Keeping Promises

Atlantica had not changed. Not that he expected it to. It was just odd how so much had changed while, even after all these years, nothing had tampered with the immense beauty of the kingdom.

The morning after his arrival, a feast had been prepared, as expected, but there was only one table still occupied by the time Aaron awoke. It seemed that the royal family had awaited his presence despite the length of time he had slept in. As soon as he arrived in the vast banquet hall, he was met with bright smiles of welcome and two sisters hustling him to his chair which was now sided by another. Sebastian was led to the seat between Arron and the king, much to the prince's relief, though he was careful not to show his emotions.

The food had already been laid out and it didn't take any type of cue for the royals to help themselves. Conversations were light and filled with such happiness the kingdom hadn't seen is far too long. Having their prince back was an obvious lightening of the palace walls. No longer did the halls seem to drag on endlessly nor did the decorations appear so dull. It was as if a fire had been lit within the waters to brighten up even the most shadowed of corners.

This was truly an occasion to celebrate their victory. Yet, Aaron- despite the wonderful food and feelings that surrounded him –felt a nagging emptiness in his core; one that had been filled only a short time ago. He tried to hide this confusing hollowness, but it was not a simple emotion that could be ignored and it shone on his pale features like a beacon.

He didn't understand what it was until one of the elder princesses made an off-handed comment about their human allies and the need to keep in contact to continue their friendship. The moment those words circled in his mind, an image of Emily burst into view bringing a slight smile to the boy's face as the emptiness waivered.

Laughter brought him back to the present where several amused eyes were trained on him. He shifted a bit under the attention, unable to decipher a reason behind their actions.

"You have really taken a fancy to her haven't you, little brother?" a light voice asked from a bit farther down the table, causing more giggling to ensue.

There was no mocking in their voices as they questioned his friendship with the human, but a blush erupted within him nonetheless.

"Well, I think they're cute together."

"How would you know? We've never seen them as a pair." For some reason, those last few words made Aaron's heart skip a beat.

"Just imagine it thought!" the first voice sighed dreamily. "They are perfect for each other."

"Plus, it's fairly obvious she feels the same. I know you all saw her reactions as we were planning."

A chuckle, "Yes, she was quite worried before we settled on one."

The voices continued this until the prince was burning at the attention. There was no denying their words, though. It was a futile thought to even try. This continued for a while before another voice, far deeper than the rest, joined in.

"They do seem quite taken with one another, don't they?" All fell silent at the king's words. Would he accept this? Would he allow his son to fall for a human? Would he never allow them to see one another again? "It would be a pity for such adoration to be put to waste."

No one spoke for a moment; confused about the king's wording. "Father," the eldest princess finally began, "Surly you're not going to part them…" She found she couldn't finish.

Triton didn't respond outright. "She is human while he is a merman," he stated simply.

Spirits seemed to fall at his words. There was no indication that he would allow this to happen. Aaron's eyes were cast to the table as if searching for an escape or for another option. He wanted to forgive his father for their past, but how could he if the king…he couldn't do this to them!

Before another word was spoken, the king set down his food in favor of grasping his trident fondly. "If there was a way to expel that barrier between the two…" he let his words hand as he picked non-existent dust off of his trident.

It only took a moment for one of the girls to catch on. "Father, can't you-" Several voices 'shushed' her words, but their impact had already fallen.

Aaron's eyes peaked up from beneath his red hair, unsure. He didn't want his hopes destroyed, but he couldn't stand not knowing. Swallowing thickly, he forced his voice to ask the itching question. "Can…can you…do that? I mean…are you able to…with that?" He nodded to the golden trident as he forced his gaze to meet the king's that had been firmly fixed on him since the hints began to fall.

"If you are asking if I can turn you human, the answer is yes. If you are asking if I will, the answer is…" he paused, but the wait was doing a number on his son who waited anxiously for the answer. At the sight of his child's pleading, blue eyes, the king felt his resolve melt. "My answer is…only if that is what you want." Yes, he would be losing his son to the creatures he once viewed as the enemy, but it was well worth it if is brought the boy the happiness his father had taken from him so many times over his life.

Despite the burning desire to beg the merman to turn him, he fought the urge. Rather, he pondered the situation as widely as he was able to. Should he choose humanity; he would be giving up his life in the sea, with his family, and with Sebastian. If he chose to be with Emily, he would…be with Emily. He would forever see that beautiful face. "It is." His voice was far more resolved than any at the table had heard in a long time. This only proved his assurance.

"Very well," the king sighed with a slight smile, "Let us leave for the surface."

At his command, the table was cleared by the awaiting servants and the royal family rose in both excitement and acceptance. They might not see their brother again for some time, but they would sacrifice their attachment for his happiness.

As soon as they breached the surface, Scuttle was called and sent out for Emily.

Aaron waited as patiently as he could for the king to change him, but when he turned to meet his father's eyes, he found sadness. Understanding took hold. Approaching his father was a feat of confidence the prince would not have been able to muster if not for the situation, but he knew that this was not the time for unnecessary fear. Placing a gentle hand on the king's arm, he allowed himself to be pulled into an encompassing embrace that- to his surprise –calmed him nerves a bit.

"You will allow us to visit, yes?" Triton asked in a voice far softer than usual.

The boy nodded without hesitation, "Of course."

That promise was all that the monarch needed.

Smiling, he let go of his child and gestured for him to wade into the shallows where he would soon stand. The trident was leveled. Within moments, a bright light engulfed the prince completely making all who watched shield their eyes. Once the light had faded, a lithe human figure stood where their Atlantian prince had been. Dressed in simple black pants and a white button-down shirt that was folded at the sleeves and unbuttoned down to just above his chest, Aaron gasped at the sight of himself.

A loud splashing caught the boy's attention as it came closer, but by the time he looked up a familiar figure had crashed into him causing them both to fall back into the shallow water. Emily buried her face into the crook of his neck, but he could feel the radiating smile she wore. Pulling them both to their feet without dislodging her hold, Aaron circled his arms around her, keeping her close. They only separated long enough to share an enveloping kiss that brought cheers to his sisters and a chuckle from the mermen.

"You came back," Emily breathed, folding back into his arms.

Aaron smiled, the hole in his core now full to bursting. "I promised."