DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN MAKO MERMAIDS OR ANY OF OTHER FRANCHISES I MAY MAKE REFERENCES TO!
Listen guys, now it's a real tough time for me. College, swim team, my grades but I will try to do my best to update. But it could be a while before the next chapter. So Restoration is gonna get real tight in the next few months.
First an announcement; My version of Weilan is going to make her full debut in this episode. She will retain her personality and will be a lesbian so Karl may or may not exist since I never liked him anyway. But let me warn you, Tails of a Halfblood is a series that is about diversity including sexuality, straight, bi or gay, so there will be ZERO TOLERANCE for any hate comments to this prospect.
By the way, Merry Belated Christmas/Hannakah/Kwanza and Have a Happy New Year!
Here are the stories that deserve to be read…
A Merman's Vengeance: By Crystalteen
Reflections: A Mermaid's Life: By TalaMermaid
It's How you Look at Me: By TalaMermaid
When there's Magic, there's Drama: By fictionlover94
Everything has Changed: By minkthews
Mom: By minkthews
Sealocked: By CJMoor
A Journey Anew: Dimensional Girl
A mermaid's life: Twilightroxas7
50 Reasons Why Zyla Dominates over Zevie: By VADarkwind
The Secrets We Hold: By Princess of Mako
And coming soon, the official Teen Wolf/Mako Mermaids Crossover: Moonpoint by Dimensional Girl!
And I'd like to thank fictionlover94 for accepting my request to use his/her character in this episode as a cameo.
Deep within the Royal Pines Golf Course, people in summer and baggy clothes wandered around the area, living in the quiet community of a were-shifter pack. There are two types of this type of community, industrial and natural. The Tauna were natural, one of the few in Australia who chose to live by their roots in the forest as a somewhat nomadic tribe, while the industrial pack lived in cities or small towns, up to date on modern human society.
In the late hours of April 14, 2016, most of the pack's women and children were still sleeping, some men were sleeping with their families while some were-shifters chose to stay out on patrol and guard the pack's territory.
Within the biggest RV, surrounded by a circle of trees, was a sick Alpha Ralph Talbot. He was lying in the queen sized bed, coughing up black blood, vomiting and sweating profusely. His wife, Luna Nevaeh, was dabbing his forehead, aware that her daughter Tabitha, was listening outside, despite being told to stay in bed.
"How is the pack?" Ralph asked.
"The pack can wait." said Neveah, wiping black goo leaking out of his nose. "What matters is that you get better."
Ralph coughed violently, his eyes glowing a bright searing red, his breaths turned into growls and his claws were coming out.
"I just wished I had given Gabriel my blessing sooner." said Ralph.
"You think that you didn't act in time?" Neveah asked. "Your son and Xavier are now engaged. At least you could be happy. The healers-"
"Honey." Ralph said. "It's best not to discuss it in front of Tabitha. She's 6 after all."
"I told her to go to bed." said Neveah. Stepping outside, the were-cheetah spotted the small blonde little werewolf outside.
"Come on little cub." said Neveah scooping up her daughter in her arms. "Let's get you to your den."
The brunette were-cheetah, using her speed, jumped up the ledge to the little girl's bed, and tucked her in.
"Mommy?" Tabitha asked. "Is Daddy gonna get better?"
Neveah froze, unable to think of a sugarcoated explanation for her daughter. "Come here." Her daughter climbed out of bed and into her mother's arms, where Neveah started purring out of content, and stroking her daughter's head, who by then shifted comfortably in her mother's arms. "Your daddy is a strong man, Tabby. He may be sick now, but I promise you, your daddy is gonna feel much much better."
"Ok Mommy." said the 6 year old, now a little tired.
"Come on." She started to tuck Tabitha into bed when a frantic knocking noise sounded on the door. "Stay here, Tabitha." Neveah jumped down with catlike grace and ran using her cheetah speed to rush to the door.
"Mrs. Garou." Neveah greeted.
"Please!" The Latina werecoyote exclaimed, rushing in the house. "You have to help me!"
"Mrs. Garou." said Neveah. "We're doing our best but-"
"My son has been missing for 10 days!" She held up a photograph of him. "His name is Louis Garou! He's 5'4, 12 years old and he was last seen in the Gold Coast City! I know he's the pack scout this time but people don't just disappear."
"Mrs. Garou." said Neveah. "We're doing our very best. We've sent out a team of pack missionaries to find him."
"It's been 10 days and still no sign of him!" Mrs. Garou exclaimed. "I need to find my son!"
"We will find him." said Neveah. "For now, you must rest. We will find him. I promise." As the Luna took the frantic werecoyote out, Tabitha was listening with her hypersensitive ears. She looked at the waning moon through her window and whispered, "Louis, where are you?"
9 hours passed like the wind, and it became April 15, 2016 as Thalassa "Thalie" Santos woke up in her blue walled room. Checking her digital alarm clock, she smiled and said, "Oh, it's my birthday." To her, her birthdays just seemed like another day, with a lot of ice cream involved. Next to the digital alarm clock was a small blue cubed present with a lever and a large sticky note saying in orange writing, PRESS ME! :)
Thalie laughed, knowing who that could have been from. Diablo tended to leave his pranks with orange writing or orange things, since it was his favorite color. He called it, his signature mark.
"Nice try Lobito." said Thalie, walking into her bathroom and brushed her teeth. She heard the door creak open and checked outside to see that it was her fluffy white Persian cat, Poseidon.
"Morning Poseidon." She said. "No, I don't have kitty food for you, but I promise I will get some for you as soon as I'm dressed."
She went to her dressers, picked out some clothes and turned around to find Poseidon about to press his paw on the lever on the present!
"Wait Poseidon!" Using her built in stamina and speed from being Ocean Girl, she ran to the nightstand, leaped off the wall while grabbing the cat, and performing an aerial and side somersaulting on the floor.
"Whoo!" She exclaimed. "Looks like those years of ballet lessons and months of kicking ass have paid off. Now Poseidon, would you get your claws out of my arms please?"
The cat who had gone stiff, and his tail was the size of a large club didn't budge. His claws were digging into Thalie's skin and was starting to draw blood.
"Poseidon?" Thalie asked. "Can you get off my arm, so I can keep it? Please?" Still nothing. "Tell you what." Her face turned slightly green at the bribe she was about to make. "I'll get you some jumbo shrimp today."
At that, the cat leapt off her while Thalie rubbed her arms and gagged at the thought of seafood. Ever since she learned she was part mermaid, seafood to her was the same as cannibalism and she would freak out at the sight of seafood. She had started eating seaweed, but that was it.
She looked outside her door then out the windows, and opened her closet door's secret compartment to reach her sword, her katana, that was her signature weapon. She grabbed it, and steadily crept over to the present, tapped the present, and then used her powers to telikentically push the lever and unsheathed her sword at the ready.
All that came out of the box, was Diablo's voice sounding, Happy Birthday Thals!
Then suddenly, booming out of the present was a loud marching band sound that almost burst her eardrums, which thankfully stopped but then a cloud of smoke came out that came along with a horrid stench that filled the entire room.
The smell was so frighteningly bad, Thalie had to open all windows, doors and used her moon ring to clear the foul air.
"What was all that noise?" Rita asked, coming into the room.
"A little wake up call present from one Diablo Nagual." said Thalie.
"It doesn't surprise me that he snuck by the alarm system." said Rita. "Even if it was by himself. But other than that, happy birthday." Rita gave her only daughter a hug which Thalassa returned.
"Come on downstairs." said Rita.
"Anything to get rid of the smell." said Thalie.
"What that the small foul odor I was smelling?" said Rita.
"Don't ask." said Thalie smiling.
After breakfast, which consisted of Rita's delicious pancakes, the Santos family went on an exclusive swim out on parts of the reef that even Thalie had not been on. After the enjoyable swim, they surfaced in the moon pool.
"That was amazing Mom!" Thalie exclaimed. "I can't believe I've never seen that part of the reef before!"
"Told you I knew a few secret spots." said Rita. "Are you excited it's your birthday?"
"Uh do mermaids have scales?" Thalie asked, hugging her mother. "I just wish Dad could be here. And Aunt Nerida"
"Me too Thalassa." said Rita, wiping some tears away. "Me too."
Harry Santos, Rita's husband and Thalie's biological died in the plane crash that Veridia caused that almost killed Rita and Thalie in the process when Thalie was just 4 years old. She was rescued by her late aunt Nerida, who was the leader of the Mako Pod at the time and she lived in Florida for two years until being adopted by the Blakely's and at the time, her name was Blair until she completed the prophecy of her birth and was reunited with her biological mother who believed her to be dead until she changed her name to Thalassa Isabel Santos, her birth name and moved back to the Santos Household. Of course, her adoptive parents always welcomed her with open arms, even her adoptive brother, Zac.
Her father had come back a few times as a ghost, but only when Thalassa needed him the most.
Meanwhile, at the Ocean Cafe, Zac, Cam, Rose, Helen, Kimi, and Evie were all hanging out. They all cooed when Zac brought up a photograph of a 6 year old Thalassa, making a mess out of frosting on her face.
"I can't believe that it's been 10 years since you brought Blair home!" said Evie. "Or Thalassa."
"I still don't get why she changed her name." said Cam.
"Well she wanted to start a new life." said Kimi. "Theoretically you can observe why she would legally change her name."
"Big words there Kims." said Helen. "Just think, a few weeks later, she meets me, then Rose, then Kimi."
"And then a month later, I get the ability to breathe underwater." Thalie's voice sounded from behind.
"There's the birthday girl!" Zac exclaimed, hugging her.
"Happy Birthday!" Evie exclaimed.
As Thalie sat down, Carly came by with a mango juice and sat it down in front of Rose. "Happy Birthday Thalie." said Carly.
"Thanks." said Thalie. "How are you coming along, with the werecat thing?"
"It's a little hard but I'll manage." said Carly. "Thanks though."
"You're 16 now!" Kimi exclaimed. "Do you know what that means?"
"She gets to have a giant cake and the best sweet 16 in the world?" Rose asked innocently. They all laughed at Rose's tendencies to be childlike, it's why she was one of the most important mermaids to the team. They would go insane without her positivity.
"No silly." the teen scientist said laughing. "Learner's permit!"
"Oh yeah!" Thalie exclaimed. "Right, driving."
"Ease up the waves girl." said Helen. "You've got about 2 years to prepare to get a real car."
"Hey Thalie." said Zac. "What do you wanna do today?"
"Oh I don't know." said the redhaird halfblood. "I guess I'll just go around, see the sights, and see how everyone's doing."
"Great." said Helen. "I suggest you get to it."
Thalie chuckled. "Ok." As the Australian-American teen went off, Helen whispered to Zac, "She might find out about the party."
"Eh." said Zac. "She'll find out sooner or later. She's a smart kid."
"I'm just glad Diablo's throwing the party." said Rose. "Not like someone who tried to be too clever."
"It was a mistake ok?" Zac groaned.
"I have to admit, seeing a literal little mermaid was a bit hilarious." said Kimi. "Then she was trapped in fruit punch. Priceless!"
Thalie went to the beach and walked around for a bit. She would smile at a few kids here and there before meeting a middle aged beautiful deeply tanned woman by the name of Esmeralda Durant-Marino.
"Hi Esme!" Thalie said.
"Thalassa!" The Portuguese mermaid exclaimed and then hit her on the shoulder. "How could you not tell me that it was your birthday?!"
"I guess it slipped." said Thalie.
"Slipped?" Esme exclaimed. "So, what's a mermaid to do on her birthday?"
"Oh I'm just gonna go on about the city." said Thalie. "See what's today's adventure. By the way, where's your husband? Or Ondina?"
"Phoebus is busy." said Esme. "Ondina, she's at her job, teaching the little hatchlings at Mako."
"Sounds like a dual life." said Thalie.
"Speaking of which." Esme said, before shaking her head. "Never mind, enjoy your birthday!"
"You were gonna ask me something about my other life weren't you?" Thalie asked. "It's ok, Esme. We're doing our best to clean the streets but we still haven't caught that one criminal. Diablo calls her, The Puppetmaster."
"What for?" Esme asked.
"She apparently has the power to possess people." said Thalie.
"Any idea who she is?" Esme asked.
Thalie paused for a minute before saying, "If this person was someone close to me, I would tell someone like my mom, but in this case, it's not anyone's business until her family says it's ok."
"I understand." said Esme. "But I would appreciate some trust once in awhile."
Thalie nodded before running behind some rocks and diving into the water, swimming in her silver tail to Mako Island.
Meanwhile, Chinatown was in it's usual busy activity, cars driving by, people walking the crosswalks on their way to work, and the markets were in it's daily rambunctious stupor.
Xhiva and Xandou Tiraken were walking down it's ways on their way to find the mysterious woman who had offered them the jade dragon last night.
"Are you sure that it's even her?" Xhiva asked walking down some shops.
"Bro, did you not even see the footage?" said Xandou.
"Yes, I did." said Xhiva. "I saw the video numerous times. But still, I say we should wait a bit longer."
Xandou scoffed. "Wait? You wanna wait? You've already done that, hell, we've done that for the past 6 years! Now that we know where she is now, you're backing out?"
"I'm not backing out." said Xhiva. "It's just for the first time in my life, I don't know where to begin."
"Really?" Xandou said. "I can think of some things. 'Hey Sagi-Weilan, it's good to see you! or 'Hey Sagi Weilan, tell us, why did you abandon your little brothers?'
"I guess." said Xhiva. "Do you wanna get some pork fried rice?"
"Why are you so scared of meeting our sister?" Xandou asked.
"Oh I don't know." said Xhiva. "I guess I don't wanna see that our sister has changed into a sociopathic bitch or worse, some skanky girl who would do anything for fun, including framing innocent people."
"Uh didn't we used to do that?" Xandou asked.
Xhiva rolled his red/brown eyes. "You're missing the point, as usual."
Xandou shrugged smugly. "It's what I do best."
"Wait, I think we're here." said Xhiva in front of the gift shop from last night.
"Alright." said Xandou rubbing his hands together. "Let's move."
Before he could step behind the curtains, Xhiva grabbed his shoulder and hissed to him in Chinese, "Bùyào zuò rènhé chǔnshì." (Don't do anything stupid.)
Xandou narrowed his eyes at his brother and said, "Bù huì mèngxiǎng de." (Wouldn't dream of it.)
The Chinese-Indian brothers went in through the curtain into the incense filled room, all the shelves lined with antiques and fans. Even though it was daytime, the lighting in the room felt appropriate for the night.
"Children?" said the old Chinese woman from last night, now wearing jade green robes. "Ah, Zǎoshang hǎo." (Good morning). She bowed with the boys doing the same thing.
"Nǐ hǎo, xiǎojiě." (Hello, miss.) Xhiva greeted, as he was the one who did the talking in these kinds of situations. "Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào nǐ shìfǒu kěyǐ bāngzhù wǒmen zhǎo dōngxi. Yǒudiǎn zhòngyào." (We were hoping you could help us find something. Something important.)
"Yīdìng shì." (It must be.) said the woman. "Méiyǒu hěnduō qīngshàonián zài zhège shíhou xǐngle." (Not many teenagers are awake at this time.)
"Qíshí, dì èr gè xiǎngfǎ." (Actually, on second thought.) said Xandou suddenly. "Wǒmen zhèngzài xúnzhǎo wǒmen zhèngzài xúnzhǎo de rén." (We're looking at someone we're looking for.) That sentence alone, made the woman freeze at a shelf as the Chinese green eyed teen smirked. "Cut the crap Weilan, we know it's you."
The woman turned around and started pulling on the skin of her face, disgusting the boys in front of her. She paid no attention to that and continued to peel off her face until she finally unmasked herself to be a beautiful twenty two year old Chinese woman with long flowing wavy black hair, dark brown eyes and a smile.
"I have to say I'm disappointed." Sagi-Weilan said. "It took you 12 hours to find me. Should have taken you 6."
Xhiva started moving slowly towards his sister. "Sagi, is it really you?"
"Of course Xhiva." She said. "Seems that some things haven't changed about you, little guy." Her attention turned to Xandou, who was fuming in outrage. "What about you Xandou? No hugs? No welcome backs for your big sister?"
"How about we start with 'What the hell are you doing here, where have you been and why are you back?"
SW only chuckled at her brother's impatient antics. "That's the little brother I know."
"Like I said, cut the crap." said Xandou. "Why are you literally possessing innocent people to commit crimes?"
"I had to get your attention somehow." said Sagi-Weilan. "And what's this talk coming out of your trap? What happened to you?"
"Life happened." said Xandou. "Life you never bothered to check up on until now."
"Ok! Ok!" Xhiva said, getting in between his quarrelling siblings. "What we're both trying to say Sis, is that a lot has happened to us in the past 6 years. It's great that you're back, but we don't know if we can trust you considering you ran away. Why did you run away?"
Sagi-Weilan looked down in sadness. Could I bear to tell them? She thought. Maybe, no. They've been through enough as it is.
"Mother and I got into a big argument after my last assignment, didn't go so good." She said. "She hit me then I ran. I wanted to start over, away from our parents. Where is Father by the way?"
"He's...incognito." said Xandou.
"Listen." said SW. "I know I've been MIA and you have every right to be mad at me and not trust me at all. But all I'm asking for, all I want now, is to be reunited with my baby brothers. It's huge, considering I haven't been there for you guys, but that's what I want now. A chance to redeem myself. Please."
The twins turned to each other, and started speaking in the head in Hindi, using the psychic link between twins.
tum kya sochate ho? (What do you think?) Xhiva asked.
aap smaart ek rahe hain. (You're the smart one.) Xandou replied. aap shot kahate hain. (You call the shots.)
Xhiva bit on his lip. vah ek aparaadhee ho sakata hai, lekin vah hamaaree bahan hai. (She may be a criminal, but she's our sister.) He looked at her for a second. main kahana hai ki ham use ek mauka de. (I say we give her a chance.)
Xandou shot his sister a scornful look. Theek. (Fine.) He said. As Xhiva started to walk towards her, he grabbed his arm and sent a psychic message, Any funny business from her, and we're shipping her back to China, or wherever it was she really has been.
Xhiva walked towards her and said to her in Chinese, "Wǒmen xiāngxìn nǐ." (We trust you.) SW smiled before Xhiva stopped her. "Mùqián." (For now.)
Whilst that happened, in the seas near Mako Island, an Alma Mater lesson was in session. The small mermaids with the mermen were all practicing their teamwork in controlling and manipulating water balls into steam, and turning it back.
"That's better guys, take a break." said Ondina, who was teaching the class. "And ladies, I don't wanna hear about discomfort just because you're being forced to work with boys, not my problem."
As the little hatchlings went under the water to commence their rest period, Ondina dragged her hand across her face. "Kids."
"Come on they're not that bad." Zoe's voice rang out.
"You try dealing with 5 mermaids and 5 mermen a day for a job." said Ondina.
"You do realize you're talking to a princess who has to help build a forming clan with her aunt." Zoe gestured to her black diamond bra and silver jewelry.
"Point taken." said Ondina to her best friend.
"I hear from my surrogate sister that you're doing well for your classes." said Zoe. "Thalie is quite impressed."
"She saw me?" Ondina asked. "How come she never told me she was here?"
"She didn't want to interrupt you nor put pressure on you or your class." said Zoe.
"Now that you're also on break," said Zoe. "Let's take a walk."
When the girls got their legs, they took a walk in the woods. Luckily, Zoe frequently visited land on the weekends so she was wearing clothes whenever she wanted to go on land. Luckily, the Tirakens had so much influence, that they sold the house a few months after Jacob left and moved all of the stuff in the house to the place where the Blade Boys lived, that was now a safe haven, where Zac spent his weekends, with his cousin and friends.
"So, how are things?" Ondina said.
"I don't know." said Zoe. "Raiden's driving me nuts a little, my aunt is fine, and I haven't heard from my dad."
"Well it's Raiden." said Ondina laughing. "He's gonna drive everyone nuts. I guess your dad is just giving you the space to be a princess. But otherwise, got a crush yet?"
"I almost have no time for socializing." said Zoe. "Besides, I don't think that there's a boy out there for me."
"Oh don't say that." said Ondina. "I'm sure there's someone for you."
"Like you and Erik?" Zoe asked, making the blonde curly haired mermaid stop.
"Zoe, it was one date." She said.
"One date out of three which we arranged?" Zoe asked.
And the third date being the one where things got out of control. Ondina thought. Gods, I couldn't sit for a week.
"Uh." She said, brushing her hand on her frizzy hair. "About that, I don't think I should be doing this anymore. Seeing Erik, behind the law's back. Even he was unsure when we started seeing each other on the full moon."
"Ondina I will support you and my cousin on whatever you two do." said Zoe. "But you guys are best friends for life! Yet, you may even be soulmates!"
"Oh stop." said Ondina, bushing. "We're not that special."
"Well if you say so." said Zoe. "But, maybe you should see him tonight. While everyone is distracted. For one last time."
"I guess." said Ondina.
"Wait." said Zoe stopping her when they were about to go in the water. "When you told me your tail was sore some days ago, you and Erik….didn't….do it did you?"
"What?" Ondina asked. "Did what?"
Zoe gave her a blank look. "You didn't have sex with him did you?"
"What?" Ondina asked, clearly outraged. "Of course not! How could you think I did such a thing? He's 19 years old!"
"Ok! Ok!" Zoe exclaimed. "I didn't mean it like that! I'm just saying that these kinds of dates shouldn't be taken for granted."
"We just talk ok?" Ondina asked. "It's not like we kissed or anything."
"Then what did you do on that last date?" Zoe asked.
"We had a picnic in the woods by the creek." said Ondina. "We had some chit chat, then we went home. I woke up the next morning with my tail sore because I was sleeping the wrong way. It happens."
"Me desculpa, Onda." (I'm sorry, Ondina.) said the tanned brunette girl in Portuguese, hugging her friend. "Só quero cuidar de você. Quero dizer, vamos, você me levou e cuidou de mim, então eu tenho que devolver o favor de alguma forma." (I just wanna look out for you. I mean, come on, you took me in and took care of me, so I have to return the favor somehow.)
Ondina merely laughed. "Obrigada."
"I have to go." said Zoe. "You should too, your students will probably be waiting for you."
Ondina and Zoe ran to the beach and dived in, to continue their daily activities. As Ondina continued to teach her pupils, she pushed down the feeling of guilt of lying to Zoe, but it was only one time right? What were the odds of any consequences? But little did Ondina know, that soon, she would regret her carelessness.
The Tiraken Trio came up to Home Base-where the Blade Boys and Erik used to live. Now it was just the Tirakens and Diablo. Phoebus, Ondina's father, had offered to take the rest in, but the boys were stubborn and mature enough to live on their own with their human butler, Alfred Nicklespend. It was a quiet two story house that was on the far shore on a hill and was near the town. It was about a 10 minute drive to the Gold Coast.
"So." Xhiva gestured to his sister, saying, "Welcome to Home Base."
"Nice place." Sagi-Weilan commented.
"You ain't seen nothing yet." said Xhiva, opening the house and opening the basement door to reveal watery light coming from the underground pool.
"Cool!" She said, walking down, with Xandou eyeing her carefully as they went down.
Down in the underground pool, built and paid for by the Tirakens, was also a secret entrance that could be opened with a passcode on the outside. The ceiling was dark but the pool had built in lights so people could see. On the left side, were 5 shelves, each in different colors and different plaques for names. Diablo's shelf was filled with orange towels, Xandou's towels were yellow, Xhiva's were green, Raiden's were of course, purple and Erik's were aqua blue.
On the right corner, was a table with files, maps, and some SCUBA gear.
"This place, is amazing!" Sagi-Weilan exclaimed.
"Miss Tiraken." a posh British voice spoke out. "It is good to see you again."
"Nicklespend?" Sagi-Weilan asked. "It's good to see you!"
"I see the young masters have found their family relative." said Nickleworth. He was a middle aged man with a balding head. He was dressed in his usual tux.
"I see you haven't changed." said Sagi-Weilan. "Where's Father?"
"Lord Agni has gone MIA." said Nickleworth.
"You were telling the truth." Sagi-Weilan said.
"Not surprised you didn't believe us." said Xandou. "Takes one to know one right?"
Suddenly, a figure burst from the water. Two figures actually. They were teenagers, one was wearing the traditional gold armor of a prince with the small amethysts emphasizing the prince's importance, and the other was bare chested, his messy hair damp over his face.
"Guys." said Diablo. "Anyone seen Cam?"
"Nope." said Xandou. "Haven't seen him since the cafe this morning."
"And who's the chick?" Raiden asked.
"If I was straight, I'd consider these guys hot." Sagi-Weilan whispered. "Especially the one with the orange eyes."
Xhiva pursed his lips. "Guys, meet my sister."
"I'd shake your hand but I'm afraid I'll get wet." She said.
"So air shake?" Diablo asked, prompting laughter from the twenty two year old woman.
"You're funny." She said. "I like you."
"Aw you're making me blush." said the type Alpha merman.
"Nice try." She said. "But I don't swing for your team." She looked around and said, frowning, "Where's the fifth?" The other boys looked fluxed at this. "Where's the fifth merman, Erik, was the name on the shelf?"
"Moved on and so will I." said Xandou, stepping to the ledge of the pool. "I'm going to the moon pool."
"The moon pool?." said Sagi-Weilan curiously. "God I'd give a limb to see it."
"Oh I don't think so." said Xandou before using his powers to steam his friend's tails (Raiden and Diablo could not do this) as they were trying to use their towels, and then jumping in the water.
"Was it something I said?" Sagi-Weilan asked innocently.
Meanwhile, in the Blakely house, Rita was talking with Blair/Thalie's foster parents, Rob and Lauren Blakely who were also Zac's foster parents. They were having lunch outside, this time without any "guests".
"It's glad to hear that your medical practice is perfusing well Rob." said Rita, sipping her tea. "And Lauren, are you sure you don't want to become an art teacher at Suncoast High? It would give some students like your son and daughter some incentive. Mostly Zac."
Lauren merely laughed. "No thank you. It's a great offer but I'm fine with managing the art gallery in the museum."
"Lauren?" Rob asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"It's just, Thalassa." said Lauren. "Or Blair. I miss her so much. I know she comes back for visits and sleepovers here, and I know she still loves us, but I can't help but think that she's more happier with a new family. I love her and I'm proud of what you've done for her in the span of almost two years but...I just miss her."
"I miss her too." said Rob. "But this is what we do as parents. We let our children grow and then we let them spread her wings. Maybe she spread them too soon, who knows?"
Rita sighed. "I can't have any more kids. There were issues a few years back, some surgery and that's that. I really wanted a daughter and it took becoming a teacher then a principal at a school to realize all the stuff that I was missing out on. I kept to myself so I never went out much. I wanted my little girl back but when I finally found her, she was a teenager, and had a family, she didn't need me. Then she came, talked to me then we brought you in. She wanted to live with you but she was lost and wanted to find out more about herself so she came."
Lauren frowned. "Are you saying you're a better mother?"
"Of course not." said Rita. "But I am the one who gave birth to her and raised for the first four years of her life, so I still hold legal rights."
"You are unbelievable!" Lauren exclaimed. "I was the one who took her in! She was living in a rundown orphanage in Queens with no family! The only thing she had was her name! And then you came along and brainwashed her!"
"I did no such thing!" Rita exclaimed. "She came to me!"
"Do you think you can tell me who I am or what's best for the girl I raised?" said Lauren. "The girl who cried in my arms when she had nightmares, the girl who I gave those years of dance lessons for, and the girl who let her best friends become something like sisters?"
"Ladies!" Rob exclaimed. "Let's just stop! We're all good parents of this amazing young woman, but we can't all fight! Not today!"
"I think it's best if I went home." said Rita.
"I couldn't agree more." said Rita. When she moved close to Lauren she whispered in her ear, "Even with Zac, you can pretend all you want, but a mother is something you are never going to be."
Meanwhile Thalie swam around, visiting all the islands, one right after another. She wanted to see how the merpeople were doing, since she had been slammed with schoolwork and finding out the criminal who was possessing people. Sure, it had been a shock to her, finding out that she was her friends' sister but this also meant she was on a very thin line between what she thought should be right and what is right. Part of her wanted to leave the boys to talk to their sister and maybe bring her in, and the protective mermaid part of her wanted to find this girl and talk to her personally since innocent people were framed because of her. It would have been hard not to follow her curiosity, but she learned a long time ago that curiosity killed the cat and if Xandou or Xhiva needed backup dealing with their sister, she and the others would always be there, waiting to help.
Walking on the shores of the South Island, the island for Agriculture and Mining, also known as Amity Island where the people in there, because of the manual labor in their jobs, very kind and respectable. Some were tough but they had good souls, Thalie walked into the forest, walking into the fields and saw a tall boy in cargo shorts and a green tshrit, working on foraging some crops in the wheat field. He was a lanky boy with flaming red hair, freckles splattered on his face, and dark hazel eyes. Thalie had heard a bit about this boy from Erik's Ares Tribe days.
"Hey!" Thalie shouted, running towards him. "You're Tanner, right?"
"Hi. Yeah, I am good lady." said the Canadian merman, smiling, getting up from his work. He seemed very laid back in the way he stood "Wait, you're an Omega?" He pointed to the blue streaks in her dark red hair.
"Uh, yeah." said Thalie absentminditly stroking her hair. "Water."
"Wait, you're that Water Omega?" Tanner asked, dropping his scythe. "Oh. My. Oceans. You're that half blood some people talk about!" He laughed gleefully, shaking her hand. "I gotta tell you, I thought you'd be taller." He gestured her body.
Thalie laughed. "That's a new one. My shortness."
Tanner laughed. "I always see the points. It's one of my many talents."
"I also hear from my step-cousin that another one of those many talents is saying hi to everyone who goes by." said the Australian-American. "I'm looking for Xandou Tiraken, a certain speedster. He's about yay big, pale skin, green eyes, has a mowhawk and-"
"And usually never smiles and has a scowl instead?" Tanner finished.
"I was gonna say always is running, but that works too." said Thalie. "Can you tell me where he is?"
"I don't know where he is." said Tanner. "I only saw where he went." He pointed northeast from where Thalie was. "He walked through here that-a-way. Looked like he was heading for Guardia Island. You should start there."
"Thanks Tanner!" Thalie said happily. "I owe you one!"
"No problem!" Tanner shouted. "Oh wait!" Thalie stopped and turned around. "When you get to Guardia, swim to the Rest Area, that's on the right side and don't get involved in anything you see. It's still a pretty tight spot for mermaids and mermen getting along. The Rest Area is the most neutral area so far."
"Right!" Thalie shouted back. "Rest Area. I'll remember!" She ran off into the water, dived in and swam to Guardia Island, the West Island of Military and Medicine.
Careful to dodge and swimming past all the "wild fields", the silver tailed mermaid was having a bit of trouble finding the Rest Area.
She tried approaching a few mermen but all were too busy. She also had no luck with some mermaids either.
Excuse me. Thalie spoke through the water mind link with a mermaid. Can you help me find somewhere called Rest Area.
Oh yes I can dear. Said the mermaid. You go down that way, make a left, it's a big circle of rocks with the waterfall, you can't miss it.
Thanks! Thalie exclaimed.
She followed the mermaid's directions and soon enough found the waterfall lagoon. There, some merpeople were chatting, eating lunch, and some were studying.
Thalie looked around and soon enough, spotted the only person she knew with their head shaven to a mohawk.
She swam over to him and said, "Hey Xan."
He spun around, instinctively throwing a punch only for Thalie to block it.
"First of all, don't scare me like that." said Xandou. "Second, I see you've been practicing."
"Your girlfriend's taught us well." said Thalie. "Oh and I figured if I tap you, I would get the same reaction so either way, I kind of knew what was coming."
Xandou smirked. "So what brings you here?"
"I just came to tell you." said Thalie. "Rose found a leaked pipe in the Sanctum. Kimi needs an engineer to fix it so it doesn't contaminate any of the water coming in, let alone infecting us with some sewage poisoning."
"What goes on in there when I'm not in that lair?" Xandou asked.
"A lot of stuff happens with you around." said Thalie rolling her eyes.
"I do what I do." said Xandou. "Speaking of which, I thought you'd be in the city, or in the reef, doing it with Raiden."
"Doing what?" Thalie asked innocently.
"Oh my…" Xandou muttered in his usual impatient tone, bringing his hand across his face. "You know what I mean! Having sex of course!"
Thalie's face turned almost as red as her hair. "No, no way! We're nowhere near that part, and I don't plan on being getting there for a long time. We're just going steady and that's none of your business!"
Xandou chuckled. "Chillax water girl, I'm just screwing with you. Not like my sister." He added the last part darkly.
Thalie swam over around the rock where Xandou was resting his arms on. "Not to barge in on your business, but how is your sister?"
"Trying to pretend that the last 6 years didn't happen." said Xandou. "From the time she apparently ran away, all we get is a letter? She could have at least looked us in the eye when she said, 'Dear little brothers, I'm sorry but I have to leave. This house, this family, it's full of too many lies. Even my birth is a lie.' I was 11 years old when she left. She's never said why, always avoiding the question."
"Maybe because she's not that ready to adjust to seeing you two?" Thalie asked. "She may be the person responsible for those possesed people but she sounds like she's lost and needs help. Seems to me that you're just pushing her away."
"Of course I'm pushing her away." said Xandou. "I push everyone away."
"Xandou." said Thalie. "I know what you're feeling. You want answers but you're just too scared to pursue them."
"Scared?" Xandou laughed. "I'm not scared. I don't know, I just don't wanna think of my sister as a criminal we need to put down or worse some skanky girl."
"Well now that your sister is back." said Thalie. "It sounds like she's trying to slowly adjust back into your lives. I don't agree with her methods, but at the very least she's ready to be your sister again after she's had time to clear her head. Is it possible that you're just afraid of your memory being ruined?"
Xandou sighed, pursing his lips. "I don't know."
"I can see you need time to think." said Thalie. "But Xandou, we're your friends. Whatever you and your brother do regarding your sister, we will support you."
With that, Thalie swam off, leaving the teenage merman speedster alone at Guardia Island, vulnerable to his thoughts.
At the cafe, Cam Mitchell, Zac Blakely and Diablo Nagual were all discussing what to plan for Thalie's party.
"What about a party at the aquarium?" Cam asked.
"And risk people seeing us?" Zac asked.
"Good point." Cam said.
"We're thinking too small." said Diablo.
"Got any ideas Oh Great Party Lord Supreme?" Cam asked sarcastically.
"Ignoring that comment." said the South American teenager. "For my birthday, I would like a big Halloween spooky bash so I can bring out the wolf or a jungle themed party so I can feel right at home."
"I don't think she'll be suss to find a barnyard mess at her party." said Cam.
"Hey!" Diablo exclaimed. "That's a stereotype!"
"Ok! Ok." Zac said.
"All I'm saying is that we should find something she can relate to." said Diablo. "Something that makes her feel at home."
"Wait." Zac said. "Diablo, you're a genius!"
"He is?" Cam asked. Diablo, known for his teenage tendencies to be a bit of a goofball, and not known for his intellect, which was something he rarely used.
"Yeah." said Zac. "He said he wanted to have something that reminds him of home, so we should have it not at Rita's but at my place, where Thalie used to live when she was Blair. And Diablo said if it were his party, he would want to feel comfortable in someplace like the jungle. So we should make the theme of where she came from, America."
"Wow." said Cam. "Zac you continue to surprise me, but Diablo you surprise me the most, considering you apparently do have a brain."
Diablo's eyes turned bright amber orange in annoyance. "Dude! I totally have a brain! I just don't use it much."
In the reef of the Eastern Australian Current, several meters from Mako Island, two bubbling figures raced in the waters. Looking by his side, Xhiva smiled slightly at his sister who smiled back.
They stopped for a bit as they surfaced.
"You've gotten stronger." said Sagi-Weilan. "And to think, you used to be such a scrawny little guy."
"Oh come on!" Xhiva said, blushing. "I was not that scrawny."
"Bullshit." said Sagi-Weilan. "Puberty slapped you hard Xhi. I mean, with those adorable dimples, that shaggy hair, those lean muscles and that tall figure, surely you must have a girlfriend."
"You bet your ass he does." said a strong British voice. They both turned to see a beautiful teenage dark skinned mermaid with red streaks in her hair, gold eyes, and a suspicious glare in her gaze. "And she's better than you. Xhiva, how could you do this? Kimi is gonna kill you after I do." She cracked her knuckles.
"Ah we have a protector." said SW.
"Oh no." said Xhiva. "I would never cheat on my girlfriend!"
"Then how come you're alone with a woman?" Helen asked.
"You misunderstand." said Xhiva, putting his hands on her shoulders, calming her down. "Helen, meet my sister, Sagi-Weilan."
Helen spluttered. "You-your sister?! You and Xandou never told me you had a sister!"
"Clearly we're getting off the wrong foot." said Sagi-Weilan. "Xhiva, you also told me you never had a girlfriend!
"You know what?" Helen asked shaking the Chinese woman's hand. "Let's start over. Hi, I'm Helen. Helen Carter, I know your brother, Xandou."
"Why?" SW said, shaking the Fire Omega's hand. "You his girlfriend too?"
"Ding ding!" Helen said. "Right o!"
"Yes!" SW exclaimed hugging Xhiva. "My little merbrothers are now mermen!"
"SW!" Xhiva groaned.
"So you're their sister?" Helen asked, smiling. "How old are you?"
"22." replied the elder TIraken.
"What brings you by?" Helen asked.
"My brothers." said Sagi-Weilan.
"Oh wait, wait." said Helen straightening up. "You're that bitch who was literally possessing people to pull of amateur crimes!"
"How else was I supposed get your attention?" SW shrugged innocently.
"You could have just called." said Helen. "Instead of framing innocent people?"
"She's fiesty." said Sagi-Weilan. "It's kind of hot."
"Why did you try to get caught?" Xhiva asked.
"It's in your little Sirens Creed code." said Sagi-Weilan, earning shocked faces from everyone around her.
"Unbelievable." said Xandou who popped out of nowhere.
"Oh Jesus!" Helen exclaimed, her hair aflame for a bit.
"You really need to find some way to appear without raising my blood pressure!" Xhiva exclaimed.
"Hey Xan." Helen swam over to her boyfriend and they kissed.
"How do you know who we are?" Xandou demanded his sister.
"Not the fiesty chick." She said. "Just you two. First it was the colors of your suits, which I know are your favorites and then it was your names. I mean, if you're gonna have a secret identity, don't use something that references your powers. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul."
"What were we supposed to call ourselves?" Xandou asked.
"I don't know." said SW. "Something that doesn't scream what exactly describes you. Not smart to the people you know. Besides, it takes one to know one right?"
"You're not a hero." said Xandou. "You're a Tiraken."
"So are you." SW countered.
"Except I've woken up and seen through the lies we were raised in." Xandou said.
Sagi-Weilan's eyes filled to their complete black. "You don't know the first thing about what it's like to live a lie."
"OK ENOUGH!" Xhiva yelled, his eyes glowing red. "Now, how about we start over and maybe try to calm down?"
"Maybe we can go somewhere else." said Helen.
"That's it!" Xhiva exclaimed excited. "The party we're throwing tonight! You could come!"
"She hardly knows Thalie!" Xandou exclaimed. "She can't just show up!"
Helen cringed. "I'm gonna have to agree with this one. Sagi-Weilan, you don't seem so bad, but my besties come first and my instincts are not so sure about you being around them just yet."
"First of all, I understand completely" said Sagi-Weilan. "To be honest, I don't wanna make anyone uncomfortable. I can wait. Second, call me SW because my name is starting to become a mouthful, like in Shanghai."
"Oh like we've waited and you never came back?" Xandou countered. "And is that where you've been? Shanghai?"
"Ok Xandou." Helen said, grabbing the merman's arm. "Let's go."
The couple swam for some miles before they surfaced and the minute they did, CRACK! Helen had slapped Xandou in the face.
"What the hell was that for?" Xandou exclaimed, rubbing the redness of his cheek.
"What the hell is your problem?" Helen asked, seething in rage. "Why are you acting like a grade A D-bag to her? She's your sister! Who you probably haven't seen in forever!"
"And that's the problem." said Xandou. "She comes back, expecting everyone to sing Kumbaya because she's back. And I don't buy her act."
"Look I don't trust her either but at least I'm willing to give her a chance." said Helen. "Why can't you do the same for her?"
"Because I know for a fact, that she's hiding something." said Xandou. "Mark my words, SW Tiraken, always lies."
"And you have the right to assume that because?" Helen trailed off.
"It's what she does best." said Xandou. "Her name means 'Deceiving Flower' for a reason!"
"Just because it's in her name and in the past doesn't mean you can just shun her!" Helen said. "After all, all she wants is to be reunited with her only sane family members. The least you can do is follow Xhiva's example and spend at least 10 minutes with her."
"But Helen.."
"I'm serious!" She exclaimed. "Grow up, open your eyes past your pride and give her at least one chance!" She leaned in and kissed him on the lips, which he returned. "Like I did with you. Remember, you were a bad guy then you realized that family comes first. Take that in heart."
Xandou groaned. "Alright, alright. But if I see any funny business from her, I'm running her back to Shanghai."
"Fair enough." said Helen.
"And when did you get so smart?" Xandou asked, blushing a little, being proud of his girlfriend.
"Well I see myself in you." said Helen, smiling. "And I try to make the most of it."
"Well I see myself in you." said Xandou, wiggling his eyebrows. "And really inside you."
Helen pushed her boyfriend back. "You dog!" She laughed and then ran into the water with Xandou yelling,
"I'm just kidding!"
Meanwhile, Zac, Evie, Cam and Carly were in the room that was once Blair's when she used to live with the Blakeley's. A lot of the furniture had been sold or moved to the Santos Household, but the blue wallpaper stayed on and the family had no idea what to do with the room. It had been considered being used as a storage, it had been considered as a guest bedroom, but it seemed like with every plan that came along, it just went to waste.
"Should we put up the Statue of Liberty here?" Zac asked his friends, gesturing to the window.
"I don't know." said Evie. "I wish David could be here."
"He's managing the cafe." said Carly grimly. "Joe's got him grilled today."
"I hate that guy." said Cam, putting up some USA tourist merchandise.
"Don't we all?" Evie asked sarcastically.
"It's weird to see this decorated with city stuff you know?" Zac asked.
"How do you mean?" Carly asked.
"You know, soon as we brought her back from New York, this whole room became enveloped with UFO's, aliens, and all that outer space crap." said Zac.
"Oh yeah!" Evie exclaimed. "Then you yourself Zac, got in an alien phase. It was kind of, oh what's the word? Adorkable!"
"Actually that would be my fault." Cam said, rubbing his neck.
"What do you mean?" Zac asked.
The blonde human laughed sheepishly. "When you first brought Blair back, I may have told her 'Who knows? You might be from Krypton... as a joke."
The girls gaped at him while Zac face palmed. "Cameron Mitchell." Zac said. "Do you mean to tell me that you told a 6 year old, gullible, naive adopted child that she might be an alien, because you thought it was funny?"
"Was that wrong?" Cam asked.
This time, the girls did actually groan.
"You're kidding." Carly said while trying to restrain her eyes from changing out of irritation. "Right?"
"I didn't think she was gonna take it seriously." said Cam.
"It's no wonder then she and then Zac wouldn't shut up about aliens for weeks!" said Carly.
"Cam, you are such a lovable dumbass." said Evie, rolling her green eyes, tapping her left metal prosthetic foot impatiently.
Cam looked around, his face red as a tomato. "What?"
Zac sighed, placing his arm on his best friend's shoulder. "You have a lot to learn, my friend."
Meanwhile, after a brief adjustment period, Xhiva, with Sagi-Weilan walked down the Ocean Cafe boardwalk, with the Chinese mermaid wearing a red dress with white polka dots and Xhiva wearing a green button up shirt with his sleeves rolled up, black pants and sneakers.
"I'm sorry about that." said Xhiva. "You know Xandou, he can be impatient."
"He's a speedster." said SW. "Of course he's gonna be impatient. And it's ok. To be honest, I wasn't expecting everyone to trust me. I mean who's gonna trust a Tiraken?"
Xhiva frowned. "A fair couple mind you."
"Pirārttaṉaikkāka colla." (And do pray tell.) SW said in Tamil. "Nīṅkaḷ eppaṭi cariyāka maṟṟum Xandou intaḷavukku piracitti peṟṟatu?" (How exactly did you and Xandou become so popular?)
Xhiva smirked a little. "Atu vali oru pakka oru nīṇṭa, nīṇṭa katai." (It's a long, long story with a side of painful.)
"Say, you did mention it was someone's birthday today." said SW, switching back to English. "Whose is it?"
"It's a friend of ours." said Xhiva. "Thalie."
"I hope she has a fantastic birthday." said SW. "From what I hear, she sounds really nice."
"Oh she is." said Xhiva in admiration. "She's confident, strong, funny, brave, pretty, and kind. But don't let that fool you. She can really kick ass."
"Sounds like a great big sister." said SW.
The brown skinned teenager laughed. "She is. The most unique part of her? She's a half blood."
"Your friend is a half blood?" SW asked in wonder with Xhiva smiling. "This I have to see."
She went inside the cafe to find said mermaid/human hybrid with some of her best friends, Rose and Kimi.
"Everyone." said Xhiva. "Meet Sagi-Weilan, my sister. SW, this is Rose Gomez." He pointed to the blonde Latina. "Kimi Hamasaki." He pointed to the Japanese girl. "And Thalie." The red haired girl waved.
Sagi-Weilan eyed them carefully and sat down. "So, you're the half blood." She said to Thalie. "Huh!"
"What?" Thalie asked.
"Nothing it's just, I thought you'd be older." said SW.
"I'm 16." said Thalie. "I'm not that young."
"You'd be surprised." SW retorted.
"Oh Thank God Joe's gone." said David, coming up to them. "So, you guys ready to order?"
"David, meet Xhiva and Xandou's sister." said Rose.
David turned to the Chinese woman. "Their sister? Oh I'm David, David Sullivan. It's very nice to meet you." They shook hands. "So I'm guessing you're another ummm…" He made a swimming motion with his hands.
SW looked confused. "Is that some kind of secret code?"
"Yeah." said Xhiva. "Sagi-Weilan is a mermaid."
"Is there anybody here who doesn't know about mermaids?" SW asked.
At Mako Island, about an hour after Ondina had dismissed her class, she had gone for a swim. Even though she was enjoying the dusky setting of the ocean with the sea animals to keep her company, she couldn't stop thinking about what she had just done.
With the help of her best friend, she tracked down the 19 year old merman, and called the secret dates off. Erik, understanding completely, almost immediately agreed with her and they parted on awkward terms.
Ondina knew she did the right thing. But why do I feel so bad? She thought. It's not like I like him that much...do I?
Coincidentally, or by fate, Crown Prince in training Erik Consorzio was having similar thoughts. He was surprised that Ondina had blown their secret dating off but he understood. Even if it hurt him. And yet he was still embarrassed of his actions. They had gone too far, because he had given into his damned merman instincts and coaxed Ondina into doing the same. He felt guilty, taking advantage of her like that, using her like that and seeing that she liked it. But he had to give her space. He had done enough. He had to focus on his mission, maintaining balance in his new clan and getting ready for leading his nation.
But he couldn't help but wonder, what would happen to Ondina? Surely nothing could happen right? It was one time right?
Back at the cafe, the girls who were there were just talking.
"So I'm guessing from your accent that you're not from around here?" SW asked.
"I'm from America." said Thalie. "But I've been here since I was very young."
"You were born in America?" SW asked.
"Yeah." Thalie replied. "Flordia. I used to come here when I was a baby, then there was this funny little plane crash." Her voice turned darker at the mention of the plane crash from 12 years prior.
"Oh I'm so sorry." SW said comfortingly.
"Thanks." said Thalie.
"I have to say girls." said SW. "Beautiful hair highlights. Did you get them at a good salon?"
"Nope." said Thalie. "We're Omegas." Rose made an imitation of a trumpet which got the table to laugh at her antics.
"Omegas?" SW asked. "And three of them here! This is a sight to see indeed!"
"Hey guys." said Kimi. "Shouldn't we be going? It's almost time for our sleepover."
"Sorry guys." said Thalie getting up. "It's just.."
"No." said SW. "It's ok. I totally understand, it's your birthday, be free!"
As the girls left Xhiva asked his sister, "Hey sis, can I ask you something?"
SW frowned. "Yes."
"Why do you have black eyes?" He asked, causing his sister to curl her fist. "You didn't before and we don't." He flashed his glowing red eyes at his sister.
"I turned 19." said SW simply as her eyes turned black.
The night had set for Thalie and her friends to arrive at the Blakeley Bungalow. They entered through the front door so they could surprise their friend. But what she found in the house at the door was a slightly terrified Dr. Robert Blakely.
"Girls, I strongly advise not to go in there." He said a little loudly over the arguing heard in the house by two feminine voices. "It's ugly in there."
"What's going on?" Helen asked.
"I'd...rather not say." Rob cringed.
"Verdammit, she's mine!" Rita's voice shouted.
"Are those my moms?" Thalie exclaimed.
Thalie ran inside to find both of her mothers arguing.
"Who do you think you are?" Lauren shouted. "Just get out!"
"Who do you think you are?" Rita said. "To try to get my daughter?"
"She's my daughter!" Lauren shouted.
"She's my baby!" Rita exclaimed.
"ENOUGH!" Thalie exclaimed, the doors opening because of her magic. "Look at you both! This is a day where I wanted both of my families and you're acting like children! When you're ready to act your age, I'll be in my room!"
Thalie ran upstairs to her old room to see that it had been decorated into a replica of New York. It was endearing to her, reminding her of her home and birthplace.
"Thalie?" Evie's voice sounded, entering the room with the rest of the Omega Mermaids. "What's up?"
"My mothers are treating me as if I'm a toy to be fought over!" Thalie exclaimed.
"I'm sure this family crisis will be over." said Evie. "But with your moving out of the house, changing your name, you had to know this was coming."
"And that's why I spent nearly most of the weekends here!" Thalie exclaimed. "To make sure that never happens."
"But what about your secret?" Evie asked.
"Secret?" Lauren's voice sounded, the door opening to reveal a shocked Lauren Blakeley.
"Lauren?" Thalie's voice was shaking.
"You've been keeping secrets?" Lauren asked, her tone full of betrayal.
"Look, it's not what you-"
"I'll be downstairs." said Lauren.
"No!" Thalie exclaimed. "Let me explain!"
SLAM! The door shut closed. Thalie turned around, and her eyes started glowing their deep blue. Whenever an Omega or Delta was mad or using extraneous use of their power, their eyes glowed their respective colors.
"You know, I warned you last year that if you got in anybody's business I would teach you a lesson." said Thalie, her hands starting to turn into water. "AHHH!"
She lunged but Helen, arms and head in flame (But not hand) held her down. "ENOUGH! STOP! Listen, I know from experience that people can get to you but you can't get to them like that. We knew this day was coming, that you were gonna have to tell your foster parents that you're a mermaid. Thanks to somebody, it's sooner."
"Evie what the hell!" Kimi exclaimed. "We weren't gonna tell them until after we died!"
"Well how were you gonna do that?" Evie asked.
"I don't know." said Rose. "Seance, time machine, we hadn't worked out the details!"
Thalie ran down, to find Rob and Lauren, sitting in the sofa, with Lauren drinking a cup of tea.
"Mom, Dad." Thalie said out loud, with a water ball floating in her hand. "I need to tell you something. Or better yet, show you something."
"What in the world?" Rob asked. Lauren just sat there gaping like a fish.
"Thalassa." Rita said, magically taking the ball from her hands. "I think you're doing the right thing. Let's show them together." She duplicated the ball and flicked her spalshing herself and Thalie. 10 seconds later, both were lying on the floor, showing their true forms to the humans and Zac with Cam.
After drying off, the Santos Family sat down.
"How is this even possible?" Lauren asked.
"Why don't we start at the beginning?" Thalie asked.
And so she did, with the help of her mother and her friends who were behind the couch, Thalie started from her birth to the last few months. She was careful to leave out several names in particular to provide protection but she told them most of everything, even telling them her secret identidy as Ocean Girl.
By the time she finished, both of her parents looked contempt. Shocked but contempt.
"So you're half mermaid, half human." said Rob.
"Who is a survivor of so many losses." said Lauren.
"And yet she still fights." said Rob.
"Wait." said Thalie. "You're not mad at me?"
"Oh we're mad." said Lauren. "We're angry, frustrated, worried of course, and yet could not be more proud. Right Rob?"
"Exactly." said Rob. "We've suspected that there was something magical about you. We just didn't know what it was, or we weren't willing to believe."
"We're still in shock." said Lauren. "I mean, it's mermaids! But I guess I was jealous."
"Why?" Thalie asked.
"Because from when you moved out." Lauren replied. "Changing your name and all that jazz, I felt disposed, I felt abandoned."
"Like all of your work had been for nothing?" Thalie asked, with her foster mother nodding. Thalie sighed deeply. "That may be my fault."
"Thalassa, don't start." said Rob but was cut off.
"I admit, I have been spending time with my birth mother." said Thalie. "But that doesn't mean I had forgotten you already. So yes, I moved in with my birth mother to find out more about my heritage, but if there's one thing you both have taught me, is that I will always have a home and that family is what matters most of all."
"Oh." Rob and Lauren hugged their daughter. "So yes, I wanted to find out about more about myself, but the only thing I want in life is a great family. And you guys are the best parents in the whole world. Even you, Rita. As they say, two mothers are better than one. Guys, there is no doubt in my mind that you're the set of parents I was meant to have."
"I'm sure your birth father would be proud." said Rob. "As am I."
"Look at you." said Lauren. "Thalie Santos, the girl who grew up too fast."
"Uh that's Thalie Santos-Blakeley." Thalie smiled.
"Can I join?" Zac's voice sounded.
"Come here big brother." Thalie said. With the Blakeleys hugging with Rita, Lauren turned to Rita and apologized then turned to Helen, Kimi and Rose and said, "Girls, I have one thing to say, in keeping this secret too. Thank you."
"Alright!" Rose exclaimed. "Let's get this party started!"
They took Thalie outside to the backyard to see that it had been decorated entirely in blue, with oceanic themes, a dancefloor installed and a large cake.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone outside yelled. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Everyone included, friends from the cafe, Thalie's Dancing Starlights team/class, most of the junior and sophomore classes, the rest of the Sirens Creed, and a few kids from upper and lower classes.
"Thalassa?" Zac asked. "Are you crying?"
"This is…" Thalie sobbed joyfully. "This is the best thing ever! You guys are the best!"
"Let's start this party!" Diablo yelled, popping a soda bottle like it was champange.
Within hours, life at the Bungalow was buzzing with joyus life. The floors was overused with dancing, lights from floorlights and a disco ball illuminated the night, the air was filled with the sound of music, drinks were drunk, and the cake was plowed through like termites through wood. Friends chatted here and their, certain couples kissed (cough Raiden and Thalassa) and the night couldn't have been better.
The New York getup in Thalie's old room was a treat to remind her of her old home, which of course Thalie loved dearly.
"How did you guys manage this?" Zoe asked, holding a drink.
"There's a closet full of party supplies at the ready." Diablo replied proudly.
"Plus I've got a cake guy on speed dial." Cam admitted. "I can have cake in my mouth in about 15 minutes flat, day or night."
"This is the best party ever." said Thalie, sitting at the jetty with Zac.
"And to think." Zac said, eating some pizza. "All of this started because you stole my ice cream in Central!"
"I beg to differ." said Thalie. "As I remember, it was you who stole my ice cream."
"No, it was you!" said Zac.
"No, you did." Thalie retorted.
The two siblings squabbled as the party continued. Dr. Blakeley pulled Raiden aside and asked, "So you like her?" They looked at the redhaired teenager.
"Totally!" Raiden exclaimed.
"Just so you know, I know how to perform a lobotomy." Dr. Blakeley said darkly.
Raiden chuckled lightly and said, "I don't know what that means but I'm kind of scared of it."
When the party ended, Thalie, being who she was, stayed behind to help clean up.
"You didn't have to clean up at your own birthday party." said Carly.
"It's my Sweet 16." said Thalie, sweeping up. "I help out."
"Thalie Santos." said Helen. "Always trying to save the world."
"Runs in the family." said Thalie, prompting laughter.
"Thalassa?" Lauren pulled her aside. "Are there others like you?"
"Yes." said Thalassa. "But an identity, is a person's most precious treasure. It utilizes them, it makes people who they are, it protects them, and sometimes it's literally what a person's got. But it also put people in danger. Which why I can't tell you who they are. Yes, I told you I'm one of the vigilantees and what I am, along with Kimi, Rose, and Helen, because we trust you and Dad enough to keep our secret. But us four will be the only ones you know about for now. An persona can sometimes be a weapon and can be used against you. But that is because we trust you to guard our secret so we can defend you. Our secret is not to be taken lightly. If word were to get out that we are the Sirens Creed, our enemies will come knocking at your door and it's not just the police."
"But surely we can find a solution." said Lauren.
"It's not that easy Mom." said Thalie, taking her hand and looking at her straight in the eye. "Remember Veridia, and Slade? Those people are just two of many evils out there in the world. People like them, more or less will not exercise restraint because you're a civillian. And they won't hold back because my team consists of children. They will kill you if they get the chance. Do not ever give them that chance."
"Thalassa." said Lauren. "Are you sure you can't just find another way to help the city? What if you get hurt?"
"I will try to make sure the others don't get hurt, but I have no problem risking my own life." said Thalie truthfully. "All I'm asking for you is to be strong. You can start by keeping this secret, by not asking or telling anybody about the supernatural world. By doing that, you Lauren Blakeley are doing the ocean a great deal of gratitude. That's all we ever ask of you, is your silence."
The Australian-American teenager hugged her foster mother, who was in shock at the maturity this teenager had shown. It was like she was talking with a 30 year old person.
"Hey Thalie!" Kimi yelled. "Race you to Mako!"
"You're on!" Thalie yelled.
"Last one's a rotten codfish!" Rose yelled, on the jetty.
"Oh please you're already there!" Helen retorted.
The girls leaped over the jetty into the canal in four graceful leaps. They slapped their tails and raced over to Mako Island.
Lauren followed the girls but stopped at the jetty, looked into the canal and smiled sadly. She said with pride and a few tears spilling,
"You really are The Girl Who Grew Up Too Fast."
RESTORATION
Carly walked home on the streets, hoping to get some sleep when suddenly a voice said, "Sweet Dreams." A sweet smelling scent overcame her and she knew no more.
She woke up to a burning sensation on her arms, and woke up to find herself tied to a post with a strange flower on her arm. She tried breaking free, but it seemed that this flower seemed to burn her. She tried summoning her animalistic strength but it seemed to diminish the minute it tried to surface, even with her shifting.
"Don't bother sweetheart." A voice sounded. Carly looked up to see a man in his 20's with raven hair and blue eyes, examining his claws, lengthened from his fingers. "That right there? That's wolfsbane. Same stuff Clawdeen used to knock you out." He pointed to the brunette were-coyote who smiled with fangs showing.
"Now." said a dark skinned were-panther named Jason Lowell. "We've given you a week and still you haven't turned yourself in or our scout. Did your fellow wereshifter tell you? Diabel? Diavel?"
"It's Diablo." said Carly.
"Oh so you can talk." said Yiva Zeigler, a Russian werewolf. "Good. Because we're gonna make you talk."
Were-dingo, Dimitri Valko stepped out, his body shifted, replicating Carly's except he had white fur for skin, pointed elf ears on his human ones and glowing gold eyes. He growled loudly at her, showing her his large fangs.
"Where is Louis Garou?" He asked dangerously low. "We know you either have him or you've killed him."
Carly Morgan had never been so scared in her life, while she was tied up and at the mercy of a circle of dangerous were-shfiters who knew exactly what they were doing as they growled at her, sharpened their claws and literally bared their fangs.
Alright everybody, that is it for now! Yes, I know, I'm evil for leaving you with this cliffhanger. But there is more to come! When the shocking Teen Pregnancy is finally revealed in the next episode, "Preggers!".
NEXT TIME ON RESTORATION:
The circle of wereshifters is interrogating Carly:
"Where is Louis?" Yiva shouted.
"I DON'T KNOW!" Carly yelled.
The Tauna Pack elders are in a meeting.
"We must find a cure for our Alpha."
Luna Neveah is talking with her daughter, Tabitha.
"Why can't we just go to the mermaids and ask for their queen?" Tabitha asks.
"It's part of the treaty." said Neveah. "She has to come to us."
SW is arguing with Xandou at the cafe.
"Why can't you just trust me?" SW asks, pleading.
"Because you don't deserve it!" Xandou yelled.
A pregnancy test is thrown on the bathroom floor and Ondina can be heard crying.
"How could I have been so stupid? My life is over."