AN: So...Wow, yeah, this has been a crazy ride! And I lied this is not the last chapter! I've read the reviews I've got so far and there is one I am definitely going to honor. Hopefully, this ending is alright. I am particular to this ending because I feel it is different from all the other JxA fanfictions, and to be honest, I like that. So, please review and tell me if you like it. If not, I'm sorry and I'm glad you got some sort of pleasure from reading this. Again, I would like to thank Dsimpleton for her unbelievably beautiful video and most of all KbSrep. Her artwork inspired me to write this story and inspired me about the what if couple that is Ariel and Jim! Thank you! And thank you to all of you who reviewed I would not have continued on without you! So please...enjoy!
Home is where the heart is...
A door cracks open. Lamp light pierces the darkness effectively signaling a middle aged Cyborg and a future king that the only son of Sarah Hawkins has finished his last goodbyes and has come to voice the decision his heart has made.
Sure enough, like a beacon, two figures in the doorway were silhouetted by the light. It was impossible for the onlookers to miss the desperate tight embrace that mother and son shared. There was a pregnant pause, each passing moment signaling that Sarah Hawkins would have to face every mother's greatest challenge: letting go of her precious child. The figure of Jim swiftly leaned in and whispered something in his mother's ear before pulling away and locking gazes with her. Finn had no doubt hers was a teary one. Jim repeated whatever secret vow and Sarah nodded as she watched him slowly back away.
Sarah Hawkins never left the doorway, even now as Jim approached the two symbols of his life's choices. Head downcast, gait reluctant, it took several minutes for the young unsung hero to reach his destination.
"It's done." Jim's voice was gruff with the overexertion of his emotions. His bangs fell over his eyes and cheeks which were no doubt tear stained. Silver made a step forward to comfort his young friend but the young Hawkins spoke first.
"I've made my decision." When he looked up, all could see the determination that was so clear and fierce like a flame. Both respective ways of life nodded solemnly. While the Cyborg looked pensive, Finn leveled Jim with a steady glance, arms crossed, seemingly prepared for anything. (If it helps, I like to think Jensen Ackles or Dean from Supernatural as inspiration for Finn.) Finn looked each male in the eyes before taking a deep breath and answering. He turned to his lifelong friend.
"Silver, I want to go with you..."
That was all Silver needed to hear. He threw up his hands in elation.
"Well, that's it then, isn't it? The Boy'o, here, has made his decision. Sorry Lad, but it looks as if this one is coming with me. You'll see Jimbo, you, me, with no ties to anyone, it'll be great." Finn merely looked away, a mild scowl marring his features.
"But I can't." Jim interrupted softly locking gazes with Silver. And when he lifted his head, the two males were able to see the slight blush and smile that now adorned Jim Hawkins' countenance.
"It was always Her." Jim shrugged and looked at the soil wistfully, no doubt seeing in his mind's previous happy memories.
"I think I always knew the answer was her." A touch of sadness touched his features but his underlying resolve didn't waver.
"I know I can't offer her anything... and I still don't know how it's all going to work out but...I still gotta try, you know?." A small flicker of hope's light ignited behind stormy blue eyes.
" If I can't...be with her...then...at the very least...I want to be near her. Eric has no idea what's happened, and though he'll be mad I'm sure he would..." Jim was silenced and brought back to reality by Finn's steady hand on his shoulder. When the younger male looked up he was surprised to actually see Finn sporting a small smirk of his own. No verbal words were actually exchanged,stead there was an understanding passed between brothers. Finally Jim nodded. It was time to go to his new home.
Jim Hawkins turned to his lifelong friend.
Silver was was never prouder he beheld the young man that stood before him. He had grown tremendously, even from the last time he had been with him. His courageous love caused merit for admiration. He was a fine young pup indeed. The boy would find his fairytale ending, he was sure of it. The strength of his heart would guide him to it, surely.
"Ah, Jimbo, s'okay. It's better this way. Sides, it's not honorable to not pick your lass, and to be true, I don't think I'd be able to keep up with you for long."
Jim gave a slight smile and shook his head dismissively. He very much doubted the latter statement was true. The cyborg was sly and deceptively fast. He hadn't become one of the greatest space pirate captains in history for nothing.
"...Thanks."
An awkward moment of silence ensued between the men as is common in all males when confronted with an emotional situation. Finn looked uncomfortable, hugs were definitely not his thing.
Silver scratched the back of his neck while Jim stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"Well, Jimbo, I should be on me way, makin' myself scarce, you know. Wouldn't want those lovely gents to find me and try to send me back to Trog."
A wicked gleam and the flexing of his mechanical hand into a tight fist, was a not so subtle warning that nothing was off limits when it came to his freedom. Jim cocked an eyebrow.
"What do you plan on doing now? Not staying out of trouble, I don't suppose."
Silver let out a hearty laugh. The lad knew him too well.
"Well, I suppose I could lay low at least for a little while...Say boy' o where's my wee little buddy, morph?"
Jim was surprised for a moment before embarrassment gave way.
"Oh, he's uh...up at the Doc's house. They gave him to him when I was...well, you know..."
"Aye." Silver nodded in understanding.
"Well, sounds like a surefire plan."
There was an uneasy silence, both fully aware of the impending goodbye looming before them. Silver grew solemn, shifting from the role of the fun loving buddy, to that of the father figure Jim always longed for.
"Now Jimbo, no...James Hawkins, listen to me well." Silver stepped forward and placed his hands on Jim's shoulder's.
"Make me proud." Compelled by emotion, Jim embraced him unexpectedly.
"Love her, James. Love her with all your heart and do nothing less. Because having a woman woth loving and her loving you in return, that's sure to be the greatest treasure you'll ever find." Silver ended softly.
Nodding, Jim backed away slowly, but looked up to hold Silver's gaze. This time there were no tears, only a happy determination to do exactly as he was requested. Finn's gruff voice broke the enchantment that had fallen over the area.
"C'mon kiddo. It's time to go."
Jim turned and glanced briefly at Finn before nodding. Finn was right. They had tarried here long enough.
"Guess this is goodbye, Jimbo..." Jim shook his head in response to Silver's melancholy remark.
"No...I'd like to think of this as, see you around."
Silver sighed and gave a small smile as his gaze studied a seemingly interesting piece of gravel.
"See ya later then, Jimbo...James." Silver gave a tip of his hat and Jim walked slowly to Finn's side.
"See you around, Silver." The trident began to glow bright golden within Finn's grasp.
"Ready to go, Hawkins?" Jim could sense the underlying meaning behind this seemingly harmless question. Is this life the one that you choose? Even if there is no hope, is Ariel the one that you choose? Jim didn't hesitate for a second with his answer.
"Absolutely."
Finn smirked, pleased with his answer. He was really starting to like this kid.
"You're alright, Hawkins." Jim smirked at Finn's version of a complement. Finn held out his hand for a handshake, and as Jim grasped his hand firmly, the trident activated and with one last flare of light, Silver found himself standing alone in front of the old Benbow Inn.
"Good luck Jimbo," Silver breathed as he started his trek toward town.
"You're certainly going to need it."
The beach overlooking Eric's kingdom was bathed in the last vestiges of moonlight, the pre-dawn light threatening to spill over the horizon. The beach was completely vacant, its only occupants the sand and the millions of multi-colored seashells.
A brief flash of brilliant light brought two vagabonds home, or rather sent them crashing from out of thin air to roughly collide with the sand. Groans were exchanged all around, and sand was shaken from clothes and hair.
"Ugh, my head..." Jim moaned rubbing his forehead, as he and Finn struggled to get to their feet.
"Yeah, I guess I don't have that whole transportation between worlds thing down yet." Finn rolled his neck and was only satisfied when an audible click was heard. Jim chuckled.
"Apparently not." Finn gave a mock glare but couldn't hold back the deep chuckle that sprang forth.
"Perhaps, It would be more prudent next time to ask how it works from its true owner, before gallivanting off to who knows where."
Both young men jumped in surprise at the sound of Triton's calm booming voice. Sure enough, at waist's depth, the sea king waited patiently with arms crossed. With the simple outstretching of his hand, the trident glowed ominously, before disappearing out of Finn's hands and reappearing in one of Triton's.
"Yep, the crab's here and everything, yeah, we're screwed." Finn muttered glaring at the cross looking crustacean. Jim glanced at him in alarm before looking out to Triton. What would the sea king do now that he knew his secret. Running away wasn't an option. He was sure Triton had excellent aim, and furthermore, he didn't want to. It was time to face his fate. Jim stepped forward to make his case.
"Your majesty I..."
But the solemn sea king held up his hand to silence the young spacer. Instead, Triton kept his gaze on the seemingly defiant Finn. It was a battle of locked gazes between the present ruler and the future one.
"Young man, though you are destined to be ruler of the seas one day, that time has not come yet and if..."
Finn was very blunt in his interruption.
"I would do it again,saving Hawkins, every time in fact. So no, I'm not and will never be sorry for that." Jim was shocked by the steady completely fearless confession and Sebastian's jaw dropped before looking up at Triton in terror. But instead of going into a rage at his complete lack of respect, Triton remained surprisingly calm.
"And if I now decide to banish you from the oceans for the rest of your days for your reckless act, would it be worth it? Would saving this human be worth giving up your relationship with Attina? Would you risk your entire future with her, for this mortal?"
Finn looked at the off-white almost peach colored sand he was standing on. Jim didn't even want to look at Finn, because honestly who would give up the most precious relationship they had for a guy that wasn't even his species?
"Attina once told me that no matter what, family takes care of family. Jim is and always will be Ariel's mate. Therefore, Jim is family." Not satisfied with his explanation, Finn continued on.
"And furthermore even if he wasn't I count him as one of my friends, and someone worth saving. If I'm not willing to save a friend or a member of my family, then I am certainly not fit to be the future ruler of Atlantica."
Finn locked gazes with the sea king awaiting his response, but the champion of the ocean appeared unafraid, his resolve in his convictions unwavering. There was a pregnant pause that caused Jim's anxiety to grow. It was time for the final decision. It was now in King Triton's hands upon whether or not he would ever get to see Ariel again.
Triton looked thoughtful, but after a minute of deep thought, it appeared that the ruler of the trident had come to his decision. He looked down to his right, to the little crab that had been his closest adviser for years. The poor crustacean still looked mildly terrified. Was he really that intimidating?Hmm, it seemed he would have to work on that. On the other hand, Sebastian's facial expression was pretty funny. He would just have to work on his temper when it came to other people.
Speaking of which...Triton let his gaze rest on the young men that stood before him. Finn: the young warrior would one day be the successor to his kingdom. A small grin lit the king's features. Finn would make a fine leader, husband, and father, one day. He would be exactly what the kingdom needed. The fact that he would turn himself human and travel to an unknown world to save a human of all things, showed his integrity. It would be the strength of his character that would help Atlantica prosper and grow.
Then the sea king turned his attention to the younger human male.Physically, the human was nothing extraordinary. Strong, yes, but he was still young and brash, unable to completely control his instincts as a merman. But...the strength of heart he showcased, especially when it came to his daughter...he had to admit, that was exceptional. Unfortunately, because he protected his daughter and in fact, the entire secret of the existence of the merpeople, he had been banished from his own world. It seemed that his previous life was now officially over.
For some reason, that last particular thought stuck in the king's mind and evolved into a new and very intriguing idea. Triton rubbed his chin, pondering and mulling over the possible outcomes for this particular plan. When no negative consequences could be found, a small grin threatened to emerge. He would do anything for his daughter, his baby starfish, even if that meant parting the seven seas. However, this possible outcome could only be achieved if Jim was willing to take this final step.
"Young man, do you still possess the magic that allows you to impersonate our form?"
Jim looked down and shook his head in the negative, thinking how the ring had been the very first thing that had been confiscated off of his person and was now probably being surveyed by the tightest security. He only wished that he could've been able to study the device in more detail so that he could have at least an idea of the blueprint for the device. As of now, he had absolutely no idea how to create a replica, and in addition, he really didn't think that Eric's kingdom would possess even one third of the raw materials needed to construct the device. In summary, all of his hopes of ever finding a way to be with Ariel were gone. And to top everything off, Jim was pretty sure that Triton was deciding whether or not he was going to blast him to bits.
Triton nodded slowly, and Finn eyed the sea king warily. What's the old man up to?
"While I do not approve of your deception, I will be eternally grateful to you for protecting my daughter and your self sacrifice." Triton locked gazes with Jim, making sure to have his complete attention.
"Tell me, James Hawkins, how much do you love my daughter?"
Seeing as how an honest answer couldn't possibly damn him more at this point, Jim shrugged his shoulders and answered so softly that Triton had to strain to hear.
"I...I love her...I would do anything for her." King Triton's eyebrows rose in false astonishment.
"Really? Anything? Would you give up the world for her?" Catching on to the true meaning of the king's question, Finn turned to slowly face Jim ready to hear the final answer.
"Can't you see, I already have. I've been banished from my home. I don't know if I'll ever see my mother again. And basically, I'm starting a whole new life based on lies, praying that they don't come here and drag me right back to Trog."
Jim paused making sure he had the king's complete attention so that he would never doubt his sincerity.
"And the worst part...is that honestly, I'll probably never see your daughter ever again."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that..." Finn muttered slyly under his breath. The small grin on Triton's face reemerged and Sebastian found himself greatly confused as to what his long time friend and king was about to do.
"So it sounds like your old life has come to an end. What would you say, Jim Hawkins, if I offered you a new one."
Jim who had been staring intensely at the sand snapped his head up in surprise, staring in disbelief at king Triton. Is Triton really offering me this? The king chuckled.
"Yes, believe it or not, Jim, right now I am giving you the option to come and live under the sea with me and the rest of my family."
Jim's mouth dropped open. He couldn't believe it. Instead of banishment, he had just been offered a new home.
"I...I don't know what to say..." Finn rolled his eyes.
"Don't start with that mushy crap. Just say yes if you want to." That remark earned him a mock death glare courtesy of Jim. If I do this, it means I'll be giving up my humanity...I might never get to see my mother again.
Jim turned and looked up over the sand dune and at the castle wall and towers. He gave a slight nod before turning back to Triton.
"Yes, I'd like nothing else." Sorry Eric, but then you'll be a great leader. You didn't need my help. Finn gave his future brother in law a rough slap on the back.
"At a boy Hawkins, at a boy."
Both boys smiled and King Triton laughed. Everything was going to turnout just fine.
"Well boys, what are you waiting for, let's go home." Jim watched as an uncharacteristically playful smirk and glint lit up Finn's features. Abruptly, the elder of the two adventurers took off in a dead sprint down the beach and into the surf. Frankly, Jim was impressed that Finn could walk so well let alone run after being human for a couple of hours.
The same smirk infected the king as he watched. Just as Finn was about to dive into the waves, Triton aimed his trident and fired. There was a brief golden flash, but as Jim uncovered his eyes, he was able to see the tips of Finn's burnt orange fins as they were eclipsed by the sea.
"Whoa..." But then, Jim already did have an instinct that Triton would be a sharp shooter. He was sure with the scraps of patience the king possessed, that he had ample times to practice.
However, it was the internal desire to cherish his last moments of being human that caused him to walk slowly down the beach. Memories of his childhood and his exciting adventures as a treasure hunter, flood his mind's eye as he slowly tripped off his shirt. The early morning light's rays now glinted off the legendary band that encircled his bicep and declared him to be royalty. Inhaling a deep lungful of salty sea air, Jim gave one last glance to the land.
It was time to begin his new life as a merman.
REMEMBER! THIS IS NOT THE LAST CHAPTER! The conclusion and epilogue to this story will be in the next chapter. So if you have any ideas or suggestions pls review and tell me. Until next time...later days!