Chapter 38 : The Prince Of The Sea
From the Skybound Peaks, they traveled south, using an ancient map Diane had; the places marked with fading ink became their target-this was where the next hidden clan, the Tideborn Clan, lived, deep beneath the waves.
Jayden walked at the front of the group, his steps steady and determined. His connection to water had always been profound, but as they neared the shoreline, he felt something stirring within him—an energy both familiar and foreign.
"You've been quiet," Diane said, catching up to him.
Jayden looked at her, his blue eyes shining in the light of the sun like the stillness of an ocean. "The ocean's calling me," he said simply. "I can feel it."
"You think this reclusive clan will accept us?"
"They will," Jayden told her, his voice firm. "Because they don't have any other option."
---
The Ocean's Gate
They reached the top of a cliff overhanging the violent ocean. Waves crashed against boulders far beneath, and wind carried the cries of faraway seagulls.
"This is it," Jayden said, staring intently at some spot on the horizon.
Lucas furrowed his brow. "This doesn't look like much of a hidden clan to me. Just a whole lot of water.
Jayden just ignored him and moved forward. He knelt at the edge of the cliff, his hand to the ground, and closed his eyes. The sea below them suddenly started to quiet its chaotic crashing into a rhythmic pulse, as if the sea itself was breathing.
A few moments later, the water parted to show a hidden staircase carved into the side of the cliff.
"Well," Lucas said, whistling. "That's something you don't see every day."
"Let's go," Jayden said, leading the way down.
---
Beneath the Waves
The stairs corkscrewed their way down into a subterranean cavern filled with the shimmering light of bioluminescent plants and gleaming coral. The air was thick with moisture, water dripping from everywhere.
They had barely gone further inside when they came to a conjunction with some figures whose armors seemed to shimmer like living water. The first one was a large man with flowing, silver hair and piercing aqua eyes.
"You tread on sacred grounds," he said, in a deep, resonating voice that sounded like the ocean.
"We would have an audience with the Tideborn Clan," Jayden replied instantly and steadily.
The man eyed him a moment before nodding. "You bear the mark of the sea. Follow me."
---
The Tideborn Trial
They were brought to a large chamber, whose walls were painted with murals that told the history of the Tideborn Clan. Right at the middle of the chamber lay a large pool of water, its surface still as if a sheet of glass lay atop it.
"To prove your worth, you must complete the Tideborn Trial," he said. "Only then will we consider an alliance."
"What does the trial involve?" Diane asked warily.
He nodded toward the pool. "The Ocean's Heart rests at the bottom of this pool. To get it, one must face the Sea's Judgment."
Jayden stepped forward without a moment's hesitation. "I'll do it."
---
The Descent
No sooner did Jayden enter the pool than it began to roil as though alive. Others watched in anguish as he sank beneath the water surface.
The water completely engulfed Jayden and pulled him deep inside its mouth. The surrounding darkness pressed heavily upon him while the pressure tightened to crush him.
"The sea is not your enemy," a voice boomed in his mind. "But neither is it your ally. Prove that you are worthy of its power."
Jayden closed his eyes and concentrated as the water coursed through his veins. He extended with his powers, stilling the currents and pressing back the darkness. Slowly, his target-the Ocean's Heart, a bright blue gem-appeared.
It was if in an instant, the water around him erupted into a monstrous serpentine form with eyes aglow.
---
Sea Guardian
The attack came without warning, as swift and lethal the motions deadly. Jayden dodged and flowed like water as the torrent summoned itself around his person, pushing against the serpent for a hold.
"You want to test me?" Jayden muttered, his voice steady despite the danger. "Fine. Let's see how far I've come."
He focused his energy, drawing on the power of the ocean itself. The water around him responded, forming a massive trident in his hands. With a powerful thrust, he struck the serpent, sending shockwaves rippling through the water.
The serpent roared, its form flickering before dissolving into the currents. The Ocean's Heart floated before him, its light pulsing gently.
Jayden reached out and took it, feeling its power flow through him.
---
The Prince of the Sea
When Jayden emerged from the pool, the chamber was silent. The leader of the Tideborn Clan stepped forward, a look of approval on his face.
"You have proven yourself," he said. "The Ocean's Heart accepts you as one of its kin. You are worthy of the loyalty of the Tideborn."
Jayden nodded, his grip on the glowing gem tight.
He faced the others in the group. "We'll aid you against the Dark Apostles. The ocean stands with you."
---
A Rising Tide
As the group swam out from the underwater cavern, Jayden felt a whole new strength burst forth in his body. He was reminded, as the power pulsed into his hand, of the kind of power he currently held within.
"Good," Diane said, smiling at Jayden.
Jayden nodded without turning to either of them. He kept his gaze at the horizon. It is just starting. The sea has given us her blessing, yet there is more that needs doing.
With that, the group surged further on, their resolve stronger than it ever was. The more they made alliances with hidden clans, the higher the chance they could kill Dark Apostles. Still, there would be a very long road up ahead, filled with obstacles in this challenging game of power and skill.
For now, though, they rode on-the heave of tides and hope of good times to come.
---
Expansion Scenes
Away from the sanctuary of the Tideborn, the group made camp inland. Nighttime found Jayden sitting far from everyone else, his eyes looking out to the sea. The Ocean's Heart was clutched in his palm, radiating a soft light onto his face.
"Can't sleep?" The voice of Diane broke the quiet night.
Jayden didn't look at her. "I keep thinking about the Tideborn Clan. They've kept themselves hidden for so long, immune to the world above. Yet they've agreed to fight for a cause that isn't theirs."
"They see the same thing we do," Diane replied. "A world worth saving."
Finally, Jayden looked over at her, his face softening. "I just hope it's enough."
"It will be," Diane said resolutely. "Because we're not alone anymore.
Her words brought a small smile to Jayden's face. He slipped the Ocean's Heart into a pouch at his side and stood. "You're right. We've got a long road ahead, but we'll face it together."
As they rejoined the others around the fire, Jayden felt a sense of rejuvenation. The Ocean's Heart wasn't just a weapon but a symbol to inspire hope, a reminder of the strength they all had within themselves.