So in making Thailand I freaking spent 40+ minutes at least looking up a good name for him(and then lost it and looked AGAIN)! His name means "success" which wasn't what I was going for but it was the best I had. It goes along with Thailand's rapid development as an Asian Tiger. Vietnam was purely comical. She got hers from a dynasty when she tried to overrule the French. I got the idea in my World Hist class when he only really said that and how "Nguyen" is supposedly the most common Vietnamese name. It was all "Boy or girl, everyone I met there had that name! If you meet a Vietnamese, it'll be a Nguyen!" but he didn't know how to pronounce it so, ironically, the French student had neighbors with that name and said it was like "New Yen" so yeah. Also, in Thailand, "khun" is used as a very general "Ms./Mrs./Mr." so that's why he used it.*sighs* I hope adding Thai is alright, he's closer to an OC than even Hong! He seemed like a really free and happy character, though. Even when I looked up his name, I came across cultural traits and it is considered that they're a very easy-going and laid-back people that go along and be happy. I'm so iffy with my Viet, too. I wanted her to seem outspoken but not stupid. I think her 'strong' character trait should appear more later... I hope. ^^;
"Come on! Won't you even come out for the awesome me? Leala! Leala~ come on, girl! He's barely been gone! I'm sure he's fine!" a loud and dare I say worried Gilbert yelled. The albino was prepared to completely break down the door should Ludwig not be stopping him. Everyone had been trying to get Leala out of her room since Vash disappeared after the incident but to no avail.
Soft whimpers were heard on the other ends but the only thing said was the usual "I'm sorry, brothers. I promise to come out when Vash comes back." and she continued to ignore them.
Clearly she must not have eaten anything since she trapped herself in and her wavering voice was showing it. Feliciano cooked any sort of delicious food he had in attempts to bribe her out and Roderick played various pieces that he knew she liked. Romano even tried to help and offer one of his special tomatoes if she came out. Ludwig understood all their concerns but felt the advances were wrong. Vash had been gone for days and they really should be more focused on finding out what happened to their youngest brother. Until he was found they should wait for her to calm on her own.
The entire situation was heaviest on Cel and Caius, though. Cel's blank expression actually showed worry about his lost grandson and the grieving of his own granddaughter. He had not wanted Marie to come and intervene before Vash was even alerted of the plans for marriage but she surprised visited them and hey had no choice but to break it to him quickly. Caius was even worse than any of them. It was his idea to match up the two. It seemed so clever at the time but it all backfired. With the way Leala was acting and Vash still missing, he could lose the two youngest members of his family with one foolish mistake.
The entire kingdom was feeling the disappearance. Vash had many admirers and Leala was loved by almost all the young boys and old women. They were all waiting, waiting for any news that could help understand what happened to the youngest prince. That prince, however, would not be found unless the search groups looked behind the trees in a Japanese garden.
~TotS~
Forest eyes watched intently over mingling bodies. Vash was too far and too inexperienced with the language to keep up with what was being said but he still watched. Kiku was still acting civil and polite, but Vash knew better than to think the smaller meant it. It was painfully obvious the Japanese did not want to be there, none of his hosts did, but the foreign guests clamored away. It made him sick.
After a few odd minutes of idle talk, the group made their way inside. It was then he saw most of the important faces. There was a strong looking woman with her hair tied in a low ponytail, a rather quirky looking man with short hair and glasses, and,of course, a seemingly clinging one with an odd curl from her head. Overall the entire group looked normal and reasonable in they resemblance they all had to each other. It was only then Vash would realize how different he was.
All of them had extremely dark brown to black hair and eyes where he had blond and green. His skin wouldn't match theirs with the best of tans. The shape of his eyes and body and everything was just wrong. Vash saw himself beside them, he imagined trying to speak properly and keeping his anger low even in the most troubling of company. It just didn't work. Vash, with them, looked absolutely foolish and misplaced at best.
Those negative thoughts played around in his mind. Only minutes before he told Kiku to stop fantasizing about what he's not and to go along to who will soon be his fiancée, but now that seemed like a stupid thing to say. Vash would take a fantasy over being completely forgotten any day.
Vash should have known better. He knew he had no chance of really being with Kiku since before he came human. It just seemed like something far away before, though! Out of reach but there. Now it would only be a vague dream. Nothing would be left to remind him of his choice but the numb pain in his legs. Kiku's dislike would probably morph into all sorts of different feelings. He'd feel responsibility then a tolerance to slow acceptance and finally likely grow to love the Taiwanese girl.
Vash finally sank to his knees and let some shut-in tears fall down his face. Some tears that had hit lifeless sand turned to pearls, while ones that hit the grass or flowers grew and flourished. The magic of mertears were valuable since so rarely did his jolly kind feel a deep enough sorrow to cry. When they did, it mixed with the sea and life around would flourish. Just the smallest drop could turn seaweed to a forest and it largely effected how the ocean life continued, sometimes granting something immortality. As human, it was amazing he kept any of his old traits but it helped him calm and realize his situation again.
He already decided that he would be okay watching from afar so long as Kiku was happy. Perhaps he could offer a few pearls to the prince, even, but it hurt to think Kiku would keep him for that alone. At any moment the ex-merman could be kicked out of the palace and no longer have any way to get close to his love. That thought alone was the worst pain Vash ever experienced.
Still, it hadn't happened yet. There was still time to spend with Kiku and Vash be damned if waste it. He swiped a few pearl tears realizing how idiotic it must appear to have been crying over nothing but not wanting to make it a complete waste. He really didn't know how to present himself, so Vash snuck into his room to touch up himself a little and slowly stepped out for the main part of the estate.
Vash's ears perked up slightly hearing voices both familiar and new so followed the path of the sounds. He was led to a large, grand double-door. He knew he hadn't been taken inside such an esteemed looking room yet and knocked regardless.
"Hm? Yes, you may enter." Yao's voice answered on the other side and Vash stepped inside the room slowly, already feeling like he clashed with the others.
"Ah. I see you've taken in one of the white women. From her clothes, am I to take it she is to be Yong Soo's wife?" the woman in the low ponytail asked with sincere curiosity.
"Hm. That's horrible, Nguyen! Even he wouldn't lower himself for one of them! She's not even wise enough to dress in proper female attire. She's a groom at best. Though, I wouldn't have her touch me." Min commented confidently.
Vash didn't even know how to react. From what was just said it seemed like he was automatically marked as a lesser breed. He wanted to yell and completely crush that "feminine" view they had of him, but there's just no way he could jeopardize the peace for his hosts and literally bit his tongue. Hard.
"No, this is... um... Vash. She's most certainly not a groom. Despite what you may believe she's of a very noble people and very... passionate with her duties." Yao tried to explain. He flashed Vash an apologetic look for a brief moment at his horrible wording and name choice. A least as a women he could pass off as a future suitor, but as a man he would be loathed and detested. Women were pretty and harmless, men would bring harm and cruelty. It made some sense to just keep the idea of him being a girl at least for awhile. Plus, it's not like any of the others would know if Vash was boy or girl name. Was there even a feminine form? Regardless, it was too late.
"Would... that make her a concubine? She's very pretty and doesn't hold herself like a whore." the ponytail woman, Nguyen, asked. Perhaps Vash should just take it as a compliment because if he bit any harder on his tongue it would come off.
At this comment, Kiku finally had enough and interjected. "Stop this nonsense already! Vash is a kind and strong soul who we've only just recently had the pleasure of knowing! If anyone is to insult or show disrespect the person can expect their stay here as good as done!"
The roomed seemed to quiet considerably after that. No one ever heard Kiku of all people raise his voice like that. A moment of silence washed over everyone since no one knew what to say. But Im Yong Soo didn't have to know what to say to say anything.
"We should have dinner now, da ze! Vash, sit by me this time!" he ordered already heading out the door with the blond in hand.
"Already? Well, it is about that time. We should sit together, Kiku! Or... that is if I may please." Min said with a hint of uncertainty covered by enthusiasm.
Every followed the two but slowly. Yao and Hui remained calm and led the way while Nguyen and Sittichai, the Thai with glasses, observed and complimented the palace as they walked. Min and Kiku followed last connected by their elbows. Min seemed to radiate while Kiku looked almost bitter but tolerant.
"The food is all done and it looks awesome, da ze! Hurry on it and let's dig in!" the obnoxious Korean exclaimed by the dining entrance while Vash was forced to already sit.
"Ah, thank you, Yong Soo! I can't wait!" Sittichai returned equally amused taking his chair on the opposite side of the Korean. Yao sat beside Vash on one end and Nguyen on the other. Hui sat across from her beside Kiku who was, obviously, next to Min. Then there was nothing but the grandest of meals in between ready to be eaten.
While everyone claimed fair portions of they favorite dishes Vash avoided many of the seafood dishes and any red meat making his plate of rice seem very frugal. Min frowned and sighed.
"It isn't very nice to waste someone else's hard work and money on those to not enjoy it. Do you not like their food, Vash?"
Vash only raised his head and glared. "I throw up at the thought of stuffing my face with dead creatures who never lived for themselves. They were born and raised by someone in painful captivity or nice captivity only to be betrayed with an apple in their mouth and stuffing for a heart. I can stick with rice. Rice can grow wild and free without a thought in the world and picked and eaten whenever the world says they're ready for a larger purpose to help fill a starving fool's stomach. But please, continue to stuff yourself on flesh, that is, if it can reach your mouth." Vash responded spitefully pointing out a piece of chicken sauce and rice on her face.
Vash's words were painful to hear for Kiku. At the moment, he felt like nothing more than the salmon in his mouth. Grown up only as desired to be thrown out as living feed for something considered more valuable. A part of the Asian wanted to rip himself away from the woman, or rather girl, at his side and get comfort from the outspoken blond but merely swallowed his food in grimace.
"So..." Yao started out slightly worried "how are you all enjoying yourselves? Has everything been to your liking?"
"Yeah! The food's the best we've had in months, da ze! We should have them over more oft-uh!" Yong Soo began before a violent foot kicked from under the table. Most likely Hui's
"Ah, don't worry so much Khun Yao! It's been so nice to visit. Even when we were merely docking everyone was so good. Not just to us but to anyone. I really hope to stop this pointless feuding and unify our people." Sittichai commented sincerely taking his cup to the air for a toast. "To Asia!"
Everyone followed suit inspired but his easy-going nature and drank. The rest of the dinner was very lighthearted and smooth. It actually took an hour to finish eating just because everyone was busy talking and getting closer. Except Vash, of course. He finished his rice in a few minutes and left it at that.
"Ah! Vash, correct? You must speak as well! I had liked your voice, are all women from the west like you?" Nguyen asked.
Vash looked up at the women and shrugged. "I did not mingle around others often. I only had my grandfathers and siblings. Even out of them, I only stayed around my younger sister. Sorry if it's not the response you wanted." Vash finished looking nowhere in particular.
"That's not fun! We should have you hang aroung us until your sick, Khun Vash! We'll have fun! Trust me! Wait, how old are you, anyway?" Sittichai asked wondering what things they shouldn't do.
"I've turned eighteen a few days ago."
"Oh! So you're only a mere child, then! You poor girl! Don't worry! We'll get you a nice suitor to take care of all your needs before you turn twenty! So long as you don't have high tastes. Blonds don't fair very well here and I doubt you have a lot on you for a marriage exchange." Min commented. With how Vash was dressed maybe Yong Soo would have her but that seemed fairly low to do. Vash was pretty but everyone knew how poorly whites aged. She'd be all wrinkles by twenty five at best.
"Actually I do have something to offer my love. I'd do whatever I have to for his happiness." Vash announced smugly taking out a handful of pearls. In the better light, he could see the various colors from yellow to black. Counting, he had enough for everyone and then some. "I can give you this one." the ex-merman said getting up from his seat and handing Min a soft pink one. "I think I'll give all of you one for your hospitality to a lowly foreigner like me." Vash was normally very conservative with what he gave out, but he did owe them and he wanted to have Min choke on her own shallow words.
Vash worked his way around from there going to Nguyen next and passing a large white one to her. Yao received a fiery red-orange then to Yong Soo a deep blue. Hui got a smoky grayish color and to Sittichai a lightened green. Last was Kiku, getting a near golden pearl. Vash remembered that the golden pearl was the last one he cried because it matched Kiku's kimono so well. It was not real gold, no mercreature was that magical, but that did not make it any less beautiful.
"I... thank you for these fine gifts, Vash. Thank you." Kiku murmured clutching his hard to his chest. More thanks were given and Vash bowed politely.
"It's not as if I don't owe you more. I just don't like feeling like I've been abusing my stay here!" Vash replied going back to his more tempered self.
"Think nothing of it. I'll keep this pearl with me until the end of my days. And for as long as these pearls are with us, you are welcomed in our home." Yao responded proudly with a bow, managing to lift at least half the sorrows from Vash's heart.
Kiku smiled at Vash and nodded. "It's true. This will be with me at all times. May you stay with us all until the end in peace and happiness." he added, wishing to add 'by my side' or something of the sort but knew it as inappropriate. The pearl would be his highest treasure. A gift from the person who saved his life. A gift from his love.
And I apologize, I had meant to make this a more lighthearted and it feels sort of short but I decided to end it here. On the bright side, I've worked out most of how the story will play out! ^.^; My only promise to someone was that I wouldn't kill off either Swissy or Kiks. I never promised a happy ending, though~ Hee hee~ (no, but it's still not entirely worked out. The way it works so far is neither sad nor happy nor bitter. It'll just seem... kinda empty, leaning over to a mix of sad/bitter. It's complicated to work out a twist to make it all happy but I may try... for reviews...)
Also, I had once heard mermaid tears turn into pearls. I tried looking up the legend again and all I got was jewelry sites but some sites said it's actually supposed to be sea glass. I'm going to stick with pearls, though. The immortality thing is something I BELIEVE is actually supposed to happen if you eat mermaid flesh but I don't recall the source it's been so long so I've adapted both legends to my own purposed.
Sorry if it's not my best work, I don't think it is, but I really hope you enjoyed and comment! Oh, and I think my scene break marks are going to be shown as "~TotS~" if anyone was confused.
Also, I've made this pic FOREVER ago but forgot to put it up! It's my interpertations of Merman!Vash: http:/ . com/gallery/ #/d37qeo1 (as normal remove spaces)
