H2O Just Add Water: Eternal Tides

Chapter 1 - Discovery

Rikki Chadwick was no ordinary girl. She was a mermaid. All it takes is a drop of water and 10 seconds later her legs are replaced by a beautiful amber coloured tail.

She hadn't always been this way. Thirteen years ago she had ended up stranded on Mako Island with two girls from her school, Emma and Cleo. They had stumbled across the Moon Pool and entered the water just at the right time to coincide with the full moon lining up with the volcano overhead. They had been friends, and mermaids, ever since.

The last thirteen years had most certainly not been easy. Having to avoid water at all costs whenever others were around had proved challenging, and there had been many close calls, especially in the early days of becoming a mermaid. But together they overcame all obstacles they had faced.

Together.

There was something special about swimming together over the reefs around Mako Island. Even after Emma left to travel the world with her family, they had found Bella. Bella had been a mermaid from the age of nine after discovering a Moon Pool while living in Ireland. Bella had become close friends with Rikki and Cleo during their final year at high school. They even stopped a comet from hitting the Earth together.

That was a long time ago however. Rikki had not seen Emma, Cleo, or Bella in close to ten years. Everyone had gone their separate ways, living their own lives. Rikki had tried to do the same, but being a mermaid was part of her. Once you become a part of the sea, it's hard to let that part go.

So she hadn't.

Rikki had put her skills to good use. She had become a freelance archaeologist of sorts. She was known across Australia as a phenomenal diver and rescuer of relics and artifacts from the bottom of the ocean. She had made good money from this business and even released a book detailing her discoveries. Most importantly she had been able to help her dad get settled in a nice house where he could stop worrying about the bills, and focus on doing what he loved: fixing motorbikes.

"Your boat is ready, Rikki. Everything you need is there. Scuba gear, your dive bag and some snacks too."

"Thanks Chloe." Replied Rikki.

"You know, there is room for two in that boat. Perhaps I could come out there with you today? We've been working together for how long now? And you still haven't let me see you in action." Chloe said looking hopeful.

'I swim alone Chlo, I've told you that. You pay, I dive. That's the deal." Rikki said firmly, as she got up from the table and made to leave the hotel room.

Chloe had been Rikki's business partner for the last year. She had approached Rikki with an offer that she couldn't resist. Funding for her dives, a second book deal, and a lot of cash. Chloe was a firm businesswoman, not that different to Rikki, although she didn't like to admit this. Rikki didn't like Chloe all that much. Chloe gave Rikki the feeling that she had spent most of her life getting whatever it was she wanted without barriers. She wore fancy business suits, and walked into every room like she owned everyone and everything in it. Today's suit was a burnt orange.

"Not that different from my tail." Rikki thought to herself.

"Fine. One day, I am coming out there with you." Chloe said, looking down at the charts and maps that Rikki had been looking at on the table. "You sure you know where this thing is?"

"I'm sure." Said Rikki.

"Should I arrange the press conference now then, or wait until you come back to confirm it?" Chloe said sarcastically.

Rikki rolled her eyes, smirking a little, and headed out to her boat.

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