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Chapter Text

Beneath the glistening surface of the turquoise sea, a magnificent spectacle unfolded—a vibrant underwater parade orchestrated by the inhabitants of the ocean. Sunlight pierced through the water, casting a magical glow over the coral reefs. Hundreds upon thousands of marine life gathered in anticipation, their scales shimmering in an array of iridescent colours. Schools of tropical fish, adorned in a kaleidoscope of hues, darted back and forth, creating a living tapestry of aquatic beauty. Delicate seahorses drifted in the current, their tails curled around vibrant corals, while sea turtles gracefully paddled through the water, their ancient wisdom emanating from their eyes.

Suddenly, a melodic hum reverberated through the depths, signalling the arrival of the mer-creatures. Emerging from the depths of the ocean, they ascended with elegance, their sleek, shimmering tails gliding effortlessly through the water. Each mermaid possessed a unique allure, their long, flowing hair trailing behind them like ribbons of seaweed. Their tails boasted an array of dazzling colours, echoing the hues of the coral reefs and the exotic fish. Adorned with intricate seashell accessories and pearls, they exuded an ethereal beauty that captivated all who beheld them. Their songs, a harmonious melody of enchantment, echoed through the water, uniting all creatures in awe and anticipation.

As the mermaids glided forward, the marine inhabitants formed a synchronised ballet, each species showcasing their own underwater dance. Elegant dolphins leaped high into the air, their acrobatic flips and spins echoing the joyous celebration. Playful seals twirled and twined, showcasing their agility and charm. The parade continued with mesmerising precision, the mermaids leading the way with elegance and grace. The underwater symphony grew, as seashells and musical instruments crafted from oceanic treasures added a melodic harmony to the chorus of voices. The mermaids' soothing voices intertwined, their songs carrying messages of love, unity, and the preciousness of the ocean. The sea creatures responded in kind, their own unique voices blending harmoniously with the melodies. It was a celebration of life beneath the waves, a tribute to the wonders that the vast sea held.

As the parade drew to a close, the sea creatures slowly dispersed, returning to their homes within the coral reefs. From a secluded corner of the underwater kingdom, a merman with cloudy blue hair and iridescent pink fins observed the dispersing crowd, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. A mermaid with vibrant orange hair and limbs seemingly stitched together, approached him with a playful twinkle in her eyes.

"I don't know how you do it, Scott!" She slung an arm around the merman's shoulder, her voice filled with genuine admiration. 

Scott let out a weary sigh, his gaze fixed on the now tranquil scene. 

"Very little sleep and a lot of kelp, Cleo." he confessed. "But I'm almost glad it's over."

Curiosity flickered in Cleo's eyes as she raised an eyebrow. "Why's that, Scott?"

"It's just... I worry sometimes, Cleo." Scott shrugged, his expression tinged with self-doubt. "Do you ever feel like my creative ideas for the parade are starting to repeat themselves year after year?"

"Noooo! Don't be silly," Cleo let out a warm laugh, swirling gracefully around Scott. "Even if you did, who cares? You put on a great show!"

"Thank you, Cleo," Scott said, his gaze softening. "I guess sometimes I put too much pressure on myself to constantly come up with something new."

"Remember, Scott, the beauty of the parade isn't just in the individual acts, but in the collective magic that unfolds. It's the unity, the joy, and the wonder that makes it special. And that's all thanks to you." Cleo gave him an encouraging squeeze, her smile widening.

Scott was grateful for Cleos words. Deep down he knew she was right, he could put the same show on each year and no one would complain. But he felt like he had explored every depth of the ocean for ideas. He didn't like repeating themes. Scott's gaze drifted upwards, towards the surface of the ocean. 

"You won't find any inspiration up there." Cleo pointed out. "They do things very drearily on land."

"I just want to see, even for a day." Scott wondered. "I mean, we can make things float but how do humans do it? They have to account for gravity."

His gaze remained fixed on the shimmering surface of the ocean, where the sunlight danced playfully.

"It's nothing to waste thought power on, especially not a creative mind like yours." Cleo smiled. His forearm seemed to detach itself from her body. "Oh bummer, this one's a bust. I'm gonna go hunt for a new one, catch you later!"

With that, Cleo swam away, leaving Scott alone with his thoughts. As he floated in the tranquil waters, his gaze fixed on the surface above, he made a silent promise to himself. He would find a way to explore the world beyond, to seek inspiration and bring something truly extraordinary to the underwater parade. The depths of the ocean might hold endless wonders, but the allure of the unknown above beckoned him, and Scott knew that sometimes, stepping outside one's comfort zone was the key to unlocking new realms of creativity. Besides, there weren't many men among the mer folk. He might even stumble upon love…

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"Love?"

Utop a cliff sat a grand castle. Within its walls, the room exuded an air of elegance and warmth, adorned with tapestries depicting mythical sea creatures and intricate wooden carvings that spoke of a rich history. Bathed in the soft glow of the sunshine, a queen and her husband sat at an ornate table, their eyes twinkling with contentment. Across from them, the queen's brother, less regal in his appearance, reclined in a plush chair.

The queen, a vision of grace and authority, sat with poise, her crown glistening under the flickering light. Her husband rested his hand on hers, a gesture of unwavering support. The room resonated with their shared affection, and the bond that united them as both rulers and lovers.

The gentle sea breeze drifted in through open windows, carrying with it the melodic sounds of crashing waves and the distant cries of seagulls. The salty scent mingled with the aromas of a lavish feast laid before them—platters of succulent seafood, fresh fruits, and decadent desserts. The tantalising flavours filled the air, enhancing the atmosphere of relaxation and indulgence.

"Well, you know your 21st is in a few months," The queen pointed out gracefully, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and understanding.

"So, I'll be eligible to rule the kingdom with you, I know…" The prince sighed, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But what does love have to do with it?"

"There's a lot of paperwork involved in governing a kingdom, my brother." The queen let out a soft sigh, her gaze filled with wisdom. "So we would like to get a headstart on anything we can complete before your 21st."

"That includes relationships and such." Her husband leaned back in his chair, adding his perspective to the conversation. "Lizzie can tell you firsthand how much of a pain it can be to get married after the coronation."

"Why yes, Joel." Lizzie chimed in. "Jimmy, I'm not pressuring you here. You don't have to have a spouse join you, nor do you have any expectations to produce heirs. It's just easier if you already have someone in mind to help with all the necessary arrangements."

Jimmy's shoulders slumped, his anxiety palpable. "I don't think I'm going to be ready at all. Look, you've got the kingdom in pretty good shape. What if I ruin all your hard work?"

The queen's expression softened, and she reached across the table to grasp Jimmy's hand. "You won't, dear. We have faith in you and your abilities. We've prepared you well, and we trust that you'll lead with wisdom and compassion."

Joel chimed in playfully, trying to ease the tension. "Besides, Jimmy, you won't be able to sink lower than my first mistake as a 'technical' king."

Lizzie couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Joel, even Jimmy is not as foolish as to accidentally set a cart on fire. Life advice, never get a husband," she mumbled, eliciting a playful pout from Joel.

Jimmy fidgeted nervously, finding the courage to share his truth. "Well, that's an issue because, uh… I'm not interested in women at all. So… yeah."

Joel raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought you were hitting it off with that apple seller?"

"Not really!" Jimmy rolled his eyes, a hint of frustration colouring his voice. "She's just… handsy."

The room fell into a momentary silence, as the queen, her husband, and Lizzie exchanged glances filled with understanding. 

"Well, no matter who you do or don't choose, I know you can do it." Lizzie reassured Jimmy. "Now, let's work through this pile and see what we can cross off now."

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In the solitude of his room, Jimmy stood near the window, gazing out at the vast expanse of the sea. The moon cast a soft, silvery glow upon the water, illuminating the waves as they danced and shimmered in the moonlight. The rhythmic sound of the crashing waves provided a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.

Jimmy's expression carried a weight of contemplation, a mixture of longing and resignation. He rested his forehead against the cool metal bar, feeling a sense of confinement that tugged at his heart. The weight of the impending responsibilities as future king pressed upon him, and he found himself yearning for a life free from the burden of the crown. The sea, seemingly attuned to his emotions, responded with a gentle ebb and flow. It seemed to understand his longing, reflecting the bittersweet desires that swirled within him.

As Jimmy's gaze wandered across the horizon, his thoughts drifted to a simpler existence. He envisioned a life where he could roam the world freely, unencumbered by the weighty responsibilities of governance. He yearned to explore distant lands, to immerse himself in different cultures, and to forge connections beyond the borders of his kingdom. The sea, a boundless canvas of untold adventures, beckoned to him. It whispered tales of undiscovered treasures and untamed beauty, fueling his desire for freedom and exploration. 

Yet, amidst the longing, a twinge of guilt pricked at his conscience. He understood the duty that lay upon his shoulders, the legacy he was destined to uphold. The welfare of his people depended on his leadership and dedication. But the weight of it all seemed overwhelming, threatening to drown his individual dreams and aspirations.

As Prince Jimmy's thoughts swirled with determination, a sudden movement caught his attention—a figure emerging from the shadows of his room. Startled, he turned swiftly, only to find himself face-to-face with a rugged, yet strangely familiar, presence. It was Martyn, the charismatic pirate who had captured his attention on numerous occasions with his daring exploits and roguish charm.

"Evening, Your Highness. I hope you don't mind the unconventional entrance." Martyn whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Jimmy's surprise gave way to a mixture of amusement and curiosity. He couldn't help but appreciate the audacity of the pirate who had managed to scale the castle walls undetected, even unbeknownst to the prince himself by choosing the window he doesn't usually look out of. 

"Martyn, what on earth are you doing here?" He chuckled.

The pirate swept a playful bow, his voice carrying a hint of adventure. "I couldn't resist the allure of escaping the night with the prince, you know. I thought we could have a little adventure of our own."

A flicker of excitement danced within Jimmy's eyes, intertwining with a newfound rebellious spirit. The idea of an unexpected escapade offered a tempting respite from the confines of his royal duties. He glanced back at the moonlit sea, its surface calling to him once more.

"An adventure, you say?" Jimmy's voice carried a trace of mischief. "Where shall we go, Martyn?"

"Just a wander around the marketplace." Martyn's smile widened as he extended his hand, beckoning Jimmy to join him. "Before I have to leave for a few days."

In that moment, the prince's heart skipped a beat as he considered the exhilarating proposition. The notion of casting aside his royal mantle, if only for a night, awakened a dormant yearning within him. 

"Lead the way, my favourite pirate." Jimmy smiled wistfully.

"Welp, out the window we go!"

"WHAT?!" 

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The prince and the pirate stealthily made their way through the winding streets, guided by the flickering glow of lanterns that lined the evening marketplace. The vibrant energy of the bustling crowd enveloped them, an intoxicating blend of voices, laughter, and the enticing aroma of exotic spices. As they weaved through the labyrinth of stalls and carts, their spirits soared, carried by the sense of liberation that came with anonymity. Jimmy's heart pounded with exhilaration as he followed Martyn's lead, the pirate's infectious laughter echoing through the air.

They darted past merchants hawking their wares, their fingers brushing against an array of colourful fabrics, intricate trinkets, and tantalising street food. The prince, unburdened by the weight of his princely title, revelled in the joy of indulging in every whim that took hold of him. They sampled delicacies from street vendors, savouring the explosion of flavours that danced upon their tongues. Jimmy's taste buds revealed in the sensation of culinary discovery, relishing the freedom to indulge in simple pleasures without scrutiny. They joined impromptu dances, spinning and twirling, delighting in the fluidity of movement and the connection forged through shared spontaneity.

As the night wore on, their escapades reached their crescendo. They found themselves in a hidden corner of the marketplace, where starlight filtered through the canopy of trees overhead.  Breathless and exhilarated, Jimmy and Martyn leaned against a worn stone wall, their laughter subsiding to gentle whispers. In that moment, surrounded by the enchantment of the evening marketplace, they shared stolen glances and a profound connection.

"Y'know," Martyn chuckled breathlessly as he turned to face Jimmy, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "I think this has been my favourite time stealing you from the Palace yet."

"Oh really?" Jimmy's smile deepened, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "And what makes it so special?"

Martyn's fingertips lightly brushed against Jimmy's cheek, his voice laden with genuine affection. "Well… When you act excited, it makes you look absolutely radiant."

A blush tinged Jimmy's cheeks as he averted his gaze, a mix of shyness and delight intertwining within him.

"But alas!" Martyn theatrically pulled away, a playful pout forming on his lips. "You haven't managed to make me fall for you yet, my dear Prince!"

Jimmy kicked his feet lightly in the air, laughter bubbling forth from his lips. "Oh, is that a challenge, Martyn? I'll have to work extra hard, then."

"You're on," Martyn declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But fair warning, I'm not an easy target."

Chuckling, Jimmy leaned closer, their playful banter weaving an invisible bond between them. "Well, if I were to fall in love with you, you'd have to help me run the kingdom."

"Imagine that… Me, a pirate, as a suitor to a prince." Martyn's expression shifted, a mixture of intrigue and tenderness. "The scandal would shake the foundations of the kingdom."

"Bdubs would lose his marbles," Jimmy mused. "But perhaps it would be a thrilling adventure to see his reaction."

"Yeah… he definitely would," Martyn agreed, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But you know what? Let's keep them guessing, shall we? Our little secret for now."

As Jimmy and Martyn basked in the warmth of their connection, their eyes locked in a tender gaze. Time seemed to stand still, the world around them fading into insignificance. In that suspended moment, Martyn felt an irresistible pull, an unspoken desire to lean in and seal their bond at last.

But before their lips could meet, a voice shattered the tranquillity of the night. 

"Martyn! Time to board the ship!" A rough and booming voice echoing through the streets. "Where the bloody hell are you?" 

Startled, Martyn's eyes widened in both frustration and resignation. He reluctantly tore his gaze away from Jimmy's, a longing expression lingering on his face.

"I... I have to go," Martyn whispered, his voice laced with regret. "Duty calls."

Jimmy's brows furrowed in disappointment, though understanding also clouded his features. "I know. The call of the sea... I can't keep you from it."

Martyn's fingers grazed Jimmy's cheek one last time, conveying an unspoken promise. "I will return, my prince. I won't let this be our last encounter."

Jimmy nodded, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty stirring within him. "I'll be here, waiting."

With a heavy heart, Martyn reluctantly stepped away, his footsteps carrying him towards the distant echoes of the sea. He cast one final glance over his shoulder, locking eyes with Jimmy, silently conveying the depth of his feelings.

As Martyn disappeared into the night, Jimmy stood rooted to the spot, his heart heavy with longing. The lingering presence of their stolen moments lingered in the air, offering both solace and an insatiable craving for more.

In the distance, the creaking of the ship's hull and the sound of sails unfurling mingled with the crashing of the waves. The call of the sea, an irresistible siren's song, held Martyn in its embrace, demanding his presence and loyalty. As the night air whispered promises of reunion, Jimmy took solace in the fact that their unfinished story would continue to unfold. In his heart, he knew that their encounter, however fleeting, had sparked something extraordinary.

With a steadfast resolve, Jimmy turned away from the sea, retracing his steps back to the palace. He carried with him the lingering touch of Martyn's fingers, and the hope that their paths would intertwine once more, under a moonlit sky.

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"Next time, I swear to God, I am gonna leave you on that dock!" Captain Grian groaned as he approached Martyn on the ship.

Martyn, his expression a mix of guilt and defiance, stood at attention, prepared to face the consequences of his impulsive actions. "Sorry, Captain Grian! It was a momentary lapse in judgement."

The captain's stern gaze bore into Martyn, his voice dripping with exasperation. "A momentary lapse? Fraternising with a prince, no less? Do you have any idea of the trouble that could bring upon us?"

Martyn's shoulders slumped, his voice tinged with remorse. "I didn't mean for things to escalate like they did, Captain. It was a spontaneous encounter. I couldn't resist the thrill of the moment."

Captain Grian's eyes narrowed, his voice a low growl. "Thrill of the moment? You risked our reputation, our crew, and our very livelihood for a fleeting romance?"

Martyn's gaze met the captain's, his defiance replaced with a hint of resignation. "I understand the gravity of my actions, Captain Grian. I apologise for the consequences they may have brought upon us."

The captain let out a frustrated sigh, his anger subsiding slightly as he recognized the genuine remorse in Martyn's eyes. "You've always had a restless spirit, Martyn, and that's what makes you a valuable member of this crew. But you need to exercise caution. Our reputation and safety rely on it."

Martyn nodded, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will, Captain. I won't let my personal desires endanger the crew or our pursuits."

Captain Grian's stern expression softened ever so slightly as he placed a hand on Martyn's shoulder, his voice carrying a touch of paternal concern. "You're a talented sailor, Martyn, but you have to learn to balance your heart's desires with your responsibilities. We have a code to uphold."

Martyn met the captain's gaze, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Captain. I won't forget this lesson."

With a nod, Captain Grian stepped back, his tone softening as he spoke. "Get back to your duties, Martyn. We have a journey ahead of us, and we need every hand on deck."

Martyn straightened his posture, his resolve renewed. "Aye, Captain. I'll make it up to you and the crew."

As Martyn returned to his duties, his thoughts lingered on the stolen moments he had shared with Prince Jimmy. Though he yearned for their paths to cross again, he understood the importance of loyalty to his crew and the responsibilities that came with being a pirate.

The rest of the crew didn't make it much easier for Martyn to focus on the task at hand. Scar, with his mischievous grin, clasped his hands together, his eyes sparkling with playful curiosity. Pearl, always quick with a quip, couldn't help but join in. Even BigB, perched high up in the crow's nest, chimed in with a mischievous chuckle.

"So, Martyn!" Scar's voice carried a hint of slyness. "Is he brown-haired? Tall? Handsome?"

Martyn's cheeks flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement colouring his face. He tried to maintain a composed expression, even as Jellie, Scar's pet bird, perched on his shoulder, adding to the commotion with its curious chirping.

"You lot are relentless!" Martyn playfully rolled his eyes, feigning exasperation. "There's nothing romantic there, I assure you. Prince Jimmy and I simply had a chance encounter."

"Oh, just a chance encounter with a prince?" Pearl grinned, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "How utterly ordinary."

"I bet he's just head over heels for our daring mate." Scar joined in, unable to resist the teasing. "Can't resist that irresistible charm, can he?"

Martyn shook his head, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You're all incorrigible. It was an adventure, a momentary connection. Nothing more."

BigB, his voice echoing down from the crow's nest, added his own jest. "Aye, Martyn, we believe you. Just like we believe Jellie here can fly backward."

The crew erupted into laughter, their playful banter filling the air. Martyn couldn't help but chuckle himself, despite his attempts to maintain a composed demeanour.

Deep down, however, Martyn knew that their teasing held a kernel of truth. There was something special about his encounter with Prince Jimmy, an undeniable spark that lingered in his heart. But for now, he chose to keep those feelings tucked away, buried beneath the responsibilities of the crew and the adventures that lay ahead.

Chapter Text

Deep beneath the shimmering surface of the ocean lay a hidden cavern adorned with intricate seashell patterns. This was Scott's secret abode: Proof of his curiosity for the human world. His cavern was a treasure trove of human artefacts, a collection of lost items retrieved from the wreckage of countless ships that had met their fate in these treacherous waters.

On this particular day, the sunlight pierced through the water's depths, casting dancing rays of light upon the cavern's entrance. Scott swam gracefully into his domain, his pink fins shimmering in the ambient glow. He approached a coral pedestal adorned with a myriad of sparkling trinkets and seashells, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.

Scott's gaze fixated upon a small wooden chest nestled between two delicate seashell sculptures. With a flick of his muscular tail, he swam towards it, eager to explore its contents. Gingerly, he lifted the lid, revealing an assortment of human belongings. There were pocket watches, delicate jewellery, and a collection of neatly folded handkerchiefs.

Intrigued by the vibrant colours and intricate patterns, Scott reached in and plucked a damp, weathered neckerchief from the depths of the chest. The fabric was a rich navy blue, adorned with delicate white embroidery, evidence of a bygone era. Holding it aloft, he marvelled at its craftsmanship.

With a mix of curiosity and a touch of mischief, Scott gently wrapped the neckerchief around his neck, his scaled fingers carefully securing it. The fabric felt foreign against his skin, and he tilted his head to admire himself in a nearby mirror-like coral formation. As he glanced at his reflection, Scott's vibrant eyes shimmered with a mix of joy and longing. The neckerchief reminded him of the sailors whose lives had been claimed by the unforgiving sea, humans who had unwittingly wandered into his realm.

After savouring the moment, Scott gently untied the neckerchief and laid it down on a bed of soft seaweed, carefully returning it to its rightful place. Though he could not keep such treasures for long, his fascination with the human world would forever fuel his adventures, propelling him to continue exploring the mysteries of the ocean's depths.

Scott's keen hearing picked up the echoes of commotion from outside his secret cavern. His curiosity piqued, he swiftly abandoned his collection and darted towards the cavern's entrance. Bursting into the open waters, he emerged into a scene of chaos.

There, amidst the swaying kelp forests and vibrant coral reefs, a yellow merman with spiky protrusions resembling a pufferfish was desperately fleeing from a group of furious mermen and mermaids. Their voices filled the water, a symphony of anger and accusation.

Driven by a sense of empathy, Scott propelled himself forward, his powerful tail propelling him through the water with grace and speed. As he approached the unfolding spectacle, he scanned the surroundings, searching for a way to help the yellow merman escape the pursuing mob.

With a quick flick of his tail, Scott positioned himself in front of the yellow merman, shielding him from the hostile group. He extended his arm, motioning for the fleeing merman to take hold. Without further hesitation, Scott grabbed the mermans hand and pulled him away.

Together, they shot through the water, twisting and turning with fluid grace, evading their pursuers who were now closing in. Scott used his knowledge of the underwater terrain to lead them through a maze of vibrant coral formations, utilising every advantage to create distance between the merman and his pursuers.

As they swam, Scott noticed the yellow merman's laboured breaths and fatigue beginning to show. Determined to keep him safe, Scott guided them towards his secret cavern.

Slipping into the concealed cave, Scott and the merman caught their breath, their heartbeats slowly returning to a more even rhythm. The cave's interior was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, courtesy of luminescent organisms clinging to the walls. Scott turned to face his newfound companion, his eyes filled with concern.

"What happened out there?" Scott inquired, his voice laced with curiosity and sympathy.

Scott's sympathy was cut short with a yelp as the yellow merman pushed his sharp spikes dangerously close to Scott's delicate gills. The sudden threat left Scott momentarily startled, his instincts urging him to retreat. Yet, he fought against the rising fear, reminding himself of his belief in kindness and compassion.

"Don't you know better than to help mer-folk like me?" the merman growled, his voice laced with bitterness and suspicion.

Scott's eyes met the yellow merman's gaze, refusing to let fear cloud his judgement. With measured composure, he responded, "I know kindness and it's carried me this far."

The yellow merman's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and scepticism. He had clearly grown accustomed to a world that demanded hostility and guardedness, where trust was a rare and fragile commodity. Scott's beliefs challenged his own. 

"Kindness has no place in these waters," the yellow merman retorted, his voice softer but still tinged with defiance. "The strong survive, and the weak are left behind."

The yellow merman's grip on his spikes faltered for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. The intensity of the situation seemed to waver, and for a brief moment, a glimmer of hope shone through the merman's tough exterior.

However, unwilling to let his guard slip entirely, the yellow merman quickly regained his composure. His eyes hardened, and he withdrew his spikes, moving backward in the water.

"I won't fall for your tricks."

Scott watched as the yellow merman swiftly turned and swam away, disappearing into the vastness of the ocean. Though his attempt to sway the merman's perception had fallen short, Scott clung to the belief that their encounter had planted a seed of compassion within the yellow merman's heart.

"SCOTT!"

Scott whirled around to see Cleo rush towards him at full speed, crashing into him with a tight hug.

"You need to be more careful!" Cleo whispered.

“I know I know…” Scott looked to the side, a breeze of guilt passing his face. “But…who was that guy?”

“Scott, you've lived in the ocean all your life, how do you not know?” Cleo raised an eyebrow. “It’s Impulse. y’kno? Tango's husband?”

“Theres other gays in the sea and you didn't tell me?” Scott joked.

“Because they aren't nice people!” Cleo declared. “Tango released the warden!”

“THE warden?” Scott began to second guess himself. “The sea beast?”

“Yes! That warden!” Cleo rolled her eyes. “Just…don’t interact with eithe of them again. Nevermind what they can do to you, you could be banished from the kingdom!”

Scott sighed. A part of him knew he should trust Cleo, after all the warden is a sea beast who terrorised anyone who stepped too close. But he didn't want to participate in unfriendly judgement either. Whatever the reason, Scott knew better than to argue with Cleo.

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"And then she fired her cannons, and WOAH!!!" Martyn exclaimed, making a dramatic sweeping motion with his arms. "We almost went down!"

The pirate had once again managed to sneak into the prince's bedroom, eager to regale him with tales of his daring adventure.

"I'm glad you didn't," Jimmy chuckled, leaning closer with a conniving smirk on his face. "If you went down, I'd miss your face."

Martyn's lips quivered slightly, and his cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. As confident as the pirate made himself out to be, the prince knew how to hold his own in the flirt department.

"Your highness…" Martyn smiled playfully, "Isn't it unprofessional to be all touchy-feely with a pirate?"

"Oh, come on," Jimmy recoiled, still grinning. "You started it!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not," Martyn replied, but then he slyly held Jimmy's chin with a teasing glint in his eyes. "But I can start something now if you'd like?"

Jimmy's heart skipped a beat, and he almost choked on his laughter. Okay. That was smooth.

He found himself captivated by the charm and audacity that oozed from Martyn. It was hard to resist the magnetic pull the pirate had on him. The playful banter and teasing exchanges had become a delightful routine for the two of them whenever Martyn managed to slip past the guards and visit the prince.

Jimmy's smirk turned into a mischievous grin as he leaned closer to Martyn, closing the distance between them. "Oh, you think you can just charm your way into my heart, do you?"

"Who, me?” Martyn's eyes sparkled, and he played along with a faux innocence. “I'm just a humble man, Your Highness."

"Humble, my foot," Jimmy teased, his hand now resting lightly on Martyn's chest. "You're nothing but trouble."

"And you love every minute of it," Martyn shot back, his voice tinged with playful confidence.

Jimmy chuckled softly, feeling the weight of the crown momentarily fade away in Martyn's presence. This pirate had a way of making him feel alive, free from the royal responsibilities that often weighed him down.

"For an aro ace, you flirt better than most men do," Jimmy teased, laughing as he playfully nudged Martyn's shoulder.

"Hey, I'm not on the loveless side of the spectrum!" Martyn retorted, feigning offence. 

"Plus, I've had a lot of practice with Ren."

"Oh, please," Jimmy rolled his eyes with a smirk. "You mean Ren has had a lot of practice with you."

"What's the difference?" Martyn raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with amusement.

"You'd know the difference if you weren't asexual," Jimmy replied, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Martyn couldn't help but chuckle at Jimmy's cheeky response. "Oh, you," he said, unable to resist the opportunity to engage in a bit of playful wrestling. He lunged playfully, tackling Jimmy onto the bed and laughing as they wrestled and squirmed.

"Are you ever gonna make it official?" Jimmy asked between giggles when Martyn started to tickle him playfully.

"Probably not," Martyn shrugged, continuing the teasing. "I like the flirting, but it's the relationship part that scares me."

"What's there to lose with Ren?" Jimmy asked, thrashing to try and overpower Martyn's tickling assault.

"Well, his partner, Doc," Martyn admitted, giving up as Jimmy managed to pin his arms above his head. "Hey."

"Hey," Jimmy responded, slightly out of breath from their playful scuffle. "He got lost at sea, right?"

"Yeah," Martyn nodded solemnly. "Ren still wants his blessing before he enters any new polycules. It's only right."

"Before he enters one with you?" Jimmy mused, raising an eyebrow as Martyn flushed pink again.

"I don't think so," Martyn shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "He never brought it up."

"Dude, just kiss him!" Jimmy chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Uh huh. Says the guy pinning me to the bed," Martyn retorted, a mischievous grin on his face.

"What if I just kissed you?" Jimmy teased, leaning in closer.

"You'd be disappointed, I have dry lips," Martyn quipped, trying to keep up his witty facade.

But before he could say more, Jimmy's hand reached up to gently cup Martyn's face, his touch surprisingly tender. 

"Wanna test that theory?" Jimmy whispered, his voice filled with a mix of playfulness and genuine interest.

Martyn's heart skipped a beat, and he felt his cheeks flush with a hint of embarrassment. He wasn't used to this level of directness, especially from Jimmy, and he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

Jimmy's thumb grazed softly over Martyn's lower lip, sending a shiver down his spine. Despite the banter, there was an unmistakable sense of connection between them, an unspoken understanding that went beyond their joking exchanges.

"I…" Martyn hesitated, feeling a jumble of emotions. "I mean, if you want to..."

Before Jimmy could close the gap, their moment was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Both of them froze. Martyn's eyes widened in panic. He quickly shoved Jimmy away and darted under his bed, trying to hide himself from any prying eyes.

"Whoa, whoa, who's there?" Jimmy called out, trying to regain his composure as he hastily straightened himself on the bed.

"It's me, Bdubs!" came the voice of the royal advisor. "I heard some commotion in here. Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

"Y-yeah, everything's fine," Jimmy stammered, trying to act nonchalant and failing miserably. He couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and amusement at the comical situation they found themselves in.

Bdubs entered the room, looking around curiously. "Are you sure? I thought I heard something… unusual."

"Nope, just… uh, dropped something," Jimmy improvised, hoping to divert any suspicion.

"I see," Bdubs raised an eyebrow, still eyeing Jimmy with a hint of suspicion. "Well, if you say so.”

"Thank you, Bdubs," Jimmy replied, trying to hide his awkwardness behind a smile and divert Bdubs away.

Martyn, hidden under the bed, bit his lip to stifle a laugh, realising that Bdubs had no idea what had just transpired.

"Get some rest," Bdubs rolled his eyes. "You've got a big day tomorrow."

"Every day is a big day here," Jimmy complained.

"This is what happens when we crown a new monarch," Bdubs sighed. "I guarantee everyone is just as sick as you are."

"Right," Jimmy mumbled, slightly embarrassed by his oversight. "Well, thank you, Bdubs."

"Goodnight," Bdubs bowed and departed, leaving Jimmy standing there, letting his advisor's words sink in.

He had been trying to avoid the whole coronation thing for as long as possible, but the reality of his new role was catching up to him. The weight of the crown rested heavily on his shoulders, and the pressure to live up to the expectations of his position was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

Taking a deep breath, Jimmy walked over to the window, looking out at the night sky adorned with twinkling stars. He wondered if the past rulers had felt the same way he did now—uncertain, hesitant, and afraid of making mistakes. The weight of their legacies and the responsibility to lead the kingdom into the future were daunting tasks.

As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Turning, he found Martyn standing there, a reassuring smile on his lips.

"You okay?" Martyn asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"I don't know," Jimmy admitted, his vulnerability evident. "I'm just... scared, I guess. Scared of messing everything up, scared of not living up to everyone's expectations."

"You'll be fine," Martyn reassured him with a warm smile. "And if it helps, most citizens won't expect much of you for the first year because you're ruling alongside Lizzie."

"That helps a little," Jimmy admitted, finding comfort in Martyn's understanding and support.

A calm silence passed between the two men as they stood by the window, gazing out at the moonlit kingdom.

"You know," Martyn broke the silence, "I've been reminded tonight why we rendezvous in more secluded places."

Jimmy chuckled softly.

"Yeah, you were almost caught," Jimmy teased, the tension of his responsibilities momentarily fading away.

"How about it then?" Martyn offered a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Care for a row in the moonlight?"

Jimmy's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and a playful smile spread across his face. "I'd love that."

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They quietly slipped out of the castle through a hidden passage known only to a few trusted individuals. Once outside, they made their way to a little boat docked near an empty part of the kingdom.

As they rowed out into the calm waters, the moon's soft glow illuminated their surroundings, casting a magical aura over their evening adventure. The worries and pressures of the kingdom faded away as they enjoyed each other's company, their laughter and playful banter filling the air.

"Sometimes, I wish I could trade places with you," Jimmy admitted, his voice soft in the tranquil night.

Martyn raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "Why's that?"

"Because you get to be free, to explore the world without the burden of a crown," Jimmy explained.

Martyn chuckled softly, his amusement tinged with a hint of wistfulness.

 "I'm still under Grian's order," he shrugged. "And we still have to be careful in case we get caught."

Martyn swallowed hard, torn between his loyalty to Grian and the growing bond he shared with Jimmy. He knew he was disobeying Grian's instructions by spending time with the prince again, but he couldn't help it. There was something about Jimmy that drew him in—a magnetic pull that he couldn't resist.

Martyn's heart swelled with conflicting emotions. He knew the risks, yet he couldn't deny the growing affection he felt for Jimmy. The prince had become a beacon of light in his life, bringing joy and a sense of belonging he hadn't known before.

"I care about you, Martyn," Jimmy said earnestly. "And I don't want to be the cause of any trouble for you."

Martyn's lips quivered into a small smile. "You've already caused quite a bit of trouble, Your Highness."

Jimmy laughed softly, his hand still resting on Martyn's arm. "Then let's make it worthwhile trouble."

“Wait.” Martyn stopped. Something wasn't right here. 

As the sea suddenly turned bitter, dark clouds gathered on the horizon, and a sense of foreboding washed over them. Jimmy could feel the change in the air, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He knew Martyn's instincts were sharp, and he trusted the pirate's intuition without question.

"We need to get out of the water," Martyn urged, his voice tense as he grabbed the oars. "Now."

Jimmy nodded, gripping the sides of the boat as Martyn rowed with all his strength. The once calm waters became turbulent, and the boat was tossed about like a toy in the hands of an angry child.

The storm descended upon them with a vengeance, rain pouring down in heavy sheets, and powerful gusts of wind lashed against their small vessel. Waves rose high around them, threatening to engulf the boat with each surge.

"We need to find shelter!" Jimmy shouted over the roaring storm, his voice barely audible amid the crashing waves and howling winds.

"I see a cove!" Martyn called out, straining against the elements. "Hold on!"

With a combination of skill and sheer determination, Martyn steered the boat toward a nearby cove. It was a treacherous journey, but he navigated the waves with the expertise of a seasoned sailor. The boat rocked violently, and both of them clung on for dear life.

Finally, they reached the relative safety of the cove, the raging sea calmed slightly by the sheltering cliffs. They both breathed a sigh of relief, but their ordeal was far from over.

"We need to wait out the storm here," Martyn panted, trying to catch his breath. "It's too dangerous to go any farther."

Jimmy nodded breathlessly, water dripping from his soaked clothes. 

The storm raged on, but the cove provided a temporary respite from the worst of its fury. They huddled close together, seeking comfort in each other's presence, as the rain continued to fall and the thunder echoed in the distance.

As they waited, Martyn took the opportunity to hold Jimmy close, wrapping his arms protectively around him. Despite the chaos of the storm, there was a strange sense of peace in their embrace.

"Is it over?" Jimmy whispered, his voice filled with both exhaustion and hope.

Martyn looked out at the sea, the turbulent waves now settling into a serene surface. "I think so," he replied, giving Jimmy a reassuring squeeze.

For a moment, they allowed themselves to believe that the worst was behind them. The storm had passed, and they could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

But just as they began to relax, the water beneath them churned violently. A sudden geyser erupted from the depths, catching them completely off guard. Before they had time to react, the force of the geyser lifted their small boat into the air and sent them flying.

"Hold on!" Martyn shouted, trying to steady himself and grab onto something to keep them together.

But the force of the water was too strong, and they were violently tossed into the sea. Jimmy and Martyn were separated, disoriented and struggling to keep afloat in the tumultuous waters.

Martyn frantically looked around, his heart pounding in his chest. He needed to find Jimmy, to make sure he was okay. Amidst the waves, he spotted a glimpse of Jimmy's head bobbing up and down, and he swam towards him as fast as he could.

"Jimmy!" Martyn called out, finally reaching him. He grabbed hold of Jimmy's arm, pulling him closer.

"I'm okay," Jimmy gasped, his eyes wide with shock. "What was that?"

Before Martyn could respond, another massive wave loomed over them, crashing down with tremendous force. The power of the water shoved them beneath the surface, tossing them like rag dolls. Jimmy felt his foot getting stuck in between some rocks, and panic washed over him as he struggled to free himself.

But the force of the wave and the grip of the rocks were too much. Jimmy's struggles were in vain, and he felt his energy waning. As the world blurred around him, he felt a strange sense of calm washing over him. It was as if time had slowed down, and he could hear nothing but the muffled sounds of the underwater chaos.

Martyn's efforts to free Jimmy became more frantic, but the water's power was relentless. He felt his lungs burning for air, and just when he thought he couldn't hold on any longer, his vision started to blur, and he, too, succumbed to the darkness…

Two strong arms wrapped around Jimmy's waist. Scott's heart quickened with concern, and without a second thought, he yanked Jimmy from the rocks with all the strength his tail could muster.

Scott had encountered humans before, but they were usually far from his underwater home, exploring the surface world. It was rare to find them so deep underwater and unconscious.

With a mix of determination and concern, Scott wrapped his arms around both humans, using his strength to swim back towards the surface. The ascent was slow and steady to avoid any harm to his newfound companions. The closer they got to the surface, the more light filtered through, illuminating their unconscious faces.

Finally, they broke through the water's surface, and Scott held the humans tightly as he treaded water. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his two passengers as they floated on the surface, their bodies now safe from the depths below.

He looked around, scanning the horizon for any signs of help. Spotting a capsized boat in the distance, he kicked his tail into action. He reached the boat, and using his upper body strength, he managed to hoist the humans onboard, careful not to hurt them.

He hesitated for a moment, considering his options. He knew he couldn't just leave them on the boat without anyone to care for them. He grabbed the boat's stern and manoeuvred it towards the sandy shore.

After safely leaving Jimmy and Martyn on land, Scott couldn't resist lingering nearby to observe the humans' appearance. He had encountered humans before, but none had captivated him quite like these two.

He marvelled at their striking features. Both Jimmy and Martyn had luscious blonde hair that seemed to shimmer like rays of sunlight, even in the dimly lit sunrise. Their unconsciousness had softened their expressions, giving them an air of vulnerability that tugged at Scott's heart.

The merman couldn't help but feel fascinated by the stark contrast between the two humans. Jimmy, with his regal bearing and refined features, exuded a noble aura. The idea of a prince venturing into the underwater world intrigued Scott immensely. 

On the other hand, Martyn's appearance oozed a raw and adventurous charm. His rugged features, weathered by the sea, spoke of a life filled with tales of daring escapades and untamed spirit. The pirate's aura was one of freedom and rebellion, and Scott found himself drawn to Martyn's untamed energy.

As the minutes ticked by, Scott couldn't help but let his gaze linger on the two unconscious humans, studying every detail of their appearance. His curiosity about the surface world had never been stronger, and now, with these two strangers, he felt a sense of wonder like never before.

There was something about the way the gentle ocean breeze tousled their hair and the way the sun cast a gentle glow on their faces that made Scott's heart skip a beat. He found himself inexplicably drawn to them, unable to tear his eyes away.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by his newfound feelings, Scott ducked beneath the boat, needing a moment to collect his thoughts. He knew he should leave, but he couldn't shake the sense of fascination and admiration that had taken root in his heart.

Scott felt the boat rock slightly, and he peered over the rim to see Martyn beginning to stir. As the pirate blearily opened his eyes, Scott found himself mesmerised by the sight. Martyn's tousled blonde hair clung to his forehead, and his rugged features, softened by sleep, made his heart skip a beat. Scott couldn't deny that he found Martyn very handsome.

Before Scott could observe any longer, he felt an arm tugging him back into the ocean. Startled, he turned to see Cleo, giving him an amused smirk.

"Scott, what are you doing?" Cleo whispered, teasingly raising an eyebrow.

"I... uh... I was just making sure they were okay," Scott stammered, feeling a blush creeping up on his cheeks.

Cleo laughed softly. "I know what you were doing, you smitten merman. They're unconscious humans, not ocean artefacts to be admired."

Scott's face flushed even more, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and longing. He had never felt this way about humans before, and the intensity of his emotions surprised him.

"I can't help it," Scott admitted, looking back at the boat where Martyn was starting to sit up, rubbing his head groggily. "There's something about them... especially the one with the green headband."

Cleos face dropped when he realised how serious Scott was.

"Having a crush is okay." Cleo whispered. "But don't do anything reckless. One of them is a pirate, he'd sell you in an instance!"

"B-But - " Scott couldn't say much else before Cleo dragged him back down to their home.

When Martyn fully came to his senses, he panicked and looked down at Jimmy.

"Jimmy?" Martyn lifted Jimmy's body, striking him hard between his shoulder blades. Jimmy came to life, spluttering out a mouthful of seawater. As he choked, he looked around.

"We're alive…" Jimmy whispered, hanging on Martyn's chest. "How are we alive?"

As Jimmy clung to Martyn's chest, Martyn could feel his heart race not only from the residual adrenaline of the near-death experience but also from the unexpected tenderness with which the prince held him. He tried to gather his thoughts, his mind still reeling from the encounter with the mysterious man.

"We were saved by a…." Martyn trailed off, gaze fixed on the ocean. "I don't know who he was…but he disappeared into the ocean."

Jimmy's fingers grazed Martyns arm.

"Are you sure you didn't dream him?" Jimmy mumbled. "You look a bit…distance."

"He's real, Jimmy." Martyn shook his head. "He had blue hair and…"

Martyns mouth twisted with annoyance when he realised he couldn't describe much else. It's not his fault their saviour fled before Martyns vision adjusted properly. 

Not that who saved them was at their highest priority.

"THERE HE IS!" 

The shout of a royal guard startled the pair as a group of three rushed down.

"Your highness, are you okay?" One asked as he guided him to his feet.

"He's only just woken up." Marrtyn informed, helping the guard raise Jimmy. "Check for cuts, especially around his ankles - "

"YOU!" One of the other guards yanked Martyn away from Jimmy, drawing his sword to Maryyns neck. "Filthy pirate! Trying to kill the prince!"

"No, please, you don't understand!" Jimmy pleaded, his voice cracking. "He saved my life! He's not a threat!"

"Don't worry, your highness." The guard who helped Jimmy up reassured him. "This scum will meet his fate."

"He's innocent! You have to believe me!" Jimmy's voice trembled with frustration as he watched Martyn cuffed and taken away, unable to reach out or help.

"He will be hung at noon." 

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As the noose tightened around Martyn's neck, the crowd grew restless, eager to witness the justice they believed he deserved. Among them stood Captain Grian, his face a mask of solemnity as he watched the scene unfold. The weight of the situation hung heavy on his shoulders, torn between his loyalty to his crew and the need to uphold his pride.

"Shouldn't we do something, Captain?" Big B whispered urgently, his eyes locked on Martyn's struggling form.

Grian exhaled a deep breath, his gaze unwavering.

“He got himself into this mess.” Grian spoke slowly. “If he knows the risk, he shall pay the toll.”

Meanwhile, the royal advisor approached Martyn with a smirk on his face, relishing the moment of triumph. 

"Can't escape this one, pirate," Bdubs taunted.

Martyn looked Bdubs in the eye, unyielding even in the face of impending doom. 

"Don't intend to," he replied with a shrug. "You've thought of everything."

“Good” Bdubs clasped his hands. “It’ll make the death quicker.”

"What would you know about death?" Martyn spat back, his voice filled with disdain. "You've never had to face danger, let alone death."

"I've witnessed enough hangings to know!" Bdubs retorted, getting in Martyn's face, but the defiance in Martyn's eyes was unwavering. Martyn didn't back down, even with the rope tugging at his neck. If anything, he stood on his toes and pushed his face even closer.

"Live my life first…" Martyn growled, his voice strained from the constriction around his neck. "...Before you lecture me about what comes afterwards."

Bdubs scoffed.

“Hang this filth!” Bdubs yelled, backing down from the platform.

The crowd jeered and shouted, their thirst for justice demanding the swift punishment of the pirate. But amidst the cacophony of voices, a familiar voice broke through the chaos.

"Stop! Wait!"

The crowd turned to see Jimmy pushing through the people to get to the centre of the spectacle. His eyes were filled with desperation and determination as he pleaded for Martyn's life.

"He's innocent!" Jimmy shouted, his voice carrying across the square. "He saved me! It was all a misunderstanding!"

The sudden interruption sent shockwaves through the crowd. The executioner paused, unsure of how to proceed, while Bdubs looked taken aback by Jimmy's sudden appearance.

"He's lying! It's just a trick to save his scoundrel friend!" Bdubs shouted, trying to dismiss Jimmy's claims.

But Jimmy wasn't backing down. "No, it's the truth! Martyn saved me from the storm. He's not a threat!"

“Your highness.” A cold hand rested on Jimmy’s shoulder. When Jimmy turned, he found the icy glare of Captain Grian. “If you know what’s best for you, you’ll leave.”

Unfazed by Grian's intimidation, Jimmy shook off his grasp. "This is my fault," he said, voice filled with remorse. "I have to do something!"

Grian's eyes narrowed. "So it is," he growled. "Don't add 'brainwashing the heir to the throne' to his list of crimes."

Ignoring Grian's warning, Jimmy turned back to Martyn, his heart torn between loyalty and justice. Martyn met Jimmy's pleading gaze with a mix of gratitude and sadness, although a twinkle swayed Jimmy’s stance.

Reluctantly, Jimmy retreated into the crowd. Martyn's eyes followed him. The onlookers were now divided, unsure of what to believe. The atmosphere in the square had transformed from bloodthirsty anticipation to uncertainty and contemplation.

“Well?” Bdubs shouted. “Hang him!”

Martyn swallowed a shaky breath. All eyes were on him: Some bloodthirsty, some confused. But all eyes were on him. So nobody noticed a hooded figure climbing to the platform opposite him.

A sword pierced the sky, slashing through Martyns rope. He tumbled to the ground, grabbing the sword by his feet.

“Good shot, Etho!” Another voice echoed through the square, causing heads to turn. It was Ren, a charismatic and daring rogue who had a long history of camaraderie with Martyn. He leaped in front of Martyn, brandishing his own weapon to shield his friend.

“Ren!” Martyn smiled with glee. “Man, we need to stop running into each other like this!”

Ren smirked in response. "I'd like to run into you more often, handsome." He playfully winked at Martyn before turning to face the royal guards who were now surrounding them. "Actually, you're right. I can't kiss you with my back turned."

Martyn rolled his eyes at Ren's flirty banter.

With sparks flying, the fight began as Ren and Martyn stood together against the royal guards. Etho's precision with the bow and arrow at a distance was matched only by Ren's swift and agile swordplay. The trio fought with a synchronicity that came from years of shared adventures and trust in each other's skills.

The crowd, initially stunned by the sudden turn of events, quickly became captivated by the thrilling display before them. Some watched with fear, others with admiration, and a few even cheered for the unexpected heroes.

As the clash continued, it became evident that Martyn's friends were formidable opponents. Etho's arrows found their marks with deadly accuracy, Ren's agile movements made him seem like a blur, and Martyn's strength and determination fueled his every swing.

Ren seized Martyn's hand, pulling him away from the ongoing fight. Etho quickly joined them, and together they fled from the chaotic scene, laughter escaping their lips as they made their escape.

"Don't tell me this is all because you were flirting with Jimmy again?" Ren teased playfully, giving Martyn a knowing look.

Martyn shrugged with a grin. "Yup. We also almost drowned, so it's not all fun and games."

"Flirting with another man?" Ren feigned hurt, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "I'm hurt!"

Martyn chuckled. "Oh, shush. Nothing's official yet. We're just getting to know each other."

"Ah, the thrilling courtship phase," Etho chimed in with a smirk. "Grian's gonna be infuriated with you."

Martyn let out a sigh, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Can't wait for it."

The trio's hearts pounded as they found themselves trapped at a dead end, surrounded by the ominous walls of the narrow alley. Their escape had led them into a dangerous predicament, with a guard blocking their only way out.

"I've got you now, traitors!" the guard sneered, his sword held menacingly in front of him.

Martyn tightened his grip on his sword, ready to defend himself and his friends. But before he could make a move, the guard suddenly crumpled to the ground, an eager-looking Skizz emerging from behind him.

"I missed the signal," Skizz admitted, a sheepish grin on his face.

Ren chuckled with relief. "Perfect timing, Skizz."

"Thank the stars you're here," Etho added, relieved that their odds had just improved.

Skizz, always the eager sidekick, beamed with pride. "Of course! I couldn't let you all have all the fun without me."

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When they returned to Etho's workshop, the group let out a collective sigh of relief. The adrenaline from their escape had finally begun to subside, leaving them feeling both exhilarated and exhausted.

"Is this your work?" Martyn asked Etho, handing back the sword that had served them well during their daring escape.

"One of my lesser works," Etho replied modestly, repositioning the sword among the many displayed on his wall. "But I'm glad it came in handy."

"It's still incredible," Martyn complimented sincerely.

"Absolutely!" Skizz chimed in, throwing an arm around Etho. "Don't sell yourself short, buddy!"

“Is this therapy again?” Etho sighed.

As Skizz led Etho away, Martyn turned to Ren, a playful glint in his eye. "So, what now? Any more flirts you wish to indulge in—"

Before Martyn could finish his sentence, Ren cut him off by gently taking his chin and guiding him against the wall. Martyn's breath hitched as Ren's larger frame loomed over him, their proximity sending a thrilling shiver down his spine.

"You've been away for so long," Ren whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of longing and desire.

"I've been busy," Martyn replied, his heart racing in anticipation of what might come next.

Ren's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Well, you're not too busy now, are you?"

Martyn's breath caught as Ren leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft, passionate kiss. The world around them faded away as they lost themselves in the moment, savouring the intimacy they had been deprived of during their time apart.

“LITTLEWOOD!”

The duo broke apart as Grian stormed in.

“Are you kidding me?” Grian groaned. 

“Would you rather me make out with the prince or a dock worker?” Martyn rolled his eyes as Grian grabbed his arm and dragged him back to the ship. “Talk lte, Ren!”

“Will do!” Ren waved goodbye, light blush dancing across his cheeks.

As they walked back to the ship, Skizz appeared behind Ren with a knowing smile. "So, finally got the balls to do it?" Skizz teased.

Ren stumbled over his words, flustered by Skizz's straightforwardness. "It doesn't mean anything, we're just playing," he stammered defensively. "And I've always had balls! I'll have you know I have the biggest balls!"

Skizz burst into laughter, finding Ren's response both amusing and endearing. "I'm just messing with you, man. No need to get defensive. I'm happy for you, you know."

Ren's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, but he couldn't help but smile at Skizz's words. "Thanks, Skizz. It's... It's different with Martyn, you know? We've been through so much together, and this... even if we aren’t as committed as Doc was…"

Skizz gave Ren a playful nudge. "Well, it's about time you two figured it out. You make a good team."

Ren nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness in equal measure. "Yeah, we do," he admitted, his heart filled with affection for Martyn.

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As they returned to the ship, Martyn and Grian were still in the midst of a heated discussion. Grian seemed determined to lecture Martyn about the risks of getting involved with the prince, but Martyn was equally adamant in defending his actions.

"I can handle myself, Grian," Martyn insisted, his voice firm.

"Uh huh," Grian snapped back. "Just like today, huh? Where you needed Etho to save you?"

Martyn felt his frustration rising, not wanting to back down. "Look, just because you'd rather Etho save YOU—"

"I DON'T!" Grian interjected, cutting Martyn off. "Martyn, are you part of this crew or not?"

The question stunned Martyn, momentarily taking him aback. "Of course, I am!" he replied, his voice tinged with hurt.

“Well, members of ‘The Eye’ don’t run off with royals!” Grian crossed his arms. “Or dock workers for that matter!”

The tension on the ship was palpable as Grian's frustration with Martyn's actions spilled over. The crew members avoided eye contact, feeling the weight of the intense exchange. Big B kept himself occupied in the bird's nest, trying to remain neutral. Pearl fidgeted with her bandana, unsure of how to intervene, while Scar looked out over the waves, trying to hide his emotions.

"You almost lost a boat!" Grian yelled, his anger evident. "You almost died!"

Martyn hung his head, feeling the weight of Grian's words and the concern of the entire crew. His own emotions were a whirlwind of regret, defiance, and affection for Jimmy. But he knew he couldn't ignore the consequences of his actions.

"FINE!" Martyn finally shouted, his voice tinged with frustration. "I'll stop. And I mean it this time."

Grian raised an eyebrow, still sceptical of Martyn's resolve.

"I'll write Jimmy a letter," Martyn continued. "And I'll... suck it up, I guess."

With that, Martyn spun on his heels and stormed off to the dorm.

Pearl cautiously approached Grian after the heated exchange. "Don't you think you were a bit harsh?" she asked, concerned for both Martyn and Grian.

"He needed to hear it," Grian sighed, the anger draining from his voice.

As Pearl left the deck, Grian was about to retreat to the dorm himself when he heard a soft sniffle. He turned to find Scar, the usually cheerful and strong crew member, trying to hide his emotions.

Grian approached Scar with a gentle demeanour. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, concerned for his friend.

Scar looked away, trying to hide his vulnerability. "Yeah, I'm fine," he mumbled.

But Grian could see through the facade. He knew how much the crew meant to Scar and how deeply the tense atmosphere affected him.

"Listen," Grian said, placing a comforting hand on Scar's shoulder. "This conversation wasn't easy for any of us, but it was necessary. We all care about Martyn, and we want what's best for him."

"I know," Scar admitted quietly. 

"But we're a family here, Scar.” Grian replied, his own voice softening. “And families sometimes need to have difficult conversations to support each other."

Scar looked up at Grian with red eyes.

“It doesn't feel like it.”

With that Scar ran away. Grian didn’t follow.

Chapter Text

‘Dear Jimmy,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to write to you and explain why I may not be able to visit as often as we both hoped. Our recent adventures have come with their fair share of risks, and after the incident with the hanging, well, Grian has always made his stance clear but he was firmer than ever on this occasion.

I want you to know that my feelings for you haven't changed, but I also must consider the consequences of our actions and the impact they might have on all of us. Grian has been looking out for me, as he always does, and I can't ignore his warnings. So, I may be away much longer than usual.

Your upcoming birthday is on my mind as well. It might be best for you to focus on your royal duties during this time. I'd love to be there to celebrate with you at the Seaglass Festival but I can't make any promises. It wouldn't be fair to anyone.

Speaking of the crew, there's something else I need to share with you. Grian is considering finding a new harbour for the crew. Stillwater Isle has been our home for a while, but it might be better for everyone if we're not around here anymore. There are a lot of factors to consider, and I've been reflecting on what's best for all of us.

I'm sorry that our circumstances are complicated, and I wish things were simpler. But please know that I cherish the time we've spent together and the memories we've created. You mean a lot to me, and I hope you can understand. No matter where our paths take us, you'll always have a special place in my heart.

Take care, Jimmy. 

Martyn

P.S. Lastly, I want to assure you that I wasn't lying about the guy with blue hair. I swear he exists!’

Jimmy sat alone in his private chambers, his heart heavy as he read Martyn's letter. He had hoped to spend more time with Martyn, but it seemed like fate had other plans. The words on the page echoed in his mind and he couldn't help but feel hurt by the distance that now lay between them.

As he read and reread the letter, Bdubs entered the room. Confused by Jimmy's state of distress, Bdubs wore a stern expression. 

"What's the matter, Your Highness?" Bdubs asked, his tone sharp. "Is there something troubling you?"

Jimmy sighed, folding the letter and placing it gently on his desk. "It's Martyn," he replied, trying to hide his emotions from Bdubs. "He won't be able to visit as often as we hoped. He's facing risks and responsibilities with his crew, and I... I understand, but it's just..."

Bdubs interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Oh, you're upset over some criminals' absence?" he scoffed. "You should be focusing on your duties as the heir to the throne, not wasting your time with insignificant relationships."

"Martyn is not insignificant!" Jimmy retorted. "He's my friend. Who cares if he is a pirate?”

Bdubs sighed frustratedly. He took the letter in his own hand, scanning over the words on the paper.

"You're being naive, Your Highness," Bdubs grumbled. “But for once, that filth is right.”

As Bdubs left the room, Jimmy slumped in his chair. 

In the distance, the sound of waves crashing against the shore reached his ears. Jimmy longed for the simplicity of the ocean's expanse as he walked towards his window. He looked below him, half expecting Martyn to be waiting underneath his window. Hoping, with his whole heart.

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Martyn watched the waves below him from the ship's side, lost in his thoughts. Four days had passed since he made the pledge to stop thinking about Jimmy. On the surface, he seemed content. Grian had kept him busy with ship chores and their usual plundering. The crew was as lively as ever. But deep down, Martyn couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that something was wrong, something was missing. Someone...

He tried to push those thoughts away, reminding himself of his promise to Grian. He couldn't afford to get distracted. He had made mistakes, and those mistakes almost cost both him and Jimmy their lives. Martyn clenched his teeth, trying to suppress the flood of guilt threatening to overwhelm him. He knew he deserved whatever punishment he received, but it was hard to bear the knowledge that his actions affected not only himself but also those he cared about.

In the midst of his turmoil, Martyn tried to distract himself with work. But even that couldn't silence his feelings. And deep down, he couldn't help but hope that one day, fate would allow him to cross paths with Jimmy and Ren again. He yearned for a chance to make amends, to prove that he could be worthy of their trust and love once more.

A flutter of wings and Jellie landed on the ship's edge, her feathers glimmering in the sunlight. Martyn looked up, surprised to see the vibrant bird. He reached out and gently stroked Jellie's feathers, finding comfort in her presence.

"Morning, Martyn!" Scar beamed, sliding up beside Martyn with his usual infectious enthusiasm.

"Hey Scar," Martyn replied.

"What a fine day it is!" Scar declared with cheerful exuberance. "The breeze in our hair, the salt in the wind. A pirate's life befitting to all of us!"

Martyn couldn't help but chuckle as Scar's positivity filled the air. In a burst of energy, Scar broke into a joyful sea shanty, his voice carrying across the ship. Even if he knew that the pirate's spirits were just as low as his own, Martyn admired Scar's resilience and ability to find joy in the most challenging times. Scar's zest for life was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, they could choose to embrace the adventure and camaraderie of their pirate life.

Scar slid to the ground, detaching his wooden leg and placing it carefully beside him. His fingers traced over a plethora of carvings adorning the wooden surface – mementos from their previous adventures. Scar affectionately referred to them as his "tattoos," each carving representing a memory, a story, and a bond forged through trials and triumphs.

"Hey, what should I carve for this adventure?" Scar asked cheerfully, looking up at Martyn. "Should I carve a palm tree to commemorate that one that fell down? Or maybe the tiara! Now, that's a fine specimen."

Martyn's gaze, however, was distant, lost in the vast expanse of the ocean. Scar noticed the melancholy in his friend's eyes and decided to gently inquire.

"Martyn?" Scar asked softly.

"Do you ever regret the pirate life?" Martyn whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Scar took a moment to consider his response. He leaned back on his hands, stroking his imaginary beard thoughtfully. "Now why would you ask a question like that?" he replied, deflecting slightly. "Whether we regret it or not, there's not much we can do to change it. And besides, what's done is done. The only way would be to surrender to…yeah."

Scar danced around the subject of execution carefully, not wanting to reopen fresh wounds, even if Martyn denied having those wounds in the first place.

"If you weren't a pirate, what would you be?" Scar questioned.

Martyn pondered the question for a moment before answering. 

"Probably a dock worker like Ren," he replied with a thoughtful expression. "Or a swordsmith like Etho."

"You want to break your back and receive no credit?" Scar said. "Because you know well that Etho gets super frustrated that everyone thinks his boss made those swords. "

"I try to compliment him on it as much as possible." Martyn smiled. "But I saw how he looked during my rescue. He looked so cool and…he looked like he was having fun."

Scar glanced at Jellie, who simply cocked her furry head to the side. 

"You've just described the ideal life of a pirate." Scar spoke. "If you aren't having fun, what's the point?"

Reattaching his leg, Scar stood up and walked away without another word. Martyn thought over what Scar had said. What was ruining his fun? The fact that he couldn't see Jimmy? Martyn couldn't think of anything else but that couldn't be everything.

Something was creeping behind Martyns back. He turned in a whirlwind just to see something blue dip out from underneath the ship's railings, splashing into the water. Martyn curiously scrambled to look into the murky waters below him. For a moment he saw nothing. A leaping fish perhaps? But the closer Martyn examined, the more he noticed shimmering scales. Oh, a very interesting fish! Martyn craned his neck to try and see better. The creature rose to the surface cautiously, almost nervously. As its eyes broke the water surface, Martyn saw its blue hair and aquatic ears.

Surprised and intrigued, Martyn leaned too far and tumbled over the railings with a shout. Scott gasped, dipping under the water to retrieve the pirate once more. When Martyn resurfaced, gasping for air, he found himself conscious this time around. Scott's scaly arms gripped under his as Martyn finally became face to face with his rescuer. Scott's face scrunched up, Martyn held his breath as Scott examined him, testing his arms, curiously holding his sword's sheath and moving a chunk of hair out of Martyns eyes. The contact between his hand and forehead sent shivers down Martyns already cold body. The hand holding him afloat slipped to Martyns hip, allowing him to push his face closer and examine his every detail. 

Martyn's heart was pounding in his chest. The encounter was both thrilling and surreal, and Martyn couldn't help but feel captivated by Scott's unique features – his shimmering scales, aquatic ears, and mesmerising blue hair that floated gracefully in the water. Martyn couldn't deny the spark of attraction he felt, and he blushed as he noticed Scott's own flush of embarrassment.

As they floated there, Martyn took the opportunity to study Scott's beautiful appearance. The iridescent scales on his tail shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting the colours of the sea. His eyes held a mix of curiosity and shyness, and his every movement seemed graceful and fluid.

Martyn's curiosity got the better of him, and he reached out hesitantly to touch Scott's tail. The scales felt cool and smooth under his fingers, and he marvelled at the beauty of the aquatic creature before him.

"You're... incredible," Martyn murmured, unable to tear his gaze away from Scott's captivating form.

Scott's eyes widened in surprise, and a shy smile graced his lips. It was clear that he wasn't used to such compliments from strangers, especially not from a pirate he had just rescued from the sea.

A shout startled Scott. He hurriedly swam Martyn to the emergency ladder on the side of the ship. Breathless from the sudden rush of events, Martyn clung to the emergency ladder as he was pulled back aboard the ship. He turned around, hoping to catch one last glimpse of the enigmatic creature, but to his surprise, Scott had vanished into the depths of the ocean.

Was it all a dream? Martyn found himself questioning his own senses. But he was sure it wasn't just a figment of his imagination; he had seen Scott before when Jimmy woke up. It couldn't be a coincidence. Martyn was struggling to process this before his thoughts were interrupted. 

"Martyn! You good?" Pearl's voice shouted.

"On my way up!" Martyns heart beat fast as he climbed up the railings. 

When he landed on the deck, he was surprised to find the whole crew.

"I was talking to you only a minute ago!" Scar jested. "How did you end up in the water!"

"You won't believe it!" Martyn grinned widely. "I saw a mermaid!"

Silence. The crew exchanged surprised glances, and Scar let out a low whistle. 

"A what?" Pearl deadpanned.

"A mermaid!" Martyn repeated. "Well, a merman. But still!"

Pearl and Big B exchanged sceptical glances. Scar shifted uncomfortably. Grian maintained his stern expression, crossing his arms.

"Are you sure you weren't hallucinating? " Big B whispered. 

Martyn's eyes widened with sincerity. "I'm positive! When Jimmy and I lost consciousness in the ocean, a mysterious figure came to our rescue."

"That's enough talk about Jimmy." Grian warned. 

"But it's relevant, I promise!" Martyn insisted with a grin. "I couldn't see the person's face clearly, and then suddenly, they disappeared. I swear, I saw them while gazing out at the ocean..."

"And then proceeded to be instantly smitten and tumbled into the water?" Scar teased.

"Well um…" Martyn bashfully glanced away. "He was very…handsome so…"

"We really can't escape you and your love interests." Grian groaned. "At least this one was imaginary."

"He's real!" Martyn insisted. "I swear. I saw him, he touched me!"

Pearl raised a curious eyebrow.

"He touched my... arm," Martyn clarified, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Good save." Scar whispered.

"Martyn, let's be realistic here. I think you might be hallucinating as a way to cope with the stress." Grian stated bluntly. "I promise you, that merman is not real. Now, wring your clothes out, and let's continue with our jobs."

The crew moved on, leaving Martyn with his thoughts. Scar playfully leaned in, whispering into Martyn's ear.

"How handsome are we talking about?" Scar wiggled his eyebrows mischievously.

Martyn's eyes lit up as he replied dreamily, "Very... He had this captivating blue hair, and he was quite muscular... You believe me, right, Scar?"

"Uhhhhh..." Scar's eyes darted around, avoiding Martyn's gaze. "I was just curious about what your 'type' would be if it were real, you know, just in case it actually happened to be a hallucination."

"If you're wondering, he looks nothing like you, Scar," Martyn teased, playfully nudging him.

"Oh, come on! You said he's muscular! I'm muscular too!" Scar protested, unable to hold back a smile as he followed Martyn to the edge of the deck. "I'm wounded by your words!"

"I have a lot of not-quite-boyfriends, you're not one of them." Martyn began to strip off his waistcoat and shirt. 

"Well that makes two of us." Scar grinned. "I have eyes on someone myself!"

"This is news to me!" Martyn smirked, wringing out his clothes over the edge. "Who is it? Grian?"

"Psh, noooo." Scar grinned. "I could never compete with Etho!"

"Do I…know them?" Martyn asked.

"Nope!" Scar proclaimed proudly. "No one does actually."

"Looks like you have your own imaginary boyfriend." Martyn retorted.

"Hey!" Scar playfully struck Martyns shoulder, causing him to drop his shirt into the water. Martyn watched exasperatedly as the sea swallowed it.

"Oops…." Scar recoiled guilty. 

"I better go get it." Martyn began to climb the railing but Scar stopped him.

"It's gone, sorry man." Scar quickly began to take his own shirt off. "Here borrow mine -"

"It's fine, Scar, I have spares." Martyn assured him. "You'll cause Grian an aneurism."

With a sigh, Scar rebutoned his shirt and walked away. Martyn turned to follow Scar, but he stopped when he heard a wet thud behind him. Turning around, he saw his shirt sitting in a puddle of seawater, thrown back onto the deck. He smiled wearily, picking up his shirt to wring it out again. Martyn leaned over the edge, hoping to catch another glimpse of the mysterious merman, but the figure remained elusive.

Scott could see him though, the merman floating just beneath the water's surface. Boy, did his cheeks turn red when he caught sight of the shirtless pirate. His heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, cherishing the moment until the pirate moved out of sight.

"You're down bad, aren't you?" Cleo's voice startled Scott, causing him to jump.

"Cleo!" He exclaimed in surprise. "Were you watching me?"

"Yes, I was," Cleo replied, folding her arms sternly. "Not only did you let yourself be seen by a human, but you also touched him!"

"He was drowning!" Scott defended himself, trying to explain his actions.

"Not at first he wasn't! You're going to put yourself in danger," Cleo warned, her concern evident.

Scott sighed, understanding Cleo's worries. "I know, but…he's pretty, okay? And I'm lonely."

Cleo softened her expression. "I get it, Scott, but you need to be careful. Humans can be unpredictable."

With Cleo's warning in mind, Scott couldn't help but wonder if he'd have another chance to see the intriguing pirate again. The encounter had left an impression on him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there might be something special about their brief connection. As they both returned to the depths of the ocean, Scott vowed to keep a watchful eye on the mysterious world above.

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And watch he did. A group of mermaids decided to gather at the rock pool, relaxing and playing, creating a joyous atmosphere beneath the waves.

"PIRATES!" A mermaid cried suddenly, sending the merfolk into a quick scramble to hide. Scott recognized the ship, so he didn't hide but instead ducked behind a rock to observe from a safe distance. A group of pirates disembarked from the ship, laughing and splashing around in the water.

"You coming with, Martyn?" one of the pirates called out.

"Nah, I'll stay here a little longer, Big B," Martyn replied, revealing his name. Scott's heart fluttered at the sound of it. He had a name to match the handsome face now.

As the other pirates left, Scott couldn't resist the temptation to get a closer look at Martyn. With a daring move, he edged closer, his tail swishing in the water. Martyn noticed the ripples and curiously followed them to their source. Peering between two rocks, he found the face of his mysterious merman. When their eyes met, it was as if time stood still, and no pearl in the ocean could compete with the beauty of that moment.

"I knew you were real," Martyn breathed in amazement.

Scott exhaled a chuckle, feeling a sense of connection with Martyn. Encouraged by the interaction, Martyn climbed between the rocks and sank into the water beside him.

"What's your name?" Martyn asked, genuinely curious.

Scott simply giggled in response. Though he could understand Martyn's words, he found his own answers stuck in his throat. Perhaps it was the language barrier, or perhaps Scott didn't fully grasp what Martyn was asking. All he knew was that Martyn's voice was sweet, and being near him felt like a dream come true.

"Not very talkative, huh?" Martyn said with a warm smile, reaching to touch Scott's face affectionately. "I need to show the others!"

Scott's gaze flickered to the ship above them, and he seemed to tense slightly. He gently pulled Martyn closer, his heart soaring. With a soft gasp, Martyn was submerged, enveloped in the world beneath the waves. He was astounded by the beauty that surrounded him – the vibrant coral reefs, the colourful fish swimming by, and the breathtaking serenity of the underwater world.

As they floated together, Martyn found himself feeling strangely at home, despite the unfamiliar surroundings. Scott's presence was comforting, and he couldn't help but feel a connection with the merman. Scott, in his natural habitat, swam around Martyn. He showed off his swimming abilities and Martyn couldn't help but feel entranced. For a brief moment, all of Martyn's worries and troubles were forgotten, replaced by the wonder of this newfound adventure and the allure of the mysterious merman by his side.

But all too soon, the lack of air beckoned. Martyn began to swim upwards but gazed rested his arms around his waist and eased him upwards. Scott looked at Martyn with a mixture of longing and hesitation, as if torn between staying and returning to the depths of the ocean.

With a wistful smile, Martyn gently cupped Scott's cheek in his hand, their gazes locking in a silent understanding that transcended words. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the soothing sound of the waves.

Scott nodded in response, a small, affectionate smile playing on his lips. With a soft touch, he gently pushed Martyn back toward the safety of the rocks. As Martyn swam away, the merman couldn't help but grin like an idiot, his heart swelling with happiness.

With each stroke, Martyn's mind raced with thoughts of the captivating encounter he had just experienced. The connection he felt with Scott was unlike anything he had ever encountered before, and the merman's heart danced with excitement at the prospect of seeing him again.

Meanwhile, Scott remained in the rock pool, watching Martyn's figure disappear into the distance. His heart soared with delight, feeling the echoes of Martyn's touch on his cheek. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have met this enchanting pirate, and he eagerly looked forward to their next meeting.

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Scott couldn't deny that he had become infatuated with Martyn and couldn't stop himself from seeking opportunities to be near the pirate's ship. Swimming close to the vessel, grazing its belly, gave him a sense of closeness to Martyn, even if he couldn't openly be with him. And so, he began leaving little mementos as tokens of their encounters—seashells, woven seagrass baskets, and even a stunning earring he had found at the ocean's depths.

One day, Martyn received the earring, and a wide smile spread across his face as he held the gift in his hand. Scott's heart soared at the sight, feeling a rush of affection for the pirate. Martyn started wearing the earring everywhere, and its presence on his ear made Scott's heart skip a beat every time he saw it.

Some of the crew members noticed Martyn's newfound accessory and started teasing him about it. They jokingly suggested he must have found the treasures himself and was pretending they were gifts from the mysterious merman. Although some were concerned that his hallucinations were going too far. Eventually, Grian reluctantly agreed to let Martyn speak to Ren.

"That earring suits you," Ren remarked, a warm smile on his face.

"Thank you! A merman gave it to me!" Martyn replied, his eyes shining with happiness.

Across the room, Etho, upon hearing Martyn's words, was so surprised that he spat out the tea in a comical fashion.

"And now you see why I want you to knock some sense into him," Grian said, exasperation evident in his tone.

"Geez, calm down on the aggressiveness," Etho retorted, rolling his eyes.

Grian opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it, opting to keep his thoughts to himself for the moment.

"As Captain, I must do what's best for my crew," Grian replied sternly, trying to maintain his authority.

Ren raised an eyebrow sceptically. "Uh huh. Sure."

Sensing the tension, Etho quickly tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, how about we go check out some new swords while they have their little chat?"

Before Grian could respond with any grace, he snapped, "NO -" then took a moment to regain his composure, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "No, I will be loading the boat. And you, Mr. Slab, will keep... uh... sharpening your sword."

With that, Grian stormed off, leaving Etho to chuckle at the Captain's quirks.

"He's a strange, strange man," Etho mumbled to himself before deciding to give Martyn and Ren some space.

"So, a merman, huh?" Ren grinned, clearly intrigued by the idea.

"You believe me, right?" Martyn asked, seeking reassurance.

"Hmm, I have to see it to believe it," Ren replied with a playful shrug. "But I don't think it's fair of Grian to not trust you even a little."

"The last time I mentioned showing him to the others, he seemed to panic," Martyn sighed, feeling a bit frustrated by the situation.

"That's understandable," Ren empathised, gently cupping Martyn's cheek. "It might be dangerous to reveal something like that, for him."

Martyn leaned into Ren's touch, appreciating the support. "I guess you're right. I just wish I could share this part of my life with everyone I care about."

"Don't worry," Ren said reassuringly, his voice soft and attractive. "We'll figure things out together. For now, I'm just glad you're here with me. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," Martyn replied, getting caught up in the moment, his heart swelling with affection for Ren. "I'm sorry that I'm..."

Ren interrupted him with a warm smile. "Don't apologise. You have your own journey, and I'm here to support you through it."

Martyn looked at the floor.

"We're leaving for good now…"

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Back on the ship, Martyn watched as the last crate was loaded, feeling a mix of excitement and melancholy. The adventure that lay ahead was thrilling, but leaving behind the familiar shores brought a tinge of sadness.

"Hang the sails!" Grian's commanding voice echoed across the deck as the crew prepared to embark on their journey.

Scar approached Martyn from the side, a cheerful expression on his face. "I'm gonna miss this place."

Martyn nodded, his voice tinged with sadness. "Yeah, me too. It's been our home for so long."

"You said goodbye to Jimmy?" Scar inquired.

"In that letter which was sent a few weeks ago..." Martyn admitted, trailing off.

"So... not really," Scar concluded, tapping his finger on the rails thoughtfully.

"Why does it matter?"

Scars sudden words startled Martyn.

"What?"

"Why does it matter that we don't believe you?" Scar continued, his voice dropping. "About the merman."

"I…guess you're the only people I get to talk to when I'm at sea." Martyn admitted. "It just gets a little frustrating."

"Because you love him." Scar supplied. "And you love Ren."

"I do."

"And Jimmy."

"Oh…"

Martyn paused for a moment.

"What are you trying to say, Scar?" Martyn questioned.

"When we first met, who was your captain?" Scar returned.

"Uh." Martyn furrowed his eyebrows. "I was 14, that's not really a fair comparison!"

"Who did you take orders from?" Scar interrupted.

"Well, Watcher -"

"Before Watcher I mean."

"I don't understand what you're asking me?"

"When I met you, you took orders from no one." Scar declared. "You were a free spirit who did what he wanted. Damn the consequences, you talked with people just because you could. You flirted with death so often it keeps sparing you chances. Hell, you know you only took orders from Watcher because you were at gunpoint. Even then you pushed and pushed as far as you could anyway."

"Scar, please tell me this has a point," Martyn pleaded, feeling even more confused.

As the ship began to move, Scar turned to face him, a determined expression on his face. "Martyn Littlewood doesn't take orders. Isn't that why you chose the pirate life in the first place?"

"I..." Martyn hesitated, contemplating Scar's words. "I suppose so. I've always valued my freedom and independence."

"And don't get me wrong, Grian's a good captain," Scar continued.

"He is..." Martyn agreed.

"But would a pirate's life be truly a pirate's life if it meant being under the thumb of someone else?" Scar challenged. "Why does it matter if you want to believe you're in love with a merman?"

Martyn's gaze drifted to the receding coastline, lost in thought. Without a second thought, he made a bold decision. He leaped from the deck into the water below, surprising the crew behind him. But Martyn surfaced, swimming swiftly toward the docks.

Ren noticed him and rushed to grab him out of the water. "Martyn? I thought you were leaving?"

"Not yet, maybe not ever." Martyn replied breathlessly, his heart pounding in his chest. Without hesitation, he planted a kiss on Ren's cheek before sprinting away. "I need to find Jimmy!"

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Chapter Text

"Hey, that's not fair!"

Joel skillfully evaded a sweeping strike from Jimmy, stumbling slightly on the grass of the castle gardens.

"What is it you say?" Jimmy asked. "ALL is fair in love and war?"

"This ain't love and it ain't war unless you declare it properly!" Joel shot back, jumping to his feet with a wild expression. 

The two brothers-in-law clashed once more, their laughter resonating off the walls as they engaged in their playful duel. At one intense moment, Joel charged towards Jimmy, toppling him and holding his blade just inches away from the prince's neck.

"I'm surprised someone like you got accustomed to royal life." Jimmy remarked, dropping his sword to grab Joel's shoulders and try to pry him off.

"Oh yeah?" Joel grinned, sitting up. "What makes you say that?"

"You know what I mean!" Jimmy sat up, Jim and Joel clasping hands and bro hugging. "You're an insane soldier, and yet here you are cuddling up with my sister."

"What your sister and I have going on is our business," Joel countered. "Let it be known that she was captivated by my rugged charm, my smile, my—"

"Oh come on, you were smitten the moment you set eyes on her." Jimmy interrupted. 

Joel's confident declaration got caught in his throat.

"Y-You can't know that!" Joel denied. "You weren't born yet!"

"Joel, I was 13." Jimmy grinned. "We aren't that far apart in age."

Joel rolled his eyes, pulling Jimmy to his feet. Despite peaceful ties meant he likely would not engage in war, Jimmy still relished his friendly fights with Joel. What he did not enjoy, however, was how his emotions surfaced afterward.

"Something bothering you?" Joel inquired.

"How did you get accustomed to it?" Jimmy mumbled. "You know, ruling and all that."

Joel appeared thoughtful, swaying his legs.

"Well," Joel began, "I wouldn't exactly compare our positions. After all, I'm a king consort, and you're the future king."

"But you do rule, right?" Jimmy pressed.

"Ah, well, Lizze takes care of most of that. She is the Queen, after all," Joel corrected. "I'm more of... emotional support."

"I understand."

Carefully, Jimmy settled on a stone wall within the garden. Joel joined him.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Joel assured him. “As per tradition, you’ll rule alongside Lizzie and I, along with any partners.”

“I thought Lizzie was against tradition?” Jimmy raised an eyebrow.

Joel’s eyes slipped away from Jimmy’s, his mouth hung slightly open.

“I’ll let her have that talk with you.” Joel smiled. “We know better than anyone that Lizzie can't do too much to change tradition.”

Jimmy smiled. Even if he hadn't got along with Joel initially, he appreciated the support he gave him. And really, even if they were brothers in law through a royal marriage, he was grateful that it was Joel of all people. 

A sudden crash shattered the tranquillity of the moment. Startled, Jimmy spun around to face the source of the noise. In a swift motion, Joel unsheathed his sword, his demeanour taking on a deep, unfamiliar intensity.

"Who's there?" Joel's shout resonated, his voice carrying a weight that Jimmy had never heard before.

The bushes rustled.

"I come unarmed!"

Jimmy instantly recognised the voice.

"Martyn?" He exclaimed, his hope evident in his tone.

The bushes continued to rustle, and soon Martyn emerged, his hair adorned with leaves and his appearance somewhat dishevelled.

"H-Hey," Martyn greeted, a smile breaking across his face. Jimmy could hardly contain the wave of joy that washed over him at the sight.

"Hold it!" Joel's sword was levelled at the unexpected visitor. "State your purpose. What's your plan, pirate?"

"You never said you had a personal guard!" Martyn raised his hands above his head.

"Joel!" Jimmy stepped in front of his sword. "It's fine! Martyns fine!"

If one were to describe Joel's expression at that moment, "confused" would be an understatement. His arm lowered slowly, his gaze locked onto the pirate before him.

"Martyn." Joel raised an eyebrow.

"Your brother in law." Martyn realised.

"There's a pirate in our walls …" Joel exclaimed with exasperation.

"G'evening to you too, your highness," Martyn awkwardly greeted.

"And you two are - " Joel gestured to the pair.

"Friends!" Jimmy grasped Martyn's hand, who blushed profusely. "Good friends."

"Good friends?" Joel echoed, clearly trying to process the unexpected revelation.

"V-Very good friends!" Martyn nodded frantically.

Joel's gaze darted between the two of them, the puzzled expression on his face evolving into something more. The corner of his eye crinkled, and then he pursed his lips. Suddenly, he burst out laughing. Jimmy felt his face flush, but he found solace in the fact that this outcome was far better than the possibility of Joel capturing Martyn.

Joel's laughter echoed through the garden as he practically keeled over in hysterics.

"You mean to tell me," he managed to say between fits of laughter, "that you've been cozying up to a pirate all this time?!?"

"N-Not flirting!" Jimmy hurriedly clarified, turning to face Martyn. "We haven't been flirting, have we?"

"I don't think so." Martyn shifted uneasily, avoiding direct eye contact.

"You two are something else!" Joel wiped a tear from his eye, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Oh, just look at you! Young forbidden lovers in the making!"

"N-No, we're not!" Martyn protested, his face reddening.

"D'you think Lizzie would be…" Jimmy began fidgeting.

"Hmmm," Joel mused, rubbing his chin in mock contemplation. "When it comes to matters of the kingdom, tying the knot with a pirate isn't exactly a stellar move."

"Did I miss a proposal or something?" Martyn interjected, a confused expression on his face. "Last time I checked, we weren't planning on getting married."

"We're not even together." Jimmy agreed.

"But that's something I might need to discuss with Lizzie," Joel concluded.

"Please don't tell her!" Jimmy begged. 

"Look, no offence, Jim, but she's got an inkling," Joel admitted, his laughter subsiding. "Remember that public display where you tried to shield our pirate friend? Yeah, she's not completely in the dark. She just doesn't know the full extent of your... delightful 'friendship'."

Jimmy and Martyn immediately dropped hands.

"But I'll keep this down as long as I can." Joel promised. "It's not Lizzie you have to worry about, its Bdubs."  

Martyn and Jimmy exchanged a look. Of course, Bdubs would be the one truly in their way.

"Here's a piece of advice," Joel motioned for Martyn to come closer, his voice lowered to a whisper. "Steer clear of the palace next time."

"Is that a threat?" Martyn asked cautiously.

"Not coming from me," Joel clarified. "Let's just say Bdubs has made it abundantly clear to the guards: arrest you on sight, or worse."

A shiver crawled down Martyns spine. Of course he was a wanted criminal around these parts. He had escaped a hanging only a few days prior.

"If you're looking for a discreet place," Joel discreetly slipped a key into Jimmy's hand, "I'd suggest the coal room during the summer."

A look of disgust twisted Jimmy's features at the thought of Joel and Lizzie rendezvousing in such a place. He barely had a moment to process the situation before Joel took his leave, leaving the couple alone.

Martyn turned towards Jimmy, who immediately enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"I thought I'd lost you forever," Jimmy confessed in a soft whisper.

A heavy sigh escaped Martyn's lips, laden with guilt. "Well, that was the initial plan."

"Did you mean what you said?" Jimmy asked gently.

Martyn hesitated.

"I don't know." Martyyn confessed. "You know already that the rest of the crew think you're nothing but trouble. We're outlaws after all."

Jimmy's hold tightened.

"So I tried to, I guess..." Martyn mumbled. "It was the right thing for the crew. But it wasn't the right thing for me, and especially not you."

"Is this temporary?" Jimmy asked. "After this are you going away again?"

"I - "

"Be honest, Martyn." Jimmy smiled. "I don't mind either way."

Martyn swallowed. Here it was. The point of no return.

"I'm not going back to the crew for a little while." Martyn replied. "Stillwater Isle is my home. More accurately, you are."

"Martyn - "

"I'm staying with Ren's mates for a bit." Martyn explained. "I...hope to anyway. But I won't be going on any adventures until this has been sorted out."

"Until what has?" Jimmy asked nervously. "Is there...other stuff?"

Martyn felt his entire body tense as he met Jimmy's gaze. He wasn't lying, or at least he believed he wasn't, but the words felt heavy and convoluted, much like the thoughts swirling in his mind. He had replayed this conversation countless times in his head, yet it never seemed to make complete sense. Then he considered Scar's words. Maybe Scar had a point. Martyn had never been one to strictly adhere to rules. And he thought about Ren, about supporting him through the turmoil he was facing with Doc. He even thought about the merman incident. Oh hell, Martyn realised he had indeed sneaked into the palace, standing there in the garden, a wanted man. Yet, the flower he held in his hand, the most precious of all, seemed to make it all worth the risk.

"No," Martyn whispered, his hand tenderly grazing Jimmy's cheek. "There's nothing else."

The pirates dry lips locked with the princes. But despite the taste of seawater in his mouth, despite the cuts and bruises rubbing Jimmy's smooth, almost porcelain skin. Well, Jimmy couldn't even lie and say he didn't want to return the affection.

When they parted, Jimmy looked like he wanted to cry. His lip quivered as he observed Martyn with a mixture of confusion and anticipation. So Martyn eased his worries.

"I want you, Jimmy." Martyn whispered.

Jimmy inhaled sharply.

"From the moment I set eyes on you, I knew." Martyn continued. 

"B-But...." Jimmy stammered. "What about your crew?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Martyns smile faltered. "I'm not going on any adventures. I've had my fair share, they can wait. I wanted a new kind of treasure and...well our ideals just clashed too much."

"You didn't abandon them did you?" Jimmy quivered.

"Um..." martyn replied sheepishly. "Not forever. I'll get back in touch eventually. But they've demanded I prioritise them for years and..."

Martyn strategically places a hand on Jimmy's waist, pulling the prince close. 

"I think it's time I prioritise you for a little while." Martyn added. "Because well...I really really like you Jimmy. Hell, I adore you."

Jimmy's eyes widened, his breathing growing heavy. 

"Say it..." Jimmy begged and Martyn knew exactly what he wanted.

"I'm in love with you, Jimmy." Martyn confirmed. "Madly in love. Wholeheartedly smitten."

Nerves kicked up in Martyns throat. Awaiting Jimmy's reaction was painfully slow, even if the prince only paused for a few seconds.

The longing was worth the wait when Jimmy's hand slid around Martyn's head, their lips meeting in a fervent kiss. Martyn had often heard about sparks flying, but in that moment, it felt like an explosion. He responded with equal ardour, their lips moving in perfect harmony. The hand on Jimmy's waist grabbed a handful of his shirt fabric, prompting their bodies even closer. Jimmy's fingers threaded into Martyns' hair.

"We should..." Martyn gasped in between kisses. "Probably go to that coal room..."

"Planning something scandalous?" Jimmy murmured into Martyns mouth. "I thought you weren't into that kind of stuff."

Their eyes locked for a moment, a mixture of desire and tenderness passing between them. Martyn leaned in once more, allowing their lips to meld together in a passionate kiss, both eager to explore.

"Oh you." Martyn pressed his forehead to Jimmy's. "I just don't want to be caught." 

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The second the duo entered the coal room and locked the door behind them, they devolved into passionate kissing. Jimmy initiated it, a bold move that sent Martyn stumbling slightly, being careful not to trip over the piles of coal at his feet. The room itself seemed to pulse with heat, and the beads of sweat on their foreheads left it uncertain whether the source was solely the coal.

Amid the fervour, Jimmy swiftly found a way to steady Martyn, pressing him against the rough wall. A soft, involuntary whine escaped Martyn's lips, his brows furrowing in anticipation.

"My god," Jimmy's voice was hoarse as their lips momentarily parted.

Martyn managed to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He opened his eyes to meet Jimmy's gaze, desire reflected in the prince's breathless expression.

"I think we abandoned him a long time ago." Martyn quipped, a teasing grin tugging at his lips.

"So... I have a question." Jimmy asked, running his thumb over Martyns lip.

"A-Ask away." Martyn shuddered under Jimmy's touch.

"What are we?" Jimmy continued. 

Martyn paused, his fingers brushing against the small of Jimmy's back as he considered his response.

"Hmm." Martyn mused. "My feelings for you are platonic but...I think they're too strong to consider us friends."

"Explain how a QPR would work between us?" Jimmy asked.

"Well, it's all down to what we want to do." Martyn explained. "QPRs aren't linear in the slightest. I think we're definitely on the more affectionate side."

"How come?"

"Jimmy, you're pinning me against the wall and we're making out in a coal room." Martyn chuckled. 

"So making out is on the table?" Jimmy clarified.

"Oh absolutely." Martyn nodded. "I'm fine with dates, kissing, cuddling and risky flirts as long as they don't lead to anything sexual."

"I don't have those kinds of feelings for you anyway so that's helpful." A relieved smile tugged at the corners of Jimmy's lips.

"What about you?" Martyn asked. "Are your feelings romantic? I'm fine if they are."

"I don't think so." Jimmy mumbled. "When I started to fall for you I thought they were romantic. But the more you started talking about platonic attraction, the more it fit the bill."

"I see, I see." Martyn hummed. "Well, if they ever do turn romantic, don't be scared. After all, it's just a type of feeling. As long as we respect each other's boundaries, we'll be okay."

"So no sex but touch like hugs and kisses are fine?" Jimmy asked.

"Another thing." Martyns face turned nervous. "I really...really hate being hugged from behind. I don't know why but I just feel...icky."

"Okay..." Jimmy gently peppered kisses to Martyns neck as he spoke. "Anything else like that?"

"My stomach is off limits too." Martyn mumbled. "I just...sorry."

"It's okay, don't apologise." Jimmy reassured him. "We both have boundaries. I don't like being bitten, even gently. Ironically, only if you're up for it, I love being hugged from behind."

"Fair enough." Martyn smiled. "Shame, I wouldn't be able to see your face."

A blush coloured Jimmy's cheeks at the compliment, his heart fluttering. Martyn's fingers ran circles along the corner of Jimmy's mouth, a tender touch that sent a shiver down his spine.

"And it's such a pretty face too." Martyn whispered.

The intimacy of the moment was overwhelming, and Jimmy's body seemed to melt into Martyn's. A protective arm wrapped around Jimmy's waist, ensuring he remained steady and secure.

"Another thing." Jimmy whispered. "Are we open?"

"I'd assume so." Martyn shrugged.

"You do know that after this you have to get with Ren too, right?" Jimmy smirked.

"N-No way!" Martyn would back away if he wasn't already against the wall. "I couldn't ask Ren, not until...y'know."

"Yeah I know..." Jimmy stood straight again. "Any other suitors I should know about?"

"Do you want to know?" Martyn questioned.

"Well, considering we're now official, I think it would be nice to know." Jimmy smiled, burying his head into Martyns chest.

"Let's make an agreement on that." Martyn patted Jimmy's head gently. "Lets see...me and Ren flirt and kiss but probably won't be official."

"Mhm...anyone else?" Jimmy asked.

"Well..." Martyns mind wandered, trying to think of any other men he'd flirted with recently.

Yet the only image appearing in his mind was the merman. And Martyn knew his imagination was not doing the handsome creature justice. The way their bodies had pressed together in the rock pool, the memory sent shivers down Martyns spine. Another reason why he needed to talk to someone other than his crew.

"The man who saved us." Martyn mumbled.

"Excuse me?" Jimmy raised an eyebrow.

"Now bear with me." Martyn tried to explain. "Ever since then, I've been spotting him around and...I got in the water him."

"Are you sure he's - "

"Yes!" Maryyn insisted. "Yes I'm sure he's real. I touched his face. He touched my arm. He's real, Jimmy, and he's a merman."

Jimmy's eyes widened in shock.

"He's a what?" 

"A merman!" Martyn nodded. "You see this earring? He gave it to me it. In fact, we might even be able to find him."

Martyn half expected Jimmy to tell him to be quiet. He hoped Jimmy would see through but he knew that he must sound like a madman.

"Lead the way." 

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Scott had developed a habit of trying to orchestrate accidental encounters with Martyn, much to Cleo's disapproval. The truth was, he couldn't help himself. If it could be described as falling in love, Scott felt more like he was soaring. Each time he swam to the ocean's surface to be with Martyn, he could feel the excitement bubbling in his chest like the very bubbles that rose around him. Admittedly, he didn't fully understand everything Martyn said to him, but Scott cherished the moments they spent together.

"Have you spoken to him?" Cleo rolled her eyes on one occasion as they swam together.

"No," Scott shook his head, a tender smile playing on his lips as he gazed lovingly at a shoelace that Martyn had accidentally left behind during one of their encounters.

"Have you...sang?"

"Cleo no!" Scott looked shocked. "Of course I wouldn't!"

"If you wanna be with him so bad, why not?" Cleo retorted. "He'll want to stay here forever."

Scott looked almost hurt by Cleos words.

Scott's expression turned conflicted. "But he's not a merman. You know why we sing—it's to lure and drown sailors. I can't bear the thought of doing that to him."

"I can't think of a more affectionate form of merlanguage." Cleo replied. 

"But he's not a merman!" As much as Scott wished he was, it would make this so much simpler. "And I don't want to drown him!" 

"But why not?" Cleo groaned with frustration. 

"Because I..." Scott cut himself off before he said something he regretted.

"Because what?" Cleo pushed him.

Oh screw it, they were gonna say it anyway.

"I don't want to be with him like this." Scott confessed.

Cleo looked insulted. 

"You want to walk on land?"

"Yes, actually!" Scott shot back. "I wanna be a human with him!"

"You'd give up all this just for a man?" Cleo spat. "A man you've only met a few times?"

"Cleo, you know it's more than that," Scott retorted, his voice tinged with exasperation. "I've been obsessed with the human world for years. Every sunken ship, every diver—I've been fascinated by it all. Why else do you think I saved Martyn and his friend? Not just because I found them attractive. "

"Are you saying... you always wanted to go up there?" Cleo mumbled, their tone softer.

Scott's eyes bore into hers, his gaze unwavering. "Yes. I've dreamed of it for years."

Cleo's expression fell, a mix of sadness and resignation clouding his features. "Why? Why would you leave everything you have here?"

Scott could only float in silence.

"Your friends?" Cleo continued. "What about the festivals, who else would organise them?"

"Someone else." Scott sighed.

"You've put us all in danger by allowing yourself to be seen by him." Cleo was stunned. "I don't know you anymore Scott."

The next words to leave Scott's mouth were his biggest regret.

"Then you never knew me."

Scott had meant it when he said those words to Cleo, and he felt certain of his decision. Just a few days later, he heard the familiar voice he had been yearning for.

With a wide grin, Scott swam swiftly to the ocean's surface. There it was, Martyn's face beaming with delight at the sight of him. But beside Martyn was another face—a curious one that Scott hadn't expected.

The other man whom Scott had saved.

Scott panicked and quickly dove under the water. He heard Martyn chuckle and a splash as he waded through the water.

"It's okay, it's only Jimmy!" Martyn called out. "You saved him too, remember?"

Yes, Scott did remember. How could he forget? But while he had grown to trust Martyn, he wasn't sure if he could extend that trust to Jimmy. From what he could gather, Jimmy held a regal presence, an air of someone of higher status. Martyn, being a pirate, felt safer since he was unlikely to betray him, but what about Jimmy? Could he be legally obligated to report his existence?

As he noticed Martyn approach above hum, he swam up carefully, clasping a bracelet he found around his ankle.

"I swear he's just a bit shy!" Martyn called, tussling Scott's hair under the water. Scott loved that.

"Are you sure?" Jimmy questioned nervously. "I'm having doubts."

"Come on, man." Martyn whispered to Scott, just making out his face under the water. "I promise Jimmy means no harm."

Scott hesitated, uncertain about how to proceed. He shook his head slightly, his actions mirroring his reluctance as he hugged Martyn and pressed his head against Martyn's mostly submerged chest. In response, Martyn's hand found its way back into Scott's hair, gently massaging it—a comforting gesture that sent shivers through him. And *oh* was it a feeling. If he wasn't scared of drowning him, Scott would pull Martyn into the water.

"I get it." Martyn mumbled, motioning his words so Scott could understand. "You can hide behind me if you want?"

Scott considered it, nodding. Martyn began to wade closer to Jimmy, Scott following behind. Shielded by the sea foam on the waves, Scott could just make out Jimmy. 

And *god* was he handsome.

Scott found himself utterly entranced by Jimmy's appearance. He was so captivated by the sight that he hardly noticed when Jimmy began to speak. The sound of Jimmy's voice reached him like a distant melody, and oh, he was utterly lost. There was no turning back now. He was unequivocally drawn to Jimmy, just as he was to Martyn. The realisation left Scott in a state of longing and uncertainty. How could he possibly choose between them?

Unless he didn't have to. Unless he could get both of them and...

What was he thinking? He wanted to get Jimmy alone as he had done with Martyn. He wanted to get to know this man.

He hadn't even realised Martyn was swimming back to shore, clearly convinced by Jimmy that they should go.

Desperately, Scott beelined for his cavern. He stopped up a seashell and Hurriedly swam back to the surface, just in time to see Jimmy leaving behind Martyn. Scott threw the seashell towards him, hoping to catch his attention. He watched with bated breath as Jimmy picked up the shell. Perfect eyes met Scott's, and he lowered himself slightly, only revealing the top of his head.

"Thank you," Jimmy's whisper carried to the shoreline, and Scott's heart swelled with a mix of joy and affection.

With a giddy sense of love, Scott let himself fall back into the water, his mind racing with the encounter. He began to swim back towards his underwater haven. If Scott had ever wanted to be human more than ever, it was at this moment. Driven by the possibility of a future where he could be with Martyn and Jimmy.

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Merfolk had been warned for generations to steer clear of the Great Honomara Volcano. The dangers of an erupting volcano were clear, as the violent currents it spewed could throw even the swiftest merfolk into deadly rapids. But for centuries, Honomara had remained dormant. However, a new kind of threat lurked beneath its seemingly tranquil surface...

"TANGOOOOOO!" 

The pufferfish merman sped through the waters, entering his home with glee.

"Impulse!" Tango's eyes lit up with affection as he swam toward his partner, offering a tender kiss.

"We've struck luck!" Impulse chuckled. "A certain somebody reeeeeaaaally wants to go to the surface."

"Is that so?" Tango smirked. "Are we sure he isn't going to go haywire like last time?" 

"Darling, we learn from our mistakes this time." Impulse smiled earnestly. "And this time, let's make a plan before jumping onto the next ship."

"Well...Let's get at it then."

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Chapter Text

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"Sir!" 

The door of Bdubs study flung open. The force startled the royal advisor. His hand gripped his chair to steady himself in a more dignified posture.

"What is it?" Bdubs demanded, swiftly advancing toward the guard. "Quickly now!"

"The pirate has returned!" The guard announced with urgency.

Bdubs reacted by swiftly placing a hand over the guard's mouth.

"Well, of course he has!" Bdubs whispered sharply. "But let's not broadcast it to the entire castle. Keep your voice down!”

Bdubs waited for a moment until the guard nodded in understanding. Bdubs then withdrew his hand, carefully wiping it on a pristine handkerchief.

"Should we mobilise a large force?" The guard inquired, his voice kept at a hushed level.

"Hell no!" Bdubs snapped, his expression firm. "The queen's counsel is clear. We can't resort to brutal displays anymore."

The guard looked taken aback by Bdubs' cryptic response. 

"What are you talking about?" 

"Private affairs." Bdubs kept his secrets hidden. "But a full force search of a single pirate is not ideal."

Bdubs turned to retrieve his coat, his mind racing with a plan.

"So, what's our next move?" The guard asked eagerly.

"Return to your post, Zedaph," Bdubs replied with a sly grin. "I have a notion of where I might track him down."

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"You kissed him?" 

"Yes."

"You…made out with him in a coal room!"

"Yes, Ren."

Martyn had never blushed so deeply in his life as when Ren eagerly interrogated him in Ethos' workshop.

"Dude, I'm so happy for you!" Ren exclaimed, patting Martyn on the back enthusiastically. "So, is it official?"

"Yup." Martyn chuckled. "Of course we'll still operate like we usually do, guards and all."

"So - " Ren raised an eyebrow hopefully.

"He's okay with us being how we are." Martyn confirmed.

Ren breathed a sigh of relief. 

"So, when's the wedding?" Etho playfully quipped, eliciting hearty laughter from the others.

"When it's legal." Martyn giggled. "Joel thinks it won't be a good look - "

"Joel?" Ethos gaze shot upwards. "King Joel? That's Joel?"

"Yeah?"

"He knows???" 

"He caught us in the act, Etho." Martyn replied. "Uh…not that kind of act."

"And he was okay with it?" Ren raised an intrigued eyebrow.

"Oh yes." Martyn nodded. "He was the one who gave us the key to the coal room." 

"Hmmm. Go figure." Etho shrugged with a bemused expression.

The conversation halted suddenly. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the stairs. Skizz burst into the room, his face contorted in panic.

"BDUBS!" Skizz shouted, panting heavily. "He's on his way!"

"What?!" Etho yelled.

Without hesitation, Ren grabbed Martyn's hand and led him upstairs. In a corner of the room, Ren lifted up Etho’s bed, revealing a concealed compartment.

"You didn't tell me Etho had a hidey hole." Martyn joked, climbing into the compartment.

"It's a bit too snug for him.” Ren chuckled, a touch of worry in his eyes. “Stay quiet, and we'll keep Bdubs occupied."

"Don't put yourself in danger for me." Martyn pleaded.

Ren leaned in and pressed a reassuring kiss to Martyn's forehead. "Don't worry," he whispered, before carefully sealing the compartment shut, leaving Martyn hidden and safe.

With a shaky breath, Ren rushed back downstairs, rejoining Skizz and Etho, just in time for the inevitable knock on the door. Skizz moved to open it, but before he could reach the knob, the door flung open, revealing an angry-looking Bdubs.

"Afternoon, gentlemen." Bdubs fauxly smiled. 

"Afternoon." Ren greeted wryly. "What's happening?"

"You're in kahoots with that pirate, correct?" Bdubs wasted no time cutting to the chase.

"We have the occasional conversation, the occasional kiss," Ren replied nonchalantly, "The occasional 'I probably shouldn't go further before Skizz and Etho tell me to get a room.' Why do you ask?"

"Is it occasional enough to warrant saving him from a hanging?" Bdubs raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, I owed him one." Ren said defensively. "And do you really want me to get into the details? Come on, think of my buddies! They've had to witness it already."

"And your 'buddies' were so loyal that they followed? Oh please." Bdubs rolled his eyes, willingly ignoring the small innuendos Ren was slipping in. 

"Hey!" Skizz shouted. "Don't underestimate loyalty!" 

"Where is he?" Bdubs demanded, ignoring Skizz.

"Your guess is as good as mine." Ren innocently shrugged. "Sailed for a new home last I heard."

"Liar!" Bdubs drew his sword, his frustration boiling over. "I know you know where he is! Fess up!"

"I can't tell you something I don't know, dude!" Ren began to cautiously back up, his eyes darting between Skizz and Etho.

"TELL ME!" 

Bdubs lost his temper and shoved Ren roughly, sending him crashing into a table of tools. Ren managed to catch his balance. Tools clattered to the ground.

"Cool it, boys." 

Ren and Bdubs' attention swiftly turned toward Etho, who had drawn one of his many swords, pointing it firmly at Bdubs.

"I'm going to make this abundantly clear." Etho positioned himself between Ren and Bdubs, his sword held with casual ease to the side. "We do not know where Martyn is. What he does is his business, and what we do is our business."

Frustration welled up in Bdubs' eyes, and with a shout, he lunged toward Etho, sword in hand. But with a simple twist of his wrist, Etho expertly blocked the attack.

"You're a very prideful man," Etho commented, pushing back against another of Bdubs' blows. "I'm sure it must have been humiliating to be bested by a pirate and some lowly dock workers."

"YOU - " Bdubs swung again, this time lower. Etho gracefully ducked, effortlessly scooping up Bdubs' ankles and dragging him off his feet. Bdubs let out an incoherent splutter as he was manhandled, hanging helplessly from where his ankles were held on Etho's shoulders. Being a taller man, Etho didn't seem to struggle carrying Bdubs, his movements controlled and precise. Bdubs' sword clattered to the ground.

"To add even more insult to injury, here you are again," Etho taunted gently with a chuckle. "But you have a lot of nerve to threaten my buddy. So let me remind you once again."

Etho lowered Bdubs back to the ground, and before Bdubs even had a chance to catch his breath, Etho pointed the tip of his sword dangerously close to Bdubs' chin.

"We don't know where Martyn is." Etho spelt out calmly. "And if you know what's best for you, you'll stop picking fights where you don't belong. Do we have an agreement, Mr Bdubs?"

Bdubs had been caught off guard to an extreme degree. It was as though Etho had broken through his defences like a battering ram. He stared up at the masked man, bewildered, his emotions in turmoil. The undeniable tension between them hung palpably in the air.

“OI!”

Another thunderous voice tore through the air, capturing the attention of everyone in Etho's workshop. Grian stormed into the room, his piercing eyes immediately locking onto the advisors.

“What are you doing here?” Grian demanded.

“I could say the same for you!” Bdubs shot back, scrambling to his feet.

"I'm here to find Martyn," Grian grumbled, his irritation evident, followed closely by the ever-smiling Scar.

“Well what a coincidence, so am I!” Bdubs evaded Grian’s personal space but Grian did not flinch. Their rivalry wasn’t personal, but their clashing ideals were sure to cause a fight. “He’s long overdue hanging!”

“I don’t blame you for your disdain, I too hate him!” Grian remarked.

“Well it looks like we finally have something in common!” Bdubs shouted.

“Gentlemen!” Etho giggled, stepping in between the two men. A voice of reason, even if his reasonings to interject were a little different this time. “This doesn’t need to be a fight, especially not here.”

“How would you know!” Grian drew his sword on Etho. “I bet you're sheltering him!”

"I reached that conclusion first!" Bdubs tried to push himself between Grian and Etho.

“No you didn’t.”

“Course I did!”

As tension crackled in the air between them, the room practically oozed with dramatic energy. The sparks of their rivalry seemed to hide something deeper, a mutual attraction that neither wanted to acknowledge in such a heated moment

“You royal scum are all the same!” Grian accused.

“And you pirates are all the same!” Bdubs shot back. “Look at you all! Roughed up clothes and a stench of seawater!”

"I'll have you know that my attire is the latest in fashion!" Scar chimed in from halfway up the stairs.

“No one cares, Scar.” Grian rolled his eyes. 

“You don’t care about anything!” Bdubs spoke. “Not the law, not dignity, not even shame!”

"Well, I can't deny that when Scar is standing there - oh, nevermind, he's run off," Grian grumbled, his irritation momentarily derailed. "But you also have no shame! Parading around as an executioner. That's not even your job role!"

"I was employed with the trust to serve the royal family!" Bdubs retorted with a hint of frustration. 

"Well, the royal family certainly doesn't seem to trust you!" Grian smirked, a sly edge to his words. "Otherwise, Timmy wouldn't go behind your back to see Martyn.

"How about we get back on topic - " Etho began to interject, but his suggestion was swiftly ignored as the two men devolved into even more heated bickering.

"He's not here!" Scar's voice finally broke through the cacophony, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

“What?” Grian squinted his eyes.

“I checked upstairs, everywhere.” Scar looked at Ren narrowly. “Even in that compartment under the bed.”

“Dammit...” Ren cursed before his face flooded with horror. “Wait...he’s not there?!”

“He was hiding upstairs and now he’s gone!?” Skizz exclaimed. 

“Dammit Skizz, you’re not supposed to tell them that!” Ren hushed.

Skizz looked to the ground sheepishly.

“Ah yeah...I suppose it would probably be better to keep that part a secret.” He mumbled.

“Well, where would he go?” Grian demanded.

“To hell if I know!” Ren threw his hands in the air. “He’s like the wind, you can’t catch him.”

“Well we gotta sure as hell try.” Scar smirked.

"Not on my watch," Bdubs warned with a menacing tone, his eyes flashing with determination. "I swear I will find that scumbag, and when I do, ohhh, the sight won't be pretty."

“How dare you!” Grian raised his voice once more, his anger flaring. “My crew will find him! And I swear his punishment will be far worse than anything you could ever come up with!”

“Oh yeah?” Bdbubs smirked. “Well - “

“BOYS!”

Grian let out a startled shriek, and Bdubs yelped as Etho's hands gripped the front of their shirts, pulling them close. The height difference allowed Etho to lift them just enough that they'd fall over if they tried to wrangle out of it. Not that it seemed either party wanted to, as a ruddy blush spread across each man's face.

"Excuse my harshness," Etho said firmly, his breath brushing against their cheeks. "But I swear, if you two don't get your act together, I will kick you out of my workshop. In which you barged into anyway, without permission."

“This is a public building.” Bdubs squeaked.

“You can't ban me, we have history.” Grian spoke shakily.

"History," Etho mumbled bitterly, his eyes flickering with a mixture of frustration and something more. "Yeah, sure. Regardless of that, you're hurting my ears. I don't care if you're technically opposing forces. I don't care if you're both in a position of power, which means you have a sword up where the sun don't shine, both of which I'm sure I crafted myself, but regardless."

Bdubs fidgeted with his shirt, and Grian avoided eye contact, their proximity causing their faces to burn even brighter.

"You both want to find Martyn? Whatever, good luck," Etho continued, his tone softening slightly. "It might even benefit you to team up. But don't bring your drama into my workshop."

Etho brought the two men even closer to his face. Their breaths mingling in the close quarters, his intense stare locking onto theirs.

“Deal?”

"Deal!" The two men nodded frantically, their blushes deepening. Etho held their gaze for a moment longer before his expression transformed into a goofy grin, and he chuckled as he set the captains down, the lingering tension between them mingling with an electrifying sense of attraction.

“Good.” Etho’s eyes crinkled in a smile. 

“Why’d you do that dude?” Ren whispered. “Isn’t Martyn gonna be in danger?”

“He’ll be fine.” Etho mumbled back. “He’s too quick even with this joining in forces.”

“So.” Bdubs cleared his throat awkwardly. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“Me neither.” Grian grumbled. “So uh...”

“We start at the town square.” Bdubs interrupted.

“I’m not taking orders from you!” Grian shook his head. “We’ll start at the docks.”

“Where do you get off telling me what to do?” Bdubs retorted.

“Gentlemen.” Etho calmly reminded, thoroughly enjoying himself under the mask. The two captains recoiled, facing each other again.

“The docks.” Bdubs mumbled.

“The town square.” Grian sighed. “Okay...How’s Gully Washer for a starting point?”

“Freaking Gully’s?” Bdubs looked surprised. “You can’t be serious. It’s horrible down there!”

“About time you stepped foot there then.” Grian smirked. “Leave no stone unturned.”

“What about me?” Scar enquired. 

“THE DOCKS!” Both Grian and Bdubs ordered before leaving the workshop together.

“Wow.” Scar remarked. “Those guys are down bad for you, Etho.”

The group burst out into laughter, mostly from Etho.

“Oh goodness, that’s a shame.” He sighed.

“Don’t you and Grian have...history, as he says?” Scar prompted.

“That’s a story for another time.” Etho sighed. “Because after it you might not like your captain very much.”

“Ooooooh was it terrible?” Scar inquired eagerly. “Did he murder someone? Did he steal something he shouldn't have? Tell me tell me tell me!”

“Like I said, a story for another day.” Etho smiled. “Perhaps we can get a drink later?”

“Ooooh I don’t drink, makes me feel floaty.” Scar waved his hand diminishally. “Anyways, I better run. Can’t disobey captains orders. I only think you get that privilege!”

Scar departed with a skip in his step. Skizz elbowed Etho playfully.

“Lucky guy, ey?” He jested.

“I wouldn’t say.” Etho chuckled. “Wherever the tide goes, I’ll follow...And just pray I don’t get hurt this time.”

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Martyn knew a place where no one would find him. He certainly didn’t want to wait for Grian to find him, he knew his captain was very thorough. Yet there was a certain edge of the shore he liked to visit.

“Oh come on!” Martyn giggled as Scott playfully splashed him. “You can’t pull that after you hid from Jimmy earlier!”

Scott's laughter echoed joyously across the rippling water as Martyn pursued him. The azure sea sparkled under the sun's gentle caress, casting a radiant backdrop to their playful escapade. Every nuance of Scott's merman form captivated Martyn's senses, from the iridescent shimmer of his scales to the graceful movements of his tail. Martyn cherished these stolen moments, yearning for something more substantial—a genuine conversation with the enigmatic merman.

The enchantment of their aquatic rendezvous was unparalleled. Scott's slender fingers tenderly combed through Martyn's hair, sending shivers of delight down his spine. Their lips drew nearer with each exhilarating chase, teasingly close but never quite connecting. A silent yearning hung between them, heightened by Martyn's nervous anticipation.

A melodious, otherworldly tune began to envelop Martyn's senses, beckoning him to willingly descend into the depths of the sea. It was an eerie yet strangely captivating sensation as he surrendered to the underwater embrace. He could feel the pressure building in his chest, the air dwindling, but the presence of Scott made it all feel worthwhile.

Suddenly, Scott's piercing shriek shattered the mesmerising trance, jolting Martyn back to reality. He struggled, the need for air forcing him to frantically resurface, sputtering and gasping for breath. The bewilderment etched on his face mirrored the horror in Scott's eyes, who seemed more horrified at himself than at Martyn's confusion.

“What’s wrong?” Martyn asked worriedly. “Did I do something?”

Scott remained mute, lost in incoherent babbling as he returned to the water, leaving Martyn perplexed and anxious once he was safe on the sand. An inexplicable sense of foreboding settled in Martyn's heart, suggesting that this incident might mark the last time he'd see his beloved merman. Confusion gnawed at him. What had triggered Scott's sudden panic? Everything had seemed perfectly fine, leaving Martyn to grapple with unanswered questions and a sense of impending loss.

“Oh, hey Martyn!”

Martyn almost jumped out of his skin as Scar’s voice startled him. He whipped around, the cheerful pirate was crouched behind him.

“Oh. Hey scar.” Martyn replied carefully.

Scar looked over the waves, watching the way the water rippled. He looked surprisingly peaceful in Martyn’s opinion.

“Was that the merman?” Scar teased.

“Yeah.” Martyn sighed. “He freaked out. I don’t know why.”

Scar hummed. This was a funny thing. Scar could either come up with the best advice, the worst advice, or no advice. And Martyyn supposed this time was the latter. Not that he seeked advice, he knew what he wanted.

“You’ve caused some chaos.” Scar mumbled, a smirk on his face. “Grian’s lost his mind.”

“Sorry.” Martyn replied sheepishly.

“Don’t be.” Scar turned to him. “Chaos is fun. Plus I did egg you on.”

“You did.” Martyn shrugged, caressing the earring the merman gave him.

“He gave you that, right?” Scar enquired. “I seriously thought Jimmy did for a while.”

“You did?” Martyn tried to think back on the events but his mind was blank. “Oh well.”

“I wear a lot of hats.” Scar continued. “A lover. Adventurer. Ex-captain, the rational.“

“You were a Captain - ?“

“But I am also an expert in jewellery.” Scar examined the earring. “And this is a real find. Very old, ancient perhaps.”

“Really?” Martyn raised an eyebrow.

“Does he bring you…” Scar shuffled closer. “Any other things?” 

“Sometimes.” Martyn shrugged. “Little trinkets here and there.”

“Fascinating.” Scar leaned back on the sand. “I’d love to explore the depths of the ocean one day. Too bad I can’t swim very well.”

“I suppose a pirates good enough for me.” Martyn chuckled. “I…suppose you want me to come back with you.”

“Nope.” Scar giggled. “Do what you want. I’m supposed to be but, hey, Grian won’t know?”

“You are a strange man, Scar.” Martyn smiled. 

Scar simply smiled.

“Also Grian and Etho are fighting.” Scar added. “Well…probably making out somewhere, tongues and all.”

“Wow.” Martyn chuckled. “Me being missing is bringing out all the feelings, aye?”

“Aye.” Scar agreed. “Keep us running.”

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Scott was mortified to say the least. He swam as far away from the coast as possible. How could he have let himself slip up like that? He'd made a solemn vow never to sing when Martyn was around, but the temptation had been so irresistible, the melody drawing him in with an almost hypnotic allure. Shame welled up within him, filling his lungs as he choked back a heart-wrenching sob.

Singing was perilous in the presence of humans—a dangerous technique used to ensnare and drown them. Martyn had succumbed to it all too easily, and the weight of the knowledge that he had nearly caused Martyn's demise hung heavy on Scott's conscience

Oh goodness Scott really had almost killed him.

As he reached his secluded underwater cave, Scott found the entrance left wide open in his haste. He didn't have the luxury of time to secure it. Collapsing on the nearest rock, he wept, his tears mingling with the water that surrounded him. The agonising truth struck him like a tidal wave: there was no conceivable way he could be with Martyn. If he allowed himself to succumb to the dangerous allure of his song again, Martyn would be placed in grave peril, and Scott couldn't bear the thought of causing him harm.

“Why can’t I just be human…” Scott's voice, laden with pain, trembled as he mumbled his longing. He clung to this desperate wish as if it held the power to solve all his problems. If only he didn't possess the beguiling, perilous allure of a siren's power. 

If he were human, he could laugh, he could sing to Martyn without the risk of turning the pirate's mind into mush. He wouldn't be a danger to anyone just by existing. If he had legs instead of a merman's tail, he could walk to Jimmy instead of forever waiting for the timid prince to overcome his nerves. He could comprehend their language, the one he didn't quite grasp but found just as enchanting as the trinkets that reminded him of the humans and their captivating world.

Scott couldn't help but wonder why he was fated to dwell so close to a land he could never access. Were the tides truly so cruel as to push him tantalisingly close to the surface, like the sun he could never touch? Was he condemned to yearn for something beyond his reach, even when the allure of the sun-drenched world was so captivating? Why did he crave the touch of the rough yet gentle sand-like skin of the pirate so desperately?

Oh dear. Scott truly got tragically metaphorical when upset. 

A foreboding shadow enveloped Scott, abruptly halting his melancholic musings as an eerie sense of dread crept through his meagre bones. He turned his head, only to be confronted by the sight of an immense, otherworldly creature. The creature's inky black skin was adorned with vibrant blue spots, and an intricate tapestry of tentacles trailed behind it as it gracefully glided through the water.

Scott's heart quickened its tempo; this was the very creature he had been warned about. The warden of the deep.

However, the warden made no hostile move towards him. Instead, its bulging eyes seemed to convey a silent command: "Follow me." Scott quivered with fear, but he dared not defy an order from the ocean's largest threat. With a timid swish of his tail, he acquiesced, trailing cautiously behind the colossal creature.

Together, they plunged deeper into the ocean's abyss, venturing into realms where the water grew progressively darker. As the surrounding depths swallowed them, the luminous spots dotting the warden's skin began to glow, casting an ethereal light that illuminated their path through the underwater world.

In the distance, Scott discerned the imposing silhouette of an underwater volcano, its presence a surprise in the otherwise serene deep-sea environment. It left him with a sense of perplexing trepidation. Yet, the warden unexpectedly halted near the base of this underwater geological marvel, its massive form indicating for Scott to enter. This unusual gesture left Scott feeling a mixture of curiosity and anxiety, but he reluctantly complied, nervously swimming into the volcano's subterranean realm.

Inside, he encountered a surreal landscape: rows and rows of twisting rocks and solidified lava formations surrounded him. The oppressive heat emanating from the volcanic chamber began to take its toll on him, the unfamiliar environment growing increasingly uncomfortable. Scott couldn't fathom how anyone could endure such conditions, let alone thrive within them.

“Easy journey?”

The sudden, raspy voice sent shivers down Scott's spine, and he swivelled around, his eyes darting around the cavernous room in search of its source. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't pinpoint where the voice emanated from. The room he had entered bore a striking resemblance to his own treasure cavern, lined with rows upon rows of diverse collections and enigmatic ingredients. Amidst this organised chaos, he spotted a carved rock from which bubbles playfully erupted, momentarily diverting his attention from the mysterious voice.

"This place is playing tricks on me," Scott mumbled, leaning closer to investigate the miniature geyser.

"Indeed," a different yet strangely familiar voice responded. A shadow crept up behind Scott, and he spun around to behold a yellow merman entering the cavern.

"It's you," Scott whispered, his voice laden with a mix of recognition and apprehension. "The one they warned me to stay away from."

Impulse grinned, an eerie chuckle escaping his lips. 

"It's amusing how they perceive me," he remarked with a hint of intrigue, as if revelling in the reputation that preceded him.

“Why did you bring me here?” Scott questioned in an accusing voice.

"Oh, I didn't bring you," Impulse replied, tilting his head slightly as if to emphasise his innocence. "Our dear warden had the notion. It was my idea, but, well…"

Impulse's explanation was abruptly interrupted by a surge of bubbles from the cauldron-shaped rock. The chamber was bathed in an increasingly intense glow as molten rock spewed forth, gradually taking on a more distinct form. Emerging from the radiant light was a merman with ash-grey skin, adorned with grand rocks protruding from various parts of his body. Molten lava seemed to flow down his form, yet the moment it dripped off him, it solidified into rock.

With an air of poise, the fiery merman extended a hand towards Scott and greeted him, "Pleasure to meet you."

Scott hesitated, wariness etched across his features. "I'll hold off on the shaking for now, thank you."

The rocky merman shook his head, a motion that scattered tiny fragments of rocks as he moved. "Shame, you'll need that later," he remarked cryptically.

“So you must be Tango, if he’s Impulse.” Scott guessed.

"You are correct," Tango confirmed with a warm smile.

“And you’ve just been waiting in that rock for me to show up so you could reveal yourself in dramatic fashion.” Scott hesitantly quipped.

Tango chuckled softly. "As a parade man yourself," he gestured up and down Scott, "you must understand that presentation is key."

"Certainly, but this has gotten you a bad reputation," Scott admitted, his nervousness returning. "That and the...wow, was that really the warden?"

Tango's eyes sparkled with delight at the question. "Ah! It is! My son."

“Your…son?” This time it was Scott's turn to glance Tango up and down, scrutinising his appearance. “You…made that?”

Tango raised his hands, shaking his head with amusement as he glided gracefully toward his shelves of intriguing items.

“Oh no no no not made!” Tango chuckled. “Adopted.”

Scott released a sigh of relief, his earlier discomfort dissipating as he pushed away the unsettling images that had briefly crossed his mind. 

“So.” Scott crossed his arms. “Why am I here?”

Tango, instead of immediately addressing Scott's question, couldn't help but offer a compliment that seemed somewhat out of place given the circumstances. He swept closer to Scott, his eyes alight with curiosity. 

"Can I just begin by complimenting your hair? It's so rare to see other mermen with colours as vibrant as this!"

Scott blinked in surprise, his initial scepticism momentarily melting away. "Uh... Thank you?" he responded, offering a hesitant smile. "I guess you don't see literal fire underwater every day either."

"You'll get used to it," Impulse chimed in casually.

“I can imagine.” Scott replied.

"A guy like you must have so many friends," Tango commented, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

Scott hesitated before answering, a touch of melancholy in his voice. "Yes—" he began but quickly corrected himself, "No. Not many."

“Hmm?” Impulse cocked an eyebrow. “The zombie?”

“We got into a fight.”

Impulse and Tango exchanged a knowing look, and Scott felt a pang of vulnerability.

“What about your surface friends?” Impulse inquired.

Scott felt his breath draw low.

“You know?” Scott quivered.

“Oh, many mermen know.” Tango sighs. “Gossip travels fast, especially as you are the organiser of parades.”

Scott's spirits sank. He hadn't truly considered that his interactions with Martyn and Jimmy might become the subject of gossip among the merfolk, and he suspected that Cleo had played a significant role in spreading the word, perhaps motivated by a bit of petty revenge.

“Welcome to the outcasts.” Impulse stated with a nonchalant shrug. “Unless you don’t want to be.”

Scott just blinked in confusion, struggling to grasp the implications of their words.

"We heard through the current that a certain teal boy wants to go to the surface," Tango interjected with a mischievous grin.

Scott felt like his heart might leap out of his chest at the mention of his deepest desire being common knowledge among the merfolk.

“W-Well yes.” Scott nodded. “It’s been my dream since…well forever. And I’d like to see Martyn and Jimmy, it's just…”

“Just?” Tango prompted.

"I sang near Martyn and nearly drowned him," Scott confessed, his voice heavy with guilt.

Tango let out a hearty chuckle. "Oh, some do stupid things and end up hurting the ones they love," he remarked, moving toward a secluded part of the cave where a set of bars shielded a segment of the cavern. He knocked on the bars. "Ain't that right?"

A low groan emanated from the darkness behind the bars, but there was no further response.

"It would be safer to mingle with your humans as a human yourself," Tango suggested, his smile carrying a touch of mischief. "If only there was a way..."

Tango smoothly kicked, sending a bottle tumbling into the rock bowl. The resulting disturbance caused the bubbles to thicken into a swirling jetstream, and the lights in the cavern flickered until the mist revealed a shadowy human form.

"Too bad no such magic exists—" Tango began to say.

"Wait!" Scott interjected urgently.

Scott pleaded. Tango turned his head.

“You know how to be human?” Scott asked eagerly. 

“Perhaps.” Tango smiled slyly. 

"If I'm human, I can see Martyn without drowning him!" Scott exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "And Jimmy too! Oh, I could properly meet Jimmy!"

“Now hold on.” Tango chuckled. “Isn’t it silly to get excited too quickly? You don’t even know the price.”

"I'll do anything!" Scott declared earnestly. "I'm being serious."

Tango raised a finger to Scott's lips, his demeanour calm and measured. "Careful," he advised. "Don't make such promises lightly. Someone might take you at your word."

Scott carefully withdrew, calmer. But not before his heart drew tighter.

“So…The price?” Scott asked.

A sly smile played on the corner of Tango's mouth as he floated closer to the jetstream, his hands orchestrating the mist's images. 

"I have spells," Tango began, his words accompanied by graceful gestures. "I can turn you human for three days."

“Three days?” Scott whispered hopefully.

"Seventy-two hours," Tango confirmed, his tone resolute. "None of this sunset or sunrise nonsense; that's where deep sea magic goes wrong."

The jetstream glowed brilliantly, casting a radiant light that illuminated images of the docks, the shoreline, and, most importantly, humans—Scott's deepest desire.

“And what do you want in return?” Scott reiterated.

"Knowledge," Tango replied, his gaze softening as the molten lava running down his body took on a gentler, brighter hue. "We aren't so different," he murmured. "You want to see the human world, and so do I."

“Why don’t you just go there yourself?” Scott raised an eyebrow.

“Can’t” Tango sighed sadly. “Certain merman species don’t suit the transformation well. You’re…a Betta Fish right? Blue, pink and white?”

“I am.” Scott nodded. “And you are?”

"Unusual," Tango shrugged, his tone wistful.

“Hey no one ever said you had to be normal.” Scott pointed out.

"But when I take the transformation, I still retain some elements that would certainly frighten humans," Tango explained. "I'm not crossed with a fish; I was born from a volcano."

“Oh…that explains the lava.” Scott mumbled. “What about Impulse?”

“Pufferfish is too aggressive of a species.” Impulse shrugged. “The human’s must not find out you are a merman. If we can’t blend in, we get caught and auctioned.”

“So…If I tell you about what the surface world is like …that’s it?” Scott questioned.

“Yes!” Tango replied eagerly. “Once your 72 hours are up, you will come down and tell me everything. If I am satisfied, I will allow you another 72 hours.”

"Wait—seriously?" Scott couldn't contain his excitement, his heart pounding with the possibilities. "So... I just need to check in every three days, and I can go up for as long as I want?"

“Essentially.” Tango smirked.

Scott then cautiously broached another question, his tone more hesitant. "And... what if I don't?"

Tango’s smile faltered. He gestured towards the algae infested row of bars across the room. 

"No, really?" Scott asked, his worry mounting.

“People who abuse my spells and break my terms end up there.” Tango replied solemnly. “Don't try it, I have my prisoner already.”

Scott cautiously swam to the bars. The light was low but if he looked carefully, he could make out a figure layed down. Large tentacles sprayed out over the floor.

“Are they…” Scott quivered.

“He’s not dead.” Impulse confirmed. “We do feed him.”

“This is why people are scared of us.” Tango added seriously. “But what about it? Magic is dangerous stuff. I have to enforce punishments to those who abuse it. And no mistakes have happened since.”

Tango sensed Scott’s hesitation.

“Relax, as long as you come down when I tell you to, you’ll be fine.” Tango’s toothy smile returned. “You’ll turn back into a merman after those 72 hours regardless.”

Scott carefully swam toward the still-erupting jetstream, his gaze never leaving Tango as he weighed the terms and implications of the deal.

“72 hours as a human.” Scott spoke slowly. “And information after I turn back into a merman.”

"Precisely," Tango affirmed. "And if the transformation goes awry, and you still retain merman traits, you will immediately return to me. My warden will sniff you out anyway." He extended his molten hand toward Scott. "Should we shake on it?"

Scott took a moment to reconsider the deal, thoroughly examining the possible consequences and stipulations. He cast another glance at the enticing imagery of the human world within the jetstream. Finally, he made his decision and firmly grasped Tango's molten hand.

“Deal - “

Before Scott could fully process his agreement, a shell was abruptly slammed over his mouth, and he was shoved into the roaring jetstream. A startled yelp escaped his lips as the tumultuous waters thrust him upwards, his body subjected to a searing, burning sensation. The deafening roar of the water filled his ears, and amidst the cacophony, he could faintly discern Tango's voice chanting in an unfamiliar language.

Scott's panicked gaze darted around, but all he could see were blinding lights and a relentless stream of bubbles. An unusual sensation coursed through the lower half of his body, akin to lying on hot coals. He writhed and squirmed within the tumultuous current, gasping for breath as he felt himself choking on water. Desperately, he clung to the shell covering his mouth, attempting to preserve as much air as possible. His tail felt heavy, as if it were dragging him down, and he thrashed it with all his might to maintain upward momentum, even as the jetstream's force began to wane.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Scott's head broke through the water's surface, and he gasped for air with fervour. His surroundings came into view, and he noticed the shoreline drawing nearer and nearer. Sudden desire to reach the beach overwhelmed him. As he pulled himself out of the water, he felt his entire body covered in itchy sand, and he stumbled forward, his weight now supported by something unusual.

It was at that moment that Scott stopped calling it his tail, or even "them." He looked down, and a startled cry of shock welled up within him as he saw his own two legs emerging from the water.

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