✔THE STING (onc-19)

14(a). 'The adventure awaits.'

"Sheila." Kai weaved his fingers into hers, "what are we even doing? I thought, we were trying to reach your father."

"Exactly. That's what we are doing." Sheila beamed a proud smile, strengthening her grip around his fingers.

"But... how?" His face sagged down, "we don't have transformation pills, we certainly can't go back to Zaren. And all we have is this piece of paper."

"Kai," Sheila stopped, taking a moment to explain him things. "I am sorry for being manipulative, for persuading you to do dangerous things." She put her head low, her eyes now concentrated towards the slow movement of Kai's fin. "We need to complete the prophecy, that's how this bodily curse will break. That's what I think. Hopefully we become normal and live happily ever after."

Kai hesitantly lifted his index and held her chin up, "I believe you. I...trust you."

"Oh Kai," she held his fingers that were holding her chin and moved it upwards to her cheek, his thumb brushed her soft skin in appreciation, "let's do this."

They both waded across the colourful coral reef, holding each other's hand towards the orb of life, which stood like a beacon, twinkling, shining and lighting the whole abyss.

They swam along the mossy aisle, on either sides there lay a thick kelp forest. In the middle was a circular elevation , upon that was the huge orb of life. The sheer size of it was intimidating; they almost appeared as if they were ants in front of a giant elephant.

Kai closed his eyes, an unusual amalgamation of emotions created a hailstorm inside his heart. He slowly stretched his hands and touched the honeycomb like petals that were holding the orb. Each petal started to emanate bright light through its veins and started to curl inside and wilt exposing the orb.

Kai gasped and flinched, but Sheila rubbed his shoulder to comfort him, "it's alright."

Kai proceeded to touch the orb, "if I am the chosen one, if you're​ the one who led us into this. Show us what to do next." He pursed his lips and squeezed his eyes tight, as if he was talking to the sea goddess.

"Who's there?" A voice hollered at them, as his muscular body took form from behind the orb.

"Zar, it's us." Sheila rose, and Kai took his hand off the orb and joined Sheila.

"What you guys are doing here? How did you escape?" Zaren squealed, dragging them into the kelp forest beside. "God, you are gonna get us executed."

"Executed?" Sheila pouted her lips and crossed her arms, "I thought, you were our team. Prophecy? Prodigal children remember?"

"Rumour has it, that the sea witch is planning a new attack. The city is on high alerts, all the soldiers have been recruited to their respective outposts. I have been given this responsibility of protecting the orb." Zaren whisper-hushed once in a while, watchfully scanning the surrounding.

Kai grabbed Sheila's hand and said, "it's time." He looked at Zaren with a pair of expectant eyes.

"Time? Time for what?" Zaren deadpanned.

"Here, have a look." Sheila pulled the rolled paper out and handed it over to him.

"Not again, Sheila. I am done with your plans."

"No. It's the second part of the prophecy," Sheila informed him. The sentence itself intrigued Zaren's attention.

He plucked it from her hands and tracking his eyes with the bizarre spiralling lines.
"What are you looking at? Help me read it."

Sheila chanted the prophecy from the beginning to end, as if she had known it all her life. Kai watched her recite, with a sense of pride. But, Zaren's jaw dropped at the mention of 'a spittle, a sinew and a scale.'