Squee the young squid set off early the next morning. The sea was calm and blue, sunlight rippling across the sand. He was nervous — his arms trembled — but Pippa the Prawn’s words echoed in his mind:

“You’ll find your power if you go beyond your fear.”

So he swam onward, past the coral forests, past schools of rainbow fish, and into deeper, darker water.

After a while, the light began to fade, and the sea turned a mysterious shade of green. That’s when he saw the first thing — a flash of lightning underwater!

ZAP! CRACKLE!

It was Ely the Electric Eel, twisting and glowing like a living thunderbolt.

“Who dares swim through my dark domain?” Ely hissed. “I’m Squee,” said the little squid, trying not to sound scared. “I’m on a journey to find the legendary city of Atlantis, to discover what makes me special.”

Ely’s eyes glimmered. “Atlantis, eh? Many turn back before they reach it. The deep sea can be frightening. But remember, little one — power isn’t always about strength. Sometimes it’s about staying bright when the world around you grows dark.”

And before Squee could reply, Ely gave a gentle spark that lit the way forward.

“Keep going, Squee. Don’t give up, not even when it feels scary.”

Squee nodded gratefully and swam on.

After many hours, he came to a quiet valley of sea grass, where the water shimmered silver. There, sitting on a smooth stone and combing her long flowing hair, was a mermaid.

She looked up and smiled. “Hello, little traveller. What brings you so far from home?”

Squee told her about his quest — how he wanted to find Atlantis and learn to defend himself. The mermaid listened patiently, then sang softly, her voice like waves lapping the shore.

When the tide grows rough, And you feel small, Remember your heart Is stronger than all.

Her song wrapped around him like a warm current. “The sea can be frightening,” she said gently. “But it’s also full of wonders. Keep your heart brave, Squee. You’ll find what you’re looking for, if you keep swimming forward.”

Squee thanked her, feeling braver already.

Soon, the water grew darker still. Strange shapes moved in the distance. A current swept him around in circles until suddenly — WHOOSH! — he was pulled into a swirling whirlpool!

“Ahhh!” he cried, tumbling helplessly.

Then, silence. The water around him calmed, and Squee realised he was standing before a huge palace made of seashells and coral. And sitting on a golden throne, holding a mighty trident, was none other than Poseidon, god of the sea.

Squee gasped and bowed so fast that his arms knotted themselves.

“Rise, little squid,” boomed Poseidon’s deep voice. “I have watched you from afar. Why do you swim through my kingdom alone?”

Squee swallowed hard. “I — I’m searching for Atlantis, great Poseidon. I want to learn how to protect myself, so I can stop being afraid.”

Poseidon’s stern face softened. He leaned forward, and his eyes gleamed like pearls.

“You have already shown great courage, Squee. The sea tests all who travel it — storms, darkness, and fear. But you did not turn back.”

He raised his trident, and the water shimmered. “Remember this: true strength is not found in fighting others. It is found in never giving up, even when you are small.”

The sea god pointed toward the horizon, where a faint glow shimmered in the distance. “There lies Atlantis. Go, little squid. Your heart will lead you the rest of the way.”

Squee bowed deeply. “Thank you, mighty Poseidon.”

And so he swam once more, through the quiet deep, following the glowing light until there it was.

A grand city of towers and domes made of crystal coral, shining softly beneath the waves. Atlantis.

Squee’s eyes sparkled with awe. He had made it. He had faced his fears and reached the city of legends.

What secrets would he find there? What hidden power would awaken within him?

To be continued.