Unexpected Revelations

Making her way downstairs, a sleepy Cleo lazily wandered into the kitchen, as she half-mindlessly grabbed the cereal that Kim just so happened to be reaching for.

Kim: "Hey! I was using that!"

Cleo: "Hmm…? You were?" looks at her bowl "Doesn't look that way to me."

Kim: "Seriously! Give it back!"

Cleo: "I will, in a minute. You're not the only one who has to eat! Plus your bowl's already full."

Kim: "And I want more because I'm not done!"

Don: "Come on girls, enough fighting. You're getting older. Act like it."

Kim: "But Cleo—"

Don: "I mean it, Kim. Besides, I need the two of you to be on your best behavior tonight."

Cleo: "Why? What's so special about tonight?"

Don: "It's Sam. I'm inviting her over tonight for dinner."

Kim: rolls her eyes "So soon? Didn't you just start dating her?"

Don: "It's been six months, Kim. I wanted to take things slow for the sake of you girls, but now that we're getting serious, I think it's time that I introduce you to her."

Cleo: "That's great dad! I'm so happy for you."

Don: "Thanks, sweetheart! But I need you to get here early to help me prepare dinner."

Cleo: "Sure, but… I'm kind of busy today. I have work today and then I… have to help Emma and the others afterwards with a project… for school. So I can't stay long."

Kim: rolls her eyes "She just wants to get out of the dinner." takes the cereal "The weekend just passed, couldn't you have—"

Cleo: "We did work on it yesterday, but, umm… the presentation's tomorrow and Emma wants to go over it one last time."

Don: "Okay, fine by me. Dinner's at six and you can leave at seven-thirty, but you need to get home before ten. Deal?"

Cleo: "Great! Thanks dad!"

Kim: rolls her eyes "But I'm the spoiled one. You always get what you want!"

Cleo: "This is important, Kim!"

Kim: scoffs "Whatever…" continues eating

Bella: looks up "Hey, Sophie, you're up early for once." takes a bite of toast

Sophie: "Yeah, I got a lot going on today." pours some orange juice "By the way, are you guys really going to Mako tonight?"

Bella: "Well, it's not like we have a choice. We're gonna find ourselves over there whether we like it or not."

Sophie: "I know, it's just that… I can't help but worry about you guys. Are you sure you don't want me to come? Or mom and dad?"

Bella: "It's like I told you last night… Cleo and Rikki almost seriously hurt their boyfriends when they intervened. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I—" sighs "Besides, Cleo's boyfriend Lewis is most likely going to be there, so we'll be fine."

Sophie: "But, Bella, you need to—"

Theresa: "Sophie, dear. We already had this talk. Bella won't be alone, so we need to trust her on this."

Sophie: "I get that mom."

Jonathan: "Hey…" puts his hand on Sophie's shoulder "I understand more than anyone how overprotective you are over her, but you won't always be around, so you have to trust Bella's judgment and ability to look after herself."

Sophie: "Okay, okay, I get. Just, make sure to tell us everything that happens! Leave no details out, no matter how small. Got it?"

Bella: "You got my word, Soph." doorbell rings "I think that's Emma. Guess it's time to get going." hugs Sophie "And don't worry so much, you're going to give yourself premature wrinkles." laughs

Sophie: touches her forehead "What?! Bella!"

Bella: grabs her bag "Bye!" leaves

Sophie: sighs and crosses her arms "She's really not the type to take anything seriously."

Theresa: "Your father's right, honey. You can't micromanage or over prepare for everything. You need to give Bella her space."

Jonathan: "And it's not that we don't share your feelings, we do. But we know Bella and what she's capable of. If anything, being a helicopter parent might bring out her rebellious side."

Sophie: "Bella? Rebellious?" laughs "As if."

Theresa: laughs "She has her moments."

Emma: "So, how'd the whole full moon talk with your parents go?"

Bella: "Oh, just about how you'd expect. They were concerned but agreed with our plan to go to Mako. Sophie on the other hand…"

Emma: "Let me guess, she's totally against it. Or she wants to go over there with you?"

Bella: "Yep, pretty much."

Emma: "Figures, she sounds like my parents."

Bella: "Wait, they know your secret, right? But they're still against you going to Mako tonight?"

Emma: "I mean, I told them about all the crazy things that happened when we were moonstruck. And now this? Glowing crystals… the fact that we don't understand what's going on makes them even more worried. And I don't blame them, but still…"

Bella: "So? Did you make any progress with them?"

Emma: "Barely. My dad's starting to come around, but my mom?" sighs "And I thought Rikki was stubborn."

Rikki: "I mean, it's not like you need their permission. Mako's gonna drag us over there regardless. So, I don't see why you're making such a fuss."

Emma: "Because I don't want them to follow me when I leave. Remember how we acted when we were moonstruck? And apparently it's no different with the crystals. What if I hurt them?"

Cleo: "She has a point, Rikki."

Rikki: "Sure, let's say we go along with your plan. Do you really think that the five of us will be able to convince your parents?"

Lewis: "Strength in numbers, Rikki. Strength in numbers."

Cleo: "Actually, make that four. I have work today and then I have to help my dad at home. He's inviting his new partner over for dinner."

Rikki: sighs "Talk about bad timing. But I guess you already came up with an excuse to leave."

Cleo: "Absolutely. Can't have my dad and his partner see me leaving the house all zombified."

Rikki: "Wait a minute, aren't you guys forgetting something? Bella and Lewis, you're performing today, right?"

Lewis: sighs "Honestly, with everything going on, it completely slipped my mind."

Emma: "Then you guys can come over afterwards. How about seven? My dad's away on a business trip, so it's just my mom and Elliot."

Rikki: exchanges looks with Bella and shrugs "Sure, that could work."

Lewis: claps his hands "Great! So it's settled then!" bell rings "First we head over to Emma's…" stands up "...then Mako."

Will: "Hey, Bella! Guys!" waves

Bella: turns around "Made it just in time, I see."

Will: laughs "Barely. By the way, I thought you found Mako to be spooky, so why are you planning to go over there?"

Bella: "Huh? What made you say that?"

Will: "Uh, not that I was eavesdropping, but I could've sworn I overheard Lewis say something about going there?"

Rikki: crosses arms "So you were eavesdropping."

Bella: "It's fine, Rikki." turns to Will "Well, um, Lewis has a telescope, and they all go camping there sometimes. It's not a big deal."

Will: "Camping, huh? Never thought I'd take you for the outdoors type."

Bella: laughs "What can I say? I'm a girl of many interests."

As the school day came to an end, the five friends went their separate ways—Cleo to her job at the marine park, Rikki and Lewis to the cafe and Emma and Bella who just ached for a quick swim in the ocean. With that out of the way, the duo made their way to the cafe where a familiar face sat outside nursing a drink as she waited for Bella.

Emma: "Honestly, it's like you keep getting faster with every race!"

Bella: "You're pretty fast yourself. Poor Cleo's always trying to keep up."

Emma: "Yeah, she's never been much of a swimmer, and having a tail didn't change that."

Bella: "Really? I guess that explains—"

Charlotte: "Uh, hey Bella? Can we talk for a minute?"

Bella: glances at Emma "Uh, yeah. Sure. I'll see you inside, Emma."

Emma: "Yeah… okay." goes inside

Lewis: walks over to Emma "Took you guys long enough. Is Bella here?"

Emma: "She's… outside… talking to someone…"

Lewis: frowns "Really? Who?"

Emma: "Well…"

Bella: "So? What did you want to talk about?"

Charlotte: "You know, about yesterday. You were right. I wasn't completely over losing my tail, and I took it out on you."

Bella: "I mean, I get it. I was probably being nosy and out of line."

Charlotte: "No, no. It's fine. If you didn't show up, I'd never get the chance to speak to Ms. Chatham. She really helped me process my feelings."

Bella: "Really? That's great. You know, I lost my tail once— but it was temporary. So that situation made me empathize with yours, even though it wasn't the same."

Charlotte: "So I really overreacted, huh?"

Bella: "Hey, it's fine. I'm just glad that you're feeling better."

Lewis: steps outside "Bella, there you are. Rehearsals…? Did you forget about it? Oh, hey Charlotte, didn't know you two were friends."

Charlotte: "We, uh, ran into each other yesterday. Um, I should… get going. Bye."

Lewis: looks at Charlotte leaving "So… are you alright? Did she—"

Bella: "No, Lewis. It's fine. I just suggested that she talk to Ms. Chatham about losing her tail. That's all."

Lewis: "So she knows that you're—"

Bella: "Well I imagined that it didn't take her long to figure out, given that I hang out with you guys and she already knows the secret."

Lewis: sighs "Well, I guess it's fine as long as she isn't causing trouble for us. By the way, don't tell Rikki about this. Otherwise she'll—"

Bella: "Blow a gasket? Yeah, that's to be expected." goes inside

Cleo: enters the living room "Hey dad! I'm not too late am I?"

Don: "Oh no, right on time, sweetheart. The fish is all done, I just need you to put it in the oven."

Kim: "So much for coming home early to help out. I did most of the work, by the way."

Cleo: "Oh please, cutting up vegetables and seasonings doesn't count as doing most of the work."

Kim: "It's a lot more than putting fish that you didn't prepare in the oven."

Cleo: "I was busy, Kim. Okay?"

Kim: "At Mako?" scoffs "Or let me guess, the cafe?" crosses arms "That's all you and your friends ever talk about. Maybe I was right about you guys being witches."

Cleo: "This again? You know that I was at work. And didn't I already prove you wrong about your crazy theory?"

Kim: "You guys are weird, though. Acting like you're too good to touch water. It's freaky."

Cleo: rolls eyes "Whatever. When will you grow up?"

Kim: "Oh, please. You know that I'm right." walks away

It was band night at Rikki's Cafe and once again, business was booming and everything seemed to be running smoothly.

Rikki: "Looks like there's even more people here tonight."

Zane: "Yeah, that seems to be the case whenever the band's performing."

Rikki: "Hmm…" tilts her head "I wonder who was the genius who came up with this great idea."

Zane: chuckles "I don't know, but I hope they know that it was a really good one."

Rikki: "Really?! Because I could've sworn that the idea was initially rejected!"

Zane: "But that didn't last long. And I'm glad it didn't. Otherwise we wouldn't have this huge crowd tonight."

Rikki: smiles "Yeah, you're definitely right about that. But will you be okay here without me? I even have to end my shift early."

Zane: "It's fine." smiles "I'll just have you make up for it tomorrow."

Rikki: pokes him in the side "You do realize that I could turn you into toast, right?"

Zane: fake gasps "Is that any way to speak to your boss?"

Rikki: "Hey, you asked for it." crowd cheering "Oh, looks like they're done." sees Bella walk up to the counter

Zane: "Great job as always, Bella."

Bella: "Thanks. Wish I could stick around for the karaoke segment, though."

Rikki: "I don't think you'd be missing out on much. Just lots and lots of croaking on the mic."

Emma: "Hey, guys let me know when you're ready to leave."

Rikki: "In a few minutes. I just need to take care of a few things here first."

Don: "Alright girls, Sam should be here any minute now. Is everything ready?"

Kim: "Yes, dad! That's like the third time you've asked us that!"

Cleo: "Relax, Kim. He's just a little nervous. And you need to make sure that you're on your best behavior, too." doorbell rings "Oh, is that her?"

Kim: rolls eyes "Who else would it be, genius?"

Don: "Stay here. I'll get it." opens the door "Sam, you're finally here!"

Sam: "Yeah, though I hope I'm not too late."

Don: "Of course not, it's not a problem. Come on, the girls are waiting for us."

Sam: "Hi, it's nice to finally meet the two of you. Your dad just loves gushing over you both."

Cleo: "Same here. We can tell that he really likes you. Right, Kim?"

Kim: "Uh, huh… yeah…"

Don: "Alright, the table's all set. Let's get to eating before the food gets cold."

Sam: steps into the dining room "Oh, wow. I feel like I'm in a five-star restaurant."

Don: "Don't be shy, now. The girls and I worked really hard on this."

Sam: "I can tell. Everything looks great!" sits

Cleo: "So, uh, Sam…" pulls out the chair "...dad says that you're a geologist. What's that like?" sits

Kim: "Right? I've been wondering what made you choose a job like that? I mean all you do is study rocks. What's the big deal about that?"

Cleo: "Kim! Seriously!"

Don: "Watch your manners, Kim!"

Sam: laughs "It's alright. I mean at first glance, being a geologist doesn't sound all that interesting, especially to a teenager. But it goes beyond just studying rocks, it also involves just about anything and everything related to the Earth's terrain including minerals, fossils, mountains, volcanoes, and even the rivers, oceans and glaciers."

Cleo: "I never thought of it that way. Sounds really cool."

Kim: "So that's it? You just spend your time outside looking at rocks and dirt?"

Sam: "Like I said, there are all sorts of geologists out there. Some specialize in just one or multiple areas of study. As for me, I've dabbled in just about everything, but after spending several years as a seismologist, right now I work as an environmental geologist. My job is to develop and implement environmentally friendly policies that reduce or mitigate potential harm to the Earth."

Cleo: "That sounds awesome, Sam! But wait, did you just say that you used to be a seismologist? They study earthquakes, right?"

Sam: "Yes, in fact if I were still one, I would've been right there at Geoscience Australia when that recent earthquake hit."

Cleo: feeling uncomfortable "Oh, uh, yeah! That earthquake was really strong. Took everyone by surprise."

Don: laughs "It really was! Almost fell right out of my boat!"

Cleo: looks at her dad and frowns "But you were fine, right?"

Don: ""Of course, sweetheart! Was just a little shaken up, that's all."

Cleo: "So, umm… do you guys have any idea what caused it? Is anyone looking into it?"

Sam: "Well, the Australian plate tectonic activity, of course."

Cleo: "But it's pretty far away from Australia, right?"

Sam: "Yes, and even though the majority of earthquakes, at least ninety percent of them, occur near the boundary, it's not uncommon for earthquakes to happen really far away. This one was just an unusual occurrence in many ways, that's all."

Cleo: "What do you mean? How else was it unusual?"

Sam: takes a sip of her drink "It's strength and how long it lasted. If I remember correctly, it had a magnitude of 8.1 and lasted just a little over 10 seconds. An earthquake this strong should've lasted up to thirty seconds, and there should've been aftershocks. So these odd circumstances left both me and my former colleagues a bit puzzled."

Cleo: "What about Mako? The epicenter was over there. Do you think anyone will go there to check out the island?"

Sam: "Most likely not. It's pretty far away from the plate tectonics, so if any research were to be done, they'd probably just scan the ocean floor."

Kim: playing with her food "Alright, we get it, the earthquake was really bad. Can we talk about something else?"

Sam: "Sure, what do you have on your mind?"

Kim: "Cleo's ring. What kind of stone do you think it's made of?"

Cleo: "This again, Kim?"

Kim: "Why not? You keep dancing around the question every time I bring it up."

Cleo: "I already told you—"

Kim: "That Emma brought it from her trip overseas, and that you don't remember the name. You're a terrible liar Cleo, so I don't believe you."

Don: lowers his voice "Girls, what did I tell you about your bickering this morning?"

Cleo and Kim: "Sorry, dad…"

Sam: "If you don't mind, could I take a look at it?"

Cleo: "Uh, yeah… sure." hands her ring over to Sam

Sam: "Hmm… I can see why Kim's so curious about this crystal… I've never seen anything like it before. It resembles sapphire, but I can tell that it isn't. So rare and beautiful."

Cleo: "Yeah, it was a souvenir from my friend. So we made matching rings out of it."

Sam: "And the band, what is it made of? I'm guessing epoxy resin? But it also reminds me of glass…" passes the ring to Cleo "You girls have got your hands on something one-of-a-kind, I can tell you that."

Just as they agreed earlier, it was now time to explain to Emma's mom the gravity of the situation that they were faced with regarding the crystals. It took some time, but she eventually relented, though reluctantly.

Emma: "So do you get it now, mom? I know that you're worried, but once the crystal starts glowing, you won't be able to stop me from leaving."

Lisa: sighs and rubs her temple "I never imagined that mermaids were real or that my daughter would be one. Nor did I ever imagine it to be so confusing. Lewis, I trust that you'll keep Emma and the others safe."

Lewis: "Hey, I've been doing this for almost three years now, Mrs. Gilbert. So yeah, you can count on me." doorbell rings "Oh, that must be Cleo. I'll get it."

Emma: "So? Is that a yes?"

Lisa: "It is, and not because I necessarily agree with what's going on. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it all."

Lewis: opens the door "Cleo! So, how did dinner go?"

Cleo: walks in "Good. She seems nice and dad really likes her, but…"

Lewis: "But…?"

Cleo: sighs "She's a geologist, and used to work as a seismologist."

Lewis: "Well, what's the problem? It sounds like a really cool job."

Cleo: "It's just that… the earthquake we caused… they know that Mako's the epicenter, and well, what if more people start poking their heads over there, because of us. I mean, we already had to deal with a crazy marine biologist, so what if—"

Lewis: "I get it, Cleo. But you're most likely worried over nothing. What did Sam say about that?"

Cleo: "That they most likely won't go researching over there since they have no reason to."

Lewis: "See? So you are worried over nothing. Come on, lighten up. Everything will turn out fine."

Rikki: "Not really. We still have to head to Mako, remember?"

Cleo: "Rikki's right. Lewis, how much longer till the moon passes over the moonpool?"

Lewis: "Uh…" checks watch " I'd say… a little over two hours? It usually passes over just before ten."

Bella: "So what do we do now? Should we kill time here or head to Mako?"

Lisa: "You're obviously going to stay here in the meantime."

Emma: "Well, you guys don't have a problem with that, right?"

Rikki: shrugs "Fine by me. Hey, how about some karaoke?"

Bella: "But it's a full moon. Won't Cleo turn into a siren?" laughs

Cleo: "Hey, what am I?! A werewolf?!"

Emma: "Hopefully not. We don't need a repeat of that disaster." sighs "Okay fine, I'll get the karaoke machine. Lewis, set your alarm for nine-thirty."

Lewis: "Alright, consider it done." sets alarm on watch

Elliot: "Emma told us about that night. It sounded totally crazy."

Rikki: laughs "You have no idea. It was even crazier being there."

The next two hours and thirty minutes flew by rather quickly, as the friends spent their time singing their hearts out and playing board games.

Lewis: alarm goes off "Hey, guys…" stops alarm "It's time."

Emma: "Great! Let's get going before the crystals start glowing. Elliot, let mom know that we're leaving."

Cleo: starts fidgeting with her ring "So we're really doing this, huh?"

Lewis: "Hey, don't worry." holds her hand "You guys got this."

Cleo: smiles "Thanks, Lewis."

Rikki: "Time is ticking, lovebirds! And don't disturb us again, Lewis. Unless you want to get blown away like the last time."

Lewis: laughs and holds up his hands "Hey, you don't have to tell me twice. Lesson learned."

Bella: "Rikki's right." steps outside "We should get go—" stares at her ring

Lewis: turns around "Bella are you—. Oh, no. Seriously?! Even after we tried to avoid that?!"

Lisa: comes downstairs "Lewis, is everything alright?"

Emma: "Remember what I told you about us being hypnotized? Well…" points to Bella

Lisa: gasps and covers her mouth "Is she…? Why aren't the rest of you…?"

Lewis: "It must be the moonlight. The same thing happened the last time. First Cleo, when she stepped outside. Then Rikki and Bella, when they followed."

Rikki: sighs "So much for trying to take matters into our own hands. Come on, let's get this over with." steps outside

Emma: "See you later, mom." steps outside

Lisa: "Be careful, honey."

Lewis: "You too, Cleo."

Cleo: squeezes his hand and smiles "I know." walks outside

WIth all four rings now glowing in unison, the four mermaids once again mindlessly stared into the distance before making their way down the dock and diving into the ocean.

Elliot: "Will they be okay?"

Lewis: "Yeah, but I should get going, too. My boat's already at the dock" leaves

Now at Mako, Lewis once again found himself navigating the island's dense foliage—he knew this place like no other, making it easy to find even at night. Not wanting to alert them of his presence, Lewis made it a point to quietly creep up the stairs—close enough for him to see them, but far away enough to blend in the shadows. The sight that awaited him was the same as the last time—the girls waiting for the full moon to appear, forming a circle and then the crystals, now rings, being pulled into the air as a blinding electric blue light filled the cave. Although it was now difficult to see, Lewis managed to keep his eyes on the girls who appeared unaffected, or perhaps even unaware of the light. The last he saw before being forced to retreat was the girls falling deeper into the trance, their eyes rolling to the back of their heads.

Lewis: "Looks like the light's fading away. I guess this means that it's over." looks at the volcano cone "Great! Felt like forever!" steps out "Hey, are you guys okay? What happened?"

Cleo: blinks slowly "Huh? Lewis...? Is that… you?"

Lewis: "Umm… yeah. Is everything okay? You guys seem out of it."

Rikki: rubs her head "What was that all about?"

Emma: "Was any of that even real?"

Bella: "I'm with you guys. This is all too confusing."

Lewis: "Hello? Would someone mind tell me what just happened?"

Cleo: sighs "You won't believe this."

Lewis: "Wait, let me get this straight… again… so the crystals, they—"

Cleo: "Showed us a vision, of how the moonpools were created from the fragments of asteroids, and now another fragment is heading to Earth."

Lewis: runs his hand through his hair "That's… that's insane!"

Rikki: scoffs "We're the ones who saw the vision, so imagine how we feel!"

Lewis: "Okay, okay… so did the vision show you how to stop it?'

Bella: "No, and that's the weird part. I can't help but feel like there's more to it, though. Felt incomplete."

Emma: "What made you say that?"

Bella: "Well, there's no point in showing us a potential catastrophe if there's no way to stop it. I think there is, but—"

Emma: "We're gonna have to come here again, aren't we?"

Bella: shrugs "Yeah, it seems that way."

Rikki: "Ugh, what's with all the suspense? Why not show us everything right away?"

Cleo: "Maybe there wasn't enough time? The vision probably lasted as long as the moon was over the moonpool."

Lewis: "Hmm… so an asteroid, huh? It's most likely the source of these crystals and your powers."

Cleo: "But why Mako? There's moonpools all over the world, right? Why is the asteroid drawn to this one in particular?"

Lewis: "I wonder if this is why the moonpool suddenly changed so much. Like the increase in the temperature, the appearance of the crystals, and now the vision… it's like the moonpool knows that the asteroid is coming."

Emma: "I think Lewis is right. Remember how the crystals were drawn together at the cafe? It's like they have a strong magnetic pull towards each other."

Lewis: "And now the asteroid is drawn to Mako because it's loaded with the crystals."

Rikki: "So when exactly is this asteroid coming? Do we have days, weeks, months to prepare?"

Lewis: "Hmm… guess I'm gonna have to look into it tonight."

Emma: "Sounds like a good idea to me. For now, let's try not to worry too much about this. And like Bella said, we wouldn't have been lured to Mako if there wasn't a way to stop it."

Rikki: yawns "Are we done here? I don't want to keep Zane or my dad worrying for too long." leans against the moonpool's edge

Bella: "Or my family. Our phones are still at Emma's."

Emma: "Come on, let's get going. See you tomorrow, Lewis." leaves with Bella and Rikki

Cleo: "Now, Lewis, don't stay up too late with your research."

Lewis: "I know, I know. Let me know when you get home."

Cleo: "Will do. Bye!" dives underwater

Lewis: looks around the cave and sighs "This is too much…" leaves