The Butterfly Girl: A Star is Born

Through the Blue

[Sophia]

As I looked down upon the city, I saw faces and figures. I couldn't really tell what the lights were made of, and I don't really know how to describe the buildings. As I looked closer, I could see the people. They almost looked like Teri, anatomy-wise anyway. Their skin colors ranged from greens and blues to even silvers. I thought that was kinda neat. And then I noticed something else. Their tail fins. They all seemed to be fish-like, but I noticed the girls had mermaid-like and fish-like tails. And the other guys' tails were inverted, like shark fins. They moved side to side instead of up and down like Teri's. I thought that was pretty interesting. They all looked so unique and they seemed happy with their lives. At least from where I was sitting, they looked pretty happy. But I'm not one to make assumptions.

I'll admit, it was a little difficult to tell from where I was sitting and from the murkiness of the water as well.

I bet if any humans found this place, they'd kidnap them all, test them, dissect them, and they'd all be killed. If they found them, they'd kill them all.

I wondered how long they've been here. I bet a really long time. For a moment, I completely forgot that I wasn't in a totally new world and all of this was actually a short ways from where I lived. It was so strange to think about and yet... it was wonderful.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Teri said from behind me. She startled me a bit when she said that. I didn't hear her get close to me. But as I turned my head back towards the city, the feeling of almost weightlessness had me mentally tied down. The glow of the kingdom against a dark background. It felt like a whole new world. And I was still on Earth.

"Yeah, it is," I said quietly. A few tiny bubbles escaped my lips.

"My Mother used to say that she'd do whatever she had to keep her people safe and happy. She wouldn't do anything to do that. But she always did what was the best," Teri said calmly. "And now that she's not here, I'm determined to hold that promise." She smiled as she looked out from the balcony. I noticed she was holding something in her other hand.

"What's that?" I pointed out. Teri looked down at the weapon in hand. She held it in front of her and waved it around slowly.

"It's my Mother's trident. It's a little big for me, but I bet I can get some use out of it."

It was shiny. Not exactly made of gold, but it seemed to suit her. I wondered how you'd use that underwater. I've never actually seen a real trident before.

"Oh wait, here." Teri handed me something she was holding with her other arm.

"Put these on, they'll keep you warm." Teri smiled. I unfolded what appeared to be a long, pale blue skirt and what looked to be a short blouse with long sleeves. I thanked her as I put them on.

The skirt was a little longer than I thought, but I actually kinda liked it. And I never wear any skirts. The shirt was smooth and somehow a little slick. But I noticed I didn't feel as cold anymore.

"This is... really nice."

"I thought you'd like it. Some of it is made from the heads of jellyfish, and the shirt has octopus tentacles to keep it's shape." Teri explained happily.

Ah... octopus...?

I had to admit it was comfy. It made me feel like I was a jellyfish floating in the water.

"You can keep them," Teri said.

"What?"

"I don't really wear them anymore, so I thought you'd like to have them. That way, whenever you come down here, you won't be so cold in the water." Teri said happily.

Oh, you didn't really have to do that. I really appreciate it, but... you really didn't have to...

"Think of it as a gift. A way to say thanks, for helping me find my Mother." Teri smiled warmly at me. I sheepishly smiled back.

"Thanks," I said quietly. I didn't really know how to respond to her kindness. I just twirled around in the water, not meeting her gaze.

"Okay, I think we should get going." Teri said. She swam above me and I followed loosely behind.

"We should go around the castle in a loop, to see if we find anything. There aren't any guards posted on the outside so we should check there to make sure everything's protected."

I nodded. Mostly just agreeing with what she said because I didn't have my own plan.

We swam up and all the way to the backside of the castle. It was an exhausting swim, but I was able to keep up. Teri did tell me that she could slow down if I needed her to. I told her I was fine. I reminded myself to be aware of all the things I see. Hopefully nothing would appear and try to attack us. I took in all the details I could see and Teri confirmed with every note I made.

Until the ground began to shake beneath us, and we could feel the vibrations through the water. Teri swam over to me and held onto my shoulders in fear. My vision shook and I could hear frantic yelling coming from the city near us. And as soon as it started, it stopped.

"What was that?" Teri asked me fearfully.

"I think it was an earthquake," I said.

"What does that mean?"

"It's when the ground shakes. But I think it was just a little one. It's okay."

"Are you sure?" Teri asked.

"Yeah, we're good."

Teri gripped her trident with both hands and started swimming upwards. I followed weakly behind until we reached the rooftops. She could hear feared screams and confused chatter.

"Sophie, you should go back up."

"What?"

"I need to be with my people, I have to make sure they're okay. You should go back up and see if Apollo is okay." Teri insisted.

"I think they're fine," I said.

"No, Sophie you need to go back up and make sure they're alright. And I think the charm might wear off soon. I forgot to bring extras with me. You should go." she said persistently. I think she understood that I wanted to stay and help, but she had to help her people first. I hesitated no longer and started making my way back.

"Sophie, do you know the way back?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, then go. I'll take care of everything down here."

I nodded and started swimming upwards. The glow of the city began to fade and darkness surrounded me. And as soon as I found the tunnel, a strange feeling washed over me. My chest felt heavy and my head felt like it was being pressed. I started swimming frantically upwards.