Chapter Text
The uniform was thick and heavy - which in retrospect made sense, considering it was meant for combat. This didn’t make it any easier for Rui, who was already struggling to walk upright normally, let alone in the slightly heeled boots that were mandatory for any knight uniform.
Akito had sighed. “You need to get better at walking, fast. The nurses said there’s nothing wrong with your legs, are they numb or something?”
“Something like that?” Rui asked more than he answered, as the aforementioned legs shook violently until he clung onto the wall of the knights barracks to take some pressure off of them. “I can do this, I just need more time.”
“Time is something we don’t have,” Akito hissed. “This ball is your only chance to sneak in and talk to Tsukasa. It’ll be busy enough that the Queen surely wouldn’t notice an extra knight lingering around, especially since she’ll probably be trying to make negotiations with the Otori’s.”
Rui just nodded as if he completely understood everything the knight was saying. Mer politics were not nearly this complicated and messy, Rui was starting to feel more and more out of his depth. He used to think he was pretty well informed on the human lifestyle and intricacies but now he feels far too over his head.
Still, the former-mer was determined. He was insanely lucky for the fact that he was found by both Tsukasa’s best friend and his closest current knight. Though Ena was staying uncharacteristically quiet off to the side, eyes darting around as if afraid to be caught, and Akito didn’t seem to like Rui much at all considering how easily he got distracted.
But it’s hardly his fault! There weren’t nearly this many things in the ocean.
Sure, he had his collection of human knick knacks that drifted off into the sea, but those trinkets were nothing compared to the… everything that humans had.
He was fascinated by all of it. It was so bizarre to be completely surrounded by artificial creations all designed with a specific purpose, using precise measurements and knowledge of the materials to form all of these strange contraptions.
Rui so desperately wanted to take them all apart to see how they worked.
How did humans make their walls and floors so sturdy? How did they manipulate the wood from trees into these kinds of shapes? Where did the various metals come from? How did they figure out how to transport water from the sea to their ‘sinks’ almost instantly?
Rui was admittedly a bit overwhelmed.
No matter how badly he wanted to beg Akito to explain everything to him, he still had to be extra cautious to conceal his true identity as a Mer. Rui knew he was already acting insanely suspicious, his only saving grace being the fact that Tsukasa himself was very eccentric, so it stood to reason the people in his life would be too.
He’d need to do further research to see how much humans actually knew about his species later - especially if he was going to figure out a way to stay on the surface more permanently.
Akito had briefly introduced Rui to the concept of ‘libraries’, something they didn’t have time to check out that night, but Akito promised he’d bring him another time. The idea of hundreds upon hundreds of tombs filled to the brim with knowledge all gathered in one place made Rui giddy.
Humans had so much information surrounding them constantly. If they had a question, they needn't seek out an elder who might have some kind of answer for them - they instead could simply find it out for themselves.
I wonder if Tsukasa would teach me how to read, if I asked him.
Rui tried to perish the thought. Tsukasa was in a rough place right now, with his forced engagement and complete social isolation. His basic and frankly abhorrent reading abilities would have to suffice for now, even if it left a lot to be desired.
Ena had tried to explain the basics of how human marriage worked, though she was hesitant at first when she was certain Rui was playing a prank on her.
“Come on, you know how marriage works. Are you just messing with us or something?”
“Ah, I come from a very… secluded village,” Rui had lied. “Things are much, much different there.”
The lie was flimsy and they all knew it, but interestingly enough both Akito and Ena were willing to let Rui’s suspicious background slide if it meant bringing any kind of joy back to Tsukasa. It gave Rui a warm feeling inside, knowing that his job would be made easier if he could figure out how to return Tsukasa’s friends to him.
As much as he wanted to swoop right in and monopolise Tsukasa’s time, Rui reluctantly knew that humans were much more social creatures than Mers. If Tsukasa was truly in as much despair as the Sea Witch and Ena and Akito had said, then he’d need all of the support he could get.
And sadly… Rui wouldn’t be the best mer - or person, for the job.
He was what humans called ‘socially awkward’ and he knew it. He was not well adjusted to the mers he grew up with, let alone humans he had never met before. Social cues were bizarre and difficult to memorise, especially with humans and their expanded vocabulary.
What if Tsukasa didn’t end up wanting to be around Rui? What if he wasn’t pleasant to humans the same way he wasn’t pleasant to other Mers?
His mind was swimming, he desperately wanted to curl up in his cave and take a moment to process everything - all of the wonderful human inventions and all of his increasing anxieties. There was just too much happening all at once, it almost hurt to try and take any of it in.
Instinctively, Rui reached up into his hair to grab the little hair clip that Tsukasa had given him. He had been terrified that it was lost during his sudden transformation, but the Sea Witch must’ve taken pity on him and ensured it stayed buried in his hair.
He tightened his grip on it, relishing in the brief relief the feeling gave him.
Rui looked down to see that he had been successfully standing this entire time without even realising it. Sure, he was a little lopsided and was relying on the wall, but this was insane progress for him!
He wanted to celebrate his small accomplishment but unfortunately he had to keep pretending that this was normal for him.
Adjusting the heavy material of the knight’s shirt, Rui began to feel a bit more confident. Sure, wearing clothes was a stifling and strange experience, but it was also a bit thrilling. It was something so distinctly human, it made him feel like he could pretend he had never been a Mer to begin with.
“Okay, it’s time.” Akito announced after ensuring his own uniform was adjusted properly. “You remember the plan?”
Rui nodded eagerly. “I stay by your side until you give me the signal to approach Tsukasa,” He recited eagerly. “Then I make sure to stay away from the Queen as long as I can before getting back to you to leave.”
Akito hummed in acknowledgement, but Rui knew he was satisfied with his response. “Let’s get going then.”
Ena watched on with a solemn look as Rui straightened his posture as much as he could manage and mimicked Akito’s confident stride. A part of him felt giddy at the fact that he was like an actor playing a part. Tsukasa would be so proud.
This is a critical time, a turning point in both your lives. If you miss the opportunity now, then you’ll lose him
The Sea Witch’s words rang as a reminder in his head. He steeled himself, he could do this. Spiteful magic be damned, he was going to save Tsukasa, and he was going to prove that he was worthy to stay by his side here on the surface!
He was going to succeed.
He had to.
Normally, Mizuki despised parties and did whatever it took to not be assigned to them.
If Tsukasa and Ena weren’t there, it’d be a royal bust. Stuffy and spoiled rich folks all stroking each other’s egos, laughing snootily and turning their noses at anything or anyone that didn’t meet their outrageous standards.
So that’s why their superior officer was incredibly confused when they asked to be assigned to the next ball - a celebration for the engagement between Tsukasa and the Princess of Otori.
“I just want to broaden my horizons,” Mizuki had lied easily. “I can’t always be assigned to things I like, right?”
Luckily for them, their superior officer saw this as an incredible show of maturity and wisdom, and granted their request near instantly.
Mizuki had to hide their snicker as they turned their back on them.
The Queen had done everything in her power to send Mizuki as far away from Tsukasa and Ena as possible. She had been so furious, so afraid on her son’s behalf, that she showed no mercy. Mizuki was reassigned to some noble family far off in the countryside.
It had taken a painful amount of pleading and bargaining for them to weasel their way back towards the castle without alerting the Queen.
Mizuki knew it was a long shot - that there was always a chance the Queen would see and recognise them. Their punishment would be infinitely worse in that case, but with how busy the preparations for the engagement had her, Mizuki was willing to take their chances.
The ball was, as expected, boring and exhausting.
Mizuki was simply assigned to stand off against the wall and observe, only speak if spoken to and don’t move unless instructed.
They were wearing a knight’s helmet - something that had been omitted from their uniform while working directly for Tsukasa, but was coming in handy now to conceal their disguise. Through the thin slits of metal, Mizuki observed the partygoers with a bored curiosity until her eyes spotted the approaching Prince and Princess.
They only got a brief spark of excitement before noticing the exhaustion and apathy in Tsukasa’s eyes, and the pitiful way that the Princess attempted to keep up any kind of conversation with him.
They winced. The poor girl must not have been getting the best impression of Tsukasa.
Whatever, that didn’t matter right now. What mattered was Mizuki’s plan to sneak away after the party and find a way to contact Tsukasa. If he could just tell them where Ena was, they could be granted a peace of mind that had been eluding them since their banishment.
Ena was by no means frail or helpless, but Mizuki worried for her ability to fend for herself out on the streets. She was resourceful and intelligent, but also young and naive. Being a knight meant that Mizuki was surrounded by some of the most pompous and vile soldiers all pretending to be virtuous and devoted. They were used to scumbags and all of the ways they blended in, hiding in plain sight.
Ena, however? She was not. She escaped from her shitty household but was then immediately taken in by the royal family, she’d never experienced the cruelty of strangers.
Safety aside, Mizuki feared greatly not just for Ena’s ability to take care of herself, but whether or not she wanted to at all.
Mizuki was no stranger to Ena’s self-destructive bouts of self hatred and misery. She’d tear herself to pieces - nothing she did was good enough to calm her raging insecurities.
Once upon a time, Mizuki genuinely and earnestly tried to help her. Kind words and soft reassurances were not helpful at all, unfortunately.
Ena saw it all as pity, as meaningless words filled with lies and faked obligatory niceties.
So Mizuki had to get creative.
It wasn’t too hard to figure out that Ena needed a more… subtle kind of comfort.
It included teasing and taunting, Mizuki purposefully trying to get a rise out of Ena to replace that self-loathing with annoyance and frustration directed towards them rather than herself.
It was by no means easy, but it was effective, and it meant keeping that small yet sincere smile on her face even while she rolled her eyes and insulted Mizuki right back.
After her banishment though… Mizuki knew that it was only a matter of time until the artist would begin to spiral again. The isolation combined with feelings of helplessness were a recipe for disaster.
Mizuki knew they wouldn’t be able to help Tsukasa right now, it just wasn’t possible from where they were.
But… They could still try to help Ena. They just needed to find her first.
Rui had to stop himself from gaping in awe at the massive amount of humans all gathered in one place, laughing and chatting amongst themselves holding flutes of champagne or wine.
They were all dressed exquisitely in jewels and pearls and all things shiny. Rui wanted to examine all of it - but he reigned in his burning curiosity as he dutifully trailed Akito, trying to not let his face expose his excitement.
Akito was assigned to Tsukasa, and was about to change shifts with one of the replacement knights. Their entire plan hinged off of the hope that no one would question an extra knight watching over the young prince.
It seemed to be their lucky day - with the constant buzz of excitement regarding the future engagement, no one could be bothered to spare a second glance at the help. And the Queen must’ve been on the first floor of the ballroom, meaning she was far away from where Tsukasa and the Princess stood together out on one of the balconies.
From where Akito had positioned him inside the building to face the Prince, Rui could see the deflated posture and obligatory nods that Tsukasa was sending the princess’s way. She was doing most if not all of the talking, and visibly would falter at the lack of response.
Rui had never really seen Tsukasa like this. Even on days where he’d sit out on the beach by himself, clearly sad or bothered, he never looked this empty.
It was unlike any kind of sadness Rui had ever seen before, and it sent a chill up his spine as he readjusted his footing, trying to look natural despite the awkwardness of standing. It was chilly where he was. Being right beside the giant open doors meant the cold night air struck Rui even through his heavy layers of clothing.
He had been hoping that at some point, Tsukasa would come back inside and separate from the Princess. But as she reluctantly waved at Tsukasa murmuring a weak, “I’ll be back!”, it became clear Tsukasa had plans to stay out there on his own.
Rui heard a snap of fingers and his gaze darted over to Akito, who was subtly looking at him and gave him a quick nod.
Maybe a bit too eagerly, Rui stumbled outside onto the giant semi-circle balcony. He swallowed nervously as he slowed his steps, a bit mesmerised by the stunning view of the kingdom and it’s shoreline to the ocean,
The night wind was gently blowing Tsukasa’s hair and cape to the side as he leaned over the balcony, resting on his arms. He was pushing around dust aimlessly on the railing, not yet having noticed Rui.
He cleared his throat, cursing humans for having to deal with sweaty hands when nervous.
Tsukasa barely spared him a glance, giving the slightest suggestion of a nod of acknowledgement before turning back to face away.
“I, um,” Rui shifted on his feet again, wondering if it’d be rude to stand right next to Tsukasa so that he could lean on something too. “I have something to return to you, your highness.”
He could see the furrow in Tsukasa’s brow from his profile, before he finally turned around to properly face Rui.
It felt like time had stopped when Tsukasa frowned, squinting his eyes to look at Rui closely, confusion written on his face until Rui extended his hand to reveal something.
“That’s my hairclip…” Tsukasa’s eyes widened in realisation before snapping back up to Rui’s.
And look, Rui may be biased, but he could’ve sworn he saw the light return to Tsukasa’s eyes instantly.
“You’re the- You saved me!” Tsukasa’s voice even sounded more lively, as if his sadness had been a thick blanket smothering him and Rui unceremoniously ripped it off of him and tossed it aside.
Rui couldn’t help the smile that crept up on his own face. “I wanted to make sure you were alright.”
Tsukasa laughed a little incredulously. “You saved my life, I can’t thank you enough.” He paused before his face turned a bright red. “I err… I imagine you must remember how I acted while delirious.”
Rui barked out a laugh. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, really.” He insisted. “I was honestly too scared to notice.”
Tsukasa let out a relieved breath before looking back at where Rui was still extending the hair clip. He picked it up gently, but rather than keeping it to himself, he walked forward and pinned back part of Rui’s bangs with it, stopping the wind from blowing it into his eyes. The feeling of Deja Vu was comforting.
With a small step back and a grin, Tsukasa said, “It’s not nearly enough compensation, but please keep it as a token of my appreciation.”
Hiding a blush, Rui thanked him quietly, mentally thanking the Gods because he really didn’t want to give it back in the first place.
“I didn’t realise you were a castle guard,” Tsukasa said, ushering Rui to come closer to lean on the railing. “What were you doing out in the water that day?”
Rui gulped. His lie had been sufficient for Akito and Ena, but would Tsukasa buy it?
“I was… Just taking a swim.”
“But how? The waters were raging, how did you manage to not get swept away in it?”
“O-Oh, remember the cave I brought you to?” Rui hoped his voice wasn’t giving away his anxiousness. “I was just hiding out there.”
Tsukasa frowned again, clearly not understanding Rui’s weak explanation, but not pushing any further. “Well, however you did it, I’m deeply grateful for what you’ve done for me. Gah- I’m so rude, what’s your name?”
“Rui,” He said brightly, trying not to look too excited when Tsukasa extended his hand out for Rui to shake.
It was a real-life human handshake! Tsukasa’s hands were so warm and unexpectedly soft. The prince flinched and Rui immediately paled. Had he messed up the handshake somehow?
“You’re freezing!” Tsukasa cried out in panic, quickly taking off his thick cape and swinging it over Rui’s body. “Is this better?”
Rui could only nod frantically as he pulled the fabric tighter over himself, calming Tsukasa enough for him to stop hovering. The Mer had to admit he liked the attention, the compassion.
“You must be a recent assignment,” The Prince pondered out loud. “Are you a new hire?”
“Yes!” Rui took his time to recall his planned backstory. “I’m from a small village, really far and really different.”
It was vague, but should work.
“I only arrived a little before I saved you.”
“Woah, I’ve never heard of a knight being hired so fast. You must be very skilled!”
Rui laughed nervously, praying to every God he could think of - Mer or Human - that Tsukasa wouldn’t ask for a demonstration of his skills.
The Queen sighed deeply at the sound of Tsukasa’s loud boisterous laughter with that Knight she couldn’t quite recognise and felt a pang in her heart.
Her son had been so depressed since his accident, and since she began to heavily enforce his behaviour as a prince, and she knew it hurt him deeply.
Reassigning his closest servants and mandating proper behaviour had been a difficult decision to make. It was hardly appropriate for a Prince to call his Help his friends, not to mention his regular adventures out on the beach.
She hated seeing Tsukasa so upset, but she had been certain that upon Princess Emu’s arrival, he’d begin to cheer up.
The Queen had heard all of the rumours of Princess Emu - how she was criticised by other royals for her childish behaviour. She was bubbly and energetic, a bit too rowdy for your typical princess.
And so the Queen thought she’d be perfect for Tsukasa.
Who better to complement her eccentric son than an eccentric Princess?
Of course the two of them would have to mature and grow out of some of their quirks once it was their turn to rule, but the Queen had figured that until then Tsukasa could be happy with someone who understood him. She knew he’d never be content with a stuffy stuck-up princess, he needed someone like him.
She loved her son dearly, his happiness meant the world to her, and this felt like such a win-win scenario. Tsukasa wouldn’t have to entirely compromise who he was, and still fulfil his princely duties.
But she truly could not have anticipated exactly how much she hurt her son.
Watching the light leave his eyes as the loneliness set in was one of the hardest things she had ever done as a mother. She was stern and stood by her decision, but admittedly felt a deep regret when she saw the fight leave her son, as he roamed around like a ghost.
He didn’t seem to like Princess Emu at all, despite her best attempts at socialising with him. He would only sigh, nod, or shake his head. Rarely he’d speak, but in such an uncharacteristically monotone voice that she could hardly tell it was him.
Her mind felt so muddied these days. She was no longer certain if she was making the right choices anymore, it felt like an overpowering fog that she was trapped.
“Raising children can be so difficult,” A soft voice crooned from next to the Queen, and suddenly the fog cleared.
She turned to see her confidant and advisor, Asahina, approaching her slowly. The Queen let out a sigh of relief, always feeling less helpless when she was near.
“You’re a mother yourself, aren’t you, Asahina?”
She smiled tightly, joining the Queen in observing the young Prince and his animated hand gestures and movements.
“Yes. I have a daughter, my pride and joy. Though admittedly she is going through her rebellious phase at the moment.”
The Queen nodded tersely. “I see. How… How do you make the difficult decisions when you know it’ll make her hate you?”
Asahina gently rested her thin boney hand onto the Queen’s shoulder. “Children will always feel as though they’re right, that they completely understand how the world works and don’t need our assistance anymore. It’s our job to correct them, put them back on the right track. Sometimes that means having to do things that upset them, but it’s all for the greater good in the end.”
“Tsukasa is nearly an adult,” The Queen sighed. “Should I be letting him make his own decisions now?”
Asahina hummed lightly. “Tsukasa is hardly mature enough to be left to his own devices. He’s quite naive and overly trusting, as seen by the fact that he’s currently socialising with someone impersonating a knight.”
The Queen froze and jolted up. “What? How do you-”
“I always keep track of the knights on duty, I came here to let you know and ask how you’d like to proceed,” Asahina said calmly. “I suggest not making a scene, we don’t want people to think our security is so weak that infiltrators can get this close to the prince.
“But… How did he get in here?”
“Judging by the fact that he’s wearing a complete knight’s uniform, I’d wager he had help from someone on the inside.”
“Who of my royal guards could betray us so easily?!” The Queen felt fear and anger rise in tandem.
Asahina simply smiled knowingly again. “I have my suspicions that there are knights present who weren’t assigned to this party - I’ve sent some trustworthy guards to apprehend them.”
The Queen felt her sharp nails pierce skin when she tightened her fist. Tsukasa was in danger, again. Asahina was right, he wasn’t ready to take care of himself at all.
“Thank you, Asahina.” She said under her breath. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
The Advisor shook her head. “As a mother, I understand your fears completely. I promise you, I’ll help you ensure Tsukasa’s future is as it should be.”