The First Merman.

{XXI.} Sharp Crystal.

When they made it back to Coasta Sirenas early in the morning, she saw James waiting on dry grounds. Her tired aching limbs burned as she crawled on the banks of the sea and James rushed over towards them. She fell down onto the wet sand, breathing heavily and tiredly since it took forever to get back. Vanessa couldn't believe it, she was so surprised with herself at the moment at how strong and brave she was about fighting against Queen Severina. She knew it wasn't over but at least right now it was over. Another battle right now is complete.

"Vanessa." James said beside her on his knees.

She pressed her hands against the ground and lifted herself up. Her arms felt like jello and her arms gave out but James caught her. Breathing heavily as she looked up at the burning orange sky as the sun was making its way up.

*

Vanessa pulled her hair up into a bun as she walked down the bank of the ocean. Turning around, she continued to pace back and forth with the Elixir in her hand since she felt like all of it wasn't real. What if the Elixir doesn't work after all? What if James does take it, he becomes human, but he still ends up dying? What if the Elixir was the only chance for her and Raphael to continue being human? The vail wasn't very big and she wasn't sure how much was needed.

Raphael walked over towards her and gently took her arm before pulling her into his chest. She hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek against his warm skin.

"It was like some bad dream." she said finally. "I was so afraid for us all. Tavia, Alia. . .we should have never left them!"

He ran his hand up and down her back, "I know, I know. What choice did we have though? Nessie, you should go home and sleep."

"I can't sleep." she said, sighing heavily. "I won't be able to sleep until I know we're all fully safe. I need to give James the Elixir, before the end of today. Or he changed when the moon all the way up."

"Why have you given it to him yet?" he asked.

She brought her hand up to her face sighing heavily, "I don't know. Raphael. . .it's so selfish of me. What if we could go back to our old lives? This could do it."

Raphael was quiet for a moment before he finally spoke, "Either lives I had are great. But it's his life that's in danger, Nessie."

She looked at the bottom of the floor, "Right, of course."

He pulled himself away slightly, "I'm gonna go get us some food. I'll be right back."

Vanessa nodded and he leaned down pecking her on the lips. She gave him a small smile, reaching up and touched the cut on his face that was healing. He turned and walked towards the boardwalk. She turned her head and saw James sitting in the water. She sighed heavily as she walked over and sat beside him.

James touched his red flippers, "It serious feels like this whole time been some crazy dream to me. Like I'm gonna wake up soon."

"Well you are. Very, very soon." she said. She pulled the necklace up to her face, "This were liquid is what's gonna turn you back to human." She pulled it off around her head and laid it down on her palm before holding it out to him, "Here, take it now. No worry about turning."

When he didn't take it, she took his hand roughly and placed it in his palm. He stared down at it for a moment and Vanessa was so confused why he didn't seem happy that his life was being saved right at this moment. She was expecting him to cheer and dance when getting this. This way he could go back home and get proper care for his illness.

"James, what's the matter?" she asked. "Take it."

He looked up at her, "I know this isn't the life you want, Vanessa."