I smiled as my feet touched the soft sand. I’ve been to a few beaches but none as magical as this one. I almost skipped along the path, a picnic basket in hand, as I neared the ocean. The water glittered, reflecting the light of the sun. Although it was a pretty sight, I couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong. The water seemed so shallow, but I couldn’t see a thing underneath it. The turquoise waves always block my view one way or another. Unsettled, I set out my blanket, careful to keep an eye on the ocean. 

Although I packed plenty of food, I lost my appetite. I leave my basket on the blanket having eaten nothing. I step off the blanket and towards the water. The sun on my back seems to push me forward. As if the ocean is calling me, I step gently into the waves. For a moment I consider stepping out again, grabbing my stuff, and running as far away as I can. 

I push the thought from my mind as an inexplicable urge pulls me forward. The water comes up to my knees. It’s chilly, but I don’t feel a bit cold. Another step. Another step. Another step. It’s a rhythm, a pattern. I walk until the water is up to my chest. 

The waves push me around but I can’t find the strength to move. Before I realize it I’m pulled underwater. Instinctively, I close my eyes and hold my breath. When I crack one eye open seconds later, I find myself surrounded by blood. But it can’t be my blood. I’m not injured. From the blood emerges a creature. It looks like a dragon but has the face of Queen Ellen. She gestures for me to breathe. I do and find it just as easy as breathing air. 

“I’m sorry.” She mutters quietly, her voice slightly distorted by the water. 

I gasp my first deep breath in hours, coughing immediately when I inhale a mouthful of ash. The magic around me fizzles out, dissolving the illusion of a burned body that cloaked me. My necklace glows in one more bright burst then dims, its protection spell spent.

Lilo revives Rachel and has stopped my arm from bleeding out. With the armor and sword, the dragon creates a fake arm for me.

He gives me an arm that will be able to kill him if it ever happens to him. 

Fishing rods are more useful to me.

By Cristina Collazo