Kiwi turned the corner and swam into a bunch of seaweed, the storyteller's home.
"Camikula!" she bubbled, flapping her blue fins up and down. "Please come out, Camikula!"
Slowly a neon pink fish eased out of the green tangle.
"What is it, small yellow one? What do you wish to hear?"
"Oh Great Storyteller Camikula, my mother was-captured this morning, by humans," Kiwi said, bobbing up and down as she struggled with the current. "I need to know about the sacred crystal, so that I might help her. But I must know quickly-or it'll be too late-" Her voice broke.
"Very well," Camikula sighed. "Come inside."
Kiwi swam carefully into the seaweed, looking at the numerous awards Camikula had spread out in the hall. They entered a large room-the story room-that Camikula had adorned with seashells and covered with different colored stones and sand.
"My small fish, you ask for sacred information, concealed from the best of fish. However, I have no choice but to reveal it to you considering your situation." Kiwi looked up. Camikula was wearing a sad, gentle smile.
"Thank you, storyteller." Camikula smiled and pulled on the story hat, as well as a jumble of silver bracelets. He slid into the sand and began.
"Know, my fish, that long ago, oceans poured over the world, and there was a scarce bit of land. But these were not the friendly seas you know today. No, my fish, these oceans were filled with cruel, relentless savagery. Humans, who had once swam side by side with fish had become evil. They provoked the murder of defenseless fish and encouraged evil such as giant squids and dolphins. These monsters ate fish and killed them for sport as well."
"Were there storyteller fish back then, Camikula?" Kiwi piped up.
"No, little one," Camikula said, amused. "There was no time for storytellers, what with humans' increasing evil. There were a small few fish left, and even those were in hiding. Sadly, even fish in hiding were caught and eaten, until the fish population dwindled down to almost nothing."
There was a moment of silence.
"In this time of sorrow, one fish stood alone against the darkness of the sea. His name was Kalicalo."
"Was it a hero fish?" Kiwi asked excitedly. "Did he save everything?"
"I will tell you, my fish, but not in haste. May I continue?"
"Do, Camikula, do."
"Well, be it known that this fish, though called Kalicalo today, was once known as Kali, a small yellow fish with blue fins, just as you are. He was a tiny fish, not a capable fighter at all, and yet a fire burned inside his eyes that made him no longer a fry. You see, his parents had been taken by the humans.
"Now Kali was not going to take this lying down. He knew there must be some way to get his parents back. He went from hiding place to hiding place, asking fish everywhere if they had any knowledge of the Sutra Miea, or Sacred Crystal. He gained small pieces of information, here and there, though most fish were so frightened that he was a spy they didn't reveal anything. But before long Kali had gathered enough information to start a search for the crystal.
"Kali swam for six days and nights, and on the seventh, he rested. He had passed a squid, and that squid had taken his fin off. A dolphin had bit off a chunk of his tail. But bleeding freely, Kali swallowed his tears and swam on bravely to a new hope. He was a symbol for all fish." Camikula paused, and glanced at Kiwi. He leaned back on a rock.
"So Kali swam on and on the thirteenth day he found the crystal. Barely clutching it with his one fin, Kali swam back to civilization. He showed the fish his prize and told them that the sad time was over. He took the Sutra Miea and placed it in the ancient alter, Mieas Hai, or Crystal's Home. At once the ocean lit up and a huge voice sounded, 'Kali, symbol of fish, descendant of the Fish King, what lies most deep in your heart?'
"Kali wanted to ask for his parents back, but knew this would not help the whole of the fish population. He felt he needed to help the group, not just himself. So he answered, 'Oh Noble King of the World Beyond Water, my deepest desire is-' he hesitated, then continued. 'My deepest desire,' he said, tears streaming down his face, 'is to save the fish.'
"The sea darkened once again and suddenly, all the humans were thrown onto land, a harsh, cruel prison they had earned. The giant squids were thrown to the black bottom of the sea. A small amount of dolphins were left in the waters, to remind fish of their bitter days; to remind them to rejoice over what Kali had done for them. And then the voice spoke again. 'Kali,' it said, making the whole ocean vibrate with its depth, 'I know you wish for your parents back. Do not fear; you shall see them soon. But I am afraid, little brave one, that because of your wounds, you must go to them.'"
"How sad," said Kiwi, eyes glistening. "And after he had been so good, too!"
"The ocean lit up, and every creature, from the top to the bottom of the sea, saw Kali's spirit rise from his body, up, up, and then into the sky. A burst of light struck Kali's body, and all the creatures saw he was dead. Silent tears slid down their faces, but it was too solemn a moment to cry, even for the smallest fish. The voice spoke once more. 'Creatures of the ocean,' it said, 'this fish has given his life for your freedom. Never forget him. He has created the land to harbor your enemies, and made the waters safe. From this day forth, Kali, the smallest of all, will be known as Kalicalo, the Greatest of All.'"
"Camikula, do you mean to say that I must find this crystal, this Sutra Miea, in order to save my mother?"
"No, Kiwi. You must find the crystal in order to save fish civilization everywhere, once and for all."
"But we are not in trouble."
"How little you understand, Kiwi! Do you not know that humans are every day gathering strength? They swim our waters constantly! They have remembered how to kill fish. It will not be long before they remember the way to swim without air. It will not be long before they invade our sea once more and with dolphins' aid, seek to destroy the last descendant of Kalicalo, the last hope for society."
"And who would that be?" Kiwi asked in a trembling voice, though she knew the answer.
"My fry, you already know."
Part 2: The Crystal's Ancestry
Kiwi bit her lip. She had no idea where the crystal was, no idea where to begin. Camikula had retreated into another room, leaving Kiwi alone to very confused thoughts.
"Well, I guess I'd better ask Koro if she has any information on the crystal," she said, trying to edge some bravery into her voice. "It's no use staying around here."
She swam outside, half-expecting to see dolphins coming down on her. But the sea was calm, as smooth as blue glass. Kiwi pushed hard with her tiny fins, her black eyes darting frantically for signs of danger. Finally she reached Koro's cave.
"Koro!" she yelled. "Koro!"
Koro came out, still engrossed in a book, spectacles nearly falling off her nose. "Kiwi!" she said, looking up from the book. "How nice to see you again."
"Koro, I need your help."
"Of course."
"Do you have any information on the Sutra Miea?"
Koro dropped the book. "The Sutra Miea? How do you know about that, Kiwi?"
"I just do, Koro. And I have no time for pleasantries."
"I won't give out the information. It is for the most highly educated only."
"Koro. Please. We've been friends forever-would you back out on me when I need you most? And did not the King of Beyond Water say that Kalicalo's story is not to be forgotten?"
"Yes . . . but-"
"Koro! See this." She held out a small trinket, colorless, and yet it showed clouds and sky, rain and sunshine.
"Remember?" she whispered.
Koro stared at it, a blank look on her face. Her eyes were fixed in an emotionless expression, but slowly tears began to trickle down.
"Leave me alone, Kiwi!" she yelled, and swam back into her cave.
Kiwi sighed, and swam away, thinking. Where do I go now, she wondered. The adventure fish could start her out on a quest, but she needed more information. Who else lived nearby?"
"Kellakri!" Kiwi shouted, and swam off.
By the time Kiwi reached Kellakri's coral reef, the water was dark and murky. There were shadows all over the sand, and each little sound made Kiwi jump.
"Kellakri," she said. A ray of violet light shone through the water, and a fish appeared.
"Kiwi. Hello."
"Hi-look, I wanted to see if you had any information on the Sutra Miea."
"The Sutra Miea? How do you know about that?"
Kiwi sighed exasperatedly. "I just do, Kellakri. Will you help me or not?"
"I suppose." The fish looked up in thought. "These ought to help you." She smiled, and two books appeared in her fins. "This one is a biography of Kalicalo, and this is an account of the crystal."
"Thanks," said Kiwi. She took the books and shoved them under a fin. "I've got to go-bye!"
By now the water was black and Kiwi could barely find the way back to her sand mound. Ten minutes later, she squeezed herself into the entrance and sank down on the kelp carpet.
Kiwi opened the first book and leafed through to the ninth year of Kali's life.
"But all other triumphs of Kali's life were shadows compared with his legendary quest for the Sutra Miea." It went on about the crystal, explaining the powers of it.
"Long before one fish had taken the crystal and created humans. The crystal was then put in hiding by the King of Beyond Water, so only a fish of the purest spirit would find it. After Kali found it, it was returned to its first ever hiding place."
"That's it!" Kiwi exclaimed. She threw the book down and grabbed for the other. It read,
"The crystal is said to have originated from the top of the sky. According to legend, at the dawn of time, all were happy and content. The King of the World was pleased and he sent the fish a gift. A small, iridescent crystal fell from the sun when it was high atop the sky. It struck the sand, and where it struck rose the Mieas Hai, or Crystal's Home. Behind the altar rose the throne of the Fish King. The King of the World presented the crystal to this most worthy fish, who wished for peace. But lo, evil came despite their efforts, and the Fish King told his better to hide the crystal. No one is sure of that first hiding place, but it is said that it dwelled 'where the Sutra Miea lies is a mystery, know only that where the sun rises it be, in a deep, dark cave only go the most brave-start from the home, one who's destined to save.'"
Kiwi looked up. This wasn't going to be as easy as she'd thought. "Home" could be anywhere-her own sand mound, her parents' home-or old home, she thought bitterly. It could mean any other home, and besides, how could she be sure it applied to her? There had to be other 'heroes'' houses. Maybe there was something still around from Kali's time, but she couldn't think of it.
Kiwi wrapped a kelp shawl around her and swam outside. The water was cool and calm, and the seaweed cast shadows on the sand. Then, a sound! Her calmness was shattered as Kiwi looked up to see a boat-a fishing boat-like the one her mother had been captured by. Kiwi swam inside angrily. But the night's surprises weren't over. No sooner had she come in than there was a scratch on her rock door.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"Koro," the voice said. Kiwi rushed to the door and peeked out. It was Koro. She pushed the rock aside, and Koro swam in.
"Look, Kiwi, I'm really sorry about what I said-you're my friend, and nothing's too good for your ears. I heard about your mother-I'm sorry."
"It's all right," Kiwi said uncertainly, and looked down.
"No it's not. I heard about your quest, Kiwi. You have to start tonight."
"Why? I can't, anyway. I don't know where to start."
"The humans, Kiwi. They're coming. As for your starting place, come with me."
Kiwi followed Koro outside again, keeping low to the sand. They winded through coral and reached a mound of sand, shaped like something clumsily covered up. The Mieas Hai, Kiwi thought, as she recognized it. The Crystal's Home.
"Yes, the Crystal's Home. Go now, Kiwi. I'll be watching." Koro held out a trinket-Kiwi's matching trinket.
"Oh, Koro," Kiwi whispered, and hugged her friend. "What will happen to you when the humans come?"
"Don't worry about me." Koro smiled. "I have the trinket to protect me. And so do you." She pointed to the bracelet on Kiwi's fin.
"Goodbye, Koro!" Kiwi said, and swam away into the gloom.
Part 3: The Journey
Still low on the sand, Kiwi swam farther and farther east. Slowly the light began to creep toward her, until the sun was completely up and awake. The dawn made Kiwi feel optimistic, and she raced through the coral.
Hopefully this won't take thirteen days, Kiwi thought. The idea of going for two weeks without rest was not pleasant to her. But so passed the first week of her journey, with her complaining inwardly about bloodshot eyes and a rambling stomach. She stopped for food at regular intervals-once a day. But, stomach grumbling all the while, she reminded herself to be thankful for not having to fight dolphins and squid. The very idea made her shudder.
Kiwi rested on the seventh day, "to go with tradition" she told herself. When lonely, she would gaze at her trinket and talk to it, knowing that Koro would hear. It was too bad the trinkets didn't work both ways. She and Koro had bought them at a fair, with the owner of them realizing too late that the trinkets were special-communicators. Kiwi smiled as she remembered the time she had shared with Koro and the trinkets.
On the tenth day, Kiwi noticed that the sun was getting brighter each morning. She had to close her eyes tightly until it was in the sky, which wasted a lot of time. But she knew she was getting close to the crystal.
On the thirteenth day of her journey, the sun rose under her. There was a roaring noise, and the ground started to lift up, and up-and then, just as Kiwi jumped off, out burst the sun.
It was beautiful, and Kiwi could look at it without it burning her eyes. But her amazement vanished at she stared down at the hole it had left. It was a deep, dark cave.
She rushed in, hoping for the best, but as soon as she entered thought it better to swim quietly. The very aura of the place seemed holy, and maybe there was something in there she ought not to disturb. It took three minutes to get to the crystal. There it was-but not as she had expected it. Unlike in the books, the crystal was a milky gray, and not at all beautiful. Nevertheless, Kiwi grabbed it and swam out. It wouldn't do any good to leave it there.
Everything seemed to go faster-she was swimming, swimming quickly, she was halfway back, and it had only taken a minute. Then she stopped. Something was ahead-a dolphin!
Kiwi tried to dodge it, but the dolphin was to quick for her.
"Kiwi," it hissed, in a low, menacing voice, "you have come so far, but to no avail. For I am Saaeshale, friend of man, and I come to destroy you, unless you give me the crystal!"
"Oo-kay," Kiwi squeaked. She didn't want to die. She was too young! But then, she thought suddenly, no one wanted to die. Everyone was too young. The baby fry that had been caught last week by humans was too young. And her mother-her mother was too young!
"No!" she yelled, and it was a new, strong voice that came out. She no longer felt like a fry-and she was ready to fight the dolphin if she had to.
"Fool," the dolphin sneered, "I will take the crystal anyway!" It sprang toward her, mouth open, but Kiwi dodged. Too late, though-the dolphin had taken off her side!
Closing her eyes tightly, Kiwi swam with the crystal. She was back in a second. But her arrival back home was not as a relief as she'd thought it would be.
Everywhere, strewn on the sand, rocks and coral, were fish. Dead fish. Murdered fish!
And-no, thought Kiwi, sinking into despair. Not Koro!
But there was Koro, along with Camikula, and over to the side-Kellakri.
Kiwi raced to the altar, shoved aside the sand, and thrust in the crystal.
Part 4: Kiwi's Wish
Nothing happened. The sea was still dark. Nothing.
"No!" Kiwi cried. It had to work! If it didn't she'd never get her parents back!
Horror fixed on her face, she turned-as if she would find help in the desolate ocean-but all she saw were the dead fish. And slowly, she started to cry for them, for her sisters and brothers, for all the fish of the sea. And the crystal lit up, iridescent and untouched, and the sea turned a fresh blue.
"Kiwi," it said, "last descendant of Kalicalo, what lies most deep in your heart?"
Kiwi wondered how Kali had felt when he had been asked this. She felt terrible.
"Oh Noble King from Beyond Water, my deepest desire is to bring back-no." She hesitated, then, swallowing her fear, said, "My deepest desire-is-" Tears were running down her face, she was straining against the impossible urge to bring back her parents. She swallowed again, then stood straight and tall and said strongly, "My deepest desire is to save-the fish, once and for all." Kiwi took one look at Koro's dead body and started to sob.
"Alas," the voice said. "That is the one thing I may not do. You must know, Kiwi, that sorrow is part of your existence. But I will give the humans understanding-I will let them know what they are doing to you."
"What good will that do?" Kiwi screamed, frustrated. "They're evil!"
"Kiwi, you are engulfed by your hatred. Humans once swam the seas in peace with fish. If I remind them of their past, there will be a change."
"But all my friends won't be saved," she said softly, blinking back tears. "Koro, and Camikula, and Kellakri . . ."
"My fry, you will be with them."
A shaft of light shone down on Kiwi, and she began to rise. All the creatures of the sea looked up as she slowly became fainter and fainter . . . a transparent body floating up from the depths, and there were fish coming down to meet her . . .
To Kiwi, the world was slowly becoming dim . . . but at the same time, she was feeling light, free-and an utter joy filled her as she looked upon the faces of Koro, Kellakri, Camikula, and her mother. There was someone else too, as she looked higher-her father, taken by humans when she was only a tiny fry.
She could hear the voice of the Noble King, louder now. Kiwi breathed, and for the first, time, felt truly alive. Hugging her family and friends, she realized-she was rising, rising above sorrow and pain, trouble and worry, rising, to eternal paradise.
