Chapter 14: Part of Both Worlds

Hey everyone, thanks for staying with me till the end. We've finally made it to the end of the story and let me just say it has been a blast and a half doing this story. You guys have been amazing what with all the reviews and the favorites and follows, you guys are just awesome.

Enjoy the chapter!


It almost felt like a dream to her. Here she was on her wedding day, exactly as before but with no giant octopus-witches interrupting it. Here she had strode down the aisle, dressed in the prettiest dress and veil she had ever seen. It felt like a cloud on her, matching how her heart had felt. At the end of the purple and gold carpet Eric waited for her, dressed in the finest as well just for her. Stepping up right beside him, she gave him her prettiest smile through the thin, glittery fabric covering her face before turning towards the priest.

The words of honoring, obeying, and loving one another seemed to fade in the background as they looked at each other, as they knew they had already demonstrated and made those vows in their hearts years before now. They barely had to breath out the words, "I do", before they came closer to each other, immediately surrounding them in a tight embrace. He lifted up her veil, taking a moment to gaze at the beauty it held underneath it before his hands reached up to gently cup her chin and pull her face towards his.

As their soft lips touched one another's, the entire world around them cheered and clapped in congratulatory fashion. Both felt a wave of weightlessness overcome them, surging through their bodies and making them feel lighter than air. It was only when they felt the tickling sensation of fur on their skin and the sudden slap of warm wetness on their faces did they become aware of reality again.

Almost immediately they were swarmed by the audience, ready to exchange friendly hugs, kisses, handshakes, pats on the back, or nods to the newlyweds. It took quite a bit of pushing through and pacing, but they finally made it over to the side of the ship where the people had not yet gathered yet. At least, the guests not in the water.

Right at the back of the boat a small group of people stood waiting for them. One man and six girls, each with their own looks, hair colors, outfits, and styles, and probably different personalities as well. They swarmed around her as she approached, each congratulating her in a typical sisterly fashion while also stopping by him to give him his first introductions and sense of his sisters-in-law.

The man came up last, once each of the girls had managed to pull away from them. Though his long white beard and hair would appear a bit bizarre to some, on him it just emphasized his strength. He was well into his years, yet still incredibly tall and strong and he proudly strode over to them with all the stoic elegance of a regal ruler. For all his commanding, no-nonsense demeanor and the aura of power he gave off, his facade broke as he stepped up to the bride, his arms reaching around his youngest in a gentle embrace. She returned the hug, tightly wrapping her own arms around his neck.

"I love you, daddy," she whispered. The tighter squeeze of his arms alerted her that he had heard and was replying.

As soon as they broke off, his eyes did a short search before landing on the newest addition to his family. His son-in-law was younger, shorter, and less strong than him, and it showed as the two stood before one another. A small gasp of air escaped from everyone's mouths except the bride's and the king's as he reached out and placed a firm hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"You take good care of her," he said, his voice perfectly matching his demeanor. Eric gave a sincere nod before smiling up at his father-in-law. He reciprocated the action, full of confidence that Eric was up to the task of being a good husband to his daughter. Though greater stature and experience would come over time, he knew the man had a great heart already, one that guided his actions and would lead him to do great things as well.

The king then nodded towards his daughters, signaling them to follow. They quickly hurried after him, but not after reaching over to embrace their sister and new brother-in-law one last time. There was a bright glow on the water's surface, cast by the warm, glowing sun, though the light grew stronger as the triton pointed at it. Taking one hand on the railing, the king propelled his body and legs over it, jumping over the side of the boat and into the water. His daughter's followed the suit, albeit more careful as to not to tear their dresses.

The newlyweds peered over the edge, watching as the light fade, revealing multiple, brightly-colored tails which soon slipped under the water before the upper forms of the royal family appeared. Soon more heads and shoulder appeared as more and more merpeople arose to the surface, each waving their hands to the royal couple. Upon the deck of the ship, the rest of the guests came out, finally looking out onto the ocean and seeing the race of beings who lived beneath the waves.

Before both worlds, the bride and groom took each other into their arms again and pressed closer for another kiss. The trials they had faced, the obstacles they had overcome, the hard-earned battles they had fought to be here right there and now, it had all been worth it. The rush of warmth flooded over them again, burning as strongly as the sun above, shining down upon all the world.

The world they shared together.


It's short, but I think that's all the ending should be; short and sweet. Thank you all so much for sticking with me on this story till the very end. could you believe that this entire thing all got started cause I thought of this film one day and decided to do an AU of it? Hadn't even imagined I'd go this far with it.

So before any of you started asking, I have had the idea for a sequel in mind. Whether or not I have the motivation to do it is still in question, as it's been quite a long time since I've actually watched the sequel and even longer since I could make sense of it. As for the sequel to this story, it would take rewatching of the film and a lot of consideration, but it is most definitely a possibility.

Thank you all so much. Please leave a review and, hopefully, I'll see you guys again next time. Sincerely, v.t.7