Alyanna flicked her lilac tail, darting through the water expertly. She twisted through the tangled seaweed and sharp coral, careful not to get caught. Her sharp eyes darted back and forth as she explored yet another hidden area. Plants of all kinds bloomed from the sandy seafloor and fish of all sizes swam about, bringing color to the dark depths of the ocean.
Alyanna settled on a giant rock, marveling the peaceful atmosphere where nature took over the sea and she was alone with the fish.
Movement caught her eye and she glanced down to find a small clownfish nudging her curiously. Alyanna watched in silence as it circled her sparkling tail before swimming back up to bump its nose against hers. Her lips twitched in amusement. It seemed the clownfish knew exactly how to cheer her up. She was tracking its orange and white stripes as it swam away when a bright light drew her attention. The white light was pulsing, getting bigger and bigger with each passing second.
Not the sun, Alyanna assured herself. The sun didn't just fall into the dark depths of the sea on any given day. Plus, it was nighttime. A star? she wondered. Perhaps a star had gotten tired of hovering up in the night sky all day and had fallen, desperate for adventure in the ocean. Excited by the prospect, Alyanna swam toward the light, careful not to disturb any of the wildlife. When she reached it, she gasped in astonishment. It was a wishing star, still glowing with power. Wishing stars were shooting stars that had fallen into the sea and could grant three wishes to the first who found it.
The light beckoned to her and she hesitantly grabbed it, astonished to find that it was hot. Alyanna had rarely touched a warm thing, let alone anything hot enough to scald. She held it at arm's length, inspecting it closely. The grooves of the star were filled with some kind of glitter, which reflected even the dimmest of lights into her face. She stared, fascinated.
Minutes passed until Alyanna realized that she could now wish for anything and the star would grant it. She mulled over the thought before shaking her head. She'd read one too many times of people's greed bringing them only misfortune and misery.
Alyanna quickly tucked the star into the pocket of her tail, shoving it deep enough that the light could barely be detected. It would be her little secret.
Night was falling quickly, so Alyanna raced back home, plopping into her chair just before her parents swam in together, arm in arm.
Her mother waved to her, "How was your day, Aly?"
"Fine." Alyanna flashed her parents a wide smile.
Her father grinned, drifting over to ruffle her hair. "What are you working on?" He peered over her shoulder to find seaweed paper scattered about her desk. "Oh, dear."
"I was trying to find my math homework," Alyanna blurted sheepishly.
Her parents raised their eyebrows at her, but didn't question the excuse further.
Alyanna pushed away from her desk. "You're making dinner, right? I want to help!"
Her mother smiled affectionately at her, pulling her into a hug. "What a sweet dearie you are!"
Her father's deep chuckle reverberated through the house and he planted a kiss on both their heads. "I'll be working in the shed, so just call me if you need anything." With that, he flicked his indigo tail to swim out while the ladies swam to the kitchen eagerly. The two worked in companionable silence, pulling out dishes and ingredients together.
Alyanna was the first to break the silence. "Mom, what would you wish for if you could wish for anything in the world?"
"You mean if I had a fallen star?" her mother glanced at her in surprise. "Why, I'd wish all the best for you, of course. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, it's nothing," Alyanna brushed the question off. "I was just curious."
Her mother eyed her before stating. "If you ever find a wishing star, make sure you keep it hidden. Every merman and mermaid would be out to steal it, even knowing the consequences." Her mother's light pink tail rapidly swished from side to side and Alyanna realized she was worried. "Remember the stories. Those who wished would have been better off if they had never wished at all."
"I'll keep that in mind," Alyanna whispered.
The next day, Alyanna swam to school, bubbling with excitement. It was the day she would get her report card, and she was eager to show her outstanding marks to her parents.
She darted through the crowd of students, toward the table full of teachers. They greeted her enthusiastically, handing over her grades for the winter semester. She thanked them profusely before swimming off to somewhere more private to read them carefully.
Alyanna pulled the thick sheaf of seaweed paper from the envelope carefully. As she read over her teachers' comments, a mermaid approached her. Alyanna glanced up and immediately recognized her as Deandra, the most popular mermaid at school.
"Alina, right?" Deandra asked.
Alyanna shook her head. "It's Alya‒"
"Give me the wishing star in your pocket."
Alyanna lurched back in shock before regaining her composure. "What are you talking about? I don't have a wishing star."
Deandra raised a delicate eyebrow, pointing to the soft light escaping from Alyanna's pocket.
"That's not a wishing star," she quickly denied. "It's...It's a new technology my father is working on."
"Like I'm going to believe that," Deandra scoffed. "Now give it to me."
Alyanna frowned. "You understand the consequences, right?"
Deandra rolled her eyes, "It's just a myth! Now hand it over!"
"All myths hold some sliver of truth," Alyanna reminded her. "When someone other than the one who first found the wishing star wishes on it, their wish will be twisted."
"I don't care," Deandra snapped. "Give it to me."
Alyanna narrowed her eyes. "It is your choice if you are prepared to face the consequences. Don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, Alyanna handed her the glowing wishing star. Perhaps she wanted to prove that Deandra's shortsightedness would cost her, but deep inside, Alyanna had another reason. She knew she would have nothing to wish for, so she would give the chance to someone who did.
Deandra stared at the wishing star in wonder before closing her eyes, "I wish I could be the prettiest mermaid in the sea!"
Alyanna gaped as Deandra transformed. Her magnificent hair, once a bright red flame, was doused, turning pitch black. Her long locks shrunk until it only reached shoulder height. Her skin turned paler by the second, until it was almost bone-white. Her mesmerizing blue eyes darkened and her full lips turned into a small bow-like mouth. Her once golden tail transformed, turning silver as the moon.
Deandra quickly whipped out a mirror, cackling with glee until she saw her reflection. "W-who is that?" she exclaimed. She turned on Alyanna, "What have you done to me?!" she shrieked.
"I didn't do anything," Alyanna shrugged. In an attempt to make her feel better, she added, "You look nice."
"I do not!" Deandra growled. Alyanna could see exactly what Deandra was seeing. An exact copy of Crown Princess Zalia, whose monochrome beauty was revered, but never envied.
"I wish to change back!" Deandra stated, glaring at the wishing star.
This time, her clothes changed from the fancy school uniform to her night clothing.
Alyanna decided to intervene then. She grabbed the star from Deandra's limp grasp and murmured, "I wish to reverse the previous wishes."
Light leapt from the wishing star and Deandra's appearance turned to normal.
Alyanna tucked the dull wishing star into her pocket, watching Deandra carefully. The other mermaid seemed traumatized, patting her face and staring into the mirror as if to remind herself that she was real.
Perhaps Alyanna's mother was right in every sense.
Those who wished would have been better off if they had never wished at all.