The True Test

Though the mermaid population today is barely enough to sustain five, it once flourished with over a thousand vibrant pods. But as time ticked on and evolution gave way to new species, their population of nearly one million slowly diminished until less than one thousand remained. While creatures within their environment were to blame for some of their deaths, their biggest threat quickly became the humans, whose seemingly endless technological advances forced the mermaids further and further into the depths as their devices invaded a beautiful world once ruled by the creatures within it. As they struggled to adapt, the mermaids avoided the humans as often as they could. The peaceful creatures of day became predators of night. Their warm colors became dark, cold, and glowing, radiating with color so they can be seen in the thick darkness of their new homes. However, the humans still found ways to occasionally get their hands on merkind. Mermaids were left to watch in horror as the lifeless bodies of their friends and family were pulled from the water and pieces were discarded whenever the humans saw necessary. Because of this tragic chain of events, a rule was set in place: No human interaction ever! It wasn"t long before Lily, a rebellious mermaid from the Atlantic pod, pressured her soulmate Nala into breaking this rule out of spite. Unfortunately, Nala was spotted by the humans, maimed, and taken aboard a research boat. Riddled with guilt, Lily carelessly fell prey to a shark less than a week later during the rise of the mermaids, a weekly gathering of mermaids to hunt prey that they will feast on the following week. However, Lily is back again. Given that one mermaid soul is not strong enough to survive without the energy of its true mate, this means Nala is as well. Unfortunately, Lily has yet to find Nala amongst those of her kind. But Lily is deteminded to find Nala and will stop at absolutely nothing to be reunited with her destined mate.