Down, in the deepest part of the ocean, where the fish dare not go, all is peaceful-

"YOU DID WHAT?!" The voice echoed through the dark waters. Zooming in, we find a well-hidden castle built into the walls of a deep canyon. Zooming in even further, we find a throne room currently being occupied by three mers. Two of which are staring the the queen incredulously.

"With all do respect your majesty," started the dark-skinned mer. "What were you thinking?!"

Sitting on her throne, with her tail curled underneath her, queen Amalia sighed dejectedly. "I know. It was stupid of me. But I'd rather not have to kill the parents with their children watching."

"I understand that, but turning a human into a mer is surely crossing the line." Argued the purple mer.

"I recognize my mistake, and that is why I have called you here today." Now serious, the two young mers awaited anxiously for what they were sure would be their next assignment. "I want you to set up and decorate one of the spare rooms."

"Surely you don't mean-"

"But I do. In about one week's time, he will start undergoing his final and biggest transformation, and I want you two to be the ones to greet and bring him here."

"Why, may I ask?" Questioned the dark mer.

"Because his fate is most cruel otherwise. There are two paths he could follow. Number one, be kept safe and sound in captivity by the humans. Or, two, be released into the ocean and experience a slow and painful death alone in the depths. As I'm sure you understand, neither of which is desirable."

Now finally understanding the situation, both mers looked at each other uncertainly. The silence, however, was broken when the purple mer asked a very important question.

"Why us?"

"Because, I trust you. Not to mention, You're also the same age as him, and he may be more comfortable with you because of it." Pause for dramatic effect. "So, Samantha Manson and Tucker Foley. Do you accept your task?"

Without a moment's hesitation, they both answered.

"We accept."

Miles away, above the surface, we find said boy staring intently at his reflection. Spreading up from his webbed hands all the way up his arms and converging at his neck, where there used to be smooth skin, now houses rough black scales shimmering in the light. The young teen couldn't help but feel an odd mix of fascination and horror while looking at his body like this. Feeling an itch on his newly scaled chest, he brought his webbed hand up to scratch it. He couldn't help but shudder under the weird sensation it brought. Feeling his name being called for dinner, he threw on an old shirt and headed downstairs. When he finally reached the kitchen, he sat down in his usual spot at the table. He couldn't help but notice his family trying (and failing) to discreetly send these odd looks at him. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, he decided to address the situation.

"What?"

Always one to take the initiative, Maddie responds,

"Oh, its nothing, sweetie. Its just your scales are showing." Indeed, the neck of his shirt is doing a poor job at hiding his scales.

Feeling the heat rising to his face, he tugged at the top of his neck, attempting to hide the black scales. Seeing her son's distress over the matter, Maddie moved her hand to where her son was still struggling with his shirt, and put her hand on his. Surprised, he stopped what he was doing and looked up to be met with the face of his smiling mother. Gently, she led her son's hands down, away from the neck of his shirt, and pulled the shirt down. Looking over the scales, she breathed the first thing that came to mind.

"They're beautiful." Suddenly feeling, somehow, more self-conscious than before, Danny's face lit up like a tomato. His embarrassment only increased when his family started snickering at his discomfort. Embarrassed, he mumbled,

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." That comment only brought more laughter to the table, however, Danny himself included. With the mood effectively lifted, they all dug into their dinner. During this time, however, Danny's scales continued to itch and he would have to stop and scratch them. Surprisingly, it was Jack who noticed their son's discomfort.

"YOU OKAY, SON?"

"Yeah, its just itchy." Suddenly, Maddie stopped eating mid-bite, a look of understanding on her face. Without a word, she got out of her seat and walked over to the sink. Despite trying to see what she was doing, the raven-haired teen was unable to see around her back. Seemingly satisfied with whatever it was she was doing, she walked back over to table with what looked like a big bottle of water. Silently, aware but uncaring of everyone's eyes on her, she walked behind her youngest and then proceeded to dump the contents onto his head. Surprised, he let out a startled yelp and turned to glare angrily at his mother.

"What was that for?!"

"Is that better?" She asks.

"What?"

"The itching. Is it better?" Now that he's aware of it, he notices that the itching has indeed gone down.

"Yeah?" Was his elegant response.

"Just like I thought." Walking to stand beside his wife, Jack can't help but ask,

"MADDIE?"

Smiling sadly, she said, "His scales were too dry. That's why they were itching. If left dry long enough, it can cause serious damage."

"Oh." Just another thing that makes him a freak. Coming out of her daze, Jazz asks,

"What can we do about this? Surely he can't just stay in a pool all day. Nor can he get up the douse himself in water every 30 minutes."

"Unfortunately, Jazz," started Maddie. "He may not have a choice." Suddenly feeling very depressed, he hangs his head and declares he's going to his room. Without looking back, he makes a beeline for his room and nearly slams the door. With tears spilling down his face, he sinks to the floor and quietly sobs.