From: NVRPARRIS@aol.com Rourounin Kenshin isn't mine... Neither is The Little Mermaid... Please don't sue me! Also... Words in between :: :: these are thoughts. ie: :: Where's my brain?? :: --------------------------------------------------------------- The Mermaid Chronicles (2b/3) The sun rose like a purple flower with a stream of light radiating from it's calyx; it was then that the little mermaid woke up and became conscious of a sharp pang. But just in front of her stood the handsome prince, bathed in the glory of dawn. She froze in wonder as he fixed his almost coal eyes on her; she cast hers down and saw that her fish tail was gone, and that she had the prettiest little legs any maiden could desire... but she was quite naked. :: Ahhh!!:: She wrapped her long thick hair around her. The prince grinned silently as he bent towards her. The prince asked her who she was and how she came there, she looked at him tenderly with a sad expression in her speaking blue eyes, but she could not speak. He then took her by the hand and led her to the palace. Every step she took was as the witch had warned her beforehand; as if she was treading on knives and spikes, but she bore it gladly... led by the prince she moved as lightly as a bubble, and he and everyone else marvelled at her graceful gliding gait. Clothed in the costliest silks and muslins she was the greatest beauty in the palace... She sat with the prince as beatiful slaves came and sang to the prince and his royal parents. One of them sang better than the rest, and the prince, whose name was Aoshi, clapped his hands in quiet favor. That made Misao angry. :: If only that stupid witch hadn't taken my voice! I can sing ten times better than this stupid floozy!:: Now the slaves began to dance, graceful endulating dances to to enchanted music; :: Yes! Now's my chance!!:: Without hesitation, the little mermaid rose herself on tiptoe and glided onto the dance floor. As a mermaid she was rather tomboyish, but the witches potion granted her a grace unrivaled by any human being. She silently thanked the witch as she floated to the celestial sounds. With every motion her grace and beauty became more apparent. Her eyes appealed more deeply to the heart than the songs of the slaves. Everyone was delighted with it, especailly the prince who had a deep love for the arts. She saw a sparkling in his eyes and she danced on, withstanding the pain as her foot touched the ground of sharp knives. That night, the prince said that she should always be near him. He vowed to protect her and placed a velvet cushion for her besides his bed. >From henceforth, the two became inseperable. He coaxed the stubborn mermaid into wearing a human's dress he had made for her. Weraing this, the rode silently through scented woods enjoying eachother's company. Day by day she became dearer to Prince Aoshi. He loved her as one loved a sweet child, but it never entered his mind to make her his queen; yet unless she became his wife, she would never win an everlasting soul, but on his wedding morning would turn to foam. One night, her sisters came arm in arm; they swam arm in arm telling her how her disappearance grieved them. She beckoned them, but they dare not venture near. She almost wept until the prince came. Seeing her in distress, he took her into his arms and consoled her. :: Aoshi-sama :: she thought. He looked into her eyes and they seemed to say... "Do you love me?" And Aoshi answered. "Misao, you are dear to me. You have the best heart of them all and I am fondest of you. You remind me of a young girl I once saw." The prince's sad eyes drifted elsewhere. Misao listened carefully as he spoke to the distant stars. "I was onboard a ship which was wrecked, I was driven on the shores of a holy temple where young girls were ministering at a service. The youngest of them found me on the beach and saved my life. I saw her but twice. She is the only person I could love in this world, but you are much like her. She belongs to the holy temple, but you belong to me." :: *I* was the one who saved your life!!* thought the little mermaid. :: *I* swam him to shore. I saw that stupid girl he loves better than me...:: Misao heaved a bitter sigh. :: Well, I am here with him and she isn't. I will tend to him, love him, and give him my life!:: But now the rumor ran that the prince was to be married to the daughter of a neighboring King, and for that reason was fitting a splendid ship. It was given out that the prince was going on a voyage to see adjoining countries, but it was without a doubt to see the king's daughter. :: Oh please!:: thought Misao. She laughed for she knew the prince's intentions better than any other. On the ship, the prince spoke to the listening Mermaid. "My parents demand it but they will never force me to bring her home as my bride." :: Damn straight!:: Thought a silent mermaid. Aoshi walked towards Misao. "I can never lover her! She will not be like the lovely girl in the temple. If I had to choose a bride it would sooner be you with your speaking eyes my sweet foundling." :: Really!:: Before she could delight any further, he kissed her mouth and played with her long dark hair. He lay his head on her heart and dreamt as she dreamt of human joys and an immortal soul. To Be Continued... -------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: 1. Is Aoshi OOC?? 2. 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