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Authors: Gillian Shields

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BOOK: Lucy and the Magic Crystal
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She and her sea serpent writhed on the rocky floor of the chamber, their scaly tails tangled in a snaky heap. Lucy shot forward and grabbed hold of Jack's lifeless body. She flicked her tail with all her might and set off for the surface, dragging the boy with her. Misty, Ellie, Sophie, Holly, and Scarlett rushed to help. Soon
they were all racing up, up, up, getting closer to the overwater world where Jack belonged. With a great splash, they burst through the waves.

Chad was hovering anxiously near the empty green boat, surrounded by a pod of sleek dolphins.

“Mantora and her sea serpents sneaked back and ambushed us when we were swimming with Jack,” he called. “But you have rescued him just in time!”

The mermaids managed to heave the boy into the boat. He lay still for a moment, blinking in the rosy evening light. Lucy gently passed her crystal over his mouth and heart. Then he coughed and choked and started to breathe once more.

“The dolphins will guide the boat back
to Sandy Bay Island with their strong beaks,” said Chad. “We will guard them. Nothing will stop us from getting your friend home safely this time.”

Jack opened his eyes and looked at Lucy and the other mermaids as they clustered around the boat.

“You've saved my life,” he whispered. “I'll never forget you, but the sun is setting—now go and save Coral Kingdom!”

Lucy smiled at him, then leaped up in a shining arc before diving into the water. The huge red sun was just about to slip below the horizon. Lucy knew what she had to do, and she felt brave and strong. Followed by her friends, she swam faster than she had ever swum before, straight back to the royal chamber where Queen Neptuna was waiting. Lucy swirled to a stop at the silver Throne.

“The last crystal is to protect our human friends,” she cried. Then she reached out and touched the old crystal, as its very last ray of light flickered and faded. The sixth new crystal spun into its place in a shower of sparks. The Throne shone like a glittering star. At last, the Mermaid Magic was complete.

“Hooray for Coral Kingdom,” shouted
the Merfolk. “Hooray for the young mermaids! Lucy! Misty! Ellie! Sophie! Holly! Scarlett! Hooray!”

Lucy and her friends blushed and smiled, their eyes sparkling with joy. Queen Neptuna looked more beautiful than ever. Her pale skin glowed as though bathed in moonlight, and her hair glinted like pure gold. She and her kingdom were full of new, radiant power. The walls of the underwater cavern glimmered with mother-of-pearl. Colored light poured from the Throne over the Merfolk, like a living fountain of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts.

But then Mantora slowly swam up from the floor, angrily rubbing her bloodshot eyes. She was weakened, though not totally conquered.

“Don't forget,” she rasped, “the new crystals will last for only one more year. I'll defeat you next time!”

“But why should you wish to defeat me, my sister?” Queen Neptuna stretched out
her hand. “Come, I will share my kingdom with you, if only you will return to our Merfolk family.”

“Never,” spat Mantora. “If I can't have Coral Kingdom for myself alone, I'd rather see the whole sea destroyed.”

“Then I am sorry for you,” sighed the Queen.

“Don't waste your pity,” replied Mantora. “I'll be back!” With a bitter curse, she and her sea serpent twisted away in a fierce flurry of bubbles, making everyone shudder as they swam past.

“Do not be afraid, my good Merfolk,” said Queen Neptuna, raising her hand for quiet. “We will not be crushed by her empty threats. She cannot return now that the crystals are renewed. Coral Kingdom is safe, thanks to our young mermaids. Let us rejoice!”

Cheers rang out on every side. The six happy mermaids hugged each other joyfully. Then Queen Neptuna beckoned them to her side.

“So, my brave ones,” she said, “I have learned that I was right to trust you with this task. And what did you learn from your adventure?”

The mermaids looked at each other. They had done and seen so many things. Memories of crabs and cuttlefish, dolphins and turtles, seals, sharks, and soaring seabirds rushed into their minds in a confused parade. But at last, Lucy spoke up.

“I think, Your Majesty,” she said quietly, “that however many lessons we have learned, there is one thing that we will never forget.”

“And what is that, my child?”

“That we're willing to do anything, and go anywhere, and learn anything, if it will make us better Sisters of the Sea,” replied Lucy. The others murmured happily in agreement.

“Then you have all learned much,” smiled the Queen. “And I may need to ask my young mermaids to help me again soon. But life is not all tasks and lessons. Now it is time to celebrate. Here are your families to welcome you home.”

Home! They really were home at last. Lucy, Misty, Ellie, Sophie, Holly, and Scarlett threw themselves gladly into the arms of their families. There was Lucy's mother with tears in her eyes, and Scarlett's proud father, Holly's beaming brothers, and Misty's little sister, Dusty, looking as though she would burst with
happiness. On all sides, the dearest mothers and fathers in the world were eager to hug and kiss their beloved mermaid daughters.

The crystals burned brightly in Queen Neptuna's Throne once more. And in the young mermaids' hearts, there burned a flame of friendship, that would never, ever fade.

THE END

… Or is it?

Mermaid Sisters of the Sea

Misty has flowing blonde hair and a shimmering pink tail. Misty is a really determined and brave mermaid.

Ellie is very caring and loves seabirds. She has long, wavy dark hair and a glittering purple tail.

Sophie has funky fair hair and a blazing, bright orange tail, which helps her to swim super fast.

BOOK: Lucy and the Magic Crystal
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