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The sun had never been so bright on an Australian beach as it was that morning. It crept down silently and extended its rays toward the people, illuminating the crystal clear water and the white sand. It was clearing the path, helping someone-or some𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨-to search. The wind also pushed more violently that morning, aiding the sea, who thrust wave after wave, growing with increased anger, its currents gradually growing taller and more aggressive as the water searched urgently. It scanned through every being that entered its waters and strolled on the sand, yet never finding the one person it needed. It would continue to search, waiting and growing more desperate with every second that passed.

* * 10 years later * *

"Do you think we'll see kangaroos?" Cleo asked.

"You've forgotten that I've driven this road many times, love...I never see any." Tre said in his deep Australian accent.

"Sorry, I forgot." Cleo grinned at her boyfriend, punching him playfully. She was particularly in a good mood since it was their one-year anniversary, her eighteenth birthday, and her first time in his home country. "I just can't believe we're finally here."

"Took long enough," he muttered. "15 hours on that tiny plane, then that cursed bus ride…" Tre shook his head, his shoulder-length hair flying back with the wind. After living her whole life in Iceland, he'd convinced her a while back to move with him, not knowing that leaving was all she'd ever wanted. Her whole life she'd dreamed of leaving her miserable life in the village, confined to Nanny's rules with no room to freely explore the world, go on adventures; fly free. Now, feeling the wind rush in through the open roof of the Jeep, gliding on the road, she could finally feel some of that freedom she'd been craving for so long.

Buildings now came into view after hours of empty grasslands, replacing the fields with signs of population. And to her right, beautiful ocean water seemed to follow them as they zoomed by.

A thick bead of sweat dripped down Cleo's cheek as the morning sun struck her pale skin. "Does the house come with a board?" she asked. Unfortunately, when sneaking out of her home a few nights ago, she had to leave behind one of her most prized possessions-- a wooden surfboard that'd been with her everywhere, not to mention won her a few contests.

Back home she'd escape to the beach as much as possible-they lived near it-and spend hours surfing, inhaling the cold, salty air as the waves danced, one after the other.

Tre rolled his eyes. "See for yourself. We're here."

"Tre, it's amazing!" She gasped as she took in the view before her. Two palm trees, just like he'd said, stood proudly at the porch of their new house like security guards, reaching up to the third story. The entire house was a marvelous white, with large glass windows and a balcony on each of its three stories. She looked over at him excitedly, her smile fading as he shrugged and got out of the car.

"You could be a little more excited," she muttered. She shrugged it off and went to go help him unpack. She needed someone who could handle her wildness and desire for adventure, and as long as Tre could do that, it was fine with her.

* * *

"Woah, a queen's bed," Cleo gaped at the enormous bed in front of her. She jumped face-down onto it, sinking into the comforter. "I've always wanted one of these," she sighed happily.

Her excitement only grew as she discovered wonder after wonder all around her new bedroom. A walk-in closet, an elaborate jewelry box, a lava lamp, and so much more. Downstairs there were even more wonderful objects, many of which she didn't even know had existed.

Cleo sighed deeply as she sunk into the white chair, lifting her hand to block the rays of the now setting sun. Goodbye, Iceland, she chuckled to herself. Goodbye, boring old life.

No one from her past could ever find her now, or stop her from finally fulfilling her dream. Not grouchy old Nanny, not the fisherman who'd always tattle when she borrowed-fine, stole- a loaf of bread, not even the police who'd recognize her if they did find her from various, er, minor incidents.

The ocean breeze gently grazed her cheek as if introducing itself, the waves playfully piling one over the other, greeting her with each splash. The beach was only a short walk away, but from her balcony, it seemed she could practically touch the clear water.

A tiny rainbow caught her eye suddenly- the glint of an object sticking out from behind the railing of the balcony to her left. With a curious gleam in her eyes, she headed over to the room with the balcony that held the mystical object.

"What in the world?" she winced upon entering the balcony, immediately shielding her eyes. The object was blindingly bright, and she was forced to protect herself. Feeling its intensity diminish, she cautiously lowered her hands and the mysterious object finally came into view.

A stunning surfboard, glistening in the sun's descending light. She froze for a few seconds, breathless. In all her years of life, never had she seen such a surreal, breathtaking object. Entranced, she slowly approached it, marveling at its beauty. She gently placed a palm on its smooth surface that seemed to be made from aquamarine crystals. She traced the engraved design- a golden trident almost glowing, so glossy she could see her own widened eyes in the reflection.

She felt a bond, an instant connection activated with it. Somehow she could feel its desperateness, an urge to tell her something, a message it needed to reveal to her.

Touching the bottom of the magical board, she suddenly noticed another engraved mark. Curious, she drew closer to the lower part of the board and squinted to try reading the scribble. It was a name engraved in ancient black lettering. Her heart instantly stopped as her brain processed the elegant cursive letters. She reread it over and over again, trying to comprehend it. Four beautifully engraved letters proudly proclaimed one name: 𝓒𝓵𝓮𝓸.