‘When the ghost of a mermaid asked for help’ Story by 10 year old Enyah from Chennai

Three 7th graders Andy, Briana and Callie are walking home, chatting about the upcoming school science fair, when they suddenly hear a sobbing noise.

As they go nearer, they hear a voice asking for help. When they asked it to come out, it refused. They were about to leave when reluctantly the creature appeared. It came out and said, “ I am the ghost of a mermaid . The sea is in  danger. Please help!”

She explained to them that the ‘Gem of life’ was stolen and if not found in 79  hours, all life form in the ocean shall fade away. She pleaded for help.

Wanting to help, the girls ask how will they be able to breathe in the ocean. The  mermaid hands them three shells and tells them that if they have these shells, they will be able to breathe underwater.

After that, they all jump into the water. The mermaid takes them to the  princess’s chamber. Once they enter the room, the princess murmurs something in a different language and then takes them to a room filled with technology. She then points to a picture and says in broken English, “This is our suspect . Under the picture it showed Carter Green.

“Why do you have him in your suspect list ?” asked Briana .

The princess handed them a book about the history of Atlantis.
PAGE 147-

WHO SHALL BE CROWNED PRINCE OF ATLANTIS? AQUARIUS OR CARTER? LET US FIND OUT.
2 HOURS LATER-
AQUARIUS CROWNED AS PRINCE OF ATLANTIS USING THE CHIT PICKING PROCEDURE OF ATLANTIS.

When they went to Carter’s fort, there was no entrance. Only a voice motioning them to enter through the trapdoor below them.

Once they were in, they came across a series of riddles that baffled their  brains. After a long time, they finally got in to Carter’s room, claiming that they knew the reason why he stole the gem.

He roared in anger and said,” I was meant to be king. I had much better skills  than Aquarius. Stupid Atlantis ! Stupid chit-picking traditions.”

The princess speaks to Carter in a different language .

Translation- Please give back the gem.

He said, “ Never unless you change the chit-picking procedure. After much  argument and negotiation, they agreed to a deal. They would change the  procedure and Carter would give back the gem, vowing never to steal it again  and putting fellow lives in danger.

Peace was restored to the ocean brought a smile to the ocean creature’s faces.