Lehua Parker - One Truth, No Lie

Things were never as simple as they should be. Face down in the water, at least he was getting oxygen through his gills and his heartbeat was strong. His body, however, was dangerously chilled. He needed to get out of the water before hypothermia set in, leaving him without enough energy to fully shift one way or the other. Maka whipped her shark tail back and forth, keeping her snout pressed against Zader, working with the tide toward the shore at Nalupuki. Landing at Keikikai would be easier, but with dawn on its way, she didnt want to take the chance theyd be seen by early morning joggers.

Better to get him on land as quickly as possible and let his mammalian instincts return him to his usual human form. Well, as human as Niuhi ever got. This is my fault, Maka thought. I knew Kalei was spending too much time in Lauele, and thats never good. If Ilima hadnt been there She closed her eyes. Dont think about it.Dont think about how Zader, the boy who believes one drop of water burns his skin like acid, was more afraid of staying on land than jumping into the sea. From the pavilion on the hill, Maka caught scent traces of Kalei, Zader, and Ilima, the dog who wasnt really a dog.

The emotion surrounding their scents crackled in the air like a nuclear explosion. Whatever happened between her uncle Kalei and her brother Zader, it wasnt the happy family reunion shed fantasized about. Earlier that night, swimming with her mother Pua miles away from Lauele Town, Maka knew the moment the ocean embraced Zader. The water around her suddenly prickled with his presence. Zader! All her life Maka had known about her twin brother Zader, but he knew nothing about her. While Zader thought their childhood adventures were dreams, Maka knew they were real.

Makas heart leaped. If Zaders in the ocean, he knows hes Niuhi.No more pretending.No more hiding. Mentally, she followed their bond back, but instead of elation at his transition from human to Niuhi, she felt confusion and fear. Adrenaline squished through her veins; her mind raced faster than a riptide. Her eyes darted to Pua swimming calmly by her side. Mother doesnt know. And she cantnot yet.

I have to get to Zader first. He needs to understand being Niuhi is a good thing. Maka stretched and yawned. Mother, she said, Im ono for eels. Pua turned to her. Eels? Yuck. Too chewy, Maka.

I know a good place. Every place is a good place for eels, foolish girl. Theyre plentiful because nobody wants a mouthful of tendon and gristle. Were not far from Makapuu. Good hunting along the reef. Maka, we ate yesterday.

Just an eel snack. I like the way they slurp. If youre hungry, find a fish. You dont have to come. Pua gave her side-eye. Why not? I mean, come if you want.

Itll be fun. Maka held her breath, feigning disinterest. She swished her tail at a plastic bottle floating on the surface.