Meanwhile, in the underwater kingdom of Mermaidiana, King Aquarion couldn't seem to stop worrying about Akauriana. Since the day she disappeared, that really took a toll on his own health. He couldn't eat his meals without thinking about the day he yelled at her during the argument with her sisters. He could hardly sleep at night for he stood up for hours, worrying about his youngest daughter. He can't even seem to focus on everything, including his own daughters and his kingly duties which made the palace staff even more worried about their king. The grandmother knew of this as well and she too is worried about both her son and her granddaughter. King Aquarion hasn't been himself for at least of couple of days since the little mermaid swam away from home. He felt rather worse than he was before. The grandmother found him in his chambers, hovering over the window pane.
"My son! My beloved son. What seems to be the matter?" the grandmother asked as she entered the king's chamber.
King Aquarion turned to notice his grandmother approaching him.
"Nothing, mother." said King Aquarion, trying to be strong. "I'm fine."
The grandmother knew her son all too well. When he tells her the he is fine, she immediately knew that something is not right around him. She is just as worried as he is of their own flesh and blood.
"You're still worried about her, are you not?" says the grandmother, comforting her strong son.
"You noticed?" the king asked his mother.
"Of course I do." said the grandmother. "You're just like your father in similar ways. He would always try to hide his worries, his concerns and his doubts. All brilliant men do just that."
King Aquarion chuckled a little. Then he went back to his concerns.
"Just where is she, mother?..." asked King Aquarion in a quiet voice. "It's not like her to vanish into thin water so suddenly."
"I'm worried about her too." said the grandmother.
"Maybe it is my fault, mother." says the king. "Perhaps I took this way too far."
"Now what in the name of Poseidon would you think like that?" the grandmother wondered.
"I'm the one who broke her heart." said King Aquarion as he puts his trident down beside him. "I hurt her so bad. I was led to believe that the human world she loves so much is dangerous. I just wanted to protect her, my family and my people. After what had happened to my beloved Merella, I didn't want the same fate for my daughters. For anyone else. I am trying to be the king who protects his subjects. But instead, I failed her."
The grandmother touched his face, being the mother that the king needs in this moment.
"Perhaps she doesn't need a king." the grandmother suggested. "She needs a father. The kind of father who listens to his children. The kind of father who loves his children and a father who is willing to put his own children's interests ahead of his own. That what she needs."
The grandmother turn to swim out to the door but then she turned to her son one more time.
"Please think on it, my son." says the grandmother. "The mer-people already had lost their queen. They're not ready to lose one of the princesses."
The old lady exits out of the royal chambers. King Aquarion turns to the window, looking out at the ocean floor. He continues to worry about Akauriana while he kept his mother's words inside his mind. Meanwhile, on the surface of the sea, Taliah and Lee Lee were on the lookout on the far off ends of the waters. They take turns on watching out for Akauriana at the Evanorian palace while the other help Will and Paulina searching for Isabella. The floral mermaid has disappeared days before without their knowledge. Now she is human alongside with the little mermaid. But the mermaids didn't knew about it. Heartbroken, Lee Lee gives up on the search for Isabella and she turns back to submerge into the sea. Inside of the palace, Akauriana is helping Isabella getting ready for her date night with Tristan. The girl admires herself in the mirror while the little mermaid puts the flower hairpin in her hair. She even lets her borrow the dress that the hand maidens provided for their guests. Akauriana puts a cloak on Isabella to keep her warm from the cold of night. With just a few finishing touches on the makeup and Isabella is all set to go meet Tristan on the seaside town not too far from the castle. Then the hand maiden are ready to escort the flower mermaid to her awaiting chariot at the stables. She turns to Akauriana with a smile.
"Well, wish me luck." said Isabella.
Akauriana nods happily, giving her friend the best wishes for her secret date with the bounty hunting pirate. The maids escorted her down the halls and when they got to the stables, they place Isabella into the chariot. Once she's settled in there, the horsemen drives the horses off, pulling the elegant marble white chariot along. Now Isabella is on her way to the Davy Jones Tavern. The ride took long several minutes until she has arrived at the seaside town. There, the horsemen have stopped their horses and Isabella got out of the chariot. Now the rest is up to her as she follows the map Tristan gave to her. The floral mermaid search the seaside town to find the Davy Jones Tavern. She felt rather frustrated for she had trouble finding the place. So she asked the townsfolk if they knew where it is. They pointed her to the right direction and she continued to follow the map towards the middle side of town, until she finally found the place where Tristan is waiting for her. Upon entering the Davy Jones Tavern, Isabella looked around for her beloved bounty hunting pirate. The Tavern is filled with the nastiest men and women in all the lands, drinking numerous beers, getting drunk beyond belief, tough guys picking fights with the wrong ruffians and misogyny at its finest. It is not a place for a young girl like Isabella who shouldn't be there. Despite of the few fearsome men glaring at her with rage, Isabella continues to search for Tristan. The barmaids, despite of their revolting looks, were kind enough to help the former mermaid find the brooding young pirate for they have seen him sitting over there at the table, right next to the barrels. Happily, Isabella went over to see him. Tristan turns around to notice that his mermaid has arrived.
"I thought you'd never came." says Tristan.
"Of course I came." said Isabella, giggling. "I always keep my word if you will."
"Good to know." said Tristan as he pulls out a chair for her. "Have a seat, milady."
"Why thank you." said Isabella as she took her seat.
While they chatted away for a moment, then suddenly, a ugly big ruffian man came up to their table and tries to take Isabella's hand or even forcefully make her go with him against her will. Tristan didn't take too lightly to this kind of interruption. So he proceeds to threaten the man if he doesn't leave Isabella alone. The ruffian man refused, which led Tristan to take matters into his own hands by punching him in the face. Isabella ran behind her brooding pirate. The man got angry and he tried to attack Tristan but thanks to his witty skills, the young pirate dodges the assault. Then he threw a cup full of rum at the other ruffians, making them think that the man is starting a scene. They believe that he was trying to pick a fight with them and they're not happy about it. That's when a big brawl happened. To get his beloved former mermaid out of harms way, Tristan grabs Isabella's hands and they both rushed out of the Tavern without getting caught up into this unhealthy situation. Successful at their daring escape, the two decided to go by the pier instead of a bar. They both sat by the ledge of the docks, gazing at the big white moon above the sky.
"I'm sorry for that." said Tristan, being sincere. "I didn't knew this was coming."
"It's okay, Tristan." says Isabella. "It's not your doing."
"So the Davy Jones Tavern is not the best spot for us." said Tristan humorously. "My honest mistake. And now I learned from it."
Isabella laughed along with his charming personality. The tough young man looks at her, slightly puzzled a little bit.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing!" Isabella said, still laughing. "Its just that you're so charming when you joke around."
"Yeah, I get that a lot." said Tristan, smiling.
The floral mermaid Isabella lied her head on his chest. She remembers the time when she felt his warmth days before. Now she finally has a chance to win over the pirate's hearts and earn a human soul. As the moment turns to hours, Tristan and Isabella continued to talk about so much more of everything. Tristan would always share his stories of his greatest adventures across the high seas which intrigues Isabella essentially. She shared her stories as well, as a mermaid since he already knew about her true form. Even though she wanted to tell him about the trouble she had to go through just to see him again but she has to gave up her pendant for legs, to her surprise, Tristan wasn't bothered by the fact that she gave it up to Eraza. He didn't knew that. What matters to him is that he has her by his side. However, Isabella felt compelled to let him in on her secret.
"You know, Tristan?" says Isabella, lying her head on the pirate's shoulder. "There is another reason why I decided to come to land."
"Do tell me." says Tristan. "Is it because you love me?"
"Well, that too." chuckled Isabella. "But I did it for my friend. She is also a mermaid like me."
"Oh I see." said Tristan. "I'm guessing she's also a human being as well. Am I right?"
"Yes, that's right." said Isabella, nodding. "She did the same thing like I did, just for you. She sacrificed her tail for legs, all for being with the prince."
"Who's the prince, may I ask?" Tristan asked her, wondering himself.
"His name is Dominick." said Isabella as she went on. "He's is the prince of Evanora."
Surprisingly, the brute of a bounty hunting pirate knew of the Evanorian prince. The minute she mention his name, Tristan immediately remembered the time before his kingdom was destroyed by the Persian armies, that he and Dominick were long time friends in their childhood. Whenever Prince Dominick comes to the Roman kingdom for a visit, he would play with Tristan for hours while their fathers, the kings, conduct a royal meeting. Tristan would always be the troublemaker and Dominick is always the goody two shoes. But he was inspired by Tristan's rebellion in which made him the sea faring prince that he is today. Such good memories they had together long before royal duties called upon them. Tristan turns to look at Isabella.
"I happen to know Dominick." says Tristan, recalling his past friendship with the prince.
"You do? You know him?" exclaimed Isabella, surprised by this one.
"Of course I know him." said Tristan, smirking like a bounty hunter. "We have history together."
"Wow! This is exciting!" Isabella beamed with joy. "So you have been friends before then."
"Yes, milady." says Tristan as he stretches his arms behind his head. "We both go way back. He would always be that little goody two shoes kind of guy. I wonder how has he been doing lately when I've last saw him?"
"Well he's been doing well." said Isabella, twirling her long brunette hair. "My friend has fallen in love with him. So it's safe to say that it is love at first sight."
"I bet it is." chuckled Tristan, being charismatic. "I must know, Isabella. How do they meet with each other?"
"I believe it's where they've met." Isabella giggled as she shared her story. "It all happened when we were out on the sea. Just all five of us, mermaids. We saw a ship passing by and we wanted to see it up close. It is our first time seeing humans in person but that's when she saw him. When a storm comes and endangers the ship, she risked her own life just to save him from drowning. Since then she has fallen for him that day. Just like I have fallen for you."
"So you both turned humans then, huh?" wondered Tristan.
"Actually, it's a little more complicated than that." said Isabella, feeling bad about giving away her pendant.
"Oh... I have no idea." Tristan said quietly, turning his head away to face the nighttime sky. "Does Dominick knew that your friend is a mermaid?"
Isabella shook her head slightly.
"No. He hasn't." says Isabella, facing the sea. "Well, at least not yet."
"Is that something he has to find out for himself?" Tristan asked, facing Isabella.
"Who knows?" says Isabella, looking up at him. "It's a definite maybe. Let's just see if he returns her love first."
Tristan understands the situation. He agrees with Isabella on the fact that the prince must return the love for Akauriana in order to save her from her fate. The young brooding pirate holds his girl close to him and he watches the moon with her. After the hours has past, the pirate took her home on his black horse, safe and sound. Though he can't be seen by the guards, he makes sure that Isabella returns to the castle unharmed. When she went inside the palace walls, Tristan rode off with his horse. Isabella watches him leave from the window pane and then a little later, she heads towards the guest room, where Akauriana is sleeping. The floral mermaid wishes her friend the best and she too went to sleep. On the following day, the noblemen escorts the visitors from the neighboring kingdom into the Evanorian palace. These visitors are the messengers from the kingdom of Victoria. They have come to advise Prince Dominick of his betrothal. In order for the kingdoms to neighbor each other peacefully, the prince has to marry the princess of Victoria. Of course Prince Dominick wouldn't agree to marry a complete stranger, especially if he doesn't know who she is. He declined the proposal but the advisors insisted that he should take his duties seriously. As much as he doesn't want to go along with the betrothal but for the sake of his kingdom, Prince Dominick went along with their suggestions. So the bargaining has been made. Meanwhile, on the ship departing from the Victorian kingdom, a beautiful princess name Daphne is getting ready for her betrothal as well. She too has no intention of marrying someone she doesn't know and love. But for the sake of her kingdom, she went along with her princess duties as well. It is a long voyage but after a fewer days of time, the Victorian ship has arrived at the Evanorian harbor. The noblemen escorts the princess onto the docks and is now heading for the castle. Once they've entered the throne room, where Prince Dominick is currently sitting there, awaiting for his betrothed princess. One of his announcers came into the throne room, followed by a royal flourish.
"Hear he! Hear he!" announce the man. "I hearby degree the arrival of her royal highness herself! May I present to you, the princess of Victoria!"
Prince Dominick patiently awaited for his mysterious lady. He made it clear that he go along with his duties but he will not marry without love. But the noblemen escorts their lady into the throne room, their princess is revealed. It is princess Daphne. The girl who found Prince Dominick on the beach long ago. He cannot believe his eyes for it is the same girl who he thought is the one who saved him. Daphne is also astonished by the fact that he is the same guy washed up on the beach. The two royals glanced at each other and not for a moment too soon, they both agreed to marry one another. They were engaged shortly afterwards in order for the kingdoms to co-exist in peace. Prince Dominick came up to the guest room, to inform Akauriana of his engagement.
"Akauriana! You are not going to believe what has happened today!" exclaimed Prince Dominick out of pure joy. "I finally found her! The girl who rescued me from the shipwreck.
The little mermaid is shocked by this news. She thinks he has figured out who she really is. Before she can get excited about it though, the prince surprisingly says this to her.
"It was princess Daphne!" says Prince Dominick as he happily took Akauriana's hands. "I just knew she has to be the one! I just know it! At first, I thought the princess of Victoria is just a complete stranger. I have no idea what she is like, but now I do. I know it was her. Daphne is the love of my life!"
Akauriana felt her heart breaking after hearing the unexpected news. Prince Dominick mistook her stunned facial expressions for her happiness that he is in love with another girl.
"You must be happy for me, aren't you?" says Prince Dominick, assuring her. "Oh you are! That's wonderful cause I'm just as happy about this too."
He went over to the windows and pull the curtains open in order for the sunlight to lite the room.
"So it's settled then!" cheered Prince Dominick strongly. "We are going to get married as soon as possible! This afternoon, Akauriana. We're going to wed on a ship departing before the sunset."
Akauriana dropped her hand mirror onto the floor, stunned in despair. His words is like a dagger piercing through her heart. She never imagine that the day would come. A day that he has chosen Daphne over her. During the royal engagement ceremony, Prince Dominick announced that he will marry princess Daphne right away and he invited everyone to his wedding. Even Akauriana and her friend Isabella. Cannot bare another moment of it, Akauriana fled the palace. She ran down the stairs to the harbor. There, she collapsed on her knees, weeping away in her sorrow. She has failed to make the prince fall in love with her. Now she'll become a prisoner to Eraza within the eternal darkness. Meanwhile, in the luxurious courtyard, Isabella is admiring the exotic flowers she never had seen before, other than oceanic flowers. She spent most of her evening, smelling the flowers and she sketches them in a book. When she is done with her drawings, Isabella heads inside the castle. While in the hallways, she unwillingly ran into Prince Dominick and his new bride-to-be, Princess Daphne. The floral mermaid became confused by what she is seeing.
"Umm Dominick? Who is she?" asked Isabella.
Daphne quickly bowed to her while she introduces herself.
"Oh please forgive me for the late introduction." said Daphne as she formally presented herself. "I am princess Daphne of Victoria. It's my pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise?" says Isabella in an awkward position. "I'm Isabella."
The floral mermaid turns to Dominick with her puzzled expression.
"Does Akauriana knew about this?" she asked the prince.
"Yes she does." Prince Dominick answers Isabella. "I informed her about our engagement earlier today. I almost forgot that I haven't told you about it yet."
"Well now I know, I guess." Isabella replied in a concerned tone of voice.
She felt an awful feeling inside herself for she knew that something is wrong with this situation. In fact that something bad is about to happen at anytime. She turns to the prince again and she asked him another question.
"Where is Akauriana now?" Isabella asked in a worried voice.
"To be honest, I thought she's with you." Prince Dominick remarked.
Daphne is just as confused as the two. She doesn't know who Akauriana is. Now that they mention her name, Daphne turns to Dominick with a puzzled expression of her own.
"Umm who is Akauriana?" the princess wondered.
"She is a friend of mine." said Prince Dominick as he turns to Isabella. "I really don't know what is going on here. All I did was to invite everyone to our wedding ceremony. You included along with Akauriana, Isabella. Then during the announcement of our engagement, she disappeared without a short notice."
Alarmed by this red flag. Isabella quickly rushed to the guests room. Both Prince Dominick and Princess Daphne followed behind her for they don't know what caused Isabella to be so frantic. When she opened the door, Akauriana was nowhere to be found. Then Isabella hurried to the east wing of the castle. She searched all over the place but there is no sign of the little mermaid. She ran outside to the harbor. On the docks, Tristan got off his horse with flowers in his hands, hoping to surprise Isabella. He saw her from afar, running down the boardwalk. He thought she was running towards him but he was wrong as Isabella ran past by him. Utterly confused, Tristan turns around to wonder what's going on with her. So he rushes after his beloved mermaid. By the time she got to edge of the harbor, Isabella found Akauriana's silky evening dress left on the ground. In this heart wrenching moment, she knew it was too late. Akauriana is nowhere to be seen. Isabella remembers what the sea witch said to the princess. If she doesn't win over Prince Dominick's heart, she won't get a soul. Not only that, he gave his heart to another girl who is more beautiful than the little mermaid. Now she is doomed to spend the rest of her life inside the darkness with Eraza for eternity. Defeated on the inside, Isabella collapsed on the ground, sobbing for she is too late to help her friend. All of her efforts to save her from this horrible fate is all for naught. As she wept away, Tristan found her by the harbors edge. The strong pirate rushes over to the girl's side.
"Isabella, what happened?" asked Tristan in a worried tone. "Are you alright?"
The flower mermaid turns to her man with tears streaming down her eyes. She is crying human tears for the first time.
"I'm too late, Tristan..." cried Isabella as she buries her face onto his attire. "I am too late..."
"What do you mean you're too late?" Tristan asked.
She looks up at him with sorrow.
"I couldn't save her..." uttered Isabella. "I couldn't save my friend from her fate..."
"Shhhh... easy there, milady." shushed Tristan as he comforts her in his arms. "Please tell me everything I have to know. I want to help you. But I can't do just that if you don't fill me in on whatever is going on here."
Isabella felt even more torn up about the ordeal. If she tells him about her deal with Eraza, it'll hurt him like it hurts her too. She gave away her pendant just to be human. But for the sake of her best friend, she has to tell the truth about how she got her legs. She couldn't keep it in any longer than she wanted to. She told him everything about the demonic sea witch, Eraza. The floral mermaid said that the wicked witch not only took her pendant for payment, but she has the little mermaid's voice as well. Shocked by the truth, Tristan sat there, stunned. He had no idea what the two mermaids have to go through just to become human and be with him as well as Prince Dominick. This just in, Prince Dominick and Princess Daphne finally caught up with Isabella whom is sitting on the ledge with Tristan. The two young men gazed at each other for the first time in a while. They knew each other the minute they recognized the faces.
"Dominick." uttered Tristan.
"Tristan." uttered Prince Dominick.
It's been a long time for them as they now have a lot of catching up to do. Daphne became very confused by what is going on. She crossed the sea from Victoria, just to marry for her kingdom but now she has absolutely no idea what was really going on right now. Isabella wonders if the time is right to inform them in this as well. She turns to Tristan, to see if it's okay with him. With the pirate's approval, Isabella bravely shares her secret with Prince Dominick and Daphne. They all have to do this really fast for Akauriana is not going to be the only victim of what is yet to come.
