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It Doesn't Matter
Giddiness and adrenaline still pumped through Jim like an electric current. Tonight had been…amazing. Nothing could dampen the mood of pure bliss he was experiencing right now. Not even the chill he felt as he emerged human from the seas could sour his mood.
He would have to remember to strip down into his boxers before entering the water next time. Really, after swimming with no clothes left him thinking that boxers were a plentiful amount of clothing, though he wondered what Ariel would think if she saw him in only a pair of boxers…
Jim quickly shook his head of the inappropriate thoughts. What had his little mermaid awakened in him? Jim couldn't say he disliked it in the least. He rather liked the way his blood heated when he was around the fiery redhead. He only hoped she felt the same.
Their latest adventure did prove positive. They had parted with her giving a hasty hug and blushing asking if she could see him again the next night. Without even thinking, he had responded with a "yes." At this point he was falling too quickly to even care.
Clad only in his soaking pair of pants that rode low on his hips because of the water weight, he gathered the rest of his clothing and trudged up the beach illuminated in moonlight. The position of the moon told him that it was midnight. Good, that gave him a good six hours of sleep.
Another pleasant thought was that his transformation back to a human was indeed quick and painless acting with the process moving in reverse, the whole occurrence lasting all of five seconds. Luckily, Ariel remained at a distance to give him some privacy when he was putting back on his clothes.
Now his only concern was how he was going to sneak into the castle without leaving a huge trail. Slipping up the stone stairs and into the outside garden was easy enough. At this time of night, everyone was asleep. His boots were still quite wet so he would have to enter barefoot in order to prevent footprints. The only problem now was that his pants were still quite wet, and he was afraid they would drip leaving a trail of water. It couldn't be helped, he guessed. It wasn't like he could run through the castle naked. Another reason to envy the merpeople: there was no need for clothing and so that clothing could never possibly hinder them in any fashion.
There was his choice then. Carrying his boots and shirt in one hand, he cracked open the glass French doors, he had made sure to leave cracked open when he left. Swiftly he ran in and up the white marble staircase, hoping that the stray drops of water that were cast off of him would dry in the morning. He continued on this way down the hallway until he reached his and Delbert's room.
Again, with the utmost care he opened the door slowly so as to not creak or make the slightest noise. Once open far enough, he slipped into the room and shut the door quietly. Letting his clothes drop to the ground, he sighed against the door. Made it.
"And where have you been, young man?"
Jim's whole body tensed as panic overwhelmed him.
"D…doc?" How was this possible, Jim thought frantically as he watched Delbert sit up in bed and pinned him with a glare. Delbert's calm façade lasted for the extensive period of ten seconds.
"You drugged me! Jim, what in Montressor's name were you doing? How could you? Wait, Jim, why are you dripping wet?"
For a split second, Jim wondered how he got the dosage wrong but then was immediately cautious. Ariel's safety was in question. A dark scowl fell like a shadow over his features.
Sapphire hardened and Delbert was surprised that Jim was acting so hostile towards him. Delbert had only seen that look of suppressed anger directed to those that were Jim's enemies. What prompted this behavior? Jim never acted this way unless he was protecting something or someone precious to him. This would require delicate negotiations the first being…
"Jim, why do you have the ring?" Now Jim looked as if he was almost about to bare his teeth or something. Jim didn't know if there were lingering merman instincts, but in that moment, he would have even fought his beloved family friend. That thought is what shocked Jim into relaxing.
Jim clenched his jaw and then let out a long sigh. It couldn't be helped then. Delbert would have to know about Ariel. Sooner or later he would've found out and besides he couldn't keep drugging Delbert, especially if he couldn't get the dosage right.
"I needed the ring to go see someone," Jim stated slow and calm.
Delbert was puzzled instantly.
"See someone? But why would you need the ring? Everyone here is…" Jim sent him a pointed look and Delbert chuckled nervously before quieting. Jim decided another approach was in order.
"Do you remember last night with the storm and how I got thrown overboard?"
"Do I ever! Jim, that was…" Another pointed look was sent to Delbert. Delbert's eyes widened. Jim rolled his eyes. This was where things got tricky. He looked down and fought in vain the blush that graced his cheeks.
"By…this girl…" Jim muttered unwillingly. Delbert couldn't contain himself anymore.
"A girl! But that's impossible; we were miles away from land." Jim smirked in his smart mouth sort of way as he glanced quickly at Delbert.
"That's the thing, Doc, she doesn't exactly live on land." Delbert's eyes widened.
"What?" Jim ran a hand through his semi-damp bangs.
"She's um, she's uh…Doc she's a mermaid." Jim confessed imploring with his eyes begging for Delbert to please understand and….Delbert lost it.
"WHAT?! Jim, are you serious! I had no idea that such creatures existed let alone…"
"She is not a creature." Jim growled angrily, the ferocity of his anger returning full force. His fists and jaw clenched. No one would speak of Ariel like she was some kind of specimen.
Delbert's ears drooped, but then enlightenment reached him.
"You care for this girl, don't you?" Jim looked down his bangs shielding his eyes. Then slowly he looked up, a small smile on his features.
"Yeah." It all made sense to the canine now. He snuck out and used the ring to become a merman to see her.
"Jim, this is ludicrous I tell you! If someone found out about us, we'll have a one way ticket to Trog!" Jim's heart began to race.
"Doc, no one's going to find out. Their entire race is a secret. And I…I won't betray that trust."
Delbert had never seen the boy looked so determined in his whole life. He didn't know what to think about this. They didn't need the extra risk and besides hopefully they would be leaving this planet shortly. But then, he had never seen Jim so happy as in that moment, for a very long time and all because of a girl. Delbert was instantly reminded of his beloved Amelia. A wistful smile graced his lips. Oh well.
"So what was it like?" Being a merman?" He couldn't help it. He was a scientist after all.
A grin erupted and Jim ran and jumped on his bed lying back crossing his arms behind his head.
"Doc, it was amazing! I've never felt so alive in my life."
#!)(#!#!#&()!#&
Light and the soft sounds of whispering welcomed the youngest mermaid princess back into the world of the living. Sleepy eyelids opened to reveal blurry blue eyes. Why are there so many colors…?
Ariel blinked several times to reveal that it wasn't blurry shapes but the forms of her six sisters. All were looking at her in wonder and suspicion while Arista looked like she was ready to burst.
"Wha…what?" Ariel asked innocently. Attina, who was at her right, was quick to answer as she folded her arms across her chest.
"You were talking in your sleep." Ariel remained coy as she got out of bed.
"Really?"
"You were talking to a 'Jim'." Ariel gulped as she sat down at her vanity.
"It was just a dream." Aquata and Andrina swam up beside her. Alana looked worried and Andrina appearing outright mischievous.
"I'll tell you what wasn't a dream. We woke up at midnight and your bed was still empty."
"Really?"
"Not to mention that's two hours after curfew," Andrina added in her normal deadpan tone.
"Oh?" Ariel replied continuing to brush her hair.
"So, were you out late because of a boy?" All of the girls snapped their heads toward Andrina and Ariel now.
"So?" Andrina pressed. Ariel's blush only further gave her away.
"Well maybe it was," Ariel answered dreamily gliding over to sit on the window sill. Aquata smiled.
"So it is a boy." Arista gasped.
"Oh Ariel!" All of the sisters crowded her. They were so happy their baby sister had finally found someone. Out of Triton's daughters, she was the only one who didn't have a boyfriend. The sisters were afraid that no merman would have what it took to win the heart of the wild Ariel.
"So we're going to have to meet this boy," Attina said seriously green eyes pinning Ariel on the spot. Andrina gave a short laugh.
"The boys are going to love this."
!E#&()(!!#&()(!!#
Jim Hawkins knew two things: it was too early, and that there was too much noise that was distracting his sleep. Frustrated, he growled and pulled his pillow over his head.
"Jim." Said boy shifted and curled into a ball.
"Morph…it's too early."
Delbert snorted in indignation. He was being compared to a ridiculous pink blob of energy. The boy was delusional indeed. This would require more drastic measures.
"No, Jim, it's time to wake up," Delbert said yanking the covers off of Jim's prone body. Jim sat up groggily, his hair sticking up in various positions, his eyes clouded with sleep.
"Jim." Jim blinked taking one look at the now human Delbert and freaked out, falling out of bed.
"Ugh," Jim groaned rubbing his head. Really, a guy shouldn't be presented with such unsettling visions in the morning.
"You're going to be groaning a lot more than that if Carlotta finds you like that," Delbert chuckled knowingly.
Jim had never moved so fast in his life.
!#&()(!#&()(!
"So I hope you slept well last night?" Eric asked as the buggy sprang into motion.
"Oh yes, I couldn't have slept better unless someone helped me," Delbert ventured cheerfully. Eric couldn't understand why Jim cringed at the comment and sank lower in his chair. Eric dismissed it.
"Well, I hope you like my kingdom." The guards opened the tall wooden gate to reveal a path that led down to a large bustling city. Jim noted how much luscious vegetation there was on this planet. The city was quaint, located right next to the ocean, waterways surrounding it.
Both Jim and Delbert's eyes widened when the buggy came to a stop in the town center. There was so much life! People were bustling about everywhere. There were bakeries and bookstores and …was Eric blushing!
Jim followed Eric's line of sight and then smirked. There, in the distance was a flower shop. But more importantly who was in the flower shop. Through the open window there was a girl, a beautiful girl Jim had to admit, but then his heart had already been stolen by a mermaid so the sight had no affect on him. She certainly had an effect on Eric. Her long golden honey tinted locks and mesmerizing bell like voice had left poor Eric slack jawed. A devious grin spread on Jim's features.
"So what's her name?" The prince looked as if you poured ice water down his trousers.
"What?" Eric blinked rapidly and looked around as if he had been caught. Thank goodness Delbert was off being hassled by some saleswoman trying desperately to sell him a new coat. Eric turned back to Jim who was still smirking. He had been found out. Eric sighed in defeat.
"Her name is Giselle." Jim's smirk grew. He was right.
"And?" Eric looked baffled and at a loss.
"And why are you still here with me when you could be talking to her?" Realization kicked in and Jim was surprised to see Eric's shoulders sag, his countenance falling with them.
"What's wrong?" When he looked up, Eric looked much older than he was.
"I…I can't." Jim's brows furrowed and he tried to make eye contact.
"Wha…why not? I'm sure she'd love to talk to you."
"And I would love to talk to her too, but I just can't. It wouldn't work. We're from two different worlds."
"Two different worlds?! You're only a matter of feet!" If he and Ariel who were two different species could make it work, then surely Eric and Giselle who were both humans could make it work. Eric rolled his eyes.
"You don't understand. I have to marry a princess." Jim was skeptical.
"You have to?"
"Grim says it's for the good of the kingdom."
"But is it good for you? Eric, what about your happiness? Besides, you're the prince; shouldn't you be like able to do whatever you want?" Eric's gaze hardened.
"It isn't that simple. Sometimes wanting to be with someone just isn't enough." Jim's scowl clearly said he disagreed.
"Whatever, it's your life. Look, I'm gonna go save the Doc," Jim said motioning to the floundering Delbert who was drowning in clothes. Eric sighed watching Jim walk off before turning to look at Giselle. She was singing to some bluebird. Slowly, she looked up and their gazes met. Blushes grew on each of their faces before Eric awkwardly waved and ran off after Jim. Who knew maybe Jim was right?
!#&())(!!#&()(!
"I made contact with the crew today."
"Oh?" Jim and Delbert had "retired" to their room. Delbert had taken off the ring and was currently lounging on his bed while Jim was taking off his boots. He wouldn't need them where he was going, or any other clothing for that matter. The problem was that he had to wear them to he got there, except for his boots, he could get away with walking barefoot.
"Yes, they have informed me that the ship is irreparable and that they are trying to contact any nearby ships. Until then, we're pretty much stuck here." Jim smirked. standing to his feet, slipping the ring on his finger.
"Stuck, isn't quite the word I would use." Delbert rolled his eyes. Jim went to the door.
"Now Jim, you've got to be very care…"
"See ya, Doc." Jim smiled slyly before slipping out the door without a second thought.
"Woof." Delbert sighed.
!#!#!#!#!#!#!#!#
Jim felt like the wind tearing through the castle hall, a smirk plastered on his face. His heart only beat faster when he felt the salty sea air whipping against his face and through his hair. He raced down the stone stairs, already pulling his shirt off over his head. By the time he reached the beach, one hand was already going for his belt.
In seconds, he was only standing in his boxers. Anticipation built. An adventurous smile spread and Jim sprinted into the waves, diving into the surf. With a tug, the boxers were discarded and this time Jim embraced the change. In return, the whole transformation from fin to fin lasted all of a few seconds. The transformation now felt like a cooling sensation, and Jim felt oddly like a tail and fins were his natural born form rather than two legs.
Twisting about, he took a moment to examine himself, testing out the flexibility of his lower half. From his past encounter with that shark, he knew that this form was pretty fast and powerful. The question was, how fast, how powerful?
Another smirk.
Swimming out into deeper waters, he knelt on the sandy ocean bed before mentally counting down. One…two…
"Three!" At breakneck speed Jim sprang off the ocean floor and pumped his tail as hard as he possibly could, the rushing water blowing past him like hurricane winds. His excitement climaxed as he broke the surface, his whole body surging upwards like a bullet. Ten no fifteen feet he flew into the air.
"Whoo hoo! Yeah!" With little effort he twisted his body before he back flipped and dove back into the welcoming waters. Effortlessly, he sank in the waters coming to rest on the sand, his arms crossed behind his head, clearly pleased with himself.
"Enjoying yourself?" Ariel's bell like voice startled Jim, his bangs flurrying about him as his whole body went rigid. Ariel couldn't help the giggles that escaped from behind her hand. Jim blushed but tried to regain his cool composure by throwing off hers.
"And what if I was?" he said in that sexy low tone swimming so close to her that their fins brushed and she could feel the heat of his breath on her ear. Now it was Ariel's turn to freeze as fire spread across her cheeks.
Jim smirked. He loved making her blush.
"So where's Flounder?" Jim asked swimming back and looking about for the small bright yellow and blue fish.
"Oh, he's back at the palace, helping Sebastian compose a new song." Jim's eyes widened in surprise and interest.
"Palace?" Ariel cringed. She was caught.
"Yeah." Jim was mischievous.
"So a palace right, but a palace means a kingdom. Ariel, is there a whole kingdom of merpeople?" Jim asked getting closer with each question. Ariel was hesitant.
"I guess so…" Jim smirked and quirked a brow.
"You guess so? Come on let's go!" Jim said grabbing her hand. Ariel sighed before lighting up.
"Alright, I'll show you Atlantica."
"Atlantica." Jim tested the word on his lips and decided it fit. With a tug from Ariel the couple left the shallows for the depths of Ariel's home. Once again, Jim was regaled with the colorful plant life and various marine life that swam free. The farther they traveled they passed some large rock ledges and then finally a clearing came into sight.
Jim stopped, marveling at what was before him. A gigantic city with a towering palace all cast in a golden glow.
"Whoa." Ariel smiled.
"That's where you live? Awesome." Ariel giggled.
"Yep, this is Atlantica." Hurriedly, Jim pulled Ariel towards the gate that acted as the entrance for the city. It took all of Ariel's tail power to keep up with the merman in front of her.
Jim's eyes widened when he spotted the guards keeping watch at the gate entrance. They were mermen. That's right. This whole kingdom would be filled with merpeople. At the stern look on the armed guards' faces, Jim halted suddenly aware of himself.
He didn't live here. This was not his kingdom. This wasn't even his world. He was a human and as such he did not know the customs of the merfolk. Luckily, Ariel caught up to him seconds later. Jim watched the guards' eyes widen before straightening to look very stiff.
"Princess Ariel, I have orders from the sea king to have you report to the palace directly." Ariel sighed.
"Man…"
"Princess?" Jim's cerulean eyes looked like they were going to pop out from their sockets. The guard's brow rose in suspicion. Ariel noticed and so quickly grabbed Jim's hand and rushed him through the gate. Jim's thoughts were racing so much that he missed sight seeing all of the city or the merpeople that bustled about him. All he could say was…
"You're a princess!?" Ariel gave a nervous laugh as they entered the palace.
"I uh…forgot?" Jim pinned her with a look.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Ariel crossed her arms and looked down suddenly very sullen.
"I kinda hoped it wouldn't matter." She whispered softly. Jim's gaze instantly softened and he swam to her side.
"And you're right. It doesn't," he said lifting her chin with his forefinger.
There it was again. They were happily lost in a moment. Mesmerized by her hooded gaze, Jim followed his instincts and gently gripped her chin as he leaned down to steal a kiss.
"Oh my gosh!" A girlish scream interrupted the couple once more. Jim was smug in the fact that this time Ariel remained close to him, a blush permeating her cheeks. Immediately he looked up mentally repressing a growl, only to be surprised when he saw a group of merpeople all about his age a little ways down the hall all adorning looks of shock. Jim looked down at the mermaid in his arms when she groaned.
"What's wrong?"
"Jim, meet my sisters and their boyfriends."
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