Mermaid AU PSL w/ Mint

[curuiosity]

[Under the sea, not too far from an island kingdom populated by humans, was an underwater kingdom populated by mermaids. This kingdom was beautiful and peaceful and led by level headed king. The most important law of the kingdom was not to interact with humans. After a history of war between the two kingdoms long ago, the former king set this rule in place, and created a barrier to keep humans from seeing the underwater kingdom. And over time the mermaids were sure humans had forgotten it even existed. Even though the feuding has stopped, mermaids still are uneasy about anything related to humans.

Well, most mermaids were anyway. There is one mermaid who seems more fascinated by them than anything. Rui, with his purple and blue hair and matching tail, would often swim along the bottom of the sea, looking for human things to bring back to his home on the outskirts of the kingdom. His weird taste in human things is not his only interest, however, as he's also incredibly skilled with magic! Of the few mermaids who don't outright avoid him, most believe he's going to be the next court witch. It's something he's been preparing for for a long time. He didn't really have any other interests beyond magic and humans, and he knows he can't make a career out of humans. But he still has time before he needs to commit to such a role, and move to the castle, where his human hobby was unlikely to be tolerated. And he will spend as much of that time adding to his collection as he can.

Today is a special day for Rui. It's his 18th birthday! Which means he's finally allowed to swim to the surface. He won't be able to go close to shore, which is a bit of a disappointment, but he's still excited. After celebrating his birthday with his parents and Nene, his only friend, he swims off on his own to a point beyond the barrier, and then up to the surface.

Even at night, the surface is amazing! His first breath of air is sharp and cold. He is bobbing up and down in the water, just looking at the stars and moon. He knows what those were from his parents, who make the occasional trip to the surface. As he takes time to observe the water vanishing into the horizon, he sees something in the distance. A ship! He hesitates. He knows he should swim away. But...This is his chance to see humans up close. No one would even have to know. He won't get too close, and he can just hide under the surface of the water if someone comes near.

Having talked himself into it, he swims closer. Close enough to hear the humans talking, voices not warbled by water. How interesting! He can't help it, he swims even closer. Closer and closer until he can see through the railing. Something is happening with the humans, clearly. Most of them are sitting and staring at the humans on a raised platform. Rui watches them too. Its fascinating to him, the way they move and talk. Especially the blonde one, every motion seems practiced, and yet full of energy. It takes awhile of watching to realize that the humans on the platform were telling a story. One that Rui will remember for the rest of his life, he's sure.

Even after the story ends, he continues to try and watch the blonde human especially. Occassionally swimming to different angles to get a better view of what he was doing.]

Comments

[showbaka]

[The blonde takes a bow with a row of sparkling co-stars. He beams, soaking up the audience's applause-- their smiles and praise, and descends off stage with the co-star closest to him, a girl with a smile bright enough to eclipse her bubblegum pink hair. They've been performing this show for many nights now. It's a story about a hero and mischievous witch on a journey to find a star that will save their kingdom.

It's a story that's a favorite amongst the passengers, that Tsukasa helped write. He pushes himself every time to make this show brighter and more amazing. And every time, once everyone has had a chance to interact and chat with the audience, and the night winds down to only a few people here and there, chatting quietly, Tsukasa finds himself at the edge of the ship, unable to tear his eyes away from the stars.]

It's not enough.

[He states it to himself, brows drawn together in thought. He doesn't realize he's leaning over the edge.]

Emu's improved since we've started. She plays into the chaotic side of her character while keeping it lighthearted, and our choreography is much more in sync now. Maybe I could add some more complicated steps...AH-!!!

[He hadn't noticed the inebriated person, and they hadn't noticed they accidentally bumped into him. Flailing his arms, Tsukasa tries to maintain his balance and fails, screaming as he falls into the ocean.]

[curuiosity]

[Rui hides as close to the surface of the water and the shadow of the boat as he can when the blonde approaches the side of the boat. He knows that if he swims away now, his tail splashing in the water will give him away, so he just has to hope that the human doesn't look down.

The human doesn't look down. Its much much worse. He falls. The resulting splash hits Rui in the face. The currents in this part of the sea can be unforgivable if you aren't used to them, and that's for mermaids. Humans, without their tails, are unlikely to stand a chance. Which is proven to Rui when the human doesn't come up for air immediately. He looks up to the ship to see if any of the other humans have noticed him going missing, but the air around the ship seems just as jolly as before. He hesitates for just a second before diving after him.

He can feel which way the current is going, and follows along it, swimming as fast as he can in order to catch up. It's not before he finds the human being tossed around by the current. He wraps an arm around him and starts swimming up to the surface. He doesn't know how long humans can live without air, so that's his first priority. His next priority once they've breached the surface is to get back to the ship.

Its not too far away, but swimming while carrying a human is difficult, so it does take a bit of time. Luckily, it doesn't seem like anyone's realized he went overboard yet, so it may still be possible to drop him off and leave without being noticed.]

Hm...But how to get him back on the ship?

[showbaka]

[The choppy waves of the ocean don't relent as Tsukasa crashes into them. As soon as he realized what's happened, he fights to resurface. But he isn't the best swimmer, and in the middle of the ocean his chances are even worse. He tries to yell, get the attention of someone on the ship, but he's hit by a spray of salt water and pulled under.

He doesn't see the arm that supports him at first. He doesn't even realized what's happened until he can see the sky again, and he looks at his rescuer's face. The way his purple and blue strands catch the moonlight. His tail seems even more magical.

His…tail…]

Wh-- Why did you...!

[Tsukasa flails, hit by another facefull of water. He forgets scold Rui for jumping over but he’s already exhausted from nearly drowning. There wasn’t a mermaid on the ship anyway.

Mermaid…

He squawks in surprise and stares at Rui in awe.]

Am I dreaming?

[curuiosity]

[The human is...talking to him? Oh no, the human is talking to him! That's bad actually! He's not quite sure what to say. Why did he save him? He can't really focus on coming up with an answer the way he's looking at him in awe. Rui does suppose that he was doing the same to him earlier, but...

His musings are interrupted by the human giving him an excuse.]

Dreaming, huh? Yes, you're dreaming. Falling off the ship has done a number to you, hasn't it? But really, you're swimming here with your own power. Now, its time to get back on the ship.

[Rui looks around the ship, back to figuring out how to get him on the ship. There was nothing low enough for him to set him on. There's a chance that he could give the human a boost, but that may disprove the dream excuse to him. That leaves... a potentially risky option. He takes a deep breath to calm himself.]

HELP! I'VE FALLEN OFF THE SHIP!

[As soon as he calls out, he dives completely under the water. Before the human can get washed away again, he holds onto his waist keeping him in place. He'll let go as soon as help arrives. There is a slight worry about whether someone will notice the difference in their voices, but he had to take that risk.]

[showbaka]

[Ah. What this moonlight bathed mermaid says to him makes perfect sense. Tsukasa tries to nod, but his head feels heavy.]

You're right. How will I perform another show if I live in the ocean?

[Before Rui can impersonate him, his hands find the sides of his face, holding him there.]

Will you visit? My next show?

[And then he's gone. But Tsukasa doesn't think much of it, as this is only a dream, and Rui will surely visit his next show! The fact that he's somehow remains floating also isn't given much critical thought. Once he's rescued, his cast members fret over him, with Emu between crying and hugging his ribs so hard he fears they might bruise.

Tsukasa falls asleep not long after, exhausted from the ordeal. It's the morning after when Emu mentions scary last night was, and how "swimmy swimmy" Tsukasa was, that he begins to suspect something. He pours his all into each show, but he finds himself ignoring his better judgment each night to stare at the stars reflected in the water. Hoping to see some glimpse of a tail or purple-blue hair.

Eventually, the ship stops at one of the harbors of a bustling city to welcome new passengers and replenish supplies. Yet the thought hasn't faded as Tsukasa leaves the ship to explore the market.]

[curuiosity]

[Rui swims off as soon as the human is noticed by the others on the boat, and heads back home. He's probably had enough adventure for one day. "Will you vist? My next show?" Will he? Its true he wanted to. Perhaps he could sneak away again, although he didn't know when the show would be.

Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance.

He had been excitedly discussing the concept of shows with Nene when he got summoned to the palace. He wasn't supposed to start his apprenticeship yet, so he was confused as he arrived. Apparently, someone had seen him rescuing a human and reported it to the king. After a lengthy lecture that had Rui fearing for his future, the king gave him a task: find the human he saved, and make sure that he cannot spread word of that night. He had to kill Tsukasa. He wasn't to return to the kingdom until then.

As much as he didn't want to do such a thing, his own safety was at risk, and so he spent his last night packing and brewing the potion recipe the king's witch gave him to be able to blend in with the humans. He packed 2 weeks of the potion, a silver knife that he found in a shipwrek, and what supplies he wouldn't be able to get on land to replicate the potion. With a short goodbye to his parents and Nene, he swam off in search of the boat.

Luckily, he was able to find it after a couple days of swimming, and he followed it at a distance all the way to port. Swimming around a bit, he was able to find a secluded beach area, and pulled himself up on it. He kind of hated the dry sand on his tail, wet sand felt much better. He sighed, and took his first potion, downing it in one go. He made a face at the bitterness. Pretty soon, he felt the incredibly odd sensation of his one tail splitting into two legs. Luckily, the potion also manifested him clothing, something similar to what the human he had saved was wearing, but with his own flair. It took several tries to figure out how to stand and walk, but eventually he was able to grab his stuff and head to the city.

Finding the human seemed like it would be an impossible task at first, but as he explores, what he assumes is a human market, he finds the familiar blonde looking over some wears. His best bet is to lure the human back to beach, and then...do what needs to be done, and escape quickly. He breathes in the sea air, already longing for the water, and approaches him, and looks at what the stall offers as well.]

This place has some fine wares, doesn't it?

[He actually doesn't know. He never knows what most human things are. He recognizes some of the stuff as being similar to things he's seen on shipwrecks, but...what are they? He finds himself curious, even though he has a mission to be focused on.]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa's brow is furrowed in deep thought as he debates purchasing a new pen for his scriptwriting. It's hard to stay focused however, when the glass glows purple in the sun in a way that reminds him of that night.]

It does, yes. It's almost difficult...

To...

Choose--

[He hadn't noticed at first. The voice had sounded familiar, so he responded in kind, but when he finally turns to face Rui, he stops. Stock-still.

And then he stumbles back into the stall, sending the wares scattering (and leaving a merchant very disgruntled and yelling at them both.]

EH?! IT'S YOU! YOU'RE HERE?! BUT YOU HAVE LEGS...?!

[curuiosity]

[Rui looks wide eyed between Tsukasa, already trying to make his life harder by exposing his secret, and the merchant yelling at him both. He can feel even more humans' eyes on him too, attracted by the commotion. He has to make a decision quickly.]

Of course I have legs? [He forces out a chuckle.] You must be suffering from having been at sea for so long, my friend. Come, lets find you somewhere to rest a moment.

[He then quickly apologizes to the merchant, and grabs Tsukasa by the arm, and tries to lead him to somewhere else. ANYWHERE else to have this conversation.]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa is too stunned to argue. He follows in a daze, watching Rui's waistcoat float behind him.]

I know you. But...how?

[curuiosity]

[Rui doesn't answer until they're somewhere where the humans are ignoring them in favor of their own businesses. Part of that is that he doesn't want anyone overhearing, and part of that is that he's not sure how to answer. While he continues to lead Tsukasa along the same path he took to get here, he loosens his hold on him slightly.]

Hmmm...To be honest, I'm not sure either. I had come over to you because I had thought you looked familiar too. Perhaps we've met long ago, or something? Although, you did surprise me with your outburst.

[That was a lie. He knew exactly where they met, and it wasn't that long ago. But he has to keep him following him for a bit yet.]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa can't believe it! Mermaids are real, and somehow Rui managed to find him, reunited to see his best performance yet! He barely pays attention to the shift in their surroundings, or that the crowd has slowly dispersed until they're alone, when he stops with an incredulous look.]

What are you saying? How could I forget you? You're the mermaid who rescued me that night!

[curuiosity]

[Rui freezes, and then swiftly looks around when Tsukasa says that, and then lets out a relived sigh when no one was around to hear. At least he still only has to worry about this one human. But still...This isn't good. If he remembers then he really will have to kill him, won't he? Perhaps he can still find some sort of out to this.]

Mermaid? Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm human. Mermaids aren't real.

[Given how panicked he was at the accusation at first, he's not sure the lie will work. But he had to try.]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa studies the person in front of him. Really studies him. He opens his mouth, and for a second he looks like he might argue--

Before he laughs a bit too loudly, rubbing his head sheepishly.]

You're right! I must've hit my head harder that night than I thought.

Mn...but you are familiar! [He leans in, smiling. He doesn't believe him for a second.] Could you have been an audience member, perhaps? Your hair is quite unique.

[curuiosity]

[Wait, that actually worked!? Rui smiles, relaxing a little, even as Tsukasa leans in. The human's smile is bright and warm. It would be a shame if that smile went away. Perhaps if this human can remain convinced he was dreaming that night, Rui can leave him alive. He just needs to follow him for a little bit.]

Ah! That's it. You were a part of that show with the witch and the hero, weren't you? It was wonderful!

[Rui moves away to sit down at the side of the path, and gestures for Tsukasa to join him. His new legs are getting tired and sore from being used already.]

Come join me. I'd love to hear more about your shows.

[showbaka]

Yes, I was the star in fact! That was our most recent show. Did you enjoy it?

[Amazing. All Rui needed to do to distract Tsukasa was give him a chance to talk about himself! He sits down, still sparkling with pride.]

We have countless others, but I worked on that one. What is your name, by the way? I must know it if you're a fan.

[curuiosity]

It was absolutely incredible! And you were wonderful in it. I couldn't take my eyes off of you.

[He spends a few minutes talking about his favorite part that he remembers from watching it. Analyzing the parts he had seen with surprising detail for only having seen it once. Occasionally, as he talked he would make broad gestures with his arms, as if that clarified his points further.]

And you have more? I would love to see them! Ah, my name is Rui. What should I call you, Mr.Star?

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa's attention doesn't stray from Rui as he listens, a pleased, genuine smile growing.

He doesn't realize he's leaning in to listen until he asks for his name.]

Perhaps I can arrange a show with some of our other works for you! Rui...I like that name. My name is Tsukasa!

[curuiosity]

[He smiles a little bigger when Tsukasa mentions that he likes his name.]

Tsukasa. Well, Tsukasa, I would love it if you could do that. Seeing your show earlier made me curious about them. You said you worked on the one I watched? Can you tell me more about what goes into such shows?

[He had been hoping to catch another one of Tsukasa's shows since he had asked him to that night. He looks out towards the ocean, only sort of visible where they were sitting. He had wanted to get back quickly, but...what other chance would he have to see a show up close? With that thought, his own mission has been put on the backburner in order to see and learn more about shows. Its not like there was a deadline, so he had time. He just needed to keep an eye on Tsukasa to make sure the human didn't spread word about his "dream" to anyone in the meantime.]

[showbaka]

Heh. You've asked the right person.

[Tsukasa preens, looking smug as he starts to explain how he usually starts with a concept for a play that he works into a script, but he stops himself and stands up suddenly.]

Better yet, if you're interested in theatre, I could show you our backstage while we're here!

[curuiosity]

[Rui listens with rapt attention for the little bit Tsukasa explains.]

Backstage?

[Rui didn't know what that was, but if it was a show thing, then he was interested.]

I would love to see it. If you would lead the way?

[Rui gets up, stumbling slightly, and brushes off the dirt from his clothes. He's had a little bit of time to let his legs rest, and his excitement for learning more about shows is leaving him energized.]

[showbaka]

Yes! I might need to sneak you back there though, so Emu doesn't ask any q--

[He reaches out to try and catch Rui, offering his hand to him.]

Are you alright...? Do you feel faint?

[curuiosity]

[Rui lets Tsukasa help him get steady. He tries to come up with an excuse quickly, because its not like he can admit to not being used to legs or standing or air over water.]

Thank you, I'm fine. I simply...lost my balance a little bit.

[Once he's found his balance, he focuses in on the task at hand.]

I'm fine with sneaking backstage. I'm pretty used to going places that are generally off limits. As long as you aren't risking putting on more of your shows by doing so. Is this Emu person in charge?

[showbaka]

It’s a bit early for my star power to throw you off balance. The show hasn’t even started yet.

[Tsukasa smiles, still concerned but hoping to help Rui relax with a half-sincere joke.

Would a mermaid have trouble walking at first? He tries to push that thought aside.]

She’s my employer, and a cast member as well. My shows aren’t at risk, but your hearing might be if we run into her! Tell me more about the places you sneak into. Are you some sort of thief?

[curuiosity]

[Rui chuckles.]

Then I will endeavor to keep my balance until the show does start. Just so you can properly blow me away. Was Emu in the show I watched as well then?

[He tries to think of how to phrase that he snuck into shipwrecks without saying that he snuck into shipwrecks.]

I'm not a thief. It's just that there were some interesting places back near my home town that were off limits. I thought it was silly, so I would sneak my way in there to see what it was like.

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa beams at the praise.]

She was the witch-- mn, you must have found my performance so blinding that I outshined all the other characters!

[That's how a successful play works right??? His smile softens into one more nostalgic, and after a moment of thought he asks.]

Is your home town particularly strict?

[curuiosity]

Ah, the pink haired girl. She had a lot of energy.

[Rui had to think about it. Its not that they were strict on most things, but...considering why he was here...And how he had been treated for his interests.]

Hmmm... I suppose strict could be used to describe my home town...at least in some areas. Oh, but its rude of me to take all of the attention. What is your hometown like?

[showbaka]

She is. So I am generously saving you a headache later.

[That and he doesn't want to deal with all of Emu's questions, but he chooses to leave that part out.

The question catches Tsukasa off guard and his smug expression dissolves.]

My hometown? [...] I'm afraid I don't remember! I washed up on Emu's ship, and ever since then the stage is my home now. But it must be a very dazzling place if I'm from there, don't you agree?

[curuiosity]

You don't remember?

[Rui supposes that must be a pretty isolating feeling. Perhaps even more so than his own being surrounded by humans unlike himself. But Tsukasa seems to be steering the conversation into a more cheerful direction than his own brain was headed, so instead of pointing that out, he chuckles.]

It's true, I can't imagine you being from anywhere too dull. You're too interesting of a- [He catches himself last second as he almost calls Tsukasa a human.] person for that.

I suppose it truly doesn't matter where we're from, does it? Where we are now is more important, and more interesting.

[Not many mermaids can claim that they've ever even seen a human, much less been in one of their towns, talking to them.]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa places his hands on his hips in a proud stance, seeming to make himself look taller. His smile never wavers, but it does become brighter. Stronger. As if to prepare himself for questions and banish any sorrow before it can take root.

...He doesn't have to worry.

Something in him relaxes, gratitude sparked in his sunset eyes, aimed at Rui.]

That's true! It's essentially my responsibility to travel so everyone can witness my talent!

[He strolls forward, gesturing at a stage that isn't there. Spinning on his heel dramatically, he smiles at his audience.]

But you're a very interesting person yourself. It doesn't matter, you're right. I'd like to learn more about you, Rui.

[curuiosity]

[Rui smiles back at him. He feels warm? for some reason at the attention Tsukasa gives him. He chuckles, and rubs the back of his head.]

I think you may be overestimating how interesting I am. I'm completely average.

[That was a complete lie, and Rui knew that. Still, any questions about himself could lead to his secret being discovered, so he wanted to come off as boring as possible.]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa feels a lightness seeing that smile directed at him. He hopes Rui keeps smiling at him.]

And what would you classify as average?

[curuiosity]

[Rui grins mischievously.]

Oh, you know...Ordinary. Unremarkable. Not very interesting at all~

[showbaka]

Rui!

[Tsukasa stops walking to puff out his cheeks in an annoyed expression.]

An ordinary person wouldn't say those things!

[curuiosity]

They wouldn't?

[Rui rubs the back of his head. Whoops.]

I see. Would I come across more ordinary if I made up some kind of wild adventure?

[Rui chuckles.]

But truly. This is my first time leaving home, and I haven't been away for very long. There's not much about me to tell. I like to collect things?

[And make potions, but he wasn't sure there were witches on land like there are at sea, so he leaves that part out.]

[showbaka]

Ah-- I guess not.

[He starts walking by his side again. But he's not really paying attention to their surroundings.

He laughs loudly out of nowhere when the epiphany hits him.]

That's perfect! You have so much to discover! This can be your first wild adventure!!! Is there anything in particular you like to collect? We could do some shopping.

[curuiosity]

[Rui smiles. It real is exciting! Almost exciting enough to forget why he's here.]

You're right~ Ah, I collect really anything that interests me, my home is filled with miscellaneous treasures~

[He's never actually shopped for his collection before, and the idea is too good to pass up.]

I did bring pearls to spend, just in case I needed them, so let's go shopping~

[showbaka]

Hmmm. But what sort of treasu--

[Tsukasa is unfortunate enough that he walks into a bush.]

OW-- I...DID YOU JUST SAY PEARLS?!

[curuiosity]

Are you alright?

[Rui waits until he sees that Tsukasa is okay before responding.]

...Yes? I have a bag of them with me, one second...

[Rui pulls out a smaller, woven bag from the bag he's been carrying, and opens it to show Tsukasa a few dozen shiny pearls.]

So I can probably buy some thing to add to my collection with this, I'm sure. Although I should probably save some to pay for a place to stay the night...

[showbaka]

I'm fine! I hadn't misheard you before?!

[After brushing the twigs out of his hair and dusting off his clothes, Tsukasa leans in to see for himself. The dubious frown slowly descends into something much more exasperated.]

You're serious. [They're nice pearls, but...] I have a better idea! You can stay on the ship for free.

[curuiosity]

[Rui is visibly surprised. This human is way too kind. A part of him that grew up hearing tales of how horrible humans are can't help but wonder if he's been found out and this is a trap. He has to push that thought out of his head quickly.]

Are you certain that would be alright? I wouldn't want you to get in trouble.

[showbaka]

Nonsense! I won't get in trouble.

[Emu would certainly be interested in meeting Rui and scold Tsukasa if she found out, but that's why he'd sneak Rui on!]

As a future star, I'm very good at blending in when I need to! [He's not.] But in the meantime, we could still check out the market...don't worry about using your pearls, it's better if you hold onto them.

[curuiosity]

So, you're planning on sneaking me in, then? Sounds interesting~

[He chuckles.]

I would like to check out the market. But are you certain? I don't want to take advantage of your kindness.

[showbaka]

Yes! If anyone notices, you're an avid fan of mine. That should be a convincing enough story for everyone!

[He beams, proud of his amazing idea.]

Fear not, I wanted to stop by there too and look at some stuff! [Mainly he wants to see Rui's reaction to everything.] Shall we go, Rui?

[curuiosity]

Well that's not much of a disguise, now is it? I am a fan of yours, Tsukasa-kun~

[Rui chuckles and nods.]

Then I'll let you lead the way. I'm quite curious as to what all is there~

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa...kun!? The actor stumbles, his cheeks suddenly a suspicious shade of pink.] You have a point...but the most convincing stories have some truth to them!

[He manages to recover his confidence. This idea is definitely going to work! Nothing can go wrong!]

Mn. Today I am your tour guide! I think there are a few places you'll like.

[He stops at the main road that leads to the market, gesturing in a grand motion at all of the colorful stalls. The market is filled with people, both local and travelers like Tsukasa, browsing the colorful treasures that glitter in the sun, or trying to figure out what kind of food to get.]

[curuiosity]

Oh~? What kind of places?

[Rui gasps at the view of the market. There's markets underwater, of course, but these are sure to have human things being sold! Rui makes his way closer, staring in awe at some of the baubles and trinkets he finds. He doesn't know what anything is, and he doesn't want to ask. So he just examines anything that catches his eye.]

This truly is a wonderful market~

[showbaka]

It's more fun if it's a surprise, isn't it?

[Tsukasa said that without thinking. He honestly isn't sure what Rui would enjoy yet. He likes the play Tsukasa starred in, so maybe a bookshop? Or perhaps something more extravagant?]

Would you like to help me pick out some cloth for the next play's costumes? That's part of the errands I was tasked with today.

[curuiosity]

You're not wrong.

[Rui has encountered a lot of surprises today, and its been a much better day than he thought it would be.]

I can't say I'm well versed on the subject of costumes, but I will do my best to help.

[Rui looks around the marketplace, before pointing to a stall that looks to have some folded up fabrics of all sorts of colors.]

Should we start over there?