Rewind to a New Beginning Chapter 48: The Storm-Part 2, a h2o: just add water fanfic

ENJOY!

READ&REVIEW!

Previously...

(Charlotte)

I woke up this morning to the sun shining brightly on my face and the ringing of my phone blaring against my ear.

Yes, that must be Rikki calling. Or Emma. Hard to tell sometimes.

...

"Hold it!" I heard Emma's voice call out, "Forgive Rikki for getting you started, but there's no emergency except for Happy Anniversary!"

...

"Yeah, I'm coming! And- hold up, I'm getting another call," I stated as I saw Lewis calling on my Caller ID.

I put them on hold and answered "Happy Anniversary, Lewis!"

...

To be honest, I'm quite proud of who I turned out to be. I have great friends, a loving boyfriend, an amazing mom, and the best secret a girl could have.

What could go wrong?

(Marana)

I pulled myself from the mindscape my sister was in and smiled.

Today was the big day and if all goes well, me and Ane'lie should be smooth sailing from there.

I woke up this morning and decided to check on my dear little sister and decided to add a few little things to her mind. Though I gave everyone there free reign, if I suspected that someone wasn't doing their part, I'd nudge them in the right direction.

...

"You know what, I'll just catch a ride with someone... Hopefully, you don't mind letting me go to school on my own, do you? And can you let me be so I can eat in peace?" I asked sweetly, using my Siren Voice to convince her.

I watched as the life suddenly dulled in her eyes as she just nodded and said in a monotone, "Call me if you need me," before getting up and walking out the kitchen. I grinned in satisfaction.

Fun Fact: All natural mermaids have some varying ability to sing. And it doesn't matter what range it is, fully. But due to how famous it was becoming for land-people, it was forbidden to use the Siren Voice.

...

(3rd POV)

Once again, the house was convinced that tonight would end very badly.

Since the following two days ago when the Coves discovered that Marana would be extremely powerful this Halloween night, everyone has been on edge. Even Brendan lost his love for the holiday due to this dark change in events.

...

"Alright, so let me go over this plan of yours again: You want to go to the performance tonight, ALONE, to confront Marana about whatever she plans on doing. With either two outcomes: Either she relents (which is least likely) or she attacks you and continues with her plan (highly possible yet least likely)! And overall, it's a suicide mission!" she raved.

...

(Charlotte)

Her words shook me to the core, to be honest, and it kept me thinking that something was about to happen.

Something bad.

At Valencia High, Halloween, Opening Night...

Marana's POV

After what took a surprisingly short hour of brewing and lacing the finishing touches, I poured the contents of my potion into a thermos cup and headed my way back to the auditorium.

Not surprisingly, I spotted people already walking into the school. Some of the students were lingering in their ridiculous costumes (and don't get me started on the fairies! That's more insulting than my existence altogether!) and some in their regular clothes.

Some had eyed me as I was walking by them, but I ignored them and the whispers behind me. I knew Ane'lie would through a fit if she were to find out what chaos I'd made under her name, but it's not like that would matter.

They wouldn't even be here anyway.

And speaking of unwanted people...

I turned and saw Alaine Williams in a nearly-good looking light...nearly.

Her hair was in tight curls with blondish highlights popping out. She was wearing a tight, blue blouse under a black leather jacket following black, shiny stretch pants along with black heels. Her makeup made her more noticeable and...

She saw me staring and I doomed myself from the start as she walked over towards me.

"And you are...?" I asked curiously.

"Tina Turner...well, I modified her look a bit, but I'm here. What do you think?" she asked, twirling around.

"I don't know. Why don't you ask your mother?" I asked back. This time, she glared, but not like she was mad at the answer.

Almost like she was determined. But for what, I didn't care to know.

"She doesn't matter. Besides, she dressed for work than for a party and I think that's her way of saying she's wearing a costume," Alaine snorted, "besides, she's not the one performing tonight. I am! Anyways, what exactly are you performing? You never really did at rehearsals but made up for with one-on-one time with Ms. Anelies."

"I wanted it to be a surprise and it was the only way to go without being taken off of the roster. And now, I have to go. I hear that all the seats are going to be quite...flooded by the time the show starts," I smirked as I walked away from her feeling quite prideful of myself yet worried.

I don't like her, but I had a feeling I'd be on constant watch for my sister tonight.

And just when I thought I might have had one slight issue this evening, I saw a familiar chef's outfit along with a familiar face standing in the crowd.

Annette.

Another thing that I have to worry about...but then again, I never really cared much for her anyway.

Walking over to her, I put up a fake smile which was returned with a genuine one.

"Mom..." I trailed, trying to put as much care as I could in that tone.

"Hi, Sweetie!" she said excitedly, grabbing my cheeks and kissing them, "Where's your costume?"

"Oh, I have it, I just needed to do something right quick," I stated. "I didn't think you would make it until later."

"No, I booked out early, besides, I also heard from a little bird that Alaine was here and I-"

"Was hoping that she and I made up," I finished stoically. Yep, another thing I didn't like about this woman.

"Can't blame me for trying," she pouted.

"No, maybe not, but it won't happen," I explained, in deep thoughts, "because after tonight...things will never be the same?"

Annette frowned in confusion. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Shaking my head and putting on a fake smile. "It's nothing you would understand. But be my guest, go see her if you'd want. I have a feeling you'd both be needing it."

Muttering that last part, I slipped away before she could press me more and headed into Ms. Anelies office behind the stage to change.

I can't get distracted now.

Laguna's POV

The moment Jonathan parked the van in the school's parking lot, I was nearly tempted to tell him to ignite the car and drive us far away as possible.

And it's not normal for me to feel all jittery and jumpy like this, but if magic had a pulse, I was feeling it all over my body tonight and I could feel the Full Moon rising any second now.

Halloween, oh what a worse night this could be.

Looking down at my costume, I couldn't feel more ridiculous! I mean, I was dressed as a medieval peasant with a long cloak. To be honest, I feel more like a beggar, which is funny considering I might just be doing...

"Stop that," a harsh voice startled me out of my thoughts. I looked to see Jonathan had opened the car door, looking at me.

"Stop what?"

"Stop doubting yourself," he stated, "we know what we are possibly walking right into and if you don't have a clear head on your shoulders, everything will go wrong. So get your head in the game or watch multiple people get hurt."

"Easy for you to say," I snorted begrudgingly as I got out the car. I scanned the area and was starting the fill the dread all over me as I saw hundreds of civilian lives entering the building, from parents, teens to young children brought along for the ride.

"There's no way we can get all those people out of here," I stated.

"Didn't you think that last time?" he whispered in my ear, "The whole point of natural disasters is that you can't save everyone. Marana has exploited that to you for years. But at the moment, you aren't saving a hundred people. Just one."

Charlotte.

Nodding, Jonathan escorted me into the where the auditorium was.

Looking up at the sky, it was easy to tell that the Cumulonimbus clouds were forming above the area. They'd been forming since before the drive from Malibu. There was a vast amount of water vapor in the air and the humidity was another thing that I noticed would be accompanying this unnatural weather tonight.

It was going to be a night.

Once inside, we started to split up after we paid for our tickets. Jonathan went to see when Marana would be performing while I snuck backstage to find the imposter herself.

Thankfully, with stealth and the rush to get ready, it was easy enough to sneak behind the stage as all the other teenagers rehearsing and putting on their costumes. Seriously, I almost feel bad in case one of them makes it into the entertainment industry.

Marana's POV

I was finishing putting on my costume when I heard a knock on my door. Ms. Anelies allowed me quick access to her office to change, plus I had no interest in changing my clothes in front of land dwellers.

KNOCK!

Placing in my last hairpiece, I steadily walked towards the door and opened it. Making a smile on my sister's face, it was just the person I wanted to see.

Riley Byrnes was dressed in a V-neck, dark pants, and slacks, but he had an ID pass in verification that he was allowed to be here. And in his hand were red roses.

And I wasn't any less pleased to see him admiring my costume.

"W-wow...WOW! Charlie, you look amazing!" he exclaimed before realizing he had the bouquet in his hands and handing them to me, "I-I got these for you! I mean, you never really said what types of flowers you like, so I had to go with the most cliche one for the occasion."

Taking them from his hands, I made a mental note to secure these for my sister. Lewis still has not been up to par with his role...as much as I'd like.

"Why, thank you..." I trailed, finding the right words, "they're lovely. Why don't you come in?"

Byrnes shook his head. "No, I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, it wouldn't be appropriate and..."

Before he could continue rambling, I grabbed him by the front of his shirt and dragged him in.

"Don't worry about me seducing you," I stated, "if I wanted to, you would have known long before now."

I smirked at the flustered look that formed on his face, and couldn't help but think that perhaps my sister did find a good male recipient of the male genes. In another life, I wouldn't mind taking it a bit further.

But alas, it was not meant to be.

Going behind the desk and pulling out two plastic cups, I sat them down before opening the cup which held the purple potion I made earlier and pouring it into both of them. Grabbing them, I picked them up and offered one to Byrnes, which he eventually accepted.

"It's not alcohol if that's what you're wondering," I said.

Byrnes shook his head again. "No, I wasn't thinking that, but then again, you don't seem like the type. So...this is new. What is it?"

"Well," I started to lie, "just because I no longer work for Laguna anymore doesn't mean that I didn't pick up a thing or 2 while I was with her. Plus, Halloween was coming up and I wanted to see if I could make a...sea witch cocktail as I saw on the Internet. So far, I got the appearance right. Wanna be my official taste tester?"

Byrnes nodded and I watched him sniff the potion before taking a sip. And unlike the human eye, I taste was enough for the spell to kick in.

"WHOO!" he exclaimed, no doubt feeling the little 'kick' I added, "wow, that is something! What did you put in this? Ecstasy?"

I snorted. "I don't do drugs either, you moron, but I did add cinnamon."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Human drugs were far less addicting than everyone gives them credit for.

And I did add cinnamon, but only a pinch.

He started to fan himself with his hand, his flustered face looking a little hotter, almost to a deep blush. Alright, maybe I did add a tad too much of algae.

"Anyways, I'm glad you're here because I believe I do owe you some answers," I said. Time to get this over and done with.

He gave me a perplexed look on his face, still fanning himself. "Answers...YES! ANSWERS! The answers are good! So, are you a mutant or not?"

I laughed. I took the time to see what he was talking about and, dare I say it, actually liked the franchise. However, I'd be doing him a favor by being honest for once.

"No, no-no. Not a mutant," I clarified.

He sighed in relief, though his face was now looking a shade darker. Thankfully, it will be over by midnight...if he lived long enough.

"Oh, great. Honestly, I wanted to know, that's all. You know, just in case-"

"I'm a mermaid."

Laguna's POV

I finally found my way around the stage, asking as a 'relative' if they'd seen 'Charlotte' because she forgot something she needed for her costume. Fortunately, they confirmed that Marana was indeed here, but unfortunately, they could not confirm where she was.

I was now making my way past an office when the door opened in front of me and Riley Byrnes walked out of the room...

Only he was not himself.

His face was all flustered and he looked more bothered, which you wouldn't be able to tell due to how his eyes looked glazed over and his face looked all spaced out as if he was in a daze.

He didn't say anything to me and just walked by and headed out into the madness that was the backstage of the showcase.

Looking in the room, I found the mermaid I was looking for.

Marana had dressed Charlotte as, much to my irony, a sea witch. She had dark green and black highlights in her hair and the same can be said for mascara and makeup. She had painted-on gills on her neck and had her hair done in a bun being held by seashells with a crown on top.

And as for the costume, it seemed as if she found various fishnets and dyed them black to have them cover a dark green dress that looked as if it was ripped apart and sewn together as a shirt as well a long, black, torn skirt to go with it, almost as if to look as if she had been through a storm. Dark purple paint went down her arms in the appearance of scales and she wore fishnet gloves to finish it off with dark boots.

But all accessories aside, as beautiful as it looked on her, it was the embodiment of what Marana was.

"What did you do to him!?" I seethed as I stalked towards her, closing the door behind me. She rolled her eyes.

"Oh, don't worry, he'll be fine. He'll just be in a dream-like state and will sleep it off when he gets home. Well, if he gets home, that is," she stated casually. As if possibly destroying someone's mind was normal.

But then again, all the emotional turmoil she's been putting Charlotte through might as well be a dip in the ocean for her!

"So...like my costume?" she asked, twirling around.

"Fitting for a witch," I stated with my hands folded, "what did you do to him?"

She gave me a look in mock surprise. "Oh, that? I just had some...well, Ane'lie had a very bad day and left quite a mess for me to fix. Thankfully, half the party didn't remember but, as you see, I needed to put that little business aside."

I nearly growled at her but held it in.

"And...did I not warn you to get as far from here as you could get?" she asked accusingly.

I snorted. "Since when was I the type to listen? So tell me, I know you're creating a storm out here tonight, and I know you can feel the Full Moon rising."

"Aw, and you think that I would just tell you everything," Marana smiled sadistically, "Why isn't that just pathetic! You know, Ane'lie said that a year ago to a naive land-girl and honestly, she still hasn't learned her lesson. And neither have you!"

And before I could react, Marana raised her hand and shot me against the wall, holding me there. I saw her turn Charlotte's brown eyes into a dangerous dark blue hue and I knew I was in trouble.

"I will tell you one more time," Marana screamed, "BACK OFF!"

And with that, she raised her hand, opening the door, and threw me out. I landed hard on my back and felt a throbbing in my head that suggested I had a mild concussion.

Looking up, Marana glared at me through Charlotte's facial expressions and said "Looks like this is our last time together. But if you do wanna stay...Enjoy the show. And be sure to tell your son-in-law I said Hello."

And with a wave of her hand, she slammed the door shut and locked it.

I quickly got up and rushed away, finding Jonathan standing at the doorway of the auditorium, looking at me in relief.

"Oh, there you are!" he exclaimed, "I've been looking all over for-"

"Now is not the time!" I interrupted, "We can't leave! Marana plans on doing something here, tonight-"

"Yeah, we know that!"

"With the Siren's Voice!" I stated. there was silence between us, despite all the constant chatter from those around us.

"You can't be serious?" he asked.

I shook my head. I should have figured it out sooner, really, but now it made more sense. The show, her costume, why she wanted to hold off her storm until the night, and with the addition of the Full Moon...

Oh, I am such a fool!

"Her powers are heightened tonight. And with that aside, I had suspected that for a while, she might have had it, Charlotte, but now I'm more than sure..." I rambled, trying to get my words into a sentence.

Suddenly, Jonathan grasped me by the shoulders and led me to an empty hall.

"Speak. Now," he said, letting me go.

I took a deep breath. It would be a long explanation.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Parents and Students! Welcome to Valencia High's Annual Halloween Performance!" a lady that appeared to be the music teacher said from the stage.

Nervously, I and Jonathan had taken seats in the middle of the audience, roughly 500 to my horror, as the show started. And it didn't help that the doors were locked from the moment everyone entered, including us.

Guess this is exactly the bad news that Karen was nervous about us getting into.

"I already spotted Charlotte's mother in the crowd," Jonathan whispered as he talked.

I turned my head to him. "What?"

He pointed down a few rows and I immediately recognized the woman that gave birth to Ane'lie's current life. And it looked like she wore her uniform as a costume.

"She's evil," I moaned quietly. Of course, Marana wasn't going to be stupid enough to spare her in this aftermath.

"Want to move a bit closer?" he asked me.

I shook my head. "No, you do it. Worst case scenario: Get Annette out of here!"

"And where will you be?"

"Doing what I do best: Damage control," I stated, eventually listening to the teacher announces the first act.

Charlotte's POV

Lewis had picked a grassy area on the island for the picnic. It was perfect actually. You had the perfect view of the ocean and, the mainland if you looked closely enough.

The night sky was already above us, but so was the dark clouds that I saw earlier. Thankfully. Lewis put the umbrella up for just in case.

I had asked him where it came from, and he told me he heard about a possible light rain shower tonight, which prompted him to bring it with him.

Can I just say how much I love this guy!?

He took me up to the very spot where we sat and was intrigued when he turned into a miniature candlelight dinner on the red blanket. And then he brought out a radio, which was to lighten the mood.

As if the mood wasn't anymore romantic!

We just sat there and talked, mostly about our crazy lives, such as when I and the girls accidentally use powers and nearly get exposed..and how Lewis always got the burnt from it (and sometimes literally from me and Rikki!)

And then we talked about the mundane things in life, like school, parents...our futures. I know not many people find futures as a pure artist/painter, but maybe I could find one on my field that I liked.

"Well, you can be an art teacher. I mean, we could both be educators!" Lewis stated.

I laughed. "Oh really? Is this before or after you become a marine biologist?"

"Well look at you and the others. 2 years ago, we were supposed to see Emma in preparation for swimming in the Summer Olympics of 2012. Rikki obviously will be in some job profession with dollar bills, and considering how she loves being a mermaid, ocean-based. And that leaves Cleo-"

"-knowing she'll most likely be working with sea animals for the rest of her life," I finished, "but where am I? In the end, I feel just as lost as when I came to this new school a year and was trying to find my place in the group. I feel alone sometimes."

I looked down. I can already tell that I was doing a horrible job and was bring down this entire night.

Suddenly, I felt Lewis grasp my hand and raise my head as he pulled me into a sweet kiss. I melted into it instantly.

As we pulled away, Lewis stared me straight into my eyes "Char, no matter what happens a year from now or 10 years from now, you won't ever be alone. You have your mom, the girls...and me."

At that moment, I nearly wept. A few tears went down my cheeks and I laughed embarrassingly as I wiped them away.

"Oh god, I'm sorry," I laughed, "I just feel so stupid. This is supposed to be a romantic date and I'm ruining it."

He laughed and wiped some of my tears away as he gazed at me loving.

"There's nothing wrong about being unsure about the future," Lewis said, "in fact, I'm glad you got it out of your system. I'm glad you opened up to me about this. I have something for you."

Feeling a little giddy, I watched as he reached into the picnic basket to get something when I turned up the radio.

"Alright people, it's Saturday Night and I know you and your friends are going to be hitting the dance clubs tonight. But whether you're out and about or just chilling at home, I have a hit from the One and Only, Brandy, from her album 'Human', listen to her hit single," Right Here!"

3rd POV

"And welcoming to the stage, with a few words for herself, is Ms. Alaine Williams," Ms. Anelies announces, as Alaine Williams walked onto the stage, pulling a strut as she grasped the microphone from her teacher as she left.

Marana couldn't help but be curious at what the land-girl was up to, but she was determined to leave as soon as possible once she said whatever she had to say.

"Um, hi everyone," Alaine started, "I know that you guys know me as the co-captain Lady Vikings, the Aretha Franklin of the school choir, friends to many. But If I was being honest to myself...I am the most horrible person in the room right now."

There was a murmuring in the crowd. Laguna and Jonathan, as well as Annette, sat up in their seat as these words were spoken.

"At the beginning of this year, I met this girl on the school bus and treated her horribly after I found out she was a Senior. I know, right? Why would it matter?," she asked the crowd rhetorically, "Well, it mattered to me because I had had a horrible summer and my friends were acting like strangers to me already. So, I said hurtful things to her. Said and done mean things to her when she always kind towards me. Eventually, I apologize for that, and when I was friendless, she chose to become my friend. Only to become my sister in the end."

There was an 'Awe' that came from the audience.

"And how do I repay her after she welcomed me into her home and practically shared her mother with me?" she exclaimed, "I betrayed her. Because I wasn't strong enough to face up to my demons, I revert to the girl on Day 1, only worse. I went back to my fake friends, pushed her down, intimidated her, and said some God-awful things that I know I can never take back. And after trying countless times to bring me back, I hurt her so, so much. And I learned quickly that everyone has their limits and I helped cause her to become like me. And it wasn't to prove a point, but because she was DONE with me! Her turning into the horrible person that she was before we met was what brought me back to life. I don't know any way I can say this but..."

Alaine turned to Charlotte, who, unbeknownst to her, was not her real friend.

"I am so, so, sorry," Alaine announced.

Suddenly, music started to play in the background. It was an R&B vibe to it, along with a Hip Hop beat.

When you feel your heart's guarded
And you see the break started

When the clouds have all departed
You'll be right here with me

Ally Wills

Yeah

You'll be right here with me

Oh-oh (x16)

You'll be right here with me

When you're life is going too fast off the train tracks
I can slow it down

Just when you think you bout to turn back
Scared you might crash I'll be your ground

When you feel your heart's guarded
And you see the break started
When the clouds have all departed
You'll be right here with me
When your tears have dried from cryin'
And the world has turned to silent
When the clouds have all departed
You'll be right here with me

I'll be right here with you
You'll be right here with me

So far the crowd was loving it. Alaine was, and maybe literally, putting her heart and soul into the music as she sang. Capturing their attention, even that 2 particular people in the audience forgot their true purpose for being there.

And my luck may have it, someone else was listening too.

When you're so trapped
And there's just no key
And you can't breathe
I'll breathe for you

The fire's got you down on both knees
And the walls are closing in

But I'll be
Breakin' through

And when you feel alone
I'mma be ya home
When others come and go
Ya know I got you

When you feel your heart's guarded
And you see the break started
When the clouds have all departed
You'll be right here with me
When your tears have dried from cryin'
And the world has turned to silent
When the clouds have all departed
You'll be right here with me

Suddenly, I feel a wave-no, a tsunami, of emotions hit me and feels all over my body. It wasn't like the feeling of dread and being watched.

No, this was different.

This was a sense of...belonging, love, trust, laughter, silliness, petty arguments, adventure, joy, happiness, late-night talks, singing, curiosity, secrets, sadness, anger and overall, fun all wrapped together into one big giant ball of emotions that made me feel like I was standing afternoon rain with the sun shining all over me and I just couldn't get enough!

I will be there right beside
You every step you take

I will be your strength
Your shelter
Shield you from the rain

When you feel!

Suddenly, images floated through my head as the lyrics harmonized like the waves of the ocean I frequently swam in.

It starts with the face of a Black girl sitting beside me, then goes to a look of disgust before walking away. Then it goes to distrust to looks of disguised looks of pity to full-on guilt. Scenes start to become more joyous and happier, such as laughing together on the beach or talking quietly in a bedroom. I sometimes feel annoyance and she just laughs and I couldn't help but smile with her. Other times, the tables are turned and I'm the one making her laugh.

But then, there are heartbreaking scenes with tears running down our cheeks or our faces flushed with anger as we glare at each other before one of us walks away.

However, it goes back to us whispering into each other's ears and giggling, talking about whatever, to throwing pillows at each other just for the kicks of feeling goofy.

What was this? Why do I feel the way I do?

I'll be right here with you
You'll be right here with me

The crowd started giving a Standing Ovation before Alaine even started finishing the verse. To anyone else, it would have been all the best feelings mashed up in one to have such thundering applause.

But to Alaine, it was nothing. She was singing to apologize to the girl who was practically her sister and would do anything for it.

And as for Marana, who had found herself stuck and unable to move throughout the whole thing, she was now experiencing a massive headache that might be her undoing.

I'll be right here with you
You'll be right here with me

I'll be right here with you
You'll be right here with me

Yeah

'Charlotte...Charlotte...CHARLOTTE!"

I jumped as I was brought back from my mesmerizing, intensive listening to the song. I started up to see Lewis looking frantic at me, one hand holding my shoulder.

Then, he sighed in relief.

"Char, you have GOT to stop scaring me like that!" he exclaimed, "I am too young to be having heart attacks."

I shook my head to get my mind straight. "Sorry about that. I was just listening to Alaine singing and-"

"Who?" he asked, giving me a perplexed look.

"Alaine," I stated.

"Char, the person on the radio was a singer named Brandy. Who's Alaine," he asked.

When I realized my slip of the tongue, I tried to rack my brain around as to where I could have heard that name before.

But I shook my head. "No, maybe I heard it in passing somewhere and it got stuck."

Shrugging, Lewis handed me a rectangular jewelry box, which I gasped in surprise to see what it was.

My grandmother's locket.

"LEWIS!" I exclaimed. To be honest, despite how I felt about it, I had long resigned to just getting a similar one with a purple or green jewel in it. I didn't think Cleo would give it up so easily.

"Well actually, she's been debating on this for a while," Lewis answered as if he read my mind, "And she felt that she's should be getting the purple one since that's more of her color."

I gave him a look, not believing that.

"I'm serious!" he raised his hands in defense, "She gave it to me! And considering she wanted me to give it to you as a gift, and you can't take back gifts, she wanted you to have it. Let me put it on you."

He took the box and stepped behind me. I gulped as I felt the cool metal being laid on my chest and I brought my hand up to touch it. I should feel happy, ecstatic even...

So why did I feel an agonizing want and that my heart was ripped up in two?