Tails (Transformations: Book 1)

Valentine's AU

This chapter is an alternate universe in which Aria and Kai get their happy ending. It, in no way, affects the story. This chapter is not canon. I wrote it because this ship won my Valentine's contest. That said, I hope you enjoy it!

Aria stared at Kai, knowing it was almost time to choose. Soon, the comet would pass over and the shape they chose would be theirs for life. She knew which form she would take. She had come to realize she needed to remain human. She had a life and friends. She was preparing to go to college. How could she give that up?

"Is something wrong?" he asked, his blue eyes full of concern.

Aria forced a smile, wishing she could tear her eyes away from those eyes. They seemed to be all she could think of, lately. "Everything's fine. I was just thinking we have another hour left before the comet passes over. Have you made your decision?"

He frowned and nodded.

"Are you going to tell me what it is?"

He shook his head. "I'm afraid I might change my mind if I say it aloud."

"Right." She wondered if that was because he thought she'd talk him out of remaining a merman. She knew his heart belonged to his people. They were swimming as merfolk and she repeatedly caught him looking around at the wonderful sights. How could she ask him to leave that behind? "I want you to know I'll understand, whatever your decision may be."

He smiled and took her hand. "Meet me on the shore in an hour? I need to take care of some things by myself."

She frowned, not wanting to give up her last bit of time with him, but she made herself nod. As he swam off she sighed, watching the water around her fill with bubbles from it. She swam to her favorite spots under the sea. She took in as many sights as she could, not wanting to forget anything.

Aria had spent most of her life dreaming of becoming a mermaid. Now that it was a possibility, she realized it wasn't truly what she wanted. Besides, even if she remained a mermaid, she wouldn't be able to be with Kai. He was a prince and would marry the princess.

"You seem distressed," Freya commented, swimming beside her."

"I'm going to miss it here."

"But you would miss your other life more," Freya reminded her.

Aria nodded. "That doesn't make it easier."

Freya took her hand, not having any comforting words. They swam until they knew they had to return to the shore or it would be too late.

On the beach, Aria watched her legs return, knowing they would never transform again. She stared out over the ocean and felt a tear slipping down her cheek as she whispered, "Goodbye."

"Are you ready to go?" Freya asked.

"Kai said he would meet me here," Aria replied, knowing he probably just wanted to say his farewells.

Freya sighed, but nodded her understanding. "I'll wait in the car." She walked away, leaving Aria to wait by herself.

"You're here." Kai's voice came from the ocean. He swam in the dark water, making it impossible to see his tail.

"I promised I would be." She forced a smile, trying to memorize every detail of his face. She wanted to be able to cling to that image, even after they were parted. "Why did you want me to wait here?"

"I needed to say goodbye," he explained, as she had predicted.

Aria felt her heart breaking, but she had known it was coming and steeled herself. "I'm glad to be able to see you one more time, at least."

He gave her a blank stare. "What do you mean?"

"Well, we won't be able to talk much, now that I am human, permanently and you are a merman."

He cocked his head and came closer to the shore, gradually stepping out of the water.

Aria felt her heart beat faster, but then she started to blush and quickly turned away. "You're naked!"

"Sorry about that. There should be some clothes here...ah."

She heard movement from behind her and she willed her heart to stop pounding as she her head spun. "You have legs."

"Yes and you can turn around, now."

She obeyed and stared down where his tail had once been. For so long, she'd thought the tail was beautiful, but the legs looked so much better to her, now.

"You're human." The words were barely a whisper.

"Yes," he agreed. "So are you."

"But you..." she looked at him. "What about your people?"

"They'll get by without me," he assured her. "They'll just have to find a new heir."

"You make it sound so simple," she pointed out, thinking for a moment. "You told me you were saying goodbye..."

"To Echo and my parents," he explained. "I couldn't just leave without telling them anything."

"They're okay with it?"

"I didn't really give them a choice."

"Right." She didn't know what else to say.

He frowned at her expression. "Aren't you happy?"

"Did you do this for me?"

He smiled and nodded.

"You gave up so much. I could never ask such a thing of you!"

"You didn't ask," he pointed out. "Besides, all I gave up was a future without someone I could never love. Exchanging that for a future with you was an easy decision."

"But your home..."

He placed his hands on her cheeks and looked into her eyes. "You're my home, Aria. You're all I could ever want." He kissed her, gently. "I love you."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words and she smiled brighter than she'd thought possible. "I love you, too."

He returned the smile and took her hand. "I expect your friend is waiting for you. Shall we tell her together?"

Aria nodded and they headed up the beach, hand-in-hand, prepared to face anything the future held, as long as they were together.