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Alex watched numbly as the Ocean floor sped below them. They were traveling for what felt like hours. He clutched onto Çaleb tightly. Then there was an eruption of light, as suddenly in the middle of a great field of sea grass there was Atlantis. Soaring towers, intimidating battlements, (how do battlements work underwater?) and a massive cityscape surrounding the palace. Çaleb went straight to the palace. With freaking Poseidon, right next to him. Alex still hadn’t gotten over that. His boyfriend, sweet, kind, smart, funny, cool, Çaleb, was Triton son of the sea god?! Did that mean he was a-? Nope not going there. Alex’s head would literally explode if he was dating a sea god. To Alex’s horror as they arrived at the palace Çalab handed Alex to a pair of guards.“Çaleb!?” Is what Alex tried to yell out desperately. But no sound came. Right… underwater.Çaleb mouthed at Alex. “Trust me.”Then he made clicking sounds at the guards like a dolphin. They nodded and pulled Alex deeper into the palace. Alex watched Çaleb be pulled away by Poseidon, terrified.Alex was dragged deep into the palace. He was shoved into a room with a fine bed and fancy wall carvings in the other adjoining room he could see servants' beds. All in all a very nice room. The door slammed behind him making him flinch. Alex tried the knob, locked. Great. Alex swam awkwardly over to the bed and lay down. Siren beds were weird. Like what was this soft stuff?Sponge? Alex vaguely thought sea sponge was a thing.Alex turned as the door opened and an official looking Siren with a guard came in. He did a strange salute, touching both his own shoulders, the guard did the same. They waited staring at Alex until he did the same. The Siren made a clicking sound at Alex. Alex shrugged. He didn’t understand Siren. The siren sighed and made a different clicking sound at the guard. To Alex’s horror the guard swam forward and ripped off Alexs shirt with efficient swipes of their webbed claws. To Alex’s relief they let him keep his trousers. He sat afraid and exposed as the Siren did a series of strange things around him. Alex soon realized the Siren was giving him a check up. He was some sort of Siren healer. Oh. He wasn’t being weird and evil. He was simply trying to help Alex. Alex calmed down and stopped fighting the strange inspection.After the Siren was finished he gave Alex the same strange salute touching both of his own shoulders, and left. The guard did the same and followed. Alex confusedly made the Salute again. He sat back down on the bed. Thinking over the strange experience. To his embarresent his shirt was completely ruined. He sighed and laid down again, once again captive underwater, he hoped his family was alright, he hoped Çaleb was alright. What felt like several hours passed, his thoughts kept repeating like that for a long time. At one point a really nice mer man came in, he gave Alex the salute. Alex repeated it. The mer beamed. He set about tidying things up around the space. When he was done he sat next to Alex and did his best to mime. “You… ok?”Alex thought about the question. He made a so-so gesture. The mer smiled kindly and gave Alex a gentle hug. Then mimed again “You ok.”This one seemed more like a statement, like he was trying to reassure Alex, “You are going to be ok.”Alex smiled back, relieved by the show of kindness. Alex gestured at the mer, “You ok?”The mer beamed, “I ok!” He mimed excitedly.Alex smiled, he mimed writing on a piece of paper. The mers eyes widened he nodded vigorously, beaming, he swam to a nearby table and passed Alex some seaweed paper and a pen. Alex wrote out.“What’s your name?” Followed by, “where is Çaleb?” Alex thought for a minute then crossed out Çaleb and wrote out Triton.He handed it to the mer. Who wrote, “You lucky I know human letter. I Halp. You? Triton talk parent. Parent mad.”Alex smiled sadly, he was pleased they had established a means of communication. “My name is Alex. Is Triton ok?”Halp wrote out hurriedly, “Nice meet Alex! I Triton servant. Sent me check you ok. Triton ok. Parent mad, not murder. Parent scold Triton. You know why Triton ask you be here?”Alex nodded, he took the seaweed paper which was getting filled up fast. “I’m glad Triton is ok. I was really worried. Triton is my boyfriend.”Halp frowned. He circled the word boyfriend and added a question mark. Then wrote “engaged?”Alex stared at for a second, then he realized, ohhhh that’s why Poseidon said they were engaged. Sirens don’t have boyfriend girlfriend dating system. Ohhhh. He nodded. “Yes, I am engaged to him.”Halp grabbed the pen, “Why you look sad? You not love Triton?”Alex wrote out, “Yes, I love Triton. But in human culture we go a lot slower. I thought we’d be dating for several years before we even considered being engaged. This is way too fast for me.”Halp frowned, “dating?”“Like a slower less committed engagement.”“Must be hard, I sorry you sad. It fast here. Triton help slow engagement?”Alex nodded, smiling, “I hope so.”Çaleb swam into the room. Alex pushed off his bed and flailed to get to Çaleb. Wow, human swimming really was sad. Çaleb swam forward, they shared a passionate embrace, there may have been kissing involved, a lot of kissing. When they finally broke apart Çaleb noticed the seaweed paper, and picked it up. Oh clever Alex. Çaleb smiled at Halp who had been determinedly not looking at Alex or Çaleb while they had their exchange.“Thanks for keeping an eye on him. I was really worried about him.”Halp saluted Çaleb, “Anytime your majesty.”“Halp, you and I are lifelong friends, how many times do I have to insist you call me Triton. Or actually it would be more appropriate to call me Çaleb.”“Çaleb?”“It’s the name I gave myself while I was on the run. It would mean a lot to me if you called me Çaleb.”Halp looked conflicted, then agreed. “Çaleb it is.”Çaleb smirked and snatched up the piece of paper, writing out, “Are you ok?”Alex practically ripped the paper out of Çalebs hands. “What in high heaven is going on?!?!”Çaleb laughed in relief. Yeah Alex was alright. Maybe confused and scared. But alright.Çaleb did his best to explain the family situation. “Basically what I told you earlier, the pressure of being heir to the throne was too much, I snapped, ran, hid. Mom mad, dad understanding but frustrated. Also Sirens don’t date, they get engaged. Because when a Siren falls in love it’s very obvious to them. They only fall in love once, that person is their forever person. So when I told my dad I loved you.”Alex snatched the pen “He took that to mean we were getting married. So he took you back to Atlantis and me along with you.”Çaleb gently pulled the pen out of Alex's hands “Yup.” He handed the pen back.“So… do we have to get married?”Çaleb frowned at this, gesturing for the pen, “Do you… not want to?”“It’s just a bit fast honestly.”“Right, I can try and slow down the preparations. But my moms excited for a wedding, when something gets her going, there is no stopping her.”Alex put his head in his hands. Çaleb picked him up and wrapped his arms around Alex. They lay there together until the morning. Feeling scared about the future. But in the present safe in each other’s embrace.
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Alex raised his head tiredly from Çalebs chest as there was a knock on the door.Çaleb called out, something in Siren language.Alex yelped and covered his bare chest with a blanket. He felt alright being seen by a healer and Halp and Çaleb without a shirt. But it felt weird to let anyone else see his bare chest. Like sure, if he was ripped like Çaleb, he'd show his chest all the time, but, truth was, his abs and muscles left something to be desired.The door opened while Çaleb frowned at Alex confused. He spoke to the Siren who was dressed in a guard uniform. Some sort of glowing bluish armor.Çaleb pulled Alex forward who reluctantly left the safety of the seaweed blanket. The Siren was very kind and saluted Alex politely, he repeated the Salute. Çaleb smiled at Alex fondly. He swam over to the table and gestured for Alex and the guard to sit next to him, he scratched out on the seaweed paper. “This is my personal bodyguard Jack.”Alex smiled at Jack hesitantly. Jack said something to Çaleb.Çaleb nodded and scratched out on the paper. “He says he's really happy for us. He also is worried about you. Not only adjusting to Atlantis culture, but because you are a royal consort people might try to hurt you to get at me.”Alex nodded, he'd realized this. He gestured for the pen. “First can we get me a shirt, I feel exposed. Second can you thank him for me. Also I don't even know how to begin protecting myself above or below water. I've never really been in danger before. Unless you count Sam.”Çalebs expressions varied as he read the message. At the first part he chuckled. At the second part his expression grew worried, when Alex mentioned Sam his expression became stormy.He gently grabbed the pen, said a few things to Jack, and wrote. “First, it's considered inappropriate in our culture for men to wear shirts. I know it makes you uncomfortable but for now it'd probably be best if you kept your shirt off. So then women don't cover their eyes in horror at the “immodesty” and second, Jack can train you a bit. He will also assign you a body guard as well, though you will probably spend most of your days with me. As you need to start learning how to navigate the politics of Atlantis. And don't worry about Jack hurting you or treating you different because your human. I gave him the run down on how we met. And he assures me he's had dealings with humans before and would never hurt anyone who is important to me. Also, I don't know if you want to know this. But Poseidon also captured Sam for me who almost managed to escape the tsunami somehow. He is currently being held in the palace dungeon.”Alex stared at the paper. “What are you going to do to him?” Was his only response.Çaleb frowned, “Any requests?”“Don't hurt him, don't kill him, set him free.”Çalebs expression turned dark. “We can't do that. Not just because he hurt you. Even if I somehow convinced Poseidon to let him go despite that, and you’d have to convince me to even ask my father. He hurt me, which means there is no way my dad will let him go. My dad needs to make an example of him. I wanted to let you know only so then you can be sure he'll never hurt you again. We honestly don't have much say in his fate. I might be able to give a request for a certain kind of grisly death display, but that's about it.”Alex put his head in his hands. Çaleb rubbed his back. He spoke to Jack a bit in the Siren language. Jack's expression also turned dark. He said something, with a thoughtful expression. Then left. Çaleb watched him go, mystified. Alex barely payed attention to this exchange. He was more focused on how weird crying was underwater and how Sam, who may have been an abusive evil muhead, but was still a person, and Alex did date him for a reason before, he was there when Alex needed him. He had the cutest smile. He was so kind and gentle with his siblings. It was only recently that hed turned a jerk. His childhood friend, Sam was going to be executed on display some horrible grisly way. But Alex's thoughts were interrupted by a bark.Alex looked up surprised, “Çeele?” He tried to say.Alex tried to swim forward but Çaleb snorted at his feeble attempt and grabbed his arm pulling him gently towards where Jack was coming into the room, holding the squirming merpup. Alex snatched and cuddled his baby, he smiled a bit, still crying.“Thank you.” He mouthed at Jack. Who seemed to understand.Jack was about to close the door when he was almost pushed to the floor as Halp swam in excitedly. His chirps and clicks filled the room. Jack brushed himself off and rolled his eyes contemptuously at Halp. Halp ignored him and handed Çaleb a package. It was a book. Çaleb and Alex sat back down at the table, flipping through the seaweed pages, Çaleb gawked at it. He quickly wrote out the title of the book in human language for Alex. They smiled at each other… Halp was a bloody genius.It was a book of MCS, Mer Common Sign. Alex and Çaleb immediately set to work memorizing signs and practicing them. Jack and Halp insisted on joining. Jack also ordered one of the other guards who he was going to appoint as Alex's body guard to learn with them as well. With the five of them working together. Sharing tips and phrases and only communicating in sign they were learning very quickly. Çaleb ordered that everyone be turned away from his door. He didn't want to be interrupted. This was more important. By the end of the day of practicing they'd nearly memorized the entire book. They could communicate basically freely now. Alex as a result was also learning quite a bit of mer letters as well.When there was a scuffle outside the door Çaleb went to investigate. He came back into the room looking worried. He signed, “My mom and Dad want to talk to us, both of us.” He said to Alex.Alex swallowed and nodded. They helped him through the halls. He looked really nervous. They pulled him to the council room.Çaleb with Alex by his side entered. Everything was important in the politics of Atlantis. Çaleb knew he couldn't let Alex be on his right side. As the right was considered lesser. And Çaleb couldn't let Alex enter the room even a foot behind Çaleb because that would show that Alex was to be considered lesser than Çaleb as well. As Alex's first appearance in court it was important that Alex was shown as Çalebs equal. Alex looked terrified. But Çaleb couldn't comfort him. He pulled Alex forward and bowed to Posiedon and Amphitrite. Alex followed suit. Rising out of the bow Çaleb saw the council staring at Alex. Çaleb glared at them. He may be human but he was technically above them in rank and caste. Most of them lowered their eyes in submission, as was custom for someone above you in caste. But others just frowned at Alex, like his presence was a disgrace. Çaleb noted which ones they were. He'd have to speak to them later. Amphitrite began, “You have been ignoring our summons.”Çaleb smirked, he may be back in Atlantis, but things were different, he was different, he may be below the king and queen in rank. But he refused to be pushed around by them anymore. He had to protect Alex, so he had to show he wasn't going to standby and let Amphitrite and Poseidon bully him or his fiancée. “So? I have more important things to do than to be at your beck and call mother. I feel as though attacking my guard was unnecessary. You could've just been patient.”Amphitrite glowered at her son. Poseidon simply laughed.Amphitrite continued, “You are out of line-”Çaleb interrupted causing the council members to gasp at his boldness. “No, I don't think I am. You and I both know that you didn't call me here for anything important. I simply came so you would stop harassing my innocent guard. So say what you have to say, and we'll be off.”Poseidon leaned forward on his throne, he was smiling. But his eyes gleamed dangerously. “While I admire your boldness boy. You are wrong, we did call you here for something important.”Çaleb raised an eyebrow, “Apologies, maybe if you hadn't treated me like a common servant at your beck and call, for the smallest things, my entire life, I wouldn't make such assumptions.”The council was watching their exchange like a game of Çlisse. An underwater game where you hit a ball back and forth. Their heads turning from Çaleb to the King and Queen and back.Poseidon just sat back and laughed again, Amphitrite looked calm but her eyes brimmed with fury. While she would not act out in court. Amphitrites anger was silent, cold, and deadly. She could be patient.Çaleb smiled and gently pulled Alex to a chair. He signed the exchange best he could for his fiancée, as they sat down.Poseidon frowned and leaned forward curiously. “What are you doing with your hands?”“MCS. If Alex is the royal consort he will one day have power in court. He needs to be able to communicate. Do you think I was ignoring your calls so I could sit around and do nothing? We've spent all day learning.”Alex was watching his hands closely. When Çaleb was done he nodded, satisfied.Poseidon raised his eyebrows. “I suppose that will do for now. But your fiancée needs to have a more permanent solution. Not everyone in the court or the kingdom knows MCS. Besides we cannot have a human be in a position of political power. He'd be a weakness that others could exploit. My solution to both problems is simple. He must earn his tail.”Çalebs eyes widened at that, “But he's not a mer would that even work?”Alex snapped his fingers creating a surprisingly loud sound. Çaleb had been translating best he could as the conversation went on.Alex signed, “What's earning your tail?”Çaleb didn't bother to repeat the question to the court. He simply said aloud as he signed. “Earning your tail is a rite of passage for mers and young Sirens. It's sort of a coming of age thing. Mers can “earn their tail” which is what it's called when they undergo this rite of passage and it transforms them into a Siren. But more commonly earning your tail is something young Sirens do as a more of symbolic thing.”Alex nodded, “How would this help me.”Çaleb turned to his father, “He wants to know how it'll help him, and I'm curious as well, other than just earning him respect.”Poseidon smirked, “Earning your tail wasn't always a symbolic rite of passage and its not just for mers who become Sirens. The tail ceremony was where the first Sirens came from. Who were in fact human. If it still works for mers it should still work for anyone.”Alex nodded, he signed, “Let's do it.”Çaleb shook his head, “Earning your tail is something one must do alone. For those who are disabled we often allow them to bring one or two companions with them. But the companions may only keep them safe from outside threats and in your case, move at all, but the ritual challenges that are presented, you must overcome alone. That's why it's called earning your tail, you are on your own.”Alex grimaced but he nodded, “Alright, I'll figure it out.”Çaleb turned to his father, “I'd like to invoke the right of the disabled champion. I'd like to join him on his quest.”“Yes to the first no to the second.” Said Poseidon casually leaning back on his throne.Çaleb narrowed his eyes, “Explain?”Posiedon opened his mouth but Amphitrite beat him to the punch, “You are the heir to the throne, you have duties to attend to. We struggled enough as it is making up for your year long absence. We cannot allow you to accompany your human… thing, on its quest.”Çaleb growled angrily. Alex punched Çaleb on the shoulder. Everyone froze, Çaleb smirked, in court they only saw a human mortal punching the son of the sea god, heir to the throne. A horrendous breach of protocol, maybe even nearing serious treason in their minds. Alex was simply trying to get Çalebs attention.Çaleb wasn't mad at Alex at all. “Yeah?” He signed.“Dude! I'll be fine! You've got stuff to do I get it. If you don't mind me taking Jack and, I don't know, Halp with me. I'll be fine.”Çaleb frowned, “Halp?”“Yeah, why?”“Halp isn't much of a fighter.”“Jack can fight, Halp can carry me if we need to run from threats, besides the point is that I do the challenges by myself. If all goes well Halp won't have to do anything.”Çaleb stared at Alex for a second, he'd have to play this very carefully. Çaleb turned back to Poseidon and Amphitrite. “Alex says he wants Halp and Jack to accompany him on his quest.” There was general laughter about the room when the court realized who he was talking about. Çaleb ignored them and continued, “Surely you wouldn't deny him those two?”Amphitrite and Poseidon discussed quietly for a moment.“Yes we will allow him the Siren Jack and the mer Halp.”Alex nodded, pleased. He signed thank you at Çalebs parents. They looked at Çaleb for translation. “He says thank you.”Poseidon nodded at Alex, while Amphitrite simply wrinkled her nose at him.Çaleb sighed, “Is that all? Alex and I have other things we need to do, than sit around while you discuss land borders and farm taxes.”Poseidon rolled his eyes, “Not quite.”Amphitrite waved her hand and a Siren woman slipped forward into the light with a smile that made Alex shiver next to Çaleb. “Your human… pet, he needs training in politics and leadership and… other things, we have assigned a tutor. It does not need to leave for the tail ceremony for another couple months when the celestial bodies reach the correct positions. This is Shehal. She will be the human's tutor.”Çaleb frowned, “Very well, but what about Thalassa, they taught me and you, heck they taught father.”Poseidon shrugged, “Your mother picked out Shehal specifically. I'm sure she'll do fine.”Çaleb didn't look happy but nodded. “Is that all? Shehal, Alex, and I have places to be.”Poseidon nodded, “Yes that's all.”Shehal followed them out of the council room, she looked a tad confused. Çaleb rolled his eyes, great start.After they had almost reached Çalebs rooms. Shehal asked, “Why do you need me prince Triton?”“Because you need to join us in learning MCS. If you're going to be teaching Alex you'll need to communicate with him.”Shehal frowned, she obviously didn't like that. But Çaleb couldn't guess why. When he next turned around, she was gone.That night before bed, there was an official sounding knock. Çaleb called out to come in. Shehal entered with that nerve racking smile. “I went to your mother about the issue, she says there is no need for me to communicate with the human.”Çaleb felt a mixture of anger and confusion, he gritted his teeth “What exactly do you mean by that?” he was liking this Siren less and less by the second.“The human only need understand me, not the other way around. He knows our letters does he not? I will simply write the teachings and instructions for him.”“How did you know he can read our language?”“The servant mer Halp has been boasting about it. Going on about how impressed he is.”Çaleb sighed, oh poor naive Halp. She left without waiting to be dismissed. Alex was looking confused and nervous. Çaleb signed the conversation for him.“But what if I have questions?”Çaleb sighed and rubbed his temples, “Ask me… I guess.”“Honestly, it sounds like she wants to talk at me rather than to me.”Çaleb nodded in agreement. They curled up together, exhausted by the twists and turns of the day.
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Alex sighed as Holan, his new bodyguard, escorted him to his first lesson. As much as he wanted to give Shelah the benefit of the doubt, something about her felt off. When they arrived, Holan waited outside the door, and Alex awkwardly swam inside. Although he had gotten better at swimming underwater, he was nowhere near as fast as the mers or Sirens with their tails. Shelah watched him struggle, making no effort to help. When he finally reached the single table set up in the small library, Shelah didn't even attempt to communicate. She simply handed him a set of papers and returned to her book.Alex frowned at being so quickly dismissed. Why was she even here if she wasn't going to teach him anything? Why were either of them here? Why not just drop off the papers at Çaleb’s rooms? Turning to the pages, he found the first one quite interesting. It outlined the caste system of the Ocean Kingdom and explained how heirs took the throne and became the ocean god, assuming all his magic. Great, Çaleb was going to become the ocean god, and according to this, it wouldn't make Alex immortal. Instead, the royal consort would use the Shell of Immortality to become immortal. That sounded dumb. If there was a shell of immortality, wouldn't someone try to steal it? Why couldn’t the ocean god just grant immortality himself?The second page covered the basics of earning your tail and the tail ceremony. Alex already had a detailed outline from Çaleb, Halp, and Jack. Çaleb and Jack could give personal accounts, but since Halp was a strong-fin working class mer, he would probably never get the chance to "earn his tail” and become a Siren. Only mers who were old enough, wanted to, and had royal approval could undertake the quest. Even after meeting those requirements, the tail ceremony could only happen twice a year. All Siren children were required to attend at least once in their lives, even if it was only ceremonial and did nothing for them. Alex wondered whose turn he was taking and when the last time a mer got the chance to become a Siren was. He sighed; nothing was perfect, he supposed. But if Alex had to become a king, he would definitely try to change things so more people got the chance.As he read further into the pages, he grew increasingly disgusted. Stripping away the meaningless drivel, the documents stated that Alex had one job until he became king: to shut up. But it got worse. When he became king, his relationship with the current ocean god—Çaleb—was strictly business. His job was to bear children. Alex felt relieved he got a pass on that but wondered how you got intimate in a business-like manner. He decided not to think about it.When he got to the last page, his jaw nearly dropped. It was a note from the queen.
Human,Do not show this note to Triton. I have instructed my servant to give you the works I found most helpful as a royal consort. I had to fight to get where I was and had to fight to keep my position. You should expect the same. I do not have high hopes, and I realize I must train you as you are the one who will carry on my legacy. I admit I hoped I would be given more to work with. But do not despair. Through my guidance and the tail ceremony, you will become my perfect replacement. There is a secret in this palace you need to know of if you wish to have any power or control in this twisted system. Your foolish desires for love and acceptance from Triton or any other oceanic creature are futile. You do not belong here. You never will. No matter how you try to rise above your past, you will always be seen as the human wannabe. I have the solution. If you are interested, meet me in my quarters at midnight tonight. I know you struggle to move around the palace, so I will send a servant to pick you up. Be ready, and tell Triton none of this. He only seeks to control you.The Queen
Alex gawked at the note, his mouth gaping. Shelah glared at him, and he quickly closed his mouth. What was Amphitrite playing at? Was she trying to convince him that Çaleb only wanted him to bear children? Hah! Alex didn’t know about male Sirens, but male humans couldn’t have kids! Though now that he thought about it, if male Sirens could bear children, that would be awkward. Wait, no, that didn't make sense. It clearly stated that the queen bears the heir. Duh.Alex was ready to ball up the note and throw it away, or even better, show it to Çaleb so they could both laugh at it. But something made him pause. Thinking back to how he and Çaleb first met, Çaleb was pretty controlling. He kept going on about Alex's beauty. Was this all some sort of plot to get Alex as his trophy? What the hell?! No, no, no. He didn’t want to believe that Çaleb would do that. He had changed... right?But as Alex thought about Çaleb kidnapping him when he could've just turned into a human and joined Alex on land, it didn’t make sense. Amphitrite was giving him the hard truth, the only option that made sense, and she was offering him an escape. He really didn’t want this to be true. He wanted to keep living in naivety. But if what this note said was true, then Çaleb would cast Alex aside the moment someone prettier came along, or when Alex stopped being pretty, or became too annoying. Heck, he might have Alex killed to cover his tracks! And Amphitrite was offering an escape... a way to have control. Alex didn’t want control; he just wanted out. But if control also meant control over his own destiny, he'd take it.Alex stood up. Shelah barely paid him any attention as he stuffed the note into his trousers and awkwardly swam back to where Holan was waiting. He had a lot to think about, and he should probably get some rest if he was meeting the queen tonight. Score-let. What was his life?!?!
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Çaleb smiled as Alex came into the room. “How was training?”Alex smiled hesitantly, but he looked nervous. “Erm, it was great, it was fine. Um Uh really exhausting though. I’m gonna head to bed.” He smiled.Çaleb frowned, was his smile too forced? Besides Alex usually told Çaleb all about his day before even considering bed. “Are you sure? Did Shehal hurt you? Did she insult you? I’ll make sure it never happens again. I can get you a different tutor.”Alex looked panicked, “No!”Çaleb was surprised by the panick.Alex sighed, “I mean, no, she was great really. I’m just tired.” He curled up on the bed.“You aren’t speaking under duress, cus I ca-““No Çaleb, really she was fine, why don’t you just believe me the first time I say it?!”Çaleb winced at Alex snapping at him. Alex had never been so rude to him. Something must have happened. Was it… was it something Çaleb did?Çaleb approached where Alex was curled up on the bed. “Hey I’m sorry for not believing you, I just wanted to check you were alright. I-“ he was reaching out to touch Alex gently on the shoulder, maybe massage his back. Alex always loved that. But Alex slapped his hand away.“I just want to be left alone!!! Don’t you get that?!?!”Alex got out of the bed and grabbed a couple blankets and moved to the other side of the room.Çaleb gaped at him, “Where are you going?”Alex whirled on him, “Must you know everything? I’m sorry I didn’t realize I needed permission! For your information I’m sleeping on my own tonight.”Çaleb gawked at him. “I- Im sorry, whatever I did for you to act like this, I can fix it… I swear…” he felt like crying.”“You can’t. Maybe if you’d never kidnapped me in the first place we wouldn’t be in this mess.”Çaleb winced. “Well… if your gonna sleep on your own. Sleep on the bed. Heck, you can have the whole room to yourself.” He swam out of the room. Swimming as fast as he could he shot to some unused guest room and locked the door behind him. There he sunk to the floor and cried. The only time he’d felt this horrible was when he’d banished his sister. He felt awful. Since that day he’d always kept a knife on him. Pulling out the bleached whale bone knife he put it to his throat and cried. He wasn’t sure why Alex attacked him today. What had triggered this? Obviously though Çaleb was somehow the offender. What had he done? Was there anything he could do to redeem this? Then a horrible thought struck him… maybe… maybe Alex didn’t just mean that Çaleb shouldn’t have kidnapped him. The way he said it almost sounded like he wished they’d never met.A strangled sob was ripped from his throat. “I’m so so sorry. Alex, please, I never meant to hurt you.”He closed his eyes and prepared to plunge the knife into his neck. Suddenly, he was thrown into the air. He’d been leaning against the only door into the room, thinking he’d locked it. But it was flung open, throwing Çaleb across the room. His knife flew out of his hands and landed a distance away. Çaleb barely noticed who had entered before he lunged for the knife. Jack and Halp realized what was happening in an instant. Jack crashed into Çaleb, pinning him down, while Halp snatched up the knife and quickly locked the door.Çaleb barely struggled against Jack. He was already feeling weak, and Jack, who had trained him, knew all of Çaleb’s moves and more. Çaleb collapsed, crying.Halp chirped at Jack, “What do I do with the knife?”“Give it to the guard outside. Tell him that when we come out, he should give it to me, not Triton.”Halp nodded and did as instructed. When he returned, they gently led Çaleb to the nearby bed.“What caused this?” murmured Halp.“Was it another flashback?” Jack asked hesitantly. As Çaleb’s closest friends, they knew about his PTSD.Çaleb shook his head, silent except for the sobs racking his body.“Do you want me to get Alex?” Halp asked, already halfway to the door, expecting a yes.“No!” yelped Çaleb.They both stared at him. Jack grabbed Çaleb’s arm. “Triton, WHAT HAPPENED?!”Çaleb sobbed out the story. His friends' faces grew increasingly concerned with each sentence. Jack looked ready to murder Alex, but Halp gently stopped him.“Wait, let’s think about this logically. I’ve talked to Alex. He is head over heels for Çaleb. He would never actually want to hurt him. He probably had a rough day. Maybe we should just give him some space. I’ll try talking to him in the morning. If that doesn’t work, then maybe we’ll consider your plan of beating him to a pulp.”Çaleb growled, “YOU LAY ONE FINGER ON ALEX, AND I WILL END YOUR WIFE. SEE HOW THAT FEELS.”Çaleb glared murderously at Jack.Jack started to protest, then stopped and sighed. “Actually, yeah, that’s fair.”Çaleb whimpered, opening and closing his mouth several times as if he wanted to say something but couldn't quite get it out. Halp nudged him. “We're listening.”Çaleb took a deep breath, then began, “Guys can—never mind.”They both frowned at him. “What is it?”Çaleb opened his mouth, then closed it again. “It’s dumb.”Jack grumbled and nudged Çaleb’s shoulder. “You just threatened my wife and got away with it. I feel like I should get to know your dumb ideas so I can tease you about them later.”Çaleb looked down, feeling more vulnerable than he’d ever allowed himself to feel. Ever since that night, when this very thing happened. That night 21 years ago. A little siren boy with a knife to his neck. His servant and mentor, who were better dads to him than Poseidon had ever been, comforted him and brought him back from the brink. Çaleb asked the same question he had all those years ago.“Can you sleep with me tonight? I don’t wanna be alone.”Jack smirked. “You haven’t changed.”Çaleb ducked his head ashamedly.Jack finished with a laugh, “And neither have we! Of course, we will.”Halp nodded. “Let me send a servant to tell Jack's family he won’t be home tonight.”Çaleb sobbed his thanks. As they arranged themselves in the bed, Çaleb felt horrid for what he’d done to Alex, but he felt a slight glimmer of hope. Things might be alright.
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Alex awoke at a knock on the door. Alex awkwardly made his way to the door and determinedly opened it. Allowing the mer beyond to carry him away. When they reached Amphitrite's chambers Alex felt a little twinge of guilt about hurting Çaleb like he did. But if Amphitrite was right then it didn’t matter. Alex didn’t care about Çalebs feelings if Çaleb was just using Alex all along.Amphitrite smiled as Alex entered. She wrote out for him. “I’m glad you’ve accepted my proposal. It’s time for you to learn my story.”Amphitrites storyAmphitrite was a young Siren girl playing in the palace grounds. Her sister laughed in glee as she found Amphitrite once again hiding among the coral. Amphitrite and Atlantea giggled together, excited about things silly little girls were into. Pretty jewelry and cute boys. But their camaraderie changed the moment they bumped into the crown prince on his way into the gardens. He blushed furiously. Amphitrite smiled, fluttering her eyelashes at him. She’s been trying to catch his eye for weeks. Her triumphant smirk melted off her face as he said blushing furiously to Atlantea, will you marry me? Everything came crashing down for Amphitrite after that. Her parents only cared about Atlantea, the perfect daughter who caught the crown prince's eye. From that moment on to Amphitrite, they only ever said, why couldn’t you be like your sister? Her friends cared not about Amphitrite, only about her perfect sister. Nobody cared about Amphitrite least of all Poseidon, the crown prince. Sirens only fell in love once. He fell for Atlantea but Amphitrite had fallen for Poseidon years back. This was not uncommon and always it was the man's choice not the woman’s. So she did what any self respecting politician would do. She got rid of the problem. A knife in the dark was all that was necessary. As her sister it was easy to get close. All she had to do now, was seduce the prince. She comforted him while he mourned the loss of his love. And he let her near because he assumed she was grieving as well. So she managed to get close. They shared secret forbidden moments. And when the proposal came. It was forced but enough. Amphitrite got the man she wanted and the throne she’d dreamed of. But that wasn’t enough as the queen and not king she was second to Poseidon at every turn. She loved him, yes. But she loved the throne more. So into his meal she slipped a drug making him complacent to her suggestions. Allowing her to control the kingdom from the shadows as a puppet master.Amphitrite slammed the bottle on the table in front of Alex making him jump, he’d been so entranced in her story he’d forgotten why he was here.She wrote out, “Poor this into Çalebs drink. It’ll make him complacent and submissive to you, not the other way around.”Alex stared at her in horror. He snatched the pen and in wobbly letters wrote. “You are sick! I thought you had a solution! I thought you were trying to help me! You just want control!”Alex tried to storm out of the room but his slow swimming was his downfall. Amphitrite smirked. She grabbed his arm and though he struggled he couldn’t escape. She wrote out on the paper, “If you won’t help me control Çaleb willingly. I’ll use you to do it myself. You have just as much value as a hostage as an accomplice.” Alex’s eyes widened in horror, as he was dragged away. She shoved him into a golden gilded cage hanging from the ceiling. Alex slammed against the bars, but only served to bruise his shoulder. He lay at the bottom of the cage and cried. He was a fool. Amphitrite didn’t want to help him! Why had he trusted her, the woman he’d just met over Çaleb?! What was wrong with him?! As Alex lay in the bottom of the cage, his mind turned to Amphitrite's story, something was off. And her touch, like there was something more. Some strange presence. He shivered in fear, sobs shaking his body as he silently cried himself to sleep.
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Çaleb waited nervously outside his bedroom as Halp entered to confront Alex. But Halp came back out in a rush.“He’s not there!”Çaleb gaped at him. As much as he wanted to believe Alex was just gone for a perfectly normal reason. Alex didn’t have any reason to leave the room this early in the morning unless… unless someone asked him to. Unless someone forced him to. He whirled to Jack. “Who was guarding him last night?”Jack nodded, “I’ll fetch him.”Halp yelped, “I’ll ask around if anyone saw or heard what happened.”A messenger rushed up to Çaleb. Çaleb grumbled, “Not now, tell mother I’m busy.”The messenger hissed, “She said it’s about Alex.”Çaleb whirled and stared at the messenger. “Tell her I'm on the way.”The messenger was off.Çaleb roared, “Jack, Halp get back here!”Jack and Halp swam back, “What is it?”“Apparently my mother has news about Alex.” Growled Çaleb coldly.Jack's face turned sour, “I should’ve known she’d have her slimy fingers in this.”Halp, Jack and Çaleb swam to Amphitrites chambers. Çaleb didn’t bother to knock and simply flung the door open.“MOTHER, WHERE IS ALEX?!?!”Amphitrite smirked, “Oh don’t worry he’s right here.” She pulled a cover off of a massive bird cage. Alex was trapped inside looking terrified. He signed at Çaleb, “I’m sorry.”Çaleb gawked at him, and almost started crying. After all of this. I’m the one that messed up. He’s the one in danger. He doesn’t say. I hate you. He doesn’t say help me. He says, I’m sorry. Çaleb nearly did start crying when Alex followed that up with, “Are you ok?”Çaleb nodded and turned back to his mother. “So you want something from me so you trap Alex to use as a hostage to get it. Am I right?”Amphitrite smiled, “You’ve got the idea.”“What do you want?” Çaleb glowered at his mother.“Well first I want you to start treating me with the respect I deserve. It’s your majesty.”Çaleb gritted his teeth, “What do you want your majesty?”“Good, that wasn’t so hard was it? Second, I want you to do as I say when you become king. Because I’m not so nice as to give Alex back right away. He is going to stay here for a long, long time. If you don’t behave, he suffers. Am I understood?” Her eyes glinted with something more, some strange power.Çaleb growled at her, “You’re sick, and you want to know the truth. I don’t regret a word of what I said to you. When I left you crying here every word was true and I stand by it.”Amphitrite smirked, “You might want to hold your tongue if you want your human pet to stay unhar-“ she cut off at the sight of the empty cage, Çaleb smirked good old Halp.“Where? How?” She stuttered, losing her composure for a few seconds before she turned and saw Halp, Alex, Jack, and Çaleb swimming through the halls away at top speed.Alex was clinging to Çaleb tighter than a limpet. He was crying, sobs shook his frame. He just kept repeating I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry. When they arrived at Çalebs room. Çaleb barred the door. Before Alex could get one more “I’m sorry” out he kissed Alex full on the lips. To his despair Alex pulled away from the kiss. Çaleb stared at him sadly.Alex signed, “I don’t deserve you, I was a-” the swears Alex applied to himself made Halp’s ears go red. “I shouldn’t have said or done anything I did.” Alex pulled out a note from his trouser pockets, “This’ll tell you why I’m a Score-letty boyfriend. This’ll explain everything.”Çaleb hesitantly grabbed the note. Before he read it he signed, “Alex, I don’t care what this note says, I will never stop loving you.”Alex’s eyes filled with tears again and he sobbed even harder.Çaleb opened the note and read the contents. “Oh Score-let, I should’ve realized she’d pull something like this.”He passed the note to Halp who read it and passed it to Jack.Alex sobbed, “I believed her, I couldn’t stop thinking about how you kidnapped me. How controlling you used to be.”“Alex this isn’t your fault at all. My moms known for being one of the most powerful manipulators out there. She knew how to hit you right where it hurt every time. I don’t blame you one bit. You're right I was a jerkwad. And she used that against you. This is her fault not yours.”Alex just shook his head, “It was so obvious, I should've realized.”Jack sighed, “Alex that woman almost manipulated me into abandoning my 3 month old daughter to sea lions. True story.”Halp nodded, “She tried to get me to poison Çaleb. I did it, but at the last second I stopped him from eating the poisoned food.”Çaleb murmured, “She convinced me to banish my sister and humiliate her in front of a crowd.”Alex just put his head in his hands, then signed, “I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.”Jack smirked, “You're alright, no harm no foul.”Çaleb smiled, “Yeah, just next time bring your bodyguard with you.”Halp sighed, “Now what are we going to do about Amphitrite?”“She has too much power, with her powerful grip on Poseidon we’ll never be able to confront her head on. We need to whittle away her power while playing within the rules of her game.”“Is there any way to defeat her within the rules of her game?”“Thalassa might have an answer. They know the politics of Atlantis better than anyone.” Murmured Çaleb, they were signing as they spoke.Alex nodded, he wiped away his tears, “If Thalassa has an answer, let's go talk to Thalassa.”Çaleb could tell Alex was eager to redeem himself. He smiled fondly inwardly, oh his stupid loveable boyfriend, someday Alex would learn he needed no redemption. He was perfect in every way already.Çaleb rubbed his chin, “We might have to approach this carefully. Thalassa is… what's the word? not exactly flighty.”“Careful.” Tried Jack“Paranoid?” Offered Halp.Çaleb shrugged, “Whatever it is, it's probably best if I approach them alone. They know me well. We go way back.”Alex deflated, Çaleb frowned, “What's wrong?”He opened his mouth instinctively then fidgeted with his hands not exactly signing but not exactly keeping quiet either.Jack sighed, “Spit it out.”“I was just… in that cage- for so long… nevermind it's stupid.” He turned away bringing his arms up to his face as though he wanted to hide.Çaleb wrapped his arms around Alex, he knew exactly what Alex meant. “You don't want to be alone.”Çaleb felt Alex start to sob against his chest, “I- I just kept th-thinking. What if I never made it out. What if those horrible things were the last things I said to you? I don't want to be apart from you.” He finished weakly, as if he was scared Çaleb would reject him. His hands were shaky making it hard to make out the signs.Jack and Halp retreated to the hallway to give them space. Çaleb smiled down at his fiancée, more perfectly imperfect than he could ever hoped for.“I'll stay with you, Alex, you listen to me. I'm going to stay with you every second. Remember that night on the rocks by the shore? You stayed with me all night, until I felt better. I'm going to stay with you until you feel better. Being an heir can wait, Amphitrite can wait. For all I care the whole world could explode. And I'd still be waiting with you.”This did not help Alex's tears, he sobbed even harder, and squeezed Çaleb much tighter than a human should be able to manage. Çaleb gently led to the bed, where they caught up on sleep, from their respective fitful nights.
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Çaleb drifted down the hallway, he slipped into the palace library, hesitantly.Thalassa turned with a tired smile, they gestured to the seat next to them.“Ah, your highness, it has been far too long. Please come sit with me. There is much on your mind, I can see it in your eyes.”Çaleb drifted next to Thalassa but before Çaleb could speak, Thalassa began again, “The concerns of a ruler burdened by the shadows of uncertainty. Your worries for your beloved consort and the state of our realm weigh heavily upon you young highness.”Çaleb nodded, he ducked his head. Thalassa always spoke like this, you would open your mouth to speak and they would answer you before words ever left your mouth. They always knew. He turned to say something to his old mentor and was not surprised to be interrupted again.“My dear boy, it's so fascinating what one uncovers in the depths of history, wouldn't you agree?”Çaleb nodded, mystified.“Just the other day I came across an ancient tome. It speaks of a clause in our legal system, one most know not. It is the clause of retirement. Do you know of it?”Çaleb shook his head.Thalassa smiled, “Quite a fascinating piece of history, I won't bore you with the details. Though I might mention it spoke of a way the heir could compel the acting ruler into retirement.”Çaleb opened his mouth to speak again, excited.“If you insist, your highness, you are quite pushy though.”Çaleb who hadn't said anything simply nodded, looking thoroughly chastised.“This forgotten law stipulates that should the council, in its entirety, cast a unanimous vote, they possess the authority to, in simpler words, force the retirement of the king. It was crafted in the extreme case of a corrupt ruler.”Çaleb nodded, gears turning in his head.“Curious things you can find in this palace when you know where to look for them. Why just the other day I came across information regarding a shipment of a certain drug, being shipped, straight to the palace. What strikes me as peculiar is that this substance has but one known cure. It is located far, in distant lands.”Çaleb perked up, but then slumped down looking downtrodden.Thalassa smiled wistfully, “Yes, yes, curious things you can find in the palace.”Çaleb sighed, through his nose, apparently what he needed was “far, in distant lands”, not in the palace.“One epitome of the curiosities in the palace, is the palace gardens. They grow all types of herbs from exotic lands.”Çaleb gawked at Thalassa. “You're a bloody genius!!!!” He hugged Thalassa quickly, who looked disgruntled at the breach of protocol.“I have not an inkling of what you are speaking of! I was simply musing, your highness! Where are you going?!” Thalassa sighed “young fins,” and went back to their book about possession spirits, there might be an infestation, the signs were clear.
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Çaleb and Alex drift to their seats in the council chamber. Çaleb narrowed his eyes, with Poseidon under her thumb Amphitrite would probably make certain that none of the council members would even mention the previous night's incidents. As the usual boring drudgery droned on, Çaleb found himself determined to pay attention and engage in every conversation. Mainly because that’s what Alex was trying to do. Çaleb had to translate everything. If he missed even a slight comment Alex would poke him insistently. Çaleb, forced to pay attention, began to realize the importance of his participation in these discussions. If he would be king that meant he would have the deciding vote for all these matters. It also meant he would have the power to choose the most ethical option. Poseidon, probably because of the drug, was lazily staring off into the distance. Whenever Amphitrite wanted a specific decision made she would his in his ear to make a decision. Other than that they just let the councilors squabble among themselves and little to nothing actually got done. It made Çalebs' heart hurt to hear of slavery, prejudice, poverty, and sickness in his country. These were his people. And nobody was actually standing up for them. When the meeting finally began to wind down, Çaleb cleared his throat bringing all eyes to him.“Shelah did not fill the quota. I request that Alex be tutored by the generation old tutor Thalassa. They have never failed us before. I doubt they will fail us now as Shelah has.”Amphitrite glowered at Çaleb, “If it manages to reach his tail, then maybe we can consider giving it more power in the political sense. And teaching it how to navigate this world. But for now, it matters not. Do not waste Thalassas time. It doesn't need to know anything. It may simply observe, it-“Çaleb rose with a growl, “Call my fiancée an IT one more time!!!”Amphitrite stared him down, coldly, “Sit down, Triton.”Çaleb was not done, “Thalassa will teach Alex, and that is final! I’ve already spoken to Thalassa about this. They are ecstatic to teach Alex. Would you deny Thalassa this pleasure? Alex is learning from Thalassa. Not some corrupted servant of yours.” Çaleb grabbed Alex’s arm and swam out of the room. The doors slammed behind them with a boom of finality.Alex signed, “What was that all about?”He shivered from the memory of Amphitrite's contemptuous stare. There was almost something behind it, something more, something alive. Çaleb signed the conversation for him.Alex frowned then signed, “Why can’t we just run? You did that before, didn't you? We could run to my family, set up a life inland.”Çaleb smiled wistfully “It’s not so simple. Honestly other than the fact that I would miss the ocean? Nothing is stopping us from having a nice quiet life on land. But you were paying more attention during those meetings than me. How many of those issues were actually resolved, and how many were just put on hold for the time being?”Alex stared at him, “Nearly all of them.”Çaleb nodded, “Even when the ethical and logical solution was obvious.”Alex nodded he’d been confused about that, but he assumed that was normal in court. So he hadn’t said anything.Çaleb brought him to a window and pointed into the nearby market. “Over there is the slave market, the slave population mainly consists of green tail debtors, widows, and humans with gills.”Alex stared. “But-… green tails? widows? Humans?”Çaleb nodded, “Women are considered corrupt and filthy in our culture. They are a means to an end to continue our species, nothing more. They aren’t allowed to raise children. Because people are afraid they will corrupt the children. They are by law owned by their husband. There are no single women that aren’t slaves. By law once a woman becomes 16 she must marry within a month or be sold into slavery. If her husband dies the children are sent to the closest male relative or to an orphanage and the woman is given the same ultimatum. Humans are often captured and brought here to work. Our species often considers them lesser beings. Since we can bully them and control them, we do. Green tails are given less job opportunities, they get less pay. Because of the caste system so many people are forced into marriages and jobs that make them unhappy. Don’t you see?!”Alex gawked at him silently as Çaleb ranted passionately about the issues in his kingdom.“These people are suffering! I’m the only one who might have the slightest chance to help them! To save them! I can’t turn my back on my people. I tried that already. But you’ve inspired me. People are suffering, I’ve already abandoned them once, I won’t do it again. I have the power to shape this kingdom into a place that everyone can be proud of! I want people to be happy that they live in my kingdom, that they are proud to serve me. Not because of some title I hold. But I want people to be proud to live here because I serve them just as much as they serve me. This is my duty. These people are suffering, I can change that! I can improve millions of lives!!!”Çaleb turned to Alex, tears sprang in his eyes as he beamed, envisioning the utopia he hoped to create. “This is why I can’t leave, I can’t run! If you want to run, I guess I can help you get out. But I’m staying. I need to help these people.”Alex was silent as Çaleb led him back to their rooms. As Alex entered he saw sweet kind hearted Halp, get shoved to the side into a wall by a passing guard. Simply because he was in a lower caste. He just lowered his eyes and murmured apologies. When he spotted Alex and Çaleb he immediately brightened. He brought forward a tray of some of Alexs favorite snacks. Oh Halp. He noticed so much! Alex nodded, “Let’s do it.”Çaleb turned to him, his eyes widened.Alex stared at him determinedly, “If we are the only hope that these people have, let’s do it. Let’s save them.”Çaleb beamed.“It’s not the people's duty to serve the king, it’s the king's duty to serve the people.” - Thalassa
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Alex was studying the first unit of his classes with Thalassa. Thalassa was so fascinating. But their teachings were more so! Alex tried to explain to Thalassa that since he was dealing with political struggle right now he’d like to learn about diplomacy first.But Thalassa insisted, “My dear Alex, while diplomacy is indeed a crucial skill in the realm of governance, it is empathy that lays the foundation upon which all diplomatic endeavors rest. Without understanding the needs and aspirations of your people, diplomacy becomes hollow and ineffective. Empathy is the bridge that connects you to your subjects, forging bonds of trust and understanding essential for successful diplomacy."Alex sighed, how was empathy gonna help him convince the councilors to vote for Çaleb?Çaleb, Halp, Jack, and Alex, the group Alex was starting to call Fin friends, got together and Çaleb explained the situation. There was one way to win. Çaleb needed to become king, otherwise there would be no way to fight Amphitrite. The only way for an heir to become king is if the current king willingly gives up the throne. But in extreme cases of a corrupt ruler, the heir can force the king to retire by getting a unanimous vote from the council. Çaleb had already spoken to the council, he got a promise for all the votes but a from certain three. These three were either terrified stiff of Amphitrites influence or loyal to her, or at least loyal to the money she pays them in bribes. So they needed to convince these three councilors. That was their main plan. But they had a plan b. Just in case that didn’t work, Çaleb concocted a cure to the drug that influenced Poseidon. At which point Çaleb would simply request the throne. This was how the throne usually exchanged hands. The king would hold it until he had the heir and he and the heir decided he was ready. Hopefully without the drug Poseidon would see their plea and resign. Alex’s thoughts were interrupted by Thalassa rapping a pen on the book Alex was pretending to read. “You wish to learn diplomacy? Finish this unit and we may learn of such things. The longer you take to learn this curriculum and the more time you spend daydreaming, the longer it will take us to get to diplomacy.”Alex grimaced and nodded, thinking to himself “Thalassa can mind read, I swear!” He turned back to the book, the passage was kind of boring. Speaking about the history of empathy as a concept and when it started being implemented into the curriculum of rulers. How that changed the history of Atlantis. Alex sighed.Thalassa folded their arms, “To lead is to understand. Empathy is the key that unlocks the hearts of your people. Walk in their shoes, feel their struggles, and let compassion guide your decisions.”Alex opened his mouth to protest but before he could get a word out Thalassa interrupted.“Young Alex, you are already aware of this, but can you implement it?”Alex shut his mouth, disgruntled that Thalassa knew he was going to say he already knew that. When Alex finally left the library he was mentally exhausted. But then his thoughts were interrupted, hold on… that was Caelus! One of the Councilors that was fussy about his vote! Thalassa also exited the library behind Alex. They smiled as they saw Alex staring at Caelus. “Your first test? Remember your empathy.”Alex gawked at Thalassas retreating form. He grumbled to himself, “Fudging mind readers.”Alex asked his guard Holan to follow Caelus. He was swimming into the library, well the second smaller library. As far as he knew it was mainly built around the study of the stars. Astronomy. As Alex entered he gawked at the constellations painted onto the domed ceiling.“Alder would love this place.” he murmured to himself.With Holans translations Alex listened in on Caelus talking to the librarian they seemed to be arguing. The librarian was insistent that Caelus leave immediately. While Caelus kept going on about the importance of astrology in astronomy's history and future. Holan added as a side note that while Caelus was mainly a historian he also had a passion for mythology. Astrology, ancient lore, and metaphysics. He’d been trying to get the librarian to allow a section on Astrology to be in the astronomers library. Alex frowned. It didn’t really make sense. Astronomy was science as far as Alex had heard from Alder. Astrology was some hullabaloo that took science of the stars and added malarkey to make it seem mystical and ordained by the stars, kind of thing. If the librarian didn’t want the false teachings of Astrology in a place of science that was perfectly reasonable. Well that didn’t help Alex. Alex sat pondering for a while. Then he realized he’d been thinking about it all wrong. With Holans help he got Caelus’s attention. Holan translated while Alex signed, “I overheard your argument. That’s got to be very frustrating. Something so important to the shaping of your kingdom's history not being allowed in the place of learning.”Caelus nodded in agreement. “You understand! My dear human, are you a student of the arcane?”Alex shook his head, “The only reason I know about Astrology is because my brother is an aspiring astronomer. He thinks astrology is all hullabaloo. But if it plays a crucial role in our history does it matter if it’s hullabaloo?” Alex may not have learned diplomacy from Thalassa. But he had enough experience breaking up fights in his family and in town, he knew to say “in OUR history” if he grouped himself with who he’s trying to get on his side. It implies they are part of the same group.Caelus grumbled, “No! No! No! See this is exactly why we need to implement this into our curriculum and have a section in the astronomers library! Young fins like you need to know these things!” Alex smiled inwardly his idea had worked, Caelus was already referring to Alex as a fellow siren rather than a human. “Astrology teaches us what is to come and what has happened. By combining astronomy and astrology we should become stronger than ever! Astrologers cannot predict the future alone without astronomy to predict the future movement of the sky! And Astronomers cannot read the star signs! They study the stars but it’s like staring at words on a paper but not being able to read! It’s futile!”The librarian growled behind him, ”You are a fool! This young fin is right! It’s hullabaloo!”Alex interjected at that. “I want to point out I never said I thought it was hullabaloo, my brother said that. I have no opinion on the matter.”Caelus grumbled “Well don’t let this blasphemous slowfin teach you scandalous lies. Come let me teach you the truth.”The librarian, who Alex saw his name tag read Çander, hissed, “No! He’ll only teach you lies and superstitions! Let me teach you the real glory behind the stars!”Alex held up his hands then began signing again. Holan was getting very tired of being used as a simple translator, but Alex would need him to hold out a bit longer.“I will listen to both of you, then I will decide for myself. You Çander go first. Caelus you will get your turn. Be patient. When the other is speaking you may not speak. Alright? That goes for both of you.”They nodded.Çander began, his perspective was that the stars held no mystically ordained destiny written among them. They were simply scientific planets and stars. His goal as a scientific astronomer was to find the science behind how they work, and even in the furthest realms of possibility, maybe even travel among them.Alex nodded, he implemented something Thalassa had taught him, called reflective listening. He would repeat back a summary of what was said to make sure nothing was missed and misunderstood. “So you think Astronomy should be based solely around science and not magic. You think people should focus on the science of astronomy.”Çander nodded, “Precisely.”Alex nodded, “Alright, Cealus, your turn.”Caelus began with justifying that astrology was based on facts and science. That it had been proven to be real many times over through the course of history. He said that Astrology was a study of the language of the universe it was technically written everywhere in everything, the time section was simply written in the stars. Similar to how the mental paragraph was written in others words actions and expressions. Psychologists were not hated for studying that paragraph of the universal texts, but astrologers were hated and feared because they study time and personalities, the texts hidden within the stars. Alex was surprised by the passion and factual evidence backing up his argument.Alex nodded, “So you think that the science of astrology should be allowed in the curriculum-“Caelus cut him off, “required.”Alex nodded, “Yes sorry, required in the curriculum because it is as psychology in the way that it is reading the texts of the universe.Caelus nodded, “I’m glad you understand.”Alex smiled, “Now you want to know which I decide? I don’t think I’m honestly interested in either of them.” His grin broadened as the two scientists gawked at him. “However I do think I have a solution to your issue concerning the section in the library, and the curriculum. Caelus would you be willing to stop pushing for a required astrology class and instead settle for a optional astrology class, if in return Çander allows at least a small section of astrology books in the library, allowing people the option to study the subject next to astronomers if they so chose.” There was a moment of strained silence. Holan was massaging his hands from translating so much. Then just as Alex thought he’d be kicked out by both the librarian and Councilor they both nodded.“That is agreeable.” Said Çander“A genius compromise my boy.” Nodded Caelus.Alex smiled, “Since I have helped you solve your issue, could you possibly help me with mine?”Çander nodded, “How can I help?”Caelus lifted his tail up in what Alex had learned was the equivalent of thumbs up.“Well Çander I’m afraid you can’t, what I need is Caelus’s help with the proposed vote. I need his support.”Caelus looked uncomfortable, “You’ve helped me so much, but I’m not sure I can agree to that.”Çander rolled his eyes, “The boy helped you out! Help him out in return!”Caelus shook his head, “What Amphitrite would do to me…”Çander’s eyes widened in understanding.Alex smiled. “Well Çander you also owe me, you wouldn’t mind keeping this quiet? While Holan and I will also keep this silent. As long as you, Caelus, keep quiet your decision to support us until the actual vote. Amphitrite will have no power to harm you once you’ve voted.”“If you win, how do I know you will?”“First of all you owe me. Second if we lose do you really think Amphitrite is going to keep you around much longer?! Even if you support her, Amphitrite clearly won’t see the value in history as a factor in the council. If she does keep you around all of your proposals will be dismissed. Don’t you think it’s worth it to take the risk?”Caelus chewed on his lip in indecision for a bit. Then sighed, “Alright, you have a point. When the vote comes, I will vote for prince Triton's favor.”Alex smiled, he put his hands together, excited, “Excellent! If you ever need any more help with anything, let me know!” With that he gestured for Holan to pull him away.He smiled to himself, that wasn’t so hard, I suppose empathy can be pretty useful.
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Çaleb smiled at the oily counselor he had to appease. Seliana stuck her nose in the air and drifted past him. She was quite an intimidating figure with dark skin highlighted by her green jewelry complimenting her beautiful green tail.Çaleb simply moved with her still smiling. “We need to chat, councilor Seliana.”Seliana sighed, “I suppose there’s no avoiding an insistent seal pup, is there?”Çaleb simply allowed his gentle smile to speak for itself. While Jack growled at the impudence.Seliana sighed, “We both know what you want, why waste time on formalities?”Çaleb nodded, “I’m glad you see it that way. In that case, name your terms.”Seliana laughed, coldly, “You think this can be a simple trade?! No, my loyalty is not for sale.”Çaleb continued to smile, “You are in charge of trade and commerce. Isn’t that how you function?”Seliana smirked, “That’s what everyone assumes about me. But no, I’m much more of a complex person, and at the same time so much more simple.”Çalebs smile faltered for barely a moment. He hadn’t spoken to Seliana very much before. He had been depending on her willingness to sell her vote.“Are you sure, I could lower taxes on-““Wrong.”Çaleb stopped, annoyed, he was playing her game now, she had something he wanted, and he had nothing she wanted.“I could arrange a stay in the dunge-““Wrong again. Bribes and threats won’t sway me your highness, you’ll have to get me in a much more legitimate way.” She leaned in close to him and whispered quietly, “You’ll have to convince me.”Çaleb stopped, she was telling him to think, take what he knew about her, use that. He gave her a once over as she drifted away. Green tail… woman… shoot! Why hadn’t he seen it before?! “You are trying to make a difference.”She stopped, she was obviously listening, a smile played on her lips. Intrigue and humor twinkled in her eyes. Dancing in the light of the flickering shroom lamps.“You have struggled and fought your whole life-“ he stopped noticing a crucial piece of information. She was not as thin as she used to be, her stomach was growing out slightly.“For your child, you haven’t told anyone because you want to hide them and raise them yourself. But you don’t have much time until someone notices.”She whirled, her eyes blazing with cold fury. “Your point?! You are telling me nothing I didn’t know already.”“You and I both know that’s not true. Because I am telling you something new.”“Oh?”“First I am telling you that I know. Which tells you another thing, that I am not your enemy.”“I don’t see how.”“I haven’t told anyone, if I wanted I could’ve called out for the guards, an unreported pregnancy could get you a death sentence if I played it right. But I don’t plan to get you a death sentence. While it’s true that I could easily replace you with someone who is much more in my favor. I don’t need to, and I don’t want to.”Seliana was silent. She gazed at him coldly.“Because, you see, the information I have confused me for a moment, a green tail woman under Amphitrites rule suffers. Which means you have a different reason for supporting her rule. Which further means I’m not the only one who knows about your child.”Seliana stared him down.“She’s threatening you into submission, I don’t plan to do the same. Keep your plans as dark as night, and when you strike, fall like a thunderbolt. An old saying Thalassa taught me. Let Amphitrite think you are under her control. Don’t let her see the truth. When the vote comes, vote for me. You want to change things for the better? How about a new king that supports your ideals?”Seliana smiled, “You live up to your mothers legacy.”Çalebs face darkened, “I am not my mother.”Seliana chuckled, “No, indeed not. I was simply referring to your persuasiveness. Not just anyone could come up with that.”“So…”“I will support you,” she turned to leave.“I do have one question though…”She folded her arms, “I can’t promise you an answer. But you are the prince, ask what you like.”“Why did you get pregnant anyways? Who’s the father? It wasn’t-“Seliana stared at him once again cold. “It was. Your mother will go to no end to gain control over the council. She sent a man in at night to get the job done. Guards held me down and-“ she shivered. “She knew she could control me by forcing a forbidden child on me. I don’t know who the father was, nor do I care. Does that answer your question?”Çaleb nodded, feeling sick. “That’s horrid,” he croaked out, “I’m so sorry.”Seliana smiled sadly, “Don’t be, if all goes well, this little one will have much to look forward to. She will grow up in a land of light if all goes right this cloud of prejudice and darkness will be starkly absent.”With that Seliana turned and swam away.Çaleb called out, “One more thing! I’m not done yet.”Seliana turned, at his gesture she swam in really close.“If you ever need help during the actual pregnancy, I can help. You are not alone.”Selianas smile broadened, “You are a good man, the world needs more of those, I look forward to your rule.”Çaleb smiled back, “Thank you, for the vote and the vote of confidence.”They laughed together quietly.As Çaleb left the room he heard a crash behind him. He turned and gawked. There was Jack wrestling a knife out of an unfamiliar siren's hands. That was surprising enough, but what was more, the siren who had attacked had a strange glowing energy pulsing from their eyes and mouth. Like black and white light fused together pulsing like a heartbeat. A tortured scream ripped from their throat, the sound made Çalebs blood curdle.Çaleb rushed forward but Jack yelled, “No your highness! Get back!!!”Jack and the siren wrestled for many tense seconds, it looked like the fight could go either way! Suddenly the light was gone and the siren went limp.Çaleb gawked as he approached hesitantly, then he asked in a shaky voice “What was that?!”Jack growled, “I don’t know, but it was going for you.”“Are you sure?”“Certain.” Jack nodded grimly.Çaleb shivered, “I’ve already got enough to worry about, I don’t need creepy black magic getting in the way as well!”Jack snorted, “No kidding.”“Is he alive?”“No.”Çaleb swore.“You wanted to question him.”“Wouldn’t you?”Jack sighed, “Of course. What was that weird light though? It almost looked like he was-…”“Possessed.”
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Halp carried a tray down the hallway, Alex loved Tuna tataki and Ceviche. The ingredients were hard to come by, but for a human who didn’t much like seafood, not to mention the royal consort, Halp was sure they could spare a couple lemons, soy sauce and ginger. As Halp passed some patrolling guards, he failed to recognize the faces of the specific sirens who had been bullying Halp continuously, so he was completely caught off guard as they shoved him into the wall and spat on him as they passed. Halp felt anger rise inside of him. But he took a deep breath and simply lowered his eyes and apologized to the guards for getting in the way. He was a strong fin, not a sharp fin. If a lower caste citizen tried to fight back they could be jailed. Halp had thankfully been careful to not drop any of the snacks carefully arranged on the plate. Though they were messed up from the beautiful arrangement they’d been in earlier. He sighed and tried to adjust them back to how they were without ruining the snacks themselves. He glanced up to check he wasn’t blocking anyone in the hallway, his face erupted into a huge smile, “Alex! How are you!” He signed ecstatically!Alex signed a few things to Çaleb, something like “Let’s do it, let’s save them.”Then he turned and smiled at Halp. “Did you get these for me? You are a gem!”Halp tilted his head confused, “I’m a rock?”Alex laughed, “G-E-M the sign is the same as rock. But yeah you rock too.”Halp opened his mouth and closed it, he wasn’t sure what these strange human phrases meant, maybe he was misinterpreting again. But Alex looked happy, and that was all that mattered.”Çaleb smirked, “He's trying to say you’re awesome.”Alex nodded, “Yeah! Exactly! Sorry, I’m used to how humans say it.”Halp laughed, “Humans are strange indeed! We love you though! I’m glad to make you happy! The nutrarchs were upset with me for using such rare ingredients, but how could they refuse when it’s the royal consorts favorite food?”Alex blushed, “Erm who are the nutrarchs? Also I don’t want to take these away from anyone else, especially if they’re rare.”Çaleb chuckled, “The nutrarchs are our version of cooks, the word essentially means food preparer. Also the palace nutrarchs are hoarders, they would never use those ingredients anyways because they are so rare, unless we told them to. Besides now they know these ingredients are used in your favorite food, they'll request more in our next shipment.”Alex still looked a little uncomfortable, but he generally relaxed, “Thanks again Halp for the snacks! These are delicious! Did you make them yourself?”Halp grinned, “I dabble in food preparation.”“I’m doubly glad I chose you to join me on my quest then!”Halp blinked, “Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. With everything that’s been going on it completely slipped my mind that you’re heading off to the tail ceremony in a couple months.”Alex nodded, “I'm glad you’ll have my back, it’s kind of intimidating out there in the open. But I know I can rely on you!”Halp swallowed, he had yet to tell his master’s betrothed that he was terribly frightened of the open ocean, and had never actually left Atlantis before. But with Alex’s faith in him, he had to be strong. “I’m excited to go with you!” He smiled, a little forced.Çaleb raised an eyebrow. He knew of Halps fear of the open sea. He wasn’t fooled. But he let it slide as Alex turned the topic of conversation to how they were going to defeat Amphitrite. Halp listened quietly as they outlined their plan. Halp realized they were causing a hold up in the hallway and gently guided his two ecstatic masters inside.“So we need to convince councilors? Wow, good luck with that. I’m not much help in that department I’m afraid. I’m just a strong fin. They’d never listen to me.”Alex laid a hand on Halps shoulder, “You are so much more than your caste Halp! Other people don’t see that yet, but they will.”Halp smiled at the consorts' kind words.Çaleb sucked up an eel like spaghetti, with a loud “sluuuuuuurrrrrpppp” he wiped his mouth of the sauce, “Besides one of the councilors we need to convince is Havel. He’d listen to you, he’s one of the first people to advocate for equal rights.”Halp nodded looking out at the open sea through a window, there he saw the councilor Havel swim out of the nearby doorway and head for the open sea. Thats right, he goes on swims out in the open sea all the time. Maybe Halp could kill two gulls with one stone. He excused himself and hurriedly swam out of the nearby exit, to the bafflement of his peers.Halp swam up to Havels entourage, “Do you mind if I join you esteemed councilor?”Havel sighed, “If you must. But if you think you can get favor within the council you're wrong. I cannot give biased votes.”“I’m not trying to gain favor in the council, for myself. I’m trying to gain favor for prince Triton.”Havels jaw tightened, he stared straight ahead. “If you must speak, just know this. I am seconds away from getting my guards to remove you, choose your next words carefully.”“Why?”“Because I’ll ask them to-““Not the guards the vote. You know what prince Triton being on the throne would mean for your cause. Why wouldn’t you want him in the throne?”Havel sighed, “Getting right down to the crux of the matter, ey? That’s good, I like that in a mer.”Halp waited while Havel collected his thoughts.“For two main reasons, first because Triton on the throne will certainly change things, but will they change them in my favor? He ran away when things got tough, I’m the one who had to pick up the slack. I had to stand for the people when no one would. Do you know how much of a target that puts on my head?!”“That’s beside the point.”Havel grumbled, “I suppose, though do you see my point? I have no guarantee that Triton will be a good king. Or if he came back from hiding because he wanted a taste of power.”Halp nodded, that was a fair point.Havel continued grumpily, “My second point is also that he ran away when things got tough. Say he does win the vote and becomes king, say he collapses under the pressure. Not just because he might be a bad king, but because he might be a weak one. If he tries to implement the changes of equality that I strive for. There will be riots. There will be pushback. If he can’t stabilize the kingdom it’ll topple. I cannot vote for Triton until I know more about him.”Halp smiled, “I’ll tell you what I know, honestly.”Halp began when he had first become a servant to the young lad. He described Tritons good days, his bad days. He described all the times he conquered and fell down. Halp was there through all of it silently supporting from the shadows. He watched Triton grow from a boy, into a man. When he turned 29 he left, Halps purpose in life was gone. Halp got a little choked up at that part, Havel watched entranced. Halp continued, describing the day and immense joy of Tritons return. How he changed his name to Çaleb.He described the stories of what Çaleb had done when he was away. About Alex and his family and Sams betrayal. All the highs and lows and suffering. Then he pointed out Alex himself. Describing his personality. His love for others. His willingness to forgive, and his strength to push through hard things. The culture shock alone should’ve been enough to kill him. But unless they were alone, Alex always put on a brave face. Halp looked so animated talking about his friends, waving around his hands. Miming things out as he spoke. The laughter of days long gone sparkled in his eyes. When he was done Havel simply nodded.“You are a good story teller. But are these truths or stories seen through a biased nostalgic lense?”Halp grinned, his eyes twinkled, “Come see for yourself!”Çaleb and Alex near about spit out their snacks as Halp entered the room with the councilor on his tail.“I’m sure you all know Havel! The councilor representing the voice of the people.”Çaleb laughed, “Welcome in! You want eel?” He held up a still squirming eel covered in sauce.Havel was baffled by the prince's friendly way of greeting. A terrible breach of protocol.Alex smiled, “So as I was saying I was playing with Harold and this jerkwad comes up-“Halp translated for Havel as he sat down and joined the party.Alex described how he took down the bully then offered him help up, and offered to buy him a drink.Çaleb was clutching his sides from laughter, “Kill em with kindness!”Alex smirked, “It worked. They are Harold’s best friend and fierce protector. And they always try to toss me a coin while I’m playing.”Havel interrupted gently. “Excuse me, but I want to know, what are your plans when you acquire the power of the ocean god?”Çaleb beamed. “Have you ever heard of a democratic monarchy?”Halp left the room an hour later to prepare more snacks, not five minutes into Çalebs explanation had Havel insisted he help rise Çaleb to the throne in every way possible. Halp smiled to himself. The joy of those two was infectious. You for some reason couldn’t help but be hopeful for the future. A touch of optimism as you heard their genuine laughter and gazed at their broad smiles.
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Jack frowned as Çaleb requested privacy in his room tonight. “But, Triton, sir, what if you are attacked aga-“Çaleb put a hand on Jack's shoulder, “I know it’s difficult, but seriously, since that attack you haven’t seen your family once. You’ve been by my side every second you can manage. I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me you haven’t slept or eaten. Go, I’ll be fine, you’ve trained my bodyguards well, and me too. Go, get some rest. You’re no use to me in the state you're in now.”Jack grumbled, “Just because I’ve missed a couple hours of sleep and some meals doesn’t change the fact-“Çaleb pulled himself up, “Jack, go get some rest, that is an order.”Jack muttered through gritted teeth, “Yes your majesty.”Jack sullenly swam away, what was that human saying? Like a puppy with its tail between its legs. He was nearly knocked over by a servant rushing past him. His thoughts turned to worrying about Çaleb the moment he left Jack's sight. Was he paranoid? Sure. But it was justifiable since there had been an assassination attempt not three days earlier. And they still hadn’t caught who was behind it. Jack was willing to bet his Dorsal fin it was Amphitrite. As a father it sickened him to think that a mother would try to assassinate her own child. But Amphitrite crossed all lines, and followed no rules.As Jack was swimming to his quarters, he was surprised but pleased to see that his wife and kids were still awake. He laughed as the little fins swam up and kissed him on the cheek, yelling, “Daddy's home!”His wife slipped up their tails intertwined. When they broke apart from their embrace he chuckled seeing his younger children gag at the exchange.“You have been coming home past midnight and leaving at two in the morning! What idiot stole your brain cells, you bubble brained cod!”“There was an assassination attempt three days ago, we don’t know who-“ Jack trailed off as he realized something.That servant that nearly knocked him over, had glowing eyes like the last assassin.“What! Jack, what's wrong?!”“The prince is in danger! I’ll be right back, stay safe!”He kissed her and was out the door unsheathing his sword and swimming at top speed.He burst into Çalebs room to witness a horrific scene. Çaleb was being strangled and Alex already looked dead. He was bleeding floating above the bed. Jack surprised the assassin, who, before he could gather his wits, was decapitated.“Triton, are you alright?!”The first word Çaleb gasped out was “Alex!”They both rushed over to the Royal consorts side. Çaleb summoned his ocean magic and healed what he could, but they needed to get him to Poseidon and fast!As they swam to the exit Alex's eyes fluttered open. “Çaleb?” He murmured weakly.Çaleb covered his mouth, “Shh save your strength.”But Alex appeared to be done. His eyes fluttered close. Çaleb panicked and checked his pulse, he breathed a sigh of relief. They swam top speed into Poseidon's chambers yelling for the guards to move out of the way. Poseidon jumped up surprised.“Heal him! Please!” Wailed Çaleb panicked.Poseidon did so without question. “Who did this?!” He thundered.Jack and Çaleb looked at each other, it was late enough that he’d be free of the drug, was it time to tell him?“We actually think it was-“Amphitrite burst into the room, “Dear it’s time for your medicine.”Poseidon took the drug without question then turned back to Çaleb expectantly.Çaleb wilted. “We’re not quite sure, but they had the same glow that the last assassin did, and Thalassa has been talking about possession spirit infestations, so maybe that’s it?”Poseidon nodded, “That could be it. We’ll have to deal with that tomorrow. I'll arrange a meeting.”Çaleb relaxed a bit, “Thank you father.”Poseidon nodded, “You and Alex should stay at Jack's house tonight, he’s saved you every time now, I trust him.”Alex and Çaleb nodded tiredly. Çaleb sighed, “Yes father.”They gathered some bedding from Çalebs' room, swimming past some servants cleaning up the dead body of the assassin. Alex shivered and clutched Çaleb tightly. Jack grimaced, if Alex reacted so negatively to a simple decapitation. How would he react to Sam’s punishment? Thoughts for another day. They arrived at Jack's door tiredly. His wife took in their bloody ragged forms. Jack didn’t even need to say anything, she just took them in and fed them, setting up their beds as they ate.
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The end was today, Çaleb was so nervous. Either we take the throne, or we get nothing. As he entered the council room Çaleb took a deep breath and led Alex to his seat. As they took their seats Alex signed, “Where is everyone?”Çaleb signed back, “It was an emergency meeting and not planned days in advance like most meetings. Most of the councilors are probably getting ready.” Çaleb glanced around at the mostly empty room, only Poseidon and Seliana had gotten there on time. Çaleb twiddled his thumbs, “So father, have you noticed anything weird going on?”Poseidon raised an eyebrow, “Other than the fact that my son and heir ran away, came back with a new name and a betrothed, and is now getting assassination attempts. No, nothing at all.”Çaleb sighed, “Figures.”Poseidon frowned, “You know you can tell me anything right?”Çaleb opened his mouth then closed it, he slumped in his seat and rested his head on his hands staring out the window sadly, “Sure dad.”Poseidon blinked and was about to reply when Amphitrite entered and handed him his pills, Poseidon took them without question and immediately his eyes dropped and he slumped in his throne.Çaleb narrowed his eyes, Halp entered and bowed low to Poseidon, “The tea you requested your majesty.”Çaleb tried to hide his smirk, that tea held the counter to the drug Amphitrite had been using on Poseidon. Poseidon drank the tea, Çaleb felt a surge of triumph.As the rest of the Council came in Alex perked up.Çaleb cleared his throat before anyone could say anything, the moment the last councilor was seated, Çaleb declared, “I invoke the clause of forced retirement!”Amphitrite frowned, “Excuse me?”Poseidon barely noted anything and simply made a noncommittal grunting noise.Çaleb hissed, “it’s a clause that states if the council votes unanimously, then the acting king will be forced into retirement and his queen with him.”Amphitrite blinked, then smirked. “Very well then, all in favor of Poseidon retiring?”All hands went up, except three. Seliana, Caelus, and Havel.Çaleb felt all the blood leave his face, “b-but.”Amphitrite smirked, “I’m very aware of what you’ve been up to, and I prepared a different drug to help Poseidon sleep through all of this even better. Even with the help of your cure, he’ll sleep like a baby. You made deals with them, while I made threats. You’ve been playing the game while I’ve been winning it. Poseidon and therefore I, will be on the throne for a long time. Don’t look so sad sweetheart, you're not ready yet.”Alex made a very rude gesture at Amphitrite he didn’t know what was happening, but he got the idea, they were doomed. All that plotting everything, had been for nothing. Amphitrite had won.Amphitrite huffed at Alex, “And until your pet human can learn some manners he’ll be staying in the dungeon.”Çaleb shot to attention with his fists clenched, “Like hell he will!”The guards began closing in, Jack pulled out his sword. One of them grabbed Alex and started dragging him away. Çaleb lunged but he was too late. One of the guards held Alex at knife point, “Ah ah ah,” Amphitrite wagged her finger at Çaleb like he was a naughty child, “Play nice or there might be an accident!”Çaleb gazed around the room, Caelus, Seliana, and Havel looked down ashamed, most of the councilors did. They were too scared to do anything.Amphitrite had absolute power.Suddenly a voice cut through the crowd, booming, “ENOUGH!”Çaleb turned, help was on its way from the least expected place, “Dad?”Poseidon had summoned his trident and was towering over the council. He strode right up to Çaleb, the guards parted for him “I willingly retire from my position as king, I realize now, I was never much of a king to begin with.”Poseidon handed his Trident to Çaleb, who held it reverently in awe. Çaleb stared at his father, “Thank you. You’ve been fighting the drugs haven’t you.”Poseidon gave him a small smile, “You helped me realize I was being manipulated, after you ran away I got a servant to switch out Amphitrites stash for sugar pills. I’ve been faking it these past few months, observing. You’ve grown a lot son. I think you’ll make a great king.” With that, Poseidon disintegrated, and his powers began to transfer.Jack yelled, “Get back!! He’s new to his powers! He could kill by accident!”The guards abandoned Alex, the council and servants rushed out of the room in fear. Alex reached towards Çaleb but Jack held him back.Jack gaped as his son-figure took on the full powers of the Ocean god, Water and light and darkness swirled around him; he was an unstoppable force. Most kings got their powers far from Atlantis so they could learn to control them without hurting anyone. Jack stared as Çaleb began to scream. Jack winced, yes, having your entire biology rewritten and being stuffed like a turkey with that much power has got to hurt a lot. As far as Jack knew it could take from minutes to days for a king to complete the transformation. Alex whimpered, “Where’s Amphitrite?”Jack sighed, “She would’ve dissolved with Poseidon, she’s gone. We’re safe.”Just then a guard burst into the council room, “Your majesty, a message from Thalassa, the possession spirit was inside the queen.” The guard looked around confused “where is she?”Jack stared at him, ”the queen is dead.”The guard paled, “But Thalassa said that we should avoid killing her, because the possession spirit will pick a new host, who was near-?”Alex snatched Jack's knife and plunged it into his back, “What a fool you are.” Alex spoke in perfect siren.Jack doubled over in pain and clutched his stomach. Halp yelled, “Jack!”The guards tackled Alex, while Alex laughed maniacally, his eyes started to glow with the ethereal black anti light.Alex watched in horror as his hands were covered in Jack's blood. What had he done?! Alex wanted to scream to thrash to fight! But he couldn’t move a muscle! He was trapped watching his own body move without him. His body turned to Çaleb. “No!” Alex screamed!!! But no sound came out!There was a blast of light.Alex groaned as he sat up. “wha- what happened?”He was in Çalebs room. He frowned. What was that sound coming out of his mouth?!“He’s awake!”Çaleb rushed over, “Alex! How do you feel?”Alex groaned “I feel stuffy.”Halp frowned, “what?”Alex sneezed, bubbles appeared all around. “Like congested.”Çaleb chuckled, “That’s probably a side effect of being possessed.”Alex blinked, “Wait I can understand you, and we’re underwater!”Çaleb grinned, “That’s another side effect of being possessed. You learned Siren and somehow have the correct vocal chords to speak it, I don’t really understand how either.”Alex grinned, “So we’re safe?”Çaleb nodded, “Yup, I defeated Amphitrite with my awesome ocean god powers! Watch this! Pufferfish!”Çaleb pointed at a nearby potted plant, and it turned into a pufferfish. He turned and pointed at a vase, “Eel!”It turned into a very confused cod. Alex snorted “That doesn’t look like an eel.Çaleb blushed, “Yeah I’m still practicing.”“So what exactly happened?”“Well it turns out Amphitrite had been possessed by this spirit since she was a little girl. When she died from Poseidon giving up their godhood, the spirit went into you.”Alex frowned, “Oh, so in a way you never knew your father or mother. Because your mother was possessed and your father was drugged.”Çaleb ducked his head, “yeah, I kinda wish I got the chance to know them. It makes me wonder whether or not they would’ve actually been good parents.”Alex grabbed Çalebs hand, “I’m sorry, Çaleb.”Çaleb smiled sadly, “It’s ok, I’m happy that they are at peace now.”Alex's eyes crinkled with a smile.Alex murmured, “So how long was I out?”Çaleb blinked, “Uh a couple months.”Alex's smile faded, “What?! But what about the tail ceremony?!”Çaleb rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah that’s uh, in a week.”Alex yelped, “A week! Most people get there in a month!”Çaleb blushed, “You weren’t waking up, hey it’s ok we can just wait till next year!”Alex growled, “yeah right!”He pushed back the seaweed covers and swam towards the door with his human limbs flailing.Çaleb sighed. Alright, “but we’re going together.”Alex frowned ”but aren’t you king?”Çaleb laughed, “I’m sure they can manage without me, it's fiiiine.”Alex kissed him, “Together then.”“Together.”Jack swam into the room, he had a bandaged abdomen, he took one look at Çaleb and Alex kissing and muttered “Nope, not dealing with that.” And swam away.