OVERFALLS (The Merworld Water Wars, Book 2) (43 page)

Once Meikle, Ophelia, and I got to the base of the wall, Jex cried out, “M-move!”

“Geez, be all demand-y, why don’t you?” I grumbled.

“Christ, Savior! D-don’t mean hurry-move…I mean MOVE!”

An area of wall beneath Jex slid open; leaping out of the dark was a three-headed creature with the tail of a snake, the midsection of a goat that closely resembled an undead dragon, and the front of a lioness, its eyes dripping blood.

“Oh suck.”

“What the hell is that?!” screamed Ophelia.

“Chimera,” said Meikle. “What? I read more than spell books.” Just then, the lion swung its monstrous claw, knocking Meikle sideways.

“MEEKS!”

“Bitch clawed my bag!” Though her bag took the brunt of the Chimera’s strike, it didn’t seem to tear. Dodging the snapping snake-tail, Meikle screamed, “FREEZE IT!”

Ophelia tried, but to no avail. “It won’t freeze! Blow it up!”

Just as I tried to blast the thing, the snake spit slime all over its body. Every time I tried blowing it up, nothing happened. “That slime made it immune to the boom.” And the gel shield was completely useless—it either melted on contact or exploded with a single stare from the lion’s bloody eyes. “We need a—holy crap!” I yelled, dodging a crazy, wavy flame erupting from the mouths of all three heads. “Fire! It breathes fire!”

“Buy me time while I think of a spell!” Meikle stood back, occasionally tossing a tripping curse towards the lion’s paws, while Ophelia and I ran around like jackasses, trying to avoid being bitten, sprayed with venom, clawed, or burned.

“OH!” Ophelia soared backwards; the goat kicked her hard in the stomach. Now, it was just me and the Chimera.

“Any day, Meeks!” I screamed, leaping over the swinging snake’s head, barely escaping the goat’s kicks, and rolling beneath bursts of fire, some of which scorched my arms and neck.

“Almost got it!”

Suddenly, something flew over our heads, crashed to the ground in front of us, and rolled right up to the feet of the Chimera.

“Oh God.” It was Airianna. “AIRI!” She was unconscious. The lion roared and lowered its jaws towards Airianna. “NO!” Knowing neither of my powers would protect her, I ran for her—sliding beneath the rapidly descending jaws, I shoved Airianna out of the way—the next sensation I felt was that of teeth piercing my waist and stomach. The pain was immeasurable.

“MARINA!” shouted Ophelia, running for the beast and kicking the lion in the jaws, dislodging two of its fangs.

“Got it! Marina, Ophelia, use your powers when I say fire!” shouted Meikle.

Just before she started her spell, I spotted a small piece of parchment clipped to the lion’s left paw. I removed the paper and found a frantically scribbled note:
Rewind & scroll down to the path once traveled
.

“To force my course upon the mane, may fire be your pain; hear my plea, let our powers be stronger than thee.”

And with the word ‘fire,’ Meikle’s spell forced the Chimera to breathe flames; Ophelia quickly froze the blazes; gathering as much energy as possible, I hit the frozen fires protruding from the creature’s open mouths with my blasting power—the fire exploded, causing the three-headed beast to burst into a cloud of black soot.

“We did it!” shouted Ophelia.

“H-have to get Jex,” I said, scraping myself along the ground, trying to stay conscious. “Ophelia, check on Airi.”

“Marina, stay still,” said Meikle. She scooped up a handful of the black soot, formerly known as the Chimera, and sprinkled it on my gushing bite.

“SON OF A—” It burned like freaking hell! Just as quickly, however, the wound closed up and stopped hurting.

“Uh, son of a what, now?” said Meikle, smirking and holding a hand to her ear.

“We’ll talk about your genius later. For now, I’ve got to get Jex,” I said, feeling totally energized.

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Katrina, Troy, and Irving still fighting their Chimera, while Gully continued shouting paths for Trey and Polly to block, keeping Benji and Muriel clear of Margaretta. Not certain whether Savior speed works when climbing, I carefully, albeit slowly, started my way up the volcanic-like wall.

“Aw, Savior, you’re k-killin’ me,” said Jex, breathing heavily. “For the sake of all God’s unholy creatures, turn on the bloody speed!”

Okay, so Savior speed works when climbing. How the hell was I supposed to know? “Close your eyes,” I said, once I reached him. Once I blasted his lava restraints, Jex soared off the wall. Unfortunately, his wing knocked me clean off.

“Savior, Savior,” said Jex, swooping underneath me. “Always making me hold you.”

“You complaining about how I saved you?”

“Trust me, Savior, I’ve got no complaints…about anything,” he said, landing gently as a large conch blew in the distance.

“NORMALS WIN!” shouted Kori.

Shockingly, the crowd actually erupted in applause. Sneaking a glance at Queen Zale in the royal box, I smiled—her furious eyes surveying the fans said everything I needed to know, for the Normals not only won the match, we won the crowd, including Merpeople.

“Nice kick to the beastie, Ophelia. Welcome to the party, little ninja,” said Jex, patting Ophelia on the back.

“Thanks,” she said, just before her eyes glazed over and she passed out.

“Wake her up, Meeks,” said Jex, laughing.

“Now that your coach is free and safe…team Merpeople, you did a nice job,” said Kori. “You were just a little late in defeating the Chimera. I think we can all agree both teams have shown tremendous strength, talent, and courage through these most challenging matches. But what I love to see is the mutual admiration contestants have for one another. I saw Prince Troy protect Marina from the flames; Trey cushion Airianna’s fall with a handmade cloud—by the way, Airi, we’re glad you’re okay after Irving’s silver snow bomb misfire; and we saw Marina spare Airianna from a vicious Chimera bite, taking the painful attack for herself. It’s this kind of camaraderie that honors Poseidon’s vision for the Overfalls, and one we should all celebrate.” Kori’s words brought the crowd to their feet.

“Never thought the fans would ever celebrate us,” I said.

“Never thought Kori was so articulate,” said Jex. “Of course, her words were limited to ‘yes’ and ‘Oh Poseidon’ during our encounter.”

“And now for the final team results.” Kori retrieved the envelope from a scowling Mr. Smarmy. “Team Normals…you have just increased your lead to twenty-three points!”

Our hoots and hollers were surprisingly on par with that of the crowd. I’d be lying if I didn’t say the cheers felt awfully good.

“Okay, okay, y’all calm down! We have another announcement…Madame Helena.” Kori bowed to the crowd and handed the microphone to Madame Helena.

“Though the team matches are over, there is still one more chance for the Merpeople to win the Overfalls. That chance rests on the shoulders of one contestant. Likewise, a sole member of team Normals will bear the burden of maintaining their lead and securing the win. Those two contestants…will be announced on the final night in June during the underwater festival sponsored by King Salverz.” The crowd booed, but, honestly, I think we were just too tired and sore to hear (and stress over) the identities of the two people who will go head-to-head in the final match. “The face-off match will take place in July, the exact date of which will be announced during the festival. Until then…”

Airianna, sporting a large bruise on her cheek, walked over and hugged me. “Thank you, Marina. Irving’s an ass of epic proportions.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” I said.

At Airianna’s words, Ophelia winced, frowned, and studied the ground. “I’m sorry he hurt you.”

“Not your place to apologize for him, Ophelia. And I’m okay. Just…watch your step, there,” said Airianna, grasping Ophelia’s hands in hers.

“Baby girl!” Mom hurried towards me and threw her arms around me.

“Love you, but really ouch,” I said, wincing.

Mom immediately let me go. “I’m sorry, sweetheart! You were brilliant, all of you were. I’m so glad these matches are over!”

“There’s still the two-person party left,” Polly supplied.

“Oh, I know…I just choose not to remember, acknowledge, or otherwise give it the time of day until the day,” said Mom airily. “Now, how do you want to celebrate? Snack? Party? Yes, the mom is offering a p-a-r-t-y. Now would be the time to take advantage.”

“Only one word sounds good…home,” I said. “I’m unusually exhausted.”

“It’s the bite,” said Jex. “A Chimera’s bite, even when healed, drains you of vigor.”

“A three-headed, fire-breathing, venom-oozing, vigor-draining demon. Think that’s enough to warrant a ‘let’s go,’” I said, looping my arm through Airianna’s.

“Marina?” Troy gently grabbed my arm. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m fine.” Blood trickled down his arm and forehead. “Are you okay?” I wanted to tend to his wounds and kiss him for hours.

“Yeah, you know, injuries don’t hurt me like…other things do,” he said, touching my face. “And, uh, I found this note on the Chimera. Figured you could give it to Doctor Tenly and Gully. It says:
Fast-forward and scroll up to the path not yet traveled
.” He handed me the note and ran his hand through the ends of my hair. “I’m glad you’re safe, Rubylocks.” With that, he ran away.

“Why the run? Does he have to run every time? And it’s really not so much the run as it is the away part. It’s upsetting,” I quipped with a pinch of whine.

“Speaking of run, we’re about to do that,” said Polly. “Meeks and I have plans.”

“Post-almost-death plans? What can top the exuberant ‘I fought death and won’ sentiment?” I asked.

“Stuff,” said Meikle.

“In other words, we’re keeping you out of the loops,” Polly clarified, waving as she and Meikle rushed off.

I couldn’t stop from pouting. “Loops? There are loops? As in more than one?”

“You did splendidly!” Doctor Tenly and Treeva joined us.

“Here,” I said, shoving the two notes in his hand. “Both were clipped to a Chimera. Troy found one; I found the other. Do you think they have something to do with The Dealer?”

“Gully?” said Doctor Tenly, handing her the notes after reading them.

“They’re not at all connected to the assassin. Whoever wrote them is terrified of something, but wants to help,” said Gully a few seconds later.

“What about the messages themselves? Any idea what they mean?” I asked. “I thought it might have to do with the scroll, since both notes used the word.”

Doctor Tenly nodded. “Think you’re right, but I believe Gully has picked up on something else.”

“Time travel,” she said. “Both notes suggest time travel.”

“Time travel! Can we do that?” I said.

“Not until we understand more about where this person wants you to go,” said Doctor Tenly. “I have ideas, as always.”

“And I have none, as always,” I groaned. “Head hurts, pillow good.”

“Come on,” said Airianna, grinning. “Home.”

Since Polly and Meikle had to take care of whatever, and Ophelia was busy arguing with Irving, Jex—holding Spritz, who was busy licking the marks left by the lava restraints—Trey, Gully, Maile, Benji, Airianna, Doctor Tenly, Treeva, Mr. Gibbs, Mom, and I took the beach route home. As we neared my house, Spritz jumped from Jex’s arms and rushed to my window, barking and growling.

I ran to catch up with the pup, but stopped suddenly when my window came into view. There, glowing purple around the frame, were countless playing cards—the one of spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs—nailed to the house in the shape of a “D.” Approaching the cards, I saw the same word written on the face of each one:
D
ecided.

“It’s after every damn match,” said Mom. “Why? What does it mean?”

“The Dealer’s been sending us a message beyond the cards this whole time,” I said. “The Dealer plans to kill after the final match.”

“And that’s not all,” said Gully. “The decision has been made. The victim has been chosen.”

Mom started angrily ripping the cards from the side of the house.

And then, it happened. I cried. I fell to my knees and sobbed. Airianna wrapped her arms around me, stroking my hair. Jex was right. The tears finally fell for the one I needed now more than anyone else—for the one who was so close, yet completely out of reach.

Chapter Twenty-One

Promenade

There are many words that rhyme with stag—nag, lag, hag. Yeah, okay, we’ll stop there. Well, thanks to my brain, I feel crappier than I did slapping on my makeup, straightening the hair, and putting on a truly stunning dress for no one. Oh, God, this sucks in a bad way, especially when I consider how this night might have gone—must not think about it, unless I’d like to accompany my dateless self with mascara tears.

“Baby girl! Picture time!” Mom trilled.

Ugh. The dreaded prom picture parade—totally a mom thing, I get it, although I’m pretty sure she’d rather take pictures of her daughter with a date than with, uh, herself. Ten bucks says Mom’s subconscious will quickly substitute Spritz for my missing date after she realizes how pathetically empty the frame looks with just me. Placing my pāua shell necklace around my neck, feeling terribly lonely, I gave myself the once-over and congratulated my hair and skin on a surprisingly problem-free night. I slipped on my daisy-adorned heels Maile designed to match my float-y, butter cream-yellow dress. Walking into the living room, Mom clasped her hands over her heart.

“You are a vision, sweetheart! You look absolutely beautiful! And I love the part-up hairstyle. There’s just one thing missing,” she said, adding a dainty daisy clip to the back of my hair. “There. Little something from Mama to baby girl.”

“Thank you, Mom. I love it,” I said. “Better than a corsage.” Oh, damn. I didn’t mean to ignite the sad-mom head-tilt.

“I’m so sorry about Troy. Even though he did the only thing a man in love could do, given the circumstances…you deserved the perfect prom.”

“At least I’m getting a prom, right? It wasn’t that long ago we figured the only prom I’d get was one of dirty uniforms, drugged punch, and a prom queen who’d be subjected to electroshock therapy when crowned.”