Somewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Lake Kivu, very late in the evening, on an island called Idjwi Island, the lake’s waves were becoming strong and deep. The water grew darker instead of clear, while the moon appeared in all its splendor.

As the fireflies filled the night air with their soft chimes, a few fishermen still awake gathered their belongings.

— Hey! Are you done? We’re taking the same road, right?

— Yeah, why not? Are you coming, Simon?

Simon: Oh, not now. I’m going to enjoy a beer for a bit.

— At this hour?

Simon: Yeah, after a hard day, you’ve got to get drunk a little.

— Are you sure about that? Don’t forget you’re newly married.

Simon: Don’t worry, I’m just going to have one drink, then I’ll head home.

— Alright then.

His coworkers leave, leaving him alone.

Simon checks the time on his watch.

Simon: 8 PM… I still have time.

He walks along, carrying his things over his shoulder while whistling. During his little musical stroll, he hears a strange noise.

Simon: What’s that noise? Did the monkeys start again?

Suddenly, a soft enchanting voice reaches his ears. A magnificent and hypnotic song, similar to that of a siren. He completely loses himself.

> “🎶 Come… come see me… 🎼”

Mesmerized by the melody, he follows the voice.

He keeps walking until he reaches the lake.

The silhouette of a beautiful woman appeared on the shore. She was sitting there, continuing to sing beneath the moonlight.

> “🎼 Come to me… come… 🎶”

Simon slowly approaches her.

When the beautiful woman turns around, he discovers a magnificent mermaid of almost unreal beauty.

Simon moves closer to her, and the mermaid smiles gently.

> “🎼 I… love you… 🎶”

The next morning, all the inhabitants of Idjwi Island had gathered around the shore, shocked to see a huge red circle of blood on the sand. At the center of the circle were a lock of dark blue hair and an abnormally long fingernail. Farther away, on the side, Simon’s name was written.

Everyone looked terrified. It seemed like a daily problem they had already grown used to.

— Oh no! A man has died!

— She’s started again…

— Whose name is written there?

A woman steps forward. It was Simon’s wife. Devastated, she collapses to the ground in tears upon seeing the name written in the circle.

Marie: No!!

Her cries filled the villagers with pity.

The village elder steps out of his house, observing the scene sadly.

— It’s her again… another deed of Mami Watta.

— Don’t let the children outside!

— Quick! Let’s go see Kiese!

Far from the other houses, inside a simple hut, a customary chief was meditating around a fire. An ancestral mask covered his face.

At one moment, the fire suddenly weakened for no reason, surprising him.

Kiese: The fire…? Hmm… Once again, it happened.

One of the villagers rushes into Kiese’s hut, confused and out of breath.

— Kiese, it’s serious! She’s done it again today. Mami Watta has taken another inhabitant.

Kiese: This situation is becoming problematic… It repeats itself every day.

— Please, speak once more with the spirits of the ancestors and find a solution. We can’t keep living like this.

The customary chief sighed, exhausted and overwhelmed by deep despair.

Inside a luxurious mansion located on Idjwi Island, two friends were relaxing in a swimming pool while calmly sipping juice.

Christelle: Wow! Amuri, you really had time to add a pool?

Amuri: Of course. How could I welcome my best friend without adding a magnificent pool to relax in?

Christelle: You’ve always been the best friend I’ve ever had. Seriously, how did you even do this?

Amuri: I just asked my father to add a little something, and done. Tell me, Christelle… how’s Kwel? Did you talk to him for me?

Christelle: Oh, I tried… but you know how my brother is. He doesn’t want to listen at all. He just insisted that you and him are only friends and that you never considered a relationship.

Amuri suddenly puts down her glass, annoyed.

Amuri: I’ve done everything for him to notice me! He still hasn’t noticed anything until now?! Christelle, do something! Find any excuse you want, but bring him to me!

Christelle: Don’t worry. For my best friend, I’m ready to do anything!

The two girls looked completely determined.

Yet far from this busy routine, somewhere in the waters surrounding the island, a mysterious kingdom was hidden.

In the depths of the lake existed a true mermaid civilization.

Beneath the dark and silent waters, a massive marine city lived in secrecy, populated by mermaids, mermen, and fish-people carrying out their daily routines exactly like the humans living on the surface.

Inside a shopping mall of this kingdom, several mermaids were divided into two rows, one on the right and one on the left, like a competition.

1st row:

“Go ELONGA tribe! We know you can do it!”

2nd row:

“Go ALIMA tribe! You’re the ones who’ll win!”

In front of them, at the center, stood six young mermaids: three from the ELONGA tribe and three from the ALIMA tribe.

Everyone:

“Let’s go!!”

They dash together toward the clothing aisles of the shopping mall — a full-blown sales war.

Prunelle:

“Come on girls, let’s grab the best outfits.”

Tress:

“The blue ones are mine!!”

Miaa:

“In your dreams!!!”

Loussika:

“Don’t be so rough, girls. It’s just a friendly sale competition.”

They aggressively rummage through piles of clothes searching for something.

— The timer is almost at zero!

While searching, the young mermaid with the orange tail raises her hand. Her soft voice echoes as she finds a magnificent pearl mermaid-tail accessory.

Prunelle:

“I got it! I found it, girls!”

Miaa & Loussika:

“Yaaay!!!”

Léna:

“We lost!!! Why?!!”

A large fish-man steps forward, microphone in hand.

Teb:

“And once again, the ELONGA tribe wins this friendly competition! Once again, this tribe of warriors has legally imposed its greatness.”

The tribe gathers together, thrilled by their victory.

Miaa:

“We’re the best!!!!”

Liv:

“You can recognize this tribe because they always win. And what about us ALIMA? When are we ever going to win?”

Loussika:

“No need to take it so seriously. Besides, it was just a friendly match after yesterday’s competition.”

— Anyway, we know you well enough. It’s normal for the ELONGA to be the strongest tribe in our kingdom.

Prunelle:

“Everyone has their own abilities. We’re all useful in our own way.”

Miaa:

“Meanwhile, who wants to throw a party to celebrate this?!!!”

Everyone:

“Yeah!!!”

They switch on disco lights and party wildly inside the shopping mall.

Inside the palace of the Mermaid King, the king sat upon his throne, holding a trident decorated with ancestral symbols. Wearing his crown, he addressed the guards firmly.

— My King, how are we going to reinforce prison security?

King Demba: Call the detention guard community. Many of them are without fixed positions. This would be the perfect time to recruit new members.

— Understood, my King.

— There’s also a problem near the fountains, my King.

King Demba: I’m listening…

Suddenly, the King felt his trident move. It felt as though someone was calling to him inside his mind.

King Demba: What is happening?

It was a call coming from the surface — from Kiese, who was secretly stirring the lake water with his hands away from prying eyes. He threw some branch ashes into the water.

Kiese: I ask for help from another world. People… creatures of the sky lost within the depths of the sea.

It felt magical and mysterious. Deep beneath the lake, the King continued sensing the same phenomenon.

His subjects were astonished.

— My King… what is this?

King Demba: …This… this is not normal. It’s been several decades since this last happened.

He took his trident and struck it against the floor. That’s when the communication finally connected.

King Demba: Greetings. To whom do I have the honor of speaking?

Kiese: Greetings, people of the mermaids. I am Kiese, the customary chief of Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu. A catastrophe recently struck our island. Every day, we lose inhabitants. The island’s waters suddenly became unstable, causing the return of a great witch — the mermaid Mami Watta.

Upon hearing this, everyone froze, shocked and confused by the news.

— Mami Watta?!

King Demba: How is that possible? She had disappeared.

Kiese: That’s what I believed too, but… even today she continues devouring every person who crosses paths with her blinding beauty. That is why I came to beg for your help.

King Demba: This situation is truly problematic for both humans and fish-people. We eliminated that witch forever, yet she still returned.

Kiese: And her murders are becoming worse and worse.

— What are we going to do?

— If she starts with humans, she’ll eventually attack the fish-people too.

King Demba: We will not allow this tragedy to happen! Customary chief, you did well to contact me. To stop her, I have no choice but to send members of our tribes to eliminate this witch without her noticing. We shall send you the strongest tribe in our kingdom: the ELONGA tribe.

While the atmosphere in the palace became tense, Prunelle, Miaa, and Loussika were relaxing in the mermaids’ hot springs. At the same time, they were reading magazines.

Loussika: Did you girls see this? My magazine is talking about trendy new decorations for mermaid tails.

Prunelle: Really?! Let us see!

Miaa: Which magazine is it? Is it available?

All three look at the magazine together.

Prunelle: Oh wow… it is available.

Loussika: But only for people over 18.

Miaa: And we’re only 17…

They exchange disappointed looks, then sigh dramatically in the water.

The 3 girls: Ahhh!!! This sucks! When are we finally going to turn 18?!

Loussika: First, we should survive school. It’s a terrible torture, but useful.

Prunelle: Girls, school starts again tomorrow, right?

Loussika: Yes, why?

Prunelle: What if we organize a picnic first? We should invite all our classmates and have fun before returning to that stressful classroom.

Miaa: You’re right. I really love the idea. What do you think, Loussika?

Loussika: I think the idea is very interesting, and besides, we lose nothing by doing it.

Miaa: Quick, let’s dry ourselves off!

They jump out of the water and dry themselves with towels while laughing joyfully.

Miaa: Come on! Let’s go have fun!!!

They hold hands and walk happily together, but suddenly vanish. They instantly reappear inside the King’s throne room, surrounded by several subordinates. Shocked, they stare around them.

The 3 girls: Huh?!

Loussika: We’re at the palace? But we don’t have anything to say to the King.

King Demba: But I have something to say to you girls.

They turn around and meet the King’s gaze, surprised to see him.

Elsewhere, in a remote corner of the lake, Mami Watta sensed an aura that disturbed her deeply. It was beginning to suffocate her.

Mami Watta: What is this?! What is this?!! Am I dreaming or is this a threat?!

Back in the King’s palace, after everything had been explained, the girls stood there silently processing the information.

Loussika: So basically, you really want us to go to the surface? To Idjwi Island?!

Prunelle: But why teenagers like us?

King Demba: You are still students, therefore minors, not fully developed warriors. That is why Mami Watta will not sense your presence unless you activate your powers and strength.

Miaa: It’s true that we’re the only teenagers in the tribe.

King Demba: In my name, I, King Demba of the Mermaid Kingdom, ask you to carry out this mission in order to stop this witch. Will you honor us? Please.

They scratch their heads awkwardly, then look at each other and nod.

The 3 girls: Alright, we’ll honor our lineage.

King Demba: Perfect…

They turn toward each other and whisper.

Loussika: Do you think we made the right choice accepting?

Prunelle: I think we did.

Miaa: Obviously! This means we won’t have to go to school anymore.

Prunelle & Loussika: That’s true, it’s good news too.

The King stares at them, his face twisted with disbelief at their carelessness.

King Demba: I can hear you. In fact, we all can.

They instantly turn around in shock, realizing they’ve been caught.

The 3 girls: Oops!

The subordinates bring a gigantic catapult into the palace, ready to launch the girls away.

— Girls, it’s time to go.

Prunelle: What?! We’re leaving just like that without luggage? Without warning our families? Our tribes?

King Demba: I’ll take care of it. Do not fear.

Loussika: Not fear?!

King Demba: At the surface, Kiese will know how to take care of you.

Loussika: And the luggage?! Mermaids wear clothes too!

They are placed onto the catapult. Just as they are about to be launched, Miaa interrupts dramatically.

Miaa: Wait, wait! We’re only leaving if you promise not to make us repeat our final school year.

King Demba: Promise.

Miaa: Sorry? I didn’t hear that…

Too late. They are launched by catapult toward the human world. Terrified, they scream.

The 3 girls: Aaaaaahhhhh!!!

The girls are immediately projected toward the surface, their tails still underwater. It was nighttime.

Prunelle: Ouch… King Demba could’ve been gentler with his teleportation.

Miaa: I would’ve chosen an elevator if he had given me the chance.

Loussika: …It’s true that this time he went too far.

Finally, they notice Kiese standing before them. They freeze for a moment.

Prunelle: Uh… this is starting to scare me a little.

Loussika: Um… are you the person we were supposed to meet?

Kiese: Good evening, Prunelle, Miaa, and Loussika. I am Kiese, the customary chief who requested help from the mermaid people. But I am not entirely convinced about one thing… why send teenagers?

Miaa: Don’t underestimate us, Mr. Chief. We’re very efficient. We belong to the ELONGA tribe.

Kiese observes them doubtfully.

Kiese: I hope this won’t put you in danger. I wouldn’t want…

During their conversation, the lake water suddenly begins boiling violently. Under the moonlit night, a giant mermaid with red hair and a red tail rises from the lake before them.

Everyone is shocked except the customary chief.

Loussika, Miaa & Prunelle: Mami Watta?!

Kiese: So you reveal yourself tonight? Why are you so upset? I sense anger within you.

Mami Watta: How?! How dare you bring mermaids from the ELONGA tribe to defeat me, you cursed customary chief?!

Kiese: Why? Does it bother you?

Mami Watta: You are so desperate that you ask sorcerers for help? Pathetic! What happened to your power as a customary chief? Did God take it away from you?

Kiese: The power of a customary chief was given by God Himself — a force that binds you to the ancestors, to the kingdoms of the dead and the living, to departed loved ones. Our mission is to fulfill the Lord’s will through ancestral means in order to help those in need.

He steps closer to the lake and strikes his staff against the ground.

Kiese: Mermaids are legends that disappeared long ago. They would never have returned if you were not spreading plague and suffering across this island. I brought a tribe that will make you disappear.

Mami Watta: (The scent these girls give off disturbs me.)

She stares at the girls, both determined and curious.

Mami Watta: You… you’re going to get out of my way, little girls! Which tribe do you belong to?!

The girls turn toward her. Their eyes glow brightly in the night, each gaze filled with energy and determination.

Prunelle, Miaa & Loussika: We are from the ELONGA tribe!

Hearing this, Mami Watta becomes terrified.

Mami Watta: Aaaaaahhhhh!!!! Disappear, all of you!

She vanishes beneath the water, unable to withstand the strange pressure radiating from the girls.

Kiese: She could not endure the pressure of your tribe’s strength. We can say she fears your power. That is why I ask you to return her to where she truly belongs.

Miaa: Wow… girls, we’ve got a huge job ahead of us.

Early in the morning, at dawn, on Idjwi Island, in a small house located by the lakeside, a strict man in his fifties grabbed a pot and banged it loudly in frustration.

— Come on! ELONGA tribe, it’s time to wake up!

The girls were already slowly heading toward the kitchen. They no longer had their mermaid tails and couldn’t even properly stand on one leg, finding this new sensation extremely strange.

Loussika: We’ve got this… perfectly under control.

Miaa: Come on… we’re almost there!!!

Prunelle: I want my mermaid tail back! 😭

They then remembered the previous night, near the lake. The girls were still in the water.

Loussika: They sent us here without even letting us pack. We didn’t even have time to prepare.

Prunelle: We don’t know where to live, what to eat, or where to sleep… and yet, the King still catapulted us here.

Kiese: Still… he could’ve been more considerate.

Miaa: And what are we supposed to do about THIS?!

She pointed at their mermaid tails, completely shocked by the situation.

Miaa: This is a disaster! Everyone is going to know we’re witches!

Prunelle: Don’t say that, Miaa! We are mermaids.

Miaa: Isn’t it the same thing?

Kiese extended his hand into the water and slowly lifted it. In his palm were three amulets he was holding tightly. He then gave them to the girls.

Miaa: Amulets?

Loussika: Wow! They’re pretty.

Kiese: Place your hands on the sand.

Prunelle: On the sand?

Kiese: Yes. Go ahead.

The 3: Uh… okay…

They placed their hands on the sand, and immediately their tails disappeared, replaced by human legs.

The girls panicked instantly at the transformation.

The 3: AAHHH!! WHAT IS THIS?!!

Prunelle: Did we replace our fish tails with plastic legs?! HELP!!!

They quickly stopped thinking about it.

They still struggled to walk with their human legs.

Loussika: How do humans move with these things in the middle of the road?!

Prunelle: Weird… Miaa is usually the one who says stuff like that.

Loussika: Guess even Miaa can be right sometimes.

Miaa kept staring at the old man, finding him unfamiliar.

Miaa: Old man… who are you? And where do you come from?

Prunelle and Loussika observed him carefully, then finally understood.

Prunelle & Loussika: That’s Kiese without his mask!

Miaa: Huh?! You… you really look different.

Kiese: I can’t take care of you while showing everyone I’m the island’s customary chief. I need a cover.

Prunelle: You didn’t do much, you just removed your mask.

Loussika: Has no one ever seen you without it?

Kiese: No one has ever seen me without my mask. That privilege belongs only to you.

He then walked to the dining room and pulled out chairs for them. A hot breakfast was already on the table, filling the room with a delicious smell.

Miaa: Wow!!! It smells amazing! I’ve never seen food like this before.

Kiese: Come. I prepared a good breakfast for you. You need energy before going out.

Determined to eat, they supported each other as they struggled toward the table. After a few awkward attempts, they finally managed to sit.

Miaa: We made it!! Now… FOOD!!

Miaa and Prunelle started eating eagerly, loving the meal.

But Loussika hesitated, too shy to touch her plate.

Prunelle: Wow! This is delicious.

Miaa: I don’t even want to know what it’s called. I’m just eating.

Kiese: Loussika, aren’t you eating?

Loussika: It’s just… um… sorry, I’m a bit shy.

Miaa: Don’t mind her. Loussika is very shy by nature.

Loussika: I don’t do it on purpose… sorry…

Kiese: It’s nothing serious, it’s human. But trust me, if you try it, you’ll really like it.

She finally takes a bite.

Her eyes immediately light up.

Loussika: It’s actually not bad… you’re a great cook, Kiese.

Kiese: Thank you. I’m glad you like it.

Prunelle: Now that I think about it… why did you say we had to eat to prepare?

Kiese: Right… you don’t know yet…

Kiese then shows them three school uniforms, bags, and supplies placed on a chair in the living room.

The girls freeze in shock.

Kiese: …Today, you’re going to school. I will take you there.

The 3: WHAT?!

Kiese: To hide from Mami Watta and blend in on the island, you need a normal life… which means studying too.

Suddenly, a heavy sound echoes through the room.

The three girls slam their heads on the table, completely devastated.

The 3: School… school… always school… 🫩🫩

Meanwhile, the school bus carries students across the island. Some walk in groups, others alone.

At Bahati School, students in uniforms gather in the courtyard.

Almost all of them wear protective charms: necklaces, bracelets, anklets.

— Did you hear what happened yesterday near the lake?

— I saw it… it was our neighbor.

— Really?!

— Yes. His wife is devastated. It’s Mami Watta again.

The conversations spread everywhere.

A rebellious, gothic-looking boy arrives.

— That’s Kiani… always intimidating people.

Someone bumps into him.

— Hey! Apologize!

Kiani looks up coldly.

Kiani: Get out of my way.

The boy immediately backs off.

Kiani continues walking to Kodi.

Kodi: My guy Kiani! Always intimidating… you should calm down.

Kiani: I don’t mean to. They’re just in my way.

Kodi: What if they weren’t?

Kiani: I would’ve punched him.

Kodi: Haha!

Kiani: Where’s Kwel?

A basketball flies toward Kiani—he catches it effortlessly.

Kwel: Nice catch.

Kodi: Speak of the devil.

Kwel: You thought I wouldn’t come?

Kiani: Lucky the bell hasn’t rung.

Kwel: Shame… I wanted to be late.

Back at Kiese’s house, the girls wear uniforms, struggling to stand.

Loussika: Is… this really us?

Miaa: We look like completely different people.

Prunelle: And these uniforms are so pretty!

Miaa falls.

Kiese calls them.

Kiese: It’s time to go.

He reveals three decorated bicycles.

The 3: WOW!!!

They happily ride off.

At school, Amuri and Christelle arrive in a luxury car.

Students admire them.

Tension rises between Kiani, Kodi, Kwel, and Christelle.

Suddenly—

Bell rings.

Prunelle, Miaa, and Loussika arrive on bicycles.

Everyone stares.

Kwel, Kiani, Kodi are stunned.

Kwel: They’re…

Kiani: …beautiful…

Kodi: …different.

Christelle: Hey! Stop staring like that!

The girls arrive, confused by everyone’s gaze.

The 3: What? Do we smell or something?

The girls still didn’t understand all the eyes fixed on them.

They looked at each other, then discreetly checked themselves from head to toe.

The 3: What is it? Do we smell or something?

The stares only grew more intense.

With more courage and curiosity, several boys and girls approached them, eager to know more about them.

— They’re wearing our uniforms, look.

Léa: Hello, my name is Léa. Are you new here?

Loussika: Um… uh… it’s just that…

Ben: Don’t you want to sit down?

Amuri found it strange that all the attention had shifted to them. A wave of jealousy slowly began to rise inside her.

Amuri: Hey! Are you going to stop staring at them like that? This is ridiculous!

But no one really paid attention to her words.

Prunelle, still gentle, let a small innocent smile appear, which immediately caused uncontrollable heartbeats in Kiani.

Kiani: (That’s a wonderful smile…)

Prunelle: It’s… it’s kind of you, but… could you please stop acting like that? It’s making us a bit uncomfortable… it’s embarrassing.

— Okay… we’ll give you all the space you want…

Miaa let out a dry, nervous laugh.

Miaa: Ahaha 😅😅… Are you always like this on this island?

Amuri finally approached them, followed closely by Christelle. She stared at them arrogantly.

Amuri: Hey! Do you even know where you are?

Loussika: At Bahati School, if I’m not mistaken. Why do you ask, classmate?

Amuri: I’m not your classmate!

Christelle: Yeah, she’s not your friend. Do you know who she is? She’s Amuri, the only heir of a wealthy family.

Prunelle: Wow! 😯😮 Being an heiress is kind of like being a princess, right girls?

Loussika: Yes, you could say that.

Miaa: It also depends on the wealth, right? Does her fortune surpass a king’s?

Amuri: Huh?

Christelle: Wait a second… are they ignoring you?!

Amuri: Me?! Amuri?!

Kodi: Are you sisters?

The 3: Sisters?

They looked at each other, observing themselves for a moment, then began whispering quietly.

Prunelle: Are we sisters?

Loussika: Normally… I think so since… we belong to the same tribe.

Prunelle: But they don’t know that. What do we do?

Miaa: Leave it to me, I know what to make up.

They then turned their gaze back to the others, stopping their whispering.

Miaa, with her usual energy, immediately spoke.

Miaa: We are half-sisters.

Loussika & Prunelle: Half-sisters?!

Kwel, Kodi, and Kiani then moved closer, naturally trying to build a connection with the girls.

Kwel: You’re lucky you didn’t arrive late. We’re veterans in this school, we can guide you.

Kodi noticed Loussika’s almost pathological shyness. He leaned slightly toward her, trying to understand.

Kodi: Why did you stop talking? Are we bothering you?

Loussika: No, no… it’s not that…

Kiani timidly reached his hand toward Prunelle, but she found the gesture strange and stepped back slightly.

Prunelle: Are you going to hit me?!

Kiani: No, no, no… I just wanted to get to know you…

Christelle: Can I know why you’re all acting like this in front of new girls?!

Kwel bent his elbow toward Miaa, signaling her to follow him discreetly.

Kwel: Come…?

Miaa: Uh… 😑😑

Seeing this, Amuri exploded inwardly with rage.

For her, this was the final straw.

She immediately pointed at Miaa in a threatening way while pulling Kwel away from her.

Kwel: What are you doing, Amuri?

Amuri: You, don’t get close to Kwel, do you hear me?!

Everyone was shocked by Amuri’s aggressive behavior.

A real hostility seemed to be forming toward Miaa.

Amuri: First of all, where are you from? Your shoes, your hairstyles… everything shows you’re from a lower class. Here, I’m the one who rules, understood…?

Kiani: Are you crazy or w—

Before he could finish, Miaa, with her explosive temper, suddenly grabbed Amuri’s pointing finger and violently pressed on it, making her stagger in pain.

Miaa: …Put your finger down, bitch. You messed with the wrong person.

Amuri: Ouch!!

Prunelle: Miaa, “bitch” is a very bad word…

Amuri: Let go of me, savage!

Miaa: You’re used to being noticed, my dear. Just know I’m not someone who cries… I’m someone who fights. So choose wisely.

She increases the pressure on her finger even more.

All the students were shocked.

Christelle immediately tries to help her friend.

Amuri: Ouch! Let go!

Christelle: Let her go! Are you crazy?! I’m going to call the principal!

Miaa: How cute… and he’ll protect you?

Amuri: AAH!!

Loussika: Miaa, please let her go… you might break her bone.

Miaa finally reduces the pressure.

At that exact moment, Kiese’s voice echoes behind them.

He was standing near the classroom entrance.

Kiese: Girls! What are you doing? The principal is waiting for us to finalize your enrollment.

Prunelle: We’re coming, grandpa!

— He’s your grandfather?

Miaa finally releases Amuri’s finger, which looks truly hurt.

Before leaving, Miaa gives her a proud little mocking face.

Amuri: You filthy bitches! I’ll make you pay!

Miaa: We’ll talk later. One advice: never get in my way.

She flips her hair elegantly with her hands and walks forward confidently.

The girls leave to join Kiese, leaving behind massive chaos in the school courtyard.

— Wow… did you see how she put Amuri in her place?

— That girl has no fear.

— This is the first time…

Christelle quickly checks on Amuri’s finger.

Christelle: Are you okay, Amuri?

Amuri: Let go of me!

She pushes Christelle away and walks off alone.

But Christelle follows her anyway.

Christelle: Amuri, wait! Wait for me!

Meanwhile, Kiani, Kwel, and Kodi exchange looks, still shocked.

Kodi: She really has an explosive temper.

Kwel: Do you think she really would’ve broken her finger?

Kiani: I don’t know… it was possible. But from now on, it’s better not to provoke her.

Later, class had officially started, and Kiese came out of the principal’s office accompanied by the principal and the girls.

Kiese: Thank you very much for your time, sir.

Principal: It’s actually us who thank you for the registration. The girls are not behind in the curriculum; they’ll quickly catch up.

Kiese: Very well. I’ll take that into account to better guide them.

The principal returns to his office.

Kiese quietly approaches the girls.

Kiese: Be very careful, girls. That siren could very well be in this school. She doesn’t stay in one place when she decides to harm people.

Loussika: Understood. We’ll be careful.

Kiese: I’ll send protective spirits to guide you if needed.

Miaa: I hope they’re dolphins!

Loussika: That’s impossible… and not very discreet.

Prunelle: What would she even be looking for here? Mami Watta is really a bloody mystery…

After a few minutes, the principal brings the girls into the classroom to introduce them.

Almost the entire class looks happy to see them, except Amuri and Christelle.

Principal: Students, we welcome new students today: Prunelle, Miaa, and Loussika ELONGA. They are new inhabitants of Idjwi Island. They come from Mateba Island.

The 3: Hello everyone.

— Hello!

The students notice an empty chair near the window.

One student is missing.

Principal: Isn’t Ernest here?

Teacher: I don’t know.

Stella: I thought I saw him today too… but maybe he didn’t come.

Principal: He must stop skipping classes. I’ll be strict with him in the future.

The principal leaves.

Teacher: Girls, please find seats you like.

The 3: Understood, ma’am.

They sit at the back, near the empty seat by the window.

They quietly observe that abandoned seat.

Teacher: Well… class can resume.

---

Behind the school, in a restricted area, a boy walks slowly, following an enchanting melody.

He looks completely hypnotized.

> “🎵 Ahhh… ahaha_ahaha_ahah~ 🎼”

Ernest: I’m coming…

Later, the bell rings.

It was lunchtime.

The entire school gathers in the cafeteria.

Kodi, Kwel, and Kiani observe the girls’ table.

But only Loussika is there.

Kwel: One of them is there… we should try.

Kiani: Why are we so restless? They’re just girls.

Kodi: I’m going to try talking to her.

Kodi approaches Loussika.

Meanwhile, Miaa and Prunelle walk in the cafeteria.

Miaa: Aren’t you taking an apple, Prunelle?

Prunelle: Not now. I saw something called “fries.” I want to try them.

Miaa: Really? Let me see!

She stares at the fries, fascinated.

Miaa: Wow! Can I have some too? Please… just one bite? 🥹🥺

Prunelle: You’ll end up sleeping in class, Miaa!

Suddenly, a tall beautiful woman appears.

It was the school janitor.

But as she passes, Miaa and Prunelle feel a strange sense of danger.

A strong chill runs through their bodies.

Miaa & Prunelle: What is that…?

They turn around suddenly.

But no one is there anymore.

Their amulets begin to glow faintly as a silent warning.

Miaa & Prunelle: Oh no… it’s her!

Meanwhile, Loussika sits at the cafeteria table.

Kodi approaches.

Kodi: Am I disturbing you?

Loussika looks up timidly.

It was Kodi.

She nods slightly.

Loussika: No… sit down. There’s enough space for five.

Kodi: Thank you very much.

He sits down.

Loussika looks at him sincerely.

Loussika: Sorry if I seemed rude earlier… I’m just very shy.

Kodi: No, I don’t mind. I was just curious.

Loussika: Why do you want to talk to me so much? Your friends are there, right?

Kodi: I know… but your personality interests me.

Loussika: Introduce yourself then.

Kodi: I’m Kodi.

Loussika: Nice to meet you, Kodi…

Suddenly—

Miaa and Prunelle rush toward the table.

Miaa & Prunelle: Loussika, emergency!

Loussika immediately understands and stands up.

Loussika: Sorry Kodi, we’ll talk later.

They leave quickly.

Behind the school, the enchanted boy continues walking, guided only by the melody.

> “🎼 Come see me… come discover my face… you’re almost there… don’t worry… I’ll watch over you… 🎵”