Underneath

Chapter 9

I opened my eyes to see I was in someone's home. I was laying on a bed. I tried to sit up but I was too weak.

"So, you're awake now?" I heard of voice say.

I looked up to see a young boy. He looked no older than twelve. He had red hair. His tail was white. He was making some mixture.

"Drink this," he said pour it into my mouth.

It tasted like a spinach and seaweed salad. It wasn't good.

"Hi," I said to him.

"Hello."

"Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?"

"Not at all," he sat on a chair a crossed from me.

"What's your name and how old are you?"

"My name is Isaac and I am thirteen."

"Okay. Where am I?"

"You are in my house."

"Why am I here?"

"The darkness got to you and I helping you regain your strength."

"What 'The Darkness?'"

"Before you past out did you see anything chasing you that look like squid ink?"

"Yes?"

"That's the darkness. He is very dangerous. He would have killed you if I didn't find you when I did."

"I need to leave," I said trying to get up. I was too weak.

"No! You can't! The darkness will get to you again and he will kill you!"

"If he will kill me, why hasn't he killed you?"

"Do you gave one parent whose human?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"He only attaches half-folk."

"What's a half-folk?"

"It's a mermaid or merman who has one human as a parent and one mermaid or merman as the other parent."

"Makes sense."

"I still don't know your name."

"My name is Coral."

"Nice to meet you Coral."

"Nice to meet you too, Isaac."

He walked over to grab some food. He grabbed some meet, ripped it in half, and handed some to me.

"Eat up or you'll never get your strength back," he told me.

I grabbed it at took a bite.

"This is really good!" I said.

"Thanks!" Isaac responded.

The meat tasted like well done steak with the perfect amount of salt and seasoning.

"Do you live alone?" I asked him.

"Yes. My mom died last year and I never met my dad," his eyes started to tear up.

"My mom died right after I was born and to protect me my dad sent me in the human world to be raised by my grandpa."

I grabbed his hand to try and comfort him.

"You should get some sleep," he said. "It will help bring back your strength."

"Okay. I will," I replied.

"Sweet dreams!"

"Thank you!"

He left the room and I fell asleep.