Poor Unfortunate Soul
A few days passed following Barry's rescue of Iris.
Though as far as Barry knew, no one outside of himself, Linda and Hartley were aware of what he'd done, Barry's odd behavior of late hadn't gone unnoticed. For once, Barry was keeping out of trouble and if that wasn't odd enough, he was less clumsy, he kept humming to himself and daydreaming. Most just assumed Barry had finally found true happiness in his life under the sea and didn't question it, but others like Barry's cousins, wanted answers and were a bit concerned.
So, naturally they couldn't help but gossip about it as they prepared themselves for their day in front of their shared vanity.
"…normally, for all his weirdness, he's an open book, but lately I can't understand him," said Tina, as she brushed her hair.
"Who're you talking about?" asked Bette, as she applied her eyeshadow.
"She's talking about Barry, that's who!" said Lisa, rolling her eyes. "And I agree. I think we can all agree our baby cousin's acting fishy lately."
"I'll say!" said Brie, in agreement. "Swimming in circles, chasing his tail…that boy is up to his gills in something. But what?"
"Well, think about it. What's he been like lately?" said Shawna. "I've noticed Barry's head's been up in the foam. His eyes are all…gleamy, it's kind of like no one's home."
"Barry hasn't gotten on Grandfather's bad side in days. Mostly I think it's because Barry's been floating away the days, moping on the coastal shelf," said Tess.
"That's nothing. Every time I've asked him where he's going for the day, he just giggles like a fool," said Tina. "And normally he loves spending time at the tidal pool, but he hasn't gone near the place. This is more than just some silly phase he's going through. Barry's just not himself."
"Is he ill or insane?" wondered Bette. "Or maybe it's water on the brain?"
"Maybe it's the bends," joked Lisa.
"No, it's the flu!" joked Brie. "Gosh, I wish we had a clue!"
Suddenly all six mermaids burst out laughing.
When the laughter died down, Shawna said, "Seriously though. We've been chatting about this for days. Why don't we just ask him?"
"Well, where is he?" asked Tess.
"In his room. He's been in there all morning," said Tina. "Who's going to fetch him?"
Bette volunteered to fetch Barry and swam up to his bedroom door and knocked. "Barry? Barry, dear, time to come out. You've been in there all morning and we'd like to see you before we head out for the day."
Barry didn't speak to Bette. He just came out of his bedroom, daydreaming and humming to himself. He took no notice of his cousins as he quickly combed his hair in front his mirror. Barry then picked a purple flower that was growing on the vine on the vanity and inhaled its scent deeply before swimming away, only to bump into Harrison.
"Oh! Morning, Grandfather," said Barry. He placed the flower behind Harrison's ear and then swam away, singing softly and acting happy as a child on its birthday.
Harrison simply stared in stunned confusion while Barry's cousins grinned, having finally figured out what was on their little cousin's mind.
"Holy barnacles! I can't believe we didn't see it sooner," said Lisa, giggling.
"It's so obvious," agreed Brie, smiling. "The ring he's wearing, the giddiness, the humming…we should've known!"
"Yep. Barry's got it bad. Really bad," said Shawna. "About time too. I was starting to think he never would."
"I beg your pardon? What's happened to Barry?" asked Harrison, suddenly concerned for his grandson's well-being.
"Isn't it obvious, Grandfather? Barry's in love," said Tina, sighing happily.
Harrison was speechless as he fingered the flower Barry left behind. "Barry? In love?"
Had his youngest grandson fallen in love at last? Was that the reason for his strange behavior of late? If it was, Harrison was immensely happy for Barry. He could hardly wait to find out who the lucky mermaid was.
XXX
Later that night, up on the surface, Iris was taking a walk along the seashore. She was trying to clear her head and perhaps find the man who'd saved her life.
Ever since she'd been rescued, Iris had been scouring the kingdom for any sign of her rescuer, whose voice she loved so dear. During the day, she looked through the lands hoping she might recognize her savior's face among the men and at night she would sing his song and listen for so much as a whisper of his voice. Her efforts had been fruitless so far, but Iris refused to give up. Her feelings had grown since she was rescued. Iris wasn't just captivated by the owner of the voice anymore, she'd fallen in love with him.
Iris sighed as she gazed longingly at the sea as the waves crashed against the shore and the wind blew her black hair this way and that.
Where did he go?
Where can he be?
When will he come again
Calling to me…?
Calling to me…?
Calling to me…?
Iris hadn't the slightest idea where her savior had gone or how he'd vanished and nor could understand why her rescuer hadn't yet returned. Why had he fled when Joe and Wally found her after the shipwreck? If he was afraid of being seen, why hadn't he at least sung for her? She longed to hear her savior's voice again. More than that, she longed to express her gratitude to him for saving her life. But where was he? When was he going to return?
Somewhere there's a man
Who's like the shimmer of the wind upon the water
Somewhere there's a man
Who's like the glimmer of the sunlight on the sea
Somewhere there's a man
Who's like a swell of endless music
Somewhere he is singing
And his song is meant for me
Iris couldn't explain it, but somehow she just knew he was still out there. Deep down, she felt there was some kind of connection between the two of them. There was no other man like him, of that much she was completely certain. She'd been courted before by many different men, but there were all the same kind of sexist idiots and none had captured her heart or hand. But the owner of the voice…he was different in ways she could scarcely begin to explain and she just knew that his beautiful singing was meant for her and her alone. And his voice
It's sweet as angels sighing
And his voice
It's warm as summer sky
And that sound
It haunts my dreams
And spins me round
Until it seems
I'm flying…
His voice!
Iris wondered where he'd come from, for in all her years, she'd never heard a voice like that of her savior's. It was so beautiful, so happy and yet so sad and somehow it always brought joy to Iris's heart to hear it when she was out sailing. Whenever Iris heard his voice, she had no fear, for she knew her guardian angel was watching over her. And yet as much his voice brought Iris joy, it was starting to drive her mad, for he consumed her thoughts both day and night.
No one but Wally or the family's physician and old friend, Henry, seemed to believe her when she spoke of her savior and his voice. Perhaps it was selfish of Iris to want to prove to her loved ones that the man she'd been dreaming of for so long was more than just a figment of her imagination, but it was what she felt. And if she proved he was real, then perhaps there was a chance that he might return her feelings and they could be together.I can sense his laughter
In the ripple of the waves against the shoreline
I can see him smiling
In the moonlight as it settles on the sand
I can feel him waiting
Just beyond the pale horizon
Singing out a melody too lovely to withstand
Iris closed her eyes and dreamed of him. She had no means of explaining how, but she knew he was out there. He was there amongst the waves of the sea. She could sense it. Already she was imagining what he was like: how he might sound when he laughed with joy, how her heart fluttered when she saw him smile, the feel of his hand when it gently touched her face and how his song for her took her breath away.And his voice
It's there as dusk is falling
And his voice
It's there as dawn steals by
Pure and bright, it's always near
All day, all night
And still I hear it calling…
His voice
It didn't matter how long it took, Iris was going to find him. He was always there, even now, she just needed to keep looking. Even if she couldn't see him, she could hear his beautiful song. When Iris found him, she would thank him for always being there when she needed him, for saving her life and if she thought he loved her then she would confess her own feelings and then they'd be together forever.
Strange as a dream...
Real as the sea...
If you can hear me now
Come set me free...
Come set me free!
It was then that Iris heard it.
"Ah…ah…ah…ah…"
Iris's heart leapt with excitement and anticipation. It was him. Her savior, the one to whom the voice belonged, he was there! But then her heart pounded with fear when she realized the voice was starting to become softer, as though he was leaving.
"Wait, please! Don't leave! I need to see you!" she called out. "I want to thank you!"
Quickly, Iris ran in direction of the voice, but when she arrived there was nothing there save for the sea crashing against a rock. Iris was disappointed but her spirit wasn't broken. He'd been there, she knew it. She wouldn't give up looking and one day, her efforts would pay off.
"If you're out there listening, hear this: I will find you," she promised. "You don't need to be afraid. I'll wait for you."
There was no reply or any sound beyond that of the wind and waves.
XXX
Unbeknownst to Iris, she'd been right all along. Barry had been there, listening to her and watching her. He'd snuck out when the rest of the kingdom had fallen asleep, unable to help himself. He'd needed to see Iris again, even if it was just from a distance. It'd brought joy beyond measure to Barry's heart to know that Iris cared for him as much as he cared for her.
Barry longed to make himself known to Iris, to cease hiding beneath the sea and behind rocks, but for the moment, his shyness was too great. He hoped that Iris's promise to wait for him was true, for soon enough when Barry's nervousness was gone, he would cease hiding make himself known to Iris and maybe then, they would have a chance. Maybe…
XXX
Several days later, Hartley was pacing and muttering to himself.
For the first time in many years, he wasn't his usual confident, fearless self. Hartley was due to give his two-week report to the Sea King and he was at a loss at what he was going to say. Granted Barry had been behaving himself since rescuing Iris (Hartley had no knowledge of Barry's nighttime visits to the surface to see Iris) but Hartley knew that Barry's secret love for Iris was bound to get out. Everyone in Atlantis could see Barry was enamored with someone, but how long would it be before the identity of the woman was made known?
"Okay, I don't believe Harrison knows. But he's definitely suspicious. Neptune's beard! What am I going to tell him?" muttered Hartley.
Hartley wished he'd never opened his big mouth the day of the concert, then he wouldn't be in this mess. If Hartley didn't know of Barry and Iris, then he wouldn't be panicking and if he didn't know anything, then Hartley could honestly say that Barry no longer needed a chaperone—which was a job Hartley desperately wanted to be free of. But Hartley did know and Barry did need someone to watch him, so Hartley was trapped between a rock and a hard place.
It didn't help that Barry was lounging on the rock above Hartley, his hands nestled behind his head as he gazed at the surface while he yammered endlessly to himself about Iris.
"I wonder what Iris would say if she actually saw me, fin and all, and not just hear my voice. She might not take it well. But what if she does? What do we do then?" Barry hoped Iris would accept him as a merman, but there was nothing to guarantee that. Not to mention that there were other factors to consider as well. Even if Iris did accept Barry, what could come of their love? Barry was a merman and Iris was human. How could they make it work? Barry dismissed those thoughts. He couldn't think that way. He had to be positive. "Ah, it doesn't matter! We'd find some way to be together. I know we could."
Hartley got sick of listening at that point and decided to try and talk some sense into Barry. If Hartley could get Barry to give up this infatuation, then Hartley would have nothing to fret about when he had to report to the Sea King.
"Barry!" said Hartley, in frustration. "Stop talking crazy!"
"Oh, leave me alone, Hartley!" said Barry, annoyed. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go pay a visit to Iris. I'm not afraid anymore and I'm going to see her. I'm going to tell her everything."
Hartley gasped in horror. Quickly, he latched himself onto Barry's tailfins as the merman began to swim away.
"You're going to expose yourself?!" exclaimed Hartley. "Are you insane?! Barry, please, you need to get your head out of the clouds and back in the water where it belongs!"
Barry ignored Hartley. "When I get to her castle, I'll wait until Iris comes and when she's alone, I'll sing to her. When she gets close enough, I'll show myself and tell her everything—"
"Down here is your home!" interrupted Hartley, in exasperation. He sighed as he got right in front of Barry's face. "Barry, please, listen to me. The human world, it's a mess. Life under the sea is better than anything they've got up there."
Barry raised a skeptical eyebrow, but didn't protest. He chose sit back down on his rock and hear Hartley out.
Pleased with the result he was getting, Hartley's musical instincts kicked in and he began to explain his reasoning in song with the help of other sea-creatures.
(Hartley)
The seaweed is always greener
In someone else's lake
You dream about going up there
But that is a big mistake
Just look at the world around you
Right here on the ocean floor
Such wonderful things surround you
What more is you looking for?
As long as he lived, Hartley would never understand Barry's dreams of a life on the surface. For Hartley, life under the sea was paradise. It was one most only dreamed of but never hoped to actually obtain. Life under the sea was peaceful, beautiful and there was everything one could wish for in such a life. And as a prince, Barry's life was one of privilege, hardly worth sacrificing for time on land in Hartley's opinion. Under the sea, under the sea
Darling its better down where its wetter
Take it from me
Up on the shore they work all day
Out in the sun they slave away
While we'e devoting full time to floating
Under the sea
Barry couldn't help but smile at the music and dancing.
Hartley didn't know it, but there were some aspects of Barry's life he liked under the sea. He loved the peacefulness, he loved exploring the deeper waters, playing with the fish and the music that merfolk played and of course, he loved his family. Was it so wrong that Barry wanted more than just the simple life he'd always known? Down here all the fish is happy
As after the waves they roll
The fish on the land ain't happy
They sad cause they're in the bowl
The fish in the bowl is lucky
They're in for a worser fate
One day when the boss get hungry
Guess who going be on the plate?
Barry couldn't help but cringe a bit at the mention of the less-than-wonderful parts of human life.
It didn't help when a sad-looking bass who was floating in a bubble, came near Barry and when his bubble popped, he sank like a stone onto a rock near Barry. It was a harsh reminder than life on land wasn't paradise, but then again, life under the sea wasn't always perfect either. In Barry's eyes, human life wasn't completely different from that of a merman's, but he couldn't expect Hartley to understand that. Wo-no, under the sea
Under the sea
Nobody beat us, fry us and eat us
In frickazee
We what the land folks loves to cook
Under the sea we off the hook
We've got no troubles, life is the bubbles
As Barry lay on his stomach, listening to the beautiful, upbeat melodies, he stroked a seemingly ordinary patch of sea-flowers.
Suddenly, the sea-flowers popped out of the ground, revealing a special species of seahorses that tickled Barry as they swam around him and nuzzled his sides. It was all good fun and soon Barry was joining in with others, softly singing to himself and dancing along to the music. It gave Hartley hope that he was getting through to Barry at long last. Under the sea (under the sea)
Under the sea (under the sea)
Since life is sweet here, we got the beat here
Naturally (naturally-ee-ee-ee)
Even the sturgeon and the ray
They get the urge and start to play
We've got the spirit, you've got to hear it
Under the sea
There was so much to gain from a life under the sea and a song that only those who were willing to listen to could hear. Everyone was friends, everyone cared, there was little to no troubles to be found in a life under the sea. It was wonderful. How could anyone wish for a different life? The lute play the flute
The carp play the harp
The plaice play the bass and they soundin' sharp
The bass play the brass
The chub play the tub
The fluke is the duke of soul (yeah)
The ray, he can play the lings on the strings
The trout acting out
The blackfish he sings
The smelt and the sprat
They know where it's at
And oh, that blowfish blow!
When Barry looked at Linda, she whispered into his ear of the secret surprise she had for him. Barry's face lit up with anticipation and then he allowed Linda to place a blindfold over his eyes before she led him away from all the merrymaking.
No one noticed Barry's sudden absence and the music continued playing. Yeah, under the sea (under the sea)
Under the sea (under the sea)
When the sardine begin the beguine
It's music to me (music is to me)
What do they got, a lot of sand?
We've got a hot crustacean band
Each little clam here know how to jam here
Under the sea
Each little slug here cutting a rug here
Under the sea
Each little snail here know how to wail here
That's why it's hotter under the water
Yeah, we're in luck here down under the muck here
Under the sea
The music came to a screeching halt when everyone who was singing and dancing gathered at Barry's rock, expecting an applause or something of the like, only to find the merman long gone.
Hartley sighed in disappointment as the other sea creatures swam away. "One of these days, I'm going to nail that brat's fins to the floor!"
"Hartley!"
Hartley looked up at the sound of his name being called and saw the Sea King's herald swimming towards him.
"Hartley, I've been looking all over for you!" said Tornado. "I have an urgent message for you from King Harrison."
Hartley's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
"He wants to see you right away. Something about Barry," said Tornado.
Sweet Davy Jones, thought Hartley. He knows!
XXX
Harrison sat alone in his throne room, smiling to himself as he thought of Barry's good fortune.
Despite having that Linda girl as a best friend, Barry had always seemed a bit lonely, which was why Harrison was glad Barry had found true love. All he truly wanted for his family members was happiness. If Barry's true love made him happy, Harrison would gladly bless their union. And besides, disregarding Barry's fondness for humans, Barry was a fine young merman. He was a kind, intelligent and handsome prince, any mermaid would be lucky to have him.
So now the question was, who was the lucky mermaid? Despite Barry's blabbermouth tendencies, there were times when he was good when it came to keeping secrets—if it involved a surprise for someone or if it was something Barry wasn't ready to discuss—which meant that the only way for Harrison to get his answers was to inquire to Hartley. Hopefully the crab had some knowledge of Barry's newfound love, assuming that Barry hadn't given him the slip during the past two weeks.
"You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?"
Harrison was snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Hartley's voice. The little crab was at the foot of Harrison's throne.
"Yes, Hartley, I did. Please, come closer," said Harrison.
Hartley swam up to the armrest of Harrison's throne and made himself comfortable. "I presume this is about Barry's actions over the past two weeks? If he's been behaving himself?"
"Yes. I would like to know all about that. However I'm less concerned about any trip Barry's made to the surface and more curious about his love life," said Harrison.
Hartley gulped rather nervously, which didn't go unnoticed. "His love life, Your Majesty?"
Harrison nodded. "Yes. It's come to my attention that Barry's fallen in love. However, no one seems to know who exactly has captured Barry's heart. You wouldn't happen to know anything, would you, Hartley?"
Under Harrison's soul piercing gaze and as his trident was teasingly poked into Hartley's chest, Hartley lost his composure and cracked like an egg.
"I'm so sorry, sire! I failed you! But it wasn't my fault!" blurted out Hartley. "Barry's stubborn and he wouldn't listen! I told him to stay away from humans! They're bad and trouble—"
"Humans?!" interrupted Harrison, furiously. "WHAT ABOUT HUMANS?!"
Too late, Hartley realized his mistake and tried to cover it up, but the damage had been done.
XXX
Meanwhile, Barry was being dragged off to who-know-where by Linda.
He hadn't a clue where they were going or what exactly Linda had planned, only that it was going to be a surprise she knew he'd love.
"Linda, how much longer before I can take this off?" Barry asked, referring to the blindfold.
"Just another minute. We're almost to your surprise," said Linda. She then stopped pulling him. "Okay, take it off and see what I've got you. You're going to love it, Barry!"
Barry took off the blindfold and then he looked astonished at the sight of Iris's statue on the floor of the grotto where they stored their human treasures.
"Oh, Linda…" Barry spun Linda around in his arms before hugging her tight. "Linda, you're the best! Thank you so much!"
Linda grinned as she returned the embrace. "You're welcome, Bar."
Barry broke apart from Linda and swam over to the statue. He touched the statue's face as though he were imagining he was actually caressing Iris's cheek.
"Iris may not have liked it, but I think it's perfect. It looks just like her. It even has her eyes," said Barry. He felt giddy like a teenager with their first crush as he bowed to the statue. "Would you care to dance, Iris?"
Iris's statue didn't reply, but Barry still felt like flying, he was so happy. Linda laughed at her friend as he "danced" with the statue, but then their amusement came to a screeching halt when Barry inhaled sharply at the sight of Harrison in the entrance of the grotto.
"Grandfather!" he gasped.
Linda shrank back in fear, as did Barry. It was then that Barry spotted Hartley peering out from behind a stone, looking both frightened and ashamed. Barry didn't need to ask how Harrison had found the grotto. It was clear that Hartley had betrayed Barry's secret to the Sea King, even though Barry had trusted the crab. Barry felt hurt by Hartley's betrayal but couldn't dwell on it as Harrison swam forward, looking far angrier and scarier than Barry had ever seen him before.
"Grandfather…" began Barry. "I…"
"I consider myself a reasonable merman," said Harrison, ignoring Barry's words. His tone was cold and emotionless, but his eyes revealed the depth of his anger. "I set certain rules and I expect those rules to be obeyed without question. I don't expect those rules to be defied, especially not by my own blood-kin!"
"Grandfather, I—" began Barry.
"I'm only going ask you my questions once, Barry, and I expect you to answer me truthfully. This place…these things…" said Harrison, as he looked disgustedly at the collection. "You've been hoarding them behind my back?"
"Yes," admitted Barry. "But I didn't start it. My mother did. She loved humans, you know that. I continued it so I could keep part of her alive."
Barry didn't regret his actions, but he still felt a twinge of fear of Harrison's anger.
"I see. And is it true that you rescued a human princess from drowning?" demanded Harrison, furiously.
Barry didn't deny it. "Yes. I did. I had to." And if given the chance to repeat that day, Barry would happy make the same choice with no regrets.
Harrison didn't like Barry's answer. "You 'had to.' No, actually, you didn't. You chose to and in doing so, you broke one of the most ancient laws of our kind! Contact between humans and merpeople is forbidden! Barry, you know that! Everyone knows that!"
"I couldn't just let her die when I could've saved her!" protested Barry.
In Barry's eyes, there was no justification for letting an innocent soul die. His conscience wouldn't abide by it.
"One less human to worry about!" spat Harrison.
Barry's eyes darkened with anger. "You can't judge Iris like that! You don't even know her!"
"Know her?! I don't need to know her! Humans are all the same!" growled Harrison. "Spineless, savage monsters who destroy everything they touch! They're the heartless scum that took your mother from me!"
"I don't care what you think of them!" yelled Barry. "I want to be part of their world!"
Barry's words were a mistake, for no sooner had he said them, Harrison's dark eyes became like two narrow slits of fire.
"Bartholomew, listen to me very carefully. This is where you belong!" said Harrison.
"You don't understand—!" protested Barry.
"For once, just listen! Will you? That savage brute would kill you in the world above!" said Harrison, furiously.
Barry refused to back down. "Iris isn't a barbarian!"
Harrison refused to listen.
Don't try that same old song!
I'll have you grounded 'til next year!
Am I clear?
Don't go near that world above!
"I'm not a child anymore!" cried Barry. In a moment of desperation, he blurted out, "Grandfather, I love her!"
Too late, Barry realized the mistake he'd made in his confession of his love for Iris, for Harrison's rage increased a hundredfold and the look of fury on Harrison's face caused Barry to hide behind Iris's statue and bury his face in the crook of her neck.
"No!" hissed Harrison. "Have you lost your senses completely? She's a human! You're a merman!"
"It doesn't matter! I don't care!" said Barry, stubbornly.
"So help me, Barry! I'm going to get through to you!" roared Harrison. His triton began to hum and glow with power. "And if this is the only way—so be it!"I'm still the king here – my word is law!
This filth you bring here is the final straw!
And push, my grandson, has come to shove!
I'll make you obey
Till you do as I say!
I don't care, come what may!
But I'll keep you away
From that cruel, harsh, cold, vile world above!
To Barry's horror, Harrison used the power of his trident to destroy Barry's treasures.
"Grandfather, no! This is my mother's!" cried Barry. "Grandfather, stop it! Please!"
Harrison didn't listen. He just destroyed everything he saw, whether it was dangerous or not, including the music box Nora and Barry had both loved.
Then Harrison turned his trident to Iris's statue causing Barry to grab Harrison's arm to try and stop his rampaging grandfather.
"GRANDFATHER, NO!" cried Barry.
But Harrison destroyed the statue, just like he destroyed everything else. One blast from the trident blew it into a million pieces.
When the dust settled, there was nothing left of Barry's treasures except for broken pieces and ash from the trident's destructive power.
Barry trembled as he felt his heart breaking. Everything that his mother had collected, years' worth of memories, one of the few things he had connecting him to Iris…all of it was gone, just gone. Without another word, he buried his face in his arms and began to cry.
At the sight of his grandson's heartbreak, Harrison felt a twinge of guilt and a sad look flickered across his face, but he didn't say a word as he then left the grotto.
Once Harrison was gone, Linda swam over to Barry and reached out to him. "Barry…oh, Barry, I'm so sorry," she whispered.
There was no reply from Barry save for more sobs.
Hartley hesitantly approached them. "Barry…" he began.
"Get out, Hartley," said Linda, before Barry could speak. She didn't raise her voice, but it was clear that she was barely controlling her anger and the look of pure fury in Linda's eyes frightened Hartley. "Just go away. Now."
Hartley hesitated but then did as commanded and left the grotto.
"Oh, Barry…" Linda gently tugged on Barry's shoulder until he lifted her head and looked at her with sad eyes. "Do you want me to hold you?"
Barry shook his head. "I just want to be alone for a few minutes."
Linda's heart broke at the devastation in Barry's voice. The last time she'd seen him this broken was when his mother died. She wanted to refuse Barry's request, but when he gave her a pleading look, she found herself unable to do so, and so with a heavy heart, she complied.
"I'll be right outside," she promised.
When Linda had left, Barry resumed crying into his arms, his mind was abuzz with thoughts. Barry couldn't understand how Harrison could've done this. Barry's collection was one of the few things he had of his mother, to keep her memory alive. How could Harrison, a merman who claimed to love his blood-kin destroy something so precious, one of the few things Barry loved, and cause Barry so much misery simply because of a difference of opinion of what was right? Now it was all gone and it felt like Barry had lost his mother all over again.
Barry remained like that until voices from up above diverted Barry's attention. Two eels, Zoom and Zolomon, swam around Barry. Their heads were close together as they spoke in almost hypnotic voices.
"Poor child," said Zoom. "Poor sweet, child."
"So tragic, so misunderstood," said Zolomon. "He has a very serious probably, hasn't he?"
Zoom nodded in agreement. "If only there were something we could do."
"But there is something," said Zolomon, with a glint in his eyes.
Barry sniffled as he got a better look at the two eels. "Excuse me, but who're you two? Why're you here?" Barry had never met the eels before and he couldn't imagine what they'd possibly want with him of all merpeople.
"Don't be scared," said Zoom, as he gave a tiny bow to Barry. Though his tone was gentle, there was something about him and his sibling that unsettled Barry. "I'm Zoom and this is my brother, Zolomon. We represent someone who can help you. Someone who can make all your dreams come true."
Barry looked at them suspiciously. "Why would your employer help me?"
"Why wouldn't he, is the real question," said Zolomon. "He makes a living helping those less fortunate. And it's clear you deserve his help more than anyone we've seen so far today. Don't you agree, brother?"
"Oh, indeed!" said Zoom, in agreement.
(Zoom)
Sweet child
Poor child
So tragic
So misunderstood
(Zolomon)
Dear child
Sad child
Life's looking
Shall we say, not good
No.
"I don't understand," said Barry. "Who is it exactly that you represent?"
"Who indeed!" said Zoom, grinning.
(Both)
Who will ease his woes and worries?
Who'll help him get his woman?
Sweet child! Perhaps the Sea Warlock can!
Barry's blood ran cold and he paled at the mention of the Sea Warlock.
"Mother of Poseidon!" gasped Barry, as his hand flew to his heart. "You can't possibly mean Great-Uncle Eobard?" Although the idea of consulting the Sea Warlock for help was tempting, it was also terrifying, for although Barry had never met Eobard as he'd been banished when Barry was an infant, the Sea Warlock's reputation was infamous.
Zoom nodded. "Of course."
"You can't really expect me to go to him! Everyone says Eobard's magic is evil, that he's evil and he can't be trusted," protested Barry. He forced herself to look away from the eels. "I'm sorry, but I just can't." If what Barry's grandfather had told him of Eobard's black magic was true, then Barry wanted no part of it.
(Zolomon)
He knows your dreams
He'll grant your prayer
He'll cast a charm
A tiny spell
"Please, just go," said Barry. "Leave me alone."
But the two eels made no attempt to leave. Instead, they swam around Barry continued to speak of the glory of the Sea Warlock and make their offer more tempting with each and every word.
(Zoom)
Why the alarm?
No will tell
No one will care
It's your affair!
(Both)
Sweet child, dear child
Poor child, sad child
We'll bring you to his lair right now
Bet in half a sec, your princess
And you are reconciled!
Together…forever…
"No!" said Barry, loudly.
His tone was firm, but his body was shaking. It was plain to see that it was killing him inside to refuse the eels' offer when he loved Iris so much that it hurt. "Thank you for coming, but please, just go away! Get out of here and leave me alone! Now!"
Barry turned away and tightly closed his eyes, as though he were willing the eels to depart.
The two eels shrugged their shoulders and began to leave.
"Suit yourself," said Zolomon.
"It was only a suggestion," said Zoom.
As they left, Zolomon flicked the face of Iris's statue, which had miraculously survived the destruction, towards Barry with his tail. When it clattered to the ground, the noise caught Barry's attention. Barry picked up the statue's face and gazed at it before he glanced at the Iris's mother's wedding ring hanging on his neck.
Thoughts of Iris consumed him and he thought of his life in the sea. For all his struggles, Barry had never managed to truly fit in with the merpeople of Atlantis. His only family member that had truly understood him had been gone for thirteen years. Nora's relationship with Barry's father had ended in heartbreak, but she'd never regretted it and she'd always told Barry that love was worth whatever risk and pain it called for.
Barry thought of what would happen with the two choices he had before him. If he went home, he'd always be the misfit parentless merman who didn't truly belong with his people or even his family and Harrison would never cease trying to control him. But if Barry were to take a chance, a leap of faith and possibly find true love in Iris's awaiting arms, a true home to call his own and happiness beyond measure…
"Wait!" he said, loudly.
Knowing the merman was hooked, Zolomon and Zoom turned around and happily said in unison, "Yes…?"
Barry took a deep breath. "Take me to Eobard."
XXX
Outside the entrance to the grotto, both Hartley and Linda were anxiously pacing.
Linda had given Hartley the scolding of his life for betraying Barry's secret and she'd even smacked the crab once for good measure, and now she was swimming back and forth anxiously as she was worried about Barry.
Hartley rarely felt guilt or did apologies. And during this rare time, he felt guilt beyond measure for causing Barry so much grief and breaking the Barry had placed in him by telling Harrison of Barry's secret and he wished to apologize and attempt to make amends.
"Barry's been alone too long. I think I should go check on him," said Linda. "He's really upset."
"I'll come with you," said Hartley. There was regret in his tiny black eyes. "And for the record, I never meant to tell the Sea King anything. I truly am sorry." Hartley hadn't intended to tell Harrison of Barry's love for Iris. He'd just been cornered and it'd slipped out. If Hartley could reverse what he'd done, then he would. "I'll do anything to make it up to Barry."
"You had better," said Linda, darkly. "And I'll be there to ensure that you do." If Linda had her way, Hartley would be a crab cake as punishment for his actions. And it was going to be a long time before she would forgive the little crab.
"I'll grovel before him if I have to!" promised Hartley. "I'll—what in Neptune's name?"
Shadows fell upon Hartley and Linda, they saw Barry swimming away with a pair of eels that Hartley knew didn't belong in Atlantis.
His apology forgotten, Hartley swam up to Barry with Linda close behind him. "Barry, just what do you think you're doing with these riffraff?"
Barry raised his chin defiantly at Hartley. "I'm going to see Eobard."
Linda froze, stunned by Barry's confession. "Eobard? Barry—"
Hartley let out a horrified shriek as he grabbed Barry's tailfins. "Are you insane? You can't! You don't know what Eobard's like! He's a demon, He's a monster—!"
"Why don't you go tell my grandfather, then?" said Barry, angrily. His green eyes, normally so kind and calm, were blazing with anger as he shook Hartley off. "It's what you're good at, isn't it?"
For the first time in his life, Hartley struggled for a reply. "But I—ah! Forget it!" He wasn't going to inform the Sea King yet, but he wasn't about to let Barry go alone. "Come on, Linda!" So, with some reluctance and fear, Hartley and Linda followed Barry to Eobard's lair.
XXX
Eobard the Sea Warlock resided in the ginormous blackened remains of an ancient, extinct sea-creature.
Bright, gold-colored luminescent lights glowed, giving the lair an eerie feel to it. Inside the lair itself were curled strands of gold seaweed, a cauldron lay closed up on the floor, an enormous black and gold shell bed hung on the wall along with shelves full of potion ingredients and a vanity stand was in the corner. There were also dozens of polyps on the floor of the entrance that were looking at Barry with terror.
One of them grabbed Barry and tried to pull him in the opposite direction, but Barry forced the polyp off his arm. Barry shuddered as he swam in the closer and then hovered in the doorway.
"Come in. Come in, my grandnephew," said a voice. "We mustn't lurk in doorways. It's rude. One might question your upbringing."
Barry forced himself to ignore the pounding of his heart as Eobard slid out of his sea bed. Eobard's face was partially concealed by a dark hooded cloak he wore, but Barry could make out his bright, searing red eyes, and Barry was also shocked to see that Eobard wasn't a merman. Eobard's lower body was that of an octopus with long, dark yellow tentacles with red suction cups.
"My, how you've grown, Barry," said Eobard. "I haven't seen you since you were a baby and I must say, I was quite correct when I said to Nora that you'd grow up looking like your father."
Barry's throat tightened at the mention of his parents. "You…you know my father?"
"Not personally, no. But I am the reason Nora's star-crossed relationship lasted as long as it did," said Eobard, with a glint in his eyes. "I won't bore you with the details, but the gist of it is, Nora's love for your father was forbidden, it was her most closely-guarded secret. I was the reason it lasted as long as it did. Naturally, she begged me to make it last forever, and I did my best, but magic comes with a price and when your mother failed to fulfill it, she was left as she was—with a broken heart and her most cherished treasure, you."
Barry was stunned by what he was hearing and was silent. So, that's why I grew up without my dad. If Mom's relationship was forbidden and she went to Eobard to make it last forever, does that mean that my dad's a…?
"Is there something wrong?" said Eobard, snapping Barry out of his thoughts. "You're staring and have barely said a word. That's rude."
"What? No! No, nothing's wrong!" said Barry, quickly. "I'm sorry. It's just…I'm just a little nervous. I've never met you before and I just didn't know what to expect."
Eobard nodded understandingly. "It's quite a forgivable sin. I can only imagine what your horrid grandfather's told you about me."
"He didn't tell me much, and what little he did…well…" Barry's voice wandered off. He didn't know how to tell Eobard of what he'd been told without offending the Sea Warlock.
Eobard seemed to guess Barry's thoughts and he scowled. "Oh, that brother of mine. I don't know what I'm going to do with him. But in the meantime, you should know that anything he told you nothing but the ramblings of a stubborn merman who refused to accept what was different, what he didn't understand. What I did with my powers during my brief reign as the second King of the Sea, I did out of necessity to protect myself and my people, nothing more. But the magic I wield, it's so very different from your grandfather's, so naturally, when I refused to bow down to his narrow-minded, prejudiced nature, I was exiled. If you have trouble believing me, then answer me this: can you honestly say Harrison has never once not acted irrationally or unreasonably when he's met with something he doesn't understand, even if it's innocent?"
"No," Barry admitted. He hung his head as thought of all the disagreements he'd had with Harrison over humans and what he'd just done to Barry's grotto. Harrison had refused to accept that Barry had done the right thing by saving Iris's life or believe that Iris was a good person even though she was human and not a mermaid.
Eobard patted Barry's shoulder. "There, there. It's not so bad. You'll find that I can be what your grandfather isn't. Now, let's change the subject and get away from this dreadful mood, shall we?"
"Yes, of course," said Barry.
Eobard smiled at Barry. "Good." He snapped his fingers, causing two seats to magically appear and then they sat down. "Now, to business. You're here because you've fallen in love with this princess in the kingdom above. Not that I blame you, she is quite a catch, isn't she?"
"Iris isn't just a good catch. She's everything I've dreamed of," admitted Barry. "She's beautiful, kind, intelligent, brave…but I can't be with her while I'm like this. I'd give anything to be part of her world, but I can't."
"Then the answer to your problem's simple. The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself," said Eobard.
Barry inhaled sharply. Become human? Actually become human? Barry had always dreamed of that, but knowing it could actually happen took his breath away and to hear that Eobard would grant Barry's wish, startled him.
"You'd really do that for me?" said Barry, in disbelief.
Eobard smiled sweetly. "My dear, sweet boy, that's what I do. It's what I live for, to help unfortunate merfolk like yourselves. Poor souls with no one else to turn to."
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, kind of strange
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a change
True? Yes.
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And dear lady, please don't laugh
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed
Out of the corner of his mouth, Eobard hissed, "Pathetic!" Fortunately, Barry hadn't overheard and then Eobard swam over to the cauldron, which opened when he waved his hand over it and then the ghostly images of a mermaid and a merman appeared inside. The mermaid was fat and unhappy and the merman was deathly skinny and looked miserable.
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Eobard, please!"
And I help them!
Yes I do
Eobard snapped his fingers and the images of the mermaid and merman changed.
The merman became fit as fiddle and more handsome and the mermaid became slender and far more beautiful. They both looked immensely happy as they embraced each other. Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake them across the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
For a moment, all was well, but then Eobard clenched her fist and the two merfolk were changed into the polyps littered Eobard's floor. But Barry hadn't the time to dwell on it as Eobard grabbed Barry with Eobard's tentacles and dragged Barry to the cauldron.
"Here's the deal. I'll cast a spell that'll turn you into humans for a period of three days. Got that? Three days. Now, listen carefully, this is important." Eobard waved his hand and images of Barry and Iris appeared in the cauldron. "There's only one thing capable of either breaking or forever binding a spell and that's True Love's Kiss. If Iris gives you True Love's Kiss before the sun sets on the third day, you will not only be human, but you'll be able to choose between whichever world you wish to be in, for as long as you desire."
"And what happens if I don't receive True Love's Kiss?" asked Barry, warily. Eobard just said that his magic came with a price, so what would Barry's failure cost?
Eobard grinned. "That's simple. You'll turn back into a merman and you'll belong to me until if or when I see fit to release you from my service."
Linda and Hartley, who'd been hiding and quietly listening, exchanged horrified looks at the thought of Barry being Eobard's slave.
"Barry, you can't!" hissed Linda.
"Are you out of your mind? No!" hissed Hartley.
But they were both silenced by Zolomon and Zoom.
"So, have we got a deal?" asked Eobard.
"Uh…" It then settled on Barry what he was asking for and he hesitated. "If I become human and Harrison finds out about this, I'll never be able to return to the sea. He'll banish me. I'll never be with Grandfather or my cousins again." Regardless of their fights, Barry did care about his grandfather and he loved his cousins dearly. Not to mention, he'd be leaving Linda, his best friend, alone. The thought of giving them up forever caused her heart to ache. "And if this all backfires, I'll be alone."
"Not necessarily," said Eobard, as he raised a finger. "You forget, that if you succeed, then the spell I'll cast will allow you to have the ability to choose between which world you wish to be in, whenever you so desire. And as for being alone, well, you'll always have your best friend here and you'll have me."
That's true. If I succeed, I'll be with Iris forever and if I don't, then I'll still have Linda and even Eobard with me. The thought brought Barry some comfort but then he became serious. "You said that your magic comes with a price. If I consent to your terms of our bargain, what's the price I'll have to pay, Eobard?"
"Clever boy," said Eobard. "Since you've asked, the spell I'll cast requires a sacrifice, something precious that you'll lose but might get back if you fulfill the terms of the bargain. But I'm not asking for very much, just a token really, a trifle. What I want from you, dear boy, is…your voice."
Barry was taken aback and his hand flew to his throat. "My voice?"
"You've got it, son," said Eobard, flatly. "No more talking, singing, zip!"
Barry couldn't believe what was being asked of him. Give up his voice? How would he manage without it? "But without my voice, how can I—?"
"You'll have your looks!" interrupted Eobard loudly. He made a smiling motion with his hands and swung his body this way and that. "Your handsome face! And don't underestimate the importance of body language, ha!"
The ladies up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a man who gossips is a bore!
Yes, on land it's much preferred for gentleman not to say a word
And after all dear, what is idle prattle for?
Eobard went up to his shelves of ingredients and began tossing them into the cauldron, causing a multitude of bright lights to flash and giant mushroom-shaped smoke.
Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation!
True ladies avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
On a gentleman who's withdrawn
It's he who holds his tongue who gets the girl!
Barry flinched as the cauldron's contents began exploding, frightening him.
Eobard didn't notice Barry's fear as he kept going on and on, trying to persuade Barry to accept the offer for the chance of a lifetime. Come on you poor unfortunate soul
Go ahead!
Make your choice!
I'm a very busy warlock and I haven't got all day
It won't cost much
Just your voice!
Iris's image appeared in the cauldron along with Barry's and they were kissing, which made his heart ache and then suddenly, it vanished in a puff of bright red smoke. And then suddenly, a contract and fish bone pen appeared.
You poor unfortunate soul
It's sad but true
If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet
You've got the pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath
And go ahead and sign the scroll!
(Zolomon, Zoom, now I've got him, boys!)
The boss is on a roll
This poor unfortunate soul
Realizing it was now or never, Barry didn't hesitate. He grabbed the quill and then quickly signed his name. True love was worth any price he had to pay.
Then suddenly, the contracts and quills disappeared and Eobard looked smug beyond words. She then began waving her hands over the cauldron and chanting the incantation. Beluga selvruga
Come winds of the Caspian Sea
Larengix glaucitis
Et max laryngitis
La voce to me
Bright, green lights swirled around Barry and Eobard, surrounding them and then two ghostly hands appeared. Eobard's red eyes glowed even more brightly and he looked frightening, as his voice became distorted as he said, "Now, sing!"
Barry took a deep breath and then began to sing. "Ah…ah…ah…"
"Keep singing!" said Eobard.
The ghostly hands went straight into Barry's throat and then Barry felt strange as they pulled out a golden sphere. Barry clutched his throat when he realized that even though he could hear himself singing, his voice was gone and then it became trapped inside Eobard's shell pendant.
Eobard then began to cackle as Barry was yanked up into a giant golden bubble.
Although Eobard found the transformation amusing, the same could not be said for Barry or even Hartley and Linda. Pain beyond pain such as Barry had never known overwhelmed him as his gills disappeared and his red fin split into two pale legs. Then suddenly, it was over, and Barry's strength was sapped, and he was unable to breathe or even swim well.
Quickly, Harley and Linda swam over to Barry and grabbed him. They then swam as quickly as they could to the surface and then to the seashore.