Aquata Cove Ch. 101: Final Pt. 02

Jamal squeezes Adam's shoulder gently. Adam's stomach continues to solidify as he nodded, and Jamal walks off. "~Up where they walk ~Up where they run ~Up where they stay all daaaaay in the suuuun~" Jamal soon stands right next to Harold at the front, as the Best Man, "~Wanderin' free ~Wish I could be~ Part of that wooorrrld~"

"Are you ready, son?" Whispers Luther. Adam takes a deep breath, and nods.

"Yes... I'm ready..." While the mermaids continue to sing wonderfully, Adam turns, and hugs both of his parents. "Thank you, Mom, Dad... Thank you so much for everything, I love you both..." Donna sniffs as she cries quietly as she pats Adam's back. It's finally happening; Their son is finally getting married.

"~What would I give ~If I could live ~Out of these waters?~" Luther and Donna took hold of each other's arms, and proceeded to walk the aisle. The two of them come to the front, and take their seats in the front left row. "~What would I pay ~To spend a daaaay warm on the saaaand? ~Wager on land ~They understand ~That they don't ~Reprimand their loved ones~ I am ready to staaaaannnd~"

Adam takes a deep breath again and moves his legs, one after the other. His heart feels fit to explode as he finds himself going forward, onto the beautiful archway - the top of it has a beautiful pair of angel wings posed in a heart-shape with a regal murex shell standing dignified within it. The both sides of the archway is decorated with small seashells and sea stars and elaborately formed coral branches, along with the ribbon and flowers and garlands royal feathers, all placed, wrapped, and arranged symmetrically in on the stalks of the archway.

Vandora settles the singing for a small pause as Adam starts at the end of the aisle, "~What would I give ~To live where you are ~What would I pay ~To stay here beside you?~" Adam's chest practically vibrates while he walks down the way, until he finally steps up to one side of the altar, and turns to everyone, holding his hands down formally like the other men.

The harmony climbs in volume flows with the words, "~Where would we walk? ~Where would we run?~" Syrinx emerges from the trees around the corner, wearing a beautiful sky blue fur dress with a glittered shell brooch attached to the satin sash on her left shoulder. She holds a small flower bouquet decorated with white and yellow flowers, as she then takes her place up front at the altar.

"~If we could stay all day in the sun?~" The mermaids hymned as Belinda walks gradually next, wearing almost the exact same dress as Syrinx, but with a different type of shell brooch on her shoulder, also holding a small bouquet of flowers, "~Just you and me ~And I could be ~Part of your wooorrrld~" Nerissa makes her way down the isle with a light blue dress with sleeves on it, wearing a simple band around her head with a sparkling shell on her forehead, before she puts herself next to Syrinx and Belinda.

Yuri comes next, smiling as she too holds a bouquet of white roses wrapped in gold ribbons. Her lovely dress is light blue, her hair is tied up in a beautiful ponytail set with a jeweled crescent moon on the back. "~I don't know when ~I don't know how

But I know something's starting right nooow~" Yuri takes her spot at the archway, turning to the people as the Matron of Honor

The mermaids slow the progress of the song as the last two attendees.

Arnaav then comes onto the carpet before him. He wears a silk black robe with gold trims around the front and cuffs in his sleeves, and a gold painted pair of very small ribbed clamshells right under his neck to resemble a nautical bowtie. "~Watch and you'll seeeee ~Some day I'll be ~Part of yooouuur woooorrrrllld~" The boy holds the small giant clam-shaped treasure box that contains the black pearl ring and the white gold diamond ring within. Arnaav walks over to Adam's side and stands right next to Jamal.

Fumiko comes to the aisle, holding a silver basket filled with white, pink, and yellow rose petals. Wearing a pretty sky blue kimono, her hair is groomed and styled with a pair of sparkling chopsticks placed in a round bun in her hair. She delicately takes a handful of petals, and throws them to her side. She takes another, and lets the handful of flowers fly from her hand. She scattered the petals evenly, distributing the petals as she walks over to Merrick's side, and stands right next to Yuri. "~Out of the seeaaa~"

"~One day I'll beeee~"

"~Part of yooouuurrrr woooorrrrrllllld~!" The mermaids finish with a long and soulful note.

Then, Vanora conducts the bridal entrance song, bringing a sudden rise of pitch from them, their volume and their voices almost literally sounding like angels! Adam's breath gets trapped in his chest as he peers over. The mermaids raise their marvelous voices in climbing tones of the beginning of the hymn. Everyone gets up out of their seats and turns towards the path Merrick is arriving.

The mermaids sing a very soft rhythm of 'Here Comes The Bride' as fulfilling music. Everyone beamed as they see Merrick walk along the carpet, wearing the golden seashell armor/robe with the pearl and spiral shell crown with a dazzling white full-length coat while a long, brilliant white cape is draped from under his shoulders and trailing on the floor. Everyone stares in wonder at the great crystal trident he holds in his hands. It shimmers with the light, designed so elegantly with some small seashells tied together and around the top base of the three-pronged top.

With both of his hands holding the crystal trident, someone else is holding his left arm softly. Everyone becomes awestruck as the taller woman of long platinum blonde hair escorts Merrick slowly down the aisle. Wearing a light iridescent white/pink/blue cloak-styled dress and wearing a white glittering circlet around her head, the angelic woman looks to the archway as she guides him to his fiancé.

Adam watches with great disbelief as the two merfolk approach him. What are the odds of her being here, on the very day of their wedding? And that trident! It's the most beautiful aquatic artifact he's ever seen. Now that this is happening, that trident is a much more appropriate item for him than the large bouquet of flowers he was initially going to hold at this time. And it looks as though it's made out of pure diamond, just how did they manage that??

The mermaids' beautiful song drifts around the gentle snow around them as Umiato delivers her son to the altar. Merrick turns to her, his eyes brimming with emotion as she stands here, surrounded by humans, involved with a human ritual of which she has never heard of before.

Umiato smiles lovingly down on her son, her perfect hands going to hold the gilded scallop pauldrons on his shoulders. His aura is a wellspring of limitless light and profound euphoria; his very essence shines brighter than his vestments made of treasure.

Her hand lifts Merrick's crown up a little, before she leans forward, and kisses his forehead. Umiato crouches lower so her shrouded arms would wrap around Merrick to hold him close. With one arm holding his trident, Merrick hugs her back with his other arm, prolonging this tender moment with his mother for as long as he can...

"I love you so much, my Son..." Umiato whispers very quietly.

She stands back up from him, smiling as she strokes her palm on his cheek, before gently drifting away from him. Umiato slowly walks away from the altar, holding her hands before her and feeling a gathering gust of snowy winds blow around her. Everyone watches as this mysterious woman walks straight forward into the woods, more snow and wind blowing around her as she goes, until she completely disappears.

Merrick sniffs as he smiles, watching the beautiful veils of her dress billow into an intangible aurora in the calming breezes, wishing there was something he can say or do to have her stay... If anything... But this is good enough... She has done so much for him already...

Kevin and Syrinx then accordingly go and detach Merrick's cape. They bring it to behind the archway, and clip it above to repurpose the clean, waterproof garment as a pure curtain behind, before both of them resume their places on either side of the grooms.

The mermaids of the Kenovani then leave their posts, and retreat to their seats on the right side along with the other Coshitons, right after everyone sits back down. The person in the white hooded cloak watches now next to a nearby tree, seeing Merrick and Adam turn to face the human wearing a black sail around her body, the one with the short and wave-like yellow baleen on her head...

"Dearly beloved," Erin begins, "We are gathered here in the presence of God before these bright and brave souls; to bring these members of the land and sea together in holy matrimony. My name is Justice Erin Connolly, and I have the privilege of performing this ceremony today. On behalf of Adam and Merrick, welcome and thank you all for coming."

Merrick's right hand grips crystal trident as his chest becomes tense excitement, while Adam keeps his hands together over his belt.

"This gathering is to be commended for honoring all who stand before adversity." Erin continues with her ministration, "God does not make a love that is wrong. This is the union of two individuals in heart, body, mind, and soul." Donna covers her mouth with a soft cloth as she can hardly keep her emotions from overflowing, while Luther pats his wife's hand as he listens to Erin's sermon.

"Therefore, it is not meant by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly." Erin states, "But reverently, and solemnly. Into this holy estate, these two people who are present now, have come to be joined."

"Marriage is a sacred union between a mate and their partner and shall remain unbroken. It is the basis of a stable and loving relationship and is an intertwining of two people who join together to strive throughout life." Vanora watches in awe of men's auras, seeing the bliss of the immense light, it's almost blinding to look at them, while Samudra watches with a proud smile. "These sanctioned lovers are here to support one another and provide love and care in times of joy and times of sorrow."

"We are all here today to witness the joining in the wedded bliss of Adam James Bryant and Merrick Triton Piscien." Erin gestures her hand to the both of them as she names them, "This joyous day celebrates the commitment and love with which Adam and Merrick start their lives together. Through the powers that be, you are joined together in the most holiest of bonds."

"And now, Adam and Merrick would like to exchange their words of endearment to one another." Erin announces. Merrick takes a breath, and turns to Yuri. He gives her his trident, before he turns back to Adam. Meanwhile, Arnaav clicks wavy clam lockbox to open it and reveals a shiny cushion with the two rings placed upon the middle. The boy holds it up as Jamal reaches down to take the two rings, "Take your hands with the other." Erin tells them. Adam raises his hands, and gently takes Merrick's into his, "And recite your vows."

"Merrick..." Adam begins, "You are the one. You are the one I would always have belonged. All the years we've shared, and all the years we're going to share, you are the one. I think I would've always known who you are, like we've known each other for a long time before we were even born. Even when I was in a coma, and I awoke with amnesia." Adam's eyes rim, "Even on that day when I woke up and remembered nothing, I knew. I knew it was you all along, nobody had to tell me." Merrick sniffled as he smiles, "My soul knew it was you the whole time. And the entire recovery, I couldn't stop thinking of you, my body healed as fast as it could just for the chance to have you back with me. And as I always have, I waited for you to come back. And like you always have in the past, you returned to me, and you gave back to me what was taken away from me. Merrick, you hold everything that I am. You are my heart, my love, and my greatest treasure. And I will never forget you, no matter what happens in this life. I won't lose what we have. Ever again."

"Adam..." Merrick starts, "Never in my youngest years would I even think a day like this would come. You know where I come from, where I have been, what I have lived with, and the kind of world I came from... And you've broadened my horizons to a boundless sky with unimaginable heights. You ARE my world, Adam. You, here, you are the one place I will always be. You are the sole reason I have to live. I have been so lost, so many times." Merrick shook his head once, "I have fallen into rage and despair, and I lost everything in the darkness. But at every turn, your light shines across the depths and saves the day. No matter how far I run, my world is right there waiting for me. No matter how much I stray, your loyalty never wavers for one moment. No matter how shattered my heart breaks at one time, I will always find the fragments collected and washed up on your shore. No matter how much hurt I have to feel, your path is there to erase my suffering and make me whole again. When I have nothing, you become everything."

After they finished, Erin continues, "May we have the rings, please?" Adam turns around as Jamal lets the small items fall into his palm. Adam turns back, and gives Merrick one of the rings. "And now, you will give one another your vows; these are the fundamental promises of which you pledge yourself to one another, manifest as the wedding rings you will now give to one another."

"Merrick, I give you this ring," Adam shows the platinum and white cold ring with swirl-like lines welded with small diamonds and one larger diamond on the center, "That you may wear it, as a symbol of the miracle that you have always been to me since the day I met you." Adam takes Merrick's left hand, and puts the ring to his fingertip, "I pledge you my soul, my light, my faith, my courage, and my embrace." Adam slides the ring down to the knuckle, "I will never let the darkness take you away from me again. Because I'll always be there to bring you back."

"Adam, I give you this ring," Merrick shows the black pearl ring with curved white lines all around the band with one complete white pearl on the middle, "That you may wear it, as a symbol of the journey that began so long ago when my eyes met yours under a single night." Merrick takes Adam's left hand, and puts the ring to his fingertip, "I pledge you my heart, my life, my passion, my hope, and my devotion." Merrick slides the ring down to the knuckle, "I promise, nothing will ever keep me from protecting our bond. I will endure and fight with all that I have to safeguard my world."

Erin nods after they turn to face her, "Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. May the love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives." Erin continues, "May you continue to meet with courage any problems, which may arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share today remain with you always. And may the promises and the deeds we have borne witness today become a living truth in your lives."

"If any person can show just cause why these two people may not be joined together," Erin says as she gazes over the two sides of guests, "Let them speak now or forever hold their peace." There comes a silent pause that lasts for 5 seconds, "Very well then." She gives a smile and a nod.

"Do you, Adam Bryant, take Merrick, to be your truly beloved husband?" She started with Adam, "Do you promise to love and cherish him, for better or for worse, through times of ease and hardship? To work by his side and dream in his arms, and to endure keep him in your heart, for so long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Adam says with a smile brimming with euphoria.

"Do you, Merrick Piscien, take Adam, to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Erin turns to Merrick, "To share your life openly, stand with him in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow? Fill his heart and nurture his soul, to stand by his side and protect him to the very core of your being, to cherish and love forever more?"

"I do." Merrick nods as his insides overflow with emotion.

"Then by the power vested in me by the State Court of Law, I hereby pronounce you Man and Husband." She concluded with a nod, "You may now kiss the Groom."

Merrick and Adam turn to each other again, and lean in. Their lips meet and kissed one another, just as the sound of sacred bells ring between them from a nearby speaker. They lap several times before they slow, and Adam holds the back of Merrick's head as Merrick nuzzles his lips against him.

Light applause breaks from the guests as they hold hands and turn to the others. Adam and Merrick turn to face the crowd and raise their hands, causing the clapping to grow stronger. Around several points of the gathering, a few of the mermen from the Kenovani open a few cages and emit a low-frequency sound. Suddenly a fluttering gale of luna moths and morpho butterflies fly from multiple sources and flutter everywhere out of their temperate containers, scattering and flying all around the guests.

Adam and Merrick laugh and beam as the beautiful fairy-like insects fly up from around everyone, profoundly surprising everyone before flying up and into the sky, the flashes of blue and wings of light gliding up and escaping the cold air; the mystical singing of the mermaids incidentally made the atmosphere tolerable for the butterflies and moths during the entrance procedure.

Meanwhile, a short distance off from the chairs and merriment, Umiato stands there, watching everyone from afar, her hands upon two shoulders to channel her magic to fend off the harsh chill. Kaiken shivers as his stern eyes take in the humans and the Coshitons cheering for his son and the human he is mated to, while Brishen chuckles as he too shakes from the sheer cold around them; even with Umiato's power coating the both of them with isolating energy, their partially naked bodies still can barely take the gentle ice all around them, sitting on the rocks as their legs lie motionless below them, while Kaiken still holds something akin to a watery basket to hold a precious object within.

The hooded person who was spying on the ceremony walks to the three of them to stand next to her mother and father.

"So..." Kaiken mutters as a puff of fog rolls from his mouth, "That is the ritual humans do for their love..."

~~~

Over on the beach, a vast tent has been set up and arranged against the rocks. The area has been cleared and warmed so the winter frost does not interfere with the enjoyment. Inside the tent, several electric heaters are set up within along with many tables and chairs, decorated with white sheets and gold satin sashes and glittered seashells, coral branches, and flowers. Each table has been littered with silver and brass confetti of crescent moons and spikey suns.

On one side of the tent, people have placed and arranged the mountain of wedding gifts - ones that are boxed and wrapped are from Adam's guests, while Merrick's guests gave unique and hand-made items, right next to the containers holding all of the Kenovani's belongings. Right next to the table of gifts, sits a rather tall wedding cake - white in color, the designs resemble golden suns and silver moons, adorned with small sugar birds or sea animals of varying species, with a diminutive plastic Adam and Merrick under an archway on the top.

On the other side of the tent, a handful of KFC cooks operate and work on several piping hot plates and metal cookware, producing fried, grilled, and extra crispy chicken along with jojos, mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits; much to Donna's annoyance - for a formal affair such as a wedding, she still thinks Adam and Merrick should have ordered for a more elegant catering, but she did make a personal promise while Adam was comatose.