55. Here Comes Trouble

Atlantica had lots of visitors, and King Triton got more loads. Scuttle the seagull worked very hard. Come along! he said. ''Come along! Come along! The people want me to be classy and sassy!'' Every time Scuttle was done with one adventure, another had to start. Don't worry! called Scuttle. I love having a good adventure to make my feathers feel good. Although, King Triton thought that Scuttle was weakening. Flounder will do your stuff. Flounder enjoyed this. He loved showing off his yellow and blue skin, and wanted to be just lke Scuttle. You know something, Swifty, he said, ''I'm very important. Everybody knows. I work very hard. I'm always on time. Never cause delay. That's what you think.'' Swifty said. Soon, King Triton came. ''You feel very warm, Swifty. So you should go to the fix-it yard. Can my stuff come along, your Majesty? No. The people would have nothing to ride in.'' Swifty saw Melody at the water fountain. Never mind, Swifty. she said. I'll take your stuff until you return. Swifty went out on the main. He clanked when he swam by. He is only a small fish, so his mouth doesn't hold lots of water. He traveled far, and got thirsty. He saw a light up ahead. Oh, goodie! he said. ''It's a junction. I'll have a lovely drink, and rest until Flounder comes.'' Swifty's worker agreed. Swifty had his drink, when the lightman arrived. He never met Swifty before. Swifty's worker wanted to explain. But the lightman didn't listen. ''We have to clear everything for Flounder and the wagons. You need to get more water at the next junction.'' Swifty swam away. The swimming made him lack energy, and his mouth was empty. Swifty was now stuck on the main. We have to warn Flounder! the driver said. Then, they spotted Melody with Swifty's stuff. ''Take me to the junction! This is an emergency!'' Swifty's stuff didn't want to go. Don't worry. Melody said. ''You're getting the driver to warn Flounder. That must be important.'' Swifty's stuff was relieved. Flounder was cross when he heard. That means I'll be late! It's my fault. the lightman said. I didn't know about Swifty. So, Flounder, said his worker, you need to push Swifty. Who, me? asked Flounder. ''Me? Push Swifty, and pull my wagons too?'' Complaining, Flounder went to look for Swifty. When he finally found Swifty, he hit him hard. C'mon, now! Flounder worked very hard. He was very tired when he got to the fix-it yard. Some kids were on the flatform. Ooh! a boy said. ''The wagons ran late, and it has 2 fish. I guess Flounder couldn't do it himself, so Swifty helped him. Don't worry, Flounder.'' Swifty said. They're just teasing. Pah! thought Flounder.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch