(Tristan)
I can't believe that they are actually doing this.
They can't just take me! Then again, they aren't normal humans. That's what Livia told me at least.
Pirates are like the scum of the human species. They're reckless and rude. I'm starting to see what she means.
I can't see. I can't talk. I'm left completely vulnerable. They're taking me to the water too. What if they find out what I am? Pirates are the reason we're so scared. We get stuck in their nets and on their hooks. Some pirates even set out just to kill my kind.
The only thing that gives me any sort of comfort is the obnoxious clicking of Alyssa's heels behind us. I trust her. She wouldn't let them hurt me, right?
This may even be a good thing. The witch, Livia, said that they'd lead me to what I need. The thing they're looking for can grant wishes.
It can give me my voice back. It can give me my sight, which Livia stole from me today.
I don't like being carried around like a sack of potatoes, but I have to look on the bright side.
I can tell that we're getting closer to the sea due to the intoxicating scent of the saltwater. Smelling the ocean always makes my nose tingle a bit.
I miss being in the water every day. Sleeping on the fine sand. I could use a swim, but the number one rule is to never show ourselves to humans.
It seems like they already know, but believing in something and seeing it with your own eyes are two completely different things.
After a few more minutes of bouncing around on Lucca's shoulder, they finally slow down. I can hear the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
"Okay. Put him in the water, but be careful. Don't hurt him." I start to panic when he lowers me off of his shoulder. I thrash around in his arms, desperately trying to get away from him.
However, the next thing I know, I'm flying through the air. I flail my arms for a second before hitting the water with a violent splash.
Almost instantaneously, my scales prick through the skin on my legs and squeeze together tightly. My jeans rip during the process, so when I resurface I'm only wearing my sweater.
I wasn't sure about how my sight would work. I can speak when I'm in the water because Livia's magic doesn't quite work when I'm in my true form. I was hoping it would work this way, and I'm glad that it did. I hate not being able to see.
I don't know my eyesight as well as my voice, but now I know that Livia's spell wears off in the water. At least that gives me some kind of hope that maybe I could be normal again.
"God, Lucca. I said to be careful."
"Oops. My hands must've slipped."
He doesn't seem to notice my tail, but he does notice Alyssa glaring daggers at him. I can practically feel her anger from over here.
If this were a cartoon, she'd have steam coming out of her ears.He smiles at her, but it's obvious how fake it is.
Her eyes sharpen as she crosses her arms over her chest. "Sweetheart, if you touch him again you'll wish your boat was the only thing that caught on fire today."
Knowing that she's completely serious about setting him on fire is what makes me smile, but his comeback has me laughing much louder.
"You seem a bit protective of your boyfriend. I hate to break the news to you, but I think he's batting for the other team."
Finally someone who can keep up with keep up with Alyssa's endless amount of insults. My laughter draws their attention to me.
They all look over at me. Lucca finally seems to scan my entire body, his eyes widening when he sees my light blue tail swaying in the water.
"Leonel! You didn't tell me you wanted help from a merman. You really think that's the best idea considering what just happened to our ship?" He snaps, drawing his sword to point it at me.
I was expecting it. Like I said before, pirates hate merfolk like me. It does make me a bit sad though. I'd really enjoy being around them if they wouldn't treat me like I'm out to get them.
I know that something must've happened to their ship, but it isn't my fault. In all honesty, it probably wasn't even merpeople. We don't attack people out of the blue. That's more of a siren thing.
"I don't know what happened, but I can help. If you want me to." I feel uncomfortable with everyone looking at me like this, but I still want to help out if I can.
It seems like helping them is the only way I'll get them to loosen up around me. It seemed like Lucca hated me before he knew what I was, and now he hates me more. I just want to get on their good side.
"For what reason?" Lucca snaps yet again.
He sure does seem to have a temper on him, but I don't think he'd hurt me unless I do something to him. I hope he won't. "You don't owe us shit and we don't owe you shit either. You're probably just like the rest of those assholes who fucked up our ship in the first place."
"I think I'm starting to understand the phrase 'curse like a sailor'." Alyssa mumbles, but the pirates ignore her.
"Calm down, Lucca. He's not like the sirens."
Lucca waves him off and crouches down right in front of me. He grabs my chin and looks straight into my eyes, hoping to intimidate me. Even so, I can't help but notice how alluring his hazel eyes are.
They looked green at first, but now that he's close, I can see the ring of brown around his pupil and the golden amber specs.
"Look me in the eye and tell me that you have no negative intentions. If I find out you're lying... well, let's just say I won't be too happy. I despise liars."
"I don't intend to bring harm to anyone. I just want to help if I can." I try to sound as sweet and inconspicuous as possible, but I may have some intentions.
I want to go with them when they sail off to wherever the sea takes them. It's perfect. A balance between being on land and being at sea. I wasn't completely lying. I'm not going to hurt anyone.
I'll be at sea for a while, and once we get to the magical rock that Livia was talking about, I'll take it and be on my way. They won't have to worry about me anymore.
"We trust you. Well, I trust you. Our ship was attacked by sirens, but not all sea creatures are the same. Anyway, there are some areas we can't get to because they're underwater. We also don't know the city well enough to find tools either. If you and your friend can help, we'll be in debt to you." Leonel confesses softly, pulling Lucca away from me so that he can move closer.
"I do actually have a request." I begin, waiting for both of them to look at me before I continue, "May I go with you? When you leave on your ship, I want to travel with you."
"Me too. Tris and I are a package deal." Alyssa interjects, finally breaking her uncharacteristic silence.
"Who the fuck are you anyways?" Lucca asks Alyssa rhetorically before looking back to Leonel and I.
"No. We can't let two random people on the ship. Do you know how suspicious that would be, Leo? My father would kill him if he finds out what he is. Consider yourselves warned."
I'm not a monster. I'm not a danger to anyone. I'd never hurt someone without reason and I'd certainly never kill someone. I guess his father wouldn't understand that.
Even so, I have to defend myself. "I've never hurt any humans-"
He cuts me off. "You expect him to care? He'll kill you based on your appearance. Don't be an idiot, Sharkboy. I'm trying to help you."
"I can't live here anymore. I can't talk or see when I'm on land. Look, I'll fix your boat. I can do it alone in just a few hours, but if I help you, then I'm leaving this city with you. Alyssa too."
I cross my arms over my chest and raise a brow at him. I'm not normally demanding, but this is a special circumstance. It's more of a 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine' kind of deal. I'm not going to let him say no. I'm going wether he wants me to or not.
After a few minutes of Lucca and I staring into each other's eyes, he gives up. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head as if he can't believe that he gave in.
"Fine, you can join us. However, If you value your life then you'll do what I say, when I say it. No questions asked. We're basically smuggling a merman and a..."
"Dragon, hun. I'm a dragon."
He sighs and runs his fingers through his shoulder length chestnut brown hair. "Right. A dragon and a merman."
He turns to Leonel with worried eyes. "Are you sure about this?"
"It'll be fine, Lucca. Alyssa can stay in the small room close to storage. It's farther from the crews bedrooms so they won't bother her. He can stay in our room. We can put him in the shower whenever we need to communicate, and your father won't know anything."
Leonel looks to Alyssa before turning to me and giving us both a warm smile. "I know you're capable of taking care of yourselves but just stick with us. The pirates aren't all quite as... understanding."
"So... are any of your friends cute?" Alyssa smirks as she leans against a large rock. I'm sure she's just saying that to get their reactions. I'm pretty sure that she isn't into guys that way although they always seem to be into her.
"I guess a few of them are. I wouldn't know though. Lucca?"
"What are you suggesting?" Lucca grumbles, looking offended that Leonel would even imply that he may find a man attractive.
"Nothing. Just a question." Leonel hums with the hint of a smile. It's as if he enjoys when Lucca gets moody.
"Nothing my ass. Can we just get this over with? Tristan can you take her with you by any chance. She's really getting on my nerves." Lucca glares at Alyssa, but she glares right back as if to challenge him.
He can be pretty scary when he's glaring, but she doesn't look the least bit intimidated. It's like she knows that he could never beat her at her own game.
"I really wouldn't know where to get supplies at. I live close to here but I don't buy my own things a lot. She may be more useful than I am right now." I offer.
She could stay here but it would be better if she went with them to show them around. "I haven't swam since this morning. I'd rather stay here for a little longer."
"Actually, why don't you two go ahead and get some supplies so I can stay here with him?" Leonel suggests, glancing over at me with a sweet smile.
"You're making me go alone with her? I'd rather stay with the fish boy."
I sigh and Leonel does the same as he sits on the sand next to me. "Merman, Lucca. You don't seem to like either of them so just deal with her for a little while to go get the materials we need."
Lucca groans, pouting slightly. Alyssa smirks as he turns to her with an irritated glare.
"Lead the way dragon lady." He grunts with obvious aggravation on his face. He motions towards the street and raises a brow at her as if to say 'hurry up'.
"Hmm... you should be nicer. Dragons really do breathe fire." She pushes off of the rock and brushes off her tight fitting dress. She takes a few steps towards to road before looking back at Lucca with a smug smile. "You comin', pumpkin?"
"Of course, Querida." He responds with a forced smile. He follows after her as she strides down the street.
Once they're gone, Leonel chuckles and turns to me with eyes full of wonder. He's looking so closely at me, and it starts to make me just a bit uncomfortable. I wonder if he's one of the humans that's curious enough to hurt me in order to answer the questions they have.
"Hi." I mumble under my breath. I'm a little nervous, but it's not just because of his eyes being on me. I didn't really look at him last time I saw him. I was so absorbed in how Lucca looked.
I can practically see him in the back of my head. He has chestnut brown hair that just passes his shoulders and smoldering hazel eyes that just drew me in. His face shape is very proportionate, and his skin is tanned nicely due to how much time he spends in the sun. When I was in the ocean, he's exactly how I imagined humans to look.
Everyone I'd ever seen had blonde hair and blue eyes just like me. He's the opposite of that and I couldn't help but to be entranced. Until he spoke at least. Then I realized how rude he is.
Leonel may not be as attractive as Lucca but he's still cute and sweet. That's what really counts, right?
"Hi. I'm guessing you remember me? If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few more questions now that I know that you're... well, a merman. If they make you uncomfortable, you can just tell me." He offers, giving me his charmingly infectious smile.
His hair is much shorter than Lucca's and his skin is just a bit lighter. His hair and eye color match as well. They could pass as brothers, but I just don't feel as captivated by him. Maybe it's the mystery in Lucca that makes me want to know him.
"Yeah. Sure, that's fine." I smile back at him and listen closely, urging him to continue. I appreciate that he's curious, and I'm glad that he's sticking to questions rather than experiments.
"I'm curious. Just by looking at you're tell, I can tell it's quite... rare to say the least. Are there others with scales like yours? What kind of merman are you? Is that why your skin was so cold?" He stops abruptly and puts his hand over his mouth to stifle a little laugh. He shakes his head slowly and puts his hand back down. "Sorry. I got too excited."
"Oh, that's okay. My species is the most rare of all merpeople. On a scale of one to ten were around eight or nine. I'm an arctic merman, which means that most merfolk of my species live in water that's covered by ice. Pirates don't sail by ice and fishermen hardly ever come near ice either. That's why even witches and other non-humans don't know that my kind exist. It's near impossible to find one. Also, yes, I'm cold because of my species." I tell him, trying to get to each one of his questions.
"From what you said, I feel lucky just to look at you. You must be quite different from the rest of your kind. Instead of living in icy waters, you like here. With humans. Why?" He questions further.
I feel flattered that he's so intrigued, but I'm not really used to this attention. "I love humans. I always have. There's something about them that's delicate and curious. I left my tribe every night to swim out past the reef and watch boats pass. Most were ships like yours but sometimes they were smaller. They weren't too happy about it. I was exiled from my tribe. After days of swimming and obstacles, I finally got to land and met a witch named Livia. She gave me everything I could possibly need to live on land and in return she took my voice." I basically divulged my whole life story to him, and I'm trusting him not to use it against me.
The way he looks at me is a little off. Its like he's less surprised about my story than he was about the other questions, but there's no way he already knew, right?
"That's a shame. You have a beautiful voice. Though, I'm sure most merfolk do, right?" He smiles at me and even gives me a little wink.
I blush, trying to hide my smile. "Thank you. And yes, merpeople can enchant weaker creatures with the sound of their voice. It's evolution really. Humans were our main food source, so merpeople are designed to attract them. I wouldn't do it though. I hate hurting people."
He scoots closer to me and let's his fingers dip into the water, humming curiously. "I've always wondered what it'd be like to hear the song of a mermaid... or merman. I'd love for you to sing to me, whether you enchant me or not, I trust that you'll treat me well."
I slowly nod and think a bit. I've never even attempted to sing to a human before. Our song isn't words. It's more of an ominous collection of hum's, ah's, and oh's. It's not the words, but rather the patterns in the sounds mixed with the magic in our voices that mesmerize humans.
I take a deep breath and open my mouth to begin singing softly. I've sang to other merfolk as well as some sea creatures but never a human. I don't want to control anyone and even if I did, I wouldn't know how to. I'm afraid of doing something wrong, or changing his emotions without meaning to.
However... he did give me permission, so for this song, I'm going all in. After he asked me to, I really want to enchant him as well as I can. As long as I don't tell him to do anything, it shouldn't have too much of an effect. I hope he isn't mad that I really did it.
When I'm finished with my song, I expect him to say something or at least make an expression, but he doesn't. He just sits in front of me like he's in some sort of daze. His lips are parted ever so slightly, and his eyes appear glazed over.
I open my mouth to ask what's wrong, but before I can get any words out, his lips are already pressed against mine.
His hand reaches up slowly so that his thumb cans brush across my cheek as our lips move together harmoniously. I'm surely as red as a tomato because of how quickly things seem to be moving, but I kiss him back anyways, letting my eyes flutter shut.
I was only 18 when I had to leave my tribe, and merfolk mate for life. I was always nervous about picking a partner because I knew I'd be stuck with my choice. Because of those nerves, I haven't really done anything quite like this before. Sure I've kissed people, but it didn't feel this intimate or experienced.
After a moment, he pulls back with wide, confused eyes. Almost instantly I see the guilt written all over his face. "I'm so sorry. I... I have no idea why I just did that."
I'm so taken aback by the kiss that I can't even begin to come up with a response, so instead of saying anything, I just nod dumbly.
"We leave for less than an hour and this is what we return to?" Alyssa giggles and looks between the two of us with a smirk on my face.
Knowing that her and Lucca saw just makes my blush return tenfold.
I don't know how enchanting works, but I didn't ask him to kiss me. I certainly didn't mind it. I wasn't even thinking about it though. We're those his actions or was it something that I wanted him to do?
I look over to Lucca next who has an unreadable expression as he stares over at Leonel. Leonel just whispers a short apology in return. I don't see why he'd care about what Leonel does, but I know I shouldn't question it. "Hurry up and finish the boat, Nemo. We want it done by tomorrow."
It takes a lot not to roll my eyes at Luccas words, but I manage to restrain myself and just nod instead. "I don't know if you have a hotel yet, but Alyssa and I could sleep in my room, and you two could use my guest room if you want." I offer. We just met a day ago, but after accidentally kissing one and clearly upsetting the other, it's the least I can do.
"We got a hotel room with the other crew members from the ship. Thank you though." Leonel answers with a sweet smile as he stands and walks over to Lucca.
"Guys can we please talk about how Lucca just called Tristan, a member of the strongest species on the planet, Nemo." Alyssa says before letting out her loud, contagious laughter. I didn't find the joke very funny, but I still can't help but to crack a smile.
Once she calms down, I glance down at my tail with a little sigh. "I need pants too." I admit awkwardly. Mine are floating off in the ocean somewhere, so I'll be naked once I dry out.
"Leonel can just strip and give you his. You two seem to have gotten pretty friendly since we left." Lucca snaps in response.
"It's not like that." I start to defend us, but Alyssa cuts me off before I can get out any other words.
"You guys were definitely lip-locked when we got here, so go ahead and explain how it's 'not like that'."
I want to say that it's my fault for enchanting Leonel to begin with, but I don't want Lucca to think I wanted to kiss him. I didn't mean for it to happen, and I don't even know if Leonel likes me in that way. I'm starting to think that life was easier before I had friends. Before I could talk.
"We don't have time to stand and talk about it. Tristan has things to get done, so leave him be, please. Lucca and I will be on our way."
"Are all pirates this grumpy?" Alyssa asks, reaching over to poke at Lucca's furrowed eyebrows. She flips her hair and laughs. "You're going to have so many wrinkles when you're older."
She turns to me with a much softer face and a sweet smile. "I'll bring you some pants later, Tris."
"Please don't set my house on fire." It's obviously a joke but also a little serious too. Alyssa can be a bit fiery when she's upset.
I grab some of the supplies as Leonel and Alyssa wave goodbye. Lucca just ignores me all together.
I sigh deeply once they all leave and swim to their ship to begin working on it.
I work through the night, making sure that the boards are sturdy, and repairing the ones that were torn apart during the attack. However, I can't help but wonder. Why did Lucca seem so... jealous?