Chapter 8: Day 3- Fish Out Of Water

{Zira}

"So what do I have to do?" Zira asked. The prince smiled and said "There are only a select few beings that care to steal from my archives. My books are like gold to me, and recently there has been a lot of quote unquote 'visitors'." Damian said. "I.... Want you to catch a specific person. He's.... Too hard for any of us to catch by water." He said with a worried glance. "Catch him, and I'll help you.".

Zira stood there for a second processing those words. "Well that'll be easy! It's just one fish, so how hard could it be?". He then gave her a dark smile and said "If you're so confident then you should have no problem bringing him to me in 2 days.".

He then walked away with a smug look and she realized her predicament. "Oh no.... Great! Now I have to take away 2 days.... I'm only gonna have 3 days left." She said realizing how bad that was. With Damian not going to help he until she catches the criminal, her time has just been cut short.

She started by going through the paperwork he left out to get a clue on the persons whereabouts.

(Carter POV)

We have been here for two days! "Hey June." I said getting his attention. "Yeah?". I thought about what had happened two days ago with the necklace. "Did you ever think about why that Emerald lady wants the necklace?". I waited for a response as June said "Yeah. She could get a copy of it anywhere that looked just like it, so why the hell that one in particular?". We shut our mouths once Emerald came in and said "*sigh* You two! Come with me.".

We followed her for a few minutes until she brought us into the captains quarters again. "You two are gonna help me with something. And if you mess up, you die.". She then pulled out a bunch of vials that were empty and labeled [venom]. "So what do we-" I'm then silent as I see several small white spikes shoot up from her forearm and she puts it on a table. "I'll give you three guesses as to what I am, and the first two don't count.".

Me and June pale as we put it together. Rock-like structures on the back, quick spikes, strength, venom. "You're a Stone fish!". Emerald then smiled and said:

"That's right. The stone fish: A species of fish that has a powerful mouth and camouflage. Though as it weighs quite a bit and isn't a super fast swimmer, it has a secret weapon.". She then turns around and the structures on her back shoot up with spines. "VENOM. The venom of the stone fish is strong enough to kill you in a little less than 5 hours. And I'm one of the few that can make the antidote for my venom. One prick from a spine, and you'll be in too much pain to move.".

She retracts her spines except for the ones on her arms. She then puts down a big jar of venom and says. "Fill all those vials by the next hour. And if you try to escape.... Well, you can already guess.".

".... Hey Carter.". June ask once she leaves. "Yeah?". He looks at me smiling at one of the vials and says "Do you think you could create a dart with this?".

.

.

.

(Zira POV)

I have spent the past few hours.... looking for a thief. "The irony. I'm a person called a thief trying to catch a thief.". As I search for clues underwater I decide to head back up for air. I took out a photo of a black book with a peace symbol on it in gold. "Where the hell am I going to find a book with a description so accurate?! It's not like it will just jump out at me-" I'm interrupted as I see a light blue figure, jump over me and as we lock eyes, right before they hit the water I see the book in their arms.

I.... I want to scream. The cops were right behind them so I wondered why they were so hard to catch. That's when I saw them breach the water and found out why. The moment they left the water, 2 large thin blue fins came from their back and they started to glide. "A flying fish.... That's why they needed my help! They can't leave the water fast enough!" I said flying up high.

"Time to get rid of this wet suit." I said getting out of my scuba gear. If I go underwater.... with the practice I've had.... "I have 5 minutes. That's more that enough.". I dive straight into the water and on contact the fish see's me and increases speed. "I have to go faster!" I say swimming after them. They then do what I expected them to and go out of the water. I jump out and spread my wings. "There's only one way I'm winning this fight!".

Before they have time to react, I grab them and instead of to the water, I take them to the sky. "You fish are all meant for water! So what happens when I take you out of your natural zone?!".

Info- A habit found in some raptors such as eagles, known to prey on turtles or tough shelled animals. The natural ability of some of the most famous hunters.

"I'll be taking this!" I said taking the book. "The wings will slow your fall! Introducing: THE SKY DROP!" I say dropping them.

.

.

.

"Well done my raptor friend!" I hear Damian say congratulating me. "The police have apprehended the criminal and they are now caged! Also.... Thank you, this book means a lot to me.". I looked at him but he saw my expression as I looked around his room. "Damian...." I say as we lock eyes. "Why is your room above water? I can understand the castle and stuff but why are you here?!".

{Zira}

Zira looked at him with anticipation and he went pale. He sat down sighing and said "I suppose you heard tales of our kingdom from afar correct?". Zira nodded and sat down as well. "Before all of this, our people used to live on the surface all the time. But as time went on we stopped and stayed underwater. I've.... Only been out of the kingdom for business which is a lot if you stick around long enough. But my sister is always confined to the walls of this kingdom. It's why the book was so important, and my room.".

Zira nodded in understanding. "I can understand that feeling. When I was young I was pretty restricted to my home.". He put his hand on her shoulder and said "Tomorrow will be a huge event my mother is hosting. Come and find me when it's over and then,". He stood up walking towards the door. "We can work on finding your friends.". Once he leaves she processes the info. "Wait.... It only took me 1 day. If this is day three then.... Tomorrow is day 4!".