It was awkward for the other merfolk to be around what are known as the wolves of the sea, but the Harrisons seemed friendly enough. George was more than happy to take a rest after nonstop migration, his flukes ached and his lower half could barely float. "Oooh, I can't remember the last time I got to actually hang around one place for longer than ten minutes. Of course that was before my family started to distrust the land mammals, I'm not sure if they would really throw us out of the sea. I know Peter and Harry say one pod leader was wrapped up in a web demon and was taken onboard their fish."

Paul wanted to get to know the young orca better, he swam to the newcomer resting on some floating driftwood. "You must be exhausted, I brought some squid."

"Huh? Oh thanks, I don't think I've ever had this before. I was never allowed to dive past the Sunlight Zone, so I only ever get fish and the occasional carcass that comes ashore of the full blooded whales. It looks really jiggly."

"It's quite chewy, but so very delicious. Give it a try." The dolphin merman offered, watching as George gorged away at the cephalopods. "I knew ya'd like it. I wonder why the land dwellers are so fascinated with your species all of a sudden? Just a couple of years ago they'd be watching us from afar or... Or.. Did you hear about an old humpback that was harpooned?"

"I did hear about that, but John doesn't have any harpoon wounds on him."

"Not John, he took over from his mother. She was the one in charge of the Aqua Crew until a dangerous metal fish came in and struck her down, John made it a vow to be as good a leader as she was. He really devotes his live to making sure the sea is a safer place for merfolk and full blooded cetaceans alike."

"Wow.. He really seems like a hero, do you think someone like me could ever be like him?"

Paul smiled, pulling him into a hug. "I bet you will, maybe you can even create your own little Aqua Crew wherever you go next, orcas like to migrate a lot?"

"Our pod usually just stays wherever the food is abundant, that is until now. But I think you know about that by now, speaking of John where do you think he is?"

---

The humpback swam near the Midnight Zone's crevices, the bones of passed merfolk would remain there for years. That included Julia, whom her son would visit every year on the date that it happened. While it no longer hurt remembering her, he kept wondering if things would have gone differently if he had just been strong enough to get her out of the way. "I know Mimi tells me it isn't my fault, but I keep dreaming that I could have saved you.. That I could have gotten to you in time, I just wish you were here with me.. For me.."

"But I am Johnny, I'm always with you."

John had to do a double take, he could have sworn he heard her voice. "Who's there?!"

As if on cue a transparent humpback phased in front of him, even then John could recognize her soft red hair. "It's me son, I've been watching you from afar ever since. I wasn't able to physically manifest until you made that wish, the supernatural works in mysterious ways."

"Whoa.. Well this is an AU story where the Beatles and their affiliates are all merpeople, I shouldn't be too surprised by this. Wait, does this mean you'll be with me all the way from now on? Even up where the sun is?"

"I will, each night I'll be with you and your aunt. I might not be physically here, but my spirit will always be at your side. I love you John."

Sniffling, John remained close to the apparition. "I love you too Mummy, I'm going to be the best successor to you ever! You'll see!"

"Oh, you already are."