The Siren's Song

Chapter Four

"Mabel?" Mermando looked at his pink tailed fiancé. She hadn't said a word since she returned to the village. It was making him uneasy. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She replied. She wanted so bad to go back to the ship and swim alongside her brother but some unknown force was keeping her from it.

"Mabel. Something is wrong. You're never this glum." Mermando prodded. Mabel crossed her arms in a childish gesture and turned away from him. "Mabel." Mermando laid a hand on the light pink scales that formed a star on her arm.

"Let me alone, Mermando. I don't want to talk right now." Mabel growled. Mermando nodded and swam off. He's seen Mabel angry before and certainly didn't want to relive that.

Mabel sighed and watched the currents drag bits of seaweed around. A small fish swam by. Mabel's stomach growled. She hadn't eaten anything since she got back.

Instinctively she reached out and speared the small fish on a claw. Greedily she ate. She sighed when she finished. "Why Dipper? Why couldn't I come with?" She asked no one in particular.

"What's a pretty siren like you doing out here all alone?" She heard a voice say behind her. Out of fear she turned. Behind her was a siren with white hair and a white tail laced with light blue.

"Who are you?" Mabel asked. The boy laughed and flicked his tail.

"You mean you don't know me? Darling. Everyone knows me. I'm Gideon. Gideon Gleeful." The boy swam up beside her. Mabel watched him warily.

"You mean the boy who claims to possess the power of the Siren's Song?" Mabel asked skeptically. Gideon nodded and traced a finger along her arm. She pulled away. "What are you doing here then? Shouldn't you be helping sirens somewhere else? My tribe doesn't need any help."

"Oh my dear girl, of course your tribe doesn't need help. But I can't help but notice that you do." Gideon swam around her. Mabel cocked an eyebrow.

"What makes you say that?" She asked keeping her guard up, just as Dipper had taught her to.

"Well, you were talking to empty ocean." Gideon smirked. "And I've been watching you, Mabel Seapines."

"Stalker." Mabel muttered. Gideon stopped swimming around her to shoot her a glare.

"That isn't nice. Besides. I know someone that could help you get what you want." Gideon smirked again. Mabel perked up. What did he mean? "Your brother placed a spell on you. I know a certain woman that can break that spell."

"Really?" Mabel asked hopefully. Then she remembered something Dipper had told her. Everything has a price. "What do you want from me in return?" She asked skeptically.

"Only your hand in marriage. You're such a beautiful sea flower. I want to pick you before anyone else." Gideon stroked Mabel's brown hair lovingly. Mabel froze.

"I, I can't. I'm already engaged." Mabel ducked away. Gideon growled.

"Was it your choice?" He asked smoothly.

"Well, no but Mermando and I grew up together. Dipper thinks that it would be wise to marry him because he comes from a high family. Since that's the only way I'll be accepted into the tribe." Mabel blurted out. Gideon glowered.

"So this Dipper is forcing your hand?" He grinned. Mabel grew unsure.

"I, I guess." She stuttered out. "But he only wants what's best for me. He means well. And Mermando loves me."

"Run away with me. You don't have to marry that Mermando. I have higher power then him. I will take care of you." Gideon whispered seductively in her ear. She bit her lip. Did she really love Mermando? Or was she just doing this to make Dipper happy?