The waves lapped gently against the shore as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the village. Selene leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over her chest, watching the sky shift from soft pinks to deep oranges. The rhythm of the sea had always been a comfort to her—a constant companion through the highs and lows of life. But today, that comfort was marred by a nagging worry.

Ariel, her little girl, was growing up fast—too fast, in Selene’s opinion. It felt like only yesterday that she had been pacing the floor with a crying baby in her arms, trying to soothe Ariel’s endless tears. Ariel had been fussy, easily startled, and quick to cry at the smallest things. Selene remembered the times when Golduck would come too close, startling Ariel into a fit of wails, her tiny face scrunching up in fright.

But that was how babies were, she reminded herself. There had been plenty of nights when Ariel’s cries had echoed through the house especially when she was alone and moreso during night time, her tiny lungs working overtime as Selene rocked her back and forth, whispering soft words of comfort. And now, at six years old, Ariel was developing a spirit that was both enchanting and worrisome.

As the sun began to set that evening, Selene's thoughts turned to her daughter’s recent adventures. Just the other day, Ariel had been late returning from the beach, and Selene had felt a growing knot of concern in her stomach. She had trusted her daughter to play in the shallow waters, but as dusk settled in, worry gnawed at her.

Rushing to the beach, Selene called out for her daughter, her voice mingling with the sound of the crashing waves. When she arrived, her heart sank. There was Ariel, giggling with Goldy, seemingly plotting their escape from her impending wrath.

“If I tell her I was helping Feesh, maybe she won’t be too mad!”

She began to explain her plan to Goldy, gesturing dramatically as she spoke. “I’ll tell her that I was trying to teach Magikarp how to jump higher! She’ll think it’s so cool that I was being responsible!”

Selene had to stifle a laugh, both exasperated and amused. “Oh really” she had said.

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Selene knelt down, her expression softening. “I know you were, but you have to think about safety, too. The ocean can be unpredictable, and I can’t always be right by your side.”

Ariel’s bottom lip quivered as she looked up at her mother. “But Goldy was with me!” she protested, glancing back at the Golduck. “He wouldn’t let anything happen!”

Selene couldn’t help but chuckle at the earnestness in her daughter’s voice. “And what if Goldy decided to take a nap while you swam out too far? You need to be responsible, Ariel. Promise me you’ll always check in.”

“I promise,” Ariel mumbled, still pouting but conceding to her mother’s concern.

After that close call, Selene had felt the weight of her responsibilities even more heavily. Every day, she worked tirelessly as a fisherwoman, bringing in the catch that fed her family and the village. But the time spent away from her children always pulled at her heart. She wanted them to grow up strong and independent, yet there was an instinct in her that wanted to shield them from all harm.

That night, as Selene prepared dinner, her mind drifted to the time Ariel had ventured off to swim alone in the ocean. The news of Ariel rescuing a Feebas had made her both proud and anxious. Hearing that her daughter had bravely brought the injured Pokémon home, dragging a bucket all the way back to the lab, left Selene both impressed and concerned.

As the villagers teased Ariel about bringing home such an “ugly” Pokémon, Selene watched her daughter stand her ground. Ariel had called the Feebas “a beautiful creature of the sea,” and Selene felt a swell of pride at her daughter’s compassion. Even Isla, Ariel’s friend, had looked unsure but stood by her side, a true testament to their friendship.

But with every new adventure came new worries. Ariel was determined, fiercely independent, and yet still so young. As she grew bolder, Selene found herself struggling to balance her role as a protector with the need to let her children explore the world around them.

The sun continued to sink, the sky a deep purple as the last light faded from the horizon. Selene took a deep breath, her thoughts lingering on her children. Ariel, so full of life and curiosity, and Kai, on the cusp of his own adventure. They were both growing up fast—too fast, if she were honest.

As she closed her eyes, she imagined the future for them, the adventures yet to come, and the lessons they would learn along the way. It was a bittersweet realization, but one that came with the territory of motherhood.

Selene smiled softly, her heart full of love for them both. Yes, Ariel was like any other child—crying when she was scared, laughing when she was happy, and stubbornly chasing after her dreams, no matter how small or foolish they might seem to others.

And Selene wouldn’t have it any other way.