The dance studio was only a short walk from the music room, along the same hallway. When Mishell and Corelia stepped inside, the atmosphere felt different.
Silence
No screaming fans, no whispering, no one is rushing to bring out their phone to take pictures.
Just peace.
The sunlight streamed softly through the tall windows reflecting the polished floors. The room was spacious, elegant and completely empty.
"Finally some peace and quiet," Corelia sighed, she stretched her arms slightly before turning to Mishell with determined look. "lets get back to work".
Without hestitation she reached into her back pocket and pulled out a phone.
Mishell blinked, caught off guard.
"Where did you get that?".
"I borrowed it". Corelia replied casually, already tapping the screen.
"You borrowed it.....or took it"?.
Corelia didn't even look guilty. "okay fine I took it from one of the student
" You stole it!".
Corelia finally looked up, clearly unimpressed by the accusation. "Technically, no. I plan to return it. Eventually."
"Wow, here I am thinking I'm the bad one". Mishell said, crossing her arms.
"I heard humans use these things to track locations. People… places… objects. It seemed useful." She turned on the device, studying it lika a strange artifact.
Mishell stared at her as if she had just announced she planned to swim across the desert.
"You do realize we can't track Araxie with that," she said carefully. "She isn't human. Human technology doesn't exactly come with a 'detect sea witch' option."
"I know," Corelia replied calmly, still trying to unlock the screen. "But trying costs nothing."
Mishell clearly looked unconvinced.
"I am not touching that thing," she said firmly. "Do you even know how to use it?"
Corelia smiled, giving her a confident look. "Of course. We've been here for days. I studied the basics."
After a while, she was able to unlock the phone.
" You see, I did". She said excitedly, turning the screen to Mishell.
Mishell's expression remained skeptical, but she chose not to argue further.
"Fine," she said, stepping away toward the mirrored wall. "Do whatever you want. I'll continue the spell from here."
She sat down, crossed her legs and closed her eyes again, her fingers gently crossing as she returned to her quiet chant.
Meanwhile, Corelia stared at the glowing screen with intense focus, determined to make sense of the strange human device. If magic couldn't lead them to Araxia, then maybe human tools could at least give them a clue.
Corelia and Mishell individually were deeply focused on their search when the faint sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Not just one...but several.
Mishell's head listed Instantly. "Someone is coming".
"Alot actually". Corelia added. "Should we leave?".
"No point... Just keep that phone away before the owner sees it with you". Mishell instructed.
Corelia obeyed instantly but then realized something. "We need to change, so it looks like we are actually here for the class".
She was right. Every room in the building had a purpose, and humans seemed oddly strict about following rules attached to those purposes.
Before Corelia could say another word, Mishell's outfit shifted effortlessly, transforming into a fitted black legging paired with a small black top. The change was smooth leaving Corelia speechless, she blinked in surprise.
Mishell noticed immediately. "What?. This is what I've seen them wear," she added defensively.
Corelia smirked. "Well… at least you're learning something."
Without wasting much time she changed into her own outfit, very similar to Mishell's.
Mishell moved into position, rolling her shoulders and stretching her arms, naturally slipping into a dancer's rhythm. Corelia just leaned casually against the mirrored wall, watching her with quiet amusement.
"I miss dancing," Mishell admitted softly. "Movement feels stiff here… there's no water to carry me around."
"You can still adapt to the movement here". Corelia replied calmly.
One by one, students began entering the studio, their voices filling the once-quiet room. Some stared at them and waved, while some just passed by filled with jealously, Lydia rushed in moments later dressed for the class too, slightly out of breath, she could easily spot them.
"You both just disappeared from the music class without telling me?" she accused dramatically.
"Slow down human". Mishell said calmly. "Take a deep breath".
"I am calm," Lydia insisted, though her rushed speech betrayed her. Her eyes moved over them, clearly impressed. "wow… you both look incredible."
She folded her arms dramatically. "Honestly, you're both unfairly blessed. Face cards? Perfect. Bodies? Perfect. Voices? Perfect. The list just keeps going and now the whole school is talking about your litte drama with Chloe. I am impressed too."
"Someone had to put her in her place". Corelia responded.
Few minutes later, the dance instructor, Mr D, walked in.
Alright class, let's begin," he announced energetically. His gaze paused when he noticed the unfamiliar faces. "Oh… new students, I see."
He stepped closer, studying them with curiosity. "Introduce yourselves."
Since it was their first time in the studio, there was no way they could remain unnoticed. They introduced themselves briefly, expecting the attention to end there but it didn't.
"How about you both show the class a few steps?" Mr. D suggested.
Corelia immediately felt uncomfortable.
Dancing was natural to her — it had always been part of life in Oceania but performing in front of strangers was something she preferred to avoid. Mishell, however, didn't seem bothered by the attention at all.
"With that kind of body, if you can't dance, I'm filing a complaint with the universe," Lydia said skeptically.
"Should we?" Mishell asked, turning toward Corelia. A faint excitement sparkled in her eyes.
Corelia couldn't refuse that look, this was the first time since they arrived she has seen that "excitement look" on Mishell.
"Alright," she said quietly.
They moved toward the center of the room.
"You can do it!" Lydia screamed dramatically, pumping her fist in the air — until Mr. D shut her down with a single look. "Sorry," she muttered.
Just as they were about to begin—The doors opened again.
Q4 walked in. Again.
This time, they were dressed in dance attire.
Mishell's jaw tightened.
"I would kill them and have my tail turn grey," she muttered under her breath.
Corelia almost laughed. Every mermaid knew the rule — taking a human life was forbidden. The punishment was severe. Their tails would turn grey, cutting them off from the ocean's beauty and leaving them in constant pain until forgiveness was granted.
Mr. D welcomed them excitedly.
"We're so honored to have Q4 join us today." He said. "They'll be rehearsing here for their upcoming project."
He clapped once, drawing everyone's attention.
"Today's session will also serve as a tryout. Impress me, and you may join the team. Fail… and you're out."
At that moment, Chloe entered the room with her minions.
Lydia groaned quietly. "Why is she even here? She doesn't take this class."
The Q4 stood seperately, their presence held attention, it was obvious everyone would try their best to impress them.
The tryouts began.
One after another, students stepped forward, showcasing different dance styles. Some performances were impressive. Some awkward. Some unintentionally hilarious.
Chloe's turn came soon enough.
Her movements were bold, dramatic, and clearly designed to attract attention. She wasn't terrible — her experience as part of the cheer team was evident. Mr D nodded at the end of her performance then called out Mishell and Corelia.
"You both haven't danced yet".
Mishell shook her head slightly and whispered. "I'm not interested anymore," she murmured. "What about you Corelia?"
"Same," Corelia replied. "Let's just continue our search."
They agreed and turned to leave.
"That's right," Chloe's voice cut sharply through the room. "Run again, losers."
Silence fell instantly.
Corelia turned slowly. "Say that again."
Chloe smiled, clearly pleased with herself. "I said keep running. You're both just here chasing attention without talent. First, you ran out of music class… now you're too scared to dance? Honestly, neither of you look impressive so instead of wasting everyone's time, the exit is right there."
Mishell laughed softly, leaning slightly toward Corelia.
"Can I kill her?" she whispered. "Even the ocean would appreciate being rid of that filth."
Corelia's lips curved into a calm, almost serene smile. "We can just get rid of her and tell everyone we thought it was Araxie," her faint smile carrying a subtle warning, like danger wrapped in silk.
Lydia stepped forward, frowning, her voice sharp.
"What exactly is your problem, Chloe? Leave them alone."
Chloe's grin widened, cruel and calculated.
"Of course you'd get involved… since you're nothing but their little talking puppet."
A few soft laughs echoed from the back of the room, the amusement mixing with tension.
Foxy leaned closer to Jax, whispering with a smirk. "Things are really heating up in this class."
Jax's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"I love it," he murmured, barely containing his grin.
"Let's just stay… and have some fun." Corelia said.
Mishell nodded, "We're ready". She announced confidently.
They both made their way to the center.
All eyes turned toward them.
Chloe's smirk deepened, convinced she had successfully pushed them into embarrassing themselves. Lydia fingers clapped together as she silently prayed they do well.
Then the music began.
Even though the song was unfamiliar, their bodies responded instantly.
They moved like water remembering its flow — fluid yet precise, powerful yet graceful. Each step blended effortlessly into the next, every movement connected by rhythm only they seemed to fully understand.
Spins transitioned into drops. Sharp motions softened into grace.
Their synchronization was flawless, as though they shared one mind guiding two bodies. Music was part of them. They didn't just dance to the rhythm — they existed within it.
In Oceania, melody was life itself. Songs shaped identity. Movement expressed their emotions. It was impossible for a mermaid not to dance, It was as natural as breathing. Compared to them, humans were only beginning to understand what music truly meant.
Everyone was mesmerized by the way they moved, the attention they pulled, Jax jaws dropped, he wasn't expecting them to be this good in any way, his attention was fixed on Mishell. Her graceful flow had him put on hold and he couldn't control the feelings that springed up from within him. When they finally stopped, silence lingered for a heartbeat.
Then the room erupted into applause.
Jax let out a whistle. "That was… insane."
He said clapping excitedly, for a moment he forgot his usual composure.
Foxy smirked slightly. "Seems words aren't their strongest skill."
Jeremy grinned widely. "I'm definitely going to enjoy this school."
Vic watched in amusement.
Mr. D nodded in admiration. "That was beautiful. True dance comes from feeling the music and allowing it to guide your body. What you just showed… was art. You are both welcome to join the team anytime."
Mishell walked past Chloe slowly.
"We received a direct invitation," she said calmly. "You're on a waitlist. Tell me… who is the real loser now?"
Corelia laughed openly. "Lunch time and you just got served."
Lydia was practically glowing with excitement.
"I already love you both," she said, grinning widely. "Putting Chloe in her place and captivating everyone with your dancing? This is the best thing I've seen all week."
"For the first time in days, you've said something intelligent," Mishell replied casually.
"And for the first time you actually impressed me". Lydia added, facing Mishell directly.
Corelia simply watched them, amused by their constant bickering. Their arguments were strangely entertaining.