"Tino-like- what are we going to do?!" Feliks panic whispered to Tino, he had every right to be upset as he angrily kicked a wall in frustration. He paused. "Did anyone see that?" He asked after a second. Tino looked over at the children.

"No."

"Urg!" Feliks struck the wall with his foot again once he knew he could get away with it. "The bastard left us to die-"

"-Don't think like that, Feliks. We need to be strong for the children's sake."

"Okay, okay, but Tino, we have no food-" Feliks started to count off on his fingers. "-No drinkable water, we're stuck in the middle of the ocean, and we're caring for children that aren't ours. That's scary enough in a school, but this… this is nightmare fuel." Feliks hissed between his teeth. "That and the kids have to know something is up by now."

"If we tell them they'll panic. I don't know about you, but twenty little panicking ten-year-olds will not make this situation any better."

Feliks angrily pursed his lips to the side as he knew Tino had a point there. "You have experience, can't you just drive us out of here?"

"One: Marine, not Navy. Two: Even if I did. The GPS is cut as well as the radio. There's only so much gas, Feliks. The ocean is massive. One wrong turn and we're… in the same situation, only just slightly to the left."

"Your sarcasm is noted." Feliks huffed.

"Nevertheless: Our best bet is to just stay here, hopefully by now somebody has to know something is up."

"Speaking of which: What time is it?"

Tino glanced at his watch. "Nearly two. Jesus Christ…"

Feliks looked back over at the students who were talking amongst themselves. Some looked nervous, while others didn't see anything wrong. "I just wish we would have told the students to pack a lunch."

"I wish I would have told the principal to 'fuck off' when he told me the field trip changed."

Feliks sighed. "Same."

Tino started to fan himself as the sun was right on them and the boat. "We should move the kids. Somewhere safer, away from the equipment and railings. I already caught Feliciano trying to climb on the railings."

"Agreed. The kids need to be away somewhere safer, but where? The captain quarters is covered in glass, and also if they see the GPS and radio-"

"The hull. We'll put 'em in the hull. That way they're also out of the sun. We didn't bring any sunscreen, don't forget that."

"The hull… I see your point, we can lie and say it's something else we're learning… I guess."

"Yeah, well I want them there for another reason. In case help doesn't come tonight they're going to need a place to sleep. The hull is cool and safest for that… but god help us if we get caught in a storm."

"Tino… you know we can't keep this lie up much longer."

Tino frowned as he pulled at his collar. "I know. Let's get the kids to the hull. We'll take half-hour shifts coming up and keeping a lookout for help." Tino pulled out his phone ready to make a timer, Feliks did the same.

Tino couldn't get past his lock screen. He just stared at the picture. It was one of the few pictures Tino managed to get him, Sven, and Berwald all in together. His hands started to shake slightly and he had to force them to still before it was noticed by Feliks. The idea of him dying at sea… was not a pleasant one. It also didn't help when he thought about what would happen if something horrible did happen to the students.

All those parents mourning their young ones who barely got to live…

A pain he knew all too well.

'Like I said this morning. No parent will feel as I do. I will do what it takes to have them survive. I have to.' Tino set his timer shortly after Feliks had set his. "I'll take the first shift."

"Lukas, maybe this time attack like you mean it?"

"Screw you." Lukas's lack of practice was showing and he was already exhausted. He was panting on the floor, but he still had enough energy to raise his right hand and gave Arthur the finger.

Arthur paused before letting out a laugh he tried to suppress. "Cute." He grinned in response. Before sighing and looking at the red barrier that stood between them and the children. Emil was awake now and glad to see Lukas and Arthur, however, it seemed he couldn't hear them.

Emil had tried to ram himself in the barrier a couple of times in a hopeless attempt to get to his guardian. Eventually, upon seeing that Arthur and Lukas were trying to tear the barrier down, he stopped and resided in a corner. Arthur had a sharp eye out and noticed that Emil was holding onto another tiny hand. No doubt, that hand belonged to Petru. It made Arthur's heart race just thinking about it.

They were so close.

"You know… if Emil were younger, I think he would have killed Petru for food by now." Arthur decided to joke a bit to lighten the mood.

Lukas harrumphed at that and put his hands on his hips. "Then Marius would kill us and the rest of the ocean life on top of it. Also, Emil wasn't a cannibal and he wasn't always blood-hungry-"

"-Didn't you once tell me he tried to fight an octopus?"

"He was scrappy… also, don't give me that. If I remember correctly, you had to physically pull Liam off of an Anglerfish."

"Hey, that's different-..." Arthur raised his finger, opened his mouth, shut it again, and then just paused entirely. Lukas crossed his arms, patiently waiting. "If memory serves right … he said the fish was ugly."

Lukas just shook his head before glancing inside the cave. He looked inside at Emil who was staring intensely at them. Petru's hand held tightly in his. They couldn't see Petru. "Do you think Marius ever had to pry Petru off of a dangerous sea creature?"

Arthur scoffed. "No, because Marius would have turned the creature to dust before it attacked."

"..."

"...Also… I doubt. Petru was young when the whole ordeal happened." Arthur grumbled. Lukas looked over at Arthur. Arthur was gripping his own right arm with his left hand. Arthur tightened the grip so he was digging his nails into his arm. "It never should have come to this…"

"So... why did it?" Lukas asked the question he's been wanting to ask for years now. "Why Petru?"

Arthur bit his lip and Lukas could start to see scratches forming where Arthur was clutching. "I… I don't know. I was so-so angry. I just wanted Marius to feel the same pain I was feeling at the time."

"...I know the feeling. When Marius and I had our big blowout, he had accidentally hit Emil and I just lost all sort of control. Petru tried to stop me and for a moment, for just a moment I thought about attacking him along with Marius." Lukas shook his head. "But, I'll repeat what I told you before. Petru was just a child and you punished him for Marius's wrongdoing."

"You don't think I know that?" Arthur whispered. "I'm trying to fix this mess I created. Okay?"

Lukas frowned. For a moment they stood side by side and just stared into the barrier. Then Lukas reached over and lightly touched Arthur's shoulder. Arthur stiffened and looked at him. "...Together. We'll clean this mess up together."

"-You mean-"

"With how crazy Marius has gotten, with how out of touch with reality he's becoming and the lengths he's willing to go. I can't afford to stay hidden. Not just for my sake."

Arthur reached over and gripped Lukas's shoulder. "So, attacking this thing isn't working." Arthur gestured towards the barrier. "I'm out of ideas."

"...It's not invincible. This much we know. This magic is strong, but it can crack if under enough pressure. Attacking causes it to crack, but it heals just as quickly…" Lukas rubbed his chin. "Marius wanted this, obviously, he wanted it to be resilient to almost any type of attack. paranoia, no doubt."

"Only the paranoid survive," Arthur grumbled.

"... Yes, but regardless. We have to think, Arthur. How can the two of us break this barrier down?" Lukas finally let go of Arthur's shoulder and swam up the barrier. Lukas touched the barrier. It was warm beneath his fingertips. There to keep the children in, safe, and secure.

Lukas shut his eyes and he could feel Marius's magic vibrate under his fingertips. Lukas focused on how the barrier felt beneath his fingertips. The barrier almost felt like it was ebbing and flowing, like the sea. In a strange way, it almost felt like it was pulsating. 'Maybe how it heals itself so fast?' Lukas thought. 'It rapidly moves in order to keep itself up and strong… so… maybe…'

"What are you thinking, mate?"

Lukas bit back an easy joke on the word 'mate' and instead focused back around to Arthur. "The barrier. It's constantly moving."

"Hm…" Arthur hummed in thought and swam up right next to Lukas. "May I?"

"It's not my barrier." Lukas dryly commented and Arthur reached over to touch it. Arthur paused for a heartbeat as he shut his eyes, taking in the movement for himself.

"I think it must be healing itself that way."

"You're on the right track." Arthur let go of the barrier and turned to Lukas. "It's healing because that's what Marius intended it to do. As we mentioned, Marius is paranoid with every right to be. The question is if the movement is as you say: and it's healing itself through its movement. Or: It's moving because it's connected to Marius, which could be bad for us." Arthur stared at the ground as he rubbed his chin in thought.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, if this barrier goes down, Marius will know it. He'll feel it and that's not something we need right now."

Lukas sighed and let Arthur's word sink in for a few seconds. "Let's say you're right. The barrier goes down and Marius knows...then isn't that good? That'll get Marius away from the boat-"

"Boat?!" Arthur whipped his head around fast as he stared at Lukas. "What boat?"

"You don't know?" Lukas felt shocked for a moment. He had assumed that Arthur had known about Marius's grand plan. Then again, Lukas only figured it out through dumb luck. If Lovino hadn't have told him, he wouldn't have known either. "I have reason to believe that in a desperate attempt to save Petru in any way he can he might be targeting… human children on a fishing boat."

"..." Arthur stared blankly at the floor for a long period of time. His mind trying its hardest to process what Lukas just told him. Until finally he just said: "I knew he was keeping Petru alive through some means, but… to kill human children...I...I thought he was just kidnapping them." Arthur shook his head. He put his hand to his mouth. "Liam and I… we've stopped him a handful of times...from taking children off the shore. I just… You're right… I created a monster."

Lukas felt his lips pursed into a thin and tight line. "I… no." Lukas huffed out. "Let's face it. I'm not innocent in this either. I helped create the monster just as well. But, we can't focus on that or the past anymore. Right now we need to break this barrier down. If it catches Marius's attention then it's for the best, right? He'll have to leave the boat alone to check on Petru."

"Yes… Yes! You're right. We'll break the barrier. It's either connected to him or it's not… for once… I pray it is. For those children's sake." Arthur sighed out and squared his shoulders. "I already have an idea."

"Yeah? I'm all ears."

"We're going to still it. Make it stop moving."

"That's possible?"

Arthur nodded. "It's possible between the two of us and it's simple. What we're going to do is just this: Add pressure with magic. Force it to a still, and once it's stilled-"

"-Keep adding pressure, Right? Make it crack on its own?"

Arthur couldn't hide his smile. "Exactly. The more pressure we add with our magic the less it'll be able to fight back." Arthur reached out and touched the barrier with gentle hands. "But… this comes at a bit of a cost. The more magic we use-"

"The less energy we'll have after it's done."

"I hate to brag, but between the two of us, I've been keeping up with my limits."

Lukas sighed. "Unlike you and Marius I've never had any desire to pass out due to exhaustion. I still don't actually… However, I'm willing to do whatever I have to get Emil and Petru out of there. Yes, my limits aren't as strong or as long as yours. If I pass out just… at least make an attempt to carry me out?"

"That's not an unreasonable request," Arthur commented softly. Lukas came up to the barrier and placed both hands on it. Arthur did the same. "Okay, just focus your magic on the movement of the barrier."

Lukas nodded and looked at the red barrier. He felt his magic flicker against the barrier. He glanced over at Arthur. Arthur's eyes were glowing and he was pushing just as Lukas was. "A little harder, Lukas," Arthur grunted.

Lukas complied and focused on stilling the barrier. He felt his magic push but it wasn't enough, so he sucked in a deep breath, and along with using more magic he physically pressed his hands harder against the barrier, putting more physical strength behind it, hoping it'd help.

Arthur let out a grunt and was doing the same. "C'mon…" Arthur growled between clenched teeth and Lukas could see him also putting his might behind his magic.

'There!' Lukas knew that they were getting somewhere as he felt the barrier stall for just a second before rapidly picking up speed. The barrier was trying to fight against their combined forces.

Lukas knew he was starting to reach his limits, but he couldn't stop now. Not when he knew that they were so close. So, he narrowed his eyes and put even more magic against the barrier. Lukas gritted his teeth and let out a loud growl from his throat. He could feel his magic flare beneath his fingertips- no. His magic was fighting against Marius's barrier, rippling violently against it in fact. It was moving erratically, bashing itself against the barrier in an attempt to still it. Lukas was afraid his teeth were going to break with how hard he was gritting them.

It was then that it happened, it was not what Lukas had expected. At all.

The barrier, in its attempt to keep itself up, was moving so rapidly, so when it finally did still, it literally cracked under their weight. At both of their hands, the barrier cracked and from that crack, it started to web, first a small web, only to suddenly violently web out in such a way that it covered the whole of the barrier. Lukas let out a gasp and went back for a moment.

Arthur was looking at it as well, but before the barrier could re-heal itself. Arthur just smacked it dead in the center with his magic. This magical blast was what finally did the barrier in. It shattered like glass, but instead of dangerous shards coming their way, the magic simply fell and dissipated before it even hit the floor.

There was only silence-

"Lukas!"

-For half a second.

Emil threw himself so harshly into Lukas's arms that he caused Lukas to fall back. Together the two of them somersaulted into a hug. The only noise that left Lukas's mouth was a small "Oh!" of surprise.

"I was so scared! I thought he was Andersen! I tried to call for you, but then he grabbed me by my hair-"

"Easy-" Lukas only breathed out as he patted Emil on the back. "It's okay."

While Lukas dealt with Emil, Arthur was cautious as he entered Marius's nest. First and foremost he used his vision to make sure there were no other tricks for them, he could see the traces of the barrier and obvious traces of Marius everywhere. Arthur scowled as something odd caught his eye. He couldn't describe what he was looking at.

It was the form of a merperson, but from what Arthur was seeing with his vision, there were several 'layers' to this person. Arthur got closer to get a better look. Each layer was a different color. The bottom being burgundy, pink, violet, green, light blue, dark blue, and orange on the very top. It was like these colors were all being squished into a tiny body with no room to escape. Any more colors and the person might just explode. There were so many colors that with his vision Arthur honestly couldn't see who this person might be.

It didn't surprise him when he pushed his vision back to see Petru.

'I see now. Lukas was right, for sure. Marius was killing the children for their souls to place into Petru.' Arthur stared down at Petru. He took it all in, the different colored hair, the mismatched skin pigment, the freckles…

"Lukas!"

Arthur whirled around at Emil's yell of alarm.

It seemed Lukas's strain caught up with him. The moment he knew Emil was safe he relaxed and now was passed out on the seafloor. Emil was trying to hold Lukas up from his underarms, but even underwater, Lukas was just too heavy for Emil to hold up. But poor Emil, just now getting his guardian back only to have him collapse, it was hard on the ten-year-old. He was obviously on the verge of a mental break.

"Emil-" Arthur turned and came over and gently pulled him in. "Lukas will be okay. I need you to be strong right now because we aren't out of the woods just yet. I'll carry Lukas. Okay?"

Emil sniffled softly but nodded. "Where are we going?" He asked with a shaky breath. "A hospital?"

"Heh." Arthur couldn't stop his soft laugh. "I wish it were that simple." He patted Emil on the head. "No. Right now we just need to get away. Before Marius comes back."

"Do you want me to carry Petru then?"

If Arthur was tasked with carrying Lukas (Something that won't exactly be easy.) then someone had to carry Petru. It's not that Arthur didn't trust Emil, but he felt that Emil, being just a child, might move Petru a little too much while they were swimming. That and even though Petru looked underweight Arthur was sure Petru still might be too heavy for Emil to carry.

"No…" Arthur sighed, and as much as he didn't want to involve Lillie in this, he knew it was inevitable now. He knew Lillie was almost desperate to be involved, she always hated being in the shadows, granted she wasn't as in the shadows as Alfred, Matthew, and Peter were, but still. He tried to keep her out of the action.

It was with a heavy heart did he call for Lillie, it only took seconds for her to tumble, yes, tumble, down the entrance. She was so excited to help. Arthur simply pointed her in Petru's direction. "Can you hold him?"

Lillie smiled and immediately swam that way. "Of course I can-" She looked at Petru and suddenly swam back like she had been hit. "-Oh!" She squeaked in shock and Arthur saw her put her hands to her mouth. "Poor thing…" Arthur heard her whisper, but she did as she was told and was careful as she tried to find a good angle in which to hold him.

Arthur huffed and stared down at Lukas. "It's almost like we're kids again…" He commented as he awkwardly lifted one of Lukas's arms up.

Emil stood by, watching Arthur's every move. "...Can't you just teleport him? Or Petru for that matter."

"Teleport?" Arthur inquired through another grunt as he pulled Lukas's body up and tried to hold him over his shoulders. It wasn't exactly easy with the water holding Lukas down. This was one of the few times Arthur wished he was on the land.

"That's how Marius got me here," Emil whispered. "He pinned me to the ground and pushed on to my chest. His eyes glowed red and he said 'I might rip you in half if you don't hold still' then next thing I knew I was here."

"Uncle Marius learned how to teleport?" Lillie gasped as she came up. She had Petru in her arms holding him 'bridal style' so to speak. Petru's head tipped back, his mouth agape and eyes closed as he slept.

"It seems to be more than that. He not only learned how to teleport himself but others…" Arthur couldn't help but comment as he managed to finally get Lukas on his back. It was awkward carrying his old friend like this, but Arthur couldn't carry him in any other way. 'The one time I need Liam's strength.' Arthur thought to himself. "Regardless, I don't know how to teleport myself, let alone others. Although it would be helpful right about now."

If Arthur were on the land he could probably hold Lukas by his legs and keep him hoisted on his back, but because he was in the sea and didn't have two legs, and neither did Lukas, Arthur had to clunkily position Lukas in a way so his arms were over Arthur's shoulders and Lukas could hold on to his arms...like Lukas was a human cape. This meant that Lukas's head was right next to Arthur's ear.

At least Arthur knew Lukas was still alive by his breathing.

"Let's go."

"But where? Whenever Marius gets back he'll immediately know you took Petru!" Emil got in front of Arthur instantly. "I don't know exactly what's happening between everyone, I'll admit, but I can safely say that Marius isn't in his right state of mind. He'll turn homicidal! We can't go back to your nest-"

"I'm aware of this, Emil. That's why we're not returning to my nest… We'll have to go somewhere where Marius can't find us."

"And where would that be?" Lillie inquired.

Arthur paused as he thought about it. Really, he only had two options. The first and most obvious one was the surface, but that was also the most dangerous option. If Arthur got caught and arrested then all chances of healing Petru would be thrown away, but it was the safest away from Marius.

There was another place he could go. In the ocean. He'd be away from the police, but still close enough to where if Marius sniffed him out he most likely would be found.

This wasn't an easy choice to make. "That… is a good question."

Gilbert stood at the bow of Kiku's little boat. He hung on to the bar of the overhead cover whilst looking off of the edge of the boat. He was watching Matthew swim. Matthew moved effortlessly, his tail followed him every movement fluidly almost giving off a snake-like impression.

The wild thing was watching Matthew move around his brothers. They all knew how to swim around each other, what was impressive was when Matthew actually swam upside down for a few minutes. When he caught Gilbert watching he smiled before swimming normally. No doubt under Liam's orders. That guy was a real stick in the mud, but if Gilbert had to be honest, with the chaos that is Alfred and Peter, a stick in the mud was what was needed.

Berwald stood just a little ways away from Gilbert, obviously, he was watching them swim as well. Gilbert noted how Berwald would look at his watch nervously every so often.

"Something on your mind, Berry?" Gilbert found himself asking once a worried expression etched itself across Berwald's face.

Berwald blinked before grunting. "Berwald." he simply corrected Gilbert. "Not Berry."

"Sorry. Berwald, is there something wrong?"

Berwald frowned and kept his eyes on the ocean. "It's just… Peter hadn't come up for air for some time… will he be… alright?" Berwald almost seemed shaken when he asked.

Gilbert was ready to just wave Berwald's concern off. Peter was a merboy, right? Then it's clear that he didn't need air, at least not for some time. Besides, Gilbert could see Peter right there swimming ahead, as could Berwald.

It was the feeling of eyes on him that made Gilbert bite back his comment. He looked over at Kiku, who was steering the boat. Kiku was looking at him, eyes narrowed. His facial expression was telling Gilbert to watch what he said next. Gilbert didn't understand why Kiku was looking at him like that. Until he remembered just what Berwald had been through. He almost felt heartless forgetting, but with everything happening it was just pushed to the back of his mind.

"...He's not going to drown." Gilbert reached over and put a hand on Berwald's shoulder. "He's in his natural element… kinda. Regardless, I don't think you have to worry."

Berwald said nothing, he just stared at the water, keeping a close eye on Peter.

Gilbert looked back over at Kiku, who was also watching Peter, but for a different reason. "You don't happen to see any boats on the horizon, do you?" Kiku suddenly asked once he saw Gilbert looking at him. Gilbert almost forgot he was supposed to be on lookout. Gilbert tore his gaze away from Kiku and swiftly looked around for any lost boats.

"Nope," Gilbert confirmed once all he could see was the ocean. "How far out do you think they've gone?"

"Farther than the coast guard will look, that's for sure," Berwald mumbled his comment and Gilbert had to agree.

Gilbert adjusted himself so he was now sitting on the edge of the boat. "Gilbert-san, be careful, we don't need you flipping out of the boat," Kiku spoke calmly to him.

"Please, I'm not gonna-" It was like God had given him a middle finger. At that moment the boat hit a wave, this caused the boat to skip up and before Gilbert knew it he lost his balance and fell backward into the water.

First thing was that the ocean was cold. That wasn't something he expected. The ocean swirled all around him, and because of how far they've gone from the shore he couldn't fathom touching the bottom. Gilbert's head spun for just a moment as he couldn't tell which way was up, the waves were causing him to twist and turn in every way imaginable. It was disorienting.

That was when a hand touched his back. Gilbert opened his eyes to see Matthew looking at him. Matthew opened his mouth and Gilbert could see that Matthew was trying to speak to him, but Gilbert couldn't understand him or hear him for that matter.

Matthew reached over and gently cupped Gilbert's face with both of his hands. Matthew then gave Gilbert a soft smile. For a moment Gilbert took Matthew in. All of Matthew. From his hair that flowed with the wild movement of the ocean, to his lilac-colored tail that sparkled in the dazzling sunlight. 'Damn… he's beautiful.' was the only thing Gilbert's mind could register at that moment.

Unfortunately, Gilbert was not a sea creature, and his need to breathe alerted him. Gilbert suddenly made wild and rapid movements as his lungs constricted and burned in protest. He pointed up and Matthew was quicker than he was. Matthew wrapped one arm under Gilbert's legs and then one arm against his back. Then, like a rocket, Matthew shot for the surface.

The moment they broke through Gilbert sputtered and coughed.

"I told you to be careful!" Kiku immediately berated Gilbert. The boat now stilled, engine off. Alfred, Liam, and Peter had their heads out of the water to look at Gilbert and Matthew.

Gilbert didn't reply right away, he couldn't, he was too busy catching his breath. "Thanks…" He wheezed to Matthew as he helped him to the boat.

"Any time." Matthew laughed. Once they were close enough to Kiku's boat, Gilbert hoisted himself up and, with the help of Berwald, was back on the ship. He was soaked to the bone, his clothes leaked ocean water, and now he was freezing being out in the open air.

"Enjoy your swim?" Berwald smiled a tiny little smile when he asked and Gilbert responded with a snort while he just lightly glared at Berwald.

"Yeah, it was fucking awesome." Gilbert bit back.

"Here, try and dry off." Kiku was at least nice enough to give Gilbert a towel. The towel was pleasantly warm as it had been sitting in the sun no doubt. "Please, Gilbert, be careful from now on. We're trying to save children, we don't need to save you on top of it."

Gilbert decided to just agree and work on getting dry.

Peter snickered at him, and Gilbert looked down at him. "Got something you want to say, short-stack?"

"I just never seen Alfred jump like that- ow!" A shell flew out of nowhere and smacked Peter right in the head.

"Matthew!" Matthew yelled in frustration.

"Whatever!" Peter snapped back.

"Alright, keep it calm you two." Liam sighed as he got in between the two of them. For a moment Gilbert wondered where Alfred ran off to, turned out nowhere, he was off to the side of the boat, casually flirting with Kiku who was blushing in response. "Peter, are we getting close to Marius's nest?" Liam questioned.

"At this point, I feel like we're going home." Matthew crossed his arms as he commented.

"Well, that's because we are. Marius lives right under us."

The moment Peter said that there was just a stone-cold silence. The only sound between them was the sound of the waves and seagulls overhead.

"W-...What?" Liam finally asked. He looked absolutely horrified.

"Well, not exactly under us, but his nest is hidden in a geyser," Peter explained. He was moving his hands about in an attempt to help his brothers understand.

"But, I thought he had his own territory away from us?" Alfred asked in a soft voice.

"... This… makes a bit of sense." Liam breathed and he started to scratch at his cheek. "It also fits with Marius. Using his magic to hide under us… it's almost brilliant, but enough on that. At least we know where it is. If you're right, Peter and Marius did bring you to his actual nest, then it's just a few more miles out. Can your boat make it?" Liam turned to Kiku in question.

Kiku looked at the gas gauge and nodded. "Yes, I have some spare gas nearby as well, just… getting back maybe a bit of an issue," Kiku told Liam.

"If it comes to it, I can help haul your boat back." Alfred offered in a heartbeat. Clearly trying to show off.

"Or… he could just hook his boat to the fishing boat?" Matthew, more reasonably, suggested. Alfred scowled at that.

"Regardless, we should be moving. You three ready?" Liam asked his brothers. They nodded, he then looked to the others on the boat. Who also nodded. "Oh, and Gilbert? Please be a bit more careful." Liam requested before he disappeared under the water.

Gilbert quietly mocked Liam. "PleAsE bE mOrE cArefUl. Please, like I had meant to fall into the water." Gilbert scowled but still took his seat away from the edge. He sat there and let the sun dry him off with the help of the towel. Still, they were getting close now-

-and if Gilbert's eyes were right, then he was sure that the small dot just off of the horizon might just be the boat they were looking for.

As the brothers swam on they knew they were nearing the boat, not just because of what Peter had said, but also because of the fact that the ocean life was making itself scarce. There was magic in the water and the animals knew to flee for their own safety.

Liam was a bit more on guard now, his muscles tense and his eyes scanning around every which way, basically if Marius showed up, Liam was ready to throw down. Matthew watched Liam for a moment before looking over towards Alfred. Alfred was keeping close to the boat, no surprise there, he was closer to the boat than Peter.

"Liam?" Matthew spoke up, he had a few questions, and since they weren't there yet, he figured maybe he could get them answered now.

"Hm?" Liam looked at him.

"When you say Dad stripped Petru of his magic-"

"It's as I said. Dad took any and all of Petru's magic."

"Yes… but… surely it can't be that big of a deal… right? I mean you function just fine without it…"

Liam sighed. "Me not using my magic and Petru being violently stripped of his magic are two different things, Matthew. I still have my magic and can use it. Petru has no magic." Matthew knew he must have looked confused because Liam just sighed again and shook his head. "Okay. Let me word it like this, Petru had a part of his soul and body taken away from him. Without that part of himself, he can never be healed."

Matthew thought about it for a moment. "But, Liam. we don't have magic." Matthew gestured between himself, Alfred, and Peter. Instantly that caused Peter to join in.

"What'ya mean? We have magic, dad said it himself. He just said it was weak." Peter asked as he swam upside down above Matthew. "That's why he never bothered to train us."

Matthew felt his disappointment rise and he opened his mouth ready to tell the truth and rip the band-aid off, but Liam put a hand on Matthew's shoulder, stopping him. All it took was a small head shake and Matthew soon realized Liam was right. If Peter knew now it'll just delay them, no doubt. "...Right. Sorry, Peter. Thanks for correcting me."

Liam and Alfred both seemed to sigh in relief and Peter swam right once again. "I guess hypothetically answering your question." Liam tried to avert the question in a way that wouldn't arouse suspicion from the youngest. "Let's say it was dad's magic helping you guys along… that would be if you didn't have magic. Now, I see your face. I know what you're thinking: If dad's magic might be keeping us just fine then why doesn't Marius's do the same for Petru? Right?"

Matthew nodded. Liam got it spot on.

"Well, you see Matt. This is where it gets complicated. Without his magic, Petru's body couldn't accept Marius's healing. Now, I'm not as well versed in this stuff as Dad or Marius, but I can tell you, Yes, I'm aware Marius found a way around it with finding a new soul to put into the body. I can't describe it but because it wasn't 'healing' and he was putting a soul into Petru's body… he was somehow able to bypass it for a short time, at least until the year's up, that is."

"It's like putting a new battery into a remote." Alfred joined in. "It works just as well, but in the end you always have to replace the battery. I know it's crude-"

"-No. That's a perfect way to describe it right now. By replacing a new soul, he's granting himself more time to heal Petru, hoping that this soul will either be the last, or he finds the cure." Liam commented.

"So… 'The cure' there is none… is there?"

"...There's one, and Dad has it tucked away."

Matthew didn't even need to think. "Dad still has Petru's magic?"

"Always had. Turns out when you rip magic out of someone, the magic won't take to another host. Magic belongs to it's owner and will stay that way."

Matthew narrowed his eyes. "What do you-"

"It's the boat!" Peter suddenly cheered and pointed forward excitedly. Matthew turned away from Liam and looked forward. Peter was right, just maybe a mile away there stood a fishing boat.

Liam put a hand on Matthew's shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze, before shooting off for the boat. Matthew stayed there for a few moments, his mind processing everything. Then, a teeny tiny voice in his brain filled him in. 'Dad tried to give Petru's magic to one of you. I know for sure it wasn't me. I would have remembered that. Peter? They are around the same age…' Matthew found himself looking at Alfred.

Alfred looked… upset. To say the least. The twins hung back while Peter and Liam darted for the boat.

Matthew started "Dad tried to-"

"-Yes, I remember it because I remember it being weird," Alfred told Matthew in a soft voice. He reached over and touched Matthew's arms. "It must have happened right after Dad cursed Petru. Because he looked absolutely shaken by something. I don't think he was planning on giving it to me, I think he just wanted to be rid of it as soon as possible." Alfred started to explain quickly so the others (namely Peter) wouldn't question why they were hanging back.

Matthew just nodded, allowing his twin to continue.

"He just swooped me up into his arms. I remember flailing around madly as I didn't expect it, at all. Dad, he was crying, I thought about how strange it was to see him cry, he was the strongest man I knew… but regardless, he gave me a shaky smile, like he was trying to tell me he wasn't crying. He then told me he 'had something for me.'" Alfred frowned as he thought about it. He looked uncomfortable as he scratched at his face. "Then… he showed me this glowing white ball. It was pure white it hurt my eyes to look at."

'Magic in its purest form, no doubt.' Matthew thought but didn't voice.

"He.. well… he shoved it into me! Right in my chest. It hurt, I remember it hurting. It felt like it was burning me from the inside out. I know I passed out shortly after that because I woke up to Dad over me. He was holding the ball in his hands again, glaring at it, then he closed his fist around it and it vanished. He apologized and then kindly asked me to keep it to myself. That's all I really remember."

"Holy shit…" Was all Matthew could say about it all. He took all of this information in and said the only thing he could think to say. "That's fucked."

"Yeah, you're telling me. Let's go, before the others come looking for us."

"Agreed."

"Okay, children. I think it's time we all… had a talk." Tino whispered as he crouched down next to Feliks on the floor. Tino looked at his watch, it was half-past four pm and in an hour the sun will set. Like clockwork he and Feliks made rounds above the deck in hope of finding some help, but when the two and a half hours passed…

They decided it was time to tell the children. Honestly, Tino was sure most of the children figured it out on their own by now.

The children all looked at him, the hull of the ship was deathly quiet as the only sound that could be heard were the waves beating on the sides of the ship and the occasional groan it would out. The children all had different reactions on their faces, most, if not all looked… sad.

"We're stuck here… aren't we?" It was Ludwig who asked. He sat next to Feliciano and Tino saw Feliciano reach over and hold on to Ludwig's hand for support.

Feliks answered that one. "Yes." One word had so much power in that moment. Several horrified gasps rang through the air.

It wasn't a mad panic, as Tino had feared, but that didn't stop some kids from whispering to one another in fear. He was sure he heard the word 'cannibal' more than once. He raised his hands up and made a 'quiet down' motion he was used to making. It worked and the children went quiet. "Now, I'm sure by this point people are out looking for us. So there's no need to panic and there's no need to start assuming we're going to eat one another." He told them in a soft voice.

"-However." Feliks cut in as he looked at Tino. "There is something real we need to address, and that's the very real possibility of us sleeping here for tonight. I know it'll be scary. I know none of you want to do it but…" Feliks looked at Tino who just nodded. "...It's a possibility." He concluded.

Tino heard a sniffle and spotted Elise trying to hide the fact that she was crying, but was failing at it. Ravis, along with Heracles both gently patted her back in an attempt to comfort her. Tino's heart basically broke when he heard her small whisper of: "I want my big brother…"

That did it for most of the other kids as they went teary-eyed as well. Some sniffled and tried to quietly suppress their sobbing, while others didn't even bother and just openly started to sob. Hell, at this Tino felt himself go teary-eyed as well. He expected panic, he didn't expect tears.

"I-" Tino paused before he let out a cry and straightened himself out quickly. "I know. Children. I know, but please. Mr. Feliks and I… we're going to make sure you all get home to your loved ones. To your guardians, your siblings… we're doing all we can. I promise. Mr. Feliks and I won't let any harm come to you."

No child looked relieved by Tino's promises, why should they? They were trapped in the middle of the ocean with him, he was supposed to stop things like this from happening to them… great job he did there.

"Well… great news, there will no longer be a test on this." Feliks only half-joked in an attempt to get some other emotion out of the students. Some offered teary smiles but not much else.

Tino really did fear the worst, deep down, he couldn't deny it. He truly feared that death would come for them, maybe not today, or tomorrow, but… they couldn't stay on this ship forever. Without food or water…

Tino sighed. 'Help has to be on the way. At this point the bus driver-'

Tino was ripped violently out of his thoughts by the sound of something cutting through the air. It almost sounded like …

"An airhorn!" Tino was on his feet faster than he could breathe. He heard the sound of little feet following behind him., no doubt the children as well as Feliks were all following him. It was a sign of help!

Tino expected the works to be out there. The coast guard, helicopters, everything…

Not a little skiff boat with only three passengers.

The boat was just off of the distance, no more than maybe twenty feet away from their ship. It looked tiny from where they were. Just a dot. Tino narrowed his eyes. He could hear the others yelling and waving their arms wildly. Feliks included.

Tino felt himself lean against the railing as he looked at the people on this skiff boat. They were too far away for him to clearly make out any faces…

but …

The boat got closer and whoever was blasting the air horn stopped. As it was getting closer faces were becoming clearer. "Bruder!" Ludwig excitedly yelled. That was when, in his excitement, Ludwig pulled out a whistle and before Tino or Feliks, or anyone could stop him. He blew.

The whistle was loud, ungodly loud, it silenced everyone instantly as it resounded through the whole ocean. Several kids gasped, others groaned in pain, all covering their was just upset he didn't know about this whistle. If he would have known it might have come in handy earlier on. No doubt someone would have heard that and come their way.

Ludwig stopped blowing on the whistle and as soon as he did a voice from the boat yelled: "We're almost there! Just hold on!"

Tino looked back to the boat, it was closer now and… Tino's heart leaped into his throat.

"Berwald!?" Tino gasped in, excitement, horror, and astonishment. At first, he thought it couldn't have been Berwald, but no, he knew his husband anywhere!

"Berwald! Berwald!" Tino felt like he was going crazy as he frantically waved his arms and leaned farther and farther off of the railing, so much so that he felt himself slip, thankfully Feliks had been watching him and managed to grab Tino by the back of his collar before he tumbled into the ocean.

"Calm down!" Feliks hissed at him and had to physically stop Tino from jumping into the ocean.

"I can't! It's Berwald!" Tino felt tears prick behind his eyes, they weren't tears of sadness, no, at that moment he couldn't have been happier. "Feliks, it's Berwald!" Tino tore away from Feliks's grip and rushed for the nearest ladder.

Tino fumbled with the latch to bring the ladder down.

"As you can see children, not all hope is lost. We're going to get out of here soon, I'm sure." Feliks spoke softly to the children as they watched Tino try and fight the latch.

The little skiff boat stopped just by the ladder waiting for him to lower it.

"Perkele!" Tino cursed in Finnish, he made sure it was in Finnish. Finally, getting fed up, Tino stood up and stomped on the ladder, once, twice- That did it. The latch broke and down the ladder went. Only the first person on it wouldn't be going up.

Tino dropped down the ladder like a rock. "Berwald!" He cried to his beloved, the moment he touched on the skiff boat, he charged. At that moment Tino had tunnel vision. He didn't see Ludwig's brother and he didn't see the owner/driver of the boat. All he saw was Berwald.

Berwald hardly had time to ready himself and catch Tino. Tino wrapped his legs around his waist and the two were intertwined. Tino threw his arms around Berwald's neck and buried his face into the crook of Berwald's neck while Berwald kept his hands under Tino's thighs to keep him held up. Before Tino knew it he was crying again. Full-on weeping into Berwald's neck. His whole body shook as he tried to hide this from the children, who were undoubtedly watching this right now.

"Sh. I'm here." Berwald whispered.

"I was so scared."

"I know."

Tino let out a soft sob. "How'd you find us? How'd you know? I never told you I'd be here."

There was a pause on Berwald's side. Then Berwald let out a sigh, it was more of an irritated sigh. "It's… a long story. I'll tell you later, I promise."

"Okay…Okay…" Tino decided to just let it be and not question it for the time being. Deep down he didn't want to question it. He was just thrilled that Berwald was here with him. Berwald and Tino stayed like that for several long seconds.

Unfortunately, all good things had to come to an end and Tino had to be reminded that he was in fact a teacher and had little lives in his possession. He lowered himself to the ground and slowly unattached himself from Berwald. For a moment Tino wanted to ask about Peter's whereabouts. Obviously, Berwald wasn't going to bring Peter to the middle of the ocean, not unless he wanted to face Tino's wrath that is. Tino trusted Berwald had done what was necessary, probably dropped Peter off at Andersen's. Odds are Lukas would be the one watching Peter…

When Tino heard someone cry out he instantly looked towards the boat but it wasn't anything bad. Ludwig's older brother had boarded and was promptly knocked down by not only Ludwig but Feliciano as well.

"...Excuse me?" A small man with inky black hair and dark brown eyes tapped Tino on the shoulder. He looked rather nervous. "My name is Kiku Honda, I know this boat… this is my older brother's boat. Is he here?"

Tino felt a little confused. Kiku didn't look related to the captain that Tino had met earlier that day. Still, that didn't stop Tino from feeling angry and for a moment he almost misplaced his anger, but he stopped, reminding himself that this man was here to save them. "If you're talking about the captain, no, he left us at the docks... but… could you possibly be talking about Yao?"

Kiku looked confused. "I am talking about Yao, and he is the captain of this boat. Is he okay?"

Now, Tino was extra confused. He tried to replay earlier that day in his mind and he was sure the older gentleman he talked to confirmed that he was the captain and Yao was his second in command. Still, in the end, that detail just didn't matter to Tino.

"Yao abandoned us!" He couldn't stop himself from yelling at Kiku. He wasn't blaming Kiku for their abandonment, far from it. "He took the lifeboat and left!"

Kiku's eyes grew wide and he brought his hand to his face in shock. "That… that doesn't sound like Yao at all... unless…" His face turned serious.

"Unless?! Unless what? What could justify him abandoning children out in the middle of the ocean?!" Tino demanded.

Kiku's eyes went from Tino to Berwald.

"Tino, please. You don't need to raise your voice." Berwald spoke in a slow tone. It was comforting for Tino to hear and it did make him pause.

"I'm sorry…" Kiku apologized as he lowered his head. "I'm aware this is a stressful time. I was just thinking about my brother. I have no clue why he chose to abandon you or the children, but you don't need to worry. We're going to bring you guys home."

"... I shouldn't have shouted." Tino apologized just as well. "I'm sorry." Tino put his hands over his eyes and he shook his head. It had been one hell of a day. Still, in the darkness of his own mind, Tino had a weird thought.

When Kiku looked at Berwald. It almost looked like Kiku was silently asking for some sort of permission.

'You're tired and not thinking right.' He told himself as he lowered his hand and reopened his eyes.

Tino then pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at Kiku. "The radio and GPS have both been cut." He told Kiku. "Aside from that everything else seems to be intact."

"Hm, that's not good, but I'll see what I can do." Kiku went for the ladder.

Tino didn't want to climb back up to the boat, but he knew he'd be letting his students down if he just stayed in Kiku's boat. So, it was with a heavy heart did he and Berwald start walking for the ladder up to the fishing boat. However; before they got to the ladder, Tino had the weirdest feeling of being watched.

Out of instinct, he whipped his head around. He honestly expected someone to be in the water watching him, but what he saw was a little more confusing and it made him wonder if he was losing it. He saw a tail. From the size of it he assumed it had to be a dolphin, which wasn't anything new, they've seen pods of dolphins when coming out here.

But it was the strangest thing, this dolphin had to be cherry colored to produce a tail like that.