Chapter Eight- Epilogue

The crowd cheered as Mahad and Atem interlaced the fingers on both hands and a handsome crown sat on Mahad's head. The two had just gotten married one month after getting engaged. The ceremony was very simple: An exchange of vows that they had written themselves and Mahad being made a pharaoh as well.

Mahad freed his right hand, aimed it up, chanted, and explosions of colored sparkles lit up above the crowd who gasped in admiration and applauded the show. Mahad had worked hard to read and write his new language as well as learn the spells. With his strengthened powers, he learned spells quickly and was pleased with what he could do. He was in the midst of learning a spell that would conjure up a transparent protective bubble to protect the kingdom from any threat. He was certain he would master it sometime after returning from his honeymoon.

Atem and Mahad spent the night at the castle before heading out the next morning, provisions for a week packed. They hoisted them onto their backs as they bid goodbye to their advisors.

"Be safe, pharaohs," Seto said as he clasped hands with Mahad while Isis hugged Atem.

"Of course, Seto. I've learned a variety of protective spells."

"Your knowledge of spells is quite impressive and to learn in such a short time," Isis added as she and Seto switched to say goodbye to the other pharaoh. She hugged Mahad.

"I know and I actually have Aknadin to thank for strengthening my powers."

"I think some of that was you practicing. It's known that practice improves one's skills."

"You have a point." They released and the couple swam for the exit. They entered the city and, as they swam, citizens gave them congratulations, safe trip wishes, or bowed.

"I don't know if I'll get used to the bowing," Mahad said as they reached the edge of the kingdom.

Atem grinned. "You better. You're a pharaoh now and besides not everyone will bow, but they will refer to you by title."

"I can handle that." Mahad smiled as they headed for the shipwreck so Atem could retrieve his pouch. He had adjusted well to life in the sea and couldn't help but feel that he was meant to be a merman. He had met a merman who was fascinated with humans, fallen for him, and now they were married and he could tell his husband anything he wanted to know about the race to which he had belonged. I will never forget about being human as I can't return to land and Atem will have almost endless questions for me.

Atem was also smiling. He had gone on an excursion to observe humans and try to understand their world. He had gotten into trouble and was saved by Mahad who had already fallen in love with him by that point. He only had vague recollections of the eyes and voice due to being out of the water, but knew he had fallen head over fins in love. When he found Mahad shortly after his transformation, he felt he had met him before. It wasn't until the following night that he was certain of it and kissed Mahad after he accepted Atem's proposal. Learning Mahad's origins and of the bargain made it clear to Atem how hard Mahad had fallen for him and that they were a match: Mahad had been human and Atem was interested in humans.

They reached the wreck and as Atem grabbed the pouch, Mahad gazed around the room again. "I am real impressed with how much was on this ship as well as what you found on other nearby ones."

"Just imagine what we'll find on faraway ships," Atem pointed out.

"I can hardly wait." Mahad took Atem's hand and the two pharaohs left the ship and headed out into the open waters to officially begin their honeymoon and lives together.

The End