Secrets of the Island (Sequel to Mysteries of Mako)

Chapter 9: The Last Dance

Jasper and Ondina were swimming around Mako. She had told him about what Veridia told her and the girls, and wanted to go out to celebrate. After some time, the two surfaced and began to walk around the beach.

"This is the best way to start the day." Ondina says. "You, me and the reef."

"No argument from me." Jasper says.

"You know what'll make it even better?" Ondina asks, "When the pod comes back.    I can't wait for you to meet all my friends." I know you'll like them."

"And I'd like to meet them too, but I'm not so sure they'd like to meet me." Jasper says.

"Mermen aren't the enemy." Ondina says. "I know that now. I'll explain it to them."

"Mermaids stick with mermaids, and keep mermen out." Jasper explains, "I can't see Veridia or the pod ever changing that."

"I'll make them understand."

"What if they don't?"

"It'll be alright."

"Ondina..." Jasper calls as she walks away, done with the conversation.

Meanwhile, Manoa and Erik were hanging out at the local beach, having their own conversation about the situation.

"It's great that your pod is coming back." Erik says. "You must be excited to see your friends again."

"Yeah, it feels like forever." Manoa says, sounding a little distracted.

"You'll have to introduce me." Erik adds.

"Of course." Manoa says, "If I can."

"What do you mean?"

"You and I both know that our... history isn't exactly the greatest, and especially with my whole Moia's Curse situation, I don't know if I'll be allowed to see you."

"So mermaids and mermen may not have gotten along in the past, but that doesn't mean all of us are like that. Besides, I would never try to hurt you or your friends. We could show them that."

"But what if Veridia-"

"Don't worry about that. We still have today, right?"

"We do."

"So let's start with that." Erik says, pulling her closer to him. "We'll figure it out."

They stayed like that for a moment before Erik had to leave to go to work, so Manoa headed to the Grotto. There she found Sirena and Mimmi looking through and trying on some of Rita's jewelry, and decided to join them.

"Try this on." Sirena says to Mimmi, handing her a silver pendant with a red gem. "This stone is beautiful." She adds, "It will really bring out your eyes." As Mimmi pout on the pendant, she also found a set of silver bracelets and handed them to Manoa. "These would great on you, too."

The red-haired mermaid took them from her and tried them on. "Wow, you were right. They do look great!" She says, standing next to Mimmi in front of the mirror. As they were admiring themselves, they heard a male voice coming from the entrance. They turned to see Ondina and Jasper.

"Oh, hi." Ondina says to the girls.

"Jasper." Mimmi says, surprised to see the merman, who waves at them. "Where were you this morning?" She then asks Ondina, taking off the pendant, "I thought we were going for a swim."

"Sorry, I forgot." Ondina says.

"We were just trying on some of Rita's jewelry." Manoa says, putting the bracelets back.