The Mermaid and the Wishing Star

By S. A. L.

One starry night, before Melina is to depart on her long-awaited coming of age week on land, she makes a wish on a star in hopes to one day find the kind of beautiful love her parents once shared. To her surprise, her wish comes true, but shortly after meeting the merman of her dreams, he disappears! When Melina finally discovers that a pair of evil witches have taken him for their own selfish purposes, surely to result in his death, she must rescue him before time runs out. Melina learns in order to defeat the witches and save her merman; she will need the help of her friends. Will they be able to help her as her journey takes her into uncharted waters ruled by a legendary monster? Or will they be able to enlist the help of kind strangers to save her true love? And together, can they defeat the evil witches that have stolen away others' love for centuries?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781684988419

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 S. A. L.

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-68498-840-2 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68498-841-9 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

To Juli, my confidant, my biggest fan and cheerleader, but most of all my greatest encouragement, I couldn’t have made it this far without you. Thank you!

To my beautiful daughter, Lily, your joy, laughter, love, and boundless imagination always remind me that nothing is impossible with love, to let the imagination take you to amazing places of wonder and beauty, and enjoy life by celebrating in the laughter. My wish for you is that you never forget what joy your imagination can bring you. I love you, my beautiful, amazingly intelligent baby girl!

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Make a Wish

Chapter 2: The Dream

Chapter 3: Mother’s Message

Chapter 4: Luke

Chapter 5: Micah’s Secret

Chapter 6: The Ruby Mermaid

Chapter 7: Discoveries

Chapter 8: The Shadow Sisters

Chapter 9: Family Legacy

Chapter 10: The Village of Tal’Mekha

Chapter 11: Liam and Ruby

Chapter 12: The Blessed Wish

Chapter 13: Ruby’s Family

Chapter 14: The Epsilon Casket of Vega

Chapter 15: The Quest

Chapter 16: The Sword of Orion

Chapter 17: Home at Last

Chapter 18: Heart’s Desire

Chapter 19: Battle’s Eve

Chapter 20: It Begins

Chapter 21: Fight!

Glossary

Mer/English Dictionary

Prologue

If I had known it would succumb to this, would I still have made the choices that ultimately led to this very outcome? Would I have chosen to turn the other way when I saw him and try to forget about his charmingly beautiful face? Or would I choose to ignore the lucid dream of our encounter, knowing if I followed my heart, I would later be forced to rescue him at the expensive of the ones I cherish? The most unparalleled exchange between the heavens and earth, a life for a life.

Knowing all this, would I willing give him up to save their lives, fully knowing I would forever forfeit this single opportunity to behold a love the cosmos bestowed upon me? How could I weigh the companionship of those I have known my entire life against a being who suddenly appeared to me, claiming to be my soulmate? A mysterious person who has watched me from his perch in the stars for years, waiting for the appropriate time to reveal himself to me, but has to risk his own life so that he may have a chance at love. Could I take that away from an innocent? Could I deny him his only opportunity to discover what a soulmate truly means? Could I do that to myself?

How could I ask my friends, the people I love most in this crazy ever-flowing world, to sacrifice themselves for a person they know nothing about?

Yet this is exactly what happened, and I have no one to blame but myself. I caused their deaths. They willingly, without question or second thought, fought an unwinnable battle with a monster they couldn’t hope to defeat and lost everything because of me. How could I repay the debt?

Chapter 1

Make a Wish

When I was still a merling, shortly before my twenty-first cycle, Father had granted me a week on land. Of course, it had to be of his choosing for safety reasons. But now it seems he will never find a place for me to spend my week on land when everyone else’s fathers took mere days to decide on a location. Father, on the other hand, has taken months, and it’s been nearly a full cycle. At this rate, I will have reached my twenty-first cycle by the time he finally comes to a decision.

I lie across my extra-soft sponge bed, staring at the ceiling of my room, cutout of our cave dwelling, and wondering when Father would finally decide where my triasponsa would be. Triasponsa is a sort of coming-of-age week on land that usually takes place between a mer’s eighteenth and twenty-first cycles. I have heard many stories from my merling friends who had chosen to go through with their triasponsa. Their incredible stories made every experience on land almost magical, only resulting in making my anticipation grow even more.

A small slow current begins to float through the window of my room, ruffling my deep indigo-violet hair as it floats around my head in the midday light. The neon-pink, bright-green, and indigo sea anemones growing on my ceiling above my bed, that doubled as a light source and decoration, begins to wave as the incoming current play through them. Watching them ebb and flow with each breath of movement always seems to help me forget my nerves and any errant thoughts that may plague me.

Ever since Mother died when I was just a newly born fry, Father has always been a bit overprotective compared to other fathers of girls my age. Yet no one questioned anything about his methods; they only felt pity for his deep loss. None of our people had ever experienced such a great loss, nor had such a profound connection with another mer. Something so special and rare, it was thought to be a legend among merfolk. A connection so deep, it went beyond the physical and emotional that it completely saturated the very misteria of one’s being as if the very souls of the two joined were no longer separate but one.

Though I never had a chance to meet my mother, Father always ensured I knew everything I possibly could about Mother. The way he described her beauty, her personality, and the love he had for her; no wonder his loss was felt so deeply. A love so deep, I could only dream of possessing with my joined mer.

I sigh as the realization finally sinks in that Father would more than likely drag out the decision of my triasponsa till my twenty-fourth cycle. It isn’t unheard of; however, it is rare and usually is the result of a merling in my situation.

At that very moment, my father decides to slowly glide into my cutout. Are you all right, my little angelfish? He often tells me that was what Mother used to call me when I was still with her.

Yes, Father, an exasperated sigh escapes my lips as I answer.

Melina, Father starts to say as he realizes my irritation, I understand that you are frustrated with my…lack of decision regarding your triasponsa, but I assure you, it is of the utmost importance to me that the location of this momentous event in your young life be in a place of safety. I believe you have heard the same startling stories of some of the other merlings as I? He raises a brow at me.

Startling? The stories I’ve heard have been nothing short of magical. I inwardly scoff at his description.

My angelfish, I only wish that your experience be a pleasant one. He drifts over to my sponge bed and sits on the edge beside where I lie, still staring up at the anemones on my ceiling. He takes my delicate, slender hand between his massive strong hands. Melina, my beautiful daughter, I love you so very much. Please humor your father with your patience. You know this is not an easy decision for me, especially after… He bows his head with a pained look on his face, closing his eyes in a silent prayer as he composes himself. He didn’t have to finish his last thought; I knew what he was thinking. The pain of Mother’s death always seemed to be a bleeding wound for him that never completely healed.

Yes, Father, I reply, trying to soften my tone. I understand. I will give you what patience I can, but may I ask if you have at least chosen a few options?

He lifts his head and turns to look back at me. Meeting his gaze, I raise a questioning brow. You can, and yes, I have three choices that I am considering.

Not able to hide my excitement, I sit up on my mattress. Really? I scoot closer to Father, nearly bouncing on my shimmering amethyst tail, Where? When can I go? Where have you decided?

Calm your wake, angelfish, he says with a light chuckle, the sadness in his eyes disappearing at my elation. One of the places I was considering was the Bermuda Isles. Possibly, the Mediterranean Region or even the Gulf, he pauses, smiling at me as my mouth gapes open. I was thinking you would like someplace tropical. It’s beautiful in those regions, and the water is comfortably warm. Since you will need to swim frequently, I thought one of those locations would be most enjoyable. Plus, from what I understand, the land dwellers are quite friendly due to the pleasant weather.

I spring off my tail, squealing with delight as I launch myself into Father’s arms, giving him an excited hug. Wrapping his heavily muscled arms around me in return, he chuckles.

Pulling back from Father’s embrace, I realize he hadn’t mentioned a time, And have you decided as to when I will get to experience my triasponsa, Father? I cautiously ask him, quietly hoping that his answer is for the near future as he considers my question.

As Father strokes his chin with his thumb and forefinger, I attempt, rather unsuccessfully, to hide my anticipation by only letting my fin tips twitch slightly. Of course he notices, and a slight quirk of the left side of his mouth is his response. I will have to think on that more, but for now, go enjoy your time with your friends. I hear there is a festival taking place tonight in the village. I am quite sure you are wanting to go, yes? He grins at me as the realization of what he was saying sank in slowly.

You mean to tell me…, nearly squealing, unable to finish my thought, I spring up narrowly missing, ramming my head into the ceiling.

Smiling at me in all my excitement, he replies, Yes, you may go to the festivities tonight. However, please be home when the moonlight is centered above.

Yes! Yes! Of course, Father, I answer, nodding my head emphatically. I give Father a quick hug.

Now go, he says. Have a wonderful time with your friends. I will see you later.

With his dismissal, I speed out of my room like a barracuda is on my tail.

I spot my friends below, floating in a small circle and chatting animatedly as I swim closer to the playgrounds. Bernessa, a sun-yellow blond with a sparkling golden tail, is at the center of the conversation with everyone else watching her as she speaks enthusiastically. She is a hard one to miss in any crowd because of her bright coloring and boisterous personality. Not to mention, her family is the wealthiest in the village.

I descend closer, able to make out the forms of Micah, Atrayu, and Kaliha. Micah is the oldest of our pod, and with the looks of a god, every merl in the village has a whale-size crush. How could I possibly blame the merls? He is well muscled with a chiseled chest and enticingly strong arms, short black hair that still has enough length, allowing the current to play in those lush locks, and a silver sheen tail. But it is his eyes that really take a merl’s breath away—two deep pools of silver swirling mercury that could penetrate the deepest reaches of one’s soul. A color so rare, it is said that a silver-eyed mer possesses magic, a great magic. I often wonder if he did, in fact, have such a unique gift because sometimes I thought I would see his eyes glow briefly. However, I seem to be the only one who ever noticed. His grandfather was rumored to have the same eyes and great power, but he died when Micah’s mother was only five cycles old.

Atrayu isn’t quite the looker compared to Micah, but he has his charm. He has a gentleness to him that counters Micah’s hard edges. Atrayu’s soft pouty lips, kind deep-green eyes, and medium-length midnight-blue hair still make the merls swoon. He has a lean, muscular build and blue iridescent tail. Where Micah excelled in brawn, Atrayu matched in brains. Although Atrayu could hold his own in a fight, he preferred not to resort to such measures. He floats in the circle with the others, quietly watching as they chatted away. Atrayu has never been one to say much, but when he does speak, you had better listen. I know from my own experience with him that his advice is sound and wise beyond his years.

I float down within hearing distance of the conversation and notice Kaliha playing with her long loosely braided rose-red hair as she floats next to the others looking somewhat bored. I couldn’t really fault her for her reaction. I often felt Bernessa’s constant prattling about her exploits to be a bit…well, conceded. She is so much of a blowfish. Kaliha, on the other hand, is much more humble and generous. She is such a beautiful merl and doesn’t even realize it. Her stunning almond-shaped seafoam green eyes are nothing but kind and inviting. You can see she holds a great intellect behind them, which she often hides from the villagers. From the short distance that I float from the group, I could see her soft fuchsia tail twitch slightly with irritation, no doubt from Bernessa’s continual tidal wave of the mouth.

At that moment, I decide to greet my friends, Hello, mers! How does the water fare? The others watch as I join the circle.

Thankfully, Bernessa halts her monologue, Micah gives me a brief nod of acknowledgment, and Atrayu smiles at my approach. Kaliha gives me a small wave, and I can see the relief in her eyes at my arrival.

Well, it’s about time you show up! We have been waiting far too long for you. It’s nearly dark, and we may not get the best spots for the show tonight, Bernessa whines at me as I settle in with everyone.

Oh, please, Bernessa. We have hours before dark. Kaliha gives her a condescending look as she chastises her.

Besides, we haven’t been here that long. You just talk so much, it seems like longer, Atrayu adds with an annoyed expression on his face.

I glance at him, trying to hold back a snicker. You always speak your mind, Atrayu. One of my favorite things about you.

He never did care for Bernessa, and that she is constantly around annoys him even more. Of course, we all new why she joined our little pod—Micah. She is completely obsessed with him and will do anything to be near him.

Micah pays no attention to her childish antics, which make Bernessa try all the harder to get him to notice her. Give it a rest, Bernessa.

So… I attempt to stop the bickering with a change of subject. Does anyone know who is performing tonight at the festival?

The Clam Jam is playing at the festival tonight, Micah simply states.

And I heard the Aqualics are to be performing tonight as well! Kaliha says excitedly.

The Aqualics are the best water dancers in the region, and Kaliha absolutely loves to see them perform. She is even taking aquatic dance classes in hopes of becoming one of the Aqualics. Kaliha has wanted to be an aquatic dancer since she was a merling. It all started when her parents took her to see an Aqualics show when she was about fives cycles old. Since then, she has been completely obsessed with the famous aquatic dance group. Kaliha practices every day, even after her lessons, and I must admit, she really is very good. She will go far in the Aqualics.

Do you know what time their performance is? I asks Kaliha.

I believe it was to be before the band plays, she answers excitedly.

Are you planning to stay for The Clam Jam after the Aqualics’ show?

I don’t know. It all depends on how late it is when the Aqualics’ performance is done. I have aquatic dance class in the morning at first light. Kaliha gives me a weak smile, and I know she will be jetting off early.

Her classes are very important to her, and if she misses even one session, she will be devastated. Her parents don’t push her attendance, but they support her entirely and are so very proud of her for the dedication she has devoted to aquatic dancing. If you were to ask them about Kaliha and her dancing, they would talk your ear off about how she is so incredibly talented. It’s really kind of cute.

Oh, okay, I answer her, feeling a bit disappointed. I am somewhat hoping to stay for the band, but I didn’t want to be alone. How are your classes going anyway?

My instructor tells me I am doing very well, and that she believes I am ready for something a little more challenging.

Oh, that’s wonderful, Kaliha! I hug her avidly. Pulling out of our embrace, her smile reaches from ear to ear with all her excitement. Nothing makes that silly merl happier then aqua dancing.

Well, mers… Atrayu takes the opportunity to cut into the conversation. What are we going to do till then? We have a few hours before the show begins, and I would like to do something other than float here and babble.

A drift through the coral gardens would be lovely. Wouldn’t you like that as well, Micah? Bernessa nudges him, giving him the sweetest smile she can to convince him to go with her. As if that will work. Micah just rolls his eyes simply ignoring her innuendo.

I wouldn’t mind taking a drift through the gardens, at least until we can figure out something else to do before the show tonight, I say.

It would be better than listening to Bernessa talk about herself all evening, Atrayu mutters loud enough for everyone to hear.

Bernessa gives Atrayu a deadly glare in response. "Oh, forget it! I’m going to see what Talmkah and Nahto are up to. At least they appreciate my company," she retorts to Atrayu, and with one mighty flick of her golden tail, she jettisons away from our group in a flurry of angry bubbles.

You could have gotten rid of her sooner, Atrayu, Micah says as he looks at Atrayu with an accusing raised brow.

Hey, mer! I tried. She is relentless, you know that, Atrayu defends himself while making a pointed gesture to Micah. Besides, you can tell her to get lost just as easily as I can, but you just float there trying to ignore her. Do you honestly think I enjoy being a jerk?

It’s more fun watching her get all heated up over some snide comment of yours, Micah counters. Besides, it really doesn’t matter if she thinks you’re a jerk, does it?

Micah, you really do just need to tell her out right that you are not interested in her, Kaliha says softly.

Micah looks at her, somewhat surprised that she would add her thoughts to the conversation. Kaliha is usually so quiet on the subject and prefers to just stay out of the drama with Bernessa.

Yeah, I guess you’re right. Micah, seeming a bit ashamed of himself, rubs the back of his neck while nervously looking around.

We make our way to the coral gardens and casually swimming through while talking quietly amongst ourselves and trying to figure out our next course of entertainment before nightfall. Micah and Atrayu have had time to calm down from the Bernessa drama and are in good humor again as they make friendly jabs at each other. Some of which cause Kaliha and myself to giggle at their bantering. It’s good to see the mers laughing and carrying on again. When they fight, it really puts out bad vibes in the waters around our little group.

After what seems like forever, night finally comes. We are running out of ideas to keep ourselves occupied till then, and Kaliha is getting restless in waiting for the Aqualics performance before the band. Atrayu and Micah are getting bored with going from perusing each store in the village while Kaliha and I endlessly shop. We stop at the Kelfa Café, so the boys can eat, and Kaliha and I decide to get a snack as well.

The Kelfa Café is a favorite little gathering place of ours with its inviting atmosphere, great food, and very friendly service. Atrayu has a bit of an eye for one of the servers there and likes to pay her a visit as often as he can. Though he never wants to go there alone, Adriena is very lovely and a bit younger than the rest of us, but she seems to have a good head on her shoulders.

After we all place our orders and finish eating, we settle down in the plush anemone pillow chairs in our favored lounge area with the soft-blue coral sculpture lamp. In each lounge area, eight colorful pillow chairs surround a large square sandstone table with a coral sculpture lamp of varying colors. Our little spot is within view of the servers’ station, which gives Atrayu prime watching pleasure of Adriena. It’s quite cute to watch the two of them sneaking glances at one another. Atrayu will catch her eye as she is rushing about the café attending to customers. Speeding by, Adriena will acknowledge him with a shy smile and delicate little blush of her cheeks. This adorable game of theirs has been going on for a few luna cycles when she started working at Kelfa Café.

Dude…just ask her already. Micah groans as he rolls his head back on his bright-red plush anemone pillow chair. From the side of the table closest to the rear entrance, he has sprawled his long silver tail across the chair and can see the entire interaction take place between Atrayu and Adriena. Apparently, Mr. Adonis over there is tired of watching Atrayu and Adriena dance around each other, making small gestures of intrigue and romance.

Yeah, Atrayu, Kaliha says agreeing with Micah, turning in her purple anemone chair on the left side of the table to look at Atrayu. Why haven’t you asked her yet? She is obviously into you as much as you are her. What’s holding you back?

All eyes now on Atrayu, he tries to sink further into his lime-green anemone, looking at each of us in turn. I don’t know. He sighs as he looks down at the floor. Her dad…

Atrayu, her father seems pleased with you. You have nothing to worry about, I try to encourage him as I sit up a bit more in indigo-blue chair next to Kaliha.

Micah shifts in his anemone so his hands are cradling his head from behind, exposing his firm muscular torso and flexing his biceps in the process. Kaliha, sitting directly across the table from him, begins blushing slightly while unsuccessfully attempting not to stare at his deliberate display of masculinity.

Just get it over with, dude. I’m getting depressed just watching you two. And her dad isn’t anything to worry about. Micah scoffs.

Mer! What is your problem? Atrayu snaps as he scowls at Micah.

Micah just lounges over his chair, staring at the weaved-seaweed ceiling of the Kelfa Café, ignoring Atrayu’s comment.

He is still upset over Bernessa from earlier. Apparently, she caught up with him when we were in one of the shops and gave him a good verbal lashing. From what I heard of it, she said some pretty cruel things to him, explains Kaliha.

Micah gives her a quick glance before returning his gaze to the ceiling, watching the soft glow of the jelly lights sway with the gentle current created by mers moving around in the café. Kaliha meets his gaze, giving him a sympathetic smile, and I can physically see