Hide… hide for me.

Swim as far as your fins can take you.

 Midnight when the moon makes its way across the horizon and stars follow suit. Is the time a young boy, with skin as blue as the night sky and features resembling a shark, moves gracefully across the sea floor. “The ocean is exceptionally crisp during this time. I wonder if I will discover anything up at this hour.”

The boy swims all the way from the ocean’s center to the shore, where his fins give out. “Goodness, thank you gods for keeping me safe.” With caution, the boy emerges his head from the water and glances around. “Seems like no one’s around. I’ll just rest here till mum finds me.” With only his fin visible, the boy submerged himself in the sand. He then drifts to sleep.

“This way Ivy. Let’s follow the crabs.”

“No, we’re supposed to be looking for shells.”

“Wait, what’s that?” Naga takes Ivy’s hand and guides her towards the unconscious boy. “Is this… what is this?” Naga pokes the boy’s fin with a stick. “Eek, stop Naga! Don’t poke it, that’s a shark!” “Stop lying! Sharks are extinct.”

Naga repeatedly prods the unconscious boy until bubbles form around his fin. “Ahh! It’s alive!” The boy lifts his face up from the sand. His eyes, clouded and radiant in a luminous blue hue, “Oh, you’re not a shark?”

“See told you Ivy.”

“Ha, he’s right, I’m actually part dolphin.” The boy brushes off the sand and offers his hand. “It’s delightful to make your acquaintance,” he says. “Hm, nice to meet cha. My name is Naga, and this is my sister Ivy.” “Hello.” says Ivy. “Nice names you two have. My apologies for being inquisitive, but I couldn’t resist noticing your impressive array of shells. What purpose do they serve?”

The boy gestures at the pile of shells Ivy is holding. “Oh, theses? These shells are to be put on a dress to attract a beautiful prince.” “Oh, Brilliant, but in my opinion, shells to us sea folk are a familiar sight. The secret to catching a prince’s attention lies in using stunning pearls.

The blue boy rips the pearls from around his neck and hands it to the siblings. “This is the most stunning thing I’ve ever laid eyes on! Naga, add this to it!” Naga sketches a dress in the sand and includes pearls. “This is just what we needed,” Naga says.

“See told you.”

“Hey, you never told us your name,” says Naga. “Oops, sorry for the confusion. I go by M-morty, or well, Mortimer.” He stutters “Ha, nice to meet you Morty-Mortimer.”

Hey… hey… Morty.

MORTIMER WAKE UPPPP!

“Ahh!” Mortimer takes a sloshy pillow to the face before waking. Someone then rips off his sleeping mask. “Oh, good morning, Mira, my lovely sea star. How are you this morning?” “How am I? Terrible! I was trying for ten years to wake you up! I thought you were dead or something,” Mira says. “My apologizes little one, but I’m certain it was not that long.” “I’m not that little. Just seven years younger, nothing more.”

“Oh, really, well, you seem tiny in my eyes!” Mortimer grabs his sister and tickles her. Despite Mira’s efforts to hold in her laughter, it inevitably escapes. “Alright, alright!” “Stop it,” she says playfully, giggling. Mortimer puts an end to his sister’s torment. Then he kisses her fin. “Hehe, were you dreaming about daddy again?” ask Mira. “This time, no.”

“Can you share what you were dreaming about?” “Just a fond memory.” says Mortimer. “Oh, was I in this one?” “No, you weren’t around at that time.”

“Darts. Hey, Mortimer.” “Yes?” “Dad will come back… right?” “Yes, undoubtedly, he will. Once he returns, he will be thrilled to finally meet you.” “You promise?” ask Mira. “Of course, of course I do.” “Wonderful! Anyway, Mum said breakfast is ready.” “Great, let’s go.” Mortimer places Mira on his back and swims down the stairs.

“I hope we’re having breakfast sushi.” Mortimer says. “I think we’re having seaweed wraps again.” Mira replies. “Oh.” Mortimer’s face shifts into a frown.

Upon descending the stairs, they find their mother in the kitchen. “Mum!” Mira shouts and hugs her mother. “Hmm, oh good morning, my little minnow.” “Morning, Mum.” Mortimer says as he hugs his mother. “Mrs. Ayla is wondering if you’ll be getting Naga for school today.” “He agreed! Of course, I will. Just let me get dressed.” Mortimer says. “Seeing you two together again brings me so much joy. Say hello to them for me, okay dear.” “Will do, Mum.”

***

“Mother, I’m ready to leave.” “Wait, I’m coming! Oh, just look at you, it’s like when you were little all over again.” “I’m not little anymore, Mum.” “I know, I know. Just be safe out there, okay.” Lady Ara kisses Mortimer’s cheek and pulls him in for a hug. “I will Mum.” “Okay, Mira, Mortimer is leaving.” “Bye brother!”

“Bye Mira!”

“Okay, bye sweetie, make sure you take the hippocampus with you. She needs a walk.” “Okay, mother.” Mortimer swims to the stables to fetch his faithful steed. Coming up from the water, Mortimer began a new adventure.

Oh! It seems I forgot to introduce myself. Greetings! My name is Mortimer and I am a Giya. I reside in the magnificent underwater kingdom known as Atlantis. It’s pretty impressive. Today marks the orientation day for Oakwood Academy. It’s a space that offers learning opportunities to many people.

I’m going there to gain external knowledge for the royal guard in order to advance in the ranks. I am unaware of why Naga decided to go. However, disregard what I mentioned earlier—I’m going over to my best buddy’s place. So, none of that is important. It’s a relief to be finally able to see him again after all this time. Hm, so much happening today, speaking of which we are here.

Mortimer emerges from the water and proceeds along the path towards the house shaped like a hill. Knocking on the door, he patiently waits for it to open. Upon his knocks, he hears a commotion coming from inside.

“Can someone please get the door!” “I can’t, I’m making dinner.” “Ivy, get the door! I’m dressing the twins!” “Why am I left to do everything!?” When Ivy opens the door, the sight of Mortimer takes her aback. He, too, is in a state of shock.

“Oh, hi Morty,” Ivy exclaims as she moves in for a hug. “Sorry about that. It’s been a long day. How have you been?” Ayla slithers to the door, moving Ivy forcefully aside. “Mortimer darling!” Ayla says as she kisses his cheek.

“How have you been?” “I’ve been well Mrs. Ayla. Do you know where Naga is? I desire to speak with him.” “He’s upstairs dear.” “Thank you. I’ll be sure to catch up with you both soon.” “Certainly, my dear.” As Mortimer ascends the stairs, he finds Naga struggling with his clothing. “Ugh, why the hell are clothes so hard to put on!” Naga shouts. “Um, do you need assistance?” “Ahh! Morty, you scared me.”

“My apologies, the door was open,” says Mortimer. Mortimer assists Naga in pulling his shirt over his head. “Don’t sweat it. It’s not really a door, just a solid chunk of wood. I’m sorry for being so long. It’s not your fault. Nice to see you again bud.” “It’s lovely to see you again too, my friend. It seems like you’ve been keeping yourself occupied.” Mortimer looks around his friend’s room. It’s decorated with sketches of fancy clothing. “I have. This might sound silly, but… never mind. My mind is just overflowing with ideas.”

“Are you ready to go?” asks Mortimer. “Yeah, let bounce. Mom! We’re heading out!” “Okay, love!” The moment they exit, Naga and Mortimer are greeted by a hippocampus. “Wait, what about this girl?” Naga asks. “She knows her way around water and is a good girl. It’s time for you to head home, girl.” The hippocampus dives into the water and swims off. “She’s a pretty thing. How old is she?” Naga asks. “Around the same age as Mira, nine years old, I believe.”

“Whoa, they get huge.”

“I couldn’t agree more. She’s even outgrown her stable.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I believe the school is in this direction.” says Mortimer. “It isn’t far, is it?” Naga asks. “No, it should be a quick walk. Simply follow this path.” While Mortimer and Naga pursued the trail, they chatted about a range of subjects. They talked about their day, their families, and even the queen of Atlantis. But, as they come closer, Mortimer’s anxiety rises.

“We have arrived.”

They arrive at a building that remains hidden, thanks to the wall and tall trees that tower over it. The deep chimes of the grand clock on the building echo throughout the forest. Upon arrival, they find themselves at a five-story academy. The color is a deep shade of brown, and the windows glisten with their own shine. Stoney pathways guides you to a courtyard made of gray stained bricks. Creatures often take a stroll in this commonplace.

There is a gate beneath the spiraling stair that is positioned in front of the grand door. Vines cascade down the side, accompanied by vibrant flora. Tall, colorful bushes adorn the sides.

Naga climbs the stairs, while Mortimer hesitates at the entrance. “Morty, are you okay?” “Yes, I’m just a little nervous is all.” “Trust me, you’ll be alright.” Naga assured, “There is nothing to be nervous about.” “I know, but…” Something catches Mortimer’s gaze. “Huh?”

 “What,” Naga inquires.

“Did you catch that bush moving, or was it just my imagination?” “What bush?” Mortimer gestures towards the bushes alongside the stairs. Suddenly, the boys hear whispering coming from the bushes, which startles them.

“Oh, that’s not supposed to happen?” says Naga.