We woke to the alarm, both of us groaning as Berwald reached blindly for the snooze button. He ended up falling out of bed in the process, and that made it pretty much impossible for him to return to the cocoon of warmth we'd created. He turned it off, then gave me a kiss, tucking me back into bed.
"Ah'll be home later." He promised, brushing my bangs back and planting a kiss to my forehead. Usually I got up with him in the mornings, but I was pretty tired, so I nodded, snuggling back into the comforter. I didn't have much body heat of my own, so I had to bask in what warmth he left for me. Thankfully, human clothing did a good job of keeping one warm, so I fared pretty well during the day. But I wasn't wearing any at that point, so that tidbit didn't really matter.
I heard him showering, heard him making something to eat, and heard him leave. He called back to me to tell me he loved me, then the door clicked shut. I was too tired to yell back, but he already knew how I felt. The words weren't necessary.
It didn't take long for me to fall asleep again, and I snoozed until about ten. The bed wasn't very warm at all anymore, so I got up sluggishly, taking a warm shower to get me moving again. Once I was functioning properly, I meandered into the kitchen and warmed up the breakfast he'd left for me, checking on the egg while I waited for the whirring box of magic heat to warm my food. It was as it had been; still, quiet. I gazed down at it fondly nonetheless, smiling as I pictured what kind of creature might come out. I couldn't wait to love it.
I sat down to my breakfast and took my time eating, knowing I wouldn't have much to do aside from cleaning, which I had quickly bored of. There's only so much dust that can gather in any one house, after all. Berwald, in trying to be a good boyfriend, had tried to take over cleaning duties for a while. He couldn't find anything to do though, and eventually gave up on that.
After eating and washing my plate, I went out to tend my garden. I ended up taking some flowers inside, since they were growing so well. I found a vase under the sink to put them in, smiling at the pretty blooms. I hoped Berwald would like them.
Boredom set in after that, something I was getting used to. I tried drawing, but nothing looked very good, so I decided it wasn't a good day for drawing. And, after watching the same Moomin DVD for the tenth time, and singing the theme under my breath, I decided I needed to stop. Berwald would yell at me if he knew. Apparently there was such a thing as too much Moomin. Fancy that!
Glancing at the clock, I whined. It wasn't even noon, and I was already fidgeting. What was I to do? I thought about visiting Matthew, but I didn't want to bother him twice in a row. Eduard usually had a shift around that time, so he was out of the question too.
Sighing with resignation, I located the not-light-up brick that was the house phone, and, with a bit of effort, managed to call Berwald's office. He picked up, and I let him know that I wanted to join him for lunch. I could practically hear his smile as he agreed and promised to wait to eat. Then I got to work, making my own lunch and a bit of dessert. I knew he already had one, so I didn't bother with two. It made the process quicker, and I took up a quick pace to the office building, knowing he was already behind schedule for his normal lunch time.
It was a bit chilly outside, and I realised that it was getting later in the year. I'd always been underwater for the changing of seasons, but I knew when they were transitioning because of the different fish that would be migrating. Now it was made obvious by colors. The trees, instead of the bright green I'd grown used to, had begun taking on colors of orange, brown, red, and yellow. It was pretty, and a sight I enjoyed. But it was tinged with a bit of melancholy, as I knew that they were changing these colors because they were dying. But they'd live again in spring, so I didn't dwell on it too much.
I could see Berwald's building up ahead, and smiled to myself, almost tripping over my feet in my excitement to see him. I was late to begin with, so all I could think about was getting inside. Besides, he'd be expecting me. I reached for the handle of the door, turning when I heard some footsteps, thinking it might be Berwald, or one of his coworkers. Elizabeta and I had chatted a few times while I waited for him to finish up. I was kind of hoping for Berwald though, thinking he might have come out to meet me. Maybe he wanted to eat outside for a change of pace.
He had me by the hair before I could even register who was standing in front of me. I screamed, dropping the bag with my lunch and trying desperately to escape, but his grip was unfaltering, pulling my hair painfully taught. Before I could make any more noise, the Hunter covered my mouth with his hand, cupping it so that I would be unable to bite him. I struggled frantically, but as it had been the first time he captured me, his hold was stronger than mine. Tears welled to my eyes, pearls falling to the ground with a sound akin to falling rain.
How had he found me? I hadn't so much as neared the ocean since the day I took the egg from the dying mermaid, and that was the only time I had approached it since escaping. Surely he couldn't have seen, couldn't have known. Any sane Mer would have forgotten about me after I was fished out by the net.
He dragged me into an alleyway, keeping me pressed close against his chest. I screamed and begged, but it was all muffled by his hand. He brought his lips to my ear, his breath uncomfortably hot as it fell upon my skin.
"No one can hear you. Stop." He commanded, and I did as he said, silencing my yells to pathetic whimpers of fear. I shook, knowing from experience that I had no chance of escaping the Hunter without aid. My throat tightened as I thought of Berwald, right inside of the building to my left, the wall close enough for me to reach out and touch. Yet he couldn't hear me, couldn't help me. I howled with distress, my tears increasing in number as I resigned myself to what was surely about to happen.
I tried to remember the last moment that Berwald and I had shared with one another. I hadn't gotten up with him like I usually did. I didn't eat breakfast with him, or wish him a good day, or send him off with a kiss. I hadn't even told him I loved him as he left. Had I told him on the phone? When was the last time I kissed him properly? The memory seemed foggy, all of my days spent with Berwald blending into one and making it impossible for me to know if I had done those things that day, or the day before. Did Berwald know? Would he know, in the weeks to come, as he returned home to an empty house, that I loved him more than life itself? As he raised the little Mer child that was going to hatch soon, would he remember that I was just as excited as he to be a parent, by his side? When he laid in his large bed, all alone, having trouble falling asleep, would he hear my soft lullabies filled with words of love, as if a sigh on the wind?
I went limp, too much weighing on my mind for me to remain upright anymore. But, as my fortune would have it, the Hunter obviously wasn't as accustom to land as I was. He stumbled with the sudden weight, having to use his hands to catch himself on the wall, lest he fall himself. He cursed, hands reaching for me the moment he had his footing again, but I had taken full advantage of my opportunity, darting away from him as quickly as I could, standing back up and breaking into a run. He, of course, pursued, but fell behind me as he strained the limbs he was unfamiliar with. But I knew that his stamina was better than mine. Though I could run faster, he would outlast me. I screamed for Berwald as I passed through the alley and the door of his office building, praying he would hear me. But I had no time to stop and see, the Hunter was hot on my trail, rushing me into a panic that left me sprinting down the street.
I had run for what seemed like ages before, mentally scolding myself for my stupidity, I realised that I should have entered the office building earlier. The Hunter wouldn't dare harm me in the presence of so many humans, and if he tried, surely someone would stop him! I turned a corner, deciding to run around the block. I was more than halfway back, but I could feel the fatigue catching up to me, and with it the Hunter. I pushed my body, turning the last corner. I could see the building, and someone standing outside. Someone very tall, very familiar.
"Berwald!" I cried, my spirits lifting. He looked my way, but I couldn't see his expression yet. Surely it was surprise. But I didn't care. Just seeing him was enough to make me feel safe again. It was stupid of me to think so, though.
I was tackled to the ground, falling harshly on the unforgiving pavement. I could feel my skin scraping against the hard ground, and the wetness that began to seep from my new wounds. I yelped, quickly turning over in a bid to fight the Hunter off, but he had already proven a better fighter than me, and the most I could do was hold my arms up to protect my face. I could hear Berwald calling to me, his voice nearing each time I heard it. However, before my love could get to me, the Hunter ceased his attack, drawing me once more against his body. One of his hands disappeared for a moment, then pressed against my throat, the cold bite of a sharpened bone sending shivers down my spine. I looked up to see Berwald had halted, only a few feet away from me, a look of horror upon his face.
"No closer." The Hunter spat, pressing the blade closer to my pulse. I whined, looking up at Berwald sadly. He was speechless, frozen and unable to help me. "Back up. Over there." The Hunter demanded, pointing to a spot much further away. Berwald shook his head, staying firmly planted. The Hunter growled, but seemingly decided to ignore him. He turned me to face him, looking at me with apparent disgust.
"Have you any words for your lover? I'll give you only a moment, so I suggest you make it fast." He sneered, dark eyes offering no indications of his feelings. Perhaps he had none. I turned my face to look at Berwald, renewed tears spilling forth as I saw his terror-stricken face. I scrambled for what to say. There were so many things, so many loose ends, things I knew would take me an eternity to say. I stuttered, unable to think, unable to speak. The hunter made a noise of annoyance, pressing the blade against my pulse harder, threatening me effectively. I whined, looking once more at my love.
"I'm sorry, Berwald, for everything. I've been nothing but trouble, I know. But I love you, I really do. Please, take care of the baby when it hatches, I promised the mother I would, so promise me that you'll keep my promise for me?" I plead, not waiting for his answer or bothering with proper speech. "I loved living with you, and I love you so much, so please, don't forget me." I cried, my words broken by heavy sobs. He tried to speak to me as well, to assure me that I wasn't going to die here, but I knew better. I returned my gaze to the Hunter, pleading silently with him to let me go, but it had no effect. He pressed the blade against my neck, and I could feel the first inklings of pain as he drew blood. I cried out, trying to focus on Berwald's voice, wanting him to be the last thing I heard, at least. He yelled my name, and I knew that he had lurched forward in an attempt to save me. My eyes widened with fear at the thought of the Hunter killing him as well, but suddenly the pressure was gone from my throat.
I waited, expecting my world to go black with death, but it didn't. In fact, everything was just as vivid as it had always been. I was confused, a million thoughts running through my mind as I looked up at my would-be killer. But instead of malice or anger at his failure in taking my life, he was crying. The pearls fell upon my lap, mixing with my own, my eyes widening at the sight. I could feel each one, a muffled tapping sound just barely audible as they bounced from my legs to the ground. He pulled me to him, not to force me to his will, but to embrace me. His arms wrapped around me, his head falling into the crook of my shoulder as he wept.
Berwald, after seeing the scene, came around behind the Hunter, looking at me with worry evident, though he seemed comforted by my being alive. He was just as confused as I. The Hunter began mumbling, incoherently at first, but I eventually realised he was saying a name, over and over again.
"-il, I'm sorry Emil, I tried. Emil-"
I frowned, recognising the name, but wondering how the Hunter knew it. I pushed him from me, holding him at arm's length as I looked him over. He looked utterly broken, his eyes far away, his consciousness obviously lost within a memory that only he could see. It was such a juxtaposition, considering what I'd seen of him up to that point. All I'd known was that he was cold, calculating, and cruel. It never dawned on me that he felt emotions just as I did. While he was, clearly, better at hiding them behind a facade, he still had them.
Taking the intelligent course of action for once in my life, I removed the knife from his hand, throwing it far beyond his reach, then I shook him harshly, forcing him to remember where he was. It was cruel of me, perhaps, but I had no sympathy for him. He had made me too miserable too many times for me to indulge in this sudden breakdown of his. His gaze snapped up to meet mine, anger slowly making it to his expression at last. He looked as if he was about to say something, maybe curse me, but I cut him off.
"How do you know that name?" I demanded.
"What?" He snarled.
"Emil. How do you know that name?" I pressed, glaring. He paused, thinking over his answer before he gave it. I could tell he was hesitant about answering me at all, but I think he realised just how few his options were at the moment. He no longer had the upper hand.
"...He was my brother. But he died years ago. What business is it of yours?" He questioned, glaring at me just as much as I was him. I ignored his question.
"Why did you start crying all of a sudden?"
He was quiet for a long time, sizing me up, as if considering whether he could escape me or not. But Berwald's presence made that pretty much impossible. I worried for a moment that he would simply attack me with his fists, but he bit his lip instead.
"...You remind me of him." He admitted, glancing away for a moment. "But it doesn't matter, he's dead, and so should you be." He spat, his focus landing on the knife I had thrown. I scowled at him, snapping my fingers in his face to return his attention to me.
"He had violet eyes?" I suggested. He nodded, his expression hardening. "And how old was he when he died?"
"What do you care?! Leave it!" He yelled, his lips curling into a snarl. But I didn't falter. After seeing him, so entirely broken right in front of me, my fear of him had waned. I realised that he was just as mortal as me. It was a strange idea, and I was having some difficulty with wrapping my mind around it. However, he was now disarmed, and therefore not much of a threat to me, seeing as Berwald was looming just behind him, should he try anything.
"Answer me!" I yelled right back, daring him with my eyes to deny me again. He met my gaze, obviously intent on challenging me. But I guess he weighed his chances, and finally admitted his defeat.
"...He had seen five years." He mumbled. I frowned, doing the math, his words only confirming my suspicions. I worried my lip between my teeth, looking him over again. He looked positively miserable, tired, and completely destroyed. I sighed.
"...Are you Lukas?" I asked. His face shot up, his eyes wide with surprise.
"How did-"
"I know your brother." I announced. I watched as several emotions flickered across his previously blank face. Confusion, anger, disbelief, hope, each as fleeting as the flame of a candle melted to the last bit of wick. He finally made eye contact with me, taking a moment to think of his words, cautious with his question.
"What do you mean?" He demanded, though his voice was no longer the harsh and commanding tone of before.
"I mean that I know him. He and I shared sleeping space before I escaped from you the first time." I explained. His skepticism was evident, but still I could see the undeniable hope that was forming in his heart.
"You mean to say... He's alive?" He wondered, his voice growing smaller towards the end.
"He was when I left." I confirmed. He sat back, taking in the new information. I gave him a moment to think, looking up to Berwald. He still looked worried, but he was easily comforted by a smile from me. I opened my arms, beckoning him over to me. He walked quickly, nearly knocking me over as he quickly knelt and embraced me. He held on way too tight, but I understood his desperation; we had almost lost one another only moments prior. Still, I kept my eyes on the Hunter, my wariness of him not having faded. He waited for Berwald and I to part before asking his next question.
"Please, where is he?" He begged, his voice barely audible, obviously strained with the effort of not crying again. I bit my lip, worrying it between my teeth again. To put it simply, I couldn't tell him where to find his brother. Though he was obviously telling the truth about his long lost family member, and though I knew Emil would want to see him too, I couldn't just lead him to the caves. Every Violet-Eyes I knew lived there, relying on the secrecy for their safety. I could not jeopardize all of their lives. He was, after all, still a Hunter.
"Please." He whispered. I sighed, having made my decision.
"I can't." I told him. His face fell, and I could see his heart beginning to break right before my eyes. Before he could get too sad, or too angry, I continued. "But I'll go get him for you." I added. He seemed surprised, but didn't raise any protest. "I can't tell you where he is, for he is in hiding with many other Violet-Eyes. I don't trust you enough to send you to him. But I'll tell him that you are here, waiting for him." He nodded vigorously. "However, you have to stay with Berwald while I'm gone. I won't have you tailing me. And you need to answer some questions." He agreed quickly, thanking me profusely. Berwald, however, wasn't so keen on the idea.
"Tino," he called, getting my attention. "Isn't it dangerous for ya?" He asked, and I frowned, nodding.
"Yes, but I should be fine if I'm careful." I assured him.
"If your hiding place is anywhere near where I found you, I can tell you that your chances are very good. I am the only Hunter that patrols that area, so unless the king was somehow alerted of a large population, there shouldn't be anyone around." The Hunter offered. It was apparent that Berwald was uncomfortable with the idea, but he knew better than to try and talk me out of it. He had learned that my stubbornness would win out over his better judgment.
A lot happened after that. Berwald had to go back to work, at least to explain that he had to leave. The Hunter, Lukas, ended up coming in with us, since I didn't trust him to be out of my sight. I made sure to pick the knife up as I passed, handing it to Berwald for safekeeping. While I got the feeling that the Hunter was done attacking me, I wasn't taking any chances. Too many times carelessness had nearly taken my life, and I wouldn't risk it again.
He came quietly, Berwald in front of him, me behind him.
We walked straight to the shift manager, and Berwald began explaining that we were having a family emergency, and that he needed to leave. The shift manager, of course, was against it, and they began arguing a bit. That drew attention, and a few other employees started gathering to see what the fuss was. Berwald was always such a good employee, it must have been surprising to see him asking to go on such short notice.
Eventually news got around to Mathias, and he came to see what was up. I caught his eyes, and he tried to ask me what was going on, pushing his way to the front. He kind of froze when his eyes landed on the Hunter though.
"Lukas?" He breathed, looking at him with obvious confusion. The Hunter looked up at him briefly, sighing. "What are you doing here?" He wondered.
"Not now." Lukas replied quietly, shooting him a glare that practically begged him to ask again.
I myself was looking at Mathias with a bit of horror. Everything started clicking in my mind. Mathias had mentioned a guest, one he'd met on the beach. The guest was violent. The guest was looking for someone. And Mathias had been interested in my eye color.
They were vague clues, and I couldn't be mad at myself for not seeing them. But I wished I had. I wondered to myself if Mathias knew what he'd done, if he knew that he'd almost gotten me killed. Probably not, to be truthful.
He listened to Berwald, who had finally convinced the manager to let him go, and piped up.
"I need to go too." He announced, and the manager looked at him incredulously. "This involves me too." He explained. Berwald had clearly worn the man down, for he threw his arms up and stormed off to his office.
And so, five minutes later, we were walking to our house. None of us spoke until we were inside, and not until we'd all gathered in the kitchen. Lukas sat down at the island, and I would have griped at him for stealing Berwald's seat, but I could tell he was exhausted, both mentally and physically. I was too. But, not wanting to be too close to the Hunter, I leaned against Berwald for support.
Mathias was the first to speak.
"So, what the hell is going on?" He asked. The rest of us sighed, displaying varying degrees of annoyance.
"I'm goin' to take a chance an' guess this is yer gues'?" Berwald replied, nodding towards Lukas. Mathias nodded. "Well, he jus' tried to kill Tino." He said simply. Lukas cringed, and Mathias blinked owlishly.
"He... What?" He demanded, looking at Lukas now. The one in question sighed.
"I told you I am a Hunter. You never asked what I hunted. I hunt Violet-Eyed Mer." He explained, pointing to me. Mathias looked my way this time, into my eyes, then back to Lukas.
"You... You hunt people?" He questioned. Lukas nodded.
"They are considered less by the Mer people, but yes." He agreed.
"And... Tino is a Mer too?" He inquired, looking at me doubtfully.
"Yes." I supplied, lacing my fingers with Berwald's.
He took several seconds to go over this new information, eyes darting between Lukas and I, until he finally came to his conclusion, horror taking his expression.
"So... All this time that you've been going on about this person you had to find, it was Tino?" He asked, and Lukas nodded. "And... You wanted to find him... To kill him?" Again, a nod.
Mathias made a noise, turning to me.
"I... Shit, I'm so sorry! I had no idea that he was a murderer!" He cried. "I just thought he was looking for a relative or something! Jesus! I'm an accomplice!" He groaned, throwing an exasperated look at Lukas who only huffed.
"It's my job." He said, likely hoping to defend himself, though it was making no one feel better.
"But, you're still alive." Mathias pointed out, looking at me. "So what happened?"
And we filled him in. We had to explain a lot, about me, about Emil, about Violet-Eyes. I wasn't sure he completely had a grip on it when we finished, but he'd done his best. He had, not very discreetly, scooted closer to Berwald and I while we recounted the story.
When everyone was up to speed, it was agreed that we all needed to sleep. But we still couldn't trust Lukas, so Berwald refused to let him go home with Mathias. Feeling guilty, Mathias offered to help us watch him, and we set them up in the living room after moving the egg to our own room. For the first time, Berwald locked the bedroom door before he wrapped his arms around me, massaging my tired muscles and cooing to me about how much he loved me, and how glad he was that we were both alive. And I returned the sentiment as long as I could, eventually nodding off to a soft murmur that I didn't really hear.
A/N: I told you guys the climax was coming. Practically everything has been revealed! But there are a couple more chapters to come, so hang in there guys. Almost there, I promise!
A lot of people had already guessed about Lulu. In fact, I bet pretty much all of you guys did. But Emi was a surprise, right? You have to give me that one! Please? I thought I was doing a pretty good job of hiding his identity.
Today in the 'Author's life' segment, we shall talk about my current cosplay project. I mentioned before that I'm doing Anna from Frozen. I get that Frozen isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm super excited about this one. I'm really excited to play with kids, like, you don't even understand! I've got my cloak cut out and ready to sew, and I've started working on the skirt as well. I unfortunately don't think I'll get it done in time for my next convention, so I probably won't debut it till April. But I also wanted to mention that I'll be at Planet Comicon this year. If you're going, you should say hi! I'll be working with D20, but I can spare a few minutes to chat, if you'd like to talk for a bit!
Alright, I shall leave it at that for now! Hope you guys are doing well, and please leave a review or comment if you have the time. I eat them, did you know?
KuroRiya
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