Manchester, United Kingdom Time & Date: 10:01 AM, June 21, 20--

It was a rare sunny Thursday—one of those days that made people a little happier. But for Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley, the weather didn’t change a thing. He wasn’t the type to care about sunshine and clear skies.

Soap, of course, was the complete opposite. “Oi, Ghost! There’s a new SeaWorld that opened a couple months back. Let’s check it out,” Soap grinned, nudging his arm.

Ghost, silent as always, just stared at him through his skull-patterned balaclava.

“Come on, Won’t kill ya,” Soap added.

A sigh. A nod. And just like that, an hour later, they were there.

---

The place was massive—towering glass and steel, packed with families, couples, and solo visitors. Kids ran ahead, dragging parents toward exhibits. Laughter, chatter, the scent of saltwater filled the air.

Ghost and Soap wandered through, watching Orca's, walruses, sea lions—an entire marine spectacle. Even Ghost had to admit, it was impressive.

Then, as they passed through a tunnel-like corridor, they noticed a shift. People moved toward one exhibit in particular.

A sign overhead read: "Special Performance – The Mermaid Show."

Soap elbowed Ghost, smirking. "Look! Mermaids! Let’s check it out.”

Ghost gave a slight nod, following him.

---

The moment the show began, the entire atmosphere changed. A soft, melodic tune filled the space, casting a dreamlike haze over the crowd. Eyes locked on the massive tank, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

Ghost had seen a lot—war, death, chaos. But this? This was something different.

The music, the crowd, even Soap’s excited remarks faded into the background. Because right there, moving effortlessly through the water, was her.

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A performer. A mermaid.

Her shimmering silicone tail moved gracefully, every motion seamless, as if she truly belonged to the ocean. The water bent to her will, light catching on her form like something out of a dream.

And for the first time in a long time, Ghost forgot about anything