The ruler of Oshilu approaches Aquatina and greets her with a wide smile, "Oh my, you have so many friends here, my little starfish." Aquatina rushes into her father's embrace, exclaiming, "Dad! I'm home!" The king of Oshilu, with tears in his eyes, expresses, "I'm relieved that you're safe." He then shifts his gaze towards Asukem, nudges Aquatina aside, and strides over to Asukem. Aquatina pleads with her father, "Daddy, please, he helped us."

Asukem knelt down to show his respect while explaining, "I apologize for intruding on your city's issues. I couldn't bear to see your daughter cry, sir." The king of Oshilu stood over him, hands on his hips, smiling as he lifted Asukem to his feet and unexpectedly embraced him, tears welling up in his eyes, rendering him almost speechless. "Thank you, thank you for protecting my daughter and assisting us, young man," he expressed. Aquatina was taken aback by her father's actions, but a soft smile appeared on her face as tears welled up in her eyes. The king released Asukem from the hug and gazed into his eyes, inquiring, "Is there anything I can do for you during your visit?"

Asukem nods, mentioning, "My friends are in your city and they are probably exhausted." The king applauds, responding, "No need to say more." The guards rush to assist the king, declaring, "Locate this young man's friends in the city, bring them here unharmed. If even a scratch is found on them, you will be thrown into the dungeon for treason!" The guards depart to search for Asukem's friends. Aquatina also made requests to her father, one being to provide Asukem and his friends with supplies for their journey, and the other to accompany them on their journey. She understood that Asukem needed assistance on his journey and she wanted to support him as he had supported her.

The king pondered while gently touching his chin, asking his daughter about her second wish. Aquatina shared all she knew about Asukem with her father. Her father expressed his concern and promised to carefully consider the matter, showing understanding but still feeling anxious for her.

The guards noticed Gimp and Leo approaching the castle, and immediately stopped them, warning that they were putting themselves in danger. They explained that they had helped Asukem when he fainted on his way to the castle. When the guards caught up to Kwitwaka, they learned about Asukem's noble deeds for the kingdom, so they let the panther go and assisted Kwitwaka and Grant in reaching the castle safely. Triton guided the guards to the campsite, where Kittienia was aiding the city's residents. He invited her to join them on their journey back to the castle to honor Asukem and her courageous actions.

Upon arrival at the castle, everyone had a few days to recuperate and relax thanks to the water healing provided by the city's sirens. Aquatina, on the other hand, was busy shopping for her new companions. She purchased new clothing for Asukem, whose attire had become worn and tattered from his travels. She acquired a spell book from her people for Gimp, allowing him to expand his magical knowledge. For Kwitwaka, she bought a collar adorned with a pearl, along with matching wristbands. As a gift for herself, she received a pearlish white scarf with a green pattern, as well as a new suit of armor crafted from bluish pearls.

 After Aquatina completed her shopping, she returned to the castle and relaxed in her chambers. Time passed, and soon weeks had gone by, with everyone fully rejuvenated and eager to resume their journey. However, the king of Oshilu had different plans. He hosted a grand feast for them, complete with dancing, music, ale, and delicious fish that delighted all. The entire kingdom, along with the ocean and its creatures, joined in the festivities, celebrating the victory and the eradication of corruption from the sea. Each day, the castle was filled with merrymaking, as Aquatina and Triton cherished their time together, expressing their love openly.

The King of Oshilu made an announcement and raised his glass in the direction of Asukem, capturing everyone's attention. "I am aware of everything that has happened to you, Asukem, and I am willing to assist you! If you need my daughter, she can accompany you on your journey." The king's expression turned from concern to stern as he added, "Please, for the sake of all ocean life, keep my daughter safe." Asukem bowed his head as a sign of honor and respect, declaring, "I, Asukem Seikage, promise to protect Aquatina with my life!"

After the party died down everyone gathered up their things to continue their journey. Aquatina was putting on her new armor that she got from the city and Triton was helping her put it on. She absolutely loved her new armor, she actually looked like a princess who fought for her kingdom. Her armor was made with bluish pearls, her armor had metal padding on her right shoulder, and a metal headband that was encased in pearls, her armor looked like scale armor that was made from the scales of a fish, and she wore gauntlets and armored leggings and girdle around her waist, which was made with the finest threads of seaweed, which went down to the ground. She had a shield that was encased in pearls and coral-like metal, which was designed as a buckler, but big enough to protect her.

Before everyone left, Aquatina gave her gifts to her new friends. Asukem quickly changed his entire but in private. The clothing he got was like his other samurai robes but were weaved with seaweed, it was hard to tell it was made with seaweed, but the robes were a blackish-green color. Everyone else collected their gifts and put them on and they headed out on their journey.

Asukem's behavior took a strange turn as they journeyed on, growing more and more anti-social. Aquatina noticed the change but decided to overlook it, attributing it to his personality. Leading the group to a portal back to the Road of Niptide, Aquatina guided them through the familiar path to the fishing village where they had first met. The villagers welcomed them warmly, relieved to see them safe. Providing rooms for the night, Asukem suddenly remembered his upcoming 19th birthday. Despite this, he was filled with anger and frustration towards himself for not being able to save his sister, Clair. Alone in his room, he lashed out at himself, tears welling up in his eyes as he muttered, "Useless, what kind of big brother am I?"

As the days went by, Asukem's moodiness persisted, leaving him silent and distant. Aquatina, growing concerned, pressed on with their journey through the mountains. They navigated rocky paths, and dark tunnels, and successfully fought off goblins attempting to ambush them. Another day dawned, marking Asukem's 19th birthday, but instead of celebrating, he became increasingly agitated and irritable.

The group gathered around the campfire, and Asukem addressed them, "Everyone, please pay attention." Asukem's words caught everyone's focus as he expressed his concerns, "I apologize for my actions, but I need to know. Can I rely on all of you?" Asukem noticed the shocked expressions on their faces as he posed his question, realizing it didn't come out as intended. "Damn, that's not what I meant," he muttered, struggling to find the right words. Gimp, his closest friend, perched on his shoulder and inquired, "Do you require some time to meditate, master?"

A faint smile appeared on Asukem's face when Gimp addressed him as master, managing to soothe him momentarily. However, he gently declined, "No, I don't. My birthday just passed, and..." Asukem hesitated before continuing. Aquatina placed her hand on his shoulder and inquired, "Asukem, what's wrong? Talk to us." Asukem took a deep breath, exhaling his nervousness, "I made a promise to my family to save my sister Clair, but here I am helping others without any sign of her." Gimp gasped, recalling the forgotten promise made at Rhino's bandit camp, "Oh no, I completely forgot. I'm sorry, Asukem!" Asukem smiled and shook his head, "It's okay, Gimp. We've been busy, I understand." With a serious expression, Asukem gazed into the campfire before finally asking, "Will you all assist me?" In unison, everyone replied, "Yes!" A wide grin spread across Asukem's face upon hearing their response, bowing his head in gratitude, "Thank you all, I should have asked sooner."