Aquata Cove

Aquata Cove Chapter 101: Dearly Beloved

Sometime later, at 1:45AM, Merrick walks outside of the White Swan gay bar, sighing as he takes a breath of fresh air. Adam comes up behind him as he puts his arms around Merrick, grinding softly behind him.

"This time next month, you are I are gonna be married, can you believe it?" Adam asked as he laced his fingers together.

"The idea of marriage is still a little weird to me." Merrick says, "But at the same time, I am excited about it, don't get me wrong. Even if you are gaining a few." He says playfully as rubs Adam's small belly.

"Stoooop."

Merrick giggles before he kisses Adam's mouth again. He breathes slow and deep as he puts a hand onto Adam's neck and hip. Adam huffs silently as his hands firmly grab onto Merrick's hips.

It's been four months since they last had sex. They made an abstinence pledge to make the honeymoon a more of an impactful establishment; which made things a bit depressing during the Red Moon on Thanksgiving. Yuri had to do most of the cooking while Adam had to try and follow Merrick's recipes to the letter while Merrick spent most of the day wondering the reefs and collecting shells and coral for the wedding just to keep the hormones at bay. At least he was able to make it to the dinner.

"Mnnhhh..." Merrick moans as he parts the kiss, "We should uh... Get back to the party..."

"Yeah... Mhm, yeah..." Adam nods absentmindedly. The two of them slowly made their way back to the door, dragging their feet on the way. "... Hey, look!" He says as he looks up. Merrick looks up and lets out a soft gasp as he sees soft flakes drift down from the sky. Merrick beams as he holds out his hands, feeling slow-falling snowflakes touch on his arms as a very light and gradual flurry coats the area in fluffy crystals.

"So... You sure Atarah can't make it to the wedding? It would be great to have her there." Adam says as he rubs Merrick's shoulders as they watch the illuminated snow throughout the sky.

"I'm sure. While Winter is here, she falls into a deep sleep just to maintain the contradictory balance of nature to make it snow in Hawaii."

"Heh..." Adam rubs Merrick's arm as they stand and watch the beautiful snow flurry, "Remember, babe... Starting on Monday, we can't see each other until the ceremony."

"I know, fuzzy. I'll sleep over at Sasha's when it comes to that." Merrick snuggles his face onto Adam's chest. He digs his hands behind Adam and under his shirt and jacket.

"Ooh! Ho..." Adam jumps a little as those chilled hands feel up his warm skin, "You cold, babe?"

"Hmph..." Merrick scoffed a little, "In a way, I always am..."

"Awww..." Adam pouted as he hugs Merrick back.

"It's genetic, genius." Merrick smirked, "I'm related to the North, remember?"

"Hahah, right right." They stand there sharing this solitary moment as Merrick feels his fingers along Adam's back slowly up and down.

"You're always so warm..."

Hanamaru shudders as she remains in the heated tent next to the beach of Aquata Cove. It's partially sunny today, with a slight curtain of snow gliding down from the sky. "Tell me again why they have to have the wedding on an icy beach? Couldn't they just have a warm ceremony in Spring where everybody gets a lei? Or what about a church or somewhere indoors?"

"Because everyone's done that, Mom. And there's no nearby church that will condone a gay wedding. Also Aquata Cove has a lot of sentimental attachment to the both of them." Yuri says as she arranges the gold-glitter coral branches in glass bottles with glittering seashells. Nick and Sasha are also here, along with Belinda and Syrinx.

"I appreciate you making all of the outfits, Hana." Merrick says as he opens up the faux fur outfits on the table for when his guests arrive, "Some of the Kenovani have a very low tolerance for the cold."

"You're the one signing the checks, sweetie." Hanamaru replies with a smile. "Is your Father going to be here to walk you down the isle?"

"Gheh. Not likely." Merrick snorted, "To keep things simple, let's just say my Father barely got over the fact that I'm gay. End of story."

"Oh I see." Hanamaru nodded.

"He's going to have the leader of the pod walk him down." Yuri said, "What was his name again?"

"Triton Samudra." Merrick answered, "Still can't help but feel awkward about asking him to do this, but he agreed nonetheless."

"Se-S-S-Sei-SeinnNNsei?" Comes a very shaky voice. They look and gasp as they see a vibrating otter at the tent.

"Oh my gosh, Arnaav?!" Yuri gets one of the many towels supplied and runs over to the boy.

"I-I-It'sss so coollld." Arnaav whines miserably as he shakes constantly.

"Oh my God, come here hun," Yuri says as she wraps him in the towel and picks him up. The otter whines in freezing agony as he curls tightly in the warm towel.

"Are you ok, Arnaav?" Merrick asked as he trots up to him.

"M-Mnnhh..." Arnaav nods, still trembling like a furry earthquake, "Th-The Ke-envani is on their wa-a-ay... Th-They wanted to ask that no other humans be around."

"Agh..." Merrick winced, "I can't promise that, I'll just tell them the humans here don't know any better."

"Oy!" Sasha calls out.

"Guys, seriously." Merrick turns to them, "Just pretend you don't know they're merfolk. As far as anyone is concerned, they are all distant relatives of mine who live in remote areas in various parts of the world -- tribal-like people. I'll go and get them; my body is made for icy waters."

"No problem, man, we got this." Nick says as he pulls out a folding chair. They then hear the sound of a few trucks driving in the distance.

"Oh don't tell me that's the catering! It's 3 hours too early!" Merrick says as he trots off and peers around the corner.

"It's fine, Merrick," Syrinx says as she pats his shoulder, "Me and Nick will go straighten things out."

"Ok." While Merrick strips his clothing and walks to the frigid shore, Arnaav snuggles in the towel as Yuri brings him to one of the industrial heaters; now that he's warm and drying, his fuzzy muzzle curls into his usual adorable smile as Yuri sees to him, purring in bliss as he's tended to.

"Meanwhile, you little furball." Yuri says playfully as she dries the boy up, "I think we should get you dressed up. Did Merrick tell you want he wanted you to do for him?"

"A few moons ago," Arnaav answered, "But can you tell me again, Sensei?"

"Alright, lets get you fitted here..." Hanamaru says as she takes Mindal to get dressed. There is a small pyramid of boxes where each member of the Kenovani's items is stored. Each merfolk, currently in human form, stand and wait in the heated tents, their bodies shrouded in one of the many warm towels to dry them off, while Hanamaru, along with Harold, Sasha, Syrinx, and a few other friends pick a sized tunic, robe, trousers, or dress of soft fur coats and clothing to keep the merfolk warm for the ceremony.

"[These are fascinating treasures,]" Deilan says as he examines a satin sash with a murex shell attached, "[How do humans make such things?]" On a table is a very large array of decorative baubles and decorations of metallic, bejeweled with plastic gems, or glittering seashells, coral branches, fancy wearable sea animal designed items, shawls, sashes, and other various items.

"[Ooh, I like this one!]" Deilan's wife says as she picks up sea turtle buckle with hexagonal crystals for the back, while she is dressed in an elegant tweed suit.

"Any idea what they're saying, Kevin?" Syrinx asked as she does her make-up in the mirror, with her husband next to her, "I can understand him while we're underwater, but he only speaks Italian when he's on his legs."

"He's just admiring the accessories that Yuri's mom made for them to wear, same with his wife." Kevin answers, knowing how to speak Italian himself. He grins with enthusiasm as he grasps her shoulders, "This is nuts, isn't it? Those guys are finally making it official; it's still hard to really grasp."

"I know, right? You know me, Deilan, and Merrick are still the only Kenovani members mated to humans, and now all three of us are married."

"Very interesting." Adra Nerissa remakes as she puts a curve-styled circlet on her head.

"Merrick told me you and your family are the leaders of your people, is that correct?" Hanamaru asks, "So I had these small crowns made for you, your brother, and your parents."

"Oh I see." Nerissa says as she takes a small metal band with a small spiral shell, and turn to her very young brother, "Here, this one is yours, Brother." She says as she kneels down to little Adra Hecolt.

"This is so distressing." Razirah Ebba grumbles as she huddles in her fur coat, "I have never had such discomfort with waters of ice." She says as Nick helps wrap the decorative threads holding Ebba's link mediums of the pod around her.

"I'm going to go check up on Merrick." Yuri says before she walks across the tent, and into the smaller tent. Merrick's outfit is still in its case, untouched. Merrick is also not in here. "Merrick? ... Merrick??" She says out. No response.

"Oh no..." Yuri turns and runs out of the tent, and races out of the tent and out into the snow, "Merrick!!" She called out, almost immediately jumping to a terrifying conclusion, "MERRICK!" She runs around, her eyes scanning around for that blonde man, "MERRICK!!"

"What???" Yuri turns her head and sees Merrick walking from behind the rocks. "I'm right here."

"Oh my God, Merrick, where the hell have you been?!"

"I couldn't find my phone." He answered, giving her an estranged look while holding up his iPhone, "It was in the truck."

"Merrick, you're not even ready yet! What have you been doing?!"

"Yuri, Yuri, relax, what's wrong with you?"

"Agh, sorry." Yuri rubs her head, "I guess... I can't help but feel like something traumatic was going to happen."

"... Why?" He asked after a curious pause.

"I don't know, just a reflex or something." Yuri said as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Well calm down, you're more stressed out than me."

"Hhh, ok." Yuri huffs before she grabs Merrick by the arm.

"Ow! Hey!"

"You're running late, Merrick. Stop goofing off now."

"Ow, Yuri! You're hurting my arm!"

The members of the Kenovani mingle amongst themselves, fully clothed and adorned with the many offered cloths, hats, and accessories.

Yuri walks to Merrick's tent, and smiles as she sees him in front of a mirror, along with two of Hanamaru's colleagues, and a couple of Kenovani members who are more adapted for the cold. "Wow, Merrick, you look... Oh my God, you look amazing!"

"Heh, thanks." Merrick smiles as he looks at her reflection. He is dressed in a regal ensemble of robe-style armor. White silk sleeves that have gold scallop pauldrons on either shoulder and locked into place on a mantle of gold placed to the vest of the robe. He wears a small gold nautilus shell for a belt buckle, with the coat reach down to his ankles. And a crown of a gold spiral shells and white pearls around his blond head.

"Oh my gosh, this is the first time I'm actually seeing your robe!" Yuri admires, "It's fantastic!"

"Heh. I basically just browsed Final Fantasy clothing on Google, and told your Mother that I wanted `this, this, and this'."

"Hahah, well you made some awesome choices." The two helpers duck out of the tent to give Merrick and Yuri some time alone, "It's getting pretty crowded in the tent lobby though, and the caterers still need to expand it for the reception. Why aren't your people going to the seating area?"

"The Kenovani are still merfolk, Yuri. And they're scared of humans. They refuse to go to anywhere until they absolutely have to when the ceremony begins. More than half of them are nervous enough as it is just being here. Comparatively, Deilan's wedding was a lot smaller and simpler than this one."

"And why didn't the Kenovani show up for Syrinx's wedding again?"

"Some of them did, Yuri, remember? There were only a few of them because we were recently attacked by Sovereign Urchins, and those things don't make easy injuries." Merrick explains as he looks at the mirror, then wandered his gaze with downcast eyes.

"Merrick?" Yuri tilts her head to look at him, "What's the matter? Are you having doubts?"

"You could say that..." Merrick says with a nod, "It's just... I have a few months left, maybe another half-year at the very most before my body will start to get weak again. I'll have to go back to the Kenovani for several months when that happens."

"Are you sure? Why can't you just spend a day in the water on a regular basis?"

"That's not enough. My body needs more than that."

"Well, I don't see what the problem is. You know Adam's willing to wait for you."

"That's not what I'm concerned about..." Merrick sits down and looks at her, "Yuri, the last time I went into the ocean, Adam was bashed, and he lost everything inside his head. He almost died, Yuri. I was only gone for a week."

"I see..."

"Adam says he always worried about me when I'm at sea with the pod because the ocean is so dangerous. Now I'm terrified of what will happen to him if I leave again..."

"It'll be ok, Merrick." Yuri says as she takes a seat too, "It's already happened once so we can be extra careful."

"It's not that simple, Yuri. I can always be attacked and eaten by a rabid shark at any given moment, just as Adam can maybe get attacked by a violent homophobe at any time..."

"Well... Tell you what." Yuri says, "Me and Jamal can teach him to fight."

"Pghghehheh, what?" Merrick scoffed. Then, he feels something in his brain. His smile fades as his eyes go to the opening of the tent. He hears a soft singing phasing in the air of reality... Like music is being slowly blown away by the wind.

"Hey, I know a handful of martial arts for self-defense, you know that. And Jamal used to live in a `thug' lifestyle -- so he says -- so he knows how to brawl. So you don't need to..." Merrick furrows his brow curiously before he stands up. "Uhhhh, Merrick?"

"Do you hear that?" Merrick asked. He peers out into the lobby, where the merfolk were talking.

"Uuumm... Hear what?" She asked, not certain what to make of this.

"Someone's singing, but... It's weird; it's making me feel weird." He can't seem to find the words to define this.

"..." Yuri pauses and listens, "... I don't think I hear singing."

The breath-like melody rings a strong tone before fading into a wavering sound, "There it is again! I-It's like that singing from Doctor Who!"

"Merrick, I don't watch-"

"The, the, the, the, the 10th Doctor, when he was with Rose, there's this mystic singing, it's like that!" Merrick snaps his fingers as the singing pulls at his attention.

"Merrick, calm down, you're making me nervous." Yuri says as she stands up, "There is NO singing." She assures him, "Everybody is talking, that's all."

"Yuri, I KNOW what I'm hearing!" Merrick says as the song seems to want to yank him out of his tent. The song makes his very body tremble; it's almost scaring him how much the very sound is shaking his core. He steps out from his private area, and strides through the lobby.

"Merrick wait!" Yuri says as she rushes behind him. Merrick pants as he steps out to the cold snow-covered beach. He huffs as he turns, his whole world spinning as the mysterious symphony spirals like an indecisive compass in his brain. "Merrick, you're just having an anxiety attack!" Yuri says as she holds onto Merrick, "Look, just come back inside-"

"NO!" Merrick staggers as he throws her arm out, his eyes squinting as he tries to make some sort of sense with this feeling, until a direction finally settles his eyes from where the rhymic chanting streams inside his mind, "The sea..." He mumbles.

"Merrick, you're just having a nervous breakdown, that's all, it's perfectly natural" Yuri tries to say, "You're going to be fine, just..." Then, Merrick removes the shell crown on his head, "M-Merrick?"

"I have to go." Merrick states as he puts the crown on the rock, and starts to undo is outfit.

"M-Merrick! You're getting married in less than an hour!" Yuri exclaims as Merrick unbuckles the decorative armor, "Can't this wait?!"

"No, I need to know what this is!"

"There isn't anything!" Yuri says as Merrick strips naked, even yanking off his scale necklace, but keeping it gripped in his fist.

"I'll be back!" Merrick says before he immediately dashes into the shore.

"Merrick! WAIT!" But it's too late, Merrick already dives into the water, before she saw the glide of the base of his tail, and the white frilled fin slaps the surface. "Dammit, the snow." She cursed as she quickly picks up the discarded clothing.

Hanamaru watches with estranged eyes as Yuri came back, holding all of Merrick's clothing, "Yuri? What happened?"

"I don't know, Mom. But I think we may have a runaway bride." Yuri said with a frown.

Adam paces around his waiting area by the decorated, seeing people parking their cars near the road of the forest, rather than hiking through the snow. The coming guests go and sign into the guestbook; so far, Bertha has showed up, some of his closest people from the Fish House, Jerry and Carla has just signed in, other well-known performers from the Dream Waltz, and so on. He didn't invite a lot of people, just enough to match the Kenovani's number so both sides of the ceremony is even. He paces back and forth, and then looks up and feels himself smile.

"Adamu-kun." Fumiko says with a formal bow and a bright smile.

"Oh hey, Fumiko, you've made it!" He goes to her and then looks to an older woman next to her, "Hello, I don't believe we've been introduced."

"Hahah, Konichiwa, I am Taeko Kaguya." She introduced herself, her accent rather close to her speaking. "I am Fumiko aunt, I come to bring her."

"Oh, thank you very much for coming. Uh... Just curious, is there a Ryojin with you, orrr..."

"Oh no, Ryojin did not want come." She shook her head, "He and Yuri, no good, eheheheh." She laughed.

"Heh, I hope you don't, like... Hate Yuri,"

"Oh, nononono!" Kaguya assured, "I like Yuri-san! She is good girl, good. Is she here?"

"Ah no, she's actually in a big tent at the beach." Adam gestured before turning and pointing to the sand/snow trail around the down-hill corner of rocks, "Walk there, and turn left, and you'll see it, Fumiko can get ready in there."

"Tank yooouu." She said, "Oh, and present." Kaguya gives Adam a brightly shining wrapping paper as she holds Fumiko's hand and walks her down.

"Oh, thank you, arigatou gozaimasu!" He tells her before he goes and puts it with the other gifts.

As everyone talks and gets ready, a short figure in a white cloak looks about them all. The hood covers the face, and no one seems to notice her as she walks by. As she goes, snowflakes fly gently around her while she slowly approaches the altar.

"It's almost time..." Adam says, his insides churning like crazy, "Hoh my God, I think I might throw up."

"Dude, you need to chill; we're already out here in the cold." Nick pointed out.

"Oh hey, is that them?" Harold asked as he looked at the robed people coming to the seating area.

"Huh? Oh yeah, that's the Kenovani." Adam answered, his whole body still shaking. Him, Jamal, Nick, Harold, and Kevin have all put on their cufflinks, Arnaav is currently with them holding what looks like a metallic miniature giant clam in his hands that contains the rings, and the girls are waiting on the other side of the clearing behind the trees.

"Ok." Jamal crouches down to Arnaav's level, "You know what to do, lil man?"

"Yes!" Arnaav nods quickly.

"Ok..." Adam's insides continue to squirm as he looks over the scene. The left half of the rows of seats occupy his relatives and close friends -- his grandparents, his dearest coworkers from Kele Kolika Pier. The right side of the seating is being used for the whole of the Kenovani pod. Adam sends a quick text to Hanamaru, letting her know that they're ready.

A minute after, a select few mermaids walk up to a platform set up for them, all of them wearing light gold colored robes with crescent moon brooches, to signify that they are to be the choir. Vanora stands before them, ready to conduct them.

As well as a very discrete hooded figure, blending in next to the row of Coshiton mermaids. None of them seem to notice the addition.

Noita Vanora raises a unique baton made of pearl and starts to gently wave it to begin the song. Four of the mermaids release a harmony for the background for the song.

"~Look at this stuff ~Isn't it neat? ~Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?~" A single mermaid begins to sing, before two and three join in on the lyrics, "~Wouldn't you think I'm the one? ~The one who has everything?~"

Firstly, Erin makes her way to down the carpet, carrying a very large book, wearing her billowing black robe. She comes to the middle to the silver ornate podium, where she places the book.

The mermaids overlap their singing in a beautiful round of the lyrics. "~Look at this trove~"

"~Treasures untold~"

"~How many wonders can one cavern hold?~" Triton Samudra walks from the right side of the trees as he holds his trident in his free hand. He makes it to the archway, and takes his seat at the front row on the right. "~Looking around, people think ~He has everything~"

"Huh?" Adam looked at him as he goes. Wasn't Samudra supposed to walk Merrick down the aisle? "Guess he just decided to go it alone..."

Harold nodded to Nick before he walks forward. He walks himself down the aisle and stood in place on the on a step of the altar. "~I wanna be ~Where the people are~" Nick follows shortly after, and stood next to Harold, "~I wanna seeeee~" Kevin walks down the isle as the singing goes, and took his place next to Harold, "~Wanna see them danciinnng ~Walking around on their feet~"

Jamal squeezes Adam's shoulder gently. Adam's stomach continues to solidify as he nodded, and Jamal walks off. "~Up where they walk ~Up where they run ~Up where they stay all daaaaay in the suuuun~" Jamal soon stands right next to Harold at the front, as the Best Man, "~Wanderin' free ~Wish I could be~ Part of that wooorrrld~"

"Are you ready, son?" Whispers Luther. Adam takes a deep breath, and nods.

"Yes... I'm ready..." While the mermaids continue to sing wonderfully, Adam turns, and hugs both of his parents. "Thank you, Mom, Dad... Thank you so much for everything, I love you both..." Donna sniffs as she cries quietly as she pats Adam's back. It's finally happening; Their son is finally getting married.

"~What would I give ~If I could live ~Out of these waters?~" Luther and Donna took hold of each other's arms, and proceeded to walk the aisle. The two of them come to the front, and take their seats in the front left row. "~What would I pay ~To spend a daaaay warm on the saaaand? ~Wager on land ~They understand ~That they don't ~Reprimand their loved ones~ I am ready to staaaaannnd~"

Adam takes a deep breath again and moves his legs, one after the other. His heart feels fit to explode as he finds himself going forward, onto the beautiful archway -- the top of it has a beautiful pair of angel wings posed in a heart-shape with a regal murex shell standing dignified within it. The both sides of the archway is decorated with small seashells and sea stars and elaborately formed coral branches, along with the ribbon and flowers and garlands royal feathers, all placed, wrapped, and arranged symmetrically in on the stalks of the archway.

Vandora settles the singing for a small pause as Adam starts at the end of the aisle, "~What would I give ~To live where you are ~What would I pay ~To stay here beside you?~" Adam's chest practically vibrates while he walks down the way, until he finally steps up to one side of the altar, and turns to everyone, holding his hands down formally like the other men.

The harmony climbs in volume flows with the words, "~Where would we walk? ~Where would we run?~" Syrinx emerges from the trees around the corner, wearing a beautiful sky blue fur dress with a glittered shell brooch attached to the satin sash on her left shoulder. She holds a small flower bouquet decorated with white and yellow flowers, as she then takes her place up front at the altar.

"~If we could stay all day in the sun?~" The mermaids hymned as Belinda walks gradually next, wearing almost the exact same dress as Syrinx, but with a different type of shell brooch on her shoulder, also holding a small bouquet of flowers, "~Just you and me ~And I could be ~Part of your wooorrrld~" Nerissa makes her way down the isle with a light blue dress with sleeves on it, wearing a simple band around her head with a sparkling shell on her forehead, before she puts herself next to Syrinx and Belinda.

Yuri comes next, smiling as she too holds a bouquet of white roses wrapped in gold ribbons. Her lovely dress is light blue, her hair is tied up in a beautiful ponytail set with a jeweled crescent moon on the back. "~I don't know when ~I don't know how But I know something's starting right nooow~" Yuri takes her spot at the archway, turning to the people as the Matron of Honor

The mermaids slow the progress of the song as the last two attendees.

Arnaav then comes onto the carpet before him. He wears a silk black robe with gold trims around the front and cuffs in his sleeves, and a gold painted pair of very small ribbed clamshells right under his neck to resemble a nautical bowtie. "~Watch and you'll seeeee ~Some day I'll be ~Part of yooouuur woooorrrrllld~" The boy holds the small giant clam-shaped treasure box that contains the black pearl ring and the white gold diamond ring within. Arnaav walks over to Adam's side and stands right next to Jamal.

Fumiko comes to the aisle, holding a silver basket filled with white, pink, and yellow rose petals. Wearing a pretty sky blue kimono, her hair is groomed and styled with a pair of sparkling chopsticks placed in a round bun in her hair. She delicately takes a handful of petals, and throws them to her side. She takes another, and lets the handful of flowers fly from her hand. She scattered the petals evenly, distributing the petals as she walks over to Merrick's side, and stands right next to Yuri. "~Out of the seeaaa~"

"~One day I'll beeee~"

"~Part of yooouuurrrr woooorrrrrllllld~!" The mermaids finish with a long and soulful note.

Then, Vanora conducts the bridal entrance song, bringing a sudden rise of pitch from them, their volume and their voices almost literally sounding like angels! Adam's breath gets trapped in his chest as he peers over. The mermaids raise their marvelous voices in climbing tones of the beginning of the hymn. Everyone gets up out of their seats and turns towards the path Merrick is arriving.

The mermaids sing a very soft rhythm of `Here Comes The Bride' as fulfilling music. Everyone beamed as they see Merrick walk along the carpet, wearing the golden seashell armor/robe with the pearl and spiral shell crown with a dazzling white full-length coat while a long, brilliant white cape is draped from under his shoulders and trailing on the floor. Everyone stares in wonder at the great crystal trident he holds in his hands. It shimmers with the light, designed so elegantly with some small seashells tied together and around the top base of the three-pronged top.

With both of his hands holding the crystal trident, someone else is holding his left arm softly. Everyone becomes awestruck as the taller woman of long platinum blonde hair escorts Merrick slowly down the aisle. Wearing a light iridescent white/pink/blue cloak-styled dress and wearing a white glittering circlet around her head, the angelic woman looks to the archway as she guides him to his fiancé.

Adam watches with great disbelief as the two merfolk approach him. What are the odds of her being here, on the very day of their wedding? And that trident! It's the most beautiful aquatic artifact he's ever seen. Now that this is happening, that trident is a much more appropriate item for him than the large bouquet of flowers he was initially going to hold at this time. And it looks as though it's made out of pure diamond, just how did they manage that??

The mermaids' beautiful song drifts around the gentle snow around them as Umiato delivers her son to the altar. Merrick turns to her, his eyes brimming with emotion as she stands here, surrounded by humans, involved with a human ritual of which she has never heard of before.

Umiato smiles lovingly down on her son, her perfect hands going to hold the gilded scallop pauldrons on his shoulders. His aura is a wellspring of limitless light and profound euphoria; his very essence shines brighter than his vestments made of treasure.

Her hand lifts Merrick's crown up a little, before she leans forward, and kisses his forehead. Umiato crouches lower so her shrouded arms would wrap around Merrick to hold him close. With one arm holding his trident, Merrick hugs her back with his other arm, prolonging this tender moment with his mother for as long as he can...

"I love you so much, my Son..." Umiato whispers very quietly.

She stands back up from him, smiling as she strokes her palm on his cheek, before gently drifting away from him. Umiato slowly walks away from the altar, holding her hands before her and feeling a gathering gust of snowy winds blow around her. Everyone watches as this mysterious woman walks straight forward into the woods, more snow and wind blowing around her as she goes, until she completely disappears.

Merrick sniffs as he smiles, watching the beautiful veils of her dress billow into an intangible aurora in the calming breezes, wishing there was something he can say or do to have her stay... If anything... But this is good enough... She has done so much for him already...

Kevin and Syrinx then accordingly go and detach Merrick's cape. They bring it to behind the archway, and clip it above to repurpose the clean, waterproof garment as a pure curtain behind, before both of them resume their places on either side of the grooms.

The mermaids of the Kenovani then leave their posts, and retreat to their seats on the right side along with the other Coshitons, right after everyone sits back down. The person in the white hooded cloak watches now next to a nearby tree, seeing Merrick and Adam turn to face the human wearing a black sail around her body, the one with the short and wave-like yellow baleen on her head...

"Dearly beloved," Erin begins, "We are gathered here in the presence of God before these bright and brave souls; to bring these members of the land and sea together in holy matrimony. My name is Justice Erin Connolly, and I have the privilege of performing this ceremony today. On behalf of Adam and Merrick, welcome and thank you all for coming."

Merrick's right hand grips crystal trident as his chest becomes tense excitement, while Adam keeps his hands together over his belt.

"This gathering is to be commended for honoring all who stand before adversity." Erin continues with her ministration, "God does not make a love that is wrong. This is the union of two individuals in heart, body, mind, and soul." Donna covers her mouth with a soft cloth as she can hardly keep her emotions from overflowing, while Luther pats his wife's hand as he listens to Erin's sermon.

"Therefore, it is not meant by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly." Erin states, "But reverently, and solemnly. Into this holy estate, these two people who are present now, have come to be joined."

"Marriage is a sacred union between a mate and their partner and shall remain unbroken. It is the basis of a stable and loving relationship and is an intertwining of two people who join together to strive throughout life." Vanora watches in awe of men's auras, seeing the bliss of the immense light, it's almost blinding to look at them, while Samudra watches with a proud smile. "These sanctioned lovers are here to support one another and provide love and care in times of joy and times of sorrow."

"We are all here today to witness the joining in the wedded bliss of Adam James Bryant and Merrick Triton Piscien." Erin gestures her hand to the both of them as she names them, "This joyous day celebrates the commitment and love with which Adam and Merrick start their lives together. Through the powers that be, you are joined together in the most holiest of bonds."

"And now, Adam and Merrick would like to exchange their words of endearment to one another." Erin announces. Merrick takes a breath, and turns to Yuri. He gives her his trident, before he turns back to Adam. Meanwhile, Arnaav clicks wavy clam lockbox to open it and reveals a shiny cushion with the two rings placed upon the middle. The boy holds it up as Jamal reaches down to take the two rings, "Take your hands with the other." Erin tells them. Adam raises his hands, and gently takes Merrick's into his, "And recite your vows."

"Merrick..." Adam begins, "You are the one. You are the one I would always have belonged. All the years we've shared, and all the years we're going to share, you are the one. I think I would've always known who you are, like we've known each other for a long time before we were even born. Even when I was in a coma, and I awoke with amnesia." Adam's eyes rim, "Even on that day when I woke up and remembered nothing, I knew. I knew it was you all along, nobody had to tell me." Merrick sniffled as he smiles, "My soul knew it was you the whole time. And the entire recovery, I couldn't stop thinking of you, my body healed as fast as it could just for the chance to have you back with me. And as I always have, I waited for you to come back. And like you always have in the past, you returned to me, and you gave back to me what was taken away from me. Merrick, you hold everything that I am. You are my heart, my love, and my greatest treasure. And I will never forget you, no matter what happens in this life. I won't lose what we have. Ever again."

"Adam..." Merrick starts, "Never in my youngest years would I even think a day like this would come. You know where I come from, where I have been, what I have lived with, and the kind of world I came from... And you've broadened my horizons to a boundless sky with unimaginable heights. You ARE my world, Adam. You, here, you are the one place I will always be. You are the sole reason I have to live. I have been so lost, so many times." Merrick shook his head once, "I have fallen into rage and despair, and I lost everything in the darkness. But at every turn, your light shines across the depths and saves the day. No matter how far I run, my world is right there waiting for me. No matter how much I stray, your loyalty never wavers for one moment. No matter how shattered my heart breaks at one time, I will always find the fragments collected and washed up on your shore. No matter how much hurt I have to feel, your path is there to erase my suffering and make me whole again. When I have nothing, you become everything."

After they finished, Erin continues, "May we have the rings, please?" Adam turns around as Jamal lets the small items fall into his palm. Adam turns back, and gives Merrick one of the rings. "And now, you will give one another your vows; these are the fundamental promises of which you pledge yourself to one another, manifest as the wedding rings you will now give to one another."

"Merrick, I give you this ring," Adam shows the platinum and white cold ring with swirl-like lines welded with small diamonds and one larger diamond on the center, "That you may wear it, as a symbol of the miracle that you have always been to me since the day I met you." Adam takes Merrick's left hand, and puts the ring to his fingertip, "I pledge you my soul, my light, my faith, my courage, and my embrace." Adam slides the ring down to the knuckle, "I will never let the darkness take you away from me again. Because I'll always be there to bring you back."

"Adam, I give you this ring," Merrick shows the black pearl ring with curved white lines all around the band with one complete white pearl on the middle, "That you may wear it, as a symbol of the journey that began so long ago when my eyes met yours under a single night." Merrick takes Adam's left hand, and puts the ring to his fingertip, "I pledge you my heart, my life, my passion, my hope, and my devotion." Merrick slides the ring down to the knuckle, "I promise, nothing will ever keep me from protecting our bond. I will endure and fight with all that I have to safeguard my world."

Erin nods after they turn to face her, "Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. May the love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives." Erin continues, "May you continue to meet with courage any problems, which may arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share today remain with you always. And may the promises and the deeds we have borne witness today become a living truth in your lives."

"If any person can show just cause why these two people may not be joined together," Erin says as she gazes over the two sides of guests, "Let them speak now or forever hold their peace." There comes a silent pause that lasts for 5 seconds, "Very well then." She gives a smile and a nod.

"Do you, Adam Bryant, take Merrick, to be your truly beloved husband?" She started with Adam, "Do you promise to love and cherish him, for better or for worse, through times of ease and hardship? To work by his side and dream in his arms, and to endure keep him in your heart, for so long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Adam says with a smile brimming with euphoria.

"Do you, Merrick Piscien, take Adam, to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Erin turns to Merrick, "To share your life openly, stand with him in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow? Fill his heart and nurture his soul, to stand by his side and protect him to the very core of your being, to cherish and love forever more?"

"I do." Merrick nods as his insides overflow with emotion.

"Then by the power vested in me by the State Court of Law, I hereby pronounce you Man and Husband." She concluded with a nod, "You may now kiss the Groom."

Merrick and Adam turn to each other again, and lean in. Their lips meet and kissed one another, just as the sound of sacred bells ring between them from a nearby speaker. They lap several times before they slow, and Adam holds the back of Merrick's head as Merrick nuzzles his lips against him.

Light applause breaks from the guests as they hold hands and turn to the others. Adam and Merrick turn to face the crowd and raise their hands, causing the clapping to grow stronger. Around several points of the gathering, a few of the mermen from the Kenovani open a few cages and emit a low-frequency sound. Suddenly a fluttering gale of luna moths and morpho butterflies fly from multiple sources and flutter everywhere out of their temperate containers, scattering and flying all around the guests.

Adam and Merrick laugh and beam as the beautiful fairy-like insects fly up from around everyone, profoundly surprising everyone before flying up and into the sky, the flashes of blue and wings of light gliding up and escaping the cold air; the mystical singing of the mermaids incidentally made the atmosphere tolerable for the butterflies and moths during the entrance procedure.

Meanwhile, a short distance off from the chairs and merriment, Umiato stands there, watching everyone from afar, her hands upon two shoulders to channel her magic to fend off the harsh chill. Kaiken shivers as his stern eyes take in the humans and the Coshitons cheering for his son and the human he is mated to, while Brishen chuckles as he too shakes from the sheer cold around them; even with Umiato's power coating the both of them with isolating energy, their partially naked bodies still can barely take the gentle ice all around them, sitting on the rocks as their legs lie motionless below them, while Kaiken still holds something akin to a watery basket to hold a precious object within.

The hooded person who was spying on the ceremony walks to the three of them to stand next to her mother and father.

"So..." Kaiken mutters as a puff of fog rolls from his mouth, "That is the ritual humans do for their love..."

The curtains of the large tent opens, as Adam and Merrick and some of the guests from the Kenovani enter the chilled outside. Merrick holds the mystical trident in his hands, smiling as he looks at it.

"So... Where did you get that?" Adam asked him, tapping on the weapon.

"My Mother and Father made it. The same way my Mother and I made your wedding ring." Merrick smiles cutely.

"Oh, wow, really? How?"

"It's called `Reformation'." He explains, "It's when a Noita and a Triton come together to create something in a completely different way, kind of like alchemy from FullMetal Alchemist."

"Hahaha, what?"

"Well it's not as flashy." Merrick chuckled, "It requires the power of a Noita and the imagination of a Triton to synchronize and reform an object into something completely new."

"You're sure it was your Dad? I thought he wasn't cool with you and me."

"It can ONLY be done with a Noita and a Triton; so either my Mother forced my Father into doing it, or... My Father wanted to do this for me. After all, when I reached them before the ceremony, they were both there waiting for me, and he was holding it."

"Oh gosh..." Adam says as he rubs Merrick tenderly. Even he can tell what this means for him.

"He forgave me, Adam..." Merrick smiled as he looks at the crystalline staff, "My Father... Gave me back my trident..."

Adam gives a soft kiss on Merrick's cheek and rubbed his against the other. Curious, Adam reaches down to deftly touch the shaft, "Ah, it's freezing!"

"Hahah, yeah." Merrick nodded, "It was created from the heart of a glacier. Merfolk of icy waters are able to extract and exploit ice like this."

"Does that mean it's going to melt??"

"No. That's the beauty of it." Merrick says as the trident glimmers from the post-lights around the sand and snow, "It's a kind of ice that will never melt. It's a boreal crystal that will always stay cold. And there's more..."

"More?"

"Take hold of it." Merrick tells him. Adam reaches, and holds the ice rod in his hand. Merrick plants the trident between them, with ornate 3-pointed end pointing to the sky, "You know how King Triton of Atlantica can create lightning with his trident?"

The entire trident glimmers with a cyan light once, and Adam's attention is immediately drawn to the sky. His jaw drops as the clouds form a circle, clearing very quickly and revealing the beautiful sky. "Whoa..."

"This trident isn't made for combat," Merrick added. Adam looks, and gasps as he sees the snow wafting away from them. The freezing powder whirls and blows back, revealing the sand around them and clearing the path and the shore in a more convenient way, "It was made for you and me."

"Hah! Wow...!" Adam says awestruck. He looks up, and becomes breathless as he observes the moon. The ice particles in the air have formed a radiant lunar halo in the sky, framing the bright and full moon above like a giant divine ring.

The posts around the decorated area light brighter as some of the guests come out for either a breath of fresh air, or to dance to the song of the speakers outside.

Adam smiles as he hears the rising and steady rhythm of the theme of Free Willy by Michael Jackson, "Oh my God, that song. I haven't heard that in years." He grins as the nostalgia draws him in, "Come on," He takes Merrick's hand, "Lets go eat, I'm starving."

"Heh heh heh," Merrick smiles as he comes along.

"Hannhhg, hanhgn, armnomnom," Arnaav tucks into the crunchy chicken and jojos, stripping the meat away with his teeth as he finally eats the fried delicacy. As he chews, he looks across the lobby, and sees Fumiko. Arnaav blushes and gulps down his food as he casts his eyes down. She only knows him as an otter... Would she still love him if she knew it was him the whole time? Would she be mad if she thinks he's been lying to her? His little chest throbs with indecision as he looks up at her with longing, almost feeling like whining or going off to hide his sadness.

"Hey, Arnaav." Yuri says, sitting right next to him.

"Hm?" Arnaav looks, and his eyes immediately go to the colorful and sparkling butterfly accessory Fumiko lost so long ago. He beamed up at Yuri before she takes a moist wet nap, and cleaned up his face around his mouth. She would then place the small treasure into his little hands, and rub his shoulder.

"Go ahead." She encouraged, "Go to her. Wait," She adjusts his hair a little, before nodding in approval, "There."

"O-Ok..." Arnaav says, completely nervous. His insides pounding like crazy, he scoots off the chair, holding the hairpiece with both hands as he walks over to her. Shaking from head to foot, Arnaav takes a deep breath, "Se-Sumimasen. F-Fumiko-chan?"

"Hm?" The young Japanese girl turns to see the boy in the black and gold robe and seashell bowtie, looking rather scared, "Hai?"

"U-Uh... [Y-You lost this, a long time ago...]" He says in Japanese timidly as he holds it up. Fumiko stares at it and gasps silently as she looks at it.

"[Where did you get that??]" She asks in amazement, "[I have been looking for it for months!]"

Only able to understand some of what she's saying, Arnaav hands over the little trinket, "[Y-You left it behind. I have been waiting to give it to you.]" Arnaav is almost at the point of hyperventilating as Fumiko looks at it. Would she think he stole it? Is she going to accuse him of stalking her or something creepy? Should he even say anything about how he feels?

"[Thank you so much for returning it!]" Fumiko says, "[It belonged to my Mother, I thought I lost it forever.]" Arnaav's heart lifts as she seems to take on a more happy tone. Fumiko reaches up to her hair, and takes out the ornament holding it in place, and replaces it with the beautiful butterfly.

So what now? What does he say to her now?? Arnaav is completely lost.

"[Would you like to dance with me?]" Fumiko asked.

"Uh... Y-You want me to... I'm sorry, I'm still not that good in speaking your language..." Arnaav says mournfully.

"Ehehheheh, Dance, you want to dance wis me?"

"D-Dance??" Arnaav asked, still shaking, "But, I-I-I, I don't know how..."

"Is ok, is ok, I teach you. Over here, come." Fumiko takes the young blushing merman by the hands and takes him to the dance floor.

"Yeeeaah, THAT'S what I'm talkin bout, lil man." Jamal grinned and nods as he sees the happy schoolgirl showing his nervous little homie how to waltz.

"Heh heh, I really should have showed him how to dance before hand." Yuri says with a pity chuckle.

"Naw naw, he got this." Jamal says as Arnaav clumsily tries to figure this new way to walk.

"Hey, Papi." Nick says as he grasps Jamal's thick shoulder, "Wanna dance?"

"Heh heh, sure." Jamal says as he stands up. Just then, Yuri's phone jingles up, prompting her to check it.

"Oh, Dennis is here. I'm going to go get him." She says as she gets up before she points a threatening finger at the two men, "NO pole dancing, you two! This is a wedding, remember."

"Hahahah, come on, girl!" Jamal laughs as he gives a provocative gesture with his hips, earning a disgusted eye roll before Yuri goes to get her coat.

"At least the food is decent," Chloe says as she serves herself some more grilled chicken, "Even though most of it just solid grease..." Once she gets a full plate she goes back to the table where Rajani and a few others were waiting for her, "Hey Raja, can I talk to you in private for a minute?" She asked as she puts her food down.

"Mnn, sure, honey." Rajani says as se wipes her hands, and then gets up and follows Chloe outside. They find a quiet corner before Chloe turns to her.

"So, Rajani... I uh... Christ, I don't even know how to go about this..."

"Just tell me, I'm listening." Rajani tells her.

"Right... Well, look, Raja... I know sometimes you want me to be as... I don't know, romantic or soft like Adam. And honest to God, I try, but... Agh, I don't know."

"Heh heh heh, never mind that, darling." Rajani says, "You are enough for me."

"Yeah, and for the life of me, I still can't get why..." Chloe continues, "Especially when I have my episodes... I still can't really believe that you can actually accept me when I'm a fucking demon."

"I accept you because I love you, Chloe." Rajani replies, "And besides... You're hot when you're mad."

"I'm serious, babe... I hate when you let me hurt you... But, for whatever reason, you just won't leave."

"How can I just walk away from someone who still needs me?" Rajani asked, "Who else can take you on?"

"Even when I..." Chloe huffs out a white puff of fog for a moment, "Even when I punch and slap you? How can you even... My God, I still can't find the right words."

"Chloe." Rajani says firmly, "I know you feel guilty when you hurt me, and all I can feel is sorrow for you when you go through the hard times. And when you hit me..." Rajani blushes and chuckles with a shrug, "It's embarrassing, but I suppose you could call it a plus."

"Heh... Yeah... So..." She continues as she digs in her pocket, "Look, Rajani... I don't know if I ever want a wedding like this, or if I should even bother, but..." Chloe takes out a black velvet box. Rajani's eyes widen before her hands cover her mouth, "Now, before you get TOO excited, no, I'm not asking anything." She opens them, and reveals what looks like a multi-banded ring of two rose-gold side-profile lotus flowers, one pointing one side, and the other facing the other side.

"But if you ever want us to have the real thing... And if I ever get my shit together enough to give you what you actually deserve for putting up with me for as much as you do" Chloe says as she takes the promise rings, and clinked them apart so they both now resemble a lotus plant with a coiled spring of a stem.

"Oh my gosh, Chloe...!" Rajani says with happiness as she holds out her hand, and let Chloe slide the ring down.

"For some reason, if you want to stick with me longer than this, then at least I want to show you that..." Chloe's eyes get watery as she tightens her lips with a nod, "You're the one for me, Raja." She holds back her tears, "You're the only one for me. And..." She sniffs as she wipes her eyes, "Please don't ever leave... I don't want you to leave, ever."

"I love you so much, Chloe," Rajani says as her voice thickens before she puts her arms around her. Chloe holds her back as they stand together in the cold.