Aquatina could give people underwater breathing, however there was a problem. Three of Asukem's friends were cat-like beings and a cat and they didn't like getting wet, so they had to find another way to get to the city. As Asukem and his friends were trying to figure out how to get to the city, the villagers were helping Aquatina respect the snake men that had been killed and giving them burials, as they were still her people but transformed into sinister beings.

The villagers proposed a solution to the community's dilemma, expressing their gratitude for the assistance in protecting their village from the impending attack. They recommended utilizing the sealed pathway, known as the Road of Neptide, despite its closure due to human hostility. Aquatina was aware of this route but acknowledged that it had been sealed off by her father to prevent further conflict. However, with the city of Oshilu facing imminent danger and the threat of a hostile takeover or destruction, the situation called for desperate measures.

Aquatina took a deep breath and decided to take responsibility. She humbly apologized to the villagers, expressing her regret for causing trouble in their village. The villagers blushed, smiled, and nervously chuckled, insisting she didn't need to feel embarrassed. Aquatina was surprised by their understanding and acceptance of her apology. Glancing at Asukem and his friends, she noticed their kind and welcoming expressions. With a heavy heart, Aquatina prepared herself for the consequences of allowing outsiders into the city.

The villagers equipped the group with food and water not of the sea for the journey. Aquatina steeled her nerves, as she was nervous about seeing the road of Neptide. She hasn't seen it in ages, only one can think of how it would hold up or even if the forces of Aqilus took it over. They started their journey by walking on the beach line, Leo, Kittienia, and Kwitwaka tried to stay out of the waves of the ocean. The ocean sparkled as the sun reflected from it and the white sand under their feet hugged their feet with every step. The sky turned an orangish-pink hue as the sun went down and the clouds turned into a silverish color. The fish even jumped out of the water getting the attention of the group, but mostly the feline beings and their panther companion.

Asukem gazes at the scenery, commenting, "Such a stunning view, if only the circumstances were different." He notices the fish leaping out of the water, a behavior he knew was unusual. Aquatina shifts her gaze from Asukem to the fish, remarking, "I feel the same way. The fish seem to be fleeing, indicating that the corruption is spreading or worsening." With a heavy heart, Aquatina looks down sadly, expressing, "I wish I could alleviate their pain and fear somehow."

Gimp suddenly flew towards Asukem, landing on his shoulder, and glanced at Aquatina, implying, "Maybe you can! I have an idea." Asukem and Aquatina both raised their brows in curiosity, but Aquatina beat Asukem to the question, "How so?" Gimp responded, "Maybe I can channel Asukem's positivity through you so you can send a message to them." Aquatina looked shocked and asked with awe, "You can do that?" Gimp giggled and replied with an honest answer, "Wouldn't hurt to try, huh?" Aquatina smiled and said, "I guess not."

Aquatina approaches the ocean waves and kneels, with Asukem following suit with Gimp on his shoulders. Asukem places his hand on her shoulder, smiling and nodding. Gimp begins to cast a spell, surrounded by small runes on his arms. Aquatina softly whispers, sending calming sound waves from her hands, saying, "My sea friends, can you hear me? I am coming back home to reclaim my rightful place as princess of Oshilu. Please, do not fear and have faith. Help is on the way, and peace will return to the seas." The fish appear to calm down, believing in Aquatina's words.

As Aquatina noticed the fish was a lot calmer, Asukem, her, and Asukem's companions continued to the Road of Neptide. The group came across a cavern entrance but this entrance seemed different to any other of the caverns. The caverns were covered, by seashells, coral, sea rocks, seaweed, and seagrass. It seemed like the cavern was leading towards the ocean also. Leo, kittienia, and the panther Kwitwaka hesitated for a bit before they continued with the rest of the group. As they entered this cavern, the ceiling walls and the ground were engulfed in seashells, coral, sea rocks, and sea grass, while the seaweed hung off the ceiling of the cavern.

As they journeyed through the cavern, they noticed sea mold on the ground and walls and were amazed to discover archways and windows revealing the beautiful blue ocean. However, this sight made Leo, Kittienia, and Kwitawaka even more anxious, fearing that they were either under the ocean or inside it. The sound of dripping water from the ceiling caused them to huddle in fear, expecting the water to pour in at any moment. Asukem smirked at Leo's fear, but they pressed on in the cavern.

Although they were traveling on the Neptide road, their feet still got wet and made squishing noises, and even splashed as puddles formed on the pathway. It seemed as if whatever magic was holding the pathway from flooding the road was collapsing, making Aquatina even more nervous as she knew the corruption was getting worse. They spent days traveling through the cavern, taking rests to store up their energy and prepare themselves for whatever lay ahead. As they continued to follow the pathway, Asukem and his friends got closer and closer to Aquatina. Additionally, Aquatina appeared to be enjoying herself with Asukem and his friends.

As they journeyed along the Road of Neptide, the surroundings grew darker, with the plants and seashells emitting a faint glow that illuminated their path. The pathway took on a more ominous appearance as they progressed. Upon reaching the end of the Road of Neptide, they encountered a peculiar gate that appeared to be tainted by corruption. In the center of the gate, water swirled amidst a green, misty fog, casting a shadow of a castle or city.

Two silhouettes loomed near the entrance, patiently anticipating the arrival of something. These mysterious sentinels were siren guards, emanating an unsettling aura. Asukem didn't need to comprehend why they seemed tainted; he simply knew. They were unlike the serpent-like adversaries he and his comrades had encountered in the past. Asukem carefully positioned Aquatina behind him, prompting Leo and Grant to recognize his heightened vigilance. Without hesitation, they positioned themselves in front of Aquatina, ready to shield her from any potential danger.

The two guards were clad in black coral armor, with seaweed covering the armor. Their skin was a pale green, their eyes devoid of color, and their teeth as sharp as those of a shark. Their ears resembled fins, but with more spines, and their elbows had spiny fins as well. They had tails like Aquatina, but the ends of their tails were also spiny. Their fingers and toes were webbed, yet they seemed to have monstrous claws, and gills were visible on their necks, unlike Aquatina. Asukem asked in a menacing growl but whispered, "Let me guess Aqilus's forces?"