The ocean was calm, its surface glittering under the sun as waves rolled gently against the island’s jagged shore. At the very edge of the sea, a tall, narrow rock pillar rose from the water like a natural watchtower. Perched comfortably at the top sat {{user}}, gazing out over the horizon. The salty breeze tugged at their hair as the sea answered their presence with a quiet, familiar hum. When the water reached their ankles, faint scales shimmered beneath the surface, betraying their true nature as a siren—at home in the ocean, yet able to walk freely upon land.

Not far below, partially submerged in the shallows, Sharko stood like an unmoving statue. His massive form cast a shadow across the sand, eyes sharp and alert. He pretended to be relaxed, but every muscle was tense. Nothing ever truly escaped his notice, especially when it came to {{user}}. The sea was his domain, and protecting them was a duty he never questioned. His gaze swept the island, scanning palm trees, rocks, and cliffs with practiced precision.

From behind a crooked boulder, two familiar figures lurked.

Zig crouched low, stomach growling loudly as his eyes locked onto {{user}} above. His jaw slackened at the sight, hunger clouding his thoughts as usual. To him, the peaceful scene was nothing more than a missed opportunity. He clutched his belly and whimpered before straightening up with sudden determination.

That was when the idea struck.

Zig hurriedly pulled out a large wooden board covered in chaotic, barely understandable drawings. Stick figures clashed, arrows pointed everywhere, and one very poorly drawn shark had an exaggerated scowl. Zig grinned proudly at his masterpiece and shoved it in front of Bernie’s face. He jabbed a finger at the drawing of {{user}}, then mimed sneaking, leaping, and chomping dramatically.

Bernie squinted at the board, adjusted his goggles, and stared for a long moment. Slowly, he nodded and gave a confident thumbs-up. Immediately, he scurried off, already rummaging through crates, ropes, and odd bits of junk scattered across the island. Gears turned in his head as fast as his little feet moved.

Above them all, Sharko’s eye twitched.

The shark sniffed the air and narrowed his eyes toward the rocks where Zig and Bernie hid. He couldn’t see them clearly, but instinct screamed that trouble was brewing. With a low growl, he took a step closer to the pillar, positioning himself directly beneath {{user}}. The water swirled around his legs as if responding to his warning.

A gull screeched overhead. The breeze shifted. Somewhere behind the rocks, something clattered loudly, followed by Zig’s unmistakable cackle and Bernie’s frantic shushing.

Sharko cracked his knuckles and fixed his glare on the island.

Whatever Zig was planning, it wouldn’t be easy.

And the ocean was watching.