Moonlit Waves

The once majestic Blue Lagoon Castle, a shimmering building of azure and pearl, lay in ruins beneath the waning light of the setting sun. The castle's grand spires, which once rose gracefully from the center of the lagoon, were now shattered and jagged, their beauty damaged by the scars of battle. The waters of the lagoon, normally clear and calm, churned with debris and the remnants of the conflict.

At the core of this devastation stood princess Oceania McPherson, the first of her name, her iridescent tail glowing with a faint. Her eyes, wide with shock and despair, took in the crumbling walls and the fractured remainings of what had once been her home. The castle, now a ghostly shadow against the fading light, spoke of a world lost to the ravages of war.

Her parents, both regal figures of the underwater realm, stood beside her, their faces engraved with worry and sorrow. The once-gleaming scales of her mother, Queen Nerida now looked dull and battered, while her father, King Adamariz, wore a grim expression of resolve.

"You must leave," King Adamariz said, his voice tinged with urgency. "It's no longer safe here, Oceania. The enemies that have torn our home apart are still searching for us."

Queen Nerida nodded solemnly. "You must go to the surface. It's the only place where you'll be safe from the ongoing attacks."

Oceania's heart ached at the thought of leaving everything behind. She gazed at the ruins of her beloved castle, the memories of her childhood echoing in the wreckage. "But why must I go alone? Why can't we stay and fight?"

"This is not the time for heroics, Oceania," King Adamariz said gently but firmly. "Your safety is our top priority. On land, you'll be hidden, and you'll be protected from all this.

" But where will I go father? I know absolutely no one and absolutely nothing about the land mother! " she said with a trembling voice as a tear escaped her ocean blue eyes.

As she watched her daughters tears, Queen Neruda felt her stomach ache, and her own tears left her green emerald eyes. She was not only sad that she will be separated from her only child but that she is trusting on a total stranger for her daughters safety. The king had made arrangements with Mr Smith, a friend from land to take his daughter for shelter. On weekends the king would normally go up shore to play golf with humans since he grew legs once on land. It is in one of the meetings when he pleaded for her daughter's protection against a ruthless marine king who threatened to kill her if her father did not descend the throne.

After what seemed like hours, the Queen recollected herself and hugged her daughter saying "You will be living with Mr David Smith in Maine, he is a friend of your father's who has a daughter your age. You will be attending school at Royalty High together with his daughter.

As she realized the discomfort in her daughter's face at the mention of a stranger HUMAN, the Queen quickly reassured Oceania that she shouldn't get worried as her father the king will pay her constant visits.

Oceania swam towards where was once her beautiful chambers, the walls were made of translucent, shimmering coral that glows softly, casting a warm, ethereal light throughout the space. The floor was covered in soft, fine sand that feels cool to the touch, with intricate patterns of seashells and sea glass embedded in it.

In the center of the room there was once a beautiful grand bed crafted from giant clamshells, cushioned with the finest seaweed and decorated with pillows made from the softest kelp. The bed's canopy was woven from delicate strands of pearls and tiny, bioluminescent sea creatures that twinkle like stars.

Moana, her loyal maid and confidante, was already there, preparing Oceania's belongings for the journey ahead. The elder mermaid's hands trembled as she folded a once delicate shawl, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Moana," Oceania's voice broke as she entered the room. "I can't believe this is happening."

Moana looked up, her eyes meeting Oceania's with a mixture of sorrow and fear. "My dear princess," she said softly, "I have watched you grow from a curious child to a brave young woman. This is a journey you were meant to take, even if it breaks my heart to see you go."

Oceania swam to Moana and embraced her tightly, tears flowing freely now. "I don't know how I will manage without you," she whispered.

Moana stroked Oceania's hair gently. "You are stronger than you think, Oceania. You have a spirit that cannot be tamed by the sea or the land. Trust in yourself, and remember that you carry the love and hopes of the Blue Lagoon with you."

With a heavy heart, Oceania pulled back and looked at Moana, memorizing every detail of the woman who had been like a second mother to her. "Promise me you'll take care of everyone here," she said, her voice wavering.

"I promise," Moana replied, her voice firm despite the tears streaming down her cheeks.

With one last, lingering embrace, Oceania picked up the small bundle of belongings Moana was able to find despite the ruins.

As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, the family exchanged one final, heartfelt embrace. Oceania's parents, despite their resolve, looked deeply sorrowful, knowing the separation was both necessary and painful.

"Remember your true nature and identity should stay hidden, the human world is not ready to accept us for who we truly are, they still believe we are a thread and that we can not coexist," said the king as he holds his daughters hands.

Her parents guided her through the secret passage that led to the surface, each movement feeling heavier than the last. she felt a pang of loneliness but also a glimmer of hope. Her journey to the surface was not just a flight from danger but the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Moana watched as Oceania swam away, her shadow growing smaller until it disappeared into the darkness. She wiped her tears and whispered, "Farewell, my dear princess. May the currents guide you safely on your journey."

As she swam away from the lagoon, the lagoon's once-clear waters now carried the weight of loss and the promise of an uncertain future. The Blue Lagoon Castle, now a mere shadow in the distance, would remain in her heart as both a cherished memory and a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for her safety.

*******

Oceania reached the surface, breaking through the waves and feeling the cool night air against her skin. Memories of happier times flooded her mind, times when her kingdom was at peace and her family was whole. She felt a pang of sorrow, a deep ache that echoed the crashing waves below. Unable to hold back any longer, tears began to well up in her eyes.

As the first tear escaped and rolled down her cheek, it glittered in the moonlight, catching the reflection of the stars. When it fell from her chin, it didn't disappear into the water. Instead, it solidified, transforming into a perfectly round, radiant pearl.

One by one, her tears continued to fall, each drop turning into a pearl as it touched the ground below the water. They gathered below her feet, a growing collection of her sorrow made tangible. The sight was both mesmerizing and heartbreaking, it was a beautiful manifestation of her grief.

She pulled herself onto the shore, her tail transforming into legs. With a deep breath, she tried to stood up but fell, her legs failing to balance on the sand, still lying down she reached for her backpack, searched for a full body dress made of sea flowers to cover her naked body. The vast expanse of land before her both daunting and inviting.The sands of the beach, glistening faintly under the moonlight, seemed like a distant, unwelcoming place. But it was a place where she would have to begin anew.

With a heavy heart, she tried her best to stand up again. Her legs wobbled, and she stumbled as she attempted to take her first steps. Each movement was awkward and unsteady. She had barely managed a few steps when she noticed a figure approaching Then she quickly remembered, " You will meet Mr Smith at the shore" her father had said. A man stood before her, looking concerned yet welcoming, she stood staring blankly at him."Hi, I'm David Smith. You must be Princess Oceania."

She stared at him, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. She took a deep breath, her voice shaky. "Y-yes, I am Oceania. I... I don't really know what to do."

David smiled gently. "It's alright. You're safe now. Let me help you."

With that, David carefully guided Oceania toward his vehicle. As she moved, she leaned on him for support, feeling a bit relieved. The beach, with its shiny sands and the faint noise of the city in the background, seemed like a new beginning, full of both promise and uncertainty.