It's the day of the prefecture round and Meiou Academy was excited about it. Banners scattered along the upper areas of the school's hallways all encouraged the team to do their best while on the way to the finals. Every team member, regardless of gender, were the stars of the day and they humbly knew it. Even vice captain, Karasu, enjoyed the attention.

"Yeah, I know," he proclaimed while sliding his fingers through those golden locks in front of a group of girls, "I can't speak for Minamino but…if he can't get it done, of course I will."

The girls couldn't help but swoon and giggle over him and his confidence. Karasu had a going on too with the opposite sex. Despite his one-man show, his attention focused on Kuronue and Kiyoni speaking amongst themselves.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Minamino's biggest cheerleaders. 'Sup, Ikeda."

Kiyoni was immediately dismissive, "Eh…hi?"

"What do you want now, Ohta," Kuronue questioned.

Karasu warned apart from his team of groupies, "Oh, nothing much. Say, eh, Ikeda? Before you start developing some feelings for Minamino, I think there's some things you should know."

Karasu doesn't share the same classroom as his team captain but has witnessed the latter's fraternization with Kiyoni. If he could get one girl out of the Minamino fanclub, it'll be a win for him.

Kiyoni's ears began to ring again. Her "superhuman radar" was going off but she continued pushing.

"First, unless you know something I don't, nothing was ever said about me having feelings for Minamino. A boy and a girl can be nothing more than friends. Second, what would those things I should know about be?"

"I don't know if either of you heard but, Minamino's been a bit…well, he's been a bit of a loose screw lately. During practice, he's always crying, complaining about…fins."

"Fins?" Kuronue repeated in a confirming tone, "Fins."

"Yeah, I know. I couldn't believe it either but…yeah. He thinks he's turning into some sort of fish. Coach kicked him out of practice one time because of it."

"Probably just nervousness," Kiyoni stated, "Happens to anyone. Who cares?"

Karasu shrugged it off, "Okay. But if he ends up going cuckoo during the meet today, don't say I didn't warn you. This school is one of the city's brightest. The last thing it needs is a mental patient."

"Wow," Kuronue sarcastically marveled, "And you said my commentary was rude, Ikeda."

"I stand somewhat corrected," Kiyoni assured, "Way to put down the disabled, Giorno Giovanni. Let's go, Misaki."

Along the way, Kuronue sang a little tune, "Sin…sin city wasn't made for you."

Kiyoni immediately laughed, "He did have that look on his face!"

"Oi," Karasu reminded, "No one talks about me unless it's something nice."

"Dude, if you've ever been on TikTok…" Kuronue alluded, "you'd know what I mean. Why don't you go work on your…what was it called? Your rizz face."

Kiyoni showed hers the best way she knew how before giggling and turning her nose in the air with Kuronue. That didn't please Karasu at all.

Inside the classroom, Shuichi was collected as he was in the middle of reading before class. Kuronue and Kiyoni grew instantly nervous once they saw him. Karasu did have a point. However, those incidents only happened during practice in the days leading up to today. They had to remember the plan, allow Shuichi to essentially F around and (hopefully) not find out.

Kiyoni went first, "Hey, Minamino."

"Ikeda," Shuichi frankly acknowledged.

Kuronue followed, "Hey, buddy. Ready for today?"

"Misaki."

Fantastic. Tension. Exactly what neither Kuronue nor Kiyoni needed. It seems the few days between that confrontation at the park and today didn't do much of anything to lighten the mood between these three teens.

"Look, Shuichi," Kuronue claimed, "We're sorry for everything that went down a few days ago. Right, Ikeda?"

"Yeah," Kiyoni added, "I mean…we ended up losing by a point because of how distracted I was. I couldn't stop thinking about how mad you were at me, at us. Can you believe it? Our team's first loss in three games."

Shuichi still kept his cool as he turned a page, "I appreciate the space. As far as your recent loss, that can happen to anyone, any team. My condolences."

"Well…" Kuronue encouraged, "that's not going to happen to the swim team, yeah?"

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Kiyoni exclaimed, "Are you kidding? It's the prefecture round! Meiou is on a roll! We have the utmost confidence in you."

"Is that so? Aren't you afraid about my transformation?"

Kuronue scoffed at the idea, "Pfft! Please! Like we care about any of that. Dude, you've been a fish ever since you first learned how to swim. While the rest of us had to learn how to swim out of necessity, you made swimming your passion and who are we to dismiss that?"

"Besides…" Kiyoni pointed out in a quiet manner, "knowing about…that kinda gives us an advantage. It's no wonder you're the captain."

"Like I said before, that title is as good as ours. We have absolutely nothing to worry about."

"Allow me to amend one thing to your previous statement, Ikeda," Shuichi confirmed, "What I am or what I'm becoming has absolutely nothing to do with my swimming ability or my current position on the team. Other than that, it seems we're all in agreement here. This competition and my place in it are not as important as you all presume they are?"

"No way," both Kuronue and Kiyoni agree.

"Finding your family is much more important," Kiyoni stated.

"Thank you," Shuichi smiled, "Glad you agree."

"Let's all hear it for our captain," Kuronue shouted to the class, "We're going to show the competition why we're the number one school in the country!"

Kiyoni stood as well, "And with our captain Minamino leading the way! Let's hear it for Meiou Academy! Mei-ou! Mei-ou! Mei-ou!"

"Let's hear it for Minamino! Mei-ou! Mei-ou! Mei-ou!"

The rest of the class joined in, showing their support for both Shuichi and the swim team. That was until the bell rang and the class representative stepped in putting an end to the short-lived but rousing pep rally.

A high school about a few miles away from Mushiyori City became the home of the prefecture competition; much bigger and more advanced than Naroma. The natatorium had the banners of every competing school in their conference and enough seating to fit four hundred people. Sure enough, the parents and students of every school remaining in the tournament filled every seat possible, blowing their horns, clapping their thunder sticks, and waving their school flags. Much to Kuronue and Kiyoni's surprise, Shuichi's parents managed to show up. Apparently, they found a way to take off work early so they could catch a good seat for the competition.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Minamino," Kuronue slightly bowed, "Surprised to see you here."

Shiori returned the favor, "Hello, Misaki. Should've known you'd be here."

"Anything for my best friend. Oh! Mr. and Mrs. Minamino, eh, this is Ikeda Kiyoni. She's a classmate of ours."

"Hello," Kazuya with a short bow.

"So you're the girl our son talked about," Shiori marveled as only a mother would, "It's very nice to meet you."

"I guess that would be me," Kiyoni returned the bow, "Nice to meet you too. Your son has said some nice things about you."

"He says the same about you. Is this your first time seeing him compete?"

"No. I was there for the last round. I'm actually excited for this one."

"Oh, that's right. He did say that. As are we. Our Shuichi is a fantastic swimmer. We can't wait to see him in his element."

Neither can we, both Kiyoni and Kuronue thought in a cautiously cringey manner.

"Are you sure he's going to be fine," Kuronue whispered.

"It's still a 50/50 shot," Kiyoni said in the same way..

"Do you think they know?"

"I can't say. Do you think they do?"

"Nah or else they would be as concerned as we are, I think."

"Please don't let us down, Yemoja."

During the team presentation, Shuichi noticed his parents in the audience along with Kuronue and Kiyoni. He was surprised about the former showing up but relieved to see the latter. If they want to see Shuichi at his best, they are going to see Shuichi at his best.

The swim cap Shiori bought for her son came in handy as Shuichi forgot his old one. It also helped that it was the right color, golden yellow. As he adjusted his cap and threw some water over his arms and legs, he grew suspiciously nervous over the tightening feeling on his skin.

No, no, no. Not now.

"Oi, Minamino," the coach reminded him, "Focus. We need you all on one accord."

"Yes, coach. I won't fail."

"Don't get too fishy on us now," Karasu teased.

"Very funny."

At this point, most of the races have entered the books with the 400m freestyle relay taking place as the last one. Meiou sat comfortably in second place overall with first place wins from Karasu in the butterfly swim, a female swimmer in the breaststroke, an all-female medley relay team, and the team captain in the backstroke. Like the previous team event he was involved in, Shuichi took the anchor position. The race was hot and strong. Shuichi cheered for his team as much as the crowd that supported them. When it was his turn to finish, Meiou was either second or third with the team from Rukafugi Junior High commanding first. Not today. Shuichi dove into the water like a dolphin on a mission, taking second and going for first before anyone could blink. His parents couldn't be more proud as they cheered with excitement.

"God, he's swimming faster than before," Kuronue noticed.

"Is that good," Kiyoni asked.

"I mean…yeah…for the competition I guess but…I-I'm worried."

There was no need for concern on Kuronue's part. Shuichi was doing fine. He was in his element as Shiori put it, not even thinking about the other part of him. This was the most normal Shuichi had ever felt in quite some time and he was going to make the most of it. On the return trip, Meiou and Rukafugi were at a solid first place, neck and neck. A clear-cut photo finish ending. When the race was done, silence succeeded in taking over. Who would come out on top?

In the eight-team, prefecture round of the tournament, third place went to Kanazawa Prep and second place went to Rukafugi Junior High with Meiou Academy taking first with a 0.05 second win, sending the team to regionals. What joy! Shuichi reveled in his victory along with the crowd. So much so that when he raised his arms, they were a bit green, scaly, and had what looked like fins along his forearms. Karasu, a couple of female swimmers, Shuichi's parents, and his friends took notice when they could.

"Oh, crap," Kiyoni belted, "Oh, crap. Minamino!"

His parents couldn't believe what they saw either. When the excitement died down, Shuichi noticed it too.

"What…? Oh, no."

"Minamino," Karasu called, queuing Shuichi to scramble out of the pool, "Oi! Minamino!"

Shuichi's closest supporters made a break for the door while he made his way towards the locker room with Karasu giving chase. Shuichi nearly slipped a couple of times but when he reached the locker room, he headed straight for the shower. If warm water was what triggered this latest development, perhaps cold water will do the trick in providing a remedy. Shuichi allowed the water to do its thing, scrubbing his arms as if mud and dirt had caked itself on them. The plan somewhat backfired, producing a bit of blood upon going against the grain.

C'mon, c'mon… No, no, no…

"Minamino…" Karasu called again, waiting to tease his teammate to oblivion, "Oh, Minamino-senpai… Where are you?"

Shuichi gave up on his plan and headed straight for a stall. Strangely and fortunately, nature did come calling.

"Yes, what is it, Ohta?"

Once Karasu made it to the showers, he noticed the reddish trail extending from the showers to the very stall Shuichi was using, "The hell? Really?"

"Been drinking a lot of water. You know what happens when one drinks too much water."

"Right and the blood?"

"Blood? Oh. I, eh, busted my…elbow. It's pretty ugly."

"Suuuure. So what the hell was that out there?"

"What was what? We won the round. What else is there?"

"Oh, I get it. So the green skin, scales, and fins were all a figment of my imagination then," by now, Karasu checked underneath the stall to look at Shuichi's feet, disappointed that they were normal.

"Green skin? Fins? I swear, Ohta. Is there something you'd like to share? I'm failing to understand your sudden obsession with aquatic characteristics."

"Bullshit! I know what I saw! You didn't have those things when we started. Where did they come from?"

Shuichi replied in a sing-song tone, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Karasu grew serious, banging against the door of the stall Shuichi was using, "You better stop playing with the jokes, Minamino. I know what I saw."

"Ohta," the coach summoned, "Minamino? Are you here?"

"On business, coach," Shuichi answered.

"Here," Karasu answered as well.

"Okay," the coach relented, "Minamino, your parents are outside waiting for you. I've cleared it with the school. They'll take you home after the medal ceremony."

"Thank you, coach," Shuichi replied.

"Right. Oh…good job, the both of you. Good work, we'll get a plan together for regionals, tomorrow."

"Yes, coach," both boys affirmed.

"Alright, Minamino," Karasu informed, "You win this one. However, I'm not going to let this go."

Left alone, Shuichi exited the stall, relieved to not get caught up in an embarrassing situation. Upon another inspection, the fins had disappeared, leaving only the scales and color but the leftover blood can easily be washed away. This should be quite the conversation starter when he gets home.

I really can heal myself. So it wasn't a dream…

On the train ride home, Shuichi sat opposite of his parents in full uniform and in total silence. His parents, on the other hand, were proud of their son's accomplishments but had no idea what to say about anything else. On his phone, Kuronue and Kiyoni were relentless in reaching out to their fellow classmate via text. An offer to join him at his home was indirectly denied numerous times. What happened today had to be discussed with his parents first.

Once home, Shuichi headed to the bathroom where his mother's hair dryer was. The scales were still around so it was time for some thermal therapy. Fortunately, Shiori was there to help.

"Oh, my god," she observed.

The scales covered the underside of Shuichi's forearms, reaching from the wrist to the elbow. His face displayed the innocent look of a frightened child mixed with embarrassment. Shiori got to work immediately.

Kazuya watched it all from outside of the bathroom, "Did I just see…what I think I saw?"

"If my arms provided a clue…" Shuichi hinted, "then yes."

"What is…? What are…? Where did this come from?"

"I don't know. This is a first for me."

"Shuichi, has something like this happened before," Shiori inquired.

Drowning in embarrassment and shame, Shuichi responded, "...Yes."

"And we're just now finding out?! How long has this been going on?"

"I don't know! Probably…probably as long as you've known me as your adopted son!"

"Hey," Kazuya chided, "Don't you speak to your mother like that. She asked you a serious question. Show some respect!"

Shuichi exhaled and apologized, "I'm sorry. It started…around the time of the qualifying round."

Shiori rephrased her question, "Why didn't you come to us about this?"

"Because I… Well, you see… Allow me to explain."

And so, Shuichi did. Everything he said to his friends, he said to his parents, making sure not to leave any and all relevant, significant details including the assumed connection between his backstory and his condition. By the time Shuichi was done, his arms were back to normal, migrating the family to the living room of the two-story home. Mother and son took up the space of the plush, burgundy-colored couch, leaving dad with the matching recliner that sat next to the entryway of the home's garden area. Shuichi went to the kitchen to grab a fresh jug of water he prepared the night before and rejoined his mom, chugging the drink as if he had escaped from the desert.

"I can't…" Shiori recollected, "I can't… I could've sworn you're a…a human. There's no way you could be…be a…"

"A merman," both father and son reply.

"No. No, no," Shiori reached for a hand, "You're our son. You're my son. There's no way you're–"

"I get that, mother…" Shuichi countered, "but how else can you or anyone else explain what I'm going through? The changes? How I was found? I, honestly, can't see another explanation."

"Kazuya? Kazuya, please?"

Kazuya stared at the 40-inch flat screen, deactivated TV that sat on a mini TV stand containing a few decorative candles, books, DVDs and player, the family portrait, and the WiFi modem for the home thinking of an answer, "He's right, Shiori. How else would you be able to explain everything?"

"So you mean to tell me we have a…a…merman, a real merman on our hands?"

"It looks that way. Listen, it's getting late and…we've all had a long day. Why don't we get some sleep? We can…we can tackle this issue with fresh minds in the morning."

Shuichi agreed, heading upstairs with that jug of water in his hand. He had to feed his pet fish anyway. Shiori sat in disbelief. The one time she gets to be a mom and she becomes one…to a sea creature.

"It's alright," Kazuya assured, "We'll handle this in the morning. C'mon. Let's get some sleep."

"...Alright."

Alone in his room. Shuichi finally reached out to his friends via an online chat on his laptop tablet. They were nervously frantic about the outcome of their fellow friend. It seems like Shuichi had some explaining to do to them as well. By morning, things should clear up just as quickly as the clouds above the sky.