Work Text:
Though difficult, Nato’s separation wasn’t as painful as one might think, for the time spent with hatchlings was short. A land walker would surely think it obscene how little time they spent together. Hatchlings were considered full-grown the moment they could catch their own fish, and it was rare for families to stay together longer than that, especially for shark-mer. The first week was, of course, miserable. Gavin found it hard to sleep without Nato tucked against his chest as he had been all those months, and Nato found it equally hard sleeping in Cayden’s home. Though Cayden had his own hatchlings, they weren’t his family, and though he was welcome, he missed his parents and brothers terribly.
That’s why it became a daily occurrence for Gavin to settle right against the border during the early morning to take a nap. Setting up a comfortable rock to lean on, he lounged on the seabed with his long brown tail stretched across the saltwater divide, and Nato would lie on the other side, using his rough tail as a pillow. At first, Nines had been concerned about his mate and their freshwater hatchling lying so close to the divide, but the barrier itself was rather thin, and neither suffered any ill effects. That being the case, Cayden and Nines quickly accepted that this was how Nato and Gavin would get much of their rest.
Nines kept Nero and Noe occupied for the most part, letting Gavin and Nato get as much rest as possible. They were nice, lazy days, and the sun glittered across the waves above, easing their slumber. There was no danger so close to the river. Larger predators avoided such places, and this was well known koi-mer territory. Few would dare to enter uninvited. The biggest dangers to Gavin and Nato’s rest were Nero and Noe, who were always wide awake during the day and eager to spend time with their brother. Nines did his best to run them ragged first thing in the morning, so they might all join Gavin and Nato for an afternoon nap.
This routine worked rather well, and as the morning stretched to afternoon, Gavin would wake up to regale them with tales of the deeper ocean, of places even Nines had never been. As a koi-mer, his body was adapted to the warmer waters of the reef, so he couldn’t travel to the colder parts of the deep sea. Gavin had travelled quite far, though not so far as other breeds of shark-mer. Some were colossal beasts, better suited to the deeper, colder oceans. Gavin and his pod were all reef sharks. They could go into the deeper ocean, but the cold became unpleasant, and they often chose to remain in the warmer waters of the reef. Gavin had ventured out a few times and visited many reefs in his time before settling where he was now.
Their hatchlings listened, enraptured, as Gavin spoke of huge, towering cliffs that sank to the core of the planet. Great trenches where the light of the sun slowly petered out and left the bottom in total darkness, too deep for mer like Gavin to fully explore. The pressure became unpleasant and taxing on the gills, forcing him back to lighter waters, but he had seen many wondrous things. Fish that glowed with soft blue light, creatures with strange, translucent bodies, and sea slugs of many bright colours. He told them of vast stretches of fire, where the very core of the planet had been torn open to expose the fiery wrath within. Red billowed into the icy water, bubbling and cooling to black, growing into hills and mountains. There were secret caves with walls that sparkled, hidden gems that few would ever see with their own eyes. Reefs with plants of every colour and the fish to match.
Hearing Gavin speak this way always made Nines smile. He had seen some of what Gavin spoke of, but those things he hadn’t seen, he could almost picture with Gavin’s vivid descriptions. His words made Noe and Nero bubble with excitement for the adventures they might one day have, but Nato felt somewhat left out. He would never get to see these wondrous things. As a freshwater-mer, he could not explore the distant oceans. Noe and Nero, noting his sadness, instantly promised to bring him things. Since he couldn’t go to the ocean, they would bring parts of the ocean to him.
Cayden also joined them to speak of the distant rivers, reassuring Nato that there were plenty of adventures to be had inland as well. Their own riverway connected to a great, sprawling network that ran straight through a rainforest. It was Noe and Nero’s turn to be jealous as Cayden told them of all the colourful birds and sprawling trees, the great apes, fearsome felines, and snapping reptiles. Those waters could be treacherous if entered lightly, and exploring koi-mer often travelled armed and in groups to ward off such dangers.
Nato was soon on the edge of his rock as Cayden told him of the giant river snakes. Over twenty feet long, they could swallow a youngling whole without a second thought. Strong, fearsome beasts, and cunning, they were not to be underestimated. Cayden had lost many brothers and sisters to these beasts and others, which caused Gavin a world of worry. He knew the ocean held its dangers, but his freshwater hatchling would face dangers he’d never dreamed of and couldn’t prepare him for. Seeing his fear, Cayden swiftly put him at ease. The dangers of the river was one of the reasons they remained in such family groups. They travelled together and watched out for each other. He and his children would protect Nato as if he were their own.
Despite the barrier between them, there were still things they could do together. After their nap, as the glitter of the sun softened, they would venture to the surface to play in the waves. Jumping and diving, the hatchlings had great fun slicing through the waves and splashing about. They also played with soft sponges, batting them back and forth or slapping them through the air. Nero’s favourite games were all about speed, and he greatly enjoyed racing his siblings and cousins along the misty barrier, sometimes even breaking through it for the extra challenge. Whenever he did this, Nines would scold him and examine his puffy gills with a disapproving scowl.
“He is definitely your hatchling,” he grumbled, watching with some fondness as Nero returned to his race and completely ignored his former warnings. Gavin grinned, showing his sharp teeth with mirth as his gills fluttered.
“Damn straight!” It was nice to see Gavin smile, and nicer to see he’d found some commonality with his saltwater offspring. It took a little longer for Noe and Nero to warm to Gavin than it did Nato. Though Gavin never said it bothered him, Nines knew he’d been hurt by it, especially since all of their children had hatched looking so much like his koi-mer family. It was to be expected, since they came from Nines’ eggs, but he’d thought perhaps there would be a little shark in them at least. Nato, at least, shared Gavin’s colouration, but he was physically a koi-mer like the others.
“That wasn’t a compliment.” Gavin chuckled at Nines’ teasing as they watched Nero dive through the divide again to tackle Nato. After tumbling across the seabed and whipping up a cloud of sand, his cousins hurriedly chased him back to the saltwater side of the barrier. Noe showed little interest in crossing the border, but he was happy to swim along the edge of the saltwater and tease the mist with his tail. Noe was much like Nines in personality. He was more thoughtful and serious, treating everything with an air of caution, but he hunted like Gavin.
When Gavin hunted, he slipped through the water like a shadow, using short bursts of speed to catch his prey unawares before they knew he was there. His green eyes were sharp, his precision deadly. Noe had these qualities in abundance. He was not as reckless as Nero, who rushed in roaring, chasing his prey through the water until he caught them or they tired. Nines had lost count of the times he’d tried to check Nero’s enthusiasm for the hunt. If he didn’t learn well now, he would suffer the consequences later when he was on his own.
Hunting for Nato was a different experience, because the koi-mer of the river hunted together in groups. Cayden took good care of him, teaching him how to fashion weapons out of stone and wood, much like those of primitive land walkers. With spears like these, the group of koi-mer would surround an unsuspecting school of fish and start sticking them until they had enough to feed their troubling. The strongest, healthiest koi-mer would join the hunt while those older or weaker members stayed home. As well as the hunters, there were explorers, for not all mer would stay in their settlement. The young hatchlings were already making their own bonded troubling, ready to head off to explore the wider rivers and perhaps make a settlement of their own.
Nato had already decided that he would return to Cayden’s troubling. He didn’t want to miss Nines and Gavin returning, or his brothers coming to visit, and since his parents breathed salt, there was always the chance that his offspring would be the same. He had little choice but the live somewhere that bordered the sea, so he may as well live somewhere familiar. That’s not to say he didn’t intend to explore; he would venture out with a few others who felt the same, or join some of the older koi-mer on their more distant hunting trips.
It was easy to tell when the end was near. Though still young by land walker standards, looking no older than twelve of their years, and being barely five months old, their hatchlings were becoming independent. Noe and Nero were eager to venture further out, and their hunts were getting more and more successful. Nato was also coming into his own, and could pass full nights sleeping in Cayden’s nest, which was rapidly becoming too small. The amount of naps taken together by day lessened, and though it left a heaviness in his heart, Gavin knew the time had come. Their hatchlings were grown. They didn’t need them as they once had.
The time a hatchling left was different for everyone. It could be five months, eight, or even twelve. Five months had already passed since their eggs had hatched, and their hatchlings weren’t the only ones getting restless. Though he liked Nines’ family, Gavin was starting to miss his own, and though their cave was fine and cosy, he missed sleeping in the warmer sands of the open reef with Nines coiled around him. Nines was starting to suffer a certain amount of wanderlust as well, and each day that passed he was less and less worried about Noe and Nero.
Their tails had filled out, their claws and teeth had grown in, and they were rapidly gaining muscle. They were close to maturity now, and talk of the ocean and the things they might see were becoming less like stories and more like plans. Plans they would not share with Nines and Gavin. When they left, it would be alone. Having such different personalities, Nines was unsure they would choose to stay together either. Nero was loud and energetic, longing to explore the deeper parts of the ocean, while Noe was more studious. He was far more interested in examining the colourful plants and creatures the reefs had to offer.
Nato was also making plans, spending less time at the border of the sea and more time with his cousins as they prepared to explore the distant rivers. He still made time to see Gavin, eagerly telling him of his plan to venture up into the deepest part of the rainforest. Gavin listened and tried not to let worry overwhelm him. It was the way of all things. Hatchlings grew and matured, and many never saw their parents again. Gavin had already birthed offspring who had never returned. He had no idea how they fared or if they still lived. Perhaps it was because they were koi-mer, but Gavin hoped he might see these hatchlings again, that they might all return and visit Cayden in the next season. Or perhaps it is my lingering hormones… His hatchlings weren’t yet out of the nest, after all.
When the time came, it came without a word, as was often the way of things. One morning, they had three hatchlings, and by the evening, there were two. The call of the ocean came, and Nero was helpless to ignore it. During the afternoon hunt, he drifted from Nines and Noe, disappearing into the darker ocean with a flick of his black and blue tail. Noe watched the spot where he’d disappeared for some time, hoping to catch a glimmer of hazel fins, and Nines eventually joined him. Noe didn’t quite understand the small smile on his sire’s face, but when he suggested they return, he didn’t think to argue. The thought of chasing his sibling to bring him back didn’t even cross his mind. Noe also didn’t understand the mixture of pride and resignation on Gavin’s face when Nines told him Nero was gone. He had thought Gavin might weep at their separation, but not a single tear was shed.
With Nero gone, it was no surprise to Nines and Gavin that Noe became more restless. His playmate had left him, possibly never to be seen again. Nato was often busy with his cousins, and what company could he truly be, separated as they were? However, it took some time for Noe to work up the courage to leave. This parting was different from Nero's . Where Nero had disappeared without a word, Noe decided to prepare first. Weaving a satchel out of vines, he packed some small items. Mer didn’t keep trinkets, but this was something that Noe might grow out of. For now, he gathered things like the pretty shell Nero had given him, the first stone spearhead Nato had helped him craft, and a pretty stone that Gavin had found.
Nines and Gavin weren’t oblivious to this behaviour. It was clear that he was packing for a journey of sorts, and what an adventure it would be. Gavin was actually excited for his first hatchling to begin his adventure. Once the little satchel was packed, Noe carefully placed it by the door of the cave, ready for when he’d need it. Nines smiled at the fact it took him another two days to actually go through with it, though they would never rush him out. All hatchlings left in their own time and in their own way. Unlike Nero, Noe left with purpose. After one last morning hunt, he returned to the cave and picked up his satchel.
“I’m ready.” Gavin and Nines didn’t need to ask what for; it was perfectly obvious. Smiling, Gavin took him in his arms and ruffled his hair, marvelling at the way it fell back into place just like Nines’ did. Nines joined them, laying a hand on Noe’s shoulder and squeezing. Far from pain or sadness, he was overcome with pride and excitement. Noe was about to embark on a wonderful journey, and with just one hatchling left, he and Gavin would soon be able to return to the reef.
“Stay safe… Be sure to eat well.” Gavin wasn’t sure what else to say, but Noe’s smile suggested he’d said the right thing. With a last embrace, they swam to the door and watched him leave. Noe swam briefly to the divide to call out a goodbye to his youngest brother, and then he turned for the open sea. Nines wrapped an arm around Gavin’s shoulders and held him tight, grinning from ear to ear. They’d raised three fine hatchlings, all of them strong and healthy, and two of them had already left to start their own lives and find their own mates. “Do you think they’ll be alright?”
“They are your hatchlings.” Gavin was unsure that was a good thing as he turned his head, but Nines was staring at the spot where Noe had disappeared with a confident grin. “The terrors of the ocean had best be on their guard.” Gavin snorted, elbowing him softly in the side. It was true, with his fiery confidence and Nines’ intellect, Nero and Noe would flourish. The hope that he would see them again lingered, but he knew it would fade in time, as it had before.
Barely a month later, the time came for Nato to leave as well. He seemed anxious as he approached Gavin at the divide, like he was doing something wrong in telling him that he wished to leave. There was a hunting party heading up the river that afternoon, and he dearly wished to join them to explore, but the journey would be a long one, and he knew that Nines and Gavin would not be there when he returned. Gavin swam through the barrier to embrace his youngest hatchling, holding him close and winding a clawed hand in his hair.
“It is your time, Youngling. You must not let thoughts of separation hold you back. It need not be forever. You know we shall return in the next season, and if this is still your home then, we shall be pleased to see you.” Unlike Noe and Nero, Gavin felt that he might actually see Nato again. Raised by koi-mer, he was developing a strong sense of family and community. He had a sense of independence, but it was tempered by a longing for familial ties. Gavin felt Nato nod against his shoulder, ignoring the bloating of his gills for a few moments longer.
“Gavin is right. You have much to explore, so if you feel the time is right, you must start your journey,” Nines said as he joined them and stroked Nato’s hair, which had the same fullness as Gavin’s. There was a new brightness in Nato’s green eyes as he drew back, and it struck Nines then how like Gavin he was. His striped tail twitched with energy, and he beamed at their approval. With one last squeeze, Nines tugged Gavin back into the saltwater, and they watched their last hatchling return to Cayden’s people. The hunting party swam by once more before they left so that Nines and Gavin could wave them off, and then they watched as their last hatchling disappeared. “And then there were two…” Gavin nodded his agreement and leaned into Nines’ side.
“Come on, let’s set things in order.” They would leave their nest behind until the next season, and if they did not lay a clear claim on it, someone else might move in. With that in mind, they tidied up the remnants of their lives. The vine blankets were shaken out in the water and lovingly folded to be left in the freshly swept out nest. Old bones were cleared away, plants were returned to the ocean, and what pretty shells and stones Gavin and Nines had found were piled neatly around the edge of their nest. On the outside of their cave, Gavin used a sharp rock to scratch a message into the stone, a warning that this place was taken and that they would return. Out of courtesy, it was unlikely other mer would abuse their absence and steal their nest.
“Nines? Gavin?” Cayden’s voice called from the entrance, a questioning sound as if he half expected them to be gone already. Nines invited him in, and he beamed as he put his head through the plant curtain in the doorway, relieved to find they were still there. “Oh good! I’d hoped you hadn’t left yet.” His warmness surprised Gavin, as it always had. It wasn’t the way of shark-mer to get attached like this, and not even his own brother had ever been this pleased to see him. “It’s customary for us all to eat together once a hunting party leaves, to wish them good luck and pray for their safe return. Will you join us? We have rainbow cod.” Nines smirked. That was enough to tempt Gavin, obviously.
The celebration had been set up by the border so that Nines and Gavin could properly take part. There was music and dancing, a fine feast of shellfish, fish, and various river plants, and they even swam to the surface to send prayers and well wishes to the moon, hoping that when their brethren surfaced, wherever they were, they would receive their warmth. It was sweet, and Gavin ended up sending quiet prayers to all of his younglings, even those he had not seen since birth, hoping they would receive them and find new strength.
Younger hatchlings were still around, playing games and swimming in circles as the older mer sat together talking of their own adventures and whatever news they’d come by. There were many congratulations given to Nines and Gavin on having their nest empty and being free to return to the reef, and many hopes that they would return next season. They would, of course. Despite the effort that Gavin had put into finding a nest in the deeper ocean, he found himself eager to return to this place. Being close to Nines’ family offered a sense of safety and security he’d never known before, and despite knowing it was impossible, he feared his own offspring being freshwater mer. The river nest would forever be their primary residence, for however many broods they might make.
“Thank you for your kindness; I don’t think we’d have managed without you,” Nines said as they prepared to break for the evening. It wasn’t just Cayden; it was all of his extended family. Cayden hummed as he embraced his brother, quietly wondering what had happened to the other two. He had hoped they might also return for their first season, but perhaps they had not found mates yet.
“No thanks needed; we’re family.” He was pleased to see that Nines, at least, was safe, and he’d found himself a fine mate in Gavin. A shark-mer and a koi-mer were perhaps an odd combination, but their own parents had been of different mer breeds as well. “I will care for Nato as if he were my own.” It was a nice reassurance, but Nines had expected nothing less. Cayden and his people had a strong sense of family and duty, which was something Nines had missed in his time among the shark-mer. This attachment had also rubbed off somewhat on Gavin, who had never felt so wanted and pampered before.
The next day, after one last breakfast with Cayden, Nines and Gavin turned once more for the open sea. The thought that they might cross paths with Noe and Nero on their travels crossed Gavin’s mind briefly, but he wouldn’t get his hopes up. He already had younglings he hadn’t seen since they came of age. The ocean was vast, and there were endless seascapes to explore. With that in mind, Gavin curled his tail around Nines, stroking slowly along his delicate fins. Nines was also smiling, more than ready to return to the reef and tumble freely in the warm sands.