Chapter 26

Awakening Astral

They went into the hospital in-groups of two or three. Gaby, Zelda & some of the others wore long white dresses that could be mistaken for either Doctors or nurses. Anita wore her normal clothing & went up to the nurse's desk. "My sisters have come with me today to visit mum. How is she?"

The nurse, "There is always hope. I would be praying for a miracle.”

Anita, "Oh I have & it is going to happen."

The nurse, "As far as your mother is concerned her life is in the hands of the Almighty as the Doctors can do no more for her."

Anita, "I personally asked the Queen of Heaven if she would make mum well again."

The nurse, "A new team of doctors has just gone in to check on your mother. When they come out you can go in."

Gaby came to the door of the room. "Is there an Anita here?"

Anita, "Yes I am waiting to come in once you have finished."

Gaby, "In that case you had better come in now."

As Anita went into the room. Zelda was just removing the last of the anklets from her daughter.

Gaby. "Zelda do you want to say the words or shall I?"

Zelda, "There is no need with this one. Watch. So you though you could just take a long sleep & forget everything did you. Well I have something to say about that. You are going to get up out of this bed & let some body that is sick have it. You are going back to school & this time you will pass all your exams. There is no anklet to hide you this time. You always did like the limelight & you certainly did it this time. Not only have you had my granddaughter worried sick. You also have come to the attention of the Empress & the Nine. Your run of freedom is over young lady".

Gaby, "You scared me with that tirade aunt."

Zelda, "Lily would you like to teach this naughty child a lesson or two?" Lily looked at Gaby who nodded.

Star, "Can I join in?" The other stood back & watched. Two minutes later the patient shot out of the bed & into the toilet. They could all here groans & coughing. Then they heard the shower going on.

Tinkerbelle, "I have placed a clean set of clothing for her." Astral came out of the shower & said, "That was a mean trick to give me the runs & also making me sick. I did not know which end too put to the toilet."

Zelda, "Empress this specimen is my daughter Astral & she has been living on a different plane for far too long."

Anita, "Mum you have to come home with us if only to see your grand children."

Astral looked at her wrists, "I see I have been branded again."

Zelda, "They never left you but where hidden by the anklets."

Astral, "I thought I was dreaming I was been told off again by you. Obviously I was not dreaming & I got the punishment team. OK I will do as I am told in future. There is something I must do first. Can you all appear as you would in the great hall?"

Gaby waved her arm & they all appeared to be in the great hall." Zelda said, "Empress I give to you my daughter Astral, My Granddaughter Anita & finally the two who reunited us June & Julie."

Astral, "Empress I apologise for putting you all to the trouble. I am a very good learner."

Gaby, "We will see how quickly you can learn as you will start with the children. In fact all the new companions which include my sister & my cousins will also start as beginners. Orea that include you. I know why you tried the potion. Had you read the book properly you would have found the correct one on page 81. As soon as you have passed the basic you all will be advanced to the intermediate & then the advanced grades."

"Everybody will be working at their own level.”It is possible for you to be doing advanced potions but still be on the basic in spells craft." Galadriel will be marking each of you & if she is not satisfied you are working to your full potential she has my permission to call in the abilities of my friends' Lily & Starr.”

Astral groaned, "It looks as if I am going to have to work hard. I certainly do not want those two playing with me like that again."

Gaby, "Astral that was only mild what they did to you. They could have had you screaming with delight. They where been considerate towards the hospital."

Astral curtsied, “I promise you my Empress you will not have to use those two on me again."

Gaby, "We should leave the hospital normally. We will meet you outside".

Astral, "Doctor Can you stay here a minute?" Gaby did as requested. "I keep feeling as if I need to kiss you."

Gaby, "You better do as your feelings tell you."

Astral kissed Gaby, "If I had met you before I would never have objected like I did. I keep thinking about cuddling up to you in bed."

Gaby, "Lily & Starr I will loan you two to Herne to clean the deer out."

Lily popped back in. "Gaby you are no fun. You do know she fancies you something rotten & when she creeps into your bed do not blame us."

Astral, "Lily Can they read my mind?"

Gaby, "These two are my youngest companions & friends. They both have superb abilities in reading minds."

Starr, "We all can to a certain extent but ours are more amplified."

Lily, "You are currently thinking how those two got to be companions."

Starr, "You are also wondering how you can get to bed the Empress & you where thinking it is a pity you where not a boy & then I could have your child."

Gaby, "Have you emptied the room we should be going. Astral give me a cuddle."

Astral did as she was told & found herself being pulled in to Gaby. Gaby & the other two left the room, "This patient is not to be disturbed until 21.00." The three of them walked out of the hospital. They met up with the others.

Anita, "I thought mum would be with you."

Gaby, "She is but needed a rest as she is so tired."

Zelda, "I should have put that girl over my knee. I never had any trouble with her sisters."

Gaby, "Aunt Zelda I think my cousin would like to get married she seems to have become rather attached to me."

Zelda, "Astral come here at once."

Astral separated herself from Gaby, "Mum you need to relax that was cool." Before Zelda said anymore. "Empress Gaby will you consider both me & my daughter as your companions."

Gaby, "I might but there appears to be rather a waiting list to sleep with me.

Astral, "We could all sleep with you if you wanted. All you need to do is absorb us all. Then we are all sleeping with you."

Zelda, "She is right it is a wonder none of the others thought of that.”

Gaby, "OK tonight all the new ones including Anita & Astral will give it a try. I still want Maddy & Darcie either side of me though.”

Shopping for Astral .

Astral, "I will need new clothing as none of my odd stuff will fit me now."

Anita, "Mum & Granny look like my sisters."

Orea, "Will we need some more computers now?"

Gaby, "We could do with some more of the same we got the other day."

Orea, "Can I go & place the order?"

Lily, "She fancies the salesman."

Orea, "I do not & besides I am a married woman. There is no reason why I should not use my charms on him. The last time he had rather a wet patch on his trousers after I had visited him."

They went into the store & Orea looked round for the same salesman. He came up to them."I remember you & your friends are the computers all OK."

Orea, "Yes But I need a big strong boy like you for a little job I have in mind." The others watched as a damp patch spread across the front of his trousers again.

The manager came out, "Can I help you."

Orea, "We bought some laptops off you & we have come to see if you have the same again."

The manager, "Yes we have plenty in stock & it includes software, Printer & Scanner."

Gaby, "Can we substitute cases instead of some of the scanner or printers."

The manager, "Well they are all part of a package deal."

Gaby, "Exactly when did the deal come in?"

The manager, "Oh it has been running for a month now."

Gaby, “In that case you owe me another 20 printers & scanners to go with the laptops I purchased last week."

"Oh you are that customer."

Gaby, "How many laptops to the same standard as last time do you have?" "We got 50 to replace those you bought & we have sold one". Gaby, "fine I will take all 49. The manager said, "I do not have enough printers & scanners to let you have all twenty. I could let you have five & give you the 49 cases for the laptops.

Gaby, “What about discs, mouse mats & paper & ink. We are vat exempt."

Orea, "Now you know where to deliver all the goods.”

The salesman sighed, "By the time I have delivered all this I am going to be shattered."

Orea, "There was I thinking you where a big strong man." They all giggled & left the shop.

Darcie, "Did you see that wet patch on his trousers."

Gaby, "I think we will have to keep going into that store if only for Orea to tease the salesmen."

Astral, "Just what is it with you & Darcie."

Gaby, "Darcie is my number three." With Ally as number two. After the first 10 I do not bother to place the rest."

Darcie, "Like some of the others I was detailed to look after Gaby but somehow she ended looking after me & the others."

Astral, "The others Darcie,”

Darcie, "The leprechauns Daisy & Buttercup where detailed to look after Gaby & she ended up rescuing them. She keeps finding Leprechauns, fairies Witches & Mermaids.”

Astral, "Darcie both Anita & myself come into that category. Anita needed help for herself & me. I already belong like the rest of you & there was me wondering how to ask Gaby for her hand. If you do not already know I left home because I preferred females & it did not go down well. I tried to settle down but could not."

Darcie, “In that case you are going to be at home with all of us as it is females only."

Gaby, "If you want to take vows it can be arranged. What would Joss say to us having a special wedding up in Horse Houses? We even have our own priest."

Anita, "Please can we include Orea & Virtue as I want them to be my sisters."

Gaby, "I will also include them as you made the request. Both Olga & Virtue have gone through one ceremony recently. They can go through it again with you though."

Tracy came through with Ally & the old pack. "Gaby. Have you seen Mum & Sister Betty they are acting like teenagers?"

Astral, "Why did Tracy call that girl mum for she is no older than the rest of us?"

Gaby. "Like the rest of us she has got younger & is now going through her teens again. If you have not noticed you look like Anita's twin sister rather than her mother & if we put Zelda by you then you look like identical triplets.”

Astral looked in the mirror, "I did not realise. Is this condition permanent?"

Gaby, "Unless like Beatrice you decide you like been a baby & keep reverting yourself to been a year old baby."

Astral curled up her nose, "All those dirty nappies no thank you. I will much preferring people thinking we are twins or triplets. To keep up the illusion I suggest all of us dress alike."

Zelda's three other daughters, "That is a good idea astral we will need the name tags so people know whom is who. You forgot about the three of us. We joined mum in becoming partners so sister it includes us."

Anita, "So you are my aunts. Mum & I are going to enjoy this all six of us getting identical items."

Zelda, "I think you will find it is more than six."

Gaby, "I would like to try out a different shopping complex rather than the four we normally use.”

Maddy, "I was looking forward to going back into Shopping City otherwise known as Trafford centre.”

Gaby, "OK shopping City it is but next time we all go to The Meadow hall complex as we have not been there before.”

Lucy, "We got diverted from our visits to the islands when we will be able to return."

Gaby, "It will not be for a while as we have Astral & Anita's wedding ceremony to perform. We also have the holiday in Scarborough."

Zelda, "Which hotel are we going to this time."

Gaby, "We are all in at the Crown- Imperial."

Kerry, "There are more of us now. Will it accommodate all of us?"

Gaby, "The newly enlarged hotel can certainly accommodate us all."

Zelda, "I cannot wait to meet up with the Simones' & Daisy-Simone.”

All the girls found themselves walking around the festival market in the shopping centre. They all split up into smaller groups to go shopping. Astral found she still was with Gaby & Maddy & Anita.

Gaby, "Where do you want to go first."

Astral fingered the Chinese dresses. "Can I try one on? Gaby can the group of us each get a dress & wear it for the rest of the day." They all chose the same design but different colours.

The shop assistant, "Would you like me to put your old cloths in bags for you." Gaby paid & they left the store.

Maddy, "I wonder if the salon can give us a new hair style & put up our hair." The salon did as requested & put chopsticks in their hair.

Anita, "All we need now is a makeover & we look the part.” Maddy led them to another salon where their faces where all treated. As they left they giggled

Astral, "Mum & the others will never recognise us now."

The next shop they went into the shop keeper asked, "Is there some sort of convention here today because we have had lots of girls all dressed up in Chinese dresses today."

Astral, "No we are just six friends out together." As they were talking they spotted another group looking very similar. "Do you mind if we go & talk to those girls.” They walked across & found out it was Galadriel & all her sisters.

Galadriel, “We decided we would be different & bought these. It looks like the rest of the family has had the same idea.”

Zelda found she had bought the same costume as Anita & Astral. Gaby, Maddy & Galadriel all had the same gown.

Gaby, "Granny when we eventually meet up with the others I bet you Renate & Tatiana also are dressed like us.”

The manager of the shop came up, "You do know each other then?"

Gaby, "Yes we are all family & apparently we all had the same idea."

The manager, "I hope you can all help me out. Tomorrow there is supposed to be a Far Eastern theme in the whole complex. A large proportion of my staff has gone sick with some sort of bug. I was going to contact an agency & get them to send me some help."

Maddy, "Here we go again. Usually it is Nicole that gets in this sort of fix."

The manager, "When I saw you all in the dresses it gave me an idea. If I could have the use of your friends for the day as they are dressed now. I could still do the Chinese part of the Theme."

Darcie, "There are rather a lot of us."

Chinese Shop Assistants.

The manager, "It would be worthwhile hiring all of you for the day. It will be rather a long day though. I would need you here from 07.00 until 23.00. It will include two main meals & at least 3 short breaks."

Gaby, "Rather than say you will take all of us which I doubt that you will need. Perhaps it would be better for us to do shifts of 6 hours."

The Manager, "Normally my staff would work 2 hours & then take a 15 min. break then 2 hours & 30 min & then another hour & 30 minutes. Total paid 6 hours."

Darcie, "Group one will start at 7 & finish at 13.00. Two would start at 10.00 & finish at 16.00. Three would start at 12.00 & finish at 18.00. Four Would Start at 16.00 & finish at 22.00. Five would start at 17.00 & finish at 23.00.”

The manager, “The bosses had allowed me to get extra staff in, even if it means using an agency. The trouble is the agencies are already supplying the other shops.”

Darcie, "We promised Nicole help. I suppose we could also help out today."

The Manager, "You are supplying staff to others shops."

Darcie handed the manager a card, "GB Education & training can supply all your needs. Exactly how many staff do you require on each shift?"

“Ideally I would need 200 on each shift but that would mean you finding 1000 girls."

Darcie, "Is that the maximum you would like?"

The manager, "No if you could supply even half the amount that would be a great help."

Darcie, "In that case will you sign this on behalf of your firm that you require 1000 girls dressed in Chinese dresses & looking the part." He signed. "All payments are to be made to GB education & Training services & not to the girls. They may keep any tips they get though & they will be entitled to the meal breaks." The following morning 200 girls all turned up immaculately dressed.

Gaby, "We will bring each group here & collect them. If you have any problems I can be contacted on the Third Floor at the House of Nicole. After showing the girls how to work the Jet Blaster's Gaby left.

About an hour later a rather immaculate man came in to the House of Nicole. He said, "Excuse me but I was informed I could contact this person here."

Nicole looked at the card, "Are you from H & N?"

The gentleman, "I am the area manager.”

Gaby appeared, "What can we do for you? Is there a problem with the girl's?"

The area manager, "There is no problem with the girls as such. I have just realised though we would have insufficient cover from 14.00 to 20.00. If you can find the extra girls it would be a great help otherwise would those who do the first shift consider staying on."

Gaby, "We can find the extra girls are you sure that is all you want."

The area manager," I need to do something else. The manager is wandering around in a mandarin costume. I am supposed to be here all day & I will have to find similar costume."

Nicole, "I happen to know they have sold out of mandarin costumes. If you would consider a dress then we could help you out. We have a Chinese Princesses dress in the back if you are interested."

The area manager, "Go on I will give it a try but do you have a wig or can you send somebody to the Extras store to get a suitable one."

Nicole, "Come with us into the back & strip off to your underwear. We can see already what you appear to be wearing."

The area manager. "I did not realise I was so obvious. I am under medical supervision & will soon will have been taking the hormones for a year. Then I will have to go full time before I can get the chop." In the back he stripped off.

Nicole, "Can you remove the bra as you are going to need a different one with the dress. Your breasts are they real."

The man, "I am told they will continue growing for another year or so. Yes they are all me."

Nicole, “Put this bra on it should fit you. Nicole connected a little pump to the side of the nude bra & pumped air into it. That is better it makes you look to have a full chest now.” She put the dress on & it fit perfectly. Maddy brought some sandals in & she slipped them on.

Gaby, "While we sort your face out & would you like an herbal tea? Orea would you make a special herbal tea for our guest."

Orea, "The instructions are not on the back page."

Gaby, "No page 72."

Sandy, "We could get better contact if we were allowed to shave your head." The area manager, "Just do all you need to do.”

Sandy shaved his head & then glued the wig in place. Darcie did the makeup & Maddy the finger & toenails. By the time they had finished the princess was ready to accompany the next group to the store.

Gaby, "If you need additional help I will be here all day."

The area manager, "I still have to authorise all the extra staff I have ordered off you & there is this outfit to pay for."

Gaby, "You can settle up at the end of the day & I presume the dress & outfit will be booked to the firm also." They all walked down together to the store together.

The manager, "I seem to have lost the area manager he was supposed to be coming to see you about additional help."

Gaby, "He needed a costume & so we have helped fit him up with one."

"The area manager reminded me all the girls are using their own dresses. I have been instructed to give each one a voucher to come in here after the special promotions & get complete outfit. Whilst I remember I will hand the vouchers to each girl in group one & two." He handed the vouchers out, "I appear to be a few short. I will go & get some more & return in a few minutes." He returned & handed out the remainder of the vouchers. The manager turned to Gaby & the group that accompanied her. "I will also give you vouchers because if it was not for your help we would have been seriously under staffed for today, as it is we have already taken £2,005,001.75. My normal staff is working flat out in the office. They will also get vouchers. I thought I had obtained the last Mandarin outfit."

Gaby, "You did that is why your boss has taken so long. Let me introduce Princess Yum Yum."

The manager took the hand of the Princess & kissed it. "Princess at the risk of been accused of sexual harassment will you dine with me.”

The Princess, "Will you be my Prince Charming." Gaby left the girls & returned with the others.

Darcie, "We have two hours before the next batch is due shall we look round & see how the others are doing.”

Lindi who had joined the girl's, "What is this Gaby?"

Gaby, "It is the new extension & Water world."

Lindi, "The life guards I take it they are all Simone's children."

Gaby, "I needed to find something to occupy their time & what better than doing what they like to do play.”

Lindi, "Can we go in & join them for a while?"

Gaby, "All customers are handed goggles & a costume & all asked to wear it rather than their own. They are told that the costume will make them think they are mermaids & are swimming in the sea."

Gaby, "We have been doing a roaring trade some have been back quite often."

Lindi looked in the pool. "I see nothing but mermaids & sea sprites swimming & playing." Lindi looked at the costumes. “Now I understand."

Ariel came, "Mum what do you think about our new adventure park."

Lorelei came up. “We have a client wanting to see the manager or boss.” Lindi accompanied them to the office. Outside the office they found a young man talking to Bridget.

Gaby, "Can we help you? I am the owner & this is my management team." The young man. "Yes. I want to buy one of these costumes. They refuse to sell me one. "

Gaby, "Yes that is correct. We only loan them out. The technology we use is so advanced that we do not want it getting into the wrong hands."

"Look I am wealthy I would be willing to hand over my entire fortune just to have one of those costumes permanently.”

Lindi. "If you wore one of those permanently you would think you had become a mermaid."

The young man, "I have been here every day since the centre opened. I would be happy if I could live here permanently.”

Lindi, "We have an offer for you. Sell up everything you own & dispose of all your clothing. Bring all your cash here after closing down all your accounts & hand it to Darcie here. We have a vacancy for a life guard. The job means living & eating in here 24 hours a day. Darcie here will take care of all your financial affairs."

The young man started to cry, "I can do that but do you also mean my bracelet."

Lindi then noticed the bracelet, "No you may keep that & any Jewellery you have."

He left & said, "He would be back."

Ariel, "Why did you make him that offer mum."

Lindi, "I would have refused him & told him to just come as often as he wished & offered him a special pass. I though noticed the bracelet he was wearing. Look close at it when he returns. He will have disposed of everything except the bracelet & that he cannot get off."

Gaby & her small group went around the rest of the centre. They got to the computer store & only the sales assistant was around. He said, "I am on my own at the moment but if you require more computers I will have to deliver them tomorrow as we are rather busy today."

Gaby, "Well if you happen to have a few more of those systems then we might be interested.”

“That friend of yours who likes to get me excited. If she will come & help me deliver the goods. I will take her out for a meal."

Gaby said, "What time do you finish here?"

"I should finish tonight at 22.30. With a bit of luck I should be able to get a shower & change."

Gaby, "Keep the mandarin outfit on & I will send several of the girls to help you deliver the goods. You can join all of us as we will all be in Chinese dresses & going to a party."

Lindi, "What was that all about?"

Gaby, "Aunt I forgot your mind reading skills are not as good as ours."

Little Lily, "For days now Orea has been teasing him & making him wet his pants. He is wanting to date her. He has a problem though he keeps trying to hide. He works hard but he has no life as such. He lives in a one bed flat & has no friends. He prefers the company of females & from birth he has always dreamed of being one."

Lindi, "If Orea get her way with him she will be pregnant & she will have absorbed all his masculinity."

Starr, "I noticed all those children's charities he has worked for & all those other groups he has helped.”

Darcie, "His flat has just been acquired but so far he has not been informed."

They found Orea, "They had fixed her up with a date."

Gaby, "Do not worry we will all be close by."

Orea, "Just who have you fixed me up with?"

Little Lily, "You remember the salesman you have been teasing with your seductive Technique. Well Gaby decided to give him chance to get into your knickers."

Orea, "I may not want sex with him."

Little Lily, "One way or another tonight he will be called upon to satisfy all Gaby's latest Acquisitions."

Orea, "If he does that there will be nothing left for me to tease."

Maddy, "That is why we want you to go first".

They continue round the stores. Gaby looks at her watch, "Time to deliver the next batch of staff to the store." When the girls arrived they were all given vouchers & then put to work. The manager had a smile across his face.

Gaby, "You look happy."

He replied. "I could not be happier. For a long time I have known of my bosses inclinations. She has decided to go full-time following your make over. I have contacted our bosses & they have stated that as from Monday Yum Yum will take over as Area Manager."

Gaby, “We are having a party for all the girls would you two like to come as you currently are?"

Princess Yum Yum, "We will be there. Has he told you I have decided to go full time?"

Gaby, “Come tomorrow & have a chat with us I may know somebody that can help you.”

“We are both planning to go to Brazil next year & I can get the operation for £100. Apparently they have discovered a new procedure. It is in the trial state hence the low price."

Gaby, “Still come round tomorrow & we can discuss all your options & I will call some friends to talk to you.”

The manager, "I will ensure we both are there as it will affect the two of us & I want to know all the options & what can happen to her."

Gaby & the group left to go & look round the rest of the centre. They kept bumping into various family members around the centre. Maddy said, "We could give a prize for the best decorated store. A case of Champagne for the staff to share at." As they looked around it was obvious that some stores had gone to town while others only paid lip service to the event day.

Darcie, "Rather than having one winner we could have various categories as to the size of the store & the amount of staff they have." Darcie. Produced some cards. "I made these 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Reserve, VHC & HC". & Overall winner. I also produced these."

Gaby read one out. "You have won a prize in the best decorated store competition please call at the Centre office at 09.00 tomorrow to collect your prize."

Maddy, "Do we exclude Nicole or do we include her?"

Gaby, "No we include because she has worked hard with the staff she has."

Eventually they made their selections. Nicole was given second place & H & N got 1st in the large store category. The Computer store got first in the medium store & Games got first in the small store. There was a prize for the best kiosk & that went to one selling ties & wigs. Eventually they had handed all the awards out & the shopkeepers proudly fastened the prize card to the shop window so all could see how well they had done. The Overall prize went to H & N.

Gaby was to take the remaining staff members to the store & they had a very busy day. At the end of the day Gaby went to collect the girls from the store. Gaby handed the bill for the staff to the area manager.

"I will bring the cheque round in the morning for 1,200 Staff at six hours each. When we come to collect our prize & have a chat with you.”

Gaby & the others made their way to the dance studio this is where the party was been held. David turned up at the dance studio just before the shop was due to close.

Gaby spotted him, "Hello David can I help you."

David, "I did not realise this was you as well. I wanted to ask about dance classes & have been trying to get the courage to come in here all day."

Gaby, "Have you given over the idea of becoming a mermaid then."

"No but it may take some time to dispose of all my assets & turn it to cash. So I thought that while I wait I might as well do some dancing. I have always wanted to do it but as it was considered sissy to do it. I have already put all my furniture up for sale. The Auction has permission to sell everything regardless of reserve. They are even selling my car & house for me."

Gaby, "You are serious then."

"Gaby ever since I was a baby I have felt wrong. Mum is dead & I have no more relatives to my knowledge. So I am going to follow my heart & that tells me I am a mermaid. I realise it is only an illusion but at least I can live the illusion. "

"The bracelet I presume that belonged to your mother. David you can take me by the arm into the dance room & we are going to dance for the rest of the night.”

David found he was indeed dancing all night & as soon as one dance finished somebody else grabbed him. David woke up in a chair with a blanket cover him over. He rubbed his eyes & looked at the clock.

Gaby, "I am glad you have woken up we have customers coming soon."

Ariel, "We have some coffee for you & it would be a good idea for you to stay & listen to the meeting. Then we will take you out for a meal.”

David, "Thank you I think I am going to miss the Auction as I have no means of getting to the sale in time."

Gaby, "If you go in here & take a shower & get a shave if you need one. After we have finished here we will accompany you to the sale."

The winners started to arrive to claim their prize. David found his clothing had been removed but other clothing had been placed for him to wear. Whilst he was staring at the pile of clothing. There was a knock on the door Sandy walked in.

"You are David the one who wants to become a mermaid permanently?"

David looked at the girl, "Yes that is me but before I can do that I have to sell everything."

"Well I do not know about that but Gaby has given me instructions to make sure your hair style matches the rest of us. I also have to ensure you are correctly dressed & am made up as a princess of the Sea.”

By the time Sandy had finished David said, "I look like Ariel & Lorelei."

Sandy, "From what I can gather you are to spend the rest of the day with us as you are. Your clothes will be laundered & returned to you.”

David kissed Sandy, "Thanks for working your magic on me. I feel almost right. I am going to enjoy today."

By the time Sandy had finished all the prize winners had arrived & Princess Yum Yum & her consort where been photographed as the Overall winners of the competition. All the other winners received either Champagne or Asti as their prizes.

Gaby, "Good I am glad you two came in costume. Come in here."

Yum Yum, "Here is the Cheque for services rendered. I also need to find out if everybody here got a voucher yesterday. If you did not please raise your hand."

Gaby said to David, "You missed out." "

There were about 25 in the room that raised their hands & all received vouchers. Stephanie turned up, "I run the transform shop & the Albany Clinic. I have been asked here to talk to the two of you."

She explained the pros & cons of each procedure."

There is also the latest genetic engineering. "You take a pill. It causes you to lose weight rapidly & then it destroys all your Y chromosomes & replaces them with an X. For 24 hours you would be very ill & would need the attention of a partner or friend. After the 24 hours are up then you would be a genetically female. You would if you wished be able to have a family. I brought one of the tablets with me. I suggest though you go home & ring in sick before you take it."

Gaby, "I can send somebody to the store if you wish." The two of them left clutching hold of each other."

Lily, "They will be back before long asking Gaby to be god mother to their children.”

Once that was over Gaby took David to the sale. David noticed Gaby bid for a few items." David, “Why did you bid for them?"

Ariel, "David or should I say Dvina as it is far more appropriate. You where drawn to us because you are my sisters child. We have bid for any item with a family connection. As for you I am looking after you until all your money comes through & then you can go on to the next stage.”

David looked at Lorelei, "Are you really my aunt. Will you help me look for the remains of mum?"

Ariel," Help we would insist that we give you a hand & all our sisters agree."

David, "I have more Aunts than you two?"

Ariel, "Your cousins & Aunts kept you dancing all night long.” By the end of the day all that was left was a selection of clothes.

Lindi, "We will help you take them to the charity shops."

David, "Granny I want to ask your advice. Mum told me I was never ever to kiss anybody on the lips. She also told me never ever donate blood. I always followed her instructions. Now I keep getting urges to kiss Gaby & my Aunts."

Lindi, "There is a good reason for that but as you are coming to live permanently with us we had best get you some practice.”

Lindi," Come with me." David followed. Lindi led him into a room. "Ladies my granddaughter Davina here would like to kiss each of you." There followed a giggle.

Gaby, "In that case you all better line up & we can all compare if he is a good kisser or not.” Quite a while later David eventually got to the end of the line.

David, "Can I impose on one of you to take me to the Auctioneers to collect the money due to me."

Lindi, "I will do it but you are going to have to dress more appropriate for one last time.”

Davina meets Neptune.

The following day David returned carrying a briefcase. After been to the solicitors & auctioneers with Lindi.

Lorelei, "Before you start work we need to give you a full medical but I am sure everything will be OK. I will be back in a minute with the medical officer."

The medical officer asked a lot of questions, "If you want the job Davina it is yours. We will have to have a sample from you as there will be no going back once you start work. Like the others you will live here."

The medical officer, "I will need to remove the bracelet to fit the costume correctly & then the bracelet can go back on." While it was off Lorelei looked at the bracelet.

Lorelei, "Now that is done you should come for a swim with me. The case can go directly to Gaby & the clothing will not be needed again."

The two of them dived in the pool & the David followed Lorelei down the pool & into a tunnel they seemed to be swimming for a long time eventually they came to a large cavern. They both got out of the water Lorelei grabbed a couple of robes & passed one to Davina. They put on a pair of sandals each. Then they walked down another well light cave. They went through a door & there was Lindi having breakfast.

Lindi, "I presume you two would like some breakfast."

The former young man was looking around, "I have not been in this part of the complex before is it where I have to take my meals?"

Lindi, “Yes. We need to rename you as we cannot go round calling you by your previous name."

He turned to Lindi, "You have given me chance to be a mermaid therefore you should name me as if I was your daughter. This brought a splutter from Lorelei."

Lindi, "From this day you will become my daughter Davina. After your breakfast you had better start work with your sisters." Lindi quizzed Davina about her family."

Davina, "My dad I know nothing about & my mum sacrificed herself for me."

Lindi, "She is dead."

Davina, "We were on holiday on a cruise around the Greek islands when the ship caught fire. Mum always wore this bracelet but she took it off & placed it on me. I was dragged onto one of the lifeboats. I never saw mum again. Ever since then I have had this feeling that I needed to become a mermaid." I know it is silly. To be honest I want to look for mums remains & at least give her a decent burial."

Neptune came in & sized up the new mermaid. Lindi, "Davina show your father your bracelet.”

Neptune looked at the bracelet, "That is nice but it is not yours."

Lindi, "Gaby first spotted it when she came to us."

Neptune, "Tell me how you got Atlanta's bracelet.”

Davina, "You know my mum."

Neptune, "I gave her that when she was a little girl."

Lindi, "All his wives, daughters & granddaughter have received one of their own.” Neptune unclipped it & then replaced it with one almost identical.

Neptune, " Davina where is your mother?”

Gaby turned up Davina spotted the bracelet, "Gaby you are also are wearing a similar bracelet."

Gaby, "I have the locations of several ships that went down off the coast of Greece"

Davina, "The ship was called the Atlantis & only mum & five others were missing presumed dead. I have always wanted to go back & dive on the wreck & see if there was anything left of mum."

Gaby, "Are we all going?"

Neptune, "All the rest are already yours. We will all go but you & Davina can enter the wreck." As they got near the wreck they saw four great whites where circling it. Something inside it interests them. Neptune fired a thunderbolt but that did not deter them.

Maddy, "Sorry Simone, The Sea dragons are going to have to deal with them. Before we can get near to the wreck." Whilst they were talking they all realised Gaby was sat on Willie & leading the Orcas' against the sharks. One shark was killed & the others took of hell for leather with the Great Orca chasing after them.

Gaby & Davina went inside the wreck. Davina , "We will go to where I last saw her." "As they Swam along they realised some of the doors had slammed shut & they managed to open them all. They could here crying from one of the cabins. The two of them got inside & found the source of the crying. They could hear somebody say, "Sorry little ones I cannot produce any more that is the last of my milk." As they got further in they found Atlanta with five babies.

Gaby, "Atlanta I presume. Your father is waiting outside with the rest of the family."

"I tried to save them all & the only way was for me to absorb them all. I have been trapped in here & thought David had not managed to get help. I knew when my bracelet was removed twice that help was on the way. Only my sister or my father could remove it."

Gaby, "Almost right. I removed the bracelet first. Davina we should feed the children before we remove them & Atlanta from here."

Davina, "How."

Gaby, "Just do the same as I & they will soon be fed."

Atlanta, "Surely all mermaids know how to feed babies."

Gaby, "Not this one she is new to the job."

Atlanta, "David."

"No mum it is Davina now. I am as I should have been all along now.” Davina gave her mother a hug & kiss.

Gaby passed something to Atlanta &, "It is very high energy. Eat it all.” Gaby started to feed the babies Davina copied what she was doing.

Atlanta started to eat the food Gaby had given her. She picked up the last baby, "I think you may get something this time." As the baby finished Atlanta turned to Gaby, "You know who I am but I do not know your name."

Davina, “This is Gaby Lynn my boss she runs a swimming pool staffed by mermaids. Although your father did refer to her both as his niece & The Empress."

Atlanta, "Show me your wrists." Atlanta tried to curtsy, “You Gaby Lynn is descended from the Great Galadriel."

Gaby, "Yes that is my Great Granny. Dad must really like you for him to give you a bracelet also. Davina I see you still have the bracelet on."

Davina," Granddad gave me my own & will restore you to yours when we get you home. Gaby & Davina can you bring the babies you are feeding. I will bring this one.” Although she had the high-energy food Atlanta found she was still very weak.

Maddy came with some of the others, "We will take a baby each can you two take care of her." Gaby & Davina both pulled Atlanta out of the ship.

Little Lily, “It is a good job I brought this sled along at least she can keep up with us." Soon they found themselves in Neptune's cave & back home.

Gaby, "The children could be hungry again."

Galadriel & Neptune's wives took the babies to feed them. Ariel & Lorelei started to bring loads of food for Atlanta. "Woo." Said Atlanta. "At this rate you will have me looking like a whale."

Davina, "Mum I did not get time to properly introduce my boss & friend. I work in a swimming pool as do some of your sisters."

Simone, "I hardly got chance to work with my niece. We have to work for our living. Seriously though Atlanta you are going to have to rest for quite a while."

Atlanta, "Although I am a mermaid I still owe my life & those little ones to you two."

Davina, “I owe mine to the Empress for she released me as she released you & the girls.”

Gaby, "Atlanta you tried to save lives on the stricken ship. Had you not become trapped with the door slamming shut you & those five would have long since returned home. As it was you had to wait for help to arrive."

Atlanta, "There was plenty of fish to eat until the sharks appeared. They drove everything away."

Neptune came in & placed a bracelet back on the wrist of Atlanta. "You my daughter are far two weak to work yet & so you are going to live with your sisters who will take good care of you. The babies you gave birth to are all been well looked after & will be returned to you once your strength has returned. In the mean time your mother & Aunts are enjoying themselves. If they start getting anymore broody I will be finding the nursery overflowing. This is not a request it is an order from me your father."

Ariel, "I bet he has not told you about his last order."

Gaby, "The last order was that all his daughters & granddaughters where to be married off once they reached 16 years of age."

Ariel, "You & Davina will get a double wedding."

Atlanta, "All I want is some peace & quiet. A man is the last thing on my mind. I would rather live in a convent with a group of women. I have no interest in men only girls?"

Gaby, "So if I was to ask you to keep me warm you would be interested."

Atlanta looked at her sisters, "What is so funny?" She turns to Gaby, "I would love to sleep with you."

Neptune, "I am glad to hear that. There is no point in delaying the wedding."

Neptune turned to Davina, “I take it you wish to serve the Empress."

Davina, "I do."

"Atlanta you were very fast on land. You have just stated you would like the Empress to keep you warm did you not?"

"Yes father I did & I do want her to keep me warm."

Neptune, "You all heard the two of them entrapped by their own mouths. Empress I give these two to you to do as you please."

Atlanta, "Wait a minute you were going to give both of us away to somebody of your choice. We also have feelings & I for one would rather be a companion of the Empress."

Davina, "I agree with mum & would rather be with Gaby." Neptune & all the others burst out laughing.

Lindi, “Atlanta it was intended all along that you & Davina like all your sisters become a companion of the Empress. You two though jumped the gun & made the decision yourselves."

Atlanta, "I thought you intended me to be married to a man & I did not want that."

To be continued

Sharp 11.03.09 © 2009

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