#cerulamare

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 5

*crawls home from third 10 hr shift that week*

Hey y'all I'm back with the next chapter of Her Lost Voice and more mermaid chaos lol.

Before that tho: I have a poll going on until next week! For all old and new readers of the Sacred Crown Chronicles, I'd appreciate your feedback - cast yo vote here

Chapter 5: I Want the Good Times Back

It wasn't an unusual sight by any means. 

Proteus had grown used to Cowrie not being in her room when he did his morning rounds. However, when the sharp-eyed ray merman asked around, no one had seen the young eelmaid come home the night before. Again, this wasn't too out of the ordinary but somehow, Proteus had a feeling...this time was different. 

The Muraeni mansion was full of chatter thanks to the Don's five sons, all from his first wife. The five eel mermen were aged from their late to their early twenties, all very large and shades of grey with large yellow splotches as if they were underwater leopards. They were Roman Morays like their father and each one muscular, rough with various scars earned both in combat and from their father's wrath if and when it was needed. The five sons were seated in the dining hall eating their breakfast and talking amongst themselves until the Don himself entered the room, causing all of them to fall silent. Proteus arrived only seconds later with two large shark mermen flanking him and waiting to be addressed before he spoke.

Don Muraeni was a very built merman that, unlike his rival, had unflawed skin that spoke volumes about each scar that his sons bore in his place. He had a permanent unimpressed scowl on his face that rarely softened, especially not in the presence of his children. He was cold and utilitarian at the best of times with cloudy grey locks he kept perfectly in place and icy pale blue eyes to match his demeanor. Cowrie was the only one of his children with an actual name and that was only because her mother insisted on naming her. His sons were merely called by the numbered day they were born on. Fortunately for them, none of them were born on the same number. The Don silently swam into the room and sat at the head of the table where he was quickly served his meal by the waiting staff. He looked around the table, mentally counting each of his children, and realized that one was missing.

"Proteus...where is my daughter?" his voice had a smooth, earthen quality to it, like a crackling campfire without the warmth.

"It doesn't seem like Miss Cowrie came home last night, sir." the ray answered calmly with a bit of a glint in his eye, "I was going to go the Cove and ask Miss Luna if she had seen her sister-"

"Don't bother Luna too much," the Don's voice turned gruff, "I'm having her stay at the Cove the next few nights to get her ready. Luna's especially valuable and fresh right now. She needs to stay that way for her debut..." the Don stabbed the food on his plate with his gold fork before continuing, "Seven..."

The second oldest of the five sons sat at attention, awaiting his father's words.

"Go look for Cowrie and make sure to bring her home. I haven't given her any tasks lately because she's starting back at school soon...still, I've been spoiling her too much by letting her roam free. If she's being stubborn again, then put some pressure on her."

The son nodded and left the table to see to his task. The Don and his remaining sons continued to eat in silence for a long moment before he addressed Proteus again, "See to the Siren's Cove, make sure all my lures are in good shape. But don't disturb Luna, understood?"

"Of course, sir," Proteus replied with a deceitful grin on his face before leaving the hall with two of the sharks at his side. Once they were down the hall and out of earshot of the Don and his boys, Proteus looked to his cohorts, "Follow the boy. Better yet, find Miss Cowrie first. I have a hunch that sneaky little worm is up to no good. I think a bit of fear will do her some good..."

The two sharks were very large, larger than the eels, and even rougher looking. Their dark smiles bore even sharper and thicker-looking teeth. They could make quick work of the strongest opponents with ease but they were as strong as they were dumb. Not to mention easily influenced. In short, they were perfect thugs for Proteus and the Don to maneuver like vicious chess pieces. 

"Bring her home, nice and broken in. But remember boys, don't leave any marks on her. Got it?"

Proteus had the look of a man lavishing in the finest of feasts as the two thugs followed after Seven. 

-

Luna locked herself in her dressing room to get some space. It had been another long night and she wasn't in the mood to deal with the other sirens' two-faced prattle. She sighed as she rested her head on the vanity, her body and spirit drained from the use of her natural siren magic and voice. This was going to be her home for the next few nights...maybe even every single night until she graduated. The Don had already given her permission to make an appearance at Sacred Crown's opening ceremony to save face but she was expected to come right back afterward.

The elder Cerith daughter looked at the photograph attached to the mirror. It was the only picture she had of her parents before Cowrie was born before her mother had remarried Don Muraeni. She was just a tiny little eel in the picture but her mother looked almost exactly like she did now. This had been her mother's room too when Mrs. Cerith was the main diva. Her mother looked so much happier in the picture with Luna's father. Mr. Cerith had owed the Don a favor, a very unfortunate place to be. And well...Luna was very young when the Don had come to collect and had very little memories of the event. The most vivid was just how miserable her mother seemed to always be after her father disappeared. 

Luna rubbed her eyes and sat up straight. There was no point in reminiscing. It wouldn't change a thing now, would it? No, of course not. If Luna's mother had a choice, this wouldn't be the life she would have wanted for her daughter. Luna knew this and that was enough. The siren quietly floated over to her closet and removed a piece of the floor to open up a hidden pit, suddenly having a desire to see a certain hidden treasure again. Inside was the portal keys that she had created to give herself some freedom even though it was always short-lived. Hidden amongst the keys was a picture of her and Floyd together. It was taken at Sacred Crown during the last event that brought them together. Like the picture of her parents, Luna looked a lot happier then. 

She sighed, feeling a stab of guilt. Yes, she knew that she was being hypocritical. She meant it when she had told Cowrie that they both needed to end these connections with the Leech boys. She meant it, but it was easier said than done. Luna was very good at holding her cards close to her chest. She had to be. She wouldn't survive in this world without that ability. But Luna would be lying if she said that she didn't feel anything when faced with Floyd Leech and that disgruntled look of betrayal he didn't bother hiding in his eyes. Floyd was never one to hide his feelings about anything. It was honestly one of Luna's favorite things about him. Well that and his cute, boyish energy he had whenever he was in a good mood. She never had to guess how he was feeling. There were never any surprises save for one: Floyd never grew tired of her like she fully expect him to. Sure, he'd get burned out socially on occasion and would much rather go nap somewhere or do something else for a couple of hours. But the first sign of Luna's absence for more than 24 hours, Floyd Leech would zip back to her like a boomerang, needing her attention and affection and willing to do just about anything to get it. Any length of time they were physically apart didn't matter to him. As soon as he saw her, he was just as happy and thrilled as the time before that and the time before that. That never changed. He never changed...

It honestly boggled Luna's mind. She was never allowed to have an actual boyfriend or any connection of the sort but the Don not only allowed but encouraged her to use her wiles on boys - human, merfolk, didn't matter - as target practice. So Luna did and she did so often all through her jr. high and high school years. So much that she had gained quite the reputation, not that it mattered. But whether she used enchantments or not, the end result was always the same: they grew bored and they left. Once the boys figured out that Luna wasn't all that she seemed or that she wasn't going to give them everything they wanted, that this was all just a game, they were gone. No strings attached. Luna knew it, the boys probably knew it too, and even Floyd knew it...and yet, he was the one that always came back. Floyd Leech was the one that always wanted her around and didn't expect Luna to change even though the basis of their relationship was very shallow and destined to not last for either of them. At least that's what they agreed upon in the beginning, right? They were just having fun. Nothing serious. So why did he have to look at her like that? Like some kicked, abandoned puppy that refused to stop waiting for her to return home? 

Focus, Luna mentally snapped to herself as she hid the photo away again, this for the best for both of you, he'll understand that eventually! ...Luna couldn't fully convince herself. If she were to be fully honest with herself, she missed Floyd terribly. She missed his kisses, his snug, sweet embraces, his smile, the way he'd say her name like it was the sweetest song. Behind closed doors, her heart ached. She'd sigh and smile at Floyd's big grin frozen inside that photographed memory like it was the most precious treasure in the world. Ugh, Luna cringed at how sappy it all was...but it was true. She even missed Jade and Azul. She missed being able to relax and just be around them with her sister and Elise, safe and happy inside that bubble of bliss. Luna Cerith missed her life before this god-awful summer.

Luna had closed her closet just in time for a knock to come to her door. The siren frowned and unlocked the door when she heard Proteus' voice. She was beyond eager to deal with his disruption as quickly as possible. Luna didn't bother welcoming the dubious ray merman into her room but stood her ground in the doorway, looking him up and down like the inconvenience he was.

"What do you want, Proteus?" she asked coldly.

His smile made her skin crawl, "Miss Luna, good morning. Pardon the intrusion but it's just that the Don has sent me to check up on all of his precious songbirds. You, especially." 

"I am alive and well as you can see. You can go." Luna was about to close the door in his face when Proteus suddenly slammed his hand against it, making it almost impossible to budge.

"One last thing, my dear Luna," his voice dripped with an unsettling purr, "it's about your sister, Miss Cowrie. She didn't come home last night, I'm afraid...you wouldn't know anything about the poor child's whereabouts would you?"

Luna held a neutral expression even though her mind was running a mile a minute, "My sister has always been a free spirit, Proteus. Especially as she's gotten older. I imagine she stayed with a friend or found some other reasonable alternative to coming home as she's done several times before...or have you not noticed with all of your lurking about how much she detests being in that house when I'm not there?"

The electric ray carefully narrowed his crimson eyes at the siren, his grin still intact, "Indeed I have. I think, perhaps, her father has been a bit too lenient with her. Why ever since losing her dear mother, Miss Cowrie has become too willful. It's no wonder she clings to you so. Not only are you her sister, Miss Luna, but you look so much like the late mistress...such a beauty. It's a real shame what happened to her...and your father, I might add. The poor fool." 

Luna visibly pulled away and started to bare her sharp teeth at Proteus as he attempted to touch her face. Her fins bristled and stood on their ends as she glared pure venom straight into him, "You have a lot of nerve playing like you had no hand in what happened to my parents, you gutless bastard."

Proteus was barely phased if at all. He just chuckled dryly, "My, my what a temper. I can see why the Don puts so much stock in you, Miss Luna. Such a beautiful face, a womanly figure, and fiery spirit that can devastate the most cold-blooded men among us-"

His disgusting spiel was interrupted by Luna's claws leaving stinging scratch marks across his cheek, "Piss off before I start taking chunks out of you!"  

The ray merman just smiled as her door slammed in his face and the lock was bolted. It was adorable how she thought such a flimsy barrier could keep her safe from him. He'd allow it for now if only to stay within his boss's good graces. He was a patient hunter after all...and these girls were too much fun. 

On the other side of the door, Luna held a hand to her mouth to hold back her frustrated sobs. She wouldn't give that creepy asshole the satisfaction of hearing her cry. Instead, Luna swallowed her distress and rushed back to her closet. She had an idea where Cowrie was hiding but only had limited time to find her. 

-

"Ellie! Come on! You have to see this place!"

Elise smiled at Cowrie's bright mood as the younger eelmaid beckoned her out of the grotto. In the morning light, the Octavinelle seascape looked absolutely gorgeous with its colorful coral reefs and rock formations. The best part? They had the whole place to themselves to swim and explore to their heart's content. Azul and the twins were currently sitting in the Mostro Lounge, forming a game plan for the following weeks. In the meantime, Cowrie was more than ready to take a swim with Elise, who was no longer in danger of drowning. The princess swam after her much faster companion as she was led around, showing her every single nook and cranny. Obviously, Cowrie had spent a lot of borrowed time in these waters.

"See that spot over there?" Cowrie was pointing to what looked like a seaweed forest, "that's the best place to take a nap, hide, or to get some lovey-dovey privacy apparently. At least that's what Luna tells me," Cowrie snorted at that last bit. Elise couldn't help but notice that Cowrie seemed to be in a much more chipper mood than usual for some reason. The princess grinned as her curiosity burned. 

"Speaking of making out, that's the same window I saw Reiny and Riddy kissing in that one time," Cowrie pointed to the glass pane to an empty nook within the Mostro Lounge.  Cowrie zipped ahead, still rambling on about something else, but Elise saw the three boys sitting in a booth, talking in another window as she swam by. Jade noticed the female octomermaid and gave her a friendly wave which she returned. Jade seemed to be in good spirits too today...interesting. She paused in the water and pointed towards Cowrie with one of her tentacles while giving Jade a questioning look. There was a split second of surprise before Jade's stoic, closed-eyed grin returned to his face. Aha. Elise gave him a playful smile before swimming away. Judging from the enthusiastic wag of Cowrie's tail and the spark in her eyes, Elise had a hunch that maybe the 'some reason' was actually a 'someone'.

"Jade, are you listening?" Azul's annoyed tone pulled the eel's attention back to the conversation, "As I was saying, I checked the shell...it's empty."

Azul was holding a palm-sized nautilus seashell that he had sealed Rielle's voice in once they formed the original contract. The octopus boy seemed deeply frustrated and confused. Not to mention, extremely tired. 

"Azul, you've been brooding over this conundrum for the past few nights now. Wouldn't it be wise to rest?" Jade seemed genuinely concerned which Azul normally appreciated but in his current state, it only heightened his irritation at the whole situation. 

"How can I rest when none of this makes any sense?!" he groaned, "If Her Highness really switched places with that stupid prince then shouldn't her voice be stored inside this shell like his was before?! And look at this, the wording hasn't changed at all..."

Azul gestured to the physical contract that Rielle had signed laid out before them. The parchment seemed dulled, worn, and muted as if every drop of magic had been sucked out of it. But Azul was correct: the twins read over it and every detail remained the same down to the wording to Rielle's post signature. The eels exchanged a look before Floyd let out a bored sigh. He leaned into the booth's plush material as he casually let his theory loose.

"Cowrie-chan was able to let Octi-chan talk with her voice before. It seems like she still has her voice but it's locked up inside. Luna..." it took Floyd an awkward minute to say Luna's name naturally, "Luna said something about the magic turning into a curse, right? Curses aren't really my forte but...I dunno...maybe it's like old magic from back in the day."

Jade felt a bit of pride in his brother's cleverness, seeing that he could very well be onto something, "Her kissing Rielle seemed to be part of the catalyst. Maybe  another kiss could break this curse."

It was pretty damn trite but Azul dug through the pile of papers until he found the exact passage he found earlier, " 'True Love's Kiss' did seem to be the answer to many old spells and curses. If we look at history, the mermaid princess who fell in love with a human prince is a good example. I based Rielle's request on the same formula: three days to get a kiss from his beloved...but there's only one problem. Her Highness is in love with Prince  Rielle and he flat out rejected her."

All three boys sighed in frustration. Azul was exhausted to the core but even so, he felt cold dread creep in when he weighed his options. He had a myriad of potions and counterspells at the ready with no guarantee any of them would work. Or...he had his sea witch grandmother on speed dial with the guarantee of a much higher success rate. His mother had already threatened to go over his head and reach out to her mother to take on the task of fixing Azul's mistake. It wasn't a  terrible idea just...Azul was one proud octopus. He absolutely abhorred failure, especially accepting it before he barely got started! Before he forgot, Azul pulled out a vial of bright blue liquid and set it on the table between the three of them.

"I can at least give Her Highness this dry land potion so she can leave the water when needed..." 

Floyd suddenly shot out an idea that seemed both ludicrous and tempting: "What if Octi-chan just stayed a mermaid? Her stupid family doesn't seem like they care enough to look for her...she could be happier down here with us."

Azul could definitely see the truth and merit of the twin's words but Jade said his peace for him. 

"That's not for us to decide, Floyd. Miss Elise never asked to become a mermaid in the first place," Jade silently agreed with his brother but still believed in his words. Elise was a person caught up in a precarious situation, not a stray animal for them to adopt.

Floyd just pouted as his mood quickly shifted into the grumpy side of the spectrum, "Ehhh...but look at her!"

Elise and Cowrie could be seen outside the window, swimming about. Elise did look like she was enjoying herself, almost naturally as if she had never been anything or anywhere else in her life. This was actually the most they had seen her smile since they found her in distress days ago. Cowrie looked thrilled to have a new swimming buddy. It was tempting but Azul knew better.

"She doesn't belong down here. She's a human, not a mermaid. A princess of the surface...not some squishy, awkward, lame octopus."

The sharp teasing looks the twins were suddenly giving him didn't escape Azul's notice. 

"She's definitely not an awkward or lame octopus...or were you talking about yourself, Azul? Even after all this time? My, my... " Jade snickered to himself.

"You have a problem," Floyd stated bluntly, ruffling Azul's gills, "You were so cute and round when we were little guppies~"

"You two be quiet!" Azul huffed, "Go get her so we can make sure this potion works properly!"

-

Elise was enjoying the easy-going setting with her dear friend. If nothing else, it helped distract her from the lingering ache in her chest.  With everything going on, this tiny bit of reprieve felt like a sweet balm. Not just Rielle's rejection but her family...no, she didn't want to think about it. Cowrie noticed the sadness slowly creep back into the princess' jewel-colored eyes and wrapped her up in her tail like a hug, "Hey Ellie...you ok?"

The princess put on her best smile and nodded. Voice or no voice, it was a weak display and the girls both knew it. Cowrie grabbed her friend's hand and guided her back to the grotto, "I wanna show you something. It's not a happy memory but it's important." 

Once they were inside the cave, Cowrie swam high up to one of the tallest ledges and grabbed a small framed picture. She placed it in Elise's hands with a small nostalgic smile, "Since Luna and I are telling you our secrets: we have something in common. This is our mama...she's gone too, like your mama."

The eel mermaid in the picture looked like a more mature version of Luna: she had the same eyes, the same warm coloring, everything. In her arms was a tiny baby Cowrie and a young Luna at her side. Elise felt a rush of both warm affection for this woman she never met and heartache for her two friends. She gave Cowrie a questioning look that said 'What happened to her?' "I never met Luna's papa. He was gone long before I was even around but...well, Luna doesn't really like to talk about it. But my papa made sure that he wasn't in the way so to speak. I think Proteus had something to do with it. He's this creepy electric ray merman and Papa's right hand. If my brothers don't carry out Papa's wishes, Proteus usually does. He's a real cruel bastard. I was pretty young when Mama left but...I don't think she did it willingly."

Elise felt sick just hearing this. Seeing Cowrie look so unnerved was something that just didn't happen. Not in all the years that she knew her. It made Elise realize just how little she really understood about the Cerith sisters' life under the sea. She felt like such an outsider but that didn't matter, not now. Cowrie was shaken back to reality as she felt Elise wrap her arms and tentacles around her petite body in a double hug. The younger mermaid rested her head on Elise's shoulder, letting her gently pet her hair like a second big sister. It felt so nice. Cowrie didn't even bother calling out Jade and Floyd on lurking in the entryway, wanting the moment to last a bit longer. The twins patiently hung back, letting the girls have their time after accidentally overhearing Cowrie's story. 

Floyd frowned at this sad revelation and all it revealed: not only was the Muraeni house even worse than their father had told them but did this mean that Luna was an orphan on top of being used like some prized show horse? He felt his blood boil as he pulled away to wait outside for Jade and the girls. Each little piece of history Floyd heard from the two sisters just continued to piss him off. His brother didn't stop him from leaving but instead gently cleared his throat after giving the girls another minute.

"Cowrie, Miss Elise..."

Cowrie didn't hide her affection for Jade in front of Elise which caught him off guard. The princess smiled excitedly for the two of them as Cowrie swam right up to Jade and planted a playful kiss on his lips before nuzzling her cheek against his jawline. It wasn't that Jade didn't enjoy it, quite the opposite, it was just that Jade wasn't nearly as open with his feelings or affections as his brother was. Or Cowrie for that matter. It would take some getting used to but that didn't stop the soft grin from spreading on Jade's face.

"Azul has prepared a dry land potion for you, princess," Jade continued after returning the small female eel's affections that practically had him purring, "we need to make sure it works."

Elise noticed that Floyd wasn't with him and looked concerned. Jade looked back to Floyd's irritated form that had his back to them just outside the grotto, "He's a bit moody today, I'm afraid...he has a lot on his mind." 

Cowrie shared a look with her new mate but said nothing before leaving the grotto. Jade followed behind Elise, his instincts taking over and telling him to protect to the two girls even though he logically knew there weren't any threats present in these waters. Floyd lead the girls back without a word. Elise noticed how his fins seemed to be stiff and tense as if he were holding something back. It was a silent swim that allowed Elise to feel various emotions emitting from the three eels. It made her heart feel a bit heavy and a bit anxious. Like somewhere on the horizon, a storm was brewing. 

Azul was waiting for the four of them on a landing platform above the entry pool they returned to. The twins and Cowrie immediately reverted back to their clothed human forms as soon as they exited the water. Elise waited patiently, clinging to the side of the pool with her tentacles with her head and shoulders poking out of the water. Floyd and Jade offered the princess their hands to hoist her out of the water and onto the tiled floor with a wet plop as Azul prepared the vial. He extended it to Cowrie after removing the stopper and she placed one of her fangs along the edge. A single drop of pale green liquid dripped into the potion, changing its color to a strange teal. Azul had a satisfied grin on his face as he observed the reaction.

"Your clever companions keep surprising me, Your Highness. Cowrie here has a venomous bite that can render her targets paralyzed or even put them in a coma depending on how much of her toxin is injected into them. However, she told me that a single drop has a harmless, muscle relaxing quality to it. A perfect added ingredient to a dry land potion for first-time users."

Cowrie giggled proudly, "Luna is a traditional siren that can manipulate the heart and pheromones with her songs. I, however, am a sleeper siren: I can put you to sleep peacefully with my songs or knock you out with my bite. Or kill you if I use enough venom." 

Elise gave Cowrie an incredulous look as even her tentacles seemed to question the dubious claim. 

"No no I haven't actually killed anyone...yet." 

Before Elise could think too much about the implied possibilities, Cowrie passed the vial to her, "Drink up, Ellie!"

Did it taste...sour? Tangy? The flavor was hard to pin down but Elise felt a warm tingle flow all through her body as suddenly her skin turned lighter as the tentacles started to shrink back into her. In a matter of seconds, Elise had become human again. Before she could celebrate, Elise started to panic as her now two legs started to wobble throwing her off balance. Fortunately, the twins were quick to catch her back she fell back into the pool.

"It may take some getting used to, even for someone who was born a human, to begin with, Your Highness," Azul started looking her up and down, pleased with his work, "this potion isn't strong enough to change you back into a human completely but it's the basic formula that many merfolk use to visit the surface. As long as you're on land, you'll appear human." 

Elise looked at her reflection in the water's surface and was a bit confused: she was a human again but her eyes and hair were still the same colors they had become after turning into a mermaid and the dress she was wearing was the same one she had on before but instead of sky blue, it was now a deep, alluring purple. What did these changes mean? Also, was it her imagination, or was her skin way softer and silkier now?

"You're a mermaid now, Ellie, your body - even in human form - is going to be different," Cowrie seemed to read her friend's expressions well enough to answer her thoughts, "honestly I wouldn't be surprised if a few other things changed too." 

"Merfolk, especially the more animalistic ones like us, have instincts and other qualities that merfolk like Rielle do not," Jade explained, "I'm very curious to see how yours develop in time, dear princess." Jade was looking at Elise with the same curious affection that he gave his mushroom gardens. It was both endearing and somewhat unnerving. The boy octopus cleared his throat with a very pronounced 'AHEM' before casually putting himself between Jade and Elise.

"Come inside away from the water, Your Highness. We don't want you to catch a cold."

The twins were too amused by Azul's not-so-subtle attempts at chivalry to correct him in front of the lady. At least until they saw the goosebumps on Elise's now human skin.  They had forgotten how much more sensitive to the cold human bodies were.

-

Walking on two legs came back pretty quickly but even so, Elise still had this feeling that she was wearing a disguise instead of actually being in her true form. It felt strange and disorienting. The princess was beginning to wonder what was her 'real' form? Logically, yes she was well aware that she was a human. But physically? The lines were a lot more blurry.  Her mind kept buzzing like a beehive as she sat in the Mostro Lounge, wrapped in a thick blanket taken from Azul's room, and gave Jade a grin when he set a cup of hot tea down in front of her. The aroma of the tea and the smell of Azul's cologne on the blanket made Elise sigh and her thoughts ease up to a more serene state. Strange bodies aside, this atmosphere right now felt very comfortable. Speaking of her host...Azul's tired state did not escape her notice. The boy looked as exhausted as he did determined. He was working so hard to try and help her. He even locked himself in his office again as soon as they returned to the Lounge. There didn't seem to be much Elise herself could do right now. But really, when did that ever stop her?

She took a second teacup from Jade and pointed to the VIP room doors. Jade's nod confirmed that's where Elise needed to go and he grinned as he watched her slide out of the booth and set off towards her destination. There wasn't an answer when Elise knocked on the door at first so the princess took the liberty of carefully opening the door to be met with an unusual sight: Azul was currently passed out on one of the couches. He had always been so on point and together any other time Elise had been in the charming boy's presence so seeing him so unguarded and vulnerable was...awfully cute? Was that even the right word? The soft exhale of Azul's sleeping breath made Elise silently giggle as she quietly entered the room and set the teacup on his desk. She almost felt bad for intruding. Almost. But at the same time, well, he clearly needed some help. 

The princess' caretaker nature immediately kicked in as she leaned down to remove Azul's shoes. It wouldn't do to let him get sore feet just because the poor thing was too tired to take them off himself. And his glasses. Definitely couldn't let him sleep in those. Azul had to be a heavy sleeper. He didn't even flinch as Elise quietly took care of him. The only time he did was when the princess very gently brushed a lock of his silvery hair away from his face and even then, Azul seemed to sigh in his sleep and lean into her touch a bit. The act made Elise's pulse jump as if she had just had the same encounter with a wild beast. 

"Tsk, Azul has a sweet princess looking out for him and he doesn't even know it," Floyd murmured quietly from the doorway, making Elise suddenly jump up in surprise. 

The twins and Cowrie had watched the whole scene from the doorway with amused glints in their eyes. Elise pressed a finger to her lips, asking them to be quiet as she placed the blanket over the sleeping Azul. Good grief, it was an adorable sight. The lucky punk... Floyd mentally grumbled, feeling his eyebrow twitch. 

"Ellie~" Cowrie whispered and beckoned the princess over to her, "I need to get back to the Coral Sea before my family gets too suspicious. Jay Jay and Floy Floy are coming with me for a bit...but why don't you stay here and look after Azuzu until he wakes up." 

Elise gave the three eels a smile and thumbs up. Azul would definitely be in good hands. Cowrie gave her best friend a tight hug and promised her they'd come back for them soon enough. 

'Be careful' Elise mouthed to the three of them as they dipped back into the pool at the landing. 

"Take care of Azul for us, Miss Elise." 

"Feel free to smack him around if he gets frisky with ya~" that earned Floyd a splash of water in his mischievous face. Elise shook the remaining water droplets from her hand before shooing him away.

-

The day was peaceful enough as Mama Ashengrotto welcomed her regulars and some new faces as well with a warm smile on her face. It was another early afternoon in the Leviathan Club that promised smooth sailing...or at least it would have been if her mother's intuition wasn't prickling in the back of her mind. She hadn't seen hide nor hair of the Leech brothers or her son since yesterday. Nor had she seen little Cowrie or the princess. She assumed they were all still together. "As long as they're together, it should be fine," the mother mumbled to herself as she straightened up some more menus with one tentacle while more fixed the centerpieces on the surrounding tables. It was then that another familiar face came through the door.

"Oh, Miss Luna Cerith. Welcome, my dear. Is everything alright, sweetheart?"

Luna looked about the room anxiously, obviously looking for someone, before giving the hostess a tentative grin, "Good morning, Mrs. Ashengrotto. I'm so sorry to suddenly burst in like this but...it's Cowrie. Have you seen her?"

"Ah, your sister. I'm afraid not. But don't worry your pretty head, dear. She's with my boys and that lovely princess friend of yours." 

That brought some relief but Luna still felt a prick of irritation with her reckless baby sister, "I see. Thank you. I can't stay long but thank you for looking out for my sister. I know she can be a handful." 

Mama Ashengrotto gave a hearty laugh, "Oh most definitely. Cowrie is a spirited one which is just fine with me! But...are you sure you're alright, sweetheart? You look jumpier than a school of plankton during the whale migration." 

"Oh, it's just-" 

Luna cut herself off with a gasp as two large, bulky figures swam by the nearby windows. The mother octopus was no stranger to how things worked around town and knew very well which brutes worked for which boss. And those two definitely were not with the Leech Family. 

"Go into the kitchens, dear. Wait for me to come get you. If anyone questions you, you tell them Mama told you to stay put." Mama Ashengrotto's voice was calm but firm. Luna gave a quick thank you before quickly swimming away. The two sharks circled the establishment from the outside once before coming inside where the hostess was waiting for them. 

"Welcome, gentlemen. Table for two or are you expecting company?" The question was loaded in spite of the woman's inviting tone. 

The first shark, the one missing an eye, grunted and sniffed at the air around Mama Ashengrotto, picking up on something. The woman raised a brow at this behavior before rapping a menu on his large nose, "Sir, I run a respectable business here where manners are mandatory, please and thank you."

The rough merman jerked his face back with a snarl, "We're looking for the Muraeni girl. It smells like the other one has been here though...where is she?"

If the hostess was intimidated, it didn't show in the slightest, "Need I repeat myself, sirs? Manners. are. MANDATORY. If you have nothing better to do than come sniffing around, literally or metaphorically, my restaurant to harass my staff and guests then I'm going to have to insist you show yourselves the door. I'll make it easy for you, it's right there." 

Two of her sassy tentacles pointed to the front door just behind the thugs without so much as a bat of an eyelash. When the sharks didn't budge, Mama Ashengrotto sighed in exasperation.

"See here, you two. Muraeni, Leech, whatever - this is neutral territory. Your boss, no matter how dreadful, has no power here and I am not obligated to submit to his or your whims. So. For the last time, OUT."

The gruff duo narrowed their eyes and shared a look before finally turning to go without another word. The hostess didn't budge until she was sure they were gone. She found Luna sitting in a secluded corner, patiently waiting as she was instructed, and gave the shaken girl a warm smile, "You're safe now, my dear. They're gone." 

-

Cowrie and the twins emerged from the same back alley that had disappeared into the night before. Cowrie looked around the corner and in every cranny, making sure the coast was clear before handing the portal key over to Jade. "Hold on to this so you can get back to Azuzu and Ellie. I'll get a spare from Luna later and catch up with you guys."

"What about Luna...?" Floyd knew what he was asking but with his arms crossed and furrowed brow, he didn't look too sure. Cowrie swam up to his eye level and gave him a reassuring smile.

"You gotta be patient a bit longer, Floy Floy. That part's going to be a bit tricky. But I need you to trust me, ok?" 

She took his huff as a confirmation and gave him a friendly nuzzle. Patience was definitely not a strong point for Floyd Leech but damn it he was trying! Cowrie nearly jumped out of her stripes when a back door to the Leviathan Club suddenly slammed open.

"Oh Cowrie, there you are!" a random merman in a kitchen uniform was throwing out some trash, "Mama Ashengrotto's been looking for ya! Apparently, a couple of others have been too." 

She felt ice pierce her bones at this news, "...what did these 'others' look like?"

-

Soft music brushed against Azul's ears as he finally stirred awake. The melody seemed oddly familiar and homey. His deep steel-blue eyes slowly opened towards the source: the music box he had purchased from Elise's silent festival auction was sitting on the coffee table, surrounded by more of his notes and books, open and playing the soothing lullaby. In its center were two figures spinning and 'dancing' together in time to the music. Azul looked across the way to the other couch. Elise was curled up on her side asleep and softly breathing. The princess looked too serene to be real at first. It wasn't until she gently stirred awake herself and gave the boy a sleepy smile. Her pink lips parted and mouthed the words:

'Good morning.'

Tagging: @wysteriadelights @1ndigowitch @victoria1676 @foxwitchaine @iscarlettappel @nuitthegoddess @espada188 @feldya @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #sacred crown chronicles #twst oc x canon #her lost voice #octavinelle #twst oc schools #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #more eel mermaids #elise coralette #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #under the sea mafia #the tweels #chapter update

[neoninky]

Sacred Crown OC Art

The more I look at this the more flaws I see in it BUT

I'm happy to finally have a drawing of my Cerulamaids (my Octatrio female equivalents)! It's a bit rough but still good, good practice~

Left to Right: Luna Cerith, Elise Coralette Cerith, Cowrie Cerith in their merforms 🪸🐙🐚

For those who haven't read my TWST fanfic 'Her Lost Voice' or the original/first story of my Sacred Crown Chronicles -

check out my AO3 page and/or my Masterlist!

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya @marcepanna

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #twst ocs #twst oc dorms #cerulamare #twst oc art #luna cerith #elise coralette #cowrie cerith #the cerith siblings #the cerith sisters #her lost voice

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 19 (FINALE)

Chapter 19: Part of This World (Part 2)

"Make a deal with me. Release Junonia permanently and I will use my magic for your clan's benefit only."

The Muraeni crew stared at Elise with a mixture of looks. The two younger sons looked the attractive girl up and down like she was a new toy. Proteus seemed intrigued as well but no one had a sharper eye than Don Muraeni himself.

"Elise, you can't be serious!" Luna started to argue as she held her sister protectively, "Azul, say something!" 

The boy merely pushed up his glasses with a defeated sigh, "You think I haven't already tried? What more can I say? She is determined..."

Elise stepped forward, straight toward Don Muraeni with little to no fear. The two sons bared their teeth and started to charge her before their father snapped at them, "Back off you two. Proteus...put them in time out."

The ray repeated the same ritual of unsealing two bottles that trapped the brothers inside them just as the previous bottle had done to Junonia. The Don then snapped his fingers at his right hand and the two men began to circle Elise like two buzzards. Muraeni's ice blue eyes, his nose, each sense noted every detail like an apex predator. She was young, beautiful even, but not reckless in her offer. Her luminous eyes, the vibrance of her features and her energy told him that she was no run-of-the-mill mermaid. If that didn't do it, the Royal Rose Queendom pins adorning her did. Proteus was on the same page judging from the widening grin on his slim face. 

Muraeni paused to lean down and carefully sniff at her, "...you're a cecaelian mermaid. No wonder you reek with magic and ink. I admire your gumption but what exactly do you have that is so enticing?"

"Aside from your oh-so-pretty face," Proteus chuckled as he gripped the girl's chin to get a better look at her, "Lovely..." 

Elise ignored the irritated shivers running down her spine and spoke directly to Don Muraeni, "I've been mastering my unique magic and other healing spells under His Majesty King Revon Castilene's teachings. I can show you exactly what I can do right now if it pleases you, Don Muraeni." 

Her tone was the perfect marriage between confidence and becoming. After a moment of consideration, the Don smirked.

"You have my attention, Miss...?"

Elise's pink lips grinned in satisfaction, "Call me Elise, sir."

-

By some miracle, Elise had convinced Don Muraeni and the rest of the room to regroup down on the resort's beach. The sun was already sinking into the horizon, painting the clouds burning orange and lavender. Azul never said a word during this whole transaction but he never strayed from Elise's side either. Any fuss their companions made went ignored by the Muraeni pair and by Don Leech as well. Roscoe Leech simply raised his hand to stop his boys and their mates from proceeding further onto the sand. The silent command said everything they needed to know: they were to stay close to him and not move a damn muscle unless told otherwise. Indigo had stayed in close proximity to Elise and Azul at the front of the pack in silence. He only spoke once the three of them reached the shore first. 

"I trust you know what you're doing, princess..." he didn't sound so sure but the spark in Elise's eyes was undeniable. She leaned in to whisper to him before the others joined them.

"I do, Indigo. Don't worry."

"Well here we are. On with it then," Muraeni had never been very patient. He and Proteus strode right onto the beach as if they personally owned it. Elise only smiled, unruffled by the man's bluntness. Azul hesitated to let go of her hand as she walked towards the water.

"Of course, gentlemen. Let me show you my most successful experiment." 

Elise walked into the water until she began to transform, searching the waves, waiting for something. A spiny fin suddenly surfaced and cut through the water. The visitor rushed towards her and circled around her once, not wanting to keep his mistress waiting. Elise smiled and turned back to the group so they could see the new arrival.

"Say hello, Spindle." 

Indigo's eyes widened as quickly as his father's narrowed. Spindle gave them both a weary look but said nothing as he rose out of the waters. Had anyone been paying attention, they might have heard the curse that left Proteus' mouth over the wash of the waves. 

"Spindle...? A cute name for a runaway I suppose," Muraeni scoffed, "Good to see you return to us...alive." That last word was shot in tandem right at Proteus with a deadly glare from the Don. 

Elise pretended to not hear the obvious anger in his voice, "Not only is he alive, but his body is also better than new. Take a look." 

She gestured for Spindle to come closer inland so everyone could see his full body, head to tail, and its abundant lack of scars. Upon closer inspection, even his skin and colors seemed more vibrant than before. 

"When I found him, he was on the verge of death. With my own magic, I reversed the damage so much, it was as if it never happened. Tell me, Don Muraeni. Sirens have no doubt given you power and every drop of prosperity at your enemies' expense. But can they do this? You'd never have to worry about a rival getting the upper hand ever again. Your men would never have to suffer fatal injuries or ailments with me in your corner. Why...at the rate I'm progressing, the Muraeni bloodline may even outlive us all." 

The prospect was deliciously tempting if not downright terrifying. Don Muraeni felt the possibilities burn in his brain. Still...he didn't get this far by being gullible. 

"A fascinating pitch. But how do I know you aren't just pulling some elaborate scheme with my youngest here? I'm not too sure where his loyalty lies these days..." 

Elise's back tentacles curled protectively around Spindle's tail on instinct but her confidence only bolstered, "Your doubt only proves what a capable man you are, Don Muraeni. I would never dream of making such a flimsy proposition on my word alone. In fact, I want to give you a proper example. Tomorrow, in fact..."

He rose a cynical brow, "All of a sudden your grand proposal must wait until tomorrow?"

Elise walked back onto the shore, changing back into a human, "I understand your skepticism, sir, but I assure you. It'd be more than worth your time. The senior students of Sacred Crown, myself and Luna included, are holding a special seminar on campus tomorrow to show our progress in our individual studies. I want to invite you, and Mr. Proteus of course, personally to see the investment you'd be making firsthand. No tricks, no empty promises."

Muraeni looked to Proteus for any hint of suspicion. The ray silently tapped his chin as he weighed the girl's words in his mind. The proof of Spindle's own skin was too good to be a trick. Proteus seemed ready to sink his teeth into this charming little octopus but Muraeni wasn't fully convinced...yet.

"You drive a hard bargain, sweetheart. But it'll take more than that to close a deal with me," the Don stared down his nose at the girl, challenging her one more time. Lucky for her, Elise expected this and planned accordingly. She simply turned to Indigo and reached out for him.

"Don Cerith, can you help me prove a point then?"

Indigo tensed for a split second before closing the distance between the two of them. He silently questioned Elise but didn't voice any doubts. If she said she knew what she was doing then he would trust her. He followed her lead as she beckoned him closer and leaned down so she could place her hands on his face. Elise took a breath, smiled at Indigo, and began to recite:

"Return to what you once were. Undo the harm done and try again. Second Chance."

Indigo's eyes widened as they stared into Elise's bright pools. From her fingertips, he felt magic flow across his skin like cool spring water. Before their eyes, his scars shrank and the skin resealed itself back to its unflawed state. Even after the magic served its purpose, Indigo could still feel its revitalizing remnants tingle across his skin like a soft breath. Elise removed a compact mirror from her pocket to show him his rejuvinated face, "Well how did I do, Don Cerith?" 

Indigo felt a pang in his chest that could only be equated with finding something precious that had been lost, "Amazing..." he whispered. When he snapped out of his wonder and looked to his father, Indigo saw hesitation but not a single shred of doubt. Muraeni began to observe his son in the same calculating fashion he had with Elise earlier. After a few minutes of silent contemplation, he turned to Elise to look at her properly. 

"I shall attend your little seminar tomorrow then, my dear. My only stipulation is that you remain here in our wing tonight. Alone. My boys will escort you to your campus tomorrow to ensure that you have enough time to prepare...do we have a deal?"

He extended a hand to her and only then did Elise notice just what an omnious limb it was, its long fingers covered in golden rings that looked both deadly and impressive. Elise took another deep breath and put her hand in his, "It's a deal, sir." 

Indigo watched the handshake between the two of them and felt a twist in his gut. The same dread he felt deep down was painted all over his youngest brothers' face and less so on Azul's. Elise had one foot in the door of the lion's den. Muraeni seemed satisfied until he locked eyes with his youngest son, remembering that unfortunate loose end.

"Hm...his outward appearance is completely reformed. Does that count for any internal injury as well?" he vaguely asked Elise, keeping Spindle squirming under his cold gaze.

Elise frowned disappointedly, "When I observed him after the fact, his vocal cords seem to be in perfect condition, and yet he will not speak. He hasn't said a word since I took him under my care. It's so strange." 

Proteus sneered at this delightful bit of news, "How unfortunate...the poor boy must be traumatized." 

His father checked his watch as if he were stuck waiting in a subway, "A bonus really. He may not be as strong as his brothers but now that he's healed, he's in perfect condition to pick up where Cowrie left off. If tomorrow goes well, I shall have to throw in a special thank you for you, Elise." 

The girl fought the urge to kick him in the groin right then and there and instead just smiled, "You're too kind, Mr. Muraeni, sir." 

The man took the compliment as plain fact, showing no signs of flattery, "Proteus. Show Elise to her room. Preferably one close to mine."

The grin on the righthand man's face turned the octomaid's stomach, "Gladly, sir..."

"Wait."

Indigo was speaking to his father but physically made himself a barrier between Elise and Proteus, "I will take her, Father. It's only right that I thank her for her care." 

Had anyone else said the same thing, it would have meant something far more...unsavory. Elise knew this wasn't Indigo's intention but judging from the looks on Muraeni and Proteus' faces, they took his words very differently. Proteus raised his brows in surprise, "My, my...seeking out a second mate already, Don Cerith? You are your father's son." 

Elise felt a shockwave of heat hit her face as Indigo put a protective arm around her. His expression was devoid of amusement, "I don't need nor desire another mate. It's called having integrity, you perverted bastard."

Muraeni waved off the rising argument with a bored look, "Fine, Indigo. Just make sure your brothers don't get any ideas. They're far more carnally driven than you are."

Azul nearly bit his tongue having to stand by and endure all of these insinuations. Spindle looked like he'd bite of the legs of anyone who even thought about going into Elise's space with bad intentions. Elise looked over her shoulder at both of them, giving them a silent nod. Spindle's features turned serious as he suddenly dashed back into the water and disappeared but his rash exit didn't seem to alarm either Don Muraeni or his subordinate. 

"We'll fetch him later. Indigo. Bring her." 

Without any further pleasentries, Don Muraeni and Proteus walked straight past the Don Leech and his brood without so much as a glance. Elise started to call out to Azul but Indigo abruptly pulled her along with him as he followed after. Azul wanted to argue but held his tongue. He trusted Elise: she was brilliant and she had a plan. He just didn't like feeling so stuck on the outside of it all. The twins and Cerith sisters watched Indigo escort their friend back to the resort, feeling just as helpless.

-

The young Don Cerith didn't say a word as he and Elise stood behind his father and Proteus in the elevator. Occasionally the two men shared a word or two regarding some other business that Elise wasn't really paying attention to. Instead she quietly looked up at Indigo's freshly healed face. Indigo Cerith was very handsome, well-groomed and polished with a quiet, deadly air about him even now that his scars were gone. He definitely looked even more like his father but his eyes, as tense as they were now, were far more kind. Elise suddenly felt his strong gloved hand take her much more delicate one without turning his gaze down, silently promising to watch over her. The elevator doors opened and the four of them entered yet another long, empty hallway. The father returned to his room behind a regal set of double doors without a word to the rest of the party. Proteus released the two other Muraeni sons and commanded them to keep watch over their new guest, "Give the lady her privacy but also...make sure she doesn't wander off."

They looked a bit drained if not disoriented but the two brothers nodded as they regarded the protective glare coming from Indigo. "Stay outside her room at all times," he growled once Proteus entered his own room for the night, "Only I'm allowed inside her room until further notice." 

He quickly opened a nearby door for Elise and followed in after her, shutting and locking the door behind them. Elise felt an immense wave of exhaustion that forced her over to the giant bed on shaky legs. Indigo gave her a moment to settle before kneeling on the floor in front of her with a deep sigh.

"I admire your courage, Princess, but...no I should be thanking you instead of lecturing you. Not just for this," he gestured to his face, "but for what you're trying to do for our family. You're the most incredibly reckless human I've ever met. Which is saying quite a bit." 

Elise gave a shakey laugh, "I was already determined when Spindle told me what was going on but then...I met her. She was the one who rescued me from that storm so many years ago. I cannot let her stay trapped any longer." 

Indigo had a look of understanding in his quiet eyes, "You call him Spindle now. It suits him. You rescued my sister and my brother. Now you're risking everything to save our mother."

He paused and clasped Elise's hands before bringing them to his lips, then his forehead. The action seemed so gentle and devout as if he were in the presence of a saint, "Thank you, Elise. You have my loyalty for the rest of our lives." 

Warm tears sprinkled down her cheeks as she leaned down to kiss Indigo's hair, "That means  the world to me, Indigo."

-

 The next day would be unforgettable for everyone across the campus for very different reasons. To most, it was another school event full of nervous energy for those perhaps feeling apprehensive regarding their presentations, or rather doing so in front of the entire faculty and their families. To the Leech brothers, Cerith sisters, and their two octopi: today was a chess match with no room for error. Each member in their place, waiting to move, as the day began. Luna was one of the first to present and if she had any unsettled nerves, no one would ever know. Don Leech with his Madam Leech on his arm, Don Muraeni, and Proteus were in the audience along with Indigo, his wife Ivy, and the Octavinelle trio. She had learned quite a bit from the short weeks of study but today, Luna focused on demonstrating the benefits of utilizing her portal magic specifically to enhance communication and transportation of imports/exports between the land and sea. That is, other ways to do so aside from the personalized method she made just for their crew alone. 

Both the faculty and audience were impressed. She was congratulated by the Headmistress and given high marks by the rest of the teachers' panel right there on the spot. Floyd had gotten bored halfway through and zoned out, daydreaming about the cute future babies he and Luna were going to have, but still checked back in just in time to cheer on his girl at the very end. To the point where his father had to tell him to quiet down. Elsewhere in the crowd, Cowrie sat with the rest of her dorm and applauded her sister's achievements. She caught Luna's eye and gave her a genuinely proud smile in spite of all the inward stress. 

There were a few other presentations that followed but soon enough, the Headmistress was introducing Elise to the crowd. The stage seemed to open up as Elise prepared to start. As she approached the podium, three volunteers entered the stage behind her, some with assistance from other students or medical staff. On the large screens surrounding the auditorium, Elise's full name and the following title of her presentation appeared: "Advanced Healing: Medical Studies in Personalized Magic."

Azul searched the crowd and sure enough in one of the VIP sections of the audience sat Reine along with her father, both looking rather eager to see Elise in action. There was another man sitting next to Revon Castilene that he did not recognize but he had very similar eyes to Elise herself. Azul ventured to guess that the regal gentleman was Elise's father which made him feel both very happy for Elise and very nervous for himself. Elise took a deep breath before turning her microphone on and smiled to the audience, thanking them for coming today. She also took a moment to personally thank her mentor for being in attendance today and for teaching her everything she now knew. Her mind was on autopilot as the rehearsed words flowed out of her mouth as if she were acting out a prepared role. She saw her friends in the audience, her father, Azul, and more importantly...Don Muraeni. He was there with his eyes locked onto her and waiting. Elise felt her adrenaline kick in as the true spectacle would begin any moment. This was more than an academic exhibition: this was a show, an auction curated for one specific patron and Elise had one shot to hook him.

"Alongside traditional healing encantations, I have mastered my own unique magic for the purpose of not just treating injury and sickness, but completely rejuvinating and rehabilitating my patients entirely. Starting with a case of optical first aid..."

Elise greeted  the first volunteer, a fellow Sacred Crown student who had been banged up during Magift practice. The girl removed the bandages put in place by the school nurse, who had been specifically told not to heal the following students with magic for this exact presentation and showed the audience the scratches and bruises on her arm. Elise very gently held the injured arm and asked that the faculty observe it up close first. The teachers did so, confirming for the audience that the injuries were legitimate. Elise thanked them and assured the student that while they might feel strange afterward, the process was entirely painless.

She held a hand just above the broken skin and recited her encantation. A wave of awe rose up from the audience as the girl's arm was fully healed in seconds. Cheers and applause came from her peers and the Cerulamare dorm as Elise walked the first volunteer to the stairs by the stage. She continued to explain how the magic worked in varying degrees. She even paused her succession through the volunteers to show how the magic itself could also be used to repair machinery, other tools, and even architecture: "While my own Unique Magic cannot be taught to others, there are common threads of magic that can be learned and utilized in similar ways. With the ingenuity of each individual mage, the future of healing for both people and technology will ensure better lives across the board." 

Her third and final volunteer was an older gentleman from the island's city accompanied by a certified nurse. He had the most severe injuries consisting of a broken leg and even previously damaged skin and teeth. He sat in a wheelchair and Elise quietly thanked him for putting his faith in her before very carefully kneeling to place her hand on his cast. There were a few murmurs hovering about the crowd, seeming to be full of skepticism. Azul carefully looked at Don Muraeni out of the corner of his eye. The man's gaze was unwavering and completely fixed on Elise. His expression gave away nothing. On the other side of him, Proteus was watching Elise with a smirk of a predator, patiently waiting to pounce and its prey the moment it moved. Azul turned his attention back to the stage. He felt a flutter in his chest as he watched how careful, how gentle and precise Elise's movements were. Watching her work gave him the same sense of wonder that he had felt for years watching his grandmother and mother in their elements. 

The enchantment left her lips and her magic wrapped around the man's leg and damaged skin with a soothing aquatic glow. The man entered a trance as the spell wrapped him in a half-cocoon of light. As it dispursed, the electric chill of its trickling energy spread through the audience causing a collective shiver. Even those in the very back of the room could see just how the man's skin was renewed and how even his teeth were brought back to near-perfect condition. There was a hush as the nurse used their own magic to remove the cast...and then no one could hear the man's astounded cry as he stood, not for the thunderous applause. She would no doubt pass with flying colors but Elise's true victory came when she locked eyes with Don Muraeni. He stood up and clapped. 

She had done it.

Elise accepted the praise from her Headmistress and the faculty panel on her impressive display and once again thanked her mentor and the volunteers that had put so much faith in her before she left the stage. She barely reached the bottom step when she saw Indigo's two brothers waiting for her backstage, tucked in the shadows where no one else would see them. They said nothing. They didn't have to. Their father had made his decision and now it was time to pay up. Elise braced herself and tried to stand as tall as she could in their towering presence, "Lead the way." 

-

The resort seemed like too obvious of a spot to finish their transaction. The lake was too risky. Even now that he had made up his mind, Don Muraeni was far too suspicious to let someone even think about catching him off guard. No the final meeting place for the exchange would take place in the city square outside the school. A neutral territory where no one could interfere and live to tell the tale. So here she was, Elise was brought directly to the large, mostly empty square save a few locals walking about. The Leechs were nowhere to be seen. Neither were the twins, or Azul, or the Ceriths except for Indigo. Don Muraeni, Proteus, and Junonia waited, seated at a nearby outdoor seating area as if they were frequenting a cafe during their stay. Indigo rose from his seat next to his mother to pull out an empty chair for Elise between the two of them. As soon as she sat down, she felt Junonia grab her hand from underneath the table. Her eyes were desperate but she dare not speak out of turn. The princess gave her the bravest smile she could muster in return. 

"You performed splendidly as you said you would, Elise. Well done," Don Muraeni's serious tone had barely any warmth to it, "I appreciate you coming without a fuss. I assume you are ready to keep your side of the bargain?"

Elise nodded, "Yes, sir. As I said, I will trade my freedom for Junonia's and in exchange, I will pledge my loyalty to the Head of the Muraeni house and use my magic for his and his family's benefit." 

"Please don't do this-" Junonia started to beg before her ruthless husband snarled at her.

"Shut up, Junonia. You've wanted out for so long and now your chance is here on a silver platter. Take the out before I change my mind."

Elise squeezed the siren's hand and spoke in kindness, "Please, Junonia. Let me do this so you can be together with your girls again." 

"Smart girl. Now then," Don Muraeni snapped his fingers and Proteus produced a document that looked eeriely similar to the magical contracts that Azul could conjure, "I have my staff procure very special paperwork for situations such as this. Sign yourself over to me and let's be done with this already. As he was for Junonia, Proteus will be your main handler." 

Elise eyed the omnious document and gave Muraeni and Proteus both a light chuckle, "I'm sorry? I think you misunderstood me...I said that I would pledge my loyalty and services to the leader of the family. Isn't that technically Don Cerith?"

The two men's faces fell for a brief moment as this girl coyly bat her eyes at them. She continued, "Don't misunderstand, gentlemen, I'm by no means backing out. But this is a binding contract and a magically infused one at that. Regardless, I take my freedom and the use of my magic very seriously so these things must be handled accordingly. Am I wrong?"

This girl was wickedly clever. Indigo felt his lips tug upward into a smirk as his father cleared his throat and answered in a forced tone to hide his irritation, "You are not. It may still be referred to as the Muraeni family but Indigo is the acting head currently in power and thus has the authority over all legal decisions, contracts, and arrangements in circulation. It doesn't matter in the long run, the result will still be the same."

Without waiting for permission, Indigo slid the document over to himself before biting into his finger. A bright red drop of blood bloomed on the tip before he pressed it onto the top line. Soon after, the name 'Indigo Cerith' wrote itself across the line in his own manifested handwriting. He then in turn slid it over to Elise and asked for her hand. She gave it to him and held her breath as he carefully pricked her finger for her. One quick sting later, she mirrored Indigo and pressed the finger to the bottom line. Elise watched her name scribble itself onto the contract. Her eyes widened as her surname did not spell out Coralette but Cerith. Elise Cerith.

"You now belong to me, Elise Cerith. The deal is done," Indigo said with a sigh that betrayed just how drained he really felt. The bottle that had once held Junonia was placed on the table as it swiftly crumbled into sand. She was free.

"There you have it," Muraeni's tone was a bit sour at the hiccup but either way, he got what he wanted in the end. He didn't bother looking in Junonia's direction as he waved her from the table, "Go. I'm sure Luna and Cowrie are crying in some corner waiting for you."

Indigo helped her up from her seat. Any argument waiting to be made was silenced as he hugged her one last time. He whispered something in her ear making her tear up but Junonia left the table and made her way across the square alone without looking back. Muraeni huffed grumpily before checking his watch again. 

"Wonderful. We have much to do now that our resources have opened up tenfold. I've had quite enough of the land life. Proteus-" 

Indigo aggressively cleared his throat before shooting his father a challenging look, "I think you've overstayed your welcome actually. Both of you." 

His father's eyes sharpened dangerously, "Watch yourself, boy. I've allowed you some leeway by handing my title over to you but don't forget who's really in charge here." 

For the first time since he could ever remember, Indigo's smile genuinely confused his father as he chuckled, "Yeah...about that." 

Indigo snapped his fingers and his eyes glowed vivid blue, matching the mage stone ring he now wore on his dominant hand, "Abyssal Snare"

His father couldn't move fast enough as the ground underneath him rapidly sucked him down like quicksand until it resolidified, trapping him at his shoulders. He screamed in confused outrage at his other two sons who merely stood there staring down at him. Proteus pushed away from the table in a panicked scramble, showing genuine fear for the very first time. Unfortunately for him, he was doomed the minute he sat down at that table.

"Heart's Lyre!"

The ray yelped as his arms snapped to his sides as he tumbled forward. He hit the cobblestone ground hard with a pathetic thud that bloodied his nose. The predatory heel clicks that approuched him from another nearby table put more fear into him than anything else. 

"Well, well. Look what I've caught in my net..." 

"Oof, he's an ugly bastard that's for sure!" 

Proteus coughed as a cloud of dust was kicked into his face followed by a pair of wicked giggles. He crained his neck the best he could in his state but immediately regretted it. Hovering over him were the very smug and vindictive Cerith sisters. Luna's eyes burned as she quickly tugged at the glowing strings tangled between her fingers. Proteus shrieked as the gesture dislocated one of his arms. 

"Oh no no. Don't cry just yet, " Luna purred darkly, "I'm just a placeholder, unfortunately..."

Both the former don and Proteus searched the area wildly, completely baffled that none of the locals that had been milling around earlier were reacting to this blatant assault on them...only to realize that they were all just standing there watching it happen like it was some form of entertainment. 

"Oh don't worry about them. They're just here to watch after being promised a show, " Elise said, still seated comfortably despite the chaos, "it's truly remarkable just how organized the Leech and Murae-excuse me-Cerith houses truly are when they work together." 

It was then that the 'locals' dropped any and all disguise they may have had and Muraeni's temper shot through the roof. Each one was a member of either Roscoe Leech's gang or his! This had all just been some elaborate setup and he had been completely played by both his and his rival's own people. 

"How the hell did you...?!" he sputtered as Indigo bent down to address him as he lay stuck in the ground, "And where did you learn that spell?!"

Indigo flashed the ring on his hand and gave it a loving look, "First of all, you can thank my wife for procuring this magestone for me, straight from her family's supply. Also that wasn't just a spell, it's my spell...fortunately, I had enough time to develop it before you dragged me out of school all those years ago. Furthermore, if you're wondering how so many people came to the conclusion to help ruin you, Don Leech is a very resourceful and powerful man. He taught me well. He should be waiting to tie up any loose, unguarded ends back home right about now, actually." 

Venom didn't even scratch the surface of his father's fury. He thrashed trying to free himself while screaming obscenities at his own son. It was a rather sad sight actually. In the ruckus, Proteus was helpless to escape but his horror had just began as a different pair of feet confronted him. At first, there was no answer, no declaration, or accusation made. Instead, the feet just kicked the paralyzed ray over onto his back where he was faced with terrible karma. His copper red eyes were globes of fear as the young man standing above him was Spindle. In his hands was the enchanted dagger that Elise had been given to originally break her own curse. In his eyes were years of resentment bubbling to the surface and ready to come to a head.

"I'm setting things right and taking it back..." his voice was clear and terrifying. 

The agonizing scream that ripped from Proteus as the dagger was plunged into his leg echoed throughout the square but the pain from the wound couldn't compare to the feeling of Proteus's very life force being sucked out of him along with the stolen magic. Muraeni watched in horror as his loyal servant began to age and wither as Spindle's magic returned to where it belonged. He was still alive but Proteus seemed more like a walking corpse now that he was powerless. Luna released her hold on him. He was far too weak to fight back much less escape now. 

He coughed and roughly spat at Spindle, "You devious little shit!!"

Proteus dugged his gnarled hand into Spindle's leg but he was so frail that it took barely any effort for the young man to kick him off. The bottles that had contained his older brothers tumbled out of Proteus' jacket and turned to sand. The sisters and Spindle walked over to the shriveled ray and stood beside Indigo as he spoke to their father. 

"Judging from how Proteus' bottles disintegrated, it's safe to say that his 'collection' has now been dissolved," Indigo enjoyed the color leaving his father's face a little too much, "so it would seem that all of your assets you had him collect for you are now null and void." The dethroned Don now understood what Indigo had meant by 'loose, unguarded ends'. 

Indigo straightened up and checked his watch as he had seen his father do all day, "But don't worry. I'll make sure the next one is well taken care of, or rather, Spindle will." 

Cold, desperate panic flooded every corner of Muraeni's brain. He couldn't move. He was outwitted and outplayed by his own blood and the connection with his rival's family that he had wanted to extort so badly. He cried out as Spindle's eyes began to glow, "ST-STOP! I gave you what you wanted! Your mother, your sisters, I can give you even more-"

"No thanks," Indigo cut him off bluntly, "That's all the time we have. Spindle?"

The disgraced father's angry maw was muzzled by his youngest's unforgiving grasp. The boy spared no words as his glowing pale eyes bore into the man's petrified expression. The pitch of his screams warped as his body twisted and shifted into a small mishapen polyp. What was left of Don Muraeni's parting shrieks were quickly silenced as a small glass bottle formed around him and sealed him away. Spindle grabbed the bottle and gave it a hard shake making his dwarfed old man smack his gross little head against the glass a couple of times. Cowrie cracked up at the sight and begged her brother to let her do the same before he pocketed it. 

Indigo turned back to  Proteus who was being kicked and stomped on by his abused brothers. He waited a minute before stepping in. 

"Alright, that's enough you two. Cut it out," he half-heartedly scolded them, "You two are still on my fucking list by the way..." 

The two brothers quickly retreated away from their prey letting Indigo and Luna stand over the miserable husk. Indigo looked to his sister, "What do you think, Luna?"

The siren hummed as she glared down at the man that had tortured her and her family for so long. Seeing him like this, while completely well deserved, just seemed to take the fun out of vengence. Still, why waste a golden opportunity?

"Being bottled along with Step-father seems too kind...I bet the sharks are rather hungry after all the paces this cruel man has put them through for the past few years," her grin was merciless. 

Indigo turned to the men that not only disguised themselves as island natives but secured the entire block to make sure any real pedestrians stayed away, "Gentleman, lend a hand if you will..."

In seconds the pitiful sack of bones Proteus had become was dragged away through some back alleys, away from the square, and out of sight before he could even hope to yell for help. Elise hadn't moved from her seat this entire time. She watched her new siblings at work, holding her breath until it was all over...and it was all over. She watched the four Ceriths finally let their guard down and actually enjoy the fact that they were together again. Indigo pulled Spindle into a relieved hug and said something to him that Elise couldn't hear but seeing the happiness on her friend's face was enough for her to know. The sisters quickly accepted the younger brother as well. Cowrie squealed as he not only hugged her but lifted her off the ground, happy to see that she too wasn't actually dead. They looked so genuinely happy...finally. 

She suddenly felt a leather touch on her shoulder and a familiar smell of cologne that made her whip her head around. Azul Ashengrotto couldn't hide his smile from her even if he wanted to, "You know, I don't care for being left out of such an elaborate and dangerous plot at all, my love. But you handled yourself flawlessly...so I guess one time is acceptable. Just don't scare me like that again, Elise Coralette!" 

Elise didn't even notice the twins arriving on the scene with similar complaints as she jumped up to melt right into Azul's arms, "It's Cerith now!" Before Azul could make another quip, Elise locked her eager lips onto his. Jade and Floyd decided to leave them be for once as they escorted 'Mama Cerith' back to her children. As the rest of her new family reveled in their freedom, Elise could only focus on the man in her arms. She rested her head against his shoulder as his arms wrapped securely around her. 

"I'm ready to go back home," she whispered with a deep sigh, "I nearly forgot that we're still in school because of all this..."

Azul chuckled and kissed her head as he stroked her soft wavy hair, "Think of it this way, after everything you've accomplished-"

"We. Everything we've accomplished," she corrected. She was flattered but this was one hell of a team effort.

"-We, yes. The rest of the year will seem terribly boring," Azul had a point. Any academic stress was barely a threat after nearly selling her soul to a mob boss. Elise suddenly stood up and looked at Azul with a sad grin.

"Yes. But...I still need to finish my senior year so I can graduate and get my mage license. Meaning I'll be spending the rest of the year in the Rose Queendom." 

Azul's mood suddenly took a nosedive. That's right. Elise was free as were Junonia and all of the Ceriths. She had become a mermaid again. But of course, Life just had to test his patience just a bit longer, didn't it? Well, he was a mature young man, and hell, he had waited this long!

"You'll do marvelously. After that, what will you do-"

"Elise..." Indigo suddenly interrupted the pair with a serious look in his eyes, "I think you and the others should return to the campus for now. Spindle and I need to help clean up here. Also...after you graduate, I'd like you to come live with Junonia, Spindle, Ivy, and myself at what will be the Cerith house. You are still one of us, after all."

Elise felt like her heart would burst. She had a future, she had a home! Azul felt a bit of relief knowing that she wouldn't be too far away. The relief didn't last once Indigo turned his eyes on the Octavinelle prefect. 

"That is...until you get married, of course." He was talking to Elise but staring directly at Azul like a protective father sizing up his daughter's boyfriend. The pair had matching red faces at the implication. Azul now knew just who he'd have to go through to ask Elise for a proper courtship. He couldn't say he was entirely thrilled about it. The boy just grabbed Elise's hand and quickly followed after the eels back towards the school. He was too embarrassed to look back at Indigo who had a big smirk on his face.

Conversation flowed pretty easily between the two eel couples as the girls caught the boys up on the events they had missed, much to Floyd's annoyance. Azul and Elise hung back a bit behind the energetic quartet, Elise intertwining her fingers with Azul's gloved ones. She quietly giggled at his pink face and tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

"So...to answer your question, I want to open a clinic. Maybe collaborate with Luna as well. You're going to open up a proper Mostro Lounge aren't you?" 

Her smile was brimming with excitement, it was infectuous. Azul felt his own passion stir in his chest, "Oh absolutely! I already have the blueprints and infrastructure all laid out. We start the process as soon as we become seniors. By the time we all graduate, Jade, Floyd, and I will have a real establishment up and running. Once Jade becomes the new Don Leech, he'll be very busy naturally but his support will only guarantee our success-"

Azul and Elise continued to talk about the future all the way back to the campus, swapping ideas and feeding off of each other's energy. Once they reached the gates, only one question was left unanswered...

"And after all that..." Elise mused, "I suppose then I can settle down and take a mate if the time is right. Yes...I think Elise Ashengrotto has a nice ring to it."

She said it so casually that Azul almost missed it. Or he would have had it not hit him like a freight train. His heart thumped in his chest wildly at the prospect. The desire, the intention had been resting in the back of his mind for some time now. Now that the dust had settled and the stars aligned, Azul felt ready. 

"It does. It's a gorgeous name...and if you're willing to wait for it then so am I, dearest," Elise blinked owlishly at how unfrazzled he suddenly was. Not only that, Azul was removing a small, palm-sized item from his pocket, "Elise, I was going to wait to give you this later on but since we're on the topic..." 

He opened his hand to her. In his palm was the spiral shell pendant that once held her voice. It had cracked once the curse had been lifted and became nothing more than a dull, damaged shell. Now after some clever care and polish, Azul presented it to her as a proper mating necklace: its cracks filled with gold and various-sized pearls adorned the surface, tracing the spiral shape elegantly. It was absolutely perfect. Her heartbeat pounded as Azul kneeled before her with a charming, loving smile.

"I would be honored if, in the future, you would become my mate. I cannot imagine a more perfect woman to spend my life with." 

Elise felt like she could both faint and fly of her own volition at the same time. Her hands shook as she gently took the necklace and held it to her chest. She tried to speak but only a happy sob came out as she started to cry. She laughed and nodded enthusiastically before letting Azul put the necklace around her. She didn't even pay the cat calls from the eels any mind as her mate held her to him with a deep kiss. 

This...was exactly what she had been waiting for. 

-

The rest of the year passed at a blinding yet peaceful pace. Luna and Elise spent the rest of the year studying hard with their respective tutors. When it came time for winter break, everyone made a point to venture home and spend time with each other and their families before getting back to work. The two best friends graduated and quickly returned home to start laying down the foundation of their careers. 

While it would have made more sense for Elise to inherit Madam Lorelei's position as the local sea witch, being her granddaughter-in-law and all, both Elise and Lorelei agreed that the honor belonged to Luna and Luna alone. She had earned it and would build a reputation just as polarizing as her mentor, later being called 'Madam Luna' by the locals. Elise had her own grand plan that quickly took off as soon as Indigo's reformation swept across the old Muraeni territory that was now called the Cerith District. 

Junonia enjoyed a peaceful life and retirement from her siren days in her son, who kept his commitment as Don Cerith, and his wife in another home that Indigo had built in the same territory as the Muraeni mansion but in a much sunnier spot. The old mansion had been abandoned and eventually torn down. The only space that was retained was Proteus' old collection space. It was now empty save for one solitary bottle that Spindle personally guarded and kept locked in a vault. The other two older brothers continued to serve under Indigo but were constantly afraid that Spindle might trap them as well. Now that he had become Indigo's right-hand man, he had every authority to do so but still spent most of his energy looking after Elise, who he never strayed far from.

The Siren's Cove was shut down for good. The girls were either returned to their families or supported by Indigo to start new independent lives. Meanwhile, the building was gutted and rebuilt into Elise Cerith's medical clinic. Luna, of course, was more than happy to give referrals and help prepare and distribute medicines to supply her friend's business. 

During their senior year, the Octavinelle boys stuck to their guns and developed The Mostro Lounge just as they had planned. While Jade inherited his father's role as Don Leech over time, Floyd stuck to what he was comfortable with: part-time head chef at the Lounge, part-time head of security and interrogation for his brother. Cowrie managed to stay ahead academically and entered her own internship as a senior during the same time as the boys. Once she became the new Madam Leech, her main focus would be supporting her husband and household, but at the same time, Cowrie Cerith desired something of her own. Studying under her sister or Elise had always been an option for her but instead, she surprisingly followed in Ivy's footsteps and acquired an internship at the Funebris magestone company. They had branches on land and under the Coral Sea for their unique pearl division. Cowrie took interest in the technical side of things but somehow attracted the attention of the marketing department as well. 

To this day, Jade says that it was because she became even more beautiful once she turned eighteen. She went from being a petite, cute little sassy eel to blossoming into a nymph-like young siren that turned heads and broke hearts. It was awkward at first, mostly because of being in Luna's shadow for so long, but Cowrie quickly leaned into her alluring glow which quickly landed her a modeling/spokesperson career within the Funebris brand, eventually other Coral Sea brands, and even a few from the surface as well. 

Once their lives, businesses, and careers took off and they all reached a point where they felt comfortable taking that next step, that's when the marriages started happening. Surprising no one, Floyd and Luna were the first ones - aside from Indigo and Ivy - to start having children. The entire Leech family was thrilled to welcome the first baby girl the couple was blessed with. And then the next. And the next. And the next. Eventually, Floyd and Luna had one son, who would ironically be the only child that would inherit his mother's siren genes, and then finally one more daughter. Either way, Narissa Leech was thrilled to have so many adorable little grandbabies right out of the gate. Roscoe Leech, though he'd never admit it, was extremely happy to have so many granddaughters. 

For a while, Cowrie had worried that she wouldn't be able to have Jade's children after many failed pregnancies. Perhaps no matter how much they loved each other, they just weren't physically compatible. Just when Cowrie was about to give up hope, she contacted Jade in near hysterics when she found out that she was officially, fully pregnant with not just one baby, but two. A year after their nephew was born, Jade and Cowrie were blessed with twin boys. While they wouldn't reach their father's mammoth height/length, the boys did certainly take more after their father in their size which put a lot of strain on their mother while she carried them. However, in spite of the difficulties, Cowrie had her babies without any complications aside from her husband almost worrying himself to death. Between taking his father's place in running the Leech household and aggressively caring for the mother of his heirs, Jade was more exhausted than his mate.

As for Mr. and Mrs. Ashengrotto...

They married once a few different things happened: Azul had run the Lounge with booming success for about two years without any major losses, Elise had established a strong foothold in the community in both Leech and Cerith territory, and Azul had been granted Don Indigo Cerith's blessing to marry his adopted sister. There wasn't a huge ceremony, much to Mama Ashengrotto's outrage, but they did have an enormous celebration at both the Leviathan Club and Mostro Lounge respectively. After about two more years, Azul and Elise had a daughter that inherited her father's coloring and her mother's eyes. She was Azul's entire world, second only to his wife, and was absolutely adored by her grandmother, great-grandmother, and her eel uncles and aunties...and now that the two families that ruled the city were actually one big family...

Life under the sea couldn't be better.

---

Lazuli Ashengrotto could hear the jazz music from her father's lounge downstairs. She was turning fourteen today and preparing herself at her vanity for the elaborate party about to happen downstairs. She combed her long lavender-grey locks with one tentacle while she applied a small bit of color to her lips with another. Her father had fussed at her for wanting to wear makeup so soon but after many, many debates, they reached a compromise. His baby girl wanted to be just as beautiful as her mama so who was he to stand in her way?

"Oiiii Zuliiii~" 

A rapid round of knocks sounded from the other side of the teenager's door just before opening. Never waiting for an invitation, Floyd's youngest daughter and child Juno swam in and wrapped her long teal-striped tail around her best friend.

"Let's go, let's gooo~ We can't get started without you and I'm STARVIIIINNGGAH..."

The young octopus just giggled as she pulled her wavy locks back with the final touches, "Alright, alright here I come."

Downstairs the Lounge had closed for a private event in which all friends and family were in attendance. All of her uncles, aunties, and cousins, and of course her grandmother who always insisted on catering for every single birthday party. And not just for her actual granddaughter but all of her eel 'grandbabies' as well. Between them and her business, Ursa Ashengrotto had her tentacles full. 

Lazuli smiled at the usual chaos that came from these parties, why it had almost become a tradition. At one table sat her dear Uncle Don Jade Leech, Auntie Cowrie, and their twins that towered over their mother but would never dream of upsetting her. Unlike their father and uncle, Jet and Spinel Leech had clearer tells of who was who. Jet had the signature black streak in his teal hair and heterochromatic eyes just like his father: one yellow from Jade and the other blue from Cowrie. Spinel, however, did not inherit the dark strand like his brother, but his eyes were mirrored to Jet's. He also inherited his mama's gold freckles. The only matching trait the twins shared were the dark stripes on their tails and arms they inherited from Cowrie. It always made Lazuli think of a pair of raccoons. The boys watched their father closely as he discussed some sort of business with them as Cowrie doted on her niece, Lucine, that had swum over from another table. Lucine took after her mother in appearance and somehow came out with a far more demure and shy personality compared to the rest of her siblings.

Floyd and Luna's family took up one of the larger booths. Their eldest daughters Marissa and Cyane sat on either side of their parents. Marissa was the spitting image of her Grandma Narissa, thus the name, and held herself in similar elegance. Cyane was also very lovely but had her father and grandfather's sleepy eyes that often made her look a bit pissed if not threatening. Clustered among them was the only son and second youngest child, Calico Leech, who looked every bit like his mother with her same black hair and warm golden cream coloring. He was destined to be just as tall as his father though and already had to tuck his long tail underneath him to keep it out of the way. 

Uncle Don Indigo Cerith and Auntie Ivy had just arrived with their own two children: Cobalt, their eldest son that could be his father's twin save for the fiery eye color he got from his mother, and Elsie, the youngest daughter who was a perfect combination of her mother's green color and her father's darker patterns. She was also named in honor of her Auntie Elise. Her Uncle Spindle arrived with them, escorting Junonia who was immediately ambushed by all of her enthusiastic grandchildren.

Lazuli made the rounds to greet everyone before noticing that her parents were nowhere in the room. She smiled knowingly and snuck over to one of the outdoor balconies. Her parents were very busy and industrious octopi so whenever they could squeeze in a private moment for just the two of them, they absolutely seized the opportunity. Their daughter found them enjoying the view and sharing a loving kiss or touch as she normally did. It used to gross her out how lovey-dovey her parents were but now it barely phased her. She cleared her throat to announce her presence.

Azul and Elise Ashengrotto turned to their little darling with warm smiles. "There's my princess!" Azul cooed to her. Lazuli was also accustomed to her father's abundant affection and soaked up every single drop of it. She jetted over and threw her arms around her father with a happy squeal. Elise's heart warmed at the sight of her husband and daughter. She stroked her girl's silky hair with a doting smile, "Happy Birthday, Lazuli, my darling."

Lazuli turned and hugged her mother before beaming up at her with matching turquoise eyes, "Are you happy, mama? Daddy?" She turned back to Azul as her arms stayed around Elise. She had become very in tune to her parents' moods from a young age. When they were happy, truly happy, they seemed to shine and Lazuli was convinced it was because they had so much magic. So every day, at the very beginning, she always asked: are you happy?  And when they were, they said...

"Absolutely."

-the end-

Thank you for reading <3

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya @marcepanna

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #twst oc x canon #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #elise coralette #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #spindle cerith #mama cerith #mama leech #papa leech #mama ashengrotto #second gen baby ocs #the end #story finale #happily ever after #under the sea mafia #more eel mermaids #LOTS o eels #floyd needs to calm down with all those babies lolol

[neoninky]

TWST Fic "Her Ivory Crown": Ch. 8

Ch. 8: Revelry Among Rivals

The girl's dorm was on full lock down by the time the Rosabyrine girls had returned: plans were made and discussions were had, now was the time for action. Each of the dorm leaders were standing on pedestals in excitement, concern, or in some cases, dread as their attires were being adjusted and set on each of them by Jinnah and Manari - who were already dressed - to make sure that everything was in perfect shape. Adela was especially displeased with her lot in this whole situation.

"I cannot believe you chickadees talked me into this..." the senior sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose.

The younger girls had pleaded with their senior to fill this very specific and admittedly appropriate role, even going as far to mention that this was their first and last joint festival together and how it was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity....so she caved. Elise was in charge of the casting, so to speak, and she put a lot of thought into each decision. Some choices were obvious like picking for Manari and Jinnah. There was just no one else they could possibly be. Her role, she'd admit, was a bit biased but the others all agreed that it suited her perfectly. Other decisions needed further speculation but in the end, Elise felt satisfied. As the others were getting final touches put on, Reine stared at the name on the card she had been assigned with a bit of hesitation before giving Elise a concerned look...

"You're sure about this?"

"Of course!" Elise was borderline silly with enthusiasm, "It will be sensational! If we play our cards right, which I know we will with Mr. Ashengrotto's help, the crowd will already be too excited not to leap at the chance. But then, we take it to the next step and present a special VIP wild card...that being you, Your Elusive Majesty. Besides Petra will be right there with you as your 'second in command' so everything will be fine!" 

The third princess gave Reine a reassuring smile, "I gotta admit, I am a bit envious of you but I'd be lying if I said you weren't far superior for the role....also I get a really cool coat so it's still a win for me," Petra laughed. 

Reine looked back to the name on her card. She wasn't against the idea at all, it just seemed a bit...disrespectful maybe? Maybe he wouldn't mind though? She couldn't be sure. One of the ghosts suddenly popped into the lounge amidst all the excitement and interrupted Reine's thoughts.

"Miss Reine, Headmaster Crowley wants to see you in his office. One of your mother's advisors is there waiting for you. Seems important~"

Electric butterflies suddenly fluttered in Reine's stomach at the news. With all the excitement, she had forgotten her mother's promise to send her the rings for her suitor...for Zehn and herself, if things went the way the current queen wished. Reine pocketed the card and asked the girls to continue without her. 

- 

Two of the ghosts were kind enough to show her the way to the Headmaster's office but she couldn't ignore her nerves prickling all over. The rest of the day had been such a nice escape from her reality for a short time but...

"Here we are, Miss."

The princess smiled and thanked the ghosts for their help. Inside the office with Crowley stood one of her mother's chief advisors, a shorter man with snow-white hair and matching, long rabbit ears. He held a small box that fit in the palm of his hand, covered with intricate rose and thorn carvings. 

"Your Highness, it's so nice to see you again," his eyes were will full of kind affection that also reflected in his voice, "I insisted on delivering these precious rings to you in person and Headmaster Crowley was kind enough to oblige."

The white rabbit stepped forward and placed the box in her hands, not realizing just how heavy they felt in her grasp. He couldn't stop smiling at the young future queen. He had known Reine since she was a baby and now here she was taking the first vital steps toward securing the Queendom's future along with her own.

"If I may, Your Highness, your mother's court-soon to be your own-we have been nothing but thrilled for your success since your coronation. We await your formal announcement with bated breath. Congratulations, Young Mistress." He bowed to her with a silken grace that came with time and practice. The Headmaster couldn't help himself and offered an elated congratulations to her a well. Reine did what she did best: smile and offer a poised thank you to them both.

"I'm afraid duty calls, Your Highness. I must return to the court immediately. Forgive me for not properly seeing you safely returned to your lodgings."

Reine gently waved his apology aside, "No need. I will be fine I assure you. Night Raven College is still just a school campus and I know my way now." 

-

Reine was actually grateful to be walking alone back to the dorm. She felt exhausted, heavy. She knew that getting back as soon as possible was critical but even so...Reine took a slight detour first. Thankfully her destination was deserted. The princess stood on the main street of the campus, quietly looking up at her great aunt's statue. The Queen of Hearts: she always looked so sure, so unyielding in every single rendering of her presence Reine had ever seen whether it be on canvas or in stone. Yes her temper was legendary, but what power she must have held in her voice, her very grasp. Reine felt like a wilted weed in comparison.

 "We've never met, Auntie," the princess whispered, "but I've heard so much about you...you would have loved my cousins, I'm sure. They honor your drive, your discipline, and fire to this very day..."

Reine felt her throat tighten right as saltwater started to prickle at her eyes. She wanted so much. She had come so far, hadn't she? So why did it feel like she had barely accomplished anything at all?! Reine was to be queen, the ruler of the Rose Queendom, the highest authority in the land...and yet she felt as powerless as a toddler and just as limited. Reine gazed into her aunt's proud face through a curtain of tears as the words just tumbled out of her mouth.

 "I want...I want to be a queen you can be proud of, Auntie. I want to make everyone proud. I want...I want my daughters to be free to rule as they think best without being coddled and told otherwise! I...I want...."

A quiet sob ripped from her throat cutting off her rant. Reine sat at the foot of the statue's pedestal, clutching the ring box in one hand and trying to stop her tears with the other. No matter how hard she tried the tears seemed never-ending. It reminded her of the story of the girl who originally visited her aunt's rose labyrinth. It was said that she grew over a mile high and cried so many tears, it made a massive lake. A small laugh broke through Reine's sobs at the memory. It was such a fantastical tale that her mother always labeled it as nonsense but even so it was one of Reine's favorite stories. Reine looked at all of the Great Seven statues and smiled a bit to herself. In a place, in a world such as this, with great wizards, powerful magic, and people of every sort, what was actually wrong with some things being a bit 'nonsensical'? Many of her auntie's famous rules made absolutely no sense but good luck telling Her Royal Majesty that. Her tears began to dry and her breath returned to normal after letting her thoughts take her away to a much better place. Reine stood and curtsied to the Queen of Hearts' statue, silently thanking it for hearing her out. But of course...the calm relief was gone before it could properly settle in her heart. 

 "Lady Reine? What are you doing out here...?" 

A sharp, cold shiver ran through her as she quickly turned around and was face to face with a displeased Zehn. He had the same frustrated look on his face that Reine's mother used to give her for ruining her dresses in mud puddles as a child. It did not sit well with her at all...in fact, now she was feeling frustrated. 

"Lady Reine, why are you out here alone?" Zehn then noticed her bloodshot eyes, "Are you hurt?? What happened?" 

He approached her and went to take her arm but the princess quickly pulled away and stepped back, looking at him like an annoyed cat, "There is no need for concern, Mr. Cavalier," Reine reverting back to such a formal tone when addressing him left the same impact as if she slapped his hand away herself, "I was just on my way back to my dorm and decided to take a rest." 

Zehn frowned, "It's not safe for you to be walking about by yourself, Lady Reine," his tone was insistent, "You should have called for me." 

Her frustration rose to a higher degree at this boy's insolence and her own tone grew sharper, "Oh really? Why I am quite capable of walking down a pathway across a school's campus by myself, Mr. Cavalier. You say it's not safe. What exactly am I in danger of? Do tell."

The boy felt like someone was pulling a prank on him. It was in fact Reine standing in front of him but where was this unusually snippy tone coming from?! He frowned at her crossed arms and the impatient look on her face, "You are the heir to the Rose Queendom's throne. It isn't proper for you to just wander about without some sort of guard at your side. If something were to go wrong, it would be an immense diplomatic disaster. Lady Reine, it'd be best if you put your trust in me. I don't think these Night Raven boys are competent or trustworthy enough to take your safety into consideration." 

Reine noticed Zehn's eyes rise to look at the statues of the Great Seven which Night Raven College revered so greatly when he spoke of the campus' students. Her eyes narrowed at his implications.

" 'These Night Raven boys' have been nothing but perfect gentlemen since we have arrived. They have been immensely respectful and hospitable to not just me but the other girls as well. As for being competent, I see no issue. I've never felt safer outside my own home or Sacred Crown's walls. So I highly suggest you put your assumptions to rest once and for all," Reine huffed and covered her mouth as she let out another wet cough. Zehn moved towards her again as if she were made of sugar glass which only annoyed her further.

"Please leave me be, Mr. Cavalier!" 

The princess skirted past him and continued back to her dorm before he had the chance to stop her. He glared after Reine's retreating back as his patience left with her. He did not follow her, however. Instead, he pulled out his phone and messaged a few of his cohorts with simple instructions.

-

It was getting late and Reine felt dizzy by the time she entered the dorm's garden. She could see and hear the girls inside bustling about, nailing down every last detail for their part in the events for tomorrow. Reine didn't want to worry them and derail all of their efforts by returning in her current state. Instead, she sat on a stone bench under a nearby tree and took an extra moment to gather herself. Part of her felt guilty for snapping at Zehn like she did but...why, why was he being so intolerable?! So overbearing as if she were a child instead of his future queen! He was just as bad as her mother...Reine let out a shaky breath and looked down at the box in her hands. She opened it and gazed at the two rings inside, one white gold and one yellow gold. One golden ring of the pair was crafted specifically with the queen in mind and magically enchanted to fit her perfectly. Her white ring held a clear stone set in the center of a rose-shaped mounting with intricate leaves that held tiny clear stones making up the band. The yellow gold ring was plain with no stones or decoration whatsoever. This ring was meant for her chosen suitor and was also enchanted to not only change the size to fit him but also change shape and form to suit his personal tastes as well. Once Reine made her decision and her suitor accepted her proposal, they would both put on the rings at the same time, binding them to each other. 

Reine's frustration came to a boiling point as she snapped the box closed and set it off to the side, tears threatening to spill once more. This was supposed to be a happy occasion so why did it make her feel so miserable...? After a moment, she looked up and noticed something strange....since when did these green fireflies appear?

Reine stared at the tiny balls of light with wide eyes and even managed to catch one in her hands before sensing someone close by. She quickly looked around her...nothing. She looked on the other side of the tree...nope. It wasn't until Reine followed the glowing lights off the trail that she noticed a tall figure looking towards the dorm, still and quiet with an impressive set of horns coming from his head. His back was to her at first but as the princess stared him up and down in curious silence, the stranger's face slowly turned to look directly at her over his shoulder with luminescent green eyes that matched the fireflies. His gaze was hard to read, somewhere between intrigue and hesitation. This was their first time meeting face to face but Reine quickly put the pieces together. After all, his reputation proceeded him. 

"...Lord Draconia?" 

The formal address in this girl's proper tone made Malleus Draconia's eyes narrow in amusement as a curious feeling warmed his chest. He slowly stood to face her properly and the dark fae's eyes took in every little detail about her, from Reine's much shorter stature that did not shrink away from him to the look of wonder in her deep eyes. She knew his identity and yet faced him without fear or that odd obsession that some humans had in his presence as if he were some mythical creature to be caught. No, Reine just looked at him as a person meeting another. How interesting...

"Ooh...We haven't met before, have we?" Malleus's voice was gentle and deep like the evening air. Reine shook her head and properly bowed to him without hesitation. 

"Reine Castilene, crown princess of the Rose Queendom, it is an honor to finally meet you, Lord Draconia." 

Malleus returned the gesture and bowed to the princess with a tiny smile, "Malleus Draconia, successor to the Valley of Thorns. My name doesn't seem to frighten you, little rose queen...the queens of your homeland truly are fearless." he gave an amused chuckle.

Reine returned to her full height and gave him a reassuring smile, "Oh I am familiar with your name. I've heard it amongst my mother's court members several times before. They say you're one of the strongest mages in the world. Very impressive, my lord...if you don't mind me asking, why are you out here alone?"

Malleus mused to himself a moment before answering, "It's quiet here...well usually. I like to come here to be alone." 

Reine followed his stoic gaze back towards the dorm full of rambunctious girls and suddenly felt bad for disturbing his usual safe haven, "I see. Please forgive our intrusion. The girls mean well but they can get a bit rowdy. It'll be nice and quiet after we leave at the end of the week." The dark fae studied the ivory girl next to him as she spoke. He noticed the sadness creeping in during her last statement. 

"You seem troubled, little rose queen. Why is that?"

For someone so intimidating, powerful, and ridiculously tall, Malleus's eyes were soft with concern as was his voice. Reine wasn't sure where to begin or if she even should be honest. Seeing the patient look in his bright green eyes was oddly comforting though. 

"I suppose I am troubled. Very troubled over a few things...it's as you say, though I'm not queen yet, I will be someday. Just like how you will be the new king of your home. I'm not too familiar with the Valley of Thorns, honestly, but I imagine you have your own customs and expectations to live up to."

Malleus hummed softly in response and noticed the small box she had been carefully holding in her hands, sensing the magic coming from within. She followed his gaze and opened the box, showing him the rings, "My courtship rings. Do you have a tradition like this in your homeland?"

Malleus gave her a soft grin, "Dragon fae do hold a deep appreciation of bejeweled tokens but our ways are a bit different, I suppose. As the prince, I shall be the one to choose and court my bride someday. The Rose Queen is the one that does the pursuing in your culture it seems...how fascinating." 

The dragon prince found it a bit amusing that such a doll-like girl would be the hunter and not the hunted. Reine just laughed a bit dryly, "I wish it were that simple but...I'm afraid not. I do get to make the final decision but my potential suitors have been carefully curated on my behalf for years. You make it sound more exciting and romantic than it really is."

Malleus tilted his head as he pondered her expression. The tiny princess seemed displeased by this custom. How unfortunate. Marriages were supposed to be a cause of great celebration and joy...or so he heard. He rarely received any invitations to such occasions and mostly heard about them second-hand from Lilia who was far more well-traveled. 

"You are displeased with your selection of suitors, little rose queen? Is your homeland lacking in proper prospects?"

Reine met the dragon fae's inquiring gaze and found herself feeling a bit amused. He looked almost concerned or troubled over this notion as if he had completely invested in the situation himself. As a matter of fact, Malleus was quite talkative for having just met her only moments ago. Maybe he didn't have many people to talk to? It was oddly endearing. The princess just smiled softly, hoping to put him at ease.

"Oh no, it's not that. The Rose Queendom has many fine gentlemen to choose from. Just one, in particular, is being rather....difficult lately. Unfortunately, he's the one I'm expected to choose." 

"I see," he frowned with narrowing eyes, "an unsuitable prospect, offending his future queen. Why has he not been dealt with and swiftly struck down with lightning magic? Or perhaps fire...I'm not sure what elements the Rose Queendom favors."

Reine stared at him with wide eyes before busting out in laughter. Malleus just blinked in confusion at her reaction. He was being quite serious and didn't see how this could be interpreted as a joke whatsoever. The princess tried to stop and catch her breath before apologizing to him, "I am so sorry, Lord Draconia! It's just...oh if I could be as straightforward as you! It would definitely make things more simple, wouldn't it? I'm afraid that smiting my offenders is frowned upon. Especially by the current queen, my mother...she favors him and has for a while."

Malleus thought over her words carefully before answering, "How strange. The ways of your homeland seem complicated."

Reine sighed, "You have no idea..." 

"Perhaps you would like some assistance? I assure you I can do the deed quickly and no one would be the wiser. No acts of war would be issued, I promise."

Ok now Reine was sure that he had to be teasing her but she still laughed at this strange fae's offer, making him grin in return. The little queen was quite delightful in spite of her struggles. Reine's eyes suddenly lit up as she looked up to him, "Lord Draconia...If I may, there is something that I'd like your help with." She shyly beckoned him closer so she could whisper her request in his ear. Malleus' eyes widened in surprise and he let out a genuine chuckle after hearing her out.

"My, my...that does sound entertaining," Malleus hummed as his thoughts sped up, "I would like to see it and I believe Lilia and the others would be interested as well. Lilia, especially. Perhaps... I could lend a hand to add to the overall impression." 

Reine's eyes sparkled in both happiness and relief, "I'm so glad you think so. I was afraid that you might feel like we were making fun of you which we would never I assure you. But you should come to see it for yourself tomorrow!"

This was the second time Malleus felt taken aback with even more surprise. Could it be? Was...was this an invitation?! The princess practically read his mind as she pulled a pair of tickets from her pocket and handed them over. The girls worked fast in creating everything they needed for the event and Reine had managed to sneak a couple of the printed tickets just in case a rare opportunity arose and this was even better than she expected!

"My gate will only allow those who purchase VIP tickets the day of but given the circumstances, I'd like to give you and a friend admission personally. So please consider coming tomorrow," her smile was as radiant as starlight...though it may have been Malleus' now heightened imagination getting the better of him.

Once the Diasomnia prince returned to his dorm and told the others the news, the dorm hall filled with chatter, mostly coming from a very loud Sebek and very excited Lilia. Malleus turned to address Sebek and Silver specifically.  

"I have a request of you two. Consider it a special mission," he grinned smugly before turning serious, "I don't know that the little rose queen noticed, however...during our conversation, there seemed to be some Royal Sword students lurking about outside the gardens. I don't think they intend to do her harm but she spoke of someone troubling her recently. That won't do..." 

Sebek was quick to understand his lord's meaning and did not hesitate in spite of Reine being a human, "WE SHALL PROTECT THE GRACIOUS FAIR MAIDEN FROM ANY TROUBLEMAKERS, LORD MALLEUS!!"

Silver, who had been jolted awake by Sebek's loud proclamation, nodded seriously. Lilia chuckled darkly at Malleus' side, "My, my how the tables have turned...dragons protecting the princess from the white knights, fufufu~"

-

The campus had an odd buzz hovering about the next morning. Cater figured it had to do with the music and dance contest between the three schools happening later in the day but even so, the cafeteria breakfast rush seemed more scattered and distracted than usual. He noticed clusters of NRC students talking excitedly over some fliers that had popped up overnight. There were even some posts about it on Magicame already. Cater managed to spot one as he waited in line for an iced coffee and immediately grabbed it, reading it over with wide eyes, "Wha?!"

Back at the Heartslabyul dorm, Reine kept her promise and showed up to pour Riddle his tea. Normally he'd prefer it a bit later but the princess had politely specified that she still needed to help the girls finish preparations for the contest so Riddle didn't argue. If anything he was very curious about her today. Something was different. It was like she was hiding a secret behind that coy smile. That blasted, adorable smile...he was still a bit miffed that they had to cut the tea party short yesterday but apparently there was some sort of emergency back at the girls' dorm.  The princess had assured him that everything was fine when he asked about it. Still...he looked her up and down, as discreetly as possible, when she was distracted, trying to find the crack in the armor so to speak.  Nothing about her demeanor seemed strange, Reine was as lovely and pleasant as always. Although, he couldn't help but notice that her attire was all black; the flowy lace dress she wore with matching gloves, the ribbon in her hair, her sheer stockings, and even her boots?? No white, no red. Just black. Did she normally wear this much black? It was very striking if not downright alluring on her but still. Was he being overly suspicious for no reason? Surely not. Of course, the even bigger mystery was...why were Sebek and Silver following her around today? The two boys stood off the side, silently watching her and Riddle like perfectly poised guard dogs. It was bizarre if not a bit unsettling but Reine acted as if this was just another normal day as she gently slid Riddle's now full teacup towards him. 

"Your tea, Your Majesty," she said sweetly to him while giving him a curtsy. It was precious but still failed to distract Riddle from just how weird this setup was. He politely thanked her and took a sip while eyeing his fellow Equestrian club members like they were out of place gargoyles. 

"Um Miss Reine...if you don't mind me asking...is there a reason why you're-"

Cater suddenly burst into the garden, excited about something but came to a halt as soon as he saw the strange scene in front of him: Malleus' bodyguards standing by a suddenly gothic-looking Reine who was serving Riddle tea at a time that Riddle normally didn't take his tea....did he miss something?!

"Good morning, Cater," Reine said brightly to the confused boy before noticing the flier in his hand, "oh you saw our flier! How nice. I hope you join us at the contest later today," she was practically glowing with a hidden excitement. 

"Yeah I did! I gotta ask...what is this about exactly??"

Cater showed the color-pop style flier to Reine and Riddle that said the following: "One Day Exclusive! Sacred Crown Hall Presents 'Rare Collection Experience: Night Raven College Tribute!'" and showed each of the dorm emblems above what looked like blacked out silhouettes of seven different figures peering out from inside glowing coffins. Reine just smiled and said rather mysteriously, "You'll have to wait and see..."

"FAIR MAIDEN!! It is almost the meeting time Mistress Elise had previously scheduled!!" Only Reine seemed unphased by Sebek's boisterous announcement and without missing a beat, bid Cater and Riddle farewell. 

"I hope you both will attend the contest today. I promise you will not regret it."

- 

The area surrounding the arena was packed to the brim with students from both NRC and RSA, waiting to see exactly what all the mysterious hype surrounding those fliers was about. No one really seemed to know and was just as curious as the next person how it all came about. Riddle was getting irritated with just how crowded it was as he stood waiting to enter with Trey, Cater, Ace, and Deuce. The other Heartslabyul boys were just as much in the dark as he was. He spotted his classmates from Scarabia in the crowd as well. Kalim was his usual excitable self, rapid-firing off theories to Jamil what he thought the girls were up to. Jamil, meanwhile, just looked at the flier in his hand with a mixture of deep thought and exhaustion from his dorm leader's abundant energy. Vil, Rook, and Epel could be seen making their way through the crowd, trying to make their way to the designated dressing rooms for those performing today. Neige Le Blanche wasn't too far behind with his seven little friends heading in the same direction. Eventually, the gates finally opened and the river of students flowed into the main avenue that took them past what looked like several covered booths, each one had an NRC dorm's emblem above it which caused the curious chatter to increase. The crowd quieted down as Crowley's voice suddenly boomed over the arena's PA system.

"Welcome Students! The opening ceremony of Night Raven's first Three School Music and Dance contest will commence shortly! Please make your way to the main stage!"

Once everyone in the audience had settled into their seats around the big center stage, Crowley addressed them all in person in front of a veiled curtain. It was hard to tell for even those closest to the stage but it looked like there were six pedestals hiding behind the headmaster??

"Welcome to all of our visitors and our students!" Crowley was weirdly excited about all of this but seeing as how there were some photographers in the crowd, it was no mystery as to why "the performances from all three schools will start in about thirty minutes!"

There were two large monitors just off to the side of the stage that displayed the lineup of the contest's scheduled performances. There were other acts from all three schools but most of the crowd was here for Vil, Neige, and the main group from Sacred Crown, excited to see what the newcomers had in store for them. Riddle looked around the crowd and noticed that some of the girls from Sacred Crown were whispering amongst themselves excitedly. Most of the girls were in their usual classroom uniforms but he noted that each one had a dual-colored ribbon band around their arms, matching the ones from NRC. Every girl had different dorms' colors on her arm....what exactly were these girls up to now?

"But first! Our visitors from Sacred Crown Hall have an announcement to make!" 

Crowley took his leave as the curtain behind him parted. The shock in the audience was palpable as the lights came up and there in the center stood Elise Coralette...in full Octavinelle dorm leader attire, every detail in place down to Azul's small beauty mark below her lips. The only difference was that instead of trousers, she wore a smartly fitted pencil skirt instead. More lights came up to reveal the five other figures on pedestals and the crowd cried out in waves of surprise and shock. From left to right, the girls stood in order each dressed in almost exact replicas of the Night Raven College dorm leaders starting with Alyssa dressed as Riddle in his Heartslabyul dorm outfit with a belled skirt instead of pants all the way down to Hebe dressed as Ignihyde's own Idia, complete with bright blue streaks in her hair. 

"Welcome!" all six girls said in unison before Elise took over, "Greetings students from Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy and other esteemed guests! The girls of Sacred Crown hope you enjoy today's performances along with the surprises we have personally prepared for you in honor of our wonderful hosts, Night Raven College!" 

The girls on stage along with the rest of their students and some of the more friendly RSA boys took a moment to give the very confused Night Raven students and their gleeful headmaster a round of applause. Elise continued as the screen display changed to a map of each of the booths everyone had passed previously. 

"We will be selling tickets to everyone and anyone who would like to have their own personal photo with each of our lovely dorm leaders you see up here, myself included," Elise gave a playful wink to the audience as the rest of the girls waved and hyped the audience up in their own ways which worked like a charm, "as you can see we have all six dorm leaders present and accounted for! Each one promising more exclusive prizes than the last! For those of you who are a bit more camera shy, fear not~ We have a treasure trove of treats ready and waiting just for you!"

The boys in the audience grew more excited as the two monitors suddenly started displaying fully staged photos of each girl, set to a background that perfectly suited the dorm leader she represented: Alyssa enjoying tea in a rose garden, Elise posing in their very own Mostro Lounge in ethereal underwater lighting, etc. 

"We have a special booth prepared to sell photosets, posters, and more of those gorgeous photos but keep in mind, supplies are limited so don't hesitate! Of course, we have yet another surprise for only the bravest of our lovely customers~ Only the boldest hearts can approach Her Royal Majesty and live to tell the tale after all...." Elise singsonged the end of her dialogue with a mischievous smile as the lights on the stage faded and the large monitors shifted again to a dark screen that showed fog flowing along the bottom and spikey vines slowly crawling up the edges. Once the screens flashed and revealed a new image, the crowd absolutely lost it and Riddle could see why. 

His eyes widened and his jaw went a bit slack as an elegant image of Reine in full Malleus Draconia regalia and sitting on a dragon motif throne appeared. The princess looked as if she could consume his soul in a fairy's wing beat and he would gladly accept said fate without question. The very thought made Riddle's heart do a backflip. The rest of the Heartslabyul boys had similar looks on their faces. Elsewhere in the crowd, the real Malleus and Lilia were thoroughly entertained. Malleus thought all the dramatic build-up was very amusing but still felt a glow of pride at just how closely Reine's outfit had stuck to his dorm uniform's original design and how she even managed to don smaller, more dainty versions of his horns on her head. The flowing skirt in place of his pants was a nice and appropriate change, however. 

"Oooh myyyy, she is enchanting! The Witch of Thorns would be so proud, fufu~" Lilia was almost giddy and already making plans to purchase Reine's merchandise for the dorm. Malleus just hummed in approval. Lilia was sure if Malleus' tail was out, it would be wagging from all the excitement rippling through the air. 

Elise's voice washed over the audience once again as the girls' announcement ended, "Exclusive VIP tickets are now for sale at the front gate for those who wish to have a once in a lifetime experience with our Queen of Thorns and her royal guard first hand! Hurry though, these tickets will not last! Thank you all for coming and good luck to our competitors today!" 

As soon as the curtains shut, there was only a split second before the crowd suddenly broke into a mad dash back towards the main entrance, just as the girls had predicted. A certain octopus was beyond satisfied with this reaction as he smirked at a safe distance, backstage.

"Ahh~ Such clever little sirens. They got the audience hooked with just a glimpse. Jade, Floyd. Be prepared to assist our angelfish in succeeding today. Their win is our win, after all..." Azul was devilishly pleased. The twin eels were practically tingling with interest. Today was going to be fun. 

--------------------------------------------

Tagging: @aiimee9 @1ndigowitch @victoria1676 @evieyouknow @foxwitchaine @iscarlettappel @wysteriadelights @nuitthegoddess

#neoninky #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #twst fanfic #twst oc x canon #twst oc schools #twst oc dorms #heartslabyul #octavinelle #scarabia #rosabyrine #cerulamare #almascaber #riddle rosehearts #azul ashengrotto #trey clover #cater diamond #deuce spade #ace trapolla #the tweels #jade leech #floyd leech #kalim al-asim #jamil viper #twst ocs #reine castilene #manari ali #elise coralette

[neoninky]

:Masterlist:

Hello to all my regular and new readers! I'll be updating this post with the posted chapters of my (currently completed) fanfics! For my fellow AO3 writers and/or readers: you can find my stories on my page here.

As of right now, I am not working on any fics (this might change in the future), however, my inbox is open for short scenario or headcanon requests, questions, or even just if ya wanna say hello - by all means, welcome~

:Twisted Wonderland:

-Sacred Crown Chronicles-

Her Ivory Crown (Riddle Rosehearts x f!OC) - COMPLETE

Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8, Ch.9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 15, Ch. 16

Her Lost Voice (Azul Ashengrotto x f!OC) - COMPLETE Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 15, Ch. 16, Ch. 17, Ch. 18, Ch. 19

-Sacred Crown Chronicle Shorts-

Indigo Cerith: NRC Days

Indigo Cerith: Courtship

2nd Gen: Calico Leech (Part 1)

2nd Gen: Calico Leech (Part 2)

2nd Gen: Calico Leech (Part 3)

2nd Gen: Calico Leech (Part 4)

2nd Gen: Calico Leech (Final Part)

Art: Inky Mascot

:Twisted Wonderland:

TWST “Inky”sona

Cerulamaids (SC Gurls - “Her Lost Voice”) Therapy Rabbit AU: Diasomnia!Inky Bun Therapy Rabbit AU: RSA and NBC

:Pokemon:

Pumpkaboo Patch

:Crossovers:

DBZ x AC

#neoninky #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfics #twisted wonderland #twst fics #sacred crown chronicles #her ivory crown #her lost voice #twst OC x canon #sacred crown girls #fanfic masterlist #to be updated #heartslabyul #octavinelle #twst oc schools #twst oc dorms #rosabyrine #cerulamare #tomfoolery and shenanigans #digital art #clip studio paint #pokemon #royal sword academy #night raven college #noble bell college #rollo flamme #neige leblanche #malleus draconia

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 6

Hello readers: I'm putting a slight trigger warning on this chapter for mentions of abuse and violence in this chapter just in case any of you are bit more sensitive to these topics.

On a lighter note, one of my favorite OCs makes his debut in this chapter and I hope you guys love him as much as I (and @iscarlettappel lolol) do~

Also don't forget to check out my AO3 page and Masterlist if you want to binge read this and my other posts!

Also don't forget to vote if you haven't already!

Chapter 6: Unfortunate Souls

Floyd's nose burned the familiar lingering scent further into his memory bank as he, Cowrie, and his brother entered the Leviathan Club through the kitchens. Luna had been there. The fact that he missed her made him pout with puffed-out cheeks like a grumpy blowfish but the kitchen hand's words did put him at ease.

"Your sister was here, hiding from some real ugly lookin' shark mermen. I'm not sure what they wanted but Mama Ashengrotto told them off real good before making sure Miss Luna left safe and sound."

Cowrie exhaled all of her nerves. Thank goodness nothing happened but still...if Proteus' thugs were lurking about this was bad. REAL bad. If they got even a hint that Luna wasn't tucked away at the Cove like she was supposed to be then the siren would be in hot water faster than Cowrie could blink. The younger sister could practically feel her father's temper scorching her skin already. Well, for now, Luna was safe and the sharks were gone. That's all that mattered. 

Once the trio of eels entered the main floor, they found Mama Ashengrotto orchestrating the day's business as usual. The mother octopus looked both relieved and annoyed as soon as she spotted them, "THERE you are!" 

Before any of them could say a word she ushered them over to a corner by the bar, "Cowrie dear, I'm so happy to see you're alright. But what exactly is going on? Luna came in here looking for you this morning, looking as white as a sheet. Then those brutish sharks?"

Cowrie's ear fins drooped as she looked awfully guilty, "I'm sorry Mama Ashengrotto...it's complicated but...I think my papa's thugs are being sent to drag me back home. And Luna is...well...she's..." 

The hostess' expression softened as she tipped the small eel's chin up, "Now now, you're here and unhurt. And don't worry, I made sure Luna made it back to where she needed to go safely as well. Besides, this isn't the first time I've had to chase off some riff-raff and I doubt it'll be the last. Now, you boys," her eyes sharpened just in time to make the twins stiffen straight up again, "Your mother called me all in a tizzy over you two! You go straight home and apologize to your poor mother right now!"

A cold shiver ran up Jade and Floyd's spines as they envisioned their mother's wrath waiting for them at home. It didn't take too much imagination, honestly. Jade felt another odd sensation as Azul's mother continued to lecture him and his twin. The room was pretty crowded already so in the sea of many faces, it wouldn't be too crazy to feel like someone was watching you...unless someone actually was. He kept his gaze forward but out of his peripheral, he could see another male eel merman staring at him and Floyd from a table on the other side of the bar. Judging from the cloudy grey and yellow-spotted coloring of his skin, Jade knew he wasn't one of his father's men. He heard a snarl coming from Floyd, signaling that his brother had noticed the other male as well. 

"Cowrie dear, there's a young man that's been waiting here to see you...given how this day has already gone. I wanted to make sure you felt safe first." Mama Ashengrotto's deep blue eyes flicked off in the same direction as the eelman in question and Cowrie carefully looked before letting out a deep sigh.

"Yeah, it's fine...that's one of my brothers. He's the most reasonable one."

Cowrie gave the twins a reassuring grin before swimming over to the table where Seven was waiting for her. 

"Hey, Sevy."

The older brother nodded to her with a disapproving look. Cowrie just frowned before sitting down, "You can talk here. No one's going to punish you for it..."

"Old habit," Seven's voice was a bit gruff as he scratched at what looked like a fresh scar on the side of his neck, "Cowrie, what are you doing here? And with them?" 

Jade and Floyd decided to hang around a bit longer, taking seats at a booth along the wall just far enough away from Cowrie and her brother to hide the fact that they were eavesdropping from the rest of the room. Seven didn't much care for it but decided to let it slide for now. 

"I have a job here, Sevy. There's no rules against that."

"No...but I'd still watch your tail and who you're keeping company wi-..." Seven's eyes narrowed as he sniffed the water around Cowrie, "...you didn't."

Cowrie's brow hiked up in question as she crossed her arms, "What?"

Her brother's fins bristled as he took in a deep tense breath, "Cowrie, you have another male's scent all over you. And my money's on one of them. You're only seventeen, it's too early for you to-"

"We didn't do anything like that, Sevy!" Cowrie's face was a deep pink as she glared at her nosy older brother. 

"So it is one of them..." Seven hid his face in one of his large hands with an aggravated sigh, "Have you lost your mind? You do realize what Dad's going to do him, or even you, when he finds out..."

His sister's stubborn pout only made him snarl, "...at least tell me which one of them it is?"

"Jay J-uh...Jade, " Cowrie pointed over to Jade who just gave Seven's grumpy face a polite grin and a wave as he looked Jade up and down. 

"Jade Leech? Don Leech's successor? Well, you have an eye for the big fish, I'll give you that," her brother snorted only annoying her more.

"That's not why chose him!" she huffed, "Jay Jay is very smart, interesting, and handsome. He's also good and kind..." 

"Really, Cowrie? One guy doesn't treat you like shit and notices you before he notices Luna and that's all it takes for you to just throw away all sense and cozy up to him??"

Cowrie's temper flared as she jumped up to snap her fangs at the larger male but he was quicker. She let out a high squeak as his long tail whipped around her and forced her back in her seat. 

"Take it easy," Seven sighed as he rested his jaw on his hand, "Am I wrong though?"

"I'm afraid so, friend..." 

Jade and Floyd had noiselessly approached the table. Jade had a grin on his face but his glowing yellow eye bore into Seven's with a deadly serious aura. He grabbed and yanked Seven's tail away from Cowrie, never breaking eye contact with her brother.

"Miss Luna is quite a beauty, even I am not fully immune to her charms. However, she's not my Cowrie. Cowrie is a precious pearl that has had my full attention since we were first acquainted. I'd hate to also start off on such a rocky foot with my future brother-in-law."

Cowrie's face reheated itself at the sound of Jade's possessive tone. It was smooth and sure and had just enough edge to it to make a point. A very forward, lines-drawn-in-the-sand point. Jade and Seven seemed to be locked in a very sharp-eyed stare down. A typical scene in the early stages of courtship, especially when the female's male relatives didn't necessarily approve of her chosen mate. Floyd smirked off to the side, happy to witness this rare, more aggressive side of his brother in action. He silently hoped for a brawl to happen just to keep things interesting at the very least. In fact, why not stir the pot a bit?

"Besides, Luna's my girl," Floyd said rather bluntly as he blatantly ignored the shocked glare Cowrie was giving him. So much for being sneaky. 

"W-What? Luna too? ...with THIS guy?!" 

Floyd snarled at the implication that came from Seven's tone. Well, the catfish was out of the net. Cowrie saw no point in playing coy now that these devilish twins just threw all their cards on the table, "Yup. Luna too. She'll deny it if you ask her but I'm 99% sure it's true..." 

The twins just smiled smugly right in Seven's astonished face. Cowrie groaned and slid a fraction down in her seat as this whole situation quickly spiraled into a testosterone fueled stand-off. She was flattered as hell by everything Jade was saying and doing but these Leech boys were going to get them all killed if they kept letting their territorial hormones stay in the driver's seat. Seven growled and locked eyes with his sister with an intimidating glare, one he used on his younger brothers constantly to get them to behave.

"Cowrie, you're my sister...half-sister, sure, but still...you have to know just how crazy all of this is? Do you really think you can pursue a future like this without there being serious consequences?"

Jade gently wrapped his arms around Cowrie's petite form from behind her chair as she continued to sit, "Your sister is perfectly safe in our care. Floyd and I hold no grudge against her or Luna simply because of who their father is. You and the rest of Cowrie's brothers, however...well that's to be determined." 

Floyd stretched lazily before leaning an arm on his brother's shoulder, "This whole family feud is our dads' problems, not ours. We ain't got any beef with you unless you attack us or threaten our girls...so? We got a problem?" Floyd's tail swished behind him like a cat getting ready to pounce.

Seven quickly took stock of the whole situation. As the second eldest of Don Muraeni's boys, he was supposed to be an example and leader to his younger brothers. He was also supposed to follow his older and far more aggressive brother's example himself. If he was really honest though, Seven knew that the last thing he wanted was to drag his family into a needless turf war. Seven let out a deep exhale, accepting the more peaceful option before addressing the three of them with a calm face, "Alright. I didn't see or hear anything. I was just coming to bring my baby sis home safe and sound. And she can keep working here for all I care, but only if I escort her to and from home...that's the way it's gotta be unless you want Dad sicking Proteus or more sharks on your ass, got it, Cowrie?" 

Floyd grunted like he was about to object but Jade stopped him by putting a firm hand on his twin's shoulder. Granted, Jade didn't like Cowrie's freedom being restricted either but he was still smart enough to realize the delicate situation they were in and Jade didn't want to put Cowrie in danger just to appease his own pride. They'd have to play by the rules...for now. Cowrie narrowed her eyes as she grumbled and crossed her arms. Seven refused to be swayed, "Just because I'm not freaking out about this doesn't mean Dad won't. You know he will. I won't snitch on you...or your mate," Seven nearly choked on the words, "but you guys are walking a dangerous line. Don't say I didn't warn you." He really, really did not like this at all but Seven took solace in the fact that Cowrie at least didn't settle for some no-account loser. Or worse, some clueless human boy. Rivalries aside, Cowrie could have done way worse than the next Don Leech.

Cowrie let out a giddy squeal as she slipped out of Jade's embrace to swim around to Seven and throw her arms around his bulky shoulders, "I knew you were a big softie deep down, Sevyyy~" 

The older boy rolled his eyes with a huff, "Yeah, yeah. Now say your goodbyes or whatever and let's get going before Dad pops off another temper storm." 

Cowrie gave Jade a hug around his neck before he brought her lips to his with a pleased sparkle in his eyes. He was definitely pushing his luck on purpose in front of Seven just to tick him off like the smug bastard he was. Cowrie's brother just grunted and swam towards the door.

"You're both insane..."

-

Azul watched the music box slow down in a half-awake daze as he sat up on the couch. It wasn't until the song was almost over that he notice the look in Elise's bright eyes. The princess remained lying curled up on her side, watching the dancing figures slow to a halt with such a distant look somewhere between happiness and heartache. It gave Azul an odd shiver. He felt like he was interrupting a private moment but his curiosity still got the better of him.

"You seemed very fond of this music box, Your Highness. Why get rid of it if it means so much to you?" he asked in a sleep-heavy voice as he reached for his glasses. 

Elise sat up and began to write on the blank paper in front of her. Azul patiently waited for the answer.

It was a gift from my mother. The song is a lullaby she would always sing to me. I am very fond of it. I used to think I sold it because of my club's funding situation but really, I think it just made me too sad.

I'm happy it went to you though, Mr. Ashengrotto. I hope you've been enjoying it.

The truth was that Azul did find the melody very soothing indeed. He couldn't explain why before now but knowing that it was a precious song that came from a loving mother gave him a  good idea. 

"What was your mother like?"

She loved the ocean and merfolk. She'd take me and my siblings sailing all the time when we were little. She was just as beautiful as she was kind. Our people loved her very much. So did my father...

A frown formed on Elise's face as she paused her writing. If he was anything like Azul's biological father, Azul imagined talking about her own father was hard for the princess. 

My father loved my mother so much that he became somewhat of a shut-in after she died. He still rules our kingdom from the capital with my oldest brother's help but I don't see him much anymore. 

"I'm sorry. That sounds...terribly lonely." Azul's brow furrowed as he watched the princess write more with a sad smile on her face.

It's not so bad when I'm at school with Reine and Manari. And Luna and Cowrie, too, of course.

Now, this was something that Azul had wondered for some time. It wasn't unheard of but still very unusual. Especially considering how merfolk like himself and the twins were a bit more elusive in nature, sticking to darker, colder waters normally. In renowned schools like Night Raven and Sacred Crown, it was expected to run into many different kinds of people - merfolk, beastmen, etc. - but it sounds like Elise had known the two eels for quite some time. 

"How exactly did you become friends with the Cerith sisters?"

Elise pondered the question, seeming to struggle with writing an answer at first. She gave the curious boy a sheepish grin before finally writing:

It's a bit of a long story...

Azul leaned back into the leather couch and crossed his legs with a charming smile, "I am intrigued, Your Highness. I can wait." 

And so Elise started to pen her memory onto the paper to the best of her ability for the patient octopus boy.

It happened when Elise was about seven years old, two months after the kingdom had lost her mother. The young princess spent a lot of her days anxiously trying to approach the beach. Her mother had loved the beach and the water. Elise had many fond memories of days and nights spent on the shore with her sister and her mother but now that her mother was gone...

Princess Elise found the ocean her mother loved so much to be a terrifying beast. One that she wished to face down and brave so that maybe someday she could love it again as her mother had. That particular day was very windy with aggressive waves that relentlessly crashed against the shoreline, the weathered docks, and the large rocks that jutted out of the water further down. Elise was alone that day, the villa not too far off but even so, the small princess felt her skinny legs tremble as she forced herself to inch closer and closer to the water's wild edge. She let out a shriek and immediately retreated as soon as she got a little too close. Hot, frustrated tears prickled at the corners of her minty-blue eyes but her tiny fist quickly rubbed them away before they could fall. Elise was going to give it another go right when she heard something strange ringing through the air. 

At first she thought it was the seagulls fighting the strong winds overhead but soon realized it sounded more like a child's voice...a child's wails to be exact. She quickly abandoned her original quest and ran down the shore towards the cries. The sound had brought her to the sharp rocks and Elise gasped when she saw the source. A tiny eel mermaid was caught, tangled up in some fishing nets that stranded her amongst the large stone barricades. The fierce waves kept pushing the mermaid back, tangling the nets around her tiny body even more with each crash. To Elise's horror, the wails were becoming weaker with each wave because of the tight, knotted netting around the small eel's neck. She was being strangled! 

Elise's small voice cried out for help but it was easily drowned out by the wind and the water crashing all around her. She looked to the water to see if maybe the little mermaid's parents were around, coming to her aid. But she was alone. No help was coming. Elise jumped back when she realized the water was rising. Another high-pitched squeal came from the tiny eel as she continued to thrash about, trying to free herself. Elise felt her heart speed up as she watched this poor creature's movements start to lose their vigor. If nothing was done then...

The young princess took every ounce of courage she could muster and ran back towards the nearby docks. There had to be something, anything! When Elise saw a leftover collection of items the sailors had left behind, she spotted a pocket knife. The young girl quickly grabbed the closed knife and ran back towards the rocks. The water was relentless: wave after wave tried to knock the little girl down but she pressed on trying her best not to slip off of the rocks until she reached the exhausted mermaid. She didn't know if the eel could understand her but Elise nonetheless cried out that she was here to help as she started to cut away at the netting. She expected the eel to try and bite her or claw at her but instead, she was met with a tired but docile gaze coming from the mermaid's baby blue eyes. The last big wave that Elise could remember crashed over the both of them as she cut away the material wrapped around the mermaid's neck, the momentum snapping the last bit of thread loose. Both Elise and the mermaid were pulled back into the open water. 

The tiny mermaid had enough strength to swim away but Elise was left flailing and gasping for air in hysterics, not knowing which direction was up and which was down. The princess felt the adrenaline-fueled panic start to set in right as two pairs of hands grabbed both of her arms and pulled her to the surface. With all the saltwater in her eyes and her burning lungs, the princess didn't even realize that she was being carried to the shore by the wave and the two strangers swimming alongside her. Once she opened her eyes after so much coughing, Elise was met with two curious faces covered in dark stripes and yellow flecks. She recognized the blue-eyed one as the tiny mermaid she had just rescued but the other was another older mermaid with brilliant golden-yellow eyes staring cautiously down at the almost-drown princess. Anyone else would have probably screamed and run away in Elise's position but the tiny girl instead stared back just as curious. She reached out to touch the golden-eyed mermaid's small ear fins only be hissed and growled at. It made the princess laugh a bit because it reminded her of a cat. The two mermaids exchanged confused looks before the smaller one scooted closer to the princess and turned her head so Elise could explore her fins instead. 

Elise had never been more amazed in her life as she gently stroked the delicate fins, making the blue-eyed eel start to purr. The elder of the two watched the scene carefully before doing the same gesture, allowing Elise to touch her ear fins with her free hand. The princess giggled and continued to shower both eels in affection. This was extraordinary! She wished her mother were still around to see this. Elise started to feel the mermaids' silk hair when the moment was ruined with a terrified scream. The princess turned around to see her father and one of the maids holding a scared Emily at her side. The older princess sobbed as their father rushed forward, shouting at Elise to get away from the two 'monsters'. In his hands was the harpoon gun he always took whenever he went sailing. The two mermaids shrieked and scrambled back to the water as Elise jumped up, crying to her angry father that she was alright...

...I begged my father not to hurt them. He was so angry. He just kept telling me over and over how they were monsters and how they couldn't be trusted and forbid me to go near the water again. But I didn't listen...I went back to the beach every day, looking for them. It took months but we finally found each other again. 

Elise's smile returned as she kept writing.

I learned to play the flute and I would go to the docks and the beach and play it. That's how they found me. I learned their names and we became friends in secret. Luna and Cowrie helped me get over my fear of the ocean by swimming with me, keeping me safe...eventually they came onto land when we were in Jr. High. I guess their father didn't want them attending just any human school because they were enrolled in the same academy I and Reine attended. We've been together ever since...they're like my family.

Azul took his time soaking up every word the princess had written. Their childhoods were very different but somehow her stories reminded him of his own. A lonely child, in one form or another, being scared and hurt before finding...or being found rather, by their companions who have always been there. Reading her family's reaction to Luna and Cowrie only solidified Azul's opinion that it was a miracle that Elise was as kind as she was today. Not that he would ever say that aloud. He gazed up at the princess with an unreadable look, as if there was another question he couldn't ask. This strange, lovely, clever girl. Friend to eels, and now octopuses, he supposed. Her light seemed to never fade when they had first met but the more found out about her past, the more he wondered if this was her true nature or just a cover. Watching her give him a curious tilt of the head and grin only told Azul that maybe it was a bit of both. Whatever the answer really was, it didn't make her any less intriguing. 

"I can say with confidence that you most certainly inherited your mother's kind heart, Your Highness. And probably her beauty as well." 

It wasn't all that strange for Azul to lean into a more suave charm especially when he was after something. He always had that salesman's silver tongue, even in the time that Elise knew him. This time, however...

Azul's words made the princess' face warm with a slight touch of pink as she bashfully waved them off. He's just trying to flatter me, she thought to herself. She didn't take him seriously but still found it difficult to look at him and his smile directly head-on. Fortunately for Azul, his nerves didn't kick in until after the fact. Much later when he was alone in his room and the whole scene replayed itself in his head...over and over...making him groan into his hands in full-blown, self-loathing embarrassment. He wanted to bury himself in the deepest trench, never to be seen again because of his dorky, embarrassing behavior. What he didn't know what that Elise had a different experience in her own little grotto. Her tentacles curled upon themselves as she thought back over the scene, replaying the boy's kind words and smiling over like a film playing in her mind. The beginnings of a flutter stirred in her chest and stomach as she held her warm cheeks in her hands, thankful that no one else was around. Elise felt a small hurricane of nervous, confused energy start to brew: until that point, there had only been one person who made her react this way...apparently, now there were perhaps two?

'Oh, dear...'

-

Three days had passed between trips to and from their hideaway in the Octavinelle dorm. Azul and Elise would spend a lot of time just the two of them trying various potions, enchantments, and/or counter curses that Azul had cast on the princess to no avail. The twins would visit frequently enough to either bring food, supplies, or intel. Or for Elise specifically, clothing gifted from Mama Leech who still had outfits leftover from her teen years when she would visit the surface. Cowrie's visits had lessened significantly since her deal with Seven, making it difficult for her to get away. But somehow she and Jade seemed to sneak in some moments together here or there. Today it was just Elise, Azul, and the twins. Floyd was quick to tease his twin about the little love bites on his neck as Azul was trying to concentrate.

"Damn Jade, it looks like Cowrie-chan was trying to carve her initials into you like a tree," Floyd snickered as he literally poked at his brother.

Jade merely chuckled with a wide grin, "Just because I can't leave any evidence doesn't mean I'm going to stop her from doing so..."

Azul groaned as he poured another finished potion into a glass container, "Enough talk of your escapades. Honestly, I know you two are very smitten with Cowrie and her sister but you're just being reckless. Especially you, Jade. I just hope you aren't doing anything inappropriate seeing as how Cowrie is still underage." Azul put stern emphasis on that last word as if he were lecturing some hooligan. 

Jade feigned being wounded by Azul's comment. Did his friend really have so little faith in him? "I am nothing if not a gentleman. I'm fully aware that my Cowrie is still too young to become my full mate yet but I can still give her a fulfilling courtship until the time comes. I'm an excellent choice for a mate, am I not, Miss Elise?"

Elise was currently sitting inside a bathtub, in full octopus mode, in one of the more spacious bathrooms the Octavinelle dorm had to offer. While the princess wasn’t that familiar with the courtship practices of merfolk, it was clear that Jade made Cowrie very happy and that Jade was in turn very considerate of her situation and affectionate in his own way. But that didn’t mean Elise would not turn Jade’s eel form into several handbags the millisecond he treated Cowrie badly. Still, she nodded at the statement with a confident grin on her face and gave the smiling Jade an affectionate pat on the head with one of her tentacles.  Azul just scoffed and told Elise to not humor the twin too much. For a moment, the pair looked like two parents arguing about their daughter's choice in boyfriend which Jade found very amusing. 

After years of putting up with Floyd's antics their entire lives, Jade had the patience of a god. Waiting for his mate to come of age before taking the next step was nothing. Floyd was another story altogether. The other twin was in a fairly good mood today but that could flip on a dime. Floyd had good intentions but barely any patience. Especially when his desired mate was not underaged and not within reach to make things official. Yet. Jade especially had to talk his twin out of some pretty fool-hardy plans to kidnap-er-rescue Luna before they could get help on the inside. Again, patience was definitely not Floyd Leech's forte. However...it was four more days until school started again. Four more days until most of their crew would be far from all the troubles of home on their campuses. In the meantime, Floyd and Jade were both told to wait for a 'signal' of sorts from Cowrie. Currently, they had a front-row seat to another one of Azul's attempts to break this supposed curse on the princess.

"Moving along, try this one, Your Highness..." 

Azul handed her the glowing liquid as the twins watched expectantly. There was a reaction as soon as Elise downed the foreign liquid in the form of a burst of blue smoke. The three boys coughed and tried to wave the large cloud out of the room. 

"W-Well, Your Highness?" Azul called out in between coughs. When the smoke cleared and Elise opened her eyes...nope she was still an octopus. If anything her tentacles and hair seemed a bit shinier? She sighed and gave Azul a shrug. He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, mentally putting the millionth failure tally mark up in his mind, "Uuuugh this is hopeless!"

Elise pouted and leaned on the tub's edge as a few of her tentacles flopped out of the water and onto the tiled floor. Floyd let out a surprised yelp as the tentacles suddenly changed to the same color and texture as the floor they were touching, "Did the potion do that, or is this just an octopus thing??"

Azul gently picked up one of them in his hand and watched as it turned back to normal with a sigh, "Unfortunately not, no, this is just something octopus mermaids are capable of on occasion, usually when we feel great distress. Like our animal counterparts, our octopus bodies can change color and texture to help camouflage us from danger...a useful skill all around I suppose but not remotely magic related." 

Elise was fascinated by this new information and wanted to relish in her newfound skill but seeing the disappointment and frustration on Azul's face was too sad. The same tentacle wrapped around his palm as if Elise was trying to hold his hand. Seeing the sweet, encouraging smile on her somewhat shy face only made his nerves bubble over.

"A-Ah, I appreciate your support, Your Highness. But I'm afraid I'm at my wit's end. I've tried everything that I can possibly think of...except..." there was that chilled feeling again. No, no, this was more important than his pride! It was time to be a man and admit that he was out of his depth! "Your Highness, I think we should return to the Coral Sea for now. I believe my grandmother can help us." 

The twins' faces split into amused smiles as they chuckled. It had been quite some time since Azul paid a visit to his dear, dear grandma. This should be interesting.

-

If Mrs. Ursa Ashengrotto was a force to be reckoned with then her mother, the famed sea witch was even more so. Madam Lorelei Ashengrotto, a very gifted octopus merwoman that established herself at quite a young age, now lived a comfortable life on the outskirts of town in her own pocket of property that was on neither Leech nor Muraeni turf. She had gained such a reputation that neither clan really wanted to get on her bad side. She often had a sixth sense about things so when her daughter invited her to have lunch at the fabulous Leviathan Club that afternoon, Madam Lorelei wasn't surprised to see her grandson enter looking like he had a serious problem from her private booth on the second floor. What did surprise her was that he wasn't accompanied by his eel comrades but by a female octopus she had never seen before. Something seemed a bit...different about the girl, however. 

She watched with a smile as her daughter greeted the pair and hugged her son tightly before doting on him some more, making him fluster like a baby kitten trying to get away from its mother's attempt to bathe it. The octopus woman chuckled to herself, happy to see that her precious grandson was still as cute as ever. 

Azul was a nervous wreck as he and Elise entered the lift that would take them to the second floor of the restaurant. Elise could practically hear his bones and teeth chattering from his nerves. Just what kind of person was his grandmother to have this kind of effect on him? She felt bad for the boy and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder to calm him down. It made Azul jump a bit at first but he soon loosened up under the princess' kind gaze. 

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I must look so foolish right now," he whined, "It's just that...my grandmother is an incredible witch, capable of things I can only dream of being. I've strived to be like her my entire life...the thought that I might disappoint her is...ugh it's absolutely devastating." 

He wasn't sure if it was because she couldn't speak or lingering guilt for dragging her into all of this that motived him to speak so freely in front of Elise, but either way, the princess had a presence that was easy to open up to. However, Azul did feel a rush of embarrassment flood his system as he noticed Elise trying to hide a visible giggle behind her hand. The boy huffed indignantly, "A-Are you laughing at me?! I'm being serious!" 

Elise found this side of him to be so cute she couldn't help it. Normally, Azul had always been 'in character' of sorts. Always ready to charm his way into everyone's hearts and wallets. Elise wasn't dumb, she knew this from day one. But at the same time, she never really felt put off by it either. She honestly admired his industrious and cunning nature and took his more eloquent nature for what it was. In other words, Elise admired his talent for the hustle. Seeing Azul like this, however, just the two of them in this enclosed space away from prying eyes, he seemed so sincere and endearing. She almost felt bad for picking on him and wanted to apologize...but soon remembered that she couldn't, not verbally anyway. Instead, Elise shook her head with a gentle smile and readjusted his glasses, and straightened up little bits of his appearance for him, making Azul feel even more vulnerable. 

Once the lift stopped with a jolt, Azul's nerves returned in full force. Elise playfully bumped his shoulder and looped her arm with his. The pair made their way over to the private booth where the very distinguished Madam Lorelei sat, her neck and fingers covered in jewelry made from shells, coral, and...fish bones? Each piece was elegantly crafted so it was hard to tell unless you were really looking. She had the same eyes Azul's mother did but with a more keen edge to them. Her painted red lips turned upwards in a smile as she rose to greet them.

"Azul, my darling. It's been too long. Come let me have a look at you." she cooed in a smokey voice.

She had a full figure and an unapologetic presence with large purple tentacles that moved precisely together. Very different from the clumsy wiggles that Elise's did. Azul was as stiff as a board as his grandmother circled around him. She paused with a slightly disappointed look on her face.

"Are you still hiding in this human form, Azul? Honestly, my boy, you are doing yourself a great disservice," Madam Lorelei turned to Elise with a sly grin, "I really don't understand where his bashfulness comes from. He's quite a catch in his true form," she said with a playful wink that made Elise giggle. 

"G-Grandmother, please!" Azul sputtered feeling outnumbered, "I feel more comfortable in this form. Let me be." 

"Suit yourself, precious. Now then, who is this enchanting creature?" Lorelei looked Elise up and down while tilting her face up with one manicured finger under her chin, "Such a pretty face." 

Elise's own tentacles curled into themselves bashfully. Azul cleared his throat and answered matter of factly, "Elise Coralette, she is a princess...and uh...she cannot speak. Currently."

When Azul's grandmother raised an eyebrow at the girl, Elise motioned silently as if her voice were an object that literally exited her throat. Madam Lorelei hummed curiously before gesturing for the two of them to join her at the table, "Sit, my darlings. I have a feeling this is a very interesting story." 

Azul gulped as he pulled a chair out for the princess. He wasn't sure 'interesting' was the word he'd use but his grandmother wasn't exactly wrong...

-

Jade seemed to sink back into his stoic, frozen state again as he and Floyd swam back to their family home. Floyd had tried to tease him about being moody because he hadn't gotten to see Cowrie today but Jade remained silent, facing forward as if his brother said nothing at all. Floyd rolled his eyes and pouted, bored and irritated with the lack of reaction. 

"Oi, Jade...Jaaaaddddee...."

Still nothing. Man, his brother was in it deep this time. Floyd huffed and continued to swim beside him in silence. Jade had heard Floyd but was too distracted by his own worries. Seven had promised not to rat out Cowrie but somehow being away from her made him anxious, like his gut knew something ugly was waiting just around the corner. Part of Jade's mind told him that he was just being paranoid. You wouldn't know it from the cool veneer he had in place most of the time but deep down, Jade Leech had definitely inherited his parent's worrisome nature. And their protective ones as well. He didn't wear his heart on his sleeve like Floyd but there were definitely times when his instincts took over and held a firm grip on his mental/emotional steering wheel. This became more common after meeting Cowrie Cerith. 

He supposed it was a bit romantic in its own way but then again, any male worth his scales would want to protect their mate and be there for them as much as possible. Especially when their mate was younger and physically smaller. Not that he thought Cowrie was weak by any stretch of the imagination, he'd never think that about her. Jade always had an affinity for small living creatures that depended on him for their survival, caring for them, watching them grow and evolve under his careful, tender watch. Perhaps this was part of the reason he was drawn to small eelette as well? Cowrie was, of course, a lot more complex than anything he fostered in one of his terrariums but whenever she was near him, whenever he held her petite form close, something in him just demanded that he protect her and be gentle with her. That he cherish her. It was just second nature...and hormones, let's be honest mostly hormones. 

He and his brother were now 'at that age' as their parents constantly told them where a lot of their behaviors and feelings would seem to just kick in or be triggered by certain natural desires or faculties. Again, like wanting to be a good mate that can provide for and protect their women. Surely Floyd felt the same towards Luna...or did he?

Jade's eyes flicked over to his twin. Floyd yawned in boredom as he swam on autopilot. Jade knew that Floyd definitely felt the base attraction and arousal for the siren. That much was pretty damn obvious but it had to be more than that. When it came to Floyd's mood swings, there was regular moody cuz he was bored or tired and then there was deep-seeded frustration that quickly turned into sulking and being depressed moody. The second usually happened whenever Luna was mentioned but not around. Jade would normally not pry when he knew that Floyd wanted his space to do as he pleased, which was more often than not. But that didn't stop Jade from, again, worrying. 

"Floyd," he finally said, "...do you want Luna to be your mate?"

Floyd gave his brother a confused look, "I mean we've mated once or twice already," he said bluntly, grinning as he remembered the last time happening after the two of them snuck into the Night Raven library during a sports event without getting caught by some miracle.

"You know what I mean. Do you want her to be your wife?" 

Floyd pondered the word and the concept attached to it for a moment. Honestly, Floyd knew that his parents, especially his mother, eventually wanted him to settle down with a life mate eventually but...what did that actually look like? He now realized the icky feelings he had been wrestling with since Luna started ghosting him meant that he legitimately missed the girl. A LOT. But taking on a mate, a wife was serious business. Even Floyd knew not to take the courtship process lightly. It was nothing if not a little intimidating...still, if Luna didn't become his life mate then surely she'd become someone else's? ...Yeah nope no, Floyd's insides didn't like that idea. So did that mean, yes he did want her to be his wife someday?? It wasn't a terrible idea by any means but...Jade could almost see steam coming out of Floyd's ear fins with how hard his brow furrowed in thought over the posed question. The cool-headed twin chuckled.

"I didn't mean to stump you, Floyd..."

"You didn't," Floyd snarled grumpily, "I mean...maybe yes if it means that I get to see Luna and have her around all the time? I'm not sure. Not as much as you are about Cowrie-chan, Jade."

Oh? Jade did seem pretty sure. Or at least he thought so. He was sure of a few things anyway: 1) Cowrie definitely liked him, liked being with him romantically, and definitely did not say no when he asked her to stay by his side for the foreseeable future and 2) he enjoyed this very much and found her presence very stimulating and soothing which made him want to have her around him all the time. And 3) when Cowrie wasn't around, it was noticeable and he seemed to hit a wall mentally and emotionally. This meant he wanted her to be his mate for the rest of their lives. Obviously. Then again... the 'rest of their lives' was a huge commitment, one that he should not take lightly. Jade ran this information over in his mind multiple times like he was reading a report. The more he thought about it, the less sure he felt. Yes he flat out asked Cowrie to stay with him and he meant those words but...well words were one thing but feelings at their core were a completely different animal. Maybe he wasn't that sure yet? Really? But how could he not be at this point?! His brain unknowingly ended up taking the same route as his brother's: if not him, then surely Cowrie would pick another male to be her mate and share her life with-nnnnooooope, Jade did not like that one bit and suddenly he was imagining all the horrific things he'd do to this imaginary rival. Well, that in itself was an answer of sorts. That or maybe each brother was just overthinking this way too much.

Floyd noticed the tiny half-grin on his brother's dwelling face and asked what they both should have thought of earlier, "Hey Jade...what are we going to tell Dad and Mama?"

Oh shit.

The twins suddenly stopped swimming once they realized they were right at the edge of the tunnel that led to the Leech mansion and looked at the other. This could go a few different ways. Right now they had two options: the first being, they tell their parents the truth and brace themselves for outrage, and the second being, they do not tell their parents and continued to be roped into blind dates they had absolutely zero interest in. Hmm...

"Technically..." Floyd quietly mused, "Luna's not a Muraeni but Cowrie-chan..."

Jade frowned. No matter how he decided to spin it, the truth was still the same: he was Don Leech's son and heir and she was Don Muraeni's only daughter by birth. It didn't matter how badly the two of them wanted to be together, it was a match that would cause a massive upset that could lead to a lot of people getting hurt or worse. He agreed with what Floyd had told Seven the other day, this violent rivalry was a problem started and perpetuated by the fathers, not the children. As for Luna, her situation wasn't entirely clear to the boys but it was certainly a tricky one. To be with her was like trying to pry a prized pearl from the world's most stingy and deadly clam. Either way, the brothers had very tempestuous waters ahead of them.

"Perhaps we should wait until the situation is a bit more settled, Floyd." Jade sighed.

"...does this mean we have to go on more boring dates?" Floyd cringed at the thought. 

Jade didn't have to answer. The moment their mother spotted them in the distance - with what had to be superpowered vision - Madam Leech left the brothers little chance of escape.

"JADE! FLOYD! YOU TWO GET IN THIS HOUSE THIS INSTANT!!" 

The twins both flinched at their mother's intense wails, knowing they'd have to be utter fools to keep her waiting a moment longer. 

-

"My, my...what a mess my grandson has thrown you into, my dear." Madam Lorelei sighed before taking another sip of her drink.

The waters outside were growing darker as the day was reaching its end. Azul had the same expression as a kicked puppy at his grandmother's assessment of the situation. She wasn't wrong but the boy felt a massive harpoon of guilt and shame sink straight into his chest at her words. Elise gave him a gentle pat on his back in an attempt to put him at ease but her kindness ultimately made him feel worse. 

"Well, my sweet. I certainly see a couple of ways to approach this, however, it is getting late and I have a lot of work to do and right away. The sooner the better. Elise, was it?" The princess nodded, "A lovely name." Madam Lorelei said with a genteel air, "Meet me here again tomorrow, my dear. Same time, same table. Azul, darling, your presence won't be needed." 

A second metaphorical harpoon pierced through Azul leaving him dejected and in fear that one strong currant would knock him flat on his back. His grandmother didn't seem to notice.

"Azul, darling. Be a gentleman and escort Miss Elise back to her lodgings. She needs her rest. We have a lot to discuss tomorrow," she said lightly waving him off.

"Y-Yes, grandmother...you're sure that I shouldn't accompany Her Highness tomorrow?" Azul asked tentatively as if one syllable of rejection would be his undoing. Elise gave Azul's grandmother a hopeful smile as she looped her arm with the poor boy's again, trying to save him from his imagined grim fate.

Seeing the two of them together in this unspoken supportive bond, Azul's grandmother reconsidered her previous declaration, "I suppose Miss Elise would feel more comfortable with a friend close by." Elise nodded to confirm this, "Very well. Please bring her back here tomorrow, Azul precious. Do not be late. I am a very busy woman after all." 

Ah, Azul Ashengrotto's self-esteem would live to see another day. 

-

It had been a very busy afternoon, leaving little room for Cowrie to reconnect with her close-knit group and leaving her feeling exhausted. She was in no hurry to leave the locker room and return home but...she knew that Seven was more than likely waiting for her outside already. The young mermaid groaned as she swapped her uniform for her satchel. She felt more isolated now than ever before. Her brother held true to his word about keeping her relationship with Jade a secret but still gave her very little opportunity to see him before he'd drag his sister back home. Luna hadn't been home at all and no doubt had her phone taken from her so communication with anyone was impossible. She also had no idea how Elise was doing or if Azul had made any progress at all. Cowrie could only count down the days until she returned to school in earnest. At least then she'd be back on dry land and away from all this anxiety-ridden drama at home. She could even see her human friends again. Maybe even sneak back into Octavinelle again to spend some time with Jade while the next festival was happening. Ooo, even better, Jade could visit her on her campus during the festival and she could show him around properly and- ....ok this was all very fun to think about but the buzz of her waterproof phone completely disrupted her daydreams and brought her back to reality. 

Cowrie checked her phone with a huff, seeing a message from Seven.

Running late. Dad wants to talk. Sit tight. 

She tried not to think about this too much. It could be literally anything else that didn't concern her. Ever since she made the deal with Seven to be escorted to and from home without a fuss, the Don and Proteus seemed to be less concerned about whether or not Cowrie was actually present at home when they wanted her to be. If they knew about her job, they never brought it up with her. So no need to worry...

Right?

- 

Seven kept his poker face on as he swam down the long hallway towards his father's quarters. His younger brothers were sent out to collect from the Don's clients, regular and late payments and asked to deal with each situation accordingly. The eldest son and the self-appointed 'alpha' of the sons came out of Don Muraeni's quarters right as Seven approached the double doors. The eldest son, Ventuno, was the spitting image of their father but with more battle damage. He was originally named 'Twenty One' but once he reached the age of eighteen, he earned the privilege of upgrading his name to something with a bit more style. Being the eldest and the Don's successor, he was the only son allowed to do so. Now fully grown and at the age of twenty-nine, Ventuno held the same intimidation factor over his brothers and the family's help that his father did. The only difference was that Ventuno didn't hide the pleasure it gave him. Seven tried to ignore the smug grin on Ventuno's scarred face but his brother quickly blocked his path. 

"Sorry to interrupt your babysitting duty, 'Sevy'." their sister's nickname for Seven lost all its affection coming from Ventuno's arrogant tone. 

Seven was the second born and as such was obligated to yield to the firstborn. It was unfortunate seeing as how Ventuno's brains were grossly outweighed by his brawn and prowess for assault. But Seven stuck to his usual guns: staring blankly at his brother and waiting for him to either tell him what he wanted or leave him alone. There was a rule amongst the brothers that none of them particularly enjoyed and that was none of them could speak unless given permission either by the Don or if their father was absent, the firstborn son. In short, there was a definite pecking order and Ventuno was at the top of the food chain when their father wasn't in the room. The last time Seven broke this rule, he found himself on the ground with a fresh open wound on his throat that almost killed him. That was the firstborn's handy work and he lacked the little restraint his father had. 

Ventuno took his time circling Seven, silently taunting him by refusing to grant him permission to speak as he continued to drawl, "I wouldn't worry too much about the brat if I were you, actually. I think Father has gotten a bit impatient and it may be time to cull the ranks a bit. You know how he is about 'useless things'..."

Seven remained stoic and still, never showing a hint of the dread he felt under the surface. His brother's cool head was probably Ventuno's least favorite thing about Seven. It irked him to no end and preferred the more rash and unpolished dispositions of his younger brothers. Ventuno stopped right in front of his younger brother and stared directly into his empty eyes.

"Oh don't worry, you know how this works. It only hurts a little at first but eventually, we won't even notice one of us is missing. Hurry along. Father is waiting," Ventuno sneered as he swam away, leaving the doors open and waiting for Seven to enter. 

The Don witnessed the entire conversation between the brothers but took little notice. He only looked up from the mountain of coins, pearls, and other bobbles given to pay off debts on his desk after Seven had been sitting in silence for several long minutes, waiting to be acknowledged.

"Seven...I told you to bring Cowrie home about three days ago, did I not?"

When the son didn't answer right away, the Don lazily waved his hand as a signal the boy could speak.

"Yes, Father. And I did." Seven's voice was monotone at best.

"And you let her leave again and again. Why was that?" Don Muraeni kept his eyes on the strand of pearls that he twisted and weaved in between his fingers as he awaited an answer.

"She's taken a waitressing job at the Leviathan Club as I told you as soon as I found out. It's on neutral grounds so I didn't see the issue as long as I safely escorted her each day."

There was a long pause as his father continued to inspect each and every bit of bounty on his desk, carefully appraising each piece with his sharp, ice-blue eyes. It wasn't until he finally looked straight as Seven did the son's dread silently grew.

"And why, pray tell does a girl like Cowrie need a job in the first place...? She is my daughter, she wants for nothing. If there's anything she needs or desires, can I not give it to her with little effort? Does she not have everything and more inside these walls?" The Don's voice was even and precise like a hand confidently moving a chess piece across the board. 

Seven knew that he needed to choose his next words carefully but his father didn't actually give him a chance. His tone only grew more irritable with each word.

"I will tell you why boy. Because she is up to something...that's the only reason, females in her position do anything of the sort. Because they plan and they scheme. Daughters that grow too crafty for their own good become problematic. I sent those girls to the best magic school the surface has to offer to make them as useful as possible. Luna has performed splendidly and has remained within the set boundaries as expected. Cowrie, however..." 

The Don paused to inspect one small, rough gem between his large clawed fingers, "I admit I am to blame for allowing it to happen but my daughter has grown spoiled and lazy. Even if I began giving her tasks again as I do you boys, I doubt she'd bring me any information that would be profitable. Using Luna as leverage to keep her in check has only gotten me so far..." 

Seven felt pins and needles crawl across his skin as he watched his father's hand clench the tiny stone so tightly he thought it may shatter. The Don's eyes narrowed as he started verbally formulating a solution.

"My sons know their place and I allow you boys to thrive and grow in the power I have given you. You have no reason to stray from this bountiful life I have made for each of you. But my one and only daughter seems hellbent on trying my patience and breaking my heart by conspiring behind my back...you have done well, Seven, on reigning her in. But I believe some discipline is in order for your baby sister."

The young man did his best to fight the urge to swallow hard in his father's presence. The Don never took well to unnecessary displays of emotion or weakness. His father looked at him once again, his eyes refrozen over and his voice even once more.

"I relieve you, Seven. Leave your sister to Proteus and join your brothers in their tasks...you may go." 

Seven nodded silently and left the room as calmly as possible. He didn't pick up the pace until he was out of his father's sight. He could only hope that he wasn't too late. 

-

It was dark outside but Cowrie still waited under the same street lamp down the road that she always met Seven at each night. There were a few passersby coming and going. Elise and Azul had already left by the time her shift ended and Mama Ashengrotto was busy keeping the flow of business nice and steady. The young mermaid normally always said goodbye to her boss before leaving for the night but things had been so crazy, Cowrie didn't want to distract the busy octopus mermaid. So instead she just did as Seven told her: she sat tight at the usual spot and waited. And waited. She was about to check her phone again when she spotted some movement just outside the ring of light she was in.

"Well, it's about ti....me...." 

Cowrie's eyes turned wide and full of fear as Proteus and the two sharks merman from before slowly entered her sight. The electric ray gave her a dubious smile as his crimson eyes seemed to burn in the lamplight.

"Hello, little worm."

The girl's instincts ignited all at once and she took off in the opposite direction like a shot.  Proteus nodded to the two excited sharks with a pleasant grin and called after them as they gave chase to the terrified mermaid.

"Remember boys! Don't hurt her too badly!" he chuckled.

Tagging: @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @feldya @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @nuitthegoddess @espada188 @victoria1676 @marcepanna @zstargalaxy @evieyouknow

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #sacred crown chronicles #twst oc x canon #twst oc schools #her lost voice #chapter update #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #elise coralette #jade leech #cowrie cerith #floyd leech #luna cerith #new oc: seven sevy muraeni #more eel mermaids #under the sea mafia #tw: violence #tw: abuse #proteus is a rat bastard

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 18

Well readers we have reached the final two chapters of "Her Lost Voice" (this one being the part 1 to the finale)

I hope you have enjoyed either reading this story for the first time or revisiting it again.

As of now, I have the beginnings of a Diasomnia centered fic in the works but I am also working on my own original material as well. So with that said, I do not have an exact release date (or even a title now that I think of it lol) for Petra's story with the Diasomnia clan just yet.

Definitely stay tuned, however, as I will be posting all/any tidbits here! Also feel free to drop me a message in my inbox any time whether it's about my Sacred Crown series, TWST in general, or if you just have a question/request. I'm game for any of those options lol.

Inky's Links: AO3 : Masterlist : (Third Story coming soonish)

Chapter 18: Part of This World (Part 1)

She used to have dreams night after night about that storm, that terrible storm that changed her life entirely. It was always a rush of sound, brief fragments of harsh light, followed by the freezing cold blackness pressing down on her as the waves tossed her small child body about in their fury. But there was always a quiet moment of relief as a kind hand pulled her head above water. She never saw a face nor did she ever hear a voice: just that warm touch and a soft melody calling to her as she lay barely conscious on the shore. Sometimes there were more or fewer pieces in her dreams, but now as she stood face to face with this siren in all of her warmth and compassion, Elise knew it had to be...

"It was you...?" Part of her feared this was some cruel prank. Junonia's smile didn't falter for a moment. Even when she had tears streaming down her face.

"My little Cowrie was already missing and I was afraid she got caught up in the storm somewhere. Instead, I came across that terrible shipwreck and I saw you, struggling in the water. You were so young...you reminded me of my girls. Thank you so much for taking care of them all these years." 

A quiet sob bubbled out of Elise as she shakily tried to keep her own tears from falling, "Honestly they took more care of me than the other way around," Elise sniffled before noticing the chain around Junonia's tail and snapping back into clarity, "B-But how...why are you here now? And who did this to you?"

Azul released Elise's hand before dipping into the shallow water to get a closer look at the chain itself. His tentacles slowly went to touch it. When nothing happened he was confused, "It seems like just an ordinary chain. I don't mean to be rude, Mrs. Cerith, but even a weak eel would be able to break this with ease." 

The siren chuckled bitterly, "The chain is just a formality, my dears. I'm bound to stay put because of my dear boy's commitment."

"Do you mean Indigo?" Elise stepped into the water to speak in closer proximity to her savior.

The siren's eyes lit up, "You know my Indigo as well?" 

"We want to help him and you, Mrs. Cerith," Azul circled around the two women to make sure the coast was clear, "An ally of yours told us he was in trouble." 

Junonia gasped when Elise took her now repaired moon necklace from her pocket, "He had this with him. Don't worry, Spindle is safe and unharmed." 

"Oh thank goodness," Junonia whispered, overwhelmed with relief, "that poor boy, I feared the worst after he tried to help me escape-"

She froze with a start as they heard approaching voices. It sounded like arguing. Junonia's face turned serious as she closed Elise's hand back over her moon necklace, "You two need to leave. Before he comes back. Don't let him see you or that."

Elise began to panic as Azul grabbed her hand once again, "We aren't going to abandon you, Junonia. I promise." 

In seconds, as Azul pulled her deeper into the water, Elise put the vial of potion to her lips and quickly drank. The pair submerged into the murky water as Azul jetted them both away from the trees. Moments later there was a flash from the middle of the lake's surface. Junonia quickly shot off a couple of enchantments to spread flowers over the surrounding trees as a cover. The showier the better. The footfalls paused just behind her, greeting the trapped siren with a slimy nonchalance as Indigo's remaining brothers sniffed about the area suspiciously.

"It seems a bit late in the season for flowers, Mistress. A lovely display nonetheless."

Her once welcoming gaze turned steely cold as she glared over her shoulder at the bastard. Even now that he had legs, he still repulsed her.

"What do you expect me to do here, Proteus? Just sit around like some garden ornament?" Junonia spat, "I came to see my children. Yet you chain me up and leave me here like some stray animal!"

Human Proteus was just as disgustingly smug as Merman Proteus. Only now he was more mobile than she was, "Patience, my dear lady. I simply thought you could use some fresh air before the heartfelt reunion. I could be far less generous if you prefer," Proteus chuckled, "Besides, this is well within the agreement your son made to ensure your safety and freedom. Well...limited freedom. Can't have you running off now, can we?"

The foul man reached for a lock of Junonia's hair that had fallen across her shoulder only to have his hand swiftly rebuked, "I understand the conditions, Proteus. Does it look like I'm trying to escape?" she spat, "Where is my son? If I cannot see my girls, at least let me speak to your boss." 

The ray scoffed dryly, making the two trained brothers laugh along with him, "My 'boss' she says! How adorable, how proud you must feel even now, Mistress Junonia. All because we've allowed you to believe for the first time in your miserable state that you have some semblance of power-" 

Proteus groaned as the siren's tail whipped across his face with a hard smack, breaking the chain that bound it and his egotistical monologue. Junonia's arms were held tight by her stepsons after they dove into the water to keep her from swimming away. For a moment, Proteus was frazzled to the point of anger, "Ha...stubborn as always. You haughty bitch, I'll dry you out like the piece of bargain meat you are-"

In a snap of blood-red rage, Proteus lunged forward to grab Junonia by the throat before he was rapidly strong-armed and thrown on the ground. His copper-red eyes were wide with a  mixture of madness and amusement in contrast to the fury that burned in Indigo's. The two younger eels quickly released Junonia before diving into the water to hide from their big brother's wrath.

"Ah, Master Seven-"

"SHUT IT," He barked and slammed a foot into Proteus' chest holding him in place, "You will not touch her, Luna, or Cowrie. You will not speak to any of them nor will you threaten them. THOSE are the terms we agreed upon. And that's Don Cerith to you."

The new Don drove his heel into the man's chest until he almost heard his ribcage creak underneath him. Proteus coughed out some weak compliance, the unhinged grin still on his face, "O-Of course, Don Cerith. Forgive my trespasses. But do remember, you're wearing a golden collar, not a crown. I'd hate to inform your father that maybe more discipline is in order for his new heir..." 

Indigo's gaze returned to its stoic default as he removed his foot from the sneering man's chest, "Leave me with my mother for five minutes. If you don't trust me, then leave my brothers here to stand guard...if they even have the backbone to do it properly."

His two brothers were peeking out of the water like overgrown slugs quivering in the mud. Indigo didn't wait for the man to answer before turning to apologize and comfort his mother, stomping past his cowardly siblings. Proteus made his exit into the shadows with a venomous gaze at the young boss' back. Once he straightened himself out, the bitter ray removed two bottles from his jacket and held them up threateningly for the shaking eels to see, "You heard him, boys. Stay put. I will let your father know how things are going." 

-

Azul was temporarily blinded by the sudden flash of light and the sheer force of the magic sent him tumbling straight into the dirt of the lakebed. He felt panic rattle all through him as he hurried to clear his vision. 

"Elise?!" he searched about until he saw a form sinking to the ground a few feet away. The octopus swam through the cloudy waters to the dark mass of that seemed to be morphing before him. His breath caught as the figure suddenly rose up and turned towards him, facing him with familiar, bright turquoise eyes. She could breathe, she could feel every sense heightened as it had before, and her tentacles seemed to unfurl like iridescent vines all around her. Azul's face was painted over in astonishment, "E-Elise...?"

"Yes, Azul," she sobbed happily, brushing ink-filled tears away. The two octopus lovers suddenly tangled together as Azul cried out in absolute joy and threw his arms to embrace her completely. They both felt absolutely electric as they locked lips, tentacles intertwining affectionately. Azul felt his senses become intoxicated as Elise's magical aura grew and pulsed under each fingertip, each physical connection they shared. He nearly forgot how to breathe in his bliss.

"You are a wonder!" He suddenly blurted out as he continued to hold her and kiss her face.

The former human was overcome with too many feelings to list, "Shouldn't I be telling you that?! You did it, Azul!" 

Azul suddenly felt a swell of pride go straight to his head, "But of course! Did you have any doubt, my darling? I said I would find a way and I did...with some help naturally but-"

Elise stopped the beginnings of a ramble with another, deeper kiss. Azul's face grew hot instantly as her expression glowed for him, "I love you, Azul Ashengrotto. I've missed you so much..." 

His mind went into overdrive so fast that he literally had to smack a tentacle over his mouth to stop himself from proposing marriage right then and there. His princess giggled at how flushed his face just before realizing they had an audience.

"Ah...Azul," she lowered her voice with a bashful grin, "Don't freak out but...I think they saw the whole thing..."

Azul quickly looked over his shoulder as one of Elise's tentacles pointed behind him. Nonchalantly waving at him as they sat comfortably amongst some kelp was none other than the Leech brothers. 

"Don't stop on our account, Azul," Jade's grin was merciless, "We'd feel terrible for interrupting such a tender moment."

Floyd's tail was swaying back and forth with feline-like mischief, "Hey hey, you gonna leave Octi-chan hanging like that??"

The twins just giggled amongst themselves as Azul began to sputter ink. He was the deepest shade of purple they had ever seen!

"Honestly, I can't have TEN minutes without you-ugh nevermind!" he groaned before clearing his throat and turning back to Elise, who was trying her best not to start laughing at the whole scene, "Darling, I am absolutely thrilled to have you by my side again. I cannot tell you how complete I feel with you here...mostly because we were so rudely interrupted!" He shouted towards the snarky twins. Elise ran her delicate fingers through his silvery locks, bringing him some ease before smiling at the brothers. Before she could say a word, however, two more eels suddenly plunged in the water behind her and she gave out a squeal.

"Luna! Cowrie!" 

As annoyed as Azul wanted to be, seeing his love reunited with her beloved Cerith sisters was nothing short of heartwarming. Elise wrapped her arms and delighted tentacles around both girls in a tight bushel of hugs. Cowrie nuzzled her cheek against Elise's with a happy giggle, "Welcome back, Ellie!!" 

The girls' excited chatter was going a mile a minute as the twins snuck up to Azul and started to poke fun at him.  Elise noticed her beau's frustration rising and whispered something to the sisters. As happy as she was to be properly reunited with everyone...now was not the time for everyone. The eelmaids had a knowing look in their eyes as they left her side and around to their mates who they immediately started snuggling up to. The brothers were too distracted to notice how the girls had blocked them from Azul.  

"Floyd, honey..." Luna sighed as she left a trail of tender kisses along Floyd's jawline.

"Jay Jay~" Cowrie purred affectionately as she nuzzled her face into Jade's broad chest.

Any teasing mischief the brothers had in mind for Azul was instantly abandoned as they were reeled in by their flirtatious siren mates. The sisters had different charms: Luna was naturally sultry, warm, and alluring whereas Cowrie was sweet, playful and a bit teasing like a kitten. And each sister had the Leech brothers' zeroed in and ready to eat up every morsel of affection they had to offer without question. 

"Indigo has arranged a meeting at the resort you boys are staying at in town," Luna called out to everyone though her loving gaze never left Floyd as she teased his ear fins, "But we have some time until then. Why not make the most of it...I'd hate to waste another precious moment. Right, honey?" she cooed, batting her long lashes at her lovesick beau. 

"Jaaade..." Cowrie cutely whined up at him with a flushed pout, using his full name against him, "We barely had any time together at all! It's not fair for you to keep me waiting like that..." 

Hook, line, and sinker: the Leech Brothers were helpless and leaving the scene with their girls before they even knew what hit them. Azul was baffled and impressed as Elise drew his attention back to her, now that they were alone again, "You can always count on Luna and Cowrie to get the job done." 

Azul leaned back into the intimate privacy and tucked his face into the soft crook of Elise's neck with a sigh, "I love you too..." This made a bell-like laugh leave her throat. 

The high of their reunion began to sink back into reality when Elise looked over her shoulder toward where they had left Junonia. Azul knew what she was thinking. He could feel the quiet thrum of her heartbeat tell him everything he needed to know. Now that he knew for certain what came next, Azul just felt even more desperate to see things through to the end. But he had to be honest.

"I don't like this, Elise," his eyes were uneasy as he faced her properly, "I know we already discussed this ahead of time but-" 

She placed a gentle hand on his as he brought it to her cheek, "I know, Azul. But now it's no longer an option. I have to. I owe it to her. Please trust me?"

He ran his free hand through his wavy hair with a frustrated groan, "You know I do. Just be careful, please. I can only go so far with you and I hate that." 

She pressed her forehead to his with a sigh, holding him close as his presence anchored her, "It will be alright. I promise." 

-

The city outside of Sacred Crown Hall took up the majority of the island. It was a very lovely and curated town set on keeping its old-fashioned aesthetic, but that didn't stop the spread of hotels and the occasional resort popping up over time. The rest of the Night Raven and Royal Sword students that had come for the festival were staying in hotels closer to the campus. The Leech brothers, however, would be staying at a far more exclusive resort tucked away on the beach along with their parents. Normally this resort was very popular and booked out season after season. For this particular 'family event', however, the entire establishment had been booked by the Leeches and the Muraeni-Cerith families, each having their own wing to themselves. Better to keep any potential prying eyes away lest things get even more complicated. Azul and Elise were invited too by the Leechs since they were family by proxy. Judging from the overcompensating resort staff, it was clear that anyone in the know about their guests' true identities was handsomely paid to keep their mouths shut. 

An elegant hostess greeted the group of teenagers and directed them to the suite on the seventh floor. Jade, having been far more groomed than his brother for these situations, politely thanked the hostess and covertly slipped her a handsome tip. Just to keep things nice and neat, of course.

"Anyone else feel...weird about this?" Cowrie asked the rest of the elevator as she scooted closer to be in between Jade and her sister. Normally, she was pretty even-keeled but this whole situation had the younger Cerith on pins and needles.

Floyd scratched the back of his neck as he watched the floor numbers tick by, "Eh. Dad's been pretty tight-lipped but that's par for the course. He knows what he's doing."

"It's not Papa Leech I'm worried about..." Cowrie muttered. Luna wrapped her free arm around her younger sister and held her close. 

"Don't worry, Cowrie. Mother's been waiting to see you again. Everything will be just fine," Luna's smile was genuine so Cowrie didn't have any reason to doubt her. Across from the eel couples, Azul and Elise said nothing but held each other's hand firmly. The elevator stopped with a ding and the golden doors opened onto a large corridor lined with arched windows. At the end of the hall, standing outside the large double doors were Don Leech and Don Indigo Cerith. 

Even in human form, Don Leech looked intimidating in his deep charcoal double-breasted suit and the black leather gloves he wore on his hands. The fact that he didn't bother hiding his scars only added to the overall message: he was not a man to be messed with. In spite of all that, his normally grizzly expression softened when he saw his daughters-in-law. He would never admit it but he did have a soft spot for his girls. 

"Hello Father Leech," Luna greeted her father-in-law with a gentle smile and hug which he accepted without any hesitation. He grunted when his other daughter barrelled forward and hugged him with way more enthusiasm and far less grace.

"Papa Leeeeech~" Cowrie chimed, trying to hide her nerves. The Don felt her slight tremble but only wrapped a strong arm around her. 

"Hello, girls," the brief warmth in his deep voice evaporated as he laid eyes on his two sons, "Jade. Floyd. Eyes forward....and  Floyd, straighten yourself up, boy! You're seriously going to meet your mother-in-law looking like some bum?!" 

Floyd pouted and started to argue before Azul intervened, "Allow me, Don Leech sir." 

One flick of his magic pen and suddenly Floyd's uniform buttoned itself properly and an NRC tie nearly choked him as it tied itself in place. The eel snarled at the smug look on the octopus' face, knowing deep down this was revenge for earlier. Don Leech made some grunt of approval before turning things over to Indigo. 

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions," he said seeing the look on his sisters' faces, "I wish I could answer them for you but...I'm not at liberty to right now. Even so, I was able to negotiate this time for Mother to meet with you." He was speaking directly to his sisters but his tone was guarded, careful as he turned to open the doors. Azul silently nudged Jade before tilting his head towards the two adjoining doors outside the main room he was about to enter. Judging from Indigo's cautious air, it was evident that they weren't alone. Jade merely nodded as he kept his eyes forward as Luna and Cowrie entered the room. Jade and Floyd stayed in the doorway with their father to give the girls space while Azul and Elise stayed in the hallway. 

Luna took the lead, entering the elegant room with her focus on the woman facing the windows. Cowrie stayed close to her older sister, wary of any possible danger that may be waiting around every corner of that room, but she felt her whole body freeze when the woman's motherly eyes turned to her and Luna. It had been years since Cowrie had seen her but her human form, a woman in a sleek blue gown, shawl, and snow-white pearls, couldn't hide those kind eyes. Cowrie would never forget those eyes.

 Luna had seen her mother very briefly during her study with Madam Lorelei but it was merely a few minutes if that and they weren't actually able to get close to one another. It was more or less, a confirmation that her stepfather wasn't lying. A lump formed in her throat as she readily approached Junonia, arms open, "Mother!" 

Junonia held Luna to her like it was her dying wish, "My dear, my sweet Luna!" she sobbed, "Oh how I've missed you girls! But look at you!" Junonia wept as she held Luna's face, "You've grown into such a fine woman!" 

Cowrie stared wide-eyed, still as fawn as she watched her mother actually exist right in front of her. She completely forgot about everyone else in the room outside of her, her sister, and her mother. Junonia looked at her youngest with a heart so full it ached, "Cowrie, my jewel..." She slowly walked towards her, afraid that perhaps she had been forgotten, "I'm so sorry for being away for so long, my darling." 

At first, Cowrie seemed to tense as if getting ready to flee. Her mother smiled sadly, waves of guilt sinking into her, "I...I wouldn't blame you if you felt angry with me, Cowrie. I never wanted to leave you, Luna, and Indigo behind-"

She couldn't finish. She nearly collapsed on her knees with relief as Cowrie threw her arms around her mother without any word except a very soft, "M-Mama." 

From the doorway, Indigo sighed quietly with a faint grin. After a long moment of Junonia hugging her two daughters for the first time in years, Junonia finally noticed the other visitors with a hint of embarrassment. Luna quickly dried her eyes and introduced the twins, "Mother, this is Jade and Floyd Leech. They rescued and took care of Cowrie and me. And Floyd," Luna gave him a look that dripped with so much love it made him blush, "Floyd is my mate." 

Floyd shuffled across the room and greeted Junonia with boyish enthusiasm, "Hello Mama Cerith!"

Cowrie perked up as Jade followed his brother with his usual poised gait, "And Jay-er-Jade is mine! Or he...will be in the future." 

"It is an honor to finally meet you, Mrs. Cerith," Jade gave her a half bow along with a pleased grin. 

Junonia suddenly made the connection of the necklaces her daughters wore and smiled at the two boys, "It's wonderful to meet you both. I'm happy to see that the Leechs are far more amiable than we were led to believe," she looked past the boys and gave Roscoe Leech a grateful smile, knowing that he could have just as easily turned her daughters away, or worse.

From outside the room, Azul and Elise heard something stir from the connected room but the door leading right into the reunion swung open faster than they could blink.

"Well, well...it would seem your brother hasn't been completely honest with us, doesn't it boys?"

The cold voice made the sisters hiss as their pupils shrunk into near-feral slits. Junonia protectively shielded her daughters from the sudden trespasser. His unscuffed heels slowly clicked on the polished floor as he carefully entered, flanked by Proteus and his remaining sons: Don Muraeni stared at his wife and daughters with a calculating eye. Jade and Floyd stood to block Junonia and the girls from him but the Don barely noticed.

He drawled as he locked eyes with Indigo across the room, "Not that it matters much in the long run. Cowrie..." he turned his steeled gaze to the young eelmaid, "Nothing to say to your father? Especially after worrying me for so long?" 

Cowrie spat on his too-perfect shoes and snarled, "You used to starve me so I'd sneak into smaller spaces easier! You'd lock me away from Luna and let my brothers harass me if I didn't get you what you wanted! You let Proteus sick his sharks on me! Why should I give two shits about 'worrying' you?!"

Jade felt his blood boil hearing these terrible things but he kept his eyes forward just as his father ordered him to. Floyd had no problem bearing his teeth at the old Don, ready to pounce now that the enemy had a face. Muraeni spared the twins a glance, looking them over as one does a thoroughbred, "Your sons, Roscoe?" 

Don Leech didn't move from his spot by the door, "Jade, my heir, and Floyd. I wouldn't get too close. You saw what they did to those sharks of yours." 

His rival smirked at the memory, "Ah yes. I do appreciate the killer instinct. I'm sure they'll produce an even finer brood to connect our two houses. I must admit that I never expected this whole affair to become such a blessing. Although if there's anything I have learned...Proteus, our security could use some work."

"Indeed, sir. I'll see to it that our dear Don Cerith has the very best on staff," Proteus sneered at Indigo from where he stood, "Can't be too careful these days..."

"Good," Muraeni said curtly, "Now then. As touching as this reunion is, that's all the time we have."

Indigo snarled and marched over to his father, "This isn't what we agreed upon-"

"Is it not, my boy?" Muraeni's icy eyes pierced straight into Indigo, "I promised a meeting between my wife and our daughters and it happened. We have greater things to discuss here and I do not like keeping my precious assets on display like some charity auction. Proteus."

The ray removed a glass bottle from inside his jacket and unsealed it. As soon as the seal was broken Junonia doubled over and shrieked as she was shrunken back into a shriveled polyp and sucked into her glass prison. Proteus resealed the bottle with a satisfied grin as Luna cried out, "Haven't you ruined her life enough?!"

Her step-father tutted as he cruelly cooed to her, "Luna, my dear...I gave you and your mother purpose. Just as I gave Cowrie, Indigo, and all of my children purpose. As a unique siren, like your mother, do you understand just how precious, how rare you are?" Muraeni leaned in to look Luna directly in the eyes, ignoring the two boys trying to shield her, "I could have left her and you with that lowly Cerith fellow. You knew him as a father, a loving husband perhaps, but the reality was this: he was a desperate bottom feeder that took more than he could return. He was ruined. Nothing could have changed that. Had I not taken you into my home, you would've wasted away. But look at you now, dear girl, you are free. All thanks to your dear brother..."

The Don pulled away and clapped a firm hand on Indigo's shoulder as he began to circle him, "Junonia is my wife, my mate. She belongs to me, as is the law of the land in the Coral Sea no matter where you go... but you and your sister, well, your freedom was bought fair and square in the end," Indigo's face fell as his father chuckled, "But of course, he never told you, did he? So many secrets. I taught him well..."

The young leader shrugged his father's hand away from him, "You're just profiting off of blackmail!" 

Muraeni didn't even bat an eye at the accusation, "Profit is profit. The method is trivial. This is the foundation of business and survival, my boy. Don't worry, you'll learn very quickly. Wouldn't you agree, Roscoe?"

The surly Don Leech narrowed his eyes at his rival, "Agree to disagree, Muraeni..."

The sly eel turned back to his daughters, almost mocking Luna's pained expression and Cowrie's confusion, "Indigo made a deal. He will be my heir, taking his place as the head of the Muraeni household. In exchange, you girls will be free to live your lives as you see fit. And of course, Junonia will have more freedom as I see fit. I can't say that I was originally thrilled with his choice in a mate, however, I am impressed with the tenacity of the Leech family tree. I am confident that Indigo's sons, and their sons, and theirs after will ensure that my legacy will thrive. As the esteemed Don Leech witnessed himself, a deal was struck and honored of the boy's own free will..."

'Free' was a joke. Everyone in that room knew it. The former Don could spin it any which way to make it all legit and bind Indigo to his decision. Muraeni grinned, satisfied at the stunned silence surrounding him, "You girls will someday understand just how lucky you, your brother, and dear Junonia are. To have a purpose, to be protected, and valued for what you are, what you have become, instead of being traded or thrown away for something better..."

"Then let's make another deal."

The room's tense air was sliced through as everyone turned to Elise. She stood tall, sure, and laser-focused on the Don as she entered the room with Azul at her side.

"Make another deal with me. Release Junonia permanently and I'll use my magic for your clan's benefit only." 

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya @marcepanna

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #twst oc x canon #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #elise coralette #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #spindle cerith #under the sea mafia #more eel mermaids #the final act #dun dun DUN #lets make a deal

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 17

Off topic note: anyone who wants/NEEDS to gush about TWST Chapter 7 happenings, feel free to flood my Inbox lol I be taking notes for my Diasomnia story (spoilers be DAMNED!!)

Chapter 17: Ready to Stand

The Sacred Crown bell echoed across the campus, igniting a school-wide mad dash to the main corridors. It was a smaller elite school but unlike their brother school or Night Raven, the girls of Sacred Crown had monthly exams instead of just midterms or final exams. At the end of each month, regular classes had a three-day testing period for every class: first, second, and third years alike. This month was no different in spite of the first festival of the year being just around the corner. Tests were finished, and the campus itself had been cleaned, pruned, and polished to perfection. Now, the results of all their hard work were being posted.

However, all of the fuss sounded like a dull hum to Cowrie as she stood facing the posting board, blank eyes forward. She heard the whispers, the gossip-mongering as it floated around her but none of that seemed to matter anymore. It hadn't for weeks. While the other girls were busy keeping tabs on each other or worrying about their grades, the new Cerulamare Dorm Leader was just trying to keep her head above water in silence. There was just too much going on outside that her trivial school life barely amounted to much anymore. It honestly felt like some weird stage production she was constantly stuck playing in while the real world kept moving on outside the small island.

Once the faculty finished posting the results, everyone around her reacted as her pale eyes remained fixed and unmoved. Her name had gone from Number 3 down to Number 11. A drop this drastic caused a few onlookers to start the latest gossip chain: "The Cerulamare Prefect is losing her edge." 

A few of her students that supported her gave Cowrie words of encouragement but they were only met with indifference as the eel returned to her dorm room. Alone. What was interpreted as disappointment, maybe even depression, was a front. Once Cowrie was in her room, bookbag tossed aside, her eyes steeled into a determined gaze. All over her desk were handwritten letters. Each and every one was from Jade. To the untrained eye, it seemed like a bounty of affectionate, sweet nothings from her beau. Between the two young lovers, however, they knew how to exchange information in plain sight. 

"I miss you terribly, my Cowrie. I cannot wait to see you again and tell you all about the new alchemy project we've been working on. It's almost finished and ready to put into practice..."

The 'alchemy project' being Elise's transformation back into a mermaid.

"Mother says hello, by the way, and apologizes that the care package will be delayed a bit longer due to storm systems over the Coral Sea..." 

Luna, "the care package", is unable to contact her just now. And so on and so forth. Texting each other would be more convenient but letters were harder to track. Thanks to Luna's studies, the group now had a far more efficient method of delivery. The downside was that Cowrie herself wasn't as privy to everything going on because she was stuck on the outskirts of the situation. She understood the logistics but it still irritated her ferociously. Cowrie grabbed the scroll she had written that morning and put it inside the bottle Jade's most recent letter had arrived in. Seconds later, the paper disappeared in a flash. It reappeared in an identical bottle that sat on Jade's shelf next to his terrariums. Azul and Floyd had been given bottles of their own to keep them in contact with Luna whenever she had something to report. Or whenever she missed her love too much. Cowrie sighed and flopped on her bed just before burrowing under her blankets. She was exhausted, anxious, and frustrated all at the same time. Patience was never one of her strong suits. She was about to drift off when a thunderous knock on her door shocked her out of her bed and onto the floor. 

"Cowrie??" It was her Vice Prefect. Cowrie groaned and marched over to the now squeaky door, staring up at the much taller girl on the other side.

"What, Ombra??"

Ombra was a very soft-spoken, near seven-foot-tall orca mermaid. The girl was sweet as can be but literally heavy-handed given her large stature. The repair bill for the dorm itself was setting a record. She fiddled with one of her black and white curls of hair before muttering, "O-Oh I'm sorry to bother you, Cowrie, but the Headmistress wants to see you in her office regarding Family Day coming up?"

Family Day was the opening day of the festival. As a prefect, Cowrie was aware of the schedule but had no idea what that day had to do with her specifically. The small eel just scoffed at the interruption and staggered out of the dorm without another word to anyone. 

- 

The Headmistress' office was unnervingly organized, pastel, and smelled like a grandmother's powder room. It always made Cowrie feel itchy. She sat in the very ornate and stiff seat before the Headmistress' large desk, doing her best to listen as paperwork kept being piled in front of her.

"-you'll have off campus visitation rights for two days but for the remainder of the festival, your presence on campus as a Prefect is mandatory."

Cowrie blinked her sleepy eyes, "...What?"

The retired Fairy Godmother sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Pay attention, Miss Cerith! Your guardians have confirmed their attendance for Family Day but have also asked that you be able to visit them while they stay in the city off campus. Given your family's uh...condition, I know they probably don't get to come to the surface very often so I have the approval forms right here-" 

Cowrie's brain burst into a wildfire. Her WHAT now?! She grabbed the forms from the desk and quickly read over them. She found herself with even more questions as she saw her 'guardians' names and signatures: Indigo and Ivy Cerith. 

"Who is Ivy and when the hell did he get married?!" she shrieked just before getting bopped on the head with the Headmistress' wand. 

"Miss Cerith! Language!"

-

Another letter appeared inside Azul's bottle as he was listening to the recorded message Elise had sent him two weeks ago. Was this the third or fourth time he sat and listened to it? Azul wasn't sure anymore. The words had passed from Elise and this Spindle fellow to him and he passed them via ink and paper to Luna for confirmation. He knew Elise wasn't stupid but he'd be damned if he didn't fact-check every last syllable uttered by a stranger, renounced by the enemy or not. He continued to listen and reached for the letter stamped with a crescent moon inside the bottle. Luna didn't disappoint. Not only was Spindle telling the truth, but he had an insider perspective. 

Azul's vault opened with a heavy thunk to what used to be his contract collection. Now it was more or less a store room for important ingredients or hidden 'treasures'. Spindle's voice played over the phone as Azul opened the wooden box his grandmother had given Elise. In place of the dagger was the vial given to him by Reine, now full.

"I started to show signs of magic when I was about ten years old...my unique magic manifested very quickly, though it was hard to control at first..."

Azul smiled at the completed serum in the vial before sliding the chain holding it around his neck. It took several tries but he was confident this was the perfect combination to return his darling to him once and for all. Spindle's distant voice continued as Azul locked the vault. 

"Proteus was the first to witness it soon after he started working for my father. He told me it was better to keep it a secret since my father didn't care too much for magic...I was young so I didn't know any better at the time. Soon after that, Proteus went to Lorelei Ashengrotto for help since he didn't have any magic of his own and he wanted mine, but she turned him away. I didn't know about any of this until it was too late."

Luna had confirmed this was true, straight from her mentor's mouth. Madam Lorelei was always open to helping those who sought her out but helping someone take the magic away from another, much less a child? Ridiculous. Azul scoffed at the notion. His grandmother had too much pride in her abilities, natural and learned, to do such a thing. The irony of his disdain wasn't lost on him given his past endeavors. But there was a vast difference in common thievery and striking a deal with full disclosure! So it was no surprise that Proteus made the desperate move that he did...

"There are others not as well known or revered in our neighborhood. Proteus turned to one of them. I'm not sure which one. They don't leave any tracks behind. But they gave him a spell that would take magic and give it to him. He could only use it once though. He used it against me while I was asleep but something happened, something went wrong...I started to wake up and I tried to resist but failed. That's how my throat was injured and I lost my voice. No one else knew about my magic and Proteus mastered it quickly enough to help my father prosper by trapping his enemies or their families. So even if I could speak, who would believe me?"

"Despicable..." Azul muttered before turning off the message. He had heard enough. Now he understood his grandmother's warning on a visceral level. The Octavinelle prefect snapped his fingers and lowered the magic barrier that had soundproofed his office. Even though he was nowhere near his home, Azul couldn't be too careful. Everything needed to go according to plan that everyone involved had put so much effort into building over the past weeks. Just as he was about to leave, another letter appeared in the bottle. This time, it was his grandmother's handwriting. 

"Everything is set for your homecoming party. Your mother is asking about the present sent for our guest."

"Well, well. That is excellent news," Azul smugly grinned as he held the serum in his hand and planted a kiss on the glass vial before tucking it into his shirt. He quickly scribbled a reply before sending it right back, once again relishing in Luna's clever little invention. Portal magic was no walk in the park for most mages and yet she had outdone herself using the same magic to connect one vessel to another.

-

The sun was going down as Spindle waited for Elise by the Castilene family's dock. Normally he preferred to be in the water but...well his mistress insisted he get used to being on two legs. It just "made things less complicated" in the long run. He stared down at the clothes on his now human form and those strange things on his feet. What were they called again? Shoes?? The flower princess had others help him get dressed and explain how to do it himself but it was still hard to get a firm handle on. He at least got the hang of making his own dry land potions after Elise's thorough instruction. Spindle straightened up the best he could as he saw Reine approach with bodyguards and his mistress at her side. Elise beamed with pride at him as she walked up to him, "He makes a very dashing human, doesn't he?"

He felt his face grow warm as Reine smiled and agreed, "He's a fast learner too. You've done very well in such a short amount of time, Spindle." 

He tried to bow but nearly fell over, making his face burn with more embarrassment, "Th-Thank you, Your Rose Highness." 

Elise hooked her arm with his to help him board Reine's ship, "Don't worry. You'll get used to this form in no time," Elise lowered her voice as they reached the deck, "There is something very important I need you to hold onto for me, Spindle. You'll know when the time is right for it. Until then keep it hidden, alright?" 

Once the two of them were settled on the ship's deck, Elise handed the eel something wrapped in fabric. He tucked it inside his jacket without question.

His mistress rewarded him with a soft peck on his forehead, "Good. Now relax. It'll be a short trip back to Sacred Crown. Just stick with me, ok?"

Reine couldn't help but giggle at the two of them. Had she not known any better, she could have sworn Elise's new companion was a puppy beastman, not an eel. 

-

The Sacred Crown Prefects stood in a perfectly straight greeting line at the front gates as they opened a few days later. It was tradition to greet each group of visitors starting with students from their brother school, then other schools, Night Raven, and the returning Fourth Year students usually brought up the rear, and then specifically for this event, visiting family members and alumni. Alumni from Sacred Crown, Royal Sword, and Night Raven had all received invitations meaning that there were a lot of people to go through...which only made Cowrie's eye twitch even more.

"Hey...are you good, Cowrie?" Petra whispered to the visibly irritated mermaid on her left. The Cerulamare prefect didn't bother hiding her impatience even as the Headmistress gave her usual speech to the crowds as they entered. 

"Sure," she answered very bluntly as she tapped her foot and gave a half-baked greeting to any random person that walked by her. Her eyes scanned for any one of a few familiar faces and only felt more irritated when she didn't see them right away. Cowrie's mood lightened once she started seeing more NRC uniforms enter through the gates. Even some friendly faces from Octavinelle stopped to chat with her which eased her a bit. They weren't the ones she was looking for but the Octavinelle boys had always treated her, Luna, and Elise very well. Probably a certain trio's influence, no doubt. However, there was always at least one in every dorm to ruin a good thing...

One such boy was getting a bit too friendly for a certain eel's taste.  He was a third year in the same class as "Dorm Leader Azul", something he was proud of clearly, and a merman as well. A merman that took note of the very unique shark tooth necklace around Cowrie's neck.

"Hey, that's a nice piece, Cowrie-chan," he began to lean in to get a closer look, making the female eel's eye start to twitch again, "Where did you get it?"

"My mate," she said pointedly while scanning the crowd for the man himself. The third-year boy laughed at the word.

"Your mate? You only have the one or are you just testing the waters?" 

His comment snapped Cowrie's attention right back to him, "The hell does that mean?"

The smirk on his face made her skin start to crawl, "Well I mean you and your sister. You're sirens, right? It's to be expected given your nature. I figured your knock-out sister got around, but you? You don't seem like that type of girl but maybe you just hide it better..."

Petra overheard the boy's suggestive commentary and grabbed his arm, "Hey! You're holding up the line, dude. Move along." 

Cowrie fumed, ready to take a chunk out of this rude boy herself! She suddenly squeaked as a strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind and pulled her back into a firm chest. 

"Yes, please do..." the familiar voice's possessive tone caused Cowrie's face to flush. All the color that burned her face suddenly drained from the NRC boy's terrified expression.

The Octavinelle third year jumped back, startled, "V-Vice Prefect Leech!"

Jade Leech gently held his mate to him as he rested his chin on top of her head. His smile didn't reach his eyes as they pierced into his rude dormmate, "You're being terribly crass to my devoted pearl. Listen to the lady and move along before I decide to be less...forgiving." 

The boy darted off without another word. Cowrie looked up at her mate as he turned a much softer, sweeter even, gaze down to her as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear. He didn't dare let her go. She wasn't sure which gesture frazzled her more, "Jay Jay??"

Jade looked at her as if there wasn't a whole group of her peers surrounding them in that now more intimate moment. The normally more reserved twin's voice was heavy with affection, "Ahh, my Cowrie...I've missed you."  

The greeting line was completely derailed as Jade leaned down and kissed Cowrie without any hint of shyness. Cowrie's heart skipped, if not straight up hopscotched a beat or two as the other prefects around her stared and cooed enthusiastically at the sight. Clearly Jade had lost his mind but Cowrie was in no condition to question it. It wasn't until he released her that she ripened into a perfect tomato red. 

"J-J-JAY JAY!" Jade chuckled as she whined and swatted his arm. The fact that a few of the girls had their phones out made things even worse, "Y-You decide to be all lovey-dovey in public NOW?!" 

His smile only broadened, "Oooh? You don't like it, my little tadpole?" Oh, he knew exactly what he was doing alright. Well besides teasing his adorable future wife, the wide birth boys from his dorm and others suddenly gave him and Cowrie did not go unnoticed by either one of them. 

Cowrie huffed and stomped her foot, "I never said that. Just...if you wanted to claim territory, at least give me a heads-up first! ...And...I uh.." Her expression was sour but her face was shimmering at this point, "...I missed you too, Jade." 

Only he could hear her pouty, mumbled confession but hearing his full name on her lips did wonders for his already fantastic mood, "Oya...so cute," he grinned making Petra and Manari snicker on either side of the couple. 

"My, my, I've never seen Jade behave so sweetly before. How precious."

Cowrie turned to Jade's pleased companions that were now approaching the couple. Azul was practically glowing in his freshly cleaned and pressed uniform, walking tall and ready for anything. He seemed to be wearing extra cologne as well. Floyd was just the same as always as he flopped on the other side of Cowrie, making it a sloppy group hug. 

"Cowriiiiie-chaaaaaaaan! You're even cuter in your uniform! So little and girly. Heh did you make the skirt shorter though? Just for Jade, right?" he giggled smugly. Cowrie's face glowed pink. Yes, it was true that she did roll the edge of her skirt higher than what was dress code regulated but HE wasn't supposed to be the one to notice it!! 

The younger Cerith sister was reaching her limit at breakneck speed, "Shut up, Floyd! You guys go to the courtyard and wait there until I'm done! It's straight that way. Geez!"

Jade planted another kiss on Cowrie's cheek, earning more excited coos from the other girls, before helping Azul drag his frustrated twin further into the campus like a big fussy toddler.

"Good luck with all that ruckus, Cowrie," Petra snickered beside her, "And congratulations, Mrs. Leech~"

Cowrie had a snide comeback at the ready but it died in her throat as the next group of visitors entered the gates. Her baby blue eyes widened with a wild mix of emotions all at once as two figures stopped in the middle of the path to face her. 

"Sorry, we took so long, sister." 

Luna hadn't aged whatsoever. She just looked more elegant now than ever before: she was fashioned, curated specifically to not only make a statement but represent her brilliant mentor as a proper apprentice. She was dressed in a fitted black turtle-necked dress with a luscious purple fur shawl around her shoulders. Pinned in her sleek black up-do was Madam Lorelei's signature spiral shell on a gold hair comb. Around her neck, Luna proudly wore the necklace Floyd made for her as if it was the world's finest jewel. On Luna's arm was their brother, Indigo Cerith, dressed to the nines in a classic black suit and tie and standing on human legs as if he did this in his sleep. He looked amazing and yet stranger cleaned up so nicely. Any complaint or retort fell by the wayside as Cowrie's eyes clouded over with salt water the minute she rushed forward and threw her arms around her siblings. 

"You're both here, that's all that matters," she mumbled into Indigo's chest. 

Indigo wrapped an arm around his baby sister and pulled her close with a soft grin, "There's someone else you need to see."

Cowrie froze for a second before pushing away from him with a huff, "Is it this Ivy person? Who the hell is she, huh?!"

Luna chuckled as Indigo awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, "You'll meet her soon enough. But no, not her. Someone else...someone very important." 

-

Azul's eyes stayed trained on the movement of the crowd passing them by as the trio waited in the large courtyard. His confidence was still high enough to cover up any nervous energy trying to surface but he frowned when she was nowhere to be seen. 

"Is that a pout I see?" Jade teased him. The eel was still in a very good and smug mood with no intention of hiding it from anyone. Floyd's playfulness had quickly morphed into impatience as both he and Azul were waiting for their own reunions. He growled at the general atmosphere and huffed, "We're here, where are they??"

Azul checked his watch, trying and failing to hide his own antsy feelings, "Calm yourself, Floyd. We've only been here ten minutes." 

Floyd turned on Azul about to launch straight into a sour-fueled mood when his eyes filled with stardust, lazer focused up the path where they had come from. Jade and Azul both knew who he was looking at before they even turned around, still, they found themselves even a bit flustered by the siren's glow up. Luna broke away from her brother as she locked eyes with her beloved with a smile that rivaled the sun.

"Floyd, honey! There you are!" Her sweet tone radiated warmth. Before Floyd could say a word, Luna was right there with her arms around his neck and her rich red lips planted on his. The eel melted in her arms with a soft moan. Jade half expected his brother to collapse or explode on the spot. Perhaps both. 

Azul silently commended his grandmother on the stylistic choices she made for Luna but also on how Luna's magical aura had clearly flourished under her tutelage. Normal humans struggled to notice these things but mermaids and beastmen could easily register them with their keener senses. To Azul, Luna's growing power surrounded her like a high-quality perfume: alluring, unique, and even a bit disarming. The siren in question gravitated toward the octopus with a kind smile. Floyd was too blissed out to be upset about her temporary departure. 

"Luna, you are absolutely thriving," Azul greeted her with a proud grin, "I can see how well Grandmother is treating you." 

"Azul-kun," she gave him a grateful kiss on his cheek, "How can I ever repay your wonderful generosity? Actually...don't answer that. I already know one way. Come with me." 

The sparkle in her golden eyes as she took him by the hand made Azul weirdly excited and anxious all at the same time. Luna cooed to her love that she'd return shortly but he was already bothering 'big brother' Indigo alongside Jade. 

"Ooh Big Brother, you're taller than I thought you'd  be!" Floyd chuckled. 

Indigo's stoic expression didn't budge nor did his crossed arms as he rolled his eyes at the twin's bluntness. He was by no means short in his human form. He had to be at least six foot five, but the even taller twins still leaned down to talk to him just to be cheeky. Cowrie felt like she was standing in the middle of a forest of black uniforms and tailored suits, almost straining her neck just to look up at the guys surrounding her.

Luna and Azul walked along the stone path away from the large courtyard towards a more solitary park area with a lake. 

"This was always one of her favorite hideaways when we were still on campus. Don't be too upset with her for keeping you waiting, Azul-kun. She was intercepted, unfortunately..." Luna's voice lowered as the two of them reached the shoreline. The siren placed a finger to her lips before pointing across the lake to the bridge. Azul nearly choked on his own breath at the sight of her, his beloved Elise. 

She was standing on the bridge talking to someone but even with her back turned to him, she was a vision. Her long, curled dark hair tumbled down her back with white lilies braided in behind her ear. The dress she wore was a modern Rose Queendom style but instead of the usual red or white, it was lavender with a black waterfall waistcoat, giving it a customed look. White rose emblems had been pinned into her lapels, proving that she had been taken under the royal family's wing. Azul felt a swell of pride and awe that wasn't even daunted when he realized who Elise was talking to. The shock of red hair on the intruder did make him frown, however. Luna gently tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the water with a mischievous smirk. 

"I was never here," she sing-song whispered before walking back to the courtyard. Azul didn't hesitate. He quietly slipped into the water and shifted into his true form, making his way stealthfully as possible towards the bridge as he sank beneath the water's surface. Azul felt a tremendous shiver of energy electrify him to the core before he even peeked out of the water. He knew it well, it had the same base feeling, scent even, as before but now it had grown tenfold. He knew it had to be Elise's magic. The octopus quietly settled just below where Elise and Rielle stood.

"I'm sorry for how I behaved before, Rielle...I wasn't thinking clearly." 

She sounded like she truly regrated whatever had happened between them. What had happened while she was away? Azul had to fight to not let his paranoid imagination get the best of him as he quietly listened from the shadows. He made the mistake of moving ever so slightly over so he could see the two of them better...just in time to see Rielle touch Elise's hand in a way that was way too friendly for Azul's tastes. The octopus' tentacles twitched angrily under the lake's surface as Azul clenched his teeth. 

"You were upset, Elise. I understand. But I meant what I said before. I am sorry for everything that has happened to you. I've been regretting it for weeks..." Ugh, damn those doe eyes and that innocent prince charming act! Azul was seconds away from spitting a bullet of ink right in his ear until Elise moved away from the prince, turning away from the side Azul was on, thankfully. She didn't seem nearly as eager to be close to him as before, much to Azul's delight. 

"I haven't. I don't regret any of it, honestly. Well except for giving you my first kiss, that is," she said plainly. The octopus' internal fit was outrageous: happy that Elise didn't regret anything that led her to him-er-where she was, but also infuriated that Rielle was her first kiss and not him. He at least took solace in the fact that he had and would continue to be given all her other kisses. 

Rielle, clueless to the death glares he was receiving below, blinked his wide eyes towards the much more distant girl and her response, "Really? You weren't terrified of those shady con artists? ...They didn't try anything did they?"

Elise just laughed before giving the dumbfound prince a dry look, "You assume too much, you know. Azul, Jade, and Floyd were perfect gentlemen to me the entire time. They cared for and protected me! But I suppose that's too difficult to believe because someone decided to rush headlong into a wild deal without reading the fine print, huh?" Azul internally preened as Elise effortlessly knocked Rielle down a peg or two. 

"I learned from my mistake," the prince quipped, "It makes sense that they treated you with some sort of kindness, Azul was probably trying to cover his slippery tracks-"

Rielle stopped short under the white-hot glare Elise turned on him, "Azul outwitted you. Yes, it was a bit underhanded and I got roped into it, but that was because of YOU. I made my amends with him and I've seen his truest colors. Don't act like you have any room to point fingers when you're just licking your wounds, Rielle! Azul has shown me more care, honesty, and compassion in one season than you ever had in years so don't you dare speak badly about him!"

At this point, Rielle had been backed into the bridge's railing by the angry girl. Had he not been so busy swooning over Elise's passionate defense of him, Azul would be silently praying for her to shove the prince right over the edge. 

"You...you fell for him, didn't you?" Rielle's voice was soft and careful, "For Azul Ashengrotto, really?"

Elise's grin was unapologetic, "Yes. I absolutely did. It feels nice to not only find someone better who reciprocates, but who also appreciates me without question. Whether or not you see it, it is the truth. I hope you'll be lucky enough to find the same for yourself, Rielle."

HA! Azul was buzzing! He had to submerge just to get a hold of how unabashedly elated he was. He couldn't wait to get that marvelous woman back into his arms as quickly as possible. The prince was thrown by the girl's brutal honesty, however, in her declaration, there wasn't a hint of unkindness towards him personally. Had someone insulted Emily to his face, would he have behaved any differently? Remembering her, though, made his heart ache. He had never felt so foolish, but...perhaps it was for the best.

"I wish you both the very best then, Elise," his smile was a melancholy mixture of sadness and acceptance, "I too hope that I am lucky enough in the future." 

The former princess offered him a genuine smile, "Goodbye, Rielle." 

As Elise left the bridge, one of her lilies fell loose and drifted down to the water below. An eager tentacle caught and gently held onto it as Azul jetted back to the shore faster than he ever had in his life. Elise was almost to the entrance of the park when she was suddenly spun around to face her delighted now-human-again sweetheart. 

"My love, you are even more exquisite than I remember," Azul's charm was on full blast as was his admiration for the woman now in his embrace. He smoothly put the magically dried lily back into her hair as he pressed his lips to hers. Elise's surprise only lasted a second before she batted her eyes coyly at him. 

"Oh? Did you like what you heard, Azul?" ...of course, she had known he was nearby. Clever little minx.

"...I suppose that was a breach of your privacy but hopefully a heart as deliciously sweet as yours will forgive me, dearest?" Azul lifted her hands to his lips as if they were glasses of wine without a hint of shame. 

Elise giggled and shook her head, "Oh I suppose it could..." she paused to drape her arms around his shoulders and take back that stolen kiss, "...Handsome."

The pet name made Azul's face burn through the entire blush spectrum as his debonair aura vanished in seconds. Another giggle and a kiss, "Hmm, yes I like that name. It suits you, handsome." 

"You...are even more dangerous than I thought," he mumbled shyly before clearing his throat, "More importantly, now that I have you all to myself..."

He removed the vial from around his neck and showed it to Elise, making her eyes go wide.

"I believe this is it, love. Forgive my impatience but we've both waited long enough.

Elise clasped it in her hand, feeling her entire body bristle with anticipation, "Let's test it right now then-" 

A hush drew them both to a harsh pause. It began as an almost untraceable hum and rose to a full-bodied sound. Azul and Elise turned towards the far side of the lake as they just heard it blossom into a song. 

"What is that...?" Azul's voice was barely a whisper.

Elise moved in a haze without a word but clasped Azul's hand in her own after putting the vial's chain around her neck. She pulled him along with her as she followed the shore to the other side. There were more trees and underbrush growing thicker as they followed the song. It sounded too familiar. Elise's mind questioned whether it was real or if she and Azul had somehow crossed over into the same dream. It was a woman's voice that led them to the furthest corner of the lake, one nearly hidden by willow trees that had always reminded Elise of home. 

There was all at once the singer, bathing in the water with her long, familiar black hair and monochrome patterned skin. Elise's mind played a trick on her at first.

"Luna? Why are you-" No, that wasn't right... 

The woman's song stopped as she turned to face the young couple, her long stripped tail pulled against the chain that kept her from swimming away. Her golden eyes widened at the sight of the former princess as if she were a ghost. Elise's mind froze: Luna really did look so much like her mother.

"Junonia...?" Elise couldn't believe it but there she was. Who else could she possibly be?!

The mature siren's face seemed to recall something familiar about Elise and the look of recognition pricked something in the back of the human girl's mind. Her lips broke into the smile of a proud mother.

"You have grown so much, Princess," Junonia's voice was full of kindness. Elise felt a stir in her heart just from the sound of it. 

"You know who I am?" Azul looked just as puzzled as she was. 

The siren chuckled lightly, "Of course, how could I forget the brave young princess that rescued my Cowrie? I am so grateful and happy that the girl I rescued from drowning in that storm turned out to be such a wonderful human." 

Elise felt the ground nearly crumble under her feet as she remembered the sound of the sea's furious waves and the thunder from all those years ago. The song...Junonia's song...she had heard it before. Many, many years ago at first. The second time that night on the balcony. And now...she barely recognized the sound of her own voice as it left her tight throat.

"What...what did you say?"

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #twst oc x canon #octavinelle #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #cerulamare #elise coralette #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #spindle cerith #more eel mermaids #under the sea mafia #dun dun DUN #dramaz n mamaz #guuuurl

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic: "Her Lost Voice" Chapter 15

Hello, hello~

For those who might've missed my previous post, heads up - read this one shot before you read this chapter simply because it'll explain a few things lol.

Chapter 15: I Want More

It was darker, colder than usual that night. Ivy watched her husband and uncle depart from the front gates of the Leech house with some muscle in tow. It had been a week since she had become Mrs. Cerith and she trusted Indigo just as much as she loved him. That didn't stop the cold fear creeping into her veins, however. The two eel men swam away in silence, eyes forward, not a hint of hesitance in either of their gazes. Madam Leech had joined her but now turned to go back inside when she saw Ivy remained frozen. 

"Ivy, darling. Don't stay out too long," her smile was full of empathy. She remembered the days when she first became a young wife to her husband and mistress to his dangerous household. Like her niece, she didn't have any preparation for becoming a mafia wife. Even so, Narissa Leech had no regrets. 

"Alright, auntie..." Ivy's voice was distant as her eyes stayed forward until her love was out of sight. 

On the other side of the reef, Don Muraeni was waiting with Proteus and his sharks close by. The meeting spot was on neutral territory outside of town which both houses agreed upon. Don Leech smirked as he recognized the dilapidated underwater gorge. It was quiet and empty now but in his youth, he and his boys often spent their days either racing or scrapping with rivals all over this place. 

"Interesting that your father would pick this dump for a meet-up," Don Leech scoffed as they swam past what used to be a magnificent ship before it sank. 

Indigo's expression hardened like a fresh-cut diamond, "It's a perfect place to conduct business you don't want anyone else to know about. Or dispose of someone you don't want to be found." 

His new boss just snorted as if Indigo was being cute, "That's very true, though if he wanted to do that, he should have lured in far more stupid prey." 

"Oh I wouldn't be too concerned about that, Roscoe..." called a sinisterly cool voice.

Don Leech snarled at the tone of his rival. From the shadows of another shipwreck, two shark mermen slowly swam into the open and flanked a dark opening where their bosses' drawl had come from. 

"Come inside, won't you? We have a lot to discuss." 

Don Leech looked over his shoulder to his boys, silently telling them to stay outside but still close by just before he and Indigo entered the hull. Proteus was at Don Muraeni's side per usual, his smug grin in its place. The rival Don had made himself comfortable in a broken-down captain's chair as if this were his own home. "Roscoe Leech. Welcome." he called his generational adversary so informally, with a stone-cold look, "You've grown into quite the leader, haven't you? Almost as rough around the edges as your father was in his day." 

Don Leech wasn't phased, "The Leech's have never suffered any Muraeni bullshit if they could help it so get on with whatever it is you have to say, old man." It was true that Don Muraeni had already been in power before Roscoe Leech took his father's place. So this wasn't just his enemy but his father's as well.

"And yet, you took my girls so willingly?" Muraeni's eyes were cold and sharp, his tone even as he stared Don Leech down, "and my son as well. How hypocritical." 

Electric magic began to crackle between Don Leech's fingers as he clinched his fist, "Took them? That's rich. Luna and Cowrie practically broke into my house trying to get away from you and who could blame them? I can only imagine the hell a 'businessman' like you put them through! As for Indigo, he makes his own decisions now...isn't that why you called us here, Muraeni?"

Indigo was staring directly into his father's matching ice-blue eyes as Don Leech spoke. Any semblance of the obedient, stoic son was gone. Don Muraeni wasn't worried, however, instead, he waved a lazy hand to Proteus who swam above deck to fetch something, "Straight to the meat it is then. Surely, Proteus made my intentions clear so it's only fair that I prove my word is good as gold."

Proteus returned with a strange bottle in his hands. Once he placed it on the ground between the four of them did Indigo's brow furrow. Inside was a small, slug-like being that confused him...until he saw the necklace tied around the bottle's neck: an aged crescent moon pendant that still had a soft sheen to it. He knew it well. He never saw her without it on for as long as he could remember. His heart plummeted just as quickly as his temper shot up like a geyser. 

"If you have anything to say to me, you'll release her to let me speak to her FIRST," Indigo snarled. 

His father slowly smirked before motioning to Proteus to do exactly that. In an instant, the ray merman snapped his fingers and the bottle seemed to burst open with a bright whirlpool of magic. Moments later, the small creature grew and reformed before their eyes into Junonia Cerith herself. The siren lay weakened on the creaking wood planks barely any different from how Indigo remembered her. Luna was the spitting image of her even now. Her warm honey-colored eyes searched the room in a panic before landing on her tortuous husband. Don Muraeni gave her a smile that made her taste poison in the back of her throat, "Ah, my darling wife, Junonia." 

"I'm not your darling anything!" her voice was harsh from years of being silent but she spat at him with pure hatred at the ready. He merely tutted and gestured to the two men across from her, "Now, now is that any way to behave when our son has finally returned home?"

He had waited for this for so many years, beyond hoping that somehow he'd see his mother again. But Indigo's heart nearly broke when their eyes met. Junonia's gaze widened with a mixture of joy and terror, "Indigo. My sweet boy."

"Mother..." his voice could barely be heard by anyone but her, "I'm here."

She was real: her tender voice, her warm eyes, everything was as if she had never disappeared. Indigo wanted so badly to embrace her, apologize to her for so many things, and tell her that Luna and Cowrie were safe, but he knew better. Don Muraeni was on a schedule and he had all the necessary cards to undo all of Indigo's good intentions in seconds. Realizing what was going on, Junonia started to cry out in protest but it came out as nothing more than a pathetic rasp as Proteus' tail snaked around her throat, holding her down. His father leaned on his propped hand, ready to secure his victory already. 

"So...what will it be, son?" 

The water was thick with silent tension. Don Leech looked at his young protege, waiting for him to make his move. From the dark corners of the ruined quarters, Indigo's youngest brother lay in wait, watching the scene unfold with calculating eyes. 

-

Days passed as things swiftly progressed under the waves. Under the hot sun on the surface, Elise Coralette stared at the view from her old summer home, barely recognizing it after all this time. She was back at the very beginning again: what was left of the summer breeze brushing through her raven locks as she stared out into the open sea from her balcony, wondering what the horizon held in store for her. The servants greeted her upon her return and mostly let her be unless interaction was required. Even Gerald stayed away if he was even in the villa at all. Elise's stay would be short and the last. This was made known to the staff via her brother's command before she had even arrived. She was only here for that night and the day of Emily's wedding. After that...well, no one knew. Not even Elise.

Per tradition, the ceremony would be on a large luxurious ship. Emily, of course, already had all of her bridesmaids arranged so Elise would only be attending as a guest. Thank goodness for that. That didn't stop Elise from tossing out the dress Emily had "generously" sent her to wear to the wedding, however. The hideously pink frock made Elise feel sick the minute she opened the large, gaudy box it came in: all puff and bows, like something a tacky porcelain doll would be forced to wear. Fortunately for her, there was a certain stylish siren who had her best interest in mind. 

Elise smiled at the stowaway black box that Luna had stashed in her bag full of other fine outfits that Madam Leech had bequeathed to her before she had left. It now lay on her bed, waiting for the big day. She ran a hand over the lavender bow that had been expertly tied on the outside and giggled as she reread the handwritten note. 

"I figured you could use some panache for this one last family event. Azul-kun helped naturally. Knock them dead. Send pictures."

The satin off-the-shoulder dress inside was an elegant deep purple with a long, silky skirt that flowed like water if she so much as turned in it. The fitted bodice was embellished with vine-like lace that crawled down the skirt and shining pearls. It was nothing as seductive as her best friend would wear though it would turn some heads and infuriate her sister. It was a Luna Cerith staple for sure. The fact that Azul approved of it, well, that alone bolstered Elise's confidence. She tried it on once again just to spoil her clever beau with some previews before putting it away for safekeeping.

The sun was setting and the only messages on her phone were replies from those she left behind at school. Nothing from her father or brother who had missed her calls that morning. It did nothing but strengthen her resolve, honestly. She wasn't the same girl she was the last time she was staying in this room after all. No one bothered to stop Elise from leaving for the evening either. No questions regarding where she was headed. Nothing. Instead of giddily sneaking out of her window as she did before, Elise simply changed clothes at a casual pace, walked down the stairs in silence as if she were a ghost, and left.

The town was bustling as usual, even more so with news of Princess Emily's impending marriage to a Shaftlandian prince. Elise heard the groom's name in passing but didn't care enough to remember it. The familiar places she used to love about this town had lost their previous luminescence. In that absence, Elise experienced a pleasant enough evening but couldn't stop thinking about home. Her real home. She didn't even realize how badly she missed the sea until her feet carried her back to the same peer she used to practice her flute at. Her body routinely sat down on the edge and gazed outward towards the water. She smiled softly as she realized that she even grabbed the very same bag that held the said instrument in it. It had been a while, hadn't it?

The dying breeze carried the musical notes over the waves under her feet like Elise's personal messenger. She didn't think about what she was playing exactly, no, she just let it speak for her. The princess wasn't sad exactly nor was she happy. If anything, Elise had nothing to say but many things to feel. That was enough for her. In this lukewarm place, she had called home for so long, she felt an equally half-baked goodbye was just fine. Soon...soon enough...Elise thought over and over again, renewing all of her faith in Azul's skills and gumption to bring her home. She was so lost in this meditation that she barely heard the real voice calling out to her from the water below. 

"Elise??"

It was funny to her now that the same boy with his deep blue eyes, musical voice, and fiery red hair used to excite her so much. Now Prince Rielle only made her frown and inwardly sigh. 

"Hello Rielle," she greeted him half-heartedly, confirming with her eyes what she already guessed, "I see you got your fins back."

The prince's sea-green scales shimmered slightly in the dying light but his expression was even more melancholy than the last time she saw him. It frankly annoyed Elise a bit more than she was prepared for. 

"Have you come to cry over your sweet Emily that  got away then?" Elise's tone was a blunt stone thrown right at Rielle's already damper spirit, "If so, I don't want to hear it, thank you."

His teary blue eyes did little to move the princess but he still cried out, "I came to apologize! I...I'm so sorry for everything that's happened. And Emily...she's...well..."

"She doesn't love you, yes. Glad you finally figured that out, Rielle," Elise sighed and put her flute back into her bag. Looking down at the expectant young merman, she did feel a bit of her bite wain, "Look Rielle. I'm not upset for the reasons you may think I am. Yes, it hurt immensely when I realized that you were smitten with Emily and not me but frankly, I should have woken up much sooner. I finally did and now I'm back...here where I don't belong."

Rielle reached out and took her hanging hand, "But you're home and safe on land. I'm glad about that! I was terrified that Azul and those eel brothers were doing something despicable to you!"

Elise didn't know whether she should laugh or kick him in the face. So Azul and "those eel brothers" were the despicable ones? And why did he suddenly seem so compassionate?! Her pale eyes narrowed as she yanked her hand away, "Oh really? Funny how you care now that Emily is off the table. And why are you here anyway?! Shouldn't you be back at your sparkly little school with all those other good, good boys, hmm?"

Rielle nearly turned to seafoam as he shrank away from her angry tone, "I was worried and I wanted to make sure you were alright!"

"Well, I'm NOT! AT ALL!"

Elise's eyes grew wet as her screams echoed across the sea, "I don't want to be here anymore! I want to be back in the ocean with Luna and Cowrie! I miss them so much and Jade and Floyd! I miss being a mermaid and being with Azul!" Her voice broke down into bitter sobs as his name left her lips, "I-I want it all back..."

Her tears dripped down her face and into the water below as Rielle stared dumbfounded into her despair. "Elise-" but he couldn't continue. What could he possibly say? After everything, he had put her through not just this summer but for years. It would hurt even more but...the truth is what she deserved.

"I'm so sorry that I have strung you along for so long, Elise. I didn't love you. I didn't even save you from that shipwreck all those years ago. I just didn't have the heart to tell you...I'm so sorry, " Rielle felt the lead weight of guilt press down on him as he watched the disbelief light Elise's eyes. It only lasted a minute before her eyes grew cold. She transformed from a sweet, lovesick princess into a completely different person right before his eyes. 

"It doesn't matter anymore. Go home and live your life, Rielle. There's nothing left for you here," Elise rose to leave before the prince had a chance to argue. He called after her but Elise Coralette refused to turn back. 

-

Hours after the sun had set, Jade's phone rang and set the tone for the rest of the night. Azul sensed something was wrong as soon as Jade left the Mostro Lounge's main floor so suddenly. It was only an hour before close and things were just starting to wind down when a loud crash sounded from the kitchen followed by a very angry-looking Floyd bursting through the double doors not long after his brother's exit. He had also received a call and he was furious. 

Both of the twins were heading in the same direction. Azul quickly gave orders to the rest of the staff before following after. The trail ended at the grotto, echoing with discourse.

"I said NO!!"

Floyd and Jade were charging at each other in their eel forms. Luna, meanwhile, was furiously trying to break them apart, "Floyd, stop it! Please just listen!" 

Jade glared daggers at his brother as he swatted him to the ground with his tail, "Floyd, calm down! Father wouldn't have made this request if he thought Luna would be in danger-"

Seconds before he could finish, Jade was faced with his twin's open maw of sharp teeth jetting toward him. Before Floyd could sink his teeth into Jade's shoulder, he was suddenly snatched mid-lunge and slammed into the sand.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Azul in full octopus form held Floyd tight within one angry tentacle while the other seven threatened to do the same to Jade if need be. The other Leech brother quickly regained his composure with a huff.    "Azul, forgive the ruckus but...it's our Father. He reached out to both of us, requesting that Luna return home at once."

Part of Azul completely sympathized with Floyd's outburst, having just said goodbye to Elise himself. HOWEVER, that did not excuse the massive upset to their business! Floyd ignored the sharp glare Azul was sending his way as he struggled to free himself with a harsh snarl.

"After everything, why would Dad want her to go right back?! I won't have it!"

"It isn't up to you, Floyd-" Jade began to snap until two more tentacles came crashing down, silencing the brothers.

"Enough! Do either one of you even realize what you're doing?!" Azul was livid and at his wit's end with the both of them, "The whole point of Luna being here was to keep it secret. And here you are carrying on like blood-drunk sharks! It's a wonder the whole campus doesn't know she's here! Did you even bother to ask why Don Leech would make such a request, to begin with?!"

The twins stared wide-eyed at the fuming octopus, surprised that he hadn't dyed the entire dorm black with his ink as he spat at them. Jade cleared his throat and started over in his usual soft tone, "It's Luna's right to go. It's about her mother." 

Floyd lost some of his thunder as he looked over at his mate and saw how upset she was. Luna was shaking as she slowly sank to the ground and curled up on herself. Azul scoffed and flicked the eel's head with another tentacle, "Barbarian. Maybe consider your mate's feelings before having one of your tantrums." 

He released the cranky brother and addressed Jade directly, "Did your father mention anything else?"

Jade tilted his head to the side as he answered, "Nothing else. Father is very brief and direct. Something on your mind, Azul?"

His grandmother's cryptic warning had been burning in the back of his mind ever since that day, "My grandmother warned me that trouble seems to be brewing back home. And to look out for someone named Proteus."

Hearing that name, Luna sprang up all at once, "What about Proteus? Your grandmother knows him?"

The dread in her golden eyes was palpable. Azul's mind went to work fast but there was still the more urgent matter at hand, "I'm not sure what she knows about him but it's enough that she felt the need to warn me. More importantly..." 

Azul suddenly turned that all too familiar, commanding gaze onto the twins, "You two. The Lounge closes in less than an hour. Clean up that mess you left behind, Floyd. And Jade, make sure everything else is in order. NOW."

He was in full boss mode and fighting against him was a fool's errand. Jade left without a word. Floyd gave Luna an apologetic look before groaning back to the Lounge. Azul huffed and offered Luna a far gentler tone, "Luna there is something I want to ask of you if you do return home..."

He needed information. Who better than a seasoned siren to get it for him? 

-

After the Lounge had been properly closed, Floyd was quick to return to the grotto. His mood didn't get any better whatsoever. Especially when he realized that Azul hadn't returned to the Lounge and left all the work to him, Jade, and the other students!

"What the hell?" he grumbled as he and Jade swam back to the grotto, "I get that he was mad but he could have at least come back and done his part too-"

Floyd halted at the grotto entry as he saw Azul and Luna not only talking but Azul was sitting with Luna's head in his lap, crying. Jade could feel the wheels in his brother's head go into overdrive, "Floyd." Floyd's irises shrunk as they did whenever he was about to go off. Any outburst was squashed as soon as Luna looked at him.

"Floyd honey, please.  Come here?" She raised her hand out to him and he was tamed instantly. Her mate rushed to her and started murmuring apologies for his behavior earlier as he kissed her face. Azul moved away and let Floyd take his place. The four of them took time to rest in the grotto and once Luna had calmed down, she made her case to her stubborn lover.

"Please understand, Floyd. If what Father Leech has said is true then I have to go. I thought my mother was gone forever. If there's even a chance that she isn't...I must see for myself." 

Floyd's ear fins drooped, "But...I just got you back, Lunaaaa. Why do you wanna go back to where you could be trapped again?! They could be lying!"

"Would your father lie about something like this?" Luna pleaded, already knowing the answer. Floyd's pout said it all.

"She won't be in danger, Floyd. Father would never allow it," Jade used that reasonable tone of voice that Floyd often hated. Because Jade was pretty much always right.

"It's not forever, honey. I'll come back once Sacred Crown opens its campus just like we discussed. I promise," Luna kissed his lips so sweetly, killing off any hope of an argument. 

"I don't want you to gooo...but...fine," Floyd nuzzled his face into her neck with a huff. 

Luna purred and kissed her lover multiple times over, "I have to leave in the morning but I'll be back before you know it, darling." 

Floyd groaned like he was dying as he wrapped both his arms and tail around his mate. Azul nor Jade made a fuss when he demanded to stay the night with Luna until she had to leave. As they were leaving, Azul saw the determined look Luna gave him and she nodded. She would do as he asked.

"If you return home, seek out my grandmother. Mother will help you. I can't be there but I need you to be my ears and eyes. I want Elise to be with me. I want to ensure not only our future together but the future of all of us. But I need to know what's going on...will you help me, Luna?"

"Of course, Azul-kun. I will do whatever it takes." 

...Azul gave the siren a confident grin before leaving her and Floyd to their night together. Jade and Azul both left without a word to each other until they were well away from the grotto.

"Is something amiss back home, Azul?" Jade asked quietly just in case any other students might be breaking curfew.

Azul Ashengrotto kept his poker face on seamlessly as his vice kept pace with him, "I have my suspicions based on what Grandmother told me. As the future Don Leech, you no doubt have been getting the same feeling from your father, no?"

Jade hummed to himself. The current Don Leech wasn't entirely forthcoming but that was just fine. His heir always had a keen eye for what lay between the lines.  Like his friend, Jade also wanted to ensure the future with his mate and that any future Leech heir was secure. Taking on his father's role didn't mean looking out for just his house but the entire territory and everyone in it. 

"You were wise to put your trust in Luna then," he smirked, "my dear sister is as sharp as she is beautiful." 

Azul finally looked at his second in command with a skeptically raised brow, "I've known you too long to wonder how you guessed what I was up to...but I'm still curious as to what makes you say that."

The future Don just chuckled, "A woman that can tame my wild twin with one look or touch is a force of nature to be greatly feared and respected." 

-

The next day, Elise rose with the sun. The wedding wouldn't be until later that evening but suddenly news from Luna woke her with a start. Cowrie also sat on her bed back at school, staring at her phone in wide-eyed silence long after the three-way call had ended. 

Their mother was alive...?

The three of them were miles apart but all three of them met the morning with similar levels of uncertainty. 

Luna grasped the portal key in her hand as she cooed her sleepy love awake. She knew he'd make a fuss but that only made her goodbye kisses all the sweeter. Elise sat at her vanity, combing her long tresses before laying out the pearl hairpins for later. Cowrie grabbed her school bag and marched into the dorm lobby ready to greet and inspire her students to once again seize the day head-on. 

-

Madam Leech's garden was as vibrant as ever. It wrapped Luna in its warmth once she reached the other side of the portal. Narissa Leech was waiting there equally as warmly, "Welcome home, my dear girl." 

Luna felt instant relief as her mother-in-law embraced her. The mistress didn't hesitate to bring her into the house for some refreshment while also admiring the necklace her dear Floyd had made for his mate.

"Oh, it's lovely! My sweet baby boy is a real softie deep down, just like his father," she giggled, "It makes me so happy that he finally found someone that can keep up with him!"

"I do my best, Mother Leech," Luna smiled happily as they entered the dining hall. 

Ivy was already seated with her uncle once the two entered. Indigo was nowhere to be seen. Ivy gave her unknowing sister-in-law a warm smile, "I'm happy to finally meet you, Luna." 

It was plain as day that she was if nothing else, related to Madam Leech just from her colorful teal green palette. Even so, Luna was caught off guard by this new face. Her auntie gestured for Luna to have a seat as she settled between Ivy and Don Leech, "This is my niece Ivy, my dear girl. Luna is, as you already know, one of my darling daughters-to-be." 

Narissa Leech couldn't be more obvious in her glowing joy. Ivy sipped her drink as polished as her auntie before asking a very revealing question, "Are my cousins treating you and your sister well? If they aren't I'll be sure to straighten them out before Auntie Narissa does." 

Cousins? Ah, the image was clearer now, "Jade and Floyd are your cousins then. I can see the resemblance...Ivy was it?"

Ivy's smile held a mischievous secret, "Ivy Cerith, yes. I'm sorry that my husband has been too busy to tell you and Cowrie about our recent marriage." 

Luna did a double take so fast it was a miracle she didn't get whiplash, "Cerith?? You're....You're Indigo's wife?" 

Jade and Floyd's cousin. Indigo's wife? Well, well, she was a gorgeous little secret wasn't she? Luna smiled at her sweet sister with as much glee as the cat that caught the canary!

"Goodness, my brother does have a lot to catch us up on, doesn't he? Well, I am thrilled to meet you, at last, Ivy." 

The two eelmaids giggled conspiratorially together, bonding instantly. Don Leech had been silently eating until that point, not wanting to bombard his daughter with any more distress than she had already experienced on her own. Once the meal and the pleasantries were finished, Luna addressed her father-in-law directly.

"Father Leech, thank you for looking after Indigo and me as well. Please tell me everything you know. I don't wish to waste another moment." 

Her tone was forward, and assertive, but still polished with charm to a fault. He could see why his son was so taken with her. Speaking of which...

"I apologize for the major tantrum Floyd no doubt dragged you into once I called him and Jade," He huffed, "That aside, Indigo specifically requested your presence here. He apologizes that he cannot be here right this moment. He's...wrapping up a few things before he settles into his new role." 

Luna didn't like the sound of that at all. She didn't bother hiding the worry on her face either. The Don continued without batting an eye, "Indigo Cerith is now Don Cerith, the new head of the Muraeni household. Your stepfather has held your mother captive in some sort of trapping spell all this time as leverage. It seems like he had a feeling he would need her just for this. I'm sorry that you had to find out now, Luna." 

The siren thought she might break apart with each word he spoke, "...After everything my brother and your sons have done then...?" 

The Don rose from his seat and beckoned Luna to follow him. His wife and niece stayed behind but gave the poor siren looks of affectionate support as she followed Don Leech to his den.

"You and your sister are safe. They will not come after you," he waited for Luna to be seated across from him before pulling out some papers from his desk, "Indigo made sure to procure hard contracts from his father and Proteus agreeing to leave you two be. Though you may wait to legally take the Leech name after you marry my sons, you and Cowrie are officially a part of my household and therefore off limits to anyone who may pose a threat to this family." 

"And our mother?" Luna couldn't keep her voice from trembling, "Where is she now? When can I see her?"

Her father-in-law's deep olive eyes suddenly looked heavier as he sighed and rested his head in thought on his fist, "That part is a bit more tricky, my dear. Indigo is close by and keeping her from harm as he re-establishes his father's house and regime across the reef. If there were a more direct way to free her from captivity, know that it would have been done before your return." 

Luna gave him a warm smile, "I have no doubt, Father Leech. I understand how difficult Stepfather can be with his schemes. However, I don't remember him showing any signs of magic before...is it really his doing alone?"

This girl was clever. It made him proud, not to mention relieved his boy didn't choose some vapid trophy as his future wife. "I believe it's Proteus' doing. I only saw it for a second but he was the one that released the magical bind on your mother." 

Of course, Proteus had his claws in this. She suspected for years that her parents' disappearance was his doing! Her eyes narrowed in disgust as she spat out his name, "Proteus has always been a devious force in Stepfather's league. Was there any mention of a Mr. Cerith? My father?"

Don Leech didn't have to answer her question. His eyes said it all. Still, he honored it with a shake of his head, "I'm afraid not, Luna." 

No, of course not. Don Muraeni had no use for her father anymore. Luna exhaled as much of the pain as she could. She trusted that Indigo had things well in hand. Plus...she had another mission to fulfill. 

"Father Leech. I assume it may be some time before I can safely see my mother again. Instead, there is somewhere else I need to be as soon as possible. May I go to the Leviathan Club this afternoon?"

-

Luna was not only welcomed but expected by the two Ashengrotto women who grinned at each other as soon as they saw the siren enter with the escorts Don Leech provided. Mama Ashengrotto had informed the stand-in hostess of Luna's arrival beforehand and therefore, the young siren was immediately guided upstairs to one of the private rooms on the second floor. She wasn't entirely sure what to expect but as soon as Luna entered and saw the infamous Lorelei Ashengrotto waiting for her in all her relaxed glory, she could see where Azul had gotten his swagger from. 

"Well now. What a pretty face you have, my dear siren," the witch's smokey voice beckoned Luna in like a jeweled finger. 

Mama Ashengrotto was serving her mother with her arms and tentacles as one broke away from the pack to push out a chair for Luna, "Welcome back, Luna Cerith. Everything is on the house so just settle in." 

Luna gracefully floated down into her seat and greeted the Ashengrotto women pleasantly, "Mrs. Ashengrotto. You are Azul's grandmother, Lorelei, yes?"

"Indeed," her deep blue eyes took in the eelmaid with a sharp curiosity, "My grandson told me all about you. He's always had a shrewd sense about him when it comes to potential. His mother taught him well...yes, I think you'll do nicely, Luna Cerith." 

The sea witch chuckled at the lost look on Luna's face, "I see he's kept his cards close to the chest once again. You came for information on that Proteus fellow, yes? Well, I have plenty but nothing comes for free my dear." 

"I wouldn't assume so, Madam Lorelei."

Lorelei was silently pleased with this girl's pace. She knew exactly how things worked already. She would have to thank her grandson for sending her such a pearl, "Very good, you understand quickly. Now then, angelfish, let's talk business. I will provide all the inside intel you and Azul desire and in turn, you will become my apprentice. Just as my sweet boy requested."

She was flattered, of course, but for Azul to make such a request on her behalf...it suddenly clicked and Luna smiled. Elise said it best: "I can't graduate and get my mage license without some sort of proper internship..." You can't get something with nothing after all. Luna would have to find one hell of a thank you for Azul later on for this.

"I would be honored to study under you, Madam Lorelei," Luna bowed in her seat to the sea witch, her heart full of gratitude for this family. 

Lorelei chuckled and tutted at her new apprentice, "First lesson, my girl: a proper sea witch bows to no one. You're lucky my grandson is so thorough," one ink black tentacle placed what looked like a resume on the table in front of Luna, "He made note of every talent you've shown. As your teacher, I'd like to see the full deck and what I've got to work with. I hope you're as ambitious as you are crafty, my girl."

A devious shiver of excitement ran through Luna at this newly opened door, "You won't be disappointed, Madam. I assure you."

-

The ocean was painted orange and pink by the setting sun. The guests boarded the ship after a thorough security inspection, their excited laughter and chatter echoing throughout the dock. On the upper decks, His Majesty Erik Coralette sat alone in his room, contemplating the next few days of his life. His eldest daughter would marry today. Tomorrow his son would take his place as King. After everything was in place, he would retire. After that, he would no longer be a King but just another man aged by time and the sea itself. His tired expression stared out into the surrounding sea. The very same that took his wife from him. His Majesty had grown both distant and silent about this matter over time. He was a bastion, a guardian to his people first and foremost. Over the years, he sank further into this role and the isolation it brought. He had no doubt his son, Edward, would carry on his torch with pride and perfection. Everything was in its place...though the knock on his door would prove otherwise.

"Your Majesty, your daughter, Princess Elise, requests a meeting with you," said the footman.

The elderly king said nothing. The sight of his youngest daughter standing before him, grown beautifully into a young woman shocked him to the core. Her deep violet satin gown swished behind her as Elise entered and bowed her pearl adorned head to him, smiling warmly with sad eyes, "Hello Father."

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya

#twisted wonderland #neoninky #sacred crown chronicles #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #twst oc x canon #sacred crown hall #night raven college #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #tweels #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #more eel mermaids #under the sea mafia #chapter 15 #chapter update

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 14

Inky's Links: AO3: Masterlist: Third Story Decided! (Coming Soon)

Chapter 14: Wish I Could Be

"Hi Azul...c-can we talk?"

Elise felt every nerve in her body vibrate with anticipation as Azul gently floated down to the sand and when the light made his silvery hair shine as he drew close. She was surprised her tentacles didn't braid themselves together at the sound of his voice.

"What's on your mind, Elise?" Azul's voice seemed a bit heavier than normal but the male octopus retained his usual polished smile. She laughed a bit at the question. 

"Oh well, many things. I hope you don't mind?" when Azul silently rested on his tentacles in front of her with a grin, she continued, "Azul, a lot has happened this summer and a lot is still going to happen very soon. And honestly, I'm very...very scared."

The tremor in her voice caused one of Azul's tentacles to gently wrap around hers once again. The only difference was that Azul did it on purpose this time. He didn't speak, only waited and listened patiently for her to explain. 

"I appreciate everything you, Jade, and Floyd have done for me," her smile was soft and tentative, "You three aren't nearly as scary or dubious as people make you out to be." 

Azul wasn't surprised that their reputations had proceeded them, however, one thing did puzzle him greatly, "You were right there when Jade and Floyd fended off those sharks and you can still say that? To the guy who got you tangled up in his backfired scheme, to begin with?"

Somehow this made her laugh, "Yes, without a doubt. I never want to get on your bad side for sure. But things are different down there than on the surface. Merfolk are more upfront, ready to fight for whatever or whomever they want. To do whatever it takes to get where they want to be. It is a bit terrifying, but I respect that ambition. You're not only intelligent but cunning which can cause some trouble sure," Azul felt a bit embarrassed as she playfully smirked at him," But...it is something I admire about you. You make your own way in life and don't let anyone stop you. So it's not you or them that I'm afraid of, Azul. I...I'm not sure I want to go back to being a human." 

A spark of disbelief, and maybe a bit of hope, suddenly lit up in Azul's mind, "Y-You...don't? But why? ...well aside from your horrendous sibling." 

Another soft laugh, "Siblings. I have an older brother as well. He's too busy getting ready to take the throne to really pay me any mind though. But that's the problem: he has a purpose. Even Emily. She'll probably marry some prince or lord from another king or queendom to bring more prosperity to ours. And then there's me...I've felt like an outcast every since my mother died. Everyone in my family withdrew from each other since then. And well, you saw how highly Emily thinks of me first hand. But, in spite of all the danger, I felt more wanted, more at home with the Leech Family, with Luna and Cowrie. And you and your family too."

Azul tensed momentarily as Elise unconsciously scooted closer to him. Instead of pointing it out, he merely asked, "The senior internship you had before all of this, what was it and why did you choose it specifically?" 

The princess hummed as she confronted the truth of the matter, "I didn't really choose it myself. My brother did. I went along with it because I suppose it was because it reminded me of Mother. Mother always loved the sea and its inhabitants. She advocated for finding a way to continue our export and import trades via our established trade routes but feared that our ships' fuel would only pollute the waters and harm all sea life in the long run. So I was to intern with our fleets to find a better solution...but honestly? I don't think they were going to actually let me do that much being a royal and all. They were more or less just placating me out of obligation to the crown prince."

"I suppose I shouldn't feel too bad about ruining 'your' plans then?" Azul was hiding true guilt behind a bit of sarcastic banter. Elise saw right through it and decided to play along anyway.

"Feel bad? Not at all. You did look kind of cute when I was furiously scolding you, Mr. Ashengrotto. So I feel properly vindicated," she giggled, making him nearly explode on the spot. 

"C-Cute?!" his face grew hot as he sputtered, trying to glare right into her amused face, "I am many things, MISS Coralette, but cute??"

"You're right. Handsome suits you more than cute, Azul." 

Her words slipped off her tongue faster than Elise could process them. Now it was her turn to be oh so flustered as she slid away from him, "Um I...I mean, yes that is true b-but-" 

"But what?" 

Azul was suddenly looking her right in her wide eyes with a gaze that was worlds more unwavering than he was moments before. Elise was almost convinced that he had been body snatched while she blinked but no, that was not the case. Azul felt just as nervous and uneasy as he had since he realized his budding feelings for this girl, but now he was feeling something much stronger than all that. Azul felt desperate to know the truth and it only made him weirdly courageous.  He could spin a multitude of reasons as to why Elise Coralette wouldn't desire him just as much as he did her but unlike him, she was far more honest in her words and expression. She let slip a hint of what he wanted to hear from her just now. The moment she realized it herself is when Azul saw her real feelings surface. At least what he hoped were her real, genuine feelings. Her shy, girlish blush. The way her eyes went wide only to dart away from him. This was the same sort of body language and cues she gave off whenever Rielle was brought up to her in the past. Surely it meant what he thought, what he wanted it to mean, yes? YES?

"Elise," he coaxed as gently as possible in his brewing state, "Tell me. Please." 

His stormy eyes were the most honest she had ever seen. They were frustrated and pleading as he leaned in. They were alone here. Entirely in their own little world. Knowing that and seeing him this way felt strangely sacred to Elise as she started to close the gap, feeling her whole body give in to its unspoken urges. 

"Azul...I think that..."

"Yes?"

The last thread of hesitation snapped as her turquoise eyes locked onto his deep blue steel ones. She took a breath and then a leap of faith before her nerves got the better of her.

"I think that I'm really scared of not seeing you guys all the time...of not waking up and knowing you're right here. I'm scared to become human again because then I'll be away from not only Luna and Cowrie, and the twins, but I won't be able to be with you." 

A jolt of adrenaline rushed his system as he took in her words. As eager as he had been seconds before, Azul still felt a part of his mind backhand him with doubt, "When you say 'be with you'...?" He almost looked around as if Elise was talking about someone else. The poor boy was caught between self-doubt and wanting.

She blinked in disbelief before gesturing to him with both hands, "Azul, you are the densest clever person I have ever met. Yes, I mean you specifically! I have feelings for YOU! Do I need to sing it for you?!"

For a split second, Elise was convinced she saw part of Azul's soul leave his body. The boy's eyes froze wide on his otherwise blank face and only his tentacles moved. She half expected one of them to slap him back to the present. Seconds later his soul returned and all his blood rushed to his face, "You...YOOOOU have feelings for ME? Wait what happened to your dream prince Rielle?!"

He suddenly regretted his outburst once he saw the scowl on her face, "Ehem, ok 'dream prince' might be a bit much. Forget I said anything." 

Elise crossed her arms as the scowl softened, "I know...I had a ridiculous and obviously one-sided to everyone but me crush on him for the longest time. I thought it was 'love' but...it was just bloated infatuation and wishful thinking. If I didn't feel this time was more  genuine I wouldn't have said anything." 

Azul suddenly felt like his mother was getting ready to appear and whack the ink right out of him with an arsenal of her toughest spoons, "I-If we're being honest, then...you're right, I am pretty dense. I didn't realize I had feelings for you until this summer even though I've been attracted to you since that day you waltzed into my office and struck a deal with me on your own terms." 

Elise's tentacles curled in on themselves as she felt a rush of giddiness, "Really?"

He laughed, "I mean you are beautiful. I always thought so but you had such confidence and wit about you that day. I was so accustomed to having the upper hand and you caught me off guard and charmed me and everyone else around you so easily. It was astounding. How could I not be both impressed and taken with you?"

The princess looked him up and down with all sorts of questions in her gaze, "Is it really so surprising that maybe I see you in a similar light?" 

"Oh absolutely," he deadpanned. As happy as he felt, the boy still couldn't comprehend the reality right in front of his face. No matter how far he had come, there was still part of him stuck in the overwhelming shadow of his past.

A sweet smile spread across her face as she tucked a wild strand of hair behind her own ear. Uh oh...that look only meant trouble for him. "Azul, you really have no idea how attractive you are both physically and mentally, do you?"

She scooted closer to him, closing the gap once again but even further this time to the point that her lips were just a whisper away from his. Her eyes held the baffled boy to the spot with how they sparkled. "It's ok that you don't realize it yet," she spoke so softly, "It's part of your charm. But know this, I've been in the company of many, many handsome and witty boys. Please forgive me for realizing only recently that none of them hold a candle to you, Azul Ashengrotto. That is the honest truth." 

Stardust was the only tangible thing in existence Azul could equate to how he was currently feeling. He hung on every sweet syllable that left her lips until he finally voiced the feeling that had haunted him for weeks, "I don't want you to go." 

Before he could even blink, Elise's soft lips collided with his as her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him into her embrace. His arms encircled her waist as Azul leaned into the kiss without a second thought. For the first time, his stubborn legs didn't have to propel him whatsoever. They just relaxed as the two of them melted into each other.

...and what started as a tender moment quickly turned into panic. 

A spark formed on Elise's neck before blooming into a burst of light. In seconds, her tentacles melted away into two human legs, her skin became much lighter, and her eyes dulled and widened with terror. Azul's whole body tensed at the sight of the human girl floating in front of him and couldn't move until a flurry of air bubbles rushed out of her mouth. The octopus quickly braced her into him and swam as fast as he could while yelling for help. In seconds, he and Elise were caught by teal and monochrome blurs that quickly took them back to the landing.

The room echoed with Elise's rough coughing and ragged, desperate gasps for air as Luna and Floyd lifted her from the water. Azul clung to the side, still mostly emersed in the water, staring in shock at the drenched princess. The dress she had worn before lost its vibrant color just like the rest of her.

"Elise, breathe. Keep breathing," Luna carefully steadied her friend as Floyd left to find Jade. 

Once she settled, Elise slowly sat up and stared at Azul before looking down at herself, "W-What..." 

Everything grew hazy as crystal clear tears formed in her eyes. Any voices speaking to her fell on deaf ears as she began to sob. The twins returned with towels immediately. Luna grabbed one and started to dry Elise off. All Azul could do was watch her cry as his heart sank. Her mouth opened to say his name but it was interrupted with another sob as the boy launched himself out of the water just enough to hold her and whisper over and over again to both of them.

"It's alright. You're alright...it's going to be alright."

~

Azul's office door slammed shut and locked behind him. Jade, Floyd, and Luna were left to speculate on their own in the empty Lounge. Inside the office, Azul laid Elise down on one of the sofas. Neither one of them said a word the entire time Azul had rushed her down the hallway, carrying her in his arms as if she were light as a feather. She sat sniffling as he paced about the room. He wordlessly stepped into a side bathroom and the sound of running water could be heard. She swallowed down a fresh wave of tears and called out to him in a weary voice, "Azul..." 

When he didn't answer, Elise began to worry. Doubt began to pelt her like a sudden hail storm. Now that she was human...did Azul's feelings change? Was everything different now? Too different??

"Azul," she began to sob again. Hearing her cries the boy rushed to her side and held her face. He looked so worn and so scared. 

"Are you in pain? What is it?" he asked nervously. Elise just shook her head. Ironic that now her voice was working properly all on its own now and yet here she was...absolutely speechless. Azul felt like he was going to fall apart any second now as he stood back up.

"I'll have a warm bath ready for you in just a moment," he couldn't look directly at her, "I don't want you to catch a cold. After that...you...you can sleep in my room. I'll stay in here-"

Azul felt a sudden tug on his sleeve and saw the desperation in the princess' face. More tears rolled down her cheeks as she silently begged him. She wanted him to stay. She was even more terrified now, "P-Please, Azul. Can you...can you please stay with me? I'm sorry if I repulse you now-" 

Everything clicked all too fast and he was overwhelmed, desperate to change her mind and to put an end to these thoughts. Azul sat next to her and hid his ashamed face in her damp hair, "Stop it. You don't repulse me. You could never! That's not why I'm acting like this! Everything just happened so suddenly...I-I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. Please know that I meant everything I said before. Please just give me a moment..."

~

Several long minutes later, Azul left Elise to bathe in peace and recover. He promised that he would be back very soon, that he just needed to fill the others in. When he stormed back out into the Lounge, his anger was palpable. Jade rose from his seat and began to approach his old friend, "Azul-" 

"Fine," his voice was rigid, his eyes avoided looking at any of the eels, "Everything is just fine. Elise is human again. Just as she should be....no additional steps needed." 

The twins shared a worried look as Azul began to laugh dryly to himself. It sounded awfully familiar and bitter. So familiar they feared he might Overblot all over again. The look in his eyes was barely sane.

"She loves me. She wanted to stay with me, with us, under the waves as a mermaid. A perfect happily ever after! We even kissed and that triggered her reverting back into a human princess!" he laughed wildly, "True Love's Kiss isn't a load of shit after all! Isn't that wonderful?!"

"Hey Azul," Floyd muttered anxiously, "It's not all that bad, right?" 

Azul's tone snapped straight into anger so quickly the twins thought the glass tanks would shatter, "Not all that bad, Floyd?! Oh no NO! Of course not! You and Jade found your mates, won the day, and now can be with them without any obstacles awaiting you but me? The slimy, scheming octopus that fucked all this up from the start? Seven forbid I find the perfect woman and have her return my pathetic affections! Our first kiss literally damned her right back to the shore!"

His voice was raw as his hands shook. Luna could only imagine how upset Elise was. Jade and Floyd stepped forward to try and calm the dorm leader down once again. 

"Azul...calm yourself. How are you supposed to make a proper strategy with your head full of so many pitfalls?" Jade placed a firm hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Yeah Azul, take it easy. Octi-chan loves you. Isn't that the most important part??" Floyd drawled as he casually put his hands behind his head, "You wanted to get one up on Rielle remember?"

Azul's bitter mood halted on his dumbfounded face as the twins gave him matching smug grins. He immediately straightened himself up, trying to reform even a shred of the dignity he hurled out the window just now.

"Of course I did," he huffed, "Just not...exactly...like this but..." 

"Azul-kun," Luna's melodic tone rang across the lounge from where she stayed seated, "I imagine Elise is just as upset if not more so than you. She needs you now more than ever." 

The look in the siren's eyes was genuine kindness. Azul felt it warm his core underneath the surface. She was absolutely right. He needed to get ahold of himself before anything else could be done. He sighed, suddenly feeling embarrassed at his dramatic outburst. 

"Forgive me," he pushed his glasses up and cleared his throat, "I must look like such a fool right now." 

"Eh, a little bit. Reminds me when we were kids and we had to keep pulling you out of your octopus pot," Floyd started to chuckle along with Jade before Luna appeared between them and smacked both of their arms with a pointed look. The siren hushed the brothers and approached Azul with a smile.

"Azul-kun, your frustrations are very understandable. This whole ordeal would be unbearable for a far lesser man," she gave him a supportive nuzzle against his cheek, making her mate pout, but she ignored it, "You and Elise need to rest. It's late now. I trust her in your care." 

The siren sauntered back over to Floyd and gave him a tender kiss, "We all need to rest. Let's leave the next steps for tomorrow, hmm?" 

~

The twins returned to their room and Luna to the grotto for the night. When Azul returned to his office, he found Elise clean, dry, and wearing an extra set of his pajamas as she curiously stared at the books lining the walls. She paused and placed a hand on top of the wooden box that held the enchanted dagger. Her hair was straighter, more of a dark raven color like before. Her tired eyes had faded back into their human shade of minty green. Her body language alone was enough to tell him that she felt frailer now. Azul closed the door behind him and wordlessly went up to her like a moth to a flame. She gasped as he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her from behind as he rested his head against hers.

"I'm so sorry," he barely managed to whisper, "I'm so sorry about all of this." 

He felt her cold delicate hands touch his and her head gently lean into his. Elise barely moved at all and yet he felt like she was the only thing holding him up right now. 

"Don't be..."

~ 

By some miracle, the rest of Octavinelle remained undisturbed by the night's sudden events. Inside Azul's bedroom, Elise was snuggly wrapped in his arms as the two of them rested quietly under his blankets. Any other time, he would have felt it inappropriate to have her in his room let alone his bed but after that night, Azul couldn't stand not having her close by. For a while, neither one of them spoke. There wasn't a sound aside from their breath. Not any light aside from the soft aquatic glow from the water surrounding the dormitory itself. 

"What happens now?" Elise's quiet voice finally asked, muffled against Azul's chest.

His entire body and mind ached with heavy exhaustion as he weighed his answer carefully, "I'll find a way for you to come back home with us permanently. I don't know exactly how long it will take but I will make it happen. I promise. And..if you so desire...eventually we could...uh...well, we can talk about the far future another time." 'Become mates' is what he wanted to say but somehow it felt like too much of a request to make right then and there. He wanted it to become reality but for now, he just wanted to put her at ease as much as he could. 

He felt her shift in the darkness to look him in the eyes directly, "Thank you, Azul." 

Azul melted as he felt Elise press her lips to his again. He swore they continued to kiss again and again in the dark until they both fell asleep in each other's arms. 

~

The next morning was an immense challenge. When word got out that the Mostro Lounge wouldn't be opening that evening, the entire campus knew something was amiss in Octavinelle. With that said, no one had the guts to ask questions to the towering twin eels or the very exhausted and distracted dorm prefect. No one except a certain redhead.

"Azul...are you alright?"

From the other side of the alchemy cauldron, Riddle watched Azul vacantly stir the pot on repeat like a broken record player. Judging from their last conversation and the octopus' current state, something absolutely devastating must have happened to Azul. And Riddle wasn't too far off.

"...and now she's human again," Azul muttered quietly, still stirring.

Riddle stood frozen, processing everything he just heard, "Oooo...kay wow. That is a lot."

Yes, Azul had told him everything. Everything. Normally Riddle would have flipped his crown over the fact that a fellow dorm leader had been hiding female students in his dormitory but given the circumstances of the very, very complicated situation...Riddle made the rare choice to ignore Azul's blatant disregard of the rules. Plus this did also explain why Floyd was barely paying attention to him lately and who was he to complain?

Riddle did a quick check over his shoulder to make sure the professor wasn't too close by before whispering, "So you need a spell or potion to turn her back into a mermaid permanently. Have you ever made one  before?"

Azul sighed heavily before stirring in the next ingredient Riddle had poured in, "Unfortunately even with my thorough studies and experimentation, I have yet to succeed in making the change permanent without some sort of definitive catalyst. Like a stupid kiss." 

He had to fight to not roll his eyes at the concept of 'True Love's Kiss' yet again. If he didn't hate it before, he absolutely despised it now! When his grandmother suggested it as a possible antidote to Elise's situation, it sounded like some sugarcoated placation. His face suddenly warmed itself as he remembered their first kiss. Then the second...and the third...and the fourth with her soft form pressed into his under the blankets that still smelled like her-

"You kissed her several times didn't you?" Riddle asked with a very straight face. Azul nearly flung the giant spoon across the room in shock. Before Azul could even string two syllables together, Riddle explained with a somewhat bashful expression of his own, "I remember what it was like the first...couple of times," he cleared his throat and quickly jotted down some notes.

"...Didn't that happen inside the Mostro Lounge?"

Riddle's face turned pink, "I thought we were alone and the moment was too good to end right away, ok!?"

A sudden whipcrack and yell from Professor Crewel made the two boys jump and duck back into their assignment with laser focus. 

~

Elise quietly stared at her reflection in the water as she dipped her feet into it from the Octavinelle landing just on the other side of the Mostro Lounge. They remained unchanged, pale, and human. It was growing late in the day, Azul had told her that he wanted to look into some additional sources in the library before coming back. She began to smile when she saw a familiar black and white shape zip towards her underneath the water's surface. Only when she realized that there were two of them did her breath catch in her throat. Both Cerith sisters' heads poked out of the water as they swam up to her.

"Cowrie!" Elise tried to keep quiet just in case anyone but the twins were outside the door, "What are you doing here?" 

The younger sister laid her head affectionately against the princess' legs, "Luna told me everything." 

Luna pulled herself out of the water to sit next to Elise as she changed into her human form, "Knowing my sister, I knew she'd want to be here too." 

Elise let out a heavy sigh as her eyes grew watery, "Thank you both..." 

"I know you probably feel really out of sorts right now buuuut," Cowrie poked the princess' cheek teasingly with the tip of her tail, "You and Azuzuuuu? Ooooooo!! It's about damn time!"

Luna chuckled but still hushed her sister to be quiet. Elise's face bloomed into a glowy shade of pink as she shyly laughed and batted the tail away, "Cowrie stoooop..."

"Is he a good kisser?" Cowrie grinned mischievously up at Elise and Luna gave the poor girl a similar look.

The princess didn't bother trying to play coy and just laughed and rubbed any imposing tears from her eyes, "I love his kisses...I'm going to miss them for a while." 

A fresh wave of tears suddenly spilled over as Cowrie and Luna frowned, "What are you talking about, Ellie??"

Elise had made her decision early that morning. She had woken up before Azul and enjoyed the sight of his peaceful resting face. Before she could enjoy it too much, however, she heard her phone buzzing on the nightstand. It was her brother calling. 

Thankfully no one else was awake either and she quietly made her way down the hall into a solitary washroom before locking herself inside and answering the phone. Her brother was almost eleven years her senior and rarely took the time to speak with her or Emily. Especially not about anything casual. So when he jumped straight into his reason for calling, she wasn't surprised.

"Big Brother, hello-"

"Elise. I trust you are well," his voice was that of a man on a schedule, "I'm calling on behalf of Emily since you two seemed to have a tiff recently." 

Elise rolled her eyes on the other side of the phone. Of course, her sister would wrap the truth up in a polite little bow and label it a 'tiff', "That's one way of putting it, yes. What does she want?"

"You two have never seen eye to eye on much of anything since we lost Mother but we're hoping you can set that aside and attend her wedding. You are still family after all." 

A wedding? Already? "Emily is ENGAGED? She didn't mention any suitors the last time we saw each other." Suddenly she was even more furious at her sister for trying to sweeten up Azul right in front of her face!

"I don't see how that matters," the prince said curtly, "Father will be stepping down soon and I want to make sure everything and everyone is taken care of before my coronation. Emily happily accepted the suitor I proposed for her and that ensures another ally for our homeland." 

The rest of the information was frivolous compared to what halted Elise at once, "Is Father alright? I thought he was going to wait-"

"Elise, I don't have the time to fill you in on our family's affairs. Especially when you've wasted your time running off to who knows where and disregarded the internship I arranged just for you. Do you have any idea how this will reflect back on me when I have to explain things to your school's administration?" 

The princess felt her temper flare and burst all at once. She had had enough. Elise was nineteen years old and legally didn't have to answer to anyone but herself anymore and she'd be damned if she kept quiet any longer!

"You wouldn't have to fill me in after the fact had you kept me in the loop in the first place!" she quietly hissed, "Speaking of which! Did you even stop to think as to why I never showed up for my internship? Or did Emily omit that part? Oh let me guess! Something about me running off with my little slimy creepy eel pets? Just throwing all responsibility right out the window to splash around in the ocean all summer hmm? Well, you know what...believe what you want. I don't care anymore! I'll go to her stupid wedding. I'll say my peace to our father, MY father, and then after that? I'll find my own way in the world without the crown or your help! You can forget you ever had an embarrassment of a baby sister!" 

....her brother didn't bother calling back after she hung up on him. No messages. No calls from her sister or father. Nothing. That was that. Elise would give up the royal family name and find a new purpose for herself while Azul did his best to bring her home. To their home. 

Luna and Cowrie stared wide-eyed at their best friend as she told them the whole story, both of them absolutely speechless. Elise just sniffled and laughed bitterly. 

"There's no point in me staying here now that I'm human again," she rubbed her eyes and continued with conviction, "I won't be gone forever. I just need to go home and set things right. For sure this time. After that, well...there's no way I can graduate on time and get my mage license without some sort of additional study. I'll focus on that while Azul does his best over here. And you guys..." 

A lump formed in her throat as she looked at her two beloved eel sisters, knowing everything they had been through their entire lives and just this summer alone. Fresh tears wet her mint green eyes, "You're safe now. You'll both be safe and happy with Jade and Floyd and the Leeches. We'll see each other again, sooner or later. And then we won't ever have to say goodbye again."

Luna wrapped her arms around Elise's shoulders as Cowrie jumped out of the water to hug Elise on the other side.

"Does Azul know?" 

~

He did.

Not every detail but enough to seek help from the library...he just didn't actually say which one.

Madam Lorelei was expecting him any minute now at her usual table at the Leviathan Club. When he entered and rushed past the staff to the second level, both his mother and grandmother were there waiting for him. 

"My darling boy," the grandmother said with gentle understanding in her eyes, "Come, sit." 

Azul greeted his mother with a hug and kiss on her cheek, not bothering to hide the frustration in his eyes. These powerful women raised him and were far too clever to not notice it on their own. Azul had called and explained most of the situation beforehand but seeing him in person filled in all other gaps. 

"So...it would seem she found her prince after all, precious," Madam Lorelei's tentacle lifted the teacup to her red lips. 

"It would seem so," his mouth was tight and his voice bitter, "Had I known that pursuing something like this would take her further away from me..."

"Azul," his mother huffed, "Dear Elise returned your feelings. Complications aside, it's a wonderful thing, sweetness!"

"Your mother is right, my boy. I may have had my doubts before but...well, your mother's friend, Madam Leech, had quite a lot of praise for her and her boldness. Besides, this may be a good time for the princess to return to the surface for a time," Lorelei's voice was cryptic as she stared out the windows, "There's a storm brewing across the borders. The further away she is from it, the better." 

"What do you mean, grandmother?" Azul asked tentatively. It was no mystery that the two families controlling the city had tensions running high but the waters felt denser than before he left. The worried look on his mother's face spoke volumes as she lowered her voice.

"You boys got those poor Cerith girls out of here just in time. Things have been getting worse between the two houses. Ventuno Muraeni was killed on Leech property just the other day. I haven't seen Indigo Cerith since he came by to tell me you had left for school...I hope he's alright."

Azul had a bad feeling in his gut. He had known the Leech family since childhood. He grew up with this ongoing feud happening right outside his family's door for years. An upset or an event here or there was fairly normal. As long as he or anyone else not involved kept their noses out of it, they were guaranteed safety. But now that the lines had been crossed and blurred between the two families...were any of them safe from becoming collateral damage?

"The dagger I gave her, does she still have it, Azul?" Lorelei suddenly asked.

"I have it. It's safe at my dorm. She has no need for it now so I can return it-"

"Don't be so sure, darling," Lorelei cut him off with a wagging finger, "Before this was a favor for my dear grandson's friend. Now it's personal. I'd rather my future granddaughter-in-law keep it close for the time being. Just in case. She may not need it for any magical purpose but a weapon is still a weapon," she took another sip before giving both her daughter and grandson a sharp look, "Don Leech nor his predecessors have given me any reason to distrust their clan. However, I can't say the same for Don Muraeni and his abyssal scum. We'd all be wise to watch our backs no matter where we are." 

Madam Lorelei stood up gracefully from the table as she wordlessly slid a piece of parchment over to Azul before giving one last warning, "Return to school, for now, my dear. I will see what I can do on my end but for now, you were never here and this conversation never happened." 

Azul knew how this world of theirs worked, "Of course, grandmother. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule." 

~ 

Once Azul stepped into the empty Mirror Chamber, only then did he read the parchment Madam Lorelei had given him. His eyes narrowed and filled with more questions than he could count. 

Watch out for Proteus, Don Muraeni's eyes and ears.

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #her lost voice #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #twst oc x canon #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #under the sea mafia #more eel mermaids #twst oc schools

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 13

Hello readers~

Hope y'all are doin well. I'm back with two more chapters of ze dramas lol.

Chapter 13: Darling, It's Better...

The hallways grew darker as the students returned to their designated dormitories. With the exception of the literal divide between the Cerulamare girls, everything else seemed as if Elise had never left, had never been thrown into the dark world within the Coral Sea.

She saw the happy looks old friends gave each other at the beginning of the new semester and heard their rapport and laughter between them and the new freshmen already starting some groups. It was like this every year ever since she enrolled but now it all felt so alien and distant to her, like Elise herself was on the outside looking in. She quietly looked to Luna beside her as they continued to follow their dormmates towards their gate. The siren looked a bit tired but still serene. Luna had a soft smile on her face as she watched her baby sister lead the pack with confidence and enthusiasm. Cowrie was already calling back to the new girls, telling them how much fun the "welcome party" was going to be. This garnered a reaction just as divided as it was at the actual ceremony. 

Years prior, Elise had never noticed the difference between the myriad of Cerulamare students, but in that moment, it was as if her transformation had gifted her a second sort of sight. The mermaids that were like Cowrie and Luna had different tells than the Atlantian mermaids: their scents, their features, though they were all in human forms, it was much easier for her to tell them apart. This must be what Luna had meant by the other girls picking up on Elise's changes. From the corner of her eyes, she could see other juniors and visiting senior girls looking her way, some even sniffing in her direction, before whispering amongst themselves. Inside she felt a wild instinct flare up in response. It was like she could feel her tentacles bunch together, propelling her to either move away or to get ready to defend. Elise jolted when she felt a hand suddenly touch her shoulder from behind. The princess whirled around faster than anyone around her was prepared for, her mouth full of ink ready to be spat in the intruder's face...until she saw who it was.

"Whoa Hey! Sorry to spook you but didn't you hear me call your name like three times??" the girl laughed in her usual playful tone.

It was Manari Ali, one of Elise's dearest friends on land. She looked just as spirited as ever, especially now that she traded in her long ponytail for a cute short style. Elise quickly swallowed the ink back down and cleared her throat. She wasn't even sure how she did it honestly, but her smile returned as she stopped and hugged her friend, "Manari! Forgive me, I was a bit distracted there. How are you? You look amazing!" 

The Almascaber Prefect gave her friend a tight hug and a big smile, "A hell lot better now! I was worried sick over you all summer! Where were you?! You didn't answer any of my messages or calls! Even Reine was starting to freak a bit!" 

Elise's face froze in a pleasant enough expression but she was internally screaming. She had completely forgotten to check all of the messages left on her phone when she retrieved it! Fortunately, Luna saw the panic rising in her best friend and casually slid into the conversation.

"Manari, so good to see you again," she said smoothly, "Elise is still the workaholic we've always known her to be and started her internship early this summer. Something about wanting to get ahead of the game for her transcript." 

Elise mouthed a silent thank you to Luna who kept distracting Manari. Namely with the mating necklace that Floyd had gifted her. The peppy girl wiggled her eyebrows mischievously at the siren, "Oooo is that what I think it is? A mermaid mating trinket? Luna Cerith is finally off the market?? Whoo, the onslaught of broken hearts you're gonna leave behind!"

Luna playfully batted her eyes in a coy fashion as she feigned innocence, "Manari really, you make me sound so wicked," she pouted, "Alas, it is true. My darling Floyd made this beautiful necklace for me this summer," her smile turned genuinely delighted as soon as Floyd's name passed her rosy lips. 

"Should I start calling you Luna Leech then?" Manari giggled. 

The siren smiled happily, holding back her enthusiasm as much as she could behind her cool veneer, "Oh no. It's too soon for that. I won't be taking my love's name until after we both graduate, of course." 

Elise watched the two girls talk about Luna's future with mixed feelings. Of course, she was very happy for Luna and Floyd, Jade and Cowrie too, and relieved that her two closest friends would have a future of happiness and security. She wanted nothing more than that for them. Especially now that she knew just how terrible their lives in the Muraeni house had been. Still...that same feeling of distance kept creeping upon her. It had been lingering back in the shadows for some time now. Only when the dust seemed to settle did it start clinging to her. 

"Elise? Are you ok??"

Elise snapped back to the present on cue, "Y-Yes? Yes, I'm fine. Sorry Manari...I've just been working so hard on this internship, it's pretty much consumed my whole life lately," she laughed lightly. That was definitely one way of putting it. Manari looked her friend up and down skeptically.

"Uh-huh...by the way, you look different. Did you change something??"

Elise felt cold anxiety sting up her back, "What do you mean?"

"Uh your hair and eyes are different colors now...? That and, I can't put my finger on it but...you just seem really different." Manari blinked, looking more doubtful than before.

"Oh! Yes, that! Well I uh...you know it's my last year at Sacred Crown and it just felt like it was time for a change! Obviously, you agree!" Elise gestured to Manari's haircut, hoping to steer the focus away from herself.

It worked for a moment. Manari shyly laughed and played with a bit of her short black hair, "Yeah well it gets ridiculously hot in Silk City so I figured why not? Although your change feels...bigger. Did...did something happen over the summer??"

Elise exhaled in quiet relief when Jinnah suddenly called out to Manari in the opposite direction, "Yo Dorm Leader! You coming or what??"

"Ah yes," Manari laughed dryly, "That's right, I'm still the Dorm Leader. I guess I better get going. Hey, don't disappear on us again just because you're busy doing Senior stuff now ok? Reine's doing regular school and part-time royal studies off campus and she still makes time for us common folk you know?" Elise winched as her friend emphasized that last part with a sassy poke to her cheek before running off after her own dorm. 

Luna quietly snickered at the guilty pout on the princess' face as they continued towards the Cerulamare gate. Elise just pouted even harder in response, "Oh you hush."

"Yes Your Highness," Luna grinned sarcastically as they reached the well portal that led to their dorm. All of the gates were scattered around the campus' main building but they all worked the same. Like the mirrors of NRC, each Sacred Crown Dorm had a large well-like door the girls would step down into. Cerulamare's was covered in barnacles and stone-carved creatures like starfish and seahorses.

The already lively Cerulamare dorm greeted Luna and Elise on the other side along with the new decor. Part of Elise had believed that Cowrie was just teasing her about the changes to the dorm uniform and overall theme of the dorm but...Elise looked up at the newly furnished entryway and immediately knew that was not the case.

What used to be a marble atrium with carved scenery of the famous prince's ship at sea was now a  room that resembled the lower decks of a much less elegant ship, complete with enchantments that made the surrounding wood creak as if the vessel was truly moving. The double doors leading to the dorm lounge were dark wood with muted blue stained glass windows and above hung a carved mermaid like those on the front of old sailing ships. Music and excited voices boomed on the other side. Luna gave the princess an amused look, "Shall we?"

Elise's jaw dropped as soon as Luna opened the door for her. The lounge was full of Cerulamare girls dancing to music with a heavy electronic beat, all dressed in the newly tailored dorm uniforms in a large room that resembled the deck. The ceiling was covered in large swatches of hanging material that looked like the sails along the sides and blue flamed candle chandeliers hung in a row down the middle. The only thing Elise recognized was the large windows that showed the aquarium surrounding their dorm.

Cowrie seemed to keep the victorian naval theme that Elise had established in her time as Dorm Leader as a base for the uniforms but with a few obvious changes. Instead of white and navy, they were now black, unbuttoned waistcoats embellished with either copper, silver, bronze, or gold depending on the year or status the student wearing it was, standard aqua blue shirts with a darker blue vest that matched their bandanas and black trousers varying in length from shorts to full pants, once again depending on the student's year. The shoes seemed to be the style of boot each girl wanted to wear along with any jewelry. In the center of the lower floor/deck was multiple rings of the students loyal to Cowrie having the time of their lives while the other girls either retired to their rooms already or stayed in the corners of the large room.  "I like the new look, don't you?" Luna spoke over the loud music to the still shocked princess next to her, "I think it suits us." 

Elise stopped dead in her tracks before she could argue as she turned to a smug Luna. The siren's clothing had already shifted into her designated Senior Cerulamare uniform and she pulled it off flawlessly. It was similar to the Junior girls' with full-length pants, and knee-high boots. She didn't have an overcoat, however, and her aqua-blue blouse was off the shoulders with long puffed sleeves and fingerless gloves. She even had black and blue smokey eye makeup on that made her golden eyes and jewelry shimmer. 

"Wow, Luna...you look like you should be in a movie!" Elise laughed. The siren gave her a mischievous grin in return.

"I'd say the same for you," she said as she pulled out her phone, "Smile~"

Elise did her best to at the last second only to let out an embarrassed squeak when Luna showed her the picture. She was wearing the same outfit and only seeing it on herself did she realize just how fitted a lot of it was! Her face burned bright pink as she glared around the room for Cowrie demanding an explanation. A sudden spotlight coming from the back of the lounge told her that she wouldn't have to look much further. In front of the aquarium glass sat a platform where the helm of a ship should be. Instead, there was a large, worn chair that bore the signature skull and crossbones emblem on the back of it. Seated in it was Dorm Leader Cowrie Cerith in full prefect regalia. 

She wore a white victorian captain's shirt with a black neck ribbon and gold seashell brooch, a black and gold vest, black shorts, aqua fishnet stockings and black leather ankle boots to match her leather gloves. On top of all that, Cowrie wore a long, blue waistcoat over her shoulders in the same fashion Azul wore his Octavinelle coat. If all that wasn't extra enough, the cherry on top was her black and gold captain's hat, fully feathered with a big blue and teal plume. All this just told Elise what she already knew: when Cowrie Cerith set her mind to it, it became reality.

The small, proud eelmaid stood up and addressed the room with a big grin as the music softened, "Oi, oi, OI! Welcome to Cerulamare, ladies!"

The girls that had been dancing moments before all cheered with boundless enthusiasm as if Cowrie were about to lead them into battle. Luna looked on with even more sisterly pride, "It will indeed be a most interesting year..." 

-

"Awww come on, it was fuuun, Ellie!"

Cowrie's coat, hat, and boots laid thrown about the large prefect room she inherited from Elise. The princess couldn't really be that upset as Cowrie laughed and bounced onto the large comfy bed. Elise soon followed after her once her shoes, bandana, and earrings were off. The princess flopped into the bed between the two sisters with a sigh, "You made quite the impression already, I'm sure."

The younger Cerith sister pouted as she rolled on her side to look at the tired princess directly, "So can I trust you not to worry about me and the dorm while you're gone?"

"I think a better question is can we trust you not to get yourself and half the dorm kicked out of school," Luna typed away on her phone with a sarcastic grin. Cowrie just stuck her tongue out at her sister before tossing a pillow at her, "I'm being serious! Stop flirting with Floy Floy and pay attention!" 

Luna giggled and put her phone away before mirroring Cowrie by rolling on her side, "My little sister in all of her new prefect wisdom does have a fair point, Elise...besides, we need to focus on what comes next, don't we?" 

Elise felt an anxious twist in her gut, "Yes, I suppose..."

Cowrie tilted her gaze towards the lost look on her now-octopus friend's face, "Annnd what is that exactly, Ellie?"

There was a heavy pause in the air as the siren sisters waited for her answer. They already knew about their friend's unsteady resolve. Hopefully, something had changed.  "Well...Luna and I are going to Octavinelle tomorrow night. I gave Azul the dagger so I know it's safe."

"Uh huh....and?" Cowrie was never a patient one.

"And...in a month from now...we'll all come back to Sacred Crown as 'visitors'. The campus will be open to Night Raven College and Royal Sword. So Rielle is bound to be there too," Elise sounded like she was trying to convince herself of this plan. That or like she was doing a poor job reading a script, "And then before the full moon, I will talk to Rielle. About everything. And everything will be settled and I...will go home...back to normal."

Luna and Cowrie shared a look of silent concern before looking down at Elise in her current state. 

"Everything will be fine, just as it should be," she said matter of factly....with tears welling up in her eyes that stared straight at the ceiling and a pillow tightly hugged in her arms.

"Is that really what you want, Elise?" Luna's voice was soft and careful like a mother's lullaby aimed to soothe her friend. 

A lump formed in Elise's throat, "I...I don't know. But what choice do I have? It's...it's where I belong, right? And Rielle deserves his life back."

"Ya want me to answer honestly?" Cowrie sighed, "I don't buy that for a second. Neither does Luna."

Luna narrowed her eyes in an irritated fashion towards her blunt sister but made no sound to disagree with or interrupt her. 

"You make an awesome mermaid, Ellie. Not just any mermaid either - you're a  fearless octopus! Just like the sea witch!" Cowrie's baby blue grew wide with either excitement or desperation, Elise couldn't really tell, "You came to my rescue and did that cool camouflage thingy AND punched a shark merman in the face!"

"It's like you were born for it..."

Elise turned to Luna and saw the soft smile on her face. It didn't reach the siren's eyes, however, "With that said, this is your life, Elise. You do have a choice...one that is not mine or Cowrie's to make for you. No matter what you choose, Cowrie and I will always come to you in your time of need. Right, Cowrie?"

The younger Cerith frowned, sadness at the thought of permanent separation sinking in, "Yeah...we'll always look out for our Ellie." 

Elise appreciated the two sisters more than she could ever say. It was that affection and some other feelings rising to the surface that made this all the more difficult.

-

Luna got up to dim the lights an hour or so after Cowrie finally convinced her and Elise to stay in her room that night but stopped when she heard a clicking noise. The princess had fallen asleep first right where she lay in the middle of the plush bed and there Cowrie was, taking pictures of her, without a hint of remorse. 

"Cowrie, what are you doing?" Luna whispered, "Elise wouldn't want these pictures being taken of her." 

"They're not for Ellie, Lu-Lu-naaa~" she giggled quietly as she began texting away on her phone. 

Luna knew exactly where her baby sister's head was but only sighed playfully, "My, my, you devilish little cupid. You just love to make things more complicated don't you?" 

Cowrie's grin couldn't be more devious, "Hey, you know it. I know it. Pretty sure Jay Jay and Floy Floy know it too. Buuuut the octopi need a lil' push~ and besides...this might help Ellie decide, right??"

Luna hummed before dimming the lights, "Perhaps."

-

Azul shut and locked his bedroom door with more force than usual. After what felt like hours of teasing from his own eel cohorts, he was finally allowed some privacy in his own damn room. He threw his phone onto the bed and started to change into his pajamas, grumbling the whole time with a still heated face. Just when he got comfortable under the cool covers of his bed did he hear a chime come from his now lit-up phone. 

"What now?!" Azul groaned, "I swear they're relentless-"

He halted when he saw it was a message from Cowrie with several pictures attached. Once Azul opened said message, he nearly dropped his phone. There were no words, just candid picture after picture of Elise. Elise talking with Luna during what he imagined was their opening ceremony judging from the cloaks they were wearing. Elise inside the Cerulamare dorm, dressed in a very flattering outfit, talking and laughing with those around her. A selfie with her, Luna, and Cowrie all in their Cerulamare uniforms. And the coup de grâce: pictures from multiple, good angles of Elise asleep in the same flattering uniform. Her deep blue-black hair belled all around her, cascading down her exposed shoulders and back. Her sleeping face was that of a pink-lipped, long-lashed goddess. Not to mention how beautiful her figure was in those clothes. The visual ambush ended with an emoji of a face holding a finger to its mouth in a hushing motion and the words "Goodnight, Azuzu~"

Azul's face burst into an intense flush as he threw his phone in his nightstand at record speed. Thank any and all oceanic gods that Jade and Floyd had not been around when Cowrie sent that message! Those eel sisters were just as bad as their mates! Besides those pictures were meant just for him so he'd be damned if he let those demon twins even sneak a peek-

The heated octopus sat straight up and hissed in frustration, "STOP. STOP THINKING ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW." 

The rest of Azul's night was split between thinking how on earth he was going to face her tomorrow night and trying to suffocate his face just enough that he would pass out. Or at least muffle the embarrassed groans that flowed freely from his mouth. 

-

"We'll see you again soon. Now come on, get ready for class." 

Cowrie yawned and finished putting on her classroom uniform after giving her sister and Elise a sleepy hug. The two older girls were already up and ready to start their day, which began with getting the sleepyhead prefect up and going. Elise was already huffing and puffing like a mother hen trying to comb Cowrie's ragdoll wild hair.

"You're the Dorm Leader now! If you look and act like a slob, what kind of example are you setting for the others?!" 

"Ok Moooom..." the younger eel moaned like a kitten trying to get out of grooming.

"And remember, everything is normal. Nothing weird is going on, ok?"

Cowrie rolled her eyes, "Sure. Normal...."

-

"Floyd, it's time to get up." 

Floyd Leech groaned something intelligible and burrowed deeper into his blankets, ignoring Jade's attempt to get him moving. The other Leech brother was already dressed, groomed, and disappointed but not surprised as he stood over his brother's bed, "Honestly Floyd, come now. It's the first day of classes..." 

"IIIII doooooooonnnnnttt waaaaaannnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......" came a muffled whine from the mountain of pillows Floyd had buried himself under, "I wanna stay here...for Lunaaaa..." 

Jade had done a pretty good job until now hiding the bitter envy he had felt brewing in his gut. Luna would be there, hidden away from the rest of the dorm for a whole month, meaning his brother would have ample opportunity to be all comfy with his mate. And cause more headaches for Azul and himself with his mood swings, no doubt. Meanwhile Jade would have to wait until he could see his Cowrie again...perhaps this was payback for having his stolen time with love first. That, however, didn't stop Jade from stooping low enough to do what he did next. 

"Good morning, Floyd honey~"

Floyd's teal bedhead popped to the surface like a spring daisy seconds after hearing Luna's sweet voice. The stars in his eyes quickly faded when he realized that Luna was not magically there but that Jade had called and put her on speaker phone to lure Floyd out of bed. The grumpy twin growled at Jade's smug smile. 

"Lunaaaaa...Jade's using you against me..." Floyd whined. 

"Floyd, my love," the siren cooed from the other side of the call, "I know you're so tired, honey. But if you're a good boy and go to classes like you're supposed to, I'll spend some extra special time just with you tonight, ok? As long as you want~" 

It worked even better than Jade could have imagined. He had to hold a hand to his mouth as Floyd flailed out of bed and scrambled over to his closet like an eel on a mission.

"Thank you, Luna," Jade said into his phone with a satisfied smile.

"Of course, brother dearest. Have a nice day you two~" 

Down the hall, Azul was dressed, cologned, and groomed to perfection per usual...but he had never felt less ready to face the outside world in his life. He glared at his reflection in the full-length mirror with downright militant steel, "Listen here, Azul Ashengrotto. You have worked too hard and too long on perfecting your reputation to let it all go to rot over a beautiful girl! So get it together!" 

The pictures that Cowrie had sent him last night only made this ridiculous crush of his worse. SO much worse! Yes, he absolutely saved said pictures to his phone but that would go with him to his grave! Azul grasped his head as if a terrible migraine hit him like a bullet train. But no, it was just the memory of Elise's candid smiles and beauty haunting him all over again. 

"Ugh, why did I ever think getting involved with princesses and that stupid Rielle was a good idea?" he muttered to himself. This girl would surely be his end, one way or another. Speaking of which...'end'. Azul raised his gaze back to the mirror and tried his best to regain his resolve.

"You are here to assist her and fix what you fucked up, nothing more. Nothing!" 

....Unless? Perhaps she wanted more from him? Azul snorted at his own brain for bringing up such an impossible notion. In what world would someone like Elise Coralette choose much less want to stay with a guy like him? On the surface, Azul Ashengrotto made himself out to be clever, stylish, industrious, powerful even - clearly someone of good taste all around! And yet no matter how far he tried to run from his past, it was moments like this, just him and his reflection, where all he saw was that same sad, chubby little octopus hiding away from the world in his pot. No, he could build an empire's worth of shiny reputations and she would still be beyond his reach. It left a bitter sting in his guts and made him hiss, "The sooner Elise is back home and back to her own life, the sooner I can keep moving forward and..."

Azul's mind suddenly flashed back to that moment before the princess regained her voice, a moment of kindness: "I want to see the real you..."

The Octavinelle prefect nearly jumped out of his own skin at the loud banging that threatened to break down his door. Any ease the memory may have brought was swiftly dashed.

"Azuuuul~ Let's goooo already!" Floyd didn't sound any less moody or tired. Nor did he look it when Azul threw open the door.

"Would it kill you to knock lightly like a regular person?" he spat sharply, but the twins looked past their friend's irritation with laser precision.

"Ehh? Azul...you seem really flustered, ya know?" Floyd's grin slowly spread across his face as his brother chuckled, "You ok??"

Nope, absolutely not. Azul had no time nor patience to deal with these shenanigans today. The octopus gave a vague and curt response before shuffling past the twins and speed walking down the hallway towards the dorm mirror. The twins laughed mirthfully as they followed behind at a more casual pace. Jade glanced at his phone, his smile widening as he re-read his beloved's message sent just for him. It made Jade smile and ache for her company even more. His precious little pearl. He sent a flirtatious reply while Floyd wasn't looking and continued after Azul and his brother as if it never happened. 

-

Cowrie felt like she was stuck in limbo as she passed through each boring class, barely listening but still managing to get through any lab work required. The one thing that did make her happy was that she was at least in the same class as both Reine and Manari. The two veteran dorm leaders welcomed her to Class 3-B with open arms as she entered the room. At Sacred Crown Hall, it was a tradition for any new dorm prefects to have a 'big sister' help them in the very beginning. Reine handpicked Cowrie herself which made Cowrie very glad but also put an even bigger target on her back...

On NRC's campus, Floyd wasn't fairing much better but was determined to keep his word and go to all his classes like Luna asked him to...that and he knew the second he tried to dip, Azul or Jade would tattle on him. At that moment, Azul was entering the first alchemy lesson of his junior year, and his partner of the day? The one and only Riddle Rosehearts. 

The Heartslabyul king's growth spurt didn't go unnoticed by the normally shrewd octopus but then again, neither did Azul's unusually distracted state.

"Azul why did you pass me a vial that's clearly...empty? I asked for that one right there," Riddle was giving him a look that was both confused and mildly put out. 

Azul tried to play it off like it was just a simple mistake but if there was anything about Azul Ashengrotto that Riddle knew for sure, it was that he didn't just make 'simple mistakes'. Riddle saw the Octavinelle Prefect as someone on the same level of wit and magical prowess on a normal day. He'd even go so far as to call him his rival...again on a normal day. Whatever kind of day today was, Riddle wasn't sure what he was looking at. 

First of all, Riddle took charge of the assignment right out the gate and Azul didn't even bother to argue. Very strange. Second of all, any verbal response that came from the aquatic dorm leader was lacking his usual confidence and polish. Riddle was better off conversing with one of the dorm flamingos!

"Azul," Riddle said with a bit more force, "Are you even trying to pay attention?"

This struck a nerve. Azul narrowed his eyes at his classmate and shoved the next ingredient into his hands, "Apologies, Your Not-Yet-Majesty. I'm afraid my very busy summer has left me a bit foggy." 

"That's odd, even for you," Riddle snorted, "You've been firing on all cylinders the moment classes began for as long as I've known you," Riddle paused to stir in the brightly colored liquid into the cauldron between them before giving his partner a curious look, "So what's got you so rattled-"

A whip-crack made the two boys and half the room tense up, "I'm hearing far too much barking from you pups!" Devius Crewel scorned the boys as he walked about checking their progress.  Riddle and Azul quickly resumed their work, looking doubly focused. 

"It's nothing," Azul whispered, "Just something unexpected happened that changed a lot of things. It's...it's nothing. A bit of seasonal madness. Probably from the summer heat." 

Riddle blinked, then watched Azul from the other side of the cauldron before something in the other junior's body language and far-off eyes clicked in the Heartslabyul prefect's mind, "...Ahh. I see."

Azul raised his eyes to Riddle only to be met with a knowing look, "You see what exactly??" 

The redhead waited until the professor was a bit further away before he grinned and whispered, "You, Azul. You look and sound a lot like I used to before." 

Azul could smell entrapment a mile away in most cases but in this one, his curiosity burned far too much, "Before...?"

Riddle's smile and eyes softened as he continued the assignment, "Before I realized just how much I loved Reine. Or as you like to call it 'seasonal madness'." 

Azul's whole body stiffened as if Riddle had shot him with lightning before he tried to laugh off the implication, "O-Oh?? Well, that's very romantic and all but I-" 

Riddle hiked up a skeptical brow as he stared him down, daring the flustered boy to finish that thought. Instead, Azul just cleared his throat and shoved his face into their shared notes to finish making notations. 

Riddle continued to stir the concoction with a smug grin, "So what's her name, Ashengrotto?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he fired back cooly.

"If you insist...you might want to turn the notebook right side up though."

-

Back at the Cerulamare dorm, Elise and Luna were hiding out in Cowrie's private room. They agreed to wait until the boys were available to meet them in the grotto that evening. If any of the other Octavinelle boys saw the girls sneaking about, they'd all have a lot more issues to deal with. Luna already had her hands full at that moment. The siren continued to lounge comfortably on her sister's bed without even a hint of worry. Though she did feel like she was watching a crab skitter about as Elise paced about the room. 

"Something is wrong. What is it?"

The princess had a delayed reaction that left her with a deer in the headlights expression, "What?"

Luna couldn't help but laugh to herself a bit, "Elise. How long have we known each other? You may have your human friends fooled with your trained 'royal charm' routine that you've put on since middle school...but I know when you're about to have a meltdown and this is it."

Elise couldn't deny it even if she wanted to. Luna had a knowing, feline-like gaze that pinned her to the spot. When Elise hesitated, Luna sat up and patted the spot next to her. The princess flopped down face first with a long, heavy sigh. 

"Did our conversation last night upset you?" the siren frowned.

"No no, it's not that so much as...I...I'm conflicted, Luna. Not just about changing back into a human..." Elise's words trailed off as she began to fiddle with her fingers. This was a nervous trait that she never showed anyone aside from the Cerith sisters. 

"Something else?" Luna coaxed. When Elise didn't answer right away, a sly grin spread across her lips, "Or is it someone else?"

The signs and symptoms would've been clear as day to a normal person. For a siren? Luna could write the whole damn book herself! The pink warmth lighting up the tips of Elise's ears said it all. Luna giggled as her best friend groaned into the blankets beneath her as she hid her guilty face. 

"Luna, pleeeaaassse!" her muffled cries of embarrassment only amused the siren more, "I can't talk about this right now, I'll DIE!"

Luna rolled her eyes playfully, "Ahhh there she is. Our drama queen, lovestruck once again." 

"This is serious!" Elise's grumpy pink face suddenly surfaced making Luna snort, "This time is...ugh, it's so complicated!" 

"Is it really? More serious, more complex, than the deep will-they-won't-they romance you and Prince Rielle allegedly shared for years...?" Luna's tone and lifted eyebrow were full of skeptical judgment.

Elise just pouted in bitter defeat, "Ok yeah I deserve that...and yes it IS because with everything that has happened and will happen probably in the near future, I'm not sure what to do." 

Luna softened upon hearing Elise's genuine honesty, "Ah...the heart is a very tricky thing. One minute you feel completely in control, invincible even, and then the next, you feel so dizzy you barely know your own name." 

Luna sounded oddly dreamy as she spoke. Elise smiled and turned to face her, "So...that's what the twins did to you and Cowrie, huh?" 

It was the siren's turn to feel bashful as she laughed light-heartedly, "Not at first. But eventually, yes. Floyd and I were just playing a game with each other, having a bit of fun here and there whenever we got the chance but...before I knew it, he was attached. So was I. And not even the threat of my stepfather's wrath could keep him from coming after me. He's a reckless one for sure. It makes me wonder what our children will be like." 

Somehow the topic of children caught Elise off guard, "You two have already talked about that??" This made Luna laugh even more.

"Of course. It's like Cowrie said before, mating amongst mermaids is a very serious thing. The only reason I acted so noncommital in the past was because of role as a siren. It was more of a work-study or transaction if anything. But now that I have my darling Floyd...well, everything is different," Luna paused at the bewildered look on Elise's face, "I forget that you were originally a human. Courtship on land works on a very different time frame in most cases, doesn't it? And it's not always for the long run."

Elise honestly couldn't talk from personal experience. She had pretty much dodged any and all serious attempts of dating or courtship thrown her way for a few reasons. 

"Think of it this way," Luna continued, "Floyd and I are a lot like Riddle and Reine, give or take a few details. We've vowed ourselves to each other for the rest of our lives. It's not a casual dating sort of thing like many humans do with each other for an allotted time. Like Riddle and Reine, we're not officially 'married' but it is something definite in our future. So naturally, Floyd honey and I have talked about being together officially after we graduate which will lead to having a family of our own. Though they are a step or two behind, eventually Cowrie and Jade will be the same way. Maybe even sooner, Cowrie was much faster to open her heart to dear Jade. And they are the future Don and Madam Leech after all," Luna smiled as she remembered just how smitten her baby sister was and how fast it all happened.

Elise suddenly remembered the conversation Luna had with Manari about taking Floyd's name after graduation and how sure and happy Luna seemed about the whole thing. In fact, she had never seen the siren look more openly content since they were kids. 

"You both seem so ready and confident," Elise sighed as she stared up at the ceiling, "I thought I was 'in love' with Rielle for so long and now that I know I'm not...I'm not even sure if this new one is another vapid crush or the real thing."

"Say his name." 

Elise's gaze snapped back to Luna who was grinning with a sparkle in her eyes, "Rielle??"

"No, no. The new handsome fellow that has you so 'conflicted'. Say his name with a straight face." As if Luna didn't already have her very accurate suspicions. Elise could see it in her eyes.

"That doesn't prove anything!" Elise was on thin ice and knew very well that she was just trying to buy herself more time. Luna was too clever to be fooled.

"Oh no? You pined for sweet Rielle for years and yet now you can say his name like it was just another word in a dictionary. Why do you think Cowrie calls Jade 'Jay Jay'? The poor dear can barely keep it together if you ask her to call him by his full name properly," Luna giggled, "You didn't hear that from me, of course." 

There was no escape. Elise knew she was done for. Luna looked ready to wait until the end of days if need be just to get the princess to be fully honest at long last. Elise hopped up from the bed and gave her siren friend a fiery look of determination.

"Ok fine. BUT you heard nothing, got it? This does NOT leave this room. EVER."

Luna just grinned and silently made a cross over her heart. Elise took a deep breath and opened her mouth...but nothing came out. If anything her face grew even more pink.

"Take your time," Luna attempted to encourage her.

This only led to about five more minutes of Elise pacing back and forth while muttering unintelligible hysterics to herself. Luna proved to be just as patient as Elise thought. 

"Ok," Elise stopped and faced Luna, "Ok....A....Aaaaa...." Why was this so hard?! She took a breath and tried again, "A....A-Azul...A-A-Ashengrotto..." 

Click. Elise's stomach dropped as she realized Luna had just taken her picture, "Luna I swear to-" 

The princess froze as Luna turned the phone around to show her a picture of her own very pink, very giddy face. Oh...she was in trouble.

Elise covered her face once again and groaned, "Oh great Triton's BEARD..." 

She had never heard Luna laugh so hard in her life but even so, Elise kept her embarrassed face hidden. After the laughter died down, she felt Luna's arms envelop her.

"See? What did I tell you?" the siren still had a bit of mirth in her voice but it was gentle nonetheless, "Didn't I say you deserved a mate that was more your speed, my lil octopus? Seems you have good taste after all." 

Elise hugged Luna tightly while still hiding her face, "Luna, stop teasing meee....how am I going to face him now?!"

"Ara ara~ So dramatic..." Luna sighed and patted the princess on the head, "Reminds me of dear Reine that night in the Mostro Lounge. Though she and Riddle-kun were much further along than you and Azul-kun, surprisingly enough."

Elise felt a flutter in her gut as Luna compared her and Azul to an actual couple that was already committed to a future together. It also made a few gears begin to turn. Was there a chance...?

"Luna," Elise's voice was strangely timid and soft, "What should I do?"

"If you're asking me..." Luna pondered for a beat as she began to tenderly stroke the worried girl's hair, "I'd say do as much as you can to not have any regrets in the time you have left." 

-

The setting sun made Cowrie's empty room look even more lonely somehow. She silently entered and locked the door behind her before dropping her book bag by the desk and flopping back down on the spacious bed. She knew any minute now her Vice Prefect would be knocking on her door for whatever reason but for now, Cowrie Cerith just wanted to deal with the impending sadness her empty room had in spades. 

She pulled her phone from her skirt pocket and read through the messages she and Jade had exchanged throughout the day. Then the couple of messages from Reine and Manari. Then Alyssa. As she was reading the last message, a notification for a new message from Luna popped up. The message was short and sweet but still made Cowrie bolt up with an excited gasp.

"I think it's going to happen soon." 

-

Floyd was practically beating down the door that led to the dorm's landing port as soon he, his brother, and Azul finished closing down Mostro Lounge for the night. As far as he knew, Luna had been waiting for him for hours and he refused to keep her waiting for a second longer!

"Calm down, Floyd!" Azul hissed at him quietly as he pushed the impatient eel aside to open the door, "Do you want to wake the entire dorm?!" 

Jade clapped a hand over Floyd's mouth as he began to whine loudly, "Just a tiny bit longer, Floyd. Be patient." 

The moody eel's patience lasted just long enough to let Azul open and shut the door behind them. Jade and Azul barely turned around when they heard Floyd splash into the water below and take off to the grotto like a shot. Jade couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's enthusiasm as Azul followed after him. The second Leech brother returned to the hallway to make sure the rest of their students stayed put for the night.

"Lunaaaa!" 

Azul rolled his eyes as he could hear Floyd long before he entered the grotto. The siren giggled sweetly as her lover wrapped his long tail around hers like a giddy snake and continued to plant kisses all over her face and neck, "I missed you too, Floyd honey. But settle down, love, or do you want everyone to know we're here?"

He merely thumped the end of his tail against the ground as he kissed her lips in response. Azul looked around the grotto for Elise but felt a sting of worry when she was nowhere to be found. 

"Azul-kun..." Luna caught his attention as she wrapped her arms around her puppy-like beau, "She's in the seaweed forest just over the ridge. Go check on her, won't you?"

The coy sparkle in Luna's molten eyes sent a shiver up Azul's spine. That and the notion of alone time with the princess after stewing in his own hormonal brain juice all day. Still, he managed a nod and left the grotto to the lovey-dovey pair. 

The water over by the seaweed forest was one of the more dark areas but then again, that's what made it ideal for privacy. Azul silently tried to keep his nerves in check as he swam through the long tendrils of foliage but they all came to a head once he caught Elise's sweet scent. The tiny bit of light that did find its way here caught the deep blue of her soft hair and the ethereal sheen of her black and blue tentacles. Her back was to him but Azul still felt the tension in his body just from being this close to her. He cleared his throat the best he could, "E..Elise?"

Her bright turquoise eyes nearly ended him right on the spot. If that didn't do it, her shy smile almost did.

"Hi, Azul...c-can we talk?"

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #ao3 writer #sacred crown chronicles #twst oc x canon #ao3 fanfic #octavinelle #cerula #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #twst oc #elise coralette #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #under the sea mafia #more eel mermaids

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 12

Inky's Links: AO3 : Masterlist : 3rd Story Poll (20ish hours left)

Chapter 12: Blood in the Water

Indigo had always been a fast swimmer but as the waters grew darker and colder, he took his time getting back to the Leech territory. His stoic ice-blue eyes stayed focused on what was in front of him as his long, winding tail propelled him forward past schools of fish and over changing scenes of territory beneath him. He was tired but still on edge, a habit he could never quite kick even now that he knew his sisters and their friend were safe. He kept his promise to Junonia and made sure her daughters were taken care of. That brought peace to Indigo's restless mind more than anything. The tense alertness that had kept him alive up until that point grew as he saw the glow of the central square peek over the horizon. 

It was lively as usual as if all the madness of the past twenty-four hours never happened. Indigo received a few odd looks as he joined the crowds but paid the paranoid onlookers no mind. He was too busy carefully looking over his shoulder for someone else. However, another familiar face caught his attention as he passed by the Leviathan Club. Indigo felt obligated to at least stop for a moment.

Mama Ashengrotto was in full form as the former Muraeni son entered her establishment. She looked his way with a curious smile, "Well now, I haven't seen you in a minute, young man. And alone?"

Indigo relaxed a fraction in the cecaelia woman's warm presence, "I just wanted to let you know that my sisters and the princess had returned to the surface safely. Your boys too." 

The motherly octopus smiled gratefully, "Thank you for keeping an eye on them. They can be quite a handful. It's no wonder you look so tired," she chuckled, "Come in, come in, have a seat and have a house special on me, dear...but do remind me what you go by again?" 

Indigo knew better than refuse her generous offer and followed Mama Ashengrotto to a table of her choosing as he answered as if it had always been his name, "Indigo Cerith." 

The woman smiled knowingly, "Ah yes, that's right. Here you are, Mr. Cerith. I'm actually glad you're here. Some of my girls were wondering when you'd come by again."

A sly grin adorned the hostess' face as both she and Indigo noticed just how excited some of the waitresses looked when they saw him sit down. He just cleared his throat and failed to hide the small flush on his face. This was probably the one and only leisurely visit he had made to the restaurant but clearly, his absences didn't go unnoticed.

-

  Indigo was heading towards the hub when he noticed a small group of Don Leech's men started to flock around him as if he were leading a pack.

"Indigo, sir," the biggest eel quietly addressed him, "We received a tip-off about one of your brothers while you were away. The source was a bit iffy but..."

Indigo was still getting used to Don Leech's men calling him 'sir' but apparently becoming the Don's protege warranted it without question. Indigo swam among them, listening in silence. He had his suspicions that something like this would happen. Don Leech seemed to be on the same page.

"We haven't seen any intruders on the property since you left, sir. The boss insisted we give you some backup on your way home just in case."

"Appreciate it, thank you. If I know my brothers, it's Ventuno," Indigo kept his voice low and even in spite of his brow furrowing, "I don't know where he is but I can still feel him lurking about somewhere...don't look too concerned. Let's just head back as usual. I have an idea." 

The group entered the hub and headed straight for their home turf.  The pair of eyes watching them from inside the dark tunnels went unnoticed. While he certainly wasn't the most clever Muraeni son, Ventuno did have enough skill and smarts to know when and how to hide his scent. So when his younger brother led him right to the proper exit, it was only a matter of time before he could and would pounce. He was nothing if not persistent when he had a goal in mind.

Indigo reported directly to Don Leech as the men who guarded him dispursed back to either watching the grounds or going to patrol the surrounding territory. There was too much activity surrounding the mansion right now as the waters grew dark with the coming night. Ventuno found a suitable hiding spot, buried in the sand among the rocks just outside the tunnels. He slowly and quietly began to dig deeper into the sand whenever the coast was clear, inching closer and closer to the barrier surrounding the Leech Family home. Once he finally reached the wall itself after some time, an array of familiar scents guided him along the edge until an opening on the backside revealed itself.  Luna's scent...those twins...even Cowrie's scent...though a little old, all of them wafted from the garden just on the other side like a beacon. A dark chuckle hummed in his throat as Ventuno quietly slipped inside like a snake on the prowl. The brightly colored clusters of coral provided enough cover for Ventuno to hide for what felt like hours. He grew impatient as the night grew deeper and more strangers came and went from the grounds. His brother was never among them. 

"What's all this commotion about?"

Ventuno couldn't see her face but a woman swam close enough to his hiding spot that he saw her teal tail swish through the water. He peered through the gaps between the coral branches to get a better look at her. Madam Leech was being informed of the current situation by one of Don Leech's men as he followed her into the garden. She seemed unconcerned as she tended to another cluster of coral, her back to Ventuno. The other eel was called away and told the mistress of the house that he would return shortly. She thanked him for keeping her in the loop and continued to tend to her garden. 

She was beautiful, elegant, not to mention youthful. The way she carried herself and wore black pearls along her neck, this woman was clearly the Don's wife. Ventuno internally scoffed at Don Leech's luck in bagging such a stunning mate. Even Ventuno knew how stupid it'd be to attack another boss' wife, but she was the only one standing between him and the door to sneak inside. She was alone with her guard down...surely, she'd be an easy target to quickly subdue without much harm done. The woman's back remained turned as Ventuno slithered out from his hiding spot with staggering speed. He wasted no time trapping Madam Leech. 

Madam Leech's shriek was cut off as Ventuno's large tail tightly ensnared her body and clamped over her mouth. Her yellow eyes shot the Muraeni son a venomous glare as she struggled to free herself. A smug, razor-sharp smile just spread on the roman eel's face.

"It's a good thing you're so beautiful, Mrs. Leech. I don't really like roughing up beautiful ladies. But I'll promise you this: if you keep quiet and let me do what I came here to do, then I won't break your pretty neck. You're going to tell me where Seven is and you're going to do it quietly, hmm? If not...then even your beauty can't save you."

Ventuno hissed as the woman bit into his tail, allowing her seconds to free herself. She almost made it to the door until the Muraeni son tackled her to the ground, trying to muffle her screaming once again, "Breaking your neck it is then!" 

In a matter of seconds, Ventuno made two very big mistakes: first, he assumed that Madam Leech was defenseless, and second, he assumed she was alone just because the rest of the garden looked empty. Madam Leech quickly whipped and swept her tail along the sand behind them to reveal a familiar spotted figure had been hiding in the sand as well. Ventuno couldn't even think fast enough to dodge Indigo as he wrapped his arms around his brother's neck and flipped him onto the ground, away from the startled mistress. 

No questions were asked. Ventuno couldn't utter a word before his brother sliced his face and chest with his claws, all while a raw intensity was frozen in his pale blue eyes. Ventuno's instincts finally kicked in as his sharp teeth dug into Indigo's arm. No words were exchanged between the brothers as they tore into each other in a miniature storm of blood and sand. 

Madam Leech was quickly embraced in her mate's arms seconds after he arrived on the scene and wrapped himself protectively around her. The Don look directly into her eyes, ignoring the brawl happening right before him, "Are you alright, love? Did he hurt you?"

She shook her head with a soft smile, "No darling, I'm fine. It was just as Indigo predicted." 

Ventuno's bloody body was roughly pinned to the ground by his furious brother right as those words reached his ears. Just as Indigo predicted...a wet cough escaped his mouth followed by a bitter laugh. Ventuno laughed right in his brother's glaring face.

" 'Indigo'...? Who the hell do you think you are?" he coughed again, "You take on your fake name and run away with Luna to our enemy's doorstep, thinking you can just have some other life free of any consequences?!" Ventuno spat out those words like they were poison. 

Indigo's icy eyes narrowed dangerously, "If you feel like talking so much, tell me why you're here. I know Dad didn't send you. He's smarter than that. My guess is that he's taking away your status as his heir and you blame me, right?" 

The wounded eel snarled and tried to snap his teeth at Indigo, only to have his throat nearly crushed as his head was shoved deeper into the sand, "Of course, it's YOUR fault!! You ruined EVERYTHING and for what?! To suck up to these Leech bastards?! The future of the Muraeni clan belonged to ME damn it! So why the hell does he want you back?!"

Ah...so that was it. Indigo's angry expression melted back into its usual stoic tone though it was colored with something that pissed his brother off even more: pity. His parting words, however, weren't so kind. 

"I don't know what you thought coming after me would accomplish, Ventuno. Whatever it was, I hope it was worth the cost...not only did you invade another Don's home, you attacked his mate," Indigo's eyes lifted as a large shadow suddenly passed over the two hunched brothers. Any fight the Muraeni son had left in him vanished as soon as he saw the cold rage in Don Leech's eyes. 

"Step aside, Indigo..." his voice was low and vibrating with a snarl.

"Yes sir," Indigo released his grip on his brother and swam away from him without another word of parting or sympathy. The last sound he heard before guiding Madam Leech safely inside was the cracking of his brother's ribs as Don Leech slammed his tail down on his chest. The Don called his men to his side and ordered them to take Ventuno outside the wall and behind the mansion, "I'm not done with you yet, boy, I just don't want to tarnish my beloved's garden any further with your blood..."

Ventuno could hardly move much less breathe but that didn't stop him from giving one last argument, "I-If you kill m-me...my father...h-he'll start a war! I'm...I'm still his son!"

Don Leech didn't even bother scoffing. He followed his men to the outside dune where no one would see what was about to happen. He stared down at the beaten Muraeni with steeled malice as he was thrown down before the furious boss, "You should have thought of that before you touched my wife..."

-

Indigo wasn't nearly as battered as his brother but that didn't mean he left the fight unscathed. Inside, Madam Leech was tenderly cleaning the gashes Ventuno left on his arms, shoulders, and tail. The mother hadn't known Indigo for very long but also felt some maternal affection towards him even before he rescued her. 

"I'm sorry..." he suddenly muttered, "I didn't mean to put you in harm's way like that, Madam Leech, but Ventuno acted just how I thought he would." 

The mother just tutted as if her life being threatened was nothing unusual, "Hush. A proper wife to a household such as this cannot let herself be phased by these events. Besides, you predicted your brother's actions before he even arrived. You also factored in that he'd be too distracted by my being there to notice you hiding in the sand, " she smiled proudly, "I was right to put my life in your clever hands. I can see why my darling has faith in you." 

Indigo had a distant look in his eyes that made the mistress frown, "Indigo...I know you were born and raised in the worst this sort of life has to offer. Even so, this cannot be easy for you..." 

If he felt any remorse, he didn't show it. Instead, Indigo merely shook his head and spoke with resolve, "My brother sealed his own fate. I don't regret protecting myself and you, Madam. I doubt the Don would have me act any other way." 

"You acted as any good son of the Leech house would in this situation," Madam Leech placed a motherly kiss on Indigo's head before binding up his wounded tail, "I'm glad to hear you have no regrets. My husband will take care of everything. In the meantime...you need to rest."

"Yes ma'am," he sighed.

A soft smile rested on Madam Leech's lips, "Besides, now that you are here and a part of this household, I must do my part in ensuring you have a far better life. I like to make sure all of my boys, biological or otherwise, have the very best chance at happiness. After you heal, I have a niece I'd like you to meet. She's an absolute gem." 

He was beginning to wonder if he had some giant target on his back that alerted every mother in the area that he was an eligible bachelor. It wasn't something he was allowed to pursue in earnest while he was still at his birth home, however...well Indigo could already tell that Madam Leech was not a woman to be told no. Though he was exhausted, the thought of courtship made a bundle of nerves flair up in his gut.

"...Y-Yes, ma'am."

-

By the next afternoon, the news of Ventuno Muraeni's death had spread over both territories if not even further. The remaining sons of Don Muraeni silently waited in the dining hall. Their plates were full but none of the three sons moved to take a bite. Their father's shouts could be heard echoing down the hall paired with the crashing noise of broken furniture and who knows what else. Proteus stood patiently just inside the office door as his boss processed the news.

Another crash sounded as Don Muraeni's tail scattered the contents on the shelf to his right. He was absolutely fuming. For all the attempts he had made at making a suitable heir, the offspring that stayed loyal to him were a pack of idiots! 

"Stubborn...wreckless...absolute fool!" Don Muraeni snarled out the broken words in between each harsh breath, "He just had to rush headlong into his own grave and ruin my plans!" 

Proteus leaned to the left to dodge another heated swing of Don Muraeni's tantrum possessed tail that ended up decapitating an innocent statue by the door. He calmly cleared his throat as he casually swatted some offending dust away, "Sir...condolences aside...what would you like me to do with the body? It's rather unpleasant just leaving it in the main hall." 

The furious moray rolled his eyes, "Feed it to the sharks for all I care. The boy is just as useful to me dead as he was alive!" 

"Understood, sir. As for the Leech Family...Don Leech wasn't subtle in his message. How will you respond?"

It happened at dawn. Don Muraeni was roused awake by another ruckus only this time, it wasn't some leftovers of throw-away thugs being dropped on his doorstep like a sack of garbage. No, the barely recognizable corpse of his eldest son was laid at his feet by none other than Don Leech's own men. They came straight into enemy territory as if they owned the place with a very direct message from their even more fearless leader...

"Your spawn came into my home and attacked my wife whether, by his own volition or your command, it doesn't matter. This is the payment dealt by my own hands. If you have something to say, Don Muraeni, come say it to my face."

Even in this violent world divided by two warring families, the murder of a Don's heir was only trumped by the murder or assault of a Don's life mate. While Don Muraeni lived by his own rules in terms of having a proper mate, Don Leech was more traditional in that he was mated for life. As morbid as it sounded, children could always be made but a mate was irreplaceable. By this logic, no one could fault Don Leech. Not even his enemy. If Don Muraeni blamed anyone, it was his foolhardy son! The aggravated moray took a deep breath and sat down at his mostly still assembled desk.

"This must be dealt with carefully, Proteus...after all, a tragedy has occurred because of my son's short-sightedness," he swished his tail pensively as he thought, "If we are to bring Seven back home, willingly of course...then we must offer peace to our dear Don Leech. Peace in place of bared fangs would be best."

"Of course, sir. And if our dear Don-to-be doesn't cooperate?" Proteus's face was somber but a spark of deep-seeded excitement made his sharp tail twitch behind his straight back.

The Don's eyes narrowed at his right hand, "Then I trust you still have the right leverage to sway him?"

A wicked grin opened across the electric rayman's face, showing off small spiny teeth, "Naturally, sir." 

"Good," Don Muraeni's face froze back into its usual stoic expression as he rose from his seat, "I've been meaning to have a chat with her but alas...her stubbornness hasn't waned in all these years." 

Proteus chuckled coldly, "She is a determined specimen, sir. However, we both know how much of a soft spot she's had for our Seven. I'm sure she'll see reason and submit."

"I trust her in your capable hands, Proteus. Now. Let's see if my other sons have any use left in them...if not, well," the Don gave Proteus a dark look over his shoulder as he left the dismantled office, "Feel free to add to your collection if you so desire..."

-

 The sun was starting to set over the Sacred Crown Hall campus the next evening. Miles above their home in the Coral Sea, Luna and Elise were walking toward the central gardens behind Cowrie and her vice prefect with the rest of their dorm for the sorting ceremony. While Night Raven College held their ceremony at night and Royal Sword Academy had theirs in the morning, it was tradition for Sacred Crown Hall to hold theirs at the golden hour of sunset. 

Each dorm donned their matching ceremonial robes: hooded flowing periwinkle cloaks that faded into a deep midnight blue fabric trimmed in gold along the split sleeves and edges that depicted abstract patterns tied to the school's famous stain glass hall and deep fuschia fabric lining the inside. While NRC's main road had statues of the Great Seven, Sacred Hall had a long open corridor of stained glass figures in tall arched windows. Though it was a girls' school, the seven figures that inspired each dorm were actually princes and heroic figures from the past. Cowrie looked up as they passed the Cerulamare window. Theirs portrayed the determined sea-fairing prince that faced danger in his endless search for the mermaid princess who saved his life and entranced him with her beautiful voice. From this old story came their dorm's motto: "Whatever storms and dangers entail, we set our sights forward and prevail." 

It was corny but Cowrie came to love it and the story about the prince. Mostly because he reminded her of just how stubbornly determined Elise could be. Once all of the girls arrived at the large wishing well in the old castle's courtyard, they separated into their own groups and quietly waited for the Headmistress to begin the ceremony. The white-haired fairy godmother stood in front of the school's Great Wishing Well which was just as Cowrie said: it was more of a large pool or fountain than an actual well. Along the marble edges of the pool, there were blank copper coins, waiting for the new girls to toss into the water. The new freshmen arrived in a similar fashion to the boys at Night Raven though instead of coffins, they slept inside large glass terrarium-like chambers scattered about the garden. When the lingering sunlight painted everything in an amber glow, the chambers began to glow themselves, signaling the beginning of the ceremony.

"Welcome back to Sacred Crown Hall, my girls," she greeted the students warmly as she pulled out her ivory wand, "Let us begin and welcome our new students with open arms." 

The Headmistress touched her wand to one of the chambers to awaken the expectant student so she could choose and toss her coin into the fountain to be sorted. It was exciting the first time around but after doing this a few times, both Luna and Elise felt distracted. Cowrie stood at the very front of the Cerulamare group as the newly appointed Prefect looking less than excited. Luna felt a buzz come from her skirt pocket and noticed her sister look down at hers as well. She waited until the Headmistress wasn't looking to pull her phone from her pocket and read the message from Jade. 

"There's been a situation at home. Keep an eye on each other. Elise and Luna, come to Octavinelle as soon as you can."

Luna kept a neutral expression as she silently showed Elise the message before joining the rest of Cerulamare in applauding their first freshman. The princess followed her best friend's example and did the same. Before the Cerith sisters met up with Elise again, they finalized the next step in the plan. Luna had been given the extra key to the Octavinelle grotto to hold onto until the time was right. Normally, being fourth years, they would return to their field studies a day or so after the opening ceremony. It was very unusual to see any fourth-year students hanging around throughout the year. Since neither Luna nor Elise had an internship to go back to, they would stay hidden and close by at Octavinelle.

Cowrie wasn't too happy about being left behind but was reassured once a month had passed and it was time for the open campus festival at Sacred Crown, they would all regroup when it was far less suspicious. Until then, everyone had to play their part as if nothing was out of the ordinary. The ceremony wasn't even halfway done and this was already proving to be difficult. Elise noticed a few other girls either giving Cowrie or her funny looks and whispering amongst themselves. So much that it was starting to make her irritated and anxious at the same time. Luna also noticed this and gave a few of the closer by girls a sharp look. That was all it took to make them wander further away from them. 

"What is going on?" Elise whispered harshly to Luna, "why are they staring at us??"

Luna leaned in to answer as the rest of the girls cheered for another new Cerulmare student, "Keep in mind that many Cerulamare girls are mermaids. Whether they be like Cowrie and I or more Atlantian, they may have taken notice of your changes, Elise. You were their Dorm Leader for two years. That or...my sister doesn't seem to be to everyone's tastes."

It was as if Luna's words lifted a veil off of Elise's eyes. She looked around the room at the other dorms and saw how they all stood close to their dormmates almost uniformly. Cerulamare's students, however, had a literal gap dividing them. Cowrie stood in the very front facing forward, straight up and sure, ignoring all the whispers buzzing around her. Some of the girls flanked her and her vice prefect all holding the same confident stature. Others seemed to have split off into a separate cluster, shrinking away from their new dorm leader and her allies. It made the princess feel as if she swallowed a beehive. 

"Honestly," she huffed quietly, "this is ridiculous...not to mention embarrassing." 

Luna nudged Elise right as Cowrie looked over her shoulder at the two of them as they stood further back. Luna gave her younger sister a supportive smile and silently encouraged Elise to do the same. Once Cowrie turned back around, satisfied, Luna leaned in to whisper to Elise, "I'm frustrated too. But my sister thinks the world of you and takes pride in the fact that you chose her specifically. Have faith in your decision and ignore all the rabble. Let them embarrass themselves." 

Hearing this, the princess felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps Cowrie wasn't the most orthodox choice but Elise had put a lot of thought into choosing the younger Cerith sister to pass the torch to. In spite of her trivial anxieties, Elise believed that her younger friend would prove to be a capable dorm leader...she just didn't like the looks of all these naysayers making a fuss already before the semester even started.

-

Later after the night began, Jade felt a response buzz come from his pocket right as he, Azul, and Floyd gathered in the Hall of Mirrors to begin their own ceremony. As third years, nothing much had changed for the infamous trio: Azul was still the Dorm Prefect, Jade was still his outlandishly efficient Vice, and Floyd was still so bored by orientation that the other two had to drag him there. At least he was until he was also checking his phone with a goofy grin on his face. Luna had apparently sent him a very different message. Azul saw no point in scolding the moody twin for not paying attention. Instead, he was silently plotting out the next few weeks in his mind. Jade discreetly leaned down to whisper to Azul as Crowley began the ceremony, "The new supply for Mostro Lounge should be here tomorrow night."

"Excellent, I'll receive it personally. See that the students adhere to the curfew as expected," Azul responded cooly making Floyd and Jade snicker.

All three boys had agreed to keep Elise and Luna's coming and going under wraps and thus worked out a way to speak about it in public without giving away any secrets. Just in case any eavesdroppers decided to tempt fate by sticking their noses where they didn't belong. If anyone else found out that two female students had been snuck onto campus, it would be chaos...

Much like Elise and Luna, Azul and the twins found their third orientation to be rather boring. Surprisingly, there didn't seem to be any wild interruptions or outbursts. Floyd was very disappointed and had no problem saying so.

"Ugghh...is it over yet? None of these freshies look that interesting," he muttered to his brother and best friend.

"Patience, Floyd...besides, the are some new upgrades that may prove entertaining," Jade nodded towards the other dorms and their new ranks. 

Riddle remained the Heartslabyul king as expected but he had a surprising growth spurt over the summer. He left last semester at his usual 5'3 height but returned standing at a very proud 5'8. This was hardly anything compared to the Leech twins at their towering height but Riddle was nonetheless satisfied. Now that Trey and the other third years - including Leona, surprising everyone - had moved on to become fourth years entering the field for further study, there had been a few changes in rank among the dorms. For Heartslabyul, Deuce Spade became the newest Vice Prefect. Judging from his conflicting expression as he stood next to Riddle, it was hard to say if he was excited or abysmally nervous. 

For Savannaclaw, the leadership role went to Ruggie with Jack at his vice. Though just looking at them, anyone would have thought it was the other way around. Ruggie hadn't changed that much but somehow, Jack got even taller and more buff. 

For Pomefiore, Epel had taken over as the new prefect after a lot of serious study in potionology and one hell of a glow-up, a parting gift from Vil no doubt. While Riddle's growth spurt was surprising, Epel's was mind-boggling. While he didn't turn into a burly musclebound hunk like he probably dreamed of becoming, he did - as Rook would poetically describe - transform some a small youthful duckling into a tall, handsome, and regal swan. He kept his lavender locks long enough to keep pulled into a short boyish tail and his frame, though still slender, became more toned as he now stood at a strapping 5'9. Ace and Deuce wondered what exactly he ate while at home on the farm during the break. 

The biggest surprise for the new Ignihyde wasn't that Idia and Ortho were replaced with someone that stood out...no rather the new prefect wasn't someone everyone knew but the reason he stood out was that he showed up.

Finally, Diasomnia was now led by Silver who, if anything, looked a bit more fit and seasoned. Sebek surprisingly didn't seem to age nor did he put up much of a fuss as the Vice Prefect but the two very different boys seemed to balance each other out perfectly. Their freshmen didn't seem to know how to feel about the dynamic, however.

Azul took notes of the changes and put the necessary pins in them for later use. Floyd's mood didn't change whatsoever. If anything, he seemed even more eager to get back to the dorm or at least be anywhere but here. His brother noticed the restless look in his eyes and frowned. 

"Patience, Floyd..." he repeated.

Ever since their father informed them of what happened, Floyd had been in a weirdly imbalanced state. He wasn't angry but he wasn't calm either. It was like Floyd was constantly on the brink of an outburst but it never quite took off. Jade was far more poker-faced about the whole incident. As the future Don Leech, he had to keep his cards close to his chest. On the surface, the three boys were just the usual trio that returned from another usual summer break to school. However, Azul and Floyd knew that under Jade's gentlemanly exterior, he was in fact, livid. First Jade's intended had been attacked and aggressively injured right on his doorstep and now his own mother had been threatened? The second opportunity presented itself, Jade Leech was more than willing to teach the Muraeni Family a lesson. But for his beloved and his sister-in-law's sake, that would have to wait. Fortunately, Jade was incredibly patient. 

As for Azul, there was definitely something brewing behind his stormy eyes. Something that he refused to let slip now that they were back on campus. Here Azul Ashengrotto was the cunning, charismatic leader of Octavinelle, a reputation that he had built from the ground up. This wasn't the time or place for weakness or doubt to seep through the cracks. But if he were honest, he was feeling a bit anxious himself for a number of reasons...

Was she safe? Would he be able to keep her safe by his side until the time came for her to decide? When the time did come...would he be able to let Elise go without any protest? That last question dug at Azul like a hundred fish hooks stuck crudely into his flesh. No one would ever know it from the trained grin on his face, the very same he had at the ready of any business day. Only the twins suspected but neither one was in the mood to stir the pot right now. The three of them led their students back to Octavinelle where they held the usual welcome party in their Mostro Lounge. Where they all played their usual parts to a T until it was time for curfew.

Azul stayed behind in his office for a few minutes as the twins herded the students back to their rooms. The quiet both comforted and teased him. He leaned against the cool leather seat at his desk and let out a long sigh, feeling his whole body finally give way to exhaustion. It wasn't long before his brain steered itself back to those questions concerning Elise. After a long pensive brooding, Azul went to the platform that led out to the open aquarium surrounding the dorm. 

The dorm leader didn't make a habit of swimming around the dorm as much as Jade and Floyd had in the past. In fact, Azul often avoided doing so but now his octopus form felt less alien to him as he glided through the open water silently. The water was less cold than the waters of home, brighter even. His mind remembered watching the princess playfully jet about like a child with a new toy when he was back in the Coral Sea. It made him smile remembering her laughter and glee. How she gracefully took to that form so easily. How she'd tease and test him with it. Seriously did she know how beautiful she was? She had to! That sparkle in her eyes, that coy smile...Azul suddenly grimaced at his own sappy thoughts.

"She's been gone a day or two! Get it together!" he hissed at himself as he entered the coral reef that hid the secret grotto. Of course, she wasn't there. He didn't expect her to be but somehow Azul had been drawn to this place like a magnet. The octopus male floated down to the ground and let his winding tentacles carry him along the sand as he looked about the empty hideaway. Every keepsake was in its place even the photo that Floyd had borrowed had been returned to its shelf. The bed that Cowrie was set up looked a bit unkempt though. Without a second thought, two of Azul's tentacles reached over and straightened it up as he muttered about its state being unacceptable. That's how Azul's restless night started...about half an hour later, the Leech brothers had found their octopus friend outside the coral reef, earnestly hunting for something. They quietly spied on him with mischievous curiosity for a few minutes. They watched him as he muttered to himself, carefully inspecting every little shell or trinket he picked up from the sand, only to throw back anything that didn't satisfy his unspoken quest. A few of his tentacles held bits of brightly colored coral branches or shells that he eventually took into the grotto. After a few minutes, he swam back towards the Mostro Lounge. 

The twins quietly peeked inside the grotto and found that not only had Azul straightened the bed but he placed all of the shells and things he collected strategically throughout the cave so that they could catch the glow of the anemone-like lights just right, giving it a more pleasing aesthetic. Jade and Floyd shared a look that made both of their faces break into devilish grins.

"Heeeeeh...?"

"Oyaaa?"

Their musing was suddenly interrupted by an embarrassing wail. 

"J-Jade! Floyd! What are you two doing here?!" Azul's face was a deep purple. In his hands was the music box Elise had sold to him, nestled safely inside a bubble to keep the water out. The eels nearly burst. 

"Ooooh Azuuuul....you're building Octi-chan a nest? Are you tryna court her?!" Floyd giggled wildly. 

Jade touched a finger to his chin as his face kept its wicked smile, "My, my...our Dorm Leader is serious."

Azul huffed as he fought the urge to blast both of their smug faces full of ink, "I am trying to make this dreary hole more suitable for Elise and Luna, who are going to be staying here for a good amount of time, thank you very much! Honestly Floyd, as her mate, I'm surprised you didn't think to do the same for Luna yourself." 

Floyd just rolled his eyes, "Pffft, says you. I cleaned my side of the room, got extra snacks, and threw extra pillows on my bed so she'd be nice and comfy!"

Jade chuckled, "It's true. He did. I must say I was quite impressed."

Azul floated past them and gently placed the music box down by the bed after casting a waterproof enchantment on it, "A sweet gesture, Floyd, but if you think that you can sneak Luna into your room without causing a commotion, then I'm afraid you're very wrong. No one must know that the girls are here. Ever. She's staying here with Elise and that's final." 

Floyd's protests fell on deaf ears but after enough whining and threatening to skip out on every shift at the Lounge Azul gave him, Azul finally caved and agreed that Floyd, at the very least, could visit the girls after curfew. As long as he didn't get caught. Or skip out on class the next day. OR keep Elise from getting proper rest. There were probably more stipulations but frankly, Floyd had stopped listening. Instead, he followed the current wave of capriciousness that had him buzzing. 

"You know, Azul...now that Jade and I have made and presented our courtship gifts properly...if you need some adviiiiice~" Floyd had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face that Azul had ever seen. 

"Enough out of you two! Go back to your rooms at once!" 

His face was practically glowing as Azul shuffled out of the grotto and began trying to swim back to the dorms. It was exact moments like this that he wished he were a much faster swimmer. Instead, reality had him locked between two teasing eels taking their sweet time swimming alongside him as he struggled to get ahead of them. 

-

Deep in the Coral Sea, another secret cave opened for the first time in a while. The long shadow that greeted the strange little creatures stuck clinging to the cave floor, walls, and ceiling made them shrink back and quiver in their slimy little forms. A dark chuckle left Proteus' lips as he floated by them going deeper into the den.

"Now, now...is that any way to greet your master who has so kindly given you shelter? There are far worse prisons I assure you." 

The strange, almost humanoid sea polyps couldn't make a sound aside from the somber screeches that left their strange mouths. The sadistic ray ignored them for the most part as he entered the deepest part of his hidden vault of creatures. This was his carefully built and curated collection and while not every single piece held his attention or dark affections after he used his own personal magic to entrap them in this state, there was one very special creature that he visited the most...his favorite little 'diva'.

Proteus settled on the smooth stone floor in front of a giant shell that held one particular polyp in a large bottle. The ray's grin widened as he peered through the glass, "Good evening, Madam. It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, I do hate to neglect you so but really it's your own fault for misbehaving. Honestly...why keep denying the Don what he wants? You could have everything you ever wished for..." he cooed to the small, stripped specimen.

This feminine creature refused to look at the ray but instead shrunk as far back away from him, coiled up on herself like a snake, as she possibly could. A typical reaction, definitely not surprising but Proteus' smile didn't budge whatsoever. 

"In fact," he continued as he traced his long claws along the aged necklace that had been tied around the bottle, "I have some very good news for you...your son is coming home."

This caused her pair of large round eyes to quickly lock onto him. The exact reaction he wanted, "Well, that's our hope anyway. We do look forward to a glorious revival for the Muraeni House with our dearest Seven taking the reins in his capable claws...however, he won't do it unless you help us, Madam. And you will won't you?"

The tiny creature seemed to rile up and hiss at him through the glass in protest. She whipped her tiny tail-like appendage against her prison as if it were Proteus' face directly within her reach. Such spirit after all these years. This was a good sign. 

Proteus's sharp teeth linked together like a wall of daggers as his smile stretched wider, almost insanely, "You've always wanted what was best for him, isn't that right...?" 

The crescent moon pendant dully clinked against the glass as Proteus continued to teasingly poke, twist, and turn it about in his fingers that promised to crack it the instant he wasn't given exactly what he wanted. The female polyp could see it and soon curled back upon herself in despair. 

"We do so appreciate your cooperation, Mistress Junonia."

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @honey-milk-depresso @ladyrosemoon @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @victoria1676 @evieyouknow @feldya @wysteriadelights @1ndigowitch @aiimee9

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #sacred crown chronicles #her lost voice #twst canon x oc #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #twst oc schools #under the sea mafia #more eel mermaids

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 11

Aaand we're back with Chapter 11 (we're in the second half folks)

Chapter 11: A Very Serious Problem

The tension was a solid wall when Proteus entered the Muraeni house with his usual grin in place. He didn't flinch as he floated up the stairs towards the sounds of his master's angry howls. It was the morning after Luna's debut, barely before daybreak, and the entire house echoed with Don Muraeni's anger. Proteus didn't bother knocking as he entered the Don's office. The three collared sons were huddled together as their father verbally tore into them.

"I trust you with the easiest job in the bracket and you only exceed my expectations in fucking it up!" their father snarled his sharp teeth in full view. 

A battered Ventuno lay on the couch holding his head and snickering at his younger brother's misfortune, somehow missing the intense side-eye his father gave him in the meantime. Don Muraeni's seething glare flicked back to his three younger sons. He watched them freeze and wait for his next piercing words but they were only met with an exasperated sigh.

"My boys...I have failed you," his voice cooled and turned somewhat somber. Or at least it tried to be. 

All of the sons looked at each other in confusion. Proteus's sadistic smile only grew as he lingered in the shadowy corners of the room, already seeing certain puzzle pieces falling in and out of place. Their father smoothed out his hair as he took another deep breath to calm himself, "You three, I put too much pressure on you. I should've known your simple natures couldn't handle the burden of my expectations..." 

Any semblance of pride had been literally beaten out of them so the three sons just blinked at their father's words in lieu of being insulted by them. Ventuno, on the other hand, sat up and scoffed, "You got that right, those three couldn't look after a pet barnacle much less-"

"And you, Ventuno...my eldest. My heir,"  the father's words were a frigid, poised and ready dagger, "Get up and stand by your brothers, boy. They need a good example to avoid any future follies."

Ventuno groaned as he rose up from his resting spot and shoved his brothers to the side so he could be front and center. Their father looked all of his remaining sons up and down before turning his back to them, "Your brother, Seven, has dealt me a massive betrayal. He was the most clever of you, even the strongest, something I took great pride in. He was perfect progeny."

The eldest son snarled as his temper flared. He was right there and Seven was the one getting all of his praise?! He was about to complain when Don Muraeni's ice blue, narrowed gaze was locked onto him over his shoulder. 

"I refuse to be made a fool of, boys. And yet those Leech twin punks came and went, right under my nose, and took what was mine. They come onto my territory. They broke into my club. And they stole my prized siren...and whose fault is that?"

The three younger sons remained silent as their older brother barked out a dry answer, "You mean besides these three idiots? Clearly, Seven was fuckin' around before he ran off with those Leech bastards-"

A loud crack across Ventuno's face silenced the entire room as the disappointed father's long tail slinked back behind him. Don Muraeni's eyes practically glowed with intensity about to break through his sculpted frown, "And where were you, boy? Lazing about by my side? Enjoying the fruits my well-earned position brings you?! You fucking louse! I almost prefer your brother's gumption even if it was in favor of my rival's spawn..." 

Don Muraeni paused with a calculating, furrowed brow. If he had been a third-party witness privy to Seven's scheming, he'd be awfully impressed and proud to call him his son with such a sharp wit...a wit that earned the trust of his enemy. Indeed, Seven was the perfect progeny. Or at least, he would be once his father was through with him. 

"Boys," he addressed the accosted sons in a much more calm tone, "an opportunity has presented itself and I have every intention of taking it. Ventuno, you've proved to be a colossal waste. Fortunately, there's enough of you to do what needs to be done. I want Luna back and I need Seven back. The very future of the Muraeni house depends on it. If any of you wish to be a part of said future, find them and ensure that I get them both back alive." 

The three youngest sons left to gather information without question. Ventuno was fuming: in a matter of hours, he went from being the next Don Muraeni to chopped liver? And all because his younger brother turned against them?!

"Ventuno...why are you still here?"

The Don had completely reverted back into his signature stoicism as he sat behind his desk, rilling through files and other business as if he did not just knock his eldest around moments before, "I need to speak with Proteus, boy. Leave." 

The mentioned ray merman suddenly appeared by the bruised son's side, "I shall see Master Ventuno out, sir. It'll only take a moment." 

The Don responded with an irritated wave of the hand, not bothering to look up as his confidante guided Ventuno out the door. 

"It's such a shame," Proteus hummed the minute they were outside as Ventuno snarled at the hand he had been dealt, "To think that he would cast you aside without so much as a blink, young master. If only there was a way...to make your troubles disappear."

Proteus could see Ventuno's hot-blooded nature and thirst for power since he was just tiny thing and it was the perfect clay for him to mold. It was Proteus' job to ensure the Muraeni house stayed on a solid foundation. This also ensured that he, himself, stay on a solid foundation and out of the gutter from which he was born. With his master in charge, the sadistic ray was guaranteed an indulgent life, far from his gloomy beginnings. If Indigo were to return and cooperate, Proteus knew the boy was cunning and could only enhance their profits, as long as the right leverage was on the table, of course...but his brother, Ventuno? He was already squandering his blessings before his father could turn the keys over to him. If given the chance, Ventuno would just drag them all down to ruin with his blind entitlement and shortsightedness. Don Muraeni, as terrible and cold as he was to his children, would never actively remove the dead weight himself. Therefore it was up to Proteus to do his job and do it well: Ventuno had to go. Of course, it had to be orchestrated delicately and discretely so when Proteus planted that initial seed, that's when Ventuno's gears began to turn. 

"That would mean taking Seven out of the picture completely."

He grinned amiably to the eldest Muraeni son, feigning surprise, "Well, well...now there's an idea. If Master Seven were no longer a viable option, then your place as our next esteemed leader would be secure. Naturally, none of your younger brothers would rise to the challenge. However, you may want to work quickly, young master, your brothers may be well on their way to finding Miss Luna and Master Seven as we speak."

Ventuno laughed bitterly, "I can handle this easily. Those three idiots couldn't find fish bones if they were handed to them on a platter! Obviously, they're on Leech turf and there are plenty of suckers on neutral territory that will talk if given enough payment or motivation."

Proteus' grin could cut thorough steel, "As clever as always, my dear boy. This will be our little secret, of course."

He watched Ventuno leave the mansion, aglow with a rekindled ego and waved him off before turning to the two shark mermen that lurked around the corner.

"Make sure Master Ventuno finds his way and that our friends on the other side of town are there to welcome him. They should be getting an anonymous tip-off of a possible intruder soon enough..." 

-

The following afternoon was a warm one on the shore. True to his word, Indigo waited in the cool shaded water beneath the peer, listening to some sailors clamor around up top. They seemed awfully gossipy about Elise's reappearance with a stranger on her arm. 

"Our princesses sure have interesting tastes, don't they?" an older man chuckled, "Princess Emily has been spending a lot of time with that one young man that just showed up on our peer, and now her younger sister shows up with a rather dashing looking fellow that no one seems to know either!"

"The ladies love mystery I suppose," another sailor chimed in, "almost as much as out-classing each other! Those sisters have been butting heads since they were children. It's no wonder they suddenly each have a handsome boy on their arm!" 

Indigo rolled his eyes as he listened to the sailors banter back and forth with each other. He suddenly felt a bit sorry for Elise just from hearing all of this. That and the memories of growing up with Luna and Cowrie and witnessing all of their sisterly fits. Female relationships were definitely complicated. He looked towards the villa right as his ears caught the sound of what he hoped was an excited greeting...

Inside the main hall, Elise and Azul's arrival was met with one very shocked head maid nearly dropping the tray of items she had in her hands. Elise's temper was still set to a full boil but her expression was as serene and pleasant as the first time Azul ever met her. It honestly made Azul rethink a lot of past scenarios between the two of them. Elise gave the woman a polite greeting with a trained smile on her face that seemed to crack the minute an even more feminine voice rang from the top of the stairs.

"There she is!"

Emily Coralette, the infamous elder sister gracefully descended the stairs, oddly enough alone. Azul tried to hide the shock in his expression at just how much the two princesses did look alike at first glance. Without leaning into a full-on stare, however, Azul started to notice the differences. For one, that sugary, bell-like tone. The boy felt a sharp pinprick of anxiety the minute Emily locked her eyes on him. She was practically sizing him up with an unapologetic smugness in her smile.

"And with such a handsome friend too. My, my...do come in! We were just about to have lunch! I'd love to hear all about your travels and how you two met, of course!"

Azul didn't have to look at Elise to know that her formally polite and proper smile was swiftly chucked out the window. He felt the younger sister's grip on his arm tighten ever so slightly as Elise finally addressed her sister as the three of them walked further into the villa.

"And where is your handsome friend, Emily? I could have sworn you had a suitor come call right before I left temporarily."

The first jab...

"Oh, you mean Rielle?" Emily said innocently batting her eyes while definitely not shying away from the casual first name basis, "he had to leave to return to school early! Such a shame too, we were having so much fun. He's such a sweet thing." 

The counter...though Azul was convinced this verbal fencing match was over the family dog and not a visiting suitor. Still, he remained perfectly quiet and charming looking at Elise's side. Better to stay out of the line of fire for as long as possible...

"How lovely," Elise's tone was barely amiable. It was clear that she wasn't that interested in pulling her punches today. Especially the millisecond her sister trained her focus back on Azul.

"Elise, you haven't introduced me to this young man on your arm. Don't be so rude! Who is this dashing fellow you've brought with you?" Emily giggled girlishly. 

Azul felt himself start to sweat as Elise's grip on him grew even tighter. Still, he was in top form with his Octavinelle Prefect and Mostro Lounge manager charm on full blast, "Azul Ashengrotto, Your Highness. Elise and I are school friends. I've been collaborating with her on a very important project over the past couple of weeks. I apologize for her sudden departure but it was...quite urgent."

The octopus boy saw the predatory spark flash in Emily's pale green eyes as she completely overlooked the part about her sister's disappearance, "Oh? Only...friends?"

Azul couldn't answer even if he wanted to. Elise practically spat an entire inkwell right in the noisy girl's face, "Very dear and very close friends, Emily." 

Fortunately, they reached the dining hall seconds later, making Azul silently thank the entirety of the Great Seven for the timing. Gerald nearly fell out of his chair once Elise entered the room, "Princess Elise?! Y-You've come home!"

Looking around at the servants' faces, it was apparent that everyone felt a wave of shame in one form or another upon the realization that Elise was in fact, standing right there in front of them...of her own accord and not because any one of them sought her out. Everyone, except Emily, that is. The elder sister just giggled as if this were all some silly game that she had the winning card to.

"See? I told you all there was nothing to worry about. Now then, Elise is here so why don't we all just have a nice meal and catch up?"

Azul saw the sour expression on Elise's face as Gerald, Emily, and the other servants took their places either seated at the table or around it, almost like this was some weird dinner theatre production. Azul also saw how Emily kept batting her doe eyes up at him, trying to reel him in as she had obviously done with everyone else. His charming grin widened with a somewhat wicked edge. That was the big difference between her and Elise and what a fool Rielle had to be to not see it for himself. Elise was too clever, too capable to rely on such a base level of manipulation. Alright sure, Elise did kind of manipulate him into signing a contract with her soon after they first met...but she at the very least respected his intelligence and abilities! To think this girl saw him as such easy prey was a joke! 

"That sounds wonderful, doesn't it, Elise?" his tone was a bit too pleasant but if he knew his Princess Coralette, then he knew Elise would catch his drift no problem or questions asked. And how. Elise smiled graciously up at Azul as he pulled out a chair for her, "Oh yes. Let's indeed catch up." 

The two octopuses in human form sat next to each other and faced down the rest of the table with their deceptive smiling faces, knowing just how interesting this afternoon would certainly be. 

Emily seemed hellbent on keeping the air light in spite of the guilty faces surrounding her, “So how is your internship going, dear sister? I’m assuming Azul is helping you with it?” “He has been very helpful in other endeavors, yes, but that’s not why we’re here Emily,” her tone had an edge to it as if her tongue was sharpening a knife, the grin on Elise's face held fast, however. Azul sat back and let the lady lead. “No, I’m here, accompanied by my dear friend because I’m curious. Did any of you feel the need to check in with the internship I chose to make sure I was safe after my sudden departure? Or did you just take the word of my sister who had no place speaking on my behalf?” The room was thick with awkward silence. Even Gerald who rarely had nothing at the ready verbally was too embarrassed to answer. So in other words: yes, Elise’s call-out was spot on. The quiet air was broken by a pronounced sigh coming from Emily. “I don’t understand the fuss. You’re here now in one piece and in good company so what exactly is the issue??” Emily huffed with a roll of her eyes. “The issue is that every single one of you took someone else’s word that I was fine without seeing for yourselves!" the younger sister's charming polish swiftly melted into a much more heated declaration, "You had no idea where I was or if I was even alive and yet here you are, just enjoying sweet Emily's little vacation as if I was never here to begin with?!”  The older sister’s sweet disposition fell into a stoic gaze as she released another sigh. Suddenly her soft bell-like tone was replaced with a much more blunt and even a bit stern tone, "So dramatic...it's like my sister hasn't grown up at all. Really, Elise, you used to run away for hours, even whole days at a time as a child, but you always returned perfectly unharmed, doing nothing more than making a scene and disrupting Father's very busy schedule. So why should we sound any alarms when you suddenly come and go as you please as a young adult? If anything, it's a relief that you're finally doing something besides swimming around with those creepy eel pets of yours..."

Azul's eyes narrowed sharply for a moment before they grew in shock at the sudden crash that came from his right. Elise was on her feet, trembling with her teeth gritted and hands slammed onto the table as her dinnerware lay broken and scattered on the floor. Emily just scoffed and began to scold her.

"Now look what you've done-"

"They are NOT pets!" Elise yelled, "Their names are Luna and Cowrie and they are people, merpeople just like Rielle!"

To both Elise and Azul's confusion, a snort of laughter came from across the table. Gerald cleared his throat, suddenly looking a bit put off by the topic at hand as the maid to his left covered her guilty mouth.

"With all due respect, Your Highness," he carefully began, "You've always had your mother's generous heart and her love of the sea and all it's erm...unique inhabitants but I must say-" 

The older gentleman's words stopped short once Elise's piercing look of warning was directed straight at him. The maid that had laughed before quickly dismissed herself along with a few others from the room. Emily, however, remained seated in a regal manner as if she were in court, "Rielle was and still is a very elegant and handsome creature. Comparing him to those weird, ghastly snakes with their sharp teeth, slimy skin, and claws..." Emily looked pale as she shuddered just from saying those words aloud. 

Did this girl just call Rielle a 'creature'? Azul's confusion as to what the mermaid prince saw in this other princess grew with every word that left her mouth. Elise was just as confused if not fully appalled by her sister's attitude towards the boy who loved her so deeply.

"You call my friends my 'pets' only to turn around and call Rielle, a prince who gave up his entire life as a merman to be with you, a creature? As if he's just some lost puppy you found on the beach...Do...do you even realize what is actually happening right in front of you?!" Elise's voice began to crack, "Do you have any idea how heartbreaking this is?!"

Her hands and arms were trembling as she spoke to Emily who frankly looked as moved as someone watching a poorly acted drama. That alone made Azul's temper start to slowly brew but it was Emily's girlish chuckle that really made his stomach sour. 

"Elise, come on now. Don't you think you're overreacting? I mean, of course, everyone knows how big of a crush you've had on sweet Rielle for years. I will admit your affection for him from the very beginning was adorable but obviously, it wasn't meant to be. One would think you're just acting out a jealous fit right now," Emily then gave Azul a smug grin, "However...you did come with another handsome boy on your arm so I'd say you've already moved on rather quickly for someone acting so victimized. Or is your friend just here to bolster your wounded image, sister? Are you really so upset that you didn't get to be a part of that fairytale romance with the mermaid princess that Mother used to tell us all the time?" Emily giggled coldly.

A flood of shame and anger mixed heat rushed to Elise's face as her sister gracefully stood up to leave, cutting off any rebuttal she may have had with a curt retort, "If what you say about Rielle's intentions is true then I am flattered. He's a sweet boy but really...he's not fit for me I'm afraid. Do be honest with yourself though, dear sister. You're acting out just as you always had as a child because things didn't work out exactly how you wanted them to. Well, it's not so cute anymore. Father, our brother, and I have all done you a great service by allowing you your freedom to do as you please since Mother passed away. But unlike you, Father and Brother have very important matters to attend to. As do I. You were blessed with both beauty and talent and yet you spend all your time doing...I'm not even sure what exactly. It's time you grow up and do something productive with yourself for once. Gerald," the old attendant quickly got to his feet, "It was a lovely stay but I'm afraid I must return to my own duties. Please have the servants take my things back to my ship, thank you." 

Emily began to leave the few left in the room in complete silence and she almost made it to the door before she heard her baby sister's rough sob.

"Y-You are cruel, Emily!" 

The elder Coralette princess' formerly sweet persona returned as she smiled at her frustrated sibling, "You're just bitter from disappointment, Elise. You'll thank me someday. Oh and don't leave others to clean up your mess, alright?"

The door to the main hall closed with a sharp echo. Gerald muttered to the remaining staff to attend to Emily's departure before turning to a very visibly upset Elise who looked as if she may break apart at any second. Before he could even open his mouth as he approached the distressed princess, he was blocked by Azul and his poised smile.

"Princess Elise and I have finished our business here. I will see to it that she is properly taken care of, thank you." 

Gerald was about to argue when Elise's harsh tone shut him down flat, "Leave, Gerald." And that was that. Azul and Elise were left alone in the large dining hall. The boy dropped his facade and looked to the princess just to see her bend down to tend to the broken pieces at her feet. He made a sound of worry as he moved to stop her but Elise gave him a shaky smile, "It's alright, Azul."

Within the next moment, Azul watched as the princess gently placed her hands over the broken pieces and started to recite an incantation, "Return to what you once were. Undo the harm done and try again. Second Chance."

Right before his eyes, the pieces of glass and plate came back together and the cracks resealed themselves as if they were never broken, to begin with. Elise picked up the now whole glass and plate and showed him with a small grin on her face, "See? Good as new." 

"This is your unique magic, isn't it Elise?" Azul chuckled, "You and the Cerith sisters, you three just keep amazing me time and time again. Not something many can say they have accomplished."

Elise seemed to revert back to her usual self for a moment as she placed the dinnerware back on the table, "Oh? You flatter me, Mr. Ashengrotto...you wouldn't be thinking up any possible future business ventures with this new information, would you?" She gave the boy a playfully sly grin. 

Azul continued the banter with a faux wounded expression, "My, my, you make me sound positively devious, princess." Her light laughter that proceeded his statement made his heart hiccup momentarily. Azul just dismissed the sensation by clearing his throat.

"Well, I can honestly say that I've had my fill of this place. I imagine you feel the same." 

Elise rolled her eyes in a similar fashion as Emily did before, "That's an understatement. One more thing and then we can leave."

-

Any curious maids that had been hanging around Elise's room scattered like sardines the minute the princess showed her annoyed face. Azul opted to wait outside the room but Elise pulled him inside with her. No doubt this would stir up more gossip among the staff but at this point, Elise couldn't be bothered to care. 

"They'll talk either way but in here, you at least won't be hounded by the more bold ones, Azul," the princess said bluntly as she began looking around her room for her phone and magic pen, keeping her face turned away from him. 

Azul saw her point and acknowledged it as he silently waited for her, not wanting to hover. Especially since the tension seemed to return to her voice. Elise found her phone and while she did have it both mechanically and magically customized to be waterproof to the point to deal with great levels of underwater pressure, she wasn't exactly sure her octopus form came with pockets...better to bring a bag, she thought as she grabbed the closest and simplest pouch she could find. She then found her magic pen on her vanity right where she left it, "There you are..."

The boy watched curiously as Elise slipped the magic stone piece off of the pen only to reveal that it was actually a ring. She slipped it onto her right hand's middle finger as she turned back to Azul, "There we go. All set." 

"So Sacred Crown makes your magic stones interchangeable as rings? Very clever," he hummed as he gazed down at the aquamarine stone on her hand. It seemed to shrink to a smaller size to fit with on Elise's long, dainty fingers. 

"Everyone's has a variety. We attach them to our pens like you boys do at Night Raven when we're in class but otherwise, we wear them like jewelry. Mine is a ring. Luna and Cowrie are a bit more secretive with theirs: Luna wears hers as a bracelet in her human form which apparently hides in her mermaid form and Cowrie hides hers on the back of the shell she wears around her neck. It can be a ring, a brooch, a necklace, it depends on the girl I suppose...I never really thought about it before, to be honest," Elise chuckled a bit half-heartedly. The topic was light enough but it was clear that the events of the afternoon still weighed on her.  She quickly brushed past him, obviously not wanting to linger any longer, "We should head back." - The sun was setting by the time Azul and Elise returned to the beach. The breeze brushed through her deep blue-black locks in time with the sigh that left her lips.

“I’m so sorry you had to see…all of that, Azul.” She was turned away from him but her tone grew more somber with each word, “But…maybe Emily was right about me. If I hadn’t have rushed into all of this so recklessly then-“

It stirred something in him that couldn’t settle. His sharp words cut her off, “Enough. All I heard from your sister today was careless accusations.” The princess turned to find Azul had walked straight up to her and stared her down with a frustrated expression, “I am an outsider, I know, but had I been your brother, I would have been relieved and even a bit sick with how much worry your disappearance caused. Anything but whatever it was your actual sister thought was a suitable reaction!” Elise’s turquoise eyes widened as he continued, “You have nothing to apologize for, Elise. Not to me. As for Rielle, he is a fool. I took his voice, not his brain. And yet he still pushed aside such a-“ Beautiful. Incredible. Bold. Several very embarrassing adjectives skidded to halt just before lingering on the edge of Azul’s tongue. The feeling from earlier returned tenfold with a blunt clarity that the octopus boy couldn’t ignore any longer…

From the other side of the conversation, Elise watched as Azul’s determined expression suddenly morphed into something completely different as if the boy slammed into an invisible wall. It would be amusing if she wasn’t hanging on every word he had been saying up until that point. 

“Ah…what I mean is…” 

Azul was reeling on the inside: not sure if his body wanted to dive back into the sea or bury itself right there in the sand but either way, it knew. Painfully so. It knew and he himself knew now that Azul had a massive crush on this beautiful, brilliant, and very confused looking girl standing in front of him right now…and it made him want to immediately crawl into the abyss.  It was madness! Not the attraction part, oh no never, any man would be a complete imbecile to not be attracted to such a woman as Elise! It burned him up to no end how Rielle could just side-step her so easily for someone so impossibly inferior like her pompous sister! And yet, it happened and Elise was heartbroken… which made Azul feel a distinct bitterness grow in his guts. That’s where the madness came in. It was absolutely ludicrous that after pining after a handsome prince like Rielle, as foolish as he may be, that Elise would ever give him the time of day…ha…what a thought.

“…Azul?”

Her concerned tone dragged him back to reality. He suddenly felt guilty seeing how her brow was furrowed with worry. And her striking eyes-AAHH STOP IT!

“Yes, sorry, I uh got a bit derailed there, Elise. My point is…” don’t come on too strong! “You shouldn’t have to apologize or feel guilty for being angry with your family. Any sane person in your position would have felt and reacted the same…and frankly, you seem like a bit of a misfit. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

Azul found his feet again with the last statement, his usual smile back on. It nearly flipped off his face completely when Elise smiled back at him. The sunset had the audacity to glow right behind her, making her even more lovely.

“You’re really sweet when you want to be, Azul Ashengrotto.” 

His heart nearly leaped out of his throat. Elise felt warm all over and only moments later realized just how close she was to him. Her reaction was more akin to a magnet: she felt drawn to him, wanting to close the distance and step even closer to him. The only thing that kept her from doing so was her mind screaming at her to get a grip. 

And Rielle? The same mind chimed in inconveniently. Elise felt another sharp pang in her heart. Did she still have feelings for the prince or did she just feel bad about the situation especially now that she knew how little her sister returned the poor boy's affections? The straight truth was that she wasn’t sure she did have feelings for him anymore. The more clouded, fuzzy truth was that the boy standing across from her perhaps made her feel something as well? Something new, stronger even? And that scared her a bit. 

Azul wasn’t some doe-eyed prince looking for romance. He was cunning, ambitious, someone who cut his own path and made things happen. He was an incredible mage and person...he knew what he wanted. Not to mention incredibly handsome and full of charm even in his most awkward moments-WHAT?

The princess suddenly whirled away from Azul, making him jump a bit, “Azul!”

“Y-Yes?!”

“Thank you! …for staying by my side today. And ever since the beginning of all of this. I’d be lost without you…”

Elise’s face was burning so hot it was a miracle her voice wasn’t shakier. Azul gave some sort of affirmation but the princess couldn’t really hear it over the pounding heartbeat in her ears. It’s undeniable, isn’t it? She thought to herself…regardless of whatever lingering feelings she may harbor for Rielle, feelings for Azul barged right in and made themselves at home. She wasn’t sure if she felt elated, mortified, or both!

The silence between the two of them was only filled with the sound of waves lapping at the shore…that is until they heard a familiar voice coming from the nearby peer.

“Heeey…you two having a fight or what??”

Both Elise and Azul’s heads whipped to the side to see that Indigo had been joined under the peer by not only his sisters but their mates as well. The tweels looked especially amused by the couple’s awkward air whilst the Cerith siblings seemed to be whispering something amongst themselves. If the pair’s faces weren’t heated already then they most definitely were now.

Floyd’s sharp-tooth smile widened as he continued to tease, “Maybe you should kiss and make up~ Heheheh-“

The obnoxious twin soon had a face full of saltwater as Azul blasted the water with wind magic at record speed, “I thought I told you to wait at Octavinelle for us!” “You seemed to be taking some time and we thought it best to check in with you two,” Jade had a wicked grin that didn’t even try to hide how entertaining Azul’s flustered behavior was, “now we can see you two are more than just fine…” Elise narrowed her eyes at her two companions as they giggled mischievously in the shadows. The sly looks the two sisters were giving her made the princess feel completely exposed: oh…they knew something was going on in their friend's brain and they were ready to torment her to hell and back to get to the bottom of it. Indigo remained quietly leaning against one of the large poles, looking stoic as ever.  “Yes, yes Elise and I have accomplished what she set out to do and now we can all return to where we need to be…” Azul’s tone was professional but as soon as he finished, Elise felt a bit disappointed.  She knew it wasn’t forever, of course, but did they really have to part ways now? She looked to the sun as it slowly sank beneath the horizon as she formed an idea. “Actually…if you all don’t mind…there is a place I’d like you all to visit with me before we part ways for a while,” she asked gently as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Well, Azul suddenly found it near impossible to say no to her now. The eels seemed to be very keen on the idea of sticking together a bit longer as well, if for no other reason beyond getting some more entertaining details nailed down.

Luna and Cowrie seemed to read Elise's mind as their faces lit up. Oh, that place. 

"Ah the bay," Luna hummed, "It has been a long time. It'll be an excellent send-off point. After we all cool down a bit, of course." 

Cowrie snickered at the smug grin her big sister had on her face as Elise seemed to huff at her pair of eels. The princess quickly walked back into the water and transformed back into her octopus form. It strangely felt far more comfortable to her now. 

"Luna. Cowrie. You know the way," she held out her arms for the sisters to take, giving them both an impatient look.

"Yes, princess," they playfully chimed in unison before flanking her and signaling the boys to follow them.

- The bay was further down the shore but took no time at all to get to for the group to swim to. The sunset had dyed everything in a coral-pink glow by the time they resurfaced onto a very dreamy-looking spot of land. The water was clear and mostly still and the beach led to an area full of large, sleepy willow trees and fireflies that were beginning to stir.  “This is a private bay. My parents used to come here all the time,” Elise phased back into her human form as she and the sisters walked onto the shore, “I figured we could have a few moments of peace before we say goodbye since today was so...stressful."

The boys followed suit and joined the girls on the land. All except Indigo. The eldest Cerith remained in the water as the teenagers explored the area, patiently hanging back and keeping his eyes to the open sea. Just in case.

Cowrie immediately started climbing into the willow tree closest to the water just so she could jump out of it and back into the water like a little kid on a tire swing. She called for Floyd to join her. He didn't need to be told twice. Luna just giggled at her baby sister and mate's antics before saddling up to Elise's side. 

"You're looking a bit overheated, Elise," she whispered in a sing-song tone while both Azul and Jade were distracted, "Do you need a...time out perhaps?"

That was code Elise and the Cerith sisters had been using for years: whenever Elise was having a 'moment' - as Luna liked to call it - she and her eel companions would swiftly and gracefully as possible retreat to a designated panic area, away from prying eyes and ears. Elise was both irritated and grateful to her best friend and vice prefect for reading her so easily. She didn't even have to respond before Luna linked her arm with Elise's and called Cowrie back to her.

"Excuse us, boys, we girls need to have a little private talk for a moment," Luna gave Azul and the twins a soft smile before smoothly guiding the princess further inland, Cowrie practically skipping behind. Jade was quick to catch the look Luna gave him as she floated by. He passed along the look to Floyd like a psychic connection and the twins both turned to Azul.

"We should regroup as well, don't you think Floyd?" Jade grinned, showing his teeth.

Floyd's wild giggle just made Azul feel more uneasy and on the defensive. The octopus boy found the closest bench and sat with his arms crossed. The tweels settled on either side of him and waited with deceptively kind smiles on their faces. 

"Alright, you two are up to something. What is it?"

Azul had known these devilish twins long enough to know when they had mischief on their minds. Most of the time it still worked in his favor but right now, he wasn't so sure. Jade took the lead in classic Jade fashion: delicately baited.

"It's not often that we're left out of the loop, Azul. We're just curious as to how everything is going?"

An innocent enough statement. At least it would be had it come from anyone but Jade Leech. Azul held his cards close to his chest and gave the brothers just the facts: it was simple - Rielle was no longer on land, at least outside of his school's campus, and from what Emily Coralette had very bluntly said earlier, he had a snowball in the Land of Hot Sands' chance at winning her heart. The more vindictive part of Azul grinned at that prospect, the utter foolishness of it all. The twins weren't much better. Floyd cackled at this information, "Aw man, what a shmuck! Not only did he pick the wrong girl, she doesn't even want him back?!"

Jade snorted and sputtered a bit, failing to hide his laugh behind any sort of polite decorum, "Oya Floyd, don't be so cruel...it's unfair to assume that he actually put any thought into this whole endeavor." 

This only made his brother laugh even harder. Although, the twins' mirth quickly died down once they noticed the very downcast look on their friend's face. Azul looked as serious as a heart attack, staring off into nothing. 

"Oi Azul...this is usually the part where you get all puffed up and confident about winning and stuff," Floyd muttered.

When he didn't respond, Jade's grin grew as he offered a theory, "Perhaps Azul is troubled because while these unfortunate events do benefit him...that may not be the case for poor Miss Elise."

The twins watched Azul's brow furrow deeper in frustration as his guarded resolve fell apart in mere moments. They shared a suspicious look before watching their friend again, waiting for a response. Like two cats waiting at a fishing dock. Azul let out an agitated huff, "Honestly, what a mess this has become and for what? Some foolish prince with big pretty, dreamy eyes and a nice singing voice chasing after an even more vapid little waif that's not even a fraction of the woman that DOES love him...that idiot couldn't even see what was right in front of him!"

"Ohh? How so?" Jade asked as casually as possible. Had Azul looked up he would have seen just how the brothers were about to lose it, not even bothering to hide their mischievous grins. Azul was too distracted by his own irritated feelings to derail his own rant.

"How so? Honestly, Jade, you and Floyd have had Elise in your own house for weeks and you're still unaware?! She has adapted to the same  very dangerous environment we all were born into in record time, she defended your mate from imminent danger-"

"Octi-chan also put you in your place like right away," Floyd added rather bluntly.

"YES, Floyd! Aside from my mother and grandmother, and your own mother once or twice, no one else has ever done so let alone with such directness and passion!" the brothers weren't sure if Azul was upset or impressed but decided to see where he was going with this, "Elise is incredible. She's unlike any other person, I've ever met..."

Azul stopped himself in a bout of bashful self-awareness. His face turned the shade of Riddle Roseheart's hair once he finally looked up and saw the incredulously wide smiles on the twins' faces. Checkmate.

"Ehhhhh~ This is so unlike you, Azuuuul...so smitten~" Floyd giggled as if they had been watching a wriggling worm on a hook. 

Azul back peddled so quickly the twins were surprised he didn't flip over the very bench he sat on, "Smitten?! Clearly, you have no idea what admiration and respect sound like! I'm just speaking as a man admiring a woman of prestige and gumption!!"

Indigo snorted loudly from where he was offshore when he heard that, making his younger brothers-in-law burst into laughter. Azul steamed faster than a pressure cooker, spitting out defenses onto their deaf ears. On the other side of the bay, Elise wasn't fairing much better.

She, Luna, and Cowrie found a nice private spot hidden away underneath one of the larger willows that dipped into the water. Elise sat up to her shoulders in the cool water, quietly watching her tentacles play with the small fish and water lilies that drifted by.  She had been giving her curious friends short, vague answers to their endless questions. Luna had a world of patience that her sister did not. Cowrie finally grew tired of swimming in circles around Luna and Elise as the three of them talked and finally blurted out what they really wanted to know.

"So what's the deal with Rielle now??"

Luna bopped her baby sister on the head with the end of her tail after giving her a scrutinizing look. Still, she waited for Elise to answer. The princess seemed set on hiding her face in her own long silky hair. Very uncharacteristically skittish of her...

"It's like I said...Emily doesn't love him. I'm not sure that he's aware of it though."

Luna slowly leaned in to coax her friend, "And how do you feel about all of this?"

Elise hesitated. Luna and Cowrie looked at each other but neither backed off. Their silent persistence didn't go unnoticed. The princess felt like she might be crushed under the weight of her friends' gazes. She wasn't stupid, she knew exactly what they wanted to hear...and it wasn't a lie either.

"I...I don't think I love Rielle anymore. I'm not sure I really did in the first place," her voice sounded so hollow but this confession came far more easily than she expected. 

"Finally!" Cowrie groaned, "You outclass him by a long shot, Ellie, you have for years."

"Ignoring my sister's lack of tact, she is right. Elise, as..." Luna really seemed to struggle with finding the right word for a moment, "...charming...as Rielle's pretty face and naivety may be, I assure you that you deserve and need a much more capable mate. Someone of substance."

Cowrie nodded in hard agreement with her sister's words, "Someone more your speed. And you know, with a brain that actually works. I mean even your sister doesn't want him...that's pretty sad." 

Classic Cowrie: brutally honest. Elise snorted dryly and rolled her eyes as she pushed her hair away from her face, "No she doesn't, but that didn't stop her from batting her eyes towards Azul..."

The sisters' ear fins perked up at this new development. Rather than interrupting with more questions, they scooted in to soak up every detail as Elise got more and more heated with every word. 

"Honestly," she huffed, "I knew Emily wasn't subtle about her more flirtatious side but seriously? She already had one guy practically licking her shoes but the minute he leaves and another handsome face shows up, she starts eyeing him up like he's the next course meal!" 

"Hmph. So vulgar..." Luna sneered while sharing a grin with her younger sister. Cowrie quietly snickered as her tail swished back and forth in the water.

"I know! He was right there with ME! Literally on MY arm!" Elise practically screeched.

"Humans can be so sloppy with their desires. If this had happened in our neighborhood, there would've been blood," Cowrie snorted, "Courtship and bonds with your mate are taken very seriously among mermaids, and disrespect is never tolerated."

Luna hummed in agreement, "Well said, Cowrie. If this girl had made such advances towards my darling right in front of me, well...she wouldn't have eyes left to gawk with." 

Elise's eyes nearly glowed red as she blurted out her true feelings with a snap, "Had I not been so focused on my purpose for being there in the first place, she'd be lucky if I took only her eyes!"

The eel sisters cooed in both surprise and admiration at this more savage side to their friend. "My, my...you truly are an octopus mermaid, Elise," Luna chuckled making the princess blink back to reality.

"Wha...what do you mean?" 

Cowrie giggled wickedly as she circled around the other two playfully, "Eel mermaids are very territorial and protective of their mates and their broods, but female octopus? Ooo, they're especially aggressive! Anyone with half a brain cell knows better than getting between an octo-lady and her maaaan~ Azuzu was lucky to not get caught up in the crossfire!"

The sisters giggled as the words "her man" made Elise's face flush lavender with a heated glow, "W-Well, it was just very rude is all. Anyone in my position would have felt the same! And making Azul out to be some piece of meat to toy with is unacceptable!" 

"Azul...or Rielle?"

Luna and Cowrie wore matching cat-like grins as they watched the steam rise out of Elise's ears. 

"Either one! Emily's behavior was and still is deplorable!" she huffed crossing both her arms and her two front tentacles, "Azul deserves better than that...a-and Rielle too, of course."

"Of course," Luna smiled as she picked up a nearby floating water lily and began to pluck its petals in a love-me-love-me-not fashion, "But perhaps, Azul-kun wasn't so much opposed to it as he just wished it came from another source."

Before Elise could say anything, her best friend's golden eyes flicked back up to her with an inquiring raise of her eyebrows. Elise felt a barrage of butterflies fill her stomach at the implication.

"I don't...I don't know what you mean by that Luna. Azul was there to support me and I am still very glad he was there, by my side...that's all." 

Very convincing, even Elise's brain didn't believe her. Judging from the looks on the eel sisters' faces, neither did they. However, Elise was too stubborn to give in so easily.

"Besides, I have a much bigger problem to worry about and I'm running out of time..." her face fell as she, begrudgingly, reminded herself of what needed to be done. Luna's expression turned more serious.

"And what will you do, Elise?"

"I...I don't know...somehow I thought all of this would be so much more clear by now but..."

After a beat of silence, Elise felt both sisters gently wrap themselves around her in a double hug. They said nothing. They didn't have to. Elise just exhaled and let her two companions hold her up for a few minutes while she began to process everything at hand. 

-

When the girls returned to the main shore, they found a rather unexpected scene...

The twins and Azul seemed to be horsing around in the water and arguing about something. Well, Azul was arguing some point while tangling a cackling Floyd up in one of his tentacles as if the eel boy were a giant maraca while Jade kept trying to escape the tentacle that had him ensnared. All the while, Indigo sat in the water off to the side just watching with a sigh. The girls said nothing but gave the eldest boy questioning looks. 

"Don't ask..." was his only response.

Elise turned back towards the other three boys and cleared her throat as loudly as possible, "Um boys??"

Azul suddenly whipped around as his tentacles plunged the twins back into the water, causing their tails to wriggle back and forth above the surface, "Ah! Ladies, welcome back!"

His eye twitched but the girls pretended not to notice it. Or how flushed Azul's face was. Elise just put on a smile and ignored her own nerves, "Sorry about running off so suddenly, Azul, um...we...we just wanted to say our goodbyes before we go, of course." 

Floyd's head popped out of the water with a pout, "Awww already?" 

Jade followed with a calm expression in an attempt to hide his disappointment better than his brother, "It is getting rather late, I suppose." 

Azul let the brothers go and they quickly swam over to their mates. Elise gave the eels a moment and approached the other octopus with a soft smile, "I can't thank you enough for your help, Azul."

Some of Elise's butterflies seemed to transfer over to him in that exact moment, "Oh I uh...I didn't do that much...I was just kind of...there."

Elise laughed quietly at his suddenly more shy expression, "What's with the false modesty? You being 'there' is exactly what I needed. I like having you close by, Azul-" 

The princess let out a high squeak when two of her and Azul's tentacles suddenly took it upon themselves to wrap around each other as they did before but more assertively this time. Azul's whole torso tensed with embarrassment before he started sputtering.

"I-I'm so sorry, I don't know why this keeps happening!"

He started to pull his own limbs off of hers but stopped when Elise suddenly burst out laughing. He blinked at the princess owlishly as if he were caught in some sort of prank. Elise waved her hands as she tried to make herself stop laughing but to no avail.

"I'm, I'm sorry, I-" she tried taking a breath but somehow that just made it worse, "I swear I'm not trying to make fun of you! It-it's just maybe-" 

The five eels watched the scene between the two play out with satisfied grins on their faces. It was too adorable for even the most mischievous of them to interrupt. Elise finally managed to quell her laughter to finish explaining.

"Whew...sorry...ahem...maybe our legs are just trying to break the ice or something?" She smiled at the stunned boy, "I mean...we've come this far together right and we're still a bit too formal with each other sometimes? Maybe they can tell." 

It was a fair point. Azul pouted down at his own tentacles as if they were mocking him but deep down, he was not-so-secretly grateful for them taking initiative he was too scared to take himself, "Perhaps...so what do we..."

Azul felt an immediate lump form in his throat when Elise suddenly closed the distance and wrapped her arms around him in a hug, causing the emboldened legs to wrap even tighter around each other. 

"See? This isn't so bad...right?" her voice was even but Elise was so glad he couldn't see her very shy face right now. 

Azul slowly relaxed and wrapped his arms around her waist, relishing in the feeling of her odd warmth being so close to him, "No. Not at all." 

The only complaint either one of them had was just how hard saying even a temporary goodbye was going to be now. Neither one wanted to even imagine how hard the final goodbye at the end of all of this when Elise was returned to normal was going to be...

Indigo quietly said bid his sisters and their mates fair well for the time being before silently swimming back to the Leech household. Luna and Cowrie didn't want to break Elise away from Azul just yet, especially when he looked so comfortable with his eyes closed in a peaceful expression with his head leaning against hers. The twins, as maliciously teasing as they may be, also didn't want to break things up just yet. This was probably the most at ease they had seen their friend in so long.

"Maybe we should give them a few more minutes," Luna whispered as Floyd rested his head on her shoulder with a content purr. Jade and Cowrie gave no argument as the latter wrapped his petite mate in his own arms. 

In their own little bubble, Azul felt weirdly electric: half calm, half absolutely buzzing. He was torn between letting the moment linger and ending the hug too soon. The tug o war going on in his brain wasn't helping his nerves whatsoever. He opened his stormy blue eyes to watch the final moments of the sunset before the glowing orb finally disappeared beneath the horizon. Time was slipping away too quickly. 

"Elise..." he gently pushed away from her as soon as he regained his composure, "I-er-we need to make sure you get back to Sacred Crown safely." 

Elise ignored, as much as she could anyway, the heavy pit in her stomach and the sudden departure of warmth as they separated, "Yes...we've dallied enough I think. We'll see each other again soon enough though, right?" 

She put on a confident smile as she returned to the shore, "It might sound strange but it works better when we start on solid ground," the princess chuckled. Luna and Cowrie gave their boys a kiss before following after Elise. Once the three girls were back in their human forms, each one removed the coins from their pockets and tossed them into the bay. Minutes later a whirlpool portal appeared before them. The girls gave each of the boys one last look before leaping in one right after the other. Once the whirlpool settled and they were gone, the bay felt all too quiet and empty.

Floyd's mood immediately dampened if not turn completely non-existent. Jade looked a bit lost. And Azul...well...Azul did what Azul did best: go on with the show.

"Well, we watched over the girls until their return just as we said we would. They'll be back in no time...Jade, Floyd, let's go back to Octivinelle. We have a lot to do." 

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @honey-milk-depresso @ladyrosemoon @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @victoria1676 @evieyouknow @feldya @wysteriadelights @1ndigowitch @aiimee9

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #sacred crown chronicles #her lost voice #twst oc x canon #octavinelle #twst oc schools #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #under the sea mafia #more eel mermaids #kiss the girl already!!! #octopus lurv #shalalalalala my oh my

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic "Her Lost Voice": Chapter 10

So I tried posting this chapter last night and apparently, Chapter 10 is just way too long to put into a Tumblr post for y'all to read and share directly............

Well I ain't editing it down whatsoever so here's a link instead lol

Now BEFORE you read (specifically any new readers that haven't traveled this route yet): I do have to put some warning labels on this chapter. It deals with some heavy subject matter regarding the abuse and neglect of children. Even violence towards and amongst children. So just be warned if this is something that is hard for you to read about/deal with.

Also there's some 18+ stuff that happens later in the chapter. Nothing too graphic but it's there lol (Minors, go to bed!!)

Anyway, now that I know there's a text limit, I might just start doing my chapter posts this way. Likes, shares, and comments are still very much welcome and I hope y'all enjoy the chapter.

Inky's Links: AO3 : Masterlist : 3rd Story Poll (still open for one more day)

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @honey-milk-depresso @ladyrosemoon @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @victoria1676 @evieyouknow @feldya @wysteriadelights @1ndigowitch @aiimee9

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #sacred crown chronicles #twst oc x canon #twst oc schools #her lost voice #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #elise coralette #more eel mermaids #under the sea mafia #twitterpated bois #mama leech #papa leech #mama cerith #lots n lots o good mamas #chapter update #don muraeni is a terrible dad

[neoninky]

TWST Fic "Her Lost Voice" Chapter 9

Not me watching Sleeping Beauty and taking notes in preparation for Diasomnia's impending victory

Hey it's still May 19th so Happy World Eel Day, everyone!

Speaking of eels-

Let's pick up where we left off yesterday with everyone's favorite tweels storming the castle/siren club lol

Chapter 9: The Miserable, Lonely, and Depressed

As soon as he heard her voice say his name, the sleepy fog flooding his system evaporated. It had been way too long and now here she was.

"Floyd...?"

The miniature Leech twin regained all of his energy and then some in an instant. He beamed up at the siren as she slowly swam over to her bed, the dumped flowers completely forgotten, and curled up in front of her pillows so she could get a better look at what was apparently her beau. Floyd excitedly dove into her hands and wrapped himself around her thumb, hugging it since he was too tiny to give her a proper embrace. 

"Lunaaa! I missed you!" he chirped in his much smaller voice as he nuzzled his cheek against the pad of her thumb like an affectionate kitten. 

Luna's heart melted for a moment at the sound of Floyd's familiar and honest glee. How she missed it and him both. But that didn't distract her from her immediate frustration. Granted, now it was even more difficult to stay angry with him. 

"Floyd," Luna huffed in a whisper that was trying to sound stern but knew it sounded lackluster, "What are you doing here?! If they find out, they'll kill you!" 

The tiny eel didn't seem to hear her. That or he just didn't care. Floyd just squeezed the parts of her hand he could fit his tail around excitedly as he planted tiny excited kisses on her skin. Luna felt her resolve starting to crack. Good grief, why did he have to be so damn cute?

"Floyd, please."

He finally gave the siren an annoyed pout. So much for her never getting upset with him for doing something reckless, "I don't care about them. I'm here to rescue you. If you wanna be mad then be mad at Sevy, not me."

Luna sighed and gave Floyd's tiny head a very gentle pet with the tip of her finger, "I'm not angry with you or Seven, honey...I just don't like you putting yourself in danger! I'd rather you'd stay away from me and far from here-OW!" 

The siren scoffed and glared down at her miniature boyfriend who had bit her finger. He kept nipping at her while giving her a sour glare like a pouty, rebellious child.

"Floyd, stop that!" Luna hissed quietly.

"Then take that back! I know you don't mean it so why did you ignore me for so long?!" She could hear the frustration make his voice crack as he stared her down, the end of his tail whipping against her fingers. 

Luna's frustration reached its peak and her words spilled out of her mouth  before she could give them thorough thought, "Because I love you, you idiot!"

Floyd's eyes went wide and his tiny jaw went slack as he felt his brain grind to a halt. Luna looked away from him as she felt heat bloom on her face. 

"The thought of something happening to you or you getting hurt because of me absolutely kills me, Floyd. I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do to protect you..." When she looked back down at him, Floyd was still completely frozen in shock, making her feel even more embarrassed, "Floyd. Goodness, j-just say something! ...Please?"

In a matter of seconds, Luna saw him completely thaw his way out of shock and b-lined right back into hyper glee in record time. His smile was as wide as his eyes and his tiny tail was wagging like crazy.

"You love me? Really? REALLY?!"

Luna now couldn't deny it even if she wanted to. It was a first and frankly, Floyd Leech was definitely not the type of person she imagined herself committing to. But then she met him, flirted and romanced him, and he not only reciprocated but chased after her in earnest. Especially when she tried to break things off. And the big difference was that it didn't feel like a game or a transaction. Luna couldn't lie to herself anymore. This silly, wild boy actually made her feel happy. Floyd made her feel so good and never pretended to have feelings he didn't. It was all genuine with him...which is why this had all been so hard. So here she was being hit over the head with her own clumsy confession and feelings that had been bubbling under the surface for months now. There was no point in trying to play coy now.

The warm smile on her face set Floyd off like a little firecracker, "Yes, honey. I do."

Luna almost squealed when he suddenly darted up to her face and smooshed his into her lips. She guessed that was as close to a legitimate kiss as he could get in this form. While he had been a bit confused and conflicted about how exactly he felt before, Floyd's brain pretty much threw all that out the window right then and there. 

Luna let a genuine giggle slip just before kissing Floyd on his tiny head. He suddenly looked irritated and grumbled, "I wish I wasn't tiny...this makes it even more awkward..."

He became bashful out of nowhere which only confused the siren. Floyd was pretty straightforward all around so this seemed very strange. His ear fins were wiggling and twitching as he looked back up at her, "Hey Luna...?"

Floyd knew that he was definitely doing things out of order here which was frowned upon when it came to mating rituals but honestly, he and Luna had technically already mated in the physical sense before so it was already too late to 'do things by the book' so to speak. His mother would be livid at his lack of preparation but hopefully the fact that she's getting another daughter-in-law would distract her. Normally the male would give his chosen mate a proper gift in the form of jewelry or some other trinket when proposing they become official mates. The female would then wear it like a human woman would a wedding or engagement ring to symbolize that she had taken a mate and was essentially off the market.

 Floyd, unfortunately, forgot that part until just now...so here he was about to do the mermaid equivalent of proposing to his girlfriend without a ring. It still meant just as much to him regardless and he hoped the same was true for Luna as well. He just hated the fact that he felt so goddamn flustered all of a sudden!

"Luna, I wanna ask you-"

Floyd snarled and nearly spat acid as a sudden knock on the door interrupted their moment. The scared look that was on Luna's face made his guts twist and turn. He didn't like seeing her that way at all. Luna quickly whispered for Floyd to hide as she opened her jewelry box and shepherded him inside before going to the door. Fortunately, it was Seven on the other side of the door. This only irritated Floyd even more. As soon as Luna let him in and shut the door, Floyd popped out the jewelry box like an angry jack-in-the-box. 

"HeyheyHEY! You couldn't wait a few more minutes?!" the tiny eel hissed. 

Seven was unphased as usual, "Afraid not. Luna needs to be back on stage in the next three minutes." 

Luna gave Seven an understanding nod before picking up her seething beau into her hands and cooed to him, "I'm so sorry Floyd honey. Just please wait a little longer." 

Floyd's temper was almost boiling him alive. It was so bad that even Luna's pet name for him barely put a dent in it, "Let's leave right now! You have the key right here!" 

Seven rolled his eyes. Jade had warned him ahead of time about his twin's impatience, "If you leave now, it'll only cause more of an unnecessary commotion. Wait until the show is over and the guests all leave. Then, and ONLY then, Luna can open the portal and you two can sneak away because no one will even realize she's gone until tomorrow. And you need to stay quiet...my younger brothers are still outside lurking about. Not to mention, I haven't seen Proteus all night." 

Floyd looked like he was ready to take a bite out of Seven when Luna calmly interjected, "Seven, I'll be right there. Just give me a moment with Floyd, ok?"

Her step-brother left without an argument. Luna turned her gentle smile back on, making her lover cool down a small margin.

"Floyd honey," she tried again, this time actually seeing Floyd start to relax, "Please wait for me. Just a little longer. Then you and I can leave together, safely, quietly. Then we'll have all the time in the world to talk and more." 

The tiny Leech whipped his tail with acute sass as he crossed his arms and pouted up at her, "....ok."

Luna set him back down on her vanity and planted another kiss on his turquoise hair, "Thank you, darling. It won't be much longer. Then you can be back to your normal size and have me all to yourself." 

His expression didn't change but the excited thump of his tail betrayed him making Luna giggle, "Stay hidden and quiet, honey. I'll be back."  -

Jade remained waiting in Seven's box, still as a gargoyle. He was quietly pondering how much time they had left when Seven returned and casually sat back down in his seat. He knew that eyes were on him constantly so he had to remain vigilant and calm. Thankfully he had one hell of a poker face. He kept his eyes to the stage as he quietly addressed Jade.

"As soon as the last song ends, return to the front doors with the other staff and unlock them. Wait until the crowds start to leave and then exit with them. Don't break away from the crowd until you're away from the club. You only have about an hour left on the potion so move as quickly as you can without looking suspicious." 

Jade said nothing but tapped his manta tail on the floor twice to indicate he understood the instructions. 

The crowd below started to quiet down as the lights dimmed. Luna took her position behind the curtain once again, this time with a rekindled spark in her eyes. Just a couple more songs then it'd all be over. Finally...

-

The youngest of Seven's brothers yawned as he circled around the club once again. This was getting boring but he knew if they didn't do this then the lot of them would get a face full of electricity from Proteus...or worse. He yanked on the uncomfortable collar the three of them had been forced to wear by the sadistic ray: the material alone was rough and rubbed against the skin but it also had metal bolts attached to the outside to make the charges all the more potent. He was about to turn around when a strange smell suddenly hit his senses. It seemed a bit old but also extremely out of place....it was then he noticed it was coming from the vents. 

He suddenly let out a whistle to call his older brothers over. The two larger eels made their way over and saw the youngest pointing to one of the vents. He didn't have to explain when the other two caught the same smell. All three pairs of eyes narrowed as they broke apart, each one entering a different vent to track down the infiltrator. It was definitely the smell of another eel but not one of their own. 

It didn't take the three brothers long to track the smell to the back hallways where all the sirens' quarters were. But which room was it in? The three silently filed into the empty hallway and accessed the situation. The two elder brothers left the youngest to keep looking as they returned to the main floor. Surely Ventuno and their father would need to know about this. Meanwhile, the youngest continued to sort out all the smells along the doorways, searching for his target like an aquatic bloodhound. 

-

Don Muraeni hadn't budged from his seat all night. He had plenty of gentlemen come to his own box to discuss business in between performances. The more foolhardy of them tried to make offers on purchasing Luna for as their own personal siren but each one was swiftly and rudely dismissed by the Don and his snickering heir. Ventuno just took it as even more entertainment, knowing his father would never sell Luna to anyone or give her to their sons when she already brought him in profit aplenty. He wasn't exactly put off either by the fathers trying to push their daughters onto the Don's son in exchange for some other kind of boon. No agreements were officially made but it was clear that Ventuno had plenty to choose from if he were interested. His enjoyment was rudely interrupted when his two younger brothers silently shuffled into the box, trying to whisper something urgently to him as their father continued to chat with another colleague of his. 

"The hell do you runts want?" Ventuno spat before grabbing another crab off of the platter next to him. He lazily crunched the tiny creature between his sharp teeth, half-listening to whatever it was that his brothers were saying but as soon as he heard a certain name, he started to choke, "What?!"

"Ventuno...cover your mouth, boy."

Don Muraeni's sinisterly smooth tone made all three sons freeze. The eldest cleared up his own cough as soon as possible and quickly dismissed himself, "Father, there's some riff-raff inside that these slugs can't handle."

The Don held up a hand to silence his colleague as he turned to narrow his eyes at his now whimpering younger sons and his snarling heir. His voice seemed to turn the air colder all around them.

"Take care of it. Now. Or would you rather continue to disrupt my business and suffer even greater consequences?"

The sons knew better than to answer that and quickly dismissed themselves before the Don had to ask a second time. Ventuno snapped his teeth at the shaken brothers before shoving past them in an irritated hurry. 

-

Floyd had settled on taking another nap to make himself feel better but he was once again interrupted by a noise coming from the other side of Luna's door. He saw a shadow from underneath the door and smelled a scent he didn't recognize. His fins prickled up on edge when the doorknob started to rattle. Outside in the hallway, the youngest of the numbered brothers snarled as he fiddled with the lock, trying to pick it open. Whatever that smell was, it was coming from inside Luna's room. He turned and yanked on the door handle when picking the lock had failed him. 

Floyd quickly dove back into the jewelry box on Luna's vanity and pulled it shut as he wrapped his tail around the coral portal key. He felt his whole body tense up and flood with instinctual adrenaline in the process. Had he been full-sized, he'd just knock the door off its henges and sucker-punched the intruder himself. Whoever showed up next had the same idea. Floyd heard a gruff voice bark at the first intruder, telling him to 'piss off', seconds before the handle was ripped off and the door forced open. The Leech twin couldn't see him but Ventuno's deep snarl and the stench of aggression told Floyd all he needed to know. The Muraeni heir leered around the empty room, occasionally tossing things aside as he sniffed about. 

"I can smell you in here, you Leech bastard, where are you?!" 

-

The last song had reached it's second chorus when Jade noticed some movement coming from the sides of the room. He remained silent but tapped Seven on his shoulder with his tail before gesturing to the sight of Seven's younger brothers swimming towards the back hallway in a hurry. Seven cursed under his breath but rose from his seat in a calm manner.

"Stick to the plan...throw them off track." 

-

The three younger numbered brothers heard Ventuno thrashing about in Luna's dressing room and felt uneasy about the entire display. The eldest had already snarled and threatened each of them for not doing their jobs and letting some outsider sneak in...and now that the adrenaline of the hunt had started to wane, they realized that they were in fact in forbidden territory and that Ventuno was absolutely destroying the headlining diva's room with no clear signs of stopping.

"The hell are you three doing back here?!"

All three brothers turned and nearly died on the spot from fear when they saw who was yelling at them. They cowered under Seven's icy glare like a pack of scared sardines.

"Get back outside before Father sees you. You know you aren't allowed back here," he commanded in a cold but blunt tone as he made his way towards the ruckus. 

The three younger brothers quickly made their way back towards the front doors that were now open and hid amongst the leaving patrons. They shuffled in between the gentlemen and their packs as they exited the venue, going unnoticed by most. The three of them seemed to share alike mind and moved together like a school of much smaller fish. They came to a united halt as one of the manta mermen suddenly swam in front of them, nearly bumping into the eldest. The manta gave a polite apology before disappearing into the flow of the crowd. When the eldest of them picked up on another scent trailing behind the manta, the other two suddenly stiffened as well. It was very similar to the first foreign musk they discovered earlier. Did that mean...there were two of them?! 

The eldest snarled quietly as his dark eyes honed in on where the stranger had disappeared in front of them. The manta ray was further ahead moving at a steady pace. The other two brothers followed the first as he began to follow the strange manta at a safe distance. What the brothers didn't see was the smirk on Jade's faux-face as he began to pick up the pace even more once they reached the edge of the lot. He could feel the potion's effect start to fade and knew he was on a tight time frame. The further he lured them away from the club and away from Luna and Floyd the better but he had to get back to his home turf quick.

It wasn't quite as easy for him due to his larger size but Jade had taken mental notes during his and Cowrie's last 'chase'. He continued to face forward, never letting on that he knew he was being followed as he took different twists and turns down this street and the next. All the while, Jade kept his eyes and mind sharp. It wouldn't do him any good to get himself lost. The trio moved together like a pack of wolves. If one of them bumped into a dead end, the next brother took the lead down another path trying to get ahead of Jade to cut him off. Jade picked up speed as he began to recognize his surroundings. Even in this form, he was too quick for the trio to get ahead of him. He was almost to the border when he began to feel a twisting pain in his torso. Jade cursed silently in his own head as he almost crash-landed into the square as the manta fins morphed back into his normal eel form, throwing off his balance. He quickly turned down the alleyway that led behind the Leviathan Club and hid himself the best he could. His body fully changed back as he quietly tried to catch his breath. Around him, he didn't hear or see anyone. Jade waited in silence for several minutes before looking about the area himself...nothing. 

In front of the Leviathan Club, the street was full of usual patrons either enjoying the late evening or heading home. Jade didn't see the three brothers anywhere nor did he smell them. He exhaled in short relief before heading straight back home, not knowing that four pairs of glowing eyes were watching him from further down the street. The tall, imperious figure hovering in the middle of the three rough hunters grinned as his red eyes burned with mirth. Each telling whisper the brothers gave him filled him in on the night's events including the suspected intruder in Luna's room and how it had smelled very closely to how Jade Leech had smelled. 

"My, my, it would seem hiding in the square all night paid off. Thank you, boys, for chasing the young Leech my way. Let's let him go for now. I have a feeling Don Muraeni might need some assistance rounding up a runaway soon..."

The three brothers knew better than to argue with him as all three of them answered in submissive obedience.

"Yes, Proteus."

-

Floyd quickly swam underneath the vanity as an angry Ventuno knocked the jewelry box and other items off of it as he continued to turn the room inside out. He held the key tight by the end of his tail. His ear fins perked up as he heard a familiar voice enter the room.

"Ventuno! What are you doing?!"

The only thing that could overrule Ventuno's boiling temper about his enemy hiding in plain sight was his inexplicable desire to either throw Seven under the bus or knock his lesser brother's teeth out. Either way, for Ventuno, the opportunity literally just came through the door. 

"I should be asking you that, Seven. Or better yet, what aren't you doing? I was just told by our younger brat brothers that a Leech somehow got in here unnoticed like a rat. I can smell him all over this room. Why couldn't you, hmm? I wonder what Dad will have to say about this...especially since you already fucked up once."

Seven clenched his jaw shut as he allowed the arrogant family heir to laugh in his face, "I've had securities checks done around the clock since we opened, Ventuno. If there was an intruder then we would have found and dealt with him already...but I guess your method of destroying business property works just as well," he added sarcastically.

His older brother growled and got up in Seven's face, baring his teeth and tensing up his tail fins to show dominance, "Listen, just because you're the toughest dog in the pack doesn't mean you can talk back to me so freely. Or do you want another scar on your throat? Maybe this time, I'll rip out your vocal cords and mount them in the dining room right next to a nice, open plaque I'll be saving for your head...'Sevy'..."

Seven felt his hold on his temper start to ebb as his brother used the nickname Cowrie had given him. Ventuno sneered as he watched Seven's eyes narrow, "Oh I'm sorry. Did I hit a nerve? I forgot, that was the lil' maggot's pet name for you, wasn't it?"

"There's nothing in here as you can see, Ventuno. Get out," Seven's tone was cool and collected as usual but Ventuno wasn't finished with him just yet.

"Ooh, poor Sevyyyy..." his tone was laced with amused malice, "You were too late to rescue the little brat from becoming shark food. Damn, what would Stepmother think?" For the first time, Floyd saw Seven's tail tense with anger and shake like the end of a rattlesnake's. "Oh was that supposed to be a secret? How you were her favorite out of all of us? It's adorable how the guilt is tearing you apart, you pathetic sap," Ventuno swam around his younger brother with the smuggest sounding taunts Floyd had ever heard,"Or actually now that I think about it...didn't you just sit back and watch as Stepmother became shark food too? Wow, that soft-hearted bitch even gave you a name without telling Dad...you act like you're above all this but you're just as greedy for a place at the table as the rest of us-"

Floyd heard a loud thump as he saw Ventuno suddenly hit the ground right in front of the vanity. He quickly zipped out from his hiding place and went behind the overturned bed before Ventuno could spot him. Fortunately for Floyd, the eldest Muraeni son was preoccupied with Seven's hand holding him down by his throat. All Floyd could hear was Ventuno struggling and choking as Seven's voice turned dark. His curiosity got the better of him as the tiny twin peeked out from his new hiding spot to watch Seven almost strangle the arrogance right out of his older brother. For the first time, Seven's usually empty eyes were on fire with cold rage.

"I know you haven't given a single damn about anyone besides yourself since the day each of us was born, but don't you dare assume that I'm the same as you, you fucking parasite. And don't you dare insult her like that," Seven's snarl sounded like the beginning of an earthquake as his ice blue gaze pierced right into his older brother's angry eyes. For a moment, Floyd was convinced that Seven was really about to choke every last breath out of his brother...until he didn't. Frankly, Floyd was a tad disappointed. Seven let the asshole go with a final warning.

"There's nothing in here for you to find. Get the hell out." 

Ventuno coughed and sputtered as he flailed on the ground, trying to get away as soon as Seven let him go. He snarled as soon as he got his breath back and rose back up, trying to bolster what little dignity he had left, "Ok Seven...I'll leave..." 

Before Seven could even blink, Ventuno's tail whacked the bed and knocked it back against the opposite wall. He smirked as he looked down at Floyd who had curled up in a tiny spiral to duck out of the way of the large piece of furniture. 

"Well, well, seems we have an infestation after all!" Ventuno chuckled with a sinister grin. The grin quickly faded in a matter of minutes when a large spark of magic suddenly went off in the smug Muraeni's face, temporarily blinding him. Before his vision could clear, Ventuno felt a blunt something hit him in the head twice so hard he swore he had been hit by a bus. Floyd now back to his original size just blinked in both disbelief and wonder at the culprit. Seven sighed in either relief or frustration at how quickly this entire operation went south. Possibly both. The metal piece of her broken bed frame sank back to the ground with a hollow thud as Luna glared at her now unconscious stepbrother.  

"Change of plans," she huffed, quickly addressing Floyd and Seven after shutting what was left of the door, "Floyd, give me the key."

He obeyed without question and Luna pressed the key to the wall just to the side of the broken door. The same kind of mirror-like portal opened and she gave Seven a desperate look. He cursed under his breath, "Luna, we don't really have time for goodbyes here. You gotta get going." 

"You're right, there's no time for a goodbye," Luna suddenly wrapped her arms around Seven in a tight hug, "Heart's Lyre."

Before Seven could argue, he felt his entire body lock up in a weird paralysis as his arms crossed behind his back. The look in Luna's eyes was both apologetic and determined, "Proteus saw Jade. I heard your brothers talking about it just before I rushed back here. If he knows, your father will too if he doesn't already. You're coming with us. Floyd, let's go."

Floyd gave Luna and Seven a push into the portal as Luna kept her arms around Seven and dove in after them as the portal closed after him. 

Luna's body hit the sand hard as the portal seemed to throw her and the others out the other end like a shot. She tumbled more times than she could count and swore some of the sand got into her lungs as she gasped and coughed upon finally landing, her ears ringing.

...Lu.....Lunaaa... "LUNA!"

A familiar voice echoed to her before she felt a pair of arms envelop her. When she could finally open her eyes properly, Luna felt her throat tighten. Elise's beaming smile greeted her old friend as she hugged her close, "You're here! You're really here!" 

It took Luna a moment to realize that, yes, Elise actually was speaking to her. Her sister's excited cheer rang out as the younger eelmaid hugged Luna from behind, wrapping her tail around her older sister affectionately, "Luna!! You're ok!!" 

"Wh...where...?" Luna's brain was still trying to make sense of everything that was happening way too fast. The giant coral garden surrounding her didn't look familiar at all. Floyd somehow ended up across the way and was currently being helped off the ground by a very relieved-looking Jade as Azul kept patting his back to help him cough up some sand.  Luna sighed a few her nerves out seeing that he had made it in one piece. A groan coming from behind her proved that Seven made it as well. The dazed eel pushed himself off the ground and shook the excess sand from his hair, ears, and back. Cowrie pried herself from the sisterly hug and full-on tackled him, squealing with glee, "Sevyyy!!"  Everyone was here...they made it.

Luna turned back to Elise and held her face as if she wasn't sure if her friend was real or not, "Elise...you...wait you can talk now?!"

The princess just laughed as tiny inky tears prickled at her gem-colored eyes, "It's a long story. We can talk about all that later. I'm just so happy that you're here! We're all together again, finally!"

Luna's lips quivered as the sentiment hit her in full force, "Yes...Yes, finally." 

The two girls squealed as Floyd suddenly wrapped them both in a tight hug nuzzling Luna's cheek before giving her several kisses on her face. Luna broke down in laughter and embarrassment, now noticing that Elise had somehow escaped the hug and joined the rest of the group as they just hung back and watched Floyd explode like a happy puppy. 

"F-Floyd! Calm down! I'm not going to disappear, I swear!" Luna's usual cool-headed veneer was all but destroyed at this point and any attempt to regain it or hide behind her hands was rebuffed by her excited beau. 

"Never," Floyd was relentless. Elise and Cowrie were both a fit of giggles at the display. Azul and Jade both had looks that were somewhere between relief and exasperation. Seven was just lost entirely...until he saw Don Leech and his wife enter the garden with two very different reactions to what was happening.

Everyone froze as a stern 'AHEM' from Don Leech broke the atmosphere. He hovered, arms crossed, hair looking like he had been asleep until not that long ago, and an irritated yet confused scowl on his face. Madam Leech, a surprise to no one, looked fully prepared for the day already even though it was technically very late at night and merely blinked as she observed the beautiful, embarrassed girl in her other son's arms...until realization hit her like lightning. She looked at Luna and then Cowrie. Seconds later, she connected the dots, seeing how similar the two girls looked, and gasped in delight.  Her husband wasn't nearly as enthusiastic. How could he be when here he was, peacefully asleep in bed, when suddenly he was very rudely awakened by a loud ruckus in his garden which was now full of rowdy young people. One was his enemy's kid which he was convinced he would NEVER see again. The other he knew exactly who she was and whose siren diva she was...and here she was in the arms of his son. His headache from the other day came back in record time with a vengeance.

"Everyone. Inside. NOW."

-

Inside Don Leech's office, the three eel boys all stood in front of his desk as if it were a prison lineup. The twins looked like they knew fully what to expect. Seven looked like he was wondering how in the hell he even got there in the first place. The three girls all sat comfortably as they could in this tense atmosphere on the large couch behind them with Madam Leech perched nearby, poised elegantly, calmly but still very much like a protective mother hen. Azul stood off to the side of Elise, silently grateful to not be put on the spot for once during this whole affair.

The Don glared daggers at the three boys as he heaved a deep sigh, "Days ago, my property was trespassed by Muraeni thugs that chased his own daughter onto my territory....and my son, Jade, tells me then that she is his to be his mate. And you," his eyes darted over to Seven who flinched for a split second, "You, one of the Muraeni boys, show up, beat up my other son, and tell me the same thing. Now, in the middle of the night, you show up yet again with no warning whatsoever with the main diva of my rival's very exclusive sirens club in my garden of all places. Care to explain what the hell is happening here?"

Seven cleared his throat, "Sir, I apologize for this very...strange...situation. Obviously, you know who my other sister is. I was the one who helped her escape here."

"Jade and I helped too," Floyd pipped up casually making Jade and Seven sigh heavily.

"Thanks, Floyd..." Seven grumbled. So much for taking the brunt of the blame.

Don Leech slowly rose from his seat and stared at all three boys before leaning over to address Luna directly, "Luna Cerith is it? ...As in the same Luna Cerith that is the not only the headlining siren at the Siren's Cove but the eldest daughter of the past diva and ex-mate of Don Muraeni himself, Junonia Cerith?"

Luna felt her hands trembling as she kept them folded in her lap, "Yes sir. The very same. I wasn't aware you knew my mother, sir..."

"We've never met," Don Leech's gaze softened momentarily while speaking to the very nervous eelmaid, "I just did some further digging on my rival's history when I found out my son was planning on taking his daughter as his mate. When I did, I found out about you and your brother," both Luna and Seven tensed up at the implication, "I didn't expect to actually see you in my home...again." 

He threw a look Seven's way before addressing the three boys with a renewed glare, "With that said...am I to believe you three idiots somehow snuck into the Siren's Cove, in the dead of night, to kidnap Don Muraeni's prized siren singer that has been no doubt at the very top of his radar and still is and bring her back here, into my house?"

The three boys all muttered some form of affirmation to the father's very dangerously poised question. He continued in a very deceivingly calm tone, "Tell me. Why would you do this exactly?"

Seven swallowed as he felt himself begin to crack under the pressure but before he could answer...

"She's my girl," Floyd said bluntly, "I didn't like how they kept her all locked up so I rescued her." 

A single pin drop would have sounded like a landslide at that moment with how quiet that office was. Any faint hope that the father had that maybe, just maybe his assumptions were incorrect were shattered. Floyd fully expected his father to react the same way he did when Jade told him about Cowrie: the agro snarling intimidation tactics, the staredown, the whole nine yards. Instead, his father looked into his eyes with the most stoic expression on his face that Floyd had ever seen...which frankly was way more terrifying. Floyd tried to silently stand his ground as Jade had done before but he felt his tail start to twitch anxiously behind him. 

His father took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly before speaking, "So...not just one of my sons, but both of my sons have decided that out of all the women they could choose, they choose the two that are absolutely, undeniably off-limits and from the absolute last family they should ever associate with at all...because of course, they would..."

Their father's expected snarl started to build with every word but stopped when Luna's gentle voice politely interjected, "Don Leech, sir...if I may?"

The Don's felt his brow twitch but he still extended his hand, giving Luna permission to speak. The twins scooted to the side to give her room to approach their father's desk. The siren floated forward with Cowrie in the middle between her and Seven.

"Thank you, sir. What you said is very true...the Muraeni family is the very last family anyone should associate with. And that is exactly why my brother and your sons have done what they did for me and my sister. Don Muraeni is a monster and he's abused Seven, Cowrie, and myself for years, in several malicious ways," Luna paused only to give the twins a soft smile, "Jade and Floyd are wonderful boys who have risked so much to help us. My sister and I love them and owe them so much for just that. As for Seven, he risked everything to help Cowrie and me. Because of that, I brought him here to your home. I ask that you forgive my overstepping and accept my gratitude for extending your kindness and generosity to my brother and sister, sir." 

Luna bowed her head to the Don and Seven did the same. Cowrie grunted as Seven and Luna placed their hands on the back of her head, making her mimic them. The Don felt the entire room watching him, waiting for a response. He looked at the three siblings and contemplated what the elder sister had said carefully. 

"Something else I've discovered that seems off. None of you have the name Muraeni...?" he asked curiously. 

The three of them raised their heads again to meet his calculating gaze and Luna shook her head, "No sir. I never took the family name Muraeni even after the Don became my stepfather. Cowrie is biologically his but she shares our mother's name as I do. And Seven..."

Luna hesitated, knowing that this was a somewhat touchy subject. Seven was never actually allowed to even discuss this topic even within the family but if Don Leech was really so concerned about his and his sisters' lineage then now was the time to bring it to light.

"I'm Seven. Just Seven. I have my father's genes but that's it, sir. The only one allowed to have the family name is the Don himself and his heir, Ventuno. The rest of us are just numbers. Our mother never tried to give us proper names." 

Elise felt a heavy sadness settle in her chest as she listened to Seven talk about himself as just a number as her eyes took in all the scars on his arms, neck, back, and tail. She hadn't known him that long but his voice always sounded so even, so sure until now. The sound didn't change but really taking in his form and listening to his words...he just seemed so tired. For a moment she, and Azul judging from the look on his face, felt like she was intruding on a very personal moment. The two octopuses shared a look of understanding but remained still and quiet as the rest of this strange drama unfolded in front of them. The proud Don had a look on his face like he was considering his next move as if this were all just a game of chess. 

"Your biological mother didn't. But you seem like an anomaly compared to your other siblings, Seven. You went to the surface for a time for schooling like your sisters did when you were about sixteen years old, correct? In that time, you were documented having a name that wasn't 'just Seven'...but you were the only son who did go up top." Don Leech pulled a file of documents from his desk and placed them on the top for all of the younger eels to see. Right on top was an acceptance letter to none other than Night Raven College with the name 'Indigo Cerith' as the addressee and an ID photo of a younger, human Seven wearing the school's uniform.

It was Luna and Cowrie's turn to be shocked. The younger sister cut through the tense atmosphere with a confused chirp, "What?! Sevy you never told us that!"

"You never asked," he grumbled with a heavy hint of embarrassment before looking at Don Leech, "How did you find this information...and why?"

He just snorted as if the boy told a funny joke, "I'm the leader of one the strongest and most influential families in town, boy. You really don't think I have eyes and ears everywhere? As I said, once you came here to ask me to accept Cowrie into my household, I called in a few favors to find out exactly who you were. In the process, I learned about Luna, her mother, and you....and frankly, though they are trained sirens, I have no reason to suspect any foul play from your sisters. Everything about them checks out. You, however, are awfully suspicious and I don't like suspicious visitors coming and going as they please..." The family leader rose again and stared directly into Seven's wide ice blue eyes with the look of a hunter, "So my question is this...who are you really, and why have you come back here, boy?"

Seven took a breath, not looking away from the elder eel who was silently challenging him, judgment and sentence at the ready the moment he said one wrong word.

"I'm..."

Damn we just can't get away from these cliffhangers huh? lol don't worry the next chapter is coming right up!

Tagging: @wysteriadelights @1ndigowitch @iscarlettappel @marcepanna @honey-milk-depresso @foxwitchaine @nuitthegoddess @evieyouknow @aiimee9 @espada188

#neoninky #twisted wonderland #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #sacred crown chronicles #twst oc x canon #twst oc schools #her lost voice #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #the cerith sisters #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #elise coralette #seven sevy muraeni #dun dun dun #NRC bois

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic: 'Her Lost Voice' - Ch. 4

Chapter 4: If Only

It had been about three days since Elise suddenly disappeared. A series of events had happened but once the twins reached the surface...everything seemed weirdly peaceful from what they could tell. Jade silently swam between the wooden pillars of the pier where they first found Elise after her encounter with Rielle. Floyd was checking along the waterways inside the city walls. Everything seemed exactly the same: the same boats, the same faces coming and going, but the prince was nowhere in sight. The twins reconvened by a small forest of seaweed just off the coast where Elise was quietly hiding. Azul didn't want her tagging along with the twins at first, for safety purposes, but she insisted. Adamantly. Azul was a fast learner and if the past couple of days taught him anything it was to not get in the way of a woman on a mission. 

"Anything, Floyd?"

"Nah... No one seems worried about Octi-chan at all. They kept talking like she was still around. It's weird."

Elise's eyes dropped to the sand that her front tentacles seemed to be nervously playing with. Jade watched her for a moment before turning to his twin, "I think we need to get closer to the villa itself. Miss Elise, is there a waterway or something hidden to help us perhaps?"

Elise's brow furrowed as she pondered before her eyes lit up. She nodded and pointed towards a large wall surrounding the villa. Part of it did touch the water and had metal grates that allowed the water to flow in underneath. Elise knew of one spot where the grate was loose, an exit route she had used many times in her younger days. Jade pushed the metal open no problem. The only issue was the twins' leaner bodies could fit but Elise's bulky tentacles would probably get her stuck. 

"Stay here, Octi-chan. We'll be right back, promise." Floyd nuzzled Elise's cheek affectionately as he purred. She didn't like it but the princess knew she was in no position to argue. Elise watched the brother slink in and hunkered down among the rocks, ready to wait for a long while. Jade and Floyd carefully rose up out of the water just enough so only their eyes and ears were exposed. They were close to the shore just out front. No one was around thankfully but it did seem like there was some flurry of activity going on inside. Floyd nudged Jade and pointed to a dock down the shoreline. On top of it was an older gentleman speaking to the red-headed prince and young woman that looked eerily like Elise. The twins quickly and quietly swam over and hide underneath just in time to catch part of the conversation.

"-will be back soon, I'm sure," it was the girl speaking, "Elise used to always run off and go exploring, remember Gerald?" her vapid-sounding voice held the same urgency as someone talking about the weather. 

"Yes I certainly do, Miss Emily, but your sister isn't a child anymore. What will your father say once he finds out?" The older servant shifted nervously above making the wooden planks creak. 

Elise's sister didn't seem concerned in the slightest, "Oh Father has been informed already but he's been so busy that I don't think he even noticed to be quite honest with you. From what Rielle told me, it sounds like Elise may have just left for her internship early!"

Jade and Floyd looked at each other in confusion. Were all royal families this nonchalant about their younger siblings just suddenly disappearing...? Prince Rielle just stood nervously next to Emily who linked her arm with his before softly giggling.

"As I said, I'm sure Elise is just fine. She'll be back in no time. But since I'm here, I might as well take a small vacation. And Rielle, you must stay as well. I insist! It's been so long!"

The twins couldn't see his face but they could practically hear the lovesick flush in his voice, "Y-Yes, of course, I will! I'd love nothing else more than to be here with you, Emily!" 

Floyd gagged like he was about to vomit into the water below as the three figures walked towards the shore. Jade quickly grabbed a pebble from the water and used his tail to chuck it at the back of Rielle's head, making him yelp. 

"Is something wrong, Rielle?" The elder Princess Coralette asked sweetly. Rielle turned to see a familiar tail in the water zip back under the pier and he suddenly felt nauseous. 

"Uhh...yes. Yes! I'm perfectly fine, Emily. Go inside without me, I just need a bit more air and then I'll be right behind you." 

The princess simply smiled before talking excitedly with Gerald about how good it felt to be back in town. Gerald seemed to forget his worries as he echoed just how much Emily had been missed and how the servants had been working all morning to prepare for her arrival. Rielle waited until the two humans were out of earshot before calling down towards the water.

"Jade...? Floyd??"

The two eels peered up at him from the shadows, their yellow eyes glowing. Jade held a stoic yet pleasant expression while his brother didn't look too impressed or happy with him at all, making the prince feel nervous. 

"Hello, Prince Rielle. You seem well..." Jade's calm, velvet tone seemed to be hiding a dagger's point. 

"Jade, do you know where Princess Elise is?" Rielle whispered anxiously, "I kept returning to the docks hoping to find her b-but-" 

"She's with us, fish prince." Floyd quipped, "How hard were you lookin'? You seem distracted..." 

Rielle's face flushed in a self-conscious shade of pink as Jade chuckled. 

"Now, now Floyd. Go easy on the prince. After all, this was exactly what he wanted. We should be happy for him, isn't that right, Prince Rielle?" the knife's point in Jade's voice was more apparent now.

"I didn't want this!" Rielle's voice cracked, "At least not for Elise!"

"Then why did you call her out then, stupid?" Floyd was as blunt as ever. Rielle would be offended if not for the fact that he felt extremely stupid...

"I...I thought Emily was the one here...hey wait a minute! If you guys knew it wasn't her, then why didn't you tell me?!"

The twins shared a look before shrugging sarcastically. Floyd grinned up at the flustered prince, showing his teeth, "That's not our problem, fish prince! You wanted to make the deal with Azul and you were the one in such a hurry! You shoulda scoped out the surface better before rushing up here like an idiot~"

"But now you got what you wanted, yes? You're human and your Emily is here now. How lucky for you." Jade wasn't helping ease Rielle's guilt at all and he knew it.

"W-What will happen to Princess Elise then?"

"We're taking care of her," Floyd snapped, feeling protective all of a sudden, "If you're so worried then maybe you shoulda thought of that before letting her kiss you and smashing her heart to bits, Fish Brain. What did you even tell that other princess when she asked about her sister?!"

Rielle nearly choked on his own oxygen. Floyd might as well had come up there and punched him in the face. Jade raised a brow at his brother. It wasn't unusual for Floyd to be so brash with his thoughts and feelings but he seemed to be extra heated today for some reason...some reason regarding 'smashing one's heart to bits'. Jade sighed and thought to himself, Ah...so that's it then.

"Floyd, that's enough."

Floyd growled and sunk back into the water before swimming back to where Elise was waiting. Jade sighed and returned to the conversation with Rielle, "Rielle...tell me what happened exactly on that day. Every detail you can remember. It may help us help Miss Elise. And what did you tell her sister and the others?" 

Rielle gulped and told Jade everything that he could possibly remember. It wasn't much to go on frankly. As for the aftermath...

"I just told them that...that she left! What was I supposed to tell them? I don't think Emily would have believed me if I told her that her sister turned into a mermaid and fell into the ocean!"

Well, Jade supposed he had a point. That couldn't really be helped. Jade pondered over each detail and paired it with the theory Luna presented the other day: Azul's magic that bound the prince and allowed him to become human permanently became twisted once he broke Elise's heart and now it seemed bound to her like a curse. Jade then asked Rielle about his relationship with Emily.

"We...we met twelve years ago. She, Elise, and their mother were on a large ship on open water. They were having some sort of celebration when a terrible storm hit and capsized their ship. I managed to save Emily and take her to shore...I couldn't find her mother though. No matter how I looked, she was lost."

"And Miss Elise? You rescued her as well?"

The prince blinked as if trying to piece something together in his head, "Elise? She made it to the shore as well but...no, no I didn't help her. I found Emily in the water and took her to the nearest shore. By the time I got there, Elise was washed up further down the shore all alone."   Jade narrowed his eyes as he processed this information, "So that's how you and Emily met...and you and Miss Elise? What exactly is your connection to her then?"

Rielle suddenly looked very guilty, "Well I did meet her later when I came back to the surface to check on Emily. She was very curious and seemed taken with me right away. Emily had told her about a mysterious boy that had rescued her from the shipwreck and the sisters just assumed I was also the one that rescued Elise as well. But it's just not true...I didn't have the heart to tell them otherwise though. Emily was so kind and so grateful. I had come back a few times just to see her. More often than not, Princess Elise was usually there too but sometimes it was just Elise and not Emily. They look so much alike sometimes, I wasn't sure which sister I was speaking to."

"I see..." So that's how it is, Jade thought to himself, Miss Elise fell for the prince but he was too kind to tell her that the reason he kept coming back was to see her sister, not her...

Jade felt a bit of pity creep into his heart for Elise's sake. For some reason or another, this sister of hers seemed to completely overshadow her whether she was present or not. That was much was obvious just from the general reaction from the townspeople and the servants. They were probably worried before but now that Emily was here, reassuring everyone that Elise was fine wherever she was...did the people just assume that Emily was Elise like Rielle had and the servants that did know Elise personally just accepted her words blindly? How careless could these humans be? 

"Jade...could you please tell Princess Elise how sorry I am? Please do that for me, Jade." Rielle in all of his folly did look genuinely remorseful. 

Jade gave the prince a blank look as if sizing him up before sinking back into the water below.

-

Jade feared the worst once he returned to his brother and Elise. Floyd looked aggravated, arms folded, but had his tail wrapped gently around the princess who currently had her arms around it as if it were a security blanket. Her face was turned away from Jade. 

"Miss Elise...?"

The octopus princess slowly turned to face Jade, ink-filled tears running down her face. Jade gave his twin a sharp look which only made Floyd roll his eyes.

"What?! Octi-chan deserves to know the truth! Those stupid land dwellers are as brainless as that dumb fish prince."

"Floyd. Would it kill you to use even an ounce of restraint and not throw your personal feelings in others' faces?"

Elise flinched at the sharpness in Jade's tone. It almost sounded like someone else's voice. Floyd just growled and yanked his tail away from Elise so he could smack it on the ground, kicking up sand and pebbles, "Huhhh?! The hell are you sayin', Jade?!"

Jade crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at his angry twin, "I understand you're upset but so is Miss Elise. This could have been avoided if you had just thought for two seconds instead of running your mouth because of your own frustrations. Especially with Luna-" 

Floyd's temper snapped as he took a swipe at Jade's head with his heavy tail. Jade dodged and then grabbed it, looking more upset, "Stop it, Floyd. You could have hit, Miss Elise-"

"I wouldn't hurt, Octi-chan! You just keep runnin' your mouth about shit you don't understand, Jade! You have the emotional range of an iceberg-" 

The brothers seemed to be getting more and more aggressive until they felt two tentacles wrapping around their middles, trapping their arms, and pulling them apart. The brothers turned to find a still teary-eyed Elise glaring at them both. A third tentacle quickly scribbled the words 'STOP IT!' in the sand between them. The twins' tempers deflated as their ear fins drooped in shame. 

"I apologize for our embarrassing behavior, Miss Elise..."

"Sorry, Octi-chan...I'm just pissed cuz of those dummies up top."

Elise gestured to the two of them, signaling them to apologize to each other as well. The brothers hesitated with disgruntled eye contact. That is until Elise's tentacles started to squeeze both of them tightly. Floyd suddenly realized that being squeezed like this wasn't nearly as much fun as doing it to someone else.

"AHH ok ok! Jade, I'm sorry for being a jerk! Geez!" Floyd choked and tried to wriggle free to no avail.

"Y-Yes, I too am sorry, Floyd." Jade grunted.

Elise gave the brothers a sweet smile after releasing them. The twins suddenly felt the same, new level of respect for her that Azul had swiftly gained over the past few days. Elise sighed releasing another tiny ink cloud but didn't bother waving it away. Instead, she just let it float away and dissipate with a sad look in her eyes as she looked up at the water's surface. Perhaps...this was exactly what she deserved. For assuming and rushing into some romantic fantasy, completely blinded by her own feelings. Why would anyone - Rielle, her blood family, the servants that basically raised them - choose her when they could have Emily? Lovely, bubbly, charming Emily...

"Octi-chan?"

Elise snapped back to the present as Floyd and Jade hovered close to her, observing her face with worried looks. 

"We really upset you, huh?" Floyd pouted like a kicked puppy. 

The princess gave the boys a smile before running her fingers through Floyd's silky hair, playing with it as if she were petting a big lovable animal. Floyd's spirits immediately brightened and he giggled as his tail wagged happily behind him. Jade smiled at the scene. Sure his brother could be a huge pain in the ass but he was always happy if and when Floyd was happy. He just wished he could be this way all the time. Elise turned to Jade and placed a gentle hand on his cheek, startling him for a split second before he slipped back into his usual gentlemanly grin. 

"Oya...I'm fine, Miss Elise. I promise," he responded to the questioning look in her bright eyes, "We should head back. Azul is waiting for us after all."

The brothers each took one of Elise's hands and swam back home with her floating between them. 

"I still think that Fish Brain made the wrong choice...eh forget it, Octi-chan deserves way better," Floyd huffed, making Elise quietly giggle to herself.

-

Mama Ashengrotto had some late-night work to catch up on and let the group of teenagers stay after hours to regroup. Cowrie had stayed behind as well at her boss' insistence. Plus Mama Ashengrotto made them snacks so who was she to refuse?

Azul felt his brow twitch as he listened to everything Jade and Floyd had to say. His feelings were very much the same as he looked over at the princess who looked absolutely spent as Cowrie shared some sort of kelp biscuit with her. Surely this had to be some cruel joke...? Azul was no stranger to the more calloused nature of people whether they lived above or below the sea but surely this couldn't be. Seeing the look on Azul's face, Cowrie swallowed the biscuit clump in her mouth and chimed in.

"They're telling the truth. Ellie's sister is dumber than a bag of sea slugs," She said blatantly ignoring the glare Elise was giving her, "Everyone seems to be head over tails for her though in one way or another...I don't get it." 

"Same...though it sounds like she and that stupid prince deserve each other," Floyd huffed before snatching a biscuit for himself. 

"You sure she isn't using magic on these people, Ellie?" 

Elise rolled her eyes and shook her head. Emily was charming but never had the same knack for magic that she or her brother did. The most her sister could muster was changing the color of her dresses or shoes. Honestly, it was probably a good thing Elise couldn't speak, or else she'd be tempted to rant about just how annoying it was. Azul took the cue from Elise's annoyed expression to move the conversation along. 

"Well regardless, I am a man of my word so our objective is still the same. With that said...it's going to take some time. Probably more time than we have before the next semester starts which make the logistics of this endeavor problematic."

Somehow Elise had completely forgotten about school and her eyes went wide as she started down another whirlpool of panic. Cowrie, on the other hand, didn't look bothered whatsoever.

"Eh? What are you freaking out for, Ellie??"

Elise's face turned into a frustrated scowl. Azul had more blank parchment and an inkwell for her at the ready. Cowrie watched Elise furiously scribble out some words, reading along. Something about how Cowrie was the next Cerulamare Prefect, taking Elise's place. Oh yeah, that.

"Yeah, I'm taking your spot. So?"

Did you complete the proper paperwork with the Headmistress??

Cowrie groaned. As much as she adored Elise, she hated it when she went into 'perfectionist Mom' mode, "Yes. I did it like a month ago..."

Did you pick a Vice Prefect and contact them? Get your Prefect uniform properly tailored? Set up room arrangements for the new first years? 

"Yes, Mom. I did all of that already. Stop worrying," Cowrie casually took a bite out of another snack and kept talking with her mouth half full, "Oh...I'm prolly gunna change some stuff too. Just sayin'."

Elise's eyes couldn't be any wider. Even her tentacles looked distressed. 

"Calm down, Ellie. You and Luna are fourth years now. You passed the torch to me. So it's finally my time to mold Cerulamare and make it even better. Especially for other mermaid students like myself. If the other prissy fishies don't like it, they can leave~"

Elise rubbed her temples as her tentacle dipped itself into the ink to scribble some more: Just promise me you'll stop fighting that barracuda mermaid...as the prefect you're supposed to be an EXAMPLE.

Cowrie snorted, "I will make no such promises. I still have beef with her since she went after Luna last year. Besides, am I really the one you should be telling this? Where do you think Luna got that fang pendant from?" 

The twins couldn't help but snicker at the mental image of the elegant Luna Cerith going toe-to-toe with another mermaid in a brawl. Elise shook her head at the younger mermaid but Cowrie just gave her an impish grin.

"Sure, sure, Ellie. You act all straight-laced but did you forget that time you had Luna and me torture Zehn Cavalier? Or the time that you basically organized a whole money laundering scheme right under the headmistress' nose just to help these guys win against Royal Sword? Pretty sneaky for a pretty, pretty princeesssssss~" Cowrie poked at Elise's cheek with the tip of her tail, grinning like a fool the entire time. Elise tried her best to look put out but she couldn't hide the smug grin pulling at her lips. Ok so Cowrie had a point and boy did she know it. Her tail swished mischievously behind her as she giggled. Speaking of school...

"Had I known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have left my spell notes and potion supply at the Octavinelle dorm," Azul grumbled, "I could make more progress with those things definitely. But sneaking a human princess turned mermaid onto an all-boys campus is not an easy feat..."

Elise thought for a moment before another idea sparked in her mind. She wrote the words 'school calendar' on the parchment and shoved it over to both Azul and Cowrie. Azul wasn't sure what she was getting at but Cowrie's face immediately lit up with an excited, "Oh!" Before the boys could ask any questions, the small eelmaid quickly reached for her satchel and grabbed two items: a strange stone key and a beat-up journal. 

"Ellie, you're so smart!" Cowrie flipped the journal open to a calendar for the following month, "Sacred Crown starts back the same time as Night Raven which is in two weeks buuuut a month after that, Sacred Crown is having an open campus event where your school will be invited to come visit us again and we'll host you on the island like you guys did for us last time. I don't know all the details of the event just yet but that means the Night Raven campus will be mostly empty for at least a week if not longer, right?"

He did recall receiving an early announcement from Riddle and Crowley about this but didn't think much of it. However, these sneaky girls had a point...with most of the students and faculty off-campus, and the surrounding waterscape of Octavinelle being difficult to navigate for most regular persons anyway, Azul could definitely solve this whole dilemma in peace! There was only one last problem.

"A brilliant idea. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a bit longer to really get anywhere. Also, there's a question of how to get Miss Elise on Night Raven's campus. It's not like just anyone can waltz in there..." Jade mused.

Cowrie grinned and picked up the key, "Not necessarily, Jay Jay. Everyone is still on summer break as we speak, yeah? Why wait?"

-

Boys would have to admit that these girls were in a whole nother league after this night. But first, they had found themselves and Elise in the alleyway behind the Leviathan Club, following Cowrie's lead. She didn't bother wasting time on an explanation. Cowrie took the odd key, pressed it against the wall, and turned it. After a moment a shine of light cut through the stone wall and opened an odd mirror-like door. Azul nearly lost his jaw.

"I-Is that a portal key?! Where did you get that??" his glasses fell askew on his face.

Cowrie just smiled and grabbed Elise's hand, "Follow me and I'll tell ya~"

The girls dipped into the strange liquidy surface and disappeared. Floyd didn't hesitate to follow especially since he had never seen a portal key in action before. Jade and Azul figured they had nothing to lose and followed after them before the gateway closed. The large underwater grotto that waited for them on the other side was huge and well lit with bioluminescent anemone-like lights. They looked awfully familiar, actually...wait a minute. Azul headed for the grotto's entrance and poked his head out into the open seascape, recognizing it immediately. 

"Cowrie, you made a portal into the Octavinelle dorm?! When, how, why- how long have you been infiltrating our dorm?!" Azul was on the verge of spitting ink himself. 

The younger Cerith sister just shrugged, "I found this grotto when I took my first swim around your dorm. You guys weren't using it so it seemed like the best hiding spot for whatever I might need it for." 

Azul couldn't argue with that no matter how much he wanted to. This specific grotto was on the far edge of the large, aquarium-like area surrounding the dorm and Mostro Lounge and no one else in the dorm knew about it aside from him and the twins. Either way, Azul couldn't stay angry. He had that look on his face. That smile he held whenever he felt that everything was coming together. 

"Ahh, you clever, clever girls. You must tell me how you pulled this off." Azul smirked at Cowrie as she swam around the cave, pulling more items from her satchel and placing them on ledges and in little nooks here and there.

"It wasn't me. It was Luna. She makes portal keys in order to escape from home for a short bit when she needs to. She made this one for me so we would have a safe place to hide things we don't want Papa to find." 

As she said this, Floyd noticed all the items around the cave. Old photos, little trinkets, even old toys and mementos that looked they came from the sisters' childhood. His eyes widened when something familiar and gold caught his eye. 

"This a secret hideaway for all of our important items that we wanna keep safe..." Cowrie watched as Floyd swam over to the gold eel necklace that he had given Luna to at the first festival they spent together. It was propped up against the photo of the girls dressed in Octavinelle uniforms with him and Jade standing on either side of the sisters. 'Important things'...somehow those words clicked something in Floyd's brain. As far as he could tell, this was the only piece of jewelry in the whole cave. Could it mean...? Cowrie smiled a bit to herself when she saw Floyd's tail start to wag. Luna would be pissed at her later but oh well. 

"Ellie can hide here! No one will know she's here except us. She'll be totally safe and Azuzu can help her without having to worry about her not being close by!" the younger mermaid seemed awfully proud of herself. 

Elise looked around the grotto, there were a few small openings where light could drift in but otherwise, it seemed pretty secure. The outside entrance seemed to be hidden behind several coral reefs as well so no one would be able to find it unless they were actually looking for it. It looked like Cowrie even set up a bed inside one of the larger nooks. And it was right in the boys' backyard, not out in the actual sea full of dangers. It was honestly quite perfect. The princess smiled and nodded in approval. 

"And the best part? If we need to go back to the Coral Sea, you just use the key the same way. Boom. Luna can always make another one if we need it. We just need...this!" Cowrie grabbed a loose rock from the grotto floor and stuffed it in the satchel, "Luna's not just any old siren, she's practically mastered the spell to attach portal magic to an anchor artifact...or ya know, 'key'. As long as she has material from the destination point, Luna can make a portal key to just about anywhere!" The pride in Cowrie's voice was obvious.  

Azul made a mental note to have a sit down with the Cerith sisters and see about starting a very lucrative partnership of some sort in the future. Especially if their roster of talents kept unfolding like this. He then noticed how dim the light was getting outside. It was getting late. 

"Why don't we stay here tonight? It'll give me time to take stock of my resources and as you said before, there's no one else here so we have the whole place to ourselves." 

Cowrie immediately let out an excited cheer and left the grotto first, followed by Jade to make sure she didn't get lost. Floyd took another look at the necklace before taking it with him as he followed the other eels. Azul turned back to Elise who settled on a large flat stone pedestal that was in the very center of the grotto. She was was looking all around at all the odds and ends the Cerith sisters had hidden away in this makeshift vault. The fading light mixed with the glow within the cave left an almost heavenly sheen over her hair and deep black and blue octopus body. Of course, he knew she was a human. Yes, she was a human...that just happened to be temporarily trapped inside a very beautiful octopus mermaid body. And yet, Elise seemed like both of and neither of those things all at once.  If Azul had anything to say before, the words evaporated at the very sight of her, sitting there poised and curious like some entirely new creature Azul had never witnessed before. It wasn't until he noticed Elise staring upwards toward the opening in the tall ceiling of the grotto, towards the water's distant surface with an unspoken longing did Azul become embarrassingly self-aware of the situation. This poor girl was in a situation and here he was, her only hope of getting back to normal, just staring at her up and down like an eerie specimen collector. Azul cleared his throat after giving his own head a smack.

"I do apologize, Your Highness. I don't have any spare dry land potions on me. I'll be sure to make one for you tonight so you don't have to stay all alone in this dreary cave all the time." 

Elise looked Azul up and down before pushing off of the large stone and floating down in front of him. He felt his body go rigid when her bright eyes kept traveling up and down his form. She tilted her head and gave him a questioning look as she gestured to him. He felt lost.

"Is...is something the matter?"

Elise gently poked at his legs with one of her tentacles before pointing to her own octopus legs with the same curious look in her eyes.

"Oh. You're wondering why I'm still in my human form, is that it?" Azul asked tentatively, feeling a bit embarrassed. The princess nodded. Azul hated this question and felt a deep churn in his gut every time someone brought it up. But with that expectant gaze bearing down on him like that...ugh...

"I'm not fond of my mermaid form. Staying like this is more comfortable. Besides, it's...it's a terrible form, really. Just trust me on this, Your Highness."

Elise raised a skeptical brow before scribbling something in the sand. It was a drawing of an octopus with a question mark next to it. Azul frowned. Of course, she'd figure it out after seeing his parents. It was pretty obvious. But why was this so embarrassing?!

"Y-Yes. I am an octopus too...an ugly, stupid, awful octopus," Azul's insecurity reared its ugly face as the words tumbled out of his mouth out of habit. 

The princess gave him a playful look before pouting and pointing to herself. When Azul didn't respond right away, she covered her face with her hands and peeked with one sad eye through two of her fingers. The boy immediately realized the unintentional insult he had dished out and felt like an absolute fool. 

"N-No! I don't think that you're those things! Not at all, Your Highness! You're very intelligent and the most attractive female I've ever seen! Just because I am those...things..."

Azul felt his face flood with heat when he realized exactly what he had said and that Elise was smiling and giggling girlishly at him. And she had paused his rambling by pressing a finger to his lips. He could practically hear her laugh ring through him even though he knew that it wasn't possible. The princess' smile remained as she shook her head and wrote more words in the sand with her other hand.

You are not those things either.

I want to see you someday.

She removed her finger from his lips and gave him another genuine smile. Azul was at a loss for a long moment before he cleared his throat, "You are...very kind, Your Highness. Too kind, actually. If you'll excuse me, I need to...uh...check my inventory. I'll leave you to rest."

Even underwater, Azul nearly tripped on his way out of the grotto. 

-

Floyd took a moment to return to his and Jade's room alone while his brother showed Cowrie around the dorm proper, taking advantage of the fact that no other students were there right now. He found a candy stash that he had left behind and some more comfortable clothes that he quickly changed into. Floyd eyed the necklace he took from the grotto and put it around his neck before tucking it into his shirt for safekeeping. After digging around in his drawers to see what else he may have forgotten about, he found his other cellphone. The non-waterproof one he used while he was home during breaks. He saw a few missed messages from his schoolmates but nothing that really interested him. He skipped over them and pulled up the old messages he got from Luna before she disappeared. 

They were sweet little tokens of affection exchanged between the two of them. Flirting. Pet names. Photos. Ugh, did Luna send him fantastic photos of herself? He immediately flicked over to the photo album where most of the pictures were of her. Her by herself, wearing a new outfit. Her and Cowrie taking selfies on their campus. Her alone in her room...Floyd had an entire album of just these kinds of pictures of Luna, each more flirtatious than the last. The eel groaned to himself as he looked over each and every single one, remembering when the gorgeous siren was way more present in his everyday life, always calling to him, sweetening him up effortlessly. He then realized that all of these pictures were of her in her human form. She never sent pictures of herself while she was at home in the Coral Sea. Now he knew why...

Floyd understood her situation. He too grew up in a mafia family atmosphere and he was very well aware of how things usually went down in such circles. Especially with women. Floyd wasn't nearly as dumb as many people thought he was. He could absolutely understand Luna's motivations and obligations...but damn did he HATE it! The boy turned the candy in his mouth to dust with one chomp and he growled out his frustration. It wasn't fair! This gorgeous, sexy, amazingly enticing, not to mention very interesting girl shows up on his radar out of nowhere and makes him feel better than literally anyone else in his whole life ever has, and now she has to kick him to the curb because her step-dad is a dick?! Actually no, scratch that. It was even worse: because her step-dad was his dad's biggest rival AND a huge dick?! It made Floyd want to break something. Granted, Floyd was pretty strong and attractive enough right? He could definitely get a number of other female eels easily...buuut that wasn't the problem. 

'You miss her don't you?'

Jade wasn't even in the room and yet Floyd could hear his brother mocking him clear as crystal! Floyd snarled into his pillow, kicking his feet on the mattress like an irritated child. 

OK FINE YES! He missed her! He missed Luna so...so so SO much! Her kisses, her touches, the smooth feeling of her skin and soft curves pressed up against him, that flirty giggle that nearly brought him to his knees every single time! Great Seven, he could still hear her dulcet voice whisper into his ear...

'Floyd, honey~'

It killed him every time. It didn't matter how upset or bored or sad the boy was, one 'Floyd honey' from Luna and he was down for the count. It worked like a charm without fail. He couldn't take it anymore. Floyd was so heated in every sense of the word that he had to go for a swim to clear his head. While he was gone, Jade returned to their shared room and frown when he saw it was empty. Cowrie poked her head in and immediately saw the stark differences between the two halves of the room. 

"Lemme guess...this side," she pointed to the very tidy and organized half, "is yours?"

Jade chuckled as he sat on his bed, "Indeed." He didn't even have to invite the small female in. She just pranced right in and started looking around. Jade grinned to himself, looking her form up and down in the baggy t-shirt dress and dark leggings she was wearing in her human state. She was undeniably...cute. Maybe something even more? He thought he had been caught when Cowrie suddenly spun around and looked him right in the eyes.

"So why were you and Floy Floy having lunch with those snooty girls earlier? You guys didn't look like you were having much fun..."

Jade had completely forgotten about them, to be honest, but chuckled dryly at the memory, "Ah...they were just some girls our parents wanted us to meet." 

"Ahh. You're courting." Cowrie tilted her head to the side with an unreadable expression, "You guys are at that age now, huh..."

Somehow the term 'courting' sounded so hollow to Jade. It wasn't the idea that he was against, just the selection being pushed upon him. He looked at Cowrie, remembering the kiss, and he felt compelled. Jade was curious, intrigued even. This very bold, honest, and feminine little creature didn't seem to stop keeping him on his toes. At home, he knew of the dangers but here? Here, it was only them. Just their little group. No crime bosses to cast shadows over them. No dangers so...Jade decided that he wanted to see where this went. 

"Cowrie...," Jade extended his hand to her, inviting her to sit on the bed with him. She slowly accepted his hand only to squeak when Jade suddenly pulled her onto his lap, smiling down at her the entire time. 

"J-Jay Jay! What are you doing all of a sudden?!"

What's this? Was the younger female flustered by him? Oh, that only made him purr as he chuckled and nuzzled his face into her soft hair, "Oh? Do you not like me anymore, Cowrie?"

"I already told you how I felt!" Cowrie pouted and turned her pink face away from him, "You're the one who isn't being clear!" 

Hmm, she had a point. This only made the boy smile into her hair as he gently wrapped his arm around her small waist. She smelled like lavender and her flustered voice was so cute. When she suddenly pushed away from Jade, he halted at the stern look in her blue eyes. 

"Don't toy around with me, Jay Jay...if you wanna act like this, then do it because you mean it." 

Ooh, she was serious. It made a jolt of electricity run up his spine, being commanded by her in this way. This fearless little eelmaid, refusing to be bullied or even teased by him or anyone really. Do it because he meant it? Did he or was he just letting off steam? The real question was...did he want to have these private moments of affection with anyone else?

Jade felt his brain start to swim the longer he held Cowrie's gaze. His thoughts became more scattered and hazy the longer she stared him down, testing his resolve. If Jade was being honest with himself then...well his desires at least were clear. 

"Cowrie," her name came out of Jade's mouth like a shaky sigh, "...I want you to stay close to me. I can't explain why just yet, but I just...feel better with you around. This right now feels nice. The kiss you gave me...it felt really nice." Jade silently hoped that maybe the room was dark enough that Cowrie wouldn't see the humiliating dusting of pink on his face. The usually calm, cool, and collected twin was really feeling out of his depth right now and it was starting to show. 

The younger Cerith sister's eyes softened as she leaned in ever so slightly, "And what about later? When we're back home...and separated?"

"Stay with me."

His words shocked both of them. Jade heard them come out in his voice but he still can't believe he said them. But he most certainly did. And he liked it. So Jade Leech just went with it. 

"Stay with me, close by me," Jade felt a shy grin tug at his lips as Cowrie's baby blues widened up at him, "As long as you're with me, you won't get hurt. If you get tired of me or want to leave then I'll let you go without any trouble. But I promise that you won't be in any danger as long as we're together." 

"I don't want you or your family to get hurt either..."

Jade grinned and nuzzled his face into the girl's soft, sweet-smelling neck, "Nothing bad will happen, I promise." 

He felt Cowrie's petite body relax against his own with a soft sigh just before feeling her small hand bring his face back to hers. She pressed another kiss to his lips before he could change his mind and it felt even better than the first one. Jade could really get used to this. He started to kiss her back right as the bedroom door flew open with a loud bang, making him and Cowrie both jolt and fall back onto his bed as he instinctually held her tighter as she now lay on top of him. Floyd glowered at the sight of his brother and Cowrie, evidently, being all lovey-dovey together in their room. On one hand, Floyd was happy for Jade because he knew this is what Jade wanted - even if Jade just now figured it out for himself. On the other hand, Floyd was not in the mood to be happy when his twin got to be together with his girl when Floyd had to be alone and miserable while his girl was probably getting hit on by some rich old dudes as they speak. So Jade wasn't at all surprised when Floyd swaggered over to his side of the room with a grumpy expression on his face just before sitting on the floor right up against Jade's bed and laying his head on the edge, pouting up at the couple. 

"Oooiiiii Jaaaade...you're being greedy!"

Jade felt his protective male instincts go into overdrive as he quietly snarled and held Cowrie to his chest. As twins, he and Floyd had shared just about everything their entire lives. But he was not about to share Cowrie with anyone like that. "Your side of the room is over there, Floyd."

Floyd didn't budge but instead growled back, "It's not faaaaiiiir! You have Cowrie-chan to be all cuddly with and I'm stuck out in the cold! ...scoot over so I can at least get some cuddles too, Jade!"

Cowrie sighed as she felt the testosterone between the two flare up, "Jay Jay...Floy Floy's just sad and lonely. He isn't trying to mate me or anything." 

"Not unless you're into that kinda thing, Cowrie-chan~" Floyd teased and wiggled his eyebrows just before getting whack upside the head by the girl. He was joking which Cowrie knew but he definitely was not helping the situation.

"Hush, pervert," Cowrie saw the obstinate look on Jade's face and nuzzled her cheek against his just before leaving little kitten nips and kisses along his jaw while purring out his pet name, "Jay Jay~"

Floyd was a smidge jealous only because, sure, he and Luna have shared many, many normal kisses and far more intimate gestures as well but what Cowrie was doing right now was the classic courtship move all female eels did: shower your man with little love bites and affection in front another male? Bam. You're out of luck, sir, she is his. It was a definite power move, one that he wanted Luna to perform on him all day, every day, in front of every other guy on the planet. 

Jade's roughness melted as he looked to Cowrie being all sweet on him and then at Floyd. Without another word, Jade scooted over so Floyd could climb on the bed with them. The bed squeaked under the even more monstrously tall twin's weight as he tried to shift onto his side while tucking in his long legs. Once Floyd was settled, Cowrie gave Jade one more kiss before giving his brother some affection and attention. Jade was way more relaxed but his arm stayed wrapped around the smaller girl's waist as he continued to nuzzle his face into her hair. Cowrie started to play with Floyd's hair to help him relax. He immediately leaned into the touch and shut his eyes. 

"I think Luna misses you too, Floy Floy."

Floyd didn't move but made some  noise that sounded like an exhausted growl, "She's got a weird way of showing it..." 

He opened his eyes slightly when he felt Cowrie gently pull the necklace out from his shirt. She looked at the pendant and then back to him, "Luna never saves the gifts guys give her. This is the only one she wanted me to keep safe for her. She used to wear it at school all the time...but she stopped wearing it once we came home because she knew Papa would  be suspicious." 

Floyd let out a big frustrated sigh. His stubbornness only went so far in most cases and he was absolutely burned out on this particular one, "Then what do I doooo...?"

"What do you like about my sister?"

"She's hot. Gives good kisses. She's really nice and makes me feel good. I like to squeeze her b-" Floyd received a more aggressive bop on the head from Cowrie but he was so tired, it barely phased him. 

"Floy Floy, if you really want to win Luna over, once and for all, there's gotta be more to it than all that..." Cowrie sighed, "Especially with Luna. She's used to guys - young, old, doesn't matter - being handsy and creepy with her all the time just because she's a sexy siren and they treat her like a piece of meat to gnaw on. They don't actually care anything about her. You wanna be another one of those guys?"

Floyd didn't like hearing that. He snarled and started chewing on Jade's poor bedpost out of irritation. Jade had given up on scolding him for doing this ages ago. After getting it out of his system, Floyd spat out some pieces of wood before frowning at Cowrie.

"I'm not some sleazy creeper! I just think Luna's hot...gorgeous...beautiful...she never talks to me like I'm stupid or gets mad at me over pointless things. She's not boring so I never get tired of talking to her or  being around her....but now I can't do either of those things!!" Floyd's eyes burned with pending frustration tears. Cowrie sighed and tucked her head under Jade's chin as she pondered what she could possibly do for Floyd.

Suddenly...an idea. A very dangerous, risky idea. Knowing these boys, they'd be totally down with it though.

"Floy Floy. I know what to do...buuuut you have to do EXACTLY what I say and not get us caught. Ok?"

The twins' ears perked up and as they both listened with full attention.

"The Siren's Cove has a big night coming up. There's supposed to be lots of VIPs coming in and Papa wants Luna to perform center stage to rake in the money. I'm going to sneak you two in with me and you, Floy Floy, I'm going to sneak you into Luna's dressing room."

-

Azul took another sip of coffee as he poured over his notes and more tomes. He would occasionally stop to scribble more notes on scratch paper but he couldn't help but feel a bit distracted. Also irritated! Where were Jade and Floyd?! Azul shook it from his mind. The twins had taken a long journey today so they were probably tired. That was totally understandable. The octopus boy soon found his writing was no longer making sense to his tired, distracted brain and resigned to take a break with a sigh. Just in time for his phone to ring and shock him awake. The second wave of terror came as he saw his mother's name light up the screen...he had forgotten to tell his mother that he wasn't coming home. He quickly fumbled his phone, answering it with an embarrassing voice crack, "Mother! Hello!"

"Calm down, Azul, you're not in trouble...not this time anyway. Just remember to tell your mother when you and your friends are taking off, hmm?"

"Yes Mother, I'm sorry it's just...uh...just...Her Highness...she needs me and...things..." Words. Words were needed but alas Azul was only met with failure and the sound of his mother's laughter.

"Sweetness, you sound a mess. I had my suspicions but goodness me. It's all happening so quickly." He could feel his mother's smug grin from the other side of the phone. 

"Mother, I have no idea what you're talking about..." 

"Azul, darling. You're a perfectly healthy octopus merman at the end of your teen years. It's only natural that you'd be feeling urges and be smitten with such a lovely female octopus mermaid, especially one right in front of you-"

Azul nearly broke his phone in half with the death grip he suddenly had, "Mother, I will see you tomorrow! Iloveyougoodnight!!" 

He slammed his phone down on his desk after quickly hanging up and took a deep breath. Nope. No. His mother was just being a mother. This was a situation in which he was obligated to help a sweet, lovely girl whom he has unintentionally wronged. That was all! Azul Ashengrotto was a gentleman and a professional! He was also...his brain was about to spiral down another track of insecurity and self-loathing until the same brain reminded him of the princess' kindness. And her apparent desire to see the real him someday...

Azul suddenly rose from his seat and headed towards the dorm kitchens to get more coffee which was clearly the only anchor to reason and the only way to combat this sleep-deprived madness. 

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