A Wish on a Full Moon
It's here! It's finally here! The moment we've all been waiting for. Oh, gosh, guys. I am so, so, SO sorry that this took so long. It feels like it's been forever since I uploaded. And again, I apologize for that. I really wanted to, I was so eager to be able to work on this one … but, unfortunately, crap happens. :/ It's a long story, one of which I will tell because it pissed me off.
So, it happened back in July, not too long after I had uploaded the last episode. That weekend, I was going on a minivacation with my family and wasn't going to take my computer since we were camping, and alas, no Wi-Fi. So, I started working on it right after the last update as much as I could during that time and was even a few minutes into the episode. So, as I said, left my computer at home. Fast forward to two days later when we return. I got onto my laptop, so excited to work on it again! Then I tried to turn it on … nothing. Try again. Still. Nothing. After a couple of more tries I was finally able to get it to turn on but still couldn't do anything. The only thing it would show was a boot error. I tried everything, going through the computer setup system thing it showed along with running some tests to find out what was wrong with it. I couldn't find anything. I even tried looking up videos on my phone to find out what could help.
After a week of that and nothing working, I decided to finally take it to the shop and get it fixed. Turns out my hard drive was failing. So had to order a new hard drive for it, which took FOREVER to get in ('funny' that it didn't come in the first time, so they had to reorder it again) and get it working again. Just got this back a few weeks ago. Then once I got it back, I had to wait a couple of days just for it to catch up on updates, because apparently since the hard drive was near failing, it hadn't updated for a couple of months.
Finally, after getting it up to date, I was able to start working on it again. Luckily, I save everything on a flash drive and didn't have to start over. Was trying to get this out to you all as quick as I could. It's been a nightmare. And now, it's done. I'm so excited that we've finally got to this point in the story. You have no idea how happy I am right now! And I hope this will make you happy too! Again, I am soooo sorry this took so long … but I hope it was worth the wait. And now, I present to you, H – 2 – O!
I do not own H2O: Just Add Water or any of the characters.
Chapter 59: Dr. Danger (part 1)
[It was a beautiful day at Mako Island, both on and off the island, above and under the surface. But to a certain couple, nothing could compare to the beauty of the sea. Near the reefs of Mako swam Lewis, with his goggles and flippers, watching the fish as he passes by. One fish, in particular, kept a very close eye on him, as she peeks from behind a reef, smiling mischievously at him, unaware that he was being watched. Cleo ducks back behind the reef.]
"What are you two doing?" Elliot asked. "Well, she was playing hide-and-seek. I, on the other hand, was trying to enjoy our date," Lewis explained, giving Cleo an amused look, which she gladly returned. "You two were on a date?" Charlotte asked. "Yeah, it was our one-week anniversary I believe," Lewis nodded, not realizing how quiet she was. "Doesn't look like much," Kim said. "Not every date has to be over-the-top. Some just need to be in a place that's very special to our hearts. Like Mako," Cleo smiled. "All that mattered was that we were together. Cleo got to enjoy her time as a mermaid while showing me her 'world'," Lewis explained. "It was amazing." "I can smell the cheesiness from here," Rikki scrunched up her nose.
Don tried to remember what excuse they came up with so he wouldn't know where their actual date was taking place during that time. He was slightly annoyed that they lied to him but didn't let it bother him too much since Cleo looked so happy.
[Lewis continues to swim and enjoy the many fish that graze by him when out of the corner of his eye, he spots a large orange tail go behind a reef. One guess as to who that could belong to. He goes to chase after her but stops when he feels something grab one of his flippers. He swiftly turns around, only to find his girlfriend smiling at him.]
"Scared you, Lewis?" Zane chuckled. "You never know what's out there at Mako. Mermaids, dolphins, sharks," Lewis said giving him a pointed look.
"How'd you get around there so fast?" Will asked, a bit impressed. "Speed-swimming," Cleo shrugged as if it were obvious. "Oh yeah, forgot," Will said.
"So, what excuse did you guys use for this secret date?" Don asked, his eyebrow raised in suspicion. "I think we said we were going out on the boat," Lewis grinned sheepishly, to which Don scowled. "Technically dad, we did go out on the boat. We just didn't say where," Cleo smiled, but Don didn't let up. "Oh, let it go, Don. As long as they were happy and safe," Bev shook her head. "I guess. At least we now know where they really were. But, please be honest with me next time," Don sighed.
[Lewis goes up for air, and Cleo follows. The two of them break the surface, letting the sea salt air fill their lungs.]
Cleo: "Caught you."
Lewis: goggles still on. "Aha. Did you now?"
"Yes, yes she did," Bella laughed, enjoying the adorable date onscreen. She wished she could have one like that; but sadly, no other ones besides her fellow mermaid friends and Mrs. Chatham knew what she was. For now.
Cleo: looks towards Mako. "Want to go to the moon pool?"
Lewis: "Yeah, sure. I'll just get out and walk around."
"Did you forget about the underwater entrance?" Rikki asked. "No, I remembered, hence why I said 'I' instead of 'we.' But I've never swam in before and I didn't think I could make it since the last time I tried, Emma told me that it was too deep and long of a distance for any average person. But luckily, I was able to with the right equipment this time," Lewis answered.
"You call a pair of goggles and an air tube connected to it the right equipment? What about scuba gear?" Zane scoffed. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Lewis asked. "I dunno, haven't seen it yet," Zane countered. "So how come Emma was able to do it once without anything?" Elliot asked. "Because your sister is a professional swimmer. That and it was a full moon night when she did, so I'm going to partially blame magic," Lewis replied.
Cleo: "I know a shortcut."
Lewis: "No, no, Cleo, wait." He tries to stop her, but it was too late. Cleo had already dived under. Not wanting to be left behind, Lewis quickly takes a gulp of air and dives down.
"In a hurry aren't you, Cleo?" Emma chuckled. "I'm always in a hurry to get to the moonpool. It's my favorite place," Cleo responded. "Ours too," Emma said back, her and Rikki smiling.
[Under the surface, Cleo waits for Lewis to catch up, as she grabs his hand to guide him at a quicker paste to the moonpool. When they reach the entrance of the moonpool, Lewis waits behind to look at the surroundings of it, to memorize, as Cleo continues inside.]
"It's so beautiful. Every time," Bella sighed in awe. She loved their moonpool and theirs might have an underwater entrance unlike hers, but the Irish Sea Caves will always be her favorite. It was hers.
"What's the hold-up? Just go in, it's not going to hurt you," Ash laughed. "I wanted to memorize it, so that way if I were ever out there by myself and got lost or something, I would know where to go," Lewis explained. And thank goodness I did, for if I haven't, Zane and I would've never been able to get them out in time, he thought with a chill running down his back.
[Finally getting a good look at it, Lewis follows Cleo inside the mysterious yet enchanting entrance. A few moments later, Cleo swam up to the ledge of the moonpool, where Lewis sat, damp from their swim. Cleo watches him draw a heart in the sand with his finger. Cleo smiles up at him and he smiles back.]
"Aww," could be heard from many in the room.
Max chuckled at the interaction. The two were so great for each other and were very happy together. He just hopes that happiness lasts for a long, long time.
"That's so cute," Lisa smiled sweetly. Yeah, cute, Charlotte glanced down, avoiding looking at the screen for now.
Denman let out a shaky breath. She was right about this episode then; she had a feeling this would be the one. The one where everything changed, where she came in and destroyed their happy ending. She knew it had to be Lewis that drew in the sand, and her guess was right after she saw the same drawing at the café later on. This proves it even more. But what made her worry more, was that now she knew who the scale she found belonged to. It was Cleo's. She had two samples from the same person. It's surely a coincidence, but the thought still terrified her about what her family was going to think when they find out. But not as bad once everyone finds out what she caused.
"Huh, so they do work," Zane admitted to being wrong, a shock to everyone.
[The smile then forms into a look of mischief as she splashes him with water. Lewis laughs in shock before grabbing her hand. He doesn't let go as she swims away from the edge. She then turns around and swims out into the middle, as Lewis releases her hand and watches her in awe.]
"Since when did you become so mischievous?" Kim scoffed. "Guess it came with the powers," Cleo shrugged, a smug grin on her face. "Trust me, there's a lot more mischief where that came from," Lewis said, giving her a look that showed that he was not amused. How could he, when he was dangled five feet above a swimming pool by a jet of water?
"It's so –," Sam tried to say but was cut off by Bev. "Let me guess, sweet?" "Yep," she said as the two laughed.
[Meanwhile at the Gilbert household, two of the family members are in a joyous mood as they got ready for their upcoming vacation. Lisa and Neil were in the kitchen discussing their plans, with Neil carrying folded towels. However, one family member was still unaware of the plans, as she was busy keeping her secret life under wraps. She follows them into the kitchen to uncover what they were talking about.]
Lisa: to Neil. "I just can't believe how much time's flying already. We've only got three weeks to go." Neil lays the towels down on the other side of the counter.
"What's with all the excitement?" Annette asked, finally speaking up, though she was still holding her daughter. "We were getting ready for our annual family vacation. We normally go on a swimming trip, but erm, we decided to change things up this year," Lisa said with a small smile to her daughter which she gladly returned. They had just recently returned over a month ago from their trip, and while they did enjoy their sandy vacation, it was nice to be back at home by the beachside. "That sounds fantastic," Max smiled. "Yeah, it was. Just one teensy little problem," Emma said pinching her fingers together. "Ooph, yeah you're right," Max winced.
"How much time has flown by at this point?" Ash asked curiously. "About four months," Rikki answered. If her math was right. They already had three full moons and were fixing to be on their fourth soon in the episodes, and the one they were on right now would lead up to the next day of the moon … along with a few other events.
Emma: frowns in confusion. "Till what?"
Neil: smiles in excitement. "Sandy Point Beach Resort, here we come."
"Oh, nice. That's a great place, you'll love it there," Harrison mentioned, trying to keep himself distracted from his thoughts. The last thing he wanted to do was sound nervous in front of everyone. "We always did," Neil grinned.
"The trip was three weeks away and you were already packing for it?!" Bella exclaimed. "Always be prepared. Plus, we still had work, so we didn't have much time in between our schedules. It was better to do it now than at the last second and forget something," Lisa informed.
Lisa: "Your father has managed to pull a few strings, and we have an apartment right by the pool." Emma looks down at the mention of the trip.
"It might sound good for you guys, but something tells me it doesn't for her," Sam pointed out, noticing the look Emma had. "Are you kidding? I was terrified. I used to love going on those trips and swimming with my family. But I couldn't exactly do that anymore with a tail popping up in front of everyone," Emma explained with a sigh. Hmm, maybe for our next trip we could book a private beach, so that way we could have a place to ourselves without anyone interfering. Then we could finally swim as a family again, Lisa thought. And from the look Neil was giving her, he was thinking the same thing.
Neil: "Just open the doors. It's just like going for a swim in your lounge room." Lisa clasps her hands together, her smile widening.
"Woah, that is close," Max whistled. "It was the closest apartment to the pool," Neil said.
"How'd you manage to pull that off?" Terry asked. "An old buddy of mine owned it and rents it out to others. With it being so close to the pool it's usually booked up and very hard to reserve. But luckily it was free that week," Neil explained.
Emma: serious, sad face. "I'm not going."
Lisa: "What?"
Neil: and Lisa's faces drop. "Sorry?"
"Wasn't expecting that huh?" Lewis snorted. "The absolute last. We thought it was because of the swim team or something, but we thought she would still join us in swimming with the family. This changed everything," Lisa admitted.
Emma: shakes her head. "I'm not going. I can't." Walks toward the stairs.
"At least now we know why," Neil sighed. "It did come out of nowhere," Elliot said, glancing down and trying to hide his frown. He was still upset that they didn't get to go on their annual trip, but he understood why now. It was too dangerous for Emma. Maybe next time they could go somewhere where it's safer for her.
Neil: "But it's all been arranged!"
Lisa: holds a finger up to him. "I'll handle this." Neil looks at Emma's retreating figure in disbelief as she begins to make her way up the stairs.
Emma glanced down, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. She hated it so much that she had to disappoint her dad like that. He was looking forward to that trip, worked so hard for it, and she ruined it with just three words. She felt awful for making her family upset, but she didn't have a choice back then. But she does now, and she wasn't going to hurt them ever again.
Lisa: calls out to her before she could go all the way up. "Emma. You always look forward to this holiday. And so does Elliot." Emma glances upstairs to Elliot's room. "He's been counting the days already."
Emma: nods, quiet. "Yeah, I know."
"If you always looked forward to that trip, then how did you not remember it?" Ash asked. "Because I was too busy planning the dance. I didn't have time to talk to them about the trip and it slipped my mind," Emma explained.
"I had a calendar I was marking off, every day until the trip," Elliot shrugged, his smile not reaching his eyes as he's reminded of the argument, he had with Emma due to the trip. "Elliot, I'm the one that gave you that calendar, of course, I knew," Emma laughed. "You gave a child a calendar? You monster," Rikki jokingly gasped in horror; Emma rolled her eyes.
Lisa: holds up a trophy that just so happens to be sitting on a nearby table. "And what about the water polo tournament that we win every year as a family?"
"Every year?" Will asked in shock. "Yup. With mom and Emma on our team, nothing could stop us," Elliot beamed with pride. I think Sophie would beg to differ, Will grinned. Me and her were always an amazing team together when we were younger. All that began to change when she discovered how much money she could make from winning. "Thanks, El. But unfortunately, those days are over," Emma said as she ruffled his hair.
"Couldn't you compete without her? She could still cheer you on," Ash suggested. "Unfortunately for the family tournaments, four family members are required per team. We would've been short one," Neil sighed.
"But couldn't you still have gone without going in the water? You could still relax by the poolside and read a book or something," Zane said. "It was still too much of a risk. I couldn't go out in the open like that, next to a full body of water that could be splashed at me any second. It was too dangerous," Emma said. Though that wasn't the real danger we had to worry about.
Lisa: nods in realization and puts the trophy down. "Ah. I see what's going on."
Emma: furrows her brows, and her heartbeat hastens. "You do?"
"You do?" most of the crowd asked. "She doesn't," Emma chuckled. "How could I when I couldn't see the signs," Lisa laughed. "We did our best to hide them," Rikki grinned. "You thought she did for a minute though, didn't you?" Cleo laughed. "Don't act like you haven't had a moment like that before. I bet you would've reacted the same way," Emma shot back. Cleo went to open her mouth, but closed it back, knowing she was right. She had a similar reaction the morning after their last full moon when they all were moon-spelled and almost killed Lewis. Something that she will never forget, no matter how much she wished she did.
Lisa: nods. "Yeah. You're getting older." Neil looks back over to them, still at the counter. "It's a bit uncool to go on holidays with your family, yeah?"
"Oh please, no one thinks that. Who wouldn't want to get away from their town, even if it's with their family? There's nothing wrong with that," Kim scoffed. "That's something I never thought I'd hear from you," Cleo joked.
Emma: shakes her head, still refusing to tell her the truth. "No. Mom, that's not it. I want to go."
"I would've loved to if I didn't have a little problem," Emma sighed.
"You could've gone with what she said, it would've made this whole conversation so much easier," Rikki told her. "What would've made that whole conversation easier was telling her the truth. I couldn't lie to her, it's our motto to never keep secrets. But I couldn't tell her the truth either," Emma pouted.
"This is getting complicated," Max frowned, a little worried for her. "You can say that again," Emma nodded.
Lisa: raises an eyebrow. "But? You can tell me."
"That's the thing … I couldn't," Emma said sadly.
Emma: shakes her head. Answers back immediately. "I can't. I'm not going, ok? So just leave it at that." Emma marches back up the stairs. Neil throws his hands up in defeat.
"That was tough. You know they're going to want answers later though, right?" Ash asked her. "I know, and they tried. They can be stubborn like that sometimes. But luckily so can I. I wasn't giving up that easy," Emma admitted.
[After finally drying off and returning to her human form, Cleo sets up a picnic on the beach of Mako. She prepares the food, getting everything ready, as Lewis walks out of the water. He throws his flippers into his boat, which was lying on the shore, and walks up to the picnic blanket where Cleo sat.]
"A picnic on an island? That's so romantic," Bella sighed dreamily.
"I think I know what we're doing for our anniversary," Neil smiled at Lisa. "Stealing ideas, darling?" Lisa chuckled, eyebrows raised. "It does sound lovely."
"And I thought the underwater date was great. This almost tops that," Sam said, amused.
"It's an improvement," Kim grinned in approval. "He certainly knows how to treat her," Don grinned, arms crossed. "It better stay that way." "Lewis was always good to Cleo, this is no different," Bev reminded and sighed.
Cleo: looks up at him. "Hungry?"
Lewis: "Starving." Sits down in the sand next to her, hair still damp from the water. "This is incredible. Can't believe you went to all this trouble."
"Never mind. She apparently knows how to treat him," Don raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Lewis.
"You did that? That's amazing. It must've taken some time to get all of that together," Ash gawked. "Actually, I had a little help. Mom was the one who suggested what foods I should bring. She even pitched in on the cooking," Cleo admitted, a little hesitant in doing so. "Well, it was still some of the best food I've ever had," Lewis nodded in thanks. Bev smiled in appreciation, but not only for that. But for the recognition Cleo had given her. Ever since she arrived, they've felt more distant than ever, and it just kept getting worse the closer it got to the present, where she wasn't. She was hoping she could fix that while they were here, but would she have the chance to make things right?
Cleo: blushes. "Just for you."
Lewis: looks up at her. "You and me, huh?"
Cleo: "Who would have thought?"
"Literally everyone," Kim said, a bit annoyed it took them this long. "And all because of some defective spray and a dance," Max chuckled.
[Cleo smiles at him and the two lean in to kiss.]
"Oh, come on. I thought we were done with this! Is this really necessary?" Don whined as he closed his eyes and covered Kim's. "Dad!" both Sertori sisters shouted for different reasons. Kim swats his arm away.
"He's covered in water though. Wouldn't that make you grow a tail if you kiss him?" Will asked. "It probably would. Unfortunately, we never got the chance to find out," Cleo muttered the last part.
"I'm glad we did not show up unannounced," Rikki whispered to Emma. "Only because I made you stay with me to keep you from spying on them. Besides, arguing about the trip was better than this," Emma shuttered.
[Before the two can make the connection, Lewis looks over her shoulder and spots something out in the distance, something that made a shiver run down his back and his face morph into a look of worry. He immediately jumps up and heads for his boat, leaving Cleo hanging.]
"Phew. Thank you, Lewis. Saving me from the heartache," Don sighed in relief, holding his hand to his heart. "Uh, your welcome I guess," Lewis frowned. "Dad," Cleo complained.
"You were that close, Lewis. So close and yet you wimped out," Zane said, pinching his fingers together. "I wasn't backing out, it's just something else came up," Lewis argued. "What could be more important than kissing!" "Food," Rikki shrugged before laughing at his deadpan expression.
Not that I don't mind you pulling away from kissing my sister – gross – but, why'd you do it?" Kim asked, eyes squinted in confusion. "Something, uh, caught my eye," Lewis hesitantly said. "What was it?" she continued to ask, but all Lewis could do was nod toward the screen.
[Cleo turns around and watches him pull out his binoculars from his boat and walk to the water's edge. He peers through the binoculars. Through the binoculars, in the distance out in the ocean, a boat could be seen anchored out, with a logo of a mermaid's tail on the side.]
Lewis: "That's Denman's boat."
"What?!" Charlotte shouted, rising from out of her slump and forgetting about her earlier mood. Annette, however, didn't hear her daughter's sudden outburst. For she was too focused on the screen. Frozen in shock about the return of the scientist, as many others were. The same woman who stole a sample of a teenage girl. A teenager!
Charlotte's shout was dimmed out over the loud gasp that spread through the room like wildfire and the mutters of others as all eyes turned to the one person who didn't look up: Denman. Many of the younger ones, including the teenagers, grew silent and became very worried for the girls. They might be young, but even they knew of the dangers that were brought with the return of Denman.
Bella rubbed her arms, feeling as if needles shot through her back and down her legs. She wouldn't do anything to them, would she? She never figured it out, did she?
"You're back?" Elliot asked, eyes wide as he scooted closer to his mother who immediately threw her arms around him.
"Back for more of my sister's samples are you, Dr. Demon?" Kim glared daggers at the woman. No 'hush Kim' was muttered out, as Bev was too focused on the woman, trying to calm her heart. Hoping, praying that she didn't do anything to her Cleo. And she wasn't the only one.
"Well good thing you didn't transform on the beach then," Will let out a nervous laugh, to which no one still responded.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were going on a six-month research tour," Don asked, his heart racing along with the other parents. The last time she was on the Gold Coast, she got ahold of Cleo's DNA. Who knows what else she was after now? Did she come back for more? Or perhaps revenge for Lewis stealing back the sample and destroying her research? "I – I – I did," Denman stuttered out faintly, her teary eyes still cast down to the floor.
"But your six months wouldn't have been up yet," Sam frowned in realization, the math didn't add up. "Then what were you doing back? And what were you doing near Mako?" Neil asked, leaning forward in his seat, tense. For some reason, this sounded familiar to him. "I – I," Denman tried to get out, but when she looked at the different kinds of stares she got: anger, worry, concern, curiosity, suspicion, fear; she froze like a deer looking into headlights.
Luckily Harrison was able to rescue her. "I had hired her for a project. She was supposed to check on the fish population count," Harrison excused. And while it was the truth, Neil knew that wasn't the rest of the story. "Supposed to? What did she do?" No answer. "Harrison?" Neil asked. Still no answer from the Bennett man. "Harrison?" Lisa repeated, looking mildly concerned. But Harrison never looked their way again, only keeping his head forward and gulping down the guilt to prevent it from showing.
While all the commotion was going on, no one heard the one question that should've been asked long ago. "Oh no. What did you do?" Max whispered slowly to himself, looking over from Harrison to Zane, who had a guilt-ridden expression, to Denman, seeing her wide-eyed frantic look, her skin getting paler by the minute as she gripped the armchairs. Yet she still held strong, not letting anything out. He looked over to his friend, hoping to get some answers, but Mrs. Chatham too had her gaze set on the floor in pity. Either for the scientist or the girls, he couldn't tell. Either way, this only made him worry more.
Lewis could never forget the fear he felt back then, the fear he still felt when he saw her boat out there. That little scene gave him flashbacks of the last time they saw each other. He never did think he would see her again. It was like a predator watching its prey, until ready to strike. And strike she did… and it was a strike that would haunt her and them, perhaps everyone in this room, for the rest of their lives.
Zane stared at the screen wide-eyed. This, this was it, the episode he and a few others were not looking forward to. This was when everything went downhill. When the doctor returned. When they destroyed their livelihoods, when he chose the wrong side, when he should have given up the hunt. This was how he finally saw his father in a different light, how his father betrayed him and the others, and how Zane felt like he lost everything. This was the episode when the truth finally comes out. And … this was when his dreams almost came true, only for him to realize that the mermaid hunt wasn't his dream, but Rikki was instead. And his dream was almost crushed upon the realization that she was one of the mermaids he was hunting the entire time, and almost exposed to the world.
Sure, he and Lewis fixed everything by saving them and therefore getting rid of Denman's team, but it still haunted him to this day, as it did the girls. Denman almost ruined everything. His father almost ruined everything. He did ruin everything. And as he stared down at the remote, he realized he just started something that can't be undone now, now that everyone knows that Denman came back to the Gold Coast. They would want to know what happened. And because of his stupid decision to press play, they were going to get it.
Zane wished so much that he could throw the remote and break it to pieces, just like his deepest regrets, his happiness, his heart, everything. But instead, he let it remain on the armrest untouched, refusing to ever touch it again. He already broke enough stuff; he didn't need to mess anything else up.
[Emma sat on her bed, flipping through her family photo album, looking at all the photos of their traditional, swim-filled vacation. Rikki scans through another one standing next to her bed.]
Emma: "I've let them down again. Our family holidays are a tradition."
"Traditions are important. But if they risk your safety, then it's not worth it," Neil answered, looking toward his daughter as he tried to ignore his increased heart rate due to the reappearance of the famous scientist. It was also a little warning to her screen self to stay away from the woman.
"You didn't let us down. It was just quite a shock to us that you didn't want to go. You were always more excited than Elliot to go. You loved the traditional holidays," Lisa informed. "Until things change," Emma sighed, and tried not to think about her mother's lie. She knew they were disappointed at the time. She's seen their disappointed, sadden looks twice now. And now she'll have to face Elliot's too along with their argument.
Rikki: closes the book in her hands. "I'm sure they'll get over it."
"That's blunt," Terry snorted. But what else should he expect from his daughter? Being sarcastic and blunt is a top priority in Rikki's personality.
"Well, it certainly took a while," Neil grinned. All while coming up with another idea for us to have a vacation as a family
"Just like our Julia," Mrs. Chatham said to Max. However, Max never laughed with her, being too busy caught up in his worries about the return of the scientist and what it could mean for both her and the girls.
Emma: continues to look through the vacation pictures. "You're not very good at the whole deep and meaningful thing, are you?" Looks over to Rikki.
"You've been friends for how long and you're just now figuring it out?" Kim scoffed. "I was being sarcastic," Emma remarked. "She knows. So was she," Cleo nodded her head towards her sister who waved her fingers at her and grinned smugly.
Rikki: throws her hands to her sides and points the book at Emma. "Well, what's there to think about? You can't go swimming in front of your family unless you want them to know you're a fish."
"She's got a point. There was nothing else she could do," Ash shrugged.
"What else was I supposed to say?" Emma sighed. "I could think of a few things," Rikki smirked. "You. Zip it," Emma warned her, pointing a finger at her with a stern glare.
[Before they could continue the conversation, Cleo barges into the room with a bang as she slams the door open. She paces the room with wide eyes and a huff. Emma and Rikki raise their eyebrows at her as the latter sits down in a nearby chair.]
Cleo: faces them, her hands folded together. "Ok. I don't want to alarm you, but we've got trouble. What's her face is back in town."
"Can you say that without looking a little jealous?" Kim grinned, trying to ignore the tugging feeling of worry that was trying to inch its way up. She knew that her sister and friends had figured a way out of whatever sticky situation they got into again. They've done it before. They had to. After all, they were sitting here with them right now, and everyone – well, the ones in the room who didn't know their secret only discovered it a couple of days ago. So, they must've prevented her from discovering it somehow. Right? "There's a difference between jealousy and annoyance, Kim. You should know," Cleo rolled her eyes, trying not to grind her teeth.
"Okay, but you could've been a little bit more specific when describing her. How in the world would they know you were talking about Denman?" Will frowned. "As much of a pain we've dealt with her before, they should've known," Cleo said as if it were obvious. "They could've thought you were talking about Miriam," Sam pointed out. "Okay, but they still could've figured it out when I said she was back in town," Cleo countered.
"Shouldn't you shut the door first before you have this conversation?" Bella pointed out. "Cleo's not a bright thinker when she's angry," Rikki chuckled. "Neither are you," Cleo shot back at the same time Emma said, "You're one to talk."
Rikki: and Emma give her a weird look. Stands up and sits down by Emma on the bed. "Um, you're going to have to be a little bit more specific with that."
"Aye, Rikki, great minds think alike," Will brightened and Rikki laughed. Zane normally would've felt a teensy bit jealous, but unfortunately due to the gravity of the situation with him, his dad, and Denman, he preferred to stay out of it and not think of anything else. Only hoping that this episode would go by fast.
Cleo: "Oh, you know. The blonde vixen who ran off into the sunset with Lewis and a sample of our DNA."
"We did not run into the sunset," Lewis shook his head in amusement. "It was sunrise when she left." "Don't be smart with me, Lewis," Cleo gave him a look.
"Wasn't it your DNA?" Charlotte asked, her anger from before still there. "Same old, same old. Their human DNA is different, as it should be, but their mermaid side is all the same. There is no difference aside from their powers," Lewis informed them. Max, who knew this information already, assumed it had to do with the magic, obviously.
Rikki: nods in realization. "The marine biologist. The beautiful one."
"Thanks for pointing that out," Cleo grumbled. "And yet he still chose you," Kim teased. "Guess that makes her even more beautiful than Dr. Denman," Sam pointed out. "Of course, it does, why wouldn't it? She's the most beautiful of all," Don proudly said, making sure that the scientist (both of them, yes including Lewis) heard it loud and clear. "Thanks, dad," Cleo said quietly, knowing he had to say it. She's his daughter, after all, it's a requirement.
Rikki was right, Denman was beautiful, even more so than me. No wonder Lewis fell for her at first sight, I'm nothing compared to her. Then again, she's not a mermaid with magical powers, Cleo thought, a grin slowly forming.
Cleo: "Beautiful? Her eyes are way too close together." Rikki's eyes slightly widen.
"You haven't seen her in a few months, and that's what you remember about her?" Kim frowned.
Denman tried not to scowl at the comment or show any fear. But she did feel around her face out of self-consciousness.
"I don't think that should be the main focus here," Ash said.
Emma: "So what's Dr. Denman doing back here?"
"Thank you!" Ash exclaimed, making Emma smile. Finally, someone's asking the most important question!
Cleo: shakes her head. "I don't know. But her boat was anchored off Mako Island this afternoon."
A reason still unknown as to why, Don thought, giving Harrison a suspicious look. He may have said it was for the fish population count, but he never said why she was. She was working with him, but what for? And why did Harrison refuse to talk about it? What was going on, or what was going to happen? What did happen?
[Lewis walks down the boardwalk of the marina, still in his swim clothes, in search of the marine biologist's boat. Finally, he spots it, the crew unloading the boat. He walks over to it, just as Denman spots him while sitting a box down.]
Dr. Denman: nods her head at him, a false smile shown. "Lewis."
Lewis: returns the nod, no smile on his serious face. "Dr. Denman."
"Awkward greetings all around," Ash mumbled through the quiet atmosphere in the room, everyone too focused and nervous, both for themselves, the girls, and Lewis; about not only the return of the scientist but also hearing her, seeing her, watching her speak to one well associated with the mermaids, a fellow secret keeper. "There was no other way to greet, after the way we, or I, left things," Lewis replied, having heard the mumble.
Denman's heart began to beat a little faster upon seeing their tense reunion. Just shows how much closer she is to getting slaughtered once they find out what she had done.
Dr. Denman: "It's good to see you."
"Wish we could say the same," Kim grumbled. She wanted her to stay as far away from her sister and her DNA.
Lewis: glances away for a moment. "Yeah, likewise. Um, what brings you back?"
Dr. Denman: "Research. You know how it is, Lewis." Grabs a nearby clipboard full of reports and hands it over to Lewis for him to see. "Coral analysis, fish population counts. It's pretty boring stuff." Lewis scans over the reports.
Neil sighed in relief, some of his worries gone. Harrison was telling the truth, she was doing some marine research. But why was she working for him, and why won't he tell them? He was hoping with all hope this isn't what Emma had spoken about during their first talk, after the secret was revealed and that Harrison wasn't somehow tied into all of this.
She had admitted that the doctor had done something, he didn't know what or when, but with the return of Dr. Denman, it could lead up to no good. And if his old friend was involved and tried to hurt his daughter. The thought only made his blood boil. He grabs his wife's hand to help him calm down, Lisa giving his hand a light squeeze in understanding of his feelings.
Dr. Denman: her false smile brightens, turning into one of a real one, and grabs another clipboard and pen. "Why? Are you interested in some work?"
"After what you did to him last time? No thanks," Charlotte scoffed. Inside, all her emotions from before of him and Cleo are gone, replaced with pure terror from the sight of Lewis being near that crazy scientist.
"I like where I'm at now," Lewis answered. "But you don't have a job," Cleo pointed out. "I meant being in the Gold Coast," Lewis corrected.
Lewis: shakes his head and looks up at her. "No. Uh, it's not really my thing."
Lies. He would love to work in the scientific field, learning as much as he could. But he refused to collaborate with her ever again with someone who stole from him and was so close to the girl's secret, who did find out the girl's secret, nearly exposing them. All his scientific dreams were ruined the moment he discovered the nasty truth as to how scientists were, how greedy and selfish they were. One day, he wanted to change that, and show the world how a scientist should be.
Dr. Denman: looks at a tool in her hand. "Yeah. I guess it would be fairly dull compared to that cell sample of yours."
"You just couldn't let it go, would you?" Don scowled down at the woman. Bev wasn't even going to stop him, hearing her bring up the sample angered her as well. How could such a kind person, roommate, have such a cold heart? To want something that belonged to her daughter? Of course, she didn't know it, but still, it never was hers.
Denman lowered her gaze to the ground, letting the numb feeling take over her as the glares of everyone pierced right through her.
Lewis: looking back at the reports. "What cell sample?"
"Without even missing a beat," Max muttered. It could go either way. It was good for him to reply so fast, but the quick answer could also make him seem suspicious. There was no confusion in the young boy's voice, only an instant reply.
Dr. Denman: lets out a light laugh. "Oh, you know. The one with the groundbreaking properties that I experimented on, only to have you delete the results in a momentary lapse of reason."
"How'd you figure that one out?" Annette asked, no sincerity in her tone. "Who else could it have been? The day before I left, he claimed that I stole it from him. No one else would have known about the sample otherwise," Denman kept her answer short, wanting to remain as quiet as possible. She didn't want to remind anyone that she was in the room with her voice, they were already going to hear it enough on the screen. "For a good reason," Zane finally spoke, not as loud, but still barely heard.
Lewis: looks up at her, realization on his face as false as her smile. "Oh, that cell sample."
Despite the tense atmosphere, a few were able to let a smile on their face from his sarcastic response.
Dr. Denman: "I'm sure you only did it because you know a scientific breakthrough when you see one."
"He knows when the line is crossed," Cleo muttered, her arms crossed. He knew when it got too close to our secret, and the dangers it could bring to us.
"Your manipulation tactics won't work this time. He knows better," Will spat. "But the lies might," Harrison muttered. Because Denman didn't tell him why she was doing the research and why she cut her trip short.
Lewis: "No. I did it because it was my property."
"Actually, it was my daughter's," Don corrected, another glare sent in the scientist's direction. "Well, I couldn't let her know that. It was already bad enough that she got a hold of it. If she knew where it came from, she would have tried to get more," Lewis answered, not revealing that she did in fact find out where it came from. By that time, it was no longer about the cell sample, but bout the girls themselves.
Dr. Denman: "Fair enough. I'm too busy with all my highly paid yet ridiculously boring research anyway."
"Trying to get the upper hand won't always work. Sometimes it's best to stick with the lower," Max said, the warnings reaching no ears. Believe me, I wish, Denman thought, fighting off the tears.
"It's probably more fun than you think. Seeing all the fish is always so much fun. It's like being in your own marine park," Elliot said, bringing a few laughs from others with him, as the tension lessened.
[Lewis hands her back the reports. Denman accepts it, and the false smile returns.]
Dr. Denman: "Thanks." Gestures with it behind her. "Better get back to it. See ya."
Lewis: "See ya." As Denman turns away, heading further into her boat, Lewis's calm demeanor drops, and his nervousness shows.
"Yes, get back to your 'boring research'," Don mumbled. And away from my daughter! Please, leave as soon as possible.
[After a change of clothes, Lewis meets up with the girls at their usual booth at the Juicenet café. The girls are silent as they hear about the nosey scientist. Rikki sat next to him with Emma and Cleo across from them.]
Lewis: "It sounds like a standard environmental survey."
"Hate to say it but it did sound legit," Ash agreed. "Let's hope it is," Bev muttered, worried for both her daughter and her roommate. Of course, she would choose her daughter over Denman, but Linda seemed like a good person aside from the manipulation. Surely there wasn't a sinister side to her, was there?
Cleo: "And if it isn't?"
Don worried about them. After last time, Lewis denied everything and stood up for the marine biologist and had accidentally let Denman snag ahold of Cleo's DNA. What was going to happen now that there was a round two? At least Lewis is on their side and not as naïve … sort of. He knows Lewis would protect Cleo and her friends from Denman. Regardless of how he feels about the two dating, there is no other person he would rather have her be with. As much as he hates to say it, which he won't, they're good together.
Lewis: "She has no reason to lie. And I've seen her charts, and it just looks like basic statistics. You guys are safe. I'm sure."
"Yeah, if she was going to lie, why not just go big and say she was working on a cure for a rare saltwater disease for sea creatures," Will snorted. "Because the fish population count sounds more believable than what you just said. A lie needs to be believable, maybe sound a little strange, yet also needs to remember the details and make it simple. Basically, you have to believe it yourself," Ash explained. "Can you please stop teaching this stuff to my child?" Lisa said as her hands were covering Elliot's ears.
Cleo: raises an eyebrow. "As sure as you were when she almost stole our DNA, or surer than that?" Unknown to them, Zane slips over to the counter at a nearby computer, within hearing range of their conversation.
"She's got a point," Bella shrugged.
Harrison raised an eyebrow, his nerves from earlier momentarily forgotten as he focused on his son. What was he doing there? He has a computer at home. Then again, this isn't the first time he's done this.
Rikki: Zane glances over at them, hearing some of the conversation they're having. "What Cleo's trying to say is that it's not exactly a warm, fuzzy feeling having a marine biologist poking around Mako Island."
You got that right, Mrs. Chatham huffed, her arms crossed.
"She also has a point," Will told Bella.
"It's more like a cold piece of metal being pierced through your back kind of feeling," Cleo explained. Everyone gives her a strange look. "That was oddly specific," Ash raised an eyebrow. "She's very clumsy," Kim responded.
Zane: eyes shot open and immediately stands from his seat. Walks over to their booth, wanting to know more of what they said. "What's this about Mako Island?"
"You shouldn't be poking your nose into someone else's conversation, son," Harrison muttered, loud enough for him to hear.
"Seriously? How come you heard it yet no one else around them questions their conversation?" Bella asked, mildly confused. "Well, no one normally messes with us. Most of the time everyone just sticks to themselves and minds their own business. Maybe you should take a couple of lessons, Zane," Emma mentioned, shooting him a look. "My girlfriend was talking, how could I not listen to her?" Zane said, trying to defend his actions. "Plus, at the time, whatever was mentioned about Mako or water, in general, made me really jumpy."
Lewis: crosses his arms. To Zane. "Um, nothing."
"You could come up with a quick response when it came to Denman, but you couldn't think of anything to say when it came to him? Someone you talk to on a nearly everyday basis?" Kim shook her head. "With Denman, I was expecting her to bring up the sample. I wasn't expecting Zane. And besides, it's not like I choose to talk to him, it just happened sometimes. Most of the time it was of us bickering," Lewis said.
Zane: "I heard you talking about Mako Island. Something about a marine biologist?"
"Actually, we weren't talking about Mako. Just Dr. Denman in general," Rikki corrected. "So, I heard," Zane sarcastically said as he pointed to the screen in front of them.
Rikki: glances away, her arms crossed too. Lewis gives him a 'go away' look. Rikki's body language gives the same signal, however, she chooses a different approach. "Yeah. There's just some hotshot marine biologist poking around out there. Nothing special." Zane begins to think about what this could mean.
"Hotshot?" Terry snorted. "That's very tame of you," Emma joked. "There was an audience. And still is," Rikki mumbled.
It is not 'nothing special' and you know that as well. Mako Island is very special. And you girls are a part of it. That's why it's very dangerous for her to be near Mako, Max thought in worry.
Rikki: immediately drops the subject and puts a wide smile on her face. "Hey that shirt's nice. Is it new? It suits you." She hops up from her seat, her friends and boyfriend watching her as she walks over to the counter. "You don't want a drink?" As Zane turns toward Rikki, Lewis gives him one last glance before looking back at his friends.
"To answer your question. No, it's not new," Zane chuckled lightly. "I know. You've worn it like a hundred times. I was just trying to get your mind off of Mako," Rikki admitted. "It's my favorite shirt. And unfortunately, it didn't work," Zane sighed the last part. When he was given odd looks, he only pointed weakly to the screen.
[After the strange conversation between Rikki and Zane at the Juicenet café, Zane walks down the marina and finds Denman's boat. There, he walks up to it and climbs on, in search of the marine biologist.]
Terry tensed up upon seeing Zane interested in the scientist. Why would he go see her? Although he may be dating his daughter and has proven himself on a few occasions so far, he was still the infamous mermaid hunter. And Rikki happened to be one of his targets, even if onscreen Zane had no idea. So, him going to pay the mad scientist a visit had him worried.
"You – you went and seen her?" Rikki asked, her tone a little shaky. Not out of fear, but out of shock. She knew that Zane had gone to see Denman, or else he would've never been in the cave and discovered their secret. But she had thought it had to do with his dad, whom had funded Denman's plans/research. The fact that he went alone before he even knew of his dad working with her, was very surprising. "I was, uh, hoping she would be able to find something," Zane told her, his gaze not meeting hers as he heard her shaky voice. Whether it was out of shock or hurt, he would never know.
"To find what exactly?" Neil glared, a hiss in his voice. "… don't ask questions you already know the answers to," Zane reluctantly said.
Zane: on top of the boat. Talking to Denman's assistant onboard who was looking at him while working at the miniature lab. "Hello? Dr. Denman?"
"How'd you know her name? You haven't even met her yet," Lewis asked, a bit surprised. "I do my research," Zane shrugged. "That's a shocker," Rikki spoke. Zane felt relieved. While her comment didn't have much sarcasm as it normally would, he was happy to hear her talking again. He didn't think she would after the surprise she got just a second ago.
Greg: "Uh, no. I'm Greg."
Dr. Denman: walks out of the cabin and stands next to Greg at the table. "I'm Dr. Denman."
Zane: looks at her in disbelief. "You're? You're Dr. –."
Dr. Denman: "Dr. Denman. That's right." Denman looks back at Greg before focusing back on Zane.
Of course, he thinks Denman was a man, Emma rolled her eyes.
"Clearly you didn't do enough research if you didn't realize she was a woman," Annette raised an eyebrow. "To be fair, there wasn't a picture of her on the web. Even Lewis didn't know how hot she was when he first met her," Zane pointed out. "Kidding!" Zane shouted as Rikki slapped the back of his head. "Zane," Harrison sighed as he shook his head. "Was that really necessary?" Cleo scowled at the reminder, the same time as Lewis said "Dude! Don't bring me into this!" Cleo throws a look Lewis's way.
[Zane picks up an underwater camera that was lying in an open case and observes it.]
Zane: "Nice gadgets."
Dr. Denman: "Nice price tag too."
"Eh, too nice for me," Will chuckled. But he did know a camera when he saw one. He'd rather observe the underwater life for himself rather than have technology do it for him.
Zane: walks toward her while still looking at it, on the opposite side of the table from her. "What are they? Underwater cameras?"
Dr. Denman: nods her head. "Mm-hmm. Motion activated to help us get the most accurate data possible on our fish population counts."
The girls and Lewis tense up at the reminder of those demonic cameras. The same cameras that gave Zane the proof he needed that mermaids were real. That they were real. And the proof Denman needed to come right for them. Those cameras almost ruined their lives if it weren't for Zane's change of heart/perspective and Mrs. Chatham's full moon trick.
Things would have been so much different if they had known the cameras were there, by the entrance of the moon pool, their home. If they weren't so stupid enough to swim in rather than get a boat and walk through the land entrance, to make sure everything was okay and check for evidence of Denman being there. But, as proven as they watch it all unfold, you can't change the past. Not even mermaids.
"Why does this feel like foreshadowing?" Kim whispered to Elliot. "I don't know. I don't even know what that means," Elliot whispered back to Kim who shook her head.
"Well at least she's being nice," Cleo said in a positive tone. "Yeah, at first. Until her true colors show and he'll realize just how manipulative she was," Lewis mentioned. He's not wrong. She did lie to me that she didn't find anything, when, in fact, she did, Zane thought.
Bella's eyes widened. She's never seen any while in the water before, but she's also never thought of there being any around before. She was very glad she's never had any run-ins with underwater cameras or crazy scientists. Now she only hopes her new friends, or roommates at least, won't have any trouble with the former.
[Zane begins to study her see-through map of Mako Island and its surrounding waters.]
Dr. Denman: glances back at Greg once more then back at Zane in confusion, having no clue who this kid is. "And you are?"
Zane: looks back at her, holds his hand out to shake, and gives her a small smile. "I'm Zane. Zane Bennett."
"Going through all her stuff before formalities. Just make yourself at home," Ash shook his head.
I might as well put up a 'my house is your house' sign up next time, Denman huffed, a frown still visible on her face.
Dr. Denman: shakes his hand, her smile brightening, almost mischievously. "Ah. Zane Bennett. I've heard about you." She begins to help the crew pack up some of her lab equipment. "You're the guy who's obsessed with mermaids."
"How'd she know?" Sam asked. "The Gold Coast might be a popular tourist attraction but it's still a small town. Word gets around fast," Don explained, his arms crossed. "Actually, it wasn't a rumor from town … it was me," Harrison admitted, guilt showing in his expression. "We were talking about life outside of our business, and I had mentioned my son. And then I had told her about the stuff I thought was crazy." Lisa looked over at him in surprise. He would really talk bad about his son behind his back? What happened to her old friend? This Harrison was much worse than the one when they were teenagers.
He let out a small laugh as he spoke again. "Who would've thought he was right all along?" As Rikki would have said, crazy is the understatement of the year. I would've never believed him if it weren't for the underwater cameras, Denman thought, her eyes wide.
Zane: smirks. "That's me."
"You weren't ashamed by it?" Will asked. "If I was ashamed of it, I wouldn't have continued to talk about it. Everyone knew since I blabbed my big mouth. Can't be ashamed of something I was determined on finding out," Zane replied. "Bummer," Bev muttered, her mind racing of Cleo as a mermaid and Denman.
"Yeah … that's something I wouldn't be proud of," Rikki grimaced at her boyfriend. "Everyone laughed at me about it. Well, who's laughing now?" Zane raised an eyebrow. "Still the whole Gold Coast. Literally, the only ones who know are the ones in this room," Lewis pointed out as Zane's small smile deflated.
Dr. Denman: walks back over to him. "Hm. I see you're not shy about it."
"He talked nonstop about it for weeks. There was no ounce of humiliation left," Rikki chuckled at the nonstop conversations that they, or rather he, would have with her about mermaids. Most of the time she was just telling him to stop talking.
Zane: "Why should I be?"
Dr. Denman: "Well, I hate to burst your bubble, Zane, but mermaids don't exist."
No, you don't. You didn't hate bursting our bubble of protection, so you clearly don't mind bursting his, Cleo thought with a frown.
"She sounded like the rest of the Gold Coast," Zane chuckled.
"I can already tell she's going to be terrible with kids," Lisa said. Denman turned around and looked at her in hurt. That's a whole other level of pain than getting revenge. Talking about someone's kids, or possibly future kids for that matter. "I meant with other children, not your own," Lisa said, as she seen the look given to her. Though she didn't like what was going on, something that still was a mystery to her, and her return; she did understand what it was like wanting to be a mother, and to protect your kids at all costs. She would too, by having to take this person down if she gets near her daughter.
Zane: "They're real, ok? I've seen one with my own eyes."
Dr. Denman: nods, showing her disbelief. "Oh, really?"
"The one time you see one, and it has to be me with red hair," Emma rolled her eyes. "Oh, yes, the Ariel look-a-like phase," Ash grinned. "Don't mention it!" "You're the one who brought it up!"
Zane: "I'm used to people not believing me."
"Gee, I wonder why?" Kim sarcastically said. "You gotta admit, his story would be an amazing tale to tell younger ones," Sam mentioned, most agreeing with her.
Dr. Denman: "Science is about observable fact, Zane, not fantasy."
Zane: "Exactly." She gives him a bewildered look before they focus on something else.
"Now you sound even more insane," Charlotte clarified.
"Arguing with a scientist. It gets you nowhere. Believe me, I tried," Mrs. Chatham chuckled as she glanced over at Max.
"This shows how much he believed it. He was right, he did have an observable fact. Just no one else could see it from his point of view, unless he could –," Max's eyes widen, his statement cut off as he realized something. Something that could've caused the marine biologist's change in demeanor at the start of this episode, along with the Bennett's and the mermaids. Unless, he could show it from another perspective … such as an underwater camera.
[They both look back at the see-through map of Mako. Zane taps on the map board with the underwater camera.]
Zane: "Keep searching Mako. You might be surprised by what you … observe." Zane gives her one last look before laying the camera back down and exiting the boat. Denman walks over to the board and stares at the spot that he showed her.
Dr. Denman: sighs. "Thanks for the tip."
The glares grew even more as most of them, including the mermaids, looked over at Zane. He was the one who showed her where to look. He was the one who gave her the 'tip.' He was the one who set this whole thing off. Zane caused this … and he was the one who was going to fix it.
"You told her where to go?" Terry scowled, a frown on his face. "Like I said before, I was hoping she would find something," Zane gulped. And I regret wishing thatt, he thought as he looked over at his girlfriend's sadden face. He wished he could comfort her. Or her with him. But he couldn't. Not with everything that was going on, on the screen. The chaos that was forming because of him.
"Something that needs to be remembered. Everyone has a different perspective. But it's sometimes best that one perspective does not see it through another's eyes. Because they'll interpret it differently, and deal with it in a different way than others would. And only cause the main perspective harm," Mrs. Chatham warned, a shiver running through everyone at what this would mean for not just them, but for the ones who were already affected by this.
[Later that day, Denman and her assistant, Greg, anchor the boat near Mako Island once again. This time, deciding to explore the underwater life in person, as they swim around the corals and fish in scuba gear.]
"What? Didn't get a good look when you were snooping around last time so you decided to have another look? Or did you actually want to listen to the mermaid tale?" Kim scoffed, her eyes narrowed at the screen. Don does the same, agreeing with his daughter that she shouldn't have gone back there. Though it was Zane's fault, he had no clue how she was, when they'd had the chance before to see what she was really like. The problem was, they thought that was what she was really like. They haven't seen the real reality yet of just how evil she was.
Zane raised an eyebrow. "So, you did listen to me? Guess you believed in my 'fairy tales' more than you thought." Denman glanced at him then looked back at the ground, hiding the guilt behind her eyes.
[One of the divers, Greg, swims toward one of the coral reefs, touches it to check the landing, then places an underwater camera there.]
The girls immediately latch onto each other's arms, flashbacks of those terrifying photos of them coming to her mind. Those cameras were what ruined everything, what nearly destroyed their secret, along with their friendships and families. It almost took everything away from them. From one simple mistake. They should've known to check for cameras before they had went there, to look in case anyone was watching. They knew those reefs inside and out, of every little creature that lived there. How could they have not noticed something that was so out of place?
Unknown to them, Denman was feeling the exact same way. Of how those cameras ruined her life as well. If she could, she would have those banned from the scientific community as an endangerment to endangered species. It'd make a good excuse at least.
The rest of the room gasped upon seeing the trap that was laid out. If they get just one picture of the girls. It'll be game over. They were in more danger now than ever. "It's too dangerous to even go there now. To a place that feels like home to them," Annette said in worry. "It's too dangerous for them to swim anywhere," Bev said, completely terrified. While she's there, the words unspoken by Bev.
"Oh, come on. That camera is so obvious. It's so out of place. Surely, they would notice that before it took a picture," Will chuckled, looking at the others. "Right? … right?" No reply came, increasing the parents' fears.
[The other diver swims to a wide opening in the reefs. This opening being the entrance to the moonpool. Upon a closer look, this diver has long blonde hair: Denman. She waves Greg toward her. Greg comes over and finds the large cave opening that Denman had 'found'.]
"Oh, no," Lisa gasped. "Don't you dare go in there," Terry muttered in a dark tone.
"Now would be a really good time to put a 'no trespassing' sign up," Ash said in concern, eyes wide.
Poor Greg, I should have never got him involved, Denman thought. He had quit his job not long after the incident with the girls. At least they don't have to worry about that happening twice.
[The two slowly swim inside, with Denman taking the lead, looking at the walls of the underwater cave as they swam through. Finally, they reach the end, where the opening widens out into the cave of the volcano. The mooncave. They swim up, where they find there was air, and burst through the surface, gasping for air as they let go of their oxygen masks. The two scientists stay afloat in the moonpool for a moment as they pull off their goggles, taking in their surroundings of the beauty of the cave: the rocky ledge and walls, the sandy cave floor. Denman smiles in awe.]
They went in, they went in! Terry thought in fury as his hands clenched tighter onto the armrests. And I hope this armrest doesn't break. Maybe the magic will fix it.
"That's their place, and it feels like it's getting invaded," Bella rubbed her arms, feeling uncomfortable at the thought. If someone did that to her sea cave, she didn't know what she would do. She just hopes it never comes to that.
Denman's heart began to beat a little faster, it becoming more evident how close it was to the truth coming out.
[While this goes on, Lewis continues to talk to Cleo about Denman as they walk through the park.]
Lewis: "She's just taking water samples. Algae analysis. Fish populations. Nothing that's a danger to you guys."
"That doesn't look like she's taking water samples or algae analysis," Max shook his head. "She could say that the camera was to check on the fish population." But I got a feeling that's not what it was used for.
"I wouldn't say that so soon," Sam worried.
"If only you could see her now," Elliot sighed.
"Her excuse might not be a danger, but she sure is," Ash pointed out.
"That's where you're wrong. There is danger. Denman. Denman is dangerous to them," Charlotte mentioned, surprising the girls, especially Cleo. Could be a heat-of-the-moment thing. After all, she's been pretty angry since Denman showed back up. Must be because of what she did to Lewis before. Wonder how she'll react when she finds out that she held Lewis hostage. Denman said nothing. Charlotte was right, after all. What else was there to be said?
"Not everything is what it seems," Mrs. Chatham told him.
Cleo: shrugs, still feeling wary of the whole thing. "I just have a bad feeling about it. That's all."
"And you have every right to be," Bev nodded a little too eagerly, completely agreeing with her daughter.
"Why are my bad feelings always right?" Cleo shook her head. "Why do you always have bad feelings? And can you please stop having them? It always leads to no good," Rikki asked. "It's not like I can control them. It must be one of those bad omen things Lewis mentioned before," Cleo joked.
Lewis: holds her hands in comfort. "Cleo, she's got a reputation to look after. And the concept of mermaid hunting is a little out there." Cleo moves her head from side to side in a sort of silent agreement as they walk away.
"Correction. According to Zane, it's not," Lewis gave said boy a pointed look.
A reputation? That reputation went down the drain the moment she started hunting us, Emma snorted. It got even worse when we tricked her into believing our powers were gone … and she's going to find out about that, isn't she? Well, this day just got more interesting. At least she'll be outnumbered this time: twenty-one to one.
[Back at the moonpool, Denman stands in the cave, looking around. Her scuba gear to the side. Greg, still in the moonpool, climbs onto the ledge when he spots something in the sand out of the corner of his eye. He moves closer to it, and upon further inspection, finds a heart drawn into the sand. The same one that Lewis had drawn earlier that morning.]
Cleo unconsciously grabs Lewis's hand out of fear. Lewis grips her hand back, letting her know he understands. Even though they broke up, they were still friends, and they wouldn't let anything bad happen to each other. And seeing that drawing, and the scale lying next to it shows the dangers they brought on each other. It was easy to remember as to why about the scale, but with the drawing, they know that Denman had seen it at the café too. She's a scientist, she can connect the two dots.
"You couldn't just wipe that away before you left?" Kim whined and facepalmed. "In my defense, I didn't know she was going to show up. The only other ones who knew about the moonpool were Emma and Rikki. And I doubt they were going to mess with it. Well, Rikki might, just to mess with me but that's it," Lewis exclaimed. "He's right, I would have," Rikki shrugged. "That's my number one motto: leave no evidence behind," Ash nodded, before noticing the looks he was receiving once again from the Gilbert's. "I-I mean my dad's motto. Yeah, totally my dad's," he laughed off nervously.
Greg: turns to Denman. "Hey." Denman pauses from her observation and looks back to Greg. "Take a look at this." Denman walks over to him as he takes off the goggles. She bends down and they both look at the heart-shaped drawing. "Weird place for a date."
"Weird? It was the best date! The best date I ever had!" Cleo shouted in anger. "Easy fishy," Rikki laughed.
"If it made my daughter happy, then there's nothing weird about it," Don scowled. "Actually, it's a really beautiful place for one. I bet it'll look even better at night when the stars come out, not on a full moon, and the moonpool glows. The nighttime swims we could have, and relaxing in the moonpool," Emma smiled just thinking about it. "I'll bet," Zane muttered. But inside, he was already thinking of making that come true for Rikki. Thanks for the idea, Emma!
"It sounds romantic," Sam gushed.
Dr. Denman: "Hm. Really weird." Denman's eyes then land on something that was beside the drawing. An orange scale. She slowly moves closer to it as she picks it up, and her eyes widen in realization.
"Oh, no!" Most of the room gasped. "This isn't good," Will shook his head.
"She's got another sample!" Kim yelled in horror. "And it's Cleo's. Again," Bev paled, her breathing becoming shallow.
"This is why I said leave no evidence behind!" Ash exclaimed, his hand meeting his forehead.
Denman closed her eyes, refusing to look at the scale ever again.
Greg: looks at the thing in her hand. "What is it? Some kind of fish scale?"
Maybe to others, but to her, that's a scientific discovery, Max gulped.
Dr. Denman: raises her eyebrows. Still staring at it. "I've seen an awful lot of fish scales, Greg. But never one quite like this." Denman smirks, as the sample has finally returned to her. And this time, it was her own property.
"You've seen it before, and you shouldn't have even seen it then. Now let it go!" Don shouted, making Denman flinch in her seat. She didn't want to look. She didn't want to see the crazy look in her eyes, not again. She was too afraid to turn into that monster again. Into a fame-hungry beast. It was too late to take it back the first time, but she can change that around now. She can change her ways and apologize. If only she can do that before they kill her after the reveal.
Harrison glanced over at Denman and then at Zane, it coming closer and closer to the big reveal. He can only hope they won't be as harsh to his son as they were going to be to both him and Denman.
"It is now, no longer about the fish population," Max spoke softly, loud enough for others to hear.
As soon as Denman saw the scale, Bev held onto Cleo's arm tightly. She didn't want to let go. Too afraid that she would lose her oldest daughter, that she would lose her just like that scale. She was already losing her like one, like they were slowly falling away and would never come back to her. She didn't want to lose her daughter completely, she wanted the whole thing back. But how was she going to fix it? Despite the tears that were trying to fight their way out, and how much Cleo and Kim might have hated her, she refused to let go of them this time. They were going to have to pry her off of Cleo's arm in order to get her free.
Cleo felt troubled. After what her mom did to her and her family, she didn't want her around at all. Yet, she didn't want her to leave either, because she missed her. The whole time she did. Since even before this whole viewing thing started, she just wanted her mom back. But when she did come back, all the anger and sadness were fighting against the happiness for her return. It only made her feel conflicted, and though Kim wouldn't admit it, she knew she felt the same.
At the moment, with her mom wrapped around her arm, she didn't know how to feel. She knew she was going to have to talk to her soon, what with the moments from when she wasn't there coming up when she left. So, she decided to just let it be, and let her mom stay there with her. To let the moment last while it did until it got crushed again. It's okay. She was used to it.
Kim and Don looked at the two before looking at each other. The two sigh as Kim leans her head against her dad. Her feelings the same as Cleo, unsure of what to feel about her mother. But she was stuck here with her, so what else was there to do? She couldn't lash out at her forever. They were going to have to have a civil conversation eventually, even if her mom hated her. She had to hate her. Why else would she leave?
She said she was unhappy and left. She left because of us, because we didn't make her happy. Her own family. Kim shook her head and got rid of the thoughts, looking back to the screen. Don wiped the tear Kim didn't even know she had shed before he too focused on the screen, wanting to know more of whether this scientist messed with his daughter or not.
[Once they returned to the boat and after they had changed out of their wetsuits and back into their uniforms, Denman teaches Greg what to do with the 'scale.' Denman, wearing gloves and using a q-tip, carefully dries the sample.]
Dr. Denman: "Now. Almost there. Once I've dried it completely, we'll take a cross-section and mount it on the –."
"Couldn't leave behind without taking anything, huh?" Kim snapped, clenching her fist.
"What do you plan to do with it?" Bev asked, placing a hand on her heart. "I – I just wanted to experiment on it. I – I didn't know what it would lead up to," Denman said, very weakly. "What do you mean by that?" Neil asked, his voice nearly matching the same tone as Bev's. But he never got an answer, as everyone turned their attention to what was happening on the screen.
[Before Denman could even finish her instructions, they turn back to the sample, and watch as something very strange happens.]
Dr. Denman: "Hey." All of a sudden, since the scale was dry, the magic reverses and the scale transforms back into skin. Human skin.
Greg: peers closer, squinting his eyes at it. "Is that – is that skin?"
"I'm not sure whether I should be horrified or grossed out. Maybe both?" Will mentioned, his face contorted in disgust. "Well, what did you expect? When we transform, our skin goes from human skin to mermaid skin, including the scales, and vice versa. Obviously, if I lose a scale in my mermaid form, it'll revert back to skin … although that does explain how I got that cut on my leg that day," Cleo explained.
Bella rubbed her knees, frowning at the answer. She scraped her knees a lot from running when she was a kid, not long after she had transformed. How many scales did she lose during the process, and how many people out there in the world had samples of her skin? The thought made her shutter.
"How is that even possible?" Sam asked, not even thinking of what she was asking. The girls plus Lewis look at her with a deadpanned expression. "Magic," they all said at the same time.
Dr. Denman: holds a hand out. "Pass me a scalpel." Greg hands her the scalpel. "Tweezers." He hands her the tweezers. Denman holds them in her hands as she holds down the skin and cuts off a piece.
"Yeah. Gross, definitely gross," Bella gagged.
Cleo rubbed her leg, as if feeling sympathy pain just from watching her own skin getting dissected.
Dr. Denman: "Ok. Now we just add water." Grabs a plastic tube and squeezes a few drops of water onto it.
"So – so if, um, if it were dry and turned to skin, would it also turn back to a scale if it gets wet?" Annette asked nervously, already knowing what the answer was. "Yeah," Lewis said quietly, his arms crossed as he stared at the screen. Cleo's grip on Lewis's hand tightens.
[Denman grabs the slide the sample is on and places it under the microscope. She looks into the scope, with Greg still by her side, watching what happens. Denman slowly pulls away, looking stunned as she turns to the laptop that was connected to the microscope, and watches as the sample changes its molecular structure once more.]
Annette leans closer to her daughter, as what she had asked happened right in front of the screen. "I really hope your grandmother didn't go through something like this," Annette whispered. "If she was able to stop Karl, I believe they could stop this from happening as well," Charlotte whispered back. "You can't control everything, not even mom couldn't. Mistakes will eventually happen," she reminded her in a warning tone. "Just like it's happening now," Charlotte told her.
Dr. Denman: "It's amazing. Its entire cellular makeup has changed on contact with water."
Greg: shakes his head in disbelief. "Oh, that's impossible. I've never seen anything like it."
Dr. Denman: nods her head, her eyes filled with recognition. "I have."
Greg had only been my assistant for a short amount of time, but he was in the scientific field for a lot longer than I was. It was quite a shock to him when he found out this wasn't the first time I had seen this before, Denman sighed. We never should have seen it in the first place. "You never should have seen it in the first place," Don griped, unknowingly voicing her thoughts.
[Emma walks into her room and lays her notebook on her vanity. Across the room she finds Elliot sitting on her bed, messing with some gadget.]
Emma: walks over to her bed. "Hey, El." Elliot glances her way but doesn't reply and returns back to the item in his hand. Emma tilts her head. "Elliot, what's wrong?"
"Are you okay, El?" Kim asked, genuine concern laced in her voice that people would find shocking if it weren't for the serious scenes from just moments ago. Did, did Denman get to you?
Elliot glanced away, not wanting to talk about the argument he was about to have with his sister onscreen. Maybe he did overreact a little, but it was a tradition that he looked forward to every year. They did for as long as he could remember. And for it to just get dumped like it was nothing by his sister had really hurt him. But he never did realize how much it hurt his sister, all because of a secret.
Elliot: finally looks at her. "You're ruining our holiday. That's what's wrong."
Kim sighed in relief. Not because of his holiday getting ruined, but because Denman didn't get near him. Why did I think that? I mean it's not like Denman ever met him and he met her. But if Dr. Demon somehow figured out their secret and used our families as a trap to lure them in … Kim shook herself out of her thoughts, not wanting to think of what could have happened. Of what didn't happen.
Neil and Lisa looked at one another with guilty expressions. They had explained to Elliot before this about their family trip being cancelled. When he had asked why, they didn't know how else to explain it, that Emma didn't want to go. The sadness in his eyes is something they would never forget. It took a lot to upset Elliot. This was one of these very few moments.
Emma: winces. "I can explain."
Elliot: "What's to explain?"
Emma: looks away, shrugging her shoulders as she drags it out. "I just kind of have this thing about water. Like a phobia?"
"You suddenly developed a fear of water, out of the blue, when you were known for being a member of the swim team and always expressing your love for swimming?" Will raised an eyebrow. "Not to mention the strict diet she had for it," Charlotte said.
"You're a terrible liar," Ash shook his head. "It could have happened all of a sudden. What if she had a near-death experience from drowning?" Sam pointed out. "Not that it had happened, clearly. She's a mermaid for crying out loud!" she mentioned when she saw the horrid looks on the Gilbert family's faces. "It still wouldn't sound believable. A professional swimmer almost drowned? Come on!" Ash scoffed. "No one is immune to death," Emma rolled her eyes.
Rikki looked over at Emma and gave her a pointed look. "Really? That's the excuse you came up with? You've been a mermaid for how long and that is the first thing that came to mind, after how many excuses you had to make up? Have you learned nothing?!" "It's not easy lying to Elliot. He always has this puppy dog look to him," Emma whined. "It's true. He does," Kim shrugged. "I do not!" Elliot pouted. "You're doing it now!"
Elliot: "I don't believe you." Climbs off the bed and leaves the device behind. Walks over to Emma's trophy case and touches some of her medals. "People who are scared of water don't win all this stuff by not swimming in it."
"He's got a point," Ash shrugged. "We've already heard. Quite a few times," Emma sighed. "Just saying."
Elliot glanced down as his onscreen self kept arguing with his sister. He was angry at her. Now he was only angry at himself. He should have known something was wrong the moment she quit the swim team. The truth was none of the family had thought she would be gone from it forever. As if it were some rebellious phase of hers before she changed her mind and rejoined. But when she refused to go on the trip, they began to realize just how serious she was.
Emma: sighs. "Elliot."
Elliot: cuts her off. "Selfish. That's what you are. You're ruining our holiday and our whole family." Elliot storms past her and out of her room. Emma watches him go, then turns back to her trophy case, disappointed.
"He was right," Emma sighed. "No, I wasn't. I was the one being selfish, not you. I was just angry that the trip got cancelled and blamed it all on you. You might not have wanted to go, but that shouldn't mean I should have called you selfish when I didn't know what was really going on. I'm sorry, Em," Elliot apologized. "No, Elliot. I'm the one who should apologize. You were right. I was being selfish. I kept my secret from you and lied to you. I refused to go just to save my own skin and only did it to protect myself. And for that, I am so so sorry El," Emma admitted, hugging her brother which he gladly returned.
Lisa and Neil smiled proudly at their two children, happy to see them getting along once more. Even though they got along the whole time, it was nice of them to finally make up for the argument, from what feels like so long ago now. "Aw, that's so sweet," Rikki smiled before dropping it. "Now can we get on with it? I'd like to move on and get this over with." "Way to ruin the mood, Rikki," Cleo shook her head. "That's my girl," Terry chuckled.