One Truth, No Lie

By Lehua Parker

Everything you thought you knew about Zader is a lie.

Kalei, the Man with Too Many Teeth, gave me an ultimatum: Bite Jay or watch as Kalei murders everyone I love. Kalei will do it. I have no doubt.

Jay's anger is white-hot. If I take his leg, he'll never surf again. He's my brother, but he'll hunt me down and kill me for this. He won't forgive me.

Either way, I end up alone.

No matter what they say, I'm not Niuhi. I'm a Westin. I'm a kid, not a shark. I can't live without Jay, Char Siu, Uncle Kahana, or 'Ilima. Just me and my psycho sister Maka roaming the seas forever? No thanks.

There's got to be more to my life than this. I refuse to believe that I'm a monster and a pawn in someone's cosmic game.

I'm making my own rules now.

__________________

One Truth, No Lie is Book 3 in the Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy. Told from an indigenous perspective and set in a contemporary Hawaiian world where all the Hawaiian myths and legends are real, the series explores belonging, adoption, being different, bullying, defining family, destiny vs. self-determination, and learning to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Through the series, Zader discovers he's not really a boy allergic to water; he's something much more special, dangerous, and powerful. His adoptive brother Jay discovers what happens when the golden surfing star falls from his pedestal and has to choose to make the long climb back from serious injury. It's the ties that bind and support the brothers that allow them to create their own destinies.

As typical local islanders, characters use common Hawaiian and Pidgin words and phrases. The meaning is usually clear from the context, but there is also a Hawaiian & Pidgin Glossary for additional support. Each chapter begins with a related island word or phrase and its definitions. A Discussion Guide for book club or classroom use is included. Free additional classroom support materials are available on www.NiuhiSharkSaga.com.

One Boy, No Water, Book 1 in the Niuhi Shark Saga, was a 2017 Nene Award Nominee. The Nene Award is Hawaii's Children's Choice Book Award recognizing outstanding literary works.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Makena Press
• Release date: Jun 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781949429084

Book preview

1

Maka

Ka-Maka-O-Ka-Moana

The eye of the ocean; the beloved of the ocean.

It was the hour of the night when the moon slips beneath the ocean and the sky starts to lighten over the cliffs in Lauele Town, Hawai’i.

Maka in her Niuhi shark form nosed Zader’s body toward shore. She’d found him unconscious and drifting out at sea, a baby dorsal fin bump on his back, gills along his neck, and rough gray skin the only outward signs of his failed transition from human to Niuhi.

Maka sighed.

Things were never as simple as they should be.

Face down in the water, at least he was getting oxygen through his gills and his heartbeat was strong. His body, however, was dangerously chilled. He needed to get out of the water before hypothermia set in, leaving him without enough energy to fully shift one way or the other.

Maka whipped her shark tail back and forth, keeping her snout pressed against Zader, working with the tide toward the shore at Nalupuki. Landing at Keikikai would be easier, but with dawn on its way, she didn’t want to take the chance they’d be seen by early morning joggers. Better to get him on land as quickly as possible and let his mammalian instincts return him to his usual human form.

Well, as human as Niuhi ever got.

This is my fault, Maka thought. I knew Kalei was spending too much time in Lauele, and that’s never good. If ‘Ilima hadn’t been there—

She closed her eyes.

Don’t think about it.

Don’t think about how Zader, the boy who believes one drop of water burns his skin like acid, was more afraid of staying on land than jumping into the sea.

From the pavilion on the hill, Maka caught scent traces of Kalei, Zader, and ‘Ilima, the dog who wasn’t really a dog. The emotion surrounding their scents crackled in the air like a nuclear explosion. Whatever happened between her uncle Kalei and her brother Zader, it wasn’t the happy family reunion she’d fantasized about.

Earlier that night, swimming with her mother Pua miles away from Lauele Town, Maka knew the moment the ocean embraced Zader. The water around her suddenly prickled with his presence.

Zader!

All her life Maka had known about her twin brother Zader, but he knew nothing about her. While Zader thought their childhood adventures were dreams, Maka knew they were real.

Maka’s heart leaped.

If Zader’s in the ocean, he knows he’s Niuhi.

No more pretending.

No more hiding.

Mentally, she followed their bond back, but instead of elation at his transition from human to Niuhi, she felt confusion and fear.

Adrenaline squished through her veins; her mind raced faster than a riptide. Her eyes darted to Pua swimming calmly by her side.

Mother doesn’t know. And she can’t—not yet. I have to get to Zader first. He needs to understand being Niuhi is a good thing.

Maka stretched and yawned.

Mother, she said, I’m ‘ono for eels.

Pua turned to her.

Eels? Yuck. Too chewy, Maka.

I know a good place.

Every place is a good place for eels, foolish girl. They’re plentiful because nobody wants a mouthful of tendon and gristle.

We’re not far from Makapu‘u. Good hunting along the reef.

Maka, we ate yesterday.

Just an eel snack. I like the way they slurp.

If you’re hungry, find a fish.

You don’t have to come.

Pua gave her side-eye. Why not?

I mean, come if you want. It’ll be fun.

Maka held her breath, feigning disinterest. She swished her tail at a plastic bottle floating on the surface.

Make her believe you don’t care; if she thinks this is important, it’s over.

She felt Pua’s scrutiny.

Relax!

Think eels, eels, eels!

Don’t think about being on my own.

Pua swam closer, her fin brushing Maka’s side.

You’ll be leaving me soon, Pua said.

Sea stars! Is she reading my mind or my body language?

Eels, eels, eels!

Don’t think about—

You’ll be with that boy, Pua said.

Who?

You know the one I mean. Your brother.

Maka shrugged. I don’t think he likes eels.

Pua drifted, considering.

You’re right. Together on land won’t be the same as in the ocean with me. But if you insist on eating eels, I don’t want to hear how your stomach hurts later.

Score!

But it has to be her idea.

Maka frowned. You’re right. Eels are kinda rubbery.

But you like them.

Never mind. With school starting we won’t—

Go. Now is not the time to start feeling nervous about being alone.

Makapu‘u is far—

I’ll see you back here at dawn, Maka.

You sure you don’t want to come, Mother?

Pua shuddered. Eels? They stick in my teeth. I’d rather eat cow.

Maka thought hard: Hang in there, Zader. I’m coming.

But Zader in the water was silent.

He must be human again.

That was fast.

The human-Niuhi transition must’ve really freaked him out.

Maka didn’t panic until she entered the waters near Lauele Town. From the scent trail she knew Kalei had chased Zader into the water—and Zader hadn’t come out again.

I would know if Zader died, right?

She shook her head.

Don’t think about that either.

It seemed liked forever before she found him unconscious and floating miles from shore.

Nothing broken or bleeding.

Good.

But what an idiot.

Who fails at transitioning?

Really, how lame is that?

No wonder Kalei didn’t bother coming after him.

And it’s up to me to push him to shore.

Figures.

Now in the shallows off Nalupuki beach, the waves buffeted Zader’s body, pulling him away from Maka. At any moment a wave could catch him and roll him up the beach like rice in a sushi mat. Maka adjusted her angle and timed the waves.

With a little luck, they’d be on the beach in two shakes of a jellyfish tentacle.

2

Beached

Kuleana

Right; responsibility; stewardship.

How can I care so much, Maka thought, and Zader’s so clueless?

Is it because I live as Niuhi and he lives as human?

Is it a boy/girl thing?

Or is it because I know all about him and he knows nothing about me?

When Zader’s feet and knees dragged sand, Maka shifted from shark to human form. Flinging her hair out of her eyes and struggling a little in the shore break, she paused to reach out with her Niuhi senses.

Two human heartbeats.

One near the showers at the pavilion and the other near the rocks leading to Piko Point.

It’s too dark for them to see more than our shapes.

We’re good.

Ignoring the roiling sea foam, Maka flipped Zader onto his back.

His gills quivered and gasped.

Drowning in air.

Only Zader would make such a rookie mistake.

She pushed on his chest, forcing his body underwater. When the ragged ti leaf lei around his neck floated up, she ran her fingers along it.

Still wearing it, the idiot.

Like he needs more ties to the land.

Half in the water, half out, Maka considered her next move.

He’s heavy.

Bigger than I am and likely to be unconscious for another couple of hours.

I can’t leave him lying on the beach.

What if Kalei comes back?

She wrapped an arm around Zader’s neck and used the momentum of the waves to bring him out of the shore break and onto the beach.

I need to take him home, but I can’t do it without help.

She tugged at the lei, breaking off a water-logged leaf.

I hate this!

But I have to.

Time to hide in plain sight.

Maka filled her lungs and shouted, Help! Somebody help! I think he’s drowning! Help! I need help! We’re in the water!

With her Niuhi ears, she heard the humans’ heartbeats rise like the pounding call of a hula master’s drum.

Good.

I’ve got their attention.

Time to sell it.

Help! she screamed, somebody help me!

The female near the rocks started to move, but hesitated in the darkness.

We’re on the beach, Nalupuki-side! Help! Please! I know you’re there! I have to get him out of the water or he’ll die!

The girl hastened, but still cautiously picked her way through the rocks and sand.

Human eyes.

Useless in the dark.

How can Zader stand it?

The boy near the pavilion on the hill stepped closer to the sand’s edge, but no farther.

Waiting to see.

Typical.

It’s always up to the women to save the world.

Ignoring the salt dripping into her eyes, Maka grabbed Zader by his armpits and hauled his body the rest of the way out of the water and onto dry sand. She kneeled next to him, placing her hands over the gill slits in his neck. For a moment he struggled, then his mouth opened, sucking air deep into his lungs. Through his chest she felt his bones cracking and organs sliding as the baby shark fin bump on his back disappeared and the gill slits along his neck closed.

Now past the rocks, the girl spotted them in the starlight and started running.

‘Alika! the girl shouted toward the pavilion, Come help!

She skidded to a stop a few steps away, kicking sand all over Zader’s legs.

The boy on the hill didn’t move.

The girl was tall, sturdy, and strong in the way Aunties called big-boned and the boys called fat. With her Niuhi eyes, Maka could see a red mark high on the girl’s cheek that would morph into a wicked bruise by noon.

Good.

I can work with this.

Maka’s eyes swept Zader’s body one last time. He was still a little gray, but not so gray that he looked like a battleship. Pink slowly flushed his cheeks.

Maka brushed her hair back from her face, making sure a little sand fell into her eyes. The trick worked, and tears spilled down her cheeks. Scrunching up her face, she took a few rapid breaths and fluttered her hands.

Oh, thank goodness you’re here! I found him floating offshore. He must have hit his head on a rock at Piko Point and fallen in.

The girl reached into her pocket and pulled out a cell phone.

No! The last thing we need is the police!

The girl pressed a button and held the light near Zader’s face.

That’s Zader, she said.

You know him? Maka asked.

Yeah. The girl tuned toward the pavilion. ‘Alika! It’s Zader!

So? ‘Alika called back.

So come help! she shouted.

Is he breathing? ‘Alika asked.

The girl leaned down and touched Zader’s chest.

Yeah! she said.

Not my problem, ‘Alika said.

‘Alika!

You’re on your own, Tunazilla! he said.

Then why did you follow me?

I’m going home, he said.

You can’t! Not yet!

I’m not staying here. You wanna get involved, that’s your kuleana.

‘Alika turned away from the beach, but only went as far as the parking lot.

Tunazilla waved the light over Zader’s body. After a quick scan, she held the light to Maka’s face, then turned it off.

What happened?

Maka shrugged. I don’t know.

Is he drunk? High?

I don’t think so, Maka said. He’s out of it, but breathing. His heartbeat’s strong.

Tunazilla put her hand on her hip.

What do you want to do?

She waved the phone. "

You like call somebody?"

No panic.

No running to the authorities.

Interesting.

And no questions about why we were swimming in the ocean at five in the morning off Piko Point.

I think I could like this girl.

You said you know him? Maka asked.

Yeah. Zader Westin. He doesn’t live far.

Can we get him home?

Carry him? Tunazilla sized Maka up. We probably can. I’ll make ‘Alika help.

The guy at the pavilion?

My cousin. Tunazilla paused. I’ve seen you around the beach.

I visit sometimes, Maka said.

Tunazilla nodded. I’m Petunia. You can call me Tuna.

Maka.

Tuna reached down, and together they started dragging Zader up the beach.

Ho! He’s heavier than he looks, said Tuna.

He’s wet, Maka said.

Not that wet. Try wait. Tuna adjusted her grip. ‘Alika! Tuna yelled, You better come help! ‘Alika!

No!

Tuna gave Maka side-eye.

Fine! she shouted, Then I’m telling Tutu about the cigarettes you got hidden in the coffee can behind the garage!

You won’t.

Guaranz.

C’mon, Tuna! I followed you! I made sure you were safe.

Help or I’m telling Tutu.

Crap! Okay den, cool your jets! he shouted, jogging down the beach.

3

Awakening

Inoa

Name; term; title.

Something big chases me.

Razor-edged teeth snap, snap, snap in tyrannosaurus-sized jaws as I scrunch myself between two rocks. The air is fog-thick and hard to pull into my lungs. I close my eyes as a dark shadow glides past, blocking the faint light from the moon. I try to think invisible thoughts as the taste of anger like ashes crawls from my belly to my throat.

You can’t see me, I think. I’m not here.

A hand touches my shoulder, and I turn to find myself standing in front of Uncle Kahana.

Zader, you must come back, he says. Your family needs you.

I don’t have a family, I sputter, Only lies, lies, and more lies!

Lies are becoming truth. Uncle Kahana smiles.

What does that mean?

It’s time you woke up.

Beeeeeep!

Beep?

I opened my eyes and blinked.

The early morning sunlight streamed over Jay’s pillow though the broken slat in the window blinds.

No wonder he wakes up early.

But why am I in Jay’s bed?

I glanced over at my own twin bed, its pillow plumped and waiting. Sitting up, I felt something slither around me, and when I lifted my hand, I realized I’m covered in sand.

The beach!

I remembered.

Trapped at Piko Point with nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, I, Alexander Kaonakai Westin, the boy allergic to and terrified of water his entire life, jumped into the sea.

I should be dead.

I twisted the ti leaf lei on my wrist.

Cold.

I remembered cold and dark.

Salt.

Bubbles rising around me as I sank.

Lightning rushing through my limbs, sizzling in my brain, then nothing until waking up in my brother’s bed covered in sand.

Maybe I am dead.

Maybe heaven is waking up as Jay.

Beeeeeep!

The answering machine.

I sprang up and raced to the kitchen.

Three messages.

Beeeeeep!

7:23 p.m.

Zader? Pick up, Zader, it’s Mom. I’m sorry, honey, but we couldn’t wait for you to get home from working on the mural with Mr. Halpert. Zader, I don’t want you to worry, okay? Everything’s going to be fine. Char Siu called from Uncle Kahana’s. We’re over there now. Uncle Kahana’s not feeling . . . he’s not. . . the ambulance is taking him to Kapiolani Medical Center. Dad, Lili, Jay, Char Siu, and I are going to follow in the car. I’ll call you when we know more. Love you. Don’t worry.

Beep!

They don’t know!

They don’t know I was with Uncle Kahana when he turned pale and collapsed. I’d run to his apartment to confront him with my suspicions that Mr. Halpert and Pua-O-Ke-Kai were my birth parents. Worse, to challenge him about lies he told everyone about my water allergy, an allergy that I think was really his way of keeping me out of the water. Weak, he needed my help, but I left him to face Kalei, the Man with Too Many Teeth, who haunted my childhood dreams. I abandoned Uncle Kahana on his kitchen floor to go back to the beach pavilion and find out once and for all who I really am.

I pressed the button for the next message.

Beeeeeep!

8:50 p.m.

Zader? It’s Aunty Amy. Your mom called. She said the doctors are running tests on Uncle Kahana, but he’s okay. He keeps asking about ‘Ilima. She ran away when the ambulance came. If you see that dog around your house, your mom says to bring her inside. If you want company, come over anytime, sweetheart. I’ll leave the backdoor unlocked.

Beep!

I reached down and rubbed the sore spot on my thigh where I’d tripped and fallen on Shark Tooth, my special fighting knife.

It was the blood that tipped Kalei over the edge.

I shivered remembering the eager look in his eyes as he rushed toward me.

Predator versus prey.

If ‘Ilima hadn’t charged out of the shadows and knocked him down, I would’ve been shark bait.

One more message.

Beeeeeep!

12:18 a.m.

Zader? No, Paul, he didn’t pick up. He’s probably asleep on the couch. Zader? Listen. Everything is fine. Uncle Kahana had a heart attack, but the doctors say he’s doing well. I’m sorry you couldn’t call. The nurse made us turn off our cell phones. Zader, I think we’re going to be really late. If you haven’t done it already, put the curry stew I left on the stove in the fridge and wrap up the rice. Just go to bed. We’re going to stay until Uncle Kahana is settled in his own room. Don’t worry. We’ll see you soon.