Marina's Point of View

Sea Bottom

All the water disappeared from the building we were in as shouts could be heard from within. Screams sounded from outside by the balconies. Looking over, I saw that there was no water to be seen except in the distance. However, as I was trying to understand what was happening, the woman who I suspected was the Queen, grabbed me by the back of my neck and started dragging me to the balcony.

My tail flopped around as I felt the grip on the back of my neck tighten. “A beacon, indeed.” She mumbled before hoisting me into the air. “Looking for something?”

As I struggled to break free, my eyes looked around and saw that all the water had been removed from the area. We were now in a giant underwater pocket. Many looked confused, but more were looking up. Following their gazes, I saw what they were looking at, which included the Queen.

Floating above, my father was adorned in all his armor and had Defiance at the ready. The orb was pulled from my hand and shot up to him. It immediately went to his sword to lock in place. He looked around for a moment and seemed unhappy.

“Before we start, I’d like to ask my daughter a question.” Father told them as his voice carried through the vacuum. “Did you do something you shouldn’t have?”

“No!” I yelled before yelping in pain as the woman’s grip tightened around my neck.

“I see. Then I request she be let go. She was not sent her with malicious intent, but to talk.” He told the Queen.

“She trespassed. As are you.” I could practically hear her sneer. “Not to mention that you are threatening my people. There are children here who have never gone topside and are not used to breathing with their lungs.” She told him, and he watched on indifferently. “Several could die if you do not let the water return.”

His response wasn’t surprising. “Then I suggest you let Marina go. Otherwise, you’ll be the one killing your people. I came here to talk, but if you insist on holding a hostage, I can’t stop you from holding them all hostage.” Her grip tightened a little at that. “This ends when you decide it ends.”

“They’re children!”

“And what do you think Marina is to me? Release her, and you have my word that I will let the water return.” Father told her plainly.

I was suddenly dropped and fell to the balcony before I was floated into the air. “Father!” My call got him to focus on me.

He looked me over as he put Defiance away on his back. “Are you hurt?” I shook my head as I floated beside him. “Good.”

“Return the water to our kingdom!” The Queen shouted from below.

Father’s gaze returned to her, and he seemed to contemplate how to continue. “Father…” I tapped his shoulder.

Sighing, he glanced at me. “You might need to translate for me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to understand them underwater like you.” She nodded.

Water began to fall from above in dozens of streams. Soon, the water level through the massive underwater kingdom began to fill and the air disappeared. Buildings were engulfed as Arthur slowly filtered the air out so no one would get hurt. It was a kind gesture. One I’m sure they would understand.

However, it took time. The Kingdom was truly massive. From where we floated and watched the water refill, I could see how vast Crawlana truly was. I didn’t know if they had other cities, but this place could swallow Helmsforth many times over. Truly a jewel under the sea.

Things should go in a more civilized manner now that my father had arrived. Still, something was wrong about all of this. My gaze drifted to him as he kept his eyes sharp and his energy at the ready. Almost like he was waiting for something. As the water got to our feet, we plunged into the water as the rest of the area filled. The bubbles clouded my vision, so I couldn’t see anything.

A piercing sensation slammed into my shoulder and ripped through it. Being unable to see anything, I grabbed at it in pain and screamed. However, I was pushed as the bubbles started to clear. The last thing I saw before I disappeared into a portal was my father shoving me out of the way as several ice lances pierced through him. Reaching for his hand, I tried to grab it, but it was severed as I could only watch in horror.

“Father!” I cried out for him as one tore through his left eye.

Grabbing onto his detached hand as the portal closed, dozens of the lances slammed into him as crimson water flooded out onto the ground as I appeared back in Helmsforth. Screaming in pain as I clutched at my shoulder, many voices started yelling all around me. Hands grabbed me to help me, but the wound didn’t feel normal. My eyes cracked open, and I saw Lucia looking down at me in fear.

Rock’s roar came through as I watched him move everyone out of the way. He quickly picked me up and ran into the mansion. Everything seemed like a blur as he threw me into the water inside. Once it surrounded me, I went to work. Focusing on my shoulder, I cleansed it as best I could before my vision started to go black.