Chapter Nine ★ Burn Bright Cont’

｡☆✼★━ Luna ━★✼☆｡

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Doc rubbed the back of his neck. He certainly was hesitating about something. Time to needle him. I squinted at him and placed my hands onto my hips then leaned forward.

“Doc, quit stalling. Time’s not on our side. My abilities… are they??” I said and eyed him real good.

He moved away and found the ocean floor view to be somewhat interesting. Oh for the love of Triton. I stomped over to where he stood and whirled him back around. He let out a small squeal and winced.

Rolling my eyes I sighed, “Doc, I ain’t gonna kill ya. I just want to know… do I have my special abilities or not?”

Pearl chimed in and teased, “You better answer her Doc. Luna never gives up. You of all people know that.”

He shrugged off my hands that made him face me. Then took one step back. Out of a nervous habit he removed his glasses and polished them on his dust riddled lab coat.

I arched an eyebrow, “Doc. Quit stalling.”

“Well…” He hawed then hummed, “you see…”

“Out with it.” I said and motioned with my hand in a come hither movement.

He rubbed the back of his neck and tried to not make eye contact then mumbled, “Your powers won’t work.”

Won’t work? Is he serious? A scowl crawled across my lips and settled in for a long stay as my eyes narrowed. I asked, “What do you mean they won’t work?”

Doc cringed back then covered his head and shut his eyes, “They’re tied to your sharkiness. Please don’t eat me.”

“Huh?” I said. Sharkiness? What in the world?

Pearl placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a shake. She said, “Luna we have to go now or the boy might be dead before we can even save him.”

“Dang boy.” I spat. “It’s his fault. Maybe I should let Ray end him.”

Her eyes turned cold and distant. She let her hand slip from my shoulder and go limp by her side. Pearl asked, “Has your heart changed too? We merpeople have sworn to look after mankind.”

I snarked back, “No. My heart has not changed. Sharkiness or not I’m still me.”

“Then prove it.” She jutted out her chin and motioned to the doorway.

The doorway remained open. No one had come and checked in on us since this whole fiasco started. Surely my father would have caught wind of weird happenings down in haunted medical bay one.

This didn’t sit right with me at all. I hugged my shoulders and glanced back towards Pearl. Her stare never wavered as she waited for my reply.

So, I did but I bet it wasn’t what she wanted. I cocked my head to one side and said, “Huh, why hasn’t anyone checked in on us?”

“You’re changing the subject Luna.” Pearl reminded me. I ignored her and walked towards the doorway. The ambience sent chills down my spine.

Doc stayed put and watched us both bicker. Each step was soundless on the tiled floor. I listened for anyone outside in the hallway. Nothing.

The acrid smell of putrid rotting pond scum assaulted my nostrils. I jumped back and grabbed my nose. Through my hand I asked, “Guys… how long did the cure take? How long was I out?”

Pearl also covered her mouth and nose as the smell grew stronger. She replied, “Only thirty minutes. Why?”

In the background I heard Doc fall to the floor in a loud thump. Great. Just peachy keen. I breathed through my mouth and answered, “Our alligator friend is back.”

She took a sharp breath and whimpered due to the increased acidity of the air. The more we breathed in the more it dulled our other senses. It was only a moment before our friend from the other night came barreling through the doorway.

It let out a mighty roar. Then rushed into the room as Pearl and I scrambled to get out of its way.

‧͙⁺˚*·༓☾ – TO BE CONTINUED… –☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙