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Jayna was about to object, but Kalani cut her off. “Have you ever heard of jujitsu?”
“The martial art? Yes, I’ve heard of it.” Kalani looked like he wanted her to elaborate, but Jayna failed to see the connection. “What about it?” she said, trying not to let her frustration show in her voice.
“The main principle of jujitsu is not to match your opponent’s power, but to use their own power against them.” Kalani signaled to Mermaid Buwan then moved away from the pool.
Jayna slid into the water, disappointed with Kalani’s suggestion. She had hoped he’d give her some practical advice that could help her beat Merman Pala. But all she could think of was a magic shield that would absorb Pala’s power and rebound it back against him. The thought didn’t help.
As Jayna swam back into place, she heard the roar of the ocean in the distance. Was that what Kalani was trying to describe? Even as a child, Jayna had learned to work with the ocean rather than fight against it. The difference between smoothly riding a wave to shore and being pounded against the sand was often just a matter of seconds and centimeters.
Remembering how she had learned to work with the ocean’s power instead of against it, an idea formed in her mind. As scary as it was, she let it take hold. If it worked, she could avoid another painful hit, and possibly score a point.
But if it didn’t work, she would likely come away with some painful bruising in addition to the sting of Pala’s trident.
Jayna waved at the official and placed the merbreather in her mouth, indicating she was ready. Pala did likewise, and they both dived below the surface to take up their positions.
As Jayna faced Pala for their final run, she watched his movements with a different perspective. She paid attention to how he held his shield and spear. He was big and powerful, and he relied on that power.
Jayna needed to absorb and channel that power.
She quickly reversed her grip on the trident, as though she were about to throw it. The reversed grip would be extremely weak for a frontal attack, but if this went to plan, it would serve her needs just fine.
The green orb flashed, and Jayna swam towards Pala with all her might. He barreled down on her at tremendous speed. When they had closed the distance to just a few meters, Jayna willed her body to relax and let her momentum carry her.
Rather than try to strike at Pala with her trident, she focused on his spear. She maneuvered her shield so that she caught the points head on. The impact sent her spinning, and Jayna let herself be tossed to the side like a piece of kelp. But the moment Pala was behind her, she thrust her trident down and back. It connected with a satisfying thump.
The vibration in her spear, combined with the sound of Pala’s muffled cry let her know that the stratagem had worked! Her shield arm hurt from the impact of Pala’s spear, but her gambit had paid off.
Her heart raced in triumph as she swam to the surface. Pala broke above the water next to her and bellowed loudly. Jayna’s heart skipped a beat, but before she could become truly concerned, she realized that he was laughing.
“Nicely done,” he said, raising his trident in salute. “Now I know who I need to watch out for.” Then he returned the merbreather to his mouth and disappeared below the surface.
She grinned and turned to find Kalani. When she did, her heart nearly stopped.
Sid and Emmaline stood beside him, and the three of them applauded her.
Jayna forgot all about jousting.
Emmaline had loved her Jubilee Service Day proposal and had run with the idea, but Jayna had no idea how Sid would respond. She was certain he’d have no problem sponsoring the event, but she hoped he would be an active participant.
Her pulse pounded in her ears as she forced a smile and swam to meet them. As she approached, she felt even more nervous than she had when facing Merman Pala.
She pulled herself up onto the mermaid ledge next to them. Sid leaned over the rail. “That was impressive. I thought for sure he was going to do you in.”
Jayna laughed. “Did you not see the other rounds?”
“No,” said Emmaline. “We just got here.”
She felt a wave of relief that Sid hadn’t witnessed her humiliating earlier performance. “Good. Let’s just say they were somewhat less impressive.”
Sid locked eyes with Jayna. “So, when do I get to find out more about this service activity you two have planned? Can you tell me now, or do I have to wait until after you’ve changed?”
Jayna glanced at Emmaline, who seemed to be fighting back a laugh. Then she took a steadying breath and said, “I’m not changing. You are.”
Sid’s brow furrowed in confusion, and he turned to look at his assistant. Emmaline’s face was red with suppressed laughter, and there were tears running down her cheeks. So much for always being calm and professional, Jayna thought.
She rushed to explain before Sid decided to turn and run. “Emmaline told you we’ll be giving service to patients of the Pediatric Bionics Institute, right?”
The concern didn’t leave Sid’s face. “Yes.”
