“Mr. Tombolo, did Miss Hail persuade you to reveal yourself before New Year’s Eve?” asked Graytone. Troy crossed his arms, refusing to answer. “Mr. Tombolo, you will answer.” Nothing. “Well, then, you leave us no choice. Barkley, now.”
“TO THE HOOKS!” shouted Barkley Forth, and Madame Helena snapped her fingers.
Troy’s legs slammed together and morphed into his sapphire blue fin; the bottom of his chamber dropped out and the tops and sides formed into one large hook. The hook stabbed the wispy bottom of his fin and proceeded to swing him upside down above the middle of the room. Treeva stood up, her face lined with rage; both Doctor Tenly and Kyle gently touched her, trying to keep her from doing something she might regret.
“TROY!” I screamed. As I attempted to jump from my cage, metal cuffs wrapped around my waist, wrists, and ankles.
“It seems our witnesses have the tendency to leap from their stoops. Enclose all open chambers, Madame Hambourg,” said Graytone.
“My pleasure,” said Madame Helena. With one quick jerk of her head down the succession of cages, we were trapped inside, just like Mr. Gibbs.
Graytone turned his wicked eyes back to Troy. “Now, we’ll ask you this once more…did Miss Hail, in fact, give you this advice?”
“Troy, please, just tell them!” cried Airianna. “TELL THEM!”
“Y-yes,” said Troy, “she did.”
“Thank you, Mr. Tombolo,” said Graytone. “Keep him suspended as punishment for his initial refusal to confirm Miss Hail’s statements. Now, though Miss Valentine created an impossible situation on New Year’s Eve, we cannot dismiss that it was Miss Hail who had been encouraging Mr. Tombolo to reveal his true self long before that fateful night. Miss Hail’s constant pressure formed a subconscious influence upon Mr. Tombolo. Therefore, it is clear that we cannot judge what decision he would have made in the absence of Miss Hail’s interference.”
“I WOULD HAVE MADE THE SAME DECISION! I WOULD ALWAYS MAKE THE DECISION TO SAVE MARINA’S LIFE!” Troy desperately tried to save Airianna from whatever the Imperia had planned.
“We, the Imperia, find Airianna Ellie Hail guilty of the violation of Banishment Charter, clause ten. As such, we sentence her to death by drying.”
Airianna’s chamber disappeared; Madame Helena forced her shimmering aqua fin to materialize. Her body hovered above us as gusts of wind wrapped around her; I could hear her desperate gasps for air. I fought my restraints, trying to break free, as Airianna’s lips turned blue and the scales on her fin began peeling.
“Marina,” shouted Meikle, “focus on the benches now!”
When I looked to where Meikle and Trey had been sitting earlier, I saw Ophelia glowing red within an odd shape outlined on the floor and benches. Focusing all of my energy on the illuminating shape, a box of light shot up from the ground and struck Troy, allowing him to break free from the hook and drop to the ground.
“I can’t help her!” he shouted, looking at Airianna.
“AIRI!” screamed Trey. His body violently convulsed until he melted into a large wave of water. The powerful wave floated through the cage, leaving it swinging back and forth on the bar, before curving upward to engulf Airianna. “Drink me,” said a wobbly voice I instantly recognized as Trey’s.
A watery hand lingered above Airianna’s dry lips, dripping water into her mouth. After several drops had passed her lips, Trey’s watery figure held her lifeless body in his arms and brought her down to ground level. When her fin transformed into legs, Trey’s human form reappeared, and Airianna’s head flopped against his shoulder.
“Impressive as your talents are, Mr. Campbell, we set the ruling as death,” said Graytone.
“You won’t touch her,” said Trey, holding her tightly to him. “You’ll have to go through me…and I’ve just discovered some things about myself you might not want to challenge.”
“You’ll have to go through me as well,” said Troy, standing in front of Airianna and Trey. “More importantly, you’ll have to go through these.” Troy waved his hand and a massive stalking blocker running the length of the room appeared before us. Floating within the barrier were dozens of Merpeople…only they weren’t exactly like any living merperson I’d ever seen.
With blank, cloudy eyes, feverishly chomping jaws, blood-covered, razor sharp, rotten teeth, and peeling, putrid green skin, they pounded their bony fists against the barrier. Many of them were missing large chunks of flesh which exposed broken ribcages and internal organs; some even had large patches of their sickly fins hanging loose or ripped off entirely, uncovering the fish bone structure beneath.
“Are they…zombies?” asked Madame Helena, as horrified as I’ve ever heard her.
“Splashzers,” Treeva sighed. “My Poseidon, Troy. How? Was it Ash?”
“Aw, Tree, you know when I want something bad enough, I make it happen,” said Troy, oozing some inner Texas swagger. “And, Helena, you surprise me. Sharper than that nose of yours, aren’t you? Yes, they are zombies…mer-zombies, to be more exact.”
Unfortunately, there was only one thing worse for my gag reflex than the smell of fish—the smell of undead Merpeople. GAG.
“Sorry, honey,” said Troy, grimacing at my gagging. “Afraid the smell is a package deal with the living dead fish-folk.”
“It’s actually—GAG—completely—GAG—fine,” I said, trying to steady the gagging.
“Oh, ya know, I really wouldn’t do that if I were you, Merculee,” said Troy.
Smith Merculee had crawled onto his desk area to get a closer look, but before he could heed Troy’s warning, a hand shot out from within the barrier, grabbed his neck, and yanked him against it.
“Help! Help!” he choked.
“Scared, now, are we? How’s that feel? Not good, I bet,” said Troy with a chuckle. “Don’t worry, they can’t pull you into the barrier, nor can they bite through it. But, I thought it might be fun if they were allowed to play with their food a little.” He then raised his hands to the ceiling. As he did, the Splashzer released Merculee and the entire barrier grew, stretching upward, draping over them like a canopy. “Have I mentioned their craving for human flesh?”
“Similar to the uppity human’s fondness for caviar, our Splashzers see human flesh as a delicacy, one they rarely get to sample,” said Treeva.
“Their desire for your skin, eyes, tongue, and internal organs is insatiable,” said Troy, grinning.
“Please,” Teldon Tyne groaned, pulling two machine guns from beneath the bench, aiming them at the barrier.
“Um, unless you want the bullets to backfire and kill all of us on this side of the barrier, I would suggest putting those metal shooting things down. They have no power in Saxet Shores,” said Treeva.
“Teldon, do as she says,” said Merculee, ogling at the screeching creatures. “Those are some of the most venomous creatures in all of the sea.”
“They’re dead blobs of flesh and scales. Big deal,” said Tyne. “You can’t tell me a bullet wouldn’t take care of those things, can you Princess?”
“Unfortunately, your humanity does you a disservice, as does your ego. Guns won’t kill a Splashzer. They may be zombified, but they’re still mer at the core.”
“Meaning they still have powers, only they’re a little more chaotic, uneven, unpredictable,” said Troy. “Sorta like me.”
“Dangerous,” added Merculee. “Zombie combined with Merpeople-magic means these things become damn near invincible,” he said, breathing heavily, staring at the ones right above his head, their rotting fins drooping barely an inch from his nose.
“Invincible…and a voracious desire for what you are,” said Troy. “Ever wonder why humans find groups of whales or dolphins half-eaten along a strip of beach? What happened to them, you all cry.”
“Must have been a shark,” said Treeva, answering as a human would. “It ain’t a shark. And not all shark attacks are, in fact, shark attacks.”
To this, Teldon Tyne backed away from th
e barrier.
“Wise move,” said Troy.
Graytone looked uncomfortably at the ravenous Splashzer in front of him. “Your efforts at heroism are appreciated. And though they will delay us, they won’t stop us. Our resources are extensive, Mr. Tombolo. The simplest resolution is to hand over Miss Hail.”
“Actually, the simplest resolution rests with a single snap of my fingers. And if I do…no more barrier,” said Troy. “I’m sure they’re game for a late dinner. Nothing brings a group together like fresh flesh.”
“Yes, well, there’s no need for that,” said Merculee, the only Imperia member besides Vipor to show any competence.
“Now, please be smart. Mr. Campbell, drop the girl and move aside,” said Graytone.
“Like hell,” said Trey.
“Very well.” Prax Graytone snapped his fingers at the dark space behind the chambers. “I, too, can snap my fingers to an effective outcome, Mr. Tombolo.”
Dozens of armed Imperia minions dressed in all gray and black swarmed the courtroom and circled Trey, Troy, and Airianna. Graytone liked to play games, didn’t he? He was clearly calling Troy on his bluff about unleashing those Splashzers. Well, I excel at game-playing, too. After all, I’ll always be a card reader, and I can call a true bluff when I see one.
I didn’t stop to think about what might happen next; in fact, my brain grew oddly empty, apart from a single word: protect. The need to safeguard those I love generated an uncontrollable surge of energy through every muscle of my body. I busted through the cuffs as the cage shattered around me and rushed to block a barely conscious Airianna from the incoming Imperia minions. When one aimed his gun at my head, I swiftly twisted beneath him, grabbed the end of his weapon, and slammed it into his chest. The impact sent him flying back into the darkness, out of sight.
I dropped his gun to the floor and stomped on it a single time, breaking it in half. Holding the two pieces in the air for the Imperia to see, I shouted, “Hear what I say! You will not touch her. I am the Siren Savior, chosen by the lost souls of the sea to protect and fight for the freedom of Merpeople.” My skin began emitting small orange sparks. The Imperia looked utterly bewildered. “If I am considered a threat, it is by those who choose to ride the wicked wave of the sea. If you wish to condemn me or any of my friends, be them Merpeople or human, you will have to confront me in all of my power. Your choice.”
Prax Graytone glanced at his fellow comrades and quickly jotted something down. It had to be intimidating, and perhaps a bit ego-bruising, for the powerful to be overpowered by a group of teenagers. For a few long moments, he stared at each of us: Troy with his stalking blocker filled with Splashzers; Trey with Airianna in his arms after having transformed into water before their eyes; Meikle and Ophelia who magically released Troy from the hook; and me, the unsolved riddle…the Siren Savior.
“In light of recent revelations, all breaches of the Banishment Charter are hereby dismissed against all inhabitants of Saxet Shores, Texas. The sea’s selection of Marina Valentine as a savior of Merpeople means her knowledge of the existence of said species was inevitable,” said Graytone, his expression pained, as though each syllable was a knife forcing itself up his throat and out his mouth. “Having said that, Mrs. Valentine, given your relationship with Mr. Gibbs—a merman and fellow school employee—as well as your daughter’s recent appointment as the Siren Savior, we feel you would be better suited in a position outside of Saxet Shores High School. Therefore, the Imperia hereby removes Cam—”
“Oh, don’t y’all worry your overwrought little brains about firing 'lil 'ole me,” said my mom, laying on her Texas accent. “I quit.”
“Very well. Let the record reflect that Camille Valentine has resigned from her position at Saxet Shores High School. She may, however, seek work at another local establishment without prejudice.”
“Let my mom, Mr. Gibbs, Meikle, and Benji out of their inhumane, Eighth Amendment-violating cages. Now,” I said.
“Don’t bother,” said Meikle. “Troy would have to remove the barrier-bound brainless bunch, and I’m not ready to see the suited stiff’s spines relax just yet.” Hopping down from her now limp, rubbery cage, Meikle swirled her bag overhead and then swept it across the cages, prompting all but one to open.
“You forgot mine,” Katrina sneered.
“No, that I didn’t,” said Meikle, turning to face Prax Graytone. “Let the record reflect that.”
“It’s so noted, Miss Martinez,” said Graytone, clearing his throat to resume reading their decision. “Furthermore, Saxet Shores will be temporarily suspended from being an active banishment location, pending further investigation. Madame Helena has informed the Imperia that there are banished Normals en route to Saxet Shores, with one causing an ongoing delay. Thus, the suspension period will commence one year from today. We will periodically review this decision throughout the suspension period and render a final verdict on this town’s status as a banishment location when the Imperia deems appropriate.”
I have to hand it to the suited stiffs—they certainly were pathetically clever. The Imperia knew King Zale would cut off their balls and play water polo with them if they ever removed Saxet Shores as a banishment location. This so-called ‘suspension period’ was the only way they could flex their power muscle without creating drama. In fact, I’d be surprised if Kyle didn’t slip Graytone a directive from daddy dearest at some point.
“Herein concludes today’s hearing,” said Graytone, barely striking the desk with his gavel. “Now, Mr. Tombolo, if you will kindly remove the barrier and, uh, Splashzers…”
“You said your resources are extensive…have them figure out,” said Troy, blasting open the locked doors with a single, pointed glare. Oh, the things I’d like to do to him right now...
Troy, Mom, Mr. Gibbs, Ophelia, Meikle, Benji, Trey—who was still holding a currently unconscious Airianna—and I left the building.
Case closed.
Chapter Six
The Importance of Being Un
Usually, the first day of school brings a bunch of groans, a general icky feeling, gas, and my friendly gag reflex. Today, however, I felt quite chipper and on very little sleep at that.
After Normals and merps made an impressive stand against the mighty Imperia, showing how we can come together to protect each other, I had an inkling the school year would be vastly different. No more would the Fairhairs shy away from befriending Normals for fear of retaliation from the Ravenflames; they now know we’ll be there to stand by their side, united against any and all threats. Really, it has nothing to do with me being the Siren Savior; I expect nothing because of a title I have yet to prove myself worthy of bearing. No, this was about finding friendship and alliances in the unlikeliest of places. Maybe now the popular kids will finally see that the bullied outsiders oftentimes make the most devoted friends.
As for the resident bullies, I have to believe the Ravenfarts will be less conspicuous with their vileness. With Fairhairs wriggling free from Katrina’s big, fat thumb—some already aligning with Normals who have shown powers beyond comprehension—I can’t fathom the Ravenflames continuing their above-sea tyranny. They may still rule the waters, but they certainly don’t own the school, not anymore.
Walking into the living area, it was clear I wasn’t the only one feeling unusually cheery: Mom flitted about the kitchen, humming and shaking her bum to some sixties Motown music.
“Isn’t being unemployed wonderful,” said my mom in a singsong voice.
Laughing, I said, “Apart from the whole bill thing, sure.”
“Oh, that’s nothing! I have several interviews this morning, thanks to Treeva. And, when it comes to a job…I ain’t at all too proud to beg,” she said, getting down to the song of a similar name. “Come on, baby girl! Groove it out with your old ma.”
Aw, how could I not? There we were: crazy mother and dorky daughter, shaking what God gave us in the middle of the kitchen and singing out of tune at the top of our lungs.<
br />
“We better leave. Damn it,” said Mom, turning off the stereo. “Wait. Where’s your lunch? I packed you a lunch! Did you already get it?”
“Um, no, but you didn’t need to waste your newfound early morning freedom to pack me a brown bag. Their Normal lunches don’t suck.”
“Where the hell is it?! Oh, uh, well, there’s some announcement thing going on today at lunch and after school, so lunch has been reduced to fish-only food. If that’s not showing bias, I don’t know what is. Anyway, Doctor Tenly told me,” said Mom, tossing dishtowels, opening drawers, slamming drawers, and peering into cabinet after cabinet.
“Did he say what the announcement is about?” I asked.
“No. Don’t think he could. Oooh, maybe the fridge…seems vaguely familiar,” she said, creating disarray on every shelf in the refrigerator.
“Um, Mom? Is that it on the top of the fridge?” I asked, pointing to a rolled up brown paper sack.
Still standing in the open refrigerator, she looked up and grabbed the bag. “Uh-huh, almost exactly where I thought. Just…give me one more second,” she said, closing her eyes and leaning into the cold refrigerator. “Okay. Let’s go.”
We made the quick drive to school, listening to some of my mom’s favorite old tunes. Before dropping me off, Mom made sure I remembered to meet her at The Bay Shop after school. Wishing her luck on her job interviews, I hopped out of our plum-purple station wagon and found Troy, Trey, Airianna, and Meikle waiting for me.
Airianna ran down the steps and pulled me into one of her classically crushing hugs. “I love you!”
“I love you too, sweetie,” I said, choking slightly.
“If I haven’t said it before, I’m glad you’re our Savior. Honestly can’t think of anyone more perfect for the job,” said Airianna.
“You’re an angel, Airi, you know that? Hope I make you proud.”
“I have not a cloud of a doubt! Besides, you already have,” she said, crossing her arms.
“So, I take it you’re feeling okay after last night’s attempted murder matinee?” I asked.
OVERFALLS (The Merworld Water Wars, Book 2) Page 8
