OCEANIA

XXII

The adrenaline rushing through my veins made me a bit thirsty. I decided to walk to the restaurant to get some juice. The girl that was sugar high seemed calm. Flint did tell me that she isn’t as bubbly when she’s normal. “Hey” she said while showing me a table, “I didn’t think you'd be back so soon”. “Who wouldn’t be?” I smiled, “this place is amazing”. “I’m sorry for acting crazy weird earlier”, she explained, “I snuck out to the surface very early to get coffee. I kinda have this weird addiction”. “Me too. I love the rush it gives me”. I agreed with her. She stretched her hand out, “the name's Avari by the way”. She said. “I’m Wiberly. Wiberly Senter”. I answered taking her hand in the shake.

She rushed away to get my drink. She pops back almost immediately after she leaves. “Now that’s what I call fast food”. I chuckled. Before she zoomed away, I held her back. “Do you happen to know where Shamita’s Tent is?” I asked in a serious voice. Shamita might know this water serpent guy. “No one knows especially after it got burned down ages ago”, she said, “it’s been a secret since then. The Oracle knows when her guidance is needed and when it is, she summons you to the tent”. Total buzz! I thought. “Okay, what about anybody called Water serpent?” I asked.

Her body went stiff. I could feel the nervousness oozing off her. She scratched the back of her head, moved her dark brown hair behind her ears repeatedly and her brown eyes surveyed the floor. This was a sensitive topic. She took in a deep breath before answering, “I don’t know who that is. If you don’t mind, I need to get back to work”. She turned around and walked away. Before she could completely disappear, I challenged her. What is it you’re not telling me? She looked at me and sure enough, my mouth was sealed. She still entered the kitchen. I took the drink; sighing after every sip. Why are you looking for the water serpent? The question hit my mind. I knew it was Avari. He has something of my Dad's and I need it back. I answered. I don’t know much about the water serpent but I know it’s dangerous to find him. Anyone who had ever dealt with him is in pain. Her words shocked me. Can you tell me how to find him? I asked. I don’t know where he is but maybe Flint does.

That was enough help already. She brought a tray of drinks for some other people. “Thank you”. I whispered loud enough for her to hear. I emptied the glass then walked out. “Ah! You came back quicker than I expected”. A voice called out to me. “I don’t know why this place is still very bright”, I said without turning back, “because it was almost midnight when I left”. “Our time does not match that of the surface”, he answered walking to my side, “the water determines everything here. Night can come as quickly as day just began, all according to the sea”.

I rolled my eyes at his overly formal voice. Can he speak his age for once? I groaned inwardly. “I have been told that I speak quite honorably. Thank you”. He answered. “Whatever”. I rolled my eyes playfully this time. A high pitch ringing blocked my ears. I could hear voices like a million at a time. I will never love you! Get out of my house! You shameless man, how can you do that to your own daughter? I want to run away with my friends. Can we still hangout without your parents knowing. And many more.

I screamed holding my ears until it brought me to my knees. “Are you okay, Wiberly?” Flint asked concerned. The sound of my name stopped the voices and the ringing. “Are you okay?” he repeated. I stood up, “yeah, yeah…I’m fine now”, I looked at his face, “what was that? I know you heard it all too”. “That’s a regular thing”. He shrugged. “Normal? Excuse me but hearing a bunch of voices in my head is not normal”.

“You’ll get used to it. With time that is”.

“I’ll get used to it?! Is that a serious thing to say right now?!” I was freaking out. “Calm down, Wiberly. Your mind needs time to adjust to your powers”. Again the plainness was in his voice. “This is not a power! My head hurt like hell!” I continued panicking, “I don't want this. I don’t want any of this!” I could feel the energy building up; it was running through my body. I couldn’t control it. The sky was getting darker. I looked at the sky to hold in the glow I could feel in my eyes. “Wiberly! You have to calm down!” Flint shouted. “I can't. I don’t know how to!” I yelled not daring to face him.

The sky got darker and darker. “You have to try!” he screamed. “I said I don’t know how to!” The confusion I was feeling wasn’t helping. A light rumble in the sky made me shudder a bit. Is it even possible to flood an underwater city? I thought. “Chill out, stormy!” Was the next thing he yelled. “What did you just say?” I asked totally distracted from the problem. I actually calmed down. I threw my arms around his neck, “thank you”. I said before pulling away. “Anytime. But that was really scary”, he confessed, “I thought you were going to flood the city”.

I held my hair for a while, “that’s why I need to find the water serpent”, I sighed, “he has something of my Dad's that might lead me to help”. “The Water serpent?” he questioned. “Yeah” I confirmed. You know he’s dangerous right? I didn’t expect him to mind answer me. So I heard. Why can’t we talk about him out loud? I asked. “It’s an ancient curse”. He said normally. “Is there anything around here that is not cursed?” I quirked my eyebrows. The Water serpent doesn’t return in a few days. I'll take you there. I smiled at him.

I’m finally going to get some real help. I can't imagine losing my temper at home or at school or the mall. I would do serious damages. “The key to keeping the mind is to open it”. Flint suddenly said. I gave him a confused look. “What I’m trying to say is open your mind to the possibility that you’re going to hear what you don’t need”, he explained, “and with time they’ll become subtle”. “Can’t I just block myself out?” I asked. “There is a way to do that but it's a long and tiring shot not to mention excruciatingly painful”.

“I guess I have to live with it”. I sighed heavily. “In the mean time, I can train you to control your emotions. At least before, we go on the real mission”. He had a slight smile on his face. “I would like that”. I replied smiling too. I guess I have to spend days here. I’m sure it’ll be worth it.