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“I don't know if I can believe in doing something that might not even exist.”
“…Then believe in me.”
Wifies stared at the person in front of him after those words were spoken. The stranger’s voice was firm and sincere, as if pleading for Wifies’ trust. A strange feeling welled up in Wifies’ chest. He hadn’t expected those unusual words to sound almost like a desperate plea—asking Wifies to place trust in him, as a person, rather than in the concept of Leviathan.
Wifies sighed. It was hard to tell where Hummer’s gaze was directed, but after knowing him for so long, reading the color bar display on his screen was no longer difficult. Right now, Hummer was staring directly into his eyes without breaking contact something he rarely did, being somewhat socially awkward, or perhaps just having grown accustomed to solitude for so long that his social cues were a bit peculiar. Wifies averted his gaze, his fingers brushing against a small glass vial in his pocket. It contained a breathing potion his only backup plan to sustain his breath, brought along out of fear that their plan might fail once again. But now, in this moment, as Hummer asked for his trust, Wifies felt that he ought to give the man what he truly desired.
With another sigh, Wifies pulled out the vial and tossed it over to Hummer.
“Okay. I Believe in you.”
Wifies genuinely hoped that this time it would work out. Trusting Hummer once more—truly trusting him would hopefully bring about something good, rather than just another endless ban.
…
The last breath escaped Wifies’ lungs, dispersing into tiny bubbles that drifted upward toward the surface. The crushing weight of the deep-sea pressure pressed heavily against his chest, making his ribs ache. As the freezing cold seeped into his heart, his vision began to blur. His survival instinct kicked in, prompting him to tilt his head upward, searching for the distant sky far above. The faint sunlight from the surface faded out of reach, leaving only the vast, abyssal darkness of the ocean opening its jaws to swallow them both.
In front of him, Hummer remained calm, his eyes devoid of any fear toward the impending death. The man with the strange color-bar display on his face made no attempt to reach for survival; instead, he accepted the sinking descent as if it were the ultimate destination he had been searching for his entire life. The two of them gazed at one another through the icy curtain of water. The silence was so profound that Wifies could hear nothing but his own heartbeat slowing down, beat by beat.
Then, at the very moment when the water tightened around them and breath became impossible just as the last oxygen left his lungs and everything felt as though it had never existed Hummer’s eyes widened. A rare, broad smile appeared on his face. Wifies gasped in joy, turning to celebrate with him, but Hummer had already vanished. The joy on Wifies' face instantly turned into sheer panic. No matter how desperately he swam or called out his name, Hummer was gone, as if his very presence had been nothing more than an illusion.
Before Wifies could lose his mind entirely, the deep sea surged around him, dragging him down into a realm that transcended natural phenomena. His body fell unconscious, tumbling through a tunnel of intense light and vivid colors. Warm-toned lights burst into his eyes, blinding him searing oranges, fiery reds, and golden yellows exploded into intricate, rotating kaleidoscope patterns. The spiritual realm shifted at an impossible speed, the howling wind of mysterious energy rushing past his ears until his body felt weightless.
Until the blinding brightness suddenly went dark.
When he regained consciousness, Wifies felt his back crash onto a surprisingly soft surface.
Gasping heavily, he gulped in air like a drowning man who had just barely survived. Wifies pushed himself up in confusion, his eyes adjusting to the soft, warm light that blanketed the area. The first thing he felt was the gentle give of fresh green grass beneath his feet. This was no muddy, dark seabed or jagged gray rock it was a serene meadow, far too surreal to belong to the human world.
Wifies blinked, kneeling down to touch the green blades of grass to confirm they were real, before slowly turning around to inspect his surroundings. His eyes widened in absolute awe at the sight before him.
Standing in front of him was a grand, majestic structure so breathtaking it almost stole his breath away. The immaculate white castle stood proudly amidst a gorgeous fairytale-like landscape. Its slender, soaring towers stretched toward the brilliant blue sky, surrounded by golden-leaved trees that sparkled in the sunlight, hovering atop floating islands and towering rock cliffs. A wide wooden bridge stretched across, leading straight toward the heart of this sacred metropolis, with a mysterious, floating halo-like ring hovering softly behind the castle.
Wifies’ eyes sparkled with wonder and astonishment. A strange mixture of awe and confusion churned in his chest, leaving him speechless. A cool breeze swept past, bringing the chill of the water clinging to his skin. Wifies wrapped his arms tightly around himself, shivering slightly because his clothes were still drenched from their deep-sea ordeal. He wrung out the hem of his shirt and trousers, trying to squeeze out as much water as possible as sparkling droplets rained down onto the grass beneath his feet.
Instinctively, he reached frantically into his pocket for the mobile phone he had kept hidden away. Although the device was protected inside a waterproof ziplock pouch, when he pulled it out and tried to press the power button, the screen remained completely black and unresponsive. His hope of recording a picture of this unbelievable sight as proof sank beneath a wave of regret.
Wifies let out a soft sigh, slipped the device back into his pocket, and decided to step forward to explore this mysterious place with his own eyes.
His eyes swept meticulously across the surroundings the cascading rock formations, the shimmering trees with golden leaves, and the pathway stretching out in front of him. Everything was so grand and vast that it made him feel utterly small by comparison.
“Where on earth is this place...?”
Wifies murmured softly to himself, his voice still laced with lingering astonishment. He slowly stepped forward along the wooden bridge, his eyes locked onto the sacred castle awaiting his arrival at the far end.
The sound of Wifies’ footsteps echoed against the wooden planks of the long bridge. The eerie stillness of this realm made it possible to hear even the faint pitter-patter of water droplets falling from the hem of his soaked clothes. The tall young man proceeded forward cautiously, taking in the magnificent architecture all around from the surreal floating islands to the glistening golden-leaved trees that sparkled in the light. Everything looked as stunning as a painted canvas, yet it was completely devoid of life. There was no sound of birds, no trace of people only the gentle whistle of the wind blowing past the towering, sacred spires.
As he drew closer to the heart of the castle, a mysterious pressure began to permeate the air, weighing heavily on his chest. Wifies climbed the cascading stone steps, entering the grand entrance of the pure white palace. Inside the breathtakingly spacious hall, a soft, soothing light beamed down upon the stone pillars and the intricate ancient carvings. The sheer magnificence left him awestruck, causing him to take a deep breath. At the same time, however, the logic and reason in his mind began to race in confusion.
What was this place? Why had 'Leviathan' sent him here, and what was its purpose? Where had Hummer gone? And what had really happened back beneath the sea just moments ago?
A hundred questions collided in his head until his mind felt as if it were spinning. Amidst the emptiness of the palace hall, Wifies' eyes caught sight of something sitting behind him.
There, resting quietly in the silence, was a mysterious chest.
He slowly approached the chest, step by step, his heart pounding in suspense. His drenched body began to radiate a icy chill, making him shiver, yet his curiosity proved far stronger. With trembling hands, Wifies reached out and gently lifted the lid of the ancient chest.
A burst of brilliant, pure azure light shot forth from within, illuminating Wifies' wide, startled eyes. Resting peacefully inside was the Heart of the Sea an oceanic core emanating an immense aura of energy that seemed to transcend dimensions. It sparkled with a mysterious, powerful radiance that defied description.
At that exact moment, a severe wave of dizziness struck Wifies' brain with sudden intensity. The vision before him began to warp and distort like rippling water. A hundred visions and a strange, crushing pressure poured into his head, making him feel as though his mind were about to shatter into pieces. Pain and a blinding vertigo swept over what little remained of his consciousness.
"Ugh..."
A faint groan escaped his throat. Wifies knew all too well that he was about to black out again. Yet, driven by his final survival instinct, he refused to let the only clue before him slip away. His trembling fingers reached toward the azure gem. He lunged forward to seize it, curling his weakened body inward, clutching the Heart of the Sea tightly against his chest as if using his own body to shield the mysterious power vessel.
The azure light shone bright, casting a glow over Wifies' curled form as he lay beside the ancient chest, right before total darkness consumed his sight and his consciousness slipped into complete silence.
…
Amidst the endless tranquility of the spiritual realm, a gentle breeze swept past the spires of the marble towers. The tall, slender figure of a man with an vintage rectangular television for a head slowly stepped out from the shadows of the ancient stone pillars. His footsteps were so silent they could barely be heard. The TV screen, which once displayed nothing more than a lifeless set of color bars, now glowed and flickered with lively signal waves a sign of deep happiness and contentment that he had not experienced in centuries.
Hummer... or by his true identity: The Leviathan.
The legendary monster of the deep sea straightened his coat slightly as he looked out across this sacred metropolis. His very existence was sustained and nurtured by "belief" and "faith." Yet throughout the vast stretches of time, the countless humans who crossed his path had viewed him merely as a myth, a scary bedtime story, or a fleeting thrill to exchange curiosity with before moving on. Not a single person had ever offered him true, pure faith. No one had ever looked past the blurring bounds of time and logic to genuinely believe in his existence.
Until a human named Wifies appeared...
Hummer could not help but smile broadly in his heart as he recalled how it all began the day that electronic mail was sent to him. The very first second he became aware of that message, his once-truly stagnant heart had fluttered with an unfamiliar joy. He was delighted that someone wanted to speak with him about the entity known as Leviathan, and he was thrilled to the core upon discovering how remarkably clever this human was. Wifies had managed to catch the tiny anomalies in the photos he had deliberately leaked, pursuing the truth all the way to his doorstep.
Throughout their journey together, Wifies might have been stubborn a man fiercely grounded in principles, reason, and science. At first, he had been guarded and completely devoid of trust, raising a hundred plans and endless questions just to test him. Yet Hummer had watched every effort, every scheme, and every step of this human with an undeniable fond amusement.
And finally, that most exquisite moment had arrived Down in the suffocating darkness beneath the sea, when this very human threw aside all doubts and decided to toss the breathing potion over, uttering the words now etched into the sea monster's soul:
“Okay. I Believe in you.”
That powerful faith had unlocked all bonds a pure trust granted from the heart of the very first human to ever do so for him. It was what had brought them both to stand in this domain, rendering Leviathan’s existence more complete than it had ever been. Hummer hummed a soft tune in contentment, a gentle static hum leaking from the TV speaker on his head. The tall figure slowly walked closer to the stone altar at the center of the palace, before looking down.
Appearing before his eyes was Wifies' soaked body, water droplets glistening along his hair and clothes. The human who had survived the deep descent lay curled on his side, his small arms tightly embracing the azure Heart of the Sea against his chest, as though terrified it might vanish.
Hummer knelt beside the unconscious body, the light from his TV screen casting a soft glow over Wifies' face. He reached out, hesitating for a fraction of a second before using his fingertips to stroke Wifies' wet bangs with utmost gentleness, a faint smile resting in the silence.
‘Good boy... You really did so well.’
The thought warmed his mind as he looked upon the first and only human who had given him his faith, filled with profound affection and endearment. From this moment on, no matter what they might face in this realm of mysteries, Hummer would watch over and protect his human forever.
Hummer lowered himself further. The scent of seawater and the icy chill emanating from Wifies' body made the eyes behind the screen gleam with emotions too deep for words. The tall figure carefully slipped his long arms beneath the bends of Wifies' knees and trembling back, scooping him up from the marble floor as delicately as if he were handling a fragile relic that could shatter at any moment.
The brilliant azure Heart of the Sea remained tightly held against Wifies' chest. Even with his consciousness gone, his protective instinct over this crucial clue was still active. Hummer let out a soft chuckle. The TV light dimmed to a gentle, warm hue, and the static sound from his speaker shifted into a soothing melody. He pulled the younger man closer to his broad chest, transferring the mysterious warmth of an ancient beast into the freezing body in his arms.
"Wifies... You're really holding onto it that tightly, huh?"
Hummer whispered softly to himself, leaning his TV head down until it was close to Wifies' wet, smooth cheek. Water droplets still clung to the contours of his face and the tips of his matted hair. The sheer loveliness of this single human who had risked his life and placed his trust in him was so overwhelming that Leviathan’s heart fluttered in a way it never had before.
With steady steps, the tall figure carried him through the vast palace hall toward an inner chamber crafted by the power of the realm, where warm waters from a sacred spring flowed. Hummer gently laid Wifies down, carefully changing him out of his drenched clothes and washing away the salt and exhaustion from their long journey under the sea. Once Wifies was clean, he tucked him into a thick, soft bed surrounded by light-filtering drapes.
An unknowable amount of time passed in this realm where time itself seemed frozen...
A warm, golden light streamed through the high hall windows, bathing the wide bed. Wifies lay fast asleep, his breathing soft and rhythmic. The face that had once been pale from cold and fear had now regained a lovely, healthy flush.
Hummer sat quietly on the edge of the bed, gazing untiringly at the sleeping figure. His long fingers reached out, gently tapping against Wifies' forehead. His eyes behind the screen remained fixed on the soft strands of hair that were still slightly damp. Hummer used his fingers to brush the hair away from Wifies' face, tucking it behind his ear with extreme care. The soft touch of the skin and the warmth of the human's body caused something deep within his age-old soul to ripen into full bloom.
The more he looked... the more he admired him.
The more he touched... the more enchanted he became, past the point of return.
Throughout the ages, Leviathan had been nothing more than a lonely monster beneath the deep sea a terror in folklore, or a trivial puzzle for passing explorers to solve before leaving him behind once more. But Wifies was different. This human didn't view him as a monster, nor as a legend. In his final moments on the brink of death, Wifies had chosen to look him in the eye and give him his complete, unconditional trust.
That powerful, honest faith had bound the soul of the ancient beast to this ordinary human completely.
Hummer leaned down closer, the clean, distinct scent of Wifies drifting in the air. A deep desire far beyond that of a mere monster and his believer began to take firm root in his chest.
He wanted to possess him... He wanted him to stay here forever.
He gazed at the sleeping form with eyes full of gratitude and affection. If this human's trust could awaken the beast within him, then he wished to bestow the bonds of eternity upon him in return. He wanted this human by his side not as an investigator, not as a temporary companion but as his consort, the sole owner of Leviathan's heart and true self.
"You were the one who chose to Believe in me, Wifies... Please, don't ever abandon me."
Hummer whispered in a low, gentle voice. The signal waves on his TV screen flickered in soft, tender patterns as he looked upon the sweet, sleeping face.
...
Wifies' slender eyelids slowly fluttered open. The very first sensation he felt was the deep warmth and soft comfort of a luxurious bed not the icy chill of wild grass or the sticky stench of sea salt as he had expected. He blinked repeatedly, adjusting his eyes to the soft sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains, before pushing himself up into a sitting position, his brows furrowed in utter confusion.
He looked down at himself. The old clothes that had once been dripping wet and clinging to his body were now replaced with a fresh, clean, and comfortable set resembling the attire of an explorer. His body felt warm, completely devoid of any lingering cold from his deep-sea drowning.
"What on earth... actually happened?"
Wifies murmured softly to himself in bewilderment. He swept his gaze around the room, but found only silence and no trace of anyone else. Wifies decided to slowly swing his feet off the bed, feeling the coolness of the marble floor, before stepping out of the room to search for answers.
A long hallway stretched through the expansive palace hall. The ancient architecture was grand and breathtaking, yet so eerily quiet that only the sound of his own footsteps echoed. Wifies walked along the stone balcony, scanning his surroundings relentlessly for anyone else. However, the deeper he ventured, the more intricate the architecture became. The branching corridors and cascading high halls began to blur together in confusion. Unsure of how much time had passed, his initial awe gradually turned into anxiety. A faint seed of fear began to take root in his chest: Was he lost all alone in this crazy dimension?
Eventually, as he reached an inner hall that looked like part of an ancient ruin, something caught Wifies' eye. Beneath a large ancient wooden block, there was a hidden niche. Nestled inside was a strangely shaped wooden box adorned with mysterious patterns.
Driven by curiosity and his explorer's instinct, Wifies stepped closer and knelt beside the block. He tried pounding on and prying at the wooden block blocking his way, aiming to retrieve the box for a closer look. But just as he exerted his strength to strike it.
Creak...
Faint footsteps, accompanied by a familiar static signal sound, echoed from right behind him.
Wifies froze instantly, his heart dropping into his stomach. He whipped around in panic, and his eyes collided with the tall, slender figure wearing a vintage rectangular television for a head. Hummer stood there quietly, his TV screen flickering as he looked directly at him.
Wifies' eyes widened in utter shock. The confusion, the fear of being lost, and the hollow ache in his chest over the past moments were instantly wiped away in a single second. All that remained was an overwhelming surge of joy upon seeing that the person in front of him was still alive.
"Hummer!!"
Wifies sprang to his feet, instantly ignoring the wooden box beneath the block. He lunged forward with all his strength, throwing himself into a tight hug around Hummer's tall body. His slender arms wrapped tightly around the TV-headed man's waist, his face burying itself uncontrollably into his broad chest. His body trembled slightly from the rush of overflowing emotions.
"I thought you died!"
Wifies blurted out, his voice cracking with a mixture of sheer relief and undisguised joy. He held the other tightly, as if terrified that if he let go, the figure before him would vanish into a illusion once more.
The impact of the sudden, reckless hug made Hummer step back only slightly. A flurry of static hummed from the TV speaker on his head in brief chaos before smoothing out into a low, gentle, and peaceful melody. The man with a vintage television head slowly raised both of his long arms to return Wifies' hug. The ancient beast's broad arms and strong chest enveloped the human in front of him completely, holding him so securely that Wifies appeared visibly small and delicate by comparison.
Hummer tightened his embrace just a fraction more, drinking in Wifies' warmth, body heat, and rapidly beating heart with profound fascination. The slight trembling of the person in his arms served as undeniable proof of just how deeply this human cared for and was attached to him.
"I... I'm right here," Hummer whispered softly through the speaker's signal waves. "I haven't gone anywhere."
For several long seconds, until his heart rate began to settle, Wifies' rationality finally returned. He suddenly realized just how fiercely he was throwing himself against this strange TV-headed man. The face that had been buried against the broad chest began to flush hot, a vibrant red blush spreading visibly across his smooth cheeks. Wifies quickly pulled back from the embrace. He touched his neck awkwardly in embarrassment, his eyes darting around in panic before locking back onto Hummer in confusion, blurting out a barrage of endless questions.
"W... Wait! Did you get here before or after me? And how are we going to get out of this crazy dimension?! ...And what about my clothes? Don't tell me you... you were the one who changed me?!"
Questions poured endlessly from the mouth of someone who was completely flustered and didn't know how to act. Hummer watched this adorable panic with deep affection. His TV screen glowed with a soft, warm light. He reached out a long hand and gently tapped Wifies' back, stroking up and down in a slow rhythm to help the other relax and calm down.
"Take it easy, Wifies..." Hummer interrupted gently. "Follow me. I'll answer your questions."
Hummer assertively intertwined his long fingers with Wifies' smaller hand a firm yet unaggressive touch before giving a light pull, leading him forward. The mysterious silence once again wrapped around the palace hall, broken only by the synchronized sound of their footsteps clicking against the marble floor. The pathway led them deeper into the heart of the palace until they stopped at a magnificent grand hall, where a colossal ancient stone throne stood proudly on an elevated dais.
Hummer briefly released his hold on the smaller hand before stepping up and sitting down upon the massive throne. His posture was imposing and majestic, like a king who had ruled this dimension for centuries. He then looked down and extended his arms, pulling Wifies in to stand directly before him, positioned between his wide-spread legs atop the throne platform.
Wifies watched his actions in astonishment, attempting to speak up again, but Hummer gently placed a finger against his lips to quiet him.
The eyes behind the TV screen stared directly into Wifies' eyes, filled with profound depth and sincerity. Hummer spoke in a calm, flat tone, yet it carried a weight so heavy that the surrounding air felt as though it had stopped moving.
"I didn't arrive before, nor did I arrive after..." Hummer stated slowly. "Because this is my home... and I am the Leviathan you've been searching for all along."
The words were uttered effortlessly, without a trace of hesitation or pretense.
Wifies froze on the spot. His face, previously filled with curiosity, twisted into sheer confusion and shock. He blinked, staring at the TV-headed man sitting on the throne before him. His sharp, logic-bound mind tried frantically to process what he had just heard, but everything went blank. The person standing right in front of him was the legendary sea monster he had dedicated himself to tracking down?
Silence blanketed the vast throne room for a long moment, accompanied only by the soft static signal humming faintly from the speaker on Hummer's head. Wifies knitted his brows tightly, his expression broadcasting utter disbelief. His brain tried to piece the entire story together: The man he met on an online website, the socially awkward guy, the person traveling to find the same thing... was actually the very legend he had been hunting down all along?!
"You... are Leviathan?" Wifies whispered, his voice trembling. His usually composed face was now a mix of confusion and disbelief at those extraordinary words.
"Do I look like I'm lying?"
Hummer cut in softly, his voice carrying a deep power that made the surrounding atmosphere grow tense in an instant. He slowly extended both hands to grip Wifies' waist, pulling the human closer until he was nestled tightly between his legs on the stone throne. The closed distance so close that their breaths mingled made Wifies tense up completely. Hummer's long arms wrapped loosely around his waist, yet held a firm sense of absolute authority that allowed no escape.
"Every story, every photo I released... was bait I set to find someone." Hummer's TV screen shifted to a warm tone, radiating a soft glow. "For hundreds of years, countless humans came out of curiosity. Some came out of greed; others were just looking for a thrill But when they found no empirical proof, they abandoned it and dismissed it as pure fantasy."
Hummer's long fingers slowly reached up to touch Wifies' chin, gently tilting the startled, sweet face up to meet his screen directly.
"But you weren't like them, Wifies... You were stubborn. You used logic. You tried to catch me in every flaw. Yet in the end... the moment you stood on the brink of death, you chose to believe in me."
The signal from the TV speaker hummed a deep, sweet, and resonating tune, as if the monster's heart was beating wildly with fascination.
"Your pure faith was what awakened me and allowed this dimension to open... You brought yourself to me right here, and you brought my true self back to life."
Wifies' eyes widened, his heart pounding frantically inside his chest. A sudden wave of heat rushed across his face all the way to the tips of his ears as he felt the profound sincerity and depth of the gaze directed at him. It wasn't a lie. It wasn't some trick. The person in front of him was truly Leviathan.
"Th... That's just too bizarre," Wifies stammered, trying to turn his face away in embarrassment at being cornered like this. "And even if you really are Leviathan... why did you bring me here? And how do I get back out?"
Hummer let out a soft chuckle in his throat, a deep sound full of endearment. He leaned his TV head down until his chin almost touched Wifies' forehead, a faint smile hidden behind the curtain of light on his screen.
"Going back?" Hummer whispered. "Do you really think that after you gave me all your faith and brought yourself onto this throne with me... I would simply let you return to that boring world so easily, my consort?"
The word "consort" slipping from the ancient beast's lips left Wifies wide-mouthed and completely stunned. His brain froze for a moment, and a vibrant red flush spread across his face all the way down to his neck. What on earth was this TV-headed man... no, what was Leviathan talking about?
"C... Consort? What crazy nonsense are you talking about?!"
Wifies blurted out in a flustered panic, unable to stop the burning blush from spreading to the tips of his ears. He shoved against Hummer's broad chest, trying to free himself from the tight confinement between the tall man's legs on the throne. But just as he was about to lose his composure entirely, Hummer slowly released his long hands from Wifies' waist.
The tall, slender figure raised both hands, gripping the edges of the vintage TV set on his head. Wifies froze, his eyes widening in absolute shock, having always assumed the TV head was the man's actual biological head.
Click...
The sound of ancient mechanisms aligned as the static signal gradually died down. Hummer lifted the rectangular TV off his head, slowly unbuckling the screen that had once concealed his true identity. Soft brown hair cascaded down naturally, interspersed with silver streaks that caught the warm light. The face before him revealed an unexpectedly sharp, handsome, and mature features. Yet what truly took Wifies' breath away were the ears shaped like delicate, multidimensional fish fins that fluttered gracefully and the mysterious hairline fractures on his skin. Within those cracks, faint static signals flickered and sparkled, like shattered fragments of an off-air TV screen. Most breathtaking of all were his radiant yellow eyes, glowing like powerful gold as they gazed down at him with deep affection.
Wifies was completely lost for words, his mind going entirely blank as he stared at the true face of the beast in sheer awe. The hands that had been pushing against Hummer's chest began to tremble slightly.
"Y... Your real face..."
Wifies whispered in a faint breath.
Hummer or Leviathan curled his lips into a faint, charming smile. He leaned down close until his warm breath brushed against Wifies' cheek, his glowing gold eyes flashing with a playful yet terrifyingly profound glint.
"Why the face...? Care to prove it a little further?"
Before Wifies could utter a word of refusal or agreement, the pure white castle around them began to warp and collapse in an instant. The warm golden sunlight dissolved away, replaced by pitch-black darkness and a massive wall of water crashing in from all directions.
Whoosh--!
In a mere fraction of a second, both of them were back floating in the depths of the ocean floor right back where they started!
Yet this time, Wifies felt no agony from drowning or suffocating. Miraculously, he could breathe beneath the ocean waves, completely unharmed by the crushing water pressure. His body drifted peacefully in the darkness, illuminated only by the faint flickers of bioluminescent deep-sea creatures.
Hummer slowly drifted backward. He locked eyes with Wifies one last time before swimming in slow, rhythmic circles around Wifies' body. The currents swirled in harmony with his movement, and the TV-headed man's form dissolved into a powerful, surging beam of azure light. It expanded rapidly so immense and majestic that the entire ocean seemed to tremble.
Wifies spun around with the current in shock, and when he turned to face what lay ahead, his eyes dilated to their absolute limit.
Standing before him was the legendary monster of the deep sea.
The Leviathan.
Its colossal, unimaginable form towered over the ocean floor, so gargantuan that Wifies was reduced to a mere speck of dust by comparison. Scales as impenetrable as armor glowed with an azure and gold aura, with waves of energy circulating along its endless length. Those same giant, glowing yellow eyes looked down at him with immense power, yet filled with tenderness. The undeniable grandeur crushed every bit of logic in Wifies' mind. The mythical beast he had pursued for so long was now right before his eyes—and it was humbling its immense grandeur simply to gaze upon him alone.
An absolute silence blanketed the deep ocean floor, broken only by the azure and gold aura radiating from Leviathan's massive form, bathing Wifies in light. The water currents swirled gently as if comforting him. Wifies' heart pounded so loudly that the thumping echoed continuously in his head. The scientific logic and principles he had held onto all his life were now completely shattered after witnessing a legendary entity with his own eyes.
The giant beast slowly lowered its colossal head, blocking out all light from above. Yet those two massive, glowing golden eyes held no ferocity only warmth, profound depth, and a longing reserved solely for him.
‘So... are you ready to trust and accept who I truly am now, Wifies?’
Hummer’s deep, charming voice resonated directly inside Wifies' head not through his ears, but as a spiritual connection beneath the vast ocean. The subtle vibrations of the surrounding water felt strangely warm against his skin.
Wifies took a half-step back in initial awe before taking a slow, deep breath. Gathering his courage, he reached out his trembling hand, gently brushing his small fingers against the armor-like scales on the side of Leviathan’s cheek. The beast's touch wasn't icy as he had imagined; instead, a soothing warmth and a subtle stream of energy flowed straight into his heart.
"You... You really are Leviathan..."
Wifies murmured, his voice echoing through the seawater. "Everything... the stories, the riddles, all those clues..."
‘Yes... all of it was so you would find your way to me.’
Leviathan tilted its massive head, affectionately leaning into the touch of the small palm. The gentle gesture so starkly contrasting its massive size made Wifies break into an involuntary, faint smile. The fear and confusion in his heart gradually melted away, leaving behind a strange sense of absolute safety.
The ocean currents swirled once more. The massive form of the beast burst into a brilliant light that engulfed the surrounding scenery. In a moment, the dazzling beam condensed, transforming back into the handsome young man with brown hair streaked with silver and those same glowing gold eyes. Hummer, now in human form, glided fluidly toward Wifies. His fin-like ears fluttered softly, and the cracks on his face still flickered with inner static light.
He reached out, taking Wifies' hand tightly and intertwining their fingers securely, before pulling the younger man close against his broad chest once more.
"Now... can you still deny your position as Leviathan's consort?" Hummer teased softly, a sly smile gracing his lips while his golden eyes sparkled with playful seriousness.
"W... Wait! Stop talking about that consort nonsense already."
Wifies blushed instantly, his embarrassment spiking so high he almost wanted to swim away.
"And besides, even if you really are Leviathan, us staying together... it's just way too fast! How can you expect me to just give in and agree so easily?!" Wifies blurted out, trying to pry open those tightly intertwined long fingers, his face burning hot beneath the sea.
"Can... Can I please have some time to think this over? Everything happened so fast that my brain can't even process it."
Wifies' rejection and request for time made Hummer freeze instantly. His large, glowing yellow eyes dimmed noticeably, his playful smile vanishing in a heartbeat. What truly broke Wifies' heart was Hummer's fin-like ears previously fluttering so lively which now drooped pitifully against his cheeks. The tall man emitted a soft, mournful static hum from his throat, looking exactly like a giant puppy rejected by its owner. The sight of a legendary deep-sea monster making such a pouting face with drooped ears made Wifies hesitate, his heart aching with guilt and sudden tenderness.
"...Fine," Hummer let out a long sigh, the surrounding currents swirling gently in sync with his dropping mood. "If you need time... I won't force you."
"Umm... and about us staying together forever," Wifies quickly added, stammering out an explanation so the other wouldn't misunderstand. "It's not that I don't want to stay! But I still have things outside to handle, my work, my life... I can't just abandon everything to lie warmly in your ancient palace forever. So... can you please take me back to land first?"
Although his charming face still wore heavy disappointment, Hummer nodded in agreement. He held the smaller hand tightly before swimming upward, guiding Wifies along. The swirling currents gently cradled them both, cutting through the dark depths of the ocean and carrying them softly toward the surface.
Whoosh--!
Before long, both of them broke through the surface of the ocean waves into the gentle sunlight and the passing sea breeze. The sound of waves crashing against the shore reached his ears. Wifies inhaled a deep breath of fresh air, his eyes sweeping around in total wonder. He had just realized that the entire time he spent in the ocean's deep floor , he hadn't felt a single trace of discomfort or suffocation at all!
"Hey... Hummer," Wifies asked curiously as he floated beside him. "Why was I able to breathe deep under the sea? The water pressure, the air... none of it makes a single bit of logical sense."
Hummer curled his lips into a faint smile, his glowing golden eyes flashing with a touch of playful warmth once more. He swam closer until he was nearly pressed against him, then leaned in close to whisper softly right into Wifies' ear.
"Ah... that's my protective magic," Hummer teased, whispering playfully. "B-But if you ever accept the position of my consort... I'll cast a spell to turn you into a 'merman' so we can stay together under this sea forever... how about that?"
"Huh...?"
Wifies blinked repeatedly, his brain momentarily halting all processing. Stunned into silence with eyes wide open, he pictured himself with a fish tail for a lower body, swimming in circles around a giant monster, making him feel completely flustered. When he turned to meet Hummer's gaze, he found a face so filled with eager, sparkling expectation that it felt unnervingly overwhelming.
"L-Let me think about it first."
Wifies blurted out to cover his embarrassment, pushing the handsome face away. Hummer let out a low, deep chuckle in his throat. Soon, however, his eyes and expression shifted into undisguised anxiety. His fin-like ears drooped once more as he realized Wifies was about to step back onto land, far away from him. The young man swam up to grip the edge of the coastal rocks, holding Wifies' hand tightly as if terrified that the person before him would vanish into thin air.
"W-Wifies..."
Hummer's voice trembled slightly, filled with pleading distress. "Please... don't abandon me."
"Hummer..." Wifies froze, listening in silence to the heartbeat and lonely gaze of the ancient beast.
"I've waited for you for so long..."
Hummer rested his face against Wifies' small hand, the warmth from the cracked fractures on his face transferring directly through their skin. "Promise me you'll come back to me? Promise you won't disappear and leave me sinking in silence alone again..."
The unabashedly vulnerable plea from the great Leviathan completely shattered all the defenses in Wifies' heart. Wifies let out a soft sigh, looking at the figure before him with fond affection and a burgeoning feeling taking root in his chest. He raised his free hand, gently running his fingers through Hummer's brown hair interspersed with silver streaks.
"I promise," Wifies said firmly and sincerely.
"Once I finish taking care of my business on land, I'll definitely come back to you."
A bright, joyful smile lit up Hummer's face instantly, the fin-like ears beside his cheeks fluttering with vibrant life. Wifies watched the sight and smiled softly along, amused by his own thoughts. Who could ever dare break a promise to a 'friend'... or, well, a 'Leviathan' who looked like a giant puppy begging its owner like this?
Leaning against the rocky ledge, Wifies watched Hummer's back as he slowly swam away, merging beneath the ocean waves. The tranquil silence returned to cover the beach once more, broken only by the soft rhythm of crashing waves. He looked down at his palm, which still held the lingering warmth and tight touch of the deep-sea beast. The heart inside his left chest beat with an unfamiliar rhythm a rhythm that shouldn't belong to a creature like him.
Because in truth, Wifies was merely a clone.
He wasn't an ordinary human with a childhood, a family, or a long personal history. He was created for a single purpose: to gather data, uncover the truth, and chronicle the world's stories. The duty and programming hardcoded into the mind of a clone like him were to strictly uphold logic, reason, and scientific principles to the absolute limit. Throughout his existence, Wifies had spent his entire life glued to the internet watching through screens, diving deep into mysterious forums like Reddit, tracking down riddles, supernatural phenomena, horror stories, or anomalies across the globe. He acted as a cyber detective, plunging into suspicious cases, hunting for empirical proof, and always bringing back 'the Believe' to expose and compile into final reports. To him, humans and strange entities in this world were all driven by greed, superstition, or fear.
Yet in all his time, never had anything felt like this never until he met Hummer.
From the very first day he started talking to the strange TV-headed man on the online forum to the day they set off on their journey together, everything about him his words, his awkward social demeanor, yet filled with a strange, deep attentiveness had slowly cracked open the clone's cold logic and defenses piece by piece. Unprogrammed feelings like attachment, warmth, care, and affection had slowly taken root and grown deep within his hollow soul.
Until that pivotal second the moment he had to choose between 'empirical truth' seen by his eyes and 'faith and Believe' in the person before him. In that life-and-death minute deep beneath the ocean, Wifies completely destroyed the robotic wall and logical programming in his head. He chose to stop seeking reasons and risked his life to believe in Hummer. The result was the awakening of the legendary beast, alongside Wifies' own inner realization that he had fallen completely in love with Hummer.
He loved him...
both as the strange TV-headed man
and as the lonely Leviathan beneath the ocean depths.
Wifies took a deep breath, gathered his composure, and walked back to his living quarters in the human world. He spent three full days in front of his computer screen, compiling and typing up the complete survey report. He detailed all the clues, stories, and final conclusions of this mission meticulously—as if it were the final work of his life. He then sent the entire report file to his older sister, squiddo, along with a short farewell message, fulfilling his duty as a clone for the last time.
Alright, evilwifies would surely be furious at him, but whatever evilwifies probably had too much work on his hands to come track him down and drag him back to where he was created.
He arranged his affairs, returned his room, and settled all remaining ties in his life on land until nothing was left holding him back.
When the third day passed, Wifies traveled back to the same beach in the late afternoon. The golden-orange sunset cast a brilliant glow reflecting off the beautiful sea surface. Wifies walked along the soft white sand, his heart pounding with an excitement he had never felt before. He walked out to sit on a jutting rock formation, took off his shoes, and slowly lowered his feet to touch the cool ocean water, inhaling deeply to steady his nerves and summon his courage.
"Hummer... I'm back..." Wifies whispered softly into the breeze, preparing to step fully into the water.
Before he could lower himself in, however...
Whoosh--!!
"Whoa--?!"
The water's surface directly in front of him suddenly burst open as a massive wave splashed out without warning. The familiar, tall figure of the man with a vintage rectangular TV for a head Hummer in his original TV-head form surged up from the water, immediately slotting himself right between Wifies' legs as he sat on the rock.
The impact and splashing water made Wifies startle violently, his sweet face filled with panic as his heart nearly leaped out of his chest. He quickly braced his hands against the rock behind him, nearly tumbling backward.
Hummer's TV screen flickered with vibrant orange light, the static audio signals humming wildly from the speakers in thrilling excitement. He raised both of his long hands, gripping Wifies' thighs tightly, leaving virtually no space between them. The eyes behind the screen now known to belong to the giant monster fish beneath gazed up at him with utter infatuation and desperate longing.
"Wifies!!"
His voice rasped brokenly through the speaker, trembling with overwhelming joy. "You... you really came back! You kept your promise!"
Still recovering from the shock of having someone suddenly squeeze between his legs, Wifies could only blink in astonishment, staring at the TV-headed man before him. His startled face gradually softened into a vibrant blush that spread across his cheeks and ears. He let out a soft smile, unable to help himself at the sight of this ancient beast acting like an excited child the man who was his legend, his friend, and the one to whom he had surrendered his entire heart.
"H-Hummer! You scared the life out of me!"
Wifies blurted out, hurriedly pushing against the TV man's broad shoulders. Yet despite his mild complaints, his heart swelled with a warmth he had never experienced before.
Hummer's TV screen glowed erratically in confusion for a moment before he slowly raised his hands to grip the edges of the rectangular set, lifting it off his head once more. A soft mechanical click echoed as soft brown hair streaked with silver cascaded down. His fin-like ears fluttered gently with joy, and those large, glowing golden eyes looked up at Wifies once again with open love and longing.
"I thought you wouldn't come back..."
Hummer spoke in a low, deep voice, the cracks on his face glistening with inner static light. He intertwined his fingers firmly with Wifies', resting his face against the young clone's knees like a massive beast submitting to its sole master.
"The three days you were gone felt like three hundred years, you know?"
Looking at his affectionate behavior, Wifies let out a soft smile, his slender eyes gazing down at the man with profound gentleness. He reached his free hand into the soft brown hair, stroking it gently while lightly touching the fin-like ear against his cheek.
"I promised I'd come back, didn't I?"
Wifies whispered in reply, his tone carrying a sincerity that made Hummer pause and look up into his eyes. "I took care of everything... my work, my duties, even the life purpose I was once assigned. I've cut ties with all of it now."
Hummer's eyes widened slightly, his fin ears perking up in surprise. "W-What do you mean... Wifies?"
"It means..." Wifies paused, an uncontrollable blush creeping up his clear cheeks. He turned his face away slightly from that powerful, intense gaze, murmuring softly, "It means... I have no obligations left on land anymore. And I... I choose to stay with you."
That answer made the Leviathan's golden eyes burst with brilliant radiance. A breathtakingly warm, handsome smile appeared on his face. Hummer rose higher, wrapping his broad arms tightly around Wifies, pulling the young clone close against his chest in a tight embrace right on the coastal rocks.
"Y– You're really telling the truth, right, Wifies?"
Hummer whispered beside his ear, his voice trembling with immense emotion. "You won't go anywhere... ever again, right?"
"Mhm... I'm not going anywhere."
Wifies buried his face against the broad chest, soaking in the warmth shared between human and ancient beast. "Right now, the only thing I believe in... and the only one I love... is you, Hummer."
The straightforward confession left Hummer stunned for a moment before he burst into a low, happy chuckle in his throat. He pulled back slightly to cup Wifies' sweet face, his glowing golden eyes staring deep into his eyes with profound meaning.
"In that case... welcome to our home, my consort."
Hummer flashed a sly yet infinitely gentle smile before easily scooping Wifies up into his arms, casting their bodies together into the deep blue ocean waters below.
Splash--!
The ocean water burst open, enveloping both of their bodies as they plunged deep into the vast dark depths of the sea a realm where loneliness existed no longer, leaving only love, an eternal bond, and a new chapter of life that they would forge together beneath the waves for all time.
The deep azure waters cradled them softly, carrying them gently downward without a trace of fear or suffocation. A shimmering dance of air bubbles glittered around them, as if celebrating the return of the ancient beast and his beloved. Wifies opened his eyes, taking in the scene before him through water that had become crystal clear and breathtakingly beautiful. The deep sea, once dark and foreboding, was now bursting with life, painted in azure hues and glowing gold from Hummer's radiant aura.
In his human form, Hummer held Wifies tenderly against his chest. The fin-like ears beside his cheeks swayed gently with the rhythm of his swimming. His glowing golden eyes gazed down at Wifies with profound warmth and pleading affection. Slowly, he leaned in. Under the deep sea, air and magic blended into one; Hummer’s lips softly touched Wifies', transferring a gentle, reassuring warmth through the abyssal bond a seal of a kiss declaring that from this moment on, Wifies belonged entirely to this ocean.
Wifies' eyes widened in surprise at first, a rush of heat flushing his cheeks despite the cool deep waters. But then, he gently closed his eyes, raising both arms to wrap around Hummer’s neck, returning the tender kiss with all the love in his heart.
When their lips parted, Hummer let out a dazzling, sweet smile, his golden eyes sparkling with playful passion. Wifies smiled shyly, reaching up with slender fingers to lightly touch the fracture marks on Hummer's cheek, which were buzzing with soft signal lights.
"So... what about that 'merman' thing?" Wifies murmured to break the silence. "You're not actually going to turn my legs into a fish tail, are you?"
Hummer chuckled softly, his deep voice vibrating charmingly through the water. "If my consort wants to give it a try swimming alongside me with a fluttering fish tail I can cast that spell right now, you know?"
"N-No way, forget it."
Wifies interjected hastily, pouting his lips. Hummer couldn't help himself; he leaned down and pressed a deep, affectionate kiss onto Wifies' cheek out of pure endearment.
Together, they swam deeper down toward the heart of the forbidden realm. A grand ancient palace stood majestically before them, bathed in simulated golden sunlight filtering through the curtain of water onto the vast marble hall. Hand in hand, Hummer led Wifies back into the throne room. This time, however, the atmosphere felt neither desolate nor imposing it was filled with warmth and the comforting sense of 'home.'
Hummer carried the young clone onto the ancient stone throne, setting him down gently before kneeling on the ground in front of him. He rested his face against Wifies' lap like a mighty king surrendering himself entirely at the feet of his beloved. The fin-like ears beside his cheeks fluttered softly in utter relaxation.
Looking down at the legendary sea king resting so endearingly against his lap, Wifies let out a soft, helpless sigh. The calm composure and razor-sharp logic he had always relied on to protect himself were now completely disarmed by the deep-sea beast's unexpected affection. A rosy blush bloomed across Wifies' fair cheeks. Instead of flaking or panicking, he sat quietly, straightening his posture to maintain a cool front, even though his heart was pounding wildly against his chest.
He had never imagined that a terrifying, thousand-year-old mythical entity could express love and devotion so openly and vulnerable.
Wifies' slender fingers slowly slid into Hummer's soft brown hair streaked with silver, stroking it gently. He felt the serene calmness emanating from the taller man. The fin ears beside Hummer's cheeks fluttered contentedly with every stroke of his hand, while the fractures on his face glowed with a steady, warm signal pulse matching the rhythm of a happy heart.
"Hummer..."
Wifies murmured in a low, quiet tone, though the warmth in his voice was impossible to hide. He pulled his hand back slightly to create a bit of distance, but Hummer wasn't about to let him retreat so easily.
Hummer slowly raised his head from Wifies' lap, his glowing golden eyes full of playful sincerity. Softly smiling, he reached out and caught Wifies' hand just as it was pulling away, pressing the small palm against his cheek. The warmth from the crackling signal fractures radiated straight through to Wifies' fingertips.
"Wherever you are... as long as it's by your side," Hummer spoke in a deep, enchanting voice, a sweet melody humming softly from his internal speakers.
"For centuries, this throne was cold and unyielding I don't like it... But with you sitting here, it's become the warmest place I've ever known."
The candid, sweet words caught Wifies off guard. His slender eyes locked with those golden orbs in silence, but the deep blush spreading across his ears and cheeks betrayed him completely. Wifies gently wiggled his hand free from Hummer's grip, turning his face away toward the marble hall to avoid the intense, longing gaze.
"...What are you even talking about?"
Wifies mumbled under his breath, trying his best to keep his voice steady while pressing his lips into a tight line, failing to hide his flustered, endearing shyness.
Hummer let out a low chuckle, thoroughly enjoying the adorable reaction of the person before him who tried so hard to act aloof despite his eyes telling the whole story. Rising to his feet, Hummer claimed his right to sit on the wide throne beside Wifies. He slid an arm around Wifies' waist, pulling him close until their bodies flushed together, gently tucking the clone against his broad chest.
Wifies didn't pull away or resist. He merely let out a long sigh, yielding to the warm embrace. Leaning back against Hummer's chest, he gazed calmly ahead, feeling the steady heartbeat and surging power of the ancient beast cradling him.
Hummer tightened his arms around him tenderly, resting his chin lightly atop Wifies' soft hair. His fin ears swayed in a slow, peaceful rhythm as a shimmering curtain of azure and golden light enveloped them both beneath the deep sea.
"They say created beings are always searching for their purpose in life," Wifies whispered softly, his calm gaze floating through the vibrant water before them. "I used to think my purpose was to find the truth, track down clues, and be the most perfect clone possible... until I met you."
Hummer listened quietly, his golden eyes softening with profound emotion as he drank in the sweet, low voice of the person in his arms.
"The greatest truth I ever discovered... wasn't a legend about sea monsters or forbidden dimensions," Wifies said, slowly turning back to place his hand over Hummer's large hand around his waist. He looked directly into those glowing yellow eyes without hesitation or pretense. "It was learning that... in this world, there is a place, and a person, who truly waited for my existence."
The fractures on Hummer's face burst with a vibrant, fluttering signal light, overwhelmed with pure bliss. A breathtaking, radiant smile broke across his face, overflowing with love. He leaned down and gently pressed his lips against Wifies' forehead a timeless seal of their bond.
"And you are my one and only truth... Wifies,"
Hummer whispered through his soul, his deep voice resounding warmly through the ocean depths.
"From now until forever."
A faint smile touched Wifies' lips. Though his cheeks were still flushed crimson, he no longer tried to turn away. He leaned back into the broad chest, closing his eyes to let the ocean currents, the underwater breeze, and the steady embrace of the Leviathan hold him close.
The loneliness of an ancient beast and the emptiness of a originless clone were now perfectly woven together. Beneath the vast ocean, the legends, the mysteries, and the long journey came to a beautiful close leaving behind the beginning of a life shared together that would endure for eternity.
The end
