First off I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you who reviewed. You have no idea how much it means to me. Alright, well something truly unexpected happened, there was a tie in votes for this chapter. So, I decided that I would take the first vote that I received as the decider. The other option will take place next chapter! Enjoy!
The Night Club
He was going to a night club…a night club under the sea. I wonder what it will be like…
The warm sun felt comfortable on Jim's skin as he rode with Eric on the way into town. Eric had asked him to accompany him on a trip to town to handle some political business.
At midnight, Jim had parted with Ariel in the shallows with slow prolonged parting kisses and the promise of plans to meet at sunset. Jim smiled at the thought, that and the fact that clothes seemed to be becoming more and more unnecessary. Even now, from time to time he would find that unconsciously he would finger one of his sleeves or the hem of his pants.
Jim shifted in his saddle. Legs…that was another issue that was swiftly morphing from an absolute to that of a topic that was up for discussion. With each passing night, so came the increasing familiarity of his blue tail.
There was also his growing affection for a certain mermaid princess. He looked forward to each night with more fervor. Each night held a new adventure and this latest one was guaranteed to be exciting. Tonight, supposedly all of the princesses and their boyfriends were going to this night club. It was going to be wicked, and all because Ariel was going. Then there was the fact that he would probably at some point get some more of Ariel's sweet and maybe not so sweet kisses…
A Cheshire grin spread on his lips.
"And what're you thinking about?" Apparently, Eric had noticed his prolonged silence and then the stupid smile. Jim tensed. What do I tell him? I can't tell him the truth. A sudden idea disrupted his train of thought. Or can I?
"I was…just thinking about…my girlfriend." Eric's inquisitive stare quickly morphed into a look of pure shock.
"Girlfriend? Really? How come you've never talked about her before?" Jim scratched the back of his neck, as was his usual habit when he was either embarrassed or nervous.
"I don't know. I just…she's precious to me and to be honest the relationship is very new." Eric nodded seriously."
"I understand. It's perfectly all right to want to keep your love life private…" There was an unfinished edge to Eric's statement.
"But…" Eric smiled. He knew he was caught.
"It would be kind of nice to meet her. You know, meet the girl you think so much about." Jim brows furrowed. You could if you had a tail or if she had legs…Jim's eyes widened.
If she had legs. It was so simple. Ariel could wear the ring, He had made sure of the ring's safety for himself and Ariel was so fascinated by the human world. He was sure she would love to see and experience it for herself. A slow sly smile down played his growing excitement.
"Alright, I'll let you meet her…if you bring your own girlfriend along." Eric shot him a puzzled look as their horses came to a halt on the outskirts of town.
"But Jim, you know I don't have a girlfriend."
"Not at the moment, you don't…invite Giselle."
"Invite…what? No. I…I can't." Jim smirked.
"What? Shy all of a sudden?"
"No!" Eric protested like a small child as they tied the horses to their posts.
"No, it's just, what would I even say?" Jim shrugged nonchalantly.
"Invite her to dinner or something, I don't know." Eric seemed to mull that over for contemplation.
"Alright. I like it. If…and I mean if I ask her, when am I going to ask her to come to dinner?" The boys strolled around town lightly surveying their environment.
"You got dinner plans tomorrow night?" Eric smiled. Jim was always so carefree, so calm and collected.
"Touché'. Jim, there's a reason why I brought you with me today." Said boy looked away from the bakery window he was staring at in order to make eye contact with Eric.
"Jim, I'd like you and Delbert to consider staying at the palace with us permanently." Jim gaped outright.
"Wha- What?" He certainly wasn't expecting that.
"Eric, I don't know what to say." Jim was speechless. What did one say to an offer like that?
"It's alright. You don't have to answer right away. It's just that you and Delbert would be invaluable to the kingdom." Jim shook his head.
"I don't follow you."
"Jim, you and Delbert are two of the most genuine people I have ever met. You both are also very intelligent. I would be honored to have you both as my advisors, and because I also come to value your friendship."
Jim felt both awed and ashamed at the same time. He felt awed because it was such a high honor. Eric's generosity and hospitality knew no bounds. It was reflected in the peace and prosperity of his kingdom. Even now, as they walked around taking a report of the status of the city, his subjects were at ease and comfortable with his presence among them. It showed familiarity that had been cultivated over time. His people trusted him as he trusted them.
That's why he felt so guilty and had to force himself not to cringe. It was a nice compliment that Eric had called him genuine. But there was so much that the prince didn't know. I wonder if you would still say I'm genuine if you knew that Delbert is really a canine like alien, if you knew that we are both from a different planet or that every night I sneak out to become a merman because my girlfriend is a mermaid princess.
"Thanks Eric, that means a lot. I'll be sure to talk to Delbert about it." Jim turned solemn. It was definitely a topic he would have to give serious thought. The longer they stayed on this world, the more he had a growing compulsion to stay on it. If he stayed on this planet he could stay with Ariel. The mere thought of leaving the redhead sent his heart to aching. But then was he really staying with Ariel? The ring only allotted him a certain amount of time as a merman. If he was going to stay with Ariel, then he wanted them to permanently be the same species. The notion of searching for a way to make that happen started to echo in his mind.
"Yeah, I will." Eric missed the double meaning. Though he had not forgotten his new mission, the next couple of shops brightened Jim's mood until finally a full blown smirk was evident at their last stop: The Flower Shop. The vicious case of Eric's blushing had returned full force.
"So…are we going to stand out here all day or what?" Eric cleared his throat and tried to take a very masculine, daring stance that lasted for all of two seconds before he slouched in defeat.
"Jim, I don't know…what if I mess up?"
"Taking the status report?" A look of death was sent his way and Jim suppressed the laughter that was bubbling up within him.
"You know that's not what I mean." Jim's smile turned soft.
"Hey look, I'll go in and do the status report. If you want to go and ask her to dinner, then you can, if not, it's cool." Eric sighed, the relief showing in the way his shoulders sagged. Jim walked up to the entrance, pausing at the door and looking back.
"I still think really think she'd love to go with you." Eric just waved him in looking disappointed with himself. Jim sighed/growled in frustration.
"Whatever." Jim entered pushing the door open. Instantaneously, he was bombarded with the scents and sights of multiple flowers. Flowers of every shade and color decorated the quaint little shop. Some of the pots were even hanging from the ceiling. And then…there was the singing. Though he couldn't see her, Giselle's musical voice echoed through the small shop. And was that…birds chirping?
Raising a brow, Jim ventured deeper into the shop. He was vaguely reminded of the jungles of treasure planet, what with the lush growth of plants all around him. He was quite sure that treasure planet didn't have girly frilly pastel painted countertops and shelves covered in hearts and all things feminine. And why am I being cautious again? Releasing the tension from his shoulders, Jim walked forward until he reached the place where the singing could be heard the loudest. Sure enough, Giselle was there…
In that moment, Jim knew that he and Giselle were never meant to be. There was far too much…singing. Heck, birds were even singing along with her. Yes, if they were together, he would eventually throttle her, he noted dryly. But…if Eric liked her, then that's all that mattered…
"I've been dreaming…"
"Ahem," Jim cleared his throat precisely that moment in that fake sort of way that purposely announces your presence. He got the desired effect. Giselle was shocked as she whipped around and the blue birds scattered out the window.
"Oh! Why…hello." Her wide blue eyes were friendly in an instant. Jim scratched the back of his neck.
"Yeah uh…hey." Giselle was bright despite Jim's lack of enthusiasm.
"What can I do for you?"
"Well, you see, I'm here for Prince Eric…" The most pleasant surprise occurred. A brilliant scarlet quickly presented itself on her cheeks. Jim was puzzled, a brow quirking at the odd behavior. But I didn't say anything…Jim's eyes widened. But he did say something. He had mentioned someone.
"Oh…Prince Eric?" He attempt at sounding nonchalant was ranked somewhere near pitiful.
"Does he…need something?" She inquired her hands clasped together a little too tightly. Jim suppressed the devious grin that threatened to emerge.
"Yeah, um see he's uh …really shy so he sent me to do this."
"Do what?" Giselle's excitement gave way to her curiosity. And so the game had begun.
"What are you doing for dinner tomorrow night?" Giselle was completely baffled now.
"Well I don't know, nothing I guess." Jim smirked.
"Good because I am here on behalf of Prince Eric to invite you to dinner tomorrow night." Giselle's hands flew to her mouth.
"Oh! Wow! Dinner would be lovely!" In her excitement, the flower shop owner didn't see Jim roll his eyes. Honestly, this girl has it so bad for Eric. How can Eric not see it for himself? Giselle quieted and a look of anxiety twisted her features.
"But…why couldn't the prince ask me himself?"
"Well, like I said, he's shy and…he was afraid you would say no." Giselle looked as if he had said something truly absurd or outrageous.
"Say no?" The space officer had to resist the urge to laugh. This was priceless.
"Yeah I know crazy. So…will you come tomorrow night?" Giselle's smile was blinding and she abruptly embraced him.
"Oh yes!" Jim went stiff in her arms. Their current position made him very uncomfortable. He was just glad Ariel wasn't here to see this. Oh that's right! Ariel! There was one other reason he had to talk to Giselle. Slowly he pushed her back.
"Um Giselle, there's one more thing I'd like to speak with you about. I was wondering if I could ask you a favor." Now it was his turn for his cheeks to flame. How do I even say this? He mentally groaned.
"Of course! I'll do whatever I can for my new friend." Jim stepped back anticipating another hug.
"Right. Well…my girlfriend is coming to this dinner too and I wanted to get her something nice to wear, so I was wondering if you could help me shop tomorrow?"
"Oh, I would love to help! Oh how romantic!" Jim was slowly backing away his cheeks burning brighter.
"Thanks and uh, I'll be back at eleven tomorrow morning." Jim waved and quickly made his way out of the shop. Too late. She was already singing with joyful vigor.
"I've been dreaming…" Jim shut the door behind him sighing in relief.
"Phew." Giselle reminded him of how eccentric B.E.N. was.
"So how did it go?" Almost instantly, Eric bombarded him with the question. Jim smirked. Eric looked so desperate, almost like a little kid.
"Great, she said yes." Eric nodded.
"Yes, well that's…wait what do you mean, she said yes!" Jim grinned outright defiantly.
"Exactly what I said. Giselle said she would love to have dinner with you." Eric's eyes widened in panic.
"She what!"
"She said yes. Eric I told you she was crazy about you." Eric looked like he had just suffered a trauma.
"She…did?"
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Sunset couldn't come fast enough. Whether it was from his excitement to be with Ariel, or the fact that Eric was nearly beside himself with plans for tomorrow night, he couldn't tell. The over anxious teen had roped Delbert and Grimsby into giving advise and preparation making. The result was Jim sneaking out early to sit staring out at the ocean. He just sat and took time to reflect on things, and how beautiful the ocean looked from the surface in the day time.
The clear waters still hid the magnificent wonders that lay in its depths. The waters shone golden with the setting sun and Jim was compelled, called by the sea to dive in and be welcomed by it. His thumb ran over the cool metal of the ring. It rested within the safety of his clenched fist. He didn't dare wear the ring at present. His desire to be in the sea at the moment would transform him the second he slipped it on.
To compromise with his desires, he lifted his shirt and discarded it on the shore. The cool pre-evening breeze felt refreshing on his bare chest. He almost shivered as the wind blew through his chocolate locks, his small ponytail getting blown about by the breeze. He wished he could discard more clothing than that but human decency prevented that. His toes dug in the warm sand, and he sighed enjoying the smell of the salty sea air.
It won't be long now. The sun was setting and so the time of Ariel's arrival drew nearer. It would only be minutes now. A grin lit Jim's features. It's time for me to change. Jim's hands quickly went to his belt. A soft chuckle escaped his lips. It seemed he was getting increasingly skilled removing his clothes. With a final tug he was rid of his pants.
Gathering up his clothes he rushed over and placed his pile of clothes behind a designated rock that was used for hiding his clothes. It wouldn't do for someone to find his clothing and wonder where he was, especially since they would know he was naked. Almost giddy, he sprinted into the waves until he was at waist depth. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, closing eyes that matched the ocean in hue. He had donned the ring before he had entered the water so as not to accidentally drop it. The ring had swiftly become the most important item he could ever possess.
It was funny to note that he knew he had never concentrated so hard on taking his boxers off. But if he didn't, he knew he would have transformed instantly and therefore destroying his boxers. I can not destroy my only pair of underwear. Who knows what Carlotta could try to pull if she found out…?
Jim shivered but there was no breeze. He shrugged off the thought as well as his boxers. Well at least something good came out of that disturbing thought. Ok, now I can… He was barely able to throw his boxers to shore before the change overtook him causing him to lose balance. I have to perfect that. He thought as he fell back splashing awkwardly into the water. He resurfaced quickly, seemingly forgetting the abilities of this form, or perhaps it was the human tendency to try and act like he had never fallen in the first place.
A soft giggle was heard nearby. The newly turned merman twisted to see Ariel with a hand placed politely over her lips. Jim groaned. Would she always see when embarrassing things happened to him? So much for being the cool mysterious boyfriend.
"You saw that, huh?" A small giggle escaped and she nodded. She should have been aware of the dangerous mischievous smirk of he boyfriend.
"Hmm, I guess I'll just have to make you forget about that somehow." Ariel was surprised to see him so close already. Why did the water around them feel so warm all of a sudden? Somehow she didn't that Jim would have to worry about her remembering. She couldn't remember her own name when he was looking at her with those heated hooded sapphires and stroking her face like that.
His lips were slow and gentle but insistent on hers coaxing out her response. She was happy to comply matching his maddening fervor. It was when she wrapped her arms around his neck to pull her slick body flush against his that he pulled away from her almost instantly, leaving both of them panting.
"Did I…do something wrong?" Jim's chuckle was dark and still husky, his eyes burning with something Ariel was too innocent to recognize.
"No, it's that you do everything just right." Ariel was clearly confused.
"Right?...but then why…" Jim took her hand motioning toward the sea.
"I'll…tell you about it later. Right now, shouldn't we be heading to the palace? Don't wanna be late?" Jim's deceptively innocent smile forced her to comply, but she did shoot him a look stating that this discussion was not over. Jim sighed as they dove beneath the waves. He was so not looking forward to explaining how her oh so tempting kisses made his male hormones react and how his blood boiled for her.
The embarrassing topic was soon forgotten with common questions of how her day was. Jim was regaled with stories of Ariel's sisters, her studies, and any other interesting tidbit. Really, he enjoyed listening to Ariel. It was relaxing and he felt at ease when he was with her. Now he could enjoy the fun of looking about and waving at all the citizens of Atlantica, while hand in hand with his girlfriend. Their journey came to a halt when they reached the throne room. All of the boyfriends were there but…
"Where are my sisters?" Ariel inquired her eyes scanning the room. Finn looked up from relaxing against a column.
"They're still getting ready. Mind go getting them, Sparky?" Ariel sighed in exasperation. Did her sisters always have to take forever to primp?
"Sure, I'll be right back." With a quick peck on the cheek for Jim and with a few flicks of her tail, Jim was left alone with the boyfriends. Awkward silence ensued as he floated there.
"Hawkins, take a seat," Finn called, his eyes closed now that he had returned to resting. Jim's brow rose.
"But why? Ariel said she'd be right back?" At this comment, the rest of the boys burst out laughing. Jim was confused. Why were they laughing.
"Ariel must be your first girlfriend, huh?" Tristan smirked. Jim's cheeks pinked nd he crossed his arms trying to remain indifferent.
"Yeah, so, what of it?" Finn sighed in exasperation.
"What he means, Hawkins, is that girls are never 'coming right back,' when it comes to getting ready. Her sisters are probably doing who knows what as we speak.." A silent, "o" formed on the youngest male's lips.
"So then, how long do we have to wait?" Caspian's answer was cool and precise.
"Give or take twenty minutes."
"Twenty minutes!" Jim was incredulous. What could those girls be doing in there? Finn shrugged and rose to float before him.
"Better just get used to it, such is the life of a boyfriend." All of the boys nodded their heads in agreement.
"And speaking of which, Jim, I need to see something." Jim gave him a wary look.
"Okay…sure." The merman knew something was up when all attention was on him and there was intensity about the situation that made Jim anxious. Whatever he was doing, was surely something life changing. It had to be, what with the way all the guys looked on upon with baited breath.
"Hawkins, I want you to lift the trident," Finn commanded motioning to the infamous tool of the sea king. An eerie silence prevailed.
"Finn, no, just let him…" Riley began. Is he trying to defend me? Jim was perplexed. This wasn't rocket science. All he had to do was lift Triton's trident.
"No, it's alight, I can do it," Jim pacified swimming towards Triton's empty throne. Caspian eyes him closely.
"We will see." Jim paused before the trident's pedestal. He really didn't see what was such a big deal about this. Still, he was hesitant as he reached out to touch the trident. Taking a deep breath, his hands wrapped around the king's weapon. He could've sworn he felt a tingle run through him at first contact with the trident. With a firm tug upwards, he held the trident in his hands for everyone to see. A collective gasp was taken up from all of the boys, and their eyes were impossibly wide. Jim chuckled lightly and smirked.
"What? Did you think I would drop it or something?" Finn was the first to recover, a serious expression quickly masking his current shock.
"Hawkins, that trident is magical and as such all those except for the royal family and their mates cannot touch it." Finn watched as comprehension dawned in the young Hawkins boy. A soft smile graced the elder's lips as Finn easily took the trident from Jim's numb grip, so that he could place it back in its stand.
"Yes. Ariel is your mate, or at least she will be someday. The words echoed in his mind.
"My…mate." As luck would have it, it was then that the girls returned. Jim forgotten, all of the boyfriends rose to meet their respective mates. But all Jim could see was Ariel. Her sisters had indeed gotten to her. Her shell bra had been exchanged for a fancier one of the same color that had pearls that lined the ties that held it together. Her hair was done up in a half pulled back, half down fashion, and a bright hot pink sea flower was tucked on her ear.
Jim was speechless. It wasn't so much the fact that she was breathtaking in that moment, because Ariel was always beautiful. It was that this was his mate, his mate, or at least if what Finn said was true then she was. Somehow, he couldn't doubt what Finn said. If a trident could shoot thunderbolts then surely it could tell to whom it belonged. This was his mate. He had found the girl he was going to spend the rest of his life with.
It was strange having this information. It was both exciting and terrifying to know that this was it. Out of all of the galaxies, this was the being made solely for him. This was the rightful mother of any children he had. It was all very…overwhelming. For some unexplainable reason, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Ariel was shy as she swam over, her hands twisted about in front of her. Some distant part of James Hawkins wondered why that was. Ariel was always so self-confident and sure of herself. But now it was like he was meeting her for the first time. When she was in reach, he gently stroked her cheek.
"Hi…" he whispered. A pretty blush settled on her cheeks.
"Hi."
"You look…" Jim struggled for words and so he settled for, "wow." Ariel's smile was soft. She understood.
"Poetry Hawkins, really, poetry." And cue the romantic record music scratching…That's right, Finn was still right there. And now Attina was at his side as well. She snorted trying in vain to keep her giggles behind the prison of her hand. This time Finn earned a glare from both of the young lovers. In response, he outright laughed.
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They had departed soon after that, their small group positively buzzing with excitement. They didn't have to travel far. The night club was located in an underground cave just past the kelp forest. It was called the Catfish club and was officially the longest running night club in Atlantican history. Something was mentioned about music being outlawed from the kingdom up until five years ago. Apparently, Ariel had played a part in overturning that injustice.
What had once been a secret underground cave/meeting place, was now a flamboyant exclusive night club, complete with glowing lights and everything. A long line of sea creatures and merpeople alike floated in line waiting for admission. It wasn't long before they were allowed entrance. Jim was fascinated by the flashing lights and the upbeat saucy Latin style music. That is until…
"Let's dance." With a swift tug, Ariel was already dragging him out to the dance floor.
"But Ariel, I don't know how to dance." Jim felt his heart begin to race. He had absolutely no idea ho merpeople danced. Frantically, he looked around for some kind of example of how he was supposed to move. He really didn't want to embarrass himself in front of the entire night club. He was sure Finn would never Finn would never let him live it down if he did.
He seemed to be striking out. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but fish folk. He only had seconds at best, he knew, before Ariel stopped and expected him to dance. He knew Ariel would be a wonderful dancer, a complete natural. That was how fate worked, wasn't it? But wait; oh thank goodness Arista had dragged Rip to the dance floor as well. Maybe "dragged" wasn't the appropriate word after all. Rip looked to be thoroughly enjoying himself. Jim watched Rip until he felt Ariel come to a stop.
Okay, so the male's part in dancing didn't look to be too hard. For the most part, it seemed that all the guy did was position himself behind the female, entwine their hands, and sway to the beat back and forth, twirling her every once in a while. I can do this.
Ariel had stopped and was now looking up at him hopefully.
"Are you ready?" she asked. That little minx, she knew he wouldn't know how to dance. Well he could show her. Jim smirked.
"As I'll ever be." Taking her hand, with a quick tug, she spun into his arms. His eyes closed. She had absolutely no idea how good she felt to him, what with her pressed up so snugly against him like that. Her curves fit perfectly against him. It was his own exquisite torture, and completely voluntary. And then Ariel started to move. He instantly and discretely put at least an inch of space between them. He couldn't let her feel that good against him or he really would be embarrassed in front of the whole club.
His dignity saved, he began to move as well, and to his surprise it really wasn't that hard to dance. By the smile that Ariel was giving him, she thought so too.
"Hey dude!" Jim looked over to see Rip give him a thumbs up. It was fun dancing. He even twirled Ariel around a couple of times. Wow, if Delbert could see me now.
But the feeling that overwhelmed him the most was acceptance. He was by far the newest addition to this little group, but he felt as if he had always been a part of it. He was welcomed into a brand new family. It was like he was supposed to be part of this family. Maybe he really was destined to be Ariel's mate.
Almost like she could read his mind, Ariel turned slightly in his arms so that she could smile up at him that heartwarming smile that had charmed all of Atlantica. Jim felt warmth flow through him. A long life with Ariel looked to be a happy fate indeed. The song ended with a vivacious pop and everyone clapped and cheered in excitement. His little mermaid was quite the firecracker, he noted with a smirk.
"Wow, I never knew you were quite the dancer."
"Yeah well, I'm a quick learner, though I do think you were trying to sabotage me." Ariel winked as she traced a path over his chest lightly. Jim fought the urge to shiver.
"Oh, but I wouldn't dream of it." Darn she looks sexy when she's being mischievous. Jim was about to retort with a sexy remark of his own, but the familiar rainbow phenomenon beat him to it.
"Oh Ariel, come on, you have to come dance with us!" Arista exclaimed. "No offense of course." Andrina added. Jim sighed but shrugged.
"None taken."
"Excellent." Alana clapped and then Ariel was carried away with a wave. Jim waved back amused at the situation. It had to be interesting living with six sisters.
"I hope it's okay. I'm sorry my sisters stole her away from you like that. They tend to get a bit over excited and lose their heads." Attina had stayed behind acting as the ever responsible one. Jim gave a small crooked smile.
"Don't worry about it. I understand. As long as she's happy, then so am I. Besides, I think I need a rest from this last dance." Attina sighed in relief.
"Thanks." Jim chuckled.
"No problem, Attina." With a nod of her head, Attina was lost to the rainbow leaving Jim by himself. Looking about, he saw Finn waving him over from the bar. Giving a brief nod, Jim made his way through the dancing bodies to finally sit at an empty seat next to Finn.
"Not bad for your first time." Finn said taking a swig of his drink.
"It showed that much, huh." Jim replied turning on the stool so that he could watch Ariel from a distance. Finn merely chuckled.
"It's alright. All of us have gone through it. I guess it kind of comes with the territory of being a royal mate, I guess." This comment piqued Jim's interest.
"Royal mate?"
"Yeah, you know that thing I explained to you earlier. Oh, by the way, when we get back to the palace, I'll give you the last one of these." Finn pointed to his upper arm where a thin golden band no wider than an inch wide wrapped around it. It was an interesting piece of jewelry and Jim had noticed that all of the boyfriends wore them.
"Why, what are they?" Jim looked at the band warily. Was this another magical item he had no idea about?
"Don't be such a wuss, Hawkins. It's just a symbol to everyone that we are the future mates of the royal family." Jim's brow quirked.
"So, I don't get what that has to do with anything." Finn looked up and leveled him with a suspicious glance that had Jim worrying if he had said something very very wrong.
"Hawkins, what's with you? Everyone knows that the male mate is the one that rules."
"So the armbands are basically a symbol that tells everyone that we could or will be the future kings."
"Exactly, the band is more for accountability I guess. When and if King Triton ever decides to retire his crown, then, I, as the eldest, will be up for nomination. However, if the people see me to be unfit, then they can vote and my position would be nullified and then the nomination would fall to Riley and the process starts anew."
"Could it fall to me?" The look of terror on the younger boy's face was outright laughable.
"I certainly hope not, Hawkins, because that would really say something about the rest of us." Jim nodded.
"Yeah."
"Why, is there something on your mind?" Jim sighed.
"Yeah, it's just a lot to take in, I guess. I mean, finding out that you're meant to be with someone. It is always right, right?"
"One hundred percent, Hawkins, and I understand. I can't help it I guess. Ariel's like a baby sister to me and I don't want her to get hurt. If the trident had repelled you, then we would have made sure the relationship was over." Finn replied, his eyes dark and full of promise. "No one will take advantage of Ariel, simply because she is royalty. A shiver raced down Jim's spine. How close he had come to losing Ariel tonight and he didn't even know it.
"I know it's a little weird at first, knowing all this but just take your time. Get to know Ariel; the falling in love with her part will come naturally." Finn advised patting Jim on the back. Jim smiled.
He really liked Finn. Maybe this was what it was like getting to know a best friend. As far as Ariel was concerned, Finn didn't know how right his words were. Falling for Ariel seemed inevitable like it was natural, something that was just meant to happen.
Turning from Finn, Jim searched out the mermaid in question with his eyes. Strange, where is she? Little did he know that his male protective instincts had been triggered. Worry enveloped him as he scanned the room. A shrill cry was heard over the blaring music and sharp blue eyes snapped in the direction. What he witnessed made the young merman see red.
The girls had all separated and scattered about, leaving Ariel by herself. Currently, some oversized creepy merman had a grip on her arm, most likely bruising Ariel since she was struggling to get away. Her countenance was angry but Jim could recognize the fear that she was bravely trying to mask.
Jim was off his stool in a moment, his vision narrowing like a tunnel. With powerful strokes of his tail, he was zeroing in on the scene not caring if he roughly bumped into anyone on his there. This earned him a series glares, stares, and whispers.
"Hawkins!" Finn's shouts of warning were lost to the irate teen. How dare he! The male instincts of a merman clouded Jim's mind. How dare he! I'll kill him!
"Get off of her!" A vicious snarl escaped Jim's lips as he tore the offending male off of Ariel. This really was a testament to Jim's strength considering the force with which he grabbed the man who was twice his size.
"What the…" The degenerate scarcely had time to breathe before Jim's fist came flying into his face, sending him torpedoing into the stone floor. Jim had pinned the other male on the ground. Jim's arm rose to punch him again. An iron grip was suddenly on his striking wrist. A murderous glare quickly died when he saw that it was Finn who held him.
"It's alright. That's enough Hawkins." But just as he said this, two large swordfish broke through the gaping crowd that had gathered to witness the scene.
"Young man, back away and let go of him. By order of the Atlantican police, you need to come with us."
Cliffhanger I know, so please review and tell me what you think. I really would like 5 reviews for this chapter. Until next time…later days!
