This may be a one-shot, or it may be like poor Nameless Girl (and apparently Lonely Days) and only get an update once in a great while. It’s sort of a Kometto High spin-off, since I wanted to do a mermaid character but there are already far too many main characters in KH. So, see what you think.

Episode One – Hydrophobia

I only wanted a normal life. I was foolish to think I could achieve such a thing. Because of this... we've had to move a lot. I've been able to hide despite some few mistakes, but when they become suspicious I always have to move. So many close calls... but I know I can never live a normal life. Even with such a wonderful mother, whom I constantly burden, someone like me... can never be normal.

---

“Una, honey, time to wake up!” A sweet voice broke through the darkness. “You don't want to be late for your first day!”

“Yes mother.” Una called out groggily as she sat up in bed. She slowly turned and stumbled forward out of the pink-blanketed bed until she stood in front of the mirror on her closet, her feet dragging along the pink carpet as she moved. She frowned at the disheveled, bright orange hair which fell to her waist before fading into a golden blonde to her knees. Her bright, cerulean blue eyes were half closed as she stared at her short-stature. She was currently wearing a pink cotton nightgown that dragged on the floor slightly.

“New school...” She sighed softly. “I'm not sure I can look forward to it.” She quickly changed into something more fitting and appropriate. She was now wearing a light blue skirt and a white blouse with a matching blue ribbon at its center. She turned towards her bedroom door and moved downstairs to the large kitchen. She joined her mother at the square table. Unlike Una, her mother had short, dark hair and soft, green eyes.

“You look good in that sweetie.”

“Thanks, I think mum.”

“You're such a grouch in the morning.”

“Sorry, I'm just a little nervous and tired.”

“That's okay. Oh, here's your lunch.” She handed her a small container.

“Tuna sushi? You know I don't like taking sushi to school, it's weird.”

“But I know how much you love it! It'll make your first day easier!”

“I guess...” She sighed softly.

“Besides, it's a great lunch idea, as long as you keep it in a cool place.” Una quickly finished her breakfast, which consisted of a blueberry muffin before heading for the door with her mother following. “Take care today, honey. It may rain later today so be careful?”

“Rain?” Una slumped slightly. “I see. Thank you mum, I'll see you later.” She slipped into her white shoes and headed off. Una glanced around nervously as she walked through the streets towards her new school. It didn't take long to reach the large building which happened to only be a few blocks from her house. She entered the somewhat familiar building, having been there a few days before for orientation, and wandered the halls to her locker. She paused at the doorway to the new homeroom classroom.

I was told to wait here so they could introduce me. How embarrassing. She hid from sight as several more students entered before the bell rang. She blinked as a young woman walked towards the classroom.

“Oh, you must be Una.” She nodded at her. “I'm Miss Miyamoto.”

“Nice to meet you.” She bowed slightly at the woman before her, who was actually slightly shorter than Una. She had strawberry-blonde hair and bright blue eyes.

“Don't be so nervous! I have a great class! Though they are a bit mean with the short jokes.”

“I'm used to it.” Una chuckled nervously as they entered the classroom. The class came to a stop as their gaze focused on Una.

“Well, kiddies, I'd like to introduce you to the transfer student I'm sure you've heard of. This is Una! Please welcome her.”

“Hello.” She bowed slightly.

“Anything you want to say?”

“Um... no...”

“All right, there's a seat in the back.” She pointed towards the back of the room. Una moved quickly to the back of the room and took the seat.

“Hello!” The girl beside her sated enthusiastically. Una shyly turned towards her. She had short, auburn hair and sparkling dark green eyes. “I'm Ichijo, your neighbor from now on! Nice to meet you!”

“Um... Nice to meet you.” Una responded softly.

“Oh, you're a quiet one. Well, at lunch I can tell you more about this school and the other students. Just for your knowledge, I'm the president of the newspaper club!”

“N-newspaper?” Una gulped nervously. That could be dangerous.

“Yep! Any story, any mystery, I want to be the one to investigate it!”

“I see...” This girl is dangerous! Una shifted nervously.

“All right, now let us begin!”

---

I feel guilty but that girl is the last person I want to be around. She seems like a nice person too, but... Una sighed as she slumped into a small corner of the small room separating the gymnasium and the lunch room. It was quiet and there were few people. She slowly reached into her pack and pulled out a small container. She popped open the blue, plastic lid and took out the sushi. She took a slice of the fish and slowly raised her hand to her mouth. “Delicious!” She hummed as she bit into the fish.

“Oh? What are you eating there?” She froze at Ichijo's voice.

“Nothing special.” She stated softly and turned away from her. She yelped as she leaned over her shoulder.

“You're really shy aren't you? Ah, is that... sushi?”

“Y-yes...”

“Oh? How exotic for a school lunch! Can I have a bite?”

“I don't think you'd like it...” Its raw fish without any sides, only a person like me could like it...

“Maybe not, but I love to try new things!” She reached forward and pulled a slice of the fish out of the container. She quickly gobbled it up before Una could react.

“You're right, I don't like it. Oh well.” She sat down beside Una.

“Um...”

“Don't mind me. I'll wait around until you're done eating.” Una frowned slightly and lowered her head before finishing her meal. “You're pretty shy, aren't you? Ah, I asked that already.”

“Yes...” She fidgeted as she put the empty container back into her pack.

“Why don't I show you the club room?”

“I...”

“Have you chosen a club yet?”

“No... But...”

“Perfect!” She stood up and grabbed Una, pulling her to her feet. “Let's go!”

“I...” She gasped as she was pulled down the hallway. It didn't take long for her to loose her balance and go spinning into the nearest solid object. “Ah!” She yelled as she fell backwards from the impact.

“That hurt...” She gasped as she realized she had collided with another person. He was sitting in a similar position to hers across from her. He was on the tall side, with short, fluffy blonde hair. He pulled himself up, towering above Una, as he stared down at her with a somewhat blank expression. “Are you okay?” He asked as he put his hand out.

“Fine...” She stated as she stood up under her own power and backed away from him.

“Good then.” He bowed slightly. “Good bye.” He walked down the hallway.

“Ah, lucky! I wish that had been me.” Ichijo sighed.

“Um... Who?”

“He's the school's prince! The idol! The guy who everyone wants to be around, York! He's smart, cool, and polite... but he's always pretty cold. He always has that blank look on his face, but he's never rude or anything...”

“Ah...”

“Sorry, I have a habit of providing too much information.” She chuckled. “Come on, let's continue!” She grabbed Una again and dragged her through the halls again. “Here we go!” She pushed open a door and stepped into the room.

“This is...” The room was barely larger than a closet and had a single computer and printer. It didn't even have a window.

“The truth is we're in bad need of other members. I love this club... Ah, I'm not pressuring you or anything. I really did want to show you my club, even if it's not much.”

“I think... it's nice that you care about it so much.”

“Ah! That's the spirit!” She slapped Una on the back, causing her to gasp and stumble forward. “Really, despite my love for gossip, I try and keep it serious. There's not much to report on at a high school though. It'd be nice if I could fall into a world-shattering story.” Una gulped softly. “Yeah right!” Ichijo began laughing. “Thanks for humoring me though.”

“I don't mind.” Una answered shyly.

“So, what kind of interests do you have anyway?”

“Interests? I um... don't really have any special hobbies.”

“Eh? You have to have something! Reading, anime, swimming, something!”

“Swimming!” Una yelped. “No... I don't like water...”

“Sorry, I must have stumbled on a sore spot.”

“No... I just had a bit of an occurrence with water when I was little...” It's not a complete lie at least.

“I see. Well, I won't bug you about it.” She blinked and glanced at the clock. “We'd better hurry back!” She grabbed Una's arm and started running again.

---

She's a really nice girl but she's a bit over-bearing. Una sighed softly as she walked home. Her home was in the opposite direction so she didn't follow me. I feel a bit bad being deceptive to her, even if it is a small thing. Usually I don't even tell people about my supposed hydrophobia. It's not that I dislike water, but... She gasped as she felt a drop of rain hit her cheek. She glanced up at the darkening sky.

This could be bad. If it stays a drizzle I could make it home. But if it starts... She gasped as the rain started pouring down. She broke into a sprint towards her home. I have to hurry before I get too wet, or worse, puddles form. “Ah!” She stumbled backwards as she collided into something. Before she could fall backwards onto the wet grass by the sidewalk, something caught her. She gasped and stared in surprise as York righted her.

“Are you all right?”

“Um... yes... sorry, I've always been clumsy...” She gulped as puddles started to form on the sidewalk. “I'm sorry! I have to go!” She darted off again, leaving York to stare blankly after her. That was close! I should have listened to my mom! Why didn't I bring an umbrella! She burst into her house with a sigh of relief.

“Ah, there you are!” Her mother sighed at her soaked hair. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I should have brought my umbrella.”

“I didn't think it'd rain this hard. Go and grab a bath and I'll cook supper!”

“Um, just what are you making?”

“I was thinking of shrimp!”

“You don't have to always make sea food for me... I like other things.”

“It's your first day! I don't mind! Go have your bath.” Una sighed and threw off her shoes before heading up the nearby stairs. She moved through the small hallway into the large, second story bathroom. The bathroom had a double sink, a large mirror above them, and a luxurious bath that could easily fit three or four people Una's size into it.

She turned on the water until the bath was filled and stuck her hand into it. “Perfect.” She nodded to herself at the surprisingly cool water temperature. She placed her clothes to the side before sitting on the edge of the tub. She slowly lowered her entire body into the cool water.

“Ah!” She sighed with relief as a refreshing tingling sensation filled her legs. She glanced down and raised her lower body up slightly and slapped the water. So much better. She smiled slightly at the large tail that had taken the place of her legs. The lower part of her body had been replaced with a large, dolphin-like body that ended in a large, curved tail. The tail was a vastly different color from her skin and was a bright orange until the tip of her tail where it turned a bright yellow, matching her hair.

My mother is a normal human, and still chose to have a mermaid as her daughter. I wonder why she took me in. It must be difficult for her... to have to move if I make a mistake.

“You okay in there?” Her mother knocked on the door.

“I'm fine. It's nice and relaxing.”

“That's good. You have about thirty before supper's ready.”

“Okay!” Una called back and sank under the water. She took a deep, watery breath and let out a gurgling noise of bubbles. She closed her eyes as she let the water surround her. Fresh water was a little painful at first, but I'm glad I don't need salt anymore. Now it feels refreshing. Maybe I'll take a nap...

---

“Ah!” Una cried out as she tripped on something on the ground and fell forward onto the hard cement. “Ow...” She slowly turned over as she felt a small tingling in her legs.

“Are you okay?” One of her male classmates moved towards her and froze. “You're...” He stared in shock at her. She had tripped over a hose, which had recently been used and left a rather large puddle by it. Her legs had landed in the puddle, forcing her tail to replace her legs. “Mermaid...”

“Ah!” Una released a high pitched, ear-shattering screech that shook the windows in the nearby buildings. The boy gasped and slumped to the ground. Una quickly squirmed away across the ground until she was out of sight. She quickly grabbed a towel from her bag and dried off. Her legs returned and she brought her knees close to her face.

‘I was seen..!’ She thought to herself. ‘Even if he woke up thinking it was a dream, or doesn't even remember from the shock... I... can't be here anymore...’

---

“Ah!” Una jumped up in the tub as she felt something shake her. She reflexively curled up, covering her chest with the part of her tail where her knees would be and protecting her tail with her hands.

“Are you okay sweetie?” Her mother looked down at her with a frown.

“Just a bad dream.” She avoided her gaze.

“Don't be so worried!” She patted her on the head. “You're beautiful; you don't have to be self-conscious!”

“Mother...”

“Would you like me to bring the food up?”

“No.” Una shook her head. “I’ll come down.”

“All right. Take your time.” She smiled at her daughter and left the room. Una lifted herself up on the side of the tub and spun around. She grabbed a nearby towel until her legs reformed in place of the dried tail. She quickly got dressed in a light blue blouse and matching skirt and moved downstairs.

“Are you sure you’re okay sweetie?” Her mother asked as she joined her at the table.

“I’m fine, just a bit cool from the bath.”

“I’ve been thinking of getting you a water bed.” She stated as started munching on the shrimp.

“Huh? Mum, I appreciate the thought, but I don’t want a bathtub or aquarium in my room.”

“I just want you to be comfortable…”

“I like being underwater but it’s not like I’m always uncomfortable. Besides, I know it doesn’t happen often, but how would I explain that if someone came over?”

“I guess you have a point.”

“You don’t have to worry that much.”

“I know but I can’t help it. So how was your first day?”

“It was uneventful except for the rain.”

“Well, there’s that at least. How is it?”

“Great.” She munched on the shrimp. “I’m glad you cooked it this time. I don’t need it raw all the time. In fact I like cooked… You’re kind of feeding a stereotype.”

“I guess I am bit overbearing.” She sighed softly. “I just got so lucky to have you.”

“I can’t disagree with that. If you hadn’t found me on that beach who knows where I could be. I could be stuck at Sea World or something.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. So, what do you want for lunch tomorrow?”

---

“I put your umbrella in your pack. It’s not supposed to rain but just keep it with you.”

“Yes mother.” Una waved behind her as she started walking. I’m not looking forward to this. She sighed softly. I don’t want my mum to worry but I can’t stand school. Even if I was good at dealing with people, my secret makes it impossible to be close to them.

“Hey there Una!” She froze at the voice.

“Ichijo.” She stated and slowly turned around.

“Good morning!” She stated cheerily.

“Morning.” Una stated softly.

“You always seem so nervous.” Ichijo frowned.

“Ha…” They silently went into the building and to their separate lockers before joining up in the classroom again.

“You just moved here, right?” Ichijo asked.

“Yeah.”

“There’s not much to the town or anything but I could show you around.”

“No, that’s okay.” She answered softly.

“So you’re the new girl.” A voice interrupted before they could continue further. Una nervously looked up at the voice coming from the boy standing in front of her desk. He had short, light brown hair and matching eyes. He was on the tall side and wore a grin that almost sparkled. “My name’s Eion. So, why don’t I show you around town Una?”

“Why don’t you go away?” Ichijo growled.

“Now, now my little kitten, don’t be too harsh just because I only like developed girls.” He motioned to his chest.

“Why you…” He backed away, using the nervous Una, still in her desk, as a barrier between the two. He paused and started sniffing the air.

“That smell… you smell like fish.”

“Huh?” Una jumped up. “You want to pick a fight with me you bastard? Just what is that supposed to mean? Eh?” Una corned him against the wall, glaring intently at him.

What? Complete personality change. Ichijo stared in awe at the suddenly enraged Una. Though that comment would make me mad too.

“I just meant your lunch.” He gulped loudly. Una blinked, blushed heavily and retreated to her seat. Eion stared for a moment and quickly retreated.

“What was that? That was pretty awesome.” Ichijo turned towards her.

“I don’t know…” She fidgeted nervously. “It just… bothered me.” I take great care in my bathing after all and if anything I smell like chrysanthemums. “Um…” She looked nervously as Ichijo leaned over and started sniffing.

“I don’t know how he could smell your lunch. All I can smell is a light scent of flowers. Is that your shampoo or something? It’s really nice.”

“Thanks, I think. It’s a special body wash for dry skin.”

“Really? I think your skin is great…”

“Thanks…” This conversation is making me uncomfortable. Is this what normal girls discuss?

“Anyway, make sure to wait for me after school!” Ichijo stated.

“Ha…” Sorry, but I don’t plan to. Even if I’d like a friend, it’s far too dangerous…

---

“Yo!”

“How did you get out of here ahead of me?” Una frowned.

“You seemed like the kind who’d timidly retreat so I made sure to get here fast. Let’s go!” before Una could resist Ichijo had already begun dragging her away. “I think the first place we should go is the mall. A girl’s got to know where to shop after all.”

“I’m not good with crowds.”

“Don’t worry about it! It’s rarely that packed.” She walked through the streets with Una in tow until they came to the center of the city. The traffic was heavier and there were large office buildings instead of houses. “Here we go!” She stated after crossing a busy street and entering the front of a large, five-story building.

The entrance was typical with a reception counter at the center, a set of escalators and elevators, and several stores on the bottom floor. “I wonder where we should go first. Ah, I know!” She dragged her to the third floor to a strong smelling store. There were various kinds of lotions, shampoos and other beauty products lining the store shelves. “This is a good chance! Show me what you use!”

“Okay…” Una stated softly as she toured the store. Ichijo quickly bought the lotion and shampoo Una pointed out before they left. “Are you sure you’re okay buying all that?”

“Of course! Just look at you! Speaking of that,” Una yelped as Ichijo grabbed the end of her hair. “How do you color this?” She motioned towards the yellow portion of her hair that appeared below her waist.

“I don’t…”

“Eh? You’re kidding me.”

“It just sort of turned out that way.”

“Wow, you’re pretty amazing.”

“Um…” Una fidgeted nervously as she released her hair.

“Okay, that’s enough of the mall!”

“Could it be you just wanted to come here for that?”

“Ah, you’re pretty sharp.” Ichijo stated with a grin as she led her out of the mall. “Don’t worry; the next place I take you will make it up!”

“Can I ask you… why are you doing all this?” Una asked softly.

“Eh? Honestly I’m a sucker for the shy ones. I had a friend that was really bad at meeting new people but she was a great person once you got past that. Ah, I say it like that but she moved away, and we’re still in touch. Since you just moved here and seem a bit shy I couldn’t help it.”

“I see…”

“Here we go!” She motioned towards a large park. They stood near the center at a large fountain which had a mermaid spitting water into the pool below.

“Ha…” Una giggled nervously as she stared at the fountain.

“I’ve always loved this fountain. My friend, her name’s Heather by the way, said the fountain in her home town was a beautiful dolphin fountain.”

“Dolphin? I love dolphins.”

“Oh? I’ve always liked them as well.” Ichijo nodded. “Want to come over to my house? I’m sure my mom would love to meet a new friend.”

“Um… I guess.” Una started to follow her when she heard a strange hiss.

“Oh no, I forgot today is the day they run the sprinklers. Guess we’ll get a bit wet on the way.” She blinked as Una rushed past her. “Hey wait!” She ran after.

It’s okay. If I can make it out of here. It’s fine if I just get a bit wet, just as long as no puddles form. She quickly rushed as the hidden sprinklers started spraying the area. Why am I always so unlucky? I don’t see anyone else having so much misfortune with water! She came to a stop as she made it past the sprinklers, bending over and gasping to catch her breath. She was a short way from the basketball courts in a grass free area.

“I made it somehow.” She gasped.

“There you are! I didn’t know you were that adverse to water!” Ichijo slapped Una on the back. She lost her balance and stumbled forward. “Ah, sorry, I didn’t mean to…” She stared down at Una, who had landed in a puddle that had formed in the dirt from the night before. “You…” Una stared up in shock at Ichijo, helpless as she couldn’t move with her tail in place of her legs.

No! I just got here! We just moved here! I can’t trouble her any more! Ichijo slowly walked away and picked a piece of white cloth of the ground. She moved back and handed it to Una.

“These must have come off when…” Ichijo motioned to her tail. “It’d be embarrassing if you got caught without these.” Una was about to open her mouth to shriek when Ichijo leaned down and grabbed a small towel out of her bag. “I’m not sure how sensitive you are so…” She handed her the towel. Una blinked for a moment and quickly rubbed her tail dry. After it reverted to her human legs she quickly put her underwear back on.

“Um, I… you…” Una frantically muttered.

“I didn’t think mermaids existed.” Ichijo stated calmly. “Don’t look so frightened! I won’t tell anyone.” She reached her hand out. Una reached her hand out, which trembled as she grabbed it. Ichijo easily lifted her to her feet. “This explains the shyness!”

“You… really don’t mind?”

“Why would I mind? It makes you even more interesting.” Ichijo grinned. “But you must be really unlucky.” She glanced at the puddle. “Won’t it be better to have someone who can help you out?”

“Um… why I don’t…”

“You must have had a lot of troubles before.” Ichijo shrugged. “It’s just what friends do I guess. That sounds rather corny though… It’ll also be interesting.” Ichijo nodded. “Instead of mine, let’s go to yours. I’d like to meet your mother.”

“She’s not a mermaid.”

“Oh? That doesn’t matter!” She slapped her on the back again. “Lead the way Una!”

“Actually it’s Undine.” She stated softly.

“Eh?”

“My real name is Undine. Basically my mum found me near the ocean and the only thing on me was a pendent with my name engraved on it. My mum was afraid someone would get the reference of my name so she named me Una.”

“I seem to remember an Undine from an old game…”

“Ha…” Una slumped slightly. “Why… are you so accepting? I mean even ignoring the shy thing…”

“Eh? What do you mean?” They stopped outside Una’s home.

“You just accepted it so easily, even though you were told mermaids don’t exist… and so calmly.”

“I can’t deny what I see right before me.” She shrugged. “The fact that you transform just by getting your legs wet must be pretty trying too.”

“You’re the first person who I didn’t scream at after finding out. It knocks them out and they always wake up thinking it was a dream…”

“So that’s why you had to move?” Una nodded. “Well, now you got someone to help you out! You don’t have to be so suspicious either.”

“Thanks.” She stated softly as she led her inside.

“Though I’d like to hear you sing some time.”

“Eh?”

“Sorry, I don’t want to make guesses from legends, but…”

“I don’t mind.” Una bowed her head slightly.

“Oh, you’re… home.” Her mother blinked and stared at the girl beside her daughter. “You brought someone home?” She asked more than stated.

“This is Ichijo.” Una answered.

“Yo Miss… Actually you never said your last name.”

“Just Jamie is fine.” She stated.

“She um… kind of found out about me.” Una laughed nervously.

“What?” She glared at the other girl.

“Don’t worry about it Miss J! I plan on helping out.”

“Really?” she eyed her suspiciously.

“Really, I know we just met but you can trust me! It’s better to have someone on the inside to help out than move isn’t it?”

“I suppose.” Her mother sighed. “Well, do you like fish?”

“I said we could have something else for supper.” Una sighed.

“Don’t worry; I love fish!” Ichijo stated.

“Well then, follow me!”

Maybe this will turn out okay… She glanced at Ichijo. It’d be nice to have a real friend without hiding for once. Not like much else can go wrong.