Dark Pit stared at him, baffled. "What?"

"How would you like to meet Blue and go for a swim?" Pit repeated.

"The beluga whale at that fish jail you work at?" He joked.

Pit rolled his eyes but nodded.

"And swim? What do you mean?"

"You haven't swum in almost five months and there's an empty tank at work. Palutena is going to be the only one at the aquarium and she thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you to see where I work and get to stretch you fins. You have to miss swimming."

Pittoo stared at him. While the thought of swimming again excited him, he was hesitant and slightly suspicious.

Pit noticed and frowned, excitement fading. "Pittoo, I've never given you a reason not to trust me. I swear this is no trap. Earlier today you said you wanted to stretch your tail and it got me thinking about how you must miss swimming. I just want to give you a chance to swim again since you don't want to go back to the ocean. Please, don't doubt me."

Dark Pit crossed his arms and peered away. "I know, Pit. You're right. I have no reason not to believe your intentions." He sighed and his eyes fell to the tile. "I just am uneasy about being in a tank."

Pit walked up to him then knelt down before him, pulling his hands out and holding them in his. Dark Pit looked down at the boy. His blue eyes shimmering like the sun on the ocean's waves.

"I know but I swear no one will see you. It's just going to be you, me and Palutena. Trust me."

Dark Pit studied Pit. His red eyes flickered back and forth between those ocean eyes. He sighed and glanced at the floor for a moment.

"I trust you." He met his eyes again and smiled softly "Show me the fish jail."

"Yay!" Pit cheered and wrapped his arms around the sea creature, hugging him tightly. "I'm so excited! I've been dreaming of this since I found you! I can't wait for you to meet Blue and watch you swim!"

Dark Pit chuckled and rolled his eyes. "How are we getting me there?"

"Palutena should be-"

"-right here."

Both boys turned to see Palutena entering the bathroom in a wheelchair. Pittoo stared at it strangely while Pit freaked.

"Palutena! Are you okay? What happened?" He rushed over to her.

"Oh, Pit! It was horrible! Nothing happened!" She cried out, overdramatically.

Pit stared at her, trying to understand what she meant. Dark Pit snickered while Palutena rolled her eyes.

"It was a joke, Pit." She got up off the chair. "See?"

"Oh, phew!" Pit sighed, relieved his friend wasn't in any real pain. "I was so scared you actually got hurt." His brows furrowed in confusion again. "But why do you have a wheelchair?"

"I assume for me?" guessed Dark Pit

Palutena nodded. "Yup!"

"Oh!" Again Pit's confused expression returned. "But Palutena, how're we going to keep Pittoo hydrated?"

"And hide my tail?"

Palutena reached into the pouch behind the chair and pulled out a spray bottle filled with water. "This will keep your tail hydrated and we'll use a blanket to cover it like little old ladies."

Dark Pit threw her a look.

Palutena chuckled and glanced at Pit. "Do you have a shirt for Pittoo to borrow?"

Pit nodded. "Yeah"

"Why do I need a shirt?"

"To look human. Not like anyone will see you but as a precaution."

"I guess that makes sense."

"That it does."

"I'll go get a shirt." Pit announced and left the room.

Palutena wheeled the chair over to the edge of the tub where Pittoo was and parked it in front of him.

"Can you make it into the chair or do you want me to carry you to it, boner-fish?" she teased.

Dark Pit growled at the nickname. "Stop calling me that!"

The green-haired human laughed.

"I don't need your help!" he sneered.

He inched off the tub and surprisingly made it into the chair without any difficulty. He glanced at her and smirked.

"Here you go!" Pit called out, running back into the bathroom waving around a black shirt. He approached the merman and showed him the shirt.

"I didn't know you owned anything black." He commented.

"I think this is the only black shirt I own." He handed it to him.

Dark Pit held it up and examined it. He threw Pit a look and said, "Beach Boys?"

"What?" asked Pit, innocently. "The Beach Boys were a great band."

"I'll take your word for it" he replied. He eyed it, trying to figure out how to put it on. He put it over his head but then had trouble finding the hole to stick his head through. After a few attempts he groaned, which Pit laughed at and helped him put the shirt on, like a child trying to dress themselves.

"I only need to be there for four hours. Is that okay with you guys?" Palutena asked.

"That's fine." Replied Pit.

"I don't care." Dark Pit answered when he finally got the shirt on.

"Alright, then let's get going." Palutena said.

"Yay!" Pit cheered again. He walked behind the wheelchair and pushed the sea creature out of the bathroom.

Dark Pit was surprised how easily it was to transport him. He'd spent all day crawling around the bathroom just to clean it but with this chair he was able to leave within a second. If he had this chair, he'd be able to be more mobile. He'd be able to help Pit around the house. Heck, he could spend more time with him too. Maybe later he'd ask Palutena if they could keep it.

When they reached the front door, Pit covered Dark Pit's tail with a long blanket and then opened it. They left the house and made way to Palutena's car. Dark Pit wouldn't admit he was extremely anxious being out in the open like this. He felt naked; like everyone could see what he was. However, no one was out and the ones that were, paid no mind to them.

I'm okay. No one knows what I am. I'm okay.

Pit noticed the tenseness in the merman's body. He knew that the other was feeling anxious and really, he couldn't blame him. When he helped him into the back seat, he gave him a quick peck and promised he would be okay and no one could see. That seemed to comfort him a bit. His body relaxed, especially when Pit slid in beside him.

Palutena got into the driver's seat after she folded the wheelchair into the trunk. She glanced over at the two and noticed her seats were looking sleeked.

"Am I going to have slime all over my seats?" she asked.

"Definitely"

"Yup"

She sighed. "Oh well. I'll take care of it later." She smiled at them. "Let's go to the aquarium!" She turned the engine and began backing out of the driveway.

Pit was so excited about everything. He was like a little child again. He flashed Dark Pit an eager smile. The sea creature rolled his eyes but couldn't refrain from smiling. Pit giggled and entwined their fingers together.

The ride to the aquarium wasn't a quiet one. Pit blabbed the whole way. He was way too excited about this. Dark Pit half listened to what he had to say. He was too enthralled with the scenery passing by.

He'd never seen the human world outside of the magazines and the internet. There were so many different colored lights and strange human buildings. This was his first time experiencing the night life of the humans. There were a lot of them out too but none seemed to even look his way. He wondered what they were all doing out and where they were going. He wondered what most of the shops were. He wondered if Pit had ever been in them and which were his favorite to go to.

He didn't notice Pit had stopped talking. When he realized it, he turned and saw Pit staring at him with a soft smile.

"Pretty huh?" Pit asked.

Dark Pit didn't respond.

Pit chuckled and gently elbowed him. The sea creature looked at him a little startled. Pit's smile grew and pointed to the window beside him. Dark Pit followed his gaze. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

They were driving up a hill and the ocean was in view. The moon illuminated over its waters, each wave dancing beneath its glow, taking a piece of it with them wherever they went.

The merman leaned over, getting closer to the window, as if in a trance. He was practically on Pit's lap, desperately trying to get to the window. Pit's smile fell as he saw the utter look of longing glisten in those eyes. He glanced at the window then reached over and pressed the button for it to go down. Instantly, their noses were hit with the scent of the salty ocean air. An almost sad moan escaped the merman's throat.

In that moment, Pit knew taking Dark Pit to the aquarium was a good idea. Pittoo may have claimed that he didn't miss the ocean but seeing him like this, Pit knew he did. It tugged at his heart a little. He felt like he was keeping him away from it. That made him wonder; what would happen if the day came where Pittoo wanted to return to the ocean? Of course, Pit would take him back but he'd be heartbroken. He was in love with a mythical creature. A creature that only exists in fairytales. This relationship couldn't possible work…could it?

He leaned over and pressed his lips on Pittoo's cheek.

I'm in love with you. Please let us work. He thought to himself.

Dark Pit looked over at him. There was a certain gleam in his eyes. He didn't know what was the meaning behind it but the sea creature leaned towards him and claimed his lips.

"No making out in my car," Palutena interrupted them

"Sorry!" Pit apologized.

Palutena laughed. "It's fine but we're here."

Both Pits returned their attention to the window and glanced up at the huge building approaching. It wasn't until Dark Pit was out of the car and into the wheelchair that he realized there were paintings on the wall of sea creatures. He stared up in awe and took in every detail of each creature.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Pit asked as he wheeled Dark Pit towards the front door.

"I guess so."

"Alright boys." Palutena smiled at them as she unlocked the door. "Here we go."

"Palutena, did you hack the cameras?"

"Cameras?" Dark Pit panicked a little.

"Don't worry, Ptooey, I hacked the cameras. They're set to record footage from earlier so they won't pick us up. You're safe."

Palutena opened the door and held it open for them. Pit pushed Dark Pit inside. Dark Pit glanced up around, looking at more paintings in the room and the signs pointing to different directions. He could scarcely hear the thoughts of the sea creatures in the aquarium. They weren't saying anything too interesting but they seemed content where they were. He couldn't hear the beluga whale that Pit talked about. She must've been further away.

"Okay, this is where I take my leave. I have to actually work. Are you guys going to see Blue or swim first?" Palutena asked.

The young boy glanced down at the merman. He really wanted to take Pittoo to meet Blue but after seeing him look so forlorn at the ocean, he knew it could wait for now.

"Swimming." Pit answered.

Dark Pit looked over his shoulder at the boy. Although, his face was currently expressionless, Pit could see a glimmer shine in his eyes. He knew he made the right choice.

Palutena nodded. "The tuna tank is empty." She glanced at Pittoo. "Have a nice swim."

She waved at them and walked over to the office door. She unlocked it and went inside.

"Well then, shall we?" Pit asked the sea creature as he wheeled him down a hallway.

As Pit wheeled Dark Pit towards the direction of the tuna tank, the two glanced at the tanks surrounding them. Some fish swam up to the glass to stare at Pittoo while others just swam mindlessly around.

"I wonder what they're thinking" Pit thought aloud.

"They're not." Dark Pit answered.

The boy glanced down. "They're not thinking anything?"

"Fish are very simple minded." He glanced back. "They don't think; they just do what their instinct tells them." He glanced over at the fish and grinned almost viciously at them. "Most fish are stupid which is how I lure them for dinner."

"How do you lure them?" Pit asked.

Dark Pit's face hardened and his body tensed.

"I'm sorry." Pit immediately apologized "I forgot you don't want me to know what type of fish you are."

"You're right. I don't."

Pit sighed, sadly.

Dark Pit didn't need to look back to know he'd hurt Pit's feelings. It pained him to hurt the sweet boy but he just couldn't allow Pit to know. He didn't want to lose him. If Pit ever found out what he was…it would be all over. Pit would never be able to look at him the same again. He would lose the only creature he'd ever loved and he couldn't allow that to ever happen.

"Here we are" Pit announced after several awkward silences later.

The merman glanced up at the huge empty tank. He felt a surge of desire and excitement zap through him.

"Someone's excited." Giggled Pit.

Pittoo threw a look at him and crossed his arms. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't deny it, Pittoo. I can tell you're excited because your tailfin is swaying. You always do that when you're excited."

The merman glanced at his tail peeking out of the blanket and noticed it was indeed swaying. His cheeks flared in embarrassment and replied, "shut up"

Pit laughed and escorted Dark Pit inside the Employee's Only door. He walked up to the elevator inside and typed in his employee code. The doors opened and Pit wheeled Dark Pit inside.

"What is this?" The merman asked.

"An elevator. We hardly use it unless it's to transport some heavy equipment to the tanks. This is easier than carrying you up the flight of stairs. Of course, I wouldn't mind carrying you." Pit blushed.

"Like I'd let you carry me." Retorted Dark Pit

Pit wrapped his arms around him and leaned into his ear and whispered, "You wouldn't have a choice." Then kissed his cheek.

A wave of arousal washed over Dark Pit when his human said that. He was glad mating season was over. He'd have an erection by now.

They reached the top of the floor and the doors opened, exposing the top of the tank. Pit wheeled Dark Pit towards the edge of the water. He put the brakes on the chair then reached for the blanket off the sea creature's lap. He reached to scoop him up but Dark Pit discarded the shirt from his skin then leaped into the water.

Pit gasped and ran to the edge. "Pittoo?"

Dark Pit seemed to be swimming deeper into the tank or otherwise didn't choose to hear him.

Pit sped off towards the door to the stairs. He flew open the door then descended quickly down the flight of stairs. Once at the bottom, he ran to the tank but stopped. He gasped and his hands covered his mouth. His eyes widened and he slowly walked to the glass, as if in a trance. He stared up at the glass and felt the sting of tears dwell behind his eyes.

All his life he'd imagined what it would be like to see a mermaid swim. How majestic they'd be if they were real. Now that he'd actually found a real life mermaid, well, merman, it was all he'd ever imagined and more. He thought Pittoo was beautiful before but this was a whole different category. The way his body swayed in such an elegant grace. It was like nothing he'd ever seen another sea creature have. The best way he could describe it is almost how a whale swims. It was breathtaking.

Pit wiped a tear from his eye and walked up to the glass, and pressed his hands on it.

Dark Pit felt so alive, so much more than he'd already felt. He was swimming again. He didn't realize how confined he'd felt until he felt the gravity-less water around him. He smiled to himself and closed his eyes. He spun and twirled around, kicking away water to gain speed. He swam all around the tank, three times then leaped out of the water and flipped under it. He felt so free.

He stilled his body, just letting the water carry him. He opened his eyes, seeing his black hair sway above him. He stared at the surface of the water and felt his smile widen. All of this was happening because of him. He felt that similar feeling of remorse again when he stared up at the surface. He'd been so excited and anxious to get in the water; he couldn't help but jump in. He felt bad for leaving Pit. He motioned to swim up but stopped when he heard a light tap on the glass of the tank. He glanced down in the direction of the tapping and saw Pit with his hands on the glass, beaming at him.

Dark Pit smiled and swam down towards Pit until they were eye level. Pit's smile widened and he waved. Pittoo rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the smile on his own face.

Despite the bliss the merman was currently feeling, he had to admit he hoped to never see Pit on this side. He couldn't imagine being imprisoned like this with a glass wall keeping him from the one he loved.

Dark Pit wished he could find it inside himself to confess how he felt about him. He'd never been in love before so he didn't really know how to work up the courage to say it.

An idea occurred.

He didn't have the courage to say it in human language but maybe he could say it in his own. He felt his face flush and he swam away so Pit couldn't see. He closed his eyes and spoke his language.

Pit's smile fell and his jaw dropped again as he listened to the sound coming from Pittoo. He didn't know what to make of it. It sounded like he was singing. If he had to describe it: it was like a mix between different whale's singing formed together in perfect harmony. It was beautiful. The tears fell from his eyes again. He sniffed and wiped them away and smiled lovingly as Dark Pit swam by.

The merman smiled at Pit and placed his hand on the glass, over Pit's. Pit smiled back and pressed his forehead against the glass. Dark Pit followed his lead and pressed his against the glass as well.

I love you. They both thought to the other.


Two hours passed before the merman decided he was finished swimming. Honestly, he wanted to keep at it but every time he glanced down at the boy, he'd see him patiently sitting on the floor, watching him swim like he was the most interesting thing in the world (which he was). He swam over to the glass and pointed up. Pit nodded and got up from the floor and walked over to the stairs.

The merman was already pulling himself out of the water by the time Pit reached the top.

"Gosh Pittoo, I could watch you swim for hours." He said as he trotted over to Dark Pit. "You were breathtaking."

Dark Pit chuckled. "Nice choice of words."

Pit stared at him with a blank expression. "Huh?"

"Nothing, never mind. Hold the chair for me."

"I'll do you one better." Pit scooped up the merman and grinned at his scowl then gave him a peck.

Dark Pit rolled his eyes as he was placed back in the wheelchair. Pit placed the blanket over Dark Pit's lap then wheeled him to the elevator.

Once inside Pit asked, "Did you enjoy your swim?"

"I did." Dark Pit glanced up at Pit. "Thank you for that."

Pit beamed. "I'm glad you got to swim; I'm glad I got to see you swim! You don't know how many times I used to imagine how mermaids looked when they swam. You just made a childhood dream of mine come true!"

"You're a goob." Dark Pit chuckled.

"How do you know that word?"

"Internet"

Pit laughed. "I'm surprised you didn't want to swim longer. I mean, you've been in my tub for almost five months. Wouldn't you want to swim more than two hours?"

"I think you just want to be a creeper and watch me swim."

"Well, I do enjoy watching you."

Pittoo laughed. "I knew you wanted me to meet the whale."

The elevator doors opened and Pit pushed Dark Pit out. He turned down the nearest hallway towards the direction of Blue's tank.

"You almost sound like a whale when you sing." Pit noted.

"That's how we trick humans underwater. They mistake us for whales even though we sound slightly different from them."

Pit nodded. "I could tell. You sing beautifully." He blushed.

"Thanks but I wasn't singing. I was speaking in my language."

"Really?"

Dark Pit nodded.

"I thought you said if I ever heard your language, it would shatter my ears?"

"Above water, yes. Underwater, no."

"So like Harry Potter?"

"I don't know what that is."

"You poor soul."

Dark Pit chuckled. "Anyways, that was my language."

"It's beautiful. What were you saying?"

Pittoo blushed and glanced at the fish passing by him. "Nothing, really."

"Oh. I thought maybe you were saying something to me." He said, a little embarrassed and disappointed.

"I was" Dark Pit confessed.

"I knew it!" His earlier feelings diminished. "What were you saying?"

Dark Pit shrugged. He was glad his back was to the human. His face was flushed. "I'll tell you one day."

"Promise?"

Dark Pit nodded and glanced over his shoulder to look at his human. "I promise."

Pit smiled in satisfaction with that answer. He leaned over and planted their lips together.

"Here we are!" Pit accidentally shouted it Dark Pit's ear when they reached Blue's tank. "Blue!"

Is that my human? Is my Pit here so late? Dark Pit heard a deep majestic voice echo in the tank before them. Within a second, the beluga whale appeared before them.

Pit walked up to the glass and waved to the whale. "Hi Blue!"

You are here, my human. Blue waved back and released a happy whistle. She flipped and twirled in excitement.

"I'm happy to see you too, girl." Pit hugged the glass. "I have someone I want you to meet." Pit turned to Dark Pit. "This is Dark Pit aka Pittoo."

Blue stared over in Dark Pit's direction

So we meet at last, Dark Pit

"So we do."

"What is she saying?" asked Pit.

Dark Pit ignored the human and wheeled himself closer to the tank.

Pit has been most eager for us to meet. I admit I have been as well. Ever since I first caught your scent on him.

"Is that so?"

Blue nodded. I was surprised to learn that he found a merperson. Your kind hardly reveals itself.

"We try not to, for good reason."

"Pittoo~" Pit whined. "What is she saaaaaaying?"

Dark Pit glanced over at Pit. "She just says she's surprised to see a merperson."

You can speak to him?

Dark Pit looked back at her, "Yes, I've been speaking in his language this whole time."

I wasn't aware. Can you tell him something for me?

Dark Pit folded his arms. "What is it?"

Can you tell him that I love him dearly and that I owe him my life.

"Owe your life?"

Blue whistled. Pit was the only one that continued to check on me and care for me when I was first brought here. I never thought my injuries would heal until he took care of me. He is a good human.

Pittoo nodded and looked up at Pit. "Blue says she loves you and that she owes you her life for what you did for her."

"Awww Blue!" Pit looked over at the whale. He ran up to the glass and hugged it again. "I love you too."

Dark Pit felt a singe of envy. He wished Pit would say that to him.

Thank you, Dark Pit. I have waited a long time for him to know.

"You didn't need me to tell him. He already knew."

Pit watched the two have their semi-private conversation. He was so glad that the two finally met and were having a good conversation. Seeing them interact like this made him happier than he already was.

About a minute after watching their interactions and hearing Pittoo's side of the conversation, he had to use the bathroom. He leaned down and pressed his lips against his merman's cheek and announced he had to use the restroom and he'd be right back. Dark Pit nodded and watched him go.

He cares for you.

"I know" Dark Pit replied. "Just like you, I owe him my life.

You are in love with him.

Dark Pit glanced in the direction Pit went and nodded. "I am." He chuckled to himself. "Never thought I would love a human."

Pit has that effect on us sea creatures. Something in Blue's mood changed. She glanced over to Dark Pit's left. All but one.

Dark Pit glanced over to where Blue was staring. He noticed there was something just staring his direction. He narrowed his eyes and glanced up at Blue then back at the other fish. He didn't say anything to the whale as he wheeled himself to the "Creatures of the Deep" section. He rolled right up to the tank and saw a frilled shark staring at him.

Well, well, look what we have here. A tasty little merman has lost his way from the ocean and has ended up here like the rest of us. What tank are you going to be in little merman? The frilled shark's voice was high pitch yet threatening.

Dark Pit stared at him.

Not going to talk to me? You were talking to the fat head whale over there. Am I not good enough to talk to? That's sad, you'd rather talk to a blowhole head than your own kind.

"I am not one of your kind."

No, but you belong in the depths like me. I can tell what fish type you are. Maybe they will have us be roomies? It'll be fun having some company for a little while, until I get bored and decide to eat you, little merman.

Dark Pit laughed, humorlessly and crossed his arms. "You actually believe you're stronger than me?"

No, I know. I will take you down. I will sink my sharp teeth into your soft flesh and rip you apart. I will tear your limbs apart and devour you in front of that human boy you've mated with.

Dark Pit narrowed his eyes. "How do you know?"

The frilled shark's already permanent grin widened. I could smell you all over him. I do hope he was enjoyable enough for you. He will be enjoyable for me too.

"What the fuck are you talking about?" he snarled. The anger in him started to flow. He could feel his teeth and nails sharpen. His eyes flashed white for a moment.

Don't worry little merman, I have no desire to mate with him. But I do want his body as well. I want all of him. Since the moment I was brought to this prison. I've seen many delicious looking humans pass by me but none as appealing as him. I watch him. I wait for him to pass by. I grin with glee when I see him stare at me with those frighten blue eyes. I thirst for his fear and I hunger for his flesh. When he goes to spend time with that blowhole head, I pop my head out and I can smell him. I can smell you all over him too. You ruin his succulent tender scent. I can only dream about sinking my teeth into his soft flesh. The shark that got him before me is lucky. He got to taste him. However, it was just a bite. When I sink my teeth in him, I won't leave a scar. I'll leave him in pieces and swallow every bit of him. Enjoy your mating session you desperate little merman. It won't be long before he's mine.