The sea no longer embraced her.
She sensed it as soon as she broke the surface, the water seemed to pull away, the tide pushing back against her touch. The ocean that had once nurtured her now trembled beneath her, restless and afraid. She felt that she no longer belonged to the sea, nor to the world of humans.
Above, the moon hung low and heavy, its pale light slicing through the dark waters like an unhealed wound. She took a sharp breath, the salt filling her lungs with a stinging, suffocating sensation—not from the pain in her body, but from the weight of memories.
"They erased me," she murmured, her voice trembling with a fury that had long surpassed tears. "They wiped away my name, my love… my strength... They will all pay for this." Her tone was so fierce that the sea responded with a violent swell.
Araxie lifted both of her hands, and the water twisted and spiraled upward in a furious dance. Magic, dark and ancient, wrapped around her like a living entity. This was no longer the magic of Oceania; it had emerged from the depths of her grief. Oceania had condemned her for choosing her own path.
They referred to it as law, called it justice, yet in doing so they shattered her and buried the truth, allowing lies to flourish. They celebrated a victory that was never rightfully theirs, and while they thought they were weakening her power, they had unknowingly birthed a monster, an existence steeped in nightmares.
"No one born of the Sea will escape; they will all pay the price, and they will all experience my suffering."
With a thunderous roar, she struck the sky, igniting a storm, while the moonlight flickered as dark clouds gathered.
"The sea will drown in its deceit, and soon, Oceania will vanish."
Her eyes glitered with determination.
"When the blood moon rises, everything will change," Araxie whispered. "That's all I need, the Blood Moon."
With a sly smile, she disappeared into the waves...
In the ocean's depths lies an entirely different realm, where creatures once thought to be mere myths roam. The Throne Room of Oceania, crafted from ancient coral and radiant pearls, is filled with an ethereal blue light that dances across its ceiling, a towering pillar adorned with ancient runes stood silently, its markings almost beyond the reach of memory. Bioluminescent currents drifted slowly through the chamber creating flickering shadows that danced across the faces of those gathered. Normally, the room hummed with sweet melodies, soft current of passing tides and whisper of distant creatures but tonight, it was suffocatingly still.
Queen Shellina, seated upon her throne majestically, her posture straight and regal, with a faint glow radiating from her crown that sparkled beautifully with her silver hair. Her hands were clenched together on her lap, fingers claped tightly, too tightly. Seated directly opposite her were the Nine Elders of the Sea, beings of such immense power, that many in the kingdom regarded them as mere folktale.
Their presence bent the water around them, light warped, currents slowed. Even time seemed to hesitate, no common mermaid or merman had ever laid eyes on them except the royal bloodline… or those summoned to judgment.
This assembly was summoned by fear and for the first time in Oceania's history, an alarming threat had emerged, a force this dangerous had crossed into the human world and with that single act, the balance of all realms trembled.
Anger, fear, and disbelief hung heavy in the water.
The nine elders were beings of different dominions, each a living embodiment of water itself:
SABRINA : river goddess, calm yet watchful.
MAZU : goddess of tide, her presence heavy with authority.
NIMIANE : lady of the lake, eyes cold as still waters.
NIXIE : spirit of the currents, restless and sharp
SEDNA : goddess of the Sea.
SEQUANA : guardian of the river seine.
SUSANOO : shinto god of Storms.
SEDNA : goddess of sirens.
AHTI : god of war.
Each stood as a living shield over the kingdom.
"Araxie has crossed into the human realm," Sedna goddess of the sea finally said.
The name fell like a stone into deep water.
"How is that even possible to begin with? No one can leave unless they have the royal seal," Nixie spirit of currents added.
"She grows stronger even without it," Sedna continued. "Freeing herself from our laws."
Queen Shellina rose slowly.
"For the first time in our history," she said, her voice steady but sharp, "We have lost control over one of our own. We are slowly loosing a war thats yet to start."
"Something needs to be done urgently, gathering round like this is a waste of time," Susanoo god of storm said in a sharp authoritative tone.
"Do you have any suggestions? you can tell us, so this meeting can end quickly instead of wasting your precious time." Ahti god of war responded calmly.
"Brother I don't see you being any useful either," Susanoo said, turning his full attention to Ahti . It was obvious he was getting pissed. No wonder he was called the god of storms.
"Calm that raging restless spark in your head. You were the one that concluded this gathering is a waste of time. I only suggested you give us a solution so we can move on with our daily lives." Ahti responded playfully, even though he sounds insultive, he always has a way of maintaining a calm expression like the breeze in a beach.
"Please you two, now is not the time to be on each other's neck. We are all here for one purpose and we must make sure to achieve It not by attacking each other," Sabrina spoke out loud, echoing through the whole room.
The council stretched on for a whole day, no songs echoed through Oceania. No laughter drifted through coral streets, creatures hid in their depths, sensing the shift in the tides.
At last, Sequana, guardian of the river seine spoke up. "It is decided," she said "We will send Corelia, Daughter of Elbereth, to the surface world."
A ripple of tension spread, almost everyone in the room agreed, only a few disagreed.
"Why her?" Nimiane demanded.
"Because she belongs to both worlds," Sedna replied. "We all remember the past don't we?" She asked and the whole room fell into silence.
Queen Shellina's jaw tightened.
"She is innocent and doesn't have to be involved in this. Also, she doesn't know she belongs to both worlds."
"Well I never said she should be informed. Debts must be paid, no one goes unforgiven until they have paid for their sins, those are the rules," Sedna said firmly
"Her mother has spent all her life paying for her sins, so why should the child continue from there?" Queen Shellina interrupted sharply.
"This is not the time to be biased Queen Shellina. Sedna is right. Apart from the fact her mother defied Oceania rules, Corellia can cross into both realms with ease." Nixie Responded.
The Queen rose from her throne.
"She has no idea. That secret has been long buried. Her powers have no limit but we never told her."
"Then we make her believe it's a gift," Nixie said softly.
Shellina's voice trembled, just once. "There's no guarantee she can survive this mission it will destroy her."
Mazu's gaze hardened. "Then so be it, she is a warrior sworn to lay down her life for her people, Your Majesty."
"How do you expect me to send one of my own out there on a suicide mission, what kind of leader does that make me?" the queen asked furiously.
"She is up to the task. Remember, she has the powers to survive and blend in well among humans. She is also one of our strongest warriors aside from the princess so I believe she is fit for this mission." Sabrina finally said, calming the tensions building up in the room.
"You are right, she belongs to both worlds which is an advantage to us." Ahti added "All she has to do is use the DEATH SHELL to weaken Araxie, and we take it from there."
Everyone finally agreed by nodding their heads, the queen who was reluctant at first seems a bit calm now adjusting on her throne. At last, she turned to the guards.
"Bring her to me."
A few minutes passed, Corellia was led in by the guard looking innocent, unaware that her life was about to take a great turn at fate. The water seemed to move differently around her—gentler, almost like it respected her. Her long blue hair swayed behind her like seaweed in a slow current, her expression calm but curious. She bowed deeply.
"Greetings, My Queen and Lords."
"Rise," Queen Shellina instructed, her voice softening towards her. "You have been chosen for a mission that will decide the fate of Oceania."
Corelia lifted her head. "I am honored to serve my kingdom, your Majesty."
"I'm certain you are well aware of what's going on in the kingdom. A conclusion has been drawn, the only way to capture Araxie is by going after her, which means you'll dwell among humans," the Queen said. "that's her hideout."
A confused expression crossed Corelia's face "My Queen… If I may speak freely? Araxie is more powerful than she was before. We all know she is the first to ever cross over to the other side without a royal seal, how can I? a mere warrior save the kingdom from her?" she asked curiously, seeking answers.
"You will not face her unprotected and all you have to do is weaken her soul and bring her back. We'll take it from there." Ahti assured her.
Corelia still looking unconvinced, "My lord, she would never surrender willingly. It's definitely going to be a blood battle, how do I capture her?" she asked.
"You would be given the Death Shell," Susanō said, thunder echoing faintly in his voice.
The word Death Shell caught Corelia's attention; it was one of the deadliest weapons used in the Ocean to punish traitors and can only be handled by top warriors and lords. Definitely this was a sucide mission. She has a lot of questions buzzing through her mind but decided to stay calm and just take on the responsibilities because it was considered weakness to ask too many questions when given a royal duty. Also she can never refuse or else she risks being stripped of her scales..
"She must be captured on time, Corelia. If you fail, Oceania falls."Queen Shellina added.
Can this get any worse?
Corelia thought, but was very careful with her expression. She stayed calm and just nodded.
"When do I leave?" she asked boldly.
"Tomorrow, you begin your journey so prepare yourself." Sedna Responded.
Corelia still filled with a lot of questions hesitated and acted fine but the queen could see through her easily.
"Speak, my daughter, I know you want something," Queen Shellina said, facing her directly.
"My Queen," she said carefully, "May I take someone with me?"
The elders exchanged glances and murmurs filled the air as they weren't expecting her request.
"I know nothing of the human world but it would be of great help to have a familiar presence with me throughout this mission," Corelia added.
After a long debate, it was finally decided.
Sabrina nodded. "Choose who so ever you want but choose wisely my dear, for you know not their hearts."
Those words, choose wisely for you know not their hearts kept echoing on her mind till she entered the Armory, a room strictly for warriors, it was empty apart from Mishell, who was training with her blade slicing cleanly through the water with practiced precision.
"You look like you have earned yourself a damning mission," Mishell said without turning. She was really good at sensing presence even without looking.
"I am going to the surface," Corelia replied.
Mishell paused and stopped what she was doing.
"Let me guess, you were told to capture Araxie?"
Mishell said without being surprised, like she was expecting it.
"How did you know?" Corelia asked, a little bit shocked Mishell could already figure it out.
"I know those selfish monsters would send you to do the dirty work, clean up their mess," Mishell said arrogantly.
"Keep your voice down." Corelia said cautioning her friend to be careful in case someone hears them.
"Have you forgotten who I am? Nothing is going to happen even if someone hears us."Mishell responded, she's always full of ego, and honestly she has every right to be.
"True you won't be in trouble, I should be more worried about my scales not yours," Corelia responded jokily.
"So, did you accept the mission?" Mishell asked.
"Like I could actually refuse a royal command. I'm set to leave tomorrow."
Corelia said, picking up a small dagger
"Well, it might be hard, but I'm positive I can do it. Besides, I requested to take someone along and they agreed. It can be anyone even our warriors, so this mission shouldn't be that complicated."
Mishell studied her friend—the calm strength, the fear hidden beneath it she could see it all. She exhaled.
"Alright then, we'll go together."
"Mishell, you can't. It's impossible. There's no way they would let you leave." Corelia said sharply.
"You said it can be anyone, even warriors. What am I ? You and I both know we are unbeatable when together. So, I'm the best option you have right now Corelia." She replied strongly.
"I know, but I don't want to put you in danger and I doubt if you are even allowed to leave Oceania. I'm certain the queen won't let you talkless of the elders," Corelia said, looking worried and a bit scared.
"Let me handle the Queen and Elders if that is what you are concerned about," She said, almost so certain she would win them over and Corelia knew that once her friend made up her mind to do something, there was no turning back.
"You are not going to take a no for an answer are you?" Corelia asked teasingly.
"You know me, so let's survive this together."
She responded by stretching a handshake towards Corelia who received it with a smile.
"What can I do without you?" Corelia said in a low tone as she hugged her friend and for a brief moment everything felt calm
The ocean current drifts lazily around them, the distant glow of the sea flickered around like scattered stars. It was quiet and calm untouched by the chaos of the surface world
But far above the waves, Another world was already roaring with life.
Stadium lights blazed.
Music thundered and thousands of voices rose together like storms chanting one name
"Q4" "Q4" "Q4"
Four boys, One global obsession.
Backstage, chaos buzzed with electricity.
"Five minutes till we go live. Everything is beautifully set to make history. Microphones intact."
Mr Han barked.
"Jeremy more makeup, Foxy you are good to go, Jax less jewelleries, please you won't even notice if one goes missing on stage."
"It's for the fans anyways" Jax responded sarcastically.
"So let's....Hold on! where's Vic?"
Mr Han snapped.
"Bathroom, five minutes warmup," Foxy replied. "As usual."
"Someone get him, please!"
He commanded, and before any of the staff could move to get the job done, Vic emerged, calm, distant, untouched by the madness, looking radishing.
"Finally, you are here Vic welcome. So, boys, we make history today. It's that moment we have all been waiting for, performing your hit song 'Neon Crown' and other albums, biggest stage filled with thousand of fans that loves you. Let's give them an unforgettable experience."
Mr Han said, sounding rather excited than the guys themselves.
"Go out there and make me proud!"
He gestured, signaling for the show to begin. The guys hurried to take their positions and the magic began....
Ten hours later, the concert ended in a thunderous applause and the whole crew were resting backstage, breathing heavily and sweat filled the whole air.
"I'm so exhausted I can't feel anything. I need medical attention," Jeremy said while trying to catch his breath.
"Stop overreacting," Mr Han cuts in mockily, "So, my boys, we are done! This year has been the best so far. You are appearing as number one famous boy-band topping all charts. Your faces appeared on top Magazines, Platforms, and Billboards.
We just wrapped up a six month world tour in one of the biggest stadiums in the world and to crown it all, Q4 has been awarded Asian Biggest Boy Group! You all are Legends. Trust me, all this points to me being the best manager you all could ever have."
They all rolled their eyes playfully. It's nothing new. Mr Han was always fond of praising his work and no doubt he is really doing well.
"So…... What's next, our Royal Manager?" Jax teased which made everyone laughed.
"What next? Did you just ask that? Absolutely nothing else than a vacation!" Jeremy snapped.
"You are right, buuutttt..." Mr Han paused.
"I hate the way it sounds, especially when it's coming from you," Jeremy added.
"Come on, it's not bad."
"It's bad guys, he just confirmed it." Jax said while the others nodded in agreement.
"Okay, well...the reality show starts soon."
"Urghhhh," they groaned out.
"Wait, what reality show?" Jeremy asked.
"Don't tell me it's the one about college?" Foxy asked, giving the manager a warning that looked like he was scared to hear the truth.
"Well, let's face reality my boys.... You are right." Mr Han responded, almost laughing."You saw what I did there? Reality show - lets face reality?" he added, laughing hard to his own joke while the guys just stared at him completely tired and uninterested except Vic who hasn't said a word since this whole conversation started.
"I understand the busy schedule but just give us a break, okay?" Vic finally spoke up.
"Alright... Alright, I got y'all. You guys have a whole week to yourself. That information was just a reminder, so wrap it up, we are leaving right now to the hotel, so guys start packing up we have a flight to catch in the next three days." Mr Han replied before finally taking his leave.
"Another drama, urgh I'm not prepared for this." Jeremy outed tiredly.
"It might be fun?" Jax responded smirkly.
"What's with that look?" Jeremy asked irritated.
"It might not be so bad," Vic teased, knowing well how much they hate to hear that.
"It might not be so bad," Jax responded, imitating Vic. "Is anything ever wrong to you? If Mr Han comes back right now to have us shoot a video on the moon, trust me it's a great idea to you." he concluded.
"Im not that bad," Vic said convincely.
"Yes, you are." They all chorused, and for a brief moment, laughter filled the backstage room.
Vic who was smiling before was all of a sudden lost in thought. He sat quietly, elbows resting on his knees, fingers loosely intertwined. His expression was calm as always, unreadable—but something inside him shifted.
Not a voice.
Not a vision.
Just… pressure.
Like standing too close to the edge of something vast.
He straightened slowly, brows knitting together.
The noise around him blurred—Jeremy's complaints, Jax's sarcasm, Foxy's laughter—all of it dulled, as though the world had dipped underwater for a heartbeat.
"You okay?" Foxy asked, noticing the change.
Vic nodded. "Yeah. Just tired."
But it wasn't exhaustion.
The air around him grew tense for no exact reason, his mind became tense and heavy but it could all be because of stress. He exhaled, and slowly stood up.
"Come on," he said, forcing a faint smile. "Let's go."
The guys quickly got up and followed.
Somewhere far beyond the stadium lights, the moon slid higher into the sky, its glow stretching across oceans and continents alike. Tides shifted, currents adjusted and ancient waters responded to something unseen, something newly awakened.
In Oceania, deep within the palace walls a sacred artifact stirred, The Death Shell pulsed once. Soft, barely noticeable yet powerful enough to ripple through the realm.
Corelia, preparing for her journey paused mid-step, a strange unease crept into her chest, sharp and fleeting. She pressed a hand over her heart, steadying herself.
Her journey into an unfamiliar world has just begun, would she succeed or fail? What would it be like dwelling among humans? Why did they pick her? Or was this fate playing a trick on her?
"Focus," she whispered. "You're ready. I can do this."
She assured herself, even though she wasn't sure of what to expect. She had lived all her life within this tide, the only thing giving her strength was Mishell. It was surprising how she was able to convince the Queen and Elders into letting her in on this mission, but either ways, Corelia was really grateful her best friend was coming with her. But at the same time, a bit worried on keeping her safe. If anything were to happen to her at all she would never forgive herself, and probably die of guilt before the entire kingdom comes for her neck. She quickly brushed those negative thoughts aside and continued packing.
Little did she know, paths had begun to align, choices made in one world were already echoing in another. Above them all, the moon watched in silence and the tide ancient, patient, inevitable—began to turn.