Beneath the Waves (Ocean Song Book 1)

*UPDATED* Chapter 11: Together at Last

Serena's and Arcelia's eyes fly open in horror as Rodion comes plummeting down towards them.

Arcelia gives a surprised noise, grasping hold of Serena's arm and dragging her into the water.

"What about Rodion!" Serena cries out, ready to swim back to the surface.

Arcelia turns her gaze to look at Serena whilst tugging her along. A splash sounds from behind them. "There is nothing you can do for him right now. We must go and wait at the seawall."

But Serena is confused. Why do they need to go and wait at the seawall?

As if sensing her thoughts, Arcelia answers, "The current is strong here. You may not notice it since it doesn't affect us, but it will undoubtedly carry your brother to the trench as it did you."

Serena says nothing more—looking back to see if she can catch a glimpse of Rodion's body. Wouldn't it be better to simply go and save him while his heart is still beating?

"Neither of us have the strength to fight against the current to pull your brother back up. For now, we shall hope that he's still alive by the time he reaches the trench."

Serena chews her lip worriedly as they hurry down the seawall. Not even a moment later, Rodion's body crests over the side, the current rapidly dragging him down.

But something strange is happening. Rodion's body has begun to produce a strange light.

She and Arcelia gawk as Rodion's ears morph into blue fins. His shirt flies from his body along with other articles of his clothing.

But bareness doesn't seem to be an issue, because no sooner does the last article of clothing disappear does a rapid succession of aquamarine scales overtake his legs.

"What's happening?" Serena asks shrilly as Arcelia squeezes her arm tighter.

"I-I do not know!"

Rodion's legs begin to meld together until they become one appendage, and a blue tail fin takes the place of his feet.

The light dies down, the change now complete. Serena and Arcelia are left to gawk at the bizarre phenomenon.

They seem to snap out of their stupor when Rodion's body passes by them to continue its descent into the darkness waiting below.

Serena moves forward and grabs Rodion's right arm while Arcelia grabs his left. Together, they hoist him away from the trench to lie him upon the sea floor a few feet away.

Serena stares in bewilderment while Arcelia's look is more akin to uncertainty. Something Serena can empathize with—they were supposed to return to the palace with just the two of them. Now, not only do they have a third person, but it's another human turned mermaid—or rather, merman.

Serena shakes her head—quickly moving to kneel at Rodion's side. Gently, she touches his shoulder and shakes him a little.

"Rod? Rodion... Rodion! Please, you must wake up!"

After a minute, Rodion cracks open his eyes with a grimace. He appears to be disoriented and doesn't seem to recognize his surroundings right away.

"Where the hell am I? And what's with this fucking pounding in my skull?" He groans as he rubs at the back of his head.

Serena chooses not to say anything yet—deciding it best to let him collect himself first.

But it doesn't take him long to bounce back before he's looking in her direction. First there's a blank look, followed by confusion, and realization hits not too long after that.