It was morning as Silla gulps of how to greet Akaria properly, since this is her chance to get know her cousin .

Akari sees the tension in her as she said, "Silla, it's going to be fine, don't worry. Akaria is a nice person, and he can make friends easily." 

She remembers what her father had told her, "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if Akaria can handle the changes." 

Akari asks, "Is something wrong, Silla?" The girl shakes her head, as she said, "It's nothing, Aunt Akari. It was something in my mind that's all." 

Himai said, "Well, that's nice to hear you're up , Silla. I'm go ahead and meet up with Kaname and the others.

You can get Akaria and we'll meet up, ok?"

Himai rushes off as Hikari looks at Silla with pure curious tone, "Where is she running off to without eating breakfast?"

Silla places the rice bowl , "She'll problably notice when she arrives at Saya Mart. Don't worry, Dad, I'll bring her lunch." 

As they chuckled of Himai's actions, Akaria seems to be dressed, wearing a light blue sweatshirt and blue jeans.

"Akaria! Good morning!" Akari exclaimed of her little brother's sudden appearance. 

Akaria seems shy about it, "I .. I um, borrowed Uncle Hikari's clothes. It seems to fit me, so I figured that he wouldn't mind me wearing it." 

Silla said, "It looks great on you, Akaria." 

Akaria seems to be off of seeing her, "So, why you in my house? Where is your parents, your family?"

Hikari and Akari exchanges looks at one other, wondering how Akaria can handle the truth about Silla being Hikari and Manaka's child.

Silla said, "I'll be outside, and bring Akaria with me." 

Akari said, "Take it easy on him, Silla, he's still recovering from the hibernation." 

Akaria and Silla walk through the streets of Oshiooshi, as they were silent and unable to make conversation . 

Silla thought in her mind, "Uh, this is so awkward. I know that he's my cousin and this wouldn't be a problem for the both of us!

Damn, what I suppose to say?"

Akaria begins to talk, "So, um, how you know my friend, Himai?" 

"Oh, we're just friends, that's all." She replied, but then she notices Kaname, Chisaki , and Himai waiting for them by Saya Mart.

"There you are!" Himai declared happily, but Akaria seems to be in shock of seeing his friends again, of how much older they became.

I said, "I just can't believe you. You ran out of the house without eating again. Just be thankful that I told Dad that I brought you lunch this time, so I wouldn't bail you out." 

Himai seems to be embarrassed about it as she grabs the prepared lunch. "Sorry about that, Silla. Tell Hikari thanks ." 

Kaname and Chisaki groans as if telling it out of the blue wasn't the smartest move since Akaria doesn't know that we're related.

"Am I missing something here? It's like you guys knew each other for a long time and I just awoke from hibernation." 

I said, "Um, Akaria, I know that you have a lot of questions flowing around your mind right now. Kaname, how about I'll take Akaria to the Fishermen's Union, so they can see him?" 

We entered as the Fishermen were excited to see Akaria. "Wow, it's really Akaria! He's back . That could mean the others would come to the surface soon enough, just like your parents, Hikari and Manaka did." 

I bit my lip as Akaria turns to me in a shocked expression.

I rubbed my head , "Well, secret is out, I guess. I guess an introduction is need. I'm Silla Sakishima, your cousin.

I'm really sorry I didn't tell you right away. Dad was pretty worried about how you would react so, he told me to keep it quiet until you're comfortable and recovered.

Oh, yeah, The Fishermen Union kept the flag you waved five years ago. " 

Akaria couldn't believe it. Hikari and Manaka are married now and has a daughter about the same age he is. 

Akaria opens the box to see the same Ofunehiki flag he waved, and memories had flooded.

"Shelby, no! Please take my hand!"  

Akaria couldn't bear the sight of the Ofunehiki flag as he dashes out the door.

"Akaria, wait!" Silla said, running after him. 

He continues to run towards the ocean as he dives in, and swims . 

As he continues swimming, he felt better, as if nothing would bother him anymore.

"Akaria! Akaria!" A voice he hears calls him as he reaches towards the surface to see Tsumgu who was in his fishman boat.  

Tsumgu asks, "Why you were in the ocean, man? The way to Shioshishio is blocked so there is no point of going there." 

Akaria said, not looking at his friend directly, "I just came here to blow off some things on my mind, that's all.

It's nothing to be worrying about , anyway." 

Tsumgu said, "It has been five years since the Ofunehiki happened, and a lot has changed since you hibernated." 

That was when Akaria jumped from the ocean and into his boat, and grabbed his shirt, "Don't you think I know that?!?

To me, the Ofunehiki just happened the other day! Everything has changed now, and I don't know how I should cope with it!

Hikari and Manaka have a child now, and I didn't know she existed ,  just like Hikari did when I was born! 

You know the flag I waved back then?" 

Tsumgu asks, "The same one that you used back at the Ofunehiki festival ? Hey, man, did something happened that day that we should know about?"

Akaria nods, "Yeah, the very same one. When I saw it, I couldn't help it, Shelby's gone and it's all my fault!" 

Tsumgu said, "Shelby and Uma are in Shioshishio in hibernation. I'm sure they'll join us eventually."

Silla overheard their conversation and she rushes home quickly as possible.

"Whoa, squirt, what's wrong?" Manaka asks her daughter as she replies, "In a moment, mom, I'm busy!"

She found the flag that Akaria brought home as she held it closer to her.

"I'm so glad that I finally met Akaria. He seems to be at lost of reaching the surface, overwhelming with the new changes.

I also like the fact I have someone in the same age with me." She thought, "Now he needs me more than ever. " 

Akaria runs as he said, "I'm so prepared now! So bring it on! I'm not going to be stunned by surprises anymore!" 

 "Akaria! Welcome home, Akaria!" He notices Silla waving his flag as she was going to fall, Akaria helps her up by holding the pole. 

Silla said,  nervously and rambling, "I um, fixed it all up in a hurry and want to welcome you home probably... is that ok?"

Akaria was stunned at first, but then he said, "You did this for me, Silla? You don't have to do all of that just to make me happy you know." 

But Silla said, "I want to, you octopus head! Geez, I just want to make a first impression since we're related." 

That was when Akari begins to laugh at his cousin. "Thanks , Silla." 

Something in Silla's heart begin to pound with rage. 

"Wait, am I falling in love with Akaria?" She thought, but she puts that thought aside as she begins to smile back, "You're welcome... Akaria. "