OMG I'M SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG TO GET UP HERE.

Stuff happened and the past few days have been busy and I've just been so dang tired. Forgive me?

Many hours later, to the point in time where the sun has retreated against the mountains, the traveling group arrived at one important stop to their destination. Smooth, flat stones are fitted together on the ground to make a special floor with a good-sized hole near the center. Structures resembling stakes where set up all around, skeletons dangling helplessly from them, mouths dried open as if in a scream. Dimly lit torches are the only source of light in the dreary place and only added to the chilling atmosphere.

Robin shrinks in slightly closer against Wally's chest, recollecting all the stories his sisters and brothers had told him about this place, about what men did to mermaids there. Ironic that he was looking to a human male for comfort. The ginger rubbed his fingers over the skin of the smaller's arm gently to reassure him.

"It's gonna be fine. I won't let them hurt you," he whispers. The words, though maybe foolish, are comforting and Robin feels his nerves calm down just a little bit more. When Wally walks him over to the large hole filled with water and sets him near it, he doesn't hesitate to jump in. His slim legs quickly transform back into his shimmering blue tail and he welcomes the feeling back. His joy, however, is short-lived as the captain grabs hold of him and brings his face close to his, the stench of the man's breath stinging his eyes. The semi-priest takes a step forward but the crewmates tighten their grips on their weapons in warning.

"Now," the captain begins. "I know that physical pain won't be enough to produce what we want. You're too tough for that, no. But listen. Listen to the cries of your fellow sisters and brothers who were brought here before you."

"Stop it," Wally says quietly.

"Listen. Hear their screams tearing through the night?

Robin's eyes start to water a bit, his lip quivering as he depserately fights the urge to cry.

"Stop it."

"Do you hear their cries for salvation? The breaking of their bodies? The shattering of their spirits? All we need is one tear, creature."

The mermaid tries to be strong, though it pains him so much to do so. His heart is breaking but he can't let him win. He can't.

"Stop it!"

"Creature, do you feel no shame? Shed a tear for your fallen kin, or do you not care at all? Do you not feel for their sorrow from burning, choking, sta-"

"STOP IT!"

The shout forces its way out of Wally's throat before he can prevent it. He's had enough. This was just cruel, uncalled for. Just how badly did this man need this tear? Was it really worth it?

The captain turns slowly to face him, eyes narrowed into a steely glare.

"What is wrong with you, boy?" He takes in the look on the young teen's face and realization flickers in his eyes. "Heh heh. Are you fond of this foul creature?"

Uh oh.

Wally says nothing.

"Great God, he is!" The filthy man turns and once again brings his face too close for Robin's comfort. "And you? Are you fond of him as well?"

The captive says nothing and looks away, dread running through his body like the blood in his veins.

"He is! Hah! This is perfect!" The abuser snaps his fingers and a couple of his crew grab Wally by the arms and force him to his knees. Robin's eyes widen in horror as the captain draws his sword from his sheath, turning the glingting blade effortlessly in his hands. "One tear, mermaid. That's all we need."

He wants to. For the love of God he wants to. He wants to give in and end this inhumane torture so much. But the look on his love's face stops him. He's...he's smiling. Despite everything that's going to happen to him, he's smiling, as if to say "everything will be alright."

"No," Robin whispers so softly none of the others can hear him. "No."

Don't take him away from me.

"Last chance, mermaid. One tear."

Don't do this. Please, please don't. Please, spare him. Please-

Slash!

The captain runs his blade across the front of the ginger's neck and the crew lets his limp body fall the ground with a deafening thump. Something inside of Robin breaks into a thousand tiny pieces and it takes all the strength he can muster not to let his emotions spill over. He feels a deep pain in his cheset like none he's ever felt before, like someone is squeezing it with the power of a giant, but he does not let one drop fall. He can't waste Wally's sacrifice. That would be shameful. The captain frowns, angered by the failure of his plan, and signals for the crew to move.

"Tie him up! Let's see what becomes of him in the morning."

One of the pirates takes a long, thick rope and ties both of the saddned mermaids hands to the stake by the pool, tightening it so much that it digs into his porcelain skin and follows after his group soon after. Robin is left there to await his impending doom and mourn over the loss of the only person he'd ever loved. He doesn't struggle, he doesn't try to get away, he doesn't try to do anything; he has no reason to now.

With you gone, what exactly do I have left to live for?

DON'T KILL ME. YOU STILL HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. *hides*

Reviews and stuff appreciated!