City Mermaid

It was a beautiful morning as the singing voices of the birds could be heard on the tree in front of a bungalow.

But then they got scared off by the voice from the loud voice.

"Kapella!".

That was Mrs. Elijah's raging again as she moved out of the kitchen with a pan in her hand.

"Almost up, Mom". A feminine voice replied from the floor above.

"Do I have to remind you that you've missed school for one week already?".

"I know Mom but just drop the pan before you're tempted to use it on me". Kapella replied while she walked down the stairs full of smiles.

She was of an average height and her straight hair was tightly fit into the Panama hat she had on.

Her blue T-shirt and trouser also matched with those enticing blue eyes of hers.

Mrs. Elijah sigh and retreated the pan slowly.

"You're beautiful beyond imagining each passing day, what could be the secret?". She inquired returning to the kitchen.

"I eat seafood a lot and I don't yell at people". She replied and followed from behind.

"What!".

"Ops! My bad, you should try seafood every day, Mom". Kapella whispered and pecked Mrs. Elijah.

"Fish gives protein, not beauty". She replied dropping the pan.

"But I love to eat fish and fish alone, every other thing gets to taste gross and annoying ".

"You're 18, We shouldn't be talking about this anymore, you enjoy seafood over others and so we provide it in abundance".

"Why am I different? From everyone, what's special or strange about me?".

"You should get going, you're gonna be late". Mrs. Elijah mumbled while trying to get herself busy to avoid more questions.

"Are you gonna keep ignoring me, I know I'm different from others, a big difference, you all get to eat a normal meal, I try to eat much of it and I puke out".

Mrs. Elijah inhaled and turned to her.

"Because you're special, don't complain now and just move on with life as usual".

"The fact that you always warn me not to tell anyone means there's a secret".

"You're special, that's it, there are kids like you out there".

"Really?".

"Yes..So don't be hard on yourself". She said placing her hands on Kapella's shoulder.

"I guess I'm ready now". She announced and squat to adjust her shoe.

"Mom, Where's Dad?". A ten-year-old boy asked as he entered the Kitchen in his uniform and a backpack hung behind.

"Steve, I'll be with you in a minute". Mrs. Elijah replied when he took off Kapella's hat and wore it with a big smirk.

"Give that to me". She cursed.

"Mom, Do I look like Kapella?."

Mrs. Elijah couldn't help but scoff while Kapella wasted no time in taking it back.

"You can never be me". She grinned and he frowned.

"Don't be harsh on your brother, he's just a kid".

"One who doesn't know his place". She snapped.

"Give it to me". He whispered.

"No". She fired.

"I'll tell Mom". He whispered.

"She can hear you already, so don't threaten me, you little bottle". She mocked gripping his nose.

"Mom, Kapella didn't make her hair!". He announced like a commentator on a football pitch.

She quickly covered his mouth and taking off the hat, wore it for him.

"You look charming". She stammered trying to find her voice.

"Too late". He whispered.

"Thanks". He added and marched out with the oversized hat.

"Tell me it's a lie, Daughter". Mrs. Elijah yelled and Kapella looked away slowly.

Mrs. Elijah grabbed the Barrette on her hair and removed it thereby unclasping Kapella's hair.

Her long hair fell freely past her waist and reflected the light above.

Mrs. Elijah couldn't help but scoff as she leaned against the kitchen table.

"The Stylist was here yesterday, wasn't she?".

"No. She called back to inform me that she was too busy to come".

"And you decided to have it your way, take a look at your hair, it ain't normal, it....".

"It looks like that of Disney Character, Rapunzel, although mine is barely touching the floor, it looks cute".

"Cute or not, you know people mustn't see this".

"C'mon Mom, I get to cut my hair every week for the past...... I guess it since when I was born, you should take a break".

"It's for a reason and you have to trust me on that".

"Alright Mom, Just this week, I'll make sure I clasp it well into a bud style like the one I had before you ruin it". She frowned.

"I'll call the Stylist".

"Mom, I'm late already".

"Fine, Go and have your seat, I'll do it".

Kapella dragged her feet to the living room with her long straight hair trailing from behind.

There was Steve seated with legged crossed and Kapella's oversized Panama Hat on his head.

"It's time to hand it over, Steve". She said standing at akimbo.

"Have some respect for Sherlock Holmes". He whispered.

"Seriously?".

"Oh, How about I tell Mom that you took her car yesterday, Rapunzel?". He asked.

....

.....

Phoenix High School

....

....

Students could be seen trooping into the gigantic buildings in their numbers after alighting from their various transit.

Rushing down from the school is, some parents get to drop their kids, and the Rich flaunt their flashy cars while driving into the VIP garage.

A Dodge Viper GTS halt in front of the gate and its window slides down revealing Kapella and her Mom.

"And here we are, after trying to rip your little brother apart".

"Don't start again Mom, He took what was mine, threaten or try to blackmail me, and then drew sponge Bob on my hat, that was my favorite".

"You still watch Sponge Bob, that kids show? ".

"Um..Maybe". Kapella replied and hurried out.

"What do I get to tell the Principal, that I puked for days after I stubbornly eat a lot of pancakes? ".

"I spoke with him already, Just go to school and be a good girl". Mrs. Elijah said and she turned to leave.

"And?".

Kapella turned back with a smirk and stood at ease.

"Don't take off your bracelet, never take it off".

"Seriously Mom, I've been wearing this since I was born, why would I take it off now?". She asked.

"Good".

"But Mom, is it some sort of protection object?, was our ancestors Magicians? what does it do?".

"Good day, Kapella". Mrs. Elijah said and wore her dark shades.

She hit the accelerator with her foot and the vehicle shot off.

"hush!". She cursed and turned to the gate.

"Welcome back to Phoenix High, Kap..... I meant Faceless". She whispered and marched into the compound while tilting her black hat.

Kapella was walking through the hallway when she almost bumped into another student.

"Sorry". She apologized raising her head while their eyes met.

"Kapella!". She screamed and they hugged tightly attracting the attention of everyone in the hallway.

She was light-skinned and with wavy hair laid on her spotless face.

"Cindy". Kapella whispered.

"It's been so long friend, you didn't bother to call, I didn't know your place and then you delayed a week before returning from summer break". Cindy said and frowned.

"I lost my phone during summer break, Good thing you don't know where I live and I resumed late because I was sick for good one week".

"Sick?, Were you pregnant?".She asked and Kapella punched her arm.

"Ouch!".

"Yeah. Pregnant with stomach disorder".

"That's bad but I know you're fine now, babe, it will take more than a disorder to put Faceless down".

"Shhh, someone is coming". Kapella warned after noticing a teen boy who was approaching them.

"Kapella meet my little brother, Francis".

"I'm not little". He snapped.

"Francis, meet my best friend, Kapella".

"Oh she is..., nice meeting you, my sister talked a lot about you and she was right, you're beautiful, As she said, I'm Francis". She smiled stretching his hand for a shake but Cindy slapped it down.

"That will be all, Find your level, let's go, babe". Cindy curses and held Kapella's hand.

"Welcome back, Ella!". Voices sang from different corners of the hallway as they walked toward their classroom.

"Hi!". She replied waving at them with a big smile.

To the Students, Kapella Elijah was just a high school hottie that's admired by everyone, friendly as she never looks down on anyone.

They believed she was just an innocent teen girl but behind the curtain, Kapella was the popular masked hacker who the school authority have been trying to apprehend for months.

One known as Faceless and commits series of crimes, drugging guards on duty to gain access, destroying cameras but to mention for a few and most especially, altering the school's transaction database to make it look like every student had paid their levies.

"So cool to be popular right?".Cindy asked.

"No, I'm not".

"Yes you are, Such a beauty, pretty good voice that melts people's soul, you should go into pop singing". Cindy explained and she gasped.

"You're always good at making jokes". She said and they laughed.

"But I meant that". She announced and they entered the classroom.

She waved back at the students who welcomed her from the summer break.

"It's so good to be back".

"I can't believe it, Camping fee become ten thousand dollars, seriously?!". A student cursed.

"You speak like you can't afford it". Another student replied sharply.

"Of course my parent can but it's just too high and seems Faceless has retired".

"That's right, I was planning to spend my fees when my parents credit it into my account but since Faceless isn't showing up, I'll have to reconsider ". A Chubby boy announced and the entire class erupted into laughter.

"Every advantage has a disadvantage". Cindy whispered.

"That's just right, hacking into school database making it look like everyone paid for the sake of the poor but the rich take it as an opportunity to lavish more".Kapella whispered.

"This is a school for the Rich, Ella, why do people come when they know they can't cope with the fees? ".

"Everyone wants to be in the best school but the reality is sometimes unfair". Kapella said with a sorry look.

"I just don't understand why you chose to take this on yourself".

"Cos I chose to and we're going in tonight".

"What!". Cindy said in a low tone.

"We're going in to do what we always do".

"I thought you would return as a new Kapella, how long will you keep as The Faceless Hacker and for your info our school has upgraded in security aspect".

"That isn't stopping us, Cindy, that fee is too high even if it's to pay part for them with fake transactions".

"Do I have to remember you that to do that you must gain access into the School Control System, that means going to the Control Base, everywhere in the school is fitted with cameras and there are a lot of guards now, stationed at the Control Base for 24 hours".

"Good thing you made your observations, We'll find a way out as always".

Kapella opened her bag and revealing several devices, Walkie-talkie, PDA, and others unknown.

"Your parent can afford any fee Kapella, Why? ".

"Are you in or out Cindy?".

"Stop asking the stupid question, you know I'm your partner in crime, even when you choose to embark on risky adventures". She replied.

"That's why you'll always be my bestie".

"I hope you understand the Rich also get favored by this".

"That's right, I have to pay for everyone so the authorities can't tell who paid and who didn't, work on the time also so that the transactions doesn't go in at same, at least 20 students per day, paying per hour, but I came prepared to start from Joe, I'll clear every single transaction from the school database, Access his mail and delete every payment receipt he's received, I bet he's too rich to check them out, talk less of downloading them, I'll make it look like, he never paid a dime since he began High School ".

....

...

Elsewhere

...

....

The entire building was filled with busy men and women who moved from one Computer System to another.

There was no idle hand except Mrs. Elijah who walked in dressed in a red ball gown.

She moved to the secretary's desk and she recognized her immediately.

"I want to see Elijah".

"A moment please". The Secretary replied and took the landline.

She punched some certain numbers and placed the phone in her ear.

"Your wife is here".

"Alright". She added and dropped the phone.

"You can go".

Mrs. Elijah took her bag and marched to the office.

She was approaching the door when she saw the guard nodding after he touched the telecom device in his ear.

"Welcome to Phoenix Consolidated ma'am". He announced and pull open the door for her.

She entered and he closed the door behind.

"You should know I'm very busy every Monday, Honey". Mr. Elijah said and rose from his chair full of smiles.

"I knew that pretty well when I choose to marry a Cryptographer". She replied and he kissed her.

"Perhaps you could spare some time". She whispered.

"Sure. Come over". He said leading her to the Grand Sofa where they then sat.

"Let me guess, Kapella".

That's right, I'll be brief, She's eighteen now, we might not be able to control her like before ".

" Yeah. I thought of that ".

" She's different from other humans and it's only a matter of time before she tells someone ".

" She kept the secrets for years ".

" I know what I'm saying, she won't keep them soon, she forces herself to adapt to human meals even though she ends up puking. Ask various questions about why she's different from others and today for the first time, she asked about the bracelet, she's curious ".

" Are you saying we should tell her?". L

" I don't know, she's fragile but she also deserves the truth ".

" Then we do, I think ".

" Seriously?, I also want to but should I remember you the event that took place 18 years ago, I wanted us to have our honeymoon in Valencia, I wanted us to take a ship instead, I preferred sea transport because I loved sea wind but that was a mistake, the ship cruising on the Atlantic Ocean into the fog, do you remember ". She asked and he nodded.

....

...

Flashback

...

....

A ship swerved past a sea rock as it cruise the mighty ocean.

Passengers on the deck yelled gulping in the content of the Soda bottle that they held.

The Ship's speed slowly reduced while approached the fog ahead.

"Here you go". A man announced while leading Mr. and Mrs. Elijah to an enclosed room in the shop.

"Thanks, Marshal".

"Have a good night's rest, Elijah". He replied and left while they entered.

"Miss sea traveler, I hope you're enjoying this". He asked and she chuckled.

"It's Mrs. Elijah now and yes, I always love Sea travel". She said and kissed him passionately.

He responded and held her face with his hand.

She tried to unbutton his shirt but he held her hand quickly.

"I thought honeymoon was at Valencia". He whispered.

"And who says location can't be swapped to the Atlantic Ocean". She yelled expecting him to laugh but he didn't.

"You're damn not romantic".

"Don't you hear it?".

"Hear what?".

"The voice, the song". He cursed and hurried to the transparent window.

"C'mon Elijah, must it be Valencia".

She grabbed his arm to pull him but paused hearing the feminine voice all around the ship.

Up Where They Walk

Up Where They Run

Up Where They Stay All Day In The Sun

Wanderin' Free - Wish I Could Be Part Of That World

Heave-Yo

Charming Sailors

Come Down To Us

"Do you hear that?". She asked.

"I do".

She put her face against the glass and looked narrowly into the fog.

She caught the slight reflection of a woman leaning against a sea rock and gasped.

She made to speak but was interrupted by a heavy wind that pushed the ship dangerously to the left causing them to fall alongside every object in the room.

The electric bell rang loudly as the students trooped out of their various classes in their numbers.

"I missed the sound of that". Kapella sang legged crossed on the desk and engrossed in the ice cream she held.

"You haven't eaten anything since you arrived at school". Cindy complained.

"Good observation, should I say am fasting?".

"You literally have an ice cream". Cindy answered and sat on the desk.

"Yeah, that's right, well I don't feel like taking anything". She said.

"Oh, since I know you, you don't always feel like taking much".

"I eat pancakes, potato chips, cornbread and....".

"But you don't eat much, I've noticed you since we were kids, our parents enrolled us in the same school, here we are, same High School and I'll so kill you if we don't go to the same college". Cindy said and she laughed.

"Well, I don't eat much cause I hate the school restroom". Kapella explained and bite a big portion of the cream with her tooth.

"And now you're pretty hungry cos I hear that rumbling".

"Can you quit tormenting me please?". Kapella asked with a baby look.

"And why won't I know the meal that my friend gets to eat excessively?". Cindy notified opening her bag.

She brought out three cans and dropped them on the desk.

"Canned fish". She whispered.

Kapella's eyes popped and she grabbed one.

She broke the covering and poured the entire content into her mouth.

Cindy gasped as she took the other, broke open the seal and gulped in the content again, and then did the same with the third.

She squeezed the empty can and dropped it on the table.

"Quite spicy". She gulped.

Cindy handed over a bottled drink to her and she gulped in all the content.

She paused and turned to Cindy.

"Citrus....".

"Kapella?".

She raced off immediately and Cindy went after.

She pulled open the restroom door and saw Kapella vomiting into the WC.

"Oh my.., I thought you were fine". Cindy said and she squat beside her.

"Maybe and maybe not". She replied and gasped vomiting more.

"Hold one. It isn't the meal, months ago you puked after taking a citrus drink".

"Would you pass me a toilet tissue or keep speaking". Kapella asked.

"Oh sorry, sure".

She hurriedly cut a piece from the roll and gave it to her.

Kapella cleaned herself and flushed the vomit.

"Are you okay?".

"Yes, I am".

"Hush!, You scared me". Cindy smiled pulling her cheek.

"Water only and water ever, note it".

"Noted, but why?".

"I vomited all I eat so don't make me use the strength left".

"Oh, you tell me and I give you three more canned fish". Cindy said.

"Forget it".

"hush!, Don't be harsh, you can have it all and I have water as well ". Cindy said.

Kapella beamed a smile and pulled her cheek

"Hey Sis". They heard a voice and turned back to see Francis.

"What the hell are you doing here?". Cindy asked rather sharply.

"I've been searching for you, all over the school, everyone has left for home already". Francis announced advancing toward them.

"Does that guarantee you to move into the female restroom?".

"um..I thought this is the hallway". He said looking around.

"You're new here, don't get yourself into trouble".

"Worry not sis, I won't get raped". He smirked and he grabbed his ear.

"Ouch! Stop!".

"I've warned you over and over again to watch your speaking". She snapped and let go of him.

"That's harsh".

"Go home, Kapella, and I have someplace to be". Cindy said and he bit his lower lips.

"Really?, So I have to go home alone?".

"Do I have to babysit you, Go!".

"You and Kapella.. Are you...". He paused and scratched his head.

"One more word from you Francis...".

"Fine, I was about to leave anyway".

"Hi". He added wanting to wave at Kapella but paused seeing Cindy's stern look.

He hung his bag properly and left the place.

"Ignore him, brothers are a pain in the ass, quite annoying". Cindy explained and they moved to the class.

"Annoying you mean, I had a fight with my ten-year-old brother, I was so angry that I forgot my flask".

"That explains why you're hungry". She suggest and Kapella nodded.

The hallways were deserted as they moved until they got to the class.

"So any tell about Summer Break, let me guess, you got a boyfriend".

"Yeah. A cute one". Kapella whispered and winked.

"Wow!, Seriously?, I thought you were gonna remain single till college, What is his name?". Cindy asked.

"PS5". Kapella whispered.

"Oh seriously?". Cindy said laughing.

"You're not known for making crazy jokes ". She added.

"That's the truth, he's cute right".

"It".

"Well, I said he, do have a problem with that?".

"Not all Queen, why won't you be single when you reject all your suitors".

"And why are you single?".

"Same reason". She replied.

"Um.. When do the cameras go offline?". Kapella asked

"As soon as the bell rings for closure". She replied.

"Your Uncle told you that?".

"Have you forgotten he's the Security Analyst, I get to go through his computer".

"You're such a bad girl". She compliments and Cindy handed over a can to her.

She opened it and gulped in all the fish content in it.

"If I am a bad girl, then what are you Ella?, Your Dad teaches you all he learns since you want to go on the same career path as him and now you secretly put it into cybercrime".

"It's called Hacking". She replied.

"Whatever. Now who's the Bad Girl?".

"We both, The Bad Duo, Bad Girls in disguise of innocent personalities".

"So what are we gonna be doing before 6 pm?".

"As usual, Video Games". Kapella smirked.

....

..

Phoenix Consolidated

..

....

"I think we will stop here for now". Mrs. Elijah advised and she rose to her feet.

"You should get back to work". She added and he nodded.

"Alright, we'll talk about it later". He said and pecked her on the cheek.

"Sure. Bye". She replied and waved moving to the door.

He was returning to his desk when the landline rang.

He took the phone quickly and placed it on his ear.

"Yes Boss". He said.

"Alright. I am working on it". He said and dropped the phone.

He collapsed into his office chair and exhaled heavily.

.....Phoenix High...

.... 6:30 PM...

It was dark already and the light system was the only source of illumination in the school.

The hallway seems deserted as no single soul was passing by.

In the classroom was Kapella sleeping on Cindy's lap while she laid her head on Kapella's back.

They suddenly jolt up hurriedly when the phone on the desk rang.

Kapella stopped it immediately and they breathe hurriedly.

"Why did you make the alarm so loud?". Cindy asked and they heard footsteps.

They quickly hid under the desk and the class door pushed open.

A ray of light beamed around the room and then vanished when the door closed.

"It's the Janitor". Kapella whispered.

"The guards should have gone home". Cindy said and they moved to the window.

They could see men in uniform leaving the vicinity.

"Seriously? I thought it was 24 hours?". Kapella asked.

"Yeah but shift method, a new team would come to take over in twenty minutes".

"Have you stayed that long in school after summer break?".

"I know you would do this so I stayed three times to take note of their modus operandi". She explained.

"Then we have to hurry, Twenty minutes might not be the case this time". Kapella believed and they moved to the door.

She open and peeped out but Cindy pulled her back.

"Listen the cameras are offline except those at the base".

"Why?".

"That's the main focus".

"Really stupid people".

"My Uncle is one of them".

"Ops! Cool of them".

They made sure to take off their shoes to reduce noise and put them into their bags.

Soon they got to the end of the hallway and peeped since they had two choices.

The Janitor could be seen kissing a lady roughly as he closed the entrance behind him.

"Seems our dear Janitor got himself a girlfriend". Cindy whispered.

They glued themselves to the wall and he moved past them with the lady.

The girls tiptoed from their hiding and moved back slowly till he was out of sight.

They were approaching a door that had the 'out of bound' sticker when they saw a man in the room.

They quickly hid behind the wall and Kapella scoffed.

"I thought all the guards were out?". She asked.

"Seems one of them stayed back".

"Quick, you know what to do, the Principal Office, the walls are soundproof, and here is a signal disrupter, he might try to call". Kapella explained handing over a PDA-like device to Cindy.

"You've used it before". She added and Cindy hurried away.

Kapella exhaled heavily and she adjust her bag.

Soon a soft chuckle could be heard echoing in the hallway.

The Guard looked around and walked out of the Control Base, he close the door behind him and moved in the direction the noise was coming from.

That was when he saw the door of the Principal's Office wide open.

He pulled his G18 pistol from his holster behind him and aimed it forward as he moved it but was shocked to see the Janitor and a lady who was on bra and bum shot.

"Alex, I didn't know you were here, I'll excuse you". He said and made to turn when there was a camera click followed by a flash of light.

The door closed swiftly and Cindy locked it with the key.

She retreats the camera and drew out the key.

"I'm gonna make this trend". She vowed staring at the image on her camera screen.

"What the hell!, Where is the spare key?". The Guard asked.

"It's in my short".

"Then get it".

"It's in the hallway".

"Fvck!". He cursed.

"It's Faceless, She's at it again". The Janitor told them.

Cindy took the PDA-like device and placed it on the door before she pressed the red button.

"Enjoy your stay". She whispered and catwalks from the place.

"I could call someone". The lady suggest and wore her jacket.

"Don't bother, it's Faceless". The Janitor replied and collapsed to the chair.

The Lady checked her phone and there was no reception.

"You know this is your fault!". The Guard screamed.

Kapella wore the mask she took from her bag and zipped it closed.

The mask was the same as her skin color making it look like she was faceless.

She already changed her dress to a black jacket and shorts.

She pushed open the door and entered the Control Base.

Every single camera in the room turned, concentrating on her and her alone.

She posed in a funny way for the cameras and did the John Cena's 'you can't see me' move before sitting on the swivel chair in front of the giant computer screen.

She turned 360° and placed her fingers on the Keyboard.

Cindy rushed to the window when she heard the sound of a vehicle.

She could see guards dropping from a Van.

"Damn.. Ella was right... They're early". She said and made to send a message but there was no reception.

She quickly raced to their classroom so she could be far from the device responsible.

She stayed low quickly and could hear her footsteps with several masculine voices.

She typed a message and sent it to Kapella but heard a buzz behind that caused her to fear.

It was a phone, Kapella's.

She looked narrowly and could see the men moving toward the Control Base already.

...

..

Meanwhile

..

....

"She isn't taking her call, where could she be". Mrs. Elijah panicked pacing from left and right.

"She's at a party". Steve announced from the floor where Mr. Elijah was helping him with an assignment.

"Go to Bed, Steve!". She snapped.

"My Assignment".

"That's right".She whispered and collapsed onto the couch.

"You worry yourself a lot, I'm sure she's at a friend's place as usual". Mr. Elijah said and pushed a pencil into Steve's hand.

"What if not, what if she had found out what she is? Maybe a long time ago".

"You're scared".

"Of course I am, Anytime she stays late, nothing plays in my memory other than eighteen years ago". She explained and closed her eyes.

....

..

Flashback

..

....

Passengers looked down from the deck and the pitch of the voices went high.

They couldn't see anything in the fog except a few who did.

"Women, lot of them ". A man announced.

" Yes... I see them... They got long hairs". A woman yelled and they gasped.

A little girl looked down wondering what everyone was staring at her when she saw a beautiful woman in the waters beckoning at her.

She screamed and raced back to her parents.

Men began to jump into the water like they were possessed and screams could be hard beneath.

No one could explain what was happening until a heavy storm hits the ship hard.

Like a tornado, it surrounds the ship spinning it dangerously.

Those on the deck fell into the sea and only a few could hold unto a part or the other.

"Fire!!". Loud voices could be heard from afar and a red ship swerved for the scene.

The men on it seem concentrated on the ocean as they threw harpoons and shot arrows into the Ocean.

Mr. Elijah held his wife's hand tightly while the ship swerved dangerously.

It hits against a rock and it broke open.

"Are we gonna die?". She asked and she held onto his hand this time.

"No. Not today".

Then came the most dangerous storm that wrecked the ship causing it to sink slowly.

The other ship had gotten to the scene already and the men fired more harpoons into the ocean until there was a sharp blackout.

It was morning as the sun rose brightly from the east, Mrs. Elijah's body could be seen on a wood that was floating toward an island.

She suddenly coughed out and fell from the wood.

The cold waters jolt her to consciousness so that she swam up quickly.

She got to the shore and staggered out of the water in her wet gown.

"No, Elijah!". She screamed and she raced for his wet body that was on the ground.

She held his nose and blew air into his mouth but it wasn't working.

"C'mon!". She cried and hit his chest furiously.

He suddenly gasped out vomiting water.

She chuckle in tears and he turned to her.

"Jane?".

"No, Mrs. Elijah". She replied and kissed him passionately.

"What happened? ". He asked and she rose from him.

She helped him up and he gaze at the ocean before them.

There was various part of the ship floating still with pieces of luggage and even bodies.

"Shipwreck". She announced.

"Did Titanic wreck just occur?". He asked.

"C'mon, you joke with everything, we're both alive, that's all that matters, seems our honeymoon would be here, The Sardinia Island ". She whispered leaning against his chest.

Mr. Elijah gasped while staring narrowly at a particular point.

"Seriously?, We got married and you're no longer romantic". She cursed and raised her head to him.

"What are you staring at?". She inquired but there was no response.

She turned back and there was the creature, a beautiful woman who was half-human, half-fish.

Below the waist was fully a fish's tail with colorful scales.

"Mermaid!". She screamed and hid behind her husband.

She peeped from behind wondering why he wasn't scared.

The Mermaid had a harpoon thrust into her arm and tail but she held onto the baby in her arms.

"She has a baby?".

Kapella inserts a red drive into the system and it requested for password almost immediately. That was when she remembered something.

She swivel the chair back and turned to the large screen behind that was supposed to display the video footage from all cameras but it was blank.

She used a computer function to select all of it and clicked it to return online before swiveling back to her former position.

She glance back staring at the online footage that had Cindy running down the hallway like she was in distress.

Kapella slowly got off the chair and approached the screen wondering what was wrong.

That was when she saw it, particular footage out of many had visual of the outside compound, and security guards could be seen trooping to the building.

"Shit!, I need time". She whispered and turned to the other screen which was now displaying the school's database.

"Fire alarm". She whispered and moved to a big board in the room that had a different switch with the label 'hallway'.

She grabbed that of the hallway and pulled it down.

The guards were approaching the door when they had the loud sound of alarm from far away.

"The Alarm". One of them said and they hurried away.

She exhaled heavily and quickly pushed the chair forward.

Cindy exhaled as well and collapsed to the wall.

Her heart was beating so fast already.

Kapella's phone buzzed and she checked the call, It was Kapella's Mom.

"Hello, Ma'am". She said and took the call.

"Have you seen Kapella?".

"She's at my placement, we had a group assignment so..".

"Where's she?, Put her on the phone".

"Um.. She's at the restroom".

"Then call me as soon as she returns".

"Yes, ma'am". She said and disconnected the call.

"Hurry girl, hurry!". Cindy whispered and peeped out again.

She could hear incoming footsteps again and hide behind the wall.

It was the guards returning in a group again while discussing.

Unannounced three alarms rang loudly from different hallways at the same time.

" There's someone in the School, where's the Janitor?". A Chubby Guard asked.

"We haven't seen him".

"And Alex?".

"Same..., Spread out to the hallway". He commanded.

The men hurried off immediately while he moved to the Control Base slowly with his gun pointed forward.

Cindy drew out the tranquilizer gun in her bag and pushed open the door slowly so it doesn't make a noise.

"You finally turned me into an Agent, Kapella".She whispered and laid flat on the floor with the gun pointed forward.

She looked in narrowly through the scope attached to the gun which had the structure of an M800 Revolver.

She targets the man's neck and pressed the trigger.

A pin projects out narrowly and piercing into his neck, he dropped unconscious to the ground.

Cindy exhaled heavily trying to control her fears.

Shortly Kapella came running out and Cindy raced out of the classroom as well.

"We can't leave, they have guarded all exit".Kapella informed and held Cindy's hand.

"Who's there?". They heard a voice and flashes of light moved in their direction.

They scurried into the library and hid behind one of the bookshelves.

The door pulled open and a man flash his torchlight around the room.

"Clear". He spoke into his Walkie Talkie before leaving.

Cindy exhaled heavily and laid her head on Kapella's chest.

"You were scared, weren't you? ". She asked.

"I literally took down a Guard so don't ask me". Cindy told her.

"I saw your face in the footage, you were really scared". Kapella mocked and she poked her nose.

"You were watching me?". She asked.

"Yeah, I made the cameras come online".

"Seriously?, It must have captured my face, I could swear that I saw something moving but was too scared to check".

"Don't worry, I deleted them all leaving only that of the Control Base that captured my operation".

"Triggering the fire alarm was lame, what if they had all come straight to you?". Cindy asked.

"Well, there are switches in the hallway that controls the alarms as well so when it rings that is the first place you think of".

"I can't so sleep right now, your Mom called".

"As much as I thought".

"She wants you to call back". Cindy informed giving her the phone but she power off down instead.

"I'll do that tomorrow".

"So we're gonna wait here until tomorrow?". Cindy asked.

"The school got a shower, if that's what you're worried about and you have your makeup or you could borrow mine, can we sleep now ".

"Let's stop Kapella, I took down a man, the security will be strict from now henceforth, I hope you understand we will be get caught one day".

"That's it and maybe I want to be caught alone".

"Seriously Kapella, we've been friends for years and you know I keep following you to do crazy things".

"Then stop".

"What?".

"Then let just be friends, you don't get to follow me to do crazy things".

"Are you breaking up with me?". Cindy asked and she laughed

.

"What does it look like?".

Cindy pinched her shoulder and she laughed as she laid her head on her bag to sleep.

"Tell me why you do it exactly, it's not really because a poor person who can't afford the fees, I'm your friend".

"There are things in my life that I don't understand Cindy, funny things, everyone has different motive when coming to High school, To Study, To Party, To Find Lovers and probably to hack into the school database". Kapella told her and they laughed.

"I don't know why I am here, nothing in my life seems interesting to me, I don't study and magically get to pass my exams and always at the top, my parents don't get to check my result anymore because they know I always make it". She explained and gasped.

"So it looks boring".

"Boring, the only thing I find interesting is what I do, this, doing risky things with the hope of getting caught one day, it sounds so interesting". She said and tears filled her eyes.

Cindy held her to herself and she puts her head down.

"It's alright Kapella, you'll find a purpose soon, I can't tell you to quit these acts but it's just a waste of time, I don't know what to say".

"You don't have to say anything, just sleep off like today never happened". Kapella told her and she nodded.

They held hands and looked up to the ceiling as tears flowed from their eyes.

"We're crazy".

"I know, big-time crazy". Cindy replied.

...

..

NEXT_DAY

..

...

"Kapella if you ain't in this house in the next five minutes I'll...". Mrs. Elijah screamed as she walked down the stairs angrily with her phone.

She paused and bit her lower lip.

"What do you mean you're going to school?". She asked and paused again.

"I'll come personally to school and spike your head in front of your mates". She cursed and disconnected the call.

"Hey Steve, you ain't eating? ". She asked and he played with his spoon.

"Kapella isn't back". He said In a low voice.

"Seriously?, You play cat and rat and now you suddenly miss her? ". Mrs. Elijah asked and wore her red shoe.

"I don't miss her". Steve frowned and she raised her head.

"I missed making her angry". He added.

"You're too little for causing troubles at your age, will you get your bag and get into the vehicle, don't forget your food flask". She said moving for the door.

"It's a thermos, Mom".

"Whatever.., it's the same thing, Who the hell told you that?".

"Kapella".

"Fine, Thermos". She agreed and walked out.

Steve wore his bag and followed after her.

...

..

Phoenix High

..

...

Kapella could be seen putting on her hat as she walked down the hallway with Cindy who was still struggling to put on her shoes.

"Why is your hair bun so big?". She asked.

"Cause it's big". Kapella replied and she tried to touch.

"I wouldn't want to".

Cindy scoffed and retreated her hand.

"Is that my necktie". She asked and stared at the necktie around Kapella's neck.

"So?".

"It makes me look pretty". Cindy said.

"Well, I'm now Ultra Pretty now". Kapella whispered.

She made to grab it but she took off speedily.

Kapella stared back as she ran, she made a turn at the intersection but collide with someone and they came crashing to the ground.

She groaned and books fell on her body.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry". She heard a soft voice and she took off the book covering her face.

She gasped when she saw a tall teen boy stretch out his hand to her.

She hesitates for a while but he grabbed her shoulder and raised her.

"I'm seriously sorry, I didn't see you coming". He apologized.

"It's alright, It's my fault, I was running". She said.

"Hope you ain't hurt anywhere?".

"Not at all I'm fine". He said and she exhales as she saw his face.

Part of it was burnt beyond recognition and he had wrinkle at the other part which wasn't burnt.

"if you're staring at my face It was an accident". He told her and squat.

"How did it happen?". She asked.

"Memories I don't wanna remember".

"Sure... I'm sorry".

"Yeah". He replied picking the books on the ground.

"I should help you with that".

She squat to help him but he held her hand as she tried to take one.

"Don't bother".

"I will". She replied and he let go of her hand.

She packed some of the books and handed them over to him.

"Thanks".

"Once again I'm sorry ".

"It's alright. By the way I am Lovely". He said full of smiles.

"Excuse me". She fired with a stern look.

"Don't get it wrong, I meant my name is Lovely". He said and she laughed.

"Seriously.. I'm sorry... Totally sorry.. I..". She scoffed.

"I'm Kapella". She added.

"Nice name. Nice meeting you".

"You too".

"Ahem". Cindy said and they turned to her.

"And that's Cindy, My bestie". Kapella said.

"Oh Cindy, I am....".

"Lovely.. I heard that.. Nice meeting you".

"Um.. Could you possibly show me where I'm....".

"Oh Freshman!, you look new".

"Not Freshman, Grade 11 and yes I'm new here". He said.

"Junior, Grade 11? ".

"Yeah".

"We're classmates then, over there". She said pointing.

"Thanks". He smiled and walked away.

"Why the funny stares Cindy?". Kapella asked.

"High School love stories always begin with colliding and books falling over".

"Seriously?, It was an accident and I had to help him all because of your stupid necktie".

"Can you hand it over now?".

"No, I'll keep it, and don't try chasing me".

"He's nice though but he got burnt face".

"Seriously?".

"C'mon I'm only trying to be sympathetic".

"Hush! Let's go". Kapella grinned and students began to troop into the building in their numbers.

Her phone buzzed and she took the call.

"Hi, Mom". She said and paused.

"What?". She added and retreated the phone.

"What could that be?". Cindy asked.

"My Mom is at school and she wants me to meet her".

"What's the big deal, let's go, you slept over at my place, my parents are on a business trip so they can't testify".

Mrs. Elijah was pacing around in front of her Dodge Viper GTS when she saw Kapella coming out of the gate with Cindy.

"Oh my...". She said and hugged her tightly.

"Did you eat well, you forgot to take your food". Mrs. Elijah said holding her shoulder.

"I eat well Mom, thanks to".

"Oh Cindy, how are your parents?".

"They're doing well, sorry she couldn't call back last night there was no reception".

"That's alright, you should have at least called that you're staying at your friend's place". Mrs. Elijah snapped.

"Mom can we forget about that, I'm terrible hungry". Kapella said and she slapped her shoulder.

"Ouch!".

She moved to the vehicle and returned with two thermoses.

"I made your favorite".

"Thanks, Mom, that's why I love you". She said smiling.

The passengers' window of the vehicle slide down revealing Steve who grinned out.

"Hey what is he doing here?". Kapella asked.

"Hi Rapunzel". He said waving.

"Shut up, I had a blissful night's rest because you weren't there to cause trouble so I didn't miss you if that's what you want to hear". She snapped.

"I did too, why would I miss you after...". He said licking his little lips.

"After eating the meal you forgot, it was so delicious, seems mom made it special and it was spicy". Steve said blowing air out of his mouth.

She made to move at him but Cindy held her back.

"C'mon Ella, he's just a kid".

"Tell that to her, Cindy, and teach her to be matured as well". Mrs. Elijah said and opened the door of her vehicle.

Steve sticks out his tongue and the windows slide up.

"Bye Daughter".

"Bye Mom".

"Don't stay late and come home tonight". She said and Kapella nodded.

She got into the vehicle and drove off.

Almost immediately three Rolls-Royce Phantom drove speedily to the gate.

Kapella had to pull Cindy back so she don't get hit by the vehicle.

They gasped staring at the latest expensive vehicles drive into the compound.

"Does our school have guests today?". Kapella asked and they moved in.

"I don't think they're guests". Cindy replied and the vehicles came to halt.

Students trooped out of the school building in their numbers while others looked down from the balcony like a president had arrived.

The door of the first Rolls-Royce Phantom which was blue in color slide open and a teen boy got down.

The students yelled loudly as he adjusted his coat.

Everything about him was luxurious and flashy.

"They're students". Cindy whispered.

The Blue Rolls-Royce Phantom reversed before heading for the VIP garage and that was when they saw the vanity plate of the vehicle.

' Finn A '

"Finn". Cindy said.

The door of the second vehicle which was red slide open almost immediately and a teen girl in a red ball gown got down as well.

There was a loud cheer as she stretched out her selfie stick to take shots with the students.

The vehicle drove for the VIP garage and the vanity plate could be seen as well.

' Ashley A '

And then the last of them all, the doors of the last Rolls-Royce Phantom which was black in color slide open a teen boy got down, he was tall and had that handsome but stern face like someone who just fought with a devil.

Silence was ensured immediately and the compound was silent as a graveyard when he looked around.

The vehicle didn't go for the VIP garage but looking narrowly you could see the plate.

'Diaz A '

He lit a cigar and stick it into his mouth, yet no one dared speak.

He raised his head and the crowd parted to the left and right as the red sea.

He bounced for the entrance with the two that came with him.

"And then there's the devil, Diaz". Cindy whispered.

"Do you know them?". Kapella asked with a wide face.

"What High School student of Phoenix doesn't know them, The Arrowood".

"Hold on, The Arrowood who owns this School".

"Exactly, C'mon you wouldn't want to piss them with your beauty, Let's take the fire exit". Cindy informed dragging her along.