Work Text:
“U-Umm.. I-I think it’s nice you tried to help them, even with bad intentions…”
Those words kept echoing inside my mind. To think that someone so insignificant in the grand scheme of things could affect me so. Mind you, it was very peculiar for that dolphin to freely speak as if we were acquaintances.
“W-What? Didn’t you hear me? I-I wasn’t trying to be nice. I… was just trying to do my job and keep that girl under control.”
Even stranger was the fact that I gave an earnest reply. No passive dismissal, reflexive outrage nor an attempt to re-establish my superiority. To think that I, the Ambassador of the Sea of Death, would converse to a child as equals? If there was anything more humiliating than being defeated by that lowlife shark, this would be it. Yet, I was fine with that. If anything, I’d like to meet with that child again. The words she said to me during our meeting had saddled me with some feelings that I found alien. It would be all too easy to dismiss them as unnecessary, but that would be a hasty decision. I have to experience more of them, come up with an explanation to put them into terms I could understeeeand. Once I do that, then-
*AN INEVITABLE COLLISION*
The heck was that? I turned around and spotted Sheep sprawled on the ground. Plastic bags scattered next to her, with some food scattered on the seabed. Sheep’s expression was fierce as she shouted, “Oi! What the heck were you doing, standing in my way li-”
I raised an eyebrow at Sheep. Clearly she doesn’t know who she’s speaking to.
“Ah, apologies Ambassador. I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was running and well, you know the rest.” Sheep hurriedly stuffed the food back into her bags and respectfully bowed. “Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience, but I must be off!”
“Hold on a moment.” I placed a hand on Sheep’s shoulder. “Anyone could tell that you’re carrying too many bags. Even if you didn’t bump into anyone else, the chances of you dropping them are incredibly high.”
“As analytical as ever! Guess that’s why you’re Her Highness’ right-hand shark!”
“Enough with the patronizing, let me ease your burden a bit.”
“What’s with the sudden generosity?”
“Hmph, a simple answer. To serve Princess Mikotsu is to serve the Sea of Death. So long as your loyalties lie with her, then it is my obligation to aid you in turn. Now, can we get a move on?”
With that, Sheep wordlessly moved about while I followed, trying to match my pace with hers. Every so often, Sheep would steal a glance at me with her one red eye. Was this to make sure that I was still there? Nonetheless, our swim was pretty uneventful. To break the resulting silence, I posed a question.
“What do you think of this sea?”
me with her one red eye. Was this to make sure that I was still there? Nonetheless, our swim was pretty uneventful. To break the resulting silence, I posed a question. “What do you think of this sea?”
“To quote a certain someone, ‘Hmph, a simple answer.’ This sea is the only sea I know. It’s the same as it’s always been. Mostly red, reeking of death and decay and most importantly, the excessive number of eyes everywhere. But, it’s my home so… yippee.”
“W-What the?”
“Surprised? Well sorry to disappoint, but not all of us are super patriotic and say stuff like ‘For the glory of Princess Mikotsu!’ I just live here, and life goes on. Or I guess that would be unlife.”
“Hmph. Well, I was just a bit caught off-guard by your tone is all.”
“But didn’t you just tell me to stop patronizing you? Besides the whole Ambassador thing, I don’t really know that much about you. In order to get respect, you gotta act like you deserve it, didn’t your parents tell you that?”
“…The heck are parents?” Sheep blinked twice at me, the frown on her face said it all. “That’s what I would’ve said if you had asked me when I was a child. You see, my mom died when I was a kid. My father… he might as well not exist. I haven’t had the displeasure of meeting him yet, but I digress. All you need to know is that Princess Mikotsu found me when was I alone. To my surprise, I learned that she found the same truth that I had.”
“The same truth?”
As if by instinct, I scowled as memories of that shark came up. Memories of a time long past. With a shake of my head, I dispelled those thoughts. Such filth wasn’t worth remembering. “The truth that I speak of, is that family is worthless.”
“That’s a bit too extreme and absolute a conclusion to make, don’t you think?”
“Not at all. Family and the love it breeds had already devastated the two most important fish in my life. If only I had realized how futile love is a bit sooner, then-”
“Then what? Would you be content with such a lonely and miserable lifestyle?”
“I’d be ecstatic! The weakness produced by love, my weakness, jeopardized our victory! If I were strong enough to discard it then that blue sea would’ve been replaced with an ideal form.”
“Is that what this is about?” Sheep pinched her temple and let out an exasperated groan. “We lost and unlife went back to before that whole conflict started. Get over it.”
“How can I, when they still see us as and this sea as an abomination?”
“Maybe you shouldn’t put so much stock into what outsiders think of us. If you ask me, I think your energy would be better spent trying to befriend the fish that love the sea in all its crimson, eye-infested glory.” I hardly think such a thing is worth prioritizing over getting everyone to understand the beauty of the Sea of Death, but eh, some fish just have a limited field of vision. It’s something to consider at least. “At any rate, our destination’s not too far from here. It’s that decorated house over there.” Sheep tilted her head, directing my attention towards a rather dreary-looking house on the horizon. Several fishhooks were hanging off of the roof and the door was adorned with an excessive amount of googly eyes.
“What’s the occasion?”
“The anniversary of Tsuribari’s death of course! Though considering how often he speaks, can you really say he was alive in the first place?”
I simply shrugged and made my way towards the door, giving it a loud knock. While I was waiting for the door to be answered my mind began to wander. The decorated house, the celebration of a milestone, the muffled sounds of music and then me… just standing here trying to help with preparations, despite how last-minute it is for this case.
“Here we go, this is the last treasure chest! Pulmo will be pleased! ~” I set the chest on the seabed. Alright, so since I’m on WINDFALL ISLAND, that means that I have to place some Candy Charms inside! I wonder why all this Candy-based gear has to be put in treasure chests scattered across the islands. Though, why even leave them out here in the first place?
“Sal-san!”
“G-gah!” The sudden outburst caused me to lose my balance. In my surprise I bumped my head on the treasure chest. Good thing it wasn’t open, or I’d have probably stumbled right into it… I allowed myself a giggle. Like that’ll ever happen.
“Ah, sorry about that!”
“Jeez, good going Minero. You gave our favorite coorjinator a concussion!” At the mention of that word, my eyes went red with rage. What I wouldn’t give to have Helica’s head on a pi- No, calm down Sal. You are the humble, unassuming citizen of the Sea Kingdom! Yeah, just your friendly neighborhood shark~
“Look, I apologized okay! Though, now that I mention it, what are you doing here in Star Isle, Sal?” S-She’s got to be joking right?! Well, better answer her question.
“Umm, I think you’re a bit mistaken Minero. This is WINDFALL ISLAND, not Star Isle.”
At this moment, Creamil decided to chime in. “We wouldn’t be in this mess if you had gone east like I told you to!”
“East? I thought you said weast!”
“Weast? What kind of compass are you using?”
“This one right here!” Minero handed Creamil a rather ordinary compass. Judging by the look on her face, she was not amused.
“That’s west, Minero.”
Deciding to save Minero from further embarrassment, I asked, “Why do you all want to go to Star Isle anyways?”
“We’re hosting a surprise party for Wadda! And what party can be considered complete without Star Fruit?”
“A-A party for Wadda?! Can I help out too?”
“Are you sure? You’re already on an errand, you don’t have to trouble yourself.”
“It’s no problemo! ~ This was the last thing I had to do, and besides, it’ll be a lot easier to collect a bunch of Star Fruit with the five of us! I want this occasion to be something Wadda will remember!”
“Hmmm, well if you say so. And if you’re gonna attend, you could be like a chaperone! You hear that Helica, we’re gonna get drunk tonight!”
“HELL YEAH!”
With a loud scream, I dropped the bags of food and gripped my head. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I should’ve said no! Why is it that I can never just decline to help out with things like this? Surely, it would’ve been fine to just not offer any assistance, right? It would’ve been the smart thing to do. But then, would Wadda think I didn’t care about her? I… she-
“Ummm, Sal? You okay there?”
!! “I-I’m fine. I was just reflecting on my past. More importantly, why hasn’t anyone answered the door yet?”
“Do you really expect people to hear a knock in all the commotion? Besides, the door is already open.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“You looked like you were deep in thought, didn’t really want to interrupt it y’know?” I glared at Sheep and in turn, she stuck her tongue out at me. How juvenile. Sheep opened the door and we were greeted with the familiar state of a party. Some fish were chatting amongst comrades, while others were dancing to the beats. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I felt that this party was missing a little something. Before I could ponder on what that something was, a Dead Fish ushered me and Sheep to the kitchen. After depositing the food on some table, I decided to help myself to a meager portion.
“What the? What are you doing here?” The new voice piqued my interest and so I turned around. It was just another of the riff raff, but it seemed to be irritated.
“Well, assuming you’re talking to me, I was merely helping Sheep bring some food here.”
“Oh, well that’s nice of you. Now could you kindly please leave?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t get me wrong, you’re treasured greatly as our Ambassador, especially considering how close you are to Princess Mikotsu.” The Dead Fish considered his words carefully. “There’s this minor habit of yours that might barely get on the nerves of so-”
“Spit it out. What’s this annoying habit of mine?”
“Look at me, I’m such a devious mastermind! I single-handedly orchestra the near destruction of two kingdoms! The entire Sea Kingdom believed that Samebitchi was the traitor, but it was me all along. I stole the Master Sword and no one noticed! I’m such a superior specimen, blah, blah, blah.” Sheep burst into laughter after hearing that.
“I don’t always do that.” Both the Dead Fish and Sheep looked at me, clearly unconvinced. I grabbed a nearby cup and took a sip. “This is some really good punch.”
“A-Ambassador!”
“Alright, alright. No Ambassadors allowed, message received.”
As I made a motion to leave, Sheep offered a suggestion. “Perhaps you could try to curb that habit. Remember that conversation we had earlier. What better an opportunity to be more social and make friends?”
“Heh. I think not. This place isn’t suited for an Ambassador anyways.” I exchanged farewells with Sheep and promptly made my exit. Once I heard the door closed behind me, I cried out in joy. “I’M FREE! FOR ONCE I DON’T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVITIES!” Man, that felt good to let out. To think I just need to brag about my superiority enough to not get included. I suppose it’s only ironic that there isn’t someone around for me to share this feeling with. Ah well. I finally have some solitude, and I’m not in any hurry to get rid of it.
“Would you be content with such a lonely and miserable lifestyle?”
Hmph, what did she know? Parading the idea that love and friendship are worth it. It reminds me of that dolphin. Well, the dolphin was a bit more tolerable, at least she wouldn’t speak so bluntly. I think the worst part about it is that she seems a bit too invested in helping me make friends. That is her worst quality. It reminds me of him.
“Let’s go home, __ nn ”
No! I refuse to recall that! I threw that life away! Why is that memory still there! I thrashed around, desperately trying to rid myself of the memories flooding my mind.
It was all falling into place now. Granted, there was still the matter of Wadanohara. My dear, childish, little Wada. To think that she would not only break out of the mind control. Then there was that new staff of hers. I could sense a great deal of energy from it, but no matter. Soon, she and that insufferable shark will die. It’s only a matter of time before the Sea of Death engulfs everything! Rejoice Princess Mikotsu, for our dream will finally be realized!
“Ah ha ha ha ha ha!” In the midst of my victory celebration, he appeared. Of course, it would be him. It had to be him. Besides Wadanohara, he was the other thorn in my side. “To think that you would follow me here. You must have a death wish!”
“Maybe, maybe not. What matters now is that I have to set things right.”
“Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha! Well, you certainly picked the best possible time to play the hero! You gonna redeem me or something, return back home with your precious brother?”
He bit his tongue. What a naïve boy. “As much as I’d like that, that’s not what I’m here for.”
“Then what are you here for?”
“Well that’s obvious. I’m taking that sword back.”
“Comedy hour ended a while back, kiddo.” Next thing I knew, I felt a heavy impact to my gut. Coughing in pain, I backed up trying to regain my balance. The hell? My answer came in the form of a smug shark standing in front of me.
“I told you. I’m taking that sword back.” He wasn’t nearly that strong nor as swift the last time we fought. He couldn’t possibly have improved within that short a timeframe. Before I could have any further thoughts, that cretin lunged at me with blinding speed. He attacked me from several angles, forcing me on the defensive. In a rage, I recklessly struck out with the Master Sword. The slash itself merely struck water, but it did halt that bastard’s attacks.
“And here I was thinking you didn’t know how to swing a sword.”
“Shut up!” With a ferocious yell, I charged at him, swinging the Master Sword with reckless abandon. Each of my strikes was evaded with ease and then, he disappeared before my eyes. As if by instinct, I swung my tail to parry an oncoming attack. I slashed the area behind me, only to find that bastard moving backwards. Sensing an opportunity, I followed and punched him square in the jaw. I stepped forward hoping to end this with an overhead slice, but he intercepted my sword arm with one of his.
“__ nn , you don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do! Everything I love gets taken away from me! Mother, you, and my dear Wadanohara! All of them, taken by forces I can’t control! He he he… But no matter, if the world will take everything I love, I’ll just have to change it into one I do love!” I pushed that shark away. Was that guilt on his face? What a foolish boy, falling victim to emotions in the heat of battle.
“I should’ve been for you back then. The world can be cruel and unforgiving. I know all too well what it’s like to be alone and have everything just get in your damn way. You’ve done terrible things, but if Tatsumiya can forgive me, you can be forgiven too! Just, come back.”
“Heh he he he he he. AH HA HA HA HA HA HA!” Oh, this was too rich. As if the same kingdom that rejected Princess Mikotsu would accept me back. “You must really love your brother huh? I guess today’s your lucky day, I’ll reunite the two of you, where you can spend an eternity doing lovey-dovey brother bonding, having sibling rivalries and all that mopey junk. Take heart, Samekichi. I’ll send you straight to hell.”
“I’ve already prepared for that. You can tell for yourself how different I am since our last encounter.”
“For once I must agree. Where did that strength come from?”
“Someone like you wouldn’t understand. But that’s enough talk, I need to finish this.”
I tightened my grip on the blade. “You need to finish this. That’s a joke, talking as if you’ve alrea- Hrk!” Before I even realized it, the wind was knocked out of me and I was laying on the seafloor. I didn’t want to believe it, but it happened. To come so close and to have victory snatched away from me! By that worthless, stupid, disgrace of a living being! In the corner of my eye, I could just barely make out his form retrieving that blade. As I slipped further and further into the realm unconsciousness, there was only one thought in my mind.
‘I hate you…’
Of all the things to remember, it had to be that! Even now he haunts me! What I wouldn’t give to meet him again, wrap my arms around his neck, and wring the air from his-
“P-pardon me, sir!”
“Can you knock it off Sheep?! This ‘interrupt Sal’s thoughts’ thing is getting on my nerves!”
“My name isn’t Sheep, sir!”
Indeed, it wasn’t Sheep swimming before me, it was some random Dead Fish. To think that such an irrelevant fish would think to bother me. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, well, Mr. Sal, sir. My name is Carl and I’m looking for the house of… Tsubari?”
“If you’re looking for Tsubari’s house, it’s not too far from here.” I pointed towards the way I came. “Keep swimming in that direction and you’ll come across a crossroad. You’ll want to take a left there and you’ll reach a-”
“Sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Sal, but I need to get a move on. I want to get there before they cut the cake! Can you just lead me there? Heck, you can even join in the festivities.” This kid is really trying my patience, but that’s okay. I don’t need to strangle him, I can just scowl. He gave me some respect, I can at least reciprocate it.
“I... No. You can get there on your own. Besides, ambassadors aren’t wanted there.”
“Well that’s a shame, I think you’re really cool!”
“Hmph. Of course, you would, I- Wait, what?! A-Are you being serious right now?”
“Well yeah, I mean for starters, our princess made you our Ambassador which is a great honor. And then there’s the fact that you’ve been working so hard for us. I mean sure you failed to liberate us permanently, but props for at least trying to do so. You even spent many years braving it out alone in enemy territory! You’re a hero!”
“As flattering as it is to finally hear some of my accomplishments getting the acknowledgment they deserve, that’s the problem. The others lack your appreciation of my various deeds and virtues.”
“Well duh! It’d get annoying to hear nothing but bragging from the same fish repeatedly. Like come on, is it so hard to talk about literally ANYTHING ELSE?”
“Am I a hero or an irritation?”
“Huh, why would you be an irritatOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! No, no, no, no! I don’t find you irritating one bit! Really! You’re a cool dude.” Heh, hearing the little one backpedal was almost worth the blow to my pride.
“There’s no need to sugarcoat it. I already know that fish dislike my penchant for boasting.”
The kid frowned and found the seafloor interesting to look at. Beads of sweat were dripping down his face and he looked a bit conflicted. “Look, I’m not the best at reading fish, but I’m sure you’re a likable guy! Maybe if you showed a side of you that isn’t our Ambassador, you know?”
“Another side to me eh?” I rested my head upon my hand to appear like I’m wracking my brain, searching for an answer. In truth, I already had an idea in my head. Hopefully, all my posturing would prove fruitful and I’d maybe fabricate some new grandiose personality. Just about anything would do.
Turns out, stalling for what seemed like an hour didn’t prove fruitful at all. Sigh. Given all the reminiscing I’ve been doing, it would only make sense for me to revisit that. I can hear Sheep’s mocking laughter already. There’s no way to get out of this without losing my dignity is there?
“Mr. Sal. I don’t mean to be a bother, but I wanna at least get to the party in time to get some cake. N-Not that I want to rush you or anything, buy you’re kinda the only way I can get there sooooooo… Y-You know, just keep on, keeping on, I guess.” This brat doesn’t seem to have much of a spine. Heh.
“Hey kiddo, do you really think if I decided to be ‘Sal the not Ambassador’, the others would be more welcoming towards me?”
The kid hesitated, searching for an answer. “I’m not really sure. I-I mean that’s not to say that you’d mess up somehow since you know, you’re… you! You won’t know until you try, right? What do you have to lose?”
“Bwahahaha! You’re a riot kid.” Normally, the lack of a conclusive answer would’ve angered me to no end. If there isn’t a definitive answer it isn’t worth pursuing. But I knew the truth of it. I enjoyed my time with all those sappy Blue Sea dolts, even if I merely adopted a façade. And if I could do that amongst those, I hated… well, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to be a coorjinator once more. “I think I’ll take you up on that advice kid.” Had I not spent time in that other sea, this kid’s smile would’ve blinded me. He was shining, as bright as their sun.
“Y-You really mean it?”
“Course I do. Now hurry up, we’ve got a party to crash!”