Annabelle hovered in the gloom, her sapphire tail flicking impatiently as three blue-tailed mermaids returned empty-handed.
"No sign of her, Captain," one panted.
"Where did she go?" another asked, fear creeping into her voice.
Annabelle clenched her sword."She can't be far. Keep searching."
A shadow swept closer through the kelp forest. Five green-tailed mermaids emerged, led by Ivy, her green hair glowing faintly like strands of seaweed fire.
"Any sign of her, Ivy?" Annabelle called.
"No, Captain. But I think we have… a purple situation."
Annabelle's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Before Ivy could answer, the water trembled. From the abyss, a shrill screech split the silence as hundreds of writhing, eel-like creatures with glowing purple stripes charged toward them.
Paclings.
Venom dripped from their fangs as their leader spat a dark ball of energy that sizzled through the water.
"Prepare for battle!" Annabelle barked, raising her spear.
But Ivy stopped her with a grin. "Hey Captain.How about you find your daughter, and leave this ugly creatures to us."
"The nine of you against hundreds of venom-spitting sea snakes? Are you out of your mind?"
"Not quite." Ivy drew a conch-shaped whistle and blew. The sound reverberated like a quake through the ocean floor.
A moment later, the waters roared with thunder. A hundred green-tailed warriors appeared astride massive seahorses, bows notched, eyes blazing.
Annabelle couldn't help but smile as arrows streaked into the Paclings, lighting up the water like fireflies.
"See?" Ivy winked. "We're never outnumbered. Go. Find your daughter. We'll handle this piece of cake."
Annabelle gave her a curt nod, then motioned to her squad to follow. Behind her, Ivy's battle cry shook the ocean.
"Battle formation! ATTACK!"
The clash of Paclings and seahorse cavalry faded as Annabelle pushed on, deeper into the barren oceanbed. Towering rock piles rose like graves.
She unleashed a sonic scream. The vibration shattered a mound into dust.
Clap… clap… clap.
Someone clapped behind her.
Annabelle spun.
Klara floated from the shadows, her crimson spear in hand, lips curved in a cruel smile.
"Is this the best time to scream at rocks while your friends face casualties against venomous sea snakes? Seriously Captain?" Klara growled swimming towards her.
"I'm searching for my daughter," Annabelle hissed.
"No. You're hiding." Klara said I'm fury."It's been too long since I reminded you of my wrath Annabelle."
Klara raised her spear and threw it her.The spear blazed with energy as it hurtled straight at Annabelle.
...
*************************
Celestine left Luke at the nurse's office and headed to girls locker room. On her way,she met three boys waiting at him at the hallway. Judging from their grins and confident looks,their intentions couldn't be pure by any chance.
'Oh come on. I'm not ready for this again.' She thought.
'Can I smash them for you this time,' Raho asked her in her thoughts.
'Not now Raho. It's not necessary.'
'Then when?'
'I can look after myself.'
Celestine turned around in an attempt to run away only to bump into Sam's broad chest. She stumbled back in fear.
"Hey Celestine. All the prefect's,including Rockie and Ruksy,are having a meeting with the teachers." He said taking steps towards her as she walked backwards only to be cornered between the two gangs.
" Nothing can stop us from doing what we want to you." Sam said grinning at her.
Celestine didn't know whether to scream for help or unleash Raho, the Magic Ring.
TO BE CONTINUED...