Mako Legends: Chapter 2 – Ripples in the Water

The morning after Alex's life-changing experience on Mako Island, he awoke in his bed, sunlight streaming through the window. For a moment, he thought it had all been a dream—the moon pool, the glowing tail, Luna's mysterious warnings. But as he stretched and swung his legs out of bed, the faint shimmer of green scales flickered on his skin before vanishing.

"Not a dream," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

He glanced at the clock. It was already past ten, and Evan would probably be waiting to dissect last night's events. Pulling on a hoodie and jeans, Alex hurried out of the house, trying to push away the nagging fear gnawing at the edges of his mind.

--

At the café near the docks, Evan was already waiting, nervously tapping his fingers on the table. He perked up when Alex walked in.

"You're late," Evan said, but his tone was more anxious than annoyed. "And... how are you? Like, are you still—"

Alex sat down heavily. "Still whatever I turned into last night? Yeah."

Evan leaned in, lowering his voice. "Okay, but seriously, what are we going to do about this? You can't just... be a merman, Alex. That's not normal!"

"I know it's not normal!" Alex snapped, then sighed, lowering his voice. "Look, I don't know what to do yet. I don't even know how this works."

Evan nodded, his nervous energy making him fidget. "We could, I don't know, talk to Luna? She seemed to know what was going on."

"Yeah, but she also said I wasn't supposed to be one of them. Not exactly welcoming."

As Alex stared out at the water, a strange sensation washed over him, like the ocean itself was calling him back. His fingers drummed against the table as he wrestled with the urge to return to Mako Island.

Evan interrupted his thoughts. "Hey, what's going on with your hand?"

Alex looked down. Tiny droplets of water were forming on his skin, running down his fingers like condensation. He pulled his hand back, panic rising in his chest. "What the—"

"You're leaking!" Evan hissed.

Alex quickly wiped his hands on his jeans, his heart pounding. "I don't know what's happening. This didn't happen last night!"

Before either of them could figure it out, the door to the café swung open, and Luna walked in. Her presence was commanding yet unassuming, her sharp eyes scanning the room until they landed on Alex.

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked, startled.

"I told you," Luna said, sitting down across from him without invitation, "your life isn't your own anymore. Things are already changing, and if you're not careful, they'll spiral out of control."

Alex frowned. "You mean... this?" He held up his still-damp hand.

Luna nodded. "The transformation isn't just about growing a tail. The ocean is part of you now, and it will react to your emotions, your thoughts, even the air around you. If you don't learn to control it, you'll expose yourself to the world."

Evan looked between them, wide-eyed. "Wait, so he's like, permanently connected to the ocean? How does that even work?"

Luna's gaze softened slightly. "The moon pool doesn't just change your body—it ties you to the sea. It's why mermaids and mermen have always kept to themselves. Humans wouldn't understand, and they'd fear what they can't control."

Alex leaned forward. "You're saying I have to just... give up my normal life? Hide away like you do?"

Luna shook her head. "I'm saying you need to learn. There's a balance, but it won't be easy. And the more you resist it, the harder it will be."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken warnings. Alex clenched his fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I didn't ask for this. I didn't want any of it."

Luna stood, her expression unreadable. "None of us did. But the ocean chose you for a reason, Alex. You'll have to figure out what that reason is."

Before he could respond, Luna turned and walked out of the café, leaving Alex and Evan in stunned silence.

--

That evening, Alex stood on the beach, the waves lapping at his feet. He could feel the pull of the water, stronger now than it had been during the day. The moon was just beginning to rise, its silvery light reflecting off the waves.

Evan's voice broke the quiet. "You're going back, aren't you?"

Alex nodded. "I have to. If I don't figure this out, I'll lose my mind."

Evan hesitated but finally said, "Just... be careful, okay? I'll wait here."

With a final glance at his friend, Alex stepped into the water. As soon as the ocean touched his skin, the transformation began. His legs fused, scales shimmering in the moonlight as his tail emerged. The sensation was strange but no longer terrifying—it felt natural, like slipping into a second skin.

Diving beneath the waves, Alex moved with ease, his new body slicing through the water like he'd been born for it. The ocean felt alive around him, its currents guiding him back to Mako Island.

When he reached the moon pool, Luna was waiting for him. She floated effortlessly in the water, her tail glowing faintly in the dim light.

"I knew you'd come back," she said.

Alex crossed his arms, treading water. "You said I need to learn. So teach me."

Luna smirked, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. The ocean doesn't just give—it takes, too."

As the moonlight poured into the cave, Alex felt the weight of her words. He didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: his journey was just beginning