Ocean's Rage

A long-forgotten tale about the Celestial of water. Of three versions, this is the only one found that has been written down.

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Naida keeps her secrets. Especially the ones about her emotions. Especially the ones about her rage.
She has never struck one of her children, never harmed one of the people who is dear to her, and never been angry at someone who did not deserve it. But that should not mean she has no anger.
The ocean looks peaceful when it is calm. Waves fold over each other, ripples spreading back and forth. Empty, open, lonely, but calm.
But if there is a storm, if there is rain lashing across the surface, if there are clouds darkening the sky, then it is a different story. If someone stirs her anger, Naida is a different person.
Water in your eyes, salt in your mouth. You choke, sputter, and cough. Your arms thrash desperately, reaching for any trace of a grip. You kick your feet, struggle to breathe. If the ocean were clear, you would be fine. But it is not. The ocean churns as you have never seen it, each wave seemingly directed at you.
You are too disoriented to remember how you got here. What did you say, what did you do, who did you hurt to end up here at the other end of Naida's rage? Were you always beside the ocean, or did she bring you here?
The water rises, fills your nose, enters your lungs.
It hurts at first and then it stops. You sink. Your limbs are heavy, dragging through the water. Bubbles drift toward the surface.
There was a storm just moments ago. Now it is gone.
But it is too late for you to live.
If you anger the Celestial of water, she will drown you in whatever way she wants.
Perhaps she will start with a storm. Perhaps your lungs will simply fill with fluid and you will drown silently. Perhaps she will slice you to ribbons with blades of liquid.
For Naida's rage remains a secret as long as all who stir it die.