"Next…"
Miyu waited in line as the lady behind the counter moved incredibly slow at taking orders. Her bored, slurred voice just seemed to make Miyu feel worse. "Oh, you're from that surfing class. What'll you have, young lady?" the woman asked dully.
"Mmm...I guess I'll just get a ham sandwich and a water." Miyu replied.
"Here." The woman handed her the sandwich as if it was a piece of trash. Miyu turned to get her drink, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"What?" Miyu asked.
"Guess who." Ryou grinned.
"You are the absolute last person I want to talk to right now." Mifyu grimaced.
"Right. Let's sit at this table over here together."
What? I thought I just told him I didn't want to be around him right now? Miyu thought. Doesn't he get the message? He is so thick!
"Why should I sit with you, Ryou?" she replied, his name like acid on her tongue.
"Ouch."Ryou winced. "Look, just come over here and sit down, ok?" He grabbed her wrist and practically dragged her to the table.
Miyu sighed. There was simply no way to change his mind. She sat down on the vinyl seat and unwrapped her sandwich. Ryou did the same. There was a long, awkward silence.
Finally, Miyu could stand her suspicion no longer. "So..." Miyu asked, breaking the silence. "What was is you wanted to talk about?
Ryou took another bite of his sandwich and stared at her. Studying my face, for sure... Miyu suddenly felt a little insecure.
"Well," Ryou began, "I think we have something in common."
"Like what?" Miyu asked. "Surfing?"
"Nah, not surfing. Something...else."
"Like WHAT?"
"I don't really know either actually."
"Oh, come on, take a guess."
"Let's say we both seem to be related to the sea somehow."
Miyu was shocked. Had he seen her before she hid? Or...? For a split second, Miyu's eyes reflect deeply with panic.
Then she burst out laughing.
"Oh, come on! You can't possibly think that! This is my first time meeting you! How could you deduct something like that?!" The words came spewing of her mouth as she tried to hide her identity. Ryou gave her a you-look-like-a-lunatic face and went back to eating.
"You're right. It's a stupid idea anyway. I just thought it was interesting." Ryou's eyes were downcast.
Miyu stopped laughing. She suddenly felt sorry for him. "You know...Ryou, I kind of felt like that too..."
His eyes lit up slightly. "Really?"
Miyu nodded.
"Huh. I wonder why." He shook his head. Then he suddenly became alert.
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot!" Ryou shouted, snapping his fingers. He showed Miyu a flyer.
"Surfing competition Hawaii?"
"Yeah. Keep reading."
"'Come join the biggest competition of the year in the islands. The beach with the biggest waves is the best for pro surfers. Smaller waves can be found nearer to the pier where the beginner and intermediate classes are. Ride some waves and get some prizes.' This is what you wanted to show me?"
"That's right!"
"Why? It's my first time surfing, after all."
"Yeah, I know that, but you seem to be a natural. Give it a little practice and you could win the Beginner class." Ryou smirked and tossed back his head. "Of course, I'll win Intermediate class"
"You are such a jerk."
"And you, my hot-headed friend, are jealous."
"I'm not and you know it!"
"Jealous, jealous, jealous..." Ryou sang, twirling his finger.
"You...you...Argh! I'm leaving!" She stood up and ran towards the beach shack's door. She could hear Ryou laughing.
"Don't forget, we have more class later today!" Ryou called.
Shoot! Miyu thought. She wearily walked back to the table and sat down again.
"So are you going to the surfing competition?" Ryou asked.
Miyu sighed. "Yeah, I guess so..."
With the sun setting, an orange glow was cast onto the sea. It was the first time Miyu had ever seen a sunset.
"That concludes the class for today! If anyone wants to take intermediate classes, come back to the surf shop tomorrow." The instructor told the group. "Aloha!"
"Aloha!" Miyu called in unison with her classmates. This could be fun! I can't wait for the competition tomorrow. And maybe if I'm lucky, some of the other mermaids might show up, too...
She turned to leave the beach and find a little cove somewhere she couldn't be discovered, when Ryou called to her.
"You don't want to practice one more time?" He asked.
"I guess I could, since the competition's tomorrow..."
Ryou's eyes lit up. "That's great! Hey, why don't I show you how to do that trick I did earlier?"
"Really? You would do that?" Miyu smiled.
"Yeah, no kidding. Here, I'll show you." He ran out to the waves with his board.
Wow. I had no idea...I thought he was just some arrogant jerk. Miyu thought. But it seems he's actually pretty good, counting my hopeless defeat on my home field...or sea, is it?
"You want to try again now?" Ryou was soaked.
"Ok, that would be great! It would help me out a whole lot in the competition, after all..."
"That's the spirit, Miyu!"
Now Ryou showed her, and they practiced for a long time, taking turns using Ryou's board. It was really fun, hanging out like this. She wouldn't admit it to herself, but he wasn't really a jerk like she wanted to believe he was. As she sat on the cooling sand and watched Ryou surf the last wave of the day, she thought, Maybe I've underestimated the guy. She thought about this when she waved goodbye to him. Then, Miyu yanked on the red ring about her leg and slipped into the sea. The water was still fairly warm, and there were so many coral reefs, it wasn't too hard to find a place where she wouldn't be seen.
At first, it was hard to fall asleep, because of fear from her past. However, she was exausted, and she knew that she had to sleep well. The red mermaid snuggled more into the sand and closed her eyes. I really shouldn't worry, she thought. That was so long ago, they couldn't possibly still be after me. Soon the effect of the warm sand, the quiet water, and the gentle beating of the waves sent her into a deep sleep.
"Aaah!!! I'm gonna be late!!!"
Miyu ran toward the beach, wearing her borrowed swimsuit and a T-shirt with her anklet, surfboard under arm. Just my luck I had to rent one before entering... She thought.
In her mad rush, Miyu ran right into someone. An older boy, with light brown hair, wearing a red and black body swimsuit, carrying a pale yellow surfboard. "Oi! Watch it!" The boy had a slight Japanese accent.
"I'm so sorry!" Miyu apologized. The boy turned around to look at her. He scratched his head. "Nah. That's ok--" His sentance was cut short. The boy seemed to be eyeing her shell pendant. "Uh... I need to go..."Miyu asked nervously, gripping her locket. She turned and ran towards the part of the beach she would be surfing on.
"Entry Number, 4026, Erin Black, of the beginner class! As expected from this regular entrant to do so well for her class!" The announcer exclaimed from one end of the beach.
Number 4026? Let's see...I'm...4056? Oh...I guess they're running late, too. She slowed to a walk as she moved on towards her end of the beach.
"Hey, Miyu!" A voice called from the crowd. Miyu looked around. Who?
"Miyu! Over here!" Ryou waved.
"Ok!" She jogged to Ryou. "Are you going soon?"
"Yeah. They're on 2924. My number's 2926."
"I see...um..." Someone tapped her on the shoulder. Miyu turned. Shoot! It's that guy from earlier...is he a creeper or what?
"What is it?" Miyu asked.
"Do you mind if I talk to you for a minute? Over there or something?"
"...Sure?"
She followed the boy to the seawall. "So...like I asked, what?" Miyu said.
"You...are you..." the boy asked.
"Am I what?" Miyu replied.
"Um...I can't figure out how to say this..."
"Say what? Spit it out!"
"Nah, it's not really important after all. It can't be, anyway." he shook his head.
"...ok? Talking to self much?"
"No, I'm not. It's just...look, do you want to see me surf later? I'm entrant 2090 if you want to watch."
"One of the later ones of the day, huh?"
"Yeah."
"By the way, you never told me your name."
"It's Kaito. Doumouto Kaito. And you are...?"
"Miyu."
"Miyu what?"
"Just Miyu, ok?"
"Sure. See you around."
"Ok, see you later."
I still wonder what that was about... Miyu thought as she jogged back over to where Ryou was.
"I'm back!" Miyu called.
"That guy...was he hitting on you?" Ryou asked curiously.
"No, why?" Miyu asked. "You aren't jealous, are yooooou?"
"Of course not!" Ryou spat. "Anyways, that guy is the east Japan champion in surfing."
"Really? No way!"
"I'd say you're a pretty lucky girl, Miyu."
"Am not! He just wanted to ask me something. Although I don't know what."
"...don't know what he was going to ask you...?"
"No. He was so frustrating."
"That's too bad. Maybe he wanted to ask you out."
"Will you quit it?"
"Fine, fine, I will. Sheesh, I was just having a little fun."
"Entry number 2926, Ryou Mizu, are you ready?" the announcer called.
"Yep!" Ryou replied. "See ya later, Miyu."
He ran out to the waves and paddled out. He waited for a wave, and then began to surf...
"Wow! What a show we have here from this newcomer to the intermediate class! He fits in quite well for just his second time at this specific competition!" The announcer shouted.
No kidding, Miyu thought. Ryou was going easy on me.
The crowd seemed to really like it. They cheered Ryou on as he surfed each wave like it was nothing.
"That was a great run, Ryou! We'll see how you did later." the announcer's voice echoed over the loudspeakers. "Entry number 2927, Lucas Smith..."
"Good job, Ryou." Miyu told him.
"Thanks!" Ryou smiled.
"Sooo...I've got to go get my turn in this competition over with."
"Ok. Good luck!"
"Thanks, Ryou!"
Miyu ran to the end of the beach where she would be going.
"Entry number 4056, Miyu Umino, are you ready?" another announcer called.
"Yes!"
Miyu now ran down the sand and into the waves. The ocean spray was refreshing, seeming to be a good sign for Miyu.
Ok...Let's do this!
Miyu crawled onto her surfboard and waited. She carefully felt for the pulses signifying each wave. Nah...this one won't work...neither will this one...here comes a good one.
She began paddling and caught up with the wave's speed. Now that there was enough pressure, she stood up. Now all she had to do was turn the board and keep her balance.
"Great! First time entrant Miyu is holding up real well! She may be heading for a good-- oh, she fell!"
I need to concentrate on surfing, not what that guy's saying! Miyu thought.
She climbed back onto her board and began again.
"That was a great run, Miyu! Excellent job for a first-timer!" the loudspeaker echoed.
I guess I did ok! Miyu smiled.
"Hey, not too bad!" Ryou slapped her back.
"Ow! I'm not sure if that was a compliment or not..." Miyu said.
"Don't worry, it's a compliment." Ryou grinned.
"Sooo...anyway, I'm going to go watch the expert class."
"Oh, really? Did Kaito invite you?"
"Sort of, but why would I need to be invited anyway?"
"He's got something going for you, I think."
"No way! This is the first time I've ever met him!"
"Maybe you remind him of someone." Ryou shrugged. "That happens to a lot of people."
"It could be." Miyu said thoughtfully. "Well, lets head on over there."
Ryou and Miyu walked to the central beach area, where the competition was on fire.
"Awesome, Jonathan! Next entry number, 2090, Doumouto Kaito!"
"Good luck, Kaito!" Miyu added to the cheering.
Kaito was, as predicted, far better than Ryou. This side of the beach was certainly more lively, if anything.
Wow...all I can say is...just wow. Miyu was amazed.
"Great job, Kaito! You're definitely somone to think about when we choose the winner!" the announce shouted.
The crowd had grown wild, so Ryou and Miyu sought refuge closer to the beach shack. They had just sat down when a panic spread across the crowd.
"Everyone, this is an unexpected strong storm! Seek cover or shelter, quickly now!" a voice came over the loudspeaker. Dark clouds covered the sun quickly and a thick fog settled in, and a strong wind began to blow.
The throngs of people poured off the beach and into buildings across the street. However, one person...
Miyu started to run back, but Ryou grabbed hold of her arm.
"Let go of me, Ryou!" Miyu yelled over the wind.
"You can't go back! Look at the size of those waves! It's too dangerous!" Ryou shouted.
"But...Kaito...!" Miyu replied. She broke free of his grasp and ran towards the Kaito. A large wave was cresting. Why isn't he moving!? Miyu thought. He'll get killed!
Then Miyu stopped in her tracks. Something caught her eye. Comet-like streaks of light flashed over the wave, their pattern somewhat menacing. A figure of white light began to form within the wave...
Suddenly, the wave crashed down. Kaito screamed.
The figure, now fully formed, turned towards Kaito. He looked on Kaito with his glass-like eyes, questioning him.
"What? What have you done?" The angel asked.
Kaito seemed shocked as the teal-haired, white and gold-clad angel addressed him.
"Now, give me your heart's memories." the angel ordered. "Now I will take them!"
The angel's four wings turned into light and wrapped around Kaito, gripping him tightly. Cries of agony reached Miyu's ears. She watched helplessly, as she could do nothing to help Kaito.
"Surrender your memories!" the angel commanded again.
Kaito suddenly managed to think straight. A glowing sigil appeared on his forehead, emitting a bright, golden light.
"What is this light?!" the angel asked. He pulled back his wings.
"I WON'T LOSE! Now, surrender your memories!!!" the angel shouted angrily, and a emitted a bright white light. Miyu was slammed onto the ocean floor as the light ripped Kaito's memories away from him. Then, the angel laughed, disappearing in a ball of light.
"That guy...was worse than them!" Miyu whispered, in her mermaid from now. Then she looked back at Kaito. He had been rendered unconcious, and was sinking.
"Kaito!" Miyu shouted. The red mermaid grabbed him by he wrist and dragged his limp body to the surface. The water receded, leaving Kaito and Miyu dry on the shore. "Kaito...I don't really know you, but, since you are part of the Panthalassa clan, I suppose you were worth saving. Be safe."
Miyu spotted a young girl with brown hair walking toward them. She turned around and dived into the sea once again.
"Ryou!"
Miyu waved. She ran up to see him.
"What the heck were you thinking, running off like that?" Ryou scolded her.
"Um...er..."she stuttered.
Ryou nodded. "That's what I thought."
"Sorry..."
"So how much longer will you be sticking around here in Hawaii?"
"Actually, I have to leave today."
"That's nice. Nobody to tow around anymore." Ryou smirked.
"RYOU, YOU JERK!" Miyu gave him a friendly punch in the back.
"Hey, watch it!"
"That's what you get!" They both laughed. Then Miyu became a little more serious.
"Sorry, but...I have to go now."
"Ok, hope to see you again sometime." Ryou waved. "Ja-ne."
"Yeah! Sayonara!" Miyu watched as Ryou walked away. Then, she checked to see if there was anyone around.
Splash!
The red mermaid dove into the ocean, then turned to look back for just a smiled.
I wonder if I'll ever see him again...since I'm not really going back to Japan. I guess this is where my search for the others begins, huh?
With that she swam away from the islands and into the depths of the ocean.
Chapter 2, fin!
How do you like Miyu's relation to Kaito? NO IT IS NOT A LOVE INTEREST AND NEVER WILL BE.
I do not own Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch or Pure, or any of their characters. Nor do I own this scene with Mikeru.
This is the last chapter before/during the Pure season! Everything else will now happen after the Pure season.
Please Rate + Review!