The Little Mermaid

17 - Vanessa

In the opulent halls of a prestigious scientific institute, a woman with fiery red hair and a calculating glint in her golden eyes surveyed her latest project. Dr. Vanessa, a renowned expert in marine biology, was the toast of the scientific community. Little did anyone know, beneath the veneer of brilliance lurked the cunning sea witch, Ursula, in a clever human disguise.

Across the vast ocean, the deadline loomed large. Lashanie, her voice stolen and her heart heavy, felt the weight of Ursula's bargain pressing down on her. The silence was a constant reminder of the price she had paid for a chance to be with Varian.

Meanwhile, Varian, fueled by Rapunzel's words, was determined to confess his feelings to Lashanie. Yet, a nagging unease settled in his gut. How could he express his love when she couldn't respond?

Suddenly, a knock on his workshop door shattered his internal debate. "Come in!" he called out.

The door creaked open, revealing a young woman with dazzling emerald eyes and a warm smile. She was dressed in a crisp lab coat, her attire a stark contrast to the playful chaos of Varian's workshop.

"Dr. Varian?" she inquired, her voice a melodic cadence that sent shivers down Varian's spine. "My name is Dr. Vanessa. I'm here from the Royal Institute of Science."

Varian blinked, momentarily taken aback by her beauty and the familiarity of her voice. "Dr. Vanessa? What can I do for you?"

Dr. Vanessa smiled, her eyes sparkling with an unsettling warmth. "I've been following your work with great interest, particularly your research on... well, flightless creatures taking to the skies." Her gaze landed on the Soaring Symphony, a flicker of something akin to amusement dancing in her eyes.

Varian, ever eager to discuss his inventions, launched into a detailed explanation of the project. As he spoke, Dr. Vanessa listened intently, her questions insightful and her understanding seemingly unparalleled.

"It's a fascinating concept, Dr. Varian," Dr. Vanessa said once he finished. "But have you considered the... biological limitations of such a contraption?"

Varian, intrigued by her perspective, shook his head. Dr. Vanessa then proceeded to explain, in detail that bordered on the uncanny, the intricate workings of avian flight, her voice a soothing melody that washed over Varian.

As they delved deeper into scientific discussions, a strange sense of familiarity tugged at Varian's memory. He couldn't quite place it, but Dr. Vanessa's voice, her knowledge, it felt strangely... comforting.

The afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, before Varian realized how much time had passed. He looked up, a jolt of surprise coursing through him.

"Wow, Dr. Vanessa, it's getting late," he said, his voice tinged with a newfound respect. "Thank you for your insights. They've been incredibly helpful."

Dr. Vanessa smiled, a hint of something predatory glinting in her emerald eyes. "The pleasure was all mine, Dr. Varian. And by the way," she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "you wouldn't happen to know a young woman with a fascination for the ocean, would you?"

Varian's heart skipped a beat. How did she know about Lashanie? But before he could question her further, Dr. Vanessa continued, her voice laced with a hint of sadness.

"There was a terrible storm a few days ago," she said, her gaze flickering away for a fleeting moment. "I... I pulled a young woman from the wreckage. She was unconscious, and..." She trailed off, her eyes welling up with fabricated tears.

"And what?" Varian prompted, a knot of dread tightening in his stomach.

"She couldn't speak," Dr. Vanessa choked out, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "The doctor said it was a miracle I found her alive."