Mermaid and the Samurai ch3

Far away, in a dark tower, a certain evil shapeshifter wasn't happy. For one thing the bounty hunters hadn't been able to destroy his formidable adversary the samurai. Second, the next being on his wanted list had been less than one hundred yards away and the fools hadn't even spotted her!

"Stupid bounty hunters! How difficult can it be to notice a mermaid bathing in the river?!" growled Aku furiously.

He slunk down upon his throne, sulking. "For eons I have terrorized this land, every miserable creature trembled at the mere mention of my name. Yet one more realm mocks my omnipresent evil with their arrogance. The kingdom of Atlantica."

This monster had tried to conquer the Merkingom but had been thwarted by the Sea king's powerful trident, and it angered him to no end. For centuries afterwards, he’d sent all manner of knaves willing to finish the job, but every seafaring vessel that got to close to the sea kingdom was either demolished in a storm or dragged down to the depths by natural predators. As a consequence, he’s had numerous scouts and spies to keep a wary eye on his elusive targets.

So he was greatly surprised when one of Triton's daughters had come to him while he was in disguise, seeking to become human.

Aku saw this as an opportunity to finally overtake Atlantica. So he gave the naïve maiden a potion that would turn her into the humans she was so greatly fascinated by. However, he didn't tell her that it would only last one year.
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He had been in his hermit guise and had just finished telling the merprincess about the concoction.

The girl was just so happy that she flung her arms around his neck, thanking him.

Naturally, he was greatly taken aback, he'd never been hugged before nor had he wanted to. However, it would be the least of his concerns, he happened to glance out of the corner of his eye and nearly let out an audible gasp.

For his reflection revealed his true form!

If the whelp caught sight of this, the cat would be out of the bag.

Aku's eyes darted around, thinking quickly, pushed the mermaid back and scolded, "Well, what are you waiting for? You're wasting time, now get going!"

The mermaid hadn't been shocked by his harsh tone, but rather acknowledged that he was right, "Oh! Yes, I've got to swim. Thank you again! I owe you!"

And she disappeared into the water.

"Oh yes, mermaid, you owe me...." he sneered lowly.
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Over the next few weeks he watched the merprincess wander into an unsuspecting village, which he plundered so he would have her running right into his domain.

He smiled as he remembered how one of his spies had informed him of her arrival.

Seven days ago.....

A three eyed alien female overheard voices coming from the tunnels near the sewers. She'd distinctly heard the words "Sea king", "escape" and "fin". Curiously, she peered through the door's crack and saw a young girl with flowing hair as red as blood with her back towards her. But where her legs should be was a long, emerald green fish tail. The girl appeared to be conversing with a small red crab and a seagull.

She listened closely, remembering important details and heard enough information that may concern her master.

Carefully, the woman put on a black cloak and took a path towards a secret location where others would be able to see or speak to Aku face to face.

Once before the dark being, she bowed, "My Lord master, I have great news for you. . ."

"What information can be considered great for the immortal Aku?"

"A mysterious maiden possessing a magnificent voice has revealed herself.... she appears to be a mermaid that grew legs upon land. She and her cohorts have vowed to escape your grasp at any cost."

Aku blinked. Could it or could it not?

He turned to his viewing screen, "Show me the girl!"

On command, the flame-like structure parted to reveal a viewing screen. In it, Aku caught sight of a solemn-faced Ariel and a fearful Sebastian, looking around suspiciously - hoping they weren't being followed.

A slow cruel smile appears on his hideous face.

"Well, little daughter of Triton," he gloated. "You've walked right into my hands. Now the time has come for your father to pay for his arrogance, with your trapping in my world. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

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It has been days ever since the mermaid princess has become the third most wanted living being on the Earth. Yet by some stroke of luck or a greater force willed it, she remained uncaptured.

However, fate has many things in store: among them is the very day for when the mermaid and the Samurai shall meet.....