Chapter Text
Prologue: Walking through that open door
As Harry pushed the heavy, golden gates to the entrance of Helenea closed behind him, he fought against the wobble in his lip and the ache in his chest. He held onto the wrought, iron lock for a beat longer than necessary, still fighting against that last little bit of his heart that wanted him to stay.
The day had been approaching for weeks, yet it didn't make the occasion any easier.
Deep down in his heart, Harry knew leaving his home behind was the best decision, but the fact that his parents still didn't approve of his life choices weighed heavily in his heart. Accepting a job at one of the most respected recording studios in London, England, in the human world meant he had no other choice but to leave his life behind in Helenea .
Helenea was the only home that Harry had ever known. From a tiny merpup, Harry had rarely travelled far, spending his free time getting up to all kinds of mischief with his best friend, Louis. The two had been thick as thieves for as long as Harry could remember; leaving him behind was definitely putting a sting in his tail.
With a clunk of the lock signalling that the gates were firmly closed, Harry expelled a deep breath before turning and swimming up to where the daylight had started to penetrate the water's surface, sending beautiful rays cascading through the ocean.
The closer he got to the rippling sunlight, the lighter the weight felt on his shoulders. As he glided through the water, the rush of bubbles tickled his ears whilst his beautiful teal and green tail sparkled behind him. No matter where Harry's life would lead, he'd always be incredibly fond of his tail and the adventures they had shared together.
With the water's surface approaching, he felt the familiar flutter of excitement creeping up his body. For once, the sun was beaming down on the water, as though it anticipated his arrival. Peaking just above, the water lapping at his ears, Harry sighed happily as he saw that the beach was still empty; far too early for the humans to be there.
Since a young age, Harry had been fascinated with humans. He spent hours upon hours learning about humans and their mannerisms, determined to blend in as much as possible when the time came. Human Studies had fast become Harry’s favourite subject at school, discovering a deep interest in the people who lived above the water. Harry was most excited to see the fun ways that humans went about their day; grocery shopping, watching TV programmes and cooking food from scratch. He would smile to himself at the thought of doing simple human things like being able to use a washing machine, take a walk and eat in a restaurant.
Pulling himself up to the edge of the tide, he felt his scales transform into two muscular legs, starting at his hips before moving down to his ankles and toes. Harry had been very pleased with the legs he'd created; long, tanned and decorated with beautiful tattoos, including a tiger on his thigh that reminded him of Louis. Inhaling a deep breath, he felt the salty air soothe his lungs before striding to the edge of the pier where he kept a bag of his clothes and personal items hidden from human sight.
After a couple of occasions where he'd been seen by humans as soon as he emerged from the water, he made sure he wouldn't get caught out again. Unfortunately, humans were not as comfortable with his naked form as Harry was. Some people paid him no mind, but other people stared at him with the same amount of curiosity that you'd observe an animal at the zoo.
Drying the water from his body, he slipped into a pair of joggers and a t-shirt, sliding his feet into a pair of Vans before seeking out his iPhone and turning it back on. No doubt he already had emails and messages about his first day at work, ready for when he started in a few days time.
With a smile on his face, he flung his bag over his shoulder, making his way to the train station to head to his new home. He'd practised the route a few times, ensuring he knew which trains to take and how to get an Uber from the Tube station when he reached Finchley. Glancing over his shoulder, he took a look at the horizon and smiled to himself.
Brighton really was beautiful in the morning sun.