Merlin’s Island, across the Atlantic Ocean, was quiet this day. Makenna’s surfboard, which was still sitting on the beach of it, hadn’t moved. It was as still as still could be. Small waves crashed onto the shoreline, and the wind blew gently. It had been 15 ½ hours since Tracey, Merlin’s seventeen-year-old apprentice, was first put under the magic coma, and he had still not woken up. Merlin the Great was really worried and so was Gina, Tracey’s tern friend. A magic coma was supposed to last only 10-12 hours, and it had been 15 ½. Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong.
In Merlin’s Cave, he and Gina were still in Tracey’s room, and they were together studying the motionless body of the apprentice up and down.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRBE67bEH9
Merlin was chewing on his nails. “Oh,” he whimpered, and slapping his hands over his mouth, he glanced at Gina, “Gina, I killed him. I killed my own apprentice. He’s the seventh fairy I’ve killed. Oh.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhEUIoYJnL
“Don’t think that, Merlin.” Gina said through tern squawks, although she too wasn’t sure if Tracey was going to be all right, “He’s fine. He’s just tired.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBbNNs4fXl
“He’s going to fade away any second now, Gina,” spoke Merlin, and putting his hands together, he closed his eyes, “We might as well take him out to the beach so he can fade into the sunlight.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU1AatrRby
Gina groaned. “How could you, Merlin?” she asked, “You killed a seventeen-year-old fairy! Not to mention, he was my best friend!” She now was certain, just like Merlin that any second now, Tracey would fade into ash. In this world of fairies, when a fairy died, they faded, turned into ash, and were taken into the sky. That was exactly what had happened to Tracey’s mother when she died. It was now Tracey’s turn to join her, or at least, Merlin and Gina thought so.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwqP2XYuon
They approached the young fairy, and Merlin reached for him, saying, “We have to make sure he dies a painless, peaceful death, Gina, and Tracey always thought the beach was really peaceful. Therefore, we shall take him to the beach.” His hand touched Tracey’s shoulder, and the second it did, at his touch, he woke up! Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, and he shot up in bed! The towel fell from his forehead, and blinking, Tracey asked, “Huh?” He turned his head in the direction of Merlin and Gina.
“AHHH!!” Merlin screamed, “HE’S A ZOMBIE!!” Gina screeched, and immediately, she and the wizard dove under Tracey’s bed and disappeared.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrdlyxk8xa
The young, ninja-like fairy was very confused. “What?” he asked, and he dropped his wings behind his back, “Zombie? What zombie? Sensei?” He pulled the covers of the bed off of him and crawled to the edge of it, “Sensei?” His fingertips gripped the edge, and getting down on his front, Tracey pulled half his body off the bed and hung upside-down in front of Merlin and Gina hiding under it. His long, black hair hung down, and he told Merlin and the tern, “I’m not a zombie, Sensei and Gina. What happened to me? How did I get here? Where’s Makenna?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8age3nfmeu
Merlin gasped. Gina did too. “Tracey?” Merlin asked, and lifting his head, he reached for his face, “Tracey, is that you? Is that really you?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0jHLIRa8o
“Yes, sir.” Tracey said with a nod, “I’m here. I’m here, Sensei, but I have lots of questions swarming around inside my head.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVOlH6YLYy
“Tracey!” Merlin shouted, and he grinned. Gina’s jaw dropped to the ground. She was overwhelmed! It was inconceivable! Tracey really was all right! Merlin crawled out from under Tracey’s bed and stood up, brushing dirt and dust off of him. His young apprentice lifted his wings and sat on his heels. His hands rested on his thighs, and his eyes were fixed upon his master. “Tracey!” Merlin again shouted, “You’re all right!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngmskZlM4f
“Yeah,” bewildered Tracey spoke. He slid off the bed, and approaching him, Merlin gave him a huge hug. Gina soon fluttered out from under the bed, and she flew to the apprentice’s cheek, rubbing her beak up against it. She seemed to purr.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu8KS5tXmv
Merlin soon let go of his apprentice, and he seemed to be on the brink of tears. “Oh, my young apprentice,” he spoke, “Gina and I were so worried. But you’re all right! That magic overload really did do a load on you.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMkjeZflnv
“Magic overload?” Tracey asked, and he placed his hand on his hip, “I don’t understand, Sensei. What happened to me? How did I get here? Where’s Makenna?” Dropping his hand from his hip, he reached his arm up to his shoulder and let Gina land on his wristband. “Hey, Gina.” Tracey spoke, and lowering his arm, he rubbed her.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp49fZTbC7
“Tracey.” Merlin explained. He again put his hands together, “You were suffering from a magic overload and maybe even a mild spell. Makenna said that something happened out in the ocean when you gave her a tour of the island. I had to put you in a magic coma. You’ve been in a magic coma for 15 ½ hours, and Gina and I were afraid you weren’t going to make it.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sms3YsJTr
“A magic coma?” Tracey inquired, and he took a step back, “Oh, whoa. That’s deep. Ahem.” He faked a cough into his arm and cleared his throat, “Master Merlin sir, where exactly are Makenna and Caleb?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeNPsVnEO1
“I sent them home.” Merlin explained, and cracking a grin, he peered down at his hands, “Their task on this island was over, and besides, they have school today. I actually managed to teleport them, my young apprentice! It was amazing!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vycwXpzkW
Tracey’s wings waved gently behind his back, and he blinked, saying, “Wait.” A pinch of loneliness and sadness pierced his heart. “They’re gone?” added the young ninja.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTH6UpZQHa
Merlin noticed the sadness and loneliness in his face, and he sighed, nodding. “Yes, Tracey.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBfBktzMz0
“Even Makenna?” questioned young Tracey.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QgCFDw9xq
“Even Makenna,” Merlin answered, and he grabbed ahold of his shoulder, “I’m sorry, Tracey. I asked her if she wanted to say goodbye to you when you were unconscious, but she turned on her prissy attitude and openly told me that she didn’t care if you survived or not. She said she has some dude back home named Peter Nelson instead.” Tracey was hurt by the explanation, but he tried to show that he wasn’t, although for being Merlin the Great, Merlin knew he was hurt. He told him, “Don’t worry though, my young apprentice, she’ll be back. She’s started her quest for Selene, and when she finds her, she’ll come back here and report to me what she told her.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOzyilajlB
“Huh?” asked Tracey. He turned his head in Merlin’s direction, “Selene?” and Gina hopped off his wristband and started to hover next to him, “Won’t she need help? Shouldn’t I fly to Seabrook Island and give her a hand?”
Merlin gulped. He knew Tracey had a soft spot for Makenna and knew that he was lonely without her, but the thing was, he didn’t want him to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. He was scared that if he did so, the Octopus Man would find him, hurt him, and catch him, and Merlin did not want Tracey to get hurt. He was such a kindhearted soul who didn’t deserve to feel pain. Merlin, for his safety, wanted Tracey to stay on the island until Makenna was strong enough to help him fight against the Octopus Man, whenever that would be.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMtCE0fTQE
He shook his head and said, “No, Tracey.” Taking his shoulder, he patted it and added, “I don’t want you to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. Please.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVsRfMDiB2
“Why?” Tracey wondered. He still didn’t know that he was the Octopus Man’s bait.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNt7wxdumU
“Because…” Merlin stammered. He sighed, “There is an evil force from the Bermuda Triangle that has invaded the ocean. An evil force that is filled with dark magic, and he will do anything to get his hands on strong, magical beings such as you. Promise me you won’t fly to Seabrook Island, Tracey.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2E0clyUML
“But,” protested Tracey, “Makenna. She can’t find Selene on her own. Not with her attitude. I have to help her, Master. I have to.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7ufIAjtCz
“Tracey,” Merlin sternly said, and he slightly glared at him, “promise me you will not do it.” Gina peered into the young apprentice’s golden-brown eyes. There was silence.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkg0EBFHXX
Finally, Tracey sighed and lowered his head. “I promise,” he whimpered.
“Good.” Merlin said, and he removed his hand from his shoulder, “Now, Tracey, let’s test your wings. I want to make sure the magic overload didn’t injure them. All right.” He waved his hand, “Close.” Tracey closed his wings. “Open.” Merlin added with. Tracey obeyed and peered back to his wings. “Hm,” said Merlin. He tapped his chin, “Give me a flutter.” Tracey fluttered his wings. “And a flitter,” said Merlin. Tracey did as he was told. “Now try a little spin,” was Merlin’s final request. Tracey flapped his wings and lifted into the sky. Purple and green fairy dust escaped them, and he acted out a midair spin. Then, tilting up his head, his eyes landed on the loft in his room. “All right.” Merlin admitted, “your wings appear to be fine. The magic overload didn’t injure them. That’s a relief. Now, Trace, wash up, and let’s get you some breakfast. I need you to help me with a few things this morning. Then you will have the rest of the day to yourself. Deal?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OPHfkpb3w
“Deal, Sensei.” Tracey gloomily spoke, and he peered down on him. At the thought of him not being able to help Makenna and her openly admitting that she didn’t care about him, he sighed sadly, dropped his head, and clutched his arm. He was all alone again. He thought he had made another fairy friend, another teenager, but then she dumped him like trash. Well, he still had Gina. She flew into his arms, whining, and the young ninja hugged her. “Thank you, Gina,” he calmly said, “I need a hug. At least I still have you.” Merlin sighed. Seeing Tracey upset hurt his heart. He sighed and peered down on his hands again.
12:30 pm soon came. 12:30 to 1:00 was Makenna Delling’s lunch period. She and the juniors all ate at the same time. They were second lunch. First lunch, which lasted from 12:00-12:30, was for sophomores and seniors. During lunch, Makenna usually sat with Jessica and they talked about ballet, but today, Makenna wasn’t exactly in a good enough mood to talk about ballet. There was a hole in her heart. Like Caleb had said, she missed her wings and Tracey like crazy. That day at lunch, she and Jessica ate silently. Makenna stared at the face of the table and bit into a carrot, chewing slowly. Jessica noticed that she was sad, and she sighed.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQwiSrvDnM
After she wiped her mouth with a napkin, she placed it in her lap and reached out her hand, taking Makenna’s. “Makenna,” she said, and she patted her hand, “what’s wrong? Why are you so sad today?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuCLgu8XDP
“I can’t tell you, Jessica.” Makenna admitted, and she glanced into Jessica’s eyes, “It’s too complicated.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EjxqMym91
“Aw come on,” said her friend. She forced a smile, “You can tell me anything, Makenna. We’re best friends, remember? BFFs.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFRVHs1cYq
“Well,” started Makenna, and she tried to think of something else to say instead that she missed her fairy wings and a ninja-like fairy named Tracey, “you see, Jessica, the whole reason why I wasn’t at ballet lessons the other night is because Mom took them away from me. She punished me for my report card, and I’m pretty upset about it.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXHaPj9igh
“Your mom took away your ballet lessons?” inquired Jessica, and she released Makenna’s hand.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx66n0yD60M
“That she did,” spoke the fairy, and she poked at her food on her lunch tray, “And then, Jessica, Jimmy Carter ruined my morning. I was so psyched about Spirit Week this morning. I thought it was going to be fun, but now it appears it’s time to flush that dream down the toilet. I can’t enjoy Spirit Week if Jimmy is going to be here to call me Fairy Girl, Jessica. I can’t.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovNWxvMuz8
“Well,” spoke Jessica, “then we won’t let Jimmy Carter ruin it! Makenna, trust me, teachers are saying that this Spirit Week is going to be one of the best ones they’ve ever had. Even better, on Friday, we’re going to have the pep rally and Spirit Week dance! Flyers about the dance are hung up all over school.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrapEgKJde
“That’s another thing, Jessica.” Makenna told her. She rested her arms on the table, and Jessica paid close attention to her, “The dance. What if Peter Nelson doesn’t ask me to it?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIKKvgBKG9
“Well,” said Jessica, and she smiled, “you can’t just sit here and worry about it, Makenna! This is what you do. I read this in Lover’s First Crush.” She turned her head and pointed to a junior table where Peter Nelson was sitting with his friends and having his own lunch. Makenna peered in the direction Jessica was pointing at, and she added, “Go up to him. Ask him if you can talk to him. Take him over to a flyer about the dance and start a conversation with him about it. Say that you are pumped up about it and ask him if he is too. Then go from there. Trust me, I know about these things.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxMghErnzu
“How so?” Makenna asked. She smiled feebly.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfLWhBZfYn
Jessica cleared her throat. “I don’t mean to brag, Makenn,” explained she, “but when I was in middle school, I was very popular. There were three boys. One boy for each year. Thanks to my research, I was able to have them ask me if they wanted to take me to the end-of-year dance every year. I went with a different boy each year, and it was the greatest thing ever! I had never had so much fun in my entire life.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkMfa6E7Do
“Lucky you, Jessica,” admitted Makenna, “A boy’s never asked me to a dance. Thank you. I’ll give it a go.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyKs7m4BY9
Jessica smiled. “That’s my girl!” she laughed.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywUDeLA1dc
Makenna shakily stood up from the table, and facing Jessica, she messed with her hair and asked, “How do I look?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcyJUKbUds
“Like a city girl!” Jessica spoke in a country accent, and she pointed her hand in the direction of Peter Nelson’s table, “You look fine. Now go! Good luck, partner! I’ll be right here.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLhHuaKYit
“Thanks.” Makenna said, and turning toward Peter’s table, she took a deep breath, “All right, you’ve got this, Makenna. It’s just a boy. It’s just a boy. No, it’s not just a boy! It’s Peter Nelson!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2PtOaSFUv
“You’ve got this,” encouragingly spoke Jessica. She took a sip from her carton of chocolate milk and gestured, with her head, in Peter’s direction.
Makenna winked. Jessica did too. Then, taking a deep breath, the young, Metamorphic Fairy started forward and headed toward Peter’s table. Halfway there, she stopped momentarily and peered back to Jessica. She gave her a thumbs up. Makenna nodded. Then, she started toward Pete’s table again.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvLBrOmCtF
Soon reaching it, she approached his side, held her arms behind her back, and asked, “Peter?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAyrUsVNcn
Peter’s friends, a group of three more juniors, peered up at her, and one friend, a muscular, dark-haired boy who had a wrestling-like feature to him, nudged Peter and said, “Hey, Pete, check it out. You have a chick hovering over you.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyWWR2WQen
Peter, who was scrolling on his phone, asked, “Hm? Do what, Bruce?” He turned off his phone and set it down on the table’s face. Bruce pointed at Makenna who was waiting patiently and said, “Look.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttjQDX6bw7
Peter finally turned his head, and his eyes landed on Makenna. “Oh,” he said, and he smiled, “Hey, Miss Makenna Delling.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblIGjV4bzA
“Hey, Pete,” she spoke back in a soft voice, “I was wondering, do you have a moment? There’s something I want to talk to you about, and I’m ashamed to talk about it in front of all your friends.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3QS9GBRMd
“Very well.” Peter said, and he nodded, “Sure, Miss Delling.” He stood up, and resting his hand on Makenna’s back, he led her forward, toward the cafeteria’s exit and a hallway. While they were sauntering away, Peter peered back to his friends and seemed to sneer. They did too, and together, they gave each other a fist pound. Hmm, that was kind of strange. Why were they sneering?
Makenna and Peter Nelson soon exited the cafeteria. They were now standing in an almost empty hallway. There were a few teenagers at their lockers, but other than them, there really wasn’t anybody else. Peter and Makenna stopped at a flyer on the wall that was about the Spirit Week dance on Friday, and together, they looked it over and read it a few times to themselves. Then, Makenna took Jessica’s advice.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzoqKvmiVw
She told Peter, “Wow, Peter,” and her index finger skimmed the flyer, “this is amazing. The Spirit Week dance is this Friday. It’s going to be my very first high school dance, so I’m pretty pumped up about it. What about you?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AjQxDjz14
“I am too.” Peter said, “Makenna, for the past two years I’ve been here, believe it or not, but I haven’t attended a school dance.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwafjF02Vq
“Really?” Makenna asked. She and Peter met eyes.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwBzm6U03y
“Yeah,” he said, and turning away, he hid a small smirk. Makenna didn’t notice it. Soon, he turned back to the young fairy and clutched her shoulder, “This will be very new to me too. You know, Makenna, I’m going to go ahead and openly say this.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvi8Nap9it
“Yes, Peter?” questioned Makenna, “What is it?” Together, she and Peter turned their bodies, so now, they were facing each other. Makenna could feel her cheeks burning, and she reached for her left one.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHtWdfORFA
Peter Nelson soon picked up her hand, and the fairy squealed. “Makenna,” said he, “You are amazing. I have never met another girl who has your strength and skills. I am proud to call you my friend.” Fourteen-year-old Makenna blushed, and releasing her hand, she covered her mouth. However, she was unaware that behind her, peering out from behind a wall, was Jimmy Carter! He was spying on her! However, it was strange. He seemed to have a suspicious expression on his face! Him! Jimmy Carter! Slowly and carefully, he stepped out from behind the wall and started to approach Makenna and Peter. They had not noticed him. They were distracted. Makenna continued to listen to Peter, and he next said, “A dance such as the one on Friday, Makenna, to me, is a dance that’s hard to go to alone.” Makenna gasped and blushed harder. Sweat trickled down her temples, and she impatiently waited for Peter’s next words. They were, “You’re so beautiful, Makenna. I guess what I’m trying to say is…” He chuckled nervously.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNG1kc1ACg
“What?” Makenna asked him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzlicjXvmD
“No,” nervously chuckled Peter, and he shook his head.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKzn0wp36z
“Try me,” was Makenna’s next words. She brought her hands to her heart, “Don’t be shy, Peter, this is Makenna Delling you’re speaking to.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugI5NVlpfN
“Makenna.” Peter finally said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC3fpae4CI
“Yes?” flirtingly asked the Metamorphic Fairy. Peter peered into her beautiful, blue eyes and took a deep breath.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYqSE0To5A
Then, in a nervous tone, he asked, “Will-Will you go to the dance with me?” Makenna froze. Then, her jaw dropped to the ground. No! No! No! He did not just ask that! He did not just ask that! She was lost for words. She had to confirm this!177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Ye9y61zU
Finally, in a squeaky voice, she asked, “Can you repeat that please, Pete?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47HajenvXK
“Sure,” spoke Peter, and he cleared his throat, standing up straight, “Makenna Delling, will you go to the dance with me on Friday night?”
Makenna was on the brink of tears.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDitr8EARM
She covered her mouth, speechless, and finally, she squeaked, “Yes!” She forcibly nodded her head, “Yes I will, Peter! I will!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9BmFoeP0k
“Really?” Peter asked her, and he grinned, “Well, perfect! Thank you!” He flipped his hair, “Yet I have another question, Makenna. Would you like to come over to my house later and meet my parents?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVc3N8Rb84
“Your parents?” asked Makenna. Jimmy Carter was getting closer to them, but he slipped behind a row of lockers and stayed as quiet as possible. “I would love to,” Makenna added, “but, didn’t you say your dad was crazy?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe8PtZDhBZ
Peter chuckled. “Well, Makenna,” he laughed, “he really doesn’t start to really be affected by craziness unless he’s had five cups of coffee. I’ve told my parents about you, Makenna, and they would love to meet you.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe884jIZD9J
“Hm,” spoke Makenna who was still blushing, and she tapped her chin, “Where do you live, Peter?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOGlKjNPOK
“Seabrook Island,” he answered.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE224vnWItn
Makenna gasped. “Seabrook Island?!” she asked, “Really? Where?!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkORVdOit0L
“On Jenkins Point,” Peter said, “Why?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcXGtsJbLB
“Jenkins Point?!” Makenna yelped, and she took a step back, “Seriously?! I live on Seabrook Island, on Jenkins Point too!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAdNXxccIy
“Whoa, really?” asked Peter, and he took a step closer to her, “Seriously? How come I’ve never seen you? Where exactly on Jenkins Point do you live, Makenna?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQZSz0Aqr5
“Next to the alligator pond,” she replied, “What about you?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCuHxPwLCw
Peter nodded. “Ah,” he said, “That’s why. I live near the end, past the bridge that is surrounded by marshland. When we get out of school and go home, do you just want to meet me at the alligator pond?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFNDnrpNCU
“What time?” Makenna wanted to know.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWpEFJ2IjE
“Hm,” voiced her crush. He rubbed his beardless chin, and then, dropping his hand, he checked his wristwatch, “Will 4:30 work?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRRCx0Kib2
“4:30?” Makenna asked, “Sure! Thank you, Pete!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWkDtDNMCP
“No prob,” he said, and chuckling, he waved his hand, “My parents have been dying to meet you, Makenna. Besides, I’m sure they’ll be curious about the girl I’m going to take to the Spirit Week dance this Friday. We’re going to have so much fun, Makenna.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEJtkfQ9Pm
“Yes,” she agreed, and she nodded, “We are. We’ll enjoy our first high school dance together. I’ll see you at the alligator pond at 4:30 this afternoon, Pete.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5P92XvVN4
“Right,” he said, and he took her shoulders, “Thank you, Makenna. Thank you.” He pulled Makenna into a hug, and she gasped. He was hugging her! Peter Nelson was hugging her! Soon he let go, and to give a dramatic exit, he kissed her cheek. Here, Makenna’s eyes widened, and squealing, she pressed her hand up against her cheek. Peter Nelson soon left her, and while he was leaving, he waved, and the last thing he said was, “4:30 this afternoon, Makenna. I can’t wait. This is going to be fun.” Makenna nodded, speechless, and watched as he slipped back into the cafeteria. Then, grinning, she took a step closer to the cafeteria’s entrance. She had done it! She had gotten a date with Peter Nelson to the Spirit Week dance! Her very first date! Oh, Makenna was so excited! She couldn’t help herself.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglqZPYeuJk
She closed her eyes, lifted her hands high over her head, and yelled, “Yippee!” into the atmosphere.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipcMfv8o2d
Jimmy Carter, who was still spying on her from behind the lockers, narrowed his eyebrows and said, “Hmm.” Then, stepping out, while Makenna wasn’t looking, he marched down the hallway and disappeared around the corner.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCYBoQH9dt
Makenna, who was now literally the only one standing in it now, again yelled, “Yippee!” and tears of joy fountained down her cheeks.
Gentle waves slapped the surface of Merlin’s Island’s beach. The sun was high in the sky, and it was smiling down on the island. The time was 1:30 pm. On the beach, sitting on a rock with his hands on his thighs, was Tracey, Merlin’s apprentice. He was staring out at the Atlantic Ocean, in a trance-like state, and Gina was sleeping on a log next to him. Behind the young fairy, in the background, was the volcano and jungle. Tracey sat in complete silence. His wings stood out behind him, and they waved gently in the breeze as well as his hair. His eyes drooped a little bit. He could hear the sirens singing in his head, although he was unaware that they were really the Octopus Man calling him to sea. The mark of the Octopus Man’s trident reappeared on his arm. The mark! But why? What was going on here? A few more minutes passed. Then, Tracey stood up and dropped his arms to his sides. He crept toward the ocean, and his wings glittered with his fairy dust and the rays of the sun. Behind, Gina woke up and unburied her head from her wing. She gasped at the sight of Tracey heading toward the ocean and squawked. Quickly, she flapped her wings and flew after him. Tracey stopped right at the shoreline, and water from waves sprayed onto his boots. The sirens continued to sing in his head. From behind, Gina flew faster. Reaching Tracey, she grabbed a tuft of hair and started to pull. However, he shook her off. On the horizon, the Octopus Man’s whirlpool appeared, and it swirled toward the beach! Gina saw it and gasped again. No! If Tracey stepped into the ocean, he would be carried away! Gina had to do something before it was too late! But what? After a bit, she thought of it! She hated to do this to Tracey because he was so innocent and he loved his wings, but it was the only thing she could do to wake him up. Hurrying to his right wing, Gina opened her beak and bit down on it as hard as she could. Immediately, Tracey woke up, and he gasped, flinching.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBeDv9s51l
He reached for his wing and grabbed it, saying, “Gina, what is wrong with you?!” He pulled Gina off and massaged his wing, “Ow!” Gina squawked at him, and Tracey asked, “What?” at her. The mark on his arm vanished, and the Octopus Man’s whirlpool disappeared underwater. Gina continued to squawk at the young apprentice. “Do what?” he asked, “I was in a trance? What are you talking about, Gina? What’s wrong? Why do you look so frightened?” Gina flew into his arms and cuddled up to him. She was worried. She was worried about him. Tracey had never acted this way before. He didn’t really start to change until after that adventure on the beach the day before. Understanding that she was worried, Tracey hugged her and said, “I’m all right, Gina. I’m all right. Come on, let’s go for a flight down the beach. I know how much you love beach flights. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see a few dolphins.” Gina held her breath. Then, she lowered her head and seemed to sigh. After a bit, she met Tracey’s eyes again and nodded. Then, turning, she flapped her wings and fluttered forward. Yeah, she did love beach flights. Tracey did too. He flapped his wings and lifted into the sky. Then, he chased after his friend.
Soon, they were flying side by side down the beach, and while he flew, Tracey watched the ocean and thought about Makenna. “Makenna,” he upsettingly spoke. Suddenly, he stopped and started to hover. A flash of worry washed across his face. “Makenna,” he repeated, and groaning, he reached for his head. He couldn’t help but feel like, Makenna was in danger.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn4SrFdi2n
Gina soon stopped and turned to him, asking in tern squawks, “What’s the matter, Tracey?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9U9t6P7Zy
“Makenna,” he said, and he released his head, “Makenna, Gina. I can’t help but feel like she’s in trouble. Argh!” Growling, he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his body.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetPVnuIeYC
“Makenna in trouble?” Gina asked him, and she fluttered over to his face, “Of course she’s in trouble, Trace. Selene is not happy with her, and if Makenna doesn’t change her attitude soon and stop lying, then she will be a dead fairy.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvrs2eoU2b
“It’s not just that, Gina,” worriedly spoke Tracey, and opening his eyes, he dropped his arms and fixed his eyes on his friend, “It’s something else. Something I feel that is going on at her school. I-I have to go to her, Gina.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNZBW8XSbx
“But Merlin gave you strict orders to stay here, Trace!” Gina snapped at him, “You can’t go! I won’t let you!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBvCnfUpHr
“I don’t understand what the big deal is!” admitted the young, ninja-like apprentice, “What evil force from the Bermuda Triangle was Sensei talking about, hmm, Gina? This is the Atlantic Ocean. It’s very safe, and besides, the Bermuda Triangle is far, far away. I’ll be perfectly fine flying to Seabrook Island.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt7OKBFKYR
“I’m not going to let you though.” Gina said, “If you disobey Merlin, Tracey, then so help myself I will fly to him myself and tell him what you did!”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaP1Sa0q99
“Go ahead,” calmly spoke Tracey, and Gina’s eyes widened, “but my friend is in danger. I can’t just leave her, Gina. I have to help her. I have to help her find Selene, help her earn her Crystal Wings, and help her save Merlin. It is my duty as his apprentice. I promised Sensei I would do everything in my willpower to assist Makenna on her journey. Go ahead, Gina, tell on me, but I can assure you by the time you finally get to him, I will already be at Seabrook Island. I’ll be careful. I promise.”
“Oh, Tracey.” Gina spoke, and she flew into his arms, “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXvzzs5AJd
“I won’t.” Tracey promised her, “Makenna and I will be successful. I promise you, Gina, as soon as Selene visits Makenna in her dreams, we will return here together.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEadbCFyN3
“Very well,” said Gina, and the two disconnected, “Do you remember the spell that will help you hide your wings?” 177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qB9vWVrGI
Tracey nodded, “I do, Gina.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtxj7CGAJw
“That may come in handy,” spoke Gina, “Especially if you find yourself in a huge crowd of humans. Remember, Tracey, if you do find yourself in a huge crowd of humans, if one tries to pressure you into a fight, simply say ‘No’ and use one of your ninja tricks to escape the scene.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6unETpEDJ
Tracey feebly smiled. “You know I’m good at that, Gina,” he chuckled.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoiPHhiRb5
“Yeah, you are,” admitted Gina, and she blushed, “Merlin’s taught you well. Well, good luck, my friend. Take good care of yourself and your wings.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2KQkXL1nJ
“I will, Gina.” Tracey said, and he bobbed his head up and down, “I will.” Stroking Gina’s cheek, he said goodbye one last time. Then, removing his hand from the tern, he turned his body and flew toward the ocean, in the direction of Seabrook Island. When he reached the shoreline, he landed, and his eyes focused ahead on the horizon. Gina didn’t follow him. She stayed behind. She had to stay behind. Somebody needed to be there to take care of Merlin while he was weak, and Gina was that somebody. She was going to miss her friend, but he’d be back. She knew he’d be back. He was Tracey. Wind gushed through his hair, and slowly turning his head, he peered over his shoulder, and his eyes landed on Gina. The last thing he told her before he took off in flight was, “I can assure you, Gina, that when Makenna and I return, Makenna will be a Level 2 Metamorphic Fairy. Take good care of Sensei for me.” He waved, and Gina waved back. After waving, Tracey turned and faced the ocean again. He took a deep breath. Then, he opened his wings, held his arms out to his sides, and took off in flight. Gina and Makenna’s surfboard were left behind.
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End of Part One: Merlin's Island
Current Word Count: 70,000
ns 15.158.61.23da2
