For the next few days, Elick and Mallard continued to hide their special relationship from everyone they met. Elick’s mother sent them on errands to the grocery store, post office, mall, and car repair shop. Every time Elick saw a familiar face, whether it was family or an old rival from school he’d dive behind the nearest object and drag Mallard to his side. In such a short time, their life felt like a whirlwind full of unexpected turn arounds and Elick was growing tired.

One Friday evening, when the air was humid and the breeze was weak, Elick and Mallard walked along the city streets. Stores and pedestrians lined the sidewalks on both sides and crowded the two together. “I can’t believe my mother sent us here for a bunch of gold ribbon! Why can’t she package her stuff with something cheaper?” Elick waved his hands around and slapped the piece of store list. “At least we have her card, Mallard. We’ll eat somewhere nice. How do you feel about that?”

Mallard had fallen behind and looked red in the face. He brushed his silvery hair back and wiped the sweat away from his face. He staggered forward with pride and tried to act as if nothing was wrong. He smacked his dry lips and tried to speak. His voice was hoarse and dry. “I could really use some water, Elick.”

“Soon, soon! We’ve just got to go a little further, then we can go eat.”

Mallard gasped for breath. “I’ll try, but you go on ahead.”

Elick didn’t like being surrounded by crowds of strangers, especially if he couldn’t see Mallard. Without much thinking, Elick cut through the crowd by nudging others out of the way. He slithered between fussy, sweaty people until he popped out in front of Mallard. Elick grabbed him by the arm and pulled him through all the people. “We’ll rest over by the plaza fountain.” Elick pointed at the nearby plaza, it was covered by shady trees and a sparkling fountain. There weren’t a lot of people there because a local band was playing in the plaza, and no one wanted to listen. “You’ll be alright over there.”

Mallard followed Elick over to the fountain until his legs gave out. He flopped onto the hot marble and crawled close to the water’s edge. “I need some water.”

“I’ll get you some water. If you can wait, we’ll get us a nice drink and some food.” Elick pointed at the nearby restaurant. “I just need to go into that store across the street.”

“Water…”

“Alright, I’ll bring you some water. Give me a minute.” Mallard grazed his hand across the water’s surface and Elick pulled him up. “You can’t do that! You’ll get in trouble for playing the water fountain.”

Mallard looked down, sulking his head. He went limp in Elick’s arms and laid on his back. He looked defeated and exhausted. “Hurry, please.”

“Of course! I’ll be right back.” Elick made a mad dash towards the nearest convince store. He passed the shop and the restaurant, thinking he could have probably stopped in there for something to drink. About five minutes later, he found a small store and bought Mallard a water. By the time he returned Mallard had disappeared. He immediately thought Mallard had fallen in the water and looked over the fountain. He was shocked and crazily splashed around while calling out to Mallard. He stood up and looked around, hoping someone could point him in the right direction.

All sorts of bad thoughts raced through Elick’s mind and made his world spin. He didn’t know if it was the heat getting to him or if he was seeing things. Mallard could have been kidnapped, taken to the hospital for being so exhausted, or wandered off on his own. He didn’t know what to do and pulled out his phone to call his mother. Elick sat down with plop, along the fountain’s marble walls. “Come on, Mallard. Where are you?” He squeezed the water bottle tightly in his hands. “You couldn’t have gone far. I know it!”

Elick took a deep breath, he knew Mallard wasn’t a child and could take care of himself, but he knew this wasn’t a normal situation. So, he gave in and tapped his mother’s number on his phone. When it started ringing, something grabbed Elick from behind and wrapped it’s cool, wet arms around his chest. He yelped and looked around for help.

“It’s me,” Mallard said. He sounded happier and livelier.

Elick whirled around and stood up. “What are you doing!? Get out of there!”

“I can’t.” Mallard shuffled around in the water and revealed his scaly, orange tail.

Elick staggered backwards, feeling dizzy. He looked around in a panic, hoping no one else had saw. He couldn’t believe this was happening in public. What if someone found out or saw them, what would happen? “What are you doing? Get down!” Elick shooed Mallard away. “How did I not see you?!”

“I think I can hide in the water, now.” Mallard looked himself over, and Elick tried to appear as if he were throwing a coin in the fountain.

Elick snatched the coin in a tight grip and tried to act as if he wasn’t talking to anyone. “How did this happen? Why did it happen? Couldn’t you keep your tail hidden?” Someone came by on the plaza and he froze. It was like his heart fell to his feet and he couldn’t move when they smiled back.

Without a friendly greeting they snarled and turned their nose up at Elick. Then, two ladies in large hats walked around him and sat by the edge. They were gossiping about their day at work and didn’t look like they were going to be leaving anytime soon. Elick clenched his fist, he didn’t know if he was mad or upset. He regretted pushing Mallard and felt bad for not considering his needs. He had forgotten about how often Mallard needs water or else he’ll turn into a mermaid. With a long sigh, he hurried around the fountain whispering. “Mallard, can you hear me?”

The ladies on the other side looked back at Elick and gave him a weird look. One narrowed her eyes and the other raise her brow out of confusion, they were both judging him. He could feel their icy stares burning a hole through him, but he didn’t have time to care. He had to find Mallard.

Near the center of the fountain, near the next tier the water began to ripple abnormally. An orange glow filled the nearby water and Mallard appeared against the pedestal holding the fountain up. He had a nervous frown stretched across his face. Elick felt sick to his stomach, he didn’t expect to see Mallard looking so upset or afraid. He didn’t want Mallard to feel afraid or feel like he had to hide. “I’ll get you out of there, Mallard.” Elick looked around with dread, he cupped his hands over his eyes to block the sun. How would he rescue Mallard without anyone knowing?