Current Status:

Name: Sakura

Level: 2/25

Species: Water Nymph

HP:1600/1600 (1600/1600)

MP:2000/2000

SP:900/900

Offense:19

Defense:268

Magic Power:619

Resistance:268

Speed:460

[Skills: Humming Lvl 2, Swimming Lvl 6, Appraise Lvl 2, Water Immunity, Night Vision Lvl 5, Ice Resistance Lvl 6, Camouflage Lvl 1, Fear Resistance Lvl 5, Foul Heart Lvl 1, Water Barrier Lvl 1, Water Slicer Lvl 1, Life Dew Lvl 1, Hyrdomancy Lvl 1, Oceanic Blessing Lvl 1, Pain Resistance Lvl 1, Heat Resistance Lvl 1]

[Titles: The Last of Her Kind, Hybrid Species, Blood Sucker, Guardian of The Ocean]

[Skill Points: 50]

[Follower Count: 2]

Title: The Sweet Song of The Sea: Shimmering Isle and the Raiders

The Terrestrial Expanse rarely saw sunlight and this was one of those occasions where it did. The duo that she followed discreetly was discussing how rare such a thing was and was happy to bask in the ultraviolet light. The clouds parted, allowing the sun’s rays to touch base with the surface of the sea, transforming it entirely. An old scholar once said that paradise is where the sand is golden beneath your feet. It was such a strange thing for her to remember, but it came to mind as she fell in love with the scenery.

The golden sands were sparkling beneath the waves. The coral reef lit up beautifully and a world of bright colors blasted her with wonder. The aquatic flora and creatures that were once lifeless came to life as if energy was injected into their bodies. The rocks that were a dull grey flashed in a multitude of colors which surprised her. The surrounding coral reef went on for miles and it was teeming with life. ‘This is so beautiful.’ Sakura thought while absorbing the fantastical view. This view was something she would’ve never witnessed in her past life. This beautiful wonder, her soul was screaming to protect it and cherish it. She wondered if it was in her nature as a water nymph to be so protective. She followed the boat and continued to eavesdrop on their random conversations and arguments. She didn’t feel right listening to them but any bit of information given was valuable and she learned several things.

The island they were going to is called the Shimmering Isle and the tribe residing there is called Misty Moon. As for the names of the duo, they are Micah and Lahni. Their tribe used to worship three guardians reverently, but one day the guardians disappeared, leaving the land a shell of itself. These guardians protected the land and nurtured it and aided the people.

This story filled her with dread because that would mean she is one of those guardians they were talking about. It was easy for her to fill in the blanks due to the choices she made and her birth. She had an inkling that her coming to this island was either fate or her own mother’s plan.

“The chief will never believe us so don’t utter a word to him, Lahni,” Micah told Lahni, hoping she listened.

“No, we have to tell him that the guardians are back. You were right all this time and now you want to be cowardly?!” Lahni screamed, visibly upset.

“I’m just saying-"

“Saying what?” Lahni was unreasonable to reason. “I’ll tell the chief myself and get the glory. I don’t even know why I dated you in the first place, we're over.”

“Lahni, listen to me please.” Micah pleaded but was ignored by the black-haired girl.

Sakura climbed onto the side of the boat quietly, watching the backs of the duo. She rested her head on her arms, sighing loudly. Her camouflage skill activated, perfectly blending in with her surroundings, just as Micah turned around and looked in her direction. She stared back at the man who was staring at her unknowingly.

He was perfectly muscular with braided hair and symbols tattooed across his arms. He wore a simple brown vest, loincloth, and brown boots with an eye-catching crescent moon ax at his hip.

‘I want to steal you away.’

Sakura almost gasps aloud at her thoughts. She didn’t know why she thought about that but she had an urge to take him away and comfort him. The desire was so strong, that she chalked it up to one of the changes in her personality due to evolution so she had to think of mundane things to suppress it.

Name: Micah

Level: 12/50

Species: Human

[A human male from the Misty Moon tribe that used to worship the three guardians. This tribe specializes in physical combat and minor magic and has a special connection with the Shimmering Isle.]

‘A special connection? I wonder what that means.” Sakura briefly thought before pushing it to the back of her mind.

“Lahni, the village chief isn’t who you think he is. He’s dangerous.” Micah said, trying to reason with his soon to be ex-girlfriend.

“I'm not talking to you Micah,” Lahni snapped, “we’re here so you should stay away from me.” Micah sighed and carefully guided the boat to the shore. Hearing they were close to the island, Sakura poked her head out of the water and gasped.

Sea-gull like creatures were flying overhead. They were arcing and wheeling between the magic of the sunlight. The occasional scream would echo from above, resonating with the sound of the waves. The vast panorama leading to the mountain peak was breathtaking.

The slapping of the sea against the golden sands created a metronomic sizzle. The waves were merely slumbering in their liquid robes, lazily drawing grains of sand back into the ocean. The sea swelled and pushed her gently as if she was an old friend returning home. She closed her eyes, listening to the hypnotizing sound of the sea. The spellbinding beauty of this musical orchestra was heart-swelling and she realized then that the sea was the conductor, kindling its symphony and she was just a speck in that orchestra.

The shore, she noticed, was crescent-shaped with a plethora of colorful flora as the backdrop, giving the island a truly tropical feel. The hulking mountain loomed over everything with its mountain peak that seemingly touched the heavens. This island was calling her, interacting with her soul on a level she never thought of in her two lifetimes.

Micah anchored the boat onto the small dock and Lahni jumped off immediately before turning to Micah. “I’ll take the medicine to your mother and go straight to the village chief afterward. That’s my last act of kindness for you, Micah.” She walked away briskly leaving a Micah behind.

Sakura turned invisible and watched as the man slowly exited the boat. He walked across the shore, stopped, and plopped down on the sand. He sighed looked out at the sea with a sad expression. She didn’t care for his relationship with the girl and was deeply disturbed by the happiness she felt at their end.

[Camouflage Lvl 2]

She remained hidden, watching him silently. “Dear water guardian, I hope you’re safe.” He said in a hopeful tone. “What should I do now? Knowing that you’re back, no one will believe me, the grandson of the previous tribal chief.

Sakura had an impulse to go to him and tell him that everything will be fine and hold him in her arms. She struggled internally, her mind battling her heart. She didn’t know this man yet she wanted to protect him and she was sure it wasn’t loved. It seems like she would be constantly battling the true nature of a water nymph and made a small promise to find out more about water nymphs.

He laughed bitterly. “What am I doing? You’re probably far away from here.”

After her internal struggle, her heart won out and she approached the dark-skinned man slowly. “Micah.” Sakura sing-song, her voice melodic.

Micah scrambled to stand and looked at her in disbelief. “Y-You’re the water guardian, you’re here and you know my name!”

Sakura beckoned him closer and he all but practically ran towards her, soaking his clothes. Sakura giggled at his actions.

“I’ve heard everything and I want to help you.” Sakura said softly, “What do you wish for?” She wanted to grant him any wish, even though it might be an impossible wish. She just wanted to help him and maybe his entire tribe.

Micah looked at her with wide eyes before dropping to his knees in the water. “I don’t wish to shoulder you with such a thing,” He paused, “my only wish is that people believe in the guardians again.”

Sakura was astonished, shocked to met such an unbelievably honest man. “I-Is that you wish?” She asked hesitantly.

“Yes!” He said resolutely.

Sakura sighed, which sounded like a seductive sound to Micah’s ears. “So be it,” Sakura replied, her voice making the dark-skinned man tremble. She didn’t feel right using him or even being a guardian for a whole tribe but she wanted to grant his wish and she would make it happen.

“Thank you, my guardian.” Micah expressed, bowing his head.

“This matter, it might be best if I don’t show myself to the people yet,” Sakura said, “Is there a place where we can talk privately?

“Your holy cave is still in the same place it was, guardian.” Micah said slowly, “It’s just-”

“You should go back to your tribe,” Sakura interrupted, “I’m sure your mother is waiting to see you. I will be nearby waiting for you to take me there.”

“Thank you, guardian, so much,” Micah thanked her profusely, “I shall return quickly.” He ran off, sending backward glances at her, making sure she was still there before he disappeared into the tree line.

Sakura sighed before she swam back out the coral reef to explore its beauty some more and mostly to distract herself from everything. She explored the coral reef with a smile on her face, looking through every nook and cranny. She gathered her courage and approached one of the creatures slowly.

The water nymph approached the peculiar tortoise looking creature with an uneven shape shell that looked like a rock with spines on it. She observed its facial features and couldn't help but squeal a bit.

'It's adorable!" She thought before appraising it.

Name: N/A

Level: 7/10

Species: Spiked Canon Tortoise

[This slow-moving creature lives on coral reefs and feeds on rocks and plant life. They’re peaceful creatures that are usually ignored by predators. When attacked, this creature shoots spines from its shell like a high-powered cannon.]

‘It’s adorable but highly dangerous but I still like it.’ She swam closer to the tortoise and waved at it before passing by harmlessly. She could’ve sworn she saw the tortoise smile in response but chalked it up to her seeing things.

She swam around the reef, appraising plant life, and cute creatures that she saw. All the creatures she had seen were all peaceful herbivores who went about their daily lives. She found a large rock and perched herself on top of it, enjoying the peaceful and heart-warming vista.

Her stomach grumbled in hunger but she suppressed her hunger. She knew that suppressing her hunger would lead to an SP drop but she was enjoying this moment. No fighting for survival, worrying about her own life. She sighed contentedly and laid back on the rock with her eyes closed She wanted to stay here forever but life wasn’t so simple, she knew that all too well. She soon fell into a relaxing state, slumbering beneath the waves.

Her slumber didn’t last long, however. Her eyes snapped open, the feeling of danger enveloping her. She sat up from her position and all around her were black shark-like creatures chasing other creatures around and even eating some of them.

“What is going on?!” She said out loud before she appraised one of them.

[Appraisal Lvl 3]

Name: N/A

Level: 10/15

Species: Raider Shark

HP: 900/900

MP:200/200

SP:900/900

[Raider Sharks are weak on their own but in a group, they are vicious predators that terrorize the coral reef using their sharp teeth and sharp fins.]

She watched the jet black sharks with fins that looked like swords swim past her without attacking and chased a small eel blue finned fish around. Her soul cried out at how such a beautiful place was transformed into a gory field of blood and fleshy bits. She watched as the sharks swarmed around an unsuspecting fish, tearing at its flesh with sharp teeth and bladed fins.

She wanted to vomit at such a gory sight but she couldn’t. She just had to protect this reef at all costs. Without much thought, she pushed off of the rock, soaring through the water with her hand pulled back and leaving a streak of aquamarine light. She unleashed a glowing blade of water towards the group, only for it to pathetically missing completely, slicing into a rock.

‘I-I’m bad at this.’ She thought pitifully.

The Raider Sharks turned towards her, baring their menacing teeth and all swam towards her. She immediately turned around and swam away, thinking of a way to counter-attack without killing them. ‘This isn’t like my lucky one-sided battle with those crabs.’ Sakura thought while glancing behind her as the sharks were slowly closing in on her.

[Swimming Lvl 7]

SWISH!

A raider shark darted past her, its fin slicing into her arm, causing her to halt all movement. She hissed, looking at her arm that looked uninjured. Using her distraction as an advantage, the sharks swarmed around her in an instant, form a sphere-like formation around her.

She was trapped.

SWISH!

One by one, a raider shark broke formation and swam with incredible speed at her with its blade fins gleaming. She twirled to the side, dodging the attack desperately.

“I have to survive,” Sakura whispered her mantra, narrowing her eyes at the sharks. ‘And fight back!’ She threw out another water blade that was easily dodged, showing her inexperience and their experience. She kept attacking with water blades, not noticing the sharks closing in on her with each blade she sent out and unsuccessfully connected.

[Water Slicer Lvl 2]

When she realized there wasn’t much room to dodge any more attacks she cursed her stupidity. They came at her with a plan because she was naturally stronger than them while she attacked blindly like a fool. She desperately ran through the skills she knew and almost jumped for joy.

She swept her hands forward, crossing her arms in an ‘X’. She concentrated, willing the water to bend to her will. She could feel the makings of a bubble form around her but it was wobbly and weak. The sharks attacked all at once with their oppressive presence She closed her eyes, trying to imagine a perfect bubble around her.

‘Please please please work!’

When she felt no pain, she opened her eyes slowly. A perfect glowing bubble surrounded her and the sharks banged against it angrily. She sighed in relief but didn’t let her guard down yet. She opened the menu to check her stats while keeping the protective bubble together.

Name: Sakura

Level: 2/25

Species: Water Nymph

HP:1600/1600 (1520/1600)

MP:1700/2000

SP:600/900

She closed the menu and looked at the sharks swimming around her. Her hunger contributed to the fact that her SP was low combined with her current situation. She couldn’t allow herself to be put in a situation where her SP was the deciding factor of her life or death.

She started humming, her melodic voice echoing throughout the reef. The bubble fell away, leaving her exposed but she wasn’t attacked. The sharks were completely transfixed by her voice, their movements sluggish.

‘I have to stop them from permanently terrorizing this reef...even it means killing them.” Sakura gravely thought as she watched sleepy sharks. After the sharks were immobile, she squeezed through the swarm, her body adapting to the size of the spaces.

When she reached a certain distance from the sharks, she turned around. She glared at the sharks, her mind and his heart battling once more. Her entire body, her soul, her heart were against killing. She knew that it was only the law of nature where the strong eat the weak. This was going against the very nature of her being but she suppressed that awful feeling and raised her hand, preparing her attack.

She sent out a blade of water, then another, and then another, she hardened her heart and sent out several more blades. She trembled, as some blades hit their mark and completely severed the bodies of some sharks while others completely missed their mark.

The unharmed sharks smelled blood and woke up out of their trance. They look around puzzled before noticing their fallen brethren. The remainder of the sharks stared at her warily before swimming away speedily.

Sakura looked down at her hand, her mind in disarray. Although this wasn’t the first time she killed, it was the first time she killed directly. She didn’t know how to react to his revelation and pushed it to the dark recesses of her mind. Looking at the shark carcasses floating in the water, she reluctantly decided to eat them. She approached the head of a shark she killed and forced it inside her body. She looked away as it dissolved into nothingness and her hunger was sated a bit.

After eating her fill, Sakura decided she had enough action for the day and swam back to the shore. She saw Micah on the shore with a worried look and approached the black-haired man who seemed relieved to see her.

“Did you wait long?” Sakura asked, hoping she didn’t leave him waiting for a long time.

Micah shook his head. “No, I didn’t wait long my guardian!” He blurted out, his cheeks turning red.

“Alright, can you please guide me to the holy cave?” Sakura asked with a smile.

“R-right away, guardian!” Micah quickly got in the boat and drove in the direction of the cave. Sakura followed him quietly underwater. When they reached the cave, she was a bit dismayed at the rundown dock. She was expecting something grander.

“This is Shimmering Grotto, your home, the holy cave of the Water Guardian. No one has come here in years,” Micah said after seeing her expression, “It's just in there..” He pointed at the cave entrance.

She hauled herself out of the water and followed Micah into the cave. He stole glances at her body when she wasn’t looking but she already knew but ignored it. It wasn’t long until she found a black pool of water with dead flora around all around the cave.

“This cave was said to be filled with beautiful plant life and the pool that would glow a beautiful aquamarine color but now it’s like this…” Micah expressed, his tone apologetic.

Sakura blocked out his words, focusing on the pool intently. She walked towards the pool as if in a trance and she jumped in. The black pool gradually changed color, from black to a glowing aquamarine. She moaned, relishing in the comfort of the water. She could sense the magic all around her and it was like multiple hands caressing her body at once or like finally tasting water after being stranded at the desert for months.

[New Skill Acquired: Magic Perception Lvl 1]

‘This pool of water is pure magic…I can feel it all through my body, healing me.’ Sakura thought as she swam deeper into the pool. She opened the menu and found the MP she had lost had been recovered and realized this pool had healing properties healed her completely. She smiled, and swam deeper, spotting aquamarine gems embedded in the rocky walls underwater. She touched one with her finger curiously and she could feel the excitement of magic within the gem.

Remembering Micah, she swam back to the surface, only to be greeted with a shocked Micah. She smiled at him, unaware of what her smile was doing to him. “Micah, can you tell me why the people stopped believing in the guardians and tell me more about the other guardians?” Sakura asked, hoping he would have more information.

Micah lowered his head and spoke with a solemn tone. “The three guardians are; the Guardian of the Ocean, Guardian of the Gaea and Guardian of the Abyss. They represent life, rebirth, and death. Years ago, the guardians simply vanished without a trace. The people simply gave up after none saw or heard of the guardians. Since then, its been a slippery slope. At first, things were alright without them but things became strange after a while. Now the tribes worship, Zellel, who is supposed to protect us.”

“When did the tribe start worshipping Zellel and what kind of guardian is this it?”

“The tribe started when that man became our current chief.” Micah spat, “It’s a lighting creature that descends from the clouds in a mass of lightning. It appears at the peak of the Guardian Mountain when the chiefs call for it.”

“Guardian Mountain? Has a connection with us guardians but how?' Sakura analyzed this information and began to formulate a plan to help Micah and his people.

“Micah, tell me, how are things in the village currently?” She asked softly, “Is the tribe having a tough time.”

Micah nodded. “The people are getting sick mysteriously, the crops aren’t growing like they used to, the surrounding creatures in the forest are becoming more aggressive which leads to more injuries and a pile of dead bodies.”

Sakura sighed and climbed out of the pool. She moved walked to the left and knelt in front of a dead flower. She touched the flower and in an instant, the flower was brought back to life and back to its former glory.

“Has Lahni told your chief about the guardians?”

He shook his head. “When I went back to the village she hadn’t come out from the chief's hut yet."

‘It's likely the chief has some relationship with this “guardian” and would be more than willing to silence Lahni if she mentions the original three guardians. She will be willing to expose Micah if things go south.'

Sakura carefully moved around the cave reviving dead flora “What about your mother? Did the medicine work?”

Micah lowered his head in sadness. “I don’t know yet, her injury is grave. She was injured when she privately went to converse with the chief. She didn’t see what injured her but I know the chief has something to do with it,” He suddenly smiled brightly at her, shocking Sakura this his sudden change of emotion, “I believe she will get better. I know it!”

She looked at him sadly. He has so much on his shoulders yet he could still display an array of emotions rather negative or positive. She changed the subject, focusing on the chief. “Tell me more about your chief. His name, personality, likes, and dislikes.”

“His name is Jidanbo and he’s a prideful man who cares more about his image. As for his likes, I don’t know but he hates those who oppose the worship of Zellel which is why he dislikes me because I still believe in you, in the guardians.”

Sakura watched Micah carefully and she could feel his anger radiating from his body. She picked her words carefully and spoke softly. “Micah, it’s very likely that Lahni will expose you if all doesn’t go well with the chief. That will implicate you both if it happens.”

Micah looked aggrieved. “Then what should I do?”

She lowered her head in thought. “When that time comes do not deny it. Instead, challenge Jidanbo in front of the villagers.” She said after carefully considering her options.

Micah looked confused. “Wouldn’t this make things worse?”

“As you said, he’s a prideful man who cares about his image. Challenging him in front of the villagers will force him to accept. Besides, if he denies it the villagers will begin to doubt him.” She concluded.

Micah nodded in understanding. “What should the challenge be?”

Sakura stared at him. “Challenge him for the seat of the village chief." She said in earnest.

“Village chief?” Micah questioned in surprise.

“Is it not possible?”

“It is, but no one has done that since my grandfather.”

Sakura let out a sigh of relief. “Good, you will challenge him to solve the problems of the village in ten days. If the chief or Zellal could, they would’ve done it a long time ago. This gives us a major advantage and we will start by healing the injured villagers first."

“How will I do that?” Micah said, looking at her imploringly.

“Do you have a bottle or a container?” Micah nodded and pulled out a water skin.

Sakura took the water skin and held her hand over it. Water dripped from her hand into the water skin until it was filled. “Take this special water and give it to your mother and other sick or injured villagers. It wouldn’t heal them completely but it should be enough.”

Micah took the water from Sakura and held it dearly. He bowed his head in thanks. “Thank you for this great blessing, my guardian!”

Sakura smiled at him, “No, thank you, Micah.” She said sincerely. ‘I find myself accepting the changes that evolution brought on thanks to you.”

“I shall not fail you, my guardian!” Micah bowed before leaving.

When he left, Sakura dove deep into the pool and closed her eyes, letting the magic flow into her body. She was worried that her plan wouldn’t work and it wasn’t even a proper plan but something she came up with on the fly.

‘Should I use my hydromancy skill?’ She dismissed the thought. ‘I shouldn’t use it.’ Her will was crumbling though and the temptation was too great. She cursed before swimming back to the surface. She climbed out of the pool and looked at her reflection in the pool. She stared with a complicated expression before reaching out.

She didn’t have to do much, only think about wanting to see the future. The moment her fingertips touched the surface, the water rippled in a hypnotizing motion. The pool glowed brightly for a few seconds before settling and images appeared on the surface.

It was like an extremely short movie clip, seconds really, showing only a room that was littered in aquamarine gems. However, what caught her attention was the words uttered before the vision ended and the water returned to normal

“This is the end.”

She didn’t understand what she saw and was greatly confused. “T-that didn’t help at all.” Sakura thought with disappointment before slipping back into the pool so her MP can slowly replenish itself.

‘I guess it's all up to fate.”