The three boys are soon able to defeat the Phantom.
As it melts, the Phantom says, "I WANT...TO BE FRIENDS...TOO..." And melted into a puddle.
"The Phantoms are considerably stronger down here," Azul says.
"Definitely. We made the right call resting while the spear was charging. Fatigue can affect your concentration, which is just asking for trouble as a mage," Riddle says. "Speaking of trouble —I'd like to double-check something. Your transformation potion won't suddenly wear off, will it?
"Not so long as I take it as prescribed," Azul says. "It used to be that one dose would maintain a transformation for three days max... But with recent advancements in the field, transformations can last anywhere from a week to 10 days. The potions aren't exactly tasty, so I appreciate having to take fewer doses overall. But even then, Floyd sometimes forgets to take his. And then I hear things like, 'Hey, my ears are fins again!' or 'My fingers grew some webbin'!'"
Tanzanite giggles, "That sounds like something Floyd would say."
Then Riddle says, "I've never taken one myself. I guess living your whole life transformed has its drawbacks. I was prepared for some hardship when I decided to come on land. And I wouldn't say it's a huge drawback. Not to mention, we get ample support from an organization that helps merfolk who move onto land. They provide training for us, so we can lead a pleasant terrestrial life. The org's highly generous and accepts merfolk from all walks of life, so long as they want to live on land. They do more than training, too. If you ask they'll provide you with transformation potions that are normally quite hard to come by... AND ALL FOR FREE! Well, they only give those out to 'promising youth.' But even so, they're extraordinarily generous. I admit I was skeptical when I first heard about them. I insisted it was too good to be true. There had to be a catch. But I couldn't find one, no matter how deep I dug. Apparently someone set up the whole thing just out of the goodness of her heart. I imagine that land-aspiring merfolk are few and far between, so even with a high cost per person, they can afford it without going bankrupt. I put in an application there as soon as I got accepted into Night Raven College.
So you even did your due diligence for that. You really are calculating, aren't you?" Riddle questions.
"Why, thank you I take that as a compliment. The organization was quite delighted, by the way, "Azul says, "From what I understand, they want MORE merfolk to use their services, so they can spread the goodwill of their founder. They're extremely eager about it. They go on about how kindness gives rise to more kindness, and how that concept is the pride of the Sunshine Lands. Hah! Hilarious. You can't make this stuff up."
That catches Riddle's attention, "...Wait, the organization is in the Sunshine Lands? I figured it would ve been based in the Coral Sea since it's for merfolk.
"No, it was founded by a mermaid princess who migrated to the Sunshine Lands a long time ago," Azul confirms.
"Ahh, I see. I do recall reading about that in a history book. Back when there weren't any formal relations between land and sea folk... A prince of the Sunshine Lands wedded a princess from the Coral Sea. And the Sunshine Lands have maintained friendly relations with merfolk ever since," Riddle says.
"I remember reading it as well. In fact, the prince and princess bore a daughter of both land and sea," Tanzanite says.
"Yes, that's right," Azul says, "It's probably safe to say that the Sunshine Landers' friendliness toward merfolk can be traced back to that mermaid princess. Would you believe that the entire organization is run by volunteers? Historic or no, it's full of complete saps. I mean, I am grateful for it since I'm availing myself of their services. That, and it's quite a warm, welcoming place. Perhaps one day you could..."
Soon, Azul looks ahead, "Ah, look. We're coming up to the next containment facility."
"There's no question Ortho will have some twisted game ready for us. Keep your wits about you," Riddle says.
Tanzanite and Azul nod their heads in reply.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld
FanfictionAfter Grim attacked Briar after the SDC, she and her friends search for him, but captured by Ortho. A few days later, the school has been invaded by strong people is armor, and has captured, Riddle, Leona, Azul, Jamil, Vil, and Briar, and has Grim i...
