Chapter Four - Guess Who's Back?

Finally! She was finally back home! Even though Emma enjoyed travelling around the world with her family, her body ached to get back in the water, to speed through the open ocean without a care in the world. A lot has changed since she left—her old job was gone since Wilfred closed down the cafe and Ash, well, he finally left for college. Emma sighed as she plopped down on her bed taking in everything that happened and all the new things she now looked forward to—her final year of high school and of course, college. She hoped to join the same one as Ash or maybe even Rikki. Cleo, not so much, as she'd probably be going to the states with Lewis. Being the responsible daughter that she is, Emma made it a point to unpack her luggage and take care of the necessities first before texting Cleo and Rikki to meet up at Mako.

Rikki: "Alright Cleo, here's your mango smoothie, a Berry Blast for Bella, a pina colada for Lewis and finally a fruit punch for me!"

Cleo and Bella: "Thanks, Rikki!"

Lewis: "Oh, I can get used to this kind of servitude."

Rikki: "Don't push it, Lewis. Cleo, keep your boyfriend in check!"

Lewis: "Hey, I'm just saying. It's interesting seeing you in this sort of role."

Rikki: "One more cheeky comment from you and I'm gonna—"

Cleo and Rikki's receive a text message

Bella: "Who's texting the two of you at the same time?"

Cleo: gasps "It's Emma! She's home! She's finally here!"

Rikki: "And she wants to meet up at Mako!"

Bella: "So why didn't she just meet up here first? I mean, we just got our drinks."

Cleo: "Well, she doesn't know that Zane owns this place now. It closed down just before she left."

Bella: "Well, let's finish our drinks then meet her in like… ten minutes?"

Rikki: "Yeah, that sounds good. I'll let her know."

Emma's POV

Emma: Ten minutes huh? I wonder what they're doing? Well, I guess I'll pass the time by going for a much needed swim "Hey mom! Dad! I'm heading out for a swim!"

Lisa: "Oh okay, honey! Be careful out there!"

Emma: "I know mom. I've been doing this for almost two years now, remember?"

Lisa: "I know dear. But I'm your mother, I'm always going to worry. Promise me you won't keep anything serious from your father and I ever again?"

Emma: "Yes, I promise!"

Lisa: "So I take it that you're meeting up with Cleo and Rikki later?"

Emma: "Yes, at Mako."

Lisa: "Mako! Emma, honey, I know that's where you changed and you always swim there, but please stay away from the sharks. Alright?"

Emma: sighs "Okay, mom! I get it. Can I go now?"

Lisa: "Okay, alright. Have fun!"

Emma: "Bye!"

Neil: comes downstairs and looks at the door "Was that Emma?"

Lisa: "Yes, she's heading out for a swim."

Neil: sighs "To think that she was keeping such a huge secret from us for so long."

Lisa: "At least now we know why she suddenly quit swimming and was acting so strange."

Neil: "Yeah, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it all."

Lisa: "Me too. But not Elliot. He's been thrilled to have a mermaid for a sister."

Neil: "That's kids for you. They tend to have an easier time accepting these sorts of things."

There's nothing like being back at home. The saltwater, the coral reefs, the fishes—oh, how she missed it all. She was gone for only a month but it felt so much longer, mostly because there weren't many opportunities for her to stretch her tail, not that her parents would have approved of it. Ever since she told them her secret, they've been extra cautious regarding water in public. It was almost comical at times, mostly because she had gotten so good at avoiding water, wiping it off quickly or taking off like a trackstar before transforming. Luckily, the family vacation went without a hitch, mostly due to Elliot's selection of "places without much water". Though, there was this one incident that forced her to reveal her secret to family. And when she did, it was like a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders, although she never fully realised until now just how heavy it really was. Emma knew the Gold Coast's ocean in the back of her mind. She spent several minutes mindlessly frolicking in the water before making a familiar turn towards the moonpool's underwater entrance. With her elbows propped against the moonpool's edge, Emma silently took it all in, her second home, the place that changed the course of her life for the better, even though at first it seemed like the worst thing ever.

Emma: "That's strange, it's really warm in here for some reason. And the water, did it always feel so… I don't even know how to describe it. Was Rikki messing around in here with her pow—" turns around after feeling ripples in the water

Cleo: rushes towards her "Emma! Emma! I'm so glad you're back!" pulls her into a hug

Rikki: "Yeah, what she said. I know you were on vacation and all, but that was way too long!" hugs her as well

Emma: "I've missed you guys so much." pulls back "But there's something I need to tell you."

Rikki: "Same here. There's a lot that we need to tell you as well."

Emma: "Huh? Is it about Charlotte? Did something hap—" notices someone in the water "Guys, who's th—" eyes widen

Bella: surfaces above the water "Um, hi. Uh… it's nice to meet you. I'm Isabella but you can call me Bella."

Emma: "D-Did she change after I left? Is she another Charlotte? Is that what you wanted to tell m—"

Cleo: "Emma, it's fine. Bella's nothing like Charlotte. I mean, even Rikki's warmed up to her."

Emma: "Really? Rikki did? Mmm… I guess that's proof in itself."

Rikki: "Hey, what am I? Some sort of barometer?"

Emma: "Well, you're the least trustful of strangers among us, so yeah in a lot of ways, you are!"

Rikki: "I mean, I wasn't too sure of Bella at first, and even though we've only known her for a couple of days so far, I think it's safe to say she's nothing not the second coming of Charlotte."

Emma: "Alright. I guess I'll take you guys on your word. So Bella, how did you find this place?"

Bella: "Uh… I didn't find it. More like I suddenly found myself there a few days ago. I actually changed at the sea caves of Ireland, almost nine years ago."

Emma: "You're joking, right? Right? Cleo? Rikki? There's another moonpool? Seriously? And she's been a mermaid since she was what? Nine, ten?"

Cleo: "She's telling the truth Emma. And there's way more than just one. According to what Ms. Chatham said she's come across a few more during her travels around the world."

Emma: "That's crazy! I never thought that there might be other moonpools."

Rikki: "Yeah, Bella's basically been swimming circles around us while we were still in diapers!"

Lewis: "Nice analogy, Rikki."

Emma: turns around "Lewis! When did you get here? I'd hug you but…" gestures at her tail

Lewis: "It's fine, don't sweat it. By the way, I see you've already met Bella."

Emma: "Yes, I really wasn't expecting this but I'm trying not to judge her harshly because of Charlotte. By the way, Bella, what power did you get? Or did you get all three?"

Cleo, Rikki, Bella and Lewis share a look and smile

Emma: "Well, what is it? And why are you guys smirking like that?"

Bella: Cleo? Can you give me a hand?"

Cleo: "Sure." makes a water ball

Bella: changes it into jelly

Emma: shocked expression "So there are other powers?" touches it "Is that jelly?"

Bella: "Yep!" laughs "I never get tired of the shocked reactions."

Emma: "That's so cool! I really wasn't expecting that! So is that all? Just jelly?"

Cleo, Rikki and Lewis starts laughing

Emma: "Huh? What's so funny?"

Rikki: "Oh, you'll see."

Cleo: sets jelly on the ground "Bella?"

Bella: "Right." changes it into crystal

Emma: "Whoa… what is that?" holds it "It feels so weird! It's like a crystal, but it isn't?"

Lewis: "Yeah, I'm still trying to figure that out myself."

Emma: "Okay. So far there's jelly and this… crystal… thing."

Rikki: laughs again

Emma: "Seriously, what's so funny? I mean, her powers are interesting and all, but what's with all the laughing?"

Rikki: "Come on Bella, just let it all out. No holding back."

Bella: "Uh… okay? But shouldn't I tell her what it is first?"

Rikki: "Nope! I wanna see her reaction."

Bella: "Well, okay then." uses her earth powers on the crystal and a couple of nearby rocks

Emma: "Oh wow! So can you control earth and crystals? What about ice?"

Bella: "Nope, it doesn't seem to work on that."

Emma: "Earth-related powers, huh? It's so different from Mako's."

Lewis: "Believe it or not Emma, but Bella's earth-moulding abilities is the upgraded version of the first two she showed you."

Emma: "Upgraded? You don't mean?"

Bella: "Yep! I also entered my moonpool during the planetary alignment last year. Crazy right?"

Emma: "Yeah, it is!."

Bella: "So uh, can I see yours? Your powers? Cleo and Rikki told me that you can freeze things and create snow."

Emma: "Oh, yeah! I guess it's only fair that I show you mine." demonstrates her powers to Bella

Bella: touches the ice and snow "Yep, it's cold alright. Do you ever use your powers to cool down during the summer's heat?"

Emma: "You bet that I do!"

Cleo: "She even makes us popsicles and snow cones!"

Rikki: "Yeah, who needs a freezer when you got an Emma!"

Emma: "Rikki! You make me sound like some kind of… I don't know… science experiment."

Rikki: "Well, we kinda already are. I mean, hello…" gestures towards their tails

Emma: "Oh, please. This doesn't count."

Bella: "Oh, about your storm powers. Can I see it?"

Emma: "Uh, really? It's kinda dangerous."

Cleo: "No, it's really dangerous. Especially Rikki's lightning."

Emma: "But we can show you on the shore later. Right, guys?"

Rikki: "This doesn't sound like you, Em. Since when have you ever been so lax?"

Emma: "Well she's been pretty open about her powers so far, so why not show her ours?"

Bella: "About that… I'm not done here."

Emma: furrows eyebrows "You aren't? What else can you—" sees Bella touching the crystal "What are you—? Did that crystal just glow?"

Bella: levitates a couple of water balls, sand and rocks in the air

Emma: "So you can control water? I thought you didn't have Cleo's—"

Cleo: chuckling "Emma, look behind you."

Emma: looks back and forth between the floating water and sand "So you can control two different elements at the same t—" gasps "Wait…" looks at Cleo and Rikki "Telekinesis?!" turns to Bella "You have telekinesis powers?!"

Rikki: laughs "Took you long enough to guess that!"

Emma: "I thought she was controlling the water like Cleo! And then her earth powers?"

Bella: "I don't blame you for thinking that. There's only so much I can levitate in here."

Rikki: "Well there's always Lewis."

Lewis: "Hey, that's my line! I was going to recommend you, but I didn't want Bella to overexert herself."

Rikki: rolls her eyes and splashes water on Lewis

Lewis: wipes his face "Have I ever told you that you're really mature, Rikki?"

Emma: "Give it a rest you two!"

Bella: "Now time for the next one!"

Emma: cocks her head to the side "You're really full of surprises, aren't you?"

Lewis: "Oh, you have no idea."

Emma: turns to Lewis and then back at Bella "Uhhh…" looks around "Did she leave? I thought she was going to show me her other power?"

Cleo, Lewis and Rikki struggle to hold in their laughter

Emma: sighs "You guys are starting to get on my nerves."

Bella: chuckles "I don't blame you. I'd feel the same way too."

Emma: "B-Bella? What's going on here?"

Cleo, Rikki and Lewis simultaneously burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter

Rikki: "Do you think she'll scream like Cleo did?"

Cleo: "Oh no. Emma's the rational and level-headed one. She's not the type to freak out."

Bella: laughing "Okay, I'm sorry. This has gone on long enough." undoes her invisibility

Emma: gasps and covers her mouth "You were invisible? You can turn invisible? I wish I had that power!"

Bella: "I can teach you how to do it. All three of you."

Emma: "Using that crystal? Do you have more?"

Rikki: "Em, this is what we wanted to tell you, aside from Bella being a mermaid."

Lewis: "Not only only do we have more of these crystals, but this entire cave is loaded with it for some reason!"

Emma: "Wait, what? Did Ms. Chatham and Max already know about this?"

Lewis: "Not at first, but they do now."

Cleo: "Yeah, we paid them a visit yesterday at the retirement home."

Emma: "So how did you guys find out about these crystals? And Bella, how did you learn to do that?"

Bella: "Well I found mine at the bottom of the moonpool the night I changed and then my family helped me get my powers under control since I'd only display them when I was moonstruck."

Cleo: "As for us, we found three in the cave walls sometime last week. It's like they just appeared out of nowhere. Lewis?"

Lewis: "Right. Here, Emma."

Emma: takes the crystal "So you guys just found them there?"

Rikki: "Yeah, and for a while we thought they were just regular crystals, even though I had a feeling that they weren't. And then, well…"

Emma: "What is it?"

Lewis: "The crystals, they started to glow. Like when Bella was using her powers but it didn't stop and then the girls were hypnotised like they were moonstruck."

Emma: "Then what, they went to Mako?"

Lewis: "That's right. Zane and I went after them, and when we got there, it's like the three crystals were floating up in the air and emitting some kind of electric blue light and then everything went back to normal once the full moon had passed over the moonpool."

Emma: "Huh, it really sounds like they were moonstruck."

Cleo: "Yeah, and we had no idea what happened until Lewis told us!"

Emma: "So Lewis, do you have any ideas about what's going on? And what about you Bella? You've had the crystal much longer than any of us."

Bella: "Unfortunately, no. This is the first time I've ever experienced anything like this."

Lewis: "Well, Max and I think that it's somehow tied to your powers and transformation."

Emma: "How come?"

Bella: "So you know how everything disappears when we transform, right? Well, the crystal doesn't. It always stays behind if I transform while wearing it."

Emma: "And here I thought it was just some accessory."

Rikki: "That's not all. Mako's changing. Well, the moonpool at least."

Emma: "Changing?"

Rikki: "Yesterday, when Bella and I touched the cave wall, there was this zap, like electricity or energy running through it. Cleo and Lewis didn't feel it but—"

Cleo: "But the water feels strange like—"

Emma: "Really strange… like full of energy? This sounds odd saying it aloud."

Bella: "So you've noticed this too, huh?"

Emma: "Yeah, and it's really warm in here too. Rikki, did you—"

Rikki: holds up her hand "This isn't my doing, Em. It's the crystals. Something's changed in here and we need to figure out what it is. Ms. Chatham and Max think we need to come back here during the next full moon."

Emma: "What? Weren't you guys hypnotised the last time you were here?"

Lewis: "Yes, but when you really think about it, what other choice do you have? You can't just keep hiding away like when you were moonstruck."

Emma: "I guess, but it's a huge gamble. We have no idea what's going to happen!"

Rikki: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Lewis is right. There really is only one way to find out why the crystals hypnotised us like that."

Cleo: "Me too. Even though I'm a bit scared. Bella? What do you think?"

Bella: "Hey, I'm just as curious as you guys are. So yeah, I'm in!"

Lewis: "That just leaves you, Emma. What's your vote?"

Emma: "I just found out about all this, so I'm gonna need a bit more time to think about it."

Rikki: "Well, good thing the next full moon is a month away!"

Emma: "Thanks for reminding me, Rikki."

Cleo: "By the way Emma, what did you want to tell us earlier?"

Emma: "Oh, about that. Umm… my parents… know about our secret."

Cleo and Rikki: "WHAT?!'

Lewis: "Seriously?! You told them?!"

Emma: "Yeah. I… kind of didn't have a choice. We were visiting this natural oasis in Peru called Huacachina. It's in the middle of a desert, so there's hardly any water there. But then it started raining on the second day. My family was getting ready to go out and I tried to stall but they were getting really impatient. And I guess that the secret was already weighing on me heavily so I… told them… everything? I even showed my tail and powers."

Cleo: "So…? How did they take it?"

Rikki: "Yeah. Did they freak out?"

Emma: "I mean, they were surprised… that's for sure. My parents didn't speak for a full minute. Elliot on the other hand was really excited. He and Kim almost found out about us, remember?"

Cleo: "Oh yeah, I remember that day. And your parents?"

Emma: "Well, before saying anything they just… hugged me… and cried. They were more sad that I didn't trust them enough to tell them right away. My family and I have always been really close and we've never kept any secrets from each other. But then they eventually came around. It all started to make sense to them, why I suddenly quit swimming and started acting so strange. So they were just relieved to find out the truth."

Cleo: "Honestly, I don't know if I'm ready to tell my family. I mean my parents are divorced, my dad's starting to date again and Kim, well, she's still Kim."

Rikki: "Mmm… it's just me and my dad, and I've been thinking about telling him for so long but I just don't know how."

Bella: "You guys have never told your family? Not that I'm judging. I didn't have a choice to tell mine since I changed so young and alone. Hiding a tail from them would've been impossible."

Rikki: "In your case, it was the most obvious thing to do."

Cleo: turns to Emma "So how do you feel since telling them?"

Emma: "Relieved? Like Rikki I've been wanting to say something for so long but I couldn't bring myself to do it. But I'm glad that I finally did it, although my mom and dad are now always warning me about water in public."

Bella: laughs "My parents did the same thing when I was younger!"

Emma: "How long did it take them to relax?"

Bella: "A while? But they're parents. They'll never stop worrying about us."

Emma: "Yeah, sounds about right."

Rikki: "So Emma… up for a race? Bella's pretty good at it, too. You won't believe how fast she can go!"

Emma: "At this point nothing about Bella can surprise me anymore, especially after everything I've seen so far."

Rikki: "Well, what do you say?"

Cleo: "Yeah! I'd love to see the two of you race!"

Emma: "Sure, why not? But can we show Bella our weather powers first? We did promise her that we'd do it."

Rikki: "Oh, come on! This again? I mean, it's just some clouds and lightning and wind." sighs "Okay, fine! Let's just get it over with already."

Cleo: "Lewis, are you coming to watch?"

Lewis: "Wouldn't miss it for the world! Plus, I wanna see what happens if Bella combines her powers with yours."

Emma: "Are you sure this is a good idea, Lewis?"

Rikki: "That's what I said! I mean, you can already create sleet and hail, so what's gonna happen if Bella adds hers? Are meteors gonna start falling from the sky?"

Lewis: "Well, it could be nothing or—"

Emma: "Or it could be something really bad?"

Cleo: "But it could also be something useful. You know, like how our weather powers helped us defeat Charlotte, well what if this new combined power is something that can help us in the future."

Bella: "Cleo has a point here, but the decision is still yours. What do you guys say?"

Emma: "Mmm… okay. But if anything dangerous starts to happen, we're gonna stop right away. Got it?"

Bella: "Yep! No problem!"

Rikki: "Come on, let's get this over with. I wanna get back to swimming as soon as possible."

Cleo: "See you on the shore, Lewis."

Lewis: "Yeah, just don't get started without me."

The girls then swim to the shore then change, as Lewis hurriedly trek through the thick foliage.

Emma: "Okay, so I know Lewis said not to get started without him, but he already knows what our weather powers look like. So we'll show Bella these in the meantime."

Cleo: "And then we'll try the experiment once he gets here?"

Emma: "That's the plan. Since Bella's already seen my snow powers, Cleo, why don't you show her yours."

Cleo: "Right." demonstrates her powers

Bella: squints and raises her hand "Yep, that's wind alright."

Rikki: "Now it's my turn. Uhh…" looks around "Okay. Bella focuses on that rock over there."

Bella: "Uh, okay…"

Rikki: creates a ball of lightning that strikes the rock

Bella: gasps "Your power has got to be the most dangerous among us!"

Lewis: "It really is. I thought I said not to get started without me?"

Rikki: "Relax, Lewis. We haven't tried the experiment yet."

Lewis: rubs hands "Great! So the three of you can go ahead and make that storm. But try to make it a bit smaller."

Cleo: lowers her hand "Why?"

Emma: "Did you forget what happened the last time?"

Bella: "What did?"

Rikki: "Apparently on the night we received our new powers, we made this huge storm that sent Lewis flying. It even made the news."

Bella: "So there's footage of Lewis hurtling across the sky?"

Rikki: laughs "I wish!"

Cleo: "She meant the storm, Bella."

Bella: laughs "Oh, I know. I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to make that joke."

Emma: "Okay guys, let's do this." raises hand

Cleo: "But how do we make it smaller?"

Emma: "Well, do you remember when we were trying to control our new powers?"

Rikki: "You mean that paint brush, small strokes thing?"

Emma: "Yeah, like that."

Cleo: "What if we try imagining a smaller storm. Would that help?"

Emma: "Hmm… maybe. Just do whatever you think might work for you. Okay, here goes." raises palm to the sky"

As Rikki and Cleo follows Emma's lead, dark grey clouds appear before them

Rikki: "Well would you look at that! We did make it smaller!"

Bella: "Wow, that's so cool!"

Cleo: "That's great! So we can control the size of the storm!"

Lewis: "Not just the size but the intensity as well! Okay, Bella, now it's your turn."

Bella: nods head "Okay." takes in a deep breath and motions her hand

Rikki: closes both eyes then slowly opens one "Huh?" looks around "Nothing's happen—" hears a low rumble "What was—" rumbling intensifies into strong shaking

Cleo: "Oh my god! Is that an earthquake?!"stumbles

Rikki: "An earthquake?! Seriously?!"

Lewis: "And a really strong one too." stumbles "W-Woah…"

Emma: "Bella! Stop!"

Bella: quickly pulls back and stares at her hand "An earthquake?" looks up "These upgraded powers are no joke!"

Rikki: "I knew something crazy was going to happen!"

Emma: "It really was! What if we caused a tsunami? What if we ended up drawing more attention to Mako like we did with the storm?"

Bella: "Guys, I really didn't mean to—"

Emma: "It's not your fault, Bella. None of us knew this was going to happen."

Cleo: "Emma's right. You shouldn't blame yourself."

Bella: "I know you guys are right, but still…"

Rikki: "Lewis, do you have anything to say about this? You were the main person pushing for this experiment, remember?"

Lewis: "This, this is amazing! Storms and earthquakes, and even possibly tsunamis?! Oh, I can't wait to share this with Max!"

Rikki: "Of course the nerd in you is excited about this."

Lewis: "But Emma's right. And even Rikki. Combining your four elemental powers is really dangerous. Hopefully you won't ever have to use it again."

Cleo: "So, guys, I've been thinking. If we can make storms and earthquakes… can we also stop it?"

Rikki: "You know, that would be useful if we need to go somewhere but it's raining."

Lewis: rubs hands "Sounds like another potentially fun experi—"

Rikki: "Not another word from you, Lewis! Enough with your experiments! Did you forget about that awful potion you had us make?"

Bella: "Potion?"

Lewis: "Actually, it was a success in the beginning but the reason it failed later on was because of your meddling. We even lost the book!"

Rikki: scoffs "But did I tell you to get that stupid book? No, I didn't. And it's not like I knew it would've kept growing!"

Cleo: gasps "The book! Guys! What if there's information about the crystals in the book that we didn't notice?!"

Emma: "That sounds like a great idea and all Cleo, but that book is long gone."

Cleo: "So let's just wish it back into existence. That should work, right?"

Rikki: "Yeah, if we had the recipe that was in the book that we don't have anymore." crosses arms

Cleo: "Oh, uh… but we do. I… may have written down the recipe."

Lewis: "You did?! Cleo, that's great!"

Bella: "Wait, what's all this talk about wishes and potions?"

Emma: "It's a recipe that we found in a book about mermaids that Lewis bought last year. The potion worked, but Rikki's meddling caused it to grow uncontrollably and it basically took over the cafe. The book was lost in the process and we used the last bit of the wishing potion to return the cafe back to normal."

Bella: "Oh, wow! So we're also part-time genies, huh? And what, you guys are going to recreate that potion to get the book?"

Lewis: "That's what I'm hoping to do but—"

Rikki: "Okay, that's enough experimenting for today. I need to get my tail wet. What do you guys say?"

Emma: "You go on ahead. We'll be there in a minute."

Rikki: shrugs "Fine by me." dives into the water

Cleo: "So are we really gonna do this, Lewis?"

Lewis: "Yeah, but tomorrow. Sounds good?"

Bella: "Aw, tomorrow? I was hoping to see some more mermaid magic today!"

Lewis: "Me too. But Rikki's grouchy right now and we can't risk her messing up the potion again. So see you guys, later?"

Emma: "Yeah, but Bella and I have to race first."

Bella: "You know, so much was going on that I almost forgot about that. Well, let's go already! See you later, Lewis!" dives into the water

Emma: "Looks like we have another competitive mermaid, don't we?"

Cleo: "Yep! Rikki's been racing Bella nonstop for the past few days."

Emma: "Well, it's time to see just how fast she really is!" dives into the water

Cleo: walks towards the water "Bye, Lewis." dives

Lewis: smiles and waves

Emma: breathing heavily "You guys weren't exaggerating. Bella's speed is… it's insane!"

Rikki: "Told you, though you did a much better job at keeping up with her than me!" panting

Cleo: "And she's breathing normally too, while you guys are struggling for air!"

Bella: "Honestly, I've never thought much about my speed, but racing with you guys really made me aware of it!" lifts water off her body

Emma: "Is that how you dry off? I'm surprised Cleo hasn't figured that out yet."

Cleo: "Actually, I've started doing that recently thanks to Bella. See?" does the same as Bella

Emma: "Oh cool! It must feel much better than being boiled alive."

Rikki: "Uh, my heat isn't that intense."

Cleo: stands up "But it does sting." lifts the water off Emma

Rikki: "I can't help that either!" dries herself

Emma: "So where are we heading now? The JuiceNet is Cafe closed down and—"

Rikki: "Oh uh… there's this really cool place that just opened not too far from here."

Emma: "Really?"

Rikki: "Yeah! They serve these really cool drinks and they even have a live band."

Emma: "Hmm… sounds interesting. Let's go there! I wanna see what it's like."

Cleo and Bella: look at each other and smile

Emma: "Guys, where are we going? I thought the JuiceNet closed down? Did someone buy—?" sees the sign and looks at Rikki "No way!"

Rikki: "Totally!"

Emma: "But who?" squints "Wait, Zane?! Zane's dad bought the cafe?"

Rikki: "Actually Zane bought it… with his dad's money. But he owns it and named it after yours truly!"

Emma: "Well, aren't you lucky!"

Rikki: "Come on, let's go inside!" enters the cafe "Well, what do you think?!"

Emma: "It still looks the same except for the paint job and this…" points at the stage

Rikki: "That's where Bella and Lewis perform with the live band."

Emma: "Oh, so Bella works here? And Lewis too?"

Cleo: "Yeah, she sings and he plays the drums. Remember he used to play them when he was younger?"

Emma: "I forgot all about that. It's been a while since I've seen him play."

Lewis: "Hey, you guys are finally here. Ready for rehearsals, Bella?"

Bella: "Sure. Is everyone here?"

Lewis: "I think Nate's outside. I'll go get him."

Emma: sits at the booth and picks up the menu "The menu's almost the same too, except for a couple of new items."

Rikki: "That was my suggestion."

Cleo: "And they're really good. You should try it, Em."

Emma: "Hmm… then I'll get the Berry Blast. What about you Cleo?"

Cleo: "They're all so good but the mango smoothie is still my favourite."

Rikki: "So is that it? A mango smoothie and Berry Blast?"

Emma and Cleo: "Yep!"

Rikki: flags down a waitress and places their orders "Okay, and now we wait! So, Em. We forgot to ask, but what was your trip like?"

Emma: "It was great! So I told you guys that I was going to dry places and we did! I already told you about Huacachina in Peru, but we also visited the Salt Flats in Bolivia, the pyramids in Egypt, and the Sossus Dune Lodge in Namibia. It was a really cool vacation!"

Cleo: "That sounds like so much fun, Em! Hey, maybe we should do something similar when we're older, like a girls' trip."

Rikki: "Oh, awesome!. I'm down for that! We could also visit the different moonpools that Ms. Chatham mentioned."

Emma: "About that, where did she say they were located?"

Cleo: "Uh, let's see… there's Bella's in Ireland, and then there's one in Indonesia, Canada, Japan… and I think some island near Madagascar? I can't remember the name."

Rikki: "I think the name's… uh… Réunion?"

Cleo: "Yes! That's it!"

Emma: "Awesome! So it's settled then. We're definitely going to visit those places in the future!"

Waitress: "Here are your drinks."

Emma and Cleo: "Thanks."

Rikki: "Thanks, Evie."

Emma: "Oh, this is really good." hears Bella singing "Bella's a really good singer too. I can see why you guys hired her."

Cleo: "She is. Would you believe that they came really close to hiring Miriam of all people?"

Emma: laughs "That would've been a disaster."

Rikki: "Please, don't remind me." looks up "Uh, guys…" points at the TV

News reporter: Breaking news: An 8.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded ten minutes ago southeast of the Gold Coast, Australia. The epicentre of the earthquake appeared to originate on the small island of Mako but was also felt on the mainland, mostly along the coastline. Due to the severity of the earthquake, Geoscience Australia is currently monitoring the area for any potential signs of tsunamis. Please do not panic, as Geoscience Australia will provide us with the necessary updates as soon as possible. And remember in the event of an earthquake, you are advised to remain calm and seek shelter under a table, bench or door frame.

Emma: leans in and whispers "Guys, this is really bad! This is exactly what I was hoping to avoid!"

Cleo: whispering "Do you think that it's gonna cause a tsunami?" whimpers "M-My dad's at work right now and…" cries

Emma: takes Cleo's hand "Cleo, everything is going to be fine!"

Cleo: "You don't know that! We almost seriously hurt Lewis with that storm and now this earthquake… so many people could get hurt because of us!"

Emma: "Cleo—"

Bella: walks over "Guys, did you hear the news?"

Rikki: "How could we miss it?" sees Bella's reaction "I-I'm not saying it's your fault—"

Bella: "I know, it's just that I can't help but feel guilty."

Lewis: walks over "They're right Bella, this really isn't your fault, so don't ever blame yourself."

Rikki: "Yeah, it's not like you knew this could've happened!"

Emma: "Guys, about the wishing potion… we should make it right now."

Rikki: "What? Why?"

Emma: "Well… we created a really strong earthquake… that could possibly lead to a tsunami. And if it does happen, well… our powers might not be strong enough to stop it. So—"

Rikki: "So you want to have the potion on hand just in case we might need it?"

Emma: "Yes, and I hope we won't ever have to use it."

Lewis: "Great! Let's get started then."

Emma: "Did you hear that, Cleo? We have a plan just in case the worst scenario happens."

Cleo: sobs and wipes her eyes "Yes, okay. I'll go home and get the recipe."

Rikki: "We'll come with you. Right, guys?"

Emma: "Yes, of course."

Lewis: "Great! Then let's get going!"