Shark Tamer - Part 1

The large waves crashed into the jagged rocks lining the seaside cliff. Appearing and disappearing beneath the rocks every few moments, the jagged rocks stood strong as the torrent of water struck the rocks, creating a flurry of white foam. But the tallest rocks, being immune to the strong current, offered a smaller glimmer of calm for any animal and creature to take a momentary break. This is where Seben decided to rest after swimming to the surface many moments ago.

While the sun was shining brightly, Seben's chosen spot was shaded by the towering cliff before him. His iridescent scales sparkled, even as there was no direct sun. He lay on his back and stared into the blue sky above.

"This is the best time to think and regroup myself. Nothing but the sound of water clashing with the land can really calm my nerves," Seben thought to himself. "The calm open sea, they say," Seben grimaced, "there are so many torrents, carnivorous creatures, and debris in the water. Up here in the open air is a much needed distraction. I probably have only a few more minutes before I should head back. The Aqua tournament is today.Yes…that's right…"

Seben sat up and looked at the swishing waves.

"I hope there isn't too much chaos tonight." Seben thought with a heavy sigh, "these types of events can really draw in the gossip…oh no!"

Seben's eyes widened as he clutched the sides of his head. "I forgot about Minmi! I was going to help with the preparations for her showcase. And here I thought I had plenty of time!"

Seben pushed himself from the tall rock and dove into the dark water. Keeping his body as slender as possible, his tail whipped frivolously behind him.

With the powerful torrents of the water streaking past him, Seben continued his lightning-quick descent into the water.

As each second passed, the light from the surface, coloring the water a deep navy blue, slowly began to turn black. Seben squinted his eyes and tensed his muscles as his view became more obscured. He took a deep breath through the gills on his neck before tightly closing his eyes briefly. His body needed to adjust. As he opened his eyes, he saw a glowing cerulean rock formation appear into view.

"There's the entrance. I need to hurry, I'm not one to like being late."

Large black silhouettes could be seen as Seben continued his descent toward the entrance. Three mermaids, all floating and gossiping, quickly turned their heads as Seben dashed past them. The three mermaids couldn't help but lose their balance. As one mermaid tumbled in a frenzy and quickly regained her footing, she shouted, "Why the rush? The festival hasn't even started yet!"

Seben flashed a quick wave his right hand and blurted out "Sorry!" before completely ignoring the discord he caused.

As Seben raced on, the beautiful cerulean rock formations began appearing more illuminated by a multitude of colorful coral. Every color in a rainbow could be seen as Seben finally reached his destination.

"Minmi's section should be in the 30’s…." Seben pondered to himself.

Seben weaved in as the brightly colored stalls, each booth selling a different item.

"Fresh Ocean Barnacles!" One mermaid yelled as patrons passed by the booth.

Seben took a quick glance before regaining his focus. "I've seen better ones about 100 km south. Too cheap for my taste," Seben thought as he continued his trek to find Minmi's booth.

**********************************************************************

As Seben began to approach the booths where Minmi had told him to meet her.

Though Seben was rushing, he was excited to finally meet up with Minmi. She was a petite mermaid with short blue hair and a tail that shimmers like moonlight. She wears a pair of specialized prescription goggles, seeing as her eyes are not the best. Despite being one of the event planners for the festival, she is constantly rushing and forgetting many things, she called Seben to help on this special day

But this day is special to not just Seben or Minmi. It is a big day for everyone living under the sea. In fact, the festival is called the UnderSea Union Festival, a celebration is meant to commemorate the relationship between humans and merpeople. Around 40 years ago, humans were able to use genetic mutation to transform themselves into aquatic beings. Many humans decided a life under the sea was for them and made the decision to make a home under the sea.

Many countries, wanting to regulate how this new species of merpeople operated, created an ideology conflict between personal freedom and regulation. After many confrontations, the merpeople of the ocean were able to break free from human society. In order to quell any future conflict, the people of the sea created the UnderSea Union Festival as a way to bridge the gap between humans on the land and merpeople in the sea.

As Seben finally reached Minmi's compartment, he could see a small group of merpeople standing in front of the booth.

"This won't do. We can't pull her through the festival like this. There might be a ruckus," said a burly-built merman with orange hair.

The other merman, a thin merman with purple hair, nodded in agreement.

"The storm from a few nights ago really upset her," the slender merman said staring at the large booth with a veil covering the inside.

Seben approached the two mermen as they both sighed from their small conversation.

"Hello there," Seben said, trying to hold back, being out of breath from his venture. The two mermen nodded in salutation.

"Do you by chance know where Minmi might be?" Seben asked the two mermen.

The orange-haired merman pointed to the side of the large booth.

"She should be around back. She's been in a rush all morning. But you...you must be Seben. You might be able to help. Don't you have some experience taming dolphins?"

Seben gave a soft smile at the mention of his occupation. For seven years, Seben had swam with dolphins and other intelligent aquatic life. When he was a child, he dreamed he transformed into a dolphin and raced with his dolphin brethren. But that was just a dream. His reality came surprisingly close when he was given the chance to transition into a merman.

"Yes I do," Seben replied. "She asked me to help with her display today for the UnderSea festival."

The slender merman raised his arm and waved it up and down.

"Well, she's going to need a lot of help with all this. The shark is acting up. She might be a little over her head at this point."

"Thank you," Seben nodded as he began to make his way to the back of the booth.

As Seben approached the back of the large booth, he could hear the sound of rustling.

"This is too much. Too much! I need more time. Why does this have to happen now..." a voice could be heard frantically making observations.

"That is definitely Minmi," Seben thought, "she can't handle when a situation becomes overwhelming."

Seben peaked around the corner to see Minmi swimming back and forth in a worrying pace. Her bright yellow tail looked like a blur as she jetted between two tables filled with paper. Whenever Minmi would scurry to the opposite table, a flurry of paper and loose materials would fill and float in the area, creating a torrential mess.

"Hello there, Minmi," Seben said with a smile, "it looks like you need a bit of help."

Minmi stopped swimming in her tracks and spun around, creating a small vortex behind her.

"Thank goodness you got here. At least one thing is going well for me today. I'm sooo glad you are early!"

Seben smiled softly and slightly lowered his gaze. He didn't want to mention his venture to reach her and almost being late himself.

"She's stressed as it is," he thought.

Minmi grabbed Seben’s hands and yanked him toward a doorway into the booth.

"Seben, I need your help. There was a big storm a few nights ago and Mario is so upset! I can't get him under control and if he doesn't calm down, I won't be able to participate in the parade. I need your help, please, please, please!"

Before Seben had a chance to reply, Minmi pointed toward a large area inside the booth. Covered in restraining chains, Mario the shark, sat starring as the two slowly grew nearer.

Mario, the shark, was an animal that Seben had the pleasure of meeting two years ago. A genetically modified Great White Shark with a healthy appetite, Mario was usually an energetic pet. At the site of Seben and Minmi, Mario jumped up and twisted furiously.

Seben held Minmi tightly and stopped both of them from moving closer.

"He is really not feeling well," Seben said, scanning the shark as it continued to whirl around. "That storm must have been something else."

Minmi gripped Seben's hand even more tightly.

"It was absolutely horrible. Two nights ago, the storm came out of nowhere as I was transporting him. Storms don't usually reach these depths but I guess the waters I was traveling in were shallow. The cargo was so unsteady and by the time we had got him here, he wasn't allowing anyone close to him. He has had a few bouts of calmness but he has mostly been like this since that night."

Seben slowly crept toward the shark as it lashed back and forth.

His training with other wild ocean creatures was the expertise Minmi was looking for. Though grateful she has Seben as a friend, she clasped her hand together, as if praying for Seben’s safety. But if there was anyone who had a calm disposition in this situation, it was Seben.

The shark, still visibly upset, turned its angry gaze to Seben. Inching closer every few seconds, Seben slowed his movement and his own breathing. The contrast could not be clearer as the shark, ready to pounce on anything around it, and Seben, regulating his calming movement. After a few moments, the shark focused all of its attention on Seben. Just as Seben was ready to take another few steps, the shark lunged at him, sending a flurry of foam and sand whirling in the water.

Seben, as slow as a sea snail crossing a rock, placed his hand on the shark. Almost instantly, the monster calmed down.

Minmi, relieved, turns around and informs Seben. “Hurry since the parade is starting soon.”

Seben looks behind him as he is rushed out of the room. The shark twitched in the water before floating to the ground to rest.

“I hope this was enough,” Seben thought to himself as Minmi pulls him away.

**********************************************************************

As they move the booth through the water, Seben tries to calm Minmi. Thinking to himself, Seben couldn't shake the thought of the shark. "Why was the shark so upset. I wonder if it was really a storm? I have never seen a shark be so agitated for so long."

Seben turned to Minmi, maneuvering the large covered cage though the water.

"Minmi, I think I need to ask you a question. When did the strange behavior start? I mean, do you know when he started getting agitated in the cargo crate?

Minmi scrunched her face and closed her eyes tightly before replying, "it was probably about 10 minutes into the storm."

"Hmmm, how long was the trip?"

Taking a moment to think again, Minmi added, "I think the whole trip was around 40 minutes. Do you think it was something else besides the storm? I mean...I did give him a certain type of food to help calm him down before the trip."

Seben continued to contemplate to himself for a few moments. Suddenly, Seben began to hear the sound of a large crowd ahead.

"We are almost there," Minmi said. "This needs to be okay for a short time and we can investigate more later. We just need to keep him calm for the parade."

Seben hung his head low.

"I'm not sure that is a good idea, Minmi. The shark could hurt someone or..."

Minmi perked up and turned to Seben.

"We can't do that! No, no, no! This is a big moment in my career. Ever since I came to the underwater, my career has been my top priority. So much...so much, Seben! I gave up so much to become a merperson and this could elevate my career here. I can't stop this. Please, please, Seben. I need your help to keep him calm."

Seben sighed before adding, "Minmi, I know you are my friend but this is a bit too much.

"But Seben, you promised today. Please! This is one of the most important things that can happen. I need it to happen. I need it to go well!"

Seben looked down as he thought about the cargo he was pulling.

“We’re here!” Minmi pointed forward to a large square-like compartment. There was only one square area in the long row of parade booths.

“Once the parade starts, we will all march toward the coral area. From there, we will walk past the land diplomat and just wave very politely.”

Seben sighed. “All we will be doing is waving? We are taking this upset shark just to wave at someone from the surface?”

“Yes, Seben, yes. I know it seems like a lot but you need to think about the business I work for. I’m in marketing. The best way to get other people’s attention is by making a display you can’t look away from.”

Seben crossed his arms reluctantly and frowned at Minmi.

“Your job is going to get you in trouble if you keep playing with fire like this,” Seben shot back as Minmi averted her eyes.

“Look, I know this is a lot but my boss really wants to make a business connection with some land dwellers. They have a lot of money up there. Old money!. You know, the stuff from the old world.”

Seben leaned closer to Minmi.

“If you haven’t noticed, we left that world behind, Minmi. Everyone that lives under the water now decided to take that chance. How did you not get the memo that we did this for a better life? You brought your stress and greed for money with you.”

Minmi looked at Seben and curled her lips in anger.

“That’s not fair. We are all just looking to gain a nice slice of the pie. Money is important no matter where you live and this is my ticket to really establishing myself.”

“Money only gets you so far with your happiness, Minmi,” Seben replied softly.

Minmi crossed her arms and opened her mouth to reply until a loud horn sounded.

Seben grumbled and frowned at Minmi. Both of them waded in the water, quietly for a few moments. Finally, Minmi broke the silence.

"Okay, okay! I get it. But just do this for me. You originally had him participating in the parade for the full ten minutes. Please, only have him in the parade for 2 minutes. Let the crowd see a glimpse of him before turning off the parade path."

Minmi sighed and groaned before sitting quietly.

"All right. That's fine. I just need a few good photos to show off and that's all. I know this is dangerous but you know I love to show off."

"Thank you, Minmi. I think Mario will appreciate not being more upset."

Minmi smiled weakly.

"Well, at least this time, there won't be any storms to cause any disruptions," Minmi said with a glimpse of optimism, "the worst part was calming him down and that is behind us."

Minmi sighed as the trumpets grew louder. “Yes, yes, I understand. Thank you for your help again, Seben.”

“I’ll be watching from afar. Stay safe.”

Minmi smiled, nodded, and turned to a pair of workers to help place the booth in place.

“You’ll see, Seben…”Minmi said turning back to him one last time, “this will be a parade no one underwater will forget!”

**********************************************************************

Seben and Minmi looked in the direction of the crowd. Large spotlights could be seen illuminating the water into a beautiful kaleidoscope.

Minmi turned toward the booth containing the shark.

“I know you are upset but can we please just table this until after the parade. Mario is calm, thanks to you which I am eternally grateful for. I’ll be as gentle with his as possible and we can investigate him the millisecond this is over.”

Seben glanced at the booth and back to Minmi. “Fine. I’m still worried about whatever upset the shark but he is calm enough to move forward. But, Minmi…” Seben glared at Minmi. “Despite the deal for two minutes, if the shark shows any signs of being upset, I want you to take him out of the parade immediately. Safety is more important than the money you want to make.”

**********************************************************************

The water was buzzing with commotion as more citizens began to crowd in the wide open area. Seben peered over the heads of several merpeople in the crowd. He bent down and slowly began wading his way to the barricade.

“Ouch...yikes,” Seben thought as he failed to make any progress through the crowd of merpeople.

He stood up and squinted to his left and right.

“Where did you go Minmi. I know you said stall 24 but everyone got out of order now. I can’t see...ah!”

Seben perked up as he saw Minmi, standing next to the two other workers from earlier. Keeping a close eye on the booth, Seben scanned the booth for any signs of motion.

“If that shark is startled by anything, it could be trouble for…”

Before Seben could ponder further, the muffled sound of the trumpets filled the air. As if in a flash of lightning, the crowd’s energy grew exponentially at the sound of the parade starting.

"My great sea-dwellers, it is so great to finally greet you. My name is Nigel Cronton and I am here to represent the previous liason of communication between the United Nations and all those living under the sea. But nevermind my own identity. Today, we are joined here to celebrate a majestic identity. An identity that has redefined life on Earth and brought the world so much precious information. My sea-dwellers, I am talking about none other than you all.

Sea-dwellers first took the leap of scientific chance and now look all around you! View the magnificence all around you. The genetic endeavors of the Sea-dwells to convert human DNA into something only seen in our imaginations. Your brilliance is the finest this Earth has ever witnessed!

I thank you for the warm welcome and I look forward to the festivities that this special day will bring."

The crowd clapped in a raucous frenzy and the trumpets sounded yet again.

"Now, turn around and gaze upon the beautiful parade procession all of the great, creative minds have created for you today!"

Every merperson wiggled and squirmed to turn around as music could be heard on the street behind them.

**********************************************************************

As the parade began, a continuous rhythm of camera flashes filled the air. Colorful booths began to make their way down the street as onlookers cheered and gazed at the site.

As the flashes continued, Minmi's booth began to shake more violently. Seben could see Minmi and the two workers struggling to hold a strong grip on the ropes. With the crowd completely perplexed by the light show, Seben squirmed his way out of the crowd.

With all of his strength, Seben pushed himself to reach Minmi.

"Those flashes...those are what caused the shark to become upset. If this keeps up, the shark is going to get out of the container. Please hold on, please…"

Seben continued to frantically make his way over the crowd. Suddenly, he felt a strong hand grab his shoulder, snapping him back and taking his breath away from the force.

"Hold it right there," a deep voice could be heard next to him, "swimming this high is not prohibited during the ceremony."

Seben looked behind him desperately to see a large security guard, grasping his shoulder and holding him in place.

"Please sir," Seben desperately pleaded, "I need to reach that booth over there. My friend's booth is going to…"

Before Seben could finish his sentence, a loud boom could be heard in the direction of the booth.

The music stopped and the festivities came to a screeching halt. The entire crowd turned toward Minmi's booth.

Trying to see what caused the commotion, the crowd could only see sand and dust in the air. Suddenly, from inside the giant dust cloud, more commotion could be heard. The air turned tense as the commotion grew louder before a dark silhouette jumped from the debris.

The shark had gotten free and ascended upward. Seeing no constraints in the creature, the crowd scrambled into a frenzy. Eyeing the crowd beneath it, the shark scanned the area for a prey to satisfy its anger.

With the atmosphere engulfed in chaos, Seben quickly freed himself from the constraints of the guard. He made a dash for the ascended shark.

After only a few seconds, Seben had almost reached the shark when it nosedived into the screaming crowd below. Seben grabbed his whistle and furiously began blowing it to garner the shark's attention. The shark continued its attack on the parade goers.

Despite the chaos, the camera lights continued to flash the scene at rapid speed. Seben gazed all around him to find a flurry of camera people still trying to capture the shark.

Seben drew in his breath as tightly as he could and let out another blow into his whistle.

**********************************************************************

Seben slowly approached the creature as it growled slowly and quivered its lips anxiously. Every merperson still on the ground glanced in the waters above as Seben reached out his hand to the shark, his palm facing upward. Despite the chaos and debris floating in the water, every merperson held their breath in anticipation of what Seben would do. Many even held their breath.

Once Seben was a few meters from the large shark, he continued holding his right hand forward while slowly reaching for his whistle.

"I didn't get a chance before but this might be the only thing that can help you get some peace big fella…"

Seben slowly raised the whistle, bringing it close to his lips. Slowly his own breathing more and more, Seben almost appeared dazed off as he faced the shark.

As the crowd fell silent, one crowd-goer slowly rose from the ground. Shaking his head from being knocked over in the commotion, he did not take notice of the scene above him. Regaining his bearings and peering around his surroundings, he turned to see what the other disgruntled merpeople were looking at. He screamed.

Hearing the frantic scream below, the shark charged as Seben. In a swift moment of reflex, Seben blew the whistle.

In an instant, the shark stopped it's charge and slowly began approaching not Seben, but Seben's palm.

The shark's nose gently nuzzled his palm as the dust in the water began to settle. The moment came as a sharp contrast to the event just prior.

However, that quickly came to an end.

Whizzing through the water at break-neck speed, a flurry of bullets sprayed over the body of the shark. Though only a few seconds, Seben could only feel horror as the creature before him became impaled with a merperson counter attack. The shark slowly stopped moving and gently began sinking.