A/N: A lovely friend of mine convinced me to write this. Here I go feeding another one of my shippings. I don't really care if this becomes popular or not. I don't even care if no one likes it. I just simply wanted to write about the sea and my ships. Not much to say about this other than the fact I am liking how this is turning out. Uuuum disclaimer I don't own anything because if i did... well... None of the nations would be safe. Enjoy, those of you birdies that actually care for what I write and this shipping.~ I'm still continuing my other fanfic don't worry. ((I told myself i wouldn't work on two stories at once but look at me now.)) Also, Podisian is pronounced as Poseidon,just with the "seidon" removed and replaced with "disian". Also, if i describe a person in the story with more detail than just saying "the fish" or just literally saying they were a fish, then they're most likely fish-people. Rating may go up, I don't know yet.
A tale above the sea is one that is frequently told. Rarely is there one telling of a story that lies beneath the rolling waves of the ocean. However, this is a story that tells one of the creatures hiding under the blue depths. This is the story of a young prince who tried to tame a white beast in order to prove himself. The story begins somewhere far out in the Pacific Ocean, somewhere mankind has yet to explore and reveal its secrets. A place some might call Atlantis, the city that sank. Though there were endless theories where the once great city disappeared, they have yet to be proven true. However, this tale explores the mysteries of the ocean and what dwells beneath its waves.
The water was warm and bubbling with life, fishes of all colours swimming throughout the ancient city and sticking close to their schools. The Mer-people, things thought to be legends, swam with them. They chattered with the aquatic animals, playful banter tossed back and forth. The city was preparing for a joyous celebration, the prince would be arriving from the western waters to ask the princess for her hand. Like all the others, if he could not please the princess's father he was to be sent away.
The people were excited for they knew this prince was bound to be different. They had heard the stories of him and his strength. How he was able to take down a shark singlehandedly. The way his tale and eyes practically held the sea and how his hair was the brightest shade of gold anyone had ever seen. The people heard of his unlimited kindness and how he sought knowledge and justice. The prince was a graceful hunter and a strong warrior, able to make his kingdom proud without any effort. It was the same prince that was simply dreading his own arrival.
"Alfred! Get your head out of the sea foam and listen to me for once." Snapped a merman, a scraggly dirty blond beard hanging on his face. The merman with dull, Gunmetal blue eyes had a frown etched onto his stoic features as he observed the young merman sitting across from him in their dolphin drawn carriage.
Alfred flicked his eyes from the scenery outside to the elder male wearing a golden crown that glistened in the sunlight filtering through the thick water.
"Yes father?" He spoke politely, however his posture gave away that he was the least bit interested.
"If you were listening, you would have heard me tell you that you needed to win the princess's hand! This will benefit the kingdom greatly and it will prevent future conflicts if our kingdoms are united." The man huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and scowling.
Alfred's eyes moved back to the passing coral beds and fish, once again getting taken up in the scenery. He mumble out a bored response, "But why do I need to do this? I don't see the point, we're strong enough on our own and we have many allies. So what this is Atlantis? Its territory is small compared to the other kingdoms."
"Don't be daft! This is Atlantis, the birthplace of all Mer-people. The knowledge they hold in their libraries are ancient and priceless! This is the best thing for our kingdom, having this under our control will be useful in the future." The king scowled at his son, annoyance visible on his face.
"So it is for an underhand motive…" Alfred muttered, bitterness rising in his chest.
Alfred was a handsome Merman. While his eyes matched the sea, so did his scales. Though in the right light, some of his scales turned a nice shade of green which added even more appeal. He had scales running up his neck and the tops of his shoulders like most Mer-people, along with fins under his arm starting at the base of his wrist and stretching all the way to his elbow. Alfred wore golden bands on his upper bicep of his right arm and a few bands around his left wrist. The young prince also had a belt of seaweed hanging around his waist, a sword made out of a swordfish nose attached to it.
"Put on a smile Alfred, we're nearly there." The king waited for Alfred to flash him a smile before nodding his approval.
Alfred's smile dropped the next second and he turned to look out the open window. He sighed, getting lost in his thoughts once more. He wasn't happy. One would usually be happy to have a royal life, but it was a life he didn't want. He was first born so he was required to inherit the throne, something he wasn't asked if he wanted to do. He was also required to marry someone of royal blood, be it male or female. The Mer-people are able to breed with the use of magic, so it is quite able for a man to give birth. Though mostly everyone got to choose their mate, Alfred did not get that pleasure.
His father intended to gain the Kingdom of Atlantis along with everything it came with. He was the type of man who wouldn't stop at anything to get what he wanted. The king would even sell his own son's freedom just to gain more power. Though he ran his kingdom well, some of his methods made Alfred sick. Alfred was one for justice and doing what was right, his father would do what was right if it benefitted him. Because of their different view on things, they often got into heated arguments that were a war of their own.
They remained silent, not uttering a word between each other until they entered the outskirts of the fairly small kingdom. Alfred instantly plastered on his false smile, one he had practiced over the years without fail. His real smile had been lost to the ocean the moment his brother ran from the kingdom. He had left to marry a traveling merchant, a Merman who had moved from the cost of France to travel the world. Their father had been against the whole thing from the start, but that did little to deter Alfred's younger brother. With his help, Alfred managed to sneak Matthew out of the kingdom and to freedom. The last light in his dark life left to make his own happiness. Not a day goes by that Alfred didn't regret his decision of getting his brother out, he was always glad that his brother could follow his own dreams.
"Wave Alfred, these are going to be your new subjects soon. It's best to make a good first impression." His father urged with a nudge of his tail.
Alfred sent him a small glare that was gone as quickly as it appeared. He leaned forward so he was seen out of the window more and he proceeded to wave at the fish and Mer-folk they passed. A few of the Mermaids squealed and waved back enthusiastically while the males gave a simple smile and a wave. The kingdom of Atlantis was more of a city than anything, as it is usually referred to amongst the Mer-people. Though on maps and when discussed of by royalty, it is always addressed as the kingdom of Atlantis.
They arrived at the palace after a few more minutes and Alfred was already regretting ever letting his father drag him here. The fish had only decided to tell him what this little "trip" exactly was when they were far from their own Kingdom of Podisian. Needless to say the prince had been utterly unhappy. The only thing he had left to make his life bearable, his freedom, was given away just like that. Only because his father wanted more. Just when would he have enough? Alfred doubted that he'd ever have enough, the greedy fish always wanted more.
"We welcome you, King Ligurian and Prince Alfred of Podisian." Said a sea turtle as he opened the door and bowed respectfully.
The turtle was rather tall, a mop of dark brown hair atop his head along with bright hazelnut eyes. He wore a rather nice servant's attire despite the fact he had a large shell on his back. He smiled warmly but kept his head down like all lower-class did in the presence of royalty. Alfred swam out, giving his own smile despite the fact the other wouldn't see it. Alfred moved to the side and waited for his father to leave the carriage, trying hard not to renew his anger at being forced into a marriage.
"Let's go." His father ordered, swimming ahead of Alfred and towards the front doors of the palace.
The blond rolled his eyes internally and swam after him, counting to ten repeatedly. The doors were opened for them and they were once again announced. They entered the large stone room that was designed elegantly, tapestries hung from the walls and long stone pillars connected the roof to the floor. Stationed around the large throne room were lanterns. They would be filled with glowing algae when the sun went down and didn't shine light in through the windows. At the far end were three thrones, the King in the middle while his Queen was on his right and his daughter on his left.
"Welcome King Ligurian, Prince Alfred. I trust your journey went well?" The King of Atlantis, Caspian, smiled at Alfred and his father.
The two stopped at the end of the steps leading up to the thrones and bowed slightly. "Very well, such lovely scenery in your kingdom!" Alfred's father exclaimed.
Alfred gave his own nod of agreement, holding his tongue. He quickly glanced towards the princess, giving her a charming smile. She had long wavy black hair that floated around her delicate and thin waist. A light pink and orange shell bra adorned her chest along with a necklaces that had beautiful jewels woven into it. She had bracelets on her wrists and around the joint of her lavender tail where it fanned out into a fin. She was petite and beautiful, it was no wonder so many men tried to make her their bride.
"I take it you are here to request my daughter's hand, Prince Alfred?" Caspian turned his eyes to Alfred, a small calculating smile gracing his lips.
Alfred nodded and gave a deep bow, "If you would allow such a thing."
The aging man let out a loud laugh, grinning at Alfred. "And why would I not? Alfred, prince of Podisian, he who is known for his ability to kill sharks. You would make a fine husband to my lovely Annabeth."
"You are too kind, your majesty." Alfred gave him his fake smile, one people were unable to tell was forced at all.
"I would be willing to bless the marriage if…" The King trailed off and Alfred repressed a sigh. Here it comes, he thought bitterly.
"You can conquer a task I give you."
Alfred bowed once again, "Any task you give me, I will do everything I can to accomplish it."
Caspian nodded, leaning back in his chair. He began to stroke his greying beard, still nodding his head slowly. "Good… Good. Recently there have been sightings of a tiger shark somewhere north at the edge of my kingdom. I have sent 7 of my best men to bring back its head, only 1 returned. He claims it is nothing like he has ever seen. A pure white shark with pink markings on his tail, eyes a blazing red that seem as if they are the very blood flowing through our veins, and hair that is whiter than the clearest pearl. Never before have I heard of such a shark, nor have my strongest warriors ever been taken down like mackerel. They have always been able to defeat any foe they are faced with, shark or not. Yet 6 men did not make it back."
Alfred swallowed, squaring his shoulders and raising his chin slightly. "So you wish for me to bring back its head?"
"Precisely. Can you do it?"
Alfred didn't need to look at his father to know his fate was sealed. Even if he refused, his father would only force him into accomplishing this task. Though a little reluctantly, Alfred nodded. The King informed him he was to defeat the shark alone to prove his worth and so no one else could take credit for his kill. Caspian allowed Alfred three days to prepare for his journey, something Alfred wouldn't deny needing.
The first day he spent sharpening his sword, small daggers that he also strapped to his seaweed belt, and preparing his bow and arrows. The tips of his arrows were made of sharpened shells and coral, stronger and able to do more damage. Alfred then practiced relentlessly, needing to be alert and ready more than ever. He practiced till the sun had set and the moon had come out to dance in the water with those who swam below her mysterious depths.
The second day Alfred spent in Atlantis's extensive library. He read up on everything they had of tiger sharks. They were supposed to travel in packs of nine or more, so why was this one alone? Alfred grew more and more curious about the strange white shark with every fact he read. There was no documentation of a white shark ever existing, but there were old legends stating that they were said to have more magic than any fish in the ocean. Tiger sharks were easily provoked and ruthless killers. In the days of old they were known to destroy and ransack small villages and towns, utterly demolishing them till there was nothing left.
Alfred also read up on their weak points. In some of the books they mentioned that they were believed to not be very smart. When they slept was when they were at their weakest. They would be sluggish upon waking and become unable to defend themselves till they are wide awake, though that is written to take a minute or two. One of the book also says that when they are eating, they completely let their guard down, becoming more defenceless than an angler with no teeth.
The third day Alfred spent his time preparing his food and what plan of action he would take. First he would need to travel to the closest town where the sightings started occurring. Then he needed to track down the white shark and kill it. Though that was easier said than done. Alfred expected the shark to be well-built and rather powerful, seeing as how it took down six highly ranked warriors. Alfred wouldn't be able to let his guard down once he left the small village it was near. The moment he swam into open waters, he was on his own.
Alfred wanted to hear what the surviving warrior had to say about his encounter with the white shark, so he headed to the medical ward where said Merman was recovering. Alfred was led to the Merman who had a light green tail that was covered in bandages. There were bandages over his waist, his arms, and even around the top of his head. His eyes were wide and would dart back and forth, trying to locate what would make the small little swish or tap.
Alfred introduced himself, hoping the fish would pay attention long enough to give him answers.
"Can you tell me anything about the way this thing fought?" Alfred asked gently, giving the frantic fish a reassuring smile.
"I-it moved so quickly! Took down one of us when our backs were turned. It just dived in and speared him down! The others tried to follow it, but then it led them up towards the surface. It's forbidden to go up there for a reason!" The male's voice rose with every sentence. "I told them not to follow it, but they didn't listen to me! The thing led it higher and higher until it hurt for me to look up. I take my eyes off of them once and they disappear! I waited for them to come back but they just wouldn't! I waited two whole days!"
"How did you get these wounds?" Alfred gestured to the Merman's body.
"The thing came back! It came back to finish the job. I had it cornered and I was so sure I would kill it but then it darts at me and bites my arm that I hold my sword with. Its teeth shredded my skin! I moved to use my dagger but then it clawed at my chest and arm! I swear it kept biting me because it intended to eat me! I was going to be its lunch!" He was now shaking, staring at Alfred with wide, horrified eyes.
"It then hits me with its tail and I hit a rock and pass out. It must've gotten scared by something because the next thing I knew, I was being treated in the village and getting shipped back home." The man lunged forward, grabbing Alfred's shoulders. "Don't go after it! Do not try to kill this white demon, young Prince! You will surely lose your life!"
It took a while for Alfred to pry the fish's hands off of him, though Alfred thanked him for being brave enough to face it. Alfred then returned to his chambers and prepared for his long journey. Not once during his last three days in the kingdom did his father bother to wish him a "good luck" or a "be safe". No, his father had simply told him to either come back with the shark or not come back at all. He had then ignored his son's existence, instead partying with the King of Atlantis.
The next morning, almost everyone in the city had gathered to see him off. The Princess moved forward and held out a necklace with a sharp, white crystal hanging from it. She then slipped it over Alfred's neck and kissed his cheek, smiling at him.
"For luck." She murmured.
Alfred gave another of his fake smiles, "Thank you. I'll treasure it always." To be honest, he was feeling rather crummy for going out on a possible life-threatening journey just to wed a girl he just met.
Annabeth blushed lightly, swimming back to join her father's side. Alfred cast once glance at his father before he threw his brown satchel over his shoulder and turned around, swimming forward. He didn't look back once, not even as he was sure the city was far behind him. Alfred continued on until he felt his stomach rumble. He settled on a flat rock and opened the satchel that was closed with a cone-like shell. He then pulled out two oysters and cracked them open, happily eating their contents. After he finished his third oyster, he looked at his surroundings.
The city was now only a speck in the distance and he still had much more ground to cover. With a sigh and a flick of his scaly tail, he was off once more. He swam down over a cliff the evened out into a coral bed of bright reds, oranges, and yellows. A few fish were hanging around, chatting up a storm. Alfred swam closer, hoping to get directions.
"Excuse me? Can you give me directions to…" He pulled out the tan map, looking down at it quickly before up at the fish. "Aquatica village?"
A silver and blue fish gasped, swimming up to him. "You're the prince, aren't you?" It asked in a high-pitched voice.
Alfred nodded, smiling slightly. "Yep, and I really need to get to Aquatica. Do you think you can give me directions?"
"Oh yeah! So what you want to do is continue forward until you reach Asteroidea town. Then you want to take a right and keep going till you get to Blue Coral Reef. After that you keep going north and before long you should reach Aquatica." The fish used its small fin to point at the directions, making it even clearer.
Alfred grinned, "Thanks a lot!"
"Good luck young prince!" The fish all waved before swimming off on their own route.
"Bye! Thanks again!" Alfred waved after them before sighing and narrowing his eyes in determination. "Let's do this."
Alfred set off, engraving the fish's directions into his memory. Forward, right, and then north. Alfred deemed it simple enough and he picked up the pace. He thought about what the injured Merman had told him on the way the white shark attacked. It just didn't seem real. Every creature of the sea knew it was dangerous to go to the surface. Only a few could venture up there, seeing as how they've been doing it since Mer-people started swimming through the ocean.
The surface was forbidden for every half-person. That has been the rule since the first Mer-people swam through the ocean. Everyone feared the surface so just why was a shark going up there? Alfred frowned, I know sharks like breaking rules and all, bit seriously? This is a pure white tiger shark, it hunts alone, it can take down elite warriors, and it goes to the surface? Just what is this thing? Alfred would be lying if he said he did not feel a rush of excitement course through him at the thought of facing such a unique and mysterious foe.
Picking up the pace Alfred swam harder, trying to cut his travel time in half. The sooner he reached Aquatica, the sooner he could fight this shark. Alfred reached Asteroidea with only three breaks in-between. He took a rest at a nearby tavern, eating a meal and resupplying his food before sleeping in a rented room. He woke up early the next day, paid for his room, had a breakfast, and then set off again.
Alfred reached Blue Coral Reef around midday, the water warm and calm. Despite himself, Alfred couldn't help but look around and admire the scenery. It was breath-taking, corals of every shade were stationed everywhere. Life was brimming through all of them, fishes and other creatures laughing and playing. Alfred smiled honestly at the sight, a warm feeling pooling through his chest. Even though he wanted to stay for a while longer, Alfred needed to reach Aquatica by sundown.
He swam on, only stopping a few times for a food and rest break. When Alfred finally reached Aquatica, he was beyond tired. The young prince rented a small room at an inn and fell asleep right as he sat on the bed. Alfred had a dreamless sleep, something he was quite happy to have. The last thing he needed was a dream distracting him, be it a nightmare or not. The next morning when he woke up, he found his appetite had left him for once. He forced himself to eat at least two clams, needing his strength for today.
Alfred then swam to the local guards, intent on finding where the shark was being spotted.
"It's around the Forbidden Sands. Near the outskirts of the village perimeter. There are a few rocks and caves, but the caves don't go deep. The deeper you go, the more of an incline the land gets." The guard explained, pointing in the general direction.
Alfred nodded, "So it's sticking closer to the surface where not many Mer-people swim."
"Not even the young fins are venturing that way. They're too afraid at the prospect of a demon shark swimming around." A second guard added, though his voice contained faint traces of mirth.
"I see… Well don't worry, I will be sure to take down this 'demon shark'." Alfred said with a word of finality. He then swam past the guards and to the Forbidden Sands.
The change was noticeable. There were no decorative corals or rocks, only rockfish, crab, and the occasional clam. There were rocks scattered here and there, some rather large and towering high. Alfred spotted one or two caves, though after a quick search he came up with nothing. The caves were less frequent while the rocks stood out more. Alfred swam on for a while longer before he decided he'd better start using rocks as cover.
As Alfred began going deeper and deeper, he noticed that the abundance of fish had strangely disappeared even though a mile back there had been schools of them. Alfred frowned, diving behind a rock and listening. He faintly heard the sound of crunching, something he pegged as odd. Alfred swam behind another rock, getting closer and closer to the sound while still being able to keep cover. Alfred was now stationed behind a long rock that reached up around his waist if his bottom fin touched the seafloor. Alfred slowly peeked over, making sure to keep down low enough so he didn't give away his position. The sight before him required the blond to do a double take.
Sitting far ahead of him in an empty clearing with only one or two rocks scattered around, was the white shark. He was sitting on a flat rock in the center with his tail curled next to him. The tail was pure white, his fin's flesh almost transparent. There were faint pink stripes along his tail, almost hard to see unless the light was hitting it. He had the fins on his arms like most Fish-people did, but his were sharper looking and had a few tears along the thin flesh in-between the barbs made from the fins. His skin was a milky white, almost as pale as his tale.
The shark's hair was like his tail, colourless and pure white. It floated gently in the waters, catching the light and almost giving his body an eerie glow. He had a light orange and red shell on the right side of his head, pinning some of his hair back. His eyes were a beautiful crimson, a darker and more captivating red than any coral Alfred had ever seen. On his body were a set of tribal jewellery, most likely belonging to his shark tribe.
There was a necklace around his neck with the ribs of fish attached elegantly. The shark had a gold band snaked around his left bicep and the same thing on his right bicep. He also had two gold bands around his tail's ankle, the jewellery a nice touch against the white scales. Alfred could make out the glint of gold near his ears, indicating that the shark had piercings there.
The shark was currently eating a rockfish, his sharpened teeth ripping into the flesh easily and taking off large chunks. Alfred could see that not only were his teeth sharper than a normal fish, his claws were sharpened down too. Alfred tried not to feel sick at the way the shark ate. He consumed even the bones, crunching through them as if they were nothing. Alfred glanced around near the white shark's tail, trying to spot a weapon. He noticed a spear made from dead white coral, seaweed and shells decorating near the base of the sharpened head.
Taking a deep breath, Alfred slipped his bow off his shoulder and reached for an arrow. This would be quick and painless. Readying himself, Alfred fitted his arrow and drew it back. He steadied his breathing and moved up higher for a better view. Alfred readied himself, narrowing his eyes at the shark that had still yet to spot him. Just when he was ready to let the arrow fly, the shark stopped its movement.
Alfred almost let out a gasp when the blood red eyes were trained on him. The young prince hesitated for a split second before letting the arrow fly. The shark used that hesitation to dive out of the way, barely missing getting hit by the arrow. The half-finished fish was forgotten and instead the shark grabbed his spear, darting forward and swimming away from Alfred.
"Ah! Hey, get back here!" Alfred snapped, swimming after him.
"Yeah, head back to the person trying to kill me!" The white shark snarled at Alfred over his shoulder, a strange accent accompanying his words.
Alfred had to admit the shark was right, that would be a stupid thing to do. The young prince still gave chase, drawing another arrow and aiming at the fleeing shark. He fired and grinned when he made contact with the shark's shoulder, the arrow lodging itself deep. The male let out a scream, toppling forward and landing in the sand. Alfred swam forward at an alarming speed, readying another arrow. He shot it, though this time only grazing the shark.
The other let out another cry of pain, though he still managed to pick himself up and continue swimming. He dived behind some rocks, not moving from behind them. Alfred swam up, intending to take him from above with another arrow. But instead of surprising the injured shark, he surprised only the sand and plankton floating through the water. Alfred only got a few seconds to try and figure out where the shark had gone before a weight was slammed into his side, knocking him to the ground.
Before Alfred had time to register what was going on, the sharp end of the spear was barely grazing his Adams apple. Looking up, Alfred's eyes locked with the fiery red ones.
"Speak, why did you attack me?" The white one demanded.
"You attacked other Mer-people before me! Six of them died by your hand!" Alfred growled.
"I killed no one! They attacked me just as you did and I defended myself."
Alfred snorted, rolling his eyes. "Well the survivor told me you attacked them first, spearing one of them and killing him."
The other narrowed his eyes, "He survived for a reason. If I wanted him dead, I could've slit his throat while he passed out. Instead I strapped him to a dolphin's back and sent it to the nearby village."
Alfred hesitated, wondering if it was true or not. "Do you expect me to believe that?"
"I'm not asking you to believe anything. I want to know why they keep sending fish to attack me! I have done nothing to them! I am merely living on the outskirts of the town. I have not gone in nor have I attacked anyone who did not bother me. While I kept to myself, guards started coming after me trying to drive me away or kill me!" The other growled, grinding his sharpened teeth in agitation.
"I made it a point to stick near the forbidden parts, that way I wouldn't run into any Fish-people! Yet relentlessly they are sent after me! So tell me, what is your reason? Money? Fame?" He nudged the tip of his spear against Alfred's neck, reminding the prince he was in no position to deny him information.
Alfred swallowed, filing the information he was just given before speaking. "My name is Prince Alfred, I'm from the kingdom of Podisian."
"I didn't ask what your name was. Besides this isn't even Podisian waters, why would you even be here?"
Alfred tried not to roll his eyes, "If you'd wait before interrupting me, I was going to say why I'm here. The king of Atlantis gave me the task to bring back your head in order for me to prove my worth and marry the princess."
The shark looked confused, shaking his head slightly. "What so I'm like a wedding present? That's just gross and lame. Can't you just bring her flowers or something? Or a rock? Don't Mermaids like rocks or something?"
It was Alfred's turn to look confused, "What? Rocks? Where'd you get that idea?"
"I saw some Mermaids with rocks in their hair. You telling me they were weirdoes are something?" The white-haired male slowly lowered the spear, his defences dropping.
"Have you never seen rubies or something?" Alfred made sure he wasn't noticed as he began slowly reaching for the blade attached to his waist.
"Those were what they were? Huh, I thought they were rocks. Well that's to be expected I guess, I mean my tribe uses gold and bones rather than those fancy things you Mer-folk like to use." The shark snorted, easing up once again ever so slightly.
"Well that's your loss!" Alfred suddenly snapped his wrist up, his sword knocking the spear out of the other's hands.
The shark's eyes went wide and he gasped. "Oh shit!"
Alfred launched himself forward, grabbing the fish and slamming him into the ground. The other let out a pained groan and only then did Alfred notice that the white-haired male had pulled out the arrow. The young prince pressed his blade to the shark's throat, grinning.
"Looks like I win this round."
"I thought you were going to take my head." The shark grumbled out in annoyance.
"I'm going to bring you back to the castle and let the king decide what to do with you." Alfred rummaged through his bag for the cloth he'd use as a gag. He pulled it out, satisfied, before swimming over to the shark.
The shark had his arms tied behind his back with the rope trailing down and tied around Alfred's waist so he couldn't swim away.
"What's your name?" Alfred gave a small smile.
"Why should I tell you?" The shark snarled.
Alfred shrugged, "No reason. I just don't want to call you 'shark' or 'you'."
The shark hesitated before frowning, "Gilbert. My name is Gilbert."
Alfred grinned at him, holding up the gag. "Alrighty then Gilbert! Please open up!"
Gilbert frowned, shaking his head. "No way. Not gonna happen. You are not going to gag me!"
"Well I don't want to risk you biting me and besides, you're kind of in no room to argue." Alfred gave an unsympathetic chuckle.
Gilbert pouted, "This is so unawesome…" He grumbled and slowly opened his mouth.
Alfred happily gagged him, patting the white hair. "See? Now that wasn't so bad!"
The shark growled at him, shooting him an annoyed glare. Alfred smiled at him and gripped the rope, giving a small tug. "Come on. When we reach the town I'll patch up your arm. I didn't really think of bringing any bandages with me."
Alfred began swimming, only to get yanked to a stop. Looking over his shoulder, Alfred scowled at the shark who was still sitting and refusing to move. "Excuse me, Gilbert? Let's move."
Gilbert turned his head with a huff, looking away from Alfred. The prince crossed his arms over his chest. "Gilbert, don't make me go back over there. You will regret it if I do, that I promise you." Alfred threatened.
Gilbert hesitated before shooting Alfred a look that literally said "make me". Alfred gritted his teeth, not really used to being defied by someone before, seeing as how he was a prince and all. Alfred swam over to him and grabbed the albino by the arm, yanking him up and tossing him over his shoulder. Alfred then started swimming towards the town with Gilbert stuck in a rather humiliating position.
Gilbert squirmed angrily for the first few feet before he stopped moving completely. Alfred assumed that he had given up trying to escape and had resigned to his fate. Alfred grinned smugly, he'd managed to take down the "oh-so-dangerous" white tiger shark. Now all he had to do was get Gilbert back to the castle and prove his worth. Alfred hesitated, his grin faltering and turning to a frown. That would mean that he'd also be made to marry the princess and he would have to revoke his freedom.
Alfred was so lost in thought that he did not expect Gilbert's tail to ram into his gut. He gasped, doubling over and dropping the male in favour of holding his stomach. Alfred looked up to see Gilbert snap his jaws and the cloth fall from his mouth. That little minx had been chewing on the cloth while he wasn't struggling! Gilbert shot forward and grabbed the rope in his mouth, biting through it with practiced ease. Alfred let out another gasp and a cry as he reached out for the male. Gilbert reeled out of reach and around Alfred, swimming as quickly as he could back the way they came.
Alfred cursed under his breath and gave chase, slowly gaining on Gilbert. The other had his arms bound so he couldn't use them to propel himself forward. If Alfred had been paying attention, he'd have noticed the water level lowering and the land slopping up. Gilbert's tail was in reach and Alfred stretched his hand out, pushing himself harder to grab it. Alfred had been so concentrated on Gilbert's tail that when the other had suddenly turned left, Alfred had slammed into the tall rock blocking his way.
Gilbert brought his tail closer to his chest and slipped his arms underneath them, bringing his bound wrists to the front of him. Alfred shook his head and growled, glaring at the red-eyed beauty. He let out a battle cry and darted for him, hands outstretched. Gilbert turned tail and continued to swim closer to the surface. He brought his hands to his mouth and bit through the ropes, freeing himself. The male then picked up the pace, swimming hard and fast till he swam straight up, launching himself through the surface of the water and onto the wet sand of an island.
Alfred screeched to a halt and let out a shuddered gasp, staring after Gilbert with wide eyes. He left the water. That idiot left the water! He's on the surface. He's on land. Gilbert, he'll die! There's no way he can breathe out of water! Alfred swam up slowly and unsurely, slowly breaking through the surface and expecting the worst.
"It's ok. I'll be fine. I'm not getting out of the water, I'm just…. Getting a better look." Alfred whispered as his head slipped into the fresh air. The male kept his neck under the water, fear of the unknown keeping the heroic prince in the safety of his home.
Gilbert had dragged himself onto the dry white sand, the male breathing hard. His scales glistened in the raw sunlight, his hair sticking to his face in wet clumps. He looked over his shoulder at Alfred and smirked at him. Alfred was looking at the scenery behind Gilbert with wide eyes. He had never seen dry sand before, nor had he ever seen such plants. They fascinated, yet frightened him.
"Gilbert, quick. You can't stay here, you won't be able to breath!" Alfred hissed urgently, swimming an inch closer.
"Don't be stupid! I can breathe this air just fine!" Gilbert rolled his eyes, turning so that he could sit up. The shark stretched his tail out, sighing.
"Get back in the water."
"No."
"Gilbert, get back in the water." Alfred scowled, his tone even more serious.
"No." Gilbert crossed his arms over his chest.
"Gilbert, I swear if you don't get out of the water –." Alfred had swam up so he was waist deep in the water.
"What? You'll come and get me?" Gilbert challenged with a raised brow, his smirk growing.
Alfred hesitated, slight fear flickering over his face briefly. "Y-you'll have to come back in the water sometime or you'll dry up."
Gilbert shook his head, leaning back. "No I won't."
"What are you talking about? Of course you will!"
Gilbert looked down at his dry scales, grinning widely as they were soon enveloped in a warm glow. Alfred watched in horror as Gilbert's tail split in two and was replaced by weird flesh things. Gilbert stood on said flesh things and put his hands on his hips, laughing at the look on Alfred's face. Alfred even noticed that Gilbert did not have any scales anywhere on his body, not one white scale on his new legs. The gold bands where on his right ankle, everything was wearing still on his person.
"M-magic? Is this the power of white sharks?" Alfred gasped.
Gilbert stared at him before he burst out laughing, holding his stomach. "Oh god! You're so funny! No, dummkopf! Anyone who's a Fish-person can do this!"
"Wha…?" Alfred drew his brows together, confused.
Gilbert walked along the beach and towards a section of rocks still in the dry sand. "No one knows they can do this because no one goes to the surface. I'm so awesome to have discovered this secret!" Gilbert gave a cocky laugh, stopping at the edge of the rocks and bending over, giving Alfred a good view of his ass. For some reason, the sight made Alfred blush and avert his gaze.
"It think it's even weirder than it is awesome." Alfred grumbled. He watched the red-eyed male grab a shirt and a pair of weird clothes that he stuck his skinny scale-less legs in.
"The people on the other side of the island don't like it if you walk around naked." Gilbert explained as he slipped the shirt over his head. He reached into his shirt to pull his necklace out and settle it across his chest.
"There are more?" Alfred was completely confused.
Gilbert glanced at him, "Yeah. But they don't go to this side of the beach. They call it sacred ground and shit."
"So you don't need to go back to the sea to eat…" Alfred suddenly realized that maybe the only way he would get Gilbert would require him to leave the water.
"No I do." Gilbert sat down on the sand, drawing his legs up to his chest and resting his chin on his knees.
"Huh? You do?"
"I don't like the foods they have here. While there are fruit deeper in the island, it just doesn't satisfy me like the food from the sea." Gilbert explained.
Alfred grin, fist pumping the air. "Yes! I still have a chance at capturing you!"
Gilbert raised a brow, smirking at him. "You yourself have to find food too."
"Don't be so sure." Alfred chuckled slyly.
The albino rolled his eyes, standing up and heading down the beach and towards a large outcropping of rocks. Alfred followed, a safe distance in the water.
"So is this what you did? Lured the warriors onto the sand and picked them off one by one?" Alfred wondered why it didn't occur to him that he could take down the other with his arrows.
"No, I escaped to the beach in hopes they wouldn't follow me. You can see how well that idea went." Gilbert rolled his eyes and sighed. "They followed me up so I ran into the jungle. I've been exploring and learning so I know how to survive in there; they didn't."
Alfred slowly nodded his head, "I see… And what about you being the one to attack first?"
"Well they sent a scout ahead and he found me sleeping on a rock. He tried attacking me in my sleep but that didn't go so well because I'm a real light sleeper. Anyways so I defended myself and dodged his attacks. His buddies swam up just as I speared him." Gilbert snorted, kicking a shell.
"So you did kill him."
"Unintentionally. He swam at me and I was backed into a corner, I didn't think he'd be stupid enough to swim right in to my spear." Gilbert shrugged, running a hand through his white locks. "The others, I didn't mean for them to die. I thought they'd leave me alone if I fled to the surface. I came here to be left alone, not to be attacked."
Alfred paused, a thought striking him. "Why are you here? Don't tiger sharks live in packs?"
Gilbert stiffened visibly and he turned a defensive glare on Alfred. "I don't need to tell that to you."
Gilbert leapt onto a rock that dropped right off into the ocean. Alfred swam up to a rock situated a good feet away from Gilbert and hauled himself onto it. He kept the end of his tail in the water as he sat stared at Gilbert. Alfred had to admit, it felt a little weird being out of the water. Though he was internally freaking out in both excitement and undeniable fear, he kept a straight face. There was no way Alfred could let the other know how much this was effecting him.
"Come back into the water." Alfred tried again.
"No."
"Well you're not leaving my sight till you do!" Alfred crossed his arms over his chest and gave a stubborn pout.
Gilbert smirked, sitting down and leaning back. "Oh? Well, have fun starving!"
Alfred kept a straight face as he grabbed his satchel and set it in front of him. He then opened it and pulled out an oyster, smirking as he watched Gilbert's smile turn into a frown.
"Who was it that was gonna starve?" Alfred asked.
Gilbert's cheeks turned a dark red that Alfred could see clearly against his pale skin. He had to admit, he looked king of… cute… Alfred shook his head, chasing those thoughts away. He would not see a shark as cute! They were violent killers with a liking for other fish's agony. This abnormal shark was not to be trusted. He was suspicious and weird. Alfred did not have the luxury of allowing him to escape. Alfred's entire life depended on if he could get Gilbert back to the palace or not.
"So tell me about the surface and what you know. If I end up having to go on it, I want to know as much as I can." Alfred said as he cracked open his meal.
So Gilbert told Alfred everything he knew, which was weird. Wouldn't the other want his captor to know little about the surface? It would serve to his advantage, wouldn't it? Alfred didn't question it, he was too captivated by the new information he was being given. Alfred was in awe, there had been a world his kind knew nothing about! Yet apparently the people on the surface wove tales about the creatures living in the sea. Gilbert explained that there were many legends all around the world, though each were different.
As the sun started to set, Gilbert had moved back to the rock where he hid clothes and pulled out another pair of pants. "Come here!"
"What?!" Alfred jumped slightly. He had followed the other from the water, still staying waist deep in it.
"Get out on land and dry off. I need to show you something! Hurry up! The sun is setting and you've never seen the sky at night." Gilbert shook the pants for emphasis.
Alfred shook his head, "I don't think I want to see."
"I will drag you out of the water if I have to!"
"But then you'll change back too and then I could capture you again!"
"I'll risk it!" Gilbert snapped. He sighed, frowning. "Come on, seriously. I promise you that you'll love it. When I first saw it, I was blown away. The sight is awesome."
Alfred frowned, "Well…. I can get back in the water right after, correct?"
Gilbert rolled his eyes and tried not to groan. "Yes, you can. Now hurry up!"
Alfred hesitated a few more seconds before he set his things down on a nearby rock and moved towards the beach. When he felt the water lowering around him and the sand rubbing against the bottom of his scales, his heart was beating faster than ever. He stayed in the shallows, the waves lazily splashing against him. Gilbert motioned for him to come in further, but Alfred shook his head. Gilbert crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow, looking annoyed. Alfred pouted and grumbled under his breath, dragging himself out onto the dry sand. He jumped at how warm it felt, surprised something this dry could be so soft.
"Now when you dry, put these on ok? After that prepare for an awesome show!" Gilbert grinned triumphantly.
Alfred huffed and looked out onto the sea, once again captivated by the way the sun danced along the waves and changed their colours. "It's so weird… Why do you think we were forbidden from ever going to the surface?"
"That's obvious." Alfred jumped when Gilbert sat a few feet away from him.
"How?" Alfred asked, hoping he'd elaborate.
"Humans like to fish. They fear what they don't know and their first option is to kill it. Our species is forbidden from going to the surface because of that reason. Humans would capture us and dissect us, see how we work and how different we are. Fish-people are safer under the water than above it." Gilbert drew his legs up to his chest, sighing.
Alfred frowned, looking down at his scales then at Gilbert's legs. "Are we that different?"
Gilbert snorted, turning his head to look at him. "Of course we are. Just like how Shark-people are different from Mer-people. Your race is the highest and most valued, Shark-people are dubbed violent and evil just for being sharks. No one cares if a shark is nice, people just assume they have a secret motive for being kind. Humans think the same way too. They think anything different from them is evil and not to be trusted."
Alfred hummed, pouting slightly. "That's not very fair."
Gilbert chuckled, looking up at the blackening sky. "That's how the world is."
Alfred opened his mouth to say something but he was distracted by the soft glow coming from his scales. The feeling was interesting, one minute he was manoeuvring one limp and then he was suddenly in control of two. When the glow faded, Alfred had his own set of scale-less legs. He ran his hands up and down his new limbs, completely fascinated.
"This is so cool." He breathed.
"Yeah. H-here, put these on and try to stand. I'll help you learn how to walk." Gilbert mumbled.
Alfred glanced up at him, noticing the other was looking away with his cheeks dyed a dark shade of red. Alfred looked down at his body, wondering what was so embarrassing. It was then he realized how exposed he was. The part of his body that was usually hidden by scales and only made appearances when he was "mating", hung out in the open for all to see. Alfred blushed, grabbing the pants and covering himself up with them.
"How can humans not feel so exposed, not having scales covering it up!?" Alfred struggled to figure out how to put the pants on without Gilbert's directing.
"They manage somehow. Actually, their clothes act as a cover up just like out scales do. So they aren't fully letting it hang out there." Gilbert clarified, glancing at Alfred as he managed to yank the trousers up.
"They're weird." Alfred grumbled, fiddling with buttoning the pants up.
Gilbert snorted, holding out his hand. "Alright come on, up you go. Time to teach the land baby how to walk."
Alfred pouted, grabbing his hand. "I'm not a baby."
"To me you are. This is my turf. I'm the wise adult here who knows all there is to know, while you're the whiny brat the world decided to shit on my doorstep." Gilbert snickered, yanking Alfred up on his unsteady legs.
Alfred wobbled forward and flumped against Gilbert, making the both of them topple over. Gilbert let out a string of curses, shoving Alfred off of him. He muttered something in that strange language of his, something Alfred learned a while ago to be German. Apparently Gilbert's tribe had been a band of German speakers, a language human's use. How they learned it, Alfred didn't know and he was too lazy to pry.
"Let's try this again." Gilbert sighed, pulling himself up out of the sand and offering his hand to Alfred once more.
"Sorry…" Alfred mumbled, taking Gilbert's hand and letting himself get pulled up to stand.
Alfred wobbled a bit, but was held steady thanks to Gilbert's hands on his chest and shoulders. Once Alfred seemed stable, Gilbert slowly removed his hands and scowled, glaring up at Alfred. He crossed his arms over his chest and let out an annoyed huff.
"What?" Alfred tilted his head, confused at the bitter mood the other suddenly fell in.
"Even out of the water you're taller than me? What the hell…" He sighed and took the other's hands in his own. "Whatever, it'd be unawesome of me to get bothered over something so simple. Come on, let's get you walking."
Alfred jumped slightly when the other took his hands, suddenly getting a bit flustered. With a nod, Gilbert took a step back while Alfred took an unsteady step forward. It was weird, but Alfred didn't exactly dislike the feeling of walking around. Soon Gilbert wasn't taking one step then pausing, he was actually walking backwards along the beach with Alfred following after him, their hands still connected.
"Good job." Gilbert grinned at him. Alfred was so focused on the man before him that he didn't even notice the world darken around him and the sky light up.
Gilbert stopped walking, smiling warmly at Alfred. He cast his eyes up and his smile grew even wider. "Here, this is what I wanted you to see."
Alfred curiously looked at Gilbert before he himself looked up. He let out a gasp and his eyes widened considerably. Dotting the sky in swarms were beautiful white lights, making the entire sky glow in an unearthly light. Alfred's mouth hung open in awe as he watched the stars twinkle in the sky, some stars shooting across the darkness before disappearing. Gilbert chuckled at Alfred's childish wonder, studying the male's features while he was distracted. Gilbert had to admit, Alfred was breath-taking. The way the stars lit up his face and made his eyes shine with their own light
Alfred was interesting, Gilbert decided. He was a prince, yet he wasn't snotty or rude. Though he was annoying and oddly persistent, the boy meant well. Though he didn't mean well for Gilbert. He was an enemy, he was here for Gilbert's head. But the albino didn't feel the need to be on guard with Alfred. He was strong and if he had wanted, he could've killed Gilbert back in the water. Instead he had tied him up and was going to let him live. Alfred was a strange Merman, Gilbert just couldn't predict his movements.
They stood staring up at the stars for a while longer before Gilbert let go of Alfred's hands and went back to his hidden pile of goods. He took out a box of matches and got some trees from the jungle stationed further away from the beach. He then started a small bonfire, keeping Alfred's wondering hands from the flames he had suddenly become so absorbed in.
"Nooo you don't. This if fire, it hurts just as bad as a puffer fish sting." Gilbert warned, forcing Alfred's hand back down.
"It's so pretty but so deadly…" Alfred whistled his appreciation.
Gilbert snorted, poking the fire with a long stick. "Just keep your fins out unless you want to be a cooked fish."
Alfred help up his hands to show he meant no harm. He watched Gilbert for a while before recalling that he shot the shark in the shoulder with an arrow.
"Hay… H-how's your arm?" Alfred asked hesitantly, wondering if the other would be annoyed he asked.
Gilbert glanced up at him before looking at his shoulder. "Ah, it's better now. Thanks for asking. I think it's all healed."
Alfred's brows drew together in confusion. "Healed? How can it be healed so quickly?"
"I've always been a fast healer." Gilbert rolled his shoulder and stretched.
Alfred nodded his head slowly, Must be the power of a white shark. "So Gilbert…?"
"Hm?" Gilbert turned his red eyes to Alfred and off the fire.
Alfred paused for a moment, watching the way the flame's light danced across Gilbert's face and his eyes, adding a more alluring beauty to the male.
Alfred shook his head and cleared his throat, giving a small grin. "Will you get back in the water now?"
Gilbert scowled and flipped him off, lying down with his back to Alfred. "Fuck you."
Alfred laughed and settled on the soft sand, glancing at Gilbert once more before he turned with his back to the fire and the albino. Alfred thought over the events of today, still managing to be blown away by everything he'd learned. Alfred blinked, glancing around. He had noticed it when he first got out of the water, but it was more evident now that he thought about it. When he looked at things that were far away, they'd appear blurry and slightly distorted. He never had this problem in the water, he wondered if it was a land thing. Alfred shrugged, trying to get comfortable before he let the exhaustion of his day finally catch up with him. Alfred quickly fell asleep dreaming of the surface and the captivating starry sky.