Long story short during the pandemic I was stuck inside and had nothing better to do so I went diving into Netflix to see what kinds of other shows aside from the ones that I watched were on there, sure enough I found H20 that I came across as a kid but never really watched it much, and then I found Mako Mermaids and I was taken away by the fact that I never found this show because it is so good considering that it had the one thing that H20 didn't have….a MERMAN!! I get it that mermaids are the trending type, but honestly a little switch up between genders wouldn't hurt.
So that's why I'm doing this story to help create some diversity and switch things up for a change and no I'm not sexist either.
IMPORTANT!!! Also just for the record I'm not an Aussie so if it seems like I'm butchering language or sound too non-Australian based on the terminology and words I write I mean NO OFFENSE whatsoever I'm just trying to be more authentic.
I DON'T OWN ANYTHING, other than the OC!!
Ryan Halvers is an average 17 year old teenager who currently resides in San Fransisco, California. Or at least he used to be until his mom and dad gave him the news that she'd got a job offer for a position as a high school principle and his dad he found a great business opportunity in the area where she'll be working which are both out in…Australia?!
Why the hell would his parents completely think it's okay just to pack up and cut the ties to everyone and everything he knows and just rush his ass and his mom's all the way out to the middle of fucking no where. Honestly he was looking forward to spending the last month of summer with his friends and really get to hang out with some of his best pals considering that he is now a junior in high school or at least technically speaking…officially he wouldn't be one until next month in September. Also he was really looking forward to two things the first being football his school's team was quite good actually and this year he'd be JV and practicing and maybe even playing with the Varsity. Unfortunately this isn't the case, instead here he is halfway across the world and now smack dab in the middle of the Outback or what ever the hell they call it all the way out here.
Two, being he was looking to finally try getting back in the game with the ladies…what he's still a teen puberty may be over but that doesn't mean that he's 'gotten some' yet? Of course that was his plan after getting on the team maybe see what kinda hotties and sexy babes were on the cheerleading squad and maybe try his luck again which he hasn't tried since-…his last girlfriend.
The very thought of Abby, that was her name is enough to bring back the pain and the memories. But that's a story for another time.
Of course, Ryan wasn't a stranger to living by the sea. Hell, he got a very good view from the apartment that he used to live in of the Golden Gate Bridge. Although the only difference is back in the USA there's a lot more land where here in Australia it feels like he's on one big ass island. So that feeling of isolation is kinda giving off that sinking feeling working it's way into his gut.
It's been exactly an hour and a half since their plane landed at the airport and are just pulling into their new house…yes a house, so far the only upgrade that Ryan seems to be getting outta this whole thing is the fact that he gets a bigger room…only difference is that it isn't a room it's more like a shed from the looks of it, his own private space just for him. Okay…aside from the fact that he'll be having to walk all the way up to his real house it ain't bad having a chunk of space to himself.
And the house was quite nice actually spacious, tidy, which is particularly good for throwing parties. Which Ryan has every intention of doing not only to get back his parents for forcing him to come here but just to make up for what he's probably missing out on back in San Fran by now.
His dad Kurt and mom Julia were up at the house unpacking their stuff while Ryan was in his little trailer/house/cube/shack/box thing or whatever the fuck it's called.
Ryan opens the door to be greeted by a boy around his own age and height from the looks of it with tanned olive skin and dark long locks of hair that goes down to his ears. He was wearing an aqua blue t-shirt with cargo shorts.
Ryan looks at the guy with an odd expression. "Hey, um…you want something? I'm a little busy right now." He asks kinda carelessly.
"Sorry, I just wanted to introduce myself I'm Zac Blakely, I live next door I just wanted to welcome you to our neighborhood." Zac introduces putting out his hand.
Ryan gives a defeated sigh, damn manners and first impressions. But to hell with it he's not feeling like being that much of an asshole today, especially since the guy just wants to do the usual meet and greet shtick.
Ryan takes his hand and returns the greeting. "Ryan Halvers, nice to meet you Zac." He says back.
Zac gives Ryan a look "likewise Ryan, I can already tell by your accent your one of the feisty ones aren't you?" He guesses.
That manages to get a laugh out of Ryan "Nailed it! Just a heads up I am completely some of the tops shelf, class A, high grade red blooded American, prideful son of a bitch that others back home envy, I'll have you know that right now buddy!" He adds with a tad of sarcasm and a bit of humor, but sheer pride in his tone.
"Well if that's the case that I feel that you and I are gonna get along just fine." Zac laments amused by Ryan's sense of humor.
"So where are you from?" Zac asks.
Ryan gives something between a chuckle and a scoff as if it's the most obvious question in the world. Seriously, is it that hard to tell where he's from.
"The United States of America…obviously." Ryan deadpans.
Zac shakes his head, "No, no, no, I mean… where exactly in America you know which state and city?" He elaborates.
"Oh…California, San Francisco born and raised, until a few days ago." Ryan answers.
"Wow! Must've been nice over there, I mean I've never actually been to America before but I've heard about how modern and exciting those big cities are." Zac tells him amazed.
Ryan tilts his head at that, "Well you're not wrong there, kinda gets boring after getting used to living in a place like that for a while."
"Is that why you moved all the way out here, not to pry or be rude I'm just curious cause we don't meet many people
"As much as I want to come up with some lame -ass excuse and say that is the case, unfortunately it ain't, the reason is because my mom got offered a job out here as a principal at a high school…Suncoast High or something like that I think she said it's called, I mean I wasn't really listening. And my dad well he was a fisherman and heard about a offer that was nearby where she's gonna be and leaped at it." Ryan explains.
Zac eyes widen in surprise, "That's where I go to school, no kidding your mum is the one that's going to be our new principal?" He tries to clarify.
Ryan just gives a careless shrug leaning against the middle of the doorframe crossing his arms.
"Yeah something like that, all I know is wherever she's gonna be teaching that where I'm gonna be going to school."
"Thank God, well looks like we're saved after all." Zac says with a sigh of relief looking to the sky.
Ryan gives a confused look. Which Zac notices immediately.
"Oh sorry, it's just the woman that was applying to be principal isn't exactly the type you'd want at your school." He tells Ryan who's starting to catch on.
"Aww…let me guess, last one was a real bitch or something?" Ryan guesses.
"Well not exactly the last 'principal'…but kinda more like the teacher that was up for her job, luckily the school board decided that she was better suited right where she was at so they thought about reaching out further, and apparently your mum answered." Zac tells the whole story.
Ryan gives him a gun-finger gesture followed by a, "Gotcha!"
"So looks like if you end up in her class the only thing your going to have to worry about is chemistry." Zac jokes slightly.
"So what did happen to the last principal then, what's the story there?" Ryan asks being genuinely curious for once since he got here.
"Not much to tell really, Principal Santos…she just decided that she wanted to try other things in the time she has left." Zac relays.
"Damn! She's that old, no wonder she called it quits. I would if I was at that age and had to deal with rebellious teens on a daily basis." Ryan comments with a small laugh.
"No, she's not that old she just…decided that it was time because she wanted to get back to teaching kids again I guess you could say." Zac clarifies.
Although for a moment Ryan could swear that he saw Zac hesitate like the kind when your trying to cover your ass or someone else's.
But he really didn't feel like pushing any further since he's pissed still and kinda tired from the long flight.
Zac took notice of Ryan's puzzled expression and quickly decided to change the subject. "Anyways, school doesn't start until Monday so if you're free I'd be happy to show you around, we got some nice sites here I think you might be interested in?" He offers suggestively.
He decides he'll bite, "Hey for all I care I could actually use a friend right about now considering my parents have totally hijacked my life. I think I'd like to get at least one hand back on the wheel." Ryan emphasis.
"Yeah kind of sucks that way doesn't it, but hey I just wanted to say hi and everything as ask if you needed any help with anything?" Zac clarifies.
Ryan gives a nod of appreciation, "Thanks for the offer but I think we got this on our own, as for the other one, I don't know about showing me around but you wouldn't happen to know any food joints around here to just sit back and chill or any places where a guy can get a job to put together some quick cash now, would ya?" He wonders.
Zac gives a chuckle along with a nod. "As a matter of fact I know just the place that can give you an answer to both, there's a popular cafe off one of the piers about a mile or two into town, it's called the 'Ocean Cafe' a friend of mine is the manager there, one of his guys just left and is looking for a new waiter to take his spot…if your interested in that sort of thing, has some great choices in food and drinks too."
"Alright, well thanks for that. See ya around!" Ryan waves as Zac walks off back to his house.
Ryan goes back into his place and shuts the door, "Well hopefully that's a good sign that things are looking up?" He prays to himself.
But unfortunately they aren't. Considering that about an hour later after finishing unpacking and taking a nap that his dad calls him up to the house to tell him something.
He sees his parents his dad and mom have both finished unpacking. And are currently setting up the dinner table.
"Ryan, would you mind pouring the milk please?" Kurt asks his son.
Ryan doesn't bother arguing but does give a pouting look like the kind you give someone when you've just woke up.
He head to the fridge and returns to the table pouring himself, his mom Julia, and his dad all each a glass before sitting down.
Tonight's menu was pork chops on the grill, luckily this was one of the few things he's glad that hasn't changed, his old man usually cooks more fish and stuff like that but he also was a master chef at grilling steak, chicken, and spicy hamburgers…Ohh those are so good.
But in this case it was pork chops. Which seemed to lighten the mood after praying and digging in.
"So Ryan, how are you liking this place so far, it's nice isn't it?" Kurt asks with an irritating amount of enthusiasm.
Ryan just turns to his dad and shrugs, "It's fine I guess considering that I don't know anything about this place or anyone…well aside from the guy next door that is." He tells them.
"What are you talking about, honey?" Julia asks slightly confused.
Ryan looks to his mom and remembers he forgot to tell them about Zac. "Oh I forgot to tell you, some guy came over here earlier that lives right next door named Zac that just wanted to help throw down the welcome mat, seemed pretty nice." He informs his parents.
Julia and Kurt smiled at their son seeing that they've only just been here for a few hours and he's already making a friend.
"He also seemed pretty relieved when he found out that mom is going to be the new principle at his school, made it sound like the competition for the job was as bad as the plague or something." He adds on taking another bite of his pork chop.
Julia manages a smile at that, "Well that sure gives me something to look forward too when I start on Monday." She says. Glad the the kids here are happy to have her.
Kurt reaches over and gives his wife's hand a reassuring squeeze and a warm smile to go with it.
Julia returns the gesture to her husband.
"By the way, while we're asking questions, I'd like to know why we're eating dinner so early I mean it's not even dark yet?" Ryan asks intrigued.
His parents both share a look the one that tells him there's a 'surprise' coming up that he isn't gonna like.
"Ryan, your mother and I have been talking be we found this amazing spot on a island that isn't that far from the coast no more than 15-20 minutes away from here actually by boat. So we wanted to know if you wanted to go camping out there for tonight and see how wonderful it looks out there?" Kurt asks.
Ryan takes that back he isn't surprised, he's completely shocked this sure feels like a bombshell has just been dropped on him and lately it's something that happens often with his folks. A 'bad habit' he thinks the correct term is.
Ryan thinks it over, although there really isn't anything to think about this is just some shitty excuse to help him through his groveling transition from moving. To hell with it, maybe if he just sucks it up this time then maybe the next time they decide to do something like this he'll be sure to enforce his yelling rights but for now…
Ryan just let's out a deep sigh, "When do we leave?" He asks. Getting across that he's in.
Both his parents smile at their son, feeling their pride for him swell up within themselves at his effort to make this work.
Kurt let's out a laugh, "Well after dinner we're going to pack some of the essentials and my new boss offered to lend us his boat for the night to get out there and back."
"He sounds nicer than you made him out to be back in California, care to explain that honey?" Julia teases.
Kurt just groans at his wife's antics, "Okay so maybe I was a little grouchy and tired from having to get ready for the jump from one country to another, so I apologize."
"What did you say that this island is called again?" Ryan asks.
"Mako Island."
After doing the dishes once dinner was finished Ryan decided to do a little wandering around and headed into town. It was a lot like San Francisco only difference is that it felt a bit more remote and opened here than it was back there. Okay that's another perk he'll admit.
There's a lot of beach he'll admit that, and people out for jogs and shot like that.
Eventually he finds his way onto this pier that stands out to find the place Zac was talking about the 'Ocean Cafe' in big letters. It's a decent size.
Once he steps inside he gets a nice blast of the AC system. It doesn't look any different from a Starbucks or Caribou back home. It's semi crowded in here though for him and then he does what any reasonable person would do and goes to the counter for info.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the manager?" Ryan calls out to the guy behind the counter.
"Currently present, how may I be of service, mate?" Brown curly haired boy asks with a little too much warmth and enthusiasm for Ryan's liking but, hey at least he isn't offensive or an asshole.
Ryan takes a moment and just can't seem to figure out why he has that damn overly widened smile on his face.
"Uh…yeah, I say your sign posted out front about 'help wanted' and my new neighbor Zac Blakely told me you're looking for a bust boy am I right?" Ryan reiterates.
"Absolutely, are you interested?" He asks.
Ryan gives him a look, "Last time I checked when someone comes in asking about a job offer, it usually means that their interested, I mean at least that's what it's like where I'm from, I mean I ain't exactly from around here, my voice should be an obvious giveaway on that, so I don't know how things are done in the 'land down under', no offense." He deadpans.
"None taken, I'm David, and might I ask your name?" The brown curly haired boy now known as David introduces putting out his hand.
Ryan hesitates for a moment before shaking it with his own. "Ryan Halvers, nice to meet ya." He introduces.
"Feeling's mutual, mate. Well it's nice to meet you Ryan, listen this part of the day is usually packed with customers so if you wouldn't mind coming back later tonight before closing or tomorrow morning that'd be great, unless you'd like to try and come back tomorrow early in the morning." David offers.
Ryan quickly thinks it over, "Well honestly I've never been much of a morning person but unfortunately I'm gonna have to make an exception since I'm new my folks want to take me sightseeing tonight…ya know get the lay of the land and all that. Celebrate a 'new beginning' and all that shit." He air quotes.
David nods respectfully. "Don't worry mate, no need to rush I can only imagine how hard it must be to get used to moving to an entirely different country."
"You don't know the half of it." Ryan mutters under his breath with a scoff to match his tone.
Luckily David didn't hear him all too well.
"Well in that case I'll stop by tomorrow morning then after I get back, is there a specific time that works for you?" Ryan asks.
David thinks it over for a moment, "No not really, considering tomorrow is the last weekend before school starts again so everyone's usually at home, getting ready you know how it is." He explains.
"Yeah, but sure just drop in if you have a resume bring it if not…well discuss that more tomorrow." David assures him.
Ryan then gets out of there and looks around some more before winding up back home again where his parents are waiting as they get in their truck and head off to the docks.
There's a whole bunch of boats lined up in the bay followed by a few dinghy's. Ryan follows his parents walk along the long-ass dock and meet up with a man who looks to be in his late 30s possibly even mid 40s and greets his dad with a welcoming smile and handshake.
"Kurt good to see ya mate, hopefully the trip wasn't too choppy I hope?" The man questions.
"It's good to see you too Doug, yeah it wasn't that bad actually aside from the fact that my legs kept falling asleep every five minutes." Kurt jokes.
"So this must be the rest of the family then, I take it?" Doug obviously assumes.
"Yep this is my wife, Julia, and my son Ryan." Kurt introduces gesture to either of them.
They both give a firm handshake.
"This is Doug McLaren, my boss he runs the snorkeling and whale watching tours around the area." Kurt explains.
"I hear you're all looking to take a little trip out to Mako to celebrate your first night here, it's got quite the scenery, that I'll tell you folks." Doug comments. Tossing his boat keys to Kurt.
"Well don't let me keep you, she's all fueled up and the navigation system is the best out of the whole bay, you'll be there in no time." Doug announces before walking off.
"That's again Doug, see you tomorrow!" Kurt calls out.
The ride to Mako isn't that long although it does feel strange in a way to get away from the land.
Shortly they arrive and beach the boat on shore setting up the tents and a nice bonfire roasting some marshmallows.
What really got to Ryan was that volcano and the sides seemed sturdy enough to climb up.
That's when his devious head cooked up another shit storm of a scheme that brought that devilish smile to his face.
About an hour after they went to bed Ryan slowly unzipped his tent and made his way into the forest and if he got caught he'd say he was going to take a piss. Even he'd buy that after all its an island. Sure as hell don't got any outhouse out here.
Finally found his way through the trees and to the base of the volcano and started to climb with the full moon shining in the sky it provided more than enough light for him to see where he was going.
In no time at all he made it to the top and reached or more like bent over inside.
Ryan couldn't be sure but when he peered down into the mouth of the inactive Volcano he looked down and saw nothing but pitch black.
However that quickly started to change as he saw the moonlight start to shine down the tube and then what happen next nearly took him by surprise as he saw that down there at the bottom was a…pool?
Ryan made a mental note of this. What the hell is a pool doing down in a volcano?
If that wasn't odd enough, what he's seeing now is completely unreal the water in the pool starts bubbling like a hot tub, and…glowing.
Ryan is completely mesmerized by this display, that he doesn't even realize he's leaning further and further into the volcano.
Suddenly the rock formation he was standing on gives out under his weight as he loses his footing and desperately tries to regain his balance but…
"OH SHIT!!!" Ryan screams as falls inside the tube and feeling the air carry him down inside falling and falling right into the bright bubbling pool with a splash into the water followed by a strange sensation coursing throughout his entire body and then….
Everything goes black.
Just in case some actually does read this and I'm not counting on it since this isn't a popular fanfic fandom.
Just picture the first episode of Mako Mermaids only instead of finding a secret tunnel he just happens to do something stupid.
Hopefully this wasn't too bad for a first chapter. Also a few other points to make as far as Ryan's journey goes is that yes like the pair says there will be Ryan x Ondina. After watching the show on Netflix I realized that after what happened in season 3 that I hoped someone would fix the mistake that Erik made when he chose the chamber over Ondina or she'd find a landboy that was much more reliable to love. But unfortunately they decided to give all that action to Mimmi and Chris. Mimmi is kinda cute but still it didn't feel right for Ondina to feel that she'd never find her soulmate or someone she could feel close to and love.
Also as for some of the plot holes, yes the pod is back, and yes there should be mermaids guarding the moon pool on a full moon, but for the sake of Ryan's origin story and so I could get this first chapter posted it's just the way it had to be.
Also be advised that the POV of the story will mostly be from Ryan's perspective with a few exceptions from time to time when the occasion calls for it.
Otherwise hopefully the very few that come across this story like what they read down the road.
