Beneath the surface, hidden from the human eye, a group of mermaids swam gracefully through the depths. Their tails shimmered with iridescent colours, catching the faint glow of the moonlight that penetrated the water. Their voices, soft and melodic, carried through the water like a haunting lullaby.

As the mermaids swam through the shadowy depths, keeping a cautious distance from the ongoing battle above, their attention was drawn to the flashes of light and the roars of conflict that penetrated the water's surface. They had witnessed many human battles before, but this one felt different. There was a tension in the air, a sense that something more was at stake.

Kailani, leading the group, had an uneasy feeling as she watched the chaotic scene unfold above. Her sharp eyes caught glimpses of the fight, the clashing swords, and the desperate maneuvers of the crew as they tried to fend off their attackers. She saw Kael, his movements frantic, locked in a fierce battle with a man who seemed determined to bring him down.

But it wasn't until the ship began to shudder and tilt that Kailani realized just how dire the situation had become. The once-proud vessel was now teetering on the edge of destruction, its masts ablaze and its hull splintering. The mermaids exchanged worried glances, the reality of the ship's impending doom sinking in.

Then, Kailani's eyes fixed on Kael again. He was struggling, surrounded by flames and chaos, and her heart clenched at the sight. But there was something else—another figure, someone who seemed to be fighting not just for his own survival but for Kael's as well. Cyrus.

As the ship's deck tilted further, sending debris and men tumbling into the sea, Kailani saw Cyrus rush to Kael's side. The two brothers exchanged a brief, intense look, a silent understanding passing between them in that moment of crisis. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burning wood, but Kailani could sense the urgency in their movements.

"They're tearing each other apart," one of the younger mermaids whispered, her voice tinged with both fascination and horror.

Then, amidst the noise and confusion, she heard a cry—sharp and desperate: "Bomb! Abandon ship!" The words sent a ripple of fear through the remaining crew and, even from beneath the water, Kailani could feel the shift in the atmosphere.

The mermaids exchanged anxious glances, their usual calm shaken by the sudden turn of events. Kailani felt her heart race as she watched the ship begin its slow descent into the water, the flames still flickering stubbornly even as the ocean rose to meet them. The battle had ceased, the shouts of men replaced by panicked cries and the desperate scramble for survival.

"It's going down fast," a emerald-tailed mermaid observed, her voice low and tense. "They're all going to drown."

Kailani's eyes darted back to Kael, who was still on board, struggling to stay upright as the ship's deck tilted further into the sea. She could see the fear in his eyes, the realization that there was no escape from the watery grave that awaited him and his crew.

"They don't stand a chance," a violet-tailed mermaid said, her tone resigned. "We should leave."

Her eyes widened as she watched Cyrus grab hold of Kael, his face twisted in a mix of determination and sorrow. She couldn't hear their words, but she could see the tension in their bodies, the way Kael resisted, unwilling to leave his brother behind. But Cyrus was determined.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Kailani saw the tears streaking down Cyrus's face as he made the ultimate sacrifice. With one final, forceful push, he sent Kael overboard, away from the doomed ship. Kael's body hit the water with a splash, disappearing beneath the waves just as the ship exploded in a violent eruption of fire and debris.

The mermaids recoiled instinctively as the shockwave from the explosion rippled through the water, sending currents spiralling outward. Kailani's heart pounded in her chest as she watched in horror, the water above them now filled with burning wreckage and the remains of what had once been a mighty ship.

The night was eerily still after the explosion, the waves whispering as they cradled the charred remains of the Blackwood ship. The moonlight painted the scene with a ghostly pallor, the debris casting long shadows over the dark water.

As the last echoes of the explosion faded into the night, the sea grew eerily calm. The wreckage of the Blackwood ship, now splintered and smouldering, began to sink beneath the waves. The once-proud vessel was reduced to fragments of wood and twisted metal, floating amidst the churning waters. A few pieces of debris, still clinging to the remnants of their former shape, bobbed helplessly in the gentle swell.

The mermaids spread out cautiously, their eyes scanning the water for any signs of movement among the wreckage. They moved silently, their tails barely disturbing the surface as they glided through the water. The moonlight flickered on the waves, casting a pale, eerie glow over the debris that bobbed aimlessly in the sea.

Kailani swam ahead of the others, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. Then, through the dim light, Kailani spotted something—a figure, barely visible, sinking slowly into the depths. It was a human, and he was unconscious, his body limp as the sea pulled him down.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized him, his dark hair floating like a halo around his head. He was being dragged down by the weight of his own exhaustion, his limbs heavy and unresponsive. The remnants of the explosion had taken their toll, and now the ocean was claiming him.

Without a second thought, Kailani dove deeper, her tail propelling her swiftly through the water. The other mermaids, sensing her urgency, followed at a distance, but Kailani was already focused solely on reaching Kael. The cold water bit at her skin as she swam faster, her eyes never leaving the sinking figure.

As she drew closer, she could see the strain on Kael's face, even in unconsciousness. His clothes were tattered, and his skin was pale, almost ghostly, in the underwater gloom. Kailani knew she didn't have much time—he was sinking too fast, and if she didn't act quickly, the ocean would take him before she could reach him.

With a powerful thrust of her tail, Kailani surged forward, wrapping her arms around Kael's torso. She could feel the faintest hint of warmth still clinging to him, a sign that he was still alive, but barely. Holding him tightly, she began to swim upward, her muscles burning with the effort as she fought against the weight of his body and the pull of the water.

The surface seemed impossibly far away, but Kailani pushed on, her determination unwavering. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they broke through the surface of the water, gasping for air. Kailani kept Kael's head above water, her own breathing ragged as she tried to keep them both afloat.

"Over here!" she called out to the other mermaids, who quickly swam to her side.

The emerald-green mermaid reached out to help support Kael's weight, her eyes filled with concern. "Is he alive?"

"Barely," Kailani replied, her voice strained. "We need to get him to shore. He won't survive out here much longer."

With the mermaids working together, they began to swim towards the distant island, their movements synchronized as they carried Kael's unconscious form through the water.

They brought Kael to a secluded shallow cove, a hidden sanctuary known only to the mermaids. The cove was nestled between rocky outcroppings, partially shielded from the harsh currents and predators of the open ocean. The water here was unusually calm, creating a serene and protective environment.

The water in the cove was rich with restorative minerals—elements known to heal and rejuvenate. Kailani had chosen this location not just for its tranquillity but for its healing properties. The minerals and natural salts were renowned among the merfolk for their ability to accelerate recovery and soothe pain.

Once Kael was gently lowered into the water, Kailani began a ritual she had learned from ancient sea lore. She knelt beside him, her fingers moving gracefully through the water as she drew upon her deep connection with the ocean. She murmured incantations, her voice barely audible but filled with ancient power. The incantations were not merely words but vibrations that resonated with the natural rhythms of the sea, calling forth its restorative energies.

The water around Kael began to shimmer with a soft, iridescent glow, a sign that the sea's healing properties were being activated. Tiny, bioluminescent creatures—sea sprites and glowing plankton—began to gather around him, their light adding to the gentle luminescence of the cove. These creatures, though small, held potent magic within them, enhancing the healing process with their presence.

Kailani and the other mermaids worked in harmony, their hands and tails gliding through the water as they gently cleaned and treated Kael's injuries. They used sea sponges and kelp, applying them with care to his wounds. The sea sponges absorbed impurities and provided a soothing touch, while the kelp, rich in vitamins and minerals, helped to close wounds and reduce inflammation.

The mermaids occasionally used their tails to stir the water around Kael, creating gentle currents that helped to circulate the healing minerals. Kailani's hands, glowing faintly with her own magic, hovered above his wounds, channelling the sea's energy into them.

After Kailani and the other mermaids had finished their task of healing Kael, they gathered in a secluded part of the cove, their voices hushed as they deliberated on what to do next. The gentle, rhythmic sound of the waves against the rocky shore provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

Kailani, still slightly weary from the exertion of healing, sat among the mermaids, her expression thoughtful. "He's stable now," she said, glancing back at Kael, who lay peacefully on a bed of soft seaweed, his breathing steady.

The mermaids around her exchanged glances, their concern for Kael evident in their eyes. One of them, a mermaid with silver hair and a calm demeanour, spoke up. "We should take him to the kingdom of Ardyn. He'll be safer there."

Kailani nodded in agreement. "You're right. We can't risk leaving him here, vulnerable."

The other mermaids murmured their assent, and with a collective determination, they began to prepare for the journey. Two of the strongest mermaids carefully lifted Kael from his seaweed bed, cradling him gently as they positioned him between them.

Kailani swam up, her weariness momentarily forgotten as she took charge. "We'll need to move quickly but carefully. The waters near Ardyn can be treacherous, and we don't want to attract any unwanted attention."

The mermaids nodded, their expressions resolute. With Kael securely in their grasp, they began their journey towards the kingdom of Ardyn. Kailani swam alongside them, her senses alert for any signs of danger. The sea was vast and unpredictable, and she knew that their journey would not be without its challenges.

As they swam through the open waters, the light from the surface grew dimmer, the depths of the ocean surrounding them in an eerie, quiet darkness. Kailani's thoughts drifted to the kingdom of Ardyn, where she knew they would find sanctuary. But she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger struggle—a struggle that Kael, and perhaps all of them, would soon have to face.

After what felt like hours, the faint glow of the kingdom of Ardyn appeared in the distance, its towers rising majestically from the ocean floor. The sight of it brought a wave of relief over the group, their pace quickening as they drew nearer.

They reached the shore just as the first light of dawn began to break through the horizon. The mermaids, with great care, laid Kael down on the soft, sandy shore, the waves gently lapping at his feet. His chest rose and fell with steady breaths, but his eyes remained closed, lost in a deep, healing slumber.

As the group began to retreat back into the water, their forms becoming one with the ocean's depths, Kael's eyelids fluttered. A soft groan escaped his lips, followed by a sharp intake of breath as consciousness returned to him. His body ached, and his head spun with disjointed memories, but the cool air on his skin jolted him fully awake.

He tried to stand, but his legs wobbled beneath him, forcing him back to the ground. His breath came in short, laboured gasps, and his mind raced with questions. Where was he? How had he survived? And more importantly, where were the others—Cyrus, Dorian, Ondina?

"Where...?" His voice was raspy, barely a whisper, as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. Panic surged through him as he sat up abruptly, his eyes wide with confusion. The last thing he remembered was the chaos of the storm, the violent waves, and the dark, icy water swallowing him whole

The feeling of helplessness gnawed at him, but he pushed it down, forcing himself to stay calm. He needed answers, and he needed to find his bearings. With great effort, Kael managed to rise to his feet, swaying slightly as he took a few tentative steps forward.

The vast expanse of the kingdom stretched out before him, but there was no sign of life on the shore. Only the distant call of seabirds and the gentle crash of waves broke the silence. Kael's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to summon the strength to keep moving.

Suddenly, he heard the gentle splash of water. His gaze shifted to the source of the sound, and he spotted a figure moving gracefully through the water. It was Kailani, her dark hair floating like seaweed around her, her eyes filled with relief as she noticed him awake. She glided closer, her movements fluid and serene, like the ocean itself.

"You're awake," Kailani said softly, her voice a melodic whisper that echoed. She studied him with a mix of concern and curiosity. "How do you feel?"

Kael jolted upright, his heart pounding as the realization hit him. His eyes widened, taking in the shimmering scales that adorned Kailani's tail. He scrambled back, his mind racing.

"What—who—what are you?" Kael stammered, his voice hoarse with shock. "Where am I? How did I get here?"

Kailani remained calm, holding her hands up in a gesture of peace. "Please, don't be afraid. My name is Kailani. You're safe here. My sisters and I brought you here after the explosion. "

"This is the kingdom of Ardyn," she explained, her voice soothing, as if trying to calm a frightened animal. "I brought you here after the storm. You were badly injured, and I couldn't leave you to die."

"No, no, no..." Kael's voice grew louder, more frantic, as the reality of his situation began to sink in. His mind raced with the implications—he was in a place he couldn't call home anymore and legends, surrounded by beings that shouldn't exist. "This can't be real. This has to be some kind of dream, or a nightmare..."

He blinked rapidly, his mind desperately trying to piece together the fragments of his memory. The storm...the ship...the battle...Cyrus...Each memory slammed into him with brutal force, leaving him breathless. His breath hitched as he remembered the chaos, the sound of wood splintering, the shouts of his crewmates lost to the roaring sea.

"I'm not supposed to be here—" he muttered, his voice thick with disbelief. His mind raced, trying to grasp the impossible reality. He wasn't supposed to be alive. 

And then, like a dark cloud passing over the sun, another memory surged to the forefront of his mind. Arto. His betrayal.  The sheer treachery of it filled Kael with a hot, seething anger that burned through his fear.

His fists clenched, the raw emotion cutting through his confusion and despair. How could he have been so blind? Arto, someone he had trusted, someone he had fought alongside—had betrayed them all. The thought of it made Kael's blood boil. "That bastard.." he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Before his anger could spiral further, Kailani's soft voice brought him back to reality. "Hey, are you alright?" she said gently, her voice like a soothing balm against the storm raging inside him.

He turned to look at her, his gaze drawn to the calmness in her eyes. It was then that something else caught his attention—a glimmer of light reflecting off a necklace resting against Kailani's chest. His anger momentarily subsided as his eyes focused on the delicate piece of jewellery.

The necklace was simple yet elegant, with a pendant shaped like a small, intricate seashell that seemed to glow with a soft, inner light. But it wasn't the craftsmanship or the glow that struck Kael. It was the design—the pattern carved into the shell. It looked eerily similar to something he had seen before.

Ondina.

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. The necklace reminded him of the one Ondina wore, a cherished item she had never parted with. He could picture it clearly in his mind, how it would catch the light just so when she moved, how she would often reach up to touch it when she was lost in thought.

Kael's mind raced, trying to make sense of this connection. Was it just a coincidence? Or was there something more to it? His heart pounded in his chest as the implications swirled around him. Ondina was a part of this world..

Wasn't she? 

Kailani noticed the shift in his expression and followed his gaze to the necklace. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice gentle. "This necklace... it was a gift," she said, her fingers brushing the pendant lightly. "It's a symbol of our people, of the bond we share with the ocean."

Kael's throat tightened as he struggled to find the right words. "That necklace... it looks like one that belongs to someone I know. Someone I care about."

Kailani's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she didn't interrupt. Instead, she waited for him to continue, sensing the importance of what he was saying.

Kael said, his voice barely above a whisper. "She has one just like it. It's... it's more than just a piece of jewellery to her. It's part of who she is."

Kael's voice wavered as he spoke of Ondina's necklace, the significance of the item tugging at the frayed edges of his emotions. But as quickly as those emotions surfaced, he brushed them aside, forcing himself to focus on the here and now. Ondina was out there somewhere, and he had to find her—but first, there was another matter to attend to, one that burned hotter than anything else inside him.

The thoughts of Arto came rushing back, sharp and bitter, like salt in a wound. The betrayal, the lies, the destruction Arto had caused—it all fueled the fire within Kael. His fists clenched once more, the knuckles turning white with the intensity of his grip. The idea of Arto getting away with what he had done was intolerable.

No, Kael thought, his jaw tightening with resolve. Arto wouldn't get away with it. He would pay for every ounce of pain he had caused, for every life he had destroyed. The promise of vengeance was a cold, hard knot in Kael's chest. 

"I'm going to kill him," Kael vowed, his voice low and deadly. The words hung in the air, filled with an icy determination that left no room for doubt.

Kailani, who had been watching him closely, felt the shift in his demeanour. The sorrow and confusion that had clouded his expression moments before were gone, replaced by a steely resolve. She knew that look—she had seen it before, in Ondina.

Kael turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers with a mixture of gratitude and steely determination. Despite the turbulence of his emotions, there was a genuine appreciation in his gaze. "Thank you for saving me," he said earnestly. "I owe you more than I can ever repay."

Kailani's eyes softened at his words. She gave a small, appreciative nod. "You don't owe me anything. I helped because it was the right thing to do. But remember, even in the pursuit of justice, there's a fine line between right and wrong. It's easy to cross it when driven by anger."

Kael's expression remained resolute, though he absorbed her words with the respect they deserved. He nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, though the edge in his voice suggested that his mind was already focused on the task ahead.

With that, Kael began to make his way toward the shore, his movements purposeful. Kailani watched him go, a sense of foreboding settling over her. She hoped that his quest for vengeance would not lead him into deeper darkness, and that he would find the strength to balance his anger with the wisdom needed to guide him through the trials ahead.

As Kael reached the shoreline, he paused to look out at the vast expanse of the ocean, the night air cool against his face. The stars above seemed distant and indifferent, a silent witness to his inner conflict. His resolve was unshakable, but Kailani's words echoed in his mind—a reminder that even the most righteous causes could lead to destruction if pursued without caution.