A Secret Language of Seashells and Glass

by lucidscreamer

Shipwrecked after his uncle tried to kill him, Yami finds himself alone on a deserted island. But he may not be as alone as he thinks, as mysterious messages appear on the beach along with gifts and food. Yami slowly falls in love with his secret admirer through the language they create together, a language of seashells and glass. Mermaid AU (Not a fusion or xover.)

3. Chapter 3

(3)

Misplaces, small pockets in the magic segregating human and merfolk dominions, are dangerous. But, for Charms in exile, they are sanctuaries.

Earthshakes and their aftermath force Yugi's Charm to flee their native waters. They find no refuge until they shelter beneath a tropical atoll, hidden from humans and merfolk alike.

The Misplace is a tight squeeze, and the paucity of food forces them to hunt in human waters, but it's safer than the open sea.

Bringing home bounty from a shipwreck, Yugi is hailed a hero. (He doesn't tell his them his greatest find is hidden on the island above.)

o0o

With all his will, Yugi wraps his arms around the man, wraps his magic around the man, and takes them Away. Away from the gliding grace of sharks circling nearer, drawn by the human's blood in the water. Away from death, circling like sharks. Away from the human world, debris drifting down in slow circles to rest on the ocean floor. With the man in his arms, Yugi swims; circling, a graceful spiral drawn through borders lit by flame, outlined by blood. Away, into this Misplace, where the small atoll above his Charm's grotto will serve as a temporary home for this human, keeping him safe as he heals.