They swam side by side, Sami and the mermaid, protected by the Rotifer cape. In the crook of the Ifrit’s arm, Bat’s blue hair spiraled in the water. They passed through plains of sea fans, reefs, corals, and starfish, through plant life that grew up from the ocean floor as thick as forests, past schools of laughing dolphins and staring pink hammerheads, around the rainbow spines of lionfish, around bioluminescent deep-sea creatures, and under the marigold belly of a whale. At some point in their journey, long after Sami lost track of time, she realized they were slowing down.

Finally, the mermaid pointed beyond the transparent mantle, through strands of seaweed. Squinting, Sami saw what looked like a deeper, round section of water: it glittered, and she couldn’t see anything within.

The portal. Sami hesitated, then swam to Bat’s side. She seemed to be sleeping, her hair swirling all around her limbs. What will happen to her?

The mermaid gazed silently at the drifting form.

I hope she’ll return, Sami thought, touching the bat’s hair. She was the truest friend.

The mermaid lifted her diamond eyes to Sami.

And me? Sami couldn’t help wondering. What will happen to me?

The Ifrit carefully placed her hand on the top of Sami’s cranium, and again she felt spangling brightness run through her, powdery sparks flying from her fingertips. It felt like a gift, though one without a name or meaning.

Silverwalker. The Rotifer’s voice rippled down from above, surrounding. Nixie is destroyed, your destiny fulfilled. If ever you should need of us, imagine my name and I shall respond.

Glistening colors spilled down over Sami’s head and arms. Her heart filled with courage and her breath deepened. It was time to go.

The mermaid and Sami slipped out from under the lip of Rotifer’s mantle. Sami swam backward a moment, waving up at the great creature as three of its tentacles fanned through the water. Farewell and good health, brave Silverwalker! I thou shall see again.

She returned to the mermaid’s side. Before them, the portal swirled and pulsed, red, then clear, like a whirlpool in the ocean’s floor.

Sami hesitated before it. Tentatively, she reached toward the unlit opening. It felt wetter and heavier than the surrounding water, yet somehow familiar; there was a scent of something sweet and earthly. Suddenly she had a memory of lying on warm sand, counting clouds alongside her brother, a soft wind billowing over their heads. She felt a piercing longing for the clear skies and water of Coconut Shores.

She turned to the mermaid and bowed. Goodbye. Goodbye, Silverworld. The mermaid smiled fiercely, showing her bluish-white teeth, her spiraling locks and silk wrappers, and sent her arms out wide. Then Sami was being swept off her feet, the portal drinking her in one gulp. As she was tossed through a cascade of bubbles and froth, Flicker voices rang back to her: I you shall see again.