Lunar Lullaby

by ChiioUnicorn

"A mermaid as cursed as I has never known love - the kindness you showed me taught me warmth for the first time. I will follow you anywhere from land to the seven seas. Torn, your beating heart was, between the crown and your love for the sea. I came to land in search of happiness, but my wish has changed... I want to be with you." ; - pirate!Len/mermaid!Rin

A/N: Enjoy a spin off story from the PV/ON universe. Yes, this takes place in a dream, and Rin (from PV if you've read my story) is fantasizing what it would be like to be in a fairy tale of her own. Inspired by The Little Mermaid. I promise I had no real intention to publish a new fic, but the idea called to me like the sea. Me, being fickle as ever, was like, "OH YES LET'S WRITE A FAIRYTALE!" So, there you have it.

I disclaim. If I owned the Little Mermaid or the Vocaloids, I'm sure I wouldn't be writing free fanfiction right now.

I'm not sure how long this will be. Shorter than PV for sure, but I'm aiming for a short story length. We'll see how it goes. I don't know about the rating right now. Are you guys okay with mature content? This story has violence and sexy times, but I'll tone it down if need be and keep it to a T. Haha that rhymed. Just say the word though, and we can talk.

---

Oigo Hospital, Honshu

Rin's POV

For a while now, I had been listening to the audio tapes that Meiko-nee had given me to fill the void of time of these days spent here in the hospital. It was late summer here on the island, and a month had passed since I had woken up from my long, forgotten, cloistered sleep.

I let out a sigh, feeling the wind from the open window caress my cheek as I sat up in bed.

I wondered… would I see Len today?

He would surely come.

"I'll be back tomorrow. I promise." The whispered promise still rang clear as water in my mind. His voice had been so gentle. I could still feel the tingling warmth left behind the shell of my ear. He had left yesterday to return home.

After our sweet reunion, my friends had been coming in nonstop like a stream of good memories. Although I could no longer see with these eyes of mine, I found myself basking in their warm prescences enveloping me like a blanket. It was so comforting it brought tears to my eyes.

The way my body was now, I couldn't join them in living outside where the world was. However, I would no longer have to be so far away from them - unable to hear their voices. When they touched me, I was reminded that I was here, existing. This was my proof of life.

Removing an earbud, I paused the player and turned my face towards the open window. If I listened closely, I could hear the waves crashing against the rocks. I could hear the cries of seagulls and the ferries blaring their horns. I leaned back against my pillows, listening to the sea. This island was truly a world of its own. I could almost see it now.

My hand bumped into one of the tapes strewn in my bed. I ran my fingers across the raised kanji that told me what the title was.

The Little Mermaid

"Mermaid…?" I murmured to myself, picking up the tape and running my fingers over the cover. I opened it and caressed the shape of the object, trying to imagine what it looked like without being able to see it.

As a child, I loved all kinds of stories. My most favorite genre had always been first and foremost, fairytales. It was these kinds of tales spun from hearts of gold that kept me dreaming. Even when I was bedridden and forbidden to leave my room, I could always listen to a fairytale that brought me to magical lands beyond the borders of the walls of the underground base.

The good memories I had of my childhood were few and sparse, but I would always fondly remember the times my mother would pull me into her lap on our favorite rocking chair. She would let me hold the books as she read the stories to me in a hushed, excitable tone that vividly painted the scenes of romantic fairy tales.

Rapunzel, with her golden hair trapped inside a massive stone tower… I would often dream of her braiding her hair by the window as she awaited her prince's arrival.

Snow White, with her red apple and seven dwarfs… I would often imagine her being chased by wolves as she ran away from her mother's kingdom before stumbling on the dwarf's cottage.

Cinderella, with her glass shoes and midnight spell that turned her into the most beautiful woman at the prince's ball…. I would often visualize her fairy godmother visiting in the dark of night, transforming her rags to riches and turning a pumpkin into an elegant carriage made of silver and gold.

It was true that fairy tales weren't like real life, but there was always some truth in strange fiction. These kinds of stories reached out to not only children, but to adults as well. Hearing them pulled at my inner child to emerge. It was always a sad thing when children grew up adoring these fairy tales, only to bitterly brush them aside later on in life - discouraging their children from listening to them.

However… it was stories like these that always inspired hope in little girls and boys to someday find true love.

Even to this day, I considered it a wonderful thing to be lulled into a world built by the hands of authors who weren't afraid to go beyond the borders of reality - these were creators. It was a heartwarming thing when we, even as adults, encouraged others to use their imagination.

"I wonder…" A smile curved my lips as I began the playback of The Little Mermaid. "What would it be like to live in a fairytale?" I asked myself aloud, closing my eyes. "To encounter magical creatures? To travel to mythical forests of fairies? To visit royal palaces within beautiful kingdoms I could only dream of imagining?" I began to imagine all the endless possibilities. I was like a traveler searching for the right land to visit. Then my heart fluttered as my curiosity reached its peak.

What would it be like to fall in a prince?

I clicked 'play' to start the voice recording.

"Far out at sea the water is as blue as the petals of the loveliest cornflower and as clear as the purest glass, but it is very deep, deeper than any anchor cable can reach, many church towers would have to be placed on top of each other to stretch from the sea-bed to the surface… down there, the sea-folk lived."

The narrator's voice was a warm and soothing tenor, belonging to a man. It was low and sweet like molasses, and I found myself listening vividly to every word he said.

"...There were six lovely children, but the youngest one was the most beautiful of them all, her skin was as clear and delicate as a rose petal, her eyes as blue as the deepest sea, but like the rest of them she had no feet, her body ended in a fish's tail…"

Mermaids… I wondered what it must be like to be a mermaid. I had never heard of this story before, but to think… being a mermaid swimming among seafolk within a hidden kingdom beneath the sea. It sounded so majestic, so mystical.

"I wouldn't mind being a mermaid, if only for a day…"

It sounded like such a beautiful, enthralling thing.

Certainly, my life had been anything but a fairytale… however there was no doubt in my mind that Len had always been my prince. He had always been there to save me in more ways than one. After all these years, we could finally be together again.

Wind, and my heart swimming in the collected memories we made together - it comforted me with the promise that I would definitely, definitely see Len again soon.

He had promised to take me to see the world.

I believed him.

In the meantime, while life kept him busy… there were always places I could go, people I could meet… all by listening to these fairy tales. I have waited to live again for this long, each memory filling the pages of my life.

Now, I could make many more.

As I listened to the playback, I felt my mind floating away into a sea of dreams. I tried to stay awake, but the narrator's voice beckoned me to drift away in my imagination. And so, as I did my best to listen to the rest of the fairytale, I found myself feeling very empathetic to the little mermaid's longing to join the humans… to be with the prince she had fallen in love with.

Somehow… I could understand her feelings, if only a little.

Perhaps, the little mermaid and I…

We weren't so different, after all…

With that thought in mind, I succumbed to a sweet, romantic fairy tale of my own…

---

Lunar Lullaby

.

.

.

Act I:

Ballad of the White Mermaid

.

.

.

"Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service." - The Tempest, Shakespeare

---

Year of 1690

Golden Sea

.

.

.

.

When the sun rises high above the horizon, the Golden Sea becomes a vast dreamscape of glittering gold - hence the name. It was named by adventurer and sovereign Louis Kagamine, better known as "Lui" by his close friends, who founded Citrine, the kingdom by the sea. Its capital city was Carnelian.

The Kingdom of Citrine was considered the most reinforced and indomitable hold - for hundreds of years, it has withstood the stormy seas as well as invaders.

Part of the reason for this is the eminently defensible nature of Citrine itself was because the kingdom was built upon a great stone arch that towered above the mouth of the Golden Sea. The city was surrounded by the soaring peaks of nearby mountains, providing natural cover against strong winds and the visible eye.

The capital, Carnelian, served as a major shipping port and important supply line to the Great Empire. Carnelian sat on a natural arch, giving its port much needed shelter from the turbulent tides of the Golden Sea. Most of the shipping was run by the Empire-financed West Empire Company.

Hundreds of leagues beneath the Golden Sea exists a underwater kingdom hidden within a coral reef. Colorful fish and anemone flourish across the white sand on the sea bed, and even the slightest sway of the undercurrent causes them to move as though dancing to a song of life.

At the deepest spot exists the castle within the underwater kingdom. Its walls are made of calcified salt and hard coral, and its windows are made of the clearest aquamarine. The merfolk live below the castle, housed in shell-roofed structures embellished with algae of many colors.

However merry and beautiful the kingdom appeared to be, its merfolk were certainly not.

A distraught mermaid swam away in tears, desperately trying to get away from the other screeching mermaids chasing her away from town - beyond the reef.

"Monster, you aren't like any of us! You've blighted us all with your sudden appearance, you cursed creature of white!" An older mermaid shrieked at the maiden. "You've cursed us over and over again! How long do you intend to make us suffer by seducing our men and misleading our babies?!"

"You don't deserve to be among our kind!" Another scornful mermaid reared up on her side, yanking her back by the hair. "Just because our sea-king granted you clemency you decide to come as you please to seduce our men?!"

"You abominable existence! You're a blight among us!" Their long nails dug into the maiden's skin, not daring to touch her cursed tail. "Return to nothing and condemn your curse to annihilation!"

"P-Please, stop it!" The maiden pleaded to her assailants as she struggled against them, her tail flapping wildly. "I haven't done anything wrong! I only wanted to sing to the children…! I didn't mean to look into their eyes! I-I'm sorry!"

Rin the Fair, as they mockingly called her. With a fishtail white as bone and eyes as clear and beguiling as the deepest sea, the young maiden was unlike the other merfolk. She was born under a full moon when a maelstrom devastated their kingdom - leading to many deaths. In merfolk culture, it was considered an ill omen when a child such as her was born with a tail as pallid and lifeless as hers. WIth her birth came with the deaths of many, and so Rin the Fair was casted out among her kind. Her late parents had done their best to protect her, but they had died from an strange illness that cruelly divided the frightened maiden from them forever.

Rin was unwelcome among her kind, and so she resided in a lonely cove on the outskirts of the kingdom. Although she had tried many times in the past to reach out to them for acceptance, her attempts for naught. Many nights, she returned home shunned and ignored. The merfolk were superstitious and wary. It was considered a curse when a mermaid as she looked into the eyes of another - for if this happened, it would bring a great misfortune.

"You dare look upon our children with those hideous eyes?!" The mermaids raved after her, hissing as she fled. "For too long we have tolerated your presence! Now you intend to bewitch us with your lies?!"

Feeling anger well up in her at these accusations, Rin's shoulders shook as she turned back to face them. Batting their hands off her, she rose up and glared at them with teary eyes.

"I would never do that! I have never hurt anyone in my life, nor would I ever wish, too! Ever!" At the volume of her cry, they swam back and looked at her with fear and hatred.

"Noo! She's looking right at us…!" One of them covered her eyes, shrieking. "Don't look! She'll cast a spell and curse you if you return her gaze!"

"Don't ever touch us with your soiled hands, you filth!" The leader of the mermaids swam in front of the rest of the upset girls. Her forked tail swished back and forth as she sent her a venomous sneer. "What you say doesn't change the fact that you're cursed among us, Rin the Fair. The color of your tail is living proof." She pointed out with disgust, causing Rin to falter in her stand. "Look at us, you see? All our beautiful tails have vibrant colors like the rainbow… but yours? It's washed out and pasty! Someone so bloodless doesn't deserve to have a place among our kind!"

Rin held her wrist against her chest, unable to stop herself from gazing at their vivid, shimmering tails. A pang of envy and sadness hit her heart as she gazed over her own body. Ashamed, she shrank back in attempt to hide her own tail.

"Don't come back!" The other girls continued screaming at her. They threw sea urchins at her. "You dirty harlot! We never want to see your face again!" Rin had to swim away frantically to avoid the sharp spines from hitting her. "No one would ever want someone as ugly as you!" Their long hair moved around them like mist as they threw more urchins at her. "Outsider!"

Without thinking, Rin tried to deflect the urchins with her lunate tail fin but choked in pain as the needles from the urchins splintered her skin.

The white mermaid dove under a cluster of algae, her milky tail bobbing as she escaped her attackers. She heard the harridans screeching profanities behind her in the distance, and she continued to flee as quickly as she could. The splinters dug fiercely into her skin as she swam away.

Finally, when their voices became mere echoes, she stopped at a dark abyss with nothing except a sunken ship waiting for her below. She had been here many times before. In the past, she would often get chased away by vindictive mermaids and come to this place for solace. No one else knew about it except her. This was her private sanctuary.

With a heavy heart, she swam through the crevice of the ship and sat before a treasure chest filled to the brim of her personal treasures. After she pulled out the urchin needles from her skin, she reached into the box and pulled out a doll that resembled a human prince. It was worn from the years but well-taken care of from the owner's love and care.

Yellow seaweed comprised his hair - angled to resemble golden tufts. A pair of aquamarines formed his beady eyes. His fine amber clothes were woven from byssus, or rather "seasilk" - it had taken her a great deal of trouble to find the pen shells that secreted the silky filaments. His byssus body was stuffed with moss and marimo, giving him a very soft feeling when she hugged him tightly. A back stitched smile formed across his face, giving him a very jolly and kindly disposition.

This was her sun prince.

Rin cradled the doll to her chest, drawing strength from his comforting touch. She nuzzled their cheeks together as she turned around to gaze at the chest overflowing with jewels and gold coins.

"So beautiful… just like mermaids, but unlike me." Rin said in a sad voice as she confided in her sun prince. Picking several coins up, she held them up to the sky before allowing them to fall back into the treasure chest. She set her gaze skyward, watching as the milky moon made its slow ascent. "But… what of humans? Do they value things that are beautiful and worthy of their company? I wonder… what is their surface world like beyond these cold, wine-dark oceans?" Rin looked over her injured body, marred with fresh bruises and cuts. She stifled a choked sob, bowing her head in misery.

Her sun prince's eyes gleamed like sapphires, as though sympathizing with the lonely little mermaid.

Rin's unhappiness reached its peak as she slowly swam up towards the surface. Golden tresses tumbled down her frail, trembling shoulders as she curled into herself and held her sun prince between the valley of her breasts.

When the skies were calm, she could make out the shimmering moon as clear as water. It was so big that she felt as though she could reach out and take a silver piece of her own. The idea was tempting, to hide away something so beautiful for herself. However, she knew she wouldn't have the heart to do such a thing even if a chance presented itself. The moon was a sacred entity, and all merfolk worshipped her distant yet ever watchful presence. She controlled the oceans and oversaw all life in the sea. When she was angry or displeased, her punishing wrath would stir up the great waters.

On the night of Rin's birth, a great maelstrom had claimed the lives of many merfolk. The jealous sea queen believed that the Moon been so discontent with their kind that she delivered an omen in the form of Rin's birth - her ill-conceived white tail.

"Divine Moon, how I would give anything for one day of walking among humankind… would they turn a blind eye to a cursed mermaid like myself?" Rin asked with dejection, her tail swishing back and forth. The night above her stretched out like a dark canvas dotted with twinkling stars that danced under siege of the moon. Once or twice she saw ships floating pass with their sails reminding her of clouds. Her late father had once explained to her that sailors used the stars to find their way back home if they ever got lost at sea. Rin remembered how impressed she had been when she first heard about it, amazed that humans didn't need to speak to creatures or use magic for navigation. She often found herself marvelling whenever she heard about humans. They were so mysterious. The more she heard about them, the more she wanted to learn.

Rin swam on her back, lazily floating in a sea reflecting the midnight sky. She almost felt as though she were up there swimming with the stars. She raised her sun prince over her head, admiring how he seemed to be looking down on her with the moon illuminating his form.

Closing her eyes, she remembered the one and only time she had ever felt beautiful. She started to sing to the moon in a soft voice, bringing back a rush of memories from her childhood.

It was midsummer's eve when the little mermaid visited the Carnelian Harbor for the first time. She was twelve years old when it happened. The kingdom was alive with music and festivities. The townsfolk were celebrating the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year. It was a time when bonfires were lit and traditional songs of heroes were sung. The bonfires were lit to protect their kingdom from evil spirits thought to roam around from the Golden Sea when the sun was turning southward again.

During the time Rin had grieved for her lost parents, the sight of fire flowers blooming in the sky had caught her attention. In delight, she reached up a hand as though she could catch a falling star. They were unlike anything she had seen before. Bursts of colors poured forth like a fountain. Everything was reflected in the calm sea. It was enough to make her forget her sadness.

Rin swam to the canal connecting the kingdom to the sea and observed beneath the docks. The festivities coincided with a bountiful feast spread throughout a large banquet table fit for a king. Rin had never seen so much exotic dishes in her life. There were plates of cooked vegetables harvested from humans who toiled the earth. Then there was freshly caught game - fish, boar, and ducks - boiled, grilled, or fried. The burning of aromatic herbs tickled her nose, causing her mouth to water.

Best of all, she marveled as the villagers brought out trays of sweet baked goods one after another. The rich smell of cocoa tickled her nostrils. Her eyes went aglow with fascination as it took four bakers to haul out a tall six-tiered cake standing as high as a tower on a twinkling pedestal. Each layer was embellished with golden accents and vivid flowers that seemed to burst from the cake. Even the little mermaid could see how much love and care was put into making such a beautiful cake.

"It's almost too pretty to eat…" Rin sighed to herself, wishing she could try a slice. The climax of the night was accompanied by the beat of sacred drums and the sound of bagpipes. The sounds of people cheering caught her attention, and she saw hundreds of people gathering around nearby. Curious, she swam closer - careful not to attract any attention to herself.

To her great surprise and delight, there were people dressed in white dancing barefoot on smoldering embers. The coals sizzled and popped, but the graceful dancers didn't appear pained in the least. They performed with ease, and their enlightened smiles filled the crowd with worship. The dancers went into a state of trance as the drums sounded around them. Children laughed as they copied the dancers, chasing each other around the ring of fire.

"Ah… it looks so fun!" Rin found herself longing to join the festivities. Excitement filled her as the longer she watched the joyous villagers. Out of impulse, she found herself approaching with a desire to play with the other children and to dance with them. However, once the sheen of her tail glistened out of the corner of her eye, she was reminded of the fact that she was not a human. Not only that, but mermaids were forbidden to ever interact with humans. The sea king warned if man were to discover their existence, they would surely stop at nothing to hunt every last mermaid that lurked in the sea.

Rin submerged back into the canal with only her round face bobbing out. Her neck craned to peek at the bonfire thrusting towards the sky like a jagged red knife. Her anticipation deflated into disappointment as she let out a heavy sigh beneath the water, causing bubbles to rise up.

"Mama… Papa… if only you were here to see these humans with me." Rin found her heart aching for her parents. Their deaths had wounded her deeply, and watching the families gather amongst themselves in happy union - she had never felt so terribly lonely as she did then. She missed hearing their stories about their world, more specifically these humans. In their youth, her parents had shared their stories about pirates and sailors venturing out into the open sea in mid-ocean. They had always shied away from interacting with humans, but they could never forget their magnificent ships.

Just then, an excited yip reached her ears as she turned her head to find a yellow, furry creature nipping at the heels of a young human boy. It was a dog, but she had never seen a dog before. It had pointed ears and a charming tail. It was so cute! Rin felt her heart melt as she watched it tumble on four paws. It barked so loudly Rin followed after the pair in curiosity.

"Come on, Arthur! The ships are leaving!" The boy shouted as he headed for the port, laughing all the way. What struck Rin was how this young human child stood out from the others. He was dressed in all finery. His hair was bright as the sun and tied back in a ponytail. His eyes reminded her of the sea when it was brimming with life. The bronze buttons on his pants captured the fire's blazes, almost as though they had been set ablaze. His yellow tailcoat flapped in the breeze as he jumped onto the stone wall, balancing himself before reaching the harbor.

"Look at that, Arthur! I wonder what destination those merchant vessels are heading today!" The boy exclaimed as he sat over the docks, swinging his stockinged legs over the water. "When I listen to the sound of waves, it's like the ocean is breathing." He let out a contented sigh as a salty breeze caressed his ponytail.

"His legs are so long…" Rin whispered to herself in fascination as she drifted closer, approaching from directly under the docks as he faced the sea. She had never been this close to a human before. He was close to her age, it seemed. He wasn't that much bigger than her. Curiosity got the better of her as she became more drawn to his presence.

"It must be so cool! The captain gets to steer the ship and go wherever he wants. I wish I could be a sailor instead of a prince… I bet it's much more exciting than studying all the time." So caught up in watching the ships leave, the boy failed to notice a certain little mermaid was hiding under him.

"A prince?" Rin whispered to herself, listening the boy with rapt attention as he proclaimed about how he wanted to sail the seven seas in search of new land and hidden treasures. He spoke of his desires to become a sailor and to conquer the dangers that the ocean kept hidden.

"I could bring back riches to Citrine! Or defeat the Kraken!" The prince shouted to the sea with his eyes bright as stars. His cheeks were flushed apple-red as he made childlike promises to his dog. "No more castles or lessons ever again! I'll sail the seven seas on my boat, bringing honor to the Citrine Kingdom!" He brandished a stick as though he were an adventurer braving the wild with nothing but a sword in hand. "Captain Len will forge a path to glory and treasure! Come with me, men! Ha! I'll best any foe who stands against us! Yah!" He pretended to strike at an enemy before him with his face drawn into a comically serious expression. "Take that, and that!"

His puppy barked playfully, prancing around him and biting onto the stick.

"Heeyy! Arthur, this is my sword! You can't chew on the captain's sword!" The boy scolded lightly as he fought to regain control, but the puppy thought they were playing tug-of-war and refused to let go of the stick. "Agh! Let go already! I have to defeat the Kraken!"

"Tee hee…" A soft giggle escaped Rin as she covered her mouth, watching in admiration as the prince bested his enemy with a thrust of his sword. She looked on in wonder at his sunny smile and overwhelming spirit to follow his dreams. The more she listened to his hunger for adventure, the more she wanted to root for him. His eyes were shining as he looked over the horizon, clearly in awe of the Golden Sea stretching before his small form.

He reminded her of the sun - just basking in his presence made her feel warm. He wasn't just any prince, no - he was a sun prince. Seeing his smile gave her such a kind feeling. It was comforting to watch him chatter on about his aspirations. His passion was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Even the merfolk had never shown such steadfast loyalty to a cause.

The prince's joyous laughter echoed throughout the harbor, drowning out the seagull's cries and the music reverberating from the town square. The kingdom was full of so many happy people… and Rin wondered with envy… was it because they had legs to carry them to their dreams?

Watching the prince playing with his dog… it made her want to understand why he was so happy. The little mermaid clasped her hands together and brought them to her chest as though making a prayer. The prince was walking up and chatting to the townspeople as though they were his family, joining in the dances and bobbing for apples with the other children.

Rin wanted to be like him, happy and free. Her sun prince.

Just then, a deafening explosion shook the waters. The docks creaked and groaned, causing the boy to yelp in shock. Rin was startled as well. What was happening? Why did the sea tremble just now?

She found her answer soon enough.

A fleet of attack ships with red sails set ablaze the docks. Cannons went off as they hit other ships and buildings, causing the festival to grind to a halt as chaos erupted throughout the harbor. Children screamed and clung to the mothers, running away from the pier and the prince.

The prince stopped playing to watch in horror as explosions blew up the festivities.

"No…!" Her sun prince dropped his stick, his eyes wide with horror. His puppy started barking shrilly at the attackers, unable to be silenced by the uproar.

"The Basilians! Damn them! They violated the treaty between our kingdoms!" Sailors shouted their fury, swearing and crowding the docks. Soldiers on patrol were raising their authority, trying to take control of the situation.

"Sound the bell!" The lieutenant ordered his men in a forceful tone that ordered no questioning. "We must warn the king!" Turning to the frightened civilians, he bellowed out. "Women and children, to the castle! If you stay here, you'll die! We need every able sailor to return fire! Ready the cannons!"

An ear-splitting dong rang throughout the city. One of the sailors was sounding the alarm using the bell perched on the watchtower. The captains from nearby vessels were ordering their crewmen to take charge, to return fire before the fleet could make port. Soon, the capital was engulfed in a state of panic.

"The king… father!" Her sun prince drew in breath, his fists clenching so hard they turned white. "How could those Basilians betray us?! We wanted peace between our kingdoms! They dare attack Carnelian on Midsummer's Eve?! Horrible!" His round face was red in anger, resembling a cherub. Smoke permeated the air as the fire spread around him. Then he noticed his dog barking at the edge of the wharf. "Arthur, don't! You'll fall into the water!" He snatched up his dog and avoided a series of explosions destroying the docks behind him.

Just as the prince tossed his dog to safety, the wooden planks gave way beneath him, causing him to lose his footing and tumble headfirst into the water. He hit his head against a steel buoy, but he didn't have time to cry out as his body sunk like an anchor. Rin watched in horror as he struggled to swim and call out for help, only to succumb to unconsciousness as he went under.

"No!" Humans could not breathe underwater. He would surely drown!

Diving below the wreckage, she searched for the boy underwater. In the dark expanse of the sea, it was very difficult for her to find him. Then her eyes landed on a trail of bubbles that led her right to him. His eyes were closed shut - he was unconscious. Blood flowed from his head in a red mist as his small body sunk to the depths of the ocean, soon to be forgotten. His arms and legs went limp as he fell into a deep sleep.

Rin tried to reach for his drifting hand, but a violent riptide dragged him deeper into the abyss.

"Tidal Mother, don't take him away!" Rin begged to the matron ocean as she, with her small body, struggled and fought against the powerful currents to reach the prince. "Will you take his life when no other human has shown such love for the seven seas? It's wrong! Please return him to land!"

As though in answer to her plea, the undercurrent eased into a state of calm as the ocean released its hold on the boy. Rin took advantage of this and lifted the boy from under his arms, pulling him back up to the surface. She held his above water and allowed the waves to carry them to shore.

Rin laid the unmoving prince on a bed of moss. She clambered over him, her worry rising as she desperately waited for any sign of life that would put her at ease. Alas, there was no rise or fall to his chest or any flush returning to his pallid, chubby cheeks. His skin was cold and clammy to the touch, and his lips were a deadly shade of blue.

"You can't die, my prince! Please don't die here!" Tears sprang to her eyes as she tried to shake him awake, but his eyes remained closed. No matter how much she cried out to him, nothing happened.

As she started to cry, she noticed the moon was already in the sky. Then she remembered the song her late mother taught her - the Lunar Lullaby. It was an ancient, apotropaic song that few mermaids knew, and it had been passed down her family in secret for many generations. According to legend, only those who the Moon deemed worthy could use the song's true power. If a worthy mermaid sung the Lunar Lullaby, the Moon would gift the singer with part of its life force to whoever the latter chose.

However, her mother had warned her that there would be a price to pay at the end for using the Moon's power, though none knew what price was paid in return.

Sniffling, Rin lifted his head with trembling hands to rest him against a softer patch of moss. She wiped away her tears, telling herself to be strong as she mulled over her decision whether she was brave enough to help him when no one else could. However, the longer she watched the color drain from his face, she more she lost heart in fleeing back into the ocean. A wave of compassion and pity compelled her to raise her head to the moon and sing in a feeble, trembling voice.

"Hear my voice, never let it die

Carry my lullaby

Moon cast your gentle light, gift me with life

Reverse the sands of time

Like a star in the sky, darkness can't reach you

Abandon fear, let go of spite

With my heart I'll ask

To impart sweet dreams."

Moonlight danced across the surface of Rin's fishtail, causing the white scales to glimmer like jewels. Unbeknownst to her, her tail shone bright as a beam. A pillar of light surrounded the children as the moon shone down on them. Moondust rained down on the boy, engulfing him in a magical light. Amazed, Rin gazed down to find the color returning to the prince's cheeks. She continued to project her voice across the beach in a burst of courage. This time, she sang with all her heart.

"Never from you will I be gone, the sea will bring me to you

Carry my lullaby

Moon cast your gentle light, gift me with life

Cast your wish in a bottle; I will ferry it to heaven

Soon the sun shall set on, long it will be till dawn

Promise me you'll wake up in time

To greet me, my dear."

"Ugh…" Slowly, the weight of the prince's eyelids fluttered open. He coughed sharply as water spewed from his lips. Blearily, he blinked several times before his unfocused gaze settled on her. Because of how bright the moonlight was, he squinted at her as though trying to discern her face.

"Who's… there?"

"Thank goodness… you're alive!" Rin hovered over him with a tearful smile. "Thank you… thank you!" Relief flooded her as she bowed her head, trembling with unbridled joy. With so many deaths that had surrounded her since birth, her very existence marked her a curse her entire life. By saving this one human boy - this precious life - she felt as though a great burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

Silvery light shone off her lunate fin, and her scales gave off an iridescent glow. Wavy golden hair flowed down her shoulders as she hovered over him. The prince stared at the outline of her tail with bleary, disbelieving eyes. His mouth parted open in a stupor.

"A mermaid…? Pretty…" As he laid there, the words he uttered left Rin in a state of speechlessness. She noticed he wouldn't take his eyes off her tail, but unlike how others would sneer in disgust before looking away - he seemed so drawn to to it as though captivated.

Pretty? Was he talking about her?

Heat flooded her face as she touched her feverish cheeks, feeling warm and tingly all over. No one had ever called her pretty before. It was the first time anyone had looked at her like that. Not even her parents had given her a look so mesmerized as he. Her heart trembled under the weight of his heavy gaze. As he reached for her, she drew back sharply as though he were made of fire. It was then she realized that she had shown herself before a human's eyes. She had broken the law!

A faint explosion rang from the distance, and she turned her head as voices shouted from nearby.

"Prince! Where are you?"

"Answer if you can hear us!"

"Ah!" Rin gasped, fleeing back onto the sandbank. Panic overwhelmed her as she saw shadows appear on the rocks. The light of lanterns lit up the shore as the voices grew louder.

More humans?! They were coming closer! If they saw her, then they would surely try to capture her! Her home would be at stake!

Terrified, the little mermaid dove back into the water even as the prince weakly cried out for her to wait. He tried to get up but was unable. Instead he collapsed onto the moss with a pained groan.

"Your highness!" Footmen armed with their powdered rifles came rushing forth accompanying an elderly man dressed in a buttoned suit. Taking off his gloves, he knelt beside the boy and checked his vitals before weeping with relief. "Thank the stars you're unharmed! We must tend to your injuries immediately!"

"Giles…" The prince started to say in a weak voice, only to be silenced.

"Shh. We mustn't waste any time. We're taking you back to the castle where it's safe." The elderly steward said. With a commanding flick of his wrist, the one of the soldiers lifted the boy into his arms as the others formed a protective circle around him.

"Wait…! Put me down!" The boy protested as he came to, grabbing the soldier's arm as he struggled in his hold. "I saw a mermaid! She's over there!" He pointed towards the water. Behind a nearby rock, Rin watched as the boy shouted at the men to look where he was pointing. The soldiers exchanged confused looks as they silently cast their gazes towards the ocean. Seeing nothing, the steward sighed and put a sympathetic hand on the young prince's shoulder.

"Your highness, we must address your head wound at once. I understand the trauma you must have gone through, nearly drowning and such. The seawater you drank is the cause of your delirium. Rest assured, we will rehydrate you at once." The steward ushered the soldiers to hurry as another explosion nearby rattled the seashore. "The Basilians will do us in if we don't hurry. The king ordered us to keep you safe within the hold."

"You don't believe me? But I really did see her! I did! She had a white tail and everything!" The princeling spoke up indignantly. Clutching the arm of the soldier who carried him, he sat upright. "Everything was cold and dark… but then I heard her song! She was singing to wake me up!" His eyes shone as a bright smile lit up his face. "I never heard such a pretty voice before in my life."

Nearby, the little mermaid blushed at his proclamation. She was immensely pleased to hear that he had found her singing to be pleasing to his ears. No one had ever said such a nice thing about her before. It made her unbelievably happy.

"And where is she now, Prince Len?"

"She…!" His face fell in disappointment as he set his gaze downcast. "She swam away…"

"I see… then there's nothing more to be said. Now, come. We must hurry back before the Basilian soldiers find us."

The soldiers escorted the prince away through a secret entrance hidden in the crevice of the cliffside. Rin watched sadly as they left, unable to follow them as they disappeared into the darkness of the cave. The prince, however, spared one last long glance towards the ocean with an unfathomable expression Rin couldn't decipher. But somehow, his eyes looked sad…

Rin touched her aching chest, where her heart swelled with the desire to see him again… to sing for him.

"I have seen the prince smile when he heard my song; that is the greatest happiness I can have." Rin whispered to herself, her fin swaying back and forth as a tremulous smile curved her lips. Her face flushed with pride and joy. "The smile of a prince who is as bright as the sun has special value. Even to a cursed mermaid such as I… he found my tail and voice beautiful."

If only… she had legs to follow him to land. All she had of value was her voice. But if she could repay the happiness he had given him even a little bit, she would gladly sing for him whenever he so desired.

"Alas, my sun prince…" Rin sighed with a longing so deep her heart ached. "Will the day come when we can meet again?"

"If I had one wish… even just one, it would be to experience that happiness again." The young lady whispered to the moon after finishing her reverent hymn. She gazed into the glittering eyes of her sun prince before a wave of loneliness overcame her. Seeking solace, she held the doll against her chest. "I would give anything for a day on land."

Unbeknownst to her, her soliloquy reached the ears of a wily sea enchantress. Hiding behind a granite arch, a white-haired witch listened to the little mermaid continue speaking to her sun prince. Her redwine eyes gleamed with interest. A calculating chuckle escaped her full lips as she formulated a plan to manipulate this naive, besotted little mermaid. After weighing her options, she came to a fitting decision.

Yes, this young mermaid was perfect…

Deciding to put her plan into action, the sea enchantress sauntered into view.

"Ah, but what do we have here? A little mermaid swimming on the surface of moonlit waters to invoke her attention?"

"Who's there?" Rin turned around to find a spindly woman with long white hair and a body of a black jellyfish. Drawing back in suspicion, the younger mermaid cautiously eyed her. Her eyes widened upon recognizing her features. "White hair, red eyes… and your body... you're the sorceress who was banished from the kingdom!" She dove back into the water, retreating deeper into the murky depths of wine dark ocean. When she realized the witch had followed her, she continued to stare at the witch in fear. "T-The king cast you out for using forbidden magic. Y-Your crimes are heavy, sea enchantress!"

"Dear child, I am no different from you." The witch crooned in a voice as sweet as honey, floating close as to not frighten the young maiden away. "Like you, I am shunned among our kind. And for what? Because we are both different?" With a sympathetic shake of her head, she reached out and grasped the white mermaid's hands in her own. "You have no reason to fear me. I am simply a humble nomad who serves our Mother Moon. My name is Haku. Tis a pleasure to be meeting you out here… Rin the Fair."

Hearing her own aforementioned name, Rin pulled her hands away in surprise before staring at the witch with a guarded expression.

"How do you know my name when we've never met before?"

"Tis common knowledge, little mermaid." Haku chortled as she circled Rin, the bell of her dress fanning out like an umbrella. Her inky tentacles trailed behind her as though she were a darkwraith. "Even during the time I still resided within the kingdom, there was not a soul alive who didn't know about the cursed mermaid with a tail as white as the moon… much less her name that was treated like a plague."

Rin set her gaze downcast, her shoulders trembling from despair. Haku's words were sharp knives digging into her already fractured heart, and the effect was no different than rubbing salt in her wounds.

Seeing this, Haku immediately slid a consoling arm around her quivering frame as she nursed the younger girl's desolate spirit.

"Poor dear, look what those spiteful mermaids have done to you." Haku crooned, faking a soft expression of pity and compassion. "Despite all your attempts to reach out, you've been denied acceptance." The witch raised the mermaid's chin to look into her lonely eyes. "How much you've suffered… it truly is an unjust thing. How can you be blamed for the circumstances of your birth when it was beyond your control?"

"I...I…" Rin blinked back the oncoming surge of tears as she swallowed thickly. Burying her face in her doll's chest, she hid her pitiful state from the world. The witch's show of motherly concern was too much for her to bear. "I've never been unhappy… I'm always unhappy." All because of this cursed tail of mine. "If only I had never been born."

"Hush! Never say such cruel words to yourself like that, ever. Tis a blessing in disguise to be one of your own kind." Haku let go of her with a charming titter as drifted below. "The immaterial has become immaterial. This is not man's world." Despite her soothing demeanor and graceful appearance, the enchantress was anything but benevolent. Faux wisdom poured from her lips like fool's gold, that which the mermaid was unaware of. "...But tis happiness which your heart craves. And you shall have your way, for I know how to help you."

"You wish to help me?" The blonde asked, her face full of doubt. "But why?"

"Out here in the unforgiving depths of the sea, we only have each other to share our burdens with." Haku answered with a slight upturn of her lips. Taking advantage of the white mermaid's hesitance, she led her down by the arms - deeper and deeper - until they arrived to a murky, marshy ground of the seafloor shrouded by a cloud of mist. Large, fat barricadas slithered past as they swam past a fleet of sunken ships buried beneath the sands. Rin stared at her surroundings in horror, gasping when skeletons of human beings floated past them - almost hitting her head. In lieu of the drab, ugly land stood a cragged cove shrouded away by blackweeds. Haku wasted no time ushering her inside despite her reservations.

Something cold and slimy wriggled past Rin, causing her to jolt back with a frightful cry.

"Easy, my pet. We have a guest." Haku purred as a large, scarred manta ray came out to greet his mistress. Like a doting mother, she stroked and cooed at the manta ray before turning her attention on a stunned Rin. "Come, angelfish. You mustn't lurk about… make yourself at home, however humble my abode is." She coaxed, gently pushing Rin into her lair. "Hold still, I'm going to heal your injuries." Hovering over her, she laid a hand over her forehead before murmuring an unearthly incantation.

A cold sensation spread throughout her body, numbing her senses before they returned. When Rin looked over her body, there was no longer any injuries present. She no longer felt any pain when she moved.

"...Thank you." Rin managed to utter, bowing her head in gratitude.

"Magic both enthralls and terrorizes… tis beyond understanding for those who shy from it." Haku chuckled darkly at her amazed expression before lighting her cauldron. The purple flames bit and snapped at the witch's hands, yet she seemed unbothered. The magic fire thrust into the ceiling, causing shadows to dance on the wall. "Now then, it seems you are unable to find joy in the seven seas…" Rin nodded sadly in response, eliciting another chuckle from the red-eyed sorceress. "What would it take for you to find happiness?"

"I… want to walk on land." Rin declared, furrowing her brows in deep thought before meeting the witch's eyes. "Up where the humans thrive… surely I can find what it means to be happy. Instead of this dreadful tail of mine, I wish to have legs to carry me wherever I must go."

Haku laughed so loudly the hermit crabs scurried away in fright. "The only way to get what you want is to become human yourself. As you know, humans do not live as long as we do. But I must ask, are you willing to trade your longevity as a mermaid to become a mortal?"

"To be mortal…" Rin pondered what Haku was saying. Her face twisted in conflict like a child. She gazed down at the prince in her arms before answering. "A short life of happiness is incomparable to a century of misery."

That's what makes her the perfect puppet, the jellyfish witch mused silently in her head. She's so miserable and so desperate to be rid of her loneliness that she's already been ensnared by my strings.

Haku hid the malevolent grin behind the back of her hand as she watched the little mermaid cradle her doll like a child.

This was perfect. This was a good chance to allow the foolish mermaid to slip out of the underwater world and to obtain what the witch truly desired. She would use her. Yes, once the little mermaid agreed to her terms… there would be no turning back.

"I have a way to make you human, my dear."

"You do?"

"Oh, yes. But in exchange for my services, I expect compensation." For a moment, Haku glanced derisively at her pet manta ray before rounding on the mermaid. "For the things we desire most, there is a cost that must be paid in the end." She said. "I'm not asking for much. Just a trifle, really." As she spoke, she prepared her brew. Tossing in a tongue of a turtle, an eye of newt, and several pungent herbs, the witch then pricked herself in the finger and allowed a drop of her black blood into the mixture. "Do this for me, and I will make you into a human permanently."

"What is you want in return?" Rin asked in a fearful voice as she watched the witch stir the brew.

"All I ask is that you bring me the Treasures of the Seven Seas." Haku hummed. "Once they were gifts from the gods given to the seven kings, but their greed and idolization of riches corrupted them, so the gods punished them by casting them into the seven seas to be forever lost." She said. "The treasures are hidden in the corners of the world where only the bravest of souls dare to venture. Bring them to me, and I will ensure you find your happiness."

"But how can I find these lost treasures when I don't know what they look like?" Rin inquired with a troubled knit in her brows.

"Oh, you poor, lost child. That is why you must consult with the scavengers of the sea - pirates." Haku answered with a smirk. "They spend their lives at sea and are able to discern valuable treasures apart from useless trinkets. Take heart, however, for pirates are fierce and tempestuous beings who'll stop at nothing to obtain what they want. Rub them the wrong way, and you'll find yourself at their mercy… therefore, you must tread lightly."

"How terrifying…" Rin whispered in a trembling voice, and she became pale as death. "But for the sake of my wish, I will do as you ask. If I fail, I wouldn't be able to show myself in the kingdom again."

"Dear me, do you doubt your own abilities? You have your beauty, your lovely voice, and your expressive eyes. Surely with these you can command men's hearts to serve at your bidding." Haku chortled as she lifted the ladle to the mermaid's lips, offering the vile liquid to drink. "Take a drink of this, and your tail will transform into a pair of legs. But be wary, though your shape will become a human being - your true nature is that of a mermaid. You won't be able to stay out of the water for too long." She said. "Therefore, the maximum time you can be out of water is two days. If you exceed this limit, you will die from dehydration."

"I will take care not to dry up." Rin promised, offering herself forth as she took the proffered ladle from the witch. "It shall be. I drink to my fate." And so, she drank the magic draught. It was horrendous, bitter to the taste - vile. It burned through her body like liquid fire, and a head-splitting agony boiled in her veins. "M-My body! What is this burning feeling-?! AGHH!" With a cry of pain, she dropped the ladle and clutched at her stomach as the vile liquid scorched her insides. It was the greatest act of labor she had ever known in her life.

"The potion is taking immediate effect." Haku watched with dark satisfaction as the mermaid scream and flail in torment. Bubbles enveloped her form as her white tail was split in two supports, and all breath left her lungs as she was left unable to respire.

"Take her to the surface. Make it quick, for she is now human." Haku motioned her scarred manta ray, who wasted no time collecting Rin over his large, sleek body and swam as fast as he could to bring her to the nearest body of land.

A sharp gasp ripped from Rin's throat the moment they burst through the water. She coughed up seawater, startled to find that it was so salty it burned her eyes and left her mouth puckered when it hadn't before.

Her back hit the sand with the realization that she had touched land for the first time in years. Much to her surprise, she had been deposited on an islet just a mile away from Carnelian Harbor. Dawn rose over the horizon, and the morning sun basked everything in its wake. As the mist cleared, she could the Citrine Kingdom standing along a great arch as majestically as she remembered. Simply being on land and gazing at the iconic Proudspire Palace took her breath away.

A throbbing ache in her lower body caught her attention, and Rin was made aware of the fact that she no longer had her cursed white white. Instead, she had a pair of creamy legs and tiny feet.

"Can it really be true?" Mesmerized by the foreign warmth her new legs possessed, she wiggled her toes and suppressed a cry of amazement as they fluttered as well as fins. "So soft and supple… like the bed of a clam." She whispered to herself in amazement. "These are my legs. I am a human!" She leaned down and ran her hands up and down her smooth bare skin, becoming more fascinated with the shape and feel of her new legs.

Haku surfaced and floated atop the manta ray as she smiled graciously at Rin. Delving her hand into her pet's mouth, she then threw a string of pearls at the girl, who clumsily caught it in her hands.

"You have until the next full moon starting today to bring me the Seven Treasures." Haku informed with a drawl as she filed her painted black nails with a bone file. "I enchanted those pearls so that they will tell you how long you have until the magic fades. By the time each and every pearl turns black, the spell will be broken and you will turn back into a mermaid. Don't lose them."

Taking the string of pearls, Rin wore them around her neck. She tried to stand, only to tumble sharply back onto the ground.

"Through the pain seems unbearable now, it will fade - you shall learn to walk." Haku paused before inhaling deeply. "There are two things that you must always remember. One, you must never tell anyone you are a mermaid or else you will turn to sea foam. Two, if you get wet - your tail will return." At Rin's shocked and worried expression, she quickly went on to add. "This does not mean the spell will be broken. This is the one and only condition you are exempt from. As soon as you are dry, you will become human again."

"Then… no one is to know that I am a mermaid." Rin nodded thoughtfully. "And I must take care not to let anyone see me as a mermaid. I understand."

"Precisely, my dear." Haku's dark lips curved into a smirk. "Ah, before I forget. You almost left your little friend behind." She tossed her sun prince for her to retrieve, and she did so immediately. Cradling the plush to her chest, she felt her stress ebb away. "Now, angelfish… don't forget our deal lest you want to go back to your lonely, desolate life under the sea." Haku chortled as retreated into the water, but not before giving a final wave to the girl. "Good luck."

Wobbling to her feet, Rin used the rock nearby to steady herself as she leaned all her weight against the sturdy granite.

"There is no reason a mermaid cannot do what humans can…" Rin said to her sun prince in a soft voice as she stroked the back of his head. "I will surely find what it is what makes me happy. These legs of mine will carry me to good fortune."

A gentle breeze picked up, caressing her face. She enjoyed the warmth of the sun's rays on face before a chill shook her to the bone. She caught wind of the fact that she was nude and wrapped herself in her long, golden hair.

"We shall find these treasures, my sun prince." She declared in effort to bolster her courage. "To think… I really did meet him out here, that kind boy who I met as a child…" As she mused aloud, she straightened his yellow tufts of hair that comprised of algae and fixed his clothes. At least she wasn't completely alone out here… so to speak. Closing her eyes, she wondered if she could see him again. It might be impossible. He was a prince, after all. However, with this chance of a lifetime, she would surely go to him… she wanted to see him.

But would he even remember her?

It happened so long ago...

What she was most afraid of when it came to meeting him again, despite her longing, was to have him look at her and ask who she was.

Pushing back the twinge of disappointment, Rin kept her sights on the city as she steadied herself to walk.

The little mermaid looked so lost and forlorn as she wandered into the slums of Carnelian Harbor. It was a stark contrast compared to the last time she came here as a child. The buildings that once seemed so grand and tall were now worn and desolate. The once polished streets were grimy and dried with scum. An ominous mist enveloped the harbor like a bog, and it was so deathly quiet.

"Where are all the people?" Rin asked her plush in a hushed voice, feeling as though if she spoke any louder something bad would happen. "What happened to this place? There used to be more people here than there were anchovies in the sea. It's not how I remember… this place was so sunny and full of life..." It made her sad to see the once beautiful harbor to be in such a downtrodden state. It may have been intuition, but she just knew there was something dangerous in the air.

A prickle went down her spine like the sensation of a cold blade tracing down her skin. She froze in her steps, and all breath left her lungs in a sharp exhale.

Rin felt as though she were being watched.

Swallowing nervously, she made her way through the harbor. The plywood creaked under her feet as she walked, and the sloshing tide washed up against the docks. The further she walked, however the more her anxiety rose. No matter where she went or how far she delved into the mist, she always felt that prickling sensation of eyes following her every move.

A shaky breath rattled in her throat as she heard a pair of heavy footsteps echoing from behind her. She spun around, only to find no one there.

"Who's there?" She called out into the fog, but no one answered. For a while, all she could do was stand there in the ghost harbor. Then a pair of large shadowy figures came out from nowhere. She rubbed her eyes. Was she seeing things?

Dry laughter broke the silence as two bearded men approached her with the casualty of cold predators. One of them was short and covered in tattoos, dressed in a loose fitting sailor shirt. He leered at her as he fixed his red bandana. The taller one loomed over her like a tree with his crimson overcoat, flashing her a malevolent grin as he bit into an apple. She could see the gold fillings in his teeth. He even made a show of flashing the sword at his belt.

"Look wha' we 'ave here, Bill." His rough, deep voice made her wary. For a moment, his eyes roamed her body in a vulgar, lingering manner that made her skin crawl. She felt the need to hide her body from these ravenous beasts. "Where be yer clothes now? A sweet bonny lass like yerself displayin' yer treasures so openly… well," He licked his lips. "You make an offer men can't refuse. Let's hope your services are worth every pretty penny we're willing to pay ye."

"Aye. Why don't ye come with us?" The shorter ruffian reached out to her with a grin. "Those pretty pearls hangin' on yer neck must mean yer master be th' generous sort." In response, her blood curdled in disgust.

How wretched!

"Don't touch me!" Frightened, Rin slapped his hand away and ran as far away as possible. Dark laughter resonated behind her as heavy footfalls followed close behind.

"What troubles ye, lass? This be your way of playin' coy?"

"We'll give chase, but don't expect us to be gentlemen once we catch ye!"

Their howling laughter chased her all the way.

Rin ran past the brook and under the bridge. She couldn't see far ahead of her. Running through the mist as thick as clouds was like braving through a storm. It was so difficult to run like this, and it was painful. She felt as though she were treading on the points of sharp knives, but she bore it for the sake of valuing her own life.

A hand shot out from the mist and grabbed her.

"NO!" Rin screamed as the tall dark ruffian attempted to fondle her.

"No more games. Quit struggling." He grunted as she flailed. He groaned in pain as she elbowed him in the nose, kneeling over. "Agh! Blasted wench. Get back here!"

Rin darted into an alley, narrowly missing an old peddler as he wheeled out a barrow of cabbages. She bumped into the cart, causing cabbages to roll. Frantic, she made a rushed apology before hurrying off.

"It hurts… I can't… keep going much further!" Rin gasped between breaths, hastily spinning around every once in a while to make certain the men weren't right behind her. Luck wasn't on her side, though. She was so caught up in her fear she didn't realize the broken beer bottles on the cobblestone.

"Ow!" Tears sprang to her eyes as a needle-sharp pain dug into her feet. She moaned each time she tried to move, but the glass only lodged deeper into her skin. Unable to bear her own weight, she was forced to limp instead. As she weaved her way through a laundry line, she was caught up in a hanging bed sheet. Gasping, she snatched it and wrapped it around her body to ward off the chill.

With no time to tend to her feet, the little mermaid hurried to escape her pursuers. The moment she looked behind her she turned a corner and ran into something sturdy and warm - a man's body.

"What's this?"

"Oh-!" The force of knocking into the man sent her tumbling, and she would have hit the ground if not for the firm hand that latched onto her wrist to keep her from falling. The sheet began to slip down her body, and she squeaked in horror before she hurried to secure it in place.

As soon as Rin lifted her gaze, she was caught in a swirling storm of blue - sharp blue eyes that gleamed as bright as sapphires. Bright gold hair hung in those eyes, bringing out the paleness of his skin. Astounded, she was so taken in by those clear, focused eyes that she forgot what she was doing or why she was running. A warm chuckle brought her out of trance, causing her to jump.

"Prithee, fair lady, answer me honestly." The man released her as his eyes roamed her face in apt curiosity, but not once did his gaze wander past her neck - much to her surprise. "What would possess a woman like yourself to run out into the mist wearing no clothes? I may not understand women's fashion… but surely a hanging sheet is not in season?"

The mention of clothes made her acutely aware of her nakedness. Flushing, she hid her body from his gaze. Then she took note of his own bold attire.

A thick midnight blue longcoat hung low enough to touch his trousers, rich with silver trimming. Around his neck he wore a black kerchief embroidered with gold embellishments. Her eyes caught the movement of the yellow feather waving atop his matching tricorn hat faced with silver felt and lined with silver. The full length of his ponytail draped down his neck, tied back with a black ribbon.

"I-I have no clothes of my own." Rin answered, bowing her head to avert her eyes from his. She did not mean to curse him, after all.

"None at all?" The man blinked in surprise. "Surely you jest." She saw him move in her peripheral as he tried to look at her face, but she ducked her head.

"I do not jest. I have no clothes." She insisted. Then she heard the raving voices of her pursuers coming closer. Her face morphed into terror. Her blood turned to ice in her veins. "I-I must go." She tried to hurry past the man, only to be caught by the elbow and tumble straight into his awaiting arms. She was immediately basked in a soothing warmth that filled her body, and his arms warded the chill. However, Rin refused to be captured.

"What are you doing? U-Unhand me!" Rin pushed against his chest with tight fists, trying to force him off her. He was much stronger than her, however, and remained unmovable like a rock. "Please let me go!"

"Don't be frightened. I bear no ill will towards you." The calming timbre of his low voice bewildered her as he held her firmly yet gently. He pressed her head against his chest to hide her face, stroking her head as though to comfort her. "Prithee, fair lady, play along with me for now. That's all I ask."

The way he addressed her took her off-guard. She had been called fair many times, but always with callous disregard or mocking disgust. But the way he called her fair and treated her so with such gentle care… it truly made her feel like a lady and not an unsightly harlot. It made her heart beat faster.

She hesitantly relaxed in his arms despite her better judgement. Still, she wanted to trust him. She was rewarded with a comforting squeeze as he pulled back to gaze at her. It felt pleasant, to be held without underlying motives. Yet, it also brought her heartache. It had been so long since someone had treated her so gently. Only then did she realize how starved she had been all this time, deprived of care… like a dying plant. The moment their eyes met, however, she immediately dropped her gaze. She caught a flicker of confusion cross his face when she did this. Somehow, she felt even more flustered, acutely aware of the heat of his eyes on her.

Even though she was a human now, that did not exempt others from her curse… or so she thought. She wasn't for certain, but the last thing she wanted was to bring misfortune to this gentleman.

"Oi, boy!" Her attackers stopped to stare and scowl at her present captor. Rin shivered, and in response he held her tighter.

"Can I help ye, full-pocketed cur?" Rin was surprised when the man who held her suddenly changed his genteel mannerism into a more rugged way of speech. When he spoke, his smooth baritone became low and deep. His chest rumbled against her cheek as he addressed them.

"Aye, lad. Th' strumpet yer holding be mine by right." A rough voice snarled back. "If ye don't wants trouble, would ye kindly give her t' us?"

"We'll make a pretty penny off o' her." The other man growled in agreement. "Jus' come about 'n be on yer way. Pretend ye didn't see us, 'n we'll all drink and sleep tonight in peace."

"Nay." The young man replied firmly, moving in front of her with his larger form hiding her own. She was surprised to find herself dismayed by the loss of his warmth. "I don't wish t' cross cutlasses wit' ye, certainly nah o'er a fair beauty." He said, glancing over at her with a slight smile before turning back to them. He took off his feathered hat before tossing it on a nearby barrel. "But 'tis me belief that all scallywags are born free. They be entitled t' do wha' they will wit' thar lives."

"Ye're a fool, lad. nah all booty be gold 'n jewels." The tall, bearded man threateningly drew his sword. "All ye best be worryin' about be makin' a quick profit like us, nah showin' off in front o' a doe-eyed poppet." He tossed it from one hand to the other. With a cock of his head, he motioned his croony to draw his knives. "Piss t' yer beliefs! 'Tis yer last warnin'!"

At the volume of the violent wretch's voice, Rin shrank behind the blond man in repulsion and fear, hiding her body from view.

"Hah!" With a toss of his hair, the young gentleman threw aside his midnight blue longcoat aside to reveal his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "And cast away all I've ever lived for? Then thar's no meanin' if I run away! I'd rather die at the edge of a blade than live as a yellow-bellied cur!" So caught up in his passionate declaration, his refined accent began to slip in. Flecks of sunlight glimmered in his gold hair as he ran a hand through his thick mane, causing strands to fall out of his ponytail. "If I hand o'er the defenseless lady, not only would I be disgracin' me beliefs... but I would be disgracin' me honor 'n pride as th' scallywag I be!"

"Ye're mad as well as squiffy!" The gruff rogue spat to the side before brandishing his cutlass at them. "Die th' pathetic hero ye be, lad! When ye drown in a puddle o' yer owns blood, be sure t' watch when we snatch th' poppet back t' our ship 'n sell her t' th' highest biddin' customer."

"Ye won't be touchin' her." the younger man responded in a voice as cold as ice. "If thar's one thing I despise more, 'tis enslavin' others o' thar owns free will. I won't let ye make a slave o' her." His voice cooled even further. He drew his long sword and pointed it right at the older man's throat. "Ye'll die afore that happens. I promise ye that."

"So be it!" The rogues let out a bloodcurdling roar as they charged.

"En garde!" The blond surged forward like a tidal wave, parrying their blows simultaneously as he moved on his feet like the wind itself. It began so fast that in a span of a blink Rin missed her savior's blade move to strike at the other men in a in a furious clash of metal.

They met again and again in a storm of swords. Sparks lit up every time their blades ground against one another, screaming in protest.

"Bah! Shows wha' ye know by goin' up against th' both o' us!"

"Cast away yer hero's pride, fool lad. At least ye would live t' see another day."

"Oh?" The blond broke into a grin, clearly unphased by their attempts at intimidation. "I reckon I can handle two ole scallywags. Ye're lookin' rusty around th' edges, thar, mateys." His voice was light and cheery, but there was a sharpness to it.

The air was thick with unleashed bloodlust as chaos erupted. Blood drained from her face as she watched the violence unfold before her eyes. Rin felt as though the earth would open up and swallow her whole. She clutched her sun prince to her chest in attempt to find solace. Her knees went weak and she leaned against the wall for support.

Even from a distance away, Rin felt the impact when they'd met again and again.

Their blades shuddered and danced to a song that only these men seemed to understand all too well. All Rin could see was the flicker of movement as sunlight caught them, and the flash of sparks reflected in her bewildered, frightened blue eyes.

"Why…?" Rin whispered to herself, squeezing her doll closer to herself. "Why must humans be so violent?" It was then she noticed that although the blond gentleman had been kind to her earlier, he was now wearing an strange expression she didn't understand - or perhaps, was too afraid to. The warmth from his smile was long gone. He looked so eerily calm, but his half-lidded gaze burned bright as fire. It was as though he had fallen into a trance, seeming unbothered by the blood spattered his jacket and screams of pain as he plunged his sword into the croony's heart.

"No...!" Horrified, Rin looked away. She didn't want to see a man kill another of his kind. It was too cruel. She had seen more than her fair share of suffering. She covered her ears as she sank to the ground, trembling.

"Ghh…!" Blood gurgled from the man's mouth as he clutched at the blond's wrist. His eyes widened as he saw the sword for the first time. "Can't be… that sword…!" Horrified realization ensued as his gaze dropped to the sun insignia pinned to his breast pocket. "I've heard rumors about a young pirate who wields th' cutlass named Lionheart. He captains th' Sunshard. They say... his smile be blindin'... th' last thin' poor scallywags will see should they cross his path..." A weak laugh escaped his lips as his sword fell from his grasp. "...I ne'er thought I'd die by yer hand, Captain Len. Wha' an honor t' be part o' yer terrifyin' tale… Captain… Len."

"Captain Len…" Rin repeated the spoken name in a whisper as she slowly uncovered her eyes to look at him. His sword was made of folded steel, and the hilt was embellished with gold filigree in the shape of a lion. She couldn't help but stare.

In return, Len smiled chillingly.

"Drink up, me hearty. Enjoy the taste of your filthy blood." His refined accent slipped in again. Without mercy, Len allowed him to slide off his blade and collapse to the ground in a boneless heap. "I hope hellfire will burn yer bones t' ash so that Davy Jones may see that ye were naught."

"Bill, no! Ye bastard! I'll 'ave your head, Captain Len!" The dark man bellowed in red-faced fury as he charged at the man to avenge his comrade, swinging at him from above as the young man turned around in a flash. They met in a clash of blades, sprang away, then circled each other.

A shadow passed over the sun, and for a mere second the streets were engulfed in shadows. There was blurs of movement as the fight accumulated into a full-out duel. Then there was a ringing of steel, signaling the final blow.

When light returned, the young gentleman and the bearded pirate stood some distance apart, backs to one another as they finished their fight. The dark man fell to his knees in defeat as he clutched the gaping wound on his stomach, coughing up blood.

"Spare me! We… We be pirates, lad!" The man cried as he writhed on the ground like a worm. "We rape, murder, 'n plunder. Ye're no different than we be. We 'ave no code o' honor!" He clutched at Len's ankle, weeping and begging for mercy.

"Right you are." Len tilted his head almost innocently before beaming, pointing the tip of his blade at his opponent's throat. "I am nothing like you." Then his smile fell into a unforgiving glower, one so cold that Rin felt shivers run up and down her spine. "That's why no one will even remember you once you're dead."

"N-NO-GHHH!"

"Ah…!" Rin froze in horror as the man's throat was cut open in a quick, clean execution. He slumped to the floor, unmoving as blood crawled towards her like molasses. She wanted to scream but no sound came out. Bile rose to her throat at the nauseating smell, and she covered her mouth. Meanwhile, Len concerned himself with wiping his sword clean of blood with his handkerchief. Rin saw that he actually looked weary, but all that mattered was that there were now two men lying dead before her and this man who murdered them in cold blood could easily do the same to her.

He was dangerous, if not even more deadly than those two pirates! It was as Haku said, pirates were tempestuous as the wrath of a maelstrom! Rin knew she had to get away. Quickly!

She wobbled to her feet, attempting to stand once more. All strength left her, however, the moment Len turned his attention to her. Rin went pale, and it was all she could do to remain on her feet and not her knees.

A breath of wind, whether from his movement, or from some other source, Rin didn't know- stirred her hair.

Len regarded her for a moment before his glare softened. He abandoned his coldness and sheathed his weapon, his arms dropping to both sides. The moment he advanced towards her, she immediately shrank back in response.

"N-No, please don't come any closer!" Rin whimpered, shielding her face. "D-don't hurt me! Please…!"

Len's face fell.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you… I only want to help." He reached out to her, only to make Rin shake her head and curl up into a ball. "Please let me help you. I don't intend to touch you." She stared at the ground with teary, frightened eyes - not daring to look at him. She heard his breath catch his his throat before a despondent sigh escaped him as he allowed his hand to drop, which bewildered her even more. Why did he seem so sad?

A short silence passed before he spoke up again.

"Is this the first time you've watched a man die? I've frightened you… I'm sorry you had to see that." His voice was barely above a whisper but with the force of a scream.

"...Why?" Rin found herself whispering, glancing up at him with questioning eyes. "Why did you have to kill them? The other man begged for mercy. It's one thing to maim someone when they've cornered you… but… to kill is something you can never undo..." She stared up at him, taking care to avoid his eyes. "Won't you tell me why?"

Len flinched, seeming pained by her question before turning away.

"...You're too innocent, fair lady. Still, I admire that a heart as tender as yours can still exist in this world." A hollow chuckle escaped him as he regarded her with that gentle expression again. He put his hat back on with a tremendous sigh. "But you must understand. Had I spared them, they would have stopped at nothing to kidnap and do as they pleased with you… and you wouldn't have had any other choice."

Rin hesitated before summoning the courage to speak once more.

"T-Then… that's why you killed them? To stop them… from enslaving people like you said?"

"I…" The young pirate seemed taken aback that she had actually remembered what he said. "That's right. It couldn't have been avoided." Then he closed his eyes before turning to her with a soft, almost rueful smile.

Rin slowly nodded in understanding. It was clear he hadn't enjoyed what he did, though he said there was no other way. Aside from that, he was the one who had saved her life. Certainly, she was grateful to him for that. She dreaded what might have become of her had he not intervened.

Glancing over at the spilled blood, Rin almost pitied the men who had died. However, she was aware they would not be missed. Still… it was such a waste.

Before Rin could properly thank her savior, he knelt to her level and bundled her in his dark blue longcoat. Then he swept her into his arms like she weighed no more than a feather.

"C-Captain Len?! W-What are you doing?! P-Put me down!" Flustered, she tried to escape but to no avail. This was the second time he went out of his way to hold her. She didn't even know him and he already touched her twice. Frankly, it was too much for her heart to handle. He hoisted her higher to adjust carrying her, causing her to squeak and latch her arms around his neck. "W-Where are you taking me?"

"Silly girl. If you walk around like that in the open, of course bad men are going to get the wrong idea." The blond told her in a smooth voice before smiling at her. "Save your birthday suit privileges when you're alone."

"Eh…?" Too confused to argue further, she settled down and instead opted to stare at the gold piercing hanging from his left lobe. As mermaids loved shiny things, she was immediately captivated. It was all she could do not to snatch it away and cup it in her palms, though she was sorely tempted to. It was so dazzling, especially when it caught the light.

Then she realized Len was watching her from the corner of his eye with an amused quirk of his lips. Blushing, she immediately averted her gaze.

What was she doing? She was acting like a crow - worse, a child! Being so easily distracted by pretty things… when two men had just died in front of her. He must find her utterly daft and stupid. Rin bemoaned to herself. Why was she so bad at being a human?

Rin expected Len to tease her. By the smirk on his face, she could tell he wanted to - but it was evident he was clearly holding back out of courtesy. Rin puffed her cheeks, feeling indignant somehow. She wasn't certain if he was truly a kind gentleman when he looked so smug - like he knew he could tease her anytime he pleased so he wouldn't, just this once.

Rin knew it was childish of her to be so pouty over such a trivial matter, but still… it was embarrassing to always be the one so easily teased, even by a stranger.

Len carried her out of the misty harbor just as the fog cleared up. They headed up a long flight of stairs before reaching a city market. The sun shone brightly, causing Rin to shield her eyes.

"Ah…!" Once her vision adjusted to the lighting, she was pleasantly surprised to find life in the crowded district.

"You can't catch me!"

"You're it!"

"Ha ha! Wait up!"

Children's laughter reached her ears as she witnessed little girls and boys chasing each other by a grand fountain. Gulls gathered around a statue of King Louis plated in gold, pecking at bread crumbs the children threw at them. Merchants manned their stalls, bragging about their finest goods. Fish peddlers wheeled past with barrels of freshly caught game.

FSHHH!

Startled at the loud noise nearby, Rin jumped in Len's arms and inadvertently grasped his broad shoulders. His lips quirked upwards in amusement at this, but Rin wasn't paying attention. Steam momentarily blinded her eyes before clearing up to reveal an old blacksmith throwing newly forged swords into water bins to cool down. Rin watched in marvel as the old smith fired up his forge.

"Smithy! You have another order coming up!"

"Hold on a minute! Where's my hammer?!"

"To create something from nothing… humans truly are amazing." Rin murmured her thoughts aloud as she watched in fascination as the smith forge a long blade.

"You say strange things, fair lady. Handcrafting has always been a trademark of our survival. Civilization will only continue to advance." A chuckle broke her out of her trace. "Take you… for example." Confused, she turned her attention to the smiling pirate. "That's an interesting doll you have there." He nodded to her sun prince, causing her to flush and duck her head. "Quite a handsome fellow. I can see whoever made him clearly put care into creating him..." His words carried an underlying meaning, and his eyes glimmered knowingly.

"U-Um. Thank you. I… made him." Rin bashfully responded, unable to hold his gaze when Captain Len smiled at her like that. She wondered why she was acting this way. Just conversing with him made her tongue-tied, and her heart wouldn't stop hammering against her chest.

"Really now?" Len feigned surprise, but his twinkling eyes told her he was impressed. "Well, your handiwork is something to be admired. I must say I've never seen a doll made quite like that before…" He glanced down at the prince plush with a critical eye before grinning. "I can't put my finger on it, but there's something really nostalgic about him."

"Nostalgic?" Rin repeated, blushing at his flattery. Of course, she was pleased that someone appreciated her skill with a needle. But she wondered why he thought her plush was nostalgic. How strange.

"Indeed. Somehow, he reminds me of better days… of how things used to be." Len answered with a faraway look in his eyes. "When I was growing up, this kingdom was more prosperous than you see it today." He said. "Since the war and series of droughts, though, this marketplace is the only one left where business still thrives. If you went anywhere else in the kingdom, you'd see poverty everywhere. With pirates everywhere, it's near impossible for the merchant vessels to come here." A flicker of anger sparked in his eyes, but when Rin blinked it was gone. "People out here are starving… and the monarchy refuses to do anything…"

"Monarchy?" Rin hesitantly spoke up. "The king, you mean…?" Len's face remained unchanged, but the air around him was frigid and cold. Then a light came back to his eyes as though realizing something.

"I rambled. How insensitive of me." He sent her an apologetic look. "You, of all people, would know that better than anyone. After all, everyone has fallen into hard times one way or another."

Rin tilted her head in confusion before she became conscious of the fact that he clearly thought she was a plebeian living here.

"Still. What an odd feeling to be invoked by something like your doll." He tipped the brim of his hat. He hid his thoughts behind a mysterious smile. "Today is just full of surprises."

Rin watched mildly and sadly, unable to discern the cause of his pain. She wasn't certain what to say. Then he turned back to her with a smile once more. "Well, I can see that he's your personal treasure. Even more so… he's precious to you. Whatever you do, never let him go."

"I-I would never!" Rin gasped, her eyes wide in astonishment. As if she could ever do such a thing! This was a memento of her prince. Losing it would be like abandoning a precious memory. Still, she was amazed that this Captain Len was able to understand how much she valued her doll more than a mere plaything. He did so without even asking… but then, perhaps it had been obvious from the beginning? Rin had never considered herself someone who could mask their true feelings.

The young pirate set her down on a crate next to a clothing stall. The vendor looked their way with a disdainful glance, trying to pretend she hadn't seen them even as he approached. Instead the woman opted to yell at her children to stop making mud pies when she had just laundered their clothes.

"Don't move. I'll be right back." Len told her with a wink. He turned his heel and made way for the stall, the chains of his boots clinking with each step.

"There ain't nothing for you to pilfer, pirate. This is a proper establishment, this is! Off with ya!" The woman snapped at Len as soon as he walked over to her stall. She held her arms out in a protective gesture in attempt to guard the clothes neatly folded out on the stand.

Rin covered her gaping mouth in shock at how the woman addressed Len so harshly. How could she be so unwelcome to her own kind? Let alone to this nice man? Were the humans here not as kind as she remembered? A wave of empathy for Captain Len washed over her, knowing full how hurtful it felt to be on the receiving end of open animosity.

The woman hadn't even allowed him to speak before rejecting him like that! Surely, he hadn't done anything wrong to be treated like that!

Rin frowned in exasperation and perched on the box, mustering the will to overcome her shyness in hopes of saying something to the woman but was met with another surprise.

With a flick of his wrist, the young captain tossed the clothing vendor a small pouch. She watched him in suspicion before cautiously unwinding the pouch. The flabbergasted expression on the portly woman's face was priceless. It was so unexpected and amusing that Rin had to be quick to cover her mouth in order to prevent an oncoming surge of giggles bubbling in her throat.

"M-Mercy me?!" The woman sputtered, her round eyes snapping up to the man. Her attitude did a complete flip as she tried to give the money back. "T-This is too much, sir!"

"Please. Keep it. You're entitled to have that much, my good woman. I understand you feel like you shouldn't take more than what you've charged for… I know that kind of pride more than anyone." He went on to smoothly add before the woman could get a word in. "I don't intend to disrespect or condescend. When I look at how hard you work out here, it makes me grateful that I had a mother who gave all she could to raise me right." Len replied with an earnest smile before looking at her seriously. "So, in exchange, I ask you - fetch me your finest dress and pair of shoes you have to offer."

The portly vendor clutched at her chest with eyes shining with awe, clearly touched by his act of chivalry. She eagerly unveiled her best wares to show him what she had to offer.

"What are they looking at?" Rin tried to stand so she could see the clothes, but unfortunately with so many people passing back and forth it was difficult for her to do so. Disappointed, she sank back down to the crate. She tried to be patient until they finished, but being left alone made her feel anxious. She pulled the longcoat tighter over her shoulders, noticing how nice and refreshing it smelled. It was like a tidal wave washing over her after a long day. Closing her eyes, she buried her nose deep into the collar.

"What is this wonderful smell? It's so calming..." Rin wondered aloud, feeling her worries melt away as his scent drifted into her nostrils. She found it very much to her liking. "Come to think of it, Captain Len also smelled like this when he held me earlier…" She recalled as a soft flush came over her cheeks, her heart skipping a beat at the memory.

Rin wondered if it were possible if other humans could smell as nice as he…

"Such tiny feet you have, and they're cut up and injured." Someone said below her, clicking their tongue in condolence. Rin looked down in astonishment to find Len bent on a knee, tending to her feet with his own handkerchief. "Really, you should be more careful." His brows pinched together in an expression of utmost seriousness as he focused on removing the glass shards as gently as possible.

"Oh…!" Startled, she laid a palm on her flushed cheek. With her other hand, she clutched her throbbing heart that beat so strongly she could feel it all the way up to her eardrums. Mortified, she tried to pull her feet away. "P-Please, you're very kind. B-But I shouldn't let let you do such a thing…" She stammered, attempting to curl her legs under her lap despite him frowning softly at her. "W-What I mean is…! Um… you've already helped me so much. I don't wish to trouble you further, C-Captain… Len."

"Trouble me?" The pirate captain remained unphased by her protests, adamant as he retracted her legs one by one. His face was kind, but his eyes were clear as they rested on hers. "I don't mean to give you the wrong impression. There's no mistaking what I am. A pirate is a pirate." Rin blinked in reply, her tongue laid limp in her mouth as he continued. "However… I've gone out of my way to be troubled for someone today for the first time in years. As for the reason for helping you, I can't really explain myself. I'm not usually like this, but…"

He paused as she felt his long, thin fingers touching the soles of her feet, inadvertently causing a pleasant shiver to run up her spine.

"I don't know what it is about you, but when I saw you in trouble…" Len gazed straight into her eyes, his expression so ardent in a way that made her lightheaded. She even forgot to look away this time. "I just couldn't leave you alone. It might have been foolish of me to stake my life for someone I don't even know..." He hesitated before continuing. "But all I knew was that I didn't want to watch you suffer."

"You didn't want to me to suffer…" Rin repeated, her eyes wide. She was at a loss for words as he removed the last bits of glass and wiped the blood of her feet with his handkerchief. She couldn't believe how kind this person was being to her… even though he didn't know her. She was even more befuddled after finding out he had bought her a dress so she wouldn't be naked. In a daze, she could only allow the vendor take her behind a panel to fit her.

Behind the panel, Rin saw Len's shadow fall over her as he spoke to her through the wood.

"Those men were pirates like me. If I had let them take you, they would have robbed you of your freedom." She couldn't see his face, but she could hear the restrained anger in his cool tone. "Of your chance to become happy. Even that doesn't sit well with me."

Her... happiness?

Rin was shaken to the core at his words. They had the impact of thunder as she revelled in the meaning of his belief. She clutched her doll to her chest, unable to still the violent beating in her heart. She felt many things at once - awe, shock, exposure, and… understanding.

This man… Captain Len…

He only continued to surprise her. Curiosity welled up in her as many questions filled her mind. He knew what it meant to be happy? What kind of man was he? Was he happy? If so, what was it that made him happy?

"He really is a gentleman, isn't he?" the vendor gushed to her in a hushed voice, nodding her approval. "You have a fine man, Dear."

Rin nodded dumbly in response, staring at Len's shadow. She wanted to know about him. She wanted to ask him all these things. He seemed to know so many things. So caught up in her trance, she hadn't realized they had finished until the round woman gently brought her out by the shoulders and presented her in front of a mirror.

Rin gasped in shock as she stepped closer to the mirror, touching it.

"Is that… me?"

"How lovely you look, Dear! Truly! Pretty as the sunrise." The woman appraised as she clapped her hands in delight. "Why, if I hadn't known any better, I would've thought you were a princess!"

Rin couldn't believe it. She had often dreamed of what it would be like to wear clothes of all shapes and colors, but she had never imagined she would ever wear something as this. It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen!

Light as cream against her skin, the lemon chiffon dress slipped down her shoulders and peppered her body with soft, feather-light kisses. She especially liked the silk sash around her waist as it tied to a white bow at the back. It was simple but elegant. Like a lover, it seduced her senses and embraced her curves as though longing to reach her soul.

With a delighted cry, she did a twirl, looking at the mirror over her shoulders as the full length of skirts flared out. Picking up her sun prince doll, she lifted him high in the air as she giggled. It wasn't a dream. She really had become a human girl.

"Almost perfect. There's just something missing…" Len hummed behind her in thought, causing her to turn around in curiosity.

"Missing? Even after this, you mean to say there's more…?"

"Only one thing." Len winked as he offered her his elbow. Hesitantly, she accepted as he guided her to sit by the fountain. He was hiding something behind his back. Even though she tried to see what he was holding, he wouldn't let her see his hands.

"Pick a hand, fair lady."

"A hand…? But why?" Rin tilted her head at him in bewilderment, dropping her eyes as she laid her sun prince in her lap. She didn't understand why he would offer her his own body parts. What a strange person. "I don't want to take your hands. Don't you need them?"

Len gave her a funny look before shaking his head in bemusement.

"Heh. You tend to take things at face value. Just pick which hand you think I'm hiding your present." He told her, gesturing her to play along. She pursed her lips, tapping her chin in deep thought as she struggled to make a decision. Then she nodded to herself in resolution as she pointed to his right.

Len broke into a grin as he presented a pair of white ribboned shoes. Her eyes widened with wonder and delight as she reached out to touch them almost painstakingly. They were soft like seasilk, but strong enough to carry her anywhere she pleased. The very thought made her heart soar.

"Instead of walking around barefoot, you should wear these from now on." Len admonished her as he slipped her shoes on, tying off the white ribbons at the back of her ankles. "There. From now on, you won't cut your feet up."

Rin fell silent, so overcome with emotion she couldn't breathe.

She stared at her new shoes in contemplation, tapping her toes together. She was rendered speechless. When she thought about today, how coming to land had allowed her to meet this man who had treated her with nothing but respect and kindness - from saving her life to giving her these pretty clothes and shoes - it made her heart ache in a way she couldn't understand.

"Thank you…" Rin managed to say in a choked voice. Gazing up at him with gratitude and newfound admiration, she wobbled to her feet. "I… ah-!" She would have tripped if he hadn't steadied her by the shoulders. "N… No one has ever been this kind to me before." She whispered against his shoulder, feeling a wave of sadness mixed with euphoria. She lifted her head to stare at the sun insignia pinned to his pocket.

"... Is that right?" Len intoned before inquiring. "Tell me. What is your name?"

"Rin..."

"Rin." Len repeated with a grin. "I like that. Rin. A pretty name for a fair maiden." The sincerity of his compliment made her blush. No one had made her feel this way apart from the boy she rescued from her childhood. When he called her pretty or fair, she almost felt like she could believe him. Feeling shy, she pulled a long strand behind her ear. Did he always say such things because he meant it, or because he enjoyed getting a rise out of others?

Whatever the reason, Rin felt happy…

"If anything, Rin… I should be the one thanking you." Len murmured, lightly taking her hand in his before bringing it to his lips. Rin's heart thundered in her chest as the barest sensation of his lips brushed over her skin. Lightning went through her spine as her breath caught in her throat.

He kissed her hand… he kissed her hand?!

"E-Eh?! C-Captain Len?!" The blood rushed up to her head as her world began to spin. She felt like she was about to faint. "W-Why are you thanking me? I haven't done anything for you..." She squeaked, every inch of her skin going clammy as he glanced up at her through pale lashes. He was still holding her hand as a quiet laugh escaped him.

"You're wrong. Today, a bad man like me was able to do one good deed for once." Len spoke as he tipped his hat to her. "Something I can always look back on without regret."

"A bad man? You...?" Rin uttered in shock as she gazed at his bowed form in confusion.

"Pirate." Len simply explained before flashing her one last smile. "I enjoyed your company, Rin, though our time together was brief. But now I must go. I have a crew to catch."

"W...Wait!" Rin cried after him, stopping him in his tracks. "I haven't repaid you for all you've done for me. I cannot accept these pretty clothes and shoes without giving you anything in return. It wouldn't be right!"

"After witnessing your terror and tears, I have finally seen you smile. That is my richest reward." He answered. "Seeing your profound delight at receiving something which many would otherwise take for granted - it moved me. I'm honored to be the one who made you smile, milady."

"Captain Len…" Touched by his words, Rin clutched at her aching chest. If anything, this only made her more eager to repay him. No one had ever been so kind to her without expecting anything in return. It was only right she did something for him in return.

"But still…" She posed her soft eyes on him, shaking her head empathetically. "There must be something I can do for you in return!" She came to him, clutching at his jacket and bowing her head. "I beg you!"

"Rin…" Len sighed, taking a steely tone. He was getting mildly exasperated. He was about to say more until Rin gazed up at him with tears swimming in her eyes, worse yet - his stomach did a flip-flop when her lower lip started to quiver.

Len was taken aback at the fact she had finally looked him in the eye. She was gazing right at him in a way that was starting to weaken his resolve. She was giving him the most deadly puppy dog eyes that would have devastated even the most black-hearted criminals.

No! Wait, he couldn't lose to something like this. Not wanting to cave, he invoked a staring contest on his end.

He was captain of the Sunshard, ferrying men across the seven seas and beyond to claim riches! Swashbuckling, gambling and drinking were his life! He was- he was…!

Len's pride and dignity washed down the drain the moment Rin parted her lips and stared up at him pleadingly through heavily-lashed aquamarine eyes. They were as pure as a newborn's, with no hint of malice or deception.

Len's eyebrow twitched.

Damn. Why did her eyes have to be so damn blue?

Don't melt. Don't melt….

"Please?"

Hearing the desperation in her voice, along with her facial expression wrought with woe - he knew he was done for.

Aw…

"A-Ahem… prithee, Rin, stop making that face." Len cleared his throat awkwardly, covering his mouth in attempt to save face. "You win. I give up already." Pathetic. The youngest pirate captain to ever command a renowned crew, whose name staked fear into the hearts of many - had felled to the most lethal puppy dog eyes in mankind. If Kaito and the others heard about this, they would be hooting about it to the entire crew once they got drunk. They could never know. He had a reputation to maintain.

"Let's make one thing clear. You're not indebted to me." Len said to her. "I'll be hoisting the anchor soon with my crew. I don't know when I'll be coming back here…" He let his voice trail off in thought before his face brightened. "But if I do, I'll find you and let you buy me a drink. Sound good?"

"B-But-"

"Oh, this isn't good. I'm running late. The money is on the run!" Len grumbled as he realized the time on his pocket watch. He started hurrying in the other direction, but not before glancing over his shoulder to wink at her one last time. "Fare thee well, Rin! Take care of yourself and your family!"

"No! Wait… don't go!" Rin's heart as she tried to reach out to stop him, but he was already heading down the stretch. He had told her goodbye when they had just met. She didn't want this to be the end, not when she had finally made a friend.

The way he had smiled at her and treated her so gently… remembering it made her heart ache. Would that be the last time anyone would ever be so kind to her as he had?

Was this it?

She would never see him again?

Tears sprang to her eyes as she held her sun prince to her chest, shaking. She was overwhelmed now that she was all alone in this bustling city full of strangers with nowhere to go.

"It's hopeless. If only I could understand humans better… maybe Captain Len would have liked to bring me along." Rin bemoaned her troubles to the doll. The doll's eyes gleamed as though he were listening to her troubles. "He said he was a pirate… Haku said that pirates always went to sea in search of lost treasure. If only I had treasure to offer."

Wait.

Rin's thoughts came to a stop. An idea lit up in her head like a lightbulb.

"That's it!" Rin surged to her feet, almost stumbling as she hurried after Len's distant figure. She had gotten better at walking, though it was very difficult trying to balance herself with every step. To think… even standing on one leg took all her concentration!

"Excuse me, please!" Rin tried to weave her way through the crowd. Anyone from the sidewalk would see this comedic sight - a young lady tripping over herself chasing after a pirate. She knew she must have looked like a fool, given by the strange looks she received from other people.

"I'm here to find the Treasures of the Seven Seas…! I can tell him that!" Rin blurted her thoughts aloud, desperately trying not to lose sight of the young captain. "Captain Len… if I promise him payment in exchange for helping me find them, then he'll have to take me with him along his ship! Pirates… pirates like treasure! And money… and… the sea! Yes! I know these waters well! He will have no choice but to let me help him in return!" Rin beamed at her sun prince. "This is my chance. I will definitely find what it means to be happy."

Hope renewed in her spirit as she followed after Len, trying to catch up to him. Swift as a dancer, she finally began closing the distance between them right as he met up with a tall, blue-haired man dressed like him in front of a seedy pub. They spoke in hushed voices with serious faces before heading inside.

"Ah…!" Rin hurried to follow after him, then her face lit up as she smelled all sorts of wonderful food and heard the fiddling of violins. "What lovely music! Of course many people would come here to enjoy themselves here!" She clapped her hands together in delight. As a mermaid, she loved music more than anything. It made her so happy that humans like Len felt the same way.

Excited like a child, the blonde followed the young pirate captain into the pub… remaining oblivious to the fact that only rough sailors and black-hearted pirates were the only ones inside. Leery male gazes following her inside.

This was only the beginning of many troubles ahead.

---

A/N: Wow. I always found the idea of Len as a pirate endearing. I can see him fit it to a T. And Rin as a mermaid sounded just as appealing. I'm a little unsure of how their characters turned out... but I hope you guys liked it! Of course, I plan to feature the other Vocaloids in here as well. I'm not sure if I thought this through. A special friend really helped me along the ride, and I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to post this. I just want to thank her especially for sticking through with me on this! Thanks, Emma! Okay, maybe this didn't go the way I expect... but! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did. I decided to post this and see what you guys think! Let me know in the comments below!