ariel-the-undiscovered

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

No it probably wasn't, but Ariel was bored and she wanted to learn a new skill. So she was learning skateboarding. Without knee pads, or elbow pads. But she had a helmet.

That was smart wasn't it.

"Personally I think we learn best by doing stupid things."

@fairygarykao

You're Being Judgy || OPEN

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel rolled her eyes but nodded, for some people it was like that, she didn't doubt it. For someone as unsure as her she didn't know what else to do.

She would have been aimless.

"At least Scat Cat has some cred. Wallowing in a hovel not sure how you'll swing that."

@captainjamesjoneshook

Revisiting Memories {Ariel & James}

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel wasn't sure she could keep up with the thought process of the blonde. Were they in the same orbit? That felt like something to say to Alana not here. Underappreciated - sure but that's because she was the youngest sister.

And did being at PrideU make you neighbours? Sure it helped you make friends.

But this is how she became friends with Pep right? Jumping right in? Even if it was a lot.

"uh- yeah sure? But I mean if you're looking for the glamorous Triton you'd have better luck at Queen Bee and not at PrideU. She might be more your fabulous glamorous pace."

@perfectisgeorgette

slingback woes // Open

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Resolution || Magnifiques

Takes place: June 2025 Summary: After a long back and forth with the school administration, the Magnifiques finally receive credit for the semester. They reconvene and reflect on the past year. @blight-magic @ariel-the-undiscovered

DEVYN:

They’d said yes!

It was a long and frankly harrowing process getting everything together. There was a lot of back and forth with the administration, who had clarifying questions and condescending rebuttals that they’d have to parry. Amity and Ariel’s strong voices came through in that regard, while Devyn’s conflict resolution kept things from getting out of their hands. Kleo’s impeccable organization was clutch in gathering everything they needed, far more than was requested. Giselle’s positivity managed to keep them all together, even when the going was tough.

In the end, it was their original story that did it. The administration was not particularly interested in their final assignment rewriting the end of the book, but the amount of worldbuilding, note-taking, prose–even artwork and graphics–was demonstrative of the heart and soul they’d poured into this. It was specifically noted in the final email confirming they’d be receiving credit for their study.

The Magnifiques wanted to celebrate. They gathered in Kleo and Amity’s dorms, a prime hangout for the past year. It was hard to believe that the semester was coming to a close, and this might be one of their last times together in this room. Devyn made sure to bring everyone’s favorite drinks from Hatter’s, having long ago memorized each of their orders.

After handing everything out, they collapsed on Amity’s bed with their own drink in hand. Once the subtitle spell was cast, they grinned brightly and signed, “We did it!”

AMITY: 

When they got back to Amity and Kleo’s dorm room, Amity was still smiling.

 For the first time since– well, since they banished Magnifico back into the world of Rosas– her chest felt light, her two hearts beating steadily and in unison. So much was still fucked up. Amity was pretty sure most of her relationships outside the Magnifiques might either…never recover or take a long time to heal. But at least they had their credits. At least, Amity was graduating. At least, Amity still had the Magnifiques. 

She smiled at Dev. Despite any lingering mixed feelings, their energy was always infectious. Even when they didn’t use their magic, Amity swore the air always vibrated around them, like it was ready to pop with different colors, symbols, and expressions. 

Then she smiled at Ariel, Kleo, and Giselle. “I almost thought they were gonna say no still,” she admitted. “But it feels good– at least something good came out of this, right?” 

ARIEL

Ariel was ready to partayyyyy.

She wasn’t graduating, she still had a bit to go considering her inability to stay still in a subject but she was proud of what they did. She felt accomplished; she felt like she had found her spot. Even if it was a struggle to get there.

And now that she was she wasn’t planning on letting it go any time soon.

“You mean the power of friendship right?” Ariel teased with a wink as she flopped down, she could probably nap all summer but she wouldn’t.

DEVYN:

Devyn grinned. The power of friendship.

There was still a lot for them to resolve when it came to their other friends, who had got tossed to the wayside in their fervor for this project. But just like the Magnifiques had resolved this, they were sure they could do the same with the other portions of their life.

They had to. They had no other choice. The alternative was to take another gap year, move back home, and stay stuck while they languished in yet another creative pursuit that they weren’t able to turn into a career. But they didn’t want to do that again–they couldn’t. So they’d keep moving forward, even if they had no idea what direction they were going.

It helped to have friends by their side.

So they smiled and nodded along. But soon the heaviness of everything began to creep into their bones. They were tired. All of them were. “It feels like we’ve been going non-stop for the past year,” they commented.

AMITY: 

“That’s because we have been going non-stop,” said Amity.

She didn’t say it in a mean way. If anything, her tone grew soft– almost reverent for everything they had accomplished. So much of it had been…one mistake after another. She had a ton of regrets. She didn’t think Willow was ever going to forgive her– Amity wasn’t even sure she should. Maybe some friendships couldn’t be fixed.

But she had this group. She had these friends. She had the story they built together and everything she learned during the process. She’d carry all that with her.

She hesitated, but felt like she should be the first to say it– to acknowledge the obvious. Amity was graduating, and the others weren’t. “I’m…gonna really miss you guys,” she said. “Like…studying with you. Sharing notes. Making up stories. Even though we messed up, the stuff we made together…I mean, that’s still my favorite stuff I did all year. So…thanks for doing it with me.” She blushed.

ARIEL

They had hadn’t they? It wasn’t the adventure Ariel had planned on but every moment of it had been worth it. Some would graduate, some would move on. They would always have this bond though. Nodding Ariel’s grin settled into a softer smile.

She would miss it too. Ariel had finally found her path and a lot of that was because of this group right here. All those late nights, running from chaos only to jump right back in, She wouldn’t change it for the world.

“Any time. I hope we’ll get to have another adventure in the future?” This didn’t have to be it, right?

DEVYN:

Devyn’s expression softened at Amity’s confession. They had watched her go from being a no-nonsense, academically-minded, aloof classmate to a friend who could open her hearts and share her feelings with them. In the end, their time together had been much like the wishes their Professor had used against them. They had given their time, effort, and work to a man who ultimately manipulated them and tried to throw them away. But in exchange, they got each other, they got the chance to write stories they could be proud of, and they got a year’s worth of memories they could carry with them always.

But it didn’t have to be the end! “Yeah, absolutely!” They said to Ariel’s question. “I’m going to still be in the dorms next year, so whenever you come to visit you can always crash,” they said to their friends that they knew would be leaving. Of course, Sid would absolutely hate that, but they’d flash their puppy dog eyes until he said yes.

What were they going to do in those dorms? In their classes? In their life? They didn’t know yet. They knew they wanted to tell stories for a living. They hadn’t been able to do so through art. They didn’t know how they would continue on the creative writing track when all of their previous classes had been under false pretenses. But there were so many ways to communicate–there was a whole major dedicated to it! They were sure they would figure it out.

Their enthusiastic smile dimmed slightly as the weight of Amity’s words hung over them. “I’m really going to miss you guys too. I know we’re going to keep in touch and it’s not like we’ll never see each other again but,” they hesitated, taking a deep breath before smiling even wider. “Even with everything we lost, I still feel like I gained so much. I was really scared coming back to school, and with everything that happened, I should probably be more scared than ever. But I’m not. If we could make it through this, I think we can make it through anything.”

AMITY:

Briefly, Amity let herself imagine a future where she stayed in Swynlake. She kept working at Chapter Three and with her other free time, she finally worked on an original, full-length novel. She saw Ariel, Dev, and Kleo for study sessions at Hatter’s, or maybe she snuck back into the library. They hung out at the lake. She collected reagents in Enchantra; by now, she knew those reagents as intimately as she knew the ones on the Boiling Isles. And then she’d take those reagents and build new abominations, brew potions, create spells, alongside Mim and Su. 

It felt like a safe and cozy future. 

But it was also a fantasy in itself. It was still…running away from the thing Amity had yet to face. She’d been chatting with Edric over Penstagram about Blight Industries. He was way in over his head. He needed her. Instead of shirking her responsibility, Amity knew that the right thing to do…the thing she should have done back when issues with the Boiling Isles kicked up… was go home. 

She smiled softly at her friends. “You’re right, Dev. I’d never be brave enough to actually face everything on the Boiling Isles if I hadn’t gone through this with you guys.” She reached forward, clasping Dev’s hand briefly. “I’m going to miss you but– I will visit. And we can always chat online. Maybe– I’ll uh– join that roleplay.” She blushed a bit as she mentioned it to Dev, who had been nagging at her to be their Hecate. “That sounds like a great way to keep making stuff together.” 

And that’s something Amity never wanted to lose: making stuff together. Writing didn’t have to be this lonely pursuit of solo genius. Amity didn’t want to be a tortured MFA cliche. No, the real reason Amity had always loved to write was because it helped her connect with others. And wasn’t that why people read too? So they could find a friend within the pages, just for a little while?

Amity was glad that she had found friends off the page, too. 

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel nodded but her confidence in being great couldn't help her fear of failure. Her fear of getting no where, her fear of this being the wrong path.

She was great of course.

But maybe not that great.

"I guess so, I mean we'll see I've got a little more time, You're not in school right now are you? Or am I just missing you around campus?"

@captainjamesjoneshook

Revisiting Memories {Ariel & James}

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Falling Action || Magnifiques

Takes place: May 2025 Summary: The Magnifiques convene and discuss what to do when it's revealed they are not going to get credit for their classes and study with Professor Sanchez @blight-magic @ariel-the-undiscovered @clio-of-hesiod

DEVYN:

Things had been pretty hazy since they exited out of the book. Not in the way they had been hazy during their wish. That was like an endless fog with vague shadows moving in the distance, only to be gone when you looked at them directly. This was more like a thick, humid heat, where everything was visible but suffocating nonetheless. His mind was clear but the events that surrounded him were heavy and obtrusive.

They’d spent their time apologizing to who they could and giving space to those they couldn’t. They didn’t want to center themselves with everything happening, but that was hard when the hammer was coming down right on top of them.

It came in the form of an email. The first few days were vague with what was going to happen with their classes. They’d signed up for an exclusively Salvador schedule after all. But then the email went out to everyone in their ex-professor/ex-king’s classes letting them know that as their classes couldn’t be complete, they would not be able to garner credit for them.

Another semester down the drain. They were already so far behind.

It wasn’t long before the texts came in from their friends and they agreed to meet in the library. Entering again gave them a vaguely nauseous feeling, as they remembered how giddily they’d navigated this space before, eager to please a man who would ultimately betray them. Was all of it really wasted? Was it all for nothing?

They slipped into the little adjacent study room that the Magnifiques had called home for nearly a year now. Some of their friends were already there and they waited for the subtitle spell to be cast before giving a subdued greeting. “Hey guys. How are things?”

AMITY: 

On top of everything, Amity was failing.

She stared at the email from Pride U’s administration for what felt like an hour, until the screen went fuzzy, her eyes burned, and Amity realized she had started to cry again. With tears dribbling down her face, she had shut her laptop quickly, grabbed a change of clothes, and darted into the shower so no one else could hear her. It didn’t make any of it better. Sure, her other classes were fine, but an incomplete meant that she couldn’t graduate. She’d have to repeat the semester. 

And what sucked the most was that Amity’s work in Professor Salvador’s class was good. Her notes? Her outlines? Her annotated bibliographies? Even the creative collaborative project everyone poured themselves into. She believed in that writing more than she believed in any of her fanfic, and it was original stuff. Even with Magnifico gone, Amity had clung to the fact that she was still a good writer. His magic might have given her infinite ideas and inspiration, but it didn’t give her her talent. 

And now none of it counted. 

It pissed her off. 

She got out of the shower steaming– the heat from the water painting her skin red, her eyes puffy but no more tears to shed. Amity grabbed her phone. At that point, the group chat had already gone off. She added her agreement to the chorus, ready to take back what she had worked so hard for, professor or no professor. The anger fueled her to the library. She and Kleo got there first. 

“Things will be much better once we fix this pile of selkidomus scat,” Amity growled. “There aren’t even that many classes until revision starts! There’s got to be a way for us to push back.” 

Out of the corner of her eye, Giselle nodded solemnly. 

ARIEL:

If Ariel could just lay on the floor and do nothing she would- but she couldn’t, it was unfair! Unjust! And she planned to use her voice for good now!

Except what did she prove, who would care? No one would.

“What if we just made another professor look at the work. Shove it in their face until they can’t do anything but mark it and tell us how wonderful we are.”

Hey she didn’t promise her voice would be any smarter.

DEVYN:

Devyn wanted to believe it was true. It was the kind of thing that they’d have eagerly jumped on merely a few weeks ago. If there was something they wanted to do, they would be able to do it, no matter what. They just had to put the effort in. Except they had put the effort in and it had been used against them, taken and twisted into something it wasn’t supposed to be. They had been the ones to “fix” it but they had nothing to show for it, and they certainly couldn’t reveal their involvement lest they make the situation worse. What was there to do?

With everything that was happening, it was becoming more clear that sometimes it didn’t matter how much you worked, how much you wanted, or how much you wished–sometimes, bad things just happened.

It was a mindset that they weren’t used to and were having a hard time wrapping their head around. It was almost reminiscent of that first year of college, when everything had gone horribly wrong, and they had no choice but retreat back with their family and lick their wounds. Were they really going to do that again? Were they doomed to this cycle?

Their brain latched onto Ariel’s words. “We have it. We have the work. Maybe if we submit it to the department, along with the syllabus, they’ll know that we did it?”

AMITY: That should be enough, except they all knew that Professor– that Magnifico’s syllabus had been bare bones. This was an ‘independent study,’ which made it difficult for any third-party to truly assess them. That was Amity’s fear anyway, when it came to shoving their work in the administration’s faces and demanding their credits.

But maybe if they put in a little more effort.

“We could go another step,” said Amity. “Maybe we could also write…process papers. You know, something that talks about what we learned and why those skills are valuable. Like, research skills, critical thinking and analysis, and literary craft. We can show our work, but also explain our work.” 

ARIEL:

Now that was a brilliant idea. Ariel wasn’t afraid of a little more work and when you had to prove something you had to dig your heels in and go for it. It was a brilliant plan and she wasn’t surprised that Amity had come up with it.

“Yeah I think so- We can pull all of our sources show the research process that it wasn’t just a simple project or one that we could half ass. We put a lot of time and effort into this.” Ariel sat up to start writing notes, anything she remembered from the process all the way back to the beginning of the semester.

KLEOPATRA:

Kleopatra hadn’t said anything. 

She had nothing, really, to say. It felt difficult to care about losing out on a semester of work—when they’d almost destroyed the town and everyone’s lives. Maybe they deserved to repeat a semester. It felt like a fitting punishment. Especially for Kleopatra. After all, she was the one who had started this ball rolling. She had let Magnifico manipulate her—and, then, manipulate all of her friends. 

Maybe they hadn’t really learned anything at all. 

As the voices rose and fell around her, that was all she could think about. 

What was the point of trying to say any differently? 

“The administration might just say no because he wasn’t even a real writer. How could he have taught us anything?” she said quietly, staring down at her own blank notebook. For once, all her inspiration had ran completely dry. 

DEVYN:

Devyn nodded enthusiastically at Amity’s suggestion. The work itself was one thing, but the administration would likely appreciate them going above and beyond in submitting even more work. They couldn’t possibly say no to that, right? Ariel was already taking notes and Giselle was already thumbing through past materials when Kleo spoke up.

They deflated slightly. Although there was an air of determinism about them, there was also the incident that was hanging over all their heads. One that they couldn’t fess up to, and one they wouldn’t be able to explain away in a process paper.

“They don’t know he wasn’t a real writer,” they pointed out sheepishly. Despite everything that happened, there was no official explanation for it. A Plot of Wishes and Words was a series that still existed, written by Salvador Sanchez, who was, as far as anyone else knew, their teacher. Whether he “became” Magnifico or why he disappeared after the incident, none of it was verifiable and likely couldn’t be used against them.

But that didn’t dissipate the distaste that sat on all their tongues. Because that wasn’t the point.

The point was that they’d all been tricked and manipulated. Everything they thought they had been working for was a lie. Whatever growth they thought they had experienced had happened under false pretenses.

That didn’t mean it didn’t happen, though.

“And even if he wasn’t a real writer, we are. This study wasn’t him teaching us, it was us researching for him. Everything we did, everything we wrote, we did that,” they signed, emphasizing the “we”. “He took so much. But he can’t take that.” 

AMITY: Amity frowned at Kleo’s point.

She didn’t necessarily…agree. Yeah, technically proving Magnifico was…Magnifico, from the book, would be hard to do. Pride U might be magick-friendly, but it was a mundus institution at its heart and there was no actual physical evidence that proved Sanchez was Magnifico in disguise. Less hard would be proving he was a fraud in general, though.

But like Dev said, they were real writers. And showing their work, explaining their work, proved it. They’d let their talent speak for them.

“You’re right. Dev’s right,” Amity said. She met Kleo’s troubled gaze. “It was an independent study, technically. He might have overseen us but we did all the work. The least we can do is try, and if Pride U takes away the credits then… well, fuck them! But they can’t without us putting up a fight.” 

ARIEL:Ariel was always up for a fight, it was the little sister in her that wanted to be heard and made sure she wasn’t lost in the background.

She would do exactly that now and fight until she couldn’t.

“I’m up for a fight. I’ll get my boxing gloves.” Ariel teased with a wink, maybe it wouldn’t cheer up Kleo but she was already in a better mood.

KLEOPATRA:

Everyone shook their heads. They denied that they hadn’t learned. That they hadn’t grown.

And, maybe, there was some truth to that. She wanted to believe that. She wanted to think that everything they’d done the last year meant something. It just was hard. She felt like she was in quicksand, everything slipping around her. There was nothing sturdy to grasp. 

But Devyn reached out their hand, Giselle hers, Amity, and Ariel. All of them stretched out towards her. 

All Kleopatra had to do was grasp them back.

So, she did. 

Her head bowed and nodded. She laughed, a small, breathless laugh at Ariel’s comment. Her head shook. And although her voice wobbled, she spoke: 

“Okay. Yeah…you’re right. It–it isn’t all a waste. We still learned something. It was our writing. And it is really good.” That, she did believe. “We’ll just have to compile it all.” The stack of paper alone would be impressive, she already knew. “We will have to be organized and prepared to argue if we get push back.”  Which, personally, made Kleopatra a little sick to her stomach. She wasn’t good with authority. 

“But we can do it. If–if we do it together.” 

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel brushed her hair back almost trying to hide at the laughter, she didn't think it was that funny to her but she wouldn't let herself falter.

The thought of him somewhat getting it made the feeling in her chest slowly climb back down. She instead scoffed, it was one thing to get published, another that people would actually care that she was.

"Nah- I don't think i'll get that far but its a nice dream. I don't know if I'm even close to that at all." Ariel wasn't that good despite her confidence, would it be like every other time, she fell in love trying to do something new and then it was too hard. Too new, and she ran away.

Who knew if this was her actual path.

@captainjamesjoneshook

Revisiting Memories {Ariel & James}

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel blinked at the woman, but sure good? Queen Bee's shoes to the rescue and honestly they would be better quality than whatever this woman was wearing to just break like that.

"At least you'll get to see if they'll hurt your feet before prom?" A little bonus, silver lining type of thing. "Yeah I'm a PrideU student. Ariel. Nice to meet you?"

Though unfortunate for her with broken shoes.

@perfectisgeorgette

slingback woes // Open

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel shrugged, honestly it got easier when she wasn't at home surrounded by sisters whos voices all overlapped.

"I dunno- do you ever just get an idea and it just stays in your brain until you do something about it? It's kind of like that so I just put preference on it. And maybe some things fall to the side for a bit but it wanes and flows and all that.... Also really helps to have a quiet space." She added for good measure.

@captainjamesjoneshook

Revisiting Memories {Ariel & James}

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel was leaving campus, she had so much to make up for. So much to prove she wasn't sure she would have enough time. But at least she was on time. She hadn't been late once yet to anything. A point of pride. She was on her way to see Benjamin and have a little tea sesh when she spotted the girl and all the clutched Queen Bee bags.

"We once had a shoe place here. Dunno what happened to it. But you'll be in better luck if one of those bags have a pair of shoes."

@perfectisgeorgette

slingback woes // Open

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

"Books, I'm thinking more high fantasy vibes are the general direction I want to go in. These huge worlds where your conflict isn't just based on people but the environment." Ariel was tired of all the people just fighting because they viewed things differently.

Maybe one big bad in a fantasy world could be fun.

@captainjamesjoneshook

Revisiting Memories {Ariel & James}

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Put The Feeling of Fear Behind Me | Finn/Ariel/Nemo/RAS

In which Gil and James come for the rescue...

@ariel-the-undiscovered @justkeepdancing-nemo @agentgrumpy-gils @jameshawks

[dated: 5/17/2025]

Prior Reading:

The Truth Untold Pt. 1 Heart Won't Listen To These Words World Full of Uncertainty The Warmth That Knew My Feelings New Problems A Secure Message Boxed In

NEMO: 

He woke up who knows how much later. Nemo groaned, blinking blearily. His head throbbed and the rest of his muscles ached too. Still, the events trickled back to him. The museum. The hissing…  “Finn! Ariel!” Nemo jerked to attention, sitting up in the cramped closet (?) he’d been shoved in. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw both of his friends. But they were still sleeping peacefully. Nemo reached forward to shake Finn. “Finny…” he whimpered, but this friend didn’t move. There was still some kind of weird salty smell in the air. Whatever the hissing was - some kind of gas? It hadn’t affected Nemo. He shoved his hands in his pockets. Thorns, they took his phone! But in his other one… “My pixie dust,” whispered Nemo.  Okay. Okay, okay. If he went pixie-sized he might be able to slip out somewhere. He saw a vent in the corner. He had no idea where it went. But if he got out, then maybe he could find his hyung.  “I’ll be back. I’m so sorry, guys,” he whispered to his friends. With a gulp, Nemo went pixie-sized and then fluttered up to the vent, squeezing his way into the tiny grates. 

JAMES

It hadn’t taken long for Gil and James to get sorted, to be decked out in all the gear they needed, But the kids had so much time on them. Who knew how much trouble they could have gotten into. Both Gil and James lost in their own thoughts, they planned when needed but otherwise were focused, worried in their own ways. But when they got to the building, parked close enough for a getaway, far enough to hide, the calm and cool washed over James, there was no time to worry. Not if they needed to be quick on their feet. Following the breadcrumbs the others left for them James and Gil found the doors they locked picked and snuck in, creeping behind tanks, supplies as the blueprints were read over to them. It wasn’t hard to find the trapped mermaids, but it was obvious something had happened to the kids when they were nowhere to be found.  “Looks like we’re searching the entire building? Up in the vents probably.” James whispered nodding up to one, both of them could easily get to.

GIL:

“We can start there,” said Gil. There were stranger places for three kids to hide. Or be hidden. He tried not to think of the worst case scenario.  They were alive. They had to be alive.  He climbed up onto a crate and unscrewed the vent, then hoisted himself up, before leaning down to give James a hand. Shiftwell had provided them with blueprints of the aquarium, including the vent system. Gil looked at his smart watch and pulled up the map of the vent system. “Looks like if we go straight ahead, we’ll reach a fork. We can split up there to cover more area.” He started off, crawling through the vent. It wasn’t the first time he’d done this, but it never got any less awkward to crouch on his hands and knees. 

NEMO: 

The vents widened and narrowed at different points - some vents large enough to accompany an adult, but others would only fit a small child. Nemo figured he was best staying pixie-sized and using his pixie dust so he could fly through the vents. Cover more ground, right?  The problem was, that Nemo wasn’t really sure what he was looking for.  The second problem was that Nemo got lost. Fast.  The vents criss-crossed and zig-zagged like a maze. He started to scatter pixie dust behind him in an attempt to leave a trail, which kind of worked, only soon he came across his own dust and the panic crept up his throat. He backtracked, and tried another way, but still ended up stumbling onto his own glimmering dust trail. His heartbeat raced. He was taking way too long. Finn and Ariel could have been moved already. And then, what? He failed to help them and he got trapped in these vents forever?  “S-stay calm, stay calm…” Nemo muttered to himself. His tiny feet padded silently across the metal. He was too upset to try another path. He just needed to think. Maybe if he could trace his path back to the beginning, he could just start all over…  Thump.  Nemo’s head shot up. A vibration traveled throughout the vents, causing the metal to wobble just enough for Nemo to identify the general direction the disturbance came from. Something big enough to disturb the vent? It had to be another person, right? Maybe Hyung? Had Hyung finally made it?!  “Hello?” Nemo called, but he realized that his voice wouldn’t carry, not pixie-sized. Instead, if someone was down there– they’d hear a bell, gently ringing out.  Hyung would at least recognize the sound. 

JAMES

James’ head did snap up at the sound of a fairy’s voice- at Nemo’s voice, there was no doubt in his mind that it was Nemo and the amount of relief was a weight off his chest. The battle wasn’t over but knowing where the kids were was one of the biggest fights. “That was Nemo. We just need to follow the sound of that bell which is his voice.” James explained taking the lead now that he knew where he was going Gil right behind him. And yet they couldn’t go any further, not as the vents got smaller, Damn- James had some Pixie dust on him but honestly going smaller when he couldn’t fly would be foolish.

GIL:

Gil heard the sound of a bell — distant, faint. But it meant something to James. That was enough to give him hope. He let James take the lead. Crawling through a vent was not super comfortable, but Gil had done worse. However, as he continued to scoot along, the wiggle room grew smaller and smaller. Soon his hips could barely fit through the metal. “I don’t think I can go any further,” said Gil. “Nemo! Can you hear us? Follow the sound of my voice.” 

NEMO: 

He expected to hear his hyung but it was a different voice that echoed throughout the vents. Nemo froze, uncertain at first. Was that…Gil? How did Gil and James know each other?  The question evaporated in one more flap of Nemo’s wings because it didn’t matter. Hyung and Gil were here, which meant they could help! Nemo called back – “I’m coming!”  Or, he’d try to. He darted forward in the narrow vents toward the direction of the vents, taking several more turns before he paused, uncertain all over again when faced with the identical metal walls all around him.  “Where are you? Say something else!” He said, hoping his jingling echoed like their voices did.

JAMES

“There’s no point of me going further. I won’t be as much use Pixie size.” James mused annoyed with himself and his broken wing yet again. He could be so much help only if he could fly. “Nemo it’s easier if you keep talking yours is less assuming. We’ll guide you based on your voice our maps toward us. Alright?”

GIL:

Gil listened for the sound of Nemo’s voice. He couldn’t make out what Nemo was saying, but he heard that gentle ring of a bell. It was coming vaguely from the left and behind them. “Keep going straight,” said Gil. “We’re on your right.” 

NEMO: 

There again – ! And the vents even vibrated a little with their voices, Nemo picking up the tremor when he put his fingers delicately against the metal.  He zoomed again toward the voices. Straight, then right, just like Gil said. When he rang out again, Gil gave him another instruction. Left, left again. The vents started to open up wider which meant he had to be going in the right direction, yeah? Then a flash of dark hair! Nemo doubled back and zoomed toward Gil and James, finding them at last. He did several twirls in the air, pixie dust glittering off his small frame. He didn’t want to transform right there and risk destabilizing the vents or making a loud noise. But if they could lead him out, then Nemo was certain he could take them to his friends! 

JAMES

Nemo was safe, he was unharmed. There was a small weight that could be released from his chest at the thought of it.  Unfortunately there were still two more that needed to be rescued before the weight would fully be gone but that was the next step. “I'm glad you're okay. Do you know what room Finn and Ariel are in?” James nodded to Gil who still had the maps open. After all he had no idea yet that they had been kidnapped, just figured they were hiding somewhere.

GIL:

“Let’s get out of the vents,” said Gil. The blueprints lead him to a nearby vent cover, and after peeking through to make sure it was just an empty storage room, he opened it with a pocket knife. He leapt down, feet hitting the floor with a thud, and waited for his companions. “Here’s the map I have.” Gil showed his watch to Nemo. “We were here. And we met you around here.” He zoomed in appropriately. “Do you remember your path? Were you with Ariel and Finn when you left?” 

NEMO: 

Nemo zoomed after Gil and James and out of the vent, then shifted back into his human-sized form. It took him a second like always to adjust to the rapid change– the heaviness of his body, the Bigness of everything. His little heart was still racing from all of his flying, his skin shiny with sweat from exertion. But he couldn’t stop now. Finn and Ariel were still in trouble. They could end up in a cage themselves, could be taken somewhere far, if they didn’t get back to them.  “Er– yeah, let me–” he bit his lip and then traced his fingers over the plan. His eyes scoured the blueprints. It didn’t feel nearly as confusing, having a bird’s eye view like this.  “Here!” Nemo pointed at another small room. “I’m– I’m pretty sure that’s where they took us. We were in this small closet space. And Finn and Ariel– I dunno what happened.” Nemo frowned. “They both passed out. I think maybe it was a gas or something? It didn’t affect me. Maybe because I’m a fairy.” He shrugged. “They might still be knocked out though.” 

JAMES

James glanced at Gil, while he didn’t know Finn was a mermaid he knew Ariel was, he knew Gil was and he knew they were rescuing mermaids. All of a sudden it didn’t seem so smart that Gil was here. But Nemo didn’t know Gil was a mermaid and that didn’t help. “I could go in first? If there’s anything remnant I should be okay, Just incase it effect mundus as well?” 

GIL:

Gil understood: if something had affected Finn and Ariel, it was quite likely it’d affect him too. He also appreciated James lying as to not out him.  So he nodded. “I’ll cover us from the back,” he said. “In case anyone sneaks up on us.” They settled into formation, James leading the way with Nemo’s direction, and Gil trailing behind. The back area of the aquarium seemed unremarkable, just hallways and rooms full of equipment. But Gil kept an eye out, periodically taking pictures with his smartwatch to analyze later.  They reached the room Nemo had pointed out to them and Gil stood at the corner, reaching into his holster for his gun. He motioned for Nemo and James to head on in. He’d guard the outside and be ready for anything. 

NEMO: 

In retrospect, this was all pretty cool. He was on a mission with his hyung, like a true scout fairy himself. He recalled some of his training from those few months when Nemo had moonlighted as a scout apprentice and glided down the hall so as not to make a sound.  When they reached the room, James went first. Then Nemo quickly took up the lead when he saw the small door behind the tank. There were still merpeople in there, curled at the bottom of the tank as if they were asleep. Yeah, whatever the gas was must have been mer-specific?  Nemo tried the closet door, but of course, it didn’t budge. “It’s locked. Can you get in?” he asked his hyung. 

JAMES

James wanted to test the air quality. He wanted to know more than theorize it was merm specific. If it was gone and safe for Gil now. But also to break down the components. Even now with the merms infront of him he was glancing around to see if he could figure out where it was released. They needed to be careful. “Yeah I can try. Watch my back and let me know if anyone approaches.” Pulling the supplies James got to work until he heard a satisfying click.  “Okay we are in. However we should make Sure we can get Finn and Ariel before we get anyone out.” Now that it was unlocked they could just swoop in.

FINN:

He came to slowly… awareness trickling in in pieces. It was like trying to swim through reeds near the edges of the lake. His body felt heavy, and his head slowly started to lilt as he wiggled his fingers and started to try to figure out what exactly happened. “A-Ariel? N-Nemo?” He croaked, his voice dry and he coughed a little, his eyes finally opening wide.  He yelped as he registered a few things at once: he and Ariel were tied up in a small space he’d never seen. And Nemo was nowhere to be seen. Oh god. Oh no. His breathing started to quicken rapidly, his throat tightening up and his eyes getting warm. No no no no. What if Nemo was hurt or-or worse! What if Finn had ruined everything?  “N-Nemo?!” He called out, a desperate hope that maybe he could still somehow be in that room. “A-A-Ariel w-wake up!” He tried next, alarm bells ringing as he finally fully registered his wrists bound to a chair and the position they were in. He struggled, trying to see if he could get himself out of it. He failed to get his arms out but tried to shift his weight and see if he could do it that way.  He ended up shifting too much and toppled over in the chair with a loud thud. He winced and started struggling harder. “We have to g-g-get out of here!” 

GIL:

From the outside, there was only so much Gil could do. But he remained alert, holding his gun at the ready, just in case someone came around the corner. He was hoping it wouldn’t come to a physical confrontation, but he needed to be ready.  The whole place was eerie, definitely less guarded than he might have expected. He wondered if the guards attention was diverted elsewhere, perhaps at another point of interest in this facility… He filed that thought away. He’d send a report to HQ about this place right away and they could send in a whole team. Right now, they were not equipped to take the aquarium down. They were two agents and three vulnerable Magicks without any training.  He heard some clattering, so he tapped his communication line, linking up with James. “Everything alright?” 

JAMES

The clang wasn’t a good sign, every instinct in his body wanted to push Nemo back and away, To Gil where the other agent could get Nemo out of here, Safe and sound. He knew the benefits of keeping Nemo beside him though and had to focus on that piece. Especially as they both ran toward the sound to see Finn and Ariel tied up, one still unconscious and one awake. “You’re safe to come in. Whatever put these guys to sleep is out of their system and Ariel is still unconscious. I’m going to need your help getting everyone out of here.” James stated simply to Gil before making quick work on the locks again. “Nemo get Finn untied.”

NEMO: 

Nemo zoomed straight for Finn, not even thinking about potential consequences– trap doors or the gas. If he’d escaped once, he could do it again. But this time, he needed to make sure Finn and Ariel were with him. His heart panged at Finn’s frantic whimpers. “It’s okay, we’re gonna get outta here, Finny,” Nemo tried to soothe as he pulled at the knots. He bit down on his lip, struggling with them for a few more moments before they finally loosened.  The rope fell to the ground. Nemo immediately threw his arms around Finn and gave him a short, powerful hug. But this wasn’t over yet. He glanced back at Ariel, frowning. Why was she knocked out still if Finn was awake…? Maybe the gas had a different effect on mundus?  “Wh-what should we do next?” he asked James, though hopefully Gil would come in. “What about the mer-people in the aquarium?” 

FINN: 

The sight of Nemo, perfectly unharmed, managed to lift some of the panic that he had been feeling in the last few minutes since he’d woken up again. He barely bit back the sob that wanted to escape him at that moment. But he needed to be able to… he just… he couldn’t even think clearly but once Nemo finally untied him, he threw his own arms around Nemo, gripping onto him tightly like a lifeline for a moment. “I’m so-so-so-sorry Nemo,” Finn managed to say, the guilt still gnawing at him for putting them all in this position to begin with. He pulled back when Nemo did, glancing over at Ariel and James. “We…We have to g-g-get them out too,” Finn pleaded, though he wasn’t sure how they would manage that, even with Gil and James there. But he thought of the poor merpeople trapped in those tanks for who knew how long. It made his stomach queasy still.  He took a shaky breath and let it out again. He’d got them in this mess, and he knew it would probably be smarter to get the three of them back out safely more than anything, but he wouldn’t be able to deal with it if the reason for them coming, those poor merfolk in the tanks, were left there to continue to suffer.

GIL:

“We’ll get them out,” said Gil, with a nod. Getting Finn, Ariel, and Nemo had been top priority, of course, but if they had a chance to save the merfolk… well Gil wasn’t about to let that chance slide out of his fingertips. He glanced at James, wondering if his colleague would agree. They had to prioritize the civilians, of course, but it would be a damn shame if they left now without rescuing the merfolk. Maybe a better leader would be able to make the call and bring the kids to safety — But Gil couldn’t stand it knowing that there were merfolk caged away.  He looked at Nemo and Ariel too, gaze softening slightly. “We can split up — James can take the three of you out and I can handle the merpeople.” 

JAMES

They would get the others out, James couldn’t leave them behind, if they had to then Gil and him would be right back here figuring out another way. So if they could do this one shot the better.  Getting Ariel’s binds untied he scooped her up ready to get out of her and checked out. “Yeah we’ll get them out. No one left behind.” James nodded once at Gil and then at the others. They had done all these for the other merfolk anyway. "I want everyone to stay near, if one of you can comfortable carry Ariel that’s better for me to have my hands free if anything comes our way. I can then double back to Gil if you’re still in here.” He might considering there would be two weak merfolk to get out.

FINN:

Gil suggested the split, and it did make sense mostly. But there were two merpeople. Would Gil be able to handle them both? He might need an extra set of hands. Plus… he couldn’t walk out without seeing that they were taken out of the tanks. He needed to be a part of it. “W-Wait! I want to go with Gil!” Finn insisted, hurrying over to where Gil was standing. He didn’t want to cause more trouble for him, but he couldn’t help the part of him that had been screaming out to help those merpeople. That had led them to this mess in the first place.  “I c-can go and Nemo c-could help with A-Ariel. We-We’ll be able to get out of here sooner.”

NEMO: 

Nemo’s eyes widened as Finn stumbled forward after Gil, and for a flit, he could only marvel. Was that really his friend? The boy who once cowered and stuttered and clung to Nemo’s side? He was still Finny – but a version that Nemo didn’t know as well.  A version he admired.  But was now the time? “Finny–” Nemo swallowed. “Finn, I think – we should let them handle it. They seem to know more about this stuff.” 

FINN:

Finn knew he wasn’t an expert. He knew he had foolishly jumped into this and dragged his closest friend along with him. He felt absolutely queasy about how much danger he’d put them in. But he couldn’t help this feeling either. This gut instinct that told him he absolutely had to be the one to help those merpeople out of their tanks. It defied the fear that he usually held for…well for everything.  “I know I’m not… I’m not that strong or-or smart on the sneaking around on this b-b-but I… I have to do-do this Nemo,” Finn insisted. He believed he could help. And he was sure with Gil they could accomplish it. So long as James got Ariel and Nemo out, Finn believed they could make it happen.  He made his way over to Gil. He was sure Gil must be disappointed in him, in his bad choices up until this point but… but Finn thought maybe he also would understand his urgency and drive to help with this. “I c-can do it. Please,” Finn insisted. They didn’t have a lot of time to debate this, but he was determined.

GIL:

This was… not a good idea. Putting a civilian in danger. The clock was ticking. Gil knew that he should just tell Finn to go with James and get out of here.  But he looked at Finn and saw a version of himself — young and desperate and wanting to do something. They weren’t similar. really. But Gil knew the pain.  Besides, Finn knew where the merpeople were. It would save him some time searching. Maybe this was a desperate rationale, but Gil needed something to put in the report.  “If something goes wrong and I tell you to run,” said Gil. “You run. No questions asked. Got it?” He glanced back at James. “We’ll meet you all out front.” And with a nod, he set off, making sure Finn was at his side. 

FINN:

“G-Got it,” Finn agreed quickly. Any other day, any other situation and Finn would never put himself in like this. But the feeling he had…this drive to help and to get those merfolk out was too strong. Far stronger than his cowardice. He set off with Gil to go find the tanks. He remembered where he’d first seen them, and after a moment he was mumbling directions to Gil, pausing when they got to the doorway of the room with the tanks.  “D-Do you think w-w-we need to look out for that g-g-gas? We got here b-b-before and that’s wh-where we…you know.” Finn glanced up at the ceiling, debating on how they might be able to disable it or avoid the pitfalls from before. “May-Maybe if w-we cover our noses…but they-they’re right in there.” 

GIL:

“Already on it,” said Gil. While walking, he’d reached out to Shiftwell and she was able to connect into the building’s security network.  “I have someone hacking into the security system,” he explained. “And they’ll give me the all-clear —” There was a chime on his watch, a confirmation from Holley that she’d disabled all alarm measures. At least for the next fifteen minutes. “We have fifteen minutes,” he said. “We’ve got to be quick about it.” He pushed the door open, waiting a moment before he stepped inside, just to make sure the gas wasn’t going to trigger. It was clear. He stepped in first, inhaled the air, and then gestured for Finn to follow.  The room looked like a lab, sterile and tidy. There was a big tank in the center, and in that tank —  Two merpeople, malnourished, with dim scales, pale skin, and sunken eyes.  Gil felt a flicker of fury in his chest. We’re here to rescue you, he signed in mermish, to indicate that he was a friend. He looked around and found a computer on a desk. It was locked, but he slipped in the USB that would allow Holley to access it. There was a possibility the tank controls were on the computer, but also — “Let’s see if there’s a manual way to drain the tank,” said Gil. He turned to the merpeople and asked them in mermish if they knew what to look for. 

FINN:

Fifteen minutes.  It was a daunting number, but it was something he thought was doable. It had to be doable. He moved into the room as soon as Gil gave the okay, stepping closer to one of the tanks. The merman was staring at him with almond shaped brown eyes that were almost like looking in a mirror. But there was no time to linger. The merman gestured after Gil had asked for help and Finn turned away from that gaze and started for the side of the tank. “Gil, they’re on the s-s-sides like this. I s-s-see it.” He studied the mechanisms for a moment before he turned the switch, twisting around to see the water of the tank start to drain out of the tank he had been on. From there he started scanning for an opening for the tank. He started climbing up a ladder on the side and to a hatch on the top of the tank. Finn carefully started twisting the wheel on top of the hatch until finally it swung open. A pale arm shot up and a hand reached up just as Finn reached down. For a moment he flashed back to when he had grabbed Nemo and pulled him to the surface of the lake. But here he pulled a merman from the depths of the tank, hoping that Gil had done the same with the other one.  He carefully wrapped an arm around the man once he was out of the tank and helped him down the ladder again. Once they were on steady ground Finn started to draw back a little again, but the man held onto Finn and kept him there. Finn carefully stepped forward with him, glancing to see how Gil was doing. “D-D-Did you g-g-get her?” 

GIL:

The similarities between Finn and the two merpeople were not lost on Gil. But he pushed that thought aside, focused on draining the tank and helping out the mermaid.  “I have her,” said Gil. She was weaker than the man, her legs shaking as her feet touched the linoleum floor. Gil wondered when the last time she walked was. She leaned into him and he made sure she was steady, before he glanced around the room. He spotted a few labcoats hanging on a nearby hook and after making sure the woman was alright to stand, he grabbed them and handed one to each merperson and then another to Finn.  The coats would serve a dual purpose: let the merpeople cover up and also disguise the four of them as they walked out of the lab. A weak disguise, considering the merpeople’s bare feet, but it was still better than nothing. “We’ll answer questions later,” said Gil. He nodded at Finn, then at the merpeople. By now, they should’ve noticed the rings in his eyes, understood that he wasn’t just someone who knew mermish. He was one of them. “But now —  let’s get out of here.” 

FINN:

The mermaid stared at Finn and the merman next to each other, and for a moment Finn wanted to say…well something. Anything. But there really was no time. They had to get everyone to safety. He helped the merman next to him put on his labcoat before he put his own on.  But Gil was right. There would be time to talk and to figure out more about these merfolk, and the feeling that Finn got when he saw something of himself in them. They would talk. He… he had to stay focused.  “The w-way we-we got in earlier is just down that w-way,” Finn pointed out, and then he went ahead and started for that door with the merman right at his side. The more they walked, the steadier the merman seemed to become, though he still held onto Finn like seaweed clinging to rocks at low tide.  Finn moved with a confidence he didn’t always feel, and before he knew it he and this merman were out the door and out of the aquarium with Gil and the mermaid not far behind them. “W-We did it,” Finn blurted. “We-We actually did it.” Soon they would have to find James, Nemo and Ariel. But in that moment he was just glad that they had all gotten out of there. 

GIL:

Gil helped the mermaid into her coat. They hadn’t needed Shiftwell to hack into the computer, but Gil figured they should take all the data they got from her brief trek into the system. He spoke into his watch, communicating that with Holley, and when the light on the thumbdrive turned green, he ejected it and pocketed it into his lab coat.  He led the way out of the lab, a few steps ahead of the others. That way, if danger were to come, he could take the bulk of it.  He kept his breathing as steady as he could. The halls were almost eerily empty, the only sound the buzz of the fluorescent lights. Finally, they reached the door. It was almost anticlimatic, the way they stepped out into the sunlight with no one around them. And Gil was so thankful for that. He let out a breath he did not realize he was holding, just as James pulled up the car. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s get out of here.” He cleared his throat. He wanted to say let’s go home, but he knew that was a complicated statement. Where was home? Was home still there for these two merpeople? It wasn’t for him. With a nod, he helped the two into the car, then rested his hand briefly on Finn’s shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. Before Finn could turn to look at him, he stepped into the passenger seat of the car, feeling his pocket to make sure the flashdrive was still there. And with a nod to James, they drove off, leaving the aquarium behind. 

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Boxed In | Finn/Ariel/Nemo

In which Finn, Ariel, and Nemo attempt a break in at the Aquarium and things go sideways...

@justkeepdancing-nemo @ariel-the-undiscovered

[dated: 5/17/2025]

Prior Reading:

The Truth Untold Pt. 1 Heart Won't Listen To These Words World Full of Uncertainty The Warmth That Knew My Feelings New Problems A Secure Message

FINN:

Finn had been nervously anticipating this as they made their way into London. A part of him felt guilty for dragging his friends into this… but a bigger part of him was determined to do something to help those poor merpeople who must have been suffering in that tank for quite a long time. It helped for the train ride, and he gathered his bag once they finally got into London, glancing over at Nemo and Ariel with a nervous smile.  He really was so lucky to have friends as good as them. “I’m thinking our b-b-best b-b-bet is going around the b-b-back isn’t it?” He wasn’t sure that buying a ticket and going in the normal way was smart. That would just have more video footage of them someplace. He had actually texted Louie a bit about what he used to do to get in places. Louie had given him… some advice, most of it seemed kind of useless, but there were a few things that seemed somewhat helpful…like lockpicks. He was pretty sure Louie didn’t even fully believe Finn was doing this. But he was. Here they were, just a block away from the aquarium. “Are you guys ready?” He asked next, nervously adjusting his bag on his shoulder. 

NEMO: 

This was a bad, bad, bad idea.  On the train ride here, Nemo’s thoughts had gotten stormy and wild as he was smacked repeatedly in the face with better options than the one he had chosen. He should’ve just– just– handcuffed Finn to something! He should have texted James before they got on the train! Why were they sneaking through an aquarium right now, probably on their way to certain death?  Well, because Finn was his best friend. And he had asked Nemo too.  In the end, that’s why Nemo was here, bad idea or not. Hilariously, all those stormy thoughts turned to white fuzz as soon as Finn turned to ask him that question. Now was the time he was supposed to stall, yet he couldn’t think of a single thing to say. “Uh–um. Yeah,” he said. He glanced at Ariel, forehead creasing. “Do we have a plan after we get around the back? Maybe we should discuss that?” 

ARIEL: 

Ariel had hoped whatever connections Gil had were working fast, maybe they would break in and everything would be fine- it probably wouldn’t but hey- you know- optimism. And they needed it considering the worry on both her and Nemo’s faces. But she wasn’t about to abandon Finn, to make him do this on his own when he had gone through with so many of her crazy plans. “It’s a little later than peak hours so it should be quieter which will make it quieter in the back. Um could you scope it out Nemo? And then Finn and I could time it?” Assuming they even got the back door open. Maybe she shouldn’t even be offering ideas.

FINN:

“That’s a g-g-good idea. And um… Louie gave me suggestions for unlocking the door.” He pushed his bag forward and pulled out some of the lockpicking things Louie had suggested to him. He wasn’t one hundred percent confident, but he had practiced it a little on one of their doors at home to try it out and to be able to at least know how they worked.  Finn took a breath and let it out again. “Ariel and I c-c-can wait there on that c-c-corner while you check to s-s-see if anyone’s coming, Nemo.” He didn’t feel super good about having Nemo go on without them, but it would just be for a minute. And then they could all be there.  “I’ll have this r-r-ready to go for when we need it.”

NEMO: 

Could Nemo scope it out? Nemo stared blankly for a moment till he realized what Ariel meant. She wanted him to go pixie-sized. Appa’s disapproving leer loomed in his brain, his biggest warning blasting through his head: Never turn pixie-sized in the human world!! Yes, Nemo had totally broken that rule before…but only ever in Swynlake, which didn’t really count. But here, in London? In an aquarium? With anti-magick people keeping merpeople in a tiny tank??  Oooo if Appa found out about this, he was gonna be so mad.  Still, Nemo took a breath. Better him than anyone else. Even with his smaller wing, he’d be small, nimble, and airborn. “Y-yeah, I can do that. I’ll go fast.” Fast-flying talent, he better go fast.  Nemo grabbed a little bit of his pixie dust from the pouch hidden in his pocket. After shedding his coat, he sprinkled it on top of his head, and then with a blink, he’d gone tiny, wings sprouting. Like a shooting star, he zipped ahead, leaving a small shimmering trail of dust in his wake. 

ARIEL: 

This was such a bad idea, a horrible idea- Ariel was going to get all of them caught. Come on they needed to just leave. But every time she glanced at Finn she saw the determination on his face that was normally on hers. There was no stopping him. “Get ready to unlock it. It might not stay clear for long after Nemo scopes it out. We need to move fast after that.”

FINN: 

“Got it.”  He waited in nervous anticipation until they got a signal from Nemo to go. Finn rushed forward once he did, making his way over to the backdoor and quickly pulling out the tools he’d brought. He examined the lock and then pulled out the pick that Louie had suggested he use.  It took him a few tries, as he hadn’t gotten much practice with this. He worried at his lip, fiddling with the pick this way and that. After he thought he wasn’t going to get it, he finally heard a click and he let out a relieved breath as the lock finally came apart and he pulled it off to carefully open the door.  He glanced back for his friends. “Come on. W-W-We should get in q-q-quickly.” 

NEMO: 

As soon as the door unlocked, Nemo, still hovering above, zoomed on ahead of his friends. He zoomed around the room as quickly as his smaller wing could handle, though he felt the tell-tale twinge that came with beating it too fast. He was outta practice with this kind of flying, truthfully. He’d stopped pushing himself for power and speed when he became a performer. Now, the kind of flying he had trained for was about grace and finesse, the strain on his smaller wing much less.  But Finny needed a fast-flying talent today. So he pushed, despite the pain, and then rang out a signal for his friends to come in.  Then Nemo zoomed down and transformed back into human-size when his feet touched the ground. He didn't put his wings away, merely tucked them against his back. “Now what?!” he hissed as they crept closer and closer to the tank. “The tank is there but– how are we going to free them anyway? It’s a big tank. Can they shift their tails, do you think? Will they know how?” 

ARIEL

Ariel rushed in, watching for everything, forward and back, her head was on a swivel as they got to the tank. It didn’t take her breath away the same way it had the first time. But the pain was the same, seeing them there so hurt and tired. “I- I don’t know.” Ariel waved her hands trying to get their attention, trying to talk in mermish though you really did need to be in the water to get the full effect- “Let me get a better view?” Finding something to grab onto Ariel pulled herself up before pausing at a hissing sound. “Wait- do you hear that?” A small hissing sound and Ariel was already starting to feel dizzy, to sway on her feet and lose her grip.

FINN

Finn moved on autopilot toward the tanks, trying to look to see where the latches where. Of course there would be one on top. Maybe they’d have to pull them out like that. The thought of ending up in the tank trying to get them out made his stomach turn…but how else would they do it?  “M-M-Maybe w-w-we have to pull them out. I c-c-can’t see how else…” He started to say, glancing around for a ladder to climb. Ariel had already started, but then something started to hiss and he glanced around. “W-What… Ariel!” He shouted, and he started for her, but then he started to feel dizzy as well, his vision blurring.  He stumbled and soon enough he started to fall. “N-Nemo…”

NEMO: 

Nemo also heard the hissing sound. His gaze darted around but he couldn’t see anything. What was that? Where was it coming from?  Soon, those questions were taken over by more pressing ones, as first Ariel stumbled and then Finn.  “Wh-what, Finn!” Nemo lurched toward Finn. He barely caught him in time but the weight of Finn’s body going limp still dragged them both to the ground. And then the doors burst open, several humans rushing toward them.  Nemo had just enough time to vanish his wings from view, Appa’s rules screaming in his head. But then he was surrounded by vicious, snarling faces. Pain rippled on the back of his skull and everything went black. 

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

World Full of Uncertainty | Gil & Ariel

In which Ariel contacts Gil and talks about Finn's plan...

[dated: 5/15/2025]

@ariel-the-undiscovered @agentgrumpy-gils

Prior Reading:

The Truth Untold Pt. 1 Heart Won't Listen To These Words

ARIEL

Finn of all people wanted to break into an Aquarium.  Which power to him considering it was holding mermaids against their will, but breaking into a place that obviously had hunters? Even Ariel wasn’t sure she was that stupid. So she paced and tried to plan, she couldn’t just tell anyone. She wanted to tell her sisters, Daddy. Maybe they would have a solution but if they stopped her from going with Finn to protect him they would have an earful on their way. But Gil? Well he kind of made sense. He was logical and an adulty adult. So she was knocking on his door now without much of a warning tapping her foot and looking impatient and stress as she forced a smile. “Hey- Um do you have a moment?”

GIL:

Gil was in the middle of watching Cutthroat Kitchen, when there was a knock at the door. He glanced at his phone, wondering if Leo had decided to come on over without announcing, or if Flynn had lost his keys, or if Shiftwell had something she wanted to go over. Not many people showed up to his door unannounced. Most of the agents and wards reached out to him beforehand. As did his friends. He looked out of the peephole, surprised to find Ariel there. Now he had told the mergroup that they could reach him outside of their meetings if they ever wanted, but that rarely happened.  He remembered what Jake and James had told him about the Triton girls and for a moment, he feared the worst. But he steeled himself and opened the door.  “Yeah, of course,” said Gil, opening the door wider. “What’s up?”

ARIEL:

Ariel was let in and she quickly scanned the apartment. She knew well enough that he didn’t live alone and she didn’t want to assume who knew what. But the coast was clear. And then she turned to him and all the words went out of her mouth. There’s trapped mermaids. Finn wants to break in. What would you do? Instead she just stood there staring at him wide eyed, words unmoving. “Finn wants to break into an aquarium that’s holding mermaids hostage and I don’t know what to do. And I don’t want to tell my sisters cause I don’t know what they would do, and it’s not that I think you should get yourself in trouble either, it’s just you’re kind of the next adulty adult merm that I know.” She eventually rambled out.

GIL: 

It all came out in a rush. Gil had barely closed the door.  He blinked. An aquarium holding mermaids hostage — “Which aquarium?” Gil asked. “I know someone who can handle this.” That someone was… well, himself, but he wasn’t going to tell Ariel that. “Someone who’s dealt with these situations before. Helped out Bruce and Gabriella. I’ll contact them immediately.” He inhaled. “For now just — try to keep Finn from doing this. It’s dangerous. Very dangerous.” He cleared his throat. “I can try texting him too, if you think he’d listen to me.” 

ARIEL:

Ariel let out a huge breath at the thought that Gil knew what to do, he knew who to contact, that Finn would be okay. He would be safe. Pulling out her phone she pulled up the video she took while she had been scoping out the backrooms. "The London Aquarium, we went like a day ago and it had a bunch of protestors around it so I thought I’ll go check on the living quality of the fish. I didn’t expect that.”

GIL: 

Gil looked at the video. He recognized the aquarium; it was one he’d suspected of having some ties to the black market world, but had never really been able to fully investigate. Not while spread thin, hands tied with Swynlake, merliason duties, and his own mission. Plus, just being a black market suspect didn’t necessarily mean a tie to the Spiders, so he never really thought too much about it. He watched the video, his jaw clenching.  “I’ll reach out immediately,” he said. “You just — tell Finn to hang back. We’ll take care of it. I promise.”

ARIEL

Ariel wasn’t that sure she could, she had never seen Finn so determined, so focused. But if Gil could get working with his contacts ASAP then it would be fine. It had to be. But Ariel would. She could do this. And if she couldn’t she knew she would follow to help him out. It would be fine. It had to be.

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Heart Won't Listen To These Words | Mermates

The discovery at the Aquarium sparks a plan. Finn tries to get Ariel to agree with it...

@ariel-the-undiscovered

[dated: 5/14/2025]

Prior Reading:

The Truth Untold Pt. 1

FINN

After the trip turned into a nightmare in London, Finn had been wrestling with the thought of two poor merfolk trapped in the back of the London Aquarium. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about it. Ariel had sent him the clips she had seen, and it haunted him. He kept rewatching it, and pausing when he saw the first…a merman with pale skin and narrow eyes, a nose with a sloped bridge that curved inward meeting a round tip, and some overall features that felt familiar in a way. He looked at the second one, a mermaid who had a distinct looking mouth. She had a deep cupid’s bow on her upper lip, and her bottom lip looked full. He couldn’t help but wonder what it might look like if she smiled. They both made him wonder and examine and re-examine. And he got this feeling…a feeling he didn’t think he’d ever really had where he thought he really needed to do something about this. Inaction didn’t feel acceptable here. Waiting didn’t feel acceptable here. So he found his way over to Ariel’s place, because he needed to know that she agreed with him. He needed… they needed to do something! So he waited until the door swung open, and he was relieved to find that it was Ariel who opened the door. “We need to go back,” Finn said clearly, looking at Ariel to see if she would agree with him, if she would be ready to go with him to do what they had to… to help!

ARIEL

Ariel blinked at Finn, slowly trying to put all the facts together. Go back where? Sure the first thought process was the Aquarium but that didn’t make sense, not really. Finn wanting to break back in? That went against everything she expected of him. “Sorry, what?” Ariel questioned though she still moved to the side to let Finn into the house.

FINN

Finn stepped inside, glancing around for a moment to check and see if Ariel’s housemates were around. It didn’t seem to look like it. That was good. He didn’t want to risk them overhearing about merfolk trapped anywhere.  The connection from that to him and Ariel being them could somehow be made. But he just… he couldn’t stop thinking about them and what Ariel had shown him. “We need to go b-back,” Finn repeated insistently. “I just…I have this feeling that I need to b-b-be there and I know it doesn’t make sense b-but I think we need to figure out a way to get in there.”

ARIEL

“Finn you know I’m the first to jump into what’s right, to make sure they get free but I don’t know what we can do? What if they catch us?” All the horror stories of her own Mother rang in her head. All the days and years they hid what they were from everyone. “What if we just I dunno tell the rest of the group. Maybe one of the more adulty adults will know what to do.”

FINN

“W-W-What if something w-w-worse happens to them while we wait?” Finn pointed out. There was no guarantee that those two merpeople would still be there if they delayed it too long. Finn's eyebrows furrowed. “I d-d-don't want to wait. I… Ariel I have this… I d-d-don’t know. They look.. familiar almost. I c-can't wait on this.”

ARIEL

“And what happens if they catch us? If they find out I’m a Triton then all my sisters and Daddy are at risk. Finn we can’t just barge in.” Ariel didn’t know what to do but this whole thing felt bigger, scarier than she was ready for. She couldn��t afford to make the wrong move and jump as she wanted - this is what she was told her whole life to watch out for. “We have to be safe too.”

FINN

“How w-w-would they find that out? I w-w-won’t… I w-wouldn’t let that happen to you,” Finn insisted, though he wasn’t entirely sure how he would stop it either. But he couldn’t…there was just something that told him he simply HAD to go. Which was something he didn’t like. It unsettled him, because Finn never wanted to throw himself into things like this. Most of him agreed with Ariel that it was dangerous, too risky. He should wait for someone older and smarter than him.  But this other part of him poked at him. Dread at the idea that if they delayed any further, those poor merpeople would really be dead. The thought was absolutely sickening. It was a horrible feeling twisting through his gut and pushing past his usual fears like the weight of a heavy storm-powered wave.  But maybe…maybe he was wrong to ask Ariel to risk herself too. Maybe that was selfish of him. There were only a few people he trusted to do this with him, Ariel being one of them. He took a breath and let it out again. “Fine. D-Don’t come. I’ll…I’ll ask some-someone else to help me,” Finn said after a moment, feeling his shoulders hunch a bit at suggesting it. He hated it, he felt mean for it. But he couldn’t stop now.

ARIEL

“Finn…” Ariel wouldn't just send Finn off alone, she couldn't, wouldn't risk him. What if he got scared. What if they caught him and no one knew but her. “Give me a couple days, please. Just sit on it a little longer. We need to be smart about it.”

FINN

Finn hesitated. He didn’t want to wait at all. These merfolk needed help extremely badly. He couldn’t wait long. But… he could compromise just slightly. Just enough to maybe get Nemo on board. If Ariel wasn’t ready to do it… he thought maybe Nemo would be.  “W-W-We can get Nemo to help. I c-c-can give you until I talk to Nemo,” Finn decided softly. “No longer than that. I…there’s no-no telling if they’ll b-b-be moved at some p-p-point or w-w-what.” It was too risky to wait longer for a great plan.  And a part of him couldn’t help but think of his friend Louie, who probably would have gone in full steam ahead with a chaotic plan that made sense to him. A part of him really wished he was still in town for something like this. He pushed that thought down. “I’m g-g-going to try again at the end of the w–w-week if Nemo’s w-w-willing to help.”

ARIEL

“Okay until you talk to Nemo.” That would be potentially be later today so Ariel had to move quick. But she didn’t even know what to do? Talk to her sisters? What would they do? (Tell their agent boyfriends but hey Ariel didn’t know that) “Okay end of the week….Don’t go without telling me.”

FINN

“Okay. G-G-Good,” Finn said, relaxing a little. He could make that compromise. But he couldn’t wait any longer than that. Because he was sure that those merfolk couldn’t wait any longer than that. He was going to get something together to make it happen. No matter what. Finn nodded, stepping back toward the door. “I’m g-g-gonna go then. I’ll text you once I have an answer for Nemo or a p-p-plan for the aquarium.” Either way, he knew he was going to do something about this no matter what. He hurried back toward the house he shared with Jeremy and Nemo so that he could talk to him about it. The sooner the better.

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

The Truth Untold Pt. 1 | Mermates

Finn and Ariel visit an Aquarium in London and discover something unexpected...

@ariel-the-undiscovered

[dated: 5/13/2025]

FINN

Finn didn’t often leave town and go into London. But he and Ariel hadn’t had an adventure of their own in a while, and Finn wanted to do something before uni got so busy that neither of them would be able to function as much. At first they’d thrown around a few places to go. An art museum, a music place, a couple fun stores. They’d sort of decided on the aquarium mostly because it had some sort of deal to get in.  It was fine with Finn. He liked looking at animals anyway, and he wanted to check in on the condition of the fish living there. Not all aquariums were equal after all, and if things weren’t that great he would probably report something to animal rights groups. But that was a worry he was throwing in there without knowing. He had never been to this aquarium. He was going to have fun with Ariel.  As they hopped off of the train that brought them into London, Finn turned toward his friend and smiled. “It’s nice to g-g-get out of Swynlake sometimes isn’t it?” London was an interesting city. It wasn’t as pretty to him as Paris, or as nice, but it had some interesting places to explore either way. The streets were set up in strange sections, but Finn wasn’t too worried about how long it might take them to get to it. The aquarium wasn’t far, only a block from the station, and the walk would give him more time to talk to his best friend. “So… how are things g-g-going lately. We haven’t really had that m-m-much time to talk have w-we?”

ARIEL 

Ariel was all ready for an adventure. It wasn't that she was bored in swynlake. There were a lot of things that kept her entertained. But sometimes it felt so small to her. Like she was just itching to burst out.  Going to London was a good compromise when that feeling settled in her chest. “Good, Lana asked us to be bridesmaids so that's going to be a lot of fun. Having Ris back is just a good vibe. Though apparently she tried to move out and then the potential roommate had to leave town so that didn’t work out.”

FINN

“Oh w-w-wow. That’s so exciting!” Finn was happy for Alana. She had had some rough years, he knew that through Ariel and through the mer meetings they had. “I b-bet Arista is p-probably a little bummed though huh?” He wouldn’t blame her really. Everyone was ready to move out from home at some point. Finn now had sort of done that, moving into a little home with Jeremy and Nemo. Finn didn’t have any wedding things to worry about in his own family. But he had plenty of intensity going on in his own programs. A few projects of his own that he was trying to get focused on. The photography project he had a bit of a start on. He was theming based on seasons and the feeling he got from each season.  As they rounded the corner, Finn paused as he got a glimpse at the front of the aquarium. “Are those… p-p-picket signs?” Finn asked, glancing over at Ariel to double check that he was seeing things correctly.

ARIEL

It was kind of funny the amount of things going on in Ariel’s life, though she was adjacent to so many of those things. She couldn’t claim much for the wedding, or her sisters lives, or honestly she didn’t feel like she was doing enough for the class either. But Ariel couldn’t think more on that as she looked at the picket signs. “Yeah? Bad quality of life? I mean do we think that’s real or people just assuming they know shit?”

FINN

“I… I do-don’t know,” Finn replied with furrowed eyebrows. He didn’t like the thought of visiting a place that didn’t treat its animals right. On the other hand, he wanted to know exactly how they were treated so he could see if he needed to support a protest effort like what was going on.  Finn made his way closer to the aquarium, studying different signs like ‘captured not rescued’ with some of the bigger marine species and ‘animals are not ours to use for entertainment.’  “If these things are true then it’s b-b-bad, b-but I know some aquariums d-d-do some good rescues and things. Sh-Should we still g-g-go in and find out?”

ARIEL

“I mean I’m willing to check it out. Fight for the cause after we know what’s going on?” Ariel probably should just agree, not give the aquarium their money but as mermaids and considering she didn’t see the familiar rings in people’s eyes, she felt a little more entitled to judge just how creatures under the sea were treated. “I’m in for it, if you are?”

FINN

Finn nodded quickly. “Yeah. It’s b-b-better to be fully informed,” he agreed. And while it was possible this protest had a lot of solid evidence, he needed to see for himself. They both probably did. Finn stepped forward to pay for their tickets and made his way past the protesters and inside the aquarium.  He glanced around  the place curiously. “Sh-Should we check on the marine mammals first? I feel like it’ll b-b-be most obvious if things are w-w-weird there.” Bigger marine animals just seemed like they’d be harder to care for or give the space that they needed. 

ARIEL 

Ariel nodded, despite the looks they had gotten for still supporting the Aquarium she stared back, glaring at some. They were doing this for the good of the animals. “Yeah. I think if we can see any marks. Too small enclosures. Maybe if they look hungry and unfed? What are some other features we should look for?”

FINN

Finn hummed, trying to think about what little he did know about marine mammals. It was a little ironic that he was so little versed in them, despite being a merman. It just showed how far from the water he was. “‘I think some-sometimes you c-c-can tell with their dorsal fins if it’s a w-w-whale… or if they’re d-d-doing a lot of rep-p-petitive behavior like swimming in circle o-o-or g-grinding their teeth.” He worried at his lip as he led the way toward the marine mammals, pausing once he caught sight of some sea lions. “They look… k-kind of o-o-okay right?”

ARIEL 

“Maybe we even sneak into the back if we’re worried. I wont go full magical girl or anything but I bet if i could get to the entrance to the aquarium we could find out a lot.” Of course that could cause some real trouble but it would be majorly worth it. Of course they could try to find out a lot before that was an option but Ariel was already thinking 5 steps ahead.

FINN

Sneak into the back? That sounded kind of dangerous. Or a lot dangerous. What would happen if they got caught? Would they get arrested? Get some sort of permanent record? His heart skipped a beat at the thought of it.  “I…I…” He hesitated. “It’s r-r-r-risky. Mayb-b-be…. Mayb-b-be I should be the lookout,” Finn suggested rather cowardly, feeling his face warm a little at wanting to choose the easy way out of it. But he was usually the biggest rule follower.  “W-W-We can get close b-b-back there and I’ll… I’ll keep w-w-watch,” Finn suggested softly. “W-Would that work?”

ARIEL

“Look out would be good. You need some type of signal. A bird call wouldnt make sense but its unassuming. A smack again a wall? That could be anything?” Ariel shrugged, maybe they just went all for it and mooed. Ariel couldn’t help but grin at that thought process. “Or do you have your headphones? We’ll just go all spy.”

FINN

Finn couldn’t help the small giggle that bubbled up at the idea of a bird call. “A smack m-m-might not be heard w-w-well depending on how m-much space is in there,” Finn pointed out softly. As simple as that one was.  “W-W-We could do like a code word or something. Something that could maybe be said louder b-b-but not raise suspicion? B-But I do have my-my headphones with. Not sure w-w-what good they’d d-d-do but they are in my-my pocket.” 

ARIEL

“let me borrow them. I'll wear them so hands free and you can look like you're on a phone call. No one pays attention to people on a phone call.” Ariel didn't know if that was true but she would fake it until she made it. Exchanging the headphones and getting the Bluetooth all set up she popped ons I  her ear. “Alright spy buddy. You ready?”

FINN

Ariel was a genius. Finn was convinced that she was. He hadn’t considered the earbuds being a good way to spy, but he should have. “That’s a g-g-great idea.” He handed her one of his earbuds and carefully set the other one in his other ear.  “R-R-R-Ready. Pay attention to the c-c-connection. Even these p-p-probably have a limit in range too.” He shifted to a wall to lean back against. “B-B-Be careful.”

ARIEL

Ariel nodded, easy easy at worse she was gonna get kicked out. Best but worse case She was gonna break a huge story wide open! Creeping forward she watched for everyone that passed her. Trying to draw no attention. Slow steps. Pauses.  And then when she got into the back room she walked with a purpose. To pretend she belonged. “Coast still clear? Uh… blue?”  Come on code names were a must.

FINN

Finn tried not to let his nerves get the best of him. Ariel was always so much braver than him with these sorts of things. He leaned back against the wall and tried to look comfortable while he was glancing at his phone.  Thankfully no one paid him any attention.  Ariel spoke and he nodded before registering. “Oh. Y-Y-Yeah. Still good. Are you okay in there?” He asked softly, focusing on scrolling on his phone and looking as casual as he could.

ARIEL 

Ariel was going to respond. She meant to. And yet when she turned the corner she lost all of her words. All her breath. She forgot she even had her phone recording, held up to the tanks in question. They weren't just keeping sea creatures in cages that were too small. There weren't just mishandling them. They were keeping mermaids against their will. Ariel struggled to breath in that moment as she stared at them.  Scales missing and ripped from tails, haunted eyes, mistreated and underfed. It was only Finns voice and footsteps that made her move, running toward the door as fast as possible.

FINN

She didn’t say anything. She didn’t say anything for several minutes and his heart started picking up speed. Was she hurt? Was she in trouble? Something was wrong. He worried at his lip and glanced back toward the door that she had snuck through. “Ariel” He said again, worrying at his lip. It was taking too long for her to respond.  “I’m c-c-coming back there if you d-d-don’t answer in two m-m-m-more minutes,” Finn insisted. Even if the thought put fear into him, he needed to be sure his friend was okay. He had to. He forced himself to take a breath and let it out again. “M gonna… so p-p-please be okay.”

ARIEL

Ariel basically burst through the doors and was just lucky that no one else was on the other side. That she could spot Finn grab his hand and start pulling and tugging toward the exit. “We need to go. We need to go now.” Staring at him all she could see were those haunted and lost eyes. She heard the stories of her mom fresh in her mind and all the hurt. All the pain and fear rushed back. There were hunters here.

FINN

Finn jumped as Ariel came out, and he stumbled after her as she grabbed his hand, running toward the exit with wide eyes.  “W-W-W-What happened? Ariel-”  He didn’t even have a moment to catch his breath properly as they ran away. He ran hard with her, back out past the manatees and some of the jellyfish and finally out past the main doors until he finally HAD to come to a stop around the corner of the next building.  “Have to b-b-breathe…” he said, taking a few shaky breaths and glancing over at Ariel. “Seriously…y-y-you… w-w-w-what happened?”

ARIEL

Ariel didn't stop until she thought they were safe. She was the first one to take risks but she always thought they were safe risks. The thought of those poor Mermaids. The thought of them getting locked up like that. The thought of Finn looking at her with those same hair and same eyes and same face. She wanted to throw up. “They are holding mermaids back there Finn. They are holding mermaids.” She repeated looking up at him tears building in her eyes.

FINN

Finn froze, staring at Ariel with wide eyes.  “W-W-What?”  He could never have imagined that she would say that. He thought she might say a seal or a whale or something was being kept wrongly, and he would have still been enraged, maybe even suggested joining the protest too. But mermaids?  “I… b-b-but… how is that p-p-possible? How….” he faltered. “How m-m-many were there?”

ARIEL

Ariel spoke her head, disagreeing with something. The idea of them being there? The idea this could happen so close to home. The fear once again. “Two? I didn't get a good look. I just stood there like an idiot.” What if she could have done something. Said something. Told them Ariel would get help. She didn't know who could help but they could. “My camera might have still been recording? But we should get back home. Who knows if anyone saw me. We should get some distance.” 

FINN

“Oh…oh w-w-wow.” The thought was horrible that any mermaid would be trapped in someplace like this. Probably poked and prodded and studied and tormented in ways he didn’t want to think too hard about.  He nodded quickly. It was too dangerous to be there. And what if cameras caught Ariel coming out of the place too?  They definitely needed to leave.  “O-O-Okay. Let’s g-g-go,” he agreed, worrying at his lip as they started away from the aquarium. The sooner they got clear of this place the better.

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

"Just about 5, I think it'll be a way a lot of us get something published or maybe in that direction." And wasn't that the whole point of school? To further connections, Ariel felt so good in this decision.

Something that was hers.

She knew there was something there.

"If you wanna beta read something maybe I can be convinced."

@captainjamesjoneshook

Revisiting Memories {Ariel & James}