The Ocean Eye
A fictional story in a possible near future created
by Rainer Wagner
to support and promote the song
‘‘Ocean Eyes’’ by Wagner the Band
The Ocean Eye
In a dystopian future, the world is submerged under water after the polar ice caps melted. The last remnants of humanity drift on a massive floating city called The Ocean Eye, a fragile haven surrounded by endless waters. Resources are scarce, and the people struggle against starvation and the constant threat of attacks by Merekai, a new species of amphibious half-human, half-fish beings who have evolved to thrive in the ocean's depths.
The Merekai, led by their warlike ruler Thal-Kai, harbor resentment toward humans, blaming them for the destruction of Earth's balance. Amidst this tension, Aurora Woodward, the idealistic daughter of the Ocean Eye's pragmatic leader, Mayor Elias Woodward, dreams of a future where humans and nature coexist.
The Storm and Survival
One fateful night, a ferocious thunderstorm engulfs The Ocean Eye. Waves batter the city, lightning rips through the sky, and chaos reigns. Amid the tempest, Aurora is swept off the floating city and presumed dead.
Adrift on a small, makeshift float, Aurora clings to life. Days pass, and hunger gnaws at her resolve. As her strength wanes, a Merekai named Kaelar discovers her, his sharp, scaled features reflecting curiosity rather than hostility. Against the norms of his people, he offers her food—fresh fish and seaweed—and tends to her injuries.
A Bond Beyond Boundaries
Despite the language barrier, Aurora and Kaelar begin to communicate through gestures and shared experiences. Over time, Aurora learns the Merekai language, discovering its lyrical beauty and Kaelar’s deep connection to the ocean. They share their worlds with one another—Aurora speaks of the floating city’s struggle, while Kaelar reveals the Merekai’s grief and anger over humanity’s legacy of destruction.
A bond blossoms between them, transcending fear and mistrust. Kaelar, moved by Aurora’s determination and compassion, resolves to lead her back to The Ocean Eye despite the risks.
Return and Betrayal
When they reach The Ocean Eye, Kaelar is captured by the city’s guards. The people, driven by fear and hunger, demand his execution. Mayor Woodward, desperate to maintain order, prepares to deliver the killing blow himself. As the knife is raised, Aurora throws herself between her father and Kaelar, taking the wound meant for her companion.
The act of self-sacrifice halts the city’s rage momentarily, but it’s too late—the ocean churns as hundreds of Merekai warriors, led by Thal-Kai, rise from the depths, prepared to annihilate The Ocean Eye. Their leader condemns humanity for its greed and destruction, vowing to end their existence.
A Plea for Peace
Kaelar, revealed to be Thal-Kai’s son, pleads for his father to show mercy, arguing that humanity can change. Thal-Kai scoffs, his bitterness too deep, and prepares to give the signal for an attack.
At that moment, Aurora, bleeding and weak, speaks in the Merekai language. Her words are halting but heartfelt, asking for peace and offering a promise that humanity will strive to live in harmony with the ocean. Thal-Kai, struck by her courage and her ability to learn his people’s tongue, hesitates.
Seeing Kaelar’s devotion to Aurora and her selfless act, Thal-Kai relents. He frees his son and addresses the humans, telling them of an island to the southwest—a fertile land where they can rebuild. However, he warns them that if they repeat the mistakes of the past, there will be no second chance.
A Farewell
The Merekai retreat to the depths, but Kaelar remains to help Aurora heal. Days later, as the sun rises, Aurora steps out onto the deck of The Ocean Eye and sees the promised island on the horizon. Kaelar, preparing to leave, tells her to live on the island but to keep The Ocean Eye afloat as a meeting place for humans and Merekai.
Tears fall as they bid farewell, their bond unbroken but their paths diverging—for now. Aurora watches as Kaelar dives into the ocean, his figure disappearing beneath the waves, leaving her with a promise of hope and the dream of a future where their worlds might unite.
Epilogue
The Ocean Eye anchors near the island, a lush paradise where humanity begins anew. True to her word, Aurora ensures the city remains a sanctuary, a bridge between land and sea. Though Kaelar is gone, Aurora stands by the shore each evening, gazing at the horizon, waiting for the day their paths cross again.
The Ocean Eye floats on, no longer a symbol of despair but of hope—a testament to the possibility of harmony between humanity and the world it must now protect.