Aruhatedit when people spoke in rhetorical questions. Her computer science teacherdid that all the time.Is teaching you kids how to use Microsoft Excel the highlight of my day? No, it is not. And am I excited about today’s “funky mushroom” lunch special? No, I am not.
“Actually, the command from Lord Varuna and Lady Varuni was to fill your belly.”
Brynne took a bow. “Consider your belly filled.”
“But it didn’tstayfull …” protested the crab.
“The gods never specifiedhow long your stomach was supposed to stay full. You should always read the tiny print,” said Aiden. “That’s what my dad says. He’s a lawyer.”
“Go easy on your stomach for a while,” suggested Mini. “You shouldn’t eat anything after you vomit up an elephant.”
“Motherwillhear about this,” said the crab darkly.
It dug a hole in the sand, and disappeared into it.
An exit light blinked into existenceat the other end of the arena.
“That wassick,” said Aiden, grinning. “Literally.”
Brynne strode over and raised her hand in a high five. “We did it!”
Mini squeaked out, “Gross! Elbows only!”
Her elbow-bumps with Mini and Aiden were fine, but Aru was pretty sure Brynne’s damaged her funny bone.
“Ow,” said Aru, rubbing her arm even as she smiled. “Easy, Brynne. We get it, you’re a beast.”
Brynne dropped her arm, her face stricken. “I’m a what?”
Aru looked from Mini to Aiden. Had she said something wrong? Mini looked just as confused, but Aiden’s face crumpled with sympathy. Maybebeastmeant something totally different to Brynne than it did to Aru. Too late, Aru remembered how Brynne had expected them to make fun of her after she’d turned into a swan near Kamadeva’s abode.
“Abeast,” said Aru, trying for lightness. “You know, like superstrong! It’s a good thing. Honest.”
Brynne looked to Aiden, and he nodded in confirmation.
“Okay,” said Brynne uncertainly. “Sometimes people don’t say that like it’s a good thing. Especially when you’re part asura.”
Arumade apishsound. “They’re just jealous.”
“Of me?”
“Duh.”
Brynne’s smile was shy and quick but then turned intoa smug grin. “I mean,obviously. Now let’s go, I’ll lead the way.”
And with that, she strode to the exit with her shoulders thrown back and her head held high.
“Wait,” said Mini. “Where do you think that exit leads?”
“I don’t know,” said Aru. “It could open into the ocean….”
“Maybe there’s a transportation pod waiting for us outside?” Mini asked hopefully.
Brynne stopped and turned around.“Well, I’m not staying in here any longer. Aiden?”
“Just a sec,” said Aiden. He pulled the kit of “unidentified necessities” from his camera bag. “I’ve got us covered. With these inflatable air-bubble helmets, we’ll be able to breathe underwater. Just in case.”
He handed one to each of them, but Aru waved hers away. “Don’t need it,” she said.
