of the corner of my eye looking bored. It managed to piss me off even more, was this the extent of my abilities?

It wasn't.

I forcefully swung my leg as Penelope struck the earth again, painfully connecting with her abdomen and forcing her to stumble momentarily before I lifted my leg again and struck downward onto the back of her head and forcing her neck forward. She let out a growl, before her elbow connected with my shoulder and I flew threw the air with the force of her attack and a scream escaped my lips.

I slammed into sand, but my brain thankfully worked fast and I rolled away from my falling position before her fist struck the earth again. If she hit me once like that, I'd surely die. My skin crawled but my fury was not done, I knew the pressure points of the body. I couldn't beat her in strength or speed, but I could in accuracy of attack.

My foot once more painfully connected with another spot in her stomach- and once again she sent me flying.

I spit blood, before repeating, and when my foot finally broke, I used my other despite the agonizing pain and tears trailing down my cheeks.

I wasn't done.

Penelope began to slow down, and her breathing became oddly constricted as she began to struggle to take in air- huffing painfully despite having full energy just moments ago.

She looked confused as she saw the broken and beat up child, barely standing yet grinning like a madman.

What...?

I watched the beautiful mermaid finally collapse, her nerves finally damaged enough to temporarily immobilize her.

I stood standing, bloody and bruised but victorious, as she was facedown in the sand.

I turned towards the Queen who looked invigorated and pleased.

"You've passed both Strength and Intelligence. Next" She waved her hand before my vision went dark and I collapsed.

When I usually have my nightmares, it's fixed, unmovable. I could never escape. Never evade my fate or turn the tide.

Phillip De Lionel, Head Knight of the Palace Guard. Three words describe him. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. A black stallion, cool and calm.

In my many experiences through my ending by him, I was always a screaming wailing mess, throwing curses and scorn. An ungrateful child. I was either to drink the poison or die by his sword.

My trial was fast, the evidence were witnesses and the heroine's testimony and tears. My body would be forced to endure Rosalia's horrible cries and annoying and weak plea. She knew nothing of court or trial. She was stupid.

Phillip wasn't my most feared nightmare. The poison was quick and delicious as it killed me, but the pain and humiliation remained. Angering me to a vengeful fury.

I hated the heroine. I hated her for Rosalia, and I hated her for all she was.

I was complacent when I first woke up with my memories of the past. I was content with the love a family. Now I'm faced with losing it, when I've finally started to understand how lucky I am. How ungrateful the old Rosalia was for a man. How sad her ending was at the hands of a fake white lotus bitch who needed every man to wait upon her.

This time was different.

Instead of a body I couldn't control, it was as if I was truly in court with all the gazes of scorn and hatred directed me directly.

I wasn't a puppet. I was here, standing in a light white dress, my hair beautifully left around me and I could finally see what I wanted too. I could control my hands as I squeezed them into fists and opened them as I sat down in front of the court and before the King and Queen with my parents off to the side, and Vincent, glaring still hatefully at me. I had seen this a million times, I knew every word they would say... and this time, instead of screaming in my mind what I would do different, I could.

I nearly cried in joy.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I was impossibly happy. So happy. I could talk!

I noticed I had yet to cry yet and the court was now starting.

Phillip stood before the King, stating his plea to convict me.

I straightened my posture and wiped all emotion off my face, completely ignoring all faces except for one: the heroine.

She was adorable. Big honey brown eyes and soft short brown hair. Fair skin and a sweet face, lovable pink lips. She was the image of cuteness and innocence.

She looked so pitiful and scared, as if she wasn't the one convicting me for simple bullying. It was just that. Bullying. Mean words, a little damaged school supplies, and some ostracizing.

I had grown. I could say that. I wasn't the awkward scientist living on her last microwave frozen dinner who was too awkward to properly speak. I wasn't a scripted human being.

Phillip finally finished his charges. Charges of assault and harassment. Abuse of status. Attempted murder.

When did I ever attempt to take her life? That wasn't even me. A marquise's daughter attempted it. I wasn't even at school when it happened nor did I had any knowledge. Rosalia was dumb, and her friends schemes and pinned the blame of everything on her.

My chance is now. The King turned his cool and unbiased gaze on me now. His eyes widened a little when he saw me. My face was calm, my demeanor elegant and chilly. I was giving nothing away, as if this was all too childish and beneath me. My eyes were sharp though. Piercing and alive with intelligence that over 40 years of living had given me.

"Rosalia De Vermillion. Your Plea?" He asked simply.

"Not guilty" I answered smoothly, calm. I ignored the shouts and scorn, Phillips cool and narrowed eyes. Ceil's eyes that sparkled with twisted amusement. And Vincent's sickening snarl.

The King nodded, "The witnesses have testified against you Lady Vermillion. The victim has also. What evidence do you have to prove your innocence?" The King challenged dauntingly. Phillip smiled slightly in victory. My face was still icy.

"Your Majesty. How could I have attempted murder when I was not at the scene of the crime on the day the crime occurred? I have many witnesses which knew I was home that day, and many more who witnesses me Enter and leave the Academy grounds towards the dorms. As for my involvement, there is no evidence that was given to prove I was involved. No letters, papers, anything with my writing or signature on it. As for the abuse of power, I believe I was completely in my rights to order a Viscount's daughter to stay away from my fiancé, the Crown Prince- which she ignored. Dare I whine and come to your Majesty with such an issue? Or am I not within my right as a Duke's daughter to socially shame such a loose woman? She was raised within Nobility. She carries its weight and knows the consequences. Had it been anyone else, she would've already been considered unmarriagible. Yet today we have multiple unmarried young men standing in her defense? Your Majesty I would like to question her moral and trustworthiness in court if she can not uphold the dignity of a noble yet dare to bring a Duke's daughter to court. Harassment? Bullying? I see none of that. I see a noble woman showing another the cruelty of reality. There is war, famine, disease... yet all of our time is wasted instead here. I was within my rights, never caused physical harm or destroyed the reputation of the Viscount when that was also within my power, and simply warned her to be mindful of who she was associating with. I have upheld my reputation. I have no rumors or baseless accusations of adultery. I am the Crown Prince's fiancé. To insult me is to insult his Highness. The real crime here today is the crime of slandering the Royal name by daring to accuse me without proper evidence and a biased witness stand" I said firmly, my words resolute and carrying a domineering atmosphere that the previous Rosalia did not posses.

The court was dead silent. Confusion and anxiety high. Phillip's smile was wiped away. Ceil looked even more intrigued and amused. The King looked shocked but his lips slightly twitched.

"Very well Lady Vermillion. I will agree that to accuse the Crown Prince's fiancé is indeed a crime without proper evidence... and to question our witnesses we saw today is also a noble and just request. I will allow you to bring your witnesses and evidence to the court to prove your innocence of the attempted murder" The King said, and like that... I won.

I nearly cried. My happiness at the heroine's despaired eyes, and the slight flashing light within them that disappeared next.

I stood, and elegantly walked out after I was dismissed.

Instead of being sentenced to death, and forcibly removed by knights, I was walking away for the first time a free woman.

My heart welled with hope.

Hope to stop this fate.

I was now in an empty hall of the palace, staring into the garden out a glamorous window.

"That was an amazing show" Ceil's deep voice startled me a little, but I calmed myself before looking at him. He truly would grow up to be one of the most handsome men in the Kingdom of Frare.

This time, I felt no love though.

I flashed him a gentle smile, "That's because it was me in there, and not the old Rosalia" I said softly, looking back on the garden.

"Are you saying you've changed?" He asked curiously, walking forward to stand next to me. He was tall, I barely came to his chest even at the age of 17.

"Me? Yes, I've certainly changed. I'm so close to freedom, I can nearly touch it" I whispered as my small hand laid on the glass.

"What is your freedom?" He seemed genuinely interested.

"My freedom? The strength to defy fate. Today. Today I've finally defied it. Today I finally was given the chance to speak, to move, with my own will and not the will of a fake" I said with vigor, my eyes maddening a little.

I looked at Ceil who seemed startled by the slightly crazed but ecstatic look in my eyes.

"Prince, I'll say it not before I lose my will again. I never loved you nor will I ever. You're a sick sadistic bastard with some weird as hell hobbies that honestly make me feel ill. I hope Vincent grows to be a good man, and I love him dearly despite the hell I was forced to put him through. I think Phillip is a weak little boy in his heart, a lion with the heart of a lamb. I don't want to comment of Gerald because we all know he was born with whatever is wrong with his head. I hate acting stupid, I hate fate who decided to poison me. I swear now and forever I will be in control of my own life. I will carve my own path" My words were strong as I smiled victoriously. Ceil looked completely surprised and slightly lost.

"Who are you?" He asked, narrowing his eyes a little.

"I'm the real Rosalia De Vermillion. A filial daughter who loves her parents, grandparents, and Vincent. A lady who enjoys business and medicine. A lady who enjoys a little poison in her tea. A lady who dislikes the ugly politics of this world, the fake knifes in words, and the cruel reality behind the scenes of this Kingdom and every other. A lady who loves commoners because they support this world. A woman who loves science and innovation. And a woman who is constantly seeking to become strong enough to fight the futures which threaten to end me forever" My voice was softer this time, but the words I spoke were honest and devote.

Ceil stared at me incredulously, before I heard another. We looked and saw Vincent, Phillip, and the Heroine. Looking shocked.

I moved from Ceil and faced them in the hall.

I gave a wide grin.

"Little brother, your disgusting big sister apologizes for the pain you suffered. Be better. I promise in another time I have fixed these mistakes. The Rosalia you knew was not me. I've no clue if this is even reality or not... but I'll still say it. My cute, adorable little brother. I love you. I know you love sweets, and nature. I know you hate loud noises, pestering people, and Nobility. I love all that about you. I hope you find the beauty in this world..." I said smiling with all my adoration at the handsome and tall Vincent before me. He looked completely lost.

I turned towards Phillip, "You're a weak little boy hiding in a grown man's clothes. You've never seen death or disparities. You are even more pampered and spoiled than me, have fun marrying your suitable girlfriend. Keep her away from Vincent before she taints him. And you" I said turning to the heroine who looked a little upset, "fuck you" I laughed heartily.

They all looked dumbfounded. Rosalia May be cruel, but she never dropped that word before... never in such a brazen manner.

"Now then. I've got evidence to throw in your faces and some tea to drink while I wait for this all to end" I said merrily, turning away after winking. Then I took my leave.

When the dream faded and I woke in agonizing pain, I was crying tears of happiness.

I managed to looked up at the Queen who was lazily leaning over me.

"Welcome apprentice Bia, you're training begins tomorrow" she spoke, before something was forced into my mouth and a strangely sweet liquid flowed in.

When I swallowed, I once more lost consciousness.