Thirdly

Yes, the temple was maintained by Maren devotees in the past and all of her temples have them (though there aren't many temples, maybe 6 altogether that are scattered in their ocean). Some temples aren't so deep into brackish water that it's inaccessible to saltwater or freshwater mermen, but the one nearest to these guys just happened to be precariously placed. Yes, Balar was behaving that way, but the blue color on Peter's person really also triggered the blue-finned betta's fighting instincts. I researched way too much about these fish before I started writing this. Yes, real betta fish lose parts of their scales and fins in the fights. But thus far, Balar's been catching Peter off guard to steal his scales. Peter was the one that incited this fight first, for once.

The solution seemed deceptively simple, but the risk was anything but. All I had to do was swim deep within a brackish water region, retrieve the suspicious seaweed from Maren's temple, and bring it back to conduct experiments. This seaweed, believed to have unique properties, was the key to our plan. I hoped not only to make it to the seaweed in time but also that it'd prove effective. "Be careful not to push yourself too hard," Griffin warned me. We faced a corner of the brackish bar

I trained with Griffin for a few months, using my dancing and grace to my advantage. We utilized the brackish barrier to correct my stances, ensuring my movements were intentional. Whenever I performed well, Griffin rewarded me with a kiss, a sweet incentive that made each session feel special. Despite our efforts, we hadn't uncovered anything more about Maren's songs regarding a specific location that allowed various merfolk to coexist. Many of the songs hinted that more information resided ins

We'll find out soon! Same! 🤣

"You can't use longer slings until you master the smaller ones," Griffin instructed me. We were training near Maren's temple, and even though I wanted to dive straight into hand-to-hand combat, Griffin insisted on teaching me long-range attacks first. The training was intense, and I struggled to master the techniques. As much as I wanted to question his methods, I decided against rebuffing the help he so freely offered. "Remember, at first, you'll only be able to fend off one attacke

Yes. This.

Seeing big hair bands makes me nostalgic for the 1980s too!

I am from paradise barely held together after hurricanes and earthquakes.

And I'm slapping electric tape on those balloons because we have a whole 9 months for the anthology piece and there is no deadline for the other four pieces.

But, Aaron, who said you had to post them all in the anthology? The other four could just be regular posts. *scampers away*

Hang in there!

Right, right. I forgot all about that. My mind split that into Creature and Features seperately. 🤣

Why did everyone immediately think horror? My mind went immediately Creature Feature- Werefox Movie...then Alpha/Omega Dynamics. 🤣

Wait, wouldn't that mean you'd have to write 5???

Of course. I've been plotting since the minute I saw it. It was like 2025's anthology had my name stamped all over it. 😂

That...is a problem I don't have, they all speak to me. All prompts, all themes...I just can't write them all out. 🤣

On Creature Feature interpretation: Mine isn't horror, but parts of it might come off as horrific. 🤔 On Feature Articles for Different Genres: Let's go!! Can't wait to see them as they come out! 🎉

🤣Agreed. Yes. This. In the real world, betta fish would be too small for a shark's meal. 🤣 Your take on it had me laughing! - 🤣 GASP! Now I'm really curious about what you're writing, Ben!

I would join you on that hill, but I wouldn't let you die. 😂

So true! If anyone reading hasn't any ideas for their anthology entry, this is one right here!

Don't even joke about that. If I liked both choices I'd have tried and died in the process.

🤣 I see that more than one of my besties is indicisive! So much love for you, Adi.

The following morning, I stealthily left the caverns, my heart pounding with fierce determination not to let Balar interfere with my time with Griffin. I sped past the bay root and reeds, my anticipation building with every stroke until I arrived at the spot where I hoped to find him. At first, I saw no one. But then, a sudden movement behind a boulder just beyond the brackish water barrier caught my attention. As Griffin swam over to the edge of the barrier, I was taken aback. In the

I'm terrible at poetry. And lyrics. But maybe one day. So, I can't speak for the poetry crowd. This may not be the place to ask it, but is it too hard on the team to offer multiple themes? My prompt for the last Prompt Event had an A or B and I was glad of it. So, I just wondered why everything else doesn't also? For example (and I don't mean it has to be right now) but Diversity as option A, Family as option B...Creature Feature as option A, Suspense Thriller as option B etc.? I'd throw in an option C, but that's when anyone that is highly indecisive (like my best friend) would never be able to choose...sometimes just one or the other is plenty.