Against All Odds

Chapter:5

Levi's POV:

I let out a melodious laugh, the sound carrying over the waves. "Nah, I'm good. But speaking of birthdays, do you remember when we were both just little guppies, only 13 years old At the phasing grounds?" Finn's eyes widened in excitement. "Oh, how could I forget? I still remember my heart beating faster and my stomach churn with fear." His excitement vanished. "Yeah," I sighed, gazing out at the shimmering sea. "It feels like it was just yesterday. But that encounter changed everything for me." The whole event played out in a flash before my eyes- Zeeba was asked to step into the wave, and he did without hesitation. As soon as he stepped into the wave, it suddenly stopped spinning and became calm as the water around him was also still. It was as if he had entered a dome of calmness within the wild ocean. Then the water around him began to shift and move. It was like a mini tsunami was taking place, and he was at the center of it. It seemed as if he had a strange connection to the water, as if it was listening to his every thought. He made the waves go high, and within seconds, the water around him grew higher and higher, until it reached a towering height. The instructor raised both his hands as he announced- "Tide Manipulator! Ruling Council!" It was one of the rarest powers in the Mer kingdoms. Only one member of the high- ranking ruling council possessed it. Anyone who had such powers could maneuver the waters to endless possibilities. No one ever challenged a tide manipulator- one who could end any merman or mermaid just by amassing away the very water that gave them life. They were regarded as lord of the seas. Zeeba then brought the waves to a calm, and stepped aside. Kilan stepped forward , and the same process was followed and when she stepped in the wave, It became still and then a glowing blue aura came around her. Fishes began to swarm around her to a point where she was totally covered by them. Suddenly all the fishes dropped dead, and without lifting a muscle Kilan levitated the dead fishes, and immediately brought them back to life. The instructor who had been observing the unfolding events, raised both his hands and loudly announced- " Telekinesis! Healer!" A few of the healers had such powers. One with such powers could heal merfolk, and even other sea creatures. If and when trained, they could harness portions of various kinds from the very elements of the earth. The glow vanished, and Kilan stepped aside. Next was Mika. When she stepped in the wave after taking the portion of sacred water, the waves stood still, a glowing aura came around her just like with Kilan only this time, it was green.She started singing,and just then, all the mermen and mermaids who had been quietly watching the phasing event, swam around her, made a circle with her in their midst, and then they all bowed. The instructor in the same gesture, announced- "Siren! Warrior! " Merfolk who possess such powers use it for defensive purpose, as they could hypnotize any living being to doing their own biddings. They could make enemies of Atlantia turn against themselves in cases of war or threat. Mika stopped singing, releasing the mermen and mermaids from her hypnotism. She proudly moved to the side Zeeba and Kilan were positioned. Myself and Finn was left, and even though it seemed as though it was easy for the others, I still couldn't sum up the courage to take my test, so I hesitated and allowed Finn to step forward. He took the portion and stepped in the wave. The wave stood still, and Finn shut his eyes for a moment. Suddenly, a color mix of grey and white waves moved like a shadow away from him, and shot straight at a nearby rock. Everyone's glances moved with the wave to the rock, and behold- dead fishes that was stored as food lay there. Many mermen and mermaids shook their heads in disappointment as to how Finn decided to reveal his ability. The instructor announced- " Enhanced senses! Warrior!" Merfolk with this ability could perceive non-Atlantians as soon as they came close to the territory. They were mostly used as watchmen against any threat from both enemy kingdoms and sharks- which endangered them. Finn still found humor in the test by using his power to locate food- an act which many found very hilarious. He opened his eyes and the colored wave dispersed and vanished in the waters. He stepped to the side, with a silly smile on his face. Finally I was the only one left, nobody to hide behind. I stepped forward to take the portion, The warrior made the swirling wave one last time, and I hesitantly stepped in. The waves came to a halt, and I tried all I could to concentrate- even shutting my eyes. I stood there motionless for a moment hoping something would happen, everyone's eyes fixated on mine. Nothing was happening, and I was beginning to sink to the ocean floor since I stopped wagging my tail. The instructor swam to the council members, and they discussed for a brief moment and then he came back to the spot where he had been whilst the phasing took place. He then announced the close of the phasing test, as everyone's eyes widened in disbelief to the fact that I didn't belong anywhere in the kingdom. He indulged everyone to carry on with their normal routine, Mika, Zeeba, Finn and Kilan to return to the cave and await further instructions, and asked me to go see the council. As I moved in the glistening blue waters, my mind raced with anticipation. The council members were some of the highest ranking officials of my kingdom, and I had been summoned to meet with them and King Luca himself. As I swam towards them, I could already hear hushed whispers and murmurs coming from the council members. My heart began to beat faster as I imagined all the possible consequence of my failure. However, as I approached the council chambers, the whispers seemed to fade into silence. It was as if they had been waiting for my arrival. I felt a sense of unease wash over me. I saw all the council members each with a stern expression on their face, and King Luca, his piercing scarred eyes staring directly at me. I couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by his powerful presence." You are to tag along Finn, as he carries on with his tasks. I hear you are quite close." King Luca said. " Yes my King." I responded and left to find Finn. Ever since that day, I have been living a purposeless life, being ignored in Atlantia by everyone, and wandering off to this sandbank which I'm currently seated on, every year to mark my birthday. (Shaken back to reality) "Levi, Are you daydreaming yet again?" Finn asked looking puzzled. " I was just thinking about that day." I responded. "Let it go man, Sooner or later you'll eventually find your destiny." He said. " I belie....." He didn't finish speaking, and just immediately shut his eyes. Before I could ask what the problem was, he dove in the water and moved fast. Confused on what to do, I dove in and followed. We hadn't swam too far, when I caught up with Finn staring at a figure of a mermaid with parted tails- the best description I could give for such a strange creature. I could tell it was female when I swam close to her. She had a long green hair, tail that seemed to be made of the same skin as her upper part, which looked like bigger set of hands attached to her waist and she looked lifeless. Finn was scared to come close, he kept a safe distance from this creature. He had perceived something strange while we were at the sandbank, and traced it here. I quickly grabbed her and headed for the sandbank.