The water ahead brightened gradually, warming as they swam.
Currents returned, gentle and welcoming, carrying scents of glowing algae and something sweeter — like sea-bloom after rain.
Still, one final challenge waited.
They reached a wide expanse of open water with no visible path, no landmarks, no guiding glow. Just vastness.
“This must be the last test,” Gilbert said quietly.
The moment he spoke, the water shifted.
A current surged beneath them — not violent, but powerful. It pulled in every direction at once, threatening to scatter them.
Bip squeaked sharply and grabbed Gilbert’s fin.
“I’ve got you!” Gilbert said, gripping back.
The current intensified.
Gilbert realized then what it demanded.
Not choice.
Not courage.
Trust.
He loosened his grip just enough to swim with the current instead of fighting it. Adjusted his movements to match its rhythm.
“Stay with me,” he told Bip.
Bip nodded, eyes steady.
Together, they let the water carry them.
The chaos smoothed into flow.
The vastness folded inward.
And light surged ahead.