Saving the Nexus

The Waters of Adversity

Sonia sat at the edge of the school's central fountain, feeling the soft pulse of the water beneath her fingers as it cascaded from the stone lip. Her tail, smooth and undulating like an axolotl's, swayed gently in the small pool she'd claimed as her space. The liquid hair that fell around her shoulders shimmered with the same soft glow that the water around her seemed to carry, giving her an almost ethereal look. She was used to it by now—the stares, the whispers, the way people couldn't quite place her. Half-human, half-axolotl; a blend of two worlds that often made others uncomfortable.

The bell rang, signaling the start of first period, but Sonia didn't move. She wasn't eager to join the throngs of students in the halls, most of whom were already heading to their respective classrooms. She had a habit of lingering in places like this—quiet, isolated, surrounded by water. It was a habit that made her feel grounded, though there was nothing truly grounding about the constant ache in her chest.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice behind her.

"You're gonna be late, you know."

Sonia looked up to see Mariel standing at the edge of the fountain, her purple skin glowing faintly under the midday sun, her blue hair cropped short in a style that was almost asymmetrical. As a Xel'korr, Mariel had a distinctly otherworldly appearance—sharp features, luminous skin—but it was her quiet strength and unwavering support that made Sonia feel like she wasn't entirely alone in a school full of hybrids and strange beings.

"I'm fine," Sonia said, offering her friend a faint smile. "I don't mind being late."

Mariel raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she tilted her head, her gaze softening.

"You okay?"

Sonia hesitated, her tail flicking nervously. "I'm just... tired of feeling like I don't fit in. Like I'm too much water for the land, you know?"

Mariel knelt beside her, placing a hand on Sonia's shoulder. "You belong here, Sonia. You're just as much a part of this school as anyone else."

Sonia didn't respond, staring at the water rippling in the fountain.

"Have you seen Neptune today?" Mariel asked, her voice a little more pointed.

At the mention of the Divinari's name, Sonia tensed. She didn't need to look up to know what Mariel was referring to. Neptune, the epitome of grace, beauty, and power, was the queen bee of the school. Her golden hair, like strands of molten light, shimmered in the sun. Her features were flawless, sculpted by something divine—and it didn't hurt that her aura practically radiated with celestial energy, giving her a glow that seemed to draw people in. She was admired by all, adored by most, and Sonia? Sonia was little more than a shadow to her.

"Why would I be looking for her?" Sonia muttered bitterly.

"Because I think she's looking for you," Mariel said, nodding toward the courtyard where the crowd of students parted like water to make way for Neptune's entrance.

Sonia could already feel the weight of Neptune's presence, the way the air seemed to shift around her. She didn't need to look up to know Neptune was heading straight for her. Her voice—silken, melodic, and just a little too perfect—drifted to her ears.

"Well, well. If it isn't the aquatic oddity."

Sonia's breath caught in her throat. She felt the familiar knot form in her stomach, the old sting of Neptune's cruel words. Neptune didn't even try to hide the disdain in her tone. She never had to. People worshipped her, and she knew it.

Mariel stepped back, her purple eyes narrowing slightly, a protective instinct kicking in. But Sonia held up a hand to stop her.

"I'm not in the mood for this today, Neptune," Sonia said, her voice steady, though the urge to retreat back into the safety of the water was overwhelming.

Neptune smirked, clearly amused. "Oh? That's a shame. I thought you'd enjoy the company of someone... divine." She leaned in closer, her golden locks shimmering, her gaze piercing. "You know, you're lucky I even grace you with my attention. Some of the others might not be so kind."

Sonia's fingers twitched, but she fought the urge to snap. She had learned the hard way that Neptune thrived on reactions, and the more Sonia pulled away, the more Neptune seemed to relish it.

"Not today, Neptune," Sonia said, her voice colder. "I've got better things to do than entertain your cruelty."

Neptune's smile didn't falter, though there was a flicker of irritation in her eyes. She straightened, her divine aura shimmering brighter, and for a moment, the air around them grew heavier. "Fine. But don't think I've forgotten you, Sonia. You're nothing more than a half-breed pretending to be something more."

Sonia opened her mouth to retort, but Mariel was already pulling her away, guiding her towards the main building.

"Don't let her get to you," Mariel said softly. "You know how she is. She's always been like that with you."

Sonia nodded, swallowing the bitter taste in her throat. "I know. It's just hard when everyone else falls for her act. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be seen as more than just... this." She gestured toward herself, her hand briefly brushing through her water-like hair.

Mariel gave her a sympathetic look, but before she could say anything, they were interrupted by the sudden sound of footsteps rushing up behind them.

"Sonia, Mariel—wait up!"

Venus appeared in front of them, her red hair flowing like liquid fire. Venus, a Mythari half-dragon, had always stood out with her bold, commanding presence, but it was her fierce loyalty and quick wit that made her an incredible friend. Her eyes—a warm amber that seemed to flicker like flames—locked onto Sonia with concern.

"You didn't tell me you were late," Venus said with a teasing grin, but it was clear she was genuinely worried.

"I wasn't planning on it," Sonia said, forcing a smile. "Neptune's just being... herself."

"Ugh, I swear, one of these days I'm going to turn her into a puddle of molten gold," Venus muttered, her eyes flashing.

Mariel smirked. "I think Neptune would probably enjoy that a little too much, don't you think?"

Sonia laughed softly, the knot in her chest easing for the first time that day. It didn't matter how many times Neptune tried to make her feel small—she wasn't alone. With Mariel and Venus by her side, she could stand tall. Even if Neptune's light shone brighter, Sonia knew her own light, quiet and steady like the water, was just as powerful. And one day, she'd prove it.

Together, they walked toward the school building going to an assembly, the tension of the morning fading with each step.