Chapter 1: A Very Unserious Mission

Somewhere deep beneath the ocean, where everything was meant to be calm, magical, and beautifully controlled…

…everything was absolutely out of control.

Auriella swam past a rush of panicking mermaids, her long hair flowing behind her as she dodged someone who nearly crashed into her.

Her brows slowly pulled together, confusion written all over her face as she turned mid-water.

“Okay, I need someone to explain why everyone is acting like the ocean is about to collapse, because this level of chaos feels very unnecessary.”

One of the passing mermaids glanced at her with wide eyes, clearly too distressed to stop.

“Something is wrong!” she said before speeding off again.

Auriella blinked, then let out a small scoff as she crossed her arms mid-swim.

“Yes, I gathered that much. I just want to know what kind of wrong we’re dealing with.”

Before she could get another answer, Thalina appeared beside her. Although she looked slightly out of breath, her posture remained composed, her expression calm but serious.

“Auriella,” she said, her voice steady as always, “this is not one of your moments to stand back and comment on everything. Your parents have called a royal meeting.”

Auriella froze slightly, her playful expression fading into something more alert. She slowly turned her head toward Thalina, her eyes narrowing just a little.

“When you say a royal meeting, do you mean the serious kind or the ‘we want to remind everyone of the rules’ kind?”

Thalina gave her a flat look. “The serious kind.”

Auriella let out a quiet breath, her shoulders dropping just slightly. “…Alright, now I’m concerned.”

---

By the time they reached the royal hall, the mood had shifted completely.

The usual elegance of the palace was still there, but it felt overshadowed by tension. Groups of mermaids whispered among themselves, their expressions filled with unease.

Auriella and Thalina took their place among them.

Auriella leaned closer, lowering her voice as her lips curved into a faint, unimpressed smile.

“If this ends up being another lecture about behavior and posture, I’m leaving. I refuse to sit through that again.”

Thalina kept her eyes forward, her tone quiet but firm. “It’s not. I heard something about the ocean’s power.”

Auriella’s expression changed instantly. Her smile faded, replaced by confusion as she turned to look at her properly. “The ocean’s power?” she repeated, her voice softer now.

Before Thalina could respond, silence fell over the hall.

The King and Queen had arrived.

Auriella straightened slightly, her playful energy dimming just enough to match the atmosphere.

King Triton stepped forward, his presence alone enough to command attention. His face remained calm, but there was a weight behind his eyes that didn’t go unnoticed.

“The power of Aquaria is weakening,” he announced.

Auriella’s eyes widened before she could stop herself, her head tilting in disbelief.

“How does that even happen?” she asked, her voice rising slightly. “The ocean isn’t something that just decides to stop working.”

Thalina quickly reached for her arm, her grip firm as she leaned closer.

“Auri, lower your voice,” she warned.

Auriella sighed softly but didn’t pull away.

“I am asking a reasonable question,” she muttered, though she leaned back slightly.

Queen Seraphine stepped forward then, her expression calm yet authoritative, her presence carrying a quiet strength.

“The imbalance does not come from within our waters,” she said.

A brief pause followed before she continued.

“It originates from the human world.”

Auriella’s brows lifted again, this time in disbelief mixed with curiosity. She tilted her head slightly, her lips parting as she spoke.

“Are we entirely sure they know what they’re doing, or are they just causing problems without realizing it?” she asked, her tone genuinely thoughtful despite the situation.

Thalina let out a quiet sigh beside her. “You really cannot help yourself, can you?”

Auriella gave the smallest shrug, her lips curving faintly. “It’s part of my charm.”

The Queen raised her hand, silencing the room once more.

“To restore balance, representatives must be sent to the human world.”

Auriella’s gaze immediately shifted away, her expression turning carefully neutral as she examined a nearby pillar with sudden interest.

“And the decision has already been made.”

Auriella relaxed slightly, a small, satisfied breath escaping her.

That was perfect. That meant it wasn’t her problem.

“Auriella.”

Her body went still.

She slowly turned her head, her expression blank as she met her mother’s gaze.

“And Thalina.”

Thalina didn’t react much, though her arms crossed loosely as if she had already accepted what was coming.

Auriella blinked once, then shook her head lightly, disbelief clear in her voice.

“No, I don’t think that’s correct,” she said, her tone polite but firm. “There are definitely better options. Many better options.”

King Triton’s gaze settled on her, steady and unwavering. “You are more capable than you believe.”

Auriella placed a hand over her chest, her expression shifting into mild offense.

“And you are my father, which means your opinion is very biased,” she replied without hesitation.

A few murmurs spread through the hall.

Queen Seraphine gave her a look.

Auriella immediately straightened, her expression smoothing out. “…Respectfully biased,” she corrected.

For a brief moment, amusement flickered in the Queen’s eyes.

Auriella turned back to her father, studying him more closely this time. Her expression softened slightly as she noticed the faint tension in his posture.

“You don’t like this decision,” she said quietly.

There was a pause.

The King’s expression shifted just slightly, the stern ruler fading enough to reveal the father beneath.

“If there were another way, you would not be going,” he admitted.

Auriella held his gaze for a moment, something unspoken passing between them before she exhaled softly.

Thalina stepped forward then, her chin lifting slightly as she spoke. “Then why send her at all?”

The King looked at her, his voice steady again. “Because she will succeed.”

There was no hesitation in his tone.

Auriella blinked, clearly caught off guard before her lips slowly curved into a small, confident smile. “Well… that does sound like me,” she admitted.

Thalina rolled her eyes. " Narcissist."

"Proudly one" Auriella said with a smirk.

Queen Seraphine shook her head lightly, though there was fondness in her expression. “You will both leave at dawn.”

Auriella sank back slightly, her shoulders dropping as she stared ahead. “We are going to die,” she said flatly.

Thalina didn’t even hesitate. “We are not going to die,” she replied, her tone calm and certain.

Auriella turned to her, her brows lifting. “You don’t know that. Humans are unpredictable. What if they see us and decide we look edible?”

Thalina’s expression didn’t change. “No one is going to eat you.”

“You cannot guarantee that,” Auriella insisted, narrowing her eyes slightly.

“I am choosing not to encourage this line of thinking,” Thalina replied smoothly.

Auriella let out a small huff before resting her chin on her hand, clearly still unconvinced.

For a moment, she was quiet.

Then suddenly, she looked up, her blue eyes lighting up with a hint of curiosity and expectation.

“Do you think they would have good food?” she asked.

Thalina paused, considering it seriously. “From what I’ve heard, yes,” she admitted.

Auriella straightened immediately, her entire mood shifting as excitement slipped into her expression.

“Alright then,” she said with a small nod. “I will face this mission with courage and grace.”

Thalina raised a brow slightly. “Because of food?”

“Because I have priorities,” Auriella replied smoothly.

That earned the faintest smile from Thalina. Auriella leaned back slightly, a spark of excitement now visible in her eyes.

“This might actually be interesting,” she said.

Thalina glanced at her, her lips curving just a little. “With you involved, it definitely will be.”

Chapter 2: So… We’re Going Back to School??

The room was too quiet.

Which was strange… because VYBE was never quiet.

Zane sprawled across the couch, scrolling through his phone like it contained the meaning of life. “Okay, this is officially getting annoying. It just keeps getting worse.”

Jace snatched the phone from him mid-scroll. “…Oh.”

Blake leaned over, curiosity lighting his face. “Is it bad?”

“Do you want honest or comforting?” Jace asked, one brow raised.

“…Comforting.”

Jace tilted his head slowly. “It’s bad.”

Blake groaned dramatically. “Great. Just what I needed to hear.”

Cole didn’t even look up from his laptop. “It’s trending again,” he said calmly.

Adrian, arms crossed, frowned slightly. “Still?”

“Yeah,” Cole replied. “And it’s not just the original issue anymore. People are adding new stuff. Rumors, theories… it’s spreading fast.”

Zane groaned and flopped back. “People seriously need hobbies.”

“Zane,” Adrian said, calm as ever, “this is the internet. This is literally their hobby.”

“…Unfortunate,” Zane muttered then glanced at Kai. He turned and said with a hint of complaint.

"You know, for someone in the center of all this, you are too calm."

Kai sat quietly in the corner, fingers lightly strumming his guitar. “Talking won’t change anything,” he murmured.

“…Wow. So helpful,” Zane said, shooting him a look.

Before anyone could reply, the door opened. Damon Reed walked in, coffee in hand, smiling like nothing could phase him.

“Morning, superstars,” he said casually.

No one responded.

Damon raised a hand, clearly amused. “…Okay, tough crowd.”

Zane jabbed a finger at him. “Say something useful.”

“Useful…” Damon tapped his chin. “You all look alive. That counts, right?”

Zane groaned. “Not helpful.”

Damon chuckled and dropped a file on the table. “Sit down. I have news.”

They all sat, eyes on the file.

“We’re taking a break.”

Silence.

Blake blinked. “A break?”

“Yeah. Full one. No shows, no releases, nothing. We lay low until this blows over.”

Zane shot up. “For how long??”

“A few months,” Damon said, unbothered.

“…I’m going to lose my mind,” Zane muttered.

“Probably,” Damon said lightly.

Jace ran a hand over his face. “So what exactly do we do? Just disappear somewhere?”

Damon smirked. “Better. You’re going back to school.”

For a second, no one breathed.

Then the room exploded.

“NO??” they all yelled.

Even Kai looked up, calm as always, his eyes flicking to Damon.

Zane jabbed him. “Be serious.”

“I am,” Damon said.

Jace rubbed his face. “School… as in classes, uniforms, people asking for pens we’ll never get back?”

“All of it,” Damon confirmed.

Blake frowned. “…Which school?”

“Bluecrest Academy,” Damon said casually.

Adrian blinked. “…The boarding school?”

“Yep,” Damon nodded.

Zane stared. “So not only are we going to school…”

“…We’re living there too??” Jace finished.

“Exactly,” Damon said, smiling faintly.

Zane’s chair screeched as he stood up. “I refuse. Absolutely refuse.”

“You don’t have a choice,” Damon said lightly.

“…I still refuse.”

“Noted,” Damon said, completely unbothered.

Cole finally closed his laptop. “Wait… the agency agreed??” he asked, eyes wide.

Damon tapped the file. “Yes. They agreed. Controlled environment, good security, and you’ll be treated like normal students.”

Zane laughed sharply. “Impossible. People are going to recognize us immediately.”

“They probably will,” Damon admitted. “But no concerts. No fan meetings. Follow school rules. Keep things quiet.”

Adrian nodded slowly. “…Makes sense.”

Zane looked betrayed. “You too??”

Blake tilted his head, smiling faintly. “I think it might be… interesting.”

Zane jabbed him. “Stop saying that.”

Kai finally spoke, calm as ever. “It’s better than staying here.”

Everyone turned.

Zane frowned. “…You’re okay with this?”

Kai shrugged. “Less noise.”

Jace scoffed. “There is no version of school that is quiet.”

“…Less,” Kai corrected.

Cole nodded. “A new environment might help.”

Zane looked around like he’d been abandoned. “…Wow.”

Damon clapped once. “Great. Team spirit. Love to see it.”

“Pack your things. You leave tomorrow,” he said.

“Tomorrow??” Zane snapped.

“Yep.”

“…We’re actually doing this,” Jace said slowly.

“Nope,” Damon smirked. “You’re definitely doing this. Try not to get expelled in the first week.”

“Not promising anything,” Jace muttered.

Damon chuckled and left.

The room fell quiet again.

Zane flopped back. “This is going to be a disaster.”

“…Yeah,” Jace said, half amused.

Blake smiled faintly. “I still want to see it.”

Adrian stood, arms crossed. “Get ready.”

Cole picked up his laptop. “Bluecrest Academy,” he murmured.

Kai lifted his guitar. “…School,” he muttered.

Zane groaned. “I hate this already.”

Then Damon’s words lingered in their heads, almost like a warning:

“And… ECLYPS will be joining next week.”

Blake groaned. “Figures. The agency is promoting them nonstop. No wonder they fueled that rumor.”

Jace scowled. “Perfect. Not only do we deal with school… we deal with them too.”

Zane growled. “I can already feel myself wanting to punch Riven in the face.”

Kai didn’t say anything, but his eyes turned a degree colder..

" Cough, come on guys look on the brighter side. It's atleast gonna be fun." Blake said quickly changing the topic

"Yh" The rest chorused after him.

Kai looked outside for a long time before stroking the guitar strings softly.

"Hm". He muttered barely audible.

Chapter 3: The Princess Who Must Leave

Auriella stood in the center of her room, staring at the neatly packed bags laid out before her.

“…So this is really happening,” she muttered, spinning slowly, blue eyes scanning every item like she might change her mind.

Behind her, Thalina sprawled across the bed, one arm draped over her eyes. “You’ve said that five times already,” she drawled.

Auriella turned slightly, lips quirking. “Because it doesn’t feel real.”

Thalina sat up, arms crossed, giving her that calm-but-bold glare. “You’re going to land, not disappearing forever.”

“…Same difference,” Auriella said, pouting.

“Drama,” Thalina muttered, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

Auriella sighed and returned her gaze to the bags. Clothes. Trinkets. Things she had used for years. None of it felt important anymore.

“…What if something goes wrong?” she whispered.

Thalina softened. “Then we fix it. You know we always do.”

Auriella hesitated. “…What if we can’t?”

Before Thalina could answer, there was a gentle knock at the door. Both girls froze.

“…Come in,” Auriella called, heart thumping.

The doors opened slowly, and the King and Queen stepped inside. Instantly, the room felt different—warmer, safer, and… heavier somehow.

Auriella straightened. “Father. Mother.”

The Queen smiled softly, walking toward her. “You’re ready?”

Auriella glanced at the bags, then back at her mother. “…I think so.”

The King’s eyes swept the room, lingering on the packed things… then flicked to Auriella herself. He hesitated, then cleared his throat like he wasn’t sure he could say it.

“…You don’t sound convinced,” he said, voice low, almost quiet.

Auriella gave a small smile. “I’m trying to be.”

The Queen reached out, adjusting a strand of Auriella’s hair. “You don’t have to pretend with us.”

That alone almost broke her composure. “…I’ve never left Aquaria before,” she admitted quietly.

The King shifted, fidgeting slightly, hands brushing against each other nervously. “…And yet… you’re willing to go.” His voice wavered a touch, softer than usual, almost pleading.

Auriella blinked up at him. “…Because I have to.”

He took a small step closer, lowering his voice. “…But I don’t have to like it.” His hand twitched as if he wanted to reach out and stop her, then he clenched it into a fist at his side.

Silence fell for a heartbeat. The Queen cupped Auriella’s cheek, voice gentle. “And that is exactly why you’re ready.”

Auriella’s shoulders relaxed slightly, eyes softening. Thalina, sensing the tension, looked away and began pretending to inspect a corner of the room.

The King shifted again, almost unconsciously stepping a little closer, voice softening. “The surface world is… strange. It will not move the way you expect. And I—” he swallowed, “…I worry, more than I should.”

“…I know,” Auriella murmured, reaching out slightly as if to ease his worry.

“You will see things that confuse you,” he added, gaze lingering protectively on her.

Auriella let out a small breath. “…That too.”

The Queen’s lips curved in a faint smile. “And you will probably say something you shouldn’t.”

Thalina snorted quietly from the bed.

“I do not—” Auriella began indignantly.

“—You do,” Thalina cut in with a grin.

The Queen laughed softly. Even the King’s expression softened, but his next words were firm—less commanding, more… clingy.

“You are not going as just our daughter,” he said, voice slightly trembling with reluctance.

Auriella straightened again, eyes glimmering. “I am leaving as…?”

“As the future of Aquaria,” the Queen answered, hand brushing lightly over her hair.

The words settled in the room like sunlight through water. “…I understand,” Auriella whispered, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.

The Queen reached into a small velvet pouch and placed a delicate pendant into Auriella’s hand. Auriella blinked. “…Mother?”

“It’s for protection,” the Queen said softly. “Keep it close. And remember…” She hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, “…we believe in you.”

Auriella closed her fingers around it. “…I will.”

For a heartbeat, no one spoke.

Then the King, hesitating, bent down slightly and placed both hands gently on her shoulders, almost like he didn’t want to let go.

“…Make us proud,” he murmured, voice soft, almost pleading, eyes flicking everywhere she moved as if checking she was still there.

Auriella smiled faintly. “I’ll try.”

Thalina stretched, rolling her eyes. “Alright, emotional moment over. If we don’t leave soon, I’m changing my mind.”

Auriella laughed softly, shaking her head. “You were never going to stay behind.”

“…Obviously not,” Thalina said, smirking.

The Queen shook her head, smiling warmly.

The King took a small, almost reluctant step back, hands still twitching slightly.

“…It is time,” he said softly, voice carrying a faint whine, as if he wanted to call her back.

Auriella took one last look around her room—her home, her sanctuary.

Then she lifted her bag, shoulders squared, eyes glinting with quiet determination. “…Let’s go.”

And just like that…

The Princess of Aquaria stepped forward into a world she had never seen before, while behind her, her father lingered for a heartbeat longer, watching every step with a mixture of worry and helpless attachment.