Coral
Biography
From captive subject to community strategist
Coral is an atavistic mermaid whose injured tail and Azure Scale traits make her valuable to Tribunal researchers. She secretly coordinates with her brother Aqua, endures pollution to shield him, and helps execute the mermaids' escape. After Floco kills their pursuer, Coral becomes the refugees' practical strategist rather than surrendering responsibility to their powerful rescuer. She later carries the wounded Floco toward safety and serves as his messenger at the Sighing Wall during the final black tide. (Chapters 815–817, 857–861, 959, 1008, 1020)
Appearance and personality
Coral has rose-red hair that spreads through water like flower petals and a tail marked by blue-green atavistic scales. Cautious and self-sacrificing, she combines protective affection for Aqua with the discipline needed to make harsh survival decisions.
Abilities
Her atavistic mermaid body provides strong swimming, greater intelligence than modified mermaids, and resistance suited to polluted seas; injury eventually costs much of her unusual talent.