1st Memory- They'll always come back

"Beneath the waves, where the ocean whispered secrets to the shore, the merman prince found himself drawn to the human who wandered alone by the sea. Their worlds were different, one of water and the other of land, but in each other's gaze, they found a connection that defied the boundaries of both. When the prince kissed him, it was like the meeting of the tide and the sand—inevitable, eternal, and bound by a love that could weather any storm."

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The waves crashed relentlessly against my scales as I swam with all my strength, driven by a longing that had consumed me for the past three months. The underwater currents seemed to recognize my urgency, parting as I cut through them with a determined force. My heart ached with every stroke, yearning for the warmth of my beloved husband's embrace and the joyful laughter of our daughter. The ocean, which had always been my home, now felt like an endless expanse between me and the family I missed so dearly.

As I approached the shore, I recited the ancient spell, the familiar words rolling off my tongue with a mix of anticipation and relief. The magic flowed through me, transforming my powerful, shimmering tail into long, slender human legs. I felt a brief, disorienting sensation as my aquatic form melded into the human shape. Standing on the beach, I looked towards a quaint, cozy house perched near the base of a towering mountain, its silhouette framed against the fading sunlight.

A small figure was hopping excitedly along the shore, her little feet leaving a trail of tiny footprints in the sand. Her bright hair shimmered in the late afternoon sun, and her laughter was a melody that reached my ears even before she saw me. As she turned, her green eyes widened with recognition, and her face broke into an exuberant grin. "Papa!!" she shouted, her voice filled with pure, unbridled joy.

My heart soared as I walked toward her, my steps unsteady yet eager. I scooped her up into my arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Yes! Papa's here!" I replied, my voice thick with emotion. The feel of her small, soft body against mine was a balm to my aching soul.

As I held her close, memories of the harsh days during my pregnancy flooded my mind—moments of longing, of being separated from my family while enduring the trials of carrying our child. The pain and isolation of those times seemed distant now, overshadowed by the love and anticipation that filled the present.

A soft gasp from the house pulled me from my reverie. I turned to see my husband standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of surprise and overwhelming happiness. He grinned and ran towards me, his arms wide open. As he embraced me, he gently squished our daughter between us, her giggles mingling with our shared laughter.

"When did you get here?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion as he kissed my cheeks. Tears glistened in his eyes, a testament to the depth of his feelings.

Our daughter, her face alight with mischief, announced with glee, "Papa and Daddy are gonna smooch!" Her innocent remark made me smile even wider as I playfully covered her eyes with my hands.

Leaning in, I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips to his in a kiss that was both tender and filled with the promise of forever. As our lips met, a rush of memories flooded back—the joy of our union, the trials of our separation, and the countless moments that had led us to this reunion.

In that embrace, everything seemed to fall into place. The ocean's roar faded into the background, replaced by the comforting sounds of my family's presence. The past, with its trials and tribulations, melted away, leaving only the warmth of our love and the promise of the future.

All the memories come rushing back...

1st Memory- 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢'𝚕𝚕 𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝙱𝚊𝚌𝚔

The ocean was a realm of serene blue, a world untouched by the chaos of the land above. I glided through the crystal-clear waters of Glacialis, the kingdom I ruled with a blend of unwavering authority and a touch of detached pride. The water enveloped me in its cool embrace, my silvery white hair trailing behind me like a comet's tail. I was in my element, basking in the tranquility of the underwater world that was both my home and my dominion.

Each stroke of my tail sent ripples through the sea, and the light filtering down from the surface danced upon the water's surface, casting a mosaic of shifting patterns. I allowed myself a moment of indulgence, reveling in the freedom of movement that my mermaid form afforded me. The vast underwater gardens, filled with vibrant corals and shimmering schools of fish, were a testament to the splendor of Glacialis. This was a paradise I had grown accustomed to, a realm where I wielded influence and control.

Yet, beneath this calm exterior lay an undercurrent of disdain—one that was reserved specifically for humans. Their existence above the waves was a constant thorn in my side, an irritant that disrupted the harmony of my aquatic world. I loathed the thought of their crude, clumsy endeavors, their reckless disregard for the delicate balance of the ocean. The fishing boats that trawled the waters, their nets and hooks a threat to our domain, were a particular source of my ire. Their intrusion was a violation of the peace we had cultivated for eons, and their ignorant exploitation of the sea's bounty was unforgivable.

As I swam deeper into the heart of the kingdom, my thoughts darkened with the familiar contempt I harbored for these land-dwellers. Their presence was a blight, a blemish upon the pristine beauty of my underwater realm. The tales of human greed and their destructive habits reached even the deepest trenches, where I had cultivated a fortress of isolation and superiority. They were a species to be avoided, a factor to be eradicated from the serene existence I had meticulously safeguarded.

I took refuge in the grandeur of the royal palace, its towering spires and intricate ice crystal formations reflecting the very essence of our underwater kingdom. As I navigated through the grand halls, my mind remained fixated on the disdain I felt for the humans. They were a species to be mistrusted, their ambitions a threat to the delicate balance we had achieved.

Lost in my thoughts, I hardly noticed the passing hours until the shadows began to lengthen, signaling the approach of dusk. The ocean's embrace grew colder, and the fading light of the sun above cast an ethereal glow through the waters. It was a reminder of the world beyond, a world I had little interest in. For now, I was content to remain ensconced in my domain, secure in the knowledge that the kingdom of Glacialis was safe from the intrusions of those I so despised.

As I swam through the tranquil waters, I felt the familiar surge of pride and authority that came with being a prince. Yet, amidst this confidence, there was a constant, underlying resentment—a simmering frustration towards the humans who dared to disrupt the peace of my cherished world. This was my realm, and I would defend it against all who threatened its sanctity, particularly those who walked upon the land above.

I found solace in the familiar rituals of my daily life—patrolling the coral gardens, overseeing the bustling activities of my subjects, and ensuring that the kingdom remained as flawless as the day it was established. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the ocean floor, I felt a sense of accomplishment in maintaining the order and beauty of Glacialis.

However, my moments of tranquility were often interrupted by the occasional reports from my advisors. They spoke of human ships encroaching on our waters, their nets and lines casting an ever-growing threat. Each report ignited a spark of frustration within me, a reminder of the ever-present danger that these intruders posed to our peaceful existence. Their ignorance was infuriating, and their presence an affront to the natural order of things.

One such report came from my trusted lieutenant, a sleek and swift merman who approached with a solemn expression. "Your Highness," he began, his voice a mix of respect and concern, "we've detected increased human activity near the northern reefs. They're becoming bolder in their attempts to harvest the sea's bounty."

I nodded, my eyes narrowing as I processed the information. "Prepare a response," I commanded, my voice carrying the weight of authority. "We will not allow them to further disrupt our harmony."

The lieutenant bowed and departed to carry out my orders, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I turned my gaze towards the expansive window of my chamber, which offered a panoramic view of the kingdom's glowing beauty. The sight should have been reassuring, but instead, it only deepened my resolve to protect it from the encroaching threat of the humans.

As night fell, the ocean grew still, and the bioluminescent creatures began their nightly display, casting a gentle, soothing light that contrasted with my inner turmoil. I wandered through the palace, reflecting on the uneasy balance I maintained between my responsibilities as a ruler and my disdain for the outside world.

Despite my resolve to keep the humans at bay, there was a small part of me that wondered if there was more to their existence than the stories of greed and destruction that I had heard. Yet, such thoughts were quickly dismissed. My duty was to safeguard my people and our way of life, and that meant keeping the human world at a distance.

As I prepared for rest, I took one last look at the ocean's surface, the waves gently lapping against the coral reefs. The tranquility of the scene was a stark contrast to the tension I felt within. I knew that, as long as the humans continued their reckless ways, there would always be a need for vigilance and action.

With a final sigh, I retreated to my quarters, the weight of my responsibilities settling heavily on my shoulders. The kingdom of Glacialis would remain my sanctuary, protected from the encroaching world above. For now, my focus remained on fortifying our defenses and ensuring that the peace of my underwater realm was preserved.

As sleep claimed me, my dreams were filled with the soft hum of the ocean and the distant echoes of human voices—reminders of the world I was determined to keep at bay. The balance of my life was precariously maintained, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to protect it from those who threatened its sanctity.

The next morning, I awoke to the gentle sway of the currents, the ocean's rhythm a constant, comforting presence. As I stretched and prepared for the day, the events of the previous evening lingered in my mind. The reports of human activity near the northern reefs had unsettled me more than I cared to admit. My kingdom was thriving, its beauty unparalleled, and yet the persistent threat of human intrusion cast a shadow over everything I had worked to protect.

I decided to visit the northern reefs myself, to see firsthand the damage the humans had inflicted and to assess the situation. As I swam through the kingdom, the vibrant colors of the coral gardens and the lively chatter of my subjects should have lifted my spirits, but my thoughts were clouded by a growing sense of unease.

The northern reefs were among the most stunning parts of Glacialis, a place where the ocean's full splendor was on display. The coral formations were a kaleidoscope of colors, home to countless species of marine life that thrived in the warm, shallow waters. It was a sanctuary within a sanctuary, a place where the beauty of the ocean was at its most pure.

But as I approached, I noticed the subtle signs of human interference. The once-pristine coral had been disturbed, and the fish that usually swam freely in these waters were scarce, their numbers depleted by the humans' relentless fishing. My tail flicked in agitation, the deep blue of my scales darkening as my anger grew.

I swam closer to the surface, where the sunlight filtered through the water in golden beams. There, I saw them—humans, their clumsy forms casting shadows over the reefs as they hauled in their nets. My eyes narrowed as I watched them, my heart pounding with a mixture of anger and disgust. They moved with such disregard for the delicate ecosystem below, their only concern the bounty they could extract from the sea.

One of the boats drifted perilously close to the coral, its heavy nets dragging across the delicate formations. My fists clenched as I watched the destruction unfold. How dare they? How could they be so careless, so blind to the damage they were causing?

Without hesitation, I summoned a current to disrupt their efforts, sending a powerful surge of water towards the boat. The humans shouted in surprise as the boat rocked violently, their nets slipping from their grasp. I felt a grim satisfaction as they struggled to regain control, their faces twisted in confusion and fear.

But even as I drove them away, a bitter realization settled in my chest. No matter how many times I repelled them, the humans would always return. Their greed was insatiable, their ignorance boundless. They would never understand the ocean's beauty or the delicate balance that sustained it.

I turned away from the surface, diving back into the depths of the ocean where I belonged. The anger that had fueled my actions began to fade, replaced by a deep sense of weariness. How long could I continue this fight? How many more times would I have to defend my kingdom from these intruders?

As I swam back towards the palace, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing. The humans were becoming more daring, more persistent. And though I had always been able to keep them at bay, I couldn't help but wonder if the day would come when they would finally break through my defenses.

I pushed the thought aside as I entered the palace, determined to focus on my duties. There was no time for doubt, no room for hesitation. I was the prince of Glacialis, and it was my responsibility to protect my kingdom at all costs.

But as I settled into my daily routine, a lingering unease remained. The humans were a threat, that much was certain. But there was something else, something I couldn't quite place—a sense that my life was on the brink of change, that the world I had known and controlled so carefully was about to be turned upside down.

The days passed in a blur of royal duties and quiet frustration. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't shake the sense of impending change. My routine, once so reliable and comforting, now felt like a hollow repetition of tasks that did little to soothe the unrest in my heart. I spent more time patrolling the borders of Glacialis, watching for signs of human activity, but the encounters with their vessels only fueled my anger.

It was during one of these patrols that everything changed.

I was gliding through the open waters, the currents carrying me effortlessly as I surveyed the area near the northern reefs. The day was unusually calm, the surface of the ocean like glass, reflecting the clear sky above. The tranquility was deceptive, masking the danger that lurked just out of sight.

As I rounded a tall outcropping of coral, something caught my eye—a glint of metal, barely visible through the water's surface. I approached cautiously, my senses on high alert. It was a human fishing net, larger than any I had seen before, its mesh wide and menacing as it drifted lazily through the water. I frowned, wondering how it had ended up here, so close to the heart of my kingdom.

I was about to turn away, to summon a current to drive it back to the surface where it belonged, when I felt it—a sharp tug, sudden and unexpected, pulling me downwards. Panic flared in my chest as I realized what was happening. The net had caught on my tail, its heavy weight dragging me deeper into the water. I thrashed against it, trying to free myself, but the more I struggled, the tighter it wound around me.

A surge of rage overtook my senses as I fought against the net, my tail flicking violently in an attempt to break free. But it was no use. The net was too strong, its cords biting into my skin, restricting my movement. I could feel my breath quickening, the water growing colder around me as I was pulled deeper and deeper into the ocean's depths.

My mind raced as I tried to think of a way out. I had always been in control, always the one with the power, but now, for the first time in my life, I was truly trapped. The realization sent a wave of anger and frustration through me. How dare these humans ensnare me like a common fish in their crude trap? Was this how it would end—at the hands of the very creatures I despised?

But then, just as despair began to take hold, I felt a shift—a presence above me, faint but unmistakable. I looked up, and through the haze of the water, I saw it: a shadow, moving swiftly across the surface, followed by the splash of something entering the water.

A human.

My anger flared even hotter. Of course, it had to be one of them. My heart pounded as I watched the figure dive towards me, its form becoming clearer as it drew closer. My instincts screamed at me to flee, to do anything to escape, but the net held me fast, its weight dragging me down like an anchor. I was helpless, completely at the mercy of the very creatures I loathed.

The human reached me in a matter of moments, his movements swift and confident. He was young, with dark brown hair that floated around his head like seaweed in the current. His green eyes were wide with focus as he reached for the net, his hands moving quickly to untangle the cords that bound me.

I glared at him, my emotions a tempest of rage and contempt. Why was he helping me? What could he possibly hope to gain from this? And yet, as he worked to free me, I couldn't deny the relief that washed over me. I was no longer alone in this struggle, but that did nothing to soften the hatred that burned in my chest.

It took only minutes, though it felt like an eternity, for the human to untangle the net from my tail. As the final cord slipped free, I felt a surge of energy return to me. I was free. I could escape.

But as I prepared to flee, the human's actions gave me pause. He wasn't attacking, wasn't trying to capture me or exploit my vulnerability. He simply watched me, his eyes filled with something I didn't expect—concern, not fear or greed. His hand hovered in the water, as if to reassure me, but I recoiled, every fiber of my being rejecting the gesture.

This was just a trick, I told myself, a ploy to lower my defenses. I would not be fooled by a human's feigned kindness. My tail flicked in irritation, the deep blue of my scales darkening with my rising anger. I would not be indebted to a human.

Without another thought, I turned and fled, propelling myself away from the human, away from the net, away from the confusing mess of emotions that his presence stirred within me. I swam as fast as I could, not daring to look back, until I was deep within the safety of Glacialis once more.

But even as I returned to the familiar surroundings of my kingdom, I couldn't shake the memory of the encounter. The human's face, his strange concern, and the way he had helped me despite my obvious disdain. It gnawed at me, a small crack in the armor of hatred I had worn for so long.

Yet, I refused to let it weaken me. Humans were a danger, a blight on the ocean, and I would never allow myself to forget that. No matter what tricks they tried to pull, I would remain steadfast in my resolve. My duty was to protect Glacialis, and I would do so without faltering.

As I resumed my duties, I buried the memory deep, determined to focus on the safety of my kingdom. But somewhere, deep in the recesses of my mind, the image of that human lingered, a reminder that not everything was as simple as I wished it to be.