Rivals

Coral Splash doesn't have enemies — she has rivals, and they're mostly fond of her. Mostly.

The rivals

Grump

A moray eel of strong opinions and a stronger frown. Grump believes racing is undignified, pranks are vandalism, and Coral Splash is "a menace with good lighting." He attends every race. He was caught smiling at the festival. He denies everything. The reef's worst-kept secret is that he keeps a sketch of the Splash Blessing in his cave.

Rivalry status: deeply, mutually cherished. Neither would have it any other way.

The Tidewraith

A mischievous current-spirit who tangles race lanes, hides shiny things, and writes rude messages in plankton. Not evil — bored. Coral Splash is the only racer who's ever caught it, mostly by thinking like it. Their prank war is the stuff of reef legend.

Rivalry status: ongoing, escalating, delightful to everyone except Brine.

Marina the Swift

A visiting dolphin racer, all speed and showmanship, who swept the Whirlpool Rings exhibition circuit one season. Coral Splash lost to her twice, then beat her with the Splash Spiral. They parted as friends and promised a rematch "when the currents are feeling dramatic."

Rivalry status: respectful, unresolved, eagerly awaited.

What "rival" means here

In the Sunlit Shallows, rivalry is a form of friendship with extra splashing. No one on this page wishes Coral Splash harm; the worst any of them wants is to beat her to the finish line — or, in Grump's case, to get her to sit still for once.