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

[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?