Ascension of the Ocean’s Goddess

The currents of the open sea brushed against Merilla's skin as she swam beyond the boundaries of Pearlstream Hollow. The comforting glow of the village's coral spires was far behind her, replaced by the vast expanse of the open ocean. It was quieter here, the distant hum of fish schools and the occasional crack of a crab's shell the only sounds to keep her company.

Renar swam beside her, his trident strapped to his back. His emerald tail flicked in rhythm with hers as they glided through the water. "So," he said, breaking the silence, "where exactly are we going?"

Merilla glanced at him, the Coral Codex clutched tightly in her arms. "Somewhere we won't be interrupted. If I'm going to train, I can't have the villagers watching me like I'm some kind of curiosity."

Renar grinned. "Fair enough. But if you start summoning ancient sea spirits, I'm out."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile a little. His humor was a welcome distraction from the weight pressing on her shoulders.

After an hour of swimming, they arrived at a secluded trench surrounded by towering kelp forests. The water was darker here, and sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy above. Strange, glowing plants dotted the trench walls, casting an eerie blue light that gave the place an otherworldly feel.

"This will do," Marilla said, stopping to hover mid-water.

Renar gave the area a quick once-over. "A bit creepy, but it's private. Let's call it home."

Merilla floated down the trench floor and set the Codex on a smooth, flat rock. The ancient artifact pulsed faintly, its glowing runes shifting as though reacting to the water's currents. She knelt before it, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"Alright," she murmured, more to herself than to Renar. "Let's see what you have to teach me."

Renar leaned against a nearby rock, watching intently. "Do you just… stare at it? Or does it talk to you?"

She shot him a look. "It doesn't talk. It's more like… I feel it. The movements it shows me—they're not words or images. They're sensations, like memories I didn't know I had."

Renar scratched his head. "That sounds confusing. But hey, I'll take your word for it."

Merilla ignored his skepticism and focused on the Codex. Closing her eyes, she let her mind drift. The water around her seemed to thrum with energy, and the faint glow of the Codex brightened. She felt the currents shifting, tugging at her fins, arms, and tail. Slowly, the sensations coalesced into patterns—movements she instinctively understood.

She opened her eyes and rose to her full height, her tail swishing to maintain her balance. "Watch closely," she said to Renar.

Merilla began to move.

Her arms sliced through the water precisely, her body twisting and flowing as if she were part of the currents. She spiraled upward and dove sharply, her tail propelling her in a sudden burst of speed. Her movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, like dancing with the ocean.

Renar's jaw dropped. "Okay, that's… actually impressive."

Merilla stopped, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. "It's more than just impressive," she said. "The Codex isn't just teaching me to fight. It's teaching me to feel the ocean, to move with it instead of against it."

Renar swam closer. His expression was serious now. "Alright, show me how to do it."

Merilla hesitated. "I'm not sure I can. It's not something I can explain—it's something I feel."

"Then help me feel it," he said, determination.

She studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Let's start with something simple."

She positioned herself before him, gesturing for him to follow her movements. "The first thing you must do is let go of your strength. Fighting underwater isn't about force—it's about flow. Close your eyes and feel the current around you."

Renar frowned but did as she said. He closed his eyes, his arms outstretched as he tried to sense the water.

"Good," Merilla said. "Now, move your arms like this." She demonstrated a broad, sweeping motion, her hands gliding through the water with minimal resistance.

Renar attempted to mimic her, but his movements were clunky, creating small eddies in the water.

"No," Marilla said, stopping him. "You're forcing it. Don't fight the current—follow it."

He tried again, this time moving more slowly. His motions were still rough, but there was a noticeable improvement.

"That's better," she said, nodding. "Now, add your tail. Use it to guide your body, not just to propel yourself."

Renar flicked his tail; this time, his movement was smoother and more controlled. A grin spread across his face. "I think I'm getting it."

Merilla smiled. "You are. But this is just the beginning. The Codex is teaching me things I don't even fully understand yet. If we make this work, we'll need to train constantly."

Renar flexed his arms. "Good thing I'm stubborn."

They spent hours practicing, Merilla guiding Renar through the basics of the movements she had learned. By the time they stopped, both were exhausted, their muscles aching from the unfamiliar motions.

As they rested on the trench floor, Renar turned to her, his expression serious. "You know, this isn't just about fighting anymore. If this works—if we master this—we could change everything."

Merilla looked at him, the weight of his words sinking in. "I know. That's why we can't fail."

The Coral Codex pulsed softly beside them, its glow illuminating the determination in their eyes.

Far above, the currents shifted, carrying the echoes of their training into the ocean's vastness.