Millions (#2)

Loss

"Why aren't the sirens doing anything?", Leo asked.

"They're all either nearly deaf or Ace!", Charles' Mom shouted over the roaring waves.

"What does that mean?", Charles asked.

"We can't effect them with any spell or song."

Everyone went into a panic.

"We're as good as dead!"

"Get the younger workers to safety!"

"I should've stayed home!"

Mermaids were being slaughtered left and right, harpoons digging into their tails. "Leo?", Charles shouted, trying to find him through the crowd, "Mom?!"

His mother swam through the sea, with Leo close behind, "I want you two to swim through the emergency undertow as fast as you can."

"Mom?"

"Stay together, do you hear me? Don't let each other out of your sight."

"M-Mom?"

"Once you're safe, find your group leader, and make sure to always be under shelter."

"Mom!", Charles cried, "Why can't you go with us?"

"I have to try to protect whatever and whoever I can.", his mom answered, tears filling her eyes. She blinked them away quickly before Leo could see them.

"I won't let you down.", Leo said, "Come on Charles."

Charles swam away from the crowd, waving goodbye helplessly to his mother.