They all gathered at the secluded room near the top of one of the lesser used towers at the school. Mai and Freed had gathered the necessary ingredients to make a shrinking potion and Eva brought some spell tomes she had. All were dressed in their usual blue novice robes save Vesper, as clothing didn't really work for most merpeople.
"So what is the plan exactly," asked Vesper from his mobile water sphere.
"The professors had used either spells or potions, we are going to try both," replied Freed as he concentrated on making the potion.
"What ever is preventing her from shrinking back might be able to be broken if we apply enough force to it," added Celine as she lit another candle to give them more light.
"Or it'll backfire horribly and shrink her to nothingness. Are you sure we should be trying this," asked Vesper. "I want to help Mai, but is this the best course of action?"
"Mai has nowhere else to go, and we have to try something," said Eva as she flipped through her tomes.
"Aannndd done! One shrinking potion check," Freed held up a flask of green liquid.
Everyone gathered around and began to cast the enhance spell on the potion. Once finished, the liquid was bubbling and swirling on its own.
"Well, bottoms up," said Mai as she downed the contents.
As she swallowed, the others circled her and cast the shrink spell. The horrible taste of the potion nearly made her gag as she felt it flow down her throat. As it reached her stomach she waited in anticipation for it to start.
For a few minutes nothing happened, then Mai felt like someone had punched her in the gut and she doubled over in pain. As she bent over, lights began to circle her faster and faster. As they picked up speed, Mai was lifted up above the ground and she began to grunt in pain.
"What's happening to her," asked Celine worriedly.
Before anyone could answer, the lights stopped and sent out a shockwave that struck everyone in the room.
When they came to, the candles had all been snuffed out due to the shockwave.
"Ok, OW," groaned Eva as she got up, her hooves clomping on the stone floor.
"Anyone hurt," asked Freed as he slowly got up.
All said they were slightly sore, but no real damage.
"Looks like nothing happened," Mai looked herself over.
Celine lit some candles to give more light.
"We can try again tomorrow," said Vesper as he propped himself up on his arms, the water sphere had burst in the shockwave.
"Thanks, but I don't think it'll do any good. I had better prepare for a new home for when I graduate."
As they left the room after cleaning up their mess, Eva carrying Vesper in her arms back to the Aquarius dorm, they split off back to their respective rooms.
"Thanks for the lift Eva," said Vesper.
" I know you love having me carrying you, don't deny it."
"I never would," said Vesper as he slid back into a waterway that led to his dorm.
Mai and Celine were getting ready for sleep when suddenly.....