by Angel Leya
As we traveled through the roads, I kept tugging at the wet towels. My skin was drying again, pulling at the scabs that were still forming.
I looked at Vince, who stared out the window. Why wouldn’t he just answer me? My pulse quickened. What if he wasn’t taking me home, but to a fancy new tank?
When we pulled up to the docks, I could breathed again. Home was in sight; danger and safety within my reach. If Vince planned on tricking me, this was the wrong place to go. I would find my way into the waves, one way or another.
Vince crossed to the front of the cabin and pressed a button. “Hank, take us as close to the boat as possible. I don’t want anyone to see us board.”
“Yes, sir,” came the tinny reply. The limo maneuvered towards the ramp that led to Vince’s yacht, closing the gap between me and freedom.
Vince turned to me. “When we get there, I’m going to put you in the pool on deck.”
I shook my head, pulling at the towels. “No. Just put me in the ocean. I don’t want another chlorine bath. My skin’s in bad enough shape, thank you.”
“It’s too dangerous here. There’s rocks and other boats, and you’re hurt enough as it is. We use a pump to fill the pool with ocean water, so you don’t have to worry about chlorine. I promise, as soon as we get to ocean water, I’ll put you in.”
I peered at Vince, and he met my gaze. If there was any deceit there, it was well hidden. “Fine,” I said, nodding. It wasn’t what I wanted, but there would be time enough for danger later. Besides, I knew where that pool was. Once wet, it wouldn’t be difficult to slide into the ocean from there.
Vince glanced around. “Looks like the coast is clear. You ready?”
I took a deep breath and nodded.
Vince got out, and I scooted towards the door, shedding the bulky towels. I wouldn’t be needing those anymore. Vince took one last look before scooping me up. As he strode toward the ramp, a woman’s voice sounded behind us.
“Vince, Francine Crawford here from news channel 14. Is this the mermaid?” The woman trailed us, insistent clacking of heels against pavement racing nearly as fast as my heart. I glanced back as she and a man emerged from behind a nearby van. The man carried a large black device. The circle on the front resembled a squid eye, a little red light blinking.
“Vince, can you slow down? I would like to ask you a few questions.”
Vince’s lips drew tight, and he picked up speed. Barely a step from the ramp, he stiffened. We teetered forward, sprawling on the ground. Vince beat his legs while I scrambled for the water. I was too raw, though. The pavement tore at my tender skin. I had to stop.
“Are you getting this Phil?” Francine asked. He gave her a thumbs up, and the two closed in on me, ignoring Vince.
“So, you’re the mermaid. What can you tell us about who you are and where you came from?” She thrust a black stick, topped by a box and soft ball, towards me. I didn’t move, unwilling to face this irritating woman. We were almost safe, almost to the water. Why couldn’t she just leave us alone?
“Are there more like you?” Francine continued. “Are you part of some sort of genetic experiment?”
Again, she thrust the stick in my direction. I pulled my hair around me, wishing I could disappear.
“You appear to be injured. Are you being mistreated?”
“I told you no interviews,” Vince roared, recovering. He pushed Phil aside and grabbed me, slinging me over his shoulder. Turning to Francine, Vince shook his middle finger at her and Phil. “This boat is private property, and if you take one step on here I’ll have you both arrested.”
With that, Vince sprinted up the boat ramp. Francine watched us board, leering. She didn’t follow, but she didn’t need to. Phil still had the squid eye device trained on me, the ominous red light glowing.
A tear rolled down my cheek as Vince jumped into the deck pool and set me in the water.
“What was that?” I whispered.
“A damn reporter. You’re going to be on the five o’clock news for sure.”
“Any chance you can still convince people that mermaids aren’t real?”
“They have video now. The only way we can convince them mermaids aren’t real is if you show up with legs, which we both know is impossible.”
“Maybe not.” I murmured.
“What was that?”
“Nothing. Just get me out in the open water.”
“Skye, you have to know I didn’t—”
“I know.” I closed my eyes. “It’s not your fault. Just . . . get us out of here. Please?”
“Of course. Yes. I’m going now.” Vince practically fell over himself as he left.
My eyes followed Vince’s feet as he climbed out of the water. Those beautiful feet had put me in so much danger. Strange that I still wanted a pair of my own.
I sank into the water, trying to find comfort. The prickling feeling in my skin was beginning to ease, but nothing could erase the sinking feeling I had in my stomach. If my people weren’t in danger before, they were now.
I remained submerged for a long time, soaking in the water like a sponge. The pool began to rock as the boat took off. The motion was calming, and combined with the strain of the day’s events, it wasn’t long before I drifted to sleep.
I had to fix all of this. It wouldn’t be easy. Lone Mer were the favorite snacks of many a sea creature. I had to find the Sea King and somehow convince him to help me. Of course, if all went well, I would still need Vince’s help. Being on land had taught me little about being human, but as much as I wanted legs, I wasn’t sure I wanted to learn.
Chapter 9: Lost
It didn’t take much to convince Vince to accompany me on my search. He practically insisted, suggesting that I spend the nights sleeping in the deck pool. That idea proved difficult, however, as strange insect-like devices occasionally circled overhead. Vince said they were helicopters, and the markings on them confirmed they were from the local news stations. So much for being safe in the water.
It had been nearly two weeks, and we still hadn’t found the Sea King. The dolphins helped, but the sheer size of the oceans made finding the elusive King impossible. Was it possible that I wouldn’t be able to save my people?
Today, as on many occasions, Vince had to go ashore to restock on food and fuel. I remained in the ocean, continuing our search. I couldn’t afford to waste time waiting.
I circled the same spot for hours, hoping to run into a pod of dolphins. It was as if they had vanished. Perhaps the Sea King had summoned them to do some important task, something he often did.
I glanced at the surface, but Vince’s boat was nowhere in sight. The bright blue sky filled with the warm colors of dusk, painting the surface with its vibrant hues.
Why wasn’t Vince back yet?
Movement below caught my attention, and I saw what looked like the faint glow of a firefly squid. My brows furrowed, and head cocked. These tiny creatures didn’t often come so close to the surface, and it wasn’t the time or place for spawning.
I swam toward the glimmering creature, eying the nearby cave. A cold draft spread through the water, and a shiver ran down my spine. The dwindling light disappeared as a shadow passed. I looked up, hoping to see Vince’s golden boat bottom glinting. Instead, I saw the outline of a bull shark.
My eyes widened and pulse increased. I eased towards the cave, not turning my back on the shark. As it circled, another joined. Then another. They swarmed, working into a feeding frenzy. Wild eyes darted back and forth, searching for the source of their interest.
A school of fish surged past my tail. Gasping, I spun around. Tentacles emerged from the cave, waving about like a school of sea snakes. It was a giant octopus, another fearsome foe.
I cast about for a way to escape, but I was surrounded. Closing my eyes, I tried to block out my inevitable end, but fear of the unknown forced them open again. I stared at the churning waters, paling.
Where was Vince? If I died, would he think th
at I had abandoned him? Would he mourn for me? What would become of my people?
The sharks continued to feed, a pink cloud of blood and guts spread through the water. A current caught some blood, and it snaked toward me. The acrid, metallic smell hit me first, the warm, pink water slowly enveloping me. The sharks weren’t far behind.
Despite the frenzy, a flicker of light caught my attention. The tiny firefly squid, a little longer than my index finger, swam to my shoulder, where it came to rest.
My people considered firefly squid a good omen. I took a deep gulp and summoned all my courage. I had to figure a way out of this mess. My people needed me.
A tentacle curled around my tail, suckers latching on. I tried to pry it off, but the suction held fast. Something bumped into me, and I looked up to see one of the smaller bull sharks coming my way, teeth bared.
My heart in my throat, I grabbed the cave opening, hoping to find some escape. A rock came off in my clenched fist, and I swung it towards the charging shark. I struck anything I could come in contact with, hoping to hit the gills, one of the most sensitive areas on the beast. After a few direct hits, I could see the shark’s resolve waning. Another tentacle snaked towards me as the beak sunk into my fluke. I screeched as the pain shot up my tail. Grabbing a free tentacle, I flung it toward the bull shark. Sucker met flesh. Hooked, the octopus removed its arm from my tail, putting its full focus on the shark.
I backed away from the frantic scene, which seemed to be expanding. The firefly squid accompanied me, still hovering above my shoulder. Perhaps luck was on my side.
An unearthly screech filled the waters. The creatures nearby convulsed as they raced about, filling the waters with new turmoil. They scattered in every direction, many whisking past me. My fluke failed to move, and I remained anchored on the spot.
Clamping my hands over my ears brought little comfort. The shriek bored into my head, which began to throb. I writhed, pain burning white hot in my wounds and scars.
Was this how I would end? I fought to escape, but my body would not respond. The Mer had to learn that they were in danger. If I didn’t survive, who would let them know?
“Sea King, help me,” I cried out, spending the last of my energy.
A blurry figure approached as my vision faded to black, my body falling limp.
Chapter 10: Discovered
I awoke in a daze, head pounding.
Where was I? What happened?
As my sight came into focus, I became aware of the light. Last I remembered, it was nearly dark. The light I saw, however, came from the seabed, not above, darkness encroaching along the outer edges of the space.
I could see walls too. They were a warm brown color with a sandy, uneven texture. I traced their never-ending form and I realized that I was in a cave.
Gasping, I sat up, eyes darting as I recalled the octopus. I wasn’t alone, but my companion wasn’t a foe.
It was the Sea King.
“It’s true,” I whispered, eyes growing wide.
The King wore kelp, which floated around him like a halo. His hair was as brown as the seaweed that was woven into the thick braids covering his scalp and chin. A crown of starfish adorned his head, barnacles clinging to his garments like jewels. A dolphin and a shark swam nearby. Natural enemies, I had never seen the two together.
“Ah, she’s awake,” the Sea King’s voice boomed, a smile on his face.
I shook my head, scrambling to get upright. Bowing, I flipped my tail in front like a fan, spreading hands to my sides. Bobbing, I tried to hold steady.
The Sea King’s laughter filled the cave. “Don’t hurt yourself.”
I bit my lip, heat creeping up my face as I eased into a casual position. I couldn’t believe it. I had found the Sea King, or rather, he had found me. Hope rose like a bubble. Now I just needed to convince him.
“I have made a grave mistake,” I said, not meeting his gaze.
“Many, from what I hear.”
My head shot up. “So, you’ve heard of me?”
“I hear many things. Why do you think I have come?” The King pet his shark as it swam by. It was unnerving the way his creatures circled him, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.
“Then you must know why I’m here.”
“Perhaps, but I want to hear it from you.”
The Sea King’s eyes bored into me, and I gulped. “My first mistake was saving a drowning man,” I began, my hand sliding down my arm into a half hug, “But I couldn’t just let him die.”
“Foolish, but noble.” There was no condescension is his tone. Surprised, I met his gaze. Blue eyes twinkled, though he wore no smile, his features soft and open.
Emboldened, I continued. “My second mistake was trusting him. He kidnapped me and took me to land, though he kept me hidden. Some other humans discovered I was there, and word has spread. It won’t be long before all humans know that mermaids exist, if they don’t already.”
“Then it would seem there is nothing that I can do.”
“But you’re the Sea King. You can fix this.”
“I’m the master of the oceans, not of time. I cannot undo what you have done.” He stared at me, waiting for something, but what?
When I spoke, my voice was soft, my words hesitant. “There is one thing that you could do to save my people.”
A single eyebrow arched as he waited for me to continue.
I bit my lip and glanced at the shark. The jagged teeth reminded me of the danger I had just escaped. I shuddered. Somehow, this felt even more perilous.
Was my request too bold? The throbbing in my head beat ominously. This was my only chance to make things right. I had to convince the King to help us.
The words rushed out. “I want you to lift the curse on the Mer so we can once again be human.” My hands clamped over my mouth.
The Sea King laughed. “That is your solution, eh? How would the Mer fare on land?”
I dropped my hands, pressing forward. “I don’t know, but it’s our only chance. You can lift the curse, can’t you?”
“I am afraid your people are as much a part of the sea now as any creature of the deep. The land has enough humans. No need to add helpless Mer to the mix.”
“Then my people are doomed, and it’s all my fault.”
“You are hardly the downfall of the Mer, small fry.”
“But you said—”
“I know what I said,” the Sea King thundered, the cave growing dark. I shivered “Your people have been twisting my words for centuries, bending them to their own will. Your elders have manipulated you once again.”
He stopped and took a big gulp, the gills on his neck flaring. The cave brightened again, but that didn’t slow the beating in my chest. “The seas are fraught with danger. My warnings were for your protection against the dangers of the sea, not man, though man has caused his fair share of trouble. Your elders have learned nothing. I have half a mind to disband your pod myself.”
“You would destroy all of us?” I squeaked.
“Do you really think you’re the only ones?”
“I— I’ve never seen another Mer. I just assumed we were the only pod.”
“Your elders are careful to shield you from the truth. Do you think that you are the first to object to their rules?” The Sea King paused, then shook his head. “No, child. Many have left your tribe over the years, though they usually leave in pairs.”
“I’m not exactly alone,” I mumbled.
“No, you aren’t alone, are you.” The Sea King eyed me, and my hand flew to my neck. “Regardless, there are Mer pods all over the seas. Many are quite resourceful and benevolent. Perhaps you should join one of them.”
“Where can I find one?”
“The seas are vast. Pick a direction. Eventually you will find a pod.” The King stared, lips puckered. His eyes narrowed and head cocked. I backed up. Why was he being so cryptic?
Abruptly, he nodded. “Well, it appears my work here is done.”
; The Sea King clicked his tongue, and the dolphin and shark darted to his side. He turned to leave.
“No. Wait!”
He stopped. “Yes?”
“I would still like to protect my people from the humans. If I came to them on my own two legs, I might be able to convince them that I’m not a Mer.”
“What’s done is done, child. As I already said, the humans will not be able to destroy your people.” He took another step forward.
“Please. I think I’m meant to be human. My name is Skye. I’ve always adored feet. If I can do some good by being human, isn’t that for the best? It would only be me, and I would have Vince to help me.”
He stopped and turned to face me again, lips curled into a half smile. “Aaah! There it is. We have reached the heart of the matter. Is it the human?”
Heat raced through me. “What? No! I don’t want to be a human because of Vince. It’s not like that.”
“Mmmmm hmmm.”
“No. I’m serious. I don’t even like him.”
“Yet you keep him around.”
“It’s only for safety. Like you said, most leave the pod in pairs. I don’t have another Mer to travel with me.”
The Sea King stroked his beard, humming. “And you are certain that you want legs.”
My heart fluttered. “Yes. More than anything.”
“Very well. Your fate is tied with that of the human. When you meet with him again, tail and legs will be exchanged. You have three days to experience life on the other side. At sunset on the third day, you must choose your fate as one: land or water. If you cannot agree, I will choose for you. Now, I must go. There are urgent matters that require my attention.” With a deft kick and some clicks, the Sea King took off, clutching the fins of the dolphin and shark.
I floated there, silent. What had just happened?
Chapter 11: Indulged
I crept out the cave, glancing around. The dangerous creatures had vanished, as well as the Sea King. Above me, the fiery sky outlined a golden hull. Vince had returned. How long was I out?