OVERFALLS (The Merworld Water Wars, Book 2)

by Shields, Sutton

  “We’re literally seconds away from being called to our benches. Did something happen at the meeting?” I asked.

  “You could say that,” said Jex. “There was a little hiccup with the mascots.”

  “We got our dog, didn’t we?” growled Trey.

  “Oh, we got a dog. It’s not a Doberman, though,” said Jex.

  “No biggie,” I said. “We got the Great Dane, then.”

  “Try again,” Jex groaned.

  “What exactly did we get?” I asked.

  “Oh, why spoil the surprise,” said Jex, ticked. “You’ll find out…pretty much now.”

  The trumpets and trombones called the crowd to their feet and my heart to my throat. Mr. Anderson stepped onto the stage in a slate gray tuxedo. Doctor Tenly/Principal Jeepers, Luxton Vipor, and Madame Helena soon followed. Wearing formal attire in the same gray shade as Mr. Smarmy’s tux, they waved to the crowd and carefully took their seats at a precariously floating judge’s table.

  Stepping to the microphone, Mr. Anderson cleared his throat and asked for the crowd’s attention. “Please welcome your colorful announcer of the first ever Overfalls…Miss Kori Naughtin!”

  With a fitted black leather jumpsuit accentuating her enviable curves, Kori Naughtin shook her bum across the stage, waving, bowing, and swinging her extraordinarily long cornmeal-yellow hair; her teeth were as bright as the jewels decorating her earlobes, wrists, fingers, and neck.

  “Kori is a famous mermaid actress,” said Jex. “She hit it big with some scroll series-turned-movie franchise. I dated her for a…night. Limited activity because of angel protocol. Still steamy, though.”

  “Gross. But, she is gorgeous,” I said.

  “She looks dull,” said Polly jealously.

  “We looking at the same person, Polls?” said Trey.

  “Wipe the drool before Airi sees you, okay?” I teased.

  Kori shook Mr. Anderson’s hand, smiled coyly at the crowd, and took the microphone in her hands. “Thank you for having me as the first ever announcer of the Overfalls!” She paused while the fans roared their approval. “I’m honored to be here, but who cares about me, right? Who’s ready to meet the teams? Yeah, yell it!”

  “Ready?” Jex asked me as I released a massive sigh.

  Thinking of the picture in Airianna’s magazine, I said, “Oh, yeah. I’m ready.”

  “Coached by the stunning and cunning Margaretta Spokelay, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome team Merpeople: Irving Michaels, Muriel Yoots, Benji Wamberly, Airianna Hail…and Mr. Sexy himself, Prince Troy Tombolo!”

  Really?

  Airianna was right: the purple sashes on both Troy and Irving were utterly ridiculous. Did they just compete at the Mr. Gyrate-it-Best Pageant? Though I know he loathed the sash, Troy was living in the moment (a little too much, if you ask me, but you probably shouldn’t because I’m so pissed at him that my judgment was a wee bit clouded).

  “And last, but certainly not least, the captain of team Merpeople. I know she needs no introduction. Please welcome the lovely, talented, and kick-ass…Katrina Zale!”

  Gag. Kori was certainly exercising her acting talents tonight.

  Katrina took her sweet time basking in the love of the crowd. When she finally reached her team’s bench, Airianna crossed her leg with such perfect timing that the merbitch tripped right over it and stumbled into her seat. Even from where I stood, I could detect the faintest of smirks on Airianna’s face.

  “Now, please give it up for sexy Jexy’s team—”

  “Sexy Jexy?” I said. “Seriously?”

  Jex looked at me sideways. “Shut it.”

  “Team Normals, come on out: Ophelia ‘The Fainter’ Fountains; Which-Witch, Meikle Martinez; Polly ‘Pinky-Stinky’ Purdue; Lick-Our-Seal, Trey Campbell; Golly Gee Gully Pensmackden; and their captain, the supposed Siren Savior herself—the question mark, the dark hole of anti-wonder—Marina Valentine!”

  One by one, we exited the tunnel, turning and waving, to a relatively silent crowd.

  “Pinky stinky,” said Polly, passing me. “I’ll rip their frilly fins apart, one scale at a time…making sure to wash my hands between each fin, of course. That’s just showing proper sanitary skills, isn’t it?”

  “Why did we get nicknames?” Ophelia groaned.

  “Because they’re asses,” said Meikle.

  “Kinda dig mine,” said Trey.

  “You’re a guy. You would,” I sneered.

  “Golly Gee Gully! So cute,” squealed Gully, skipping out of the tunnel.

  Well, time for the question mark and dark hole of anti-wonder to walk and wave; only I have no intention of putting on a show for these egotistical pricks…at least, not the show they expect.

  When I reached the center of the field, I paused and cupped my hands in front of me, willing the golden shield to materialize; in mere milliseconds, my friendly safeguard appeared. Swirling it around in my hands, I was able to form it into a large disc. I tossed it like a flying disc at Kori’s feet and slipped it under her spiked heels. Guiding my shield, I moved Kori left, right, up, and down. To her credit, she didn’t scream. After zipping her around the stadium, I returned her to the stage, evaporated my golden goodness, and slowly sat down.

  “Wow,” said Kori, gasping into the microphone. “What a freaking ride! Hell yeah!”

  At her enthusiasm, the crowd applauded, albeit tamely.

  “Do that again, and you’ll have my worst side to deal with,” said Jex.

  “Fine. I’ve been beating the crap out of your worst side during every Savior session anyway,” I said, shrugging.

  “That’s not my worst side, love,” he growled, and I couldn’t decide if he was sexy or scary. “You could’ve gotten yourself disqualified.”

  “Nah, not with Vipor and the doc on my side. Plus, Kori seemed to have fun. Don’t get your feathers in a wad.”

  Jex angrily fluttered his wings. “Trusting any member of the Imperia is foolish.”

  “I thought it was wicked,” said Meikle. “And I do mean wicked, as in green skin, pointy hat, and wart. Wish I’d thought of it.”

  Smiling, I said, “Just couldn’t handle the mockery any longer.”

  “Wasn’t as good as my idea of peeling their fins off, but it was a close second,” said Polly.

  “Phew!” said Kori, smoothing her hair. “I guess she didn’t like my dark hole tag. I take it back, I take it back! Promise! I’m sure Marina’s Savior show entertained our special guests—Princess Treeva Tombolo, Prince Kyle Zale…and King Thompson Tombolo and Queen Mistaleah Zale!”

  “You’re kidding.” I turned to peruse the luxury suite. Sure enough, King Tombolo, Treeva, Kyle, and Queen Zale were in attendance. Troy’s dad, Treeva, and perhaps even Kyle, appeared uneasy in the presence of Queen Zale, who took great measure to meet my eyes. Instinctively, I looked at Troy; his eyes burned with a mad sadness.

  “Wonder where creepy King Zale is,” said Trey.

  “Trying to find the missing stones,” said Ophelia without hesitation. “He sent the queen to observe our strengths.”

  “And probably make sure they still have control of their subjects,” said Jex. “Last thing they want to see is the merps cheering for you lot.”

  “By the reactions of the crowd, Queen Cruel and King Crazy don’t have to worry,” I said, concerned about Troy, which lasted all of about two seconds when I heard someone in the crowd yell, “Prince, choose Mary Ella!”

  “Please welcome your judges, everyone,” said Kori. “Scream ‘hello’ to Principal Jeepers, Luxton Vipor, and Madame Helena Hambourg!” From behind their floating table, the judges greeted the crowd, with Doctor Tenly waving most enthusiastically. “Now, to the particulars—the judges will rank each contestant based on the amount of time it takes to complete the task as well as the technique used. The judge’s rankings determine how many points each contestant gets for their team. Mr. Allen Anderson will tabulate the points at the end of each event. The scores and ra
nkings will then be verified by the wish jars of both team captains.

  “Contestants, your objective tonight is to retrieve a hidden item in the Fairhair kingdom of Fairla. As I speak, your first clue will appear on the palm of your hand. Use this clue to find a specific location in Fairla—that’s where you’ll discover your next clue. Do not share your clues. Do not seek outside help while deciphering your clues. If you do, points will be deducted from your score.”

  A single word in blue script appeared in my left palm: Catfish. Ooh, Kat’s Catfish Catches—the pet shop right across from Mist’s Toy Emporium!

  “Once everyone is back and the scores are calculated and verified, I will announce which team leads in points. Remember, individual scores will remain confidential until after the final team match.

  “Katrina Zale and Marina Valentine, as captains, you have the choice to use the dual-ended trident each of you won during the captain selection. If you choose to use your trident at any time, just say the following: Trident be. But remember, you may only use your trident one time over the course of the Overfalls.” Katrina and I nodded our acknowledgement. “Now…are you ready to ripple?”

  Belts clasped down around our waists; the stadium, stands, stage, judge’s table, and band were suddenly encased in giant gel bubbles.

  “Oh, not good.” We were all going underwater, only the contestants would actually get wet. God, Mom was probably wigging right now.

  Jex quickly passed each of us a piece of Gravity Gum and some ulva. “Meikle?”

  “It’s done. She’ll be fine,” replied Meikle, downing her wad of sea lettuce, following with her Gravity Gum.

  Gully cooed at the slimy goop. “Cotton candy and gum! Thanks, Coach!”

  “Uh-huh.” Jex winked at me.

  “We didn’t get our mascot,” said Polly, chomping her gum. “You said we’d find out before the match. You lied.”

  “No, I said you’d find out ‘pretty much now.’ I was neither specific, nor firm in my statement, thus I never lied,” said Jex smugly.

  “God, I think you’re despicable,” she said. Jex laughed like an arrogant S.O.B. and Polly’s eyes turned black. Sadly, my role as team captain was secretly elated to see Polly’s demons bugging out; now she would not merely attempt proper completion of this match…she would attack it.

  Without warning, our bench swiveled around to face the stage; the stage then shifted sideways, opening a clear path for our trip to the sea. Staring at the black mass reflecting only small bits of moonlight on this hazy night, something banged into the side of my seat. It was Troy; their bench had also turned to face the sea. Locking with ours, both team benches formed one solid row as we moved towards the water. The stadium itself sprouted crab’s legs and crawled alongside us—I cannot emphasize enough how creepy it looked, much less sounded.

  “You okay?” asked Troy, taking my hand.

  “Fine,” I said, squeezing his hand.

  “Ow! Marina, ease up,” said Troy, giving his hand a good shake.

  “Sorry.” I guess my strength had reported for duty like a good soldier.

  “Are you upset with me?” he asked.

  “Ha!” We had just reached the edge of the ocean; as our feet hit the sea, and the water rapidly rose around our ankles, waist, and chest, I said, “Tell me, Troy, do you prefer tinsel on your Christmas tree, or just on your stump?”

  “Marina—stump? It’s really more like a log or—”

  “LOOK!” yelped Gully.

  Coming straight for us were twelve lightning-filled waterspouts. I tried to loosen the belt around my waist, but it was no use; we were meant to travel the Dorothy and Toto way. The roaring cyclones carved through the water, blasting our faces with an army of water droplets that stabbed our flesh like thousands of tiny swords. I felt Troy squeeze my hand with a sense of desperation; it was the last sensation I recalled before being sucked into one of the twisters.

  My body was as useless as a wet rag; my feet and head changed directions every other second. Over and over my body flipped; my eyes widened on an abnormally clear view of the heavens, then slammed into a dark, endless drop to a frighteningly glassy sea. Closing my eyes, I grew a golden shield large enough to encapsulate me. Focusing my shield-bubble’s movements, just as I had with Kori, I aimed its direction downward. Like an elevator, I descended into the sea.

  Once I was underwater, I looked up and saw that the beastly tempest had gone. Waving my hand across the front of my body, I removed the gel capsule. I saw Troy, Ophelia, Trey, Airianna, and Katrina swimming for Fairla. Though underwater with us, the stands didn’t follow; instead, they were firmly planted into the sand next to a colossal screen showing live images of downtown Fairla. I suppose this was as far as the Merpeople would allow visiting eyes to travel. I spotted my mom—she had her hands pressed against the gel covering and looked to be on the verge of vomiting. Trying to shake the worry for Mom from my brain, I stupidly took off after Troy and the others, only to be stopped by a circle of great white sharks.

  I counted about six in the circle. They weren’t in the mood to attack straight away; they wanted to play with their potential late night snack. Circling me, first one way, then the other, one would try to strike me with its fin, while another banged its nose into my back.

  “If you wanna play so badly…go play with yourselves.” From somewhere in my very core, a feeling akin to an electric current flowed through my arms and shot out of my fingertips, sending the circle of sharks rolling into the dark distance. Sweet.

  “Marina!” Gully doggy paddled over to me. “We’re the last two. I had a hard time getting free from the tornado, then I had to fight off a group of piranha. One bit me. Does that mean I’ll turn into one?”

  “No, that’s werewolves,” I said. “Come on. We need to haul it.” Grabbing her hand, I blasted off and dragged Gully to Fairla. The rules didn’t say I couldn’t act like a tugboat for my fellow teammates.

  The sparkling city looked as clean and happy as I remembered, with its gel-encased buildings, spirited Merpeople zipping about, and gurgling mermobiles. Today, however, there was one difference: merfolk, young and old, lined the streets as though they were awaiting a grand parade. Dolled-up mer-reporters and cameramen carrying odd shell and coral cameras reported every twist, turn, and trip as contestants frantically moved from one snow globe-like structure to the next, hunting for their hidden object.

  Stopping by the familiar bin of mermaid bra tops, I said, “Gully, you should make up time here with your clue reading and finding abilities. Gully. Gully? GULLY!”

  “Sorry…it’s just so pretty,” she said airily.

  “What did we agree on?”

  “The faster we go, the closer we are to winning the sparkly wish ribbon.”

  “Exactly. Show them what you can do, Gully. I’ll see you back on the sand,” I said, jetting for Kat’s Catfish Catches, nearly striking a mer-journalist along the way.

  At the very end of the swim-way was Kat’s Catfish Catches. Once inside the gel covering, I could walk normally, which meant my hair fell atrociously flat, and I immediately wished for some of Treeva’s Pouf Powder. The shop was dark and dank. Behind a small, worn counter was a woman with platinum blond hair. Had I not been in my right mind, I might have thought she was a legend by the name of Marilyn.

  “Welcome to Kat’s Catfish Catches. I’m Kathleen. How may I help you?” she asked in a soft, almost childlike voice. “Oh, you’re here for your clue! The blue Catalaya has it for you.” She pointed to a rectangular box near the large front window.

  Catalaya seemed to be a hybrid of cat and catfish. While their underbellies were smooth and shiny, their rounded backs were full of cream-colored fur. With large, toothless grins, small, but wide-set eyes, long whiskers, and huge bulbous noses, the furry Catalaya were some of the cutest creatures I’d ever laid eyes on. Scanning the box for the blue one, I found myself contemplating a way to guilt Troy into buying one for me after his little tabloid cameo. Not the
best timing for a ‘girl moment.’ I know this.

  Just as I was about to ask Kathleen if the blue Catalaya might have scurried away, a little cerulean-blue fella crawled through his playmates and placed two stubby paws atop the edge of the box.

  “Hey, there,” I said, patting him on his head. Around his right paw was a small scroll. Removing and unfurling it, I read the following: Through the mist, up, down, sideways, and around, you’ll float like a misguided teacup. Reach the highest point, and your hidden treasure won’t disappoint. Drink your tea to find me. My vision somehow highlighted the words mist, up, float, and teacup in bright green. “Treeva’s store! That’s where it is!”

  I thanked the kind shopkeeper and torpedoed across the float path and into Mist’s Toy Emporium. Landing across the threshold, I thanked my lucky stars I wasn’t hit by a mermobile. If Mom knew I hadn’t stopped and done the ‘look both ways’ routine, she’d probably have my hide. Oh. Wait. She probably knows, since there were reporters combing the city, regurgitating our every move on a giant screen. So, I have a scolding to look forward to later on tonight. Super.

  Treeva’s store was jam-packed, though the patrons were much more aware of visiting outsiders; their pointing fingers, raised eyebrows, and ineffective whispers didn’t escape my notice. “Up, down…” I said to myself. Merps float upside down in here. I need to get to a shelf that was up high. Searching the shelves, my mind created a sentence and repeated it over and over, almost like it was casting a spell: To which I look, find said nook, for it holds what she once took. After the third mental repetition, my eyes blackened everything out but a single silver chalice resting atop the highest shelf.

  Darting for the chalice, someone appeared at my side.

  “Hey,” said Troy, soaring with me inch for inch. He had a rusty sword in his hand.

  “Hey? Really? Best you can do?”

  “Marina, that whole thing with Mary Ella…it’s a surprise.”

  “Yeah, it sure as hell was,” I said, aiming for the chalice. “And shouldn’t you be heading back if you’ve found your item?”

  “Just found it, then I saw you fly in here. I knew I could take a few minutes without triggering any suspicion with the judges. Besides, I had to talk to you,” he said. “I love you. No one comes close. No one ever could.”