The sun was shining peacefully over a vast ocean.
But deep under the calm water, something powerful was stirring.
Thousands of meters below, hidden in a secret underwater palace, the Sea Empress Aqua opened her eyes.
They were blue—deep, endless blue like the ocean itself.
She sat up slowly, her silver hair floating around her like waves.All around her, the sea creatures became still. Even the mighty Kraken outside bowed its head.
A voice echoed in her mind:
"Zayn has returned."
Her heart skipped a beat.
She touched her chest gently.After all these years… after the stars cried… he was finally back.
Aqua stood up.
With one wave of her hand, the palace walls pulled away, revealing the deep sea.Water danced around her body. Jewels of the ocean sparkled in her presence.
She whispered, "It's time."
Meanwhile…
Back in Zayn's realm, the air shimmered again.
Elaine looked up. "She's coming."
Zayn nodded. "I know. I can feel the waves moving."
Suddenly, the air turned cold—not in a scary way, but calm, deep, like the bottom of the sea.
A whirlpool of water appeared mid-air, spinning gently.From it, a figure floated out—dressed in a flowing gown of sapphire light, her hair drifting like a waterfall.
It was Aqua.
She landed quietly.
Her eyes met Zayn's.
She didn't speak.
She didn't need to.
Zayn stepped forward. "You look the same."
Aqua tilted her head. "And you look… tired."
Zayn smiled. "It's been a long sleep."
Aqua walked toward him, then suddenly slapped him—lightly, gently, with a small splash of water.
"That's for not saying goodbye," she said softly.
Zayn chuckled. "I deserved that."
Elaine crossed her arms. "First me, now her. Who's next? The Sky Maiden? Or that crazy Thunder Empress?"
Aqua looked at Elaine and smiled. "Still fiery as ever, I see."
Elaine grinned. "Still calm as a frozen pond, I see."
Zayn looked at them both. "I didn't bring you here for memories."
They turned serious.
Zayn pointed to the sky. "The crack is growing. That shadow was just a scout. The real invasion is coming."
Aqua nodded. "I've sensed it in the ocean currents. Dark energy spreading like oil."
Elaine added, "They've found the ancient passageways again. If they open the Gate of Realms, everything will be destroyed."
Zayn clenched his fist.
"No. This time, I won't let it happen."
Aqua asked, "What's the plan?"
Zayn looked far into the distance.
"We need to gather the others. All of them. From every realm, every corner."
Elaine raised an eyebrow. "Even her?"
Zayn nodded. "Even her."
Aqua's voice turned serious. "Then… we'll need to go to the Sky Temple next."
Zayn agreed. "Yes. That's where the seal is weakening."
Suddenly, Astra floated closer. Her voice sounded worried.
"Zayn. There's a problem."
Zayn turned to her. "What is it?"
Astra pointed to the edge of the realm.
"There's someone here. Watching us."
Far outside the realm… behind the veil of stars…
A shadowy figure sat on a throne of bones, laughing softly.
"So, Zayn... you're finally awake," the figure whispered.
A third eye opened on their forehead, glowing red.
"This time, you won't win."