Frost coated windows held the beginning glints of morning light as Olivia grumbled into her pillow and reached out to turn off her alarm clock. The cold morning air caused goose bumps to form along her exposed arm before she quickly pulled it back into the warmth that her bed and pile of blankets provided.

She needed to get up, get out of bed. But she didn't want to. It was cold out there and it was warm in here. Olivia begrudgingly poked her foot out from under her covers. Then her leg. An arm followed shortly after as her body acclimated to the temperature of her home and before long, she managed to pry herself from her cocoon of blankets.

She smacked her lips as she trudged out of her room, into the open living space of her home and over to the kitchen to gather a few items from the fridge to make a warm breakfast to sooth her mind's complaints.

One breakfast burrito later and a quick stop by her wardrobe, helped her feel more prepared for the day ahead of her as she made her way out the door.

The morning sunrise greeted her, shining down on yellowing crops that were dusted with frozen dew. "…Shit," Olivia muttered under her breath. Winter was drawing ever nearer.

Urgency pressed her to move quickly through her morning routine. Stop by Raj's coffee corner. Talk with Charles then Scott before hurrying to the docks to change and load up the boat.

"Kible, return to previous waypoint," Olivia instructed while quickly untying the boat.

"Caution: water temperature is near warning range. Continue with request?" Kible's robotic automated message asked as it's face like display smiled all the same.

Olivia hesitated a moment after hearing this and gave it some thought before speaking as she stood up. "Understood. Continue to waypoint. Let me know when waters reach the warning range." Near the warning range wasn't the same as being in the warning range. She still had time.

All the same she quickly put on her mask as she walked with purpose over to the warp pillar and reached out for it to take her to the merfolk kingdom.

In an instant her surroundings changed from one familiar view to another and a jarring sting pushed its way through her suit as water surrounded her.

"There you are," Semeru greeted before moving to pull his spear from the sand. "Good morning. Let's not keep the princess waiting or she'll come looking for you."

"Right," Olivia grimaced. "Um. So about that. Could you tell her that I can't make it today?"

Semeru's eyebrows knit together as he gave her a hard stare. "What?"

"Kible is starting to give a warning signal about the water temperature. I have maybe a few days left at best." She stopped to gesture in the direction of the depths. "I want to focus on the solar orbs."

Semeru exhaled as he scratched at the back of his head. It took a moment longer but he nodded. "Alright. I'll pass on the message. Go on and head out to the depths. You know the way."

"Thank you," Olivia paused a moment as she looked at him before quickly swimming away.

Semeru felt a twinge of a smile tugging at his cheeks as he watched this. She was genuinely getting better at that. Yet a thought in the back of his mind warned that this didn't quite feel like his usual mentor's pride when training new recruits. It was a thought he more then willingly ignored in favor of leaving once Olivia was out of view.

Unaware of the lingering watch, Olivia contently made her way through the winding paths of the depth. The forests of golden kelp slowly shifted to a deeper purple hue, that glittered with bioluminescent light, the further she descended. From 40 meters, to 50, and nearing 60 meters she shivered as she found herself the farthest she'd been from the sun. Yet the anchor was right where it was supposed to be and Kible was waiting for her.

"Kible, scan area for solar beacons," Olivia instructed before taking her sickle from her diving bag so she could get to work.

"Scanning area. Scanning in process. Scanning complete. There are two, solar beacons in this area."

"Thank you Kible," Olivia replied as she took a quick break from hacking at congealed plastic and waste. "Kible display map of scanned areas."

"Can do," the little robot quickly floated over to her. It's monitor which once displayed a cartoonish face, updated to show a map of the depths.

Olivia poked at the screen and dragged her finger against it to look around. If the scans were correct, these should be the last two beacons. "Kible, Mission objective. Scan map perimeter." Olivia announced to the AI machine.

"Understood. Mission objective will require." The robot paused to calculate. "Seven hours. Continue mission request?"

"Continue with request." Olivia confirmed.

Kible motored away leaving Olivia to work in peaceful silence aside from the repeated clashing of her sickle against trash. Loose garbage was shoved into bags and tied to the anchor while kible was away. One hour passed. Then two.

As she pushed another pile from its resting place a soft echoing chime and a dim glow caught her attention. "Found you," Olivia scooped up the stone, gold and fire agate device. Now freed of its confines, the solar orb glowed a little brighter as it drifted through the water to the nearest beacon.

A louder humming of electrical charge was heard next as it settled into place and a bright warm glow along the sandy floor stopped as soon as it hit a pile of garbage.

There was only one left.

"I'll help you in a moment," Olivia insisted to the inanimate object as she quickly returned to swinging her sickle at any pile of garbage other then the pile blocking the light's path. As much as these weird things seemed magical before, the more she worked with them the more mechanical in nature they seemed. Or maybe she was just applying what she knew to something she didn't, in an effort to make it seem less foreign.

As far as she could tell, there was some sort of mechanism under the sand similar to a wire or a circuit. As the title of the sorb suggested, these wires required uninterrupted solar power. Which was why the trash could prevent it from working. The lights along the ground were just some form of ancient trouble shooting protocol. So there was no harm in leaving one in trouble shooting mode while looking for other orbs.

She ignored her growling stomach. The last one had to be around here somewhere.

Four more hours passed before a second echoing chime caused her to cheer. "Yes! Ooohoho my gosh, yes. Yes, you beautiful sight." Olivia quickly picked up the last orb allowing it to float away and activate the last pillar which, was also blocked by trash.

A lot of trash…

"So close," She grumbled as she looked at the remaining mess. While part of her was screaming she should do the bare minimum, she'd yet to prioritize speed over genuinely cleaning up the mess that she'd found.

Olivia pushed past building fatigue and continued clearing out the decaying filth and before long a tiny digital voice announced it's return.

"Mission parameters complete. No additional beacons detected." Kible declared before a bright red exclamation point displayed on its screen. "Warning. Low stamina detected! 7% oxygen remaining!"

"I hear you, I hear you," Olivia grumbled before stretching. "I'm almost done." She continued to swing her sickle and bag up trash until only two piles remained.

"Low stamina detected! 3% Oxygen remaining!"

"One second!" Olivia grumbled, pushing passed a nervous knotted feeling in her stomach as she cleared the first pile then the second.

Olivia smiled and laughed at an overwhelming sense of joy as both trails of light sprang to life. The glowing patterns seemingly danced around the freshly cleaned ocean floor before two smaller stone structures rose from the sands, creating waves of healing energy that caused the flora to burst into new life.

The ground shook as prismatic veins rippled through the sands to chase away the corrupted roots. As the light pushed the roots back the tremors made their way into the merfolk town causing citizens to shout in fear and leave their homes once more.

Even with in the castle the King and Queen braced themselves as they waited for the quaking to stop.

"That tremor we felt… Could it be?" King Krakatoa Looked to his wife who quickly took off.

"Mira! Miranjani where are you!" she shouted as she left the castle to look for her child. Her husband followed close behind and as they left their grand home both of their expressions contorted from fear, to confusion as they realized the shouting they'd heard before, had turned to cheering.

Distant light caught their eye causing both to look at the coral tree that was now in full bloom as radiant crystal blossoms emanated a soft glittering light that had not been seen in some time.

Both quickly hurried over to the tree and upon arriving, noticed that Semeru, Miranjani and the oracle were already there. "Unbelievable… The coral Tree, it's healed!" King Krakatoa exclaimed.

Queen Nanda Devi held her hands over her mouth. She seemed almost in tears as she stared up at the now healthy tree. "It's a miracle!"

Semeru glanced around, observing his company before speaking, "to think that the land-dweller did this…"

Miranjani nudged him. "I knew Olivia could do it! this is incredible!"

With some effort, the king turned his attention away from the tree to look out to the town below. A tired, relieved sense of peace caused him to smile as he watched his people, cheering, dancing, laughing. Celebrating the tree's new blooms and the hope it brought them. "The people of our kingdom haven't been this invigorated for a long time."

This smile fell as a sense of duty returned causing him to turn to face the Oracle. "Cho Oyu, despite our current respite, I can still sense lingering roots in the lands above." He gestured to the tree. "We must seek guidance from the goddess on how to proceed."

Cho Oyu bowed in response. "Yes, Your Majesty. Let us hope the goddess is as pleased as we are and can offer us guidance!" With that said she hurried away to prepare the guidance ritual.

"We should head back to the castle," The queen glanced from her daughter to her husband. "There is an important matter concerning, Olivia, that we need to discuss."

King Krakatoa chuckled before gently taking his wife's hand, "Yes my queen, you read my mind. Mira, Come along. There is work to be done."

"Yes Father," Princess Miranjani replied, glancing to Semeru before following with out another word, leaving him on his own.

Semeru spent a little longer looking up at the tree. How long had it been since it last bloomed like this? As he thought this, he slowly turned to look towards the entrance to the depth that was largely visible from the tree's vantage point in the town.

Of course no one was guarding it. Though, he supposed he couldn't be too hard on his soldiers, He left his position as well. Semeru shook his head. He then slowly made his way through the mass of people celebrating in the streets with song and dance while some had already started handing around food.

While an increasingly persistent urge in his mind wanted to put down his spear, and join the others, he pressed on and returned to his post by the depth. There was work to be done after all. An example to be set.

Yet as he manned his post his eyes would slowly drift out to the depths. Waiting. Searching.

Worrying.

Half an hour had passed and Olivia had not returned. "Where in the trench's depths is she," He grumbled as he yet again found himself fighting back an urge to go and find her.

Olivia gasped as she broke the surface and took off her mask feeling an icy sting of the frosted wind against her soaked face. The chill caused her teeth to start chattering. "Oh good goddess thank the stars I'm finally done." She happily flailed around in celebration before eventually calming. "I did it," Olivia wheezed through jubilant laughter as she stayed in the water, treading in place with just her face above the waves to avoid leaving the comfortable temperature that she'd gotten used to for the more hostile howling air.

Uugh but she needed something to eat. She was tired.

"Thank heavens I remembered to eat breakfast…" She grumbled as she reluctantly pulled herself up, clinging to the side of her boat to stay warm instead of getting completely out of the water.

Her hand lazily dug around her boat's storage to pull out a clear bottle of golden medicinal liquid. Her smile faded as she stared at it. She wouldn't need to down these as often any more.

…Yey.

Olivia sighed as she flicked the top off with her thumb and downed the drink. Any excitement she once held was replaced with a bitter sweet emptiness at her latest realization. She wasn't needed here anymore.

Even after winter ends. With everything she still needed to do… Coming back here, it wouldn't make sense.

She should be happy though! She did everything she said she would. She kept so many promises.

So why was she sad?

A soft 'blop' sound of water hitting water caused her to look towards it only to flail and scream as she found two eyes staring back at her.

Semeru watched in confusion as Olivia lost her grip on her boat and fell back into the water. Confusion turned to concern as he saw her struggling and panicking in the water with out her mask.

Shit.

He quicky grabbed onto her, took a deep breath and pushed her back towards her boat.

Olivia coughed as she clung to the boat once more to spit sea water into the boat.

Her retching and coughing caused Semeru to wince as he waited for her episode to finish. He recognized well enough when muscles were tense from pain. Though, He hadn't realized that a land dweller would have such a violent reaction to water… It was fine to him but, then again, he never exactly tried breathing air.

Eventually he noticed her figure relax and lower into the water again, this time with her mask on properly. "You scared the daylight out of me." She chided as her expression quickly shifted to one of curiosity. "What are you doing out here?"

Looking for you, Semeru thought though his mouth did not co-operate. "Your presence is requested by the king and queen. You're to follow me."

"Oh, uh," Olivia nodded. "Sure, one second I just need to change out my air tank." She watched him motion to go on before taking her leave again. braving the near winter cold to swap out her air tank as quickly as possible before diving back into the water that felt warm by comparison.

"Better?"

"Yeah, thanks for waiting," Olivia replied as she swam over to him.

"It's not like it would be in my favor to force you to leave while you're ill prepared," Semeru retorted before starting to lead the way back.

To Olivia's surprise the town seemed almost empty and eerily quiet. Her eyes darted around in concern as they both approached the castle. Did the solar orbs do something bad instead?

The moment the doors of the castle opened Olivia was met with applause as merfolk lined the path to the king and queen's throne.

"Welcome Olivia!" the king's voice carried throughout the throne room as he stood up, causing the crowd to cheer as she and Semeru approached.

Olivia quickly moved to kneel once she was in front of the king and queen while Semeru took his place at the front of the crowd of soldiers.

The king waited for the gathered citizens to calm before holding up his arms. "Today we bare witness to an exceptional resolve!" King Krakatoa then gestured to Olivia. "It is your strength of character that saw past initial doubts and persevered."

Queen Nanda Devi stood as well and took her place by her husband. "We confess that when you first arrived our hearts were filled with uncertainty. Yet you did not allow our hesitation to deter you."

Olivia remained quiet but the, um, confession? It confused her. It implied this was supposed to be a secret when they kinda wore that hesitation on their sleeves. Not that she was going to verbally point that out.

"You healed our coral tree, restored vitality to our kingdom. Your actions spoke louder than any reassurances." The queen smiled before offering a decent size medal to her husband.

"Today we honor your unwavering spirit and bravery." King Krakatoa swam forward and stopped directly in front of Olivia before reaching down to place the medal around Olivia's neck. "We present to you the seal of Naga. The highest honor in our kingdom."

Hearing this and feeling the new weight around her neck caused her to look up and around to see the king smiling warmly back at her.

"This seal symbolizes trust and friendship. It represents your freedom to enter and leave our kingdom at will, as a cherish friend of our people." The king flicked his tail to move back a few paces before gesturing to the crowd of citizens. "With this seal, we also pass on our heartfelt gratitude and respect. You were once a stranger. Now a friend. Our kingdom will always remember your heroic efforts, and so we thank you." He and the queen lowered their head only slightly, though the rest of the crowd bowed more prominently.

Olivia looked around, feeling embarrassed and a little overwhelmed from the amount of attention and praise she was suddenly receiving, only to catch Semeru smiling at her.

Once he was sure she was looking at him, he moved to do the same and bowed with a hand over his heart.

She could feel her cheeks burning under her mask as she saw this, and just as quickly returned her attention to the king who lifted his head.

"While it is getting late, and I'm sure we're all weary, there is one final order of business today." King Krakatoa gestured to Cho Oyu. "We have been tasked by the goddess to summon the spirit of the coral tree. This will rid the lands above of lingering roots. To summon the spirit one must blow on the golden conch." With that said the King looked to his wife then his daughter. "We all agree that the honor of doing so should be bestowed upon you, Olivia."

Hearing this caused Semeru to go pale.

Olivia looked at Miranjani who was all smiles and motioned for Olivia to speak.

"I. um," She couldn't breathe without her mask… taking it off for even a moment at this depth would certainly kill her.

"No need to be shy, we'd be more then happy to amend for treating you with suspicion," The queen insisted.

Oh gosh… "Thank you, your highness." Olivia squeaked out, while trying to figure out what to do. Right, magic is a thing. Maybe she could get an air bubble?

"The ceremony should be ready by tomorrow night. It would be best to act when the least land-dwellers are active so the spirit goes unnoticed." The queen then clasped her hands together. "The oracle will guide you further."

As everyone clapped and cheered Semeru simply watched. He'd just seen what happened when she tried to breathe water. Why the hell would she agree to that?! Especially when she'd need to be so far away from her ship!

"With that said, this celebration draws to a close. My people. Return to your homes in good spirit and in good health. A new, brighter dawn approaches." The king's booming voice once more echoed through the halls and with it a flurry of activity happened all at once as everyone prepared to leave.

"Men, to your stations," Semeru ordered shortly after. The mermen and women under his command did as they were told, quickly exiting through alternate routes to make sure the precession of citizens didn't turn into a mob.

The king and queen moved to leave as well, with the princess not far behind them, though she smiled to herself as she noticed Semeru swimming over to Olivia instead of going back to his post.

Olivia had finally stood up as she continued to think over what she could do to keep this latest promise to the merfolk royals.

"You should go home," Semeru suggested in an effort to announce his presence. "I'll escort you out of here. I doubt you'll be able to move more then a few paces without being surrounded after all this."

Her concern slowly melted away, to be worried about another time thanks to the unexpectedly kind gesture. "Thanks… I guess that mean's training is out of the question for today." She wished she knew yesterday was going to be their last time practicing together…

"It's probably for the best," Semeru agreed as he led the way.

"Right," Olivia hesitantly agreed as she followed.

They traveled in silence for some time. Semeru would occasionally glance at her and back to the path ahead of them before speaking quietly. "You should have said No."

"Pardon?" was he mad she agreed with him about not training? What he actually meant finally kicked in. "Ah. You mean before… Look it's not exactly easy to say No to a literal king who is, admittedly, trying to be nice."

"He's very kindly telling you to drown for your people to be free of the roots," Semeru grumbled as again that irritating thought she planted in his mind reared its head. Where was the line between duty and self-preservation? Did she really have to do this, knowing full well she would die in the process, just because his king asked her to?

"I know, but," Olivia paused and exhaled. "I'll try and figure something out. For now. I should get some rest… I'll probably be a little late."

Semeru pursed his lips to try and bite back words of advice he wouldn't have followed. "Do as you see fit."

The next morning the door for the Starlet town Lab swung wide open. "Liiiing!" Olivia called into the lab. She looked around to make sure her assistant hadn't arrived yet and to her relief, it seemed she'd gotten here first. "I don't want to die!" she announced as she closed the door behind her.

"You're not going to," Ling shouted in return as she pushed back from her desk and walked over to Olivia. "I'm already on it."

"Thank you," she wheezed as the sudden relief after a night of panicking was well appreciated.

Professor Ling simply chuckled. "Here. This should help." She then offered Olivia a much smaller rebreather. "You have to bite down on it to get it to work, so when you blow the golden conch, make sure you keep some air in your mouth. You might need to swallow a little sea water but it's better than a whole mask's worth. Just, swallow it and try not to gag. And make sure you pinch your nose so you don't accidently breathe through it. Go back to the boat immediately after."

"I can do that." Probably, she'd certainly find out soon enough. "Wait did you just have this lying around?"

"Might have required an all-nighter. Nothing I couldn't handle," She insisted. "I just needed to remember where I had that little guy stored and find a proper tank for it. I'll be monitoring everything from here, so," Ling yawned and blinked rapidly.

"So for now, You need to go to bed," Olivia finished her statement for her.

Ling suppressed a laugh through a snort. "Probably wouldn't hurt."

"Cho Oyu was saying it would be best to wait until sunset. It's nine now. You should have more than enough time for at least a nap and a warm meal." Olivia fiddled with the device in her hand.

Seeing this caused Ling to weakly smile. "Are you going to head out now then?"

"I donno," Olivia moved to rub at the back of her neck. "I mean the water is getting dangerously cold. The less time I spend in it, the better and-" She stopped as she almost dropped the rebreather. Juggling to keep it in her hands before correcting her posture.

"And you're nervous," Ling finished Olivia's statement, receiving a silent nod in response. "Everything's going to be fine. I promise." Ling gave Olivia's arm a gentle nudge as she walked passed. "You've got people looking out for you. The ceremony will go smoothly."

"True," That's not what she was worried about though. "Well. I was thinking maybe I could bring Princess Marinjani a gift before... Do you have any suggestions?"

Ling quietly hummed as she picked up the phone. "Try stopping by Sam's see if he has any fresh fruit or preserves on sale. Better yet, if you have anything left from your last harvest. I'm sure some surface fruits and vegetables would be exciting for her."

"Produce from the farm…" Olivia thought over what she did keep for herself and smiled as an idea began to form. "Yeah, I think I can work with that." It would take some time off her hands as well. "Thanks, See you later tonight I assume."

Ling waved as Olivia left. "See you then. Hi Surya? I'm closing the lab for the day."

Olivia went on her way as she heard the beginning of the phone call. Down a set of stairs further into town as a warp pillar caught her attention. Usually she avoided using this one, considering it's open nature… Using it to leave shouldn't be an issue, right? Right.

Olivia looked around to make sure she was alone before reaching out to the pillar that whisked her away.

The rushing sounds of petals left her unable to hear the clatter of a paper coffee cup in the distance.

Once back at her farm Olivia happily got to work rummaging through her fridge. Fruit and sugar simmered, before being poured into jars and cooled. After seven hours of work Olivia stared at a hand-made wooden crate that she'd filled to the brim with a little bit of everything from her fall harvest. Cranberries, peppers, sweet potatoes, eggplants, beets, grapes, jack fruit, taro root, artichoke, bok choy, and the largest pumpkin she kept, all sat nestled together with three jars of jam. One Grape, one cranberry and one jackfruit.

"That should keep her busy for a week or so." Olivia smiled before remembering how quickly salt water ate away at just about anything from the surface. "Well… maybe. She might have pickled vegetables after a day or two."

Her smile faded as her eyes trailed off to the scuba gear waiting by the door and the setting sun visible through the window. She shook her thoughts away and got changed. It was time to go.

Once Olivia was properly dressed she made sure the rebreather that professor Ling gave her was in her bag and picked up the heavy crate of produce so she could waddle her flippered feet over to the pillar by her house. She gave herself a moment to take a breath before shifting her hold on the crate so she could reach out to the pillar.

The sudden rush of water around her almost caused her to drop her gift but she managed to hold on to it thanks to a helping hand.

"Punctual as always," Semeru greeted though he kept hold of the box and waited for Olivia to regain her footing. "I would say I'm surprised you showed up, but I'm not. Even the threat of death can't seem to keep you away."

"Nice to see you too," Olivia replied with a sad smile, making her all the more grateful for the privacy her mask provided. "I brought a small gift for the princess. Hopefully you don't mind checking it over to make sure everything is in order."

"You call this a small gift?" Semeru asked as he looked between the shipment of oddities and her with perplexed concern.

"It's Sarcasm. I got a little carried away."

"I'm starting to question if land-dwellers have a different sense of scale," Semeru teased as he finally let go of the box in favor of picking up one of the jars. "What is all of this?"

"Fruits and vegetables from the surface, the jars are fruit jams made from some of the crops I grew. Fourteen items in exchange for fourteen days of medicine." She contently explained. "I had hoped she might share with you."

Semeru laughed. "I'd have an easier time training an anglerfish not to bite." His laughter slowed to a dull chuckle as he put the jar back. "You do have a plan for how to get out of this. Right?"

"About that. I'm probably going to need to ask for your help," She admitted before holding out the box in a silent request for him to take it.

A request that was easily understood as he accepted the package without a cross or accusatory word.

"The scientist that helps me out gave me this," Olivia took out the re-breather. "It's got a small amount of air in it but it's more then enough to get me back to my boat so long as I keep it close to the city entrance. If you're alright with dropping that off for me. I was going to signal an anchor drop then head over to the ceremony site." Olivia bobbed her head. "And I was hoping you could help me get to my boat after words? The quicker I get there, the less likely I am to mess up and accidently breathe in water."

"Very well. If that was the best you can come up with, I'll do what I can." Semeru agreed. "The oracle is already at the coral tree with the others. Try to hurry."

"Got it," Olivia quickly turned to swim out to the city entry way that led to the depth. Once she was far enough from the steps, she tapped at a button on the side of her mask to signal the anchor drop. It took longer than she would have liked but eventually a tiny egg-shaped robot appeared and shortly after an anchor latched to the ocean floor.

"Anchor placement complete. Greetings Ms. Olivia," Kible chirped before swimming around her to do a quick vitals scan. "Dive protocol engaged. I'll follow you're lead."

"Perfect. Let's get this over with," She muttered before beginning her trek back to the merfolk city.

The dark cover of night had well since set in by the time Olivia made it to the Coral Tree.

"Greetings Olivia," Cho Oyu announced as Olivia swam to join the small group that consisted of herself, Cho Oyu, Princess Miranjani, and Semeru, among others. "Before us lies the Golden Conch, an artifact of significant historical and spiritual importance in our kingdom." Cho Oyu swam over to pick up the conch from its resting place in a hollowed-out knot of the coral tree. Once she returned, she offered it to Olivia. "It is believed to carry the ability to summon the spirit of the coral tree."

Once the conch was safely in Olivia's hands the oracle spoke once more. "It's no small task that you've been given and we trust that you'll preform it with the same courage and determination you've shown us so far."

'You have no idea how true that is' Olivia thought. Although, given Cho Oyu's title, maybe she did.

"When you're ready blow into it for three seconds. No more, no less." Cho Oyu explained as the others watched with varying levels of concern and curiosity.

Olivia held the conch in one hand as her other slowly and shakily reached for her mask. She held on for a few seconds, took a deep breath and quickly pulled the lower half down to hang around her neck. doing so created a cloud of air bubbles as oxygen flowed freely from the device.

She pinched her nose once she let go of the mask and blew into the horn.

One. Two Three. Olivia stopped and continued to hold her breath while waiting for Cho Oyu to take the Conch back. She insistently held it out to the woman who gingerly took it in return.

Olivia quickly fumbled through her bag to get the rebreather out and clamped it between her teeth. The salt water tasted horrid as it slid down her throat causing her to cough and wheeze as she pinched her nose shut for dear life.

Yet that passed. The taste lingered, but she could breathe.

Semuru only waited that long before hooking Olivia's waist with his arm to quickly swim away. Fearing doing so any sooner could have made things much worse.

Concern etched across Miranjani's face as she looked between the Tree and the place where Olivia once stood. "Nothing is happening…"

"Patience, everyone." Cho Oyu insisted while smiling in the direction of the quickly retreating duo. "These are ancient magics, and the workings of the goddess. We must trust in their ways."

As the last word left her lips a bright blue aura radiated from the tree, creating an ethereal visage of a manta ray that quickly swam through the water. Not a ripple or current came from its movement as if it was merely a mirage. The spirit's maritime call echoed as it past Semeru and Olivia to breach the water and enter the sky.

Olivia emerged next and clung to her boat as she watched the spirit fly towards the island. She took the rebreather out and placed it in the boat as she happily cheered.

Despite everything that stood in the way. She some how managed to see this through to the end. She could breathe a little easier now that there was finally, one less thing on her plate.

She glanced over her shoulder to find that, sure enough, Semeru was peering over the top of the water to watch the spirit's flight as well. It was truly a sight to behold, so she waited in comfortable silence.

Once the transparent blue spirit was no longer visible, she emptied her mask of Sea water so she could put it back on. As much as she hated it. There was one last thing she had to do.

"Better?" Semeru asked as she lowered into the water.

"Yeah, thanks to you," She tried to find anywhere to look aside from him. "I'll admit I was a bit surprised but I guess we didn't really have time to talk about an 'I need to leave now' signal." How to say this, he didn't like the term friends so. "I know we didn't really get along well at first but. I'm glad to know someone like you has my back."

"It seemed like you were struggling," Semeru admitted with a shrug before using the flat of his index finger to lift and move her chin, acting as if he's simply inspecting the mask to make sure it's on properly. "You... you've grown on me. I didn't expect that."

Olivia glanced around as she felt her heart beat a little faster.

"Nor did I expect... to grow on you." As Semeru spoke Olivia could see Kible bot floating into view of her peripherals.

Was she supposed to be reading into this? Oh gosh she really needed to not read into this. "Well, I suppose it's only natural for opinions to change with time," Olivia replied as she tried to remind herself to swim. "Our first meeting was a little rocky but, I'd always more or less understood that you weren't purely acting from malice. You were just protecting the people around you." She finally summoned up her courage to look him in the eyes. "So, all things considered. I'm glad I got to meet you… and the others. Maybe you won't be so quick to bare your teeth at the next land-dweller that stops by."

Semeru withdrew his hand as his teasing grin fell. "What?"

"I said I'd remove any signs of land-dwellers that were interfering with the daily lives of the merfolk. Maybe not in as many words, but, yeah. I'm the last thing that needs to be cleared out." She hesitantly reminded. "It's probably a good thing I got this all finished before the ice set in." Olivia forced herself to laugh. "Probably would have been awkward if I showed up for three days in the spring just to leave again and focus on," Olivia paused to think of her still daunting list of things required of her. "Everything else. Duty calls and all."

As he listened, Semeru could feel something inside him sink as he remembered she was here for work. Work that was now, done. There's no reason for her to keep visiting… Unless he asked her to do so.

"Of course," Damn it all. "Naturally, duty first." He courteously bowed to the hero of his people. "It's been an honor."

And so, she left.

Several days passed since then. Each the same as the last. Wake up. Meet with the court for instructions. Check around town. Go to his post. Wait. Go to a meeting with the guards. Report everything to the king and queen. Then go back to the barracks to sleep and do it all over again.

It was the life he worked hard to build. Stability. Order.

Monotony.

On the fourth day that finally changed.

"Captain Semeru,"

"Your Highness," Semeru bowed as the princess approached.

"Fetch the Oracle for me, please. I've requested an audience with my father and I require both of your attendance." Princess Miranjani instructed.

Oh boy. "Of course, as you command." Semeru turned to leave while suppressing his building headache. It was too early for this…

All the same he left the castle, forgoing his usual meeting in favor of navigating to Cho Oyu's home.

"Cho Oyu," He called as he pushed past a curtain made of sea glass.

"The tide spoke of your arrival, Captain," Cho Oyu greeted. "The princess calls?"

"That's correct."

"Then we should hurry, I've seen this day coming for some time now. I've already prepared," She happily admitted as she made her way over to the door and out. "Come along captain, the ocean is impatient."

Semeru wordlessly followed behind Cho Oyu through the town and back into the castle.

"Ah good, you've arrived," Princess Miranjani greeted.

"Yes, now I can finally learn the purpose of this meeting," The king teased as he watched his mischievous daughter.

"Well, during the land-dweller's stay"

The princess had only just started to speak when the king pinched the brow of his nose and sighed. He should have guessed it was about the surface. "Mira," he warned.

Miranjani gave an indignant huff in return before starting again. "During the land-dweller's stay it was brought to my attention that she was receiving combat training from our captain of the guard."

Oh shit. Semeru tensed up.

King Krakatoa looked to Semeru with a confused expression. "Is this true?"

"Yes my king," Semeru lowered his head.

Princess Miranjani stared at Semeru with a dead pan expression as he failed to say anything else. "My understanding was that they requested this training because of additional work to be done on the surface. Is that correct?"

"That is correct."

The princess turned to look at her father once more. "As this is the case, I'd like to nominate Semeru to act as an ambassador of the Merfolk to the Land-Dwellers."

Semeru quickly turned to look at the princess. What. Just… What?

"If there is still work to be done, we should show our support," Miranjani insisted as the king stroked at his beard in thought.

"I see. And this is why you invited the Oracle…" King Krakatoa looked to Cho Oyu. "Is such a thing possible?"

Cho Oyu nodded. "Technically yes, sire. However, given the rarity of the resources this requires, it would mandate royal approval."

The king continued to ponder a moment longer. "Mira, has a point. The Land-dwellers more or less did the same by sending one of their own to help us in our time of need. Likely at no small cost." He raised his trident before tapping the end of it against the ground. "If there is work to be done, we should support them in turn. I grant my approval, if the captain agrees to it." With that said his gaze moved to a still stunned silent Semeru. "I'll allow Deno to fill your roll while you're away for this mission. Once this work is done, you'll resume your position as captain of the guard."

"I. You," he looked between the princess and the king before his senses returned to him and with it, etiquette. If his king demanded it, he'd march into a losing battle. "It will be as you command, your highness."

"Then it's settled. Cho Oyu, please make the necessary preparations. Semeru, Prepare as you see fit and Miranjani, Let Deno know her presence is required in my court. I'll let her know of her temporary promotion." The king instructed before hitting the end of his trident against the ground twice. "You're all dismissed."

"It will be as you say your highness, The tides are pleased," Cho Oyu replied before quickly swimming away.

Semeru and the princess were the next to leave and as soon as the doors of the throne room closed, Princess Miranjani swam to make sure she was directly in front of Semeru. "You are going to be telling me every detail of your trips," She instructed while shaking a finger at him. "And you are here by ordered to bring me more of those sticky candy jars that the land-dweller left… And tell her I'm beyond cross that she'd think of leaving without saying goodbye. So she's ordered to return. Regularly. Once winter passes."

Semeru blinked a few times as he processed the sudden flood of instructions. As he listened a thought became words. "You've wanted to go to the surface since we were children… Why me?"

Miranjani's frown shifted to a distant mourning smile. "You know he'd never agree to let me do this… Besides. How would I help? She does need the help. Right?"

"… Yeah,"

"Then get going," She made a shooing motion as she moved out of the way. "And maybe you can put in a good word with my father to let me visit, even just once."

"I'll see what I can do," He quietly agreed before leaving as he was told and went straight to the Oracle's home once more.

As he entered, she seemed to be dancing around as she added various ingredients to the pot. Some seemed common enough but a blossom from the coral tree illuminated her work space.

"There you are, come closer, come closer. Cho Oyu is already hard at work, it should only take a minute more," She practically sang.

Semeru cautiously moved a few paces closer.

"Only one ingredient left," She gently picked up the large, fragile blossom. "Once you eat this, you'll gain the flower's blessing."

A sense of nervousness began to well up inside of him as he remembered the pain that he saw Olivia experience when she breathed water. "Should we be doing this here?"

"Fear not, The Land and Sea both bless you," Cho Oyu soothed. "While in water your form will be as it is, though should you breathe in the surface, your form will change to match. The materials of your current garb will help the magic form your new limbs. As such, they'll return when you change back. Similarly, once you're properly garbed as a land-dweller, if you breathe in the water, you'll change back, and your surface garments will be stored away until it's needed again."

What was he getting himself into…

Cho Oyu smiled as she gingerly placed the blossom into the stewing concoction. The whole pot began to glow as she stirred and before long, she pulled out a tightly packed ball of light. "There you go. Eat up."

Semeru hesitantly accepted the offering and in one quick movement, forced himself to eat it. He coughed as he tried to ignore the disgusting taste in his mouth. While the oracle seemed sure this would change him, nothing felt different aside from a newly forming stomach ache.

"Now now. Catch your breath, then go. The land calls for you," Cho Oyu reminded.