Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dogday loves the sea. He grew up near it, learned everything he could know about it to make a living. His grandfather was his mentor after both of his parents died in an accident. But he was too young to really say he knew them.

All his life it was just him, his grandparents, and the sea. And thanks to this, he makes a decent living just from selling fish, and other produce from their animals, and growing the vending business his grandparents started. Poisson du Sol was the little shop’s official name now after coming a far way from just being a small stand among the many.

So when his grandfather couldn't get up without grunting in pain from his knees and joints, he was shaken. They were financially stable and his grandfather’s treatment wasn’t expensive but to routinely get it the money spent on it added up.

“Stop thinkin’ bout my medication, son.” His grandfather huffed out, resting on a chair in their home as his grandmother made lunch for them. Some delicious chicken soup and tortillas.

The young canine sighed lightly as he shook his head at his grandfather. He was a stubborn man, but so was Dogday, which is why his grandfather was resting rather than helping the family. “Paw, I wasn’t even thinking about that…” He lied.

His grandfather looked at him skeptically. “uh-huh… so, boy, what were you thinkin’ about then? Perhaps someone?” he grinned as his grandson groaned, not missing the way his grandmother laughed as she checked on the soup.

Shaking his head he sits down on the floor, “Not that either, no one has really gained my interest. And unless there’s someone new in this small town I don’t think I will be thinking about anyone else in that way any time soon…”

His grandmother laughed, shaking her head. Her fluffy and floppy ears swinging with the motion. “Shame. I thought Crafty and you had eyes for each other.” she smiled cheekily at her grandson.

“Nope. we’re good friends but she and Hoppy are meant for each other.” Maybe he didn't have those kinds of eyes for anyone in the town but he did have a couple good friends.

His grandfather made a small face and Dogday looked at him waiting for him to speak his mind. “Sorry. But fifty years ago you would’ve gotten stoned and exiled for even kissin’ your same gender on the cheek, even as a joke.”

“Oh, deary, are you still thinking about those two sweet boys who were chased out?” his grandmother reminisced sadly. Upon seeing Dogday’s confused face and perked ears she elaborated. “He was friends with one of them, and when they were chased out they blamed your grandfather initially. They eventually found out it was someone else, but they broke contact with us.”

Dogday ‘oh’d at the explanation. Their small town had come more than a bit far since then…

His grandfather nodded. “Actually I’ve been meanin’ to ask you this, son.” he paused and Dogday had a small feeling he knew what would be asked, he’s been asked before by his friends. “Are you… uh, just not interested in gals right now, or…?” he trailed off looking at him in a furrow as he tried to see how to word his sentence.

His grandmother puts the pot onto the counter and looks at Dogday, clearing her throat. “What he wants to ask is if you’re into girls or not, darling. Nothing wrong with whatever your answer will be, so don’t feel like you need to hide it.” she said as she grabbed some bowls from the cupboards.

“Uhm. Well, I'm not really sure myself. I haven’t felt attraction for either.” he explains shyly.

His grandparents hum in understanding, reassuring him that he was still young and would most likely figure it out eventually.

Lunch was great. But soon Dogday found himself walking back towards his fishing boat. Helping his grandmother with scaling a couple fish before he felt the food settle.

He hurriedly pushed his boat onto the water before hopping on it and turning on the engine and riding it towards more open and deep water. His favorite spot for fishing. It was near the middle of the gulf. But from his experience, it's the best place for him to fish.

Hours pass. And Dogday can feel the sun beaming down on him. But his skin is already used to it and the cool breeze of the ocean helps him cool down in the face of it. 

He’s gotten lucky today. He’s caught a lot of the popular fish, and some big catches, with his latest being a dorado. It wasn’t a fish in high demand in the shop so he’ll most likely eat it himself.

He frowns as the line of his fishing pole moves to the side and then under. He pulls and almost reels the fish in when it frees itself and swims away.

Disgruntled he reels the line back and watches without surprise as the meat is gone from the hook. This was the third time a fish outsmarted him. His grandfather always said that if the same fish outsmarts him a third time in a row it was time to either move spots or go home.

And based on how the sun was getting a little too near to sunset, going home was his best bet.

Dogday gathered everything together and safely settled his fishing pole on its dedicated holding alongside the inner wall of the helm. He was securing his catch when he felt the boat sway. Immediately he finished fasting down the container of fish and heading towards where he felt the wave come from. Sometimes big commercial ships passed by but there was none in sight.

The other side of the boat was definitely hit this time. And Dogday steadied himself as he stared at the water around him. Was there a big fish messing with him right now? Did the fish that outsmarted him get offended that he stopped feeding it?

He heard a splash to his right. He whipped his head around fast enough to catch a tail going back under. It was a deep lavender color with splotches of purple and dark purple the closer it got to the end. The fins were nearly black with how dark of a purple they were but they were speckled with golden flecks. 

Dogday stared at the tail in awe.

Never has he seen a fish of that coloration around. Ever.

He felt his tag wag from excitement as he followed the direction it swam wanting to catch another glimpse of it. And he did. But what he saw was the front of it.

It stared back at him in surprise, flinching back into itself after being interrupted from surging back up to rock his boat again.

The creature looked like any other critter. A purple feline with darker spots in seemingly random patterns. His eyes were pretty. Big yet elegant as the cat… fish? Stared back at him. It seemed to snap out of its shock as he hissed at Dogday, baring his sharp teeth at him.

Dogday continued staring as he watched small spikes on his fins rattle in a warning no doubt poisonous or sedating. The feline’s tail swished behind him, whipping the end of his tail around. It was similar to a shark but much longer and flexible.

Dogday had heard tales of sirens, mermaids, and sea creatures. But he never thought he’d see one. Much less, one this beautiful. 

“Wow… you’re very beautiful…” came his voice. Full of awe and respect. He watched as the… feline fish creature stared at him in shock again before looking unsure and reaching up towards his boat before giving a big push and rocking it again.

Dogday didn’t startle instead snorting out in amusement as the feline mer looked incredulous at him. It hissed before swimming around the boat a couple times and forcing it to turn with the movement.

Dogday waited until the feline was back below the water in front of him. Hissing and and using it’ tail to smack the underside of his boat. “What?” Dogday asked confused. “Are you trying to scare me?”

The feline glared at him with sharp eyes before sharply nodding and swimming back down and shooting up. Practically flying above the boat and diving back on the other side of. Water sparkling down on Dogday as he followed the feline’s form jumping over him.

He felt his tail wag harder. The feline’s tail was long. He knew it was long already since it followed behind the feline quite a bit from what he could see underwater but watching the length of it above him he could truly observe the sheer length of it.

He spun towards where he heard water splash and looked at the feline with wide eyes and a big smile. “That was so cool! Oh my god, I can’t believe someone like you actually lives out here… I don’t think anyone else has seen you or else you would’ve been talk of the town…” At this comment the feline mer breaks the water surface and forces itself up towards the boat as he hisses at the canine and unsheaths his claws.

Dogday straightens up, “Woah! What's wrong? Do you not want people knowing about you?” He asked. The feline hissed harder as he bared his teeth at Dogday, poisonous spikes shaking in a warning. “OKay… sorry. I wont say anything though. So you don't have to worry.” Dogday reassured.

It seemed to work as the feline lowered itself back onto the water and warily stared at Dogday.

The sun had begun to dim as sunset began. The canine looked at the horizon in surprise. He had been so preoccupied with this new acquaintance that he had forgotten it was time to leave. The feline seemed to notice his sudden alertness and tilted its head as his eyes dilated.

“Sorry. I need to get back home so I guess this is goodbye…” he began before smiling. “Actually. Are you hungry?” he asked the feline, who looked at him suspiciously before nodding. Dogday smiled and went towards the container with all of his catch of the day. He dug around before finding the big dorado he caught last.

He walked over to the feline and found him peeking over the edge of the boat with wary eyes. He looked almost devilish with the intensity he was putting behind the stare down.

Dogday chose to ignore this as he walked over with the fish in his hands, held firmly as it still flapped its tail trying to get away from him. He wants to at least leave a good impression of himself on the feline mer.

Smiling brightly to get the mer from glaring at him too much he showed off the fish to the mer. “Here. I caught a lot of good fish already, I was planning on just eating this one myself but you can have it. Sorry for keeping you long.” he offered as he watched the feline mer fix his eyes firmly on the fish in his hands.

Slowly the canine approaches the awaiting feline who he thinks might be drooling at this point with how blown his pupils have gotten. When he gets close enough the feline mer uses its claws to snatch the fish and throws himself off the side of the boat, rocking it. Dogday steadies himself as he watches the feline cling to the fish as it desperately tries to swim away.

He almost feels bad for the fish with how much the feline mer plays around with it before finally using one of its poisonous needles to seemingly sedate it and finally eat it. 

Satisfied, Dogday yells out his goodbye and starts the engine before heading back towards his home, at last. Looking back towards the spot he saw the feline mer eating. He catches a hand breaching the water and waving at him once before quickly sinking back down.

He sighs out with a light chest as he wishes to see the feline again sometime.

-

Chapter Text

It’s a Tuesday, one of the two days he’s supposed to help with the shop part of the business. Not to say he didn’t like it, but he found himself getting bored more often running the shop than just being out on sea and doing nothing but fishing. But he didn’t suck at it either.

Plus, his mind wouldn’t leave that feline mer alone.

“Dogday!” Came in a familiar voice. He perked up from the place he was resting at, welcoming the distraction as his mind once more circled around that purple cat mer.

“Bubba!” he returned the call. Wagging his tail as his friend came close. “What can I do for you today? Do you need more eggs, or something else?” He asked his friend.

His blue elephant smiled at him teasingly. “Looks like your customer service is impeccable, friend.”

Dogday rolled his eyes before settling back down. “It helps get customers to come back, even the moody ones.”

“True, true. Anyways, I came here for some uh, I think Picky said something like tilapia and oregano.” Buuba asked nervously. “Sorry, I should've asked her to write it down. You know, since I’m not exactly versed in food and products…”

“Don’t worry! I know what you’re talking about. She comes by every now and then to buy that from us.” Dogday patted Bubba on shoulder before walking around and grabbing the oregano. “Did she say how much?”

“Five tilapia, and the usual amount of oregano.”

Dogday nodded in understanding as he prepared everything for his friend. He finally went back to the counter and smiled at his friend. “Alright, that'll be 44 dollars.”

He watched as the elephant paid and left, inviting him for dinner at Picky’s if he had the time.

Dogday is left all bored again, customers coming in constantly throughout the day. As night falls he checks everything is in order before shutting the shop and deciding to stop at Picky’s.

“Dogday is here!” He hears Bobby shout as she runs towards him and hugs him in her usual greeting. “How’ve you been, hun? Everything okay with pops now?”

Dogday swings her around as he returns her hug. “I’ve been good, and paw’s getting better, thank you for worrying.”

They separate and he watches Bobby smile endearingly at him. “Of course! They’re good people and we were all worried when we heard he had been in terrible pain.”

Dogday smiled back. He had great friends. “I know. I can’t thank you guys enough for literally rushing a doctor over to my home after I called you guys about it. I don’t know if my paw could’ve handled being transported the whole way to the doctor instead.”

Bobby waved it off. “That was all Kickin’ and Hoppy who literally rushed around the place looking for him.-”

“I heard my nameee!!” Kicking said as he and the others walked over to greet Dogday.

“It was nothing bad, Kicks, don’t worry.” Dogday laughs at the chicken. He looks at his friends, noticing one was missing. “Where’s Hoppy?”

Crafty walked over and ushered him and Bobby over to the dining area. “She has a match against those goons of a team that can’t handle losing to her in futbol of all things.”

After greeting everyone, Picky stated that dinner was ready and they started to eat. Lemon-oregano tilapia with a side of rice and some salad. Delicious. 

They ate peacefully and then stuck around to play games with each other and talking about gossip in town before one by one leaving.

Dogday was the third to leave. Saying goodbye to the three girls as he made his way back home.

Night time was always a little eerie in the town. But since everybody has seen one another at least once, crimes weren’t exactly common. Maybe some petty theft or a small scam or two here and there, but Dogday can tell you that the last time there was a violent crime was two months ago and the woman was kicked out by the town and forced to relocate in a neighboring town.

So of course, he just had to jinx himself.

He heard the thump of someone hitting his head before he felt it. And even then, he was already unconscious by the time he did feel it.

-

He woke up with a massive headache in a dark room. He closed his eyes as the door opened, bathing him in light and letting some fresh air in.

His nose picked up the familiar smell of fish in the air, so he was somewhere near the ocean. But judging by how dully bright it was outside, from what he could see, it was already early morning, who knows how far they dragged him while he was out.

Wait out?

Dogday felt the memory of what happened come back. He had just been at Picky’s family farm having dinner before leaving. But from there it’s blank. Did he get hit in the head or something?

“Mutt.” came a hoarse voice above him before he could confirm his question.

Dogday cracked his eyes open again, it sounded muffled, and the more consciousness he gained the more his body hurt from the uncomfortable position he’d been laid at. “What do you…” he managed to slur out before a wave of nausea hit and he twisted his body around to gag and spit our the saliva that pooled his mouth.

His hands and feet were tied together so trying to maintain balance like this was difficult to say the least. He felt sweat wear down his brow from the effort his body just made.

He felt a hand grab one of his ears harshly, prompting a high painful whine from him as he tugged against the assailant. “Still, boy. I'm checking if these idiots harmed you enough for you to lose some value…'' The man said above him Dogday cracked open his eyes and finally got a good look at who most likely ordered his abduction. So they had bonked him… he deliriously thought.

He was a gator critter dark, blue in coloration. There weren't many gator critters around his area, so if he just-

He was pushed back down on the ground as the man finished checking him over. “Lucky you. You and that pretty gal will go for quite the price if we offer you to the right people.”

“Why… why are you doing this? Don't you have some sense of guilt or morality?” Dogday questioned the man with a glare as best he could while being tied and on the ground.

All he saw before feeling excruciating pain on his side was the gator reeling his foot back. The canine gasped for air while the gator grumbled. “Does it matter, if I get paid well?”

Dogday watched uselessly as the man walked away from him and shut the door on him, walking out grumbling about hoping the girl wouldn't be difficult like him.

-

(Late last night)

“Father…” came a meek voice as the feline mer entered the den in the deep sea later than usual.

He usually wasn't shy or nervous, but his father always got too overprotective of him. With being the kraken's only son, there were a lot of enemies, on land and sea, that wouldn't lose the chance to get back at his dad.

So when he smelled the irritation from his father from a couple currents away he knew he was in some trouble at least.

“Catnap.” He heard his father grumble as he moved around Catnap and followed him back to his spot within the den. “Where have you been? Did something happen?”

Catnap sighed. “I don't know.”

At this he smelled his father’s frustration shift to interest. His son rarely ever felt lost, and even then rarely let this be known to others.

“Do I need to do something? Was it other sirens? Mers?” Catnap watched as his father moved his tentacles around him in an attempt to comfort if needed. He appreciated the gesture but he wasn't a kitten anymore.

He lightly pushed against his father’s tentacles with his tail before shaking his head. “No, nothing like that, no need to sink anyone.”

At this comment he watches as the bioluminescence of his father flashed in a pattern. “So it was one of the land dwellers…”

Catnap hurried to respond. “Yes, a land dweller whom we don't need to sink. Plus, he wasn't intruding into our territory. I ventured out a little and found a nice gulf where he seems to fish regularly.”

“Catnap! You were out of our territory without telling me! What if something happened?” his father yelled out in alarm as his tentacles thrashed slightly in anger. Catnap avoided them easily, used to his father’s expressive motions.

“But I’m fine! Plus, you sent nearly every local siren and mer away, and land dwellers can't exactly follow me to the bottom of the ocean floor.” Catnap answered flippantly as he swam back down onto ground level. “This one just surprised me…”

“Surprised you?” His father asked incredulously. “Nothing ever surprises you and leaves you this lost my son. Are they still alive?”

Catnap stared at his father. A little hesitant to answer. “Yes, he was kind to me. He gifted me with a big catch as well before saying goodbye.”

And there was the headache.

The kraken cooed and giggled as he teased his son. “This is golden! You must let me meet him. Did you catch his scent?” It is rare to meet a human who doesn't frighten upon them and even rarer to meet one that treats them respectfully.

Catnap hissed at his dad, “Yes. But I'm not leading you to him..”

“Why not?”

Catnap paused at this. Why didn't he want his father to meet the canine?

Maybe the canine wasn't afraid of him but he could be frightened by his father. And then he would never see the land dweller again-

Catnap felt his fins flutter in embarrassment, and the bit of bioluminescence he had lit up a soft purple. And apparently his father noticed cause next thing he knew he was being squeezed by his father as he clicked in amusement. “Do you want to keep meeting him?”

Catnap would like to perish.

Right now favorably.

Sure he thought the canine was kind, thoughtful, respectful, handsome, dashing, and intriguing but that doesn't mean he's crushing on the land dweller. 

“Nope. Just interested but not in that way father.” He excused as he shimmied out of his father's hold. “Now if you'll excuse me I need to sleep so I'm not too tired tomorrow.”

The kraken watched his son swim away from him and into a small cave in the den where his own personal room was. “Uh-huh. Sleep so that tomorrow you can go meet your lover boy again. Have a good rest!” He moved away quickly. Not missing the irritated groan from his son.

-

Chapter Text

“Dogday!” Came about a frail yell.

“Dogday!” Followed another one. This one more hoarse and tired, yet strong.

The two grandparents were frantic eyed and looking all over the crowd. Some of their neighbors were kind enough to also ask around.

Their boy had not arrived back home last night. And his grandmother found it weird when she woke up late into the night to a quiet home and no noise of Dogday having arrived.

She had gotten up and looked for her grandson. Waking up her husband when she didn't find him in or around the home.

“Mrs. Light! Hoppy can't find Crafty either!” Came Bubba. The blue elephant keeping track of everything and sending Kicking out to gather any information while the girls make their circles around the market and homes to see if anyone heard or saw anything last night.

At the news of Crafty also being gone her husband lowered himself to the ground and sat down by the curb, many pedestrians looking worried as they no doubt noticed the seriousness of the occasion.

Dogday’s grandmother watched her husband with a painful expression. They couldn’t lose their sweet boy. They couldn’t lose another son.

“Bubba! Mr. And Mrs. Light! The Flores heard something yesterday! They said that they thought they heard a hit before men began hurriedly walking away and dragging something with them!” Bobby announced as she ran towards them. 

Immediately everyone hurried towards the Flores, many other worried friends following. They spoke as they looked around the area where they had heard the noise. Finding a metal bat on the side and some bits of tape by it.

Soon, Kicking and Hoppy joined them, both looking disturbed.

Hoppy was in shambles, red-eyed from crying when she told everyone else Crafty was missing this morning but holding it together to search for her girlfriend.

Kicking spoke up, “I think Crafty was kidnapped! Someone found paints on the ground, and they were all splattered!” he spoke in desperation.

Hoppy stepped forward patting Kicking on the shoulder. Her voice was rough, “What about Dogday? I already alerted the police about Crafty’s case.”

Mrs. Light inhaled deeply. “I think we have two cases of kidnapping here…”

By the afternoon the whole town was alerted of what happened and everyone was covering their bases and offering to help. Looking all over town and some even forming teams to look in the forest around them. It was until Dogday’s grandfather spoke up about one possibility.

“What if they ain’t in town anymore?”

“But then where would they go, dear?”

“The sea.”

-

“Crafty?!” Dogday yelled out in alarm as he caught sight of his friend.

She looked outright pissed as she raised her voice at the men around her, snorting angrily and kicking back. She whipped her head around at his voice, her face softening and her voice losing the bite as she tugged against the hold of the man as she leaned towards him. “Dogday? No… Did they get you too?” she looked at him sadly.

Dogday’s ears pinned and his tail curled into him, “That’s…” he began.

“Oh! So the two of you know each other! This is so sad… bring them both to the ship.” The gator that seemed to overlook the operation said as he walked past. Whipping his tail towards Dogday and hitting his stomach, causing the dog to yelp in surprise.

Crafty’s eyes hardened as she looked at the critter’s retreating back.

They were both tugged towards the ship waiting for them, big enough to cast a shadow over them. They didn't try to fight back. They were completely outnumbered. There were about ten men escorting them and more milling about getting things ready.

Once on the ship the two friends were allowed to be near each other. Their hands bound behind their backs and useless, but they crowded into each other’s space for comfort as the situation began to fully settle into them.

They would most likely be sold. Worked to the bone. Never see their families again. Never see their friends again. Never see home again. And die in a place they don't recognize. Their loved ones never knowing what was of them.

Crafty was the first to break down sobbing. It started with small sniffles before a sob was torn from her throat as the ship began running and riding out to sea. Dogday only stood by her side and offered as much comfort as he could without his arms, growling to anyone who came relatively near. 

“Take them under.” the two captive critters heard before men walked towards them and grabbed them.

“No…! No! Let us go! You stupid and talentless idiots!” Crafty yelled, becoming more aggressive and hostile the longer and farther they tugged her away from Dogday as they were split up underneath.

“Crafty! Ugh…! You assholes…” Dogday growled and thrashed as he tried to run towards Crafty. He couldn’t bear to hear his friend yell in agitation with people unknown to them without helping her.

He was tied against a beam and mocked as he barked at the men who backed away from him and promised pain to Crafty.

Eventually he was left alone and he strained his ears to listen to anything. As a dog critter, his hearing was exceptional. He heard Crafty faintly as she snorted out in anger and most likely kicked at the pillar she herself had been tied to in another room.

Everything else was the murmurs of crew managing the ship and the occasional joke about them.

He listened for over an hour, but not without doing nothing.

His wrist hurt from the exertion and strength he had used for more than an hour straight and three of his claws had cracked. But he continued sawing and pinching at the rope tying his wrists together. And finally as he tugged against it, he felt it give.

Finally having his hands he quickly worked with the rope tying him to the pillar, unraveling the knot with speed.

He almost completely unraveled it, but stopped as he heard someone near his cell, seemingly drunk or high. Whichever, he didn't care. Quickly putting his hands behind him as he hid the loose knot behind him.

His door opened and Dogday growled at the intruder, a rat critter.

The rat squealed in excitement as she stared at Dogday with dangerous eyes, this made Dogday’s growl stutter in his throat and then completely quiet as he heard her flip a switch blade in her hand. “Sorry, but I gotta mark you up now. The buyer probably won’t notice if I mark up your chest or back…” She slurred as she staggered towards him.

Dogday eyed the blade carefully.

And waited.

“Are you scared?” the rat asked as she stopped right in front of him.

Dogday simply twitched.

And pounced. He tore the rest of the rope from himself and grabbed the rat by the neck before slamming them head first against the pillar.

One of his strong suits had always been his strength thanks to his job. But he felt guilty as he stared at the critter he had knocked out cold. But as he picked up Crafty’s silent sob he picked up the blade and sneaked out of his confinement.

Using his hearing to his advantage he made his way towards Crafty, quietly opening her door and hushing her as she started stomping the ground in anger at whoever had entered her cell. “Dogday…!” she whispered surprised and as quiet as she could, knowing the canine would pick it up.

She kept watch as her friend quickly helped her get out of her restraints. He gave her the blade once out. “You don't have claws or, and no offense, much muscle built up.” Dogday explained. Crafty nodded in understanding and walked behind Dogday as they made their way out of the room and out into the belly of the ship.

Dogday knows what kind of ship this is. Being the ship fanatic he was, so he carefully led them both towards the equivalent of a back entrance onto the top of the ship.

“Almost there.” he muttered “Crafty, be ready to fight and take their lifeboat once we’re out, okay? I’ll fend them off…”

Crafty nodded as she followed her friend looking behind them and prepared to strike if needed, but she staggered as the ship rocked violently, something heavy hitting the side.

They heard as the ship quieted before yells of alarm and questions arose. Dogday cursed out before tugging Crafty into a dash towards their exit.

They were forced and slammed into walls as the ship continued rocking and swaying. “Crap! What could possibly be attacking a ship of this size to make it move this much?!” Dogday yelled slightly in alarm, his voice swallowed by the mayhem above them.

A shrill was heard, deep and echoey, not anything like what they’ve ever heard before. Dogday felt his heart pick up speed in a fear not his own. And as he looked at Crafty she seemed to feel it too.

“Just what is-”

“Siren!” They heard what was no doubt the gator that captured them yell.

Well that answers them.

But Crafty and Dogday look at each other in bewilderment. Siren…?

Crafty grabs Dogday this time and rushes them down the hall, finally reaching the small ladder and hatch. She climbs up first and stands guard as Dogday follows her. He yelps in shock as a hit harder than the others hit the boat.

A shadow flew over them but they only caught a tail once they looked up. Dogday feels his eyes widen as he notices the coloring. A lavender tail that ends in a dark purple coloring with the very edges being of gold coloring.

It was the feline mer he had seen two days ago…!

He felt his tail wag and smiled as he quickly ran over to the edge of the boat. Crafty looked at him in alarm as she too followed. “Come on Dogday! We need to get out fast!”

Dogday was snapped out of his daze quickly and he hesitantly left the edge and walked Crafty over to the lifeboat. It was alone and unguarded for now. But as the commotion continued someone would no doubt find out they were gone or try to escape this way.

“Cut the ropes and climb down to it, there’s an emergency ladder on the side of the ship.” Dogday instructed as he focused on guarding her.

He felt as another hit landed on the ship and as the crew kept running around and yelling in alarm and frustration. “Capture it! We can sell it too if we succeed and we’ll win it big, boys!” The gator’s irritating voice was heard. And for a moment the ship stopped rocking. And then all of a sudden Dpgday watched as the feline mer jumped aboard. 

“Dogday! We’re ready, but I need help getting down to the ladder!” Crafty yelled as the lifeboat splashed down below.

Dogday eagerly helped her as quickly as he could before he nearly followed. But yells of alarm from below stopped him.

They had finally realized Crafty and him were gone, took longer than expected. But as he heard running come towards them he stood up straight. Suddenly he was faced with three critters looking at him angrily and glancing at the where the lifeboat was supposed to be stationed.

“Markus, you go after the girl and me and Nick will deal with this mutt.” the leopard critter ordered out, Dogday growled and pinned his ears back.

“Crafty! Start rowing! I’ll catch up to you, but hurry and start getting away!” He heard her begin to protest, “Crafty, I promise I’ll be fine just go already…!” he yelled out with a twinge of desperation seeping into his tone, he needs at least her to escape.

Soon, he heard her begin rowing. The men around him launched themselves towards him before he even finished his sentence. He fended them off as best he could. Using his claws and strength to push them away and wear them down with the occasional punch and scratch.

He wasn't left unharmed either, feeling bruises and ugly scratches forming on his skin, blood staining his orange fur.

There was another echoing call from the feline mer, this time more high pitched and light. Almost as if it was laughing.

When Dogday and his assailants looked over they paled at the sight. Many of the crew had more than one needle sticking to them, and they were all smiling widely. Those that seemed to have over five needles stuck on them were laughing hysterically and clutching at their chest as they struggled to breathe.

So Dogday had gotten lucky in their meeting at not offending the feline mer.

He used the distraction to attack his assailants, throwing one overboard. He knocked the other unconscious while the other ran back into the belly of the ship. A coward now that he didn’t have anyone to back him up.

Dogday finally turned towards the edge of the ship once more.

But something in him made him look back towards the mer. Sighing in relief as the feline easily weaved around the crew that were still brave and stupid enough to attack, the gator nowhere in sight amongst them. 

Dogday watched as the feline seemed to stop as the wind blew, smelling the air before finally jumping overboard and back into the water. And he almost did the same deciding it had been long enough, Crafty was probably biting her nails at this point.

“Where do you think you’re going, mutt?” Was the only warning he got before he was grabbed by the ears and an arm wrapped around his neck as he was dragged back.

The gator had grabbed him. And as Dogday looked back at him he felt a chill run up and over his back. He was missing a chunk of his tail and he had several needles sticking out of him, seeming to barely hold in his laugh as his eyes darted around madly. Looking aware, yet empty.

He yelped as he was tugged forcefully back. “You… Yes, it was you. You called that horrible beast over… I know. It was you. You!”

He just hoped Crafty was okay and kept rowing.

Chapter Text

Catnap had caught his scent. The canine’s.

He had left his play time to chase after it. He hadn’t showed up at all yesterday no matter where he looked or how long he waited.

He had gone home upset, nearly in tears at this land dweller leaving him that when he woke up to a ship invading their territory he had let his anger out on it.

As he swam in circles around the ship he couldn’t pinpoint the scent. Why would he be this far out from land? Had he seen him atack the ship?

Catnap finally caught a small trace of the scent again jumping out of the water and quickly looking around. Catching sight of a small rubber boat far from the ship. He quickly swam towards it.

He circled around it and chirped out in excitement before propping himself up on the side.

His dilated pupils looked over the lifeboat for any sign of the canine. But only finding another land dweller, a female who was looking at him in panic as she looked between him and the ship. He felt his head stagger. Had he smelled wrong? 

He hissed and bared his sharp maw. The land dweller did a small ‘eep!’ before putting a hand on his head and pushing him away. He smelled it again, the scent lightly mixed with hers.

He stopped and looked at her curiously before clambering closer to her. “Stop! Don’t come close, please. Let us go! Keep attacking them, not me.” She yelled out in panic.

“Where…” came his voice. Raspy and broken. Rarely speaking the human tongue his father had taught him. “Dog. Sweet orange dog?” He looked at her desperately.

If she had his scent then she knew him. He felt jealousy at this, but he needed answers first. He watched her look back at him in surprise before it morphed to hope.

“You know him! PLease save Dogday! He’s still fighting against them, he’s a good friend of mine, so please, please get him back…!” Crafty cried out. Catnap threw himself off of the boat and swam fast towards the ship. Flying over it as he jumped out of the water, looking around the ship while he could, trying to spot his orange dog.

And he found him. Struggling and fighting against who he knew was the leader of the ship. When he dived back under he screeched out in anger. Sending shakes and vibrations through the water as he slammed himself harshly against the ship’s belly and scratching all over it. Having made some sizable holes around already but the ship was still sinking too slowly for his satisfaction. 

A booming sound came from behind him and he turned around with pupils dilated and angry as his facial features contorted into anger.

He hissed before going back up and onto the deck, swerving around the still paralyzed crew and some who had died from asphyxiation. 

The gator locked eyes with him and used Dogday as a body shield. If he thought that would stop Catnap, it didn't. 

Dogday looked at him in relief and wonder before that look slowly turned a little worried. But as he saw Catnap’s eyes steadily set on the gator he tensed and bit at the arm around his neck. Forcing the gator to release him before throwing himself to the side and allowing Catnap to launch a couple more needles towards the man before snaking towards Dogday hurriedly as tentacles began to rise over the side of the ship, black with splotches of dark grey.

“Dogday…” Catnap called out before he took hold of Dogday and launched both of them overboard.

Dogday chose to not yell out and do the smart thing of breathing in deep and holding it. He closed his eyes as they went under. But tried to open them to see if they were swimming up or down. 

He was relieved that they were swimming away and not any deeper but he almost screamed in alarm as he caught sight of a black cloudy mass under the ship that began to slowly pull it down.

Was that the kraken?!

Dogday patted Catnap’s back urgently as he began to feel his lungs really burn. Catnap instead turned him around and with closed eyes pecked him on the lips. Almost timidly before beginning to swim again. Completely facing away from him. Dogday looked stunned at the water that passed by. Lost for breath.

His first kiss was just stolen by some male feline mer siren creature. 

But why wasn’t he upset? He flushed as he felt the butterflies in his stomach intensify.

Taking a deep breath he focused on Catnap’s bioluminescence, he didn’t know the feline mer had-

Wait.

He breathed deeply again and exhaled.

He can breathe? Underwater?

Do mermaids, or well sirens’, kisses really let you breathe underwater?

That explains why Catnap kissed him. He was getting him away from the ship and the Kraken and he can’t lose time or cover by resurfacing every minute so Dogday could breathe. Dogday nodded to himself, forcing his blush to calm down, ignoring the small disappointment he felt. 

He looked at the feline mer. His vision was also a little clearer underwater. The feline looked at him before sharply looking away, the bioluminescence intensifying shortly, especially the one on his face.

Dogday thought he looked pretty with it.

Suddenly they resurfaced and Dogday was thrown on top of the lifeboat.

“Ah!” Crafty yelped as Dogday landed against her. “Are you okay? Oh my gosh… Look at how hurt you got! Why did you decide to stay behind? You could’ve easily outswam any of them, dummy!” Crafty ranted as she checked him over and flipped him this way and that.

For someone with no built up muscle she sure has enough strength to move someone like him around easily at times like these.

Dogday stared dazed at his friend. A small smile rising on his face. She sighed in annoyance and looked at the awaiting feline, he was quite literally glowing as he looked at Dogday. She cleared her throat, forcing a small giggle away. “Thank you,... um. I’m so sorry but what’s your name?” She asked kindly as she grabbed the oars again and began to paddle away.

Nervous as cracks and booms sounded from the ship as it was crushed and sunken.

“CatnAP…” He grimaces as his voice cracks at the end. His throat hurting from just a couple words using vocals he rarely uses. He hears Dogday giggles at this and Catnap lightheartedly hisses.

“Sorry, it’s just…I’m happy and relieved.” Dogday snaps out of his daze slowly. He looks at Crafty who’s sweating as she oars them away. “Hold on let me-”

“No. I want you to rest for a second Dogday. You’re bleeding and bruised. Neither Catnap or I will let you do much of anything right now.”

Dogday stares incredulously, he opens his mouth to protest but stops as a soothing click rings out from beside them. Crafty stares smugly as Dogday turns around and is met with Catnap nodding and laughing.

Crafty does eventually get too tired to keep rowing but at this point they decided that Dogday had rested enough. He readily took over rowing and soon they saw land in the very far distance. Catnap was twittering and humming the entire way. And Dogday has the sneaking suspicion he was indeed a siren because the melodic sounds gave him a boost in energy every single time.

He was red, from the sun and exercise, but also because of the eyes and facial expressions Crafty kept making every time he and Catnap smiled at each other.

Can a dog not wag his tail everytime he locks eyes with his crush- uh, water friend. He would shake his head at her and look around as Catnap clicked in confusion. At one point he had poked Dogday’s red cheek and then grabbed his face to examine it. When Crafty laughed and Dogday sputtered he released him and lit up once more with that soft bioluminescence.

Now Catnap was underwater trilling weirdly and swimming about. Confusing them a little but since Catnap wasn’t showing any sort of aggression they relaxed and kept rowing towards the land at the horizon. It was still really far, it would probably take nearly two hours to finally reach it, but they were almost back home.

Crafty used the small telescope to spot anything in the distance. And eventually she does, but behind them. A dark spot quickly approaching them

And as if on cue, Catnap shoots towards it.

His bioluminescence going crazy a distance away as the creature… cooes? It was a soft and melodic sound but it sounded gentle and giggly.

Dogday looked on, worried about Catnap. Was he facing off the kraken right now?

He leaned over, “Catnap?” He yelled out and hoped the feline heard him.

And it seemed he did as he shot towards them at shocking speed. His bioluminescence getting stronger as the taunting call of the kraken follows him quickly. Catnap nearly shrieks as he pushes their boat and lurches them away from the kraken. The two critters need to hold on so as to not get thrown off.

This doesn’t last long as Catnap actually shrieks this time and is dragged under by one of the kraken’s tentacles. Dogday and Crafty looks over confused and worriedly as the kraken seems to genuinely laugh. Then, suddenly, it surfaces. Catnap trilling highly as he covers his face, ashamed.

His body lit with swirling patterns and strong lights. The kraken seems to observe them and then seems to say something as he clicks and trills before seeming to almost nod.

Dogday stared confused and almost amused as Catnap’s tail completely stopped thraashing and dangled in defeat underneath him. Slumping over the kraken. “Um…Who are you, and why do you have him like that?” Crafty spoke up beside him.

Dogday’s stare strayed from Catnap and settled on the kraken. They seemed friendly, despite the ship they just sunk. And Catnap seemed completely at ease as he whined from where he was being held above the water. 

The kraken seemed to hum, “I am his father, pleased to meet you.” came the voice. Much more smoother and practiced than the feline’s. “You must be the land dweller that my son spoke about.” the kraken hummed. Suddenly Catnap rose from the dead and began to desperately struggle as he side eyed and glared at his father as most he could.

Dogday felt small under the kraken’s stare, but he felt his chest buzz pleasantly at the knowledge that Catnap had talked about him to his father. “Yes, I’m happy to know he enjoyed spending time with me that day cause I sure did!” He exclaimed happily. His tail wagging as he thought about the feline.

Catnap stopped mid struggle and stared at him in surprise as he continued to glow. His father laughed and in their language he spoke to his son, “He sure is charming, he seems like a good candidate as your partner…” he ended thoughtfully.

Catnap slapped his father’s arm before his father laughed loudly at his embarrassment, launching him into the water. “Alright, take care of each other. I’ll be heading back Catnap.” The kraken spoke before leaving them alone and Catnap warily eyed him as he left.

He heard Crafty giggle and eye him with a glint in her eyes. He sunk into the water so that only his eyes and head were visible and away from Dogday’s sight, he glared at her meanly before sinking down quickly and swimming up next to Dogday, ignoring Crafty’s hurdle of giggles.

Dogday stared at him amused but seemingly none the wiser, thank god he was an oblivious one, Catnap thought as he grabbed onto a small lashing on the side of the boat and began to pull. Swimming them to shore much faster than they could’ve achieved by rowing. Soon he got tired and let Dogday row the rest of the way. Dogday squinted at the land and hummed in thought.

“I think we’re near the commercial-” Soon he heard a loud horn sound coming from near them. It was another ship. And one the two critters were familiar with. Catnap immediately swam under the water and stood guard, but relaxed as the two land dwellers above him began to talk excitedly. “Catnap! Don’t worry they’re our friends! They’re good people, we’ll be safe-...Oh, sorry I forgot you don’t want others to know about you.” Dogday said sadly, Crafty’s waving stopped as she heard this.

“Oh. Is that true?” She asked the two of them, she received an answer from both as they both nodded at her. “I guess this is goodbye. For now, because you seem like a cool guy, Catnap.” A pause, “I don’t think they see us well yet though…” She trailed off, Dogday understood her intentions quickly and smiled as she looked away and used her telescope to watch who was on the ship.

Catnap looked at him with furrowed brows. “You were… not here, yesterday… when?” he settled on saying. His throat still scratchy but he was starting to get more used to wording his sentences.

Dogday seemed to catch on. “I’ll probably be on bed rest for the next few days whether I like it or not but I’ll visit you when I can, Catnap.” He promises. The feline seems to frown at this, disliking how much he will need to wait.

He seems to understand as he glances at Dogday’s injuries. He huffs out before nodding and uttering a soft, “alright… promise me?” Dogday grinned and blushed at how cute the siren looked.

“Yes I promise you.” He said genuinely.

Crafty finally spoke up, “They’re getting pretty close.” She warned continuing to keep watch for the lover boys beside her. 

Dogday groans, not wanting to say goodbye but having to. “Hm. Goodbye, Dogday… Get well.” The feline softly said, nearly whispered the last part, a part of Dogday was in shambles at how beautiful the feline mer looked.

With this sudden spike of braveness he leaned forward and smiled widely, quickly closing the distance and kissing the feline’s cheek. The feline looked stunned. “goodbye, Catnap. I’ll try to get well as soon as I can.” He said with a wide smile as the cat began to slowly light up again and chirp and trill brokenly before splashing some water on Dogday and diving underwater, and towards the very bottom of the sea.

The horn sounded again and Crafty yelled back in joy. “Guys! We’re here!” She looked back at Dogday happily and down to where Catnap had been. “When did he leave, I swear I just heard him…?” She asked curiously.

“Just now actually he just splashed some water on me before diving down…” Dogday said nervously. Crafty stared at him a second longer, before forgetting about it and continuing to wave at the ship.

Dogday rowed them closer and to the side. It was the ship Bobby’s parents owned, so it was pretty sizable and the critters would often use it to swim out and enjoy a day in the ocean. They were soon greeted up into the ship. And as they got up they were greeted by many of their friends.

Hoppy threw herself on Crafty and almost strangled her with the hug. Dogday was relieved to see everyone but as he looked around he couldn’t find his grandparents.

“Where are my grandparents?” He asked his friends. Bobby looked at him kindly and kept wrapping up his injuries as she disinfected each and every single one of them.

“We already radioed the ship they’re in so it won’t be long until we meet up.” she explained.

And she wasn’t wrong in a second another ship with the rest of his friends and grandparents arrived.

Dogday finally cried as he was held by his family and tried his best to comfort his grandmother and assure his grandfather that he was okay. That he will be fine and that Crafty is also here to agree on that.

The two were taken back home with many friends and neighbors greeting them, crying or cheerfully. Dogday felt overwhelmed but loved at the same time. He stood his ground and walked alongside Crafty as his friends and family covered them from those who were a little too nosy.

After giving their statement to the police that they had sneakily gotten out of confinement and that by the time the kidnappers noticed their absence they had already rowed a long ways away, not mentioning anything about the siren or kraken or even the sinking of the ship. They were checked through their clinic and Crafty and he were discharged and allowed to go home. Being prescribed a couple of pain killers for the ache that would settle on their body and some ointment for Dogday for the nastier cuts and bruises. 

He and Crafty had a sleepover together, not bearing to separate after the experience as embarrassing as it was. Their families understood and allowed Crafty to sleep over at Dogday’s, her parents staying over as well as they checked up on both of them and helped Dogday’s grandparents prepare for the night as their friends came one by one, trying not to cry as the fright of the day finally settled in to everyone.

They ended up sleeping around each other with Crafty and Dogday at the center and shielded as they rested comfortable after the long day. Their parents occasionally came in and checked in to relieve their anxieties but morning eventually came and everyone woke up, however, two critters were not happy at waking up at all as they groaned and whined about the bruises and aching muscles of their arms, neck, and legs.

The doctor had told them they would wake up in pain but this was torture…

-

One month later Dogday and Crafty had completely healed from what happened. They would have nightmares about it occasionally, but they were seeing a local counselor and the governor had increased night watch after the incident and many of the town people’s concerned complaints. 

But the kidnappers wouldn’t be coming back. Dogday knew. He and Crafty had seen them sink and most likely drown. During the first few days he almost felt guilty. But Crafty had revealed that she didn’t “because they were horrible people who were doing that by choice, and would’ve kept doing it even after them.”

And slowly Dogday began to accept their death.

“Catnap! Stop chasing my fish away!” Crafty complained from another boat a small distance away as she reeled her line back in. Hoppy laughed from behind her as she watched the feline, “You’re not going to help?” Crafty groaned out in frustration.

“Darling. What am I supposed to do? I can’t exactly outswim him in the water, trust me I’ve tried and you’ve laughed alongside him. Plus, the only person he listens to is his lover boy over there.” She said as she glanced at Dogday who was stupidly smiling at his little non-official boyfriend as he swam circles around him. 

Hoppy had followed her girlfriend in worry when she had suddenly decided to join Dogday in fishing, thinking they were still traumatized from the experience and finding comfort only in the sea. Imagine her surprise when she watched a purple feline fish person creature emerge from the edge of the gulf and wave at Dogday as it nearly beached itself in an attempt to get close.

She had, honestly, freaked. And a needle was fired near her direction. Making her calm down and slur her speech as she felt small giggles escape her. Crafty had gotten quite worried about her as she ran forward and Dogday freaked out, and the feline followed his lead and freaked out himself. 

She had quickly recuperated and on that same day she had joined the trio to their ‘fishing’ outings. Sometimes swimming in the water with Catnap and being beat every time. She wasn’t surprised when she found out that Dogday and Catnap were hard crushing on each other.

Crafty grumbled beside her. Tossing the reel further away from the cat and waiting. While the whole fishing thing had been a cover to hang out with Catnap her girlfriend had found enjoyment in this new hobby.

“Catnap! Stop grabbing fish from my container!” Dogday complained as he picked the feline up with a grunt, making the feline light up slightly at his strength, and throwing him overboard. The cat rose up hissing and ugly glaring at him as he sassily swam over to Crafty and Hoppy’s boat. “Don’t give him anything. He is more than capable of catching fish himself. Else he’ll get lazier than he already is and leave you without fish.” Dogday grumbled.

Catnap threw him another glare before he sang a sharp melody and Dogday tripped on air. Hoppy watched in amusement. “Don’t listen to him, he’s stupid. Give me food now.” Catnap demanded putting his hand towards them in expectation.

Dogday glared at Crafty as she grabbed a tilapia she had caught and slowly inched towards Catnap. His speech had gotten much better and he could talk for pretty long now. She placed the fish in his hand and smiled wickedly at Dogday. She received an angry huff in response as the canine focused back on his fishing. Unlike them, he still had a couple fish to go before he could start giving Ctanap food. After all, he still made a living this way and the shop had gotten busier lately.

The day passed by peacefully and Catnap followed them a good distance before saying his goodbye and going back to his own home. His father finally letting up on the teasing some.

Already he couldn’t wait to see the canine tomorrow. 

And a certain orange haired canine on land couldn’t wait to see a purple feline tomorrow either. 

The two girls laughed to themselves as they watched Dogday sigh for the hundredth time. “Puppy love.” Hoppy giggled. Crafty responded with a snort and a nod.

Dogday snapped his head up, a scowl and a dark red blush on his face. “Stop.”

The two girls did so.

For a second...

Before giggling again.

Groaning the canine began to carry his catch back home, Hoppy finally making herself useful and helping him with the other container.