"Just take a few months off kid. You deserve it," Cap mumured, patting his shoulder, taking care in not damaging the bandages that had been wrapped around his torso and shoulder. He felt no pain but he knew if they were to remove the anaesthetic he would be crying like a babe. The damage was extensive, at least that was what the doctors told him. Second and third degree burns marred his back, broken  ribs and the pieces of metal that had been embedded in his skin.

"It was worth it Cap," Brian murmured quietly, "She's alive."

"These winds just had to pick up," Brian mumbled under his breath as he tugged the line, spraying the water towards the fires. It was a small effort compared to the dozen planes that flew overhead to drop the gallons of water further into the forrest.

"No shit Sherlock," Maria said, tugging the line, "If they don't don't slow down we're good as dead."

Brian sprayed water as much as he could before a strong gust of wind swept through, nearly knocking him off his feet. But as he turned he could hear a loud crack sound off, a tree falling just above Maria.

He could feel time slow as he ran his way towards her, pushing her out of the way. He would've been safe as well had he seen the root that had been sticking out from the ground. But it was that mistake that nearly costed him his life, sending him to the ground as the tree fell on him, burning branches sinking into his flesh.

Cap smiled, his fingers touching the flowers that Maria and her husband had sent, "And they're both very grateful. You spared a family from tragedy, at the cost of your body."

Brian rolled his eyes, "It's not like I have anyone to impress," he said, running his hand through his dark blonde hair.

Cap grinned and made his way towards the door, "With a pretty boy face like yours? I'm sure you'll find someone."

*****

Alec swam close to the surface, hands clenched around the vial as he studied the liquid inside. 

"At the cost of your voice," she had said. And Alec knew it was a rather hefty price to pay. To wander the lands without a voice was something he had a hard time to adjust to.

He swallowed, tucking the vial into the small satchel he held along with the many notes he held about the ocean. Along with empty pages that he wished to fill of the human world. He glanced at the surface above, his heart longing to see it.

"Perhaps I should at least go say goodbye," he said, his purple fins propelling him forward, towards his kingdom.

A kindom laced with purple gems, walls closely guarded by the thousands of their best warriors, all of them trained to protect the people.

"Your highness," a warrior said, his helmet covering most of his face but not hiding the silver hoop on his lip, a scar marring his eye, "Your father is looking for you. Again." Amusement twinkled in the man's eyes, the warrior knowing how much of an adventurer Alec was.

Alec groaned, before adjusting his satchel and making his way towards his father's throne room.

"Alec, there you are," the king said, embracing his youngest son, causing Alec to groan.

"Father. You're squeezing the life out of me," he groaned.

The king chuckled and let his son go, ruffling the long hair, "Where have you been? I've been searching for you left and right."

Alec rubbed the back of his neck, "I've been here and there father. I try not stray from the palace walls," the youngest prince lied, clutching the satchel close.

The king rose a brow, detecting a small hint of a lie but decided against exploring it further, "Very well Alec, I trust you. Now come, I have a little job for you," the king said, guiding the prince towards the library, "Letters have come from other nations, asking for our alliance. Since you seem rather close to the witch, I want to ask your opinion of that merman."

Alec swallowed, "Well he is rather not of the best state of mind or heart for that matter. You must understand father, he lost his mate. I lifelong one from what I've heard."

King Arimitus gave a quiet sigh, one that Alec could barely hear, "Trust me my son I know all too well." 

Alec could feel his heart clench inside his chest. He knew what  his father spoke of. That he was the cause of death of his father's mate. A man from what he knew, of such beauty that that many eyes strayed to him, and rumors had it that with a flick of his purple scaled tail, he had his own father wrapped around his finger. 

But that was all ALec heard. Just stories from the surronding villiages that had met his bearer. His father refused to speak of him and his elder brothers never dared to say a word, almost as his the simple name itself was forbidden inside the palace walls. 

"Father," Alec murmured,  "Tell me about bearer. I know so little of him. Not even his name, all I know was that he was a beautiful man."

Pain flashed in Arimitus's eyes, "Not now my son, why don't you go to your room instead," the king said, before leaving the pouting prince behind. 

Alec could only watch his father's figure retreated into his office. A rather strange look settle upon the youngest prince's face, determination flashing in his purple eyes, "If you don't tell me father," he murmured to himself, "Then I will find out myself."

*************

"Anis," Alec whispered to himself. A name that had barely graced Alec's lips for the first time. The name of his bearer. 

It had taken some time for Alec to find it but time in the forbidden cellars had gained him this. A simple account of King Arimitus's coronation where Anis had taken his father's side, also receiving the crown as "Consort", but lovingly referrred by the kingdom and it's king "Queen Anis." 

Alec sighed as he glanced around him, the young prince surrounded by many objects that he counld only assume that belonged to Anis. Jewels, accessories that only be worn by those dearest to the king and even a weapon that resembled a curved sword. Alec reached out, touching the handle of it, finger's clenching around it as he pulled it down from the stand. 

Alec frowned, the weapon felt light, alost perfect for his hand only if it werent for the sudden feel of warmth that  shot through his arm, scales following his wake and waking his true form. The prince shrieked, immediatly dropping the waepon, causing a rather large commotion as dozens of objects fell to the floor. 

"WHO GOES THERE?!" a loud voice boomed across the room. Alec swallowed, watching his father swim acorss the room, a furious glint in his eyes. Eyes that fell on Alec, the rage within him growing, "How dare you!" he growled, a sword pointing at Alec's neck.

Fear settled in him, seeing the anger in his father's eyes, the thought of being killed by his sire's hands becoming his worst nightmare.

"Get out!" the king said, "Dont let me see your face ever again!"

Alec felt tears leave his eyes as he dashed from his father's presnce, going past his brother's rooms till he got to his own. He couldn't control his actions as he grabbed his satchel along with provisions that he could find.

He ignored the guards at the palace entrance, crying out for him to return but even with tears in his eyes he swam even further, further towards warmer waters the closest he could get towards land without being exposed.

Hands trembled as he grabbed the potion Lilith had givin to him beforeb and withoutba single thought, he drank it.