Reminising/flash back

You had signed up for the swimming team during fresher's week. You were told that all species were welcome, but when you stepped out in your red swimming costume, you noticed a problem. The other two who had signed up for tryouts were a mermaid and a centaur.

The coach, who was either a human or a mermaid who had transformed, explained the rules. "Ok, race to the end and back, fastest gets on the team."

"How is this fair racing against a mermaid?" You asked and the coach rolled their eyes.

"And how is this fair that I am racing against two legs here." The centaur added.

The coach blew her whistle in responce and we all dived into the water.

https://www.deviantart.com/takechairr

The centaur with a larger body and longer legs got a head start with an impressive dive. However, you and the mermaid quickly overtook her as her body dragged through the water. She was clearly a great swimmer for a centaur, but not compared with humanoids. You watched as the mermaid overtook you and was on her way back before you even reached the halfway point. You finished second with the centaur in last.

"Impressive, new record," said the coach. "So Aquamarine wins. Now just get out so I can measure your transformation speed. Let's see what we are working with." She was ignoring the two of you as you both climbed out of the pool and were ready to hit the showers, but you lingered to see Aquamarine's response.

"I'm a plalagic Mermaid. We don't transform." Aquamarine replied. "You didn't see me slide in from the changing room?" she asked sarcastically.

"Well, that's a pity. I guess the swim team will not be gaining any new members. We run triathlons as well as the swimming nationals. No legs, no spot on the team."

"That's racist. I can cycle a hand-pedal bike and use my wheelchair. I bet I could beat any Neritic mermaid in a swim and keep up on land with the right equipment. Besides, if that was a problem, just give my place to the human, she is nearly as good a swimmer as me."

"Thank you, but no thanks, I don't cycle, and I don't hang out with racists." You reply

"I will beat you all in a triathlon, my swimming may be slow but I can cycle a taur bike and will out-run you all. That said I also turn down the racist club." The centaur replied. She watched Aquamarine crawling towards the changing rooms. "Do you want a lift, My name's Brandy by the way."

"I'm Carrie." You added.

"Yes, I would like a lift, my wheelchain is in the changing rooms. You heard my name is Aquamarine but I prefer to go by Marinie." The mermaid replied.

Brandy bent down and lifted Marinie up, and placed her on her backside saddle. "You are welcome to a lift any time I am around."

The three of you showered, got dressed and agreed to get some lunch together at the canteen.