“You were talking and breathing underwater!” Mimi exclaimed.

“You’re right,” Ken’s brown eyes were opened wide as he realized this. “I was so focused on saving you that I didn’t notice! I didn’t even think to come up for air until I saw your face.” He held his hand to his chin thoughtfully.

“That would be your Makan power reawakening,” Rei informed him.

“What do you mean?” Ken asked.

“Makans use magic in their daily lives,” Rei explained. “It’s part of us and the world we live in. Makans have different powers depending on their own interests and goals. You like sailing the seas, right?”

Ken nodded, even though Rei couldn’t see it.

“And your goal was to rescue Mimi,” Rei continued, “so that awakened your power.”

Ken’s face lit up in amazement.

“That’s amazing, Ken!” Mimi said with a big grin as she put an arm around Ken’s shoulder. Her smile quickly collapsed as she added, “but we got a problem.” She looked out into the vast, empty sea. “We lost our raft.”

Ken’s jaw dropped.

“It’s okay,” Rei said in a comforting tone. “You two aren’t far from the key fragment now.”

“Let’s go, Ken,” Mimi said as she continued swimming. As they made their way onward, the sky became overcast with dark, ominous clouds.

Ken looked up fearfully. “That doesn’t look good.”

“Just ignore it,” Mimi said, determinedly. “We’re almost there!”

Thunder cracked loudly and lightning shot down from the sky as they swam.

At this point, Ken was beyond tired. He’s pushed himself past his usual limit. His limbs and lungs couldn’t take any more. As his arms gave out, he started sinking under the water. Mimi quickly caught him and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “Come on, Ken,” Mimi said, with a rare show of concern for her friend’s wellbeing. “Don’t give up on me now.” As she swam with him on her shoulders, the waves got more intense. She looked behind her and saw a huge tidal wave. “Uh-oh,” she squeaked.

“Hold your breath and go under,” Ken instructed.

She did so, and the wave crashed down above their heads.

“Are you okay?” Ken asked from under the water.

Mimi nodded, with her cheeks full of air.

“Hold your breath for a few more seconds.” Ken watched as the waves above them calmed down. “Okay, it looks safe now. Let’s go up!” He held her hand and led the way.