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Chapter Text

It was a cool winter night on 20 December, 2021 as Zac and I were at Angel City International Airport, preparing to board a flight to River City, Australia. I was feeling excited to return to my home country after spending many years travelling the Pacific with various mermaid pods.

Zac and I reconnected when we met several months ago when I decided to give up staying with a mermaid pod and move on land permanently. With our mermaid knowledge, Zac and I started work as research assistants for UCAC (University of California, Angel City). We quickly established a relationship and lived together in Angel City.

We were both given the opportunity to undertake a special assignment to investigate the history of Lemuria Island, a mysterious island that I had never heard of when I was with the Mako pod. Whilst in the airport terminal, I asked Zac "Hey, since you remained close to the Mako pod for a few years after I left, did you hear anything about this Lemuria island?"

"No, I'm just as mystified as you are" replied Zac.

All of a sudden, another young woman approached us. She was dark skinned, with frizzy brown hair. "Hi, I'm Naia and also going to River City. I guess you are Lyla and Zac, former merpeople from the Mako pod."

Zac recognised the name, and answered "Are you one of the hatchlings Ondina taught way back in Mako?"

"Yep, another Mako mermaid who moved to Angel City, California just like you guys." Naia answered.

"How do you know my name?" I asked with a sharp tone.

"Well, I heard about you from a certain professor back in River City who I still maintain contact with. His name is Maxwell." replied Naia.

"Cool, what does he teach?" I asked.

"Oh, he teaches magic. Stuff like levitation and teleportation spells. Very different to things I learnt from mermaid school." Naia said.

I was feeling inquisitive as to why Naia would want to learn new types of magic outside what can already be achieved as a mermaid. I decided not to continue the discussion further as an announcement came on – "Ladies and gentlemen, we will now be boarding Australia Airlines flight 963 to River City."

"That's our cue – time to head to Australia!" as I spoke in a joyful tone.

About 12 hours later

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We will soon be landing in River City. Local time is 7am, 22 December 2021 and temperature is 30 degrees Celsius."

It was a smooth touchdown at River City airport. After a long queue to disembark and clear immigration, Zac and I retrieved our bags and we headed for the exit. I caught sight of Naia also getting her bags, but I noticed something weird. She took out what appeared to be a magical wand of some sort, then she waved it and a yellow glow appeared.

"What the hell is that!?" I shouted at Zac. Before the two of us could respond, Naia disappeared in a flash.

In River City, outside a strange bookstore on the riverside:

"Phew, that was close. Hope no-one saw me" said Naia as she just landed after teleporting from the airport. She saw an angry looking Professor Maxwell outside the door.

"What did I tell you about using your magical powers in public!" yelled Prof Maxwell.

"I'm sorry, I promise I won't do it again" pleaded Naia.

"You're lucky that you didn't get caught. Please, don't be reckless like that again." said Prof Maxwell. "I'm going in to meet with the gang, it would be good if you could join me."

Naia entered the store and followed Prof Maxwell through a portal into a magical library. There she met with the whole gang – Kyra, Imogen, Darra, Lily and Ruksy as Prof Maxwell made an announcement "I presume you know why I gathered you all here today – Naia here has some information that could be useful"

"I'm sure you are all aware I am a mermaid-fairy hybrid creature" Naia answered. "Now, I have word that there is another creature similar to me, Lyla who is also a mermaid hybrid. I was hoping I could introduce her to you all."

"Please tell me this is all a big mistake" responded Imogen.

"I don't think I can take anymore of this magic nonsense" replied Kyra.

"Well, you thought it was impossible to be a tri-ling when you first joined us Kyra" answered Prof Maxwell. "I'm sure its not outside the realm of possibility that there could be other magical creatures out there."

"So, how do we even get this Lyla girl into our circle?" asked Lily.

"Good question, that is up to you all to figure out." replied Prof Maxwell

"Oh, not another tough challenge" Darra groaned.

"Well, with your skills you should be able to coax Lyla into the Bureau. I hope to see you all next week with her." said Prof Maxwell.

Back with Zac and Lyla, who have entered a dormitory room at River City University.

"Well, this is our home for the next six months" I said to Zac.

The two of us spent a good hour unpacking. Once we finished, we relaxed on the sofa.

I could hear my stomach rumbling.

"Looks like that's a sign I should go and get a bite to eat" I said.

"Me too, I'm also thirsty" replied Zac. "Hey Lyla, why don't we go out of the campus and explore the city. It's been a good few years since I've been here."

"Good idea, let's do that." I answered.

Chapter Text

Zac and I were walking along the riverside when we came across an unusual boat.

"Gangway café. Sounds interesting, why don't we go there?" I asked Zac.

Zac was a bit hesitant when he pointed out the young woman Naia that we saw at the airport earlier that day. "Psst… There's that girl we saw" he said. "Best not disturb her."

"Why not, she was the one who used some mysterious power to vanish from us. Besides, I want to know more about this weird Professor Maxwell guy she keeps talking about." I replied.

"Fine, but you have to keep a low profile. Don't try and use any of your mermaid powers." Zac answered.

The two of us entered the boat and walked down a staircase. We saw Naia sitting down, talking with a group of young people.

"Ok, so this is the plan" Naia said. "We all go to River City university, wait outside the entrance to the dormitories and hope Lyla emerges. We can then surprise her."

"That's a stupid plan. It well never work" protested Imogen.

"Just give her a chance to explain herself" answered Kyra. "She's new to the Bureau and we should give her some time to learn more about how we operate."

"Yeah, like I did to you back when you first had your powers" replied Imogen in a sarcastic tone.

"Hey Naia, I'm right here you know" I said as I jumped up towards the group. Zac was obviously not impressed as I saw him do a facepalm that indicated 'What the hell were you thinking!?'

I could see the whole gang approach me with suspicion.

"What are you doing here?" asked Kyra.

"I was hoping you all could tell me more about this Professor Maxwell guy I've heard about" I replied.

"Why would you want to know" said Imogen sarcastically.

"Cut it out you two" Lily answered. "She's probably curious about the magical world just like you were Kyra when you were first zapped."

All of a sudden, I noticed my fingers glow blue. I was scared and tried to shake them, hoping this aura or whatever was causing the effect would just disappear.

"Oh no" muttered Kyra "She has powers too."

"Yeah, but its worse" Naia replied. "She's like me, a mermaid hybrid who just found out about her newfound potential."

"Lyla, stay calm and don't panic." Kyra answered. "Just close your eyes and imagine a peaceful setting."

I was so scared I couldn't hear what Kyra was trying to say. I just waved my fingers around and suddenly a white light appeared. It seemed that I vanished into thin air, but a few seconds later I opened my eyes and was back on the ground. But I was not in River City.

As I got up on my feet, I looked around and saw signs for 'Ocean Café'.

"Oh no" I muttered to myself. "I must have used my newfound powers and teleported to Sun Coast, just like Naia did at the airport."

A few minutes later

"Oh my god, what do we do?" cried Lily.

"Well, I have Lyla's number. I can call her and see where she magically went to." said Zac.

At Sun Coast, outside Ocean Café

I could hear my phone buzzing. It was Zac and I picked it up.

"Hey Lyla, where the hell are you!?" said Zac over the phone.

"I'm outside Ocean café, in Sun Coast" I replied.

"Just stay there and don't try to do anything. My new friends here might know how to get you back to River City." Zac replied.

As soon as I hung up, I could hear footsteps. I looked up and saw a familiar young blonde man approaching.

"Hey Lyla, what are you doing here? I thought you moved to Angel City in California" answered the man.

"Oh Cam, I was just visiting my old home. I've been posted to River City University and am doing some research about a mystical island called Lemuria. Its located just off the coast, near Mako." I replied. "I had some spare time and thought I would pop over to catch up with you and the people I missed back at Sun Coast."

"What's so special about this island Lyla?" Cam said.

"Oh, it's probably nothing. Just that there may be links between the two." I answered back.

I was obviously lying to Cam, but I couldn't tell him the truth that I just teleported randomly here. Otherwise, he would want to know more about my so called 'special' powers. Luckily, Cam appeared to buy whatever story I told him as he walked away back inside the café.

Back at Gangway Café, River City:

"Right, so Imogen and Lily will do their magic and go to Sun Coast, grab Lyla and get her back here." said Kyra.

"You're missing something Kyra." Darra replied. "Lyla is a special being, and only you have the power to teleport her. Remember what happened with Naia when she did her first random jump?"

"Fine, I'll go then" answered Kyra. "Just don't make me the fixer every time a mishap like this happens."

Imogen chuckled and smirked to Kyra "Well, you're forgetting that I had to grab you every time you messed up. We all make mistakes and hopefully Lyla learns from this experience."

Lyla's perspective, at Sun Coast

All of a sudden, I saw a flash of light similar to what happened when I magically teleported, and an Asian woman appeared. She extended her hand as she introduced herself.

"I believe we met at Gangway café, I'm Kyra."

"So, I'm guessing you lot with Professor Maxwell figured out my magical powers" I answered.

"Yes Lyla, we read about your history from several books in Maxwell's library. Apparently, your name is Lyla Maxwell, daughter of Glen Maxwell." Kyra responded.

"So, I'm the professor's daughter?" I answered with a shock.

"Not quite, Glen is the brother of Professor Paul Maxwell so that makes you his niece." Kyra said.

"Wow, that is a lot for me to take in" I said. "How on earth did elves and mermaids get to meet each other and procreate?" I asked.

"Let's talk about that later" replied Kyra. "First of all, why don't I get you out of here back to River City."

I could see Kyra in a deep thought as she activated her powers. Her fingers glowed blue just like what happened to me. With one arm, she grabbed a firm hold of my shoulders and waved her free hand as another white flash appeared. Within seconds, both of us were back at the Gangway café in River City.

Chapter Text

I realised I was in deep trouble on my return to the Gangway Café in River City, when everyone stared at me with a critical expression. Even Zac, my boyfriend, was pretty cheesed off at me for not following his instructions to stay low.

Despite that, Zac and I still ordered some food and drinks from the waitress, who happened to be a close friend of the Bureau kids, Tayla.

Zac and I slid away to a table at the far side of the café. It was Kyra who had the courage to approach us.

“I know you’re still feeling guilty about the whole elf magic stuff.” Kyra said.

“Tell me about it!” I complained. “I didn’t ask for any of this to happen. I just want to go back to my normal mermaid state.”

“I feel for you” Kyra commented. “It happened about two years ago - I was in your situation when I first experienced my tri-ling powers. Like you, I didn’t want to give up being a normal human girl. But I found some great friends who helped me through this difficult time.”

I was hesitant to trust Kyra, as she appeared to be prying into my personal life. But Zac appeared to bond with her, as he said “I was like you too Kyra, when I fell into the Mako moon pool. It was hard living a double life as a land boy and merman, but Lyla was there for me. She was the person I could open up to when my relationship with Evie fell apart.”

I blushed and replied “Thanks Zac, it was no issue for me back then. I was just doing what I felt was right.”

“Hey, why don’t I accompany you two back to the campus.” offered Kyra.

“That would be nice of you” I replied.

River City University campus – lawns

“So, Kyra - is it alright if I ask you how your powers suddenly appeared?” I spoke.

“Yeah sure Lyla, it happened about two years ago when I was out jogging around River City one evening. I saw a book levitating and my curiosity got the better of me. I touched it and fell backwards. Little did I know that I actually contacted with energy from the Lemuria Orb, a rare and powerful magical artifact that was actually hidden within the book. That action caused my powers to be activated, since I was a natural born tri-ling and not a human girl that I was believed to be raised as.”

“So how did you manage to keep your powers hidden for so long as a child?” I asked.

“I don’t know the exact specifics, I think my birth father Lee Yung must have cast some powerful curse spell to supress my magical abilities. Last week, I found some of Lee Yung’s journals at Maxwell’s Library. Why don’t the two of you come and we can go through them together.”

“Yes that would be great. Maybe they might explain how my elf powers were also kept hidden from me.” I replied.

Later that day, Kyra left the campus grounds as the two of us settled into our room.

“It won’t be that bad.” Zac explained. “At least you now have someone who can support you through the whole hybrid transition process.”

“I know Zac, but it just feels so strange and weird to be different now. I won’t be able to return to a pod ever again. What would Sirena and Nixie say when I show up as some freak?”

“We’ll get to that later” Zac assured me. “For now, just get some rest and tomorrow we can join Kyra and the gang at Maxwell’s Library."

Chapter Text

This section is narrated and told from the viewpoint of Kyra Glen, a natural born tri-ling (elf, fairy and human hybrid).

It is a relief that the magical world has been restored to normal. I thought that would be the end and I could go back to doing typical human things. That was until about 6 months ago, when my routine was disrupted. I was outside in the garden, doing basketball practice with my friend Mathilda and elf boyfriend Darra, when I saw a flash of light. Someone, another young woman, suddenly appeared out of the blue and was lying on the floor.

"Where am I?" asked the woman in a daze. I could tell that she was dark skinned, with frizzy brown hair. She tried to stand up, but immediately fell over.
"Come on, let's get you some rest." I spoke up as I approached the woman, still in a confused state.
Darra and I helped carry this unknown woman into the house and placed her onto a sofa. Once the woman had rested for several minutes, she opened her eyes and spoke up "This isn't my home! What the hell have you done to me!"
"Calm down there" I replied. "First of all, what is your name and where were you before this whole thing happened?"
"My name is Naia" the woman answered. "I was in my home at Angel City, California when my fingers glowed a bright yellow. I suddenly found myself in possession of a magical wand. I tried desperately to get rid of it, but it somehow activated. I then got transported here to this unknown place."
I whispered to Darra "Don't tell me this is like my situation all over again". I then spoke with Naia "Don't worry, you are in River City, Australia. I will take care of you until I figure out what caused you to be transported this far."
Naia was reluctant to stay and began to run off. I was about to cast an entrapment spell that would cause her to be pinned to the ground when Darra stopped me. He said "Kyra, don't use your powers in front of anyone like that. Surely we can find that woman again and bring her to Professor Maxwell, just like we did with you."

About 1 hour later, in the Maxwell library. This part is narrated and told from the viewpoint of Professor Maxwell

Even though it was a Saturday, I still had some commitments and notes to prepare. I went to the bookstore and entered the secret hideout aka library. As soon as I entered, I heard an unusual sound, as if someone was restrained. There, I saw Ruksy, Imogen and Kyra together with an unusual young woman who was bound to a chair, struggling to move.

“What mess have you girls got into this time?” I spoke.

“Ruksy and Imogen told me they found a young woman, Naia who had just randomly jumped into the library. She appears to be a fairy who has just discovered her powers.” Kyra answered.

“Well, where did she come from?” I asked.

“Oh, Naia was originally from Angel City, California. She jumped a long way over the Pacific to get here.” Kyra replied. “This is not the first time she used her powers, I initially found her in my garden with Darra and Mathilda.”

“Well, why didn’t you keep her restrained then?” I replied.

“I was going to, but Darra told me not to use magic in front of a stranger.” Kyra said.

Whilst I was conversing with Kyra, I noticed that Ruksy was practicing a levitation spell using a glass of water. From the corner of my eye, I saw her raise it into the air and move it towards the new girl, Naia.

“Watch where you are pointing that!” shouted Naia.

“Its just water, what harm could it do?” replied Ruksy.

I saw Ruksy lose control of her spell and water began to spill onto Naia. I noticed that Naia tried even harder to get out of her seat. Within 10 seconds, Naia was lying on the floor, with her legs replaced by a bright orange mermaid tail. Everyone in the room, including myself let out a huge gasp as we were all stunned by what we saw.

“It looks like you’re a mer.. mermaid” I said.

“Yes, I was a natural born mermaid. Once part of the Mako Pod.” Naia answered. “I moved to Angel City, California last year, when I sought a change to the Northern pod. It was all going well until I suddenly found myself transforming into a hideous tiny being.”

“Guess that’s what being a fairy is like” said Ruksy as she let out a slight giggle.

“Its not funny!” Naia replied as she raised her voice. “How will I function as part of a normal mermaid pod when I have fairy wings!?”

“This is fascinating. Never before have I seen a hybrid mermaid creature with my own eyes.” I spoke.

“Professor, can you please find a way for me to get back home. Also, I want to get rid of my stupid fairy magic.” said Naia.

“That will take some time, young lady. Meanwhile, I’m sure you can stay behind in the library whilst the other girls look after you.”

I could tell Naia was frustrated as she let out a groan. Kyra and Imogen went back to check on books about mermaids and whether they could find any information about hybrid mermaid creatures.

Kyra returned carrying a rather thick book titled “Mysteries of Lemuria Island.” She began to read out aloud “Page 55 says that Lemuria Island was a place where mermaids, elves and fairies could mingle together. Because different species were in close proximity, there was always the possibility two different creatures could have mated and produced a hybrid being.”

Naia was curious upon hearing this information. “So that’s where I could have been born?” she asked.

“Professor, isn’t the simplest solution for me to just teleport Naia back to her homeland and this will all be taken care of?” said Imogen.
“Well, yes. But I thought Naia could stay a bit longer whilst we all find out more information about how she came to be a hybrid mermaid-fairy creature.” I replied.

“But I need to go home – my pod is already wondering why I haven’t returned yet” protested Naia.

“Fine, Imogen you can take Naia back to her homeland.” I spoke.

Imogen grabbed Naia, and the two prepared to jump out of the library. But the spell didn’t seem to work.

“Er, this isn’t working. Why can’t I use my normal powers to jump?” Imogen said.

Kyra was flicking through more pages of the book when she found the answer. “It says here on pages 57 and 58 that ‘Glen Maxwell, an elf met a mermaid Linda and they fell in love. Linda fell pregnant with a daughter, who they named Lyla. It was a shock, and when she was tested, Lyla was found to be an elf-mermaid hybrid. ……… Hybrid mermaid beings are stronger than either elves or fairies, and only tri-ling magic can work with one.’”

“It looks like as a tri-ling, I am the only one that can teleport Naia back to her homeland.” Kyra said.

With that, Kyra used her magic to take Naia back to her home in Angel City, California.

I was even more surprised hearing what Kyra read aloud. I had a relative who could be a dangerous hybrid creature. I was now determined to find this Lyla girl and learn more about how she came into being.

Chapter Text

Zac and I were awake early the next morning. I had mixed feelings, I was excited to visit Professor Maxwell and learn more about my elf heritage. But I was also worried about what my future will entail now that I am no longer a plain mermaid.

Zac could tell I was feeling a bit uneasy, and tried to console me. “Lyla, remember the time when you, Nixie and Sirena were trying to unearth my merman secrets? Well, I felt on edge most of that time, but I could tell you three were only doing it to protect the Mako pod.”

I giggled a bit whilst Zac was explaining how I made his life a bit miserable when he first transformed to a merman. “Well, that was a highlight for me” I said.

We were almost finished packing, when I realised I was missing something important. “Hey Zac, I don’t have my moon ring with me. I must have dropped it when I got zapped to Sun Coast yesterday.”

“Why on earth did you have to wear your moon ring on such an important trip?” Zac asked.

“Well, I didn’t know I would suddenly become some elf-mermaid hybrid freak.” I complained. “Besides, my moon ring is pretty much deactivated. Since I moved onto land, I never charged it in moonlight and simply let it run dry.”

“Lyla, when you got zapped to Sun Coast, did you stay put like I asked you to? I hope you didn’t tell anyone about the incident.”

I paused and my face dropped. “Er, there might be a small issue with that.” I answered.

“If there is any possibility that someone discovered your secret, then we must go back to Sun Coast. Not only to retrieve your ring, but also to see what other damage you caused out there.” Zac replied.

“How are we supposed to get there in time? Aren’t we supposed to meet up with Professor Maxwell?” I asked.

“Forget Maxwell, this is more urgent.” Zac said. “We can always go another time.”

At Sun Coast, boardwalk area

“Now Lyla, let me handle any conversations with the Mako gang. I don’t want you messing things up again.” Zac said.

I noticed Cam on the boardwalk, as he was out on a break. He immediately saw me and spoke up “Hi Lyla, I see you brought your best pal Zac along with you.”

I tried to remain calm as Zac replied “Yes, I believe Lyla told you yesterday that the two of us are here for a visit. By the way, how are David and Carly finding life without me and the other mermaids?”

“Well David and Carly are doing just fine. But forget about that, what I want to find out is why Lyla just disappeared yesterday. She never told me or the others that she had to leave.” Cam replied.

“Oh, Lyla and I were called back to River City for an urgent academic meeting. This Lemuria Island research is intense.” Zac answered.

Cam appeared to buy the story Zac was telling him, even though it was an outright lie.

“Well, why don’t you two come into the café? I’m sure you both want your usual seafood fix.”

Both of us walked into the café as I saw David enter with a new seafood delivery. He put the crates down and approached me. “Hi Lyla, long time no see. Surprised you didn’t let me know you were back down under.”

“I’ve just been busy with academic research. This visit to Australia and River City was unexpected for myself and Zac.” I replied.

Zac and I sat down on one of the indoor tables as Carly brought us two glasses of orange juice. Just as I was about to grab my drink, I could feel something uneasy. I noticed my fingers glow blue again. Zac gasped and I was shocked. “Not again!” I screamed.

This time, I tried to keep myself calm. I closed my eyes and prayed whatever magic had activated would just go away. But my elf magic seemed to amplify, and when I opened my eyes, I saw that I was using some kind of levitating spell to lift the glass of juice.

The effect only lasted a second or so, because the blue glow on my fingers was gone, and the glass of juice fell back to earth with a loud crash. Zac and I were covered with it, and we both tried to run away.

Unfortunately, an older woman blocked our path. We were stuck, and quickly transformed into our fish like states. The woman seemed to recognise us once we were transformed.

“Well if it isn’t Zac and his friend Lyla” said the woman in a loud tone. “You two are in deep trouble.”

Zac recognised the woman as Veridia, a former mermaid teacher. “Oh, hi Veridia? Didn’t know you would be on land.”

“Rita took over my duties as teacher at mermaid school. I am now a representative of the Sun Coast DMI branch, and your friend Lyla is coming with me.”

“But I didn’t do anything wrong!” I protested.

“Yes you did Lyla. You used magic in public, which is a punishable offence.” Veridia replied.

I could tell Veridia had brought some handcuffs, as she used them on me. Veridia locked my wrists together behind my back, and then tied me up with the handcuffs. Despite my best efforts to desperately wriggle free, I couldn’t move any part of my body.

Veridia still had powers as a mermaid and used them to dry me off. Once I was back in my human form, I was dragged out into a waiting car. Initially, Zac tried to help untie me, but he was stopped by some guards Veridia had brought along with her. As I was pushed into the car, I caught a final glimpse of Zac in tears.

Chapter Text

The car had stopped. I looked outside and saw a dull, grey concrete building. It was dilapidated, with paint stripping off the walls, windows broken, and graffiti scrawled all over.

“Right young lady, this is the Sun Coast’s DMI Correctional facility, where you’ll be detained until your trial” said Veridia in her usual booming tone.

“But it was all an accident!” I protested. “I swear, I didn’t do anything wrong!”

I could tell that Veridia was not amused, as she quickly gagged me so I couldn’t speak. I was then dragged inside this awful, so-called correctional facility, where I saw Veridia speak with the receptionist, a muscular man. “I found this young lady practicing magic illegally in public. Take her away to the cells!”

Another muscular man in a dark black suit then took me down a long, dark hallway. It was just an endless line of jail cells. I was thrown into one, which was cramp, mouldy and stuffy. Before the black suited man left, he released the handcuffs and ungagged me.

I began to break down and started to cry. “I will never get out of here alive.”

At Sun Coast, after my arrest

Zac was still processing the earlier events, including my arrest by Veridia, when the Mako gang came over.

“Feeling alright Zac?” asked Cam.

“Alright! My girlfriend was taken away from me!” screamed Zac. “How do I know where she went, or even if she is still safe!”

“Calm down boy. Anyway, I was the one who showed Lyla’s moon ring to her.” said Cam.

“WHAT! You actually led Veridia here!” Zac yelled. “You’re going to pay for this!” as Zac unleased his merman powers, causing Cam to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

Just then, another familiar woman approached the scene. “Zac, please just stop all of this!” she answered. “You know better than to start fights around here.”

“Rita, is that you?” Zac responded.

“I know this is hard for you to take in, but Veridia was always an outsider. She liked to do things her way, and was known for playing the rules hard and fast at the DMI. Cam was her assistant for some time, and there was plenty of friction between us.”

“Rita, do you know where Lyla was taken?” Zac asked.

“I have a bad feeling; she was likely sent to one of the DMI’s jail cells. She could potentially be experimented on.” Rita replied.

“Will you be able to help me save her then?”

“Yes, but it will be tough. We won’t be able to just waltz in there, I will need some special assistance.” said Rita.

“Who can possibly help us?” Zac said.

“I know a good friend, Paul Maxwell and his students. One in particular is a girl named Kyra Glen.”

“Oh, a tri-ling, other elves/fairies and a professor who’s a halfling.” Zac replied.

“How do you know all of this?” Asked Rita

“I met Kyra and her friends yesterday in River City. They seem friendly and nice people.”

“Well, we don’t have much time. We must go to River City and brief them all on this situation.”

Later that day, at DMI Sun Coast jail cells

I calmed down a bit, but still couldn't believe I was stuck in this prison cell. My stomach was aching from the lack of food, and my throat was parched from being in a damp, dusty environment.

I heard the sound of footsteps approaching my cell. I thought to myself “Oh no, I’m going to receive more punishment.”

A man spoke up in a more relaxed tone “Lyla, there’s someone very special here to meet you.”

Who would want to visit me in jail? I thought. Could it be my boyfriend Zac, or my newest friend Kyra?

“Lyla, my daughter! After all those years, you’re still alive!”

I couldn’t believe it. I was finally about to meet my birth father Glen Maxwell.

Outside the cells, in a communal mess hall

“Dad, is that really you?” I asked in a surprised tone.

“Yes Lyla, for almost thirty years I thought you were dead.” Glen replied. “You were barely six months old when I found out you were missing, as the cot in your bedroom was empty.”

I gasped and didn’t know what to say. I now realised that I was kidnapped as a baby.

“Who could possibly have done this to me?” I said in a disturbed tone.

“We can talk more back at my house. Let’s just get you out of here.” said Glen.

Chapter Text

I was in another car, with my birth father Glen Maxwell who was taking me to his house on the east side of River City. Apparently he lived alone in a small house in the suburb of Hatalba. In the car, my dad spoke of his ex-wife Linda, who I presume was my birth mother, and how they ended up apart.

“Linda was a beautiful mermaid. She had long flowing dusty blonde hair, just like you.” Glen recalled.

“Where did she end up?” I asked.

“I don’t know, I presume in the Mako pod.” He replied. “Did you hear anything about her during your time in the pod?”

“No, that’s the first time I’ve heard that name. Then again, I was busy with mermaid school, and meeting Nixie and Sirena who became my closest friends in the pod.” I answered.

“It was such a challenge losing you. Months turned into years and the police didn’t want anything to do with your case.”

“Hey dad, do you know anything about Paul Maxwell?” I asked. I could tell my birth father was uncomfortable as he began to freeze.

“I don’t want to hear that name uttered again!” he said.

“Why, what was wrong with him?” I asked inquisitively.

“Oh, nothing other than that he was the one who kidnapped you in the first place!” he yelled.

I was instantly taken aback. How could the professor have performed such a cruel act?

At a house in Hatalba

“Lyla, I know this is a lot for you to take in right now. How about you take a rest whilst I prepare something for you to eat and drink.” Said my father.

I began to call Zac and he picked up the phone. “Hi Zac, where are you now?” I asked.

“My god, are you ok Lyla?” Zac answered. “Don’t worry, we’re going to get you out of the prison cell”

“What prison cell, I’m out and in a home with my birth father.” I replied.

“You met your birth dad, Glen Maxwell?” said Zac. I could tell he was shocked. “Is he working with Veridia and the DMI?”

“Oh no, my dad is fine. By the way, you must not see the Professor or his students. There’s something wrong with him.” I answered.

“Why, what’s wrong Lyla?” said Zac.

“I learnt that I was kidnapped as a baby by Professor Maxwell. I don’t know what plans he has for me, but it can’t be good.”

Zac immediately ended the call.

“Well Lyla, how did your boyfriend react when you told him about the professor’s deeds?” asked Glen.

“Oh, he is just coming around to the facts. On another subject, are you going to help control my elf magic?” I spoke.

“Of course, I have a special gift for you my sweet daughter.” as my dad handed over a special magic orb.

“This will help control your elf powers. Take it in your hand and close your eyes. Feel your inner energy merging with the orb.”

I took the orb and followed my dad’s instructions. Within seconds, I could feel my hand absorb energy from the magic orb as it dissolved into my body.

“Now Lyla, keep your eyes closed and feel your body connecting with the orb.” I continued following my dad’s instructions and felt at ease. About a minute later, I opened my eyes and noticed my fingers glowing blue.

“So, I have my powers activated. What do I do now?” I asked.

“One step at a time, my girl.” He answered. “Now put your arms down and let the magical energy drain away.”

Again, I followed his instructions, and noticed the blue glow on my fingers had disappeared.

“There you go Lyla; you have mastered how to access your elf powers at will.”

I was now excited. I had a way of controlling my elf powers and was keen to learn more from my birth father.