What Are Your Merfolk Doing Today 2.0

Sorry it took a few days to write this. I hit a creative block, and it took me a good while to work through it. Anyways, here's the Winterfest update! Potential spoilers for the future of the story arc I'm writing because this would come after the Little Merman Arc.

Holiday Extra: The Little Merman’s Winterfest

“Take it one step at a time,” Ember said, holding Alex’s hand.

Despite being able to take a human form for some time, Alex still struggled to keep his balance sometimes. Both went through a lot when Camilo pursued the power of the Guardians. He trusted her, but it didn’t make standing, much less walking easier.

“Come on Alex, this is nothing compared to what we had to do to save your uncle and little brothers,” Ember encouraged, you got this.

Ember was right. Camilo got very close to achieving his goal. He had all the Guardians and their voices, but his little brothers delayed his ambitions. The power of the blue tail guardian transferred to them, but in the process, it became fragmented and beyond the evil sea witch’s reach. The deep-sea merman tried to return the power to his uncle and that’s when Alex and Ember stopped him. They set the other five guardians free and rescued Uncle Kemps and the twins just before the evil merman won.

‘After all that,’ Alex thought. ‘Why is it so hard to walk now?’

Alex was still very mute. Even after saving Damion along with the other guardians, Alex still didn’t get his voice back. Damion offered to return it, but Alex turned him down. He wasn’t ready to give up his human form, and he knew that he’d never step foot on land if his voice was returned.

With a little bit of help from Ember, Alex took a couple more steps and then began to walk. Today was a special day. Ember told Alex about how she arranged a special gathering by the shore. She didn’t explain the details, but she emphasized that it was important to get to the shore by sunset.

Alex held her hand as she guided him toward the sea. He couldn’t help but smile. He accomplished the impossible. He gained a human form. He met the girl of his dreams. And to his surprise, his uncle accepted Ember despite her being a human. She was a descendant of a fire elemental but technically still a human. He learned that during their rescue efforts. Her magic made a huge difference. His ice magic and her fire magic stopped Camilo before he could achieve his nefarious goals.

“See, you got this. Just put one foot in front of the other.”

Gaining confidence, Alex let go of Ember’s hand and took a big step into the shallows.

“Be careful Alex,” Ember said.

‘I got this,’ Alex thought.

Alex began to wobble, trying to balance himself with his outstreched hands.

“Here we go again,” Ember said rolling her eyes with a wave of her hand.

“Happy Winterfest!” the melodic sound of the entire Zalrian Pod caught Alex completely off guard and he stumbled backwards.

“Alex!” Ember smiled and raced to catch the little merman.

‘What is everyone doing here?!’ Alex thought. ‘Was this what Ember planned?’

Caught by surprise, Alex lost focus. In a flash of light, the merboy’s legs changed back into a tail.

“Well, I tried.” Ember face palmed. “We’re gonna have to work on this.”

Alex landed on the sand.

“Just as clumsy as always.” Ember couldn’t help but laugh.

Alex looked up with a big grin. Ember was glad he was alright.

“Ember told us about this Human Holiday.” Lir said holding a present.

“And who doesn’t love a day to get new toys and give gifts!” Kylen exclaimed leaping out of the water and tossing a gift into the air.

“Come on, I can’t wait to see what you got me!”

Reef leapt out of the water and reached for the yellow present. Sarah extended her arm, and the present was beyond the merman’s reach.

“Reef, you got to wait to open the presents.” Sarah said and laughed.

“Jingle Shells, Jingle Shells,” Dylan sang with arms outstretched.

“Ignore him,” Zephyr said. “We got you a gift, and I bet you won’t be able to guess what it is!”

“No fair,” Arihi said to Calum. “Do we really need to wait to open the gifts?”

“Of course, it’s a human tradition to open them under the winterfest tree.” Calum said.

“It took quite a bit of convincing, but I brought the entire pod.” Kemps said. “Ember is nothing like what I expected.”

The patriarch couldn’t contain his smile. He never imagined a human holiday could fill the pod with so much joy. He was warming up to the human world.

Ember extended her hand to Alex. “Let me help you back up. I didn’t mean to surprise you this much.”

‘I didn’t expect to be so surprised that I would change forms.’ Alex thought as he smiled. ‘But, I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise.’

Alex grabbed Ember’s hand.

“It wasn’t easy. I had to call in the favor from that Sea Witch you gave your voice to. But the spell he gave me was temporary. We couldn’t host the celebration under the sea.” Ember Said.

“But, after everything she did for the pod, I couldn’t say no to her request to meet near the shore.” Kemps added.

After grabbing Ember’s hand, Alex grabbed it with the other. With a big smile, the merboy tugged.

“Whoa!” Ember didn’t see this coming.

Ember landed on Alex and looked into his eyes. The little merman didn’t need to say a word. His sea blue eyes and his smile said it all.

“I’m glad you like the surprise.” Ember said.

‘It’s better than anything I could ask for.’ Alex thought.

Lost in the moment, Alex embraced Ember as they exchanged a kiss.

“Thank you for the fintastic gift.” Reef said looking down at Sarah.

“I’m glad you liked it.” Sarah looked up at Reef, laying her head on his tail.

“I wonder what I got!” Kylen said shaking his gift.

“How do you open this.” Lir said, fiddling with the bow.

“Zeph, I got you this!” Dylan said.

“Thank you so much, Dyl!” Zephyr replied.

“It was such a thoughtful gift.” Arihi looked into Calum’s eyes.

“It’s been a while since our time in the human world. I’m glad you liked it.” Calum looked back into Arihi’s eyes.

Kemps laid on his side and watched the pod.

‘Alex, I’m happy things worked out for you.’ Kemps thought, reflecting on his own attempt to see the human world. ‘I’m glad Ember wasn’t like her.’

Ember held Alex in her arms as Alex leaned back in her embrace. The young couple exchanged another kiss.