A few days later, Sonic and Merna were sitting on a rock above the sea surface where they usually sat if they wanted to get some fresh air. The two Merhogs dipped their tails in the water so they wouldn't dry out.
Sonic sighed happily. "Aaaah, I just never get tired of sitting on this rock whenever I need some fresh surface air." The cobalt blue Merhog remarked as he stretched a bit, popping his back as well.
Merna smiled and nodded in agreement. "Mhm! I love to come here as well when I need some fresh surface air!" The orange Merhog replied with a swish of her fishtail for a moment in the water.
"I can't help but wonder how my friends from my old life on the surface will be celebrating Christmas this year without me around..." Sonic sighed once more as he looked up at the sky.
Merna moved her hand over Sonic's hand as she gently rubbed it. "I'm sure that they'll be able to make it work. I mean, if they could celebrate Valentine's Day and Halloween without you around, then I'm sure that they'll be able to celebrate Christmas without you around as well." She assured her cobalt blue mate.
Sonic looked at Merna and nodded at her words. "I suppose you're right, Merna. But still, I can't help but worry that their first Christmas without me is gonna make them feel melancholic." He replied to his orange mate.
"I can understand. But at the same time, they'll also celebrate their first Christmas without you knowing that you're still alive somewhere in the world and that you're safe. Your friends are physically, mentally and emotionally strong, and they will carry on your legacy that you have left behind on the surface." Merna told Sonic as she held both of his hands with her own, a reassuring smile on her face.
Sonic thought about it, looked back at Merna and smiled too. He then hugged his orange mate. "Thanks, Merna. That's exactly what I needed. Thanks for the sweet words." He told the Merhog princess.
Merna smiled and hugged Sonic back. "Anytime, Sonic. You've done so much for me and Mertopia, so it's only natural that I return you the favor however I can." She replied to her cobalt blue mate before the two Merhogs looked at each other lovingly, then kissed as their tails winded and they embraced for a good minute before they eventually pulled away.
"Well, how about we head back to the palace now? I'm sure your mother is worried about us." Sonic suggested.
Merna nodded. "Yeah, let's get going. Mother already has enough to worry about with the planning of that Christmas party we're having tonight." She agreed before the two Merhogs dove back under the water and swam back down towards Mertopia.