Archive of Our Own ^beta

“That storm looks bad.”

Tsukasa’s eyes flicked to Saki as she leaned against the railing of the ship, before turning back to the storm looming nearby.

Thunder rumbled in the distance, lightning flashing against the dark clouds. It did look bad. Much worse than the storm they’d gone through after departing on their voyage.

With a frown, he pushed away from the edge, turning his back to the open water.

“Don’t stay so close to the edge, Saki. Or you’ll fall overboard,” he warned, pulling her away.

She rolled her eyes, letting out a frustrated sigh.

“I’ve stood on the railing before and been fine.”

“The water wasn’t like it is now. And I’m not losing you to the sea. We… We already lost Mom and Dad that way .”

Saki’s shoulders deflated as she lifted her mop, pulling it from the bucket of soapy water.

“I know , Tsukasa. I don’t want to lose you, either… But that’s why we’re going to this town. They should have an orphanage that’ll take care of us.”

“It shouldn’t be for long! Once I turn 18, I’ll get a good job and get us a place to live. We won’t have to worry about money or anything!”

She glanced at him, her frown growing as he lifted her bucket, moving aside so she could mop the deck.

“We gotta reach the place, first. And who’s gonna hire you? You have no skills!”

“I can help on a ship! And it’s not like I can’t be taught anything!”

“Yeah, right . There’s a reason you’ve been left to mopping the floors with me.”

“I’m not some idiot, I’ll have you know!”

Saki’s brow raised as she moved over the planks, sweeping the mop as she went.

“Uh huh. Tell me, who dragged us on a ship out of town because no one wanted to deal with him?”

“That’s not very fair! There’s only one ‘him’ between us!”

“Ex- actly .”

Tsukasa let out a huff as he moved the bucket again.

“I just want a place where you can be happy and safe. And that last town sucked, so we’re going to a new one.”

“Did it suck for both of us? Or did you even bother asking me how I felt before dropping everything and leaving?”

“You looked miserable there!”

“I was at least put to work doing something I’m good at. Something I want to do! I can’t help babysit on a boat with adults everywhere!”

“I’m sure there’ll be a daycare or something willing to hire you in the new town! We’re not even a day away, so you don’t have to wait too much longer!”

“I wouldn’t have had to wait if we’d stayed in town!”

Tsukasa rolled his eyes as Saki dipped the mop in the bucket, not hesitating to whack him on the head with the handle as she did. He grumbled in annoyance, glaring at his sister as she finished up.

She wasn’t wrong, though. Tsukasa dragged her from that town for a multitude of reasons.

Their parents died out at sea a year before, leaving them to fend for themselves. Saki managed to pick up a job at a nursery, but she’d only made enough money to cover one of them.

And Tsukasa couldn’t keep a job for more than a day. His employers would get sick of him and his stumbles and fire him halfway through his first shift.

After their first month on the streets, Tsukasa tried to get them in the orphanage in town. But they wouldn’t accept any more teenagers. They already had plenty to deal with. And with no one adopting the children already there, they were getting more and more teenagers they didn’t have room for.

He’d done what he could for Saki while he figured out what to do. But nothing he did for her could keep the smile on her face. And he hated to see her so down and depressed all the time.

So when he was given the tip about an orphanage with openings in a small town across the sea, he jumped at the opportunity, packing himself and Saki up and joining the crew, working for their travel expenses so they could go. So he could give Saki a better chance at life.

Saki sighed, pulling Tsukasa from his thoughts as she leaned against the mop, before heading below deck.

“Go ahead and dump it over. We’re done. And don’t forget to knock on wood while you’re at it, yeah? Give us a chance at making it through this .”

“There’s no need to be superstitious, Saki! I will keep us both safe on board the boat!”

Tsukasa lifted the bucket, dumping the dirty water into the ocean below. Once it’d emptied, he followed after Saki.

“You kids finished up?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good. We’re gonna need your help once the storm hits. And the deck’ll need to be cleaned again after it’s passed.”

“Yes, sir!”

The man nodded, and the two headed off to put the bucket and mop away.

“Wanna grab lunch before-?” Tsukasa started.

Thunder rumbled above, shaking the boat.

“It’s here already?!”

Saki only shook her head and sighed, sinking onto a barrel.

“Looks like there’ll be no break for us today,” she mumbled, flexing her fingers as she winced.

Tsukasa frowned as he sat next to her, taking her hands in his to massage them.

He’d do anything to help relieve her pain, even somewhat.

“I can mop next time. Let your hands have a break!” He offered.

“You suck at mopping, Tsukasa.”

“I can try !”

“We’d just have to redo it. It’s best if I do the mopping.”

He pouted, letting out a huff as Saki’s hands grew limp in his. She winced in pain as his thumb pressed into a sore spot, and he lessened the pressure.

“Just don’t push yourself if you’re getting tired, okay? I don’t want you to get sick again.”

“I haven’t gotten sick since I’ve gotten better. You don’t need to worry.”

“Still, it’s not impossible for you to get sick. And I want you to take care of yourself. You don’t need to push yourself to your limits, okay?”

“We’ll see.”

Saki pulled her hands away reluctantly, and Tsukasa frowned. She turned her head away so he couldn’t look her in the eyes.

They grew quiet as they sat there, waiting. After some time, more of the adults headed up.

Then it started.

It was light, at first. Gentle tapping on the boards above them. Then it grew louder. Rougher . Pounding on the boards and the world above them.

It wasn’t long after this when the two were called up to the deck, given orders to help.

They had to close the sails so they wouldn’t get destroyed in the wind. Then help secure any supplies stored out in the open so it wouldn’t fly off the ship.

This all was something Tsukasa was good at, despite how much he could trip over thin air. In the moment, he was quick on his feet, tying the knots and keeping everything down. He raced across the deck, completing every task he was given effortlessly.

It was the least he could do for the people who’d taken him and Saki in, and helped them across these waters.

Tsukasa glanced at Saki as she grabbed his shoulder. Her hands trembled as she clung to a rope, pulling it towards him. He took it, tugging it down so he could tie it.

“He said that’s the last one, and we’re good to go! It’s too dangerous for us to stay up here!” she yelled over the winds.

“Alright, let’s go!”

Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. The winds howled around them as they turned to head below deck. Before Tsukasa could take a step forward, the boat lurched with a wave.

He and Saki yelped as they fell back. Saki landed on the floorboards, sliding back into the railing roughly. Tsukasa tumbled back, the rail digging into him.

His eyes widened at the feeling of his feet leaving the boards, then bumping the railing as he began to freefall. The winds rushed past him as Saki peered over the railing, screaming out his name, before being yanked back.

“MAN OVERBOARD!”

It was too late. There was nothing they could do to save Tsukasa. The storm was relentless, the ocean crashing away at the ship.

Tsukasa hit the water, pain erupting in his body as he sank, wincing. He tried to adjust his position in the water and push himself up, but… his body wouldn’t move. His fingers wouldn’t listen as he willed them to move.

Was he paralyzed? No, there was still feeling in his body. In fact, he was painfully aware of his body and the pain as he sank. Maybe it was just the pain that made his body weak?

He’d fallen pretty far, and hit the water hard . That must’ve been what it was.

His chest grew tight as he pressed his lips together, his lungs burning for release.

He had to kick his way back up. He couldn’t die here! He had to get back to Saki. Saki needed him! Despite recovering from her illness from when she was younger, she was still weak and needed help. There was no one to help her if Tsukasa wasn’t there.

His eyes burned as he stared at the surface, watching it grow farther and farther away.

If his body was capable of putting up a fight, then maybe he would’ve had a chance at surviving this. But with his fingers still not twitching for him, his chances of living, of surviving were gone .

This is where Tsukasa would die. Just like his parents.

Hey, he’d at least get to see them again. But he was leaving Saki on her own. She would be devastated ! She probably already was. Tsukasa was the last family member she had left, after all.

Tsukasa opened his mouth, pushing what little air he’d managed to save out for some release, bubbles rising above him. He wouldn’t last much longer now.

He blinked wearily as lightning flashed, a shadow passing by above him.

Oh. Maybe a shark would eat him before he could drown. If that were the case, hopefully he’d pass out before then. He didn’t want to be torn to bits while still conscious.

Or… there was the other option. But, no , that wasn’t possible. The only creatures in the sea were fish. Certainly not fish people . No. Just fish. The sea folk weren’t real.

But if they were… what would they do? A sea witch would kill him, no doubt. So would a siren. But what about a mermaid? What if a mermaid found him? Or a mer man ? A… a merperson?

Tsukasa wanted to laugh at the thought.

The sea folk did not exist. They were just a fairytale. They were made up for small children.

His vision grew blurry as lightning flashed again. The shadow moved back slowly, hovering above him.

Tsukasa blinked wearily, before closing his eyes briefly.

He would be fish food. But, he’d already accepted his death. There was nothing he could do. He didn’t want to die! But… in such a hopeless situation like this? There was no point in struggling to live.

He opened his eyes slowly, the blurriness growing. He was going to pass out soon. He could feel it.

His eyes landed on the shadow again, and found it’d moved closer.

He squinted, trying to make out what it was. But his head was too scrambled to try and figure it out.

His lips grew weak, water beginning to seep into his mouth. It tasted bitter . Well, it was sea water.

Tsukasa’s eyes fluttered, watching the figure of the shadow clear somewhat. It slowed as he was suddenly pulled up. He briefly made out a pair of golden eyes peering at him before his eyes closed.

A set of hands cupped his face, before something pressed to his lips.

Tsukasa grew confused as his lips parted, air being pushed into his mouth and forcing the water out. He quickly shut his mouth, holding the air as best he could. The tightness in his chest lessened, and his head cleared somewhat.

How… how was this working ? How did this person get down here and get him? This… this wasn’t possible, was it ? Was Tsukasa just hallucinating? Maybe that was it! His brain didn’t have all the oxygen it needed, so… that had to be what was going on!

Arms wrapped around his waist, and they were moving. Moving up .

His brows furrowed as he opened his eyes. A boy with golden eyes stared above them as they moved, his teeth grit and brows furrowed.

Who was he? No one on the ship looked like him. Tsukasa would’ve remembered those pretty eyes.

Tsukasa felt himself growing weak again, bubbles escaping his lips. The boy turned to him, panic growing in his eyes. He cupped Tsukasa’s cheek again, and their lips parted. Another burst of air made its way into Tsukasa’s mouth. But he couldn’t hold it.

He quickly shut his mouth after a gurgle escaped. More sea water was in his mouth.

The boy looked around desperately, before his lips moved. He was saying something.

How was that possible? They were underwater . The boy had to hold his breath, too. Or else he’d drown.

A second figure approached them, moving quickly as a tail propelled it through the water.

They both were gonna be fish food now!

Tsukasa closed his eyes, more sea water seeping in his mouth.

What deities out there were this cruel ? Giving him hope and taking it back. They should’ve just killed him the first time, and not sent this boy to help.

They began moving much faster, Tsukasa’s body falling limp.

Then, so suddenly, they broke the surface. Tsukasa gasped for air as the rain pelted on them, coughing as the bitter water left his mouth. He weakly clung to the boy holding him, resting his head on his shoulder.

His body ached. His everything ached. How was he still alive ? How was he back at the surface so fast ?

“Human child, is that boat yours?”

The boy’s voice was right in his ear, clear as day despite the howling winds around them. They turned so Tsukasa could see the boat, and he nodded weakly.

He let his eyes fall shut as they floated in the sea.

The waves would pull them back under soon enough. They had no chances out here in the open waters. What could the boy possibly hope to do with such low chances of survival, no matter what they did?

“Mafuyu, can you help me follow the boat?”

There was a pause, followed by a splash to Tsukasa’s left.

“That’s dangerous, Rui.”

“We can’t keep the human child out here. We’ll just follow it until we figure out where they’re going.”

“We need to get back soon, though.”

“My mom would’ve helped him. She would’ve done everything she could until he was on land and safe again. She did the same for you when she found you, even if you’re not human.”

Tsukasa’s brows furrowed as he listened to the boy speak with a girl. He didn’t understand what they were talking about.

Not human? Human child? Mom? Help? Follow the boat?

There was another pause.

“Fine. But you better have a good excuse if we get in trouble.”

They began moving again, but stayed above the surface. The boy’s arm stayed wrapped tight around Tsukasa, the storm continuing to pour relentlessly down on them.

But he was tired. And his body hurt.

The boy adjusted Tsukasa in his arms, his golden eyes looking down at him.

“We’re gonna get you back to land. You’ll be safe soon.”

Tsukasa stared up at the boy’s eyes as his own fluttered shut. He’d reached his limit. And he passed out.

~ * ~

Tsukasa’s head hurt as he came to. It felt like… he was being held upside down and all the blood was rushing to his head.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, letting out a groan.

Golden eyes stared back at him, wide with curiosity. The boy held a journal and some kind of pencil in his hand as he stared at Tsukasa in shock.

Tsukasa coughed, rubbing at his eyes as he looked around.

It looked like they were in a cave of some sort?

He frowned, blinking slowly as something wet touched his arm. He tried to fling whatever it was off, but it stayed wrapped around his arm.

He turned his gaze up… er… down to find… an odd looking tentacle wrapped around it. He froze, eyes following the tentacle down to the where it was connected to the boy’s waist.

A chill ran down his spine as his eyes met with the boy’s again.

The boy set his journal aside, and Tsukasa was turned upright, growing dizzy. The boy cupped his face as he grew sick.

“I took notes on you, I hope that’s okay! It’s not every day I get to see a human child up close! Oh, and I did, uh… what did Mom call it… CPR? I think? Well, it was close to CPR… You weren’t waking up, and I made sure you got enough air. Your heart was beating really fast, though. I’ve never heard anything like it before! Ah-”

Tsukasa’s nose scrunched at the beginnings of a bitter taste in the back of his throat as the boy looked away sheepishly, quickly letting Tsukasa’s face go.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to start rambling.”

Slowly, Tsukasa glanced at the tentacle wrapped around his waist. It was also connected to the boy in front of him.

What… What the hell’s going on?!

Water splashed, and they moved further into the cave.

Tsukasa’s throat tightened as the boy carried him away from water, and he began to panic. He tried to swallow down the lump in his throat, but the bitter taste grew worse.

The boy continued talking as he pet Tsukasa’s head, rambling about… something about human children ?

The room spun around Tsukasa as they stopped by what he could only assume was a makeshift desk. The tightness in his throat grew. He couldn’t keep it down any longer.

“... if you don’t mind, I have some questions I’d like to ask before I take you back to land. I-”

Tsukasa retched, the vomit escaping as he leaned forward. Surprisingly, none of it touched him or the boy as it fell to the rock below.

The boy grew quiet, passing Tsukasa to another tentacle carefully. A bucket was set in front of him, which he took gratefully as he retched into it.

“Are you seasick? Well, no , that usually happens when humans are on a boat. Er … maybe you swallowed too much sea water before I saved you? I promise I didn’t try to feed you while you were asleep, so it couldn’t be that, either…”

Tsukasa let out a weak groan, squeezing his eyes shut as he wiped at his mouth. They lowered to the ground as the bucket moved away from his grasp, his retching finished.

The boy pulled Tsukasa into his chest, and he didn’t resist. His body was too weak to try and fight.

“Mom kept some- ah, there it is. I’m still not sure why she kept these here, but they’re useful now!”

A tentacle offered Tsukasa a water bottle. He didn’t question where it came from or how it was opened. Instead, he greedily chugged the water, before the bottle was pulled from his lips, a few drops of water spilling down his shirt.

“Drink slowly , or you’ll throw up again.”

The bottle was handed back to him, and he took slow, greedy sips. When the bottle was emptied he dropped it to his lap, letting his body fall limp against the boy again.

They shifted, and a set of legs stretched out from under the tentacles. Tsukasa’s brows furrowed, and he slowly moved away from the boy, staring into his golden eyes.

“What are you?!”

The boy’s head tilted, blinking curiously at Tsukasa.

“I’m a sea person. And you’re a human child. Isn’t it obvious? Oh! Do you not know what sea folk are?”

His heart dropped as he glanced around the cave, his surroundings finally catching up to him.

“Wh-where’s Saki?!”

“What’s a Saki?”

“A-a girl that looks kinda like me!”

“A girl human child… There was one on the boat! I watched her get onto land after they reached town.”

“They made it…?”

“Mhm!”

Relief flooded Tsukasa’s chest as he leaned against the boy again, letting out a shaky sigh. His eyes slid shut as he paused, before shaking his head. He looked up at the boy again, eyes narrowing.

“Sea folk don’t exist. Are you some kind of… hybrid that went wrong?”

The boy’s brows furrowed, anger and hurt flashing in his eyes as he frowned.

“I can assure you sea folk do exist. If they didn’t, I wouldn’t be here and you’d be dead .”

“ If they did exist, they wouldn't look like… this . Sea folk have tails. They don’t have… whatever this is.”

Tsukasa lifted a tentacle, grimacing at the slimy texture. He gestured to the boy’s legs under him as he quickly dropped it, wiping his hand on his shirt.

“I’m painfully aware that I’m different from the others. And what you look like depends on your family. It works the same with us sea folk that it does with you human people.”

A hint of sadness laced the boy’s voice, and Tsukasa felt a twinge of sympathy for him. But the boy shook his head, his eyes lighting up.

“Anyway, I wanted to ask you some questions and go over my notes with you. There’s a lot we don’t know about human people, and I couldn’t help my curiosity.”

A notebook was shoved in Tsukasa’s hands, and he opened it. His brows furrowed as he looked at the scribbles on the page.

“What is this? I can’t read it.”

“Hm? I know my handwriting is bad, but Toya can read it just fine. So can Emu…”

The notebook slipped from Tsukasa’s hands as he was lifted up, his heart jumping in his chest in fear.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW!!!”

“Ah! Di-did I hurt you? Sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“LET ME GO! I NEED TO GET BACK TO MY SISTER!”

Tsukasa was set back on the floor of the cave. The tentacle loosened around his waist, and he took the opportunity to scramble away from the boy, searching the cave frantically as he tripped, barely stopping his stumble.

“You won’t find the exit.”

Tsukasa’s heart froze as he whirled to face the boy. The boy got to his feet, a sad look on his face.

“It’s underwater.”

He glanced at the pool of water behind the boy, before rushing for it. He was yanked back, a tentacle wrapped tightly around his waist as he was lifted from the ground yet again.

“LE-LET ME GO!”

Tsukasa scrambled to break free, kicking his legs and clawing at the tentacle around him. His chest grew tight as he panicked, looking around for anything to help him.

If he didn’t get out now, there was no way he’d ever escape!

Slowly, the boy turned to the water, slipping in as he pulled Tsukasa with him.

“Hold your breath,” the boy said.

“What are you gonna do to me?!”

His golden eyes met with Tsukasa’s briefly, before looking away.

“I’m taking you back to land. You can’t breathe underwater, so… hold your breath.”

Tsukasa’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at the boy.

He was… taking him back? Willingly ? This didn’t add up to the stories the adults told about the sea folk. They were told to be ruthless creatures, drowning every and any human they caught.

Of course, the boy could be lying, but… he seemed so genuine . So innocent. Like a child experiencing the world for the first time.

Slowly, the boy sank, pushing down into the water. Tsukasa took a deep breath, before he was pulled along.

They sank further, before slipping through a crack in the wall. They emerged on the other side, revealing the semi-dark waters as the moon shone above the surface.

The boy grabbed onto the rock wall next to them, planting his feet on the sand. He bent his legs, before pushing off the bottom, turning his attention above as he kicked up.

Tsukasa stared as they went, his head tilted as he watched the boy go. His mouth opened in awe, before quickly shutting as sea water filled his mouth.

The boy glanced at him, eyes widening as the bubbles rose past them. A look of panic settled on his face as he pulled Tsukasa into his chest, using his other arm to help move faster.

They broke the surface, and Tsukasa spit the sea water out, wincing at the bitter taste.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you’d run out of air so quickly,” the boy mumbled as they drifted away from the wall.

Tsukasa shook his head, cheeks growing warm. He wouldn’t admit he’d been watching the boy and not running out of air.

“You could’ve drowned me, for all I knew. But you didn’t,” he said after taking a shaky breath.

“My mom taught me to save human people, if I could. Most sea folk don’t agree with that. But human people haven’t done anything to hurt me, so why should I hurt them? Plus, I don’t like hurting anyone, in general .”

They slowed to a stop, and the boy lifted Tsukasa onto a rock, before pulling himself up next to him. They faced a beach, which led up into a town.

“I saw your Saki go into that town. I’m not sure where she went after that. But she should be somewhere there.”

“Oh… thank you, er… What’s your name?”

“Rui Kamishiro.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kami-”

“Just Rui is fine.”

Tsukasa rolled his eyes, but a small smile grew.

“Thank you, Rui.”

“Of course…?”

“Tsukasa.”

“Of course, Tsukasa.”

They grew quiet as they sat there, the water lapping at their legs. Tsukasa glanced at the boy who watched the beach with a longing gaze.

The moonlight made his golden eyes glow as it shone down on them, illuminating his pale skin.

Rui looked… gorgeous in the lighting.

Tsukasa’s eyes widened at the thought, and he cleared his throat, looking away nervously.

“Well, I should go find my sister. I’m sure she’s worried about me.”

“Ah, yes.”

He slipped down from the rock, his shoes sinking slightly in the wet sand below him.

“I suppose this is goodbye,” Rui said as he got to his feet next to Tsukasa.

He looked up at Rui, the height difference now clear as they stood next to each other.

“I won’t see you again?”

The words slipped from Tsukasa’s mouth before he could think it through. Rui’s eyes widened, before he shook his head, giving Tsukasa a sad smile.

“I shouldn’t be this close to the shore as it is. If someone were to see me, there’s the risk of getting caught and killed.”

“Ah, right …”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, though.”

“Mhm…”

They grew quiet again, neither making the move to leave. Tsukasa opened his mouth to speak again, when a voice stopped him.

“Who’s out there?!”

Rui grew tense, before launching himself under the water, quickly swimming away as Tsukasa turned to the beach.

An elderly man held a lantern as he moved to the edge of the water. Slight relief washed over Tsukasa as he moved for the beach, the cold water sloshing around him.

“B-boy?! What’re you doin’ out there? I could’ve mistook you for one of those sea folk or something!”

“I fell out of my boat in the storm,” Tsukasa replied, shivering as the cold breeze pricked at his skin.

“And you survived ?!”

He nodded slowly, biting his lip.

He couldn’t tell anyone about Rui. Or that other one that had been with the boy in the storm. There’d been a second one, right?

“C’mon, let’s get you somewhere warm! How old are ya?”

“I-I’m 17…”

“Then let’s take you to the orphanage. They’ll help ya!”

They headed for the steps leading up the cliff.

Tsukasa glanced back at the water, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Rui. He was about to give up looking when a hand rose behind one of the rocks, waving. He smiled, returning it with a nod and small wave of his own. Then he turned and followed the old man into town.