When the first live Mermaid was discovered it rocked the scientific community to its very core. The creature's constitution was delicate; so completely reliant upon the purity of its living conditions that they had to be closely maintained 24/7, yet it took great strength from those bearing pure-hearts in her proximity.

It wasn't long until the myths and legends concerning the Mermaids ability to grant eternal life were proven to be true. In small doses the creatures blood could cure an unfathomable number of diseases; in large doses it could provide an immunity to most plagues to include a vastly extended lifespan. In large enough doses it could provide immortality.

In their rush to produce massive quantities of this wonder drug they set about to clone the creature. It was hoped that, with more research, they could mate it with another of its kind that their flesh could be harvested in untold quantities, so that they might finally obtain escape from the icy grip of death. In their greed to steal life everlasting they unwittingly slammed the doors shut on what should have been a gift to all of mankind, not just the rich and powerful.

The mermaid they cloned was a perfect match to the original in every way and was very loving and protective of its serene progenitor. In time, however, the clone realized the plot of its captors by reading it from the very pages of their corrupt twisted hearts.

It underwent an unimaginable metamorphoses in an incredibly short amount of time. Its frame exploded with power and size. It could now spit streams of water with such intensity that it could easily cut through most forms of metal and bone as though they were paper with 100% accuracy. Its body was capable of wrestling the military's greatest war machines into quick submission and its body became capable of instantly regenerating even the most lethal of wounds. It protected its mother/sister with flawless effort completely cutting off mankind from their coveted prize.

Any weapon or attacker who sought to annihilate the clone in favor of the mother was killed and devoured in seconds while any weapon powerful enough to kill it instantly could not be considered because it would also kill the original. Taking blood from the clone proved to be too risky and a wasted effort at best since its body stopped producing the miracle drug after its metamorphosis. The dark maiden would willingly guard her sister for all eternity and devour any who would attempt to seek eternal life from them.

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Story wise any character with Mermaid blood coursing through their system is considered a rare opportunity to extend one's own life... especially if one is willing to commit unspeakable acts to retrieve it. This Mermaid is over 20 feet long and has a wicked set of retractable fangs running deep into the back of her throat. Her dis-locatable jaw gives her the capability of swallowing an entire man whole though she would sooner bite you in half or cut you to pieces from a distance with her jet spray attack.

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Wow I almost can't believe that I created this piece! Somehow I managed to figure out an amazing layer configuration that allowed for some amazing highlights. I've been attempting to mimic the luster that the master Masamune Shirow uses when rendering his female characters. I think I'm getting close... closer at least than should be possible for this being only my second completed full CG piece. I still worry though that I might be overusing the lighting effects Photoshop provides to the point of being gimmicky. For lighting effects I've been attempting to emulate the works of Joe Maduria of "Battle Chasers" fame. Though overall I would adore having a bit more of DA's resident Genzoman's skill set added to my repertoire. ^_^()

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I am planning to design a more traditional Mermaid down the line but for the now I was deeply inspired by some of the works of Go Nagai, especially his "Devilman Lady" series, to include the recently released manga "Lives" by Masayuki Taguchi that also features similar transforming female monsters.

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Sorry to have crit you for 9999 damage via wall of text.