Coveted [New/Revised Version]

NEW GAME PLAN

A/N: As if vamps, witches, and immortals weren't enough I've added this new badass ;)!

***Don't judge too harshly due to the lack of tail. I kind of don't like describing them and wanted to try something different so this is my take on these marvelously enchanting yet deadly creatures. Most of it is made up as I go along like their powers but the thing about "soul sucking" is true to folklore. Just think about that the next time you watch Disney's The Little Mermaid. And you're welcome for ruining your childhood.

═══════════════════════

"What are you?" Zairian breathed, examining the arctic tomb encasing Galilea.

"There are many names for what I am." Natayla replied. "In my country, Russia, they call me rusalka. Others call me siren, water nymph, kelpie, or most commonly mermaid."

"Ah, so you do exist."

"Believe me, it's surprising to find out you exist as well."

"I don't think I'm quite as fabled as your kind."

"Oh, contraire."

"I suppose I'll just have to take you at your word." He smirked.

Zairian tried to recollect all he'd heard about mermaids. Internally, he cursed himself for not paying closer attention when his father mentioned them. He thought it was all rubbish then. Mermaids? Real? Those things seemed like two unlikely possibilities together.

All his mind conjured up were insignificant particulars. Powerful, immortal, hydros, beautiful... In view of the woman standing in front of him, the last wasn't difficult to fathom. She was exquisite. However, the dark, fragmented rings in her eyes overtaking the irises warped that splendor.

The pupils turned to thin, silver, catlike lines.

He wasn't quite sure what other abilities this creature had or its strength versus his but he was well aware that all he had to defend himself was his cane and she was allied with Skylark. Zairian didn't think the young vampire was much of a threat but didn't think he was foolish either. If he believed this being might be able to take him on, then he was likely in whirlwind of trouble. Earlier proved they were, more or less, evenly matched in their hydraulic gifts.

Hair still winding and unwinding snakelike around her, she took a predacious step toward him.

Instantly, he twisted his cane to reveal his sword and assumed a stance, preparing for the violence sure to follow. The mermaid hesitated, sizing him up as if considering this fight. Attack or retreat? It could go either way, but he was ready for the former.

"You would strike an unarmed woman?" she pouted coyly.

"Why do I get the feeling that it doesn't matter to you how I fight?"

She shrugged a shoulder. "Maybe you're smarter than you look."

In a fluid motion, she lunged for him.

She was fast—he'd gave her that but he was faster. He evaded her attack before administering a jarring blow to her temple then following up with striking the jeweled end of the cane in the same spot. This fight didn't need to last longer than necessary. The Chancellor witch was close and Annalisa would have the ring soon.

What Zairian hadn't anticipated was the stabbing pain that shot up his arm from broken bones in his hand and the unscathed Natalya beaming back at him delightedly.

"It's not going to be that easy honey." She tsked.

She's cement hard.

He didn't let his shock show. Instead, he rethought his strategy. Mermaids couldn't be invincible, could they? No. No being was invincible. They had to have some weakness.