Project Atechna

Please Save Her, Mother!

Chapter 6

While trying to lift Garth's armor from the ground, Dawn finds herself in a predicament. "Uuuggghhh! Why is this thing so heavy?!" Using all of her might, the young mermaid latches her grip onto its edges and pulls while thrusting her tail up and down.

"This... has got to... be a... JOKE!" Without warning, the princess loses her grip and goes flying back onto the hard ground. Upon landing, her head smacks right onto the hard surface. "Urrrmm, ouwie. That hurt." Slightly lifting up her upper body, Dawn rubs the back of her head and glares directly at, what seems to be, the immovable armor.

Hastily reminded of how long it took to free the damsel from the debris, Dawn's mind becomes fixated on moving the armor by any means. However, no matter how hard she tries, the armor wasn't budging an inch. Overcome with sadness and anger, the princess throws her body onto one of the armor's edges and slams down her fist.

"Uuuurrrrggg! Why is this happening again?! All I wanted was to save her!..." Just as frustration begins to take its toll on her mind, Dawn impulsively lifts up her head with a grin and snaps her fingers. "I've got it!"

Eager to put this absurd moment behind her, the foolish mermaid floats some distance away from the armor and places out her hands. "Okay! I just need to concentrate." Instinctively closing her eyes, the princess takes in small breathes and focuses her energy onto the palm of her hands.

"C'mon... c'mon... c'mon! Ugh! It's no use!" Unable to release even a spec of ice, the princess pants in exhaustion as she aggressively crosses her arms. "Hmph-urrgg, this makes no sense! How was I able to do it last time?!"

"Do what, my dear?"

"Huh?" Dawn looks over her shoulder and discovers her mother swimming up behind her. "Oh... hi mother." Rolling her eyes in spite, she turns her head back around and proceeds to ignore her. "Having trouble with moving little ol' Garth's armor, are we?" The queen playfully teases, rubbing her daughter's shoulders from behind.

Persistent in not acknowledging her mother's words, Dawn closes her eyes and grunts in response. Her highness giggles and proceeds to circle her daughter. "Hmm? Is this any way to treat someone offering help?" Regardless, the stubborn mermaid continues to not respond.

"Fine, be that way. I suppose you don't need my help after all. Toodaloo." Her highness playfully states as she circles back around and heads towards the main entrance. "WAIT!" Dawn desperately shouts, turning her body towards her mother.

"Hmm? What was that, sweetie?" Her highness innocently questions as she looks over her shoulder. Feeling defeated, Dawn's body slowly floats down to the ground. Leaning back onto her tail, the young mermaid lowers her head and cries out, "P-p-please help me. I-I can't move it, on my own..."

Struggling to keep her emotions at bay, her highness stares at her daughter with merciful eyes. After a few moments, the Queen faces her body towards her daughter and relaxes her shoulders. "Sigh, don't be sad child. I'm coming."

Her highness hastily swims to her daughter and rests her head upon her chest. Dawn's face dripping with tears, her highness succumbs into her emotions and holds her daughter close. "It's okay, sweetie. Mommy's here, mommy's got you. You're safe."

Slightly lifting her head, Dawn remorsefully looks up to her mother and wraps her arms around her neck. The young mermaid, buries her head next to her highness's neck and continues sob. "Ohhh, what am I going to do with you, my child?" Her highness humorously whispers, massaging her daughter's back.

"Let's head on inside dear. I'll whip up some of your favorite jelly glazed lobster claws. How does that sound?" Dawn shakes her head, pushing against her mother's grip. "I-I can't... At least not now. I need, I need your help." Curious, her highness tilts her head and smiles.