Alden put a hand up to the left side of his neck, feeling the scar that had been left by the swift, sharp tail of the scarred, massive shark. It had whipped its tail at him in an offensive move not ten years before, nearly killing him. Alden had nearly died on the way back to the city, hand clamped to his neck to halt the bleeding, outrunning the carnivores after him. All because of this monstrosity of a fish that had managed to outrun the fishermen of both under and above water. Its own scars were prominent, obvious, and seemed to glow in the dark. Alden watched it circle, catching sight of its black eye that seemed to sparkle with life despite its age. He lowered himself to the floor of the sea, scooping up an especially large, jagged piece of coral that came from the fields several dozen miles away, used mainly to line the edge of blades. Outside the gates of Aqaris, the sand was always littered with riches.

He lifted himself, getting out of the eye shot of that massive beast. It had turned away from him a moment ago, and Alden went to drift behind him. But the creature saw him, and turned viciously, snapping at Alden. He managed to escape the immediate danger, but true to all sharks, it was swift regardless of size. Alden rose drastically, diving down with his coral blade in one hand, slicing into the thick hide of the shark, down its back and across its fin. The beast threw its head back, twisting in an odd way, its teeth grazing nearly the same place it had gotten almost ten years ago. A flash of anger flowed through Alden and he struck the shark in the eye with the coral bit, sending the sharp-toothed fish flailing, but Alden held onto the fin, sending the creature into the floor of the ocean. Stunned, the shark simply floated in the water, allowing Alden to get into the gate and slam it shut. Only then the sting of the wound in his shoulder became prominent.

Diana watched as the guards swarmed to his side and clamped down on the bleeding. She turned and looked out at the shark. His hard work was going to waste. This was their chance. It was stunned and now would be the best chance they would ever have to defeat it. One of the guards had dropped his gleaming sword to help the prince. His blood floated around them in a red mist. She swooped under them and snatched up the sword, then edged to the gate paused. This was insane. She was not a warrior. She had always fled. Perhaps in this way though, she could make her life worth something. And if not, well, it didn't matter. Her life had always been and always would be worthless.

The gates had swung closed tightly. He had done with job. She looked back at Alden and wondered if he could even see. His face was definitely pale. While they bandaged up his face, she used her only strength that she had any confidence in and sped upwards. Heading towards the top much as Alden had done hours earlier that night, gave her tail all the speed she could. Reaching the top of the city, she wiggled her way through the caging that created such a lovely dome and turned towards the outer edge of the city. There was the shark. Huge and ugly, his hide tough from war and age, she could see that he was starting to come out of his stunned state. The guards had been fools not to take him out while they had a chance.

She gritted her teeth. She had no strength to speak of. Her only hope was in using her speed to ram the sword in. Bracing the hilt of the sword against her hip, she gave it her all. Speeding in faster than the harpoon guns of the topdwellers, she aimed straight for the creature's neck. Or at least area behind the brain where the neck would be if he had one. Everything blurred around her as she closed in and made contact. The impact jarred her and she felt stars spinning around her.

Blood in the water. He’d seen it too often to recount. His own blood, this time, such as last time, weakening him more than he’d been in years, decades. The sadness he felt for his parents passing couldn’t compare to the lightheadedness and breathlessness. He could have gotten to the palace in time, had there not been guards to stand by. They always carried with them medical supplies for any injured merfolk that happened by within their sight, but they were very hasty now. He knew why. He’d almost died last time he faced the beast, and this time wasn’t much different. The wound was a little lower, but still deep.

As two of the four guards went to the palace, perhaps to spread word or, Alden hoped otherwise, to tell the king and queen. The last thing they needed was to know their son had been stupid enough to try to run the shark off again. It usually lingered for a few hours, then left. But perhaps, Alden felt as the water began to clear, he was vengeful. Something he didn’t usually feel. Shaking his head to focus a bit, he looked around for the girl he’d told to come inside the gate. Squinting, he gasped as it was obvious she was outside the gate, having taken one of the guards’ swords, lunging with a skilled speed straight to the recovering shark.

He tried to call out to stop her, but his voice was cracked and muffled by the guards, who had been careful to pack and wrap the injury, stopping the flow of blood once more. It was a job that would hold well enough, so that they would be able to get back to the palace and begin its healing process, which tended to take the better part of the night or day, whichever was upon them. But for a moment the pain was gone. Alden slipped free of the powerful and slightly clumsy hands of the two that were still around him, rushing to the gate and unlocking it by use of his necklace. Instead of returning it to his neck, having too much there already, he let it fall to the sand-covered gem street and rushed out, a bit too late already to save the shark specifically.

The blue-toned girl seemed to have been stunned just as the shark had. However, the shark was dead now. Its own blood was staining the water, leaking slowly from the sword hilt. “No, no no no.” Alden muttered, dragging her back between the gates. “No, what did you do? You shouldn’t have killed it, you shouldn’t have.... You don’t kill for no reason. Just run it off. Why didn’t you just leave it there?” His heart was racing, working overtime, and he let her go, exhausted.. “Oh no, no...” He’d fought the shark before. He’d run it off. And he’d been attacked twice by it. But it was a shark, a predator. They didn’t think much about what they did, they just did it, they were naturally curious. Alden let himself lower to the gem-paved street and the guards returned to him. “Go...” He pointed to the open gates. “Go get it. No need to let it go to waste.”

The guards did so, leaving Alden rather reluctantly, and as he sat on the sandy road, he leaned forward and put a hand to the wound. Already the waterproof fibers had been stained red.

Diana felt angry. The pent up anger that she often pushed under so that others wouldn't know or see. A bit of it got through her clenched teeth as she hissed, "You don't kill for no reason, that is true. You don't let a known repeat assailant wonder free either. If there was a recovery or training program for sharks, then I'm sure you could have enrolled him there to become a model citizen of the seas. There isn't." Also, there were always the innocent merchildren playing or workers out who would not have the protection of experience or nearby gates. In her mind's eye, it had not been senseless.

Then the realization that she had just talked back, and to the heir at that, hit her. She pushed the dizzyness away and fled to the shadows. Slipping out of sight, she leaned against a building and held up her hands. They were shaking. She cringed and clenched them, wondering how in the world tonight could have gotten so crazy. By now, it was most likely early morning. She should probably head home and get some rest. Even if her family were not.

Alden was about to reply when the girl swam off. Against his better judgment he flew after her, losing her for only a minute and recovering his sight that had for a moment blurred. Finding her, not facing his direction, he pulled her back out and into the open. “Don’t run from me.” He said. “And don’t see the shark for the actions it takes. Don’t penalize a wild animal for doing what it does. That’s not right. What if I penalized you for talking back to me? I’d never do that. You can’t just go about killing for the mere reason of attack and retaliation. Wild animals don’t think, they act. You have to do the thinking for it.”

His voice cracked, and he let the girl go. “Wish I knew your name.” He muttered, voice low and breathy. “Wish we hadn’t gotten off on the wrong side of things...” He went back, as the guards came down the road. The ones who had vanished had returned with one more, and they surrounded him. “Wait...” He tried to raise a hand, looking back toward the blue-finned shadow, hoping to repair the damage that had never even been paid attention to. But blood loss didn’t let him resist much. The guards, one on each side of him and another behind, helped him leave the streets of the city and move to the palace.

He was half-conscious, but Alden knew what he was saying: “B-bring her... tomorrow. To me, before... the event starts. Have to... h-have to apologize...” One of the guards grabbed his arm as he fell completely out of consciousness. Alden was lightweight, and easily carried; their ascent was quick.

She was startled that he had come after her. Evidently he enjoyed a good verbal banter. Being forced to leave the shadows was not her preferred choice for spending her moments when she rather be fleeing. He certainly got her heart rate up when he grabbed her. Now she drifted slowly back into the shadows watching the guards help him back the the palace. He was weaker for his injuries and needed rest. No doubt that he would want some sort of penance for her outburst. It had been disrespectful of her and an apology at least was due. They finally were out of sight. She noticed cleaning crews with water filters coming through to clean up the blood clouds. Both the prince's and the shark's. The shark would probably be part of some of the food preparations now.

She turned and headed back to her place. Slipping through the shadows slowly. Worry filled her. Both for the heir's health as well as what would come out of this. She shook it off and reached the house. Her mother came out at just that moment and saw her. "Diana, I need your help. The crystals they are trying to inlay along the pavilion are not staying. We need your delicate touch with the gold. Go get your tools." She was going to do what where? "Mother, that is a delicate task and there are so many merpeople there that would be distracting for the process." Her mother shrugged it off as she headed out the door, "Almost everyone has finished and moved on elsewhere. Just the artisans such as yourself will still be there finishing up those finishing touches." Diana sighed and swam to where she stored her tools. Picking them up she headed for the door. Looked like she wouldn't be sleeping much tonight either.

Words were shared back and forth by various guards. They contemplated telling the king and queen of Alden’s injury, but at his feeble protests, decided against it. He could hardly focus on the places he was led through. All he really knew was that there were walls, a floor, and a ceiling surrounding him as well as the guards on either side and in front of him. One had gone to fetch an elder merman, one of which cultivated glowing stones from only the deepest of underwater trenches, where light rarely managed to reach and whose marine life was odd, lighted, and sometimes eyeless. Alden was laid down in his chamber while the swift, powerful blood-red tail of the elder merman, one known well as Guai, beat through the still water to come to rest alongside his young friend.

He’d mended the wound that had been left by the shark several decades ago, and was surprised to see that the new one was almost identical to the old. He shook his bearded head and began a steady unpacking of the bandage. One guard had stayed, ready to clear the water with one of the purifiers, but kept a good distance between them. “History is often doomed to repeat itself.” Guai said solemnly. “You should be glad you were so close to the city. Had you not been, perhaps you would have died. And you know... That would have been the worst disaster ever to befall Aqaris.”

“What of my parents?” Alden spoke through a faint haze. “Their impending death? Is that not of utmost importance, is it not... the worst disaster?”

Guai shook his head, letting the unraveled bandages float in the still water beside him. “Their deaths are to be natural.” He said, placing one of his clear, flat stones on the open wound along Alden’s shoulder. “As your father surely said once before, death comes to all creatures, regardless of their life span. But the death of the prince, in the prime of his life, would without a doubt be the worst disaster this city’s ever known.”

Alden was silent, staring at the ceiling. The sting of the wound was lessening, this time because the odd stone was knitting his skin together again. He would still have to rest the night, and would possibly need help getting around all morning tomorrow, he would recover quickly. Alden beckoned the guard nearby to come close, which he did, leaning close to hear what the young prince had to say.

“Tomorrow, before the set time of the event, I’d like a word with the mermaid who killed that shark.” He was much clearer now, able to convey his thoughts without using every bit of energy he had. “Bring her here, if you wouldn’t mind, but if she’s busy, don’t force her. All right?”

“Yes sir.” The guard nodded twice. “I’ll do that.”

Sleepily, he turned his head back to look at the ceiling. “I’ll be able to apologize for all the accusations...” He said to Guai. “For getting her mixed up in those situations in the first place.”

The red-haired merman didn’t say anything in reply. He just turned his easy, brown-eyed gaze upon Alden.

Diana approached the end of the where the parade would end and the entertainment began. The pavilion was huge with the raised platform for the royal couple and heir at one end. She rose up to be level with it and saw the foreman explaining what needed to be done. He saw her and swam over, "Finally. You have been hard to locate today Diana. Listen, the large gems are all set but we need your fine touch with the smaller ones. The gold artisans we have here are just unable to work the delicate gold strands. Here is the basic sketch of the pattern. Use your creativity outside of that." She reluctantly took them and swam to one end. Settling in with an assistant holding a basket of small jewels and another carrying the delicate strands of gold, she bent foreward and concentrated on her task. Another assistant moved nearby to warn away any merpeople who came to close, so that her concentration would not be broken.

She looked over the placement of the larger gems and then picked complimentary colors and sizes from the basket. Using a sticky substance to put them momentarily in place, she began twisting and weaving one thin strand of gold at a time around them in a decorative design to hold them more permanently in place. With the first patch done, she glanced up at the dome of the ceiling to get an idea of the time. The glowing rock that was the center piece glowed the pattern and color of the time. Her eyes widened at that. She was going to be busy until almost 10 or 11am. The parade started at noon. She bent again and forced herself to focus. There was a long ways to go.

Alden had sent Tevin, one of the younger guards and one he’d been friends with for a long time, out early when the water began to glimmer with the faint light of early morning. Tevin was very personable, usually around the people of the city. His job was easier, being one of the younger guards and only set to patrol the streets hourly. He also gladly did rare favors for Alden, and as the sun rose, he left the palace to retrieve the girl that he’d noticed Alden dragging back into the gates of the city after she had killed the shark that had been patrolling the area. The shark hadn’t gone to waste, though, because it had been taken to a fisherman’s shop to be quartered. Inside the belly of the shark they had found various metal items from the surface world, from flat rectangular plates and rubber scraps.

Tevin moved about the roads. Everyone was starting to wake from their sleep, come outside and go about their business before the parade started at noon. But Alden had noted that this girl would be one of the crafty artisans, their abilities unrivaled. She would probably be among the others in the pavillion. Alden, however, had asked Tevin to bring along a palace artisan, who tended to the most intricate of designs on the outer walls of the palace, which were exposed to the most wear and tear.

Tevin, with the artisan in tow, had moved about half the pavilion, until he found the right young mermaid. Even her hair was a dark blue, with a bit of green that imitated kelp flowing in the water. He moved up beside her. “Miss.” He said, voice firm but easy-going. “Your presence is requested at the palace by the heir. Your work will be taken over by Miss Loretti.” He indicated the young, nimble-fingered mermaid with a light yellow tail and pale blonde hair at his side. “If you will?”

She felt started by the voice and froze. Once her pounding heart calmed from the interruption, she slowly and carefully starting moving her tools again. Carefully finishing with the last of the golden strands. Moving gently away from her work, she turned and looked with irritation at the one who had interrupted her. Gazing into the eyes of a younger and handsome guard, she was momentarily distracted by a sense of appreciation. Then his words got through and her eyes widened. Looking back and forth between the guard and the artisan who was to replace her, she uncertainly nodded. This was it. She was going to have to apologize. Possibly there was some sort of punishment or fine should she would have to agree to as well. It wasn't the prom queen she had been rude to after all. It had been the heir. Moving her tools into her pouch, she turned to follow the guard with downcast eyes. Her assistants moved to help Loretti with the work, showing her the blueprints.

Tevin took the young lady through the main entrance, up several sets of winding stairs and through various granite and marble-lined hallways. Alden had decided to use his gathering energy to go to the topmost balcony, which overlooked the entire of the city, and as he regained his energy, laid on a cool chaise with his eyes closed. The stone Gaui had used worked wonders, and now, only a dull reminder of the shark’s razor-sharp teeth let him know the scar was healing inside.

The water nearby was disturbed enough for Alden to know someone was near, Opening his eyes, he looked around and turned onto the side that wasn’t injured, watching Tevil draw closer with the young artisan in tow. “There you are.” He muttered. “I’m glad you’re here.” Propping himself up on one elbow, Alden rested his head on the arm of the chaise. “I wish I didn’t have to call you away from your work, but I just wanted something said... I’m sorry.”

He rearranged himself to a more comfortable state. His long tail snaked off the edge of the soft chaise cushion and coiled slightly on the floor of the balcony, the tail fin folded onto itself and seemed lifeless. “I’m sorry for bothering you during the afternoon yesterday.” He continued. “We seem to have the same taste in secluded places. I’m sorry for accusing you of a crime. I’m sorry I scared you, if I did. I’m sorry I confronted that shark and made you think you had to take care of it because I couldn’t finish the job.” He was almost smiling, he’d never sounded so weak. But he couldn’t use up his energy by talking forcefully or loudly, if he rested as well as he was at that point, he’d be able to swim by himself by noon. But that wasn’t his main priority. That was right in front of him. “I don’t even know your name.” He continued. “And I’m sorry for that as well. Would you accept this apology?”

Diana blinked with shock. She was already overwhelmed by the gorgeous architecture, design, and the jeweled decoration. Now once again before this aggravating man, she wasn't sure if she should be awed, overwhelmed, intimidated, or angry. Maybe just a little bit of each. However the apology took the cake. There was no getting past it. She had seen him terrifyingly angry, depressingly in despair, gloriously brave in battle, and as stubborn as a baby. However, now he was before her weak as a jellyfish apologizing as if her existence mattered.

Bowing low before him, she tried frantically to grasp some sort of a response. "Your apology is accepted my lord. This is the second time you have expressed a desire to know my name. It is Diana." She paused for a moment, wondering at how to handle this. She wanted nothing more than to slink towards the wall or into some shadows, but that wasn't proper and hardly appropriate at the moment. She wondered what her mother would do and realized that there was one question that was most appropriate now. A question in fact she wouldn't mind knowing the answer to. "How are you feeling?"

Alden smiled a bit, almost reassuringly. “I’ll be fine, Diana. Worse has happened to me in the past, you needn’t worry about that.” He pushed himself up a bit more, despite having to work a bit for it. Teven moved forward to help, but Alden held up a hand. “If indeed you do care and aren’t simply asking to show respect.” He added knowingly. He realized the cityfolk usually showed obscene amounts of respect to his parents and him, which he actually felt rather guilty accepting.

He lifted himself up, however, to face Diana. “I didn’t call you here just to say sorry.” He said. “That would have been a waste of time.” He finally got up, moving to the banister of the balcony and looking down. From where he was, he could see the pavillion. It was almost finished. “I’d like to give you the chance most wouldn’t consider. I’ve put you through a lot, possibly more than I should have. Dragged you into a lot of situations you just didn’t need to be in. A lot of your time could have been saved had I not acted and reacted as I had, and you put up with me because you thought you had no choice.” He looked around to her. “I’d like to give you free roam of the palace. It’s got spectacular inlays, moulding, and intricate golden designs you may be able to copy.”

He leaned against the railing. He was difficult just staying upright, and his tail looked dead as it simply laid on the floor under him. “I’d also like for you to personally accompany me to the event this afternoon, so you’d not have to worry yourself with the finishing work. And, lastly, some personal lessons with Loretti, our own master artisan.” He paused. “That is, if you’ll accept.” He nodded to her. “It’s the least I could do for your annoyance. Perhaps a rest, as well? You were probably up quite late working on the finishing touches in the pavillion.” He looked behind him at the location in question, stretching the healing wound a bit so that it was uncomfortable.

Diana was astonished at his offer. It was most kind and rather generous. She would be the envy of all the mermaids. Maybe a few of the mermatrons as well. Apology. Doubt of her loyalty. Generous offer. He was a mixture and a fading one at that. She could see the strain in his face and the tiredness in his eyes. If his pale complexion wasn't hint enough, then there was the rather limp tail that held no energy whatsoever. She slowly and carefully replied, "A most generous offer my lord. If annoying me is what your wishing to make up for. You can start by laying back down. Despite your apparent unappreciation for the feelings of your people or your own health, you will find we all love you and your family very much. So please, lay back down. Also... your... less imposing that way. No offence..." She fought with herself trying to control the shudder and habit of shrinking away. This was no place or position to be in. She wasn't at all sure how to act or be. Her feelings were at war within her but she had to try to be composed. Must be composed. Everyone else around here certainly were.

To be able to go about the palace though. There was so much artistry here that was beyond compare. The work of the ancients and timeless art all right there at her fingertips. And fingertips sometimes being too much. She knew the value of not touching some of the caging she had seen. Delicate and worth more than many could imagine. She knew since she had tried herself many times. And then personal lessons on top of all that. It was definitely something worthwhile. But to attend the parade with him. She wouldn't be hidden among many or unseen in the shadows. She would be where all eyes could see her. What if she made a fool of herself or embarrassed the royal family? Yet a part of her relished the chance to be honored in such a way. A way that couldn't be topped by her old school mates or her sister's friends. It was indeed a war of the emotions. Only intensified by being up all night.

Alden obliged her, fighting the wish to collapse when he returned to his place and let himself lie down. He’d been told that before, that he could be much less imposing at a lower stance, and he certainly didn’t want to intimidate anyone. “I appreciate the love of the people.” He said, laying his head on the arm of the chaise and looking up to see the young woman. “Although I know you do put up with a lot, sometimes, where you think you have to watch your tongue. But I do value your individual personality, and do want to hear what you have to say the way you want to say it.” He took a breath. Speaking so much certainly was a tough job, though he tried to hide it.

He sighed. “I don’t suppose I’ll be able to show you about, though, in my current state. But perhaps you can allow Tevin to do that for me?” He looked behind Diana to the young guard, whose green tail wove behind him. “Tevin is a bit young, still, and working his way up the ranks. I’d suppose you would want to close your eyes for a while, though. He can lead you to one of the guest chambers, if you like.” Suddenly he couldn’t keep his eyes open. “Well, Diana, if you want to argue the matter, do so with Tevin, won’t you? Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he can defend himself much... easier.” He shut his eyes then, falling limp and into very light sleep.

Diana wasn't sure if she should bow her head solemnly at his apparent health fatigue or be amused. Any respectable merperson would be concerned. She was sure he would be alright though. If he would just rest. Now that his body had imposed that on him, he would get the rest he desperately needed. She wouldn't have to catch him at the parade if he started to drift away due to unconsciousness. Schooling her features to be impassive, she forced herself to be somewhat outgoing in her direct approach with Tevin. "I could really use that rest. There are only a few hours before the parade and I haven't slept yet in the last twenty-four hours." This would get Tevin out of any obligations at babysitting her as well.

Tevin nodded when Diana spoke, obviously eager to help in any way he can. “All right then, Miss Diana.” He bowed to her swiftly and moved to the arch leading inside. “Follow me! I have a feeling you’d like a blue or purple layout, and we certainly have rooms of every color.”

Alden watched through half-open eyes as Tevin led her away. Despite his exhaustion, however, he forced himself up and through the door after they departed, moving with a slightly hindered grace and slowness to the second floor. He had to pause periodically, sometimes to regain his composure and his breath, but managed to get to his parents’ chambers faster than he’d originally thought. This time he went to his mother’s side, nearly collapsing on the cushion next to them. His mother was awake, her hair a deep ocean blue, lined a bit with white that mimicked the waves as they foamed against the beach. Her crown laid beside her, its deep blue gems glimmering. “My son.” She said, raising one ringed hand and placing it gently on his head. Her voice was gentle and soft, as it had always been, almost musical. She had been quite the public speaker in her heyday, captivating audiences even before meeting the king. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Are you, mother?” Alden forced himself back up. He didn’t want to seem weak, or worry his mother or father needlessly. “Has something happened?”

“Indeed, something has. Early this morning I was met with a vision of our death.” She indicated the king, lying with slightly-open eyes but staring at the ceiling. “A time flashed before my eyes, a time of midnight. At the end of one day and the beginning of another, our lives will be at an end.”

“No.” Alden shook his head, thankful that while underwater no one could easily tell when one cried silently. “This can’t be... How could you know it’s real?”

“I just do, my love.” Despite the grave circumstance, the queen smiled. “But it’s as your father said. Life goes on, and no matter what, all living things die.”

Alden was silent. His heart raced in his chest, making him lightheaded. But his mother went on. “You must grieve, then pass by, and take over this city no matter what. I also saw a grave danger in your midst. One that will certainly threaten the city. I can’t be sure what this threat is, but I want you to be prepared for anything. Do you understand?”

Silently, Alden nodded. Everyone was saying that, he already knew. It was as though he were a child once more, however, he couldn’t speak, the lump in his throat was too large. He laid his head down on the soft cushion beside his mother, dreading midnight’s arrival.

As Tevin left, she turned to survey the guest room. It was indeed to her liking. She could easily hide her if she wished. She had a better plan in mind though. The idea of appearing at the parade in front of everyone was a bit too much and only thinking of an escape plan had kept her rational and calm around the heir. Now with all gone, she swam past the beautiful sand bed and to the window with sweeping curtains billowing in the currents. This was in some ways too easy. Unlike so many, she was a blue mermaid. Blending into the shadows would be easily for her than Eris, the Goddess of Chaos (reference to the movie Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas) who was more than adapt at such tasks. Slipping through the window, she weaved her way down and once low enough, away. Slipping through the streets, she figured she would apologize later. For now, she wanted only one thing. Normal.

The streets were calming down as people rested before the parade. All the preparations were basically done. The rehearsals completed. She headed for one of the side gates and made her way out of the city. Pausing, she looked back and sighed. There had definitely been a lot more action lately. Turning, she sped towards her secluded island. Circling it, she was pleased to see the cruise ship gone. Closer inspection showed no sigh of human habitation. She slipped into the lagoon. Looking towards the river, she decided against a waterfall visit. She was just too tired. The warm waters were already luring her to rest. Sliding into one of the many mossy ledges under the banks, she allowed herself the rest that her body craved. The moss acting as a soft blanket as the rising sun warmed the gentle waters all the more.

When Alden opened his eyes, he found that not only had he been transported back to his chambers in his sleep, but Guai had padded the scars once more with a clean white bandage, to keep accidental tears and bleeding at a minimum if the thin layer of skin should tear while outside the palace. The bandage went around his arm, and securely over his chest and back. He sat up without much effort, shaking his hair and sleep out of his eyes. And as Alden got up and went to one of the windows, pushing back the dark gray curtains, someone entered the room after a swift knock. Turning, he found one of the guardsmen moving toward him.

“Miss Diana left the palace earlier this morning.” He said, as though harboring a mixed emotional bed of slight anger and worry.

Alden regarded the guard with placid contemplation. “Yes.” He said. “I wouldn’t have put it past her. In fact, I would be shocked had she remained. No doubt she was certainly deterred by the invitation I gave to attend the parade with us.” He put a hand under his chin. “Then again, she could have simply declined. She’s too much like me to have enjoyed being at such a perch. Er... What time is it?”

“You have fifteen minutes, sir.” The guard bowed. “The king and queen are readying themselves now to make the trip to town.”

Alden breathed deeply, clearing his throat. “Ah. All right then. I’ll... go on with them then.”

“Would you like me to go find the young mermaid?” The guardsman called after Alden, as though it were an afterthought.

“No.” Alden said it definitely, pausing at the door. “Why would you want to do that? Just leave the poor girl alone, she’s probably had enough of us and just doesn’t think she can say it. If she’s back in town, if she even left, don’t bother her, eh?” He knew it very unlikely she would return to the palace unless specifically summoned, at which time one couldn’t refuse. He wouldn’t do that to the young woman again.

Diana stretched and enjoyed the mossy warm water. Sleep could do such wonders. She opened her eyes and slipped out into the lagoon. Oh yes, she felt much better now. She looked up at the sun and noticed it was almost time for the parade to begin. She grinned in anticipation of all the wonderful things there would be to see at the parade, then the grin faded. Or not. Had not the heir wanted her to attend with them? She sighed. There was no escaping it. She was a citizen of Aqaris and loved the royal family. She had to return to the city. She slipped from the lagoon and headed out into the open ocean. A mere shadow from a distance, she sped along. Keeping one eye out for anything around her, she soon reached the same gate she had left by.

Slipping inside, she headed to her house and was not surprised to find that everyone had left already. She went up to her room and freshened up. With her hair cared for, she turned and made her was outside and towards the parade route. As expected it was crowded. There were merfolk lining the street and slowly swooping up into the air the further back they were so that they could all see. She had no desire to be so high up, but getting to see otherwise wasn't an option. She turned and worked her way along the route and finally found an opening in an alley that led to the main street. No one had seen the small entry way and she blended right into the shadows. She smiled. She could enjoy the festivities here without anyone to see her. No one to either pick at or gossip about her. It was just in the nick of time as well. She could hear the head of the parade approaching.

Alden had declined being carried to the parade itself. If he were to get the rest of his strength back, he would certainly have to work for it. He swam alongside his parents as they were lifted from their palace to the pavilion, set carefully upon their perch, and took his own seat to their right. At their presence the entire assembly grew hushed and bowed their heads in respect, until a heavy drumbeat signaled the start of the parade. The merpeople, large and small, glimmered in the noontime sun that managed to reach them. There was no question as to why the event began at such a time when one laid eyes upon the shining multitude of colors from black and gray to blue and red. The energy of the city-dwellers gave the king and queen an energy they hadn't shown since their decline, and they sat up on their own and even called to a few lucky men and women alike, holding short conversations and cheering at the graceful, twirling dancers, listening intently to the beautiful musics that filled the water waves and managed to reach even those who had been late to the event. Alden was glad to see them having such a good time, but the nagging worry just wouldn't leave. Midnight would arrive in less than twelve hours.

His tail coiled about him like a great snake, Alden watched the performances, clapped when it was necessary, smiled when he caught the eye of this person or that, replied to questions when they were asked. He loved to see the hard work and dedication each and every person had for their work, their craft and indeed, a parade was perfect to show it off. However, periodically, he glanced around, searching in the crowds for a face familiar, hair that resembled the ocean water among a kelp garden, gold additions to a shadowy-blue person. He didn't even know why he cared, but perhaps it was because he felt bad. Accusing someone of a crime before he even met them, regardless of how they reacted to him. Crimes, if they were too drastic, often ended in death. Perhaps that was why he cared.

Still, there were too many people, too many multicolored flashing scales to pick out one. Besides, he knew how it felt to be singled out when all you wanted to do was hide in the shadows. She would probably hate to bother with him for a moment longer. And he could understand that. He was a burden, mainly for his emotional state. Though he didn't ask for sympathy, it seemed to be what everyone gave him. Pushing those thoughts away, he stared at the parade as it went along, sometimes glancing at his mother and father, happy and laughing and partaking in the celebration despite their set time of death. It was as though they didn't even know it would happen. Alden silently scolded himself for, perhaps, having been a damp towel on their sputtering fire of life and happiness had he not turned himself around.

The last of the parade and consequent festivities were ending. The families who represented the best of their craft or the the masters of a certain specialty were lining up to present themselves to the royal family. There was the composer with his brightest students representing the different types of music that had been played. Her sister Athena being among them. Her mother was going to represent the gold craft as well as the floral arrangements. Diana watched them all form up and swim in one beautiful procession towards the stage.

Turning, she glanced down the street. The floral arrangements were being moved to the dome of the city. They would add to the scenic beauty of the city that hid this place from prying eyes. Or more specifically from humans. The statues, pillars, and other stone structures would go to the park that was being created in a nearby cavern. The gems would also go there to help reflect light that would enhance both visibility and beauty of the place. The populace that had come simply to watch were already streaming away. Their entertainment and chance to see the royal family satisfied. She slipped out from her alley and smoothly glided out and among the workers. Best if she did her share. Tonight looked like it might store and the currents would be difficult to work in long before it arrived. Not that she planned on staying in the city during the storm. She had always wanted to see lightening play in the sky and this would be her chance.

Despite the heaviness weighing on his mind and heart, Alden had managed to enjoy the parade and post-parade games, dancing, and music. And his parents had as well, by the tired but obvious looks on their faces. Before having returned to the palace to prepare for their final hours, the family was approached by the masters of music, art, sculpture, and flora, who were given thanks for their tireless effort to make the king and queen’s final event very much worth every moment. However, with the ringing in their ears having faded, and smiles long gone, the water was dark with evening and the king and queen resting peacefully upon their clamshell-modeled bed. Alden was present at their side, perched upon a seat that matched the bed. Guai had gone, having exchanged the bandages that had been lightly stained with pink at Alden’s excessive movement of the afternoon, and the water was still around them.

The clock above their bed was massive. The large hand was perched precariously between the Roman numerals IX and XII. The king’s tired eyes glanced toward Alden, then to the clock above them, and he raised a heavy hand to beckon his son forward. When the young prince moved to his father’s side, the king put a hand on his head. “Our time is up.” He said with a heavy sigh. The words were hard to say, and it took every bit of the old merman’s strength to speak. “But you... are just starting out. You’ll be a good leader. A good ruler. Everyone makes mistakes, don’t think you’re immune to them. But you’ll make me proud if you just... don’t give up.”

Alden tried to speak. The words were there, trapped in his throat. ”I won’t, Father.” He couldn’t dislodge them, however. Only a faint squeak would sound when he attempted. Before he could manage, though, the bell in the palace’s tower struck. Grasping his father’s hand, Alden stared, a blanket of grief overwhelming him as he saw the light in his parents’ eyes fade, and their eyes close. He buried his face in his hands, collapsing to the floor hiding from those who had entered upon that final tolling. However, when someone touched him, Alden dove away, escaping through the door and flying up the several floors to his city-sanctuary, the topmost balcony. There, his cries wouldn’t be heard, and he wouldn’t be seen. It was dark there, and quiet, and as he locked the door despite it not being the only way to get up there, he made himself into a small ball on the floor there, hiding himself from the world. The moment had passed, and he was grateful that his parents hadn’t been in pain. But now the city rested with him, and he had to deal with it by himself.

Diana was leaving the city as the midnight bell tolled. She looked back, a sudden uneasiness overtaking her. Shaking her head and blaming the erratic water currents, she headed up towards the surface. The ocean around her was churning. She wished she was more powerful and could swim through more smoothly. Being knocked back and forth was irritating. However, being able to actually fight against something for once felt good. That release of all her bent up anger was the one thing she needed but could never have. She glared towards the surface and watched. Waited. There was no sign of any boats in any direction she looked. It was hard to see everywhere though with the waves constantly shifting and churning about. She waited until she was certain the coast was clear. No one would be flying a plane in this weather, so it should be fine.

Swimming up to the top, she came above the surface only to be smacked in the face by a wave. Switching between breathing water and breathing air was difficult with the constant bashing. Clenching her fists, she worked to endure and saw the fantastic display of frothing white rising above her before crashing down in a huge tumultuous fury of water. Forcing under, she fought her way back up and looked around. Her slim tail waving furiously to keep her in one place. The lightening forked the sky in flashing abandon. It was like an angry child had gotten a hold of skies and were casting them about in a temper tantrum with the angry rolling thunder echoing and re-echoing about. She saw another wave rising above her and took the hint.

Turning, she swam down and away from the mighty roll of water. It wasn't enough. The pressure of heavy water crashing down pummeled down past her and swept her with it. She let it toss her into the ocean depths and waited for it to move on. Then she began fighting the ocean currents, trying to head back to the city. She hadn't gone far, but it looked like it was going to be a long trek back. She wasn't very deep yet and still awfully close to the surface. Until she got deeper, she would continue to be tossed about like drift wood in a raging river. Looks like she was getting her fight after all. And letting that anger out felt somewhat narcotic. She craved more.

Guardsmen were sent into the town, sweeping everyone up from the streets, the houses, the underwater geysers and volcanic openings not far away. They were sent in a radius of fifty miles, from the surface to as deep as they could swim. Alden heard the orders being sent, having been set up months in advance. His parents would appreciate the pointedness of the guards. He did too, but couldn’t show it. His shock had turned to denial, and as ten guardsmen were sent upward to the rough, storm-wrought surface, he brought his coiled tail up and used his fin to hide his face.

Someone moved nearby. Alden shrunk away, but had to look at who had come by. Guai moved through the balcony door and settled in front of Alden. “You have to come down now.” He said. “I know, even though it was expected, your parents’ death is a shock and heavy blow to you. But you can’t hide away like this. You’re letting everyone down.”

“They don’t even know yet.” Alden muttered. “Not all of them, anyway.”

“True, but they’re being brought out to the pavilion now. It’s the only place large enough inside the city for everyone to gather for this sad news. The families of art, music, flora, sculpture, and architecture are being gathered as well, Alden. They’ll be accompanying you and the guards on the trek to the Ancients’ Cave.”

“Never quite understood that...” Alden admitted.

“Because they’re held in highest regards. Without them, we wouldn’t be so well known for our abilities to craft, to build, to arrange the most intricate and beautiful displays and events.”

Alden nodded, and lifted himself up. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

“I’ve been with your mother and father for centuries.” Guai put a hand on Alden’s shoulder reassuringly. “I’ll help you when you need it.”

The motion seemed almost foreign to him, but Alden smiled. Guai was very skilled at healing, but had been the trusted, close friend of Alden’s father and mother for more than just centuries. With that reassurance, he let himself be led through the palace.