The sun was shining down on the most beautiful beach in Australia. The breeze was warm and soothing. Three girls were walking in the sand, just far enough from the water line to keep their feet dry. They stopped and looked out at the water.
"I see a boat not too far out," Rikki said. "Better not chance anything here just yet."
"Oh come on, I can barely see it, I'm sure we'll be fine," Cleo answered, her long dark hair whipping around her face in a sudden blast of beachy air.
"Fine then, go for it, but I'm not rescuing your fishy tail from his nets" Rikki responded.
"Guys, guys guys," Bella spoke up. "We don't need to risk anything right now."
There was a huge fishing tournament taking place in their town. Every fisherman within 20 miles was trying to catch the biggest, most impressive haul. The girls weren't sure what they were trying to catch, exactly, all they knew was that there had been so many boats in the water it was hard to find a secluded spot for mermaid swims. The sonar the fishermen used was a sure way for them to get caught.
"Plus," Bella continued, "We're late to meet the boys."
"Why don't we just tell them to meet us out here?" Rikki continued, "Zane can bring his boat out and take us all to Mako. There won't be any boats in the moon pool, will there?"
"Nooooo," laughed Bella. "Of course not."
Cleo had stopped to watch the boats out on the water. "Yes!" She yelled, running to catch up with the girls. "Zane owes us anyway. You know, for the Dr. Denman incident."
"Cleo, that was, like, 2 years ago."
"I know, Rikki, but if it gets us a boat ride to Mako I'll make him feel guilty all day!"
The girls ran towards the cafe. The plan was to meet Will, Zane, and Lewis and take Zane's Zodiak out to Mako for a relaxing afternoon. They had no way of knowing that things were about to change, or that they were going to change in an absolutely huge way.
The sun was low in the sky when they reached the entrance to Rikki's.