The light casting over the rocks was all it was that Thomas saw. That's what Thomas tried to tell himself anyway despite the anxious curiosity that burned in his chest. That particular shade of blue-green wasn't a natural color in any of the rocks that was dotting the shore line. But not having any other sort of explanation for the sudden, yet brief, shift in color, Thomas continued picking his way over the outlying bluff. A salty breeze blew his raggedy Andy hair into his face, momentarily blinding him in a world of brown. Brushing the unruly locks away, another flash of color with an accompanying plop sound on the rocks drew his attention away from the breaking waves around him. A sharp edge of something scaly caught his attention to a large pillar rock that something – or someone – was trying to hide behind.
"Hello?" Thomas called out. He eased his way over the slick surface beneath his feet to where the person was shrinking behind. "I know you are there. My name is Thomas, by the way. You aren't hurt are you?"
"Go away, Tommy!" a voice spat viciously. He sounded tired and out of breath that only spurred Thomas on further. "I'm fine and don't need any help. Don't come any closer, do you hear me?" Thomas paused for a moment before easing himself around the edge of the large rocky barrier. His breath hitched in his chest as he took in the sight. Salt water soaked and sun bleached hair crowned the boy's head while a tail of blue and green shimmered with each small movement he made.
"What in the world?" Thomas breathed out. He stood in awe at the delicate looking merman tail and the desire to touch the scales compelled Thomas forward while he dropped to his knees.
"Stop!" the boy cried out as Thomas' fingers stretched out, almost a hair's width away from his tail. Thomas stumbled back at the sudden shock but otherwise remained silent. "I've been stuck on these stupid rocks for two bloody days. If I can't make it back to the water soon, I'll be done for. I could actually now use your help since you didn't listen to me the first time."
"Absolutely," Thomas replied numbly. He took the other boy's outstretched hand in his own when fingers moved out in a grabbing motion. "How do you want to do this?"
"Carefully. My scales hurt from being so dried out, so don't jostle them too much. If you can hold me around the shoulders and waist and prop me up that way, I should be okay. Drop me tail first into the shallows if you would." Thomas maneuvered his way carefully as he could with the extra weight in tow. "My names Newt, so you know."
"Nice to meet you. This good enough?" Thomas asked as he splashed into calm waters. Newt wiggled his way into the water, sighing as the ocean surrounded him. "If you don't mind me asking, how'd you get stuck?"
"You know the legends of mermaids drowning humans with their beauty? About dried out because of your beauty, human." He splashed water into his face and pulled himself towards deeper water much to Thomas' dismay. "I'll come back. Just keep an eye out for me." Thomas nodded eagerly as Newt slipped below the surface with a lazy flip of his tail and a small splash of water.