Chapter Five - Just a Little More Mermaid Magic

Emma: "Okay, Lewis. Here's everything we need."

Lewis: "Great, but we're going to need something to mix it in. Bella, could you make a mortar and pestle?"

Bella: "Sure. Cleo, can I get a hand?"

Cleo: silently molds the water, then Bella hardens it

Lewis: "Awesome! That's perfect! Alright, according to the recipe, we'll need two spoonful of golden algae…" puts it in the mortar "one tuft of deep-sea seaweed..." puts into the mortar "and finally half cup of the three different types of reef fungus." measures and puts into the mortar

Bella: "So that's everything?"

Lewis: "Yes, but now we need to add equal parts of Cleo, Rikki and Emma's powers. And don't overdo it like last time, Rikki."

Rikki: "I know, I know. Ready guys?"

Emma and Cleo: nods and uses their powers on the potion along with Rikki

Lewis: "There, it's done."

Bella: "Now what? How does it work? Do you eat it or…"

Emma: "No, you have to put it on your face in mermaid form."

Bella: "This? It looks so gross and…" smells it "Ugh, it stinks!"

Emma: "None of that matters when our home is possibly in danger."

Bella: "I get it. We caused this, now it's up to us to fix it."

Rikki: "I really hope this was all for nothing."

Lewis: "An 8.1 magnitude earthquake is strong enough to trigger a tsunami. Not always, but it does happen. But since you guys were on land when you created the earthquake, maybe it didn't affect the plate tectonics on the ocean floor?"

Bella: "But the earthquake was felt here on the Gold Coast so…"

Lewis: "Yeah, I really hope we're wrong."

Bella: "So how are you going to wish the tsunami away? I know you have to make a wish while we have the potion on our face, but what exactly are you going to say?"

Lewis: "Hmm… I do need to be careful with the wording. So maybe something along the lines of 'I wish the tsunami was no more?' or maybe 'I wish the tsunami would go away?'" How does that sound?"

Bella: "Hmm… that sounds good. So, what now? We just wait?"

Rikki: "Well yeah, it's not like there's anything else we can do at this point."

Cleo: "So guys, I was thinking of heading for a swim to see if I could sense if there's any change in the water? What do you think?"

Lewis: "Hmm… you guys are really in tune with water. So yeah, I think that's a good idea."

Cleo: "Right. I'll let you guys know if I sense anything." dives into the water

Bella: "Poor Cleo, she's so worried."

Rikki: "Yeah, we all are."

Emma: "Can you blame her? Her dad's a fisherman. He'll be one of the first people to get caught up in it."

Bella: "Hey guys, it's almost time for Lewis and I to perform. Are the two of you going to stay here?"

Emma: "Yes, just in case Cleo picks up on something. You guys should also take some of the wishing potion too."

Bella: "You're right." molds the water with her telekinesis with one hand and hardens it with the other "There all done." transfers some of the potion with her powers into the small glass jar

Rikki: "I know I say this a lot, but these powers are so useful, I can't wait to learn how to do it!"

Bella: chuckles "Soon!"

Lewis: "As for us, we're gonna have Zane keep an ear out for the news."

Emma: "Sounds like a plan. Give us a call if you hear anything. And we'll do the same here."

Lewis: "Sure. See you guys later." leaves with Bella

In an effort to take their minds off the current predicaments, Emma and Rikki spent the time chatting about their future, now that they were in their final year of high school. As organized as she was, Emma was still stumped as to where she'd attend college.

Rikki: "I honestly thought you had that sort of thing figured out since you were six!"

Emma: "Yeah, me too. But the whole mermaid thing kinda put a wrench in my plans. The college I had my eyes set on is pretty far from the ocean. So that would be a bummer."

Rikki: "Same here."

Emma: "So what about you? Where do you plan on going?"

Rikki: "I'm not sure yet, but Zane's already let me know that his dad would help me pay for it. But like you, I'd want it to be somewhere not too far from the ocean."

Emma: "Seriously? About Zane's dad?"

Rikki: "Yeah. He said that he still feels guilty about the whole Dr. Denman thing. So that's his way of apologizing."

Emma: "Wow, never in a million years would I expect that from Zane or his dad. You've really changed him. He's pretty much wrapped around your fingers."

Rikki: "You think so? I mean, I'm not exactly the romantic type."

Emma: "Oh, for sure. And don't be surprised if he proposes to you within the next five years. I mean, Zane's named an entire cafe after you and even Mr. Bennet seems to be warming up to you."

Rikki: "What?! That's way too soon for me to be tied down. I'd prefer to get married in my late twenties, for the earliest."

Emma: laughs "If you say so, Rikki."

Rikki: "So about your old job, Zane and I spoke about that, and we'd have no problem if you came back."

Emma: "Thanks, but after the JuiceNet closed down, I saw this as an opportunity to focus on my studies this year. A job would be too much of a distraction right now."

Rikki: "Mmm… makes sense."

Emma: "So what about you, do you work there full time?"

Rikki: "Oh no, just part time. I don't want to have too much going on this year. Plus all that Mako stuff is really tiring on its own."

Emma: "I feel the same way." gets a text message

Rikki: "Is that Lewis?"

Emma: "Yes. It looks like we're in the clear. Geoscience Australia said that we won't have to worry about a tsunami since the earthquake didn't happen anywhere near the plate tectonics. But they're still monitoring the area closely."

Rikki: "Whew, what a relief. I almost ran out of fingernails to chew on."

Emma: stands up "I'll let Cleo know. She's been out there for a while now."

Rikki: "Poor Cleo. She's so worried and I don't blame her one bit." stands up "And I'm tired of sitting here so I'll come with you too."

Now in the open ocean, Rikki and Emma scanned the area for Cleo. It took a while but there they found her, floating almost motionlessly, the only movement being her hands and hair. They gestured for her to talk, and she reluctantly followed them above water, not wanting to be pulled away from her important duty.

Emma: "Cleo. It's alright. Geoscience Australia just sent an update and we're in the clear. We don't have to worry about the tsunami anymore."

Cleo: breathing heavily "Are you sure? Is it really safe?"

Emma: "Yes, it is."

Rikki: notices her breathing "Were you underwater all this time? Did you ever come up for air?"

Cleo: "No, I didn't want to miss anything."

Emma: "Well, come on. Everything's fine now. Let's go home." leaves with Cleo and Rikki

At dinner, Emma told her family about the recent revelations, Bella, the new mermaid, her different powers, the crystals and the recent changes at Mako. And naturally, the topic of the earthquake came up as part of the discussion as well.

Emma: "So uh, did you guys feel that earthquake today?"

Lisa: "No, but we saw it on the news. They said that it was mostly felt along the coastline. Did you feel it, Emma?"

Emma: "Uh, yeah I did… though you could say that I was right in the middle of it."

Neil: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Emma: "Well, um… the earthquake was… our fault. We caused it."

Lisa: "Emma… did you just say that you created an earthquake?!"

Emma: "Not just me. But um… Cleo and Rikki… and Bella too. You know how I mentioned that I can make a storm by combining my powers with Cleo and Rikki's, well when Bella adds her earth powers it triggers an earthquake."

Elliot: "Wow! That's so cool! What else can you guys do?"

Emma: "Well, we—"

Neil: "Emma, I need the four of you to be more careful with your powers. What if you caused a tsunami?"

Emma: "I know that dad! We were all worried, especially Cleo!"

Lisa: "Her father's a fisherman, right? Is that why?

Emma: "Yes, and we still feel guilty about it. All of us!"

Neil: "It's alright, Emma. Don't beat yourself up too much. But let this moment be a lesson for you all."

Emma: "You don't have to tell me twice, dad."

Dinner at the Hartley's was pretty much the same for Bella. She finally told them about Cleo, Rikki and Emma's powers and the danger that lies when combining their powers together. Like Emma, she received a stern warning from her parents to keep those powerful abilities in check. That was to be expected, she thought to herself, though she'd preferred not to have to hear it from them, since she already beat herself heavily up about the situation.

The following day started out like any other—Rikki helping Zane at the counter while Lewis, Emma and Bella sat at their favourite booth waiting for Cleo who was still at work.

Bella: "So guys, about that wishing potion, when are you gonna use it?"

Lewis: "I was thinking tonight, after closing up. We're not sure if the book's going to reappear where it last was. And that was at the cafe so—"

Bella: "I get it, we don't wanna spook people by having the book appear out of thin air."

Lewis: "Exactly."

Bella: "So what do we do in the meantime?"

Emma: "Well, I was thinking about those extra powers. Why don't we start learning these?"

Bella: "That's a great idea! We should head to Mako later. That way we won't have to worry about any distractions."

Rikki: "Hey guys, here are your drinks."

Emma: "Rikki, what do you think about learning the extra powers today at Mako?"

Rikki: "What do I think? Well, it's about time, that's what!"

Emma: "Great! I'll text Cleo." texts her "Let us know when you're ready to leave, Rikki."

Rikki: "Sure thing!"

Cleo's POV

receives a text from Emma and sighs "More magic today? Ugh, well I've had just about enough of that." texts Emma

Emma: "Guys, it's Cleo. She said that she isn't coming because she needs a break after everything that's happened yesterday."

Bella: "Well, that's understandable."

Emma: "This reminds me of when we first turned. Cleo's never been fond of water and then to suddenly grow a tail, well, she was far from excited. It took her a while to warm up to it."

Lewis: "Surprisingly enough, she was the first to discover her power, remember?"

Emma: laughs "Yeah, and she used it to send Zane flying after he confronted her about stowing away his zodiac." laughs "I wish I was there to see that."

Bella: laughs "Must've been quite the sight to see."

Lewis: "Oh, it was. Believe me."

Bella: "So who discovered their power last?"

Emma: "That would be Rikki. And she wasted no time using it to evaporate Miriam's pool."

Bella: "Miriam?"

Lewis: "I think you may have seen her a couple of times. Blonde, snobby, uppity."

Bella: "I think I have. She auditioned too, right? Is that the girl Rikki and Zane almost hired?"

Lewis: "Yes, that's her."

Bella: "Well, from what I've seen so far, she seems like a handful."

Emma: chuckles "You have no idea."

Don: looks up from his newspaper "Home so early, darling? I'd thought you'd be at the cafe with your friends?"

Cleo: "Oh, uh… I'll be meeting them later."

Don: "Is everything alright? Are you feeling sick?"

Cleo: "No… it's nothing like that. I just… need a break."

Don: "From what? Lewis?" stands up "If that boy does anything to you I'm gonna—"

Cleo: "Dad! Lewis and I are fine! Nothing happened between us. I'm just… tired from work. That's all."

Don: "Well, if you say so. If anything's wrong with you, don't ever be afraid to let me know. Got it?" walks over and hugs her

Cleo: "Uh huh. Yeah. I know." pulls away and goes upstairs

Bella: "Okay, guys! Excited for your extensive mermaid lesson?"

Rikki: "Excited is an understatement!"

Emma: "So how does it work? Your powers?"

Bella: "Well, the first thing is to become aware of the energy of the crystals. Basically you just need to hold the crystal in your hands, close your eyes, and try to get a feel of the energy within it. Focus only on that and try to tune out everything else around you."

Lewis: "Who helped you figure out that technique?"

Bella: "My grandparents, but mostly my grandpa. He was the most open-minded about the whole mermaid thing among my family."

Emma: "Alright. Feel the energy of the crystal… let's do this, Rikki." closes her eyes

Rikki: breathes in deeply and closes her eyes "Okay…" tightens her grip on the crystal

Lewis and Bella look on intently at Rikki and Emma while briefly casting glances between each other.

Rikki: slowly opens one eye "Is it working? Did it glow?"

Bella: "No, but this part is crucial because it makes it easier for you to access the crystal's energy quickly. So the more easily you can access the energy, the quicker you'll be able to use the powers."

Lewis: "Hmm… Rikki, think of that time when you touched the cave wall and felt the zap. And Emma, think of how strange the water in the moonpool felt."

Bella: "Oh, that's a great idea! The energy flowing through the moonpool is most likely the same thing in crystals! So yeah, do what Lewis just said!"

Emma and Rikki nod their heads in unison, then did as instructed. For several minutes, they stood there silently, tuning out anything and everything outside of themselves, their main focus being the small, blue crystal in their hands. It started out as a faint yet familiar feeling, like a long lost memory or a word at the tip of their tongues that they couldn't quite remember. Upon becoming aware of this sensation, both girls tightened their grips and steadied their breathing, as they intentionally drew their attention to the crystal and how it felt in their hands. Slowly the once distant sensation grew—to Rikki, it felt warm, but in an oddly satisfying way, like sitting in front of a campfire or fireplace, she'd imagined. As for Emma, the energy was quite the contrast from the summer's heat that bore down on them at the moment. As the sensation grew, they could feel it moving from the crystal and flowing throughout their bodies.

Lewis: whispering "Bella! Look! They did it!"

Bella: whispering "Yeah! And a lot quicker than I expected! Maybe it's because they're much older than when I learned how to do it."

Lewis: "That and the fact that your grandparents weren't exactly sure of what they were doing, so there must have been a lot of trial and error."

Bella: "Yep, that's for sure!" stands up "Hey, guys! Open your eyes."

Rikki: looks at her hand "Awesome! We did it, Em!"

Emma: "Yeah! I can see that! It took way longer than I expected, though." wipes her forehead

Bella: "Really? Because you guys picked up on that way quicker than I did."

Rikki: "Strange… it almost feels like when we transform." crystal stops glowing "You know, that tingly feeling? But warmer."

Emma: "It's the same for me, but a bit cooler… like a nice cool breeze." crystal stops glowing

Lewis: "Hmm… so the crystal's energy feels different based on the nature of your powers? That's interesting. What about you Bella, how does it feel to you?"

Bella: "Mmm… well, there is this tingly feeling but it doesn't feel warm or cool, it's not really a temperature-based sensation, it's more like a texture, like… really smooth? It's a bit difficult to describe."

Lewis: "Interesting. I wonder how it will feel for Cleo."

Emma: "Alright, now what's next Bella?"

Bella: "I want you guys to do the same thing as earlier, channel the energy in the crystal."

Rikki: "What? But we just did that?!"

Bella: "Yes, but can you do it again? On command? It took you guys almost ten minutes to make the crystal glow, so the more you practice, the faster you'll be able to channel it."

Emma: "She has a point, Rikki."

Rikki: sighs "Okay…"

Emma and Rikki spent the next forty-five minutes channeling the crystal's energy, with a couple of breaks in between. Luckily for them, Bella had suggested that they'd pack some snacks and water, since she knew that they'd be out there for a while. As painstakingly slow it seemed, the two were making steady progress as the amount of time channelling the energy decreased with every turn.

Bella: "Wow, four minutes. You guys are doing great!"

Rikki: panting "Really? Cause I feel like I'm in bootcamp."

Emma: slumped over and breathing heavily "I agree with Rikki on this. I honestly didn't expect it to be so tiring. And you've been doing this since you were nine?"

Bella: "Don't worry, it gets easier and less tiring over time."

Rikki: "Let's end things here for today. I'm so beat that I don't think I can swim back."

Emma: "Me too. Lewis, we're gonna have to hitch a ride back with you."

Lewis: "Woah, you guys must be really drained if you don't want to swim."

Bella: "The same thing happened to me when I was younger. I'd even take really long naps every time I was done."

Emma: "A heads up would've been nice, though."

Lewis: "Looks like you're swimming on your own, Bella."

Bella: laughs "Story of my life, Lewis." dives into the water

Rikki: "Let's get going, Lewis."

Now on land, Bella dried her tail and sat on a nearby rock waiting for the others. Surely Lewis' boat can't be so slow, she silently thought to herself. To pass the time, she mindlessly used her powers on a puddle of water, turning it into jelly, then glass and finally back to water. And after what seemed like an eternity, the roaring of a boat's engine pulled Bella out of her thoughts. Realising who it was, Bella eagerly left her spot and unbeknownst to her, a piece of her glass on the sand.

Bella: hands on her hips "Took you guys long enough."

Lewis: "Yeah, well, my boat's speed is nothing compared to yours."

Bella: looks past Lewis "Are you two doing any better?"

Rikki: sighs "What do you think?"

Bella: "That you're the cranky type when you're tired."

Lewis: "That, she most definitely is."

Rikki: "Haha, very funny."

Bella: "So are you guys still heading to the cafe? You look like you can barely stand."

Emma: "Of course we are. We have to use the potion tonight after closing, remember?"

Bella: "Yeah, I do. But can you stay awake until then?"

Rikki: "We could always take a nap in Zane's office? What do you say, Em?"

Emma: "Yeah…" yawns "Sounds good to me."

Lewis: "So it's settled, then. Come on, let's get going."

Rikki: "Alright but, slow down the pace would you?"

Bella: "We haven't even started walking yet, Rikki."

Emma: "Ugh, my legs feel like noodles."

Rikki: "Same."

Lewis: "You should go on ahead without me. I have to bring my boat to the docks."

Emma: yawns "Sure."

Zane: looks up from the counter "Whoa… are the two of you alright?"

Rikki: "Yeah, we're just…" yawns "Tired. We'll be in the office taking a nap. Is that okay with you?"

Zane: "Uh, yeah. Sure." watches Rikki and Emma walk away and turns to Lewis "What happened?"

Lewis: "Oh, just a little bootcamp training, courtesy of Bella."

Zane: furrows his eyebrows "What kind of training did she put them through?"

Lewis: "We'll explain tonight, after closing."

After the last group of customers left, Zane flipped over the sign, locked the doors, then turned to face the others who were already waiting for him at a table. It was decided that Bella would be the one to transform since Cleo stayed at home while Rikki and Emma were awake but too tired to do anything but watch as Lewis smeared some of the potion on a squeamish Bella's face.

Bella: holding her nose "Uh, it reeks."

Lewis: "Come on Bella, the smell isn't that bad."

Bella: "But it's on my face, and so close to my nose. I can't wait to wash this off."

Lewis: "You won't need to."

Bella: "Huh? I won't?"

Lewis: "Yeah, just watch. I wish…"

Bella: "Strange, my face feels tingly." touches her face "Whoa, did the potion disappear?"

Lewis: "Yep, that's part of the magic."

Zane: "So what did you wish for?"

Lewis: "A book about mermaids that I bought last year. We lost it in the cafe and now we're trying to get it back."

Zane: "Why? Was that book so useful?"

Lewis: "It was. It's where we learned the recipe for this potion. And we hope that there's information in there about the crystals."

Bella: changes and stands up "So what now? How long does it take for the wish to work?"

Lewis: "I'm not sure because we didn't make that many wishes but my guess is that it depends on the type of wish made."

Bella: "So where exactly was the last place you saw the—" points at the table "Was that always there?"

Everyone simultaneously turned to look at where Bella was pointing

Lewis: gasps "The book! It worked! The potion worked!"

Bella: "This is it? It looks like a fairytale book."

Lewis: "That's because it's only disguised as one, but the information in it is legit."

Bella: "Considering that the potion worked, I guess that it is."

Zane: scratching his head "What else can this potion do?"

Rikki: "Don't get any funny ideas, Zane."

Zane: chuckles "So you finally spoke and this is what you decided to say?"

Emma: "So, Lewis? Is there anything about the crystals?"

Lewis: "I haven't even opened it yet." starts flipping through the book "No, it's the same as before. Let's see, there's the description of the mermaids, Cleo, Rikki and Emma's powers, and—"

Bella: "Is there anything about mine?"

Lewis: "No, that's why we were surprised when we saw it."

Bella: "And the crystals?"

Lewis: "It's a pretty large book. I'm going to need some time to look into it. Can we continue this tomorrow?"

Rikki: "I, for once, agree with Lewis. It's late and I'd rather be in my bed right now."

Zane: "Hey, what about me?"

Rikki: "I…" stands up "will see you tomorrow." kisses him on the cheeks "Now, come on. You have to drop me home."

Emma: "I guess it's time for me to leave as well." stands up "You live not too far from me right, Bella?"

Bella: "Yeah, we can walk together. Are you coming, Lewis?"

Lewis: "Yep! See you guys tomorrow." waves Rikki and Zane and the two wave back