Author's note: Wait no more, Dominic. eXtreme, I'm glad you're enjoying the series even if you don't like the Princess. OK, guys…one more chapter, and then next weekend we'll be into the next series!

Aftermath 7: Merrick

Merrick

I knew someone would come sooner or later. I've seen Cole fighting; he's desperate, upset, and it's making him rash. Connor knew exactly how to hurt us the most.

Tara keeps telling me I should go and spend time with them; it's almost funny, coming from her. Still, I know I can't stay away forever; sooner or later I'll be drawn back into their team. It always happens.

I knew someone would come. I just didn't think it would be her…

Merrick was finishing his jobs when the wind blew lightly. Stopping, he straightened and turned to look at the Princess.

"Merrick." she said softly.

"Princess." he responded, bowing his head. "What are you doing here?"

"The others." Shayla started, and he nodded quickly.

"I've seen. What's happening?"

"Everything's getting…" she hesitated before smiling and continuing, "better. Everything's getting much better."

Merrick took her inside and sat her down; he, almost automatically, racked up the pool balls. "How is it getting better?"

"Cole and Alyssa are talking. Danny went after Max yesterday and today they *both* look happier. Taylor's gone to see Eric…"

"And you came here." Merrick murmured. By the time Shayla looked up he was staring fixedly at the table. "I'm glad," he continued, still not looking up. "I was getting worried about…everyone."

Shayla caught the hesitation and rose, coming around the table to stand beside him. "Everyone?"

Merrick smirked. "Tara won't talk to me anymore; apparently I spend too much time worrying about…all of you."

Again the hesitation, and this time Shayla took the cue away from him and lined up a shot. "Tara's a good judge of character."

Merrick snorted. "She keeps telling me to go to the Animarium. I find that amusing, from her."

Shayla broke and stepped away, allowing him to line up his next shot. "I didn't come to talk about Tara, Merrick."

"I know." He pocketed two balls, lined up his next shot.

"Merrick…"

"Don't."

Shayla frowned, watching him; he refused to look at her, still studying the table. "'Don't' what, Merrick?"

"Say what you came here to say."

"Why not?"

He finally looked up, and she very nearly stepped back away from him. Merrick could look like Death when he wanted…

"I am your Protector. That is *all*. You know that."

"We are Animaria, Merrick, you and I. We don't have to…"

"Princess." he cut her off. "Please…"

"Let me finish." Shayla snapped. Trained obedience made Merrick bow his head in agreement. "We don't have to live by those rules anymore, Merrick. Animaria is what we make of it."

He waited just long enough to be sure she'd finished speaking before saying pointedly, "If we don't live by those rules, *Princess*…Animaria will truly be gone."

"Then let it be gone." Shayla said quietly. "If I am not Princess, and you are not Warrior…"

"Then you're denying everything we fought for!" Merrick said angrily, eyes flashing.

"I'm not!" Shayla protested. "Merrick, I love you. Why won't you let me have that?"

"It's not…" Merrick started, and then he turned away. Without looking at her, he went on, "I…hurt people…"

"Zen-Aku." Shayla corrected him gently. "Zen-Aku did those things. You were not at fault, Merrick."

"I didn't…didn't stop him…"

"You did. You told us what we needed to know to stop him."

"I hurt Tara."

"Tara doesn't care." Shayla reminded him sharply. "Merrick, please. Look at me, at least."

"If I look at you, Princess, I'll forget all the reasons why this is a bad idea." Merrick said, almost too softly for her to hear.

She tugged his arm, swinging him around to face her. "What do you remember now, Merrick?"

Merrick closed his eyes and took a deep breath; then shaking his head ruefully, he said quietly, "Only how beautiful you are, Princess."

Shayla smiled.