I sat on the beach bawling my eyes out for what feels like a thousands years before the ocean begins to part again. Sammy rushes to the top of the water, her red hair bobbing on top of the waves. I rush running towards the water. I needed to save her.

Once the water is deep enough around my ankles I jump placing my hands in front of me. The transformation was quick, easier than it had ever been before. My fin fully formed before my face even hits the water. My arms still outstretched I began to tread through the water towards my best friend. It was hard to see too far in front of me due to the sky being so dark but the full moon gave just enough light to make out something I never wanted to see.

"Sammy," I whisper, bubbles flowing from my lips.

I continue to swim until I'm next to Sammy, her legs gone, replaced with a green fin. I could feel the tears soaking my cheek as I reached her. She now had to deal with the same situation I had to. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

"Sammy, i'm so sorry I put you in this situation," I could feel my lip quiver as I spoke. The water freezing around my body. Sammy didn't speak. I wasn't sure why she didn't but maybe she was too focused on trying to figure out what had just happened to her.

Sammy's eyes were hollow, she was scared. I could see it in her body. I wasn't sure what had just happened to her but something horrible must have frightened her. She shook her head pulling her hand out of the water and then pointing. I turned to look what she was pointing at when a large octopus like tentacle comes crashing down on the water right next to me.

"Swim," Sammy whispers, her body numb, her voice monotone as she spoke. I couldn't tell what was more terrifying. Sammy or the sea creature that was after me. I sunk under the water before swimming as fast as I could towards the bottom of the sea. Turning behind me I could see Asada following me. I should have never entered the water. I was no match for her powers.

My body was growing tired the more I swam into the water. This was ridiculous if I was going to die I might as well get it over with. She thought she needed to kill me and that is what would save my friends. I might as well just let her do it. I had nothing I was living for. My life the last month had been nothing but struggling.

I stopped dead in my jetstream hovering in the water waiting for her to catch me. Asada was there a few seconds later. Her arms around my shoulders like she was confused.

"Why did you give up?" She mutters, the water distorting her voice silently.

"It's the only way you will leave my friend alone. You got what you wished, a mermaid to replace me, just please don't hurt her anymore," I didn't want to look at her. I felt helpless. I had no control over becoming a mermaid so I had no clue why she wanted to kill me over it.

"Olyvya, I need your help," Asada whispers. My body stiffens as soon as she said that.

"What do you need me for a sacrifice?" I question. She shakes her head, her hands falling from my shoulders.

"I don't need to kill you, I need you to keep your stupid mouth shut!" Asada snarls, her voice much harsher than before. I tread through the water pushing myself away from her.

"What are you even talking about?" I cross my arms over my chest, the waves rolling across us.

"I need more mermaids, not less, you guys are right... but there will be no mermaids if you aren't careful. You've almost exposed us countless times," I was so confused. If Asada had acted like this in the first place I wouldn't have even had a problem with her.

"How?" I felt like a child trying to defend myself but I didn't even know what I was fighting about.

"Everytime you transform on the beach, have you ever thought to check the treeline?" Asada folds her arms as well matching my body language. I watch as her hair flows around her head. She didn't seem angry or scary anymore. She seemed broken, hurt, like a wounded soldier trying to figure out how to work in civilization.

"No, I guess not. It's a private beach," I thought back to all the times I transformed, I don't think I've ever checked anywhere other than the beach.

"Exactly, how do you think I knew you were a mermaid. I ran into that day at the grocery store on accident, I felt the electricity and I know you felt it too, you feel it whenever I'm around. I've imprinted on you, It's what mermaids do. It's how I know where you are, even when you are hiding in a closet from me, I will always know," I had been so wrapped up in fear I hadn't realized she was right. I did feel the electricity now.

"Why didn't you just kill me then?" I question, hoping I wouldn't regret it.

"Because I need you, and I think we can work together to solve my problem, if you aren't willing to work with me than well, you will have to go to a different country. One where mermaids don't roam. And only then will I feel remorse for you," Asada spoke much softer now. Her voice drifting through the waves.

"I don't understand any of this," I whisper. My hands motion towards the waves. I didn't know the first thing about being a mermaid.

"How about the three of you meet my brother and I for lunch tomorrow and we will explain everything to you. Sammy will need some explanation as of what I just did to her, but I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't something she didn't truly want. So don't be too mad about it, she wanted it," Asada turned away swimming through the water towards the depths of the ocean.

"What time?" I mutter, my body still in shock on everything that had happened. How could Asada switch so quickly.

"Don't worry about it, I will know,"