Chapter 7

"Mr. Shark is helping you?!" Mr. Frog exclaimed when I pressed him for details about Mr. Shark. "How unusual of that guy! Knowing him, he'd have scared you out of Aqua Chrysalis by now."

It was the next day. I was in the lobby with Mr. Frog and the strange Prof. Dog. I went back to the apartment early after school because of Mr. Shark's orders.

"Maybe he considers Butterfly strong, woof." Prof. Dog circled me. "She must have potential."

Mr. Frog croaked and pointed at me. "Listen, Butterfly. If Mr. Shark chose you, that means he thinks you have the potential to defend your floor."

I didn't get it. "It sounds like a war."

Prof. Dog folded his arms. "It is. Survival of the fittest. New tenants are going to come, and to get a vacancy they will attempt to drive the current tenants away."

"The reason Lady Jellyfish was after you is that her dear Mr. Octopus was supposed to stay in your floor," Mr. Frog explained.

So that's why. However, something didn't seem right.

"Why do tenants have to fight each other?! Isn't it possible to just talk things out?" I raised my voice. The two only looked at me sadly.

"You're a lucky one," said Mr. Frog. "You got an apartment just because a tenant left. Others had to fight... Like Dog and I."

I couldn't believe it. What's so great about living in Aqua Chrysalis? Why would people fight just to get a chance to live here?

"Mr. Frog, Prof. Dog, I don't like it! Nobody has to get hurt just to live here!" I said.

Suddenly, the two froze.

"What's wrong?" I blinked.

They pointed at something behind me.

I was afraid to turn. I had a feeling I knew who was behind me.

"Butterfly, it's time." It was Mr. Shark, just as my great guessing powers predicted. He led me into the elevator after casting a cold look at the rest.

Once the doors closed, he remarked, "Those were some interesting words you said back there."

How long had he been in the lobby?

I swallowed hard. "You heard?"

"Everything," He gave an amused smile. Then, a serious look followed. "It looks like you found out about the tenant battles, huh?"

I guess he didn't want me to know about the battles.

He pressed the button to my floor. I stayed silent for the rest of the ride up.

The doors opened. "Nice place you have here, Butterfly." He stepped out of the elevator first.

"Thanks," I replied and cautiously followed behind him.

I didn't trust Mr. Shark. There's a saying that goes: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Mr. Shark probably heard that one.

But I'm not that big of a threat. He can easily get rid of me. But why doesn't he? Perhaps he's satisfied with his floor. Though he could use some more space.