Chapter Text
The full moon shone brightly over the deep ocean. It pulled the waves back and forth in a rhythmic pattern, slashing against the shore of the city known as Lakewood Bay. Despite the ocean and night being calm, it was a particularly festive night for the townspeople of the particular town.
The Harvest Moon Festival, they called it. A night of games, carnival rides, music, and festivities stretched across an entire week, wrapping up in the biggest party the final Saturday of the week.
Off a few miles from the shore where the Festival was taking place, deep below the ocean, a small civilization belonging to a group the creatures known as the Sea Nymphs resided. None dared to step foot in land during the humans night's festivities, out of intense fear.
Lakewood Bay had a track record of “mermaid” or “sea monster” sightings. The knowledge of Sea Nymphs, despite the humans not knowing their name, was an integral part of their folklore. Legends and tales of heroic villagers slaying their kind are very common.
Despite this, two young Sea Nymphs decide to attend the festival. Besides, it's been decades since humans were spotted near their home or have killed one of their people. Perhaps the humans of Lakewood Bay have grown out of the belief of magic and mermaids.
.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧
“Koi…Koi!” The tan and mint green fish shook her sibling awake. “Koi,” “Trout,” “TKO,” they were all nicknames of her sibling. As “Troutmonger-Koi” was too much of a mouthful.
“Fink! It's too early...” He grumbled, turning over in his bed of seaweed.
“Do you want to come with me to The Harvest Moon Festival?”
TKO sat up, “The human festival? Like on land? As in the surface?”
“Uh-huh!” She whisper-yelled.
“I-I- Fink- I'm not allowed to-”
“Oh who cares about what Dad says. You're 13 now! You're not a child, he needs to learn he can't shelter you forever.” She rolled her eyes.
“He's protective for a good reason! I don't have magic like you guys! I can't even turn into my human form without a magical aid!” TKO grumbled.
“I think keeping you from the surface is a stupid rule,” Fink sighed, scratching at a patch of scales on her tail as she thought, “What if…we only go for an hour. We'll be back before our dads notice we're gone! And if you want to go home before the hour is up…we'll come home.”
“I…I don't want to get in trouble but…” TKO sighed.
“Come on- you're obsessed with humans! You're really turning down a chance to go to a human festival because you're scared of what Dad will say?”
“I-”
“Look. If we get in trouble I'll take the fall.” Fink suggested.
“It's not just that. Yes I'm…infatuated with humans and their lives but…what if Dad's right? What if they are bloodthirsty monsters who kill anything slightly different from them?”
“You can live your whole life down here, miles below the ocean, afraid- or just come see for yourself.” Fink said.
“Okay. Say I do want to go- do you even have a-”
“Right here.” Fink dangled a glowing bracelet in front of TKO, “This will allow you to turn human for a while. Just don't lose it or take it off. I'm not dragging your butt back into the water.” She chuckled.
“But-”
“Koi. I promise. I'll be by your side at all times. I won't let anyone even go near you.”
TKO thought for a moment.
“Okay.”
“Wahoo!” Fink threw her fists in the air, “Come on let's go! Before anyone wakes up!” She grabbed TKO's hand, pulling them out of bed.
“Wait wait wait! Do you even have human money? I'd assume we'd need some.”
“Yup! Ms.Mako gave me some.” She shrugged. She handed TKO a bag and motioned for him to follow out of his bedroom in the rock home they lived in. TKO followed her out into the kitchen, and out the front door, the moonlight shining through.
“Here. I'll help you activate it when we get to shore.” Fink put the bracelet on TKO's left arm. The two began to swim north, where Lakewood Bay resided. TKO trailed close behind their sister, her mint green scales twinkling under the glow of the ocean water, fading into a tan skin tone around her face, arms, and torso. Her darker green hair waved behind her, being kept up in a ponytail.
“How far-”
“Not much longer.” She smiled, looking behind at her sibling, “Hey,” She stopped, putting her hands on his shoulders, “Don't be scared, okay?”
“I'm just…Dad is so strict when it comes to me and land- he's so worried I'll hurt myself or someone will hurt me- and he talks so much about how bad humans are-”
“I won't let anyone hurt you, I promise you Koi.” She gave him a reassuring smile. TKO smiled back at her and they continued swimming along.
“Why did you even offer to take me?” He asked her, swimming directly beside her now.
“Well.. I know how much you want to go on land, no matter how scared you are of what Dad thinks, how much you love learning about human culture…you're always so cooped up in the house all day…I could go on.” She sighed.
“Thanks.”
“Don't mention it. We're here!” She exclaimed, swimming faster and out of sight of TKO.
“Fink?” He questioned, swimming in her direction. He poked his head above the water, seeing her, still in Nymph form on a rock, in a flash of light she turned humanoid.
It came like second nature to her, and TKO slightly envied it. He wished he could have magical abilities like everyone else around him did.
“Here,” Fink brought TKO's left hand out of the water, touching the bright yellow bracelet, causing it to glow. TKO had only done this a few times, when he was extremely young. A yellow string wisped around his body, causing him to gasp. His tail awkwardly split in two, forming human legs. His purple scales at the end of his tail (what was replaced with legs and feet), top of his head, shoulders and hands disappeared, leaving only his dark tan skin. The purple ends of his brown hair disappeared, and his long ears turned small and round. After the transformation, Fink caught him before he fell underwater. She brought them up onto the rock, helping him stand.
TKO's new legs shook, “I-I've never- At least not in a long time-”
“Don't worry. Walking is easy. Watch.” Fink climbed off the rocks and onto the sand. TKO fell to his knees, shaking and struggling to keep himself up. Fink giggled, watching her younger sibling struggle to lift himself onto his new appendages. She helped him onto the sand, but he immediately lost his balance and got a face full of microscopic grainy rocks.
Fink cackled, “What does sand taste like?” TKO growled, trying to get himself up onto his knees again, “Okay, I’ll help you up.”
She held out a hand for them, pulling TKO quickly to their feet. He trembled for a moment, trying to get used to standing up. Eventually, his sister stopped holding him up and to his surprise, he was able to stand straight on his own, minus the shaking in his legs.
“There you go!” She exclaimed, “Now just put one foot in front of the other and walk.” She made it look easy as she demonstrated walking to him. TKO could hear the festival taking place down west of where they were, and took a deep breath.
“So you need-”
“No, no- I got it.” He reassured her.
“I’m not waiting all night for you to walk.” She rolled her eyes with a grin.
TKO let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, and attempted to take a step forward, tripping on gravel but being caught by his sister.
“Here why don’t I…” She took him by the hands and began walking, TKO panicking, “I got you, just follow my lead.” She gave him a warm smile. She held him by his hands, guiding him for a few steps along the beach. TKO felt the sand under their toes. It felt secure and soft at the same time. TKO took a few more steps before he realized his sister wasn’t holding his hands anymore.
“Just like that! You’re a natural.” She punched him on the shoulder playfully, almost knocking TKO off his feet.
“Hey!” He grumbled.
‘Sorry.” Fink chuckled back. She grabbed him by his right hand and began pulling him, “Come on! We’ll miss the festival!” Fink began running westward down the shore. TKO could see the lights and hear the music and chatter from that area, quickly walking in his sister's direction, “Hurry up, Koi!” She called out, TKO picking up his pace and copying what his sister was doing, now running. His long hair blew in the wind. His skin tight top and shorts even caught a bit of the wind too, feeling wonderful in the wind.
TKO had never felt the wind like this before. It was exhilarating. TKO turned the corner, his eyes fixated on the sight of the human festival. It was bright, jarring, and looked like so much fun. TKO realized he couldn’t stop running, not knowing how to get his legs to stop. He barreled into his sister, who was stopped in front of him. The two teenagers fell to the ground, both groaning out of pain. They then began laughing, Fink standing up and brushing herself off before helping TKO to their feet once more.
‘Okay. No more running.” She giggled, taking her sibling by the hand once more and leading him, at a walking pace this time, to the festivities in front of them.
The shore was full of rides, games, booths, vendors, food trucks and so much more. It was lit up by a different assortment of colors. TKO had never seen anything like this before. He had seen pictures of human fairs and parties, but to see one close, and to attend one was almost surreal.
“Whoa…this is…” TKO’s mouth was agape.
“Amazing? Come on, what do you want to do first? Get some food? Ride rides? Play games?”
“Well..” TKO looked around. They caught the smell of food and their stomach growled.
“Food?” Fink asked.
“Food.” TKO agreed. Fink led them into the festival, TKO looking around in awe. There were so many people who all looked unique in their own ways. TKO didn’t even mind the noisy crowd of humans trampling their way through the fair.
“So here’s the thing about human fair food…” Fink began, the two walking up on a line to a food truck. TKO caught a stronger whiff of the food.
“It smells really..”
“Greasy? Humans, well at least here, bathe their food in it.” Fink giggled, “A good chunk of the food you’ll find here is probably deep fried, and not exactly sea nymph diet friendly.” Fink shrugged, “Not to mention how expensive this stuff is.”
“Have you come up here before?” TKO asked.
“Every time for the past 3 years.”
“Really how come-”
“I never said anything. Dad didn’t want me to encourage you to come.” The two moved up in the line.
“So Dad let you go?” If their long ears were present, they would have dropped as far as they could right now.
“I know, dumb right? I guess I get it if he was worried about you being too young, but we quite literally have proved you can come on land.” Fink motioned at TKO’s body.
“Do you think…maybe if he found out…he’d be less…?”
“No, No, no- he can’t find out. Dad’s stubborn. And our other Dad is no help. He just listens to whatever his husband says.”
“I guess you’re right…” TKO sighed.
“Menu’s up there, tell me what you want.” TKO and Fink were next in line, just waiting on a group of people in front of them.
“Hm…” TKO read the menu, “I don’t know what any of this stuff is.” He whispered to his sister. Fink sighed in response.
“Alright…do you want something sweet or an actual meal?” TKO looked at her dumbfounded, "Most of the actual food here is meat, which I know you don’t like.”
“I suppose just whatever. Something sweet though.” TKO finally said. It was their turn next, TKO staring awkwardly at the woman running the food truck. He listened as Fink made conversation and ordered food for the two of them. She paid and Fink led them to sit next to the truck to wait for their food.
“You don’t strike me as a ride kinda kid, Koi.” Fink said, “Come to think of it, you've never really been up high before… Neither have you experienced gravity without the effects of buoyancy since you were like, what, 4? Besides, Lakewood Bay is getting stingy, you’ve gotta have a wristband for rides and I heard they cost way too much. We’d be able to play more games and actually be able to get something out of it.”
“Huh?” TKO turned as a woman called out a food order and Fink ran to grab it, meeting back up with TKO a moment later. She handed them a cone with a poofy spool on the end of it, TKO squishing it.
“Cotton candy. You eat it. It dissolves really quickly when it comes into anything wet. It's just sugar spun into a different form.” She explained, taking a bite out of her food, something that was coated in a crunchy tan breading. TKO hesitantly took a bite out of the cotton candy and they began walking around again.
“Whoa!” TKO exclaimed, immediately taking another bite.
“Good, huh?” Fink said, TKO nodding his head as he continued to follow Fink down a line of stalls, “Okay,” She stopped them, “Most fair games are rigged. Luckily, they didn’t account for me when it comes to the water games!” She smiled, TKO chuckling. Another thing he was rather envious of. TKO couldn’t manipulate water like other nymphs could, but it's not as bad as not being able to turn into their humanoid form, something very important to the nymph’s lives. TKO was basically missing out on freedom, and he couldn’t do anything about it.
“Water games?” He asked.
“Watch.” Fink smiled, leading the two up to a stall with targets in the wall, each one connected to a glowing LED light, perhaps a kind of meter, followed by a water gun attached to the stall. She sat down in front of one of the water guns, and motioned for TKO to sit at the one next to her. TKO sat awkwardly, not knowing what to do. A guy came up and Fink gave him some cash from her beg and disappeared to start the game.
“It’s simple, Koi. All you gotta do is angle the water gun to hit the dot at the center of the target,” She pointed at the colorful target in front of her sibling. TKO nodded.
TKO jumped when the water guns turned on, immediately trying to angle the gun where his sister had said to. They watched as the LED meter above the target began to fill up, feeling proud of himself for a moment. A bell dinged, signaling the end of the game, and TKO thought he had won. He looked over at his sister, quickly realizing that wasn’t the truth.
“Cheater,” TKO blew a raspberry after realizing his sister had won.
“I just..let’s say I manipulated my way through.” She chuckled, “You pick something out.”
“Huh?”
“A prize? Pick one.” She pointed at the large stuffed animals hanging from the wall. TKO looked at them for a moment.
“But you won.”
“Okay? Pick something out.” She shrugged. TKO smiled, looking back at the prizes and pointing at one of a fish.
“The fish? Really?”
“It’s the only animal up there I know.” TKO chuckled uncomfortably. FInk pointed at the fish and the person running the game got it down from the wall and handed it to her. Fink got up from her chair and handed the fish to TKO.
“How am I supposed to keep this?” TKO realized they wouldn’t be able to bring it home.
“Oh. Shit. Uh…” Fink thought, “Oh! Dendy can keep it for you!”
“Dendy? Isn’t that you’re human friend?” The two began walking around again down the line of bright and colorful carnival games.
“Yup. She should be here actually…let’s go find her!” Fink grabbed TKO by the hand and began running and dragging him. It took TKO by surprise and he couldn’t keep up with her. She lost her grasp on him and TKO fell to the ground with a yell and a thud. TKO pulled himself up to his knees and frantically looked around for Fink.
“Fink?” He called out, people passed him with stares and glares as he freaked out on his knees, “Fink?” He called louder, finally getting onto his feet and trying to look through the crowd for his mint-haired sister. He ran through the crowds panicking and hyperventilating as he realized she was nowhere to be found. “Fink?” He said even louder, looking all around him in all different directions. He grasped the fish prize in his hands tightly, feeling tears forming in his eyes.
“Are you lost, kiddo?” TKO looked up from his crying to see a concerned woman towering over him. Her voice was comforting and her gaze made TKO feel safe. TKO sniffled loudly and began to stutter.
“I- I- I c-can’t find my sister- she she-”
The woman put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a warm smile, “It’s okay. We’ll find her. What does she look like?” Her blonde hair shimmered in the lights of the festival.
‘She has skin a little l-lighter than mine…” TKO sniffled and wiped his eyes, “Mint green hair in a pony tail…she’s wearing a white tanktop and…black shorts…she’s kinda tall…”
“Do you know where she went?”
“Uh- to find a friend but- she ran ahead and I-” TKO looked at the ground.
“Do you have any way to contact her? A phone maybe?”
“A what?”
“Come on hun, let’s look for her,” The woman told TKO to wait a second and she turned around to a larger man wearing sunglasses and carrying a kid who looked about TKO’s age on his shoulders. TKO made eye contact with the boy and smiled, but the boy suddenly flinched and covered his ears, confusing TKO.
“Humans are weird…” TKO mumbled, the woman turning back to TKO after comforting the boy, who had his eyes squeezed shut and was mumbling something about music.
“Come on, hun.” The woman grabbed TKO by the hand and began to walk around with him, trying to look for someone with the description TKO had provided, “how old are you, kiddo? And what’s your name?”
“I’m…” TKO didn’t know what to tell her, “TKO. And I’m 13.”
“Oh you’re about the same age as my Kaio! He’s turning 13 this summer.” She smiled and then made a face, “is that her?” She pointed TKO looking in the direction and gasping.
“Koi!” Fink yelled, her frantic look quickly disappearing as she ran towards TKO and hugged him tightly, she pulled away, “I thought you were behind me I- Who’s this?” She asked, staring at the woman.
“I’m Carol. TKO here was lost and scared so I helped him find you. I’m glad I did, poor kid was frazzled.” She pat TKO on the shoulder before waving and walking back to her family. TKO waved before his face turned furious, spinning around to face his sister.
“You left me!” He stomped his foot on the ground as he yelled at her.
“I- I- Koi- I thought you were behind me I- It wasn’t intentional-”
“I was scared.” He sniffled, “I want to go home.”
“But we just got here I-”
“You said if I wanted to go, we would.” TKO couldn’t look her in the eyes, “And I want to go.”
Fink’s facial expression changed from concerned and confused to resentful.
“Fine.” She simply said, taking TKO by the hand and beginning to drag him back to the shore. The two didn’t speak to each other, TKO pausing before hitting the water now that they had turned the corner to the rocks again.
“What about-”
“Just leave it. Someone will take care of it.” TKO sadly put the fish plush prize Fink had won him on the rocks, his eyes filling with tears again. They looked back at their sister and saw she was already in the water, back in her nymph form, and waiting on TKO.
“What do I-”
“Just take off the bracelet. It’s easy.” Her voice was flat. TKO felt a bit guilty, but that feeling was washed away quickly. He did like Fink had said, taking the bracelet off and quickly getting into the sea. His scales, long ears, and tail quickly came back as if they never disappeared in the first place.
“Let’s go.” Fink scoffed, diving under the water. TKO’s ears dipped down, but he jumped when he heard footsteps. He turned to see the boy from before turning the corner, looking around puzzled. TKO quickly dove underwater, hopefully avoiding his gaze.
“Fink?” TKO asked, swimming up with his sister who was waiting on him in the distance. She didn’t answer him, but instead kept swimming once he caught up. TKO sighed and saw behind her from a distance, “Fink?” He asked again.
“What?!” She spun around, causing TKO to jump.
“Well- it’s just-” He couldn’t find the words, “I’m sorry.” He simply said.
Fink sighed, “No. I’m sorry I- I got so caught up in having fun that I forgot that you were scared to even be there in the first place.” TKO stared down at his purple hands with deep yellow freckles.
“I might have overreacted.” TKO admitted.
“No, gosh Koi-” Fink wiped her eyes, “Let’s just go home before we get into a different problem.” She chuckled, TKO gave her a smile and the two began swimming back home. There was less tension, and TKO felt more at ease.
“There was a boy that followed us back there.” TKO began, “I saw him earlier- he was the kid of that human lady who helped me find you. It’s weird- that kid saw me and flipped out. I didn’t catch what he said but something about music?”
“Humans are weird.”
“That’s what I thought but- unless he saw us, why did he follow us? And I know he didn’t see us.”
“I dunno Koi. Maybe he did?”
“I don’t know.” He sighed, he looked up when he realized they were approaching their house. It was a cavelike structure covered in different aquatic plants and had a garden or coral by the door.
“Shhh..” Fink said, opening the door, going in herself first and opening the door for TKO to follow. It was dark inside and quiet, and the two let out a sigh of relief. They began swimming down the hall towards their bedrooms when a light turned on, causing the two to jump. TKO and Fink slowly turned around to meet the enraged gaze of their father, his purple scales and yellow eyes were darked by the dark of the night, only being illuminated by a lantern above him. Their other, much shorter, father sat next to him; his gaze was more concerned than angry.
“Fera. Trout.” His deep voice made TKO worried, the two of them returning to the living area of the cave home, “Where were you two?’” His arms were crossed and his gaze felt even more enraged.
‘I-” Fink began.
“Don’t,” He sighed, his ears dropping as he readjusted his glasses and stared at them, “I know you went to the festival,” He pointed towards Fink, “But you shouldn’t have left at all. It’s very clear where you went.” He took a deep breath, “Troutmonger-Koi. I think you know well enough you are not allowed to leave the safety of the sea. It’s too dangerous.”
“Really? Because they were just fine!”
“Fera Boxman. I wasn’t talking to you.” He gritted his teeth.
“Venomous- don’t you think you’re being a little…harsh? I mean…Trout is growing, you can’t shelter him forever. Besides, the more you do, the more he’ll just be more curious and rebellious.” His husband, Boxman, said, placing his sea green hand on his husband’s.
“For as long as he is under my roof he will follow my rules. Trout,” TKO looked up to meet his father’s upsetting look, his ears dropping, “You know I just want to keep you safe. It’s more than just humans I’m worried about, there's no water for your gills, you’d suffocate quickly. You dont have magic like us. You can't protect yourself if something happens.” His father tried to be a bit more comforting.
“I know.” TKO choked out.
“And Fera, you know more than enough to not influence him.”
“Oh come on,” She scoffed, “He sits in this house, or in the Nerissa Library all day reading books and looking at pictures of the world you won’t let him see! He could use a bit of fresh air and fun for once.”
“I will let you put my child in danger because you think he’s miserable.”
“Have you ever asked him what he wants? Or do you just assume?”
Venomous didn’t say anything, “Fine- Trout- tell me, is your life as miserable as your sister says it is?”
“I ...well…I…I um…I’m not unhappy but…I do get bored…And I suppose at times I do feel a little….too safeguarded. But I- I understand why.” he managed to stutter out.
“See? He doesn’t even sound sure, Dad.” Fink blurted out.
“I…” Venomous thought for a moment. “We can find things for you to do, Trout, that won't put you in any danger. But my point stands. You two know the rules. You’re both grounded.”
“Oh please, isn’t Koi practically grounded all the time?” Fink retorted.
“I’ve had enough of you.” Venomous growled, “I’m not tolerating your tone. Go to your room- I don’t want to see you till breakfast.”
“But-”
“Now, Fera.” He crossed his arms. Fink grumbled, swimming off down the hall and to her room, turning and slamming her door shut.
“God she gets on my nerves…” Venomous mumbled. “You go off to bed too, Trout.”
“She’s right, you know.”
“Huh?”
“What’s the point in grounding me? It’s not like I can go anywhere anyways.” he scoffed, swimming off to his own room, not processssing what his father had told him. He slammed his dorr shut and laid down on his bed, sobbing into his seaweed pillow. He heard a knock on his door and turned to see who it was.
“Fink?” He questioned, seeing his sister pop her head into the door.
“I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m leaving. And I’m not coming back.” TKO saw the bag around her body.
“No- No- what are you talking about?” he questioned, his eyes widened as his sister swam more into his room.
“I can’t live here anymore, Koi. I can’t stand Dad, I can’t stand the way he treats you, how I can’t do anything about it, how our other Dad won’t stand up to him-” She scoffed, “So I’m leaving.”
“B-b-but- why? I- I’m coming with you!”
“No. You’re not.” She gave him a reassuring smile.
“But- you can't just leave! Sea Nymphs aren't supposed to leave until they are 16! Please Fink, you're the only fish in this house that gets me. Darrell, Raymond, Shannon, our Dads…they don't know m-me like you do.”
“You'll find other fish, or even people god forbid, who will get you.” She comforted him.
“Please don't leave,” He choked out, “Please.”
“I'll see you later, Koi.” She turned to swim out the door.
“Fink!”
“In a few years when you can leave- come find me, okay? I'll be somewhere in Lakewood Bay.”
“Fink.” He pleaded.
“I'm done living here. I hate the ocean anyways.”
“Fera.” TKO cried.
“I'll be okay. You'll be okay. I promise.” She pulled him into a tight hug and fought back her own tears, “Take care, Koi.” She pulled away, not listening to the pleas of her sibling and swam out his room, shutting his door with a quiet click.
There were no more tears for TKO to cry, all he could do was stare at his door, eyes wide, ears dropped down, and in shock. They sunk onto the floor and just stared.
.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧.° ｡𖦹˚ 𓆝 ｡𖦹°‧
“Come on, come on…” Fink banged on the door of the small house, frantically breathing and pacing, “Come on Dendy-”
“What do you want?!” An older woman answered the door, holding a baseball bat, and ready to swing. Fink yelped and jumped back.
“Oh, it's okay hun it's just Dendy's friend.” The woman turned back to comfort a worried older man.
“Is she here?”
“Is something wrong kiddo?” She asked, smoothing her graying brown hair.
“I…it's a lot to ask but can I stay here? Until I find someplace else I…I can't live with my family right now.”
The woman stuttered for a moment before answering, “Anything for a friend of my daughter. She's in the basement.” The woman let Fink pass, Fink giving her a thank you in return.
“Dendy's asleep, long night at the festival, you were there weren't you?”
“Yeah.” Fink mumbled.
“You can sleep on the couch for now. We don't have a quest room or anything-”
“It's fine. Thank you ma'am.” Fink sat on the dark colored couch and Dendy's mother handed her a blanket.
“Whatever you're going through, I'm sure it will pass.”
“Yeah.” She answered, watching as the woman left, giving her a smile as she did.
“But it won't. I don't want it to.” Fink pulled a vial out of her bag, the luminous blue substance inside lit up her face the words rang through her head-
“Just drink this,” The cloaked Sea Nymph said, “You'll never have to worry about your family again.”
Fink didn't know what he really meant, but shrugged, she opened the vial and drank every last drop, wiping her lip after she did. She felt funny, a small tingling throughout her body, before it erupted into pain and heat. Fink fell to the floor with a gasp, shaking as it felt like something was leaving her body. Her life perhaps? But as soon as it was over, it stopped.
Fink stood up, shaking and heaving. She didn't know what just happened, but it felt like a part of her was gone. She looked down at her hands, that shook and ached. She sat back on the couch and thought. She looked over at a cup of water that was on the kitchen counter, walking over to it and putting her hand over top of it. She gasped, stepping back with her eyes wide.
“My magic.” She paused. “Oh fuck.” Fink fell to the floor.
Now she knew what the words that Nymph said had meant.
She wouldn't be able to see her family because that liquid had made her human.
She sat back on the couch, shaking and sobbing.
“T-that fucker. They didn't say I would…” She sobbed into her knees, “I'm so sorry, Koi…I'm so sorry.”