The Irukandji Jellyfish

By Felicia Change

Jenna breathed in the fresh, salty air, preparing herself for the poisonous quest ahead. Would today be the day she told him?

Professor Herbert sat on the sand with his sturdy legs crossed, scanning their surroundings.

The Australian coast spread out like a strip of grainy brown paint. It banked against the trees and down to the lapping water. A midnight-blue shining flycatcher flew high above, soaring toward the inland of Palm Island.

“See anything peculiar I should add to my notes?” Professor Herbert asked, squinting at her.

“Only you, Professor.”

He snorted. He was a short, mustached man with adventure on the brain. Not to mention he knew every poisonous species known to mankind.

The professor stood, wiping sand from the floral swimming shorts he wore over his wetsuit. Straightening his back, he puffed out his chest, a sign that he was set for the research to begin.

“You ready, Jen?”

“Always,” she said, but couldn’t help the worry settling in her stomach. Hopefully this wouldn’t end up the same way as when they were chased by giant hornets in China.

“After all these years, I’m finally adding the Irukandji jellyfish to my list!”

“Assuming we find one,” she said, swallowing down her own excitement.

“Of course we will. We aren’t leaving without one!”

“You give me gray hairs, Professor.”

“Nonsense!”

“Just this morning I had to pluck one out.”

He shook his head, smiling. “I’m going in! Be ready with the vials.”

Jenna sighed. Working for a toxicologist was not an easy feat, but she did enjoy the adventure. Heat pooled in her palms, ready to assist.

She followed him to a thin line of sea foam. He shook out his hands and took the net from her, then proceeded into the water, the waves crashing against his calves. He stopped when the water reached his knees, settling into a solid position with slightly bent legs. He’d taken that stance many times before. A peaceful predator waiting for its prey.

With two hands on the pole, he swiped the net through the water. Then held it up and squinted as sand leaked through the holes. Two shells stayed behind. He rinsed the net and repeated the process, this time finding a rusted watch. He tossed it to Jenna, who snatched it up before the sea could pull it back into its belly.

The sun slowly started its descent toward the west when Professor Herbert finally stumbled out of the water.

“I’m starved, Jen,” he said, flattening himself on the sand. “What’s for lunch?”

She opened the cooler, taking out a ginger beer, half a Vegemite and cheese sandwich and a lamington. “Here you go.”

He sat up and took the items. After gulping down the tea and munching on the bread, he said, “Aren’t you going to eat?”

“I already did,” she grinned.

He gaped at her. “You’re telling me while I was risking my life for research out in the treacherous Australian waters, you were feasting?”

“Oh Professor, you are far too dramatic for your own good.”

He smiled and jumped up. “Round two!”

This time he walked in farther until the water reached his thighs. He swiped his net and was dissecting the contents when a large wave broke over him. He tumbled over, disappearing into the twirling water and sand.

“Professor!”

She rushed to him, pausing for a second at the foam line before continuing.

He surfaced moments later as the waves tossed him in every direction.

Jenna reached out, driving her feet into the sand as sea spray dampened her face. She hooked her finger into his shorts pocket and pulled. With all her strength she dragged him ashore, his ashen face making her quicken her pace until he lay immobile, spread on the sand like a starfish. His eyes closed and face frozen.

“Don’t you dare die on me, Professor!”

She held her hand over his heart, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. Warmth spread through her fingers and into his body, her essence flowing like a fountain. She held still until he coughed out water and sucked in a deep breath.

Jenna exhaled. He’d be fine.

She squinted at his wetsuit. Something was stuck on it. A jellyfish!

She grabbed a vial, scooped up some ocean water, pushed the little creature into the tube, and closed it.

“You silly thing.” She tilted her head at the Irukandji jellyfish. “I guess if the water didn’t take him out it would have been you and your poison, eh?”

“Jenna?”

“I’m here, Professor.”

This was the eighth time she’d saved him. Although this time wasn’t nearly as stressful as when they ended up on the forbidden snake island in Brazil or when he danced with a deadly scorpion in Africa. But it always took a toll.

He opened his eyes, blinking at the sky. “Was I almost gone again?”

She nodded.

“Did we get the jellyfish?”

“Yes, Professor.”

“Oh, you’ve saved my life once again!” he said. “My good luck charm.”

“I’m really not.”

He frowned.

It was time to tell the truth. “You remember when your curiosity got the best of you during the exotic animal party at the mayor’s manor when you found me in that large bird cage?”

He nodded.

“You never asked questions. Truth is, I was locked up because I’m a genie.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ve granted you wishes in the form of lives.”

“Oh my,” he said. “That’s… are you sure?”

She gave him a look. “I’m definitely sure, Professor.”

He nodded, digesting her words. “You’ve been saving me all this time?”

“Yes, but I’m running out of lives to give you.”

“Oh, I see.” He frowned. “How many do I have left?”

She held up one finger.

He smacked his lips. “Then we better make the best of it.”

She gaped at him.

“I heard there’s a venomous spider on the mainland in the outback region and its details need to be updated.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felicia Change graduated with a BA in Creative Writing and her work has appeared in YOU Magazine, Coffin Bell, and CommuterLit. She writes in all genres, but her favorites are fantasy, horror, and fairy tale retellings. When she isn’t carving stories of magic and mischief, she is traveling, exploring museums, or on the lookout for a dog to pet.

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