Beneath

By Sarah Feng

Some people think mermaids aren't real.
But what if you woke up and found one in your room?
Katherine Jones did.
She herself has been transformed into one of the legendary merfolk. The merboy that appeared beside her bed takes her to the magical Beneath, the underwater world full of danger, magic, and mystery. Katherine finds her true name and task—a task that will transform her life forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Feng
• Release date: May 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310018237

Book preview

Chapter 1 ~ Nightmare

For the past two months, my dreams had been tormented with nightmares. So why should tonight be any different?

Even though I knew the effort was futile, I still prayed, No nightmare, please, no nightmare, as I flicked off my lamp.

It had been a long day. My eyes closed the moment my head hit the pillow. When they opened again, I was sitting in the same wooden chair as I had been for the last two months. My hands were cuffed behind my back, with something that felt like steel. My hands were raw and bleeding from them, but when I turned, I saw that the seemingly metal bands were made of a soft, cloudy substance that looked like cotton.

Beside me sat the merboy, just like before. His chair looked exactly like mine, except the cuffs burnt his hands. There was a shiny silver wire entwined around his cuffs, which I guess added to his pain. Every couple minutes or so, I would hear him scream in agony. The first few times I was always surprised at his mermaid tail, but now it’s rather normal.

He looked very different from me. If you were standing in front of us, you would agree wholeheartedly. He had a shiny blue tail, and I had two regular legs with feet and toes that I could wiggle. He had silver hair and brown eyes, and I had brown hair and green eyes. The differences were endless.

The room was covered with jewels, and the one that stood out to me most was the gigantic pulsing ruby. It gave me the shivers with its beauty. The merboy kept staring at it, and I supposed that it happened to be his favorite color and he really wanted it, but when he saw the ruby, his eyes flared with immense hatred.

Every time I tried to speak, my throat would clog, and for what seemed like hours I would feel like if I opened my mouth, I would throw up. Since this was not a pleasant feeling, after several attempts at talking, I gave up.

I leaned my head back and slid down in my chair, closing my eyes. It would be over soon. All I had to do was wait it out. I really, really hoped nothing too bad would happen. All the times before this, a merman had come in to start lecturing the merboy. Something about the one and the Svalik and a bunch of other nasty-sounding insults and gibberish.

The door opened with a sharp click!

It swung open, and the merman stepped in. He looked at us with disgust, like we were vomit all over a priceless rug.

He was a merman. He stalked around us like a cat. His tail was gold, and he wore a belt. Well, it wasn’t really a belt. It was rusty chains looped around his waist in the fashion of a belt. Except for his tail, he was basically a larger version of the merboy that sat next to me. Same eyes, same body, same hair… a spitting image.

So you might have been right after all, son, the merman hissed. It seemed like they had made a bet or something, and he had lost and wasn’t happy about it.

The merboy struggled to keep the smugness out of his radiant smile. Yes, he said.

We shall have to test her, the merman continued.

Of course. Shall I bring her? the merboy offered.

Make it quick. You’ll have to visit the Above. We don’t have much time to lose. The merman uttered some strange words under his breath, and both our cuffs unwound immediately. The merboy jumped up eagerly and bounded out the door.

Wait… the what? The Above? What was that?

The merman then silently walked over to me, then tapped my hands. It was unnerving how his sharp, black eyes seemed to penetrate my very soul. The wounds healed immediately, and it felt really good to have my cuts and sores soothed. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen next.

Then, he tapped my legs. I had expected relief, maybe healing, as well, but I was mistaken. The pain was unbearable. It shot across my entire body, and my legs melted. I screamed so loudly that the merboy covered his ears. My skin burned yet my blood felt icy. My vision blurred. It seemed as if I was being raked across sharp spikes on fire, and I screamed and cried and beat my fists on my leg, trying to quench the imaginary flames.

The pain was too great. I blacked out, but right before I did, I caught a glimpse of my legs. But they were no longer legs. They were now a shimmering green mermaid’s tail.

And I fainted in my dream. Is that even possible?

I jerked awake, sitting upright with sweat soaking my pajamas and my hair plastered to my forehead. I gasped for air, replaying the events of my dream in my head. Not real. Not real, not real, not real.

I glanced at the clock. It was only 10:02. Wow, only an hour into bedtime and I had already had the freakiest nightmare, not to mention most painful. Slowly I sank back onto the bed.

Just to make sure the dream was fake and I still had legs, I just checked. It couldn’t hurt… right?

I screamed so loudly that I think I might have shattered a mirror.

Chapter 2 ~ Shark

The part about me getting a tail was real.

Which was extremely scary, as you might assume. I screamed again. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I rubbed my eyes. The tail was still there.

I blinked. The tail was still there. I couldn’t believe my eyes, so I used physical contact as proof.

I poked it. It even felt like I had always thought a tail would feel--warm, smooth, slippery, like a snake. I groaned. How was I supposed to get to school tomorrow?

Footsteps neared. I pulled the blanket tighter around my tail, hiding it more thoroughly as Mom opened the door.

Honey, are you all right? You were screaming, she asked gently, sitting down on my bed and smiling consolingly.

N-nightmare, I said. That wasn’t a lie. The dream was pretty nightmare-ish tonight, especially that last part. In fact, it feels like it’s still going on.

She bent down and kissed my forehead. It’s all right, sweetie. I used to have nightmares too, but they go away after a week or so.

I nodded, pretending to believe her. Inside, I thought, That’s not always true.

Smiling, she whispered, Good night. Sweet dreams, and left, closing the door softly behind her.

I wished Dad was here. He’d tell me one of his famous stories, and I’d giggle, and he’d pat me on the head, like he always used to, then I’d go to sleep soundly with no nightmares.

It made my eyes brim with tears just to think of Dad. He died a year ago, and any thought I have of him makes me want to collapse and sob, so I try not to think about him. I pushed the thought away.

Once the door clicked shut, I blinked, and found the merboy hovering in my room. My jaw dropped. I wanted to scream and hit the door, but I didn’t want to make Mom come in again. So I covered my mouth and stared at him.

I blinked. Still there.

I rubbed my eyes. Still there. Those two methods of discerning reality and hallucinations seemed to have stopped working.

What--how--why-- I was at a loss for words. I gaped at him. "First my tail, now you. I’m still dreaming. I. Am. Dreaming." I said each word loudly, clearly, and slowly, trying to convince myself. It was no use.

We have to go, he whispered.

Wh-what is going on here? Why are things from my dream coming to life? Who are you? Why are you here? What’s your name? Why is your hair silver?

I could tell he almost laughed. Easy, easy. Answers later, we’re almost out of time. But I can tell you my name—It’s Shark.

Shark? What kind of name is that?

A regular name. What’s your name?

Katherine Hope Jones, otherwise known as Kat.

Disgusted, he replied, "What kind of name is that?"

A regular one, I responded with a smirk.

How old are you? I replied, my smugness suddenly replaced with curiosity.

A hundred and twenty nine, he said absently.

I gasped. Wow, that’s old!

He smiled. "Not for us mermaids. How old are you?"

"Fourteen human years," I said.

He looked at me, shocked. "You age quickly!

Uh… thanks?

He nodded, then grabbed my wrist. "We have to go," he said urgently. He pulled me out of bed, and I flopped on the ground, unable to walk on my tail. Sighing, he snapped his fingers, and I started floating an inch above the ground. Shocked, I stared at him. I thought I saw a shadow of surprise flit across his face also.

I’m not going anywhere. I stood--floated--on the floor, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

There will be no need for any of that attitude, Shark said calmly. Oh no he didn’t! I was about to snap back a retort when he dragged me to the window. A sharp gust of wind swept in, nipping at my skin and roaring around the room. Oh no. I didn’t like where this was going. My homework and papers fluttered upwards, flying everywhere. I tried to free myself from Shark’s grip to organize those projects. My teachers would murder me in my sleep if I didn’t turn them in arranged properly.

No! I need to come back! This is my home! I cried. I struggled to get his hand off. Stop! Don’t take me with you! Just… go! I don’t want to leave! I took a glance out of the window. Manhattan was still brightly lit up. Golden lights sparked, swirling out of the windows they came from. Voices in the distance floated across to my ears. New York was still busy at ten o’ clock, and I was sure someone was bound to notice some random mermaid boy forcing an innocent girl--no, innocent mermaid girl--to commit suicide with him. Besides, I was going to get my fourth tardy tomorrow if I didn’t show up, and that meant The Punishment: cleaning every single toilet in the school.

He looked at me sadly. I’m sorry, he said, and he snapped with his free hand. The window rolled down by itself, and he jumped out of it, pulling me out of the window. I barely had time to react.

What are you trying to do, get us killed? Never jump out of a window, you idiot! I yelled. My voice was carried away by the howling winds that pounded at my face.

Mind your language, young lady. He smiled teasingly. What? Was he some snotty police’s son that could get you arrested with a single whine and pout?

Suddenly, Shark tapped my back, and wings sprouted. Fairy wings, a translucent lime green that matched my tail, unfurled on my back. My pajama top turned to a pale pink fluttery dress-like shirt.

Where are you taking me? I yelled at him.

I’m taking you to the Beneath. It’s what we call the world under the surface of the ocean.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. This dude was trying to force me into a magical universe called the Beneath! Dumbfounded, I stared ahead.

By the way, that shirt is called a kadna, Shark told me.

What the heck is going on? Explanation, I demanded, folding my arms and glaring at him. Who cared what mermaid fashion was called? The one thing I wanted was a full, true explanation. And to go back home. Was that too much to ask for?

Shark seemed worried. Later, he said hurriedly. We zoomed across the city. Surprisingly, no one in New York seemed to see two merfolk flying across the sky. Maybe Shark enchanted them or something. Huh. Wouldn’t be surprised. Still, my anger hadn’t faded.

You’ll be arrested for kidnapping! You won’t get away with this! I warned Shark.

Shark merely laughed.

My wings fluttered faster than I thought was possible. We flew across several states less than ten minutes or so. Shark flashed down, and I ducked down after him.

We were already at the actual coast of the East Coast. We landed as quietly as we could, though I kind of crash-landed (I crashed into Shark, who crashed into sand and I crashed into a thornbush. Ouch.).

I clambered out from the thornbush. Pain stung my body. Exhausted from climbing through the thorns and flying 3000 miles, I collapsed on the sand and rested, gazing at the waves under the moonlight. Shark came out too, and I got up. The moon was a pale, round disk hanging in the navy sky. Stars twinkled around it, as if acting as a background. It was a full moon today.

We stood in front of the sea. The wind was slightly stronger here--but you could still describe it as a whirling breeze. I took in a little whiff. The air was salty and sweet.

Get in, Shark said.

Get in what?

The sea, he replied.

What? No! There’s a sign there that clearly says ‘No swimming’ And who do you think you are, telling ME where to go? You have no authority!

Doesn’t matter. Humans don’t understand.

No way. You can’t make me. I crossed my arms and glared at him. Now would be the best time to use my stubbornness.

Sorry, he said, and pushed me in.

Chapter 3 ~ The Merfolk of the United States

The water was freezing at first. Then my body slowly adjusted, yet much faster than a regular human. The water became the exact right body temperature for me, and I could breathe in the water. Swimming came as naturally as walking for me, and I could expose my naked eyeball to the saltwater. At this time, the water was murky and dark, but my eyes adjusted too and I could see perfectly. My wings disappeared as quickly as they came.

Shark, again, led, and I followed. He took sharp turns and sudden dives, but surprisingly, I kept up.

My head still spun from all the shock. It can be nothing but magic, I muttered to myself.

What? Shark asked, stopping.

Nothing. Talking to myself, I replied.

Oh, okay then, he said.

We resumed swimming at about 60 miles per hour.

Finally, I saw a faint dot of light. We swam towards it excitedly. As we neared, it was a glowing palace with turrets and buildings and flying buttresses and all these fancy schmancy designs. Glowing seaweed and bright seaflowers beside jewel-covered pillars were placed everywhere. I gaped at the sight.

Welcome to the Beneath, Shark said, gesturing dramatically.

I shook my head and blinked, as if trying to clear the image. No WAY.

Shark murmured something into an intercom, punched in a code, and two enormous double doors swung open. The entire palace was made entirely of glowing pearl, gold, and silver, with assorted decorations of other materials and colors. There were three thrones at the far end of the room.

Shark swept forwards with a regal demeanor I didn’t think he had. His manner had changed completely from when he was kidnapping--I mean, um, borrowing me politely. I hurriedly followed him. Merfolk were gathered on either sides of the red carpet we were swimming down, but luckily, since I was embarrassed easily, everyone seemed drowsy, cranky, and tired. My face flamed involuntarily, and I ducked my head and tried to look insignificant.

On the three thrones sat the merman from my dream, a man with a goatee, and a woman with beauty like ice.

Here, on the Red Carpet, we have our esteemed Prince Shark… the merman paused to let the merfolk bow. No wonder Shark had acted with such regalia! He was a prince!

And… he paused to let me say my name.

Kat, I filled in quietly.

Louder. I can’t hear you, he said.

Kat, I said louder.

And presenting our esteemed… Kat, he said.

No bows, no applause. Just a lot of rude staring. My face flamed again.

And my son, he continued, thinks she is the one.

Gasps all around. Again, no bows, no applause, but even ruder staring. I had no idea what that even meant.

Welcome, Kat. My name is King Tsunami of the United States Merfolk, said the merman smoothly. So now I know his name. King Tsunami. He reminded me of Poseidon. As if reading my thoughts, he said, And my grandfather was the grand Poseidon, Greek god of horses and the sea. I am King of the Merfolk of the United States--or MOTUS. The Beneath presents our respects.

Hello, King Tsunami, I said feebly. I was tempted to add a trail of much more flattering names after, but I didn’t.

Welcome, Kat. My name is Pebble, the advisor of King Tsunami, the goatee guy said.

Hello, Pebble, I said.

I am Crystal, the woman said coldly. I didn’t think she liked me much. Queen of the Merfolk of the United States.

Hello, Crystal, I said carefully. This lady didn’t seem too merciful. I decided I never wanted to get into a bad scuffle with her as the enemy.

"Make that Queen Crystal," she said, looking down on me. I thought I had detected a flash of hatred and disdain in her cold blue eyes.

Prince Shark here has a hunch, King Tsunami said, that our Kat here is the one.

A murmur spread through the crowd. I looked at the floor uncomfortably. What did they mean by the one?

And so, tomorrow, she will be tested.

There was a lot of loud gasping, and I had a feeling some of that gasping was intentionally done so I would feel uneasy. Unfortunately, they succeeded.

But tonight, she shall sleep in the royal cabin temporarily, as there is no more space in the merfolk cabin.

Some gasped, yet again, and there was an faint angry buzz among the merfolk.

You are dismissed. Retire to your beds, King Tsunami said.

The merfolk flooded the doorway. I could see why they built it so hugely now.

Show Kat where she is supposed to be, I heard King Tsunami whisper to Shark. Nodding, Shark swam over to me.

I’m going to show you where your room is, Shark said awkwardly.

I nodded like a bobblehead.

Follow me, he said. He went left, took a right, kept swimming, then came to a chamber with seven doorways.

On each doorway there was a label. I could tell that the marks weren’t English, and looked like a bunch of random swirls and dots, but I could tell what they read.

They read:

Merfolk Royals Weaponry Technology Artifacts Scrolls FORBIDDEN

Why is it not in English? I asked.

Well, we speak English here, but our written language is Umbarian.

Shark took the ROYALS door. Inside was an enormous cozy-looking room with comfy-looking beds and a… a fireplace with a fire made out of water in it. Which defied the rules of logic and physic, but oh well. Didn’t everything?

There was no one quite yet, but there were six beds. They read: Prince Shark, Queen Crystal, King Tsunami, and Georgia. The sixth bed had no nametag.

That bed, Shark said. Everything looked completely dry, despite the fact that they should be soggy and covered with fungi by now.

He sat on a random bed, and I just sat on the bed next to him.

He looked at me. You know your name isn’t really Kat, he said.

Yes it is.

No it’s not.

Yes it is.

No it’s not.

I’m serious, it is. It’s even in the birth certificates and stuff.

He laughed. What do birth certificates know? You were born a mermaid, and given your true name here. All mermaids have names that relate to the sea. Your name is Pearl, despite what you think it is, and you are the one.

The one? What the heck is that?

Someone magical. Someone who protects us by going on the quest to bring back the Svalik.

Chapter 4 ~ Explanations (Finally!)

"The what? Who said anything about going on a quest? And how do you know I’m the one?"

"The Svalik. The suh-VAH-lik. It’s a giant pearl with seaweed covering it and jewels on top of the seaweed. It holds more magical power than Father can imagine, and trust

Reviews for Beneath

[Marissa Weeks · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This seems more like the kind of book, that would be on Wattpad. Tons of mistakes, unfinished concepts, and the storyline was all over the place. I would recommend an editor, and maybe try it again? It was very annoying to read and it climaxed into nothingness. Not impressed .