Mermaid Secrets and Lies

“See that?” Susie pointed straight ahead. “It’s coming from the algae that we use for lights.” She sped up, eager to show Felicity this new and mysterious underwater world. Felicity had to admit that as they grew closer, her misgivings were pushed aside and replaced with feelings of fascination and a strong desire to explore. Felicity shrieked with surprise as she unintentionally swam through a swirling jet of water emanating skywards from one of the chimney-like structures. “This is wonderful!” Felicity swam back and floated horizontally in its stream, luxuriating in its warmth. The force of the rising flow pummelled her tail, massaging her aching muscles. Maybe this place isn’t so hostile after all, she mused as she savoured the moment.

She took in the distinct lack of plant life around her. Instead, it was these tall stacks, varying in height, which dominated the seabed. Covered with the fluorescing algae in shades of bright greens, soft reds and hues of purple and yellow, created a magical glow. As Felicity admired them, she noticed how the plumes of bubbling liquid that they emitted distorted the water, making everything seem to wobble like a heat haze she’d seen above the surface of hot roads in summer.

There were far fewer fish here too, but the organisms that did inhabit this place were small, almost opaque and reminded her of shrimps.

Skipper came hurtling around a chimney, nearly colliding with Felicity’s tail, as she honed in on some tiny prey. She laughed as she watched the catfish taking pure delight in her hunt; it was good to see. So far, she’d only witnessed the poor creature looking terrified as the pesky dogfish chased her incessantly back at Mermaid City.