Chartreuse: A Brief Story Of Al's Aquatic Emporium

In a small, struggling to survive pet shop at the heart of Hoboken New Jersey, a legend is born. A small betta fry by the name Chartreuse, the name given to him by his mother, was conceived into the world that is Al’s Aquatic Emporium. This was the only world he knew, until it was ripped from him by “members” from “The Club.” Chartreuse’s father was torn away from his family when he was still a guppy. He knew not where they went, or what became of his father, but his mother knew more of this predicament, since she had lost brothers and friends to these mysterious members who seemed to show up randomly but frequently. This was his life, coping with the loss of his father and surviving on flakes of nutrition that rained from the “surface.” It
This net deposited him into a featureless fish bowl. As soon as he hit the water Chartreuse noticed that he was not the only fish in the bowl. The other fish was Ricardo! But something was off about him and Chartreuse could not tell what exactly what was wrong with his best friend. He was not in the best condition but that was to be expected because they were fishnapped. Emotions rushed through Chartreuse when he saw the scars along Ricardo’s body. Just when Chartreuse did not think he could be anymore emotional, he heard Ricardo say “ Finish
“I-It’s the only way you can make it out of this alive. One of us has to win.” Chartreuse in that moment realized what Betta Club really was, where his father and friends had been taken away to. Betta Club was an illegal underground fight club, and the dimly lit bowl they were in was the arena. “What about your father? He might be here.” inquired Chartreuse. “ One of the fishes told me my father didn’t make it and that is why I am sacrificing myself for you. Because you know who told me that?” cried Ricardo. “Who?” Chartreuse asked even though he already knew the answer. “Your dad told me that he had to beat my father just like you are going to do to me right now. I don’t have anything else to live for but you do. Reunite with your father and let me reunite with mine!” sobbed Ricardo. “I am sorry.” Chartreuse said as he closed his eyes and swam towards Ricardo as fast as he could. He awoke days later back in the same tank as One Eye. “Yeah, the concussion is the worst part but you will get used to it, kid” said One eye. Holding back the severe thrashing swirling in his head, Chartreuse just nodded knowing that he will never be the same as he was before the fight. “I can teach you some moves so you will be able survive this place and find your