*Chapter 4: The Unlikely Hero*
I woke up to the sound of the mermaids chattering in the next room. I stretched, feeling a little more comfortable in my new merman form. Sirena, Nixie, and Lyla had been teaching me how to control my powers, but it was still a bit of a challenge.
As I swam into the main room, the mermaids greeted me with bright smiles. "Good morning, Ethan!" they chimed in unison.
I chuckled, feeling a sense of belonging. "Morning, girls."
Sirena handed me a piece of seaweed, which I devoured hungrily. "Today's the full moon, Ethan," she said, her eyes sparkling. "You'll need to come with us to the Moon Pool to recharge your powers."
I nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement. This was it. I was going to learn how to control my powers, and maybe, just maybe, I could help the mermaids with their problem.
As we swam to the Moon Pool, I noticed a group of teenagers on the shore. One of them, a boy with a mop of messy hair, was staring out at the water. I felt a pang of curiosity, but Sirena's voice distracted me.
"Okay, Ethan, it's time. Just swim into the pool and let the moonlight do the rest."
I nodded, took a deep breath, and swam into the pool. The water began to glow, and I felt a surge of power course through me.
But something was off. The power was too strong, too wild. I tried to control it, but it was like trying to hold onto a tidal wave.
The mermaids looked at each other, concerned. "Ethan, what's happening?" Sirena asked.
I shook my head, trying to clear it. "I don't know. It's like my powers are out of control."
Just then, the boy from the shore stumbled onto the rocks above the Moon Pool. He looked down, and our eyes met. I felt a jolt of recognition, and suddenly, I knew what was happening.
The boy, Zac, was meant to have the powers. But somehow, I'd taken them from him.
"No!" I shouted, but it was too late. Zac slipped and fell into the Moon Pool, and the power surged out of me and into him.
The mermaids gasped, staring at Zac as he emerged from the water, glowing with power.
Sirena turned to me, her eyes wide with accusation. "Ethan, what have you done?"
I shook my head, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. "I didn't mean to. I swear, I didn't mean to."
But as I looked at Zac, I knew that I was the reason he'd gotten his powers. And I was determined to make it right.
To be continued...