The Eighteenth Year

Chapter 12

1:06

I finally reached the palace. Triton in hand, I burst through the doors of the palace, past the hallway of pictures, and into Neptune’s office. He looked at me and smiled as I handed him the triton.

“I knew you could do it. This was a test, I knew exactly where the Triton was and I was monitoring your journey the whole way. You saved Mermaidia, and for that I am indebted to you,” he smiled and bowed, “not only did you bring back the triton, you behaved like a true hero.”

“Wow, thank you” I stammered. A hero? Me?

“You’re quite welcome, although I should be thanking you! A gift for your bravery, courage, and sacrifice.” He handed me a tiara made out of coral. It was beautiful.

“Thank you so much, I love it.” He smiled.

“Now, a pair of legs would make you happy, correct?” He asked.

I started to shake my head yes, but I stopped. I didn’t know if I could leave such a beautiful place. I don’t know whether or not I should return home.

“Can I talk to my friends first?” I asked.

“Of course, take as much time as you need. Oh and just so you know, your friend Larissa saw you get captured by the sharks and alerted me. Broker, Dwindler, and the rest of the sharks have been captured and are about to be arrested.” He smiled and pointed towards the window, I could see Broker and Dwindler in fincuffs getting escorted to the dungeon. “you won’t have to worry about them anymore.”

“Awesome, I’m glad it all worked out.” I said, smiling

I swam away, I was heading for Larissa’s house.

2:00 p.m.

I knocked on her door, she opened it and pulled me into a hug.

“I was so nervous for you, so I followed you. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She hugged me again.

“Yeah, I’m alright. Thank you for alerting the guards. Because of you, this worked out perfectly.” I responded.

“Are you kidding? You saved the ocean, Kaela! You’re going to be human again!” She smiled.

“About that, I’m not sure I want to leave here.” She frowned.

“Honey, you belong on land with your family and friends. I know this place seems incredible, but this isn’t your home. You have to go back.” She looked at me, waiting to see me smile.

“You’re right. I’m really going to miss you though.” I smiled at her.

“And I’ll miss you too, but you need to go home.” She hugged me. “Stay safe.”

 “Thank you, Larissa. I’ll miss you!” She smiled and waved me goodbye.

 

2:20 p.m.

“I’m ready, Sir.” I said to Neptune.

He pointed his Triton at me. My eyes were darting everywhere. I was really going to miss this place. He lowered his triton, he could see the hesitance in my eyes.

“Tell you what,” he grabbed a bottle from the cabinet behind him and handed it to me. “this bottle has temporary mermaid magic inside. Just put a drop of this on your foot and dive into the water. You will regain your tail for as long as you want. And when you crawl out of the water, the tail will vanish.” I looked at him and smiled. Now I was really getting the best of both worlds. A gold string entered my feet and separated them. Legs. I had legs. I was human again!