Kianda found herself in the heart of the coastal town, far from the familiar embrace of the sea. The hurricane had flung her deep inland, leaving her stranded in a labyrinth of broken streets and shattered buildings. Her turquoise hair, usually flowing like the waves, was now matted with fragments of palm fronds and seaweed. Her silver tail, marred with cuts and bruises, lay limp against the cracked cobblestones.

Every movement sent a jolt of pain through her, the ache in her fin a harsh reminder of her predicament. Around her, the town was in chaos—distant wails of sirens, the murmur of frantic voices, and the groans of structures struggling to remain upright. Kianda's heart raced, each beat a desperate plea for the sanctuary of the ocean.

The air was thick with a blend of scents—saltwater mingled with the tang of rusted metal and the earthy aroma of soaked timber. Brightly colored bougainvillea, torn from their vines, lay scattered amidst the rubble, their vibrant petals a stark contrast to the gray desolation.

Kianda's eyes fluttered closed, trying to shut out the overwhelming assault on her senses. She felt utterly displaced, an ethereal being trapped in a world of harsh reality.

Footsteps crunched on the debris-laden ground, growing closer. Kianda's heart skipped a beat. Would they notice her? Would they recognize the mythic creature before them, or would she be just another casualty of the storm?

The steps paused, and Kianda held her breath, each second stretching into eternity. Her hope flickered like a candle in the wind, fragile yet unwavering.