Okay, first a shout out to HunterHQ who, thanks to their persistence and letting me know that they wanted to read more inspired me to try writing a new chapter for this story!

I hope that anyone who's reading this enjoys the new chapter!

Sorry!

The image on the television was odd to say the least, with the hilariously blurred and distorted forms of the supposed "specters".

Their eyes however where a different story they, unlike the rest of the amateur photograph, were shockingly apparent to anyone. Two ominous pairs of red and blue illuminating lights stared in the direction of the camera, carrying a depth with them that seemed to draw any who looked for long enough down somewhere they shouldn't go.

The picture switched back to the news desk of the station after a few seconds, but an unknown chill had already crawled across all three of the girl's skin. However, the reason for their sudden anxiety disappeared with the photograph, the newswomen already moving on with another report, "In other news, strange activity was reported off shore last night…" she continued but the girls tuned her out. "Those were the 'ghosts'?" Rikki questioned in disbelief, seemingly forgetting her unease "they look like every other hoax and shadow out there the people say they have pictures of". "Says the real-life mermaid" Emma rebuttal quietly, raising a brow playfully in skepticism and bringing a laugh out of the girl. "Yea, but the difference is we're real and aren't stupid enough to get our pictures taken by some fishermen" The red head argued causing them both to laugh.

"I don't know guys" Cleo added "that picture might not be much, but the fisherman still saw something" she reasoned. Her hand had found its unconscienced way to Lewis's during her own unsettled state, the dark-haired girl still unknowingly squeezing the hand of her boyfriend lightly.

Emma shook her head "come on Cleo, its probably just a prank, two guys in costumes just having fun" the sandy blond said amused.

"Yea girl, just a couple of boys being boys, right Lewis?" Rikki agreed before turning to the bespectacled young man for his thoughts.

He wasn't listening however, his mind was preoccupied with other thoughts, he'd seen the way the girls had suddenly acted with upon seeing that photo, especially how Cleo had grabbed his hand. Whatever it was that had affected them and have them act like nothing had happened; it was unnatural, even in their case, and it was beginning to make him reconsider his earlier doubts about the specters.

His thoughts were interrupted by the verbal prodding of the girls, "yoo-hoo, earth to Brainiac!" Emma chimed, getting his attention. "Hu? Oh um, what is it?" he asked, Cleo smiled knowingly in her seat completely aware of how the mind of her love worked.

Rikki and Emma just shook their heads "I asked you whether or not you agree that it's all just a joke" Rikki explained. Lewis nodded and rearranged his glasses "of course, it's totally fake" he answered, however unsure of his answer. Looks like he was going to have to be more involved with this than he had originally planned to be.

Rikki stood from her seat after finishing her drink "see Cleo, listen to your boyfriend; now come on girls lets go!". The other two stood to follow with eager looks on their faces, Cleo letting go of Lewis's hand as the three left in a bit of a rush.

He let them go without a word since he knew where they were going besides, he had a new line of research to investigate, "I'll see you girls later, I just remembered I left something in my garage" he called after them, offering a wave as they disappeared out the door.

The girls ran hurriedly down the dock which followed the curve of the beach, the well-traveled wooden boards clapping under their uneven footfalls.

They passed a few people they knew who were either leaving or stepping onto the crowded sandy shore, the three of them throwing a few hellos to those that they knew.

When they reached the public docks, they turned off the boardwalk and onto the street, stopping for a minute to let an old black pickup with faded paint and a bed full of scrap metal pull away and into traffic.

They were soon back on course, crossing the street onto a sidewalk and eventually reaching their secluded cove at the end of the bay.

The girls wasted no time and dove straight in as the ocean welcomed them, their bodies splashing beneath the blue with three light splashes.

White sea-foam formed around them, changing their bodies as their legs transformed into mermaid tails and clothes were replaced with shells, glittering stars, and beautiful oceanic ornaments and bracelets magically appearing in their hair and on their wrists.

Once their transformations where complete, they swam off in laughter back towards the bay, to the reef where their more aquatic friends lived.

Okay, I need to be honest with those of you who are reading this story, and to you HunterHQ.

This chapter was near TOURTEROUS to write, and I'm not kidding. No matter what I tried, the rhythm just would not take or work with me. It doesn't help that I originally wrote this whole story in a lighter tone than I'm used to, and it clashes with my style.

Its basically like I'm reaching into a barrel with only one fish in it.

So to those who are reading this train wreck of a fic, I offer a proposal for you.

I can attempt to continue this, most likely resulting in a long tedious re-write

Or

I can create a new Fic with a tone that I can work like Georgia clay that may be better than this

Let me know what you'd like me to do by leaving a review or sending me a PM.

One last shout out to HunterHQ!
Raytrck OUT