Mysterious Fathoms Below

Chapter 1

For centuries, folklore has described mermaids as enchanting beings with a unique blend of feminine features and fish-like attributes. They are believed to possess stunning long hair, don exquisite bras made from the finest seashells, and have the power to captivate men with their melodious voices, leading them to plunge into the ocean. While that conclusion may hold some truth, it's not the whole story.

At the start of creation, nothing existed except for an immense body of shapeless water. When God spoke, life was breathed into existence. His breath caused the sky, sea, and dry land to separate and merge. It is believed that our species originated around the same time as humans during the Miocene Epoch. Water has always been an integral part of human existence. A portion of who we are as creatures of the water.

According to some beliefs, it occurred after a gem fell from God's crown and into the ocean. We evolved alongside man, beginning from the smallest atoms until we took on the forms of mythical beings mentioned in ancient tales. We remained in the sea while man moved onto land.

Mermaids, sirens, Selkies, Merrows, Ceasg, and deep-sea mermaids, all life afterward, stemmed from the six clans. Although the six clans had distinct differences, they coexisted peacefully and harmoniously. They were fruitful, multiplied, and expanded to different ocean parts and the world. Each clan had a unique passion for a specific aspect of the sea. Some found joy in the plant life, others in music, others were crafters and builders, and some remained in the tranquil darkness of the unseen world at the bottom of the sea.

It was in 8200 B.C. when humans had finally given in to their curiosity about the ocean. They constructed vessels and ventured into uncharted waters. Our ancestors aided and directed them, imparting knowledge about the sea and the melodies she enjoyed. A connection was established, and tales were written about us as we revealed our innermost secrets to them.

One fateful day, the world changed forever. Humans had come to understand their capabilities, and like animals, they realized it was a matter of survival - either kill or be killed. They aimed to conquer rather than be conquered and achieved their goal for some time. Humanity began to pursue and slaughter mermaids to obtain the treasure they guarded of ancient cities and technologies lost beneath the ocean.

Many mermaids were enslaved or killed for something seemingly trivial as their tears, comprised of precious pearls. Other humans had heard of the life-giving stone from God's crown that had created all life in the ocean and wanted the power for themselves. Our kind had overexposed ourselves and suffered the consequences during the catastrophic Great War.

The battle was brutal, resulting in the loss of numerous lives. Ultimately, the humans chose to withdraw and concede. Our communities established a pact, limiting their access to specific oceans and territories while restricting our presence on their land.

The leader of the mermaids, Celeste, had made a deal with Kalypso, the Grand Leader of all aquatic life in the ocean. However, many other tribes opposed this agreement as they were unwilling to relinquish their long-held beliefs. Despite the opposition, the decision had already been made. Due to this, several clans and their leaders decided to break off and form their tribes or agreements with other clans with their own rules. The once pristine connection between humans and the ocean had been damaged, inciting fury and a desire for retribution among the clans.

The ocean claimed more human lives, as they were lured and charmed to their death, a consequence of the actions of their ancestors. This resulted in further conflicts and casualties among all those who called the sea their home.

Kalypso finally took a stand after the death of her husband, the King, due to war. A decree was issued, mandating sea creatures to stay within their designated areas in the ocean and serve the Queen as repayment for the death of her husband. Any violators of this order, or those who spilled the blood of a sea creature from the clans, would face the penalty of death. Eventually, there were no more reports or updates about the lines. We gradually separated from human society and eventually became mere stories and myths.

Kalypso concealed her people within Atlantis, protecting the city and its advanced technologies. Only the leaders of our tribes ever hear from the Grand Leader, and it's always to give reports on what we've done to repay our debt.

Selkies have since concealed themselves among the wildlife, protecting and guarding the lives of aquatic animals. I've heard that some Selkies live on land in Wales, working in aquariums to defend and free those in captivity.

The Merrows stay in their Irish waters, occasionally walking between land and sea. They watch men's affairs: politics, wars, anything that may affect the ocean or our identities. The Merrows ensure we remain as men have known us for thousands of years. Fairytales.

The Ceasg creatures reside in the rivers and streams, leading peaceful lives amidst the woods. They sustain themselves with the resources of the land and endeavor to safeguard the forests and waterways, ultimately ensuring the security of the ocean. They marry men to mask their identities, leading seemingly ordinary lives.

No one has ever heard of what's happened to the deep-ocean mermaids. There are different beliefs regarding their purpose. Some claim they guard the depths of the ocean and its inhabitants, while others consider them to be a group seeking retribution against humans and mermaids for the flawed agreements made in the past.

The disappearance of men at sea is often attributed to the lure of the Sirens—male Sirens are referred to as Tritons—and it falls upon us—the mermaids— to locate and hold them accountable. As the enforcers of our esteemed leader, Kalypso, we are determined to find and bring the rogue Sirens to justice.

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