Chapter 5 Merman was stranded

Zorak, the mighty dragon, beat his massive wings with force, preparing to land. Violet felt the strong gusts of wind as they descended slowly toward the rocky shoreline.

As they touched down, Violet swiftly leaped from Zorak's back, landing gracefully on the damp sand. Her sharp eyes scanned the surroundings while the storm still howled around them. With her tracking device in hand, she tried to locate the merman who was reportedly in critical condition.

"That way!" Violet called out, pointing toward a spot nestled between large coral rocks.

They hurried toward the location, carefully making their way across the slippery stones and wet sand. Between two towering rocks, they finally saw him a merman, gravely injured. His shimmering scales were torn, and his tail was pinned tightly between jagged stones.

"He's still breathing!" Violet exclaimed, dropping to her knees beside the wounded merman. "We need to get him free now!"

Zorak moved quickly, using his immense strength to lift the rock that trapped the merman's tail, while Violet gently examined his wounds. After a few tense moments of effort, they successfully freed him.

Without wasting time, Violet retrieved her medical kit from her bag and began treating the merman's injuries. "It's okay… you'll be alright," she whispered softly, trying to calm the fragile creature.

The merman's eyes fluttered open. He looked at Violet and Zorak with a mixture of gratitude and confusion, though he was clearly weak. Zorak's tail swayed with satisfaction, pleased that they had managed to save a life in need.

"Thank you," the merman said faintly, his voice trembling. "I don't know how I would've survived without your help."

Once she finished dressing the wounds, Violet sat beside the merman, ensuring the bandages were secure. The merman, now calmer, gave them a gentle smile.

"Thank you so much. My name is Safir," he said, looking at both Violet and Zorak. "Who are you? I was startled when I saw such a large creature… a dragon."

Violet offered a warm smile. "My name is Violet, and this is Zorak. We come from another world. I'm from Elaria, and Zorak he's a reptilian who mutated into a dragon after exposure to radiation on this planet."

Zorak nodded, his tail slowly swaying. "I know this must be overwhelming, Safir, but we're here for a purpose to explore and search for resources on this Blue Planet."

Safir slowly nodded, processing everything. "Thank you again. I still can't believe I'm alive because of you."

Violet gently patted his shoulder. "We're glad we could help. But how did you end up here?"

Safir took a deep breath, recalling the events that led him to the shore. "I was searching for food near the reef when the storm hit. The waves were too strong I was thrown against the rocks and couldn't free myself. I was losing hope… until you came."

Now that Safir was stable, Violet saw an opportunity to learn more about the planet.

"Safir, I want to know more about this planet," Violet asked curiously. "Is there a civilization here? Why are the surface conditions so extreme?"

Safir gazed out at the vast, churning sea. "The Blue Planet is known for its violent storms and endless oceans. But there's more beneath the surface secrets few outsiders know."

Violet and Zorak listened intently.

"The main civilizations are not on the surface," Safir continued. "We, the merfolk, and many other species live deep under the ocean. Down there are massive cities and structures built with advanced technology. We harness underwater resources and stable energy from the depths to sustain our civilization."

Violet's eyes widened in awe. "So the entire civilization lies beneath the sea? That's incredible. How do you survive the pressure and darkness in such depths?"

Safir gave a knowing smile. "Our technology is highly advanced. We use natural materials from the planet to create comfortable, illuminated habitats. Over thousands of years, our bodies have also adapted to the pressure and darkness."

Zorak leaned forward slightly. "Are there other threats besides the surface storms?"

Safir nodded. "Yes, many. There are colossal predators beneath the waves, and some areas are dangerous due to volcanic activity. But we've learned how to survive and thrive despite the dangers."

Violet was fascinated. "Would it be possible to visit your underwater cities? I'd love to learn more and perhaps help the people of this planet."

Safir hesitated, then said, "It's possible, but very risky for outsiders. The environment isn't easy to navigate if you're not adapted. Still, I could help you find a safe way after all, you saved my life."

Violet and Zorak exchanged a glance. "We'd be grateful for your help," Violet said eagerly. "We want to understand this world better and maybe contribute something meaningful."

Then Violet remembered the rare mineral she had brought with her, the one that had altered her physiology in strange ways. She decided to ask Safir about it.

"Safir, one more thing," she said, pulling out a small piece of the mineral from her pouch. "Do you know anything about this?"

Safir studied the mineral carefully, then shook his head. "I'm sorry, Violet. I've never seen anything like it. I'm just an ordinary citizen I don't have much knowledge about such materials."

Violet looked slightly disappointed, but Safir added, "However, there are noble merfolk in our kingdom who study ancient and mysterious elements. They might know something about this mineral. But approaching them could be dangerous, especially for off-worlders. They might see you as a threat or worse, a subject for experimentation."

Zorak growled softly, clearly displeased at the thought. "So what should we do?" he asked, his voice firm.

Violet shook her head. "Let it be, Zorak. I'll study it on my own. The risk of visiting their civilization is too high right now. We'll stay on the surface and explore further."

Safir, now looking stronger, prepared to return to his home beneath the sea. Their conversation continued as the rain still fell around them.

"I must go now," said Safir, glancing at the raging water in the distance. "That current will carry me back to the depths."

Violet frowned, concerned. "Are you sure it's safe? The storm is still fierce, and the waves are massive."

Safir gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Violet. I'm used to this. Storms are part of life here on the Blue Planet."

Violet still looked uneasy, but Zorak touched her shoulder with his tail, gently urging her to trust Safir.

"Thank you again for everything," Safir said. "If I find any information about that mineral, I'll try to send word. But for now, I must go."

Violet took a deep breath. "Alright, Safir. Be careful. We'll remain here and continue trying to learn more about your world."

Safir nodded and made his way toward the roaring tide. The massive waves greeted him, pulling him swiftly into the current. Violet and Zorak watched him disappear into the ocean, his movements powerful and graceful even in the chaos of the storm.

With one final wave, Safir vanished into the depths, returning to the place he called home. Violet stood quietly, feeling a mix of relief and curiosity.

"He'll be fine," Zorak said calmly, trying to reassure her.