Sitting next to me is my…mother. Or so the mother of this body.
According to the original novel, her name should be Reena. However, the other mermaids I encountered before this called her Serena. My brows creased as I stared at Serena, sitting next to my bed.
Turquoise eyes like the colour of the aquatic sea. Skin and hair as white as milk. Her thin pink lips raised as she gazed at me with fondness and regret. "You grew up so fast, my child."
As much as I wanted to smile back, I couldn't bring myself to. I'm not the original Nasrin, and as far as I know, the mother of the original body should have passed away long ago.
I should feel dubious about this.
But deep inside, I could sense that Serena is someone related to me. My body could sense it for some reason. The smell is familiar and comforting, but I couldn't explain it.
It's all vague in my head, but my body feels it.
There are many possible answers to this situation, but the only way to really understand things is to ask this woman. Or to probe the information out of her.
At that, I cleared my throat as I gave a wry smile. I sat up from lying down on the soft fluffy bed.
"I'm sorry to say this, but I think you got the wrong person," I stated, staring at Serena next to me with an inquiring gaze.
Serena frowned as her brows knitted.
"Mother has already passed away from giving birth to my body as a baby," I added.
Serena released a sigh as she shook her head, smiling at me with a sad regretful gaze. "My dear child, I understand that this must come suspicious to you, but Nasrin, you are my flesh and blood no matter what you say; there is no mistake that you are the kin of your Father Lukas and myself, your Mother Serena."
Hearing the name of this body, I averted my eyes, feeling guilty. But still, I need to confirm things first.
"My mother is not called Serena," I replied firmly.
Serena chuckled softly, looking nostalgic. "I see, does Luke still call me Reena?"
My mouth hangs open. "Luke…?"
"Luke and Reena are our endearments to each other," Serena explained with a reminiscing smile. "Now, do you believe me?"
"No, that's not enough. How sure are you about your conjecture?" I asked, weaving my brows together. "Do you have evidence that would prove your words?"
"My daughter, it is not a mere conjecture. Surely, you have felt it too, right?" Serena said with a sad smile.
I swallowed hard as I averted my gaze, trying to act like a fool. "I don't think I understand. Father told me that mother is dead. If you claim that you are my mother, does that mean that father lied to me?"
Serena didn't respond, and silence floated between us. I felt awkward and uncomfortable.
"Nasrin," Serena called in a gentle ethereal voice. "Look at me, my child."
With a deep sigh, I glance at her.
Serena smiled gently. "Your father is not the one at fault. I told him not to reveal the truth to you."
"Why?" I asked, puzzled.
Serena sighed as she smiled, tracing my face softly with the back of her hand. "It's a long story, but if you're willing to listen, I will tell you all about it."
My brows cross together, feeling conflicted. Something within me wanted to know, but there is also another part that denies it. I don't want to know anything more, because to be honest, it has nothing to do with me.
However, I feel like I should try to get the truth of the matter of this body. Not for my sake, but for the sake of the previous soul of this body. After all, except for me, no one knew that the original Nasrin was already dead, and that is just sad.
I took a deep sigh as I turned my whole body to Serena, sitting next to her on the bed.
"Alright, I'm all ears," I replied, looking at her intently.
Serena nodded, and with a deep sigh, she smiled nostalgically. "It all started when I escaped from the arranged marriage between the Syokoy Clan and Sirena Clan. But I did not want to marry someone who I'm not in love with, so I escaped, hiding in the land of the human race. Because I'm certain no one from the Seafolks would be able to find me there."
"And what happened after?" I inquired.
Serena smiled brightly. "Through a series of events, I accidentally met your father, and he discovered my secret that I'm not a human but a sirena."
I think I know where this is going, but I didn't interrupt as I listened attentively, looking at Serena's joyful smile.
"We were both prideful and arrogant as we are both of noble bloods. But I saw kindness in your father's heart that I rarely saw from other humans; he kept the matter of my identity a secret, and he even helped me blend in the human world. So I found myself, falling deeply in love with him."
"Maybe father already fell in love with you at first sight," I stated.
Serena nodded, giggling to herself like a girl. "I suppose…" she mumbled, twirling her milky hair, looking shy and a little red.
"So what happened next?" I said; to make Serena continue with her story.
"Your father Lukas fought hard against his family to marry me. After all, the Urduja Clan doesn't want a nobody to get married into their family," Serena muttered, looking slightly angry.
"And I presume that father succeeded?" I said.
Serena nodded as she smiled at me.
"Yes, and after we got married, we soon had you, but…" Serena trailed as she smiled sadly again. "The Sirena Clan found me. They said that they had been looking for me."
"To bring you back for the arranged marriage?" I inquired.
Serena shook her head, smiling as she gazed at me with sorrow. "To bring me back to inherit the throne, because my family died against the Syokoy Clan, forcing the Sirena Clan to become the second in power."
"So that's why you left…" I mumbled.
"Yes, and I didn't want to implicate these burdens on you or your father. That's why I told Luke to keep everything a secret. So do not blame your father, my child," Serena stated.
I took a deep sigh as I averted my gaze.
I have no idea what to say since I'm not the original Nasrin, and I feel guilty facing the mother of this body. I think the original Nasrin would feel happy, seeing her mother and knowing that her mother is alive. But unfortunately, the previous Nasrin is no longer here.
"What's the matter, my child? Do you still not believe my words?" Serena asked, looking anxious and worried.
I sighed again, shaking my head with heaviness. "That's not it."
"Then what's pestering your mind?" Serena implored with a perturb gaze.
With another deep sigh, I stared at Serena.
"Serena…" I started with a deep voice, feeling the heavy burden that has been afflicting me ever since I transmigrated. I could continue pretending that I'm Nasrin in front of this woman, but that would only haunt my conscience.
Serena knitted her brows; her eyes looked at me in distress. "Nasrin, what is it, my dear child?"
Hearing the name Nasrin made me feel even more guilty and sad. I became even more determined to tell Serena the truth; she deserves to know.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not the same Nasrin…" I confess, choking as tears fell down my eyes. "I'm not your daughter."
"What are you talking about, my dear?" Serena questioned, full of confusion on her face.
With a deep sigh, I told Serena that the soul in this body is no longer her daughter. That the original Nasrin had already passed away on the same day that I transmigrated.
After confessing the truth to Serena, I feel like a thorn was removed in my heart; the cargo that I have been carrying in my shoulder feels lighter than usual.
"I see, so this is what was plaguing your mind…" Serena mumbled to herself, heaving a sigh of relief. "But that's understandable…"
My brows crumpled as I stared at her, confused and upset. I feel baffled with Serena's reaction, and I empathise with the original soul. If the original Nasrin is alive and sees that this is Serena's reaction to her death; I think she would feel upset and depressed.
Shouldn't Serena grieve for losing her daughter? Why does it seem like it doesn't bother her?
Just like what I thought; Serena turned to me, smiling even more softly, and it only made me frown even more.
"Why are you…not sad?" I questioned as my eyes peered at Serena.
Serena didn't respond; her long fitted navy blue gown straightened as she stood up, facing me. "Follow me to the Chamber House of Magwayen and you'll understand."
I didn't move as I stared at Serena probingly.
Serena let out a sad sigh, but she remained a gentle smile, staring at me with a fond gaze. "My child, I mean anything but harm."
"Serena, I am not your child," I replied firmly.
"Nasrin," Serena called with a sigh. "Believe me or not, you are my child. You are from my flesh and bone."
"I am not Nasrin; I'm not the original soul of this body, are you not upset for losing your true daughter?" I asked provocatively.
Serena remained gentle as she shook her head. "No, because I didn't really lose my daughter."
"What do you mean? Do you not believe what I said?" I inquired.
Serena sighed in resignation. "My dear, would you believe me if I say that you are actually still my child?"
My mouth hung open as I stared flabbergasted at Serena, then my brows furrowed even more. "That's not a good joke to make, Serena."
"My child, it wasn't a joke," Serena said, staring at me in pity.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. "For the last time, I'll tell you this again if it was not clear enough; I'm not your daughter. Your real daughter is already dead," I responded in a deep rude tone, losing my patience.
Serena took a deep sigh. "I understand…"
Hearing that made me finally relax in my heart. I don't want Serena to think that I'm the original soul when I'm actually not.
I heard Serena let out a helpless sigh. "The only way that you would believe me is for you to meet Goddess Magwayen," she murmured to herself, which I couldn't hear clearly.
I glance at Serena, who is staring at me with sympathy and heartache. It made me feel guilty for being too blunt and frank with my words.
"I'm sorry for being rude, but I really am not your daughter," I said again; this time a bit soft and gentle.
Serena nodded understandably with a sad gaze. "It's understandable," she replied.
I stared at her, and I only felt guilty.
I averted my gaze. "I didn't want this to happen…I'm sorry. I don't even know why I transmigrated in this body."
"Then how about you come with me to the Chamber House of the Goddess Magwayen; she will explain everything to you much more clearly," Serena suggested.
I tilted my head to the side, staring at Serena. "Do you not feel mad?" I asked.
Serena creased her brows, bewildered at my question. "Why would I?"
A sigh escaped my lips once more. "It's because I'm still occupying the body of your daughter…"
"But…" Serena trailed as let out a sigh. "...do not fret about it. Anyway, have you thought about my suggestion?"
"Hmm…" I hum, pondering about what Serena said, but then I remembered what Adarna said to me, and my brows furrowed.
"What's the matter?" Serena questioned worriedly.
I sighed. "I was told that only enlightened ones can talk to the Heavenly Beings, which I'm not," I muttered.
"You do not need to worry about that. You can still talk to the heavenly being through me," Serena replied confidently. "I can act as a medium for you."
My eyes lit up as I stared at Serena. "Really?"
Serena nodded affirmatively.
My lips can't help but smile, feeling that the opportunity to discover the truth of my transmigration is finally in sight. But still, I tried to suppress my anticipation since it would be insensitive for me to be happy in front of Serena.
"Shall we?" Serena asked.
I nodded, standing up, and the large mirror on the side of the wall made me notice that I was wearing a black princely royal suit that seemed to fit my size.
I shrug as I followed Serena out of the room, and I found that the ceiling of that room was the only one that was transparent. Everything else is made of stone brick and marble floor. Just like a castle.
Eventually, Serena and I stop in front of a huge metallic door guarded by two 8 feet tall humanoid sharks.
Serena then started chanting the Baybayin language. The door glowed bright blue, and then it slowly moved open.
At the edge of the wall, a female golden statue is seen, standing 40 metres tall in the front view. And I think that is Magwayen's statue.
"After you," Serena said next to me.
I swallowed, feeling anxious all of a sudden, but still, curiosity took over me as I entered inside. Serena followed beside me, and I heard the loud thud of the metallic door closing.
"Before we start, I just want to remind you that your time of talking with Goddess Magwayen can only be as far as 3 minutes. That's the longest time I can hold her divine power inside me as a medium," Serena stated, giving me the small sand-glass. "Use your time wisely."
I nodded. "I understand."
After which, Serena stepped forward, sitting in a lotus position in front of the statue, facing me.
"Are you set to do this?" Serena asked with a gentle gaze.
I gulped nervously as I nodded. "Yes, let's do this."
Serena didn't respond anymore as she closed her eyes, and I waited patiently for something to happen, feeling my stomach churn in anxiety.
A while after, the eyes of the female statue glowed bright blue, and at the same time, Serena opened her eyes again; her eyes also glowed the same.
"We meet again, mortal," said Serena, sounding benign and powerful.
My brows wrinkled. "Are you Serena or…"
"It is I, Magwayen, the ruler of the ocean and the sea of souls." The benign powerful voice answered through Serena's mouth. "I was the one who brought you here."
My heart thump like a tsunami hearing what Magwayen said. "Pardon me, but why?" I questioned, perplexed.
"Before that," said Magwayen. "I have a question for you."
"What is it?" I asked, feeling nervous as my brows pulled up together in worry.
"Pula, your companion, has been petitioning for me to return you back to earth, so my question is…do you wish this as well?" Magwayen said.
My eyes widened. "Pula…?" I gasped.
Magwayen didn't respond; only waiting for my answer. I swallowed hard. I didn't know that this is what Pula wants for me, which means that my dream at that time must be a…
I gulped again, feeling anxiety crawling to every inch of my body. If this is what Pula wants, then she must have spoken to me about Kendra, because she wants us to return to our homes. That must be it, right?
I smiled as I finally understood, and I took a deep shaky sigh as I tried to calm my heart.
I stared at Magwayen again. "If I return home, what about Kendra Salamanca, the lightbringer?"
"Kendra is to stay here; she has her own destiny," Magwayen answered.
My brows crumpled. "I won't return back without Kendra," I answered firmly.
"Is that what you wish?" Magwayen questioned.
I nodded with determination.
"Is that so? That's good, then you are to continue living in this world until you help Kendra fulfil her role in saving this realm from a world catastrophe, until then, you shall stay here to do your part as the second lightbringer as well," Magwayen stated.
"What do you mean by second lightbringer? Why does it have to be me and Kendra?" I asked hurriedly, a little bit frustrated.
"We don't have much time to chit-chat. Go to the Majapahit Empire, they will explain to you the specific details," Magwayen answered, and the light disappeared, and Serena fell down to the marble-like floor as she fainted.
My brows creased together, looking at the golden statue. "Pula, I'll do my best, so Kendra and I will finally return home," I mumbled.
'No matter what it takes.' I added in my head.