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Crimson Coral Cookie and her beloved sisters fled the familiar waters of the Silent Ocean, their home of Tearcrown after that long, and painful battle with the Land Cookie. That wretched Abalone Cookie and his crew. Thankfully their dear sister, White-no, Black Pearl Cookie took care of everything. But with the darkness now in her heart and her gem, she lost the shine and luster she once had. Becoming the Duskgloom Sea's monarch, she will keep the sea safe. But…where are they to live now? Many other gem mermaids from Tearcrown fled with them and now they all travel together. They are swimming through a kelp forest when they see something shimmer in the depths. Of course, Gold Citrine was all over it.
Gold Citrine: Did you girls see that?
Aquamarine: See what?
Crimson Coral: Gold Citrine Cookie, you mustn’t venture on your own!
Gold Citrine swims off to “investigate” the sparkle she saw. Not wanting to lose anyone, Crimson Coral follows after her, leaving Mystic Opal and Aquamarine to look after the others. Gold Citrine parts some of the kelp and see what was shimmering. What she found was another mermaid. She was a beautiful silver with some gold mixed in. Judging by her head, she's a jellyfish, and her tail got caught around some of the kelp.
Gold Citrine: Oh dear! Are you ok?
Jellyfish Mermaid: Ah! Who’s there?!
Gold Citrine: It’s ok. Here, let me help you. Oh, I wish Aquamarine Cookie was here. She could untangle you easily.
Crimson Coral Cookie: Gold Citrine Cookie, there you are.
Gold Citrine: Crimson Coral Cookie! Look who I found!
Crimson Coral: A gem mermaid? But, I don’t recognize you. Are you from Tearcrown?
Jellyfish Mermaid: Tearcrown? Oh, that mermaid kingdom in the Silent Ocean! I’ve heard of it. I’m Silver Rose Jellyfish Cookie. I’m originally from the Soda Ocean, but I reside elsewhere now.
Crimson Coral: The Soda Ocean? Why live so far away from such warm waters?
Silver Rose: Let’s just say I had some bad experiences with the locals. Since you mentioned it, are you two from Tearcrown?
Crimson Coral: Yes. I am Crimson Coral Cookie. This is my sister, Gold Citrine Cookie.
Gold Citrine: Nice to meet you. And…you’re free!
Silver Rose: Thank you so much! I’d be in some deep trouble if I couldn’t get back home. But…what are you doing so far from Tearcrown?
Crimson Coral: Disaster befell our kingdom and our people. We’re currently looking for new waters to call home.
Silver Rose: I see. As a thanks for helping me, allow me to help you.
Crimson Coral and Gold Citrine were unsure of how this cookie could help, but they accepted it anyway. What else could they do? The two brought Silver Rose to the rest of the group and was introduced to the other two sisters. Before Silver Rose Jellyfish could explain how she could help, she recited something.
Silver Rose: O Great Protector, I have found the lost and wounded. Please allow me to speak of our home.
Aquamarine: What was that?
Gold Citrine: “Great Protector?”
Silver Rose: Sorry. I had to do that to ensure I could talk about my home safely. It’s a bit complicated.
Crimson Coral: Where is it that you live exactly?
Silver Rose: In the city of Gelatinera.
Crimson Coral: Gelatinera? I’ve never heard of such a place.
Silver Rose: Of course you haven’t. Those of us who leave can’t talk about it freely. It’s a safety measure.
Mystic Opal: Ah, I see. I do believe I’ve heard of such a place a long time ago. It's a safe haven for mermaids to reside.
Silver Rose: That’s right. Created by the founders and our Great Protector, all mermaids are safe in Gelatinera. Follow me, everyone. Allow me to take you all to a safe place.
Silver Rose Jellyfish leads everyone through the oceans. Along the way, she coaxes the Gem Sisters into telling her what happened to Tearcrown. She heard there was an alarming amount of pirate activity lately, but to hear of such a story was frightening. To help fill in more time, Silver Rose tells everyone about Gelatinera and how it was created. Hearing about such an accepting place brought hope to Crimson Coral Cookie. Perhaps this land could let them stay for a while. But when they get close, they all notice the shadows of ships on the surface. Crimson Coral immediately prepares for battle.
Silver Rose: Miss Crimson Coral Cookie, wait! It’s ok!
Crimson Coral: How is this ok?! There are pirates just overhead of us!
Silver Rose: Well, just look.
Bringing her attention to the many sharks around the area, Crimson Coral notices mermaids riding on top of them. All of them carry a variety of weapons on them. But the mermaid that caught her attention was a large shark riding an even bigger shark. Both seemed to be the leaders of the pack. Then the shark mermaid dived down, far enough that the darkness covered them. But then the mermaid quickly swims up, so fast that Crimson Coral could barely see them with her eyes. The shark mermaid swam so fast and rammed herself into the wooden pirate ship, piercing a hole through. It certainly helped that she wielded a large, blunt weapon. The shark mermaid returned to her mount and proudly watched the ship slowly sink.
But suddenly, every mermaid felt a powerful force flow around them. But Silver Rose Jellyfish and the fighting mermaids remain unnerved. The armed mermaids part quickly, leaving the ships to sit in isolation. The Tearcrown mermaids were wondering why they were retreating, but they quickly found out why. A large whirlpool forms and swallows every single ship in sight. The vortex tore apart the boats, and the land cookies began to get soggy and fall apart. The Gem Mermaid sisters had never seen such power. Well, except for their dear sister. That’s when the shark mermaid approached the party. Getting a better look at her, she was a large, great white shark mermaid. She had scars from battle, plated armor, and a war hammer as a weapon.
Shark Mermaid: Silver Rose Jellyfish Cookie, long time no see.
Silver Rose: General White Shark Cookie! You were amazing as always!
White Shark: Thank you. Who is this party you’ve brought with you?
Crimson Coral: It’s an honor to meet you. I am Crimson Coral Cookie. These are my sisters Aquamarine Cookie, Gold Citrine Cookie, and Mystic Opal Cookie. We are all from the kingdom of Tearcrown.
White Shark: I see. My condolences for what happened. I see the land cookies got you as well.
Aquamarine: So word reached the Jellyfish Ocean already.
White Shark: It did. Gelatinera has been expecting to see some possible refugees. Come with me. I’ll take you all into the city.
Crimson Coral: If it’s possible, I’d like to meet with the Protector to discuss our stay.
White Shark: Of course. I’ll help set up a meeting.
White Shark Cookie sends her shark steed ahead of her. She and Silver Rose Jellyfish take the Tearcrown mermaids into the depths. The swim is rather silent, but the light of Gelatinera soon comes into view. Crimson Coral was shocked. They called this a “city?!” It’s larger than the kingdom of Tearcrown. But the thing that catches Crimson Coral’s eye is the palace in the back. It towered above the entire city and looked like it glowed. The mermaids travel through the city and immediately notice the slight shell and pearl decor. But they also notice the many kinds of mermaids in the city. According to Silver Rose’s explanation, every mermaid here was victimized by the land cookies in some way. White Shark Cookie brought the group of mermaids into the castle, the Pearl Palace. They were met by a fast mermaid wielding a great sword.
White Shark: Swordfish Cookie.
Swordfish: General White Shark Cookie. We received your message. Give us a little time to set up the meeting.
White Shark: Understood. I’ll help gather the others. Can you watch over the Tearcrown mermaids?
Swordfish: Of course. You can count on me.
White Shark Cookie swam off, leaving Swordfish Cookie to look after the Gem Mermaids.
Crimson Coral: The “others?” What did she mean by “others?”
Swordfish: She meant gathering the rest of the court.
Gold Citrine: Court?
Swordfish: Yes. The members of the Crystal Court. I, myself, am a member. I am Swordfish Cookie, Moonstone Head of Security.
Aquamarine: “Moonstone?”
Crimson Coral: Are the court members Gem Mermaids?
Swordfish: Oh, no. The gems are just a symbol of our status as court members. Specially chosen by the the Great Protector themself to help govern Gelatinera.
Mystic Opal: The Protector doesn’t govern this place?
Swordfish: Well, they do. But our large city required extra help. Besides, the Protector is no monarch, even though we all see them as one. As their title suggests, they protect the city. That is their main job.
Crimson Coral: So that massive whirlpool earlier was…
Swordfish: The Great Protector’s doing.
Gold Citrine was intrigued. She could control the waves, but not even she could create something like a whirlpool. Let alone something on that scale like this Protector. Crimson Coral, however, was curious who this “Protector” was. Not once has anyone referred to them by name. Was saying their name some form of blasphemy to everyone? Suddenly, a beautiful cookie approached them. Their long, shining tail sparkled in the palace light. They wore a diamond on their chest.
Diamond Mermaid: Everyone is present. Who will be attending this meeting?
Crimson Coral: I will.
Aquamarine: I will too.
Gold Citrine: Let me go too!
Mystic Opal: I wish to attend as well.
Crimson Coral: No. Let me do this.
Aquamarine: Please, sister. Let us help. We are also Gem Mermaids. We protected Tearcrown together.
Gold Citrine: You don’t need to do everything alone. We’ve always worked together!
Mystic Opal: Let us all represent Tearcrown.
Crimson Coral: Sisters…Alright. Frilled Jellyfish Cookie, will you watch over the others?
Frilled Jellyfish: Ok. I’ll do my best.
Crimson Coral: Thank you. Let’s go.
Sisters: Right.
Diamond Mermaid: Please, follow me.
The mermaid guides the sisters into the Throne Room. There was White Shark Cookie with 5 other mermaids. Swordfish Cookie and the Diamond Mermaid swam to join them, completing the group of 8. Sitting on the throne was the Great Protector. They were a mermaid, but something felt off. This great power…Just as Swordfish Cookie confirmed earlier, the Great Protector created the whirlpool earlier. The power is the same as before.
Diamond Mermaid: I have brought them.
Protector: Thank you, Ribbonfish Cookie.
Ribbonfish: Mermaids of Tearcrown, this is our Great Protector, Ocean Dough Dragon Cookie, the Cyan Dragon.
The sisters are in shock. No wonder this being had such great power. They were a dragon. No wonder no one mentioned them by name.
Ribbonfish: Protector, these are the Gem Mermaids of Tearcrown.
Ocean Dough: I heard of your plight. My condolences for your home and your sister.
Aquamarine: You know about-!
Ocean Dough: I know all that happens in the ocean. The Blue Dragon isn’t the only being of the sea.
Crimson Coral: Great Dragon, please hear us. Allow us and the mermaids to stay in your city for a while. At least until we find new waters to call home.
Ocean Dough: Of course. This city’s very purpose is to help mermaids like you. Having been horribly attacked by the land cookies, Gelatinera welcomes you with open arms. Stay as long as you need to. You 4 are welcome to stay in the palace as guests if you desire.
Gold Citrine: We can stay in this beautiful palace?
Ocean Dough: Of course. As for the others, the city has a shelter they can reside in. They can stay as long as they need to until they can provide for themselves. But know this, should you or the others decide to leave, I will know. And you must take the Oath of Secrecy to ensure that Gelatinera is kept safe.
So that’s what Silver Rose Jellyfish was talking about earlier. This “Oath of Secrecy” must be why she pleaded with the Protector to let her talk about Gelatinera to them.
Ocean Dough: Well?
Crimson Coral: We are honored by your kindness and generosity.
Ocean Dough: Of course. I will have-
Ocean Dough: !!!
Ocean Dough Dragon stopped talking, having sensed something. That’s when a servant, another gem mermaid, came rushing into the room in a panic.
Ocean Dough: Star Ruby Cookie. What’s the situation?
Star Ruby: An anchor has landed in the Candy Reef, and a large ship hovers above it. It’s another pirate ship.
One of the mermaids in the group gets incredibly angry. Perhaps they’re in charge of the reef?
Reef Mermaid: Oh, absolutely not! Great Protector!
Ocean Dough: With the attack so close to the reef, I will not be able to help. Can all of you handle this on your own?
Court Members: Yes, Great Protector.
Ocean Dough: Then go.
The 8 mermaids swam out in a hurry. The Tearcrown mermaids watch them all swim by, confused by the rush. Back in the Throne Room, Crimson Coral Cookie turned to Ocean Dough Dragon.
Crimson Coral: Great Dragon, please allow us to help as well.
Ocean Dough: You wish to help my Crystal Court?
Crimson Coral: Yes. It’s the least we can do to repay your kindness. We are Gem Mermaids blessed by the sea. We can help. Please.
Ocean Dough: Very well. Travel above the into the lighter waters. You’ll find the battle soon enough.
Crimson Coral: Thank you, Great Dragon. Come, sisters! Let us protect Gelatinera! For the kindness they have shown us all!
Sisters: Yeah!
Ocean Dough: Star Ruby Cookie. Please lead the other mermaids to the shelter.
Star Ruby: Yes, Great Protector.
All mermaids leave the Throne Room. The Gem Sisters swim up as quickly as they can. The Candy Reef is beautiful. They didn’t see it on the way to the city since the previous battle wasn’t that close to the reef. But the reef would be more beautiful if this pirate ship wasn’t here.
Crewmate: Captain Mackerel, are you certain about this?
Mackerel: Of course I am! Just below this reef is an abundance of mermaids ripe for the taking! We must get to them!
Below the surface, the Gem Sisters were disgusted. These kinds of land cookies are everywhere, and threatening places such as Gelatinera and the Great Candy Reef is a crime. That’s when White Shark Cookie arrived with her army and the rest of the Crystal Court.
White Shark: Ah, the usual.
Crimson Coral: The “usual?”
Aquamarine: Do pirates come by often?
Ribbonfish: The Oath of Secrecy was recently established, so Gelatinera is still knowledge in taverns.
Gold Citrine: How horrible…
Ribbonfish: But we can do this. And with your help, perhaps this attack will last shorter than our other ones. Sea Angel Cookie, what’s the ship?
Sea Angel: Judging by the front, it’s Captain Mackerel. Commonly known to treasure hunt, and he’s usually successfull. Mostly seen in the Soda Ocean. His appearance here and desire for mermaids indicates he’s in need of some quick cash. I heard that his last ship was destroyed in a storm back to land and he lost his latest treasure haul. His large spending habits put his financial situation in a crisis. Some tavern cookie probably blabbed about mermaids and here we are.
White Shark: That’s our Sapphire Informant!
The Gem Sisters were very confused. This Sea Angel Cookie looked and sounded like a child.
Ribbonfish: General White Shark Cookie, Swordfish Cookie, and Lady Crimson Coral Cookie, you three will be at the front lines. General White Shark Cookie, focus your attack on their artillery.
White Shark: You can count on me!
Ribbonfish: Sword Fish Cookie, try and cut their anchor. Then return to the surface and help Lady Crimson Coral Cookie fend off the crewmates.
Swordfish: Roger that!
Ribbonfish: It is to my understanding that true Gem Mermaids have magical powers, is that right? What are the rest of you capable of?
Aquamarine: I, Aquamarine can control marine plant life.
Gold Citrine: I have the power to control the waves.
Mystic Opal: I can control the weather.
Ribbonfish: I see. Your powers will be quite useful. Lady Mystic Opal Cookie, use your power to create a fog and block their vision.
Mystic Opal: Ok.
Ribbonfish: Lady Gold Citrine Cookie and Lady Aquamarine Cookie, use your powers and attack the boat.
Gold Citrine: Happily!
Aquamarine: Understood.
Ribbonfish: Cuttlefish Cookie will be down here with me to help heal any mermaids who need it. Kelp Dragon Cookie, go evacuate the reef and keep the creatures safe. Blue Dragon Cookie, perform the usual.
The Gem Sisters are shocked. These two court mermaids are dragons too? But they don’t have the same level of power as the Cyan Dragon earlier.
Blue Dragon: I can see your questions floating above your heads. Kelp Dragon Cookie and I are not real dragons. We’re normal mermaids. Well, Kelp Dragon Cookie is.
Crimson Coral: What is that supposed to mean?
Blue Dragon: Explanations will be given after this is over.
Ribbonfish: Moonlight Jellyfish Cookie, get ready to blind the crew and distract them.
Moonlight Jellyfish: Certainly.
Ribbonfish: Then when I call the signal, attack the boat and send it flying. Lady Mystic Opal Cookie, will you prepare the winds?
Mystic Opal: Of course.
Ribbonfish: Good. Anything else, Sea Angel Cookie?
Sea Angel: No. Captain Mackerel has only one ship, so there shouldn’t be reinforcements. The only ones who knew about this expedition was his crew.
Ribbonfish: Perfect. Now, move out!
White Shark: Alright, guards! You heard them! Let’s go!
White Shark Cookie led her troops of warriors and granita sharks. Kelp Dragon dove down to evacuate the Candy Reef. Sea Angel decided to help as well. Swordfish Cookie dove down in search of the anchor. With a simple slash, the rope is cut, and the troops help move the anchor out of the reef. Meanwhile Blue Dragon swims near the net and intentionally gets caught, confusing the sisters.
Crewmate: Captain, we got a mermaid!
Mackerel: Excellent. My, it’s quite beautiful. It’ll surely fetch for a hefty price, don’t ya think bois?
Crewmates: Yeah!
Mackerel: Move it into the first water tank!
Crewmate: Yes, captain!
The cremate goes to carry Blue Dragon down to the deck. But after a few steps, the crewmate suddenly screams before collapsing, dropping Blue Dragon onto the floorboards.
Gold Citrine: What just happened?
Ribbonfish: Just the usual. Blue Dragon has the ability to inflict a painful shock to those they don’t like. Nothing magic, just natural.
Crewmate 2: Are you ok?! What happened?!
Captain Mackerel: A mermaid with magic power? This will fetch an even better price than I thought!
Suddenly, the ship rocks violently. As told, Gold Citrine controls the waves to rock the boat, but Aquamarine uses the plant life to also hold it in place. Although, quite weakly to give the land cookies a bit of a scare.
Mackerel: What was that?!
Crewmate 2: Captain, the anchor! It’s...
Mackerel: What about it?!
Crewmate 2: Our anchor is gone! And we’re stuck in some seaweed!
Mackerel: What?! Do you know how much that thing cost?!
Crewmate 3: Captain, we need major medical help over here!
Mackerel: AGH! What else could go wrong?!
Crewmate 2: Uh…Captain?
Mackerel: What?!
Just then, Mystic Opal created a thick fog to block the area.
Mackerel: Where did this fog come from?!
Ribbonfish: You think you can come into these waters with such impure intentions?
Mackerel: Who’s there?!
On the edge of the boat is Ribbonfish Cookie, who got up with little help from Gold Citrine’s wave power.
Ribbonfish: Oh, no one special.
Crewmate 2: That mermaid…
Crewmate 3: It’s just as beautiful as the other one, if not more beautiful.
Mackerel: Here to save your friend? Sorry, but you’ll be joining him soon!
Ribbonfish: I’d love to see you try.
From behind, Moonlight Jellyfish Cookie was flown into the air. She smiles and uses her power to flash light at Mackerel, blinding him.
Ribbonfish: NOW!
Ribbonfish reaches a hand out to Blue Dragon. The two dive back into the water. Upon hearing their cue, the mermaids took action. Mystic Opal took away the fog in favor of a strong wind. Aquamarine released the seaweed holding the ship, and Gold Citrine sends the ship off with some waves. The mermaids all gather together in the reef. Kelp Dragon and Sea Angel return as well. After confirming that the ship is gone, the mermaids return to the Pearl Palace.
Ribbonfish: Great Protector, the threat has been dealt with.
Ocean Dough: Wonderful. Now that those fools have been taken care of, perhaps some introductions are in order?
Ribbonfish: Of course. I am Ribbonfish Cookie, the Diamond Chamberlain of the Pearl Palace.
White Shark: White Shark Cookie, Cassiterite General of the Gelatinera Guard. A pleasure.
Kelp Dragon: I’m the Guardian of the Candy Reef, Peridot Court Member Kelp Dragon Cookie at your service.
Cuttlefish: Cuttlefish Cookie! Nice to meet ya! I’m the Amethyst Court Member specializing in medicine.
Blue Dragon: Blue Dragon Cookie, Pearl Court Member, Guardian of the Protector.
The sisters winced upon hearing the word pearl, being reminded of their sister.
Sea Angel: I’m Sea Angel Cookie, Sapphire Informant. I get lots of information from cookies.
Crimson Coral is still slightly questioning whether this mermaid is a kid or not. And if they are, why is he a court member from a legal standpoint? Then again, it’s the Protector’s land, therefore, the Protector’s decision.
Swordfish: Swordfish Cookie, Moonlight Head of Security.
Moonlight Jellyfish: Moonlight Jellyfish Cookie, Aquamarine Master of Light.
Aquamarine: Aquamarine? But I’m Aquamarine.
Moonlight Jellyfish: Ha ha! Well, unlike you, the “Aquamarine” for me is merely symbolic. Plus, our abilities differ. You control the plant life, and I control the lights.
Aquamarine: The lights?
Moonlight Jellyfish: Who do you think is responsible for the light system in Gelatinera? He he!
Aquamarine: Incredible!
Ocean Dough: And if you need anything, don’t be afraid to call the servants or Ribbonfish Cookie.
Ribbonfish: You can rely on me and our capable staff. Please follow me to your rooms.
Ribbonfish guides the Gem Sisters to their guest rooms in the palace. After all, they are still mermaids of high status. When Crimson Coral Cookie arrives at her room, she collapses on the bed, exhausted from such a tiring day. She thinks back to Tearcrown and White Pearl Cookie. Will she be ok? Despite everything, White-no. Black Pearl Cookie is still her beloved sister. Even if she doesn’t remember anymore. Crimson Coral takes off and polishes her crown before setting it down on the bedside table. She closes her eyes, ready to sleep. Perhaps Gelatinera won’t be so bad.