The Mermaid of London

Chapter 10

Sometime later, a newscast was playing on a TV, showing Amelia Mides on the screen.

"After being missing for several days, Dr. Teresa "Terry" Fishbach was found alive and well, along with her missing boyfriend, Miles. A veterinarian for the Sea Life Institute, Fishbach, 25, was spotted in London. She was found by Dr. Constance Laguna, Director of Operations for the Institute, who was revealed to be Fishbach's long-lost mother."

The screen cut to Terry being interviewed by a field reporter. She was carrying Tommy in her arms. The boy was affectionately nuzzling his face into her shoulder as though he were a cat. He clearly missed his mother.

"The entire time I was kidnapped, I was worried about my son's safety," Terry explained, "I'm thankful to be able to make it home safely, and I know my friends and family are happy to hear that I'm safe."

Terry playfully pushed Tommy off her shoulder.

"Hey, settle down," she said in a facetious tone before kissing his forehead. Tommy rested his head on his mother's shoulder, having ceased the nuzzling.

"And when you were informed that Dr. Laguna being related to you, what were your initial thoughts?" asked a reporter.

"At first, I didn't know what to make of it, but I'm more than willing to accept her as my mother. Especially since the woman I thought was my mom was...well...let's just say she wasn't a nice person."

Footage showed the Marapax being arrested by London police and being hauled off into vehicles.

"According to Laguna, a group of criminal mercenaries known as the Marapax had abducted Dr. Fishbach under orders from a now deceased client. The Marapax have been detained and are awaiting trial with the International Criminal Court. We now speak with Dr. Laguna along with Freddie Peightel and Tucker O'Neil for comment."

The screen cut to Laguna, Freddie and Tucker looking very happy with a microphone held close to Laguna's mouth.

"Myself along with everyone at the Sea Life Institute are very relieved and thankful that Dr. Fishbach is safe and sound," said Laguna, "Especially with the knowledge that she is my long-lost daughter. I won't too much more at this time, but I will say that Tommy has been reunited with his mother, and I couldn't be any happier for my family."

The microphone now pointed at Freddie.

"To say I was relieved to hear that Terry was rescued would be an understatement," Freddie began, "In the time between her disappearance and her rescue, I was anxious and not in the good way."

"We have sorely missed Terry for the past couple of days," Tucker interjected, "We look forward to seeing her again at the Institute when she's ready to do so."

The screen cut back to Mides.

"Whatever happens to Terry Fishbach, Dr. Laguna, and their family going forward," she declared, "We at KGNC are happy to hear them together again and wish for nothing but the best. Especially you, Tommy. For KGNC, this has been Amelia Mides."

Over the next month, many things were happening in both Atlantis and Santa Monica. Over in Atlantis, Laguna had reclaimed the throne to Atlantis and was re-coronated as its queen. All of the soldiers were put on trial for their offenses under Ceto. Some of them were loyalists to the tyrant and were sentenced to banishment from the kingdom. The majority of the soldiers felt guilty for everything they had done. These soldiers were pardoned, but had to serve community service. Additionally, Laguna made changes to the city and its government. Taxes were drastically lowered. She reduced the monarchy's power, and installed a democracy. The statue of Ceto was torn down, symbolically ending the tyrant's rule over the city. She established a council that would make the decisions and laws, while Laguna herself would carry out or veto these laws. Upon the day of her re-coronation, she made a speech in front of her people.