Chapter Text
As the sun rose above the water the next morning, Emma, Damien and Zee met on the edge of the beach to come up with a plan.
“Okay,” Emma began, “I could see a little bit through the windows last night, and here’s what I managed to find out. The prince is taking Bowie around the kingdom today as his personal guest. That means they’ll be in town, and as you two probably guessed, far from the shoreline and the ocean.”
“But there is some water there, right Emma? In canals and things like that?” Damien asked.
“There are, but they’re narrow and pretty shallow, so Damien, you and I’ll have to really lay low. I don’t think we’re going to be able to do much without getting spotted. Zee, that’s where you come in. Do you think you’ll be able to blend in with the crowd and keep an eye on them for us?”
“Yeah, for sure,” Zee gave a thumbs up, “Most people in town know me, so they won’t think anything’s too weird.”
“Perfect. It sounds like we have a plan.”
“And you’re sure this is going to work, Emma?” Damien asked trepidatiously.
Emma shook her head, “No. Honestly, I’m not. But we’ve got to do the best we can. For Bowie, okay?”
The other two firmly nodded in agreement. “For Bowie.”
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“Oh good, you’re awake!” Raj beamed, giving a friendly wave as Bowie descended the stairs to the main room of the palace, “Did you sleep well last night?”
Bowie nodded, still in a bit of disbelief that he was actually here.
“Well, glad to hear it,” the prince grinned, clearly excited, “Because you’re not going to want to miss a second of what I’ve got planned for us today.
“Oh, for sure,” Wayne chimed in, “You’ll really like it, trust me, bud. And Rajie is the best tour guide you could ever ask for, he knows all the best spots!”
“Aw, Wayne, don’t make me blush,” Raj chuckled before turning back to Bowie, “But seriously, I have a feeling this is about to be one of the greatest days you’ve ever had. We should be getting going soon, all we have to do is wait for the carriage to be ready.”
“Well then you won’t have to wait at all,” Dipti chirped as she made her way in, “Stable says that the horses are set and ready to go when you are.”
“Really? Great! Thank you, Dipti!” Raj hugged his sister, “Tell Mother we’ll be back before dark.”
“Of course,” she nodded, giving both her little brother and Bowie a smile, “You boys have fun with your little outing.”
“Tell us all about it when you get back, we want to hear everything, eh?”
“Okay, okay, will do, you two,” Raj laughed, linking arms with Bowie as they walked off, “Come with me, the carriage is right outside.”
The carriage ride was one of the most magical experiences of Bowie’s life. It was absolutely beautiful, the coasts and countrysides he once could only dream of from the water now here and right in front of him. The vibrant green trees, the colorful array of flowers in bloom, the gently winding rivers, all of it captivated him. It felt like a dream come true, like everything he had ever imagined was right here, yet somehow, it felt even more magnificent.
But the amazement he had felt on the journey there still paled in comparison to how he felt once he and Raj actually arrived in town. Everywhere he looked it seemed like there was something new. The smell of freshly baked bread emanating from the bakery, the colorful market stands with all sorts of knick-knacks on display, the snippets of daily chatter he heard as townspeople passed by. It might’ve seemed common or insignificant to most humans, but to a mermaid out of water like him, it was nothing short of fascinating.
Some humans might’ve found Bowie’s fascination with seemingly mundane things to be odd or confusing, but not Raj. All morning, Raj let him take the lead, sharing similar fascination and enthusiasm for whatever had struck Bowie’s curiosity in that moment. Hours seemed to tick by like seconds as the two of them wandered through the town.
“Oh, geez, I’m sorry. I lost track of the time,” Raj laughed sheepishly after a while, “It’s past noon, you must be getting pretty hungry, huh? Well, don’t worry, I know the perfect place. It’s right up ahead, let’s go!”
Raj led him a little ways to a cozy looking tavern nestled near the heart of the town. The man at the counter recognized Raj immediately and grinned with excitement.
“Well well well, look who it is. Been a while, your highness.”
“Come on,” Raj laughed, “What is this, my coronation? No need to get all formal with me, we’ve known each other since we were children.”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry. Wouldn’t dream of it. Just messing around with you, Raj.” his green eyes shifted towards Bowie, “And hey, who’s your friend here? Don’t think I’ve seen you around town before.”
“Well, um…I actually don’t really know.” Raj sheepishly grinned, “He doesn’t talk much…or at all, really.”
“Oh, so you must be the one my Axel was telling me about. Good to meet you,” He extended a hand, “Name’s Raphael, but everyone around here just calls me Ripper. You’ve already made the acquaintance of my wife Axel, and this little lady is my daughter Isla.”
The guard from the previous day, now wearing a simple green dress, gave Bowie a reserved but friendly smile. The little girl in her arms, likely around two years old, stared at him curiously, as if she somehow knew he was different, before waving shyly.
“Alright, you two, let’s get you the best seats in the house, and then I’ll get two specials for you. How’s that sound?”
“Perfect. Thanks, Ripper. You’re the best.”
“Sure am.” he replied with a confident smirk before heading to the back.
“Ripper’s an old friend,” Raj told Bowie as they sat down, “His family used to work in the palace, so I’d see him around and since we were the same age, we became pretty good friends. Even though he left a couple years ago to start his own place here, I still try to drop by and see him whenever I can. Some people might think it’s a little weird, but I don’t. He’s still my friend, no matter where he is now.”
That was yet another thing Bowie loved about Raj. Despite his royalty, he was still humble and down to earth and friendly towards everyone. He delighted in Bowie’s eccentricities, and was always so positive. Only a man with a heart so kind and honest could capture Bowie’s heart so effortlessly.
After a few minutes, the food arrived. Raj had been right, it was nothing short of delightful. Though certainly simpler than the palace meals he was used to, he found it comforting in a way. An eclectic mix of ingredients, yet together, it was lovely. Much like the human world, Bowie thought.
“So where’re you off to next?” Ripper asked after Raj and Bowie had finished.
“Not sure,” Raj shrugged, “I’ve been showing this one around town most of the morning, so probably a little more of that.”
“Well, y’know, if you’re looking for something fun, there’ll be dancing out in the square in a little bit. That might be something your friend might like.”
“Great idea,” Raj grinned, “we’ll check that out next. Oh! Before I forget, how much do I owe you?”
“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Ripper smiled, “It’s on the house.”
“Come on, Ripper,” Raj shook his head, “You know I can’t just let you do that.”
“Well, then consider it a welcome gift for your new friend.”
“Okay,” Raj rolled his eyes playfully, “If you insist.”
“I do.”
“Alright, alright,” Raj laughed, “well, we’ve got a town to see so we’d better get going. See you later, Ripper!”
“Hey, no problem. Come back anytime.”
Though the idea had seemed fun at first, Bowie felt unsure as they got closer to the town square. The people dancing looked so graceful, so elegant. He wasn’t sure he could keep up, as only yesterday he could barely walk. His hesitation did not go unnoticed.
“Huh? What’s wrong? Don’t you want to-” Raj then blinked as a realization dawned on him, “Oh, I think I know what’s going on. You’re nervous, is that it?”
Bowie gave a nod of confirmation.
Raj took his hand tenderly, “Hey, it’s okay. Trust me, I’m not the best either. One time at a ball, I tripped over my own feet and fell right onto the floor.”
Bowie couldn’t help but crack a smile as Raj laughed. “Yeah, Wayne wouldn’t let me live that one down for a long, long time. But hey, if that happened to me and I’m still standing, you can’t be that bad, right? Why not give it a try?”
He had a point, Bowie supposed. So with excited apprehension, Bowie let Raj lead him towards the circle with the other people. Putting Bowie’s hand in his and placing the other on his shoulder, Raj began to lead the dance
“Okay, now just follow me. One, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three, that’s it! You’re doing it!”
For the next few minutes, the two of them danced together as if they’d done it a thousand times before. The world seemed to fade around them as they kept it up, complementing each other’s movements as if they were a perfect mirror. Through the twirls and the spins, their eyes never left each other. And just like that, it was over.
“Wow, you’re pretty good.” Raj remarked, clearly impressed, “And to think you were nervous.”
Bowie had to admit, Raj was right. Maybe he was getting the hang of this human thing faster than he thought he was.
“I’m really happy you’re having a good day today.” Raj grinned excitedly, “But it’s not over yet. C’mon, there’s still one more thing I want to show you before we head back.”
Bowie followed Raj, not sure of where they were going but excited nonetheless. As the carriage departed further south and the town seemed to fade back into the horizon, they eventually arrived at a small cove where a rowboat seemed to be waiting for them. It was certainly a beautiful sight, with long, graceful branches of the willow trees cascading around them and the blinking of fireflies shimmering as twilight began to creep in.
“Well,” Raj softly smiled, “Here we are. I know it’s probably not something you were expecting, but trust me, you’ll love it.”
As the two got in the boat and Raj began to row, they had no idea that they were being watched from afar.
“Oh boy,” Damien sighed as he and Emma watched them enter the lagoon from a short distance away, “What’re we going to do? The second sun is setting soon and there’s been no sign of anything happening all day.”
“I know, Damien,” Emma whispered, “But it’s not over yet. Just look around. The atmosphere is perfect for it to happen. Just give it some time. Come on, let’s get a little closer.”
The two mermaids followed the boat trail, hoping to see some sign, any sign, that things were going somewhere.
“This is one of my favorite places,” Raj explained, “It’s no open sea, but it still feels good to go here and be alone for a while. It’s really nice like that. Nobody else really knows about it, so I can just go here and be myself. Not the prince or the future king, just…Raj.”
Bowie gave an understanding look. He knew that kind of pressure all too well
“You know,” Raj sighed after a few moments, “I really feel bad not knowing your name. Hey, maybe I could guess. Alright, alright…let me think, is it, um…Caleb?”
Bowie shook his head playfully. Raj chuckled.
“Okay, no. Hm…how about Justin? Scott? Max?”
“Bowie,” Emma whispered from her hiding spot, hoping Raj could hear her, “His name is Bowie.”
Luckily, he had heard her crystal clear.
“Bowie?”
Bowie nodded enthusiastically, and Raj’s eyes lit up.
“Wait, I got it? That’s your name? Hey, that’s really pretty. I love it. Okay. Bowie.”
Bowie gave him a smile, one which Raj returned. It was subtle, but Bowie could’ve sworn that he saw Raj blush a little as he did so. Even less subtly, however, he noticed that Raj had moved even closer to him.
“This…this is going to sound kind of weird,” Raj chuckled nervously, “But I’m actually really, really glad I know your name now. I don’t know, it just feels like it helps me know you a little better, y’know? And…and I really like that.”
He watched as Raj’s eyes closed and he leaned in slowly. Bowie’s heart started racing faster and faster as he followed Raj’s lead, the excitement and happiness building to a moment he hadn’t stopped dreaming about finally arriving. But it never did. Suddenly, without any warning sign, the boat capsized and both of them abruptly fell into the water.
“Oh man, what was that? Didn’t think the currents around here could get that strong,” Raj murmured as he got back to his feet, now soaking wet, “Are you alright, Bowie? It’s okay, take my hand, I’ll help you up. We’d better get back to the castle and get dried off. It’s getting dark soon anyways. My mother’s probably already worrying.”
Bowie sighed and nodded, leaning on Raj for support as they moved back towards the shoreline. Though relieved that both he and Raj were okay, he could see clear as day that the moment between the two of them was over. But what he didn’t see was the subtle victorious smirk between MK and Julia beneath the waters.
“Nice work, girls.” Chris nodded as he spied from his undersea lair, “That was way too close for comfort. Ugh, that sneaky little prince is better than I thought. But no matter. He’s only got one more day. Oh, this plan is so genius I don’t know how I didn’t think of it sooner. The pretty little prince is the perfect bait to catch King Lightning. Just one more sunset, and I’ll be supreme ruler of the ocean. Just a little more time.”
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“Oh my, you poor things,” Raj’s mother gasped lightly as she saw the two of them enter the palace soaking wet, “What happened? Are you alright?”
Raj nodded, “Yes, we’re fine, Mother. Just had a little fall earlier.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” she sighed, “Now, you’d best go get cleaned up. There’ll be some warm and dry clothes out for you shortly. You’ve both had a very long day and need your rest. Especially you, Raj. You’ll need all the energy you can get for tomorrow’s coronation ball.”
“Oh...right…that. Well,” Raj gave Bowie a warm smile, trying to shake off the anxiety his mother’s statement had brought, “Goodnight, Bowie. And thank you, I had a really, really wonderful time with you today. I hope you did too. I’ll…I’ll see you in the morning.”
Bowie smiled back at Raj, watching as he retreated back towards his bedroom. If only Raj knew what an unforgettable experience he’d gifted Bowie in just one short day.
As Bowie sat on the bed, thinking of all that had happened since he made that deal. Yet the beauty was still somewhat tainted by a hint of wistfulness, knowing that he had been so close and yet so far to reaching his goal. And now he only had one day left. Even worse, Raj would likely be terribly busy tomorrow, given what his mother had said earlier. If human coronation balls were anything like those he’d attended under the sea, then there would be people there from all over. How was a little mermaid supposed to compete with that?
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the palace, a knock came at Raj’s door.
“Who’s there?”
“Just me, Rajie.” Dipti’s voice replied. Raj opened the door and let her in. “Not interrupting anything, am I?”
Raj shook his head.
“So,” she began, hoisting herself from her chair onto the bed beside him, “Mother tells me you had an interesting day.”
“Yeah, I guess you could say that…it was really, really good until the whole boat tipping over part happened.”
“Ah, yes, I can imagine that would sour the moment a little.” she nodded, “But other than that, it was fun, right?”
“Oh yeah, it was…wow. I haven’t had a day that amazing in…god, I can’t even remember.”
“Oooh that is a good one,” Dipti grinned, “Perfect segue for your big day tomorrow, huh, Rajie?”
Raj shifted uncomfortably at the mention of that. Dipti’s face fell as soon as she noticed.
“Hey, what’s the matter?” she asked concernedly, “I know it’s a big thing, but it’s not like you’re going to be thrust into being king immediately. This is just like a regular ball but we announce that you’re officially taking on the throne sometime soon.”
“No, no, it’s not about that, it’s…” Raj sighed, “I don’t know what to do, Didi. At the ball tomorrow, Mother’s making it seem like everyone’s going to want me to choose someone to marry. But…nobody feels right. And I can’t stop thinking about that voice, but…what if Mother’s right, and it’s not even real? What if I lose out on something really really good because I’m holding out hope that somehow he’s real? But that voice-”
“You know, Raj,” Dipti inched closer, gently squeezing his hand, “Here’s what I think. Rather than pinning all your dreams on some mystery man who you haven’t gotten a trace of in weeks, why not stop and look around for a second? Who knows, maybe you’ll find a boy who’s sweet and charming and best of all, right before your eyes.”
Raj paused, as if what she’d just said had made his whole perspective shift. Dipti gave a knowing but gentle look as she helped herself off of the bed and back to her chair.
“Just think about that, okay? Good night, Raj.”
“Night, Dipti.”
As both Bowie and Raj lay awake that night, neither could sleep particularly well. Bowie’s thoughts were racing, knowing he only had one day left to succeed or else he’d have to leave the boy he’d fallen so hopelessly in love with forever, and agonizing over the fact that he had so many things he was dying to say to Raj yet couldn’t utter a single one of them. Meanwhile, Raj felt torn. On the one hand, he had to find the voice he’d heard that day on the shore, but on the other hand, what if Dipti was right? What if in his blind search for some mysterious voice, he let something–or rather, someone–so wonderful slip right through his fingers?
Either way, one more day and it’d all be over.