Morning broke over the shore, turning the waves into liquid silver under the rising sun. Liora sat cross-legged on the sand, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of moonlight reflected on the water. She could feel it now—an energy humming through her veins, a pull that connected her to every ripple, every current.
Kael waded into the shallow surf beside her. "You feel it too, right?" His storm-gray eyes held both excitement and caution. "The water… it's alive. And it's calling us."
Liora nodded. "I can sense it, almost like it's… speaking."
Selene, perched on a nearby rock, rolled her eyes playfully. "Speaking? You mean it's calling you drama queens." She grinned but her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Let me see."
When Selene placed her hand in the water, tiny waves lifted on their own, circling her fingers like obedient dancers. Her laughter turned into awe. "Okay… that's not normal."
From the shadows of a nearby cove, Riven appeared silently, his eyes scanning the horizon. "The ocean doesn't grant its gifts lightly. Each of you carries a fragment of its power—but you'll need control. Chaos waits if you let it rule you."
Suddenly, a surge erupted from the waves, pushing Kael back. In an instant, he lifted his trident instinctively, sending a column of water into the air. It spun, sparkling in sunlight, shaping into a perfect arch that arched over the sand before crashing back into the sea. Liora gasped.
"It's responding to you, Kael," Riven said. "You're the ocean's warrior, its protector. But don't let anger or fear guide you. The tide obeys intent, not strength."
Then Liora closed her eyes and raised her hands. The water at her feet lifted slowly, shimmering in silvery moonlight even under the morning sun. The waves curved around her, gentle yet alive, as if welcoming her command. "I—I think I understand," she whispered.
Selene clapped her hands in delight, splashing a wave toward them. "Finally! We're not just ordinary kids anymore. We're… elemental superheroes or something!"
Kael glanced at her, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Superheroes is one way to put it. But remember, every gift has its cost. The ocean is vast—and it can be unforgiving."
Riven's gaze drifted toward the horizon. "There's more than the tides to awaken. Shadows stir beyond the waves. We must be ready—together."
The four of them stood on the shore, feeling the power thrumming beneath their feet, connecting them to the Moon and the Sea. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once.
And somewhere deep in the ocean, something ancient stirred, sensing the awakening of its children. The tides of destiny were no longer just a whisper—they were a roaring current, pulling them forward into an adventure they could never have imagined.