Episode Eighteen: The Great Sea Spirit

A sudden wind blew across the tiny island. It blew in dark clouds. Before they knew it the heavens poured down heavy rain on them. The sky was filled with thunder and lightning. In moments they were completely drenched. Even yet, they could not help but be still.

The great beast of the ocean transformed into a majestic young man. Hong and Lakia stared on in awe. His tail became a long white robe of colorfully woven kelp and flowers. On his head sparkled a crown of shells and coral. The air became electrified as he raised his scepter to them and a lightning bolt flashed down toward it.

His dark hair and bright eyes reminded Lakia of Dodo, though only for a moment. "I am Blanne, the Great Sea Spirit. I have come a long way to find you, Lakia of the Mountain People; Lakia, descendant of the South Ocean Tribe." he said, in a voice that boomed like thunder.

Lakia pulled the yellow and red patterned blanket tight around her shoulders and stepped out from behind Hong. With all the courage she could find inside her, she managed to speak, "What do you want with me?"

A tiny shaft of light broke through the clouds and streamed across the majestic one's face. As it reflected off his shiny crown, a rainbow could be seen in the rain over his head. Hong fell to his knees, and Lakia soon followed. The sparkling spirit continued, "We are going on an mission. We leave first thing in the morning."

Lakia's heart was filled with compassion and so she cried out, "And what about Hong, Your Highness? Must Hong be left here to perish all alone?"

Blanne softened his voice somewhat and replied: "No, my dear Lakia, Hong is going with us. For it was his cry to Isola many years ago that brought me here for you today." The Great Sea Spirit walked over to Hong and gently touched his shoulder. "You have done well, Great Leader Hong. We did not want to replace you." He turned to Lakia. "The King and Queen desire to see you both!"

And with that, the majestic young man turned around and opened his arms and carried fruit and honey to the island's little inhabitants. "Let us eat and sleep, for tomorrow will be a day to remember!" ...

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