Epilogue -Back to the future-
"Is that why there is a statue of Flounder down in Atlantica?", asked Roland curiously as he floated besides the stairs, now in his merboy form. He twitched his olive green tail, his fins a darker shade.
His Uncle Rafferty nodded, "Yep, and that's why your dad's named after him similarly.". Tara hummed lightly in understanding as she twitched her plum purple tail, her fins a natural violet.
Ariel nodded with a bittersweet sigh, "That's why we fought for a better future, so all of your parents and you would be safe. We had some rough beginnings once we recovered from the battle yet the rebuilding of Eric's home was the hardest.".
Blake nodded in understanding, "Great-Uncle Grimsby died before he could see Grandpa return with Grandma in tow, but Aunt Carlotta did.". Eric sighed heavily, "He was my most beloved adviser, and he would have loved to spoil Flanders when he was born a year later after our return.".
Anika smiled brightly, "I bet the townspeople were overjoyed when they heard about Uncle Flanders, huh?". Ariel nodded with a chuckle, "Oh, it meant so much to them, and that day, there were so much dancing! The music was glorious.".
Eric laughed softly, "I would never forget how Flanders seemed to dance to Ariel's song that day despite being a week old already by that time!". A giggle sounded out from up above, and the family looked up to see Melody approaching slowly with a present in her arms, "Flanders is a natural at dancing. Right, little bro?".
Flanders appeared behind her, smiling brightly with a chuckle, "It helped me out when I was courting Kalista back in our teenager years.". Flanders is light-skinned, having light red hair which is a shade darker than his own daughter, Cora, and bright blue eyes.
He usually wears a dark green sailor shirt, gray trousers, black boots. When he's in his merman form, he has a dark blue tail with light blue fins. Melody smiled, "Ah, memories.". Ariel got up to kiss Flanders on the cheek, "I am so glad you made it back safely. Where's Kalista?".
"She's making sure our other present is wrapped up securely as this present is mainly for Dad, but it's more for the whole family, really.", Flanders hugged his mother warmly with a smile. Eric blinked in surprise, "For me? But Father's Day isn't for another month yet.".
Flanders grinned, "Call it a early gift. It wasn't just a business trip, Father, but rather personal as well. We were so lucky that Kolding had our presents in time for us to bring back home.". He shifted the present in his arms, "Through this is getting heavy. Are you ready to see it?".
Eric smiled, "Of course, son. I am getting mightily curious.". Flanders chuckled, and walked down a bit more, putting the present down on the step before Eric. Eric hummed, "First time I ever seen holes in a box.".
Flanders laughed softly, "Well, see for yourself, open it up!". Eric shifted the top to the side, and he blinked as he heard snuffling from it, so he opened it, gasping in shock.
Before his eyes, is a small, fluffy, white puppy looking at him excitedly, and Eric smiled, grabbing the little one gently in his hands, "Oh, he's magnificent.". All the children gasped in surprise, switching immediately to human form, walking up to Eric and the puppy.
"He's a White Spitz, 8 weeks old. He's supposed to be the runt, but he somehow got through remarkably.", Flanders proudly replied as he smiled at the puppy licking and kissing all the hands petting him. Eric laughed softly, "Oh, son, thank you so much. He's perfect.".
"What are you gonna call him, Grandpa?", asked Cora curiously. Eric hummed lightly, "Well, he's clearly a survivor, and he's so friendly. Hmm, yes, that's perfect. His name shall be Clovis which means fighter.".
"Clovis, yeah!". "That's perfect!". "He's so cute!". "He likes that name!". "He's white as snow!", clamored the kids. Ariel squeezed Eric's shoulder, "You look happy, love. Thinking that Max would have loved him, huh?".
Eric smiled sadly, "I miss him so, Ariel, but you're right. I believe I can live with another best friend. Clovis, welcome to the family.". Clovis yipped happily at that. Melody called out, "Speaking of family, Ali's coming down!". Kalista aka Ali, daughter of Urchin and Gabriella, old friends of Ariel is dressed in a lovely dark red gown, contrasting with her dark tan skin, her dark brown eyes, and long blonde hair. She's coming down with the other surprise in her arms.
Ariel gasped, "Is that a baby?". Ali smiled softly, "Aunt Ariel, say hello to your latest grandchild, Iridessa.". She's 8 months old, dark brown hair in curls, bright hazel eyes, and peach tan skin, wearing a adorable cream and yellow dress.
"Wait, did you adopt her?", asked Roland in surprise. Flanders chuckled with a sigh, "Nothing gets passed by you, son. Yes, we adopted her from the orphanage in Kolding. She is a miracle.".
"What happened, sweetheart?", asked Ariel in horrified concern. Ali cuddled Iridessa closer as she babbled happily, "Her parents succumbed to the measles. It was a minor outbreak, thank god, but Dessa here, she was crying and starving when villagers checked into the house. She was saved just in time too.".
Tara giggled, "Dessa, huh? We're gonna be her older siblings, ain't we?", with a wide smile. Flanders nodded with a chuckle, "Oh, yes. She's part of the family, dear daughter.". Smiles formed all around the family, and Dessa giggled brightly, seeming to love her new home as the waves crashed peacefully upon the stairs.