Noodle the Hero and the Metal Machine

"Hello!" Noodle suddenly heard a voice call out. He looked around but didn't see anyone. "Hello!" The voice called again. He turned around to the fountain and saw the face of a young lady peering at him over the edge from inside the fountain." "Oh, hello!" Noodle greeted her with a smile and began to hop over. "I don't think you are supposed to swim in that, it's against—" the lady pulled herself up and sat on the edge of the fountain, pulled her long blonde hair away from her pale face and turned slightly to the side to keep her fins in the water. "...the rules," Noodle stared in awe as he finished his sentence. "What, haven't you seen a mermaid before?" The mermaid giggled. "Not in real life," Noodle blushed, "Only in books and stuff." "Well, what do you think?" The mermaid leaned back and proudly posed. "Do we live up to the legends?" Noodle grinned sheepishly. "The legends don't live up to you, miss." "Oh, you stop that, you little charmer," the mermaid giggled again, causing a goofy smile to spread across Noodle's face. The mermaid stretched a bit, making the silver fish scales on her fitted shirt sparkle in the sunlight...which also made Noodle's goofy grin wider by the second. "Say, I was wondering if you could tell me the way to CityTown Lake?" "It's here in the park, right down there— that way" Noodle said. He turned a bit and nodded in the direction of the lake. "Oh, so I am close! I just moved here and I left the house for a bit and got so distracted by the wonderful sights and sounds that I became lost. Thank you!" The mermaid beamed gratefully until a surprised look crossed her face. "Oh my, where are my manners? What is your name?" "I'm Noodle, and you are most welcome!" "I am Undine," the mermaid bowed slightly, "very nice to meet you Noodle." "If you don't mind me asking," Noodle said, "why did you move to the lake? Isn't the ocean much bigger?" "I am a freshwater mermaid," said Undine. "My kind dwell in the lakes and rivers. Every now and then I go see my cousins in the ocean, but I can't stay there for too long or I fall dreadfully ill. Besides, I wouldn't want to stay with them long anyways— they are always so salty!" "Huh," Noodle replied and Undine slipped back in the water. "Also, many of my friends and family are moving here. They all speak of feeling an almost magical energy in the air. Some of them are even telling me that their magic got a lot stronger after settling down here. Whatever it is, it seems to be attracting all sorts of creatures as of late. Also helps that the economy here is doing really well. Who would have thought that ancient enemies like magical creatures and humans could work together to create such a wonderful place?" "Yes, it is wonderful," Noodle said and then blushed again. "I— uh, I hope all the newcomers are like you." "Oh, you silly thing!" Undine laughed and flicked a small splash of water at Noodle. "You are beginning to remind me of those cheeky sailor boys I used to tease on the spice routes." "Sorry," Noodle said. Undine bit her lip and grinned. "Nothing to be sorry about," she said, "it was rather fun." Noodle blushed some more and Undine giggled again. "Well Noodle, I thank you once again for the help. I take it you live nearby?" "Yes I do! I live in the residential area off of Orchard Avenue and I visit the lake all the time." "Orchard Avenue?" Undine said curiously. "Oh, sorry," Noodle said, "It's uh, right next to the downtown area—" he nodded to the west, "that way." "Well then," Undine smiled, "pay me a visit next time you are around. My home is in the grotto near the gardens." "Lovely view there, especially this time of year," Noodle said. "Yes, and I paid a fortune in seashells for it!" Undine laughed and dipped down further into the water. "Well before I leave, do you know if there are any good seafood places around here? I've been traveling for some time and have worked up quite an appetite!" "Seafood? You eat fish?" Noodle asked in surprise. "Yes, why wouldn't I?" Undine replied. "Oh, I just thought— you know— that you all were friends down there under the sea." "Are you friends with the chickens?" Undine said. "...No." "Well, there you have it," Undine smirked. "Besides, it's ok to eat fish, 'cause they don't have any feelings. Sounds like someone has been watching too many cartoons." "Probably," Noodle nodded in agreement and suddenly thought about all the shows Poof had recommended to him and then realized why he could never catch up on all the books that he wanted to read. "You are a silly one," Undine giggled, "and I hope to see you soon. Have a wonderful day Noodle!" She waved goodbye then dove under the water and circled the fountain until she reached an open drain at the bottom. She swam in, and once she was through, she turned around and grabbed a metal grate nearby and put it back into its place over the opening. Noodle stood staring for what seemed like ages, goofily smiling at the empty fountain until a mysterious green and scaly hand reached out for him…