DANIELLA

CHAPTER THREE

The departure was more emotional than I had thought.
My hands were full with my crystal pearls and that meant that my energy was getting drained.

"Honey, you need to preserve your energy so stop crying ,". Father said in an attempt to cheer me up

"I know father. I just can't imagine a life without you guys you know. A life without my tail, my friends and swimming altogether..... Dad can I change my mind right now please?"

"Honey, I know how hard it is for you but all of us will always be grateful for your sacrifice okay.."

I only nodded, nothing left to say.

I turned to each of my parents hugging them one last time before turning to my sister.

She looked at me and for the first time gave me a hug which left me with questions and as if answering them she whispered
"One down.. two more left " and quickly pulled away a plastic smile on her face.

"What do you mean Amelia ?" I asked not ready to believe what I just heard

"I mean, take care of yourself little sister. We still need you ," she said so sincerely anyone who didn't know her would have fallen for her act.

Drama Queen !  She could fool everyone but me.

My potion in one hand and magic mirror in another I walked away my father's escort on my side.
I refused to look back .. to see their faces that held pity .

The journey to the lands took few hours of swimming as Arnold, my father's escort , led the way closely checking for any traps in our way.

As we neared the shore , he showed me the various traps that had been set up for my clan and I got angry.
"This is where I'll leave you.. there is a guard over there I'll just keep them busy while you get onto land and run. I am sure you will eventually figure everything out. "He said
"So when you here my voice , it's your cue to leave the waters."

"Thank you so much Arnold . I'll not forget what you have done for me okay"

He only nodded as he swam away.

Within a few minutes, his deep mermaid voice sounded and I saw the guard running towards his direction.
As I prepared to get out , another one ran past and another and another until I lost count .

When it was clear , I opened my potion and drank it down as my tail disappeared in  its place were a pair of human legs. I ran to the land, hoping that Arnold was fine wherever he was.

Everything was odd. I didn't know whatever I saw or it's use.
I even forgot to ask father what a factory was.

Damn! How was I going to start ?

I heard voices coming my way and hid behind a structure I didn't know it's name.

The guards from before ran past me in haste shouting incoherent words but I caught on to some

"The stupid mermaid escaped.. now we're sure that our plans are working !" One of the men said.

I looked at them and realized I was naked.. but what were they putting on?

But I needed to find one so as the last man passed by, I knocked him pulling his body to myself thanks to my strength, before undressing him and putting on the coverings.

So where do I go from here ?

This was getting harder than I expected

Disguised as the guard I had knocked out, I started walking in a rather funny style considering that I was not yet used to my human legs

I managed to get far from them by going to the opposite direction but not before I had familiarized at my sorroundings who knows if I would need to hide later on.

I realized I was going in circles after passing the same objects more than two times .

Damn! How was I supposed to make it out of here .

I could still smell the sea meaning I was just near it and I had to try all my best to not go in there and swim freely without a care in the world.

"For father.. for Anita .. for mother and all my clan.."  I repeated in my head over and over again determination marring my features.

"Victor, get over here .. what are you doing all by yourself when we should be looking for those creatures called mermaids buddy ?" A guard said having seen me and I only nodded knowing that if I spoke my voice would give me away but seems like it was too late.

"Wait.. when did you grow long black hair while you are always a Blondie ?"

I started shivering when I heard his footsteps approaching not because I was scared since I could take them out without a sweat but because I didn't want them to know who I really was .

"Raise your hands up ! "
I did just that and continued shivering more vigorously than the other time and turned to look at them, making my face look paler than it usually was.

One look at me and the guard came rushing to me
"Let's take her to the hospital , she looks pale and sickly ," this was addressed to his colleagues and to me he said
"Ma'am what are you doing here and how do you have Victor's uniform?"

Just the questions I was expecting . I would have cried to show them how I was hurt but then the crystal pearls would have given me away.

"He.. he.. tried to rape me... I knocked him out. He tore all my clothes .... and I.. I.. I.."

"Fuck Victor ! How many times have I warned him from taking advantage of women? It ends today! Where is he?"

I took them to the guard and he was killed right before my eyes.

Even though I felt guilty but there was no other choice .

And that is how I managed to get into the human world without nobody noticing.

@hellenimari