Finding Peace

The Brother

CHAPTER 15

It was him. It was her brother! Her real, biological brother!

She turned around to look at him. He had long hair that fell to his shoulders, but it was tied back into a short ponytail. It was dirty blonde and few pieces fell in front of his big green sparkling eyes.

He was tall, Arita had to tilt her head up to meet his beautiful eyes.

His muscles were defined, like he'd been working hard. And his smile, it was like he was filled with eternal joy. Looking at him was like reliving a blurred dream.

"Levi..?" Arita asked unsure if he was real. The others turned to watch the beautiful reunion.

"Arita! It is you!" He gasped and swam toward her and the embraced one another. His hug was strong and tender. She could hear his low heart beat, and feel his chest rise and fall to a rhythmic breathing. How Arita had needed a comforting hug like that. She felt so safe and comforted in his large arms. It was unlike Michael or Jacob's hugs. It was unreal, and she felt so protected by a man she faintly remembered. He smelled like sea salt. Of course the whole ocean smelt like that, but his was different. It smelt like a home that's been gone for a long time.

If only tears were real in the water. They would stream from her soft cheeks and fall down her chin. But instead, all that came was a silent sob.

His face dug into her floating hair, to commemorate the smell. He held her tightly and she heard him sniffle.

"I've waited for you for so long." he whispered, still embracing her.

Arita didn't want to let go.

"Levi, I thought you were dead!" she sobbed.

"I thought i'd lost you forever, Rita." his voiced lowered.

He grasped her tighter. She fit so perfectly in her brother's long arms.

Then a low grunted cough came from behind them, signaling an awkward ridge from someone.

Arita painfully pulled away from her long lost brother, but he kept his arm around her as a protective grasp.

Arita looked at Michael, who's face showed personal discomfort, he wasn't happy with all this, not knowing who Levi was.

"Sorry guys.." Arita said, wiping the imaginary tears from her eyes.

"This, is my brother, Levi." she laughed a little at the words, for she had never really spoken them.

Relief flushed over Michael's face, of course he was being protective.

"Oh! Well why didn't you just say so? I'm Michael, Arita's step-brother," he outstretched his hand and Levi shook it. "This is Jacob, Brooke, and Nick." he told Levi, pointing to each person.

Levi gave a friendly wave to them, then spoke.

"Welcome to our city!"

He turned to Arita, "I have some people I want you to meet." he smiled suspiciously and his eyes twinkled with laughter.

"We'll join you." Michael stated boldly and rather too quickly.

Levi's smile turned to a slightly irritated line.

"If you wish." he replied blandly, then they all swam off into the direction of the palace.

CHAPTER 16

The palace was a beautiful gold. It had large gold gates around it and guards at every post. The palace towered high in the blue water, and Mer-folk swam in and out of its doors and open windows.

She gazed at its beauty, while Levi led her through the stoned streets, their arms linked and the others trailing behind.

They pasted two guards in front of two large gate doors, then swam down a long path leading to the entrance of the palace. Arita noticed mermaids giving her strange glances. What was that for?

She shook her head and shoved the thought deep into her curious soul. She was reunited with her brother! Nothing could spoil her mood.

They all continued to swim, still admiring the interior. Its amazing what they could do with only few things like shells, pearls and clams. The littlest decor did wonders for the magnificent palace. There were giant shells in the sand floor for couches, and pearls outlining the top rims of the walls.

They kept walking through the palace and reached the back gate opening to a garden. Seaweed grew tall and sea flowers of all kinds swayed in the water and bright fish swam in and out of the corral. The outer edges were surrounded by dark and overgrown seaweed, you couldn't see what lay behind.

She let go of Levi's arm and swam a few feel away to examine a blue fish by some seaweed. She heard the others voices drift a bit away from her. Their backs must be turned. Arita shifted around to face their backs and began a slow swim, when a strong hand gripped over my mouth and the other viciously gripping her waist. She struggled and vigorously flopped her tail, trying to squirm free. The others were unable to here her muted screams.

"Levi! Michael! Anyone!" she yelled to herself. But no one could hear. And suddenly she was pulled into the unknown darkness.

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Not much this time but I hope it's enough for a cliff hanger (; enjoying? Comment, Rate, Tell your Friends! Xoxo

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