Dylan continued. "I recently found Wade in one of the Lagoons. He drank a potion to try and become human, but he ended up stuck in his merform for a couple days. I want them to be happy with the form they have... I know Ember meant well, but there's no undoing what we are. We are merfolk. But, I feel like Barnby and Wade have learned what that means."
Calum listened to his son and offered some advice. "I've heard some people say that the seaweed is always greener in someone else's lake, that life always seems better when you look at things from a distance. Give your sons some time to discover what they are. I know that you had to learn about being an Elemental before you mastered your own power over water and the sea."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52253611597_de1545386d_b.jpgCalum continued. "I can only imagine how hard it is for them now, but they'll fall in love with what they are. Being a merman doesn't ahve to be a burden or something to struggle with. Just like how you got comfortable with being an Elemental, your sons will grow more comfortable as merboys given enough time."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52253611632_f78466b469_b.jpgCalum got serious. "But, they are young mermen, and while they are discovering what they are, I recommend watching out for them. Vampires born from corrupted merfolk would prey on their insecurities and offer them a way out that doesn't exist. Even a Darkfin might take advantage of them like this."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52253611682_8a4bc0b9a1_b.jpg"One, you need to give the twins time to grow used to what they are. Two, watch over them and protect them until they can swim on their own."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254865104_b036e08bc4_b.jpgCalum's tone ligthened up. "We both know that not all vampires are inherently evil. It's just the ones born from the corrupted hearts of merfolk that you have to worry about."
"I feel better now. I know they will grow into their new forms and learn to love what they are."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52255075405_61c7c18ed4_b.jpg"See, I told you that you were worring too much."
"Now, I understand where you were coming from when you raised me and zeph."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254865069_bb61e0ee7b_b.jpg"Human, Elemental, or Mermadic, kids are always a challenge to raise, but every moment is worth it."
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52255075395_88060ba1cf_b.jpg"Now, you have to tell me how you make those delicious cakes. Your younger sister and brother's birthday is coming up."
"I don't do anything special. I just adjust the recipe as I go." Dylan thought for a moment. "You should probably talk to Ember about cooking. I don't cook like I used to because, well you know, merfolk don't need to eat."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254865014_823527473c_b.jpgWhile Calum and Dylan chatted, Zeph showded up, and the mermen dove into the sea for a swim. Calum wanted to catch up with both of his sons.
"Now, that both of you are here, I have to ask you something very important. As you know, your little sister and brother's birthday is right around the seabed, I want to plan a special location for both of them to have their birthday."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52255075290_3032a442b4_c.jpg"I was thinking that the Caldera Eco Center would be perfect!"
Zeph rolled his eyes. "Come on dad, that's not the best place for Earth Elementals to have a Birthday, and you know it."
Dylan smiled. "Zeph's right. Why would you have their birthday so close to Mount Mua Pel'Am?"
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254577601_af94f5bdf2_b.jpg"Well, I was going to go with a pirate theme for their birthday party."
Zeph thought. "He still sees them as little guppies. This will take some persuasion."
Dylan shared the same thought.
"Maybe you could have their birthday party in another world more attuned to their Element." Zeph suggested.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254864834_137e46c544_b.jpg"I'll start looking right away, but I was thinking of throwing a big party and inviting the whole family."
"I'm all for that." Dylan was getting excited.
"This is going to be a logistic nightmare." Zeph thought.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254577551_aacf2d4076_b.jpg"But I'm for it!" Zeph was getting excited too.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52255075185_c99dd33184_b.jpgAfter Dylan left, Calum had a question for Zeph. "Birthday plans aside, I'm worried about you and your brother. You shouldn't take so many risks in other worlds."
Zeph gave his dad a serious look. "It's complicated, but we are going to help Lir find the other lost princes. We know what we are getting into."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254577531_562bc0e0d2_b.jpg"Just look after your brother for me."
"I always do, but I don't get where this is coming from?"
Calum looked at his son. "You are both grown mermen, but I still worry about both of you. It's part of being your father. The Darkfins are dangerous, and they were banished for good reason."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254864774_c5302a487b_b.jpg"The Darkfins have given into their own inner darkness, and they will try to take as much power as they can. It's wise to keep your distance and not look for trouble, but I have a feeling that they won't stop with just Dylan, you, and Lir. Their thirst for vengence is too great."
Zeph listened carefully to his father's warning.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254597793_35829291b4_b.jpg"Are you saying I shouldn't help the other princes. They could be in danger."
"I'm saying you should be careful, but I think you should try to help them. Together, you are safer than alone."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52254864719_dd7eb39925_b.jpg
