The waters were dark.

The daylight was gone, just like the human. The sun was setting when he let go, fading like the brightness in his hazel eyes. As he walked away from them, he gave them a look they couldn’t describe; it begged them to not be there again, and at the same time showed how much he dreaded it.

Their eyes never left the sight of a car driving away, not until it faded along the road, back to where humans settled. They both stayed silent for a while, pondering the words Matthew had said, the situation they were in.

Once truly gone, Alon tried to stop her from bolting away, tried to grasp her and pull her close. But she was faster. He could only call worriedly as she dived underwater, without looking back. By the time he managed to submerge, her figure had quickly faded between the currents. Just like her tears on the sand.

————-

 

It took him hours to find her. It took him too many calls, nothing echoing back to him when he swam near their nests, now uncared for. There was nothing he could see on the eastern side of the beach, nor in between colourful southern reefs. She would never go back to those dark depths again, and that only left him to search one place.

The merman swam slowly, worried, but not fearful. He knew she had to be there, the only place where she could believe he would not near. It had been a place that made them fear and panic long ago. Yet now, for both, it was a place that brought something treasured, memories held dear. It was where they first spoke to Matthew.

Alon emerged slowly, looking sadly at her, feeling his heart break a little. While he beached onto the small shore, Iara kept her gaze down, not muttering a word to acknowledge him. She knew well he had found her, but she did not seem to want to look at him. Her hand was caressing a conch sadly, perhaps to ignore how tears fell from her azure eyes. Her tail was curled as much as possible, helping her lean against the ledge behind her. The shadows of the night shadowed her figure, only his sharp eyesight letting him see her mournful expression. By seeing her like that, he did not pay any mind to the sharp rocks above, even if they gave him many painful cuts once. He slowly inched closer as she whispered, motionless.

“I can’t stand this, Al…”

He now loomed at her side silently, watching her cry. His face showed no emotion, because he knew that if he tried to smile or show strength, he would only end up crumbling as well. So he raised a hand carefully, to brush her eyes and wipe away her tears, which did not make her react. She just kept whispering, and he took notice of how the conch cracked slightly in her grasp.

“I can’t stand seeing you both like this. You both hurt more now than when all this started, all because of what I did.” She closed her eyes, asking slowly. “I know you may not want to, but why don’t you go, Alon? You should find your family, he is right in that. I would wait here, keeping watch, until you come back. Let me do that for you, to lift part of the heartache I’ve caused.”

“Iara, you tried to mend our sorrow, bring us together. You did nothing wrong. So-“

“No.” Alon let out a long tired exhale, because she shook her head. “You were right. You were right when you said it was dangerous. Look what has come out of it. We got hurt, and now we are stuck, forced to circle each other without truly closing in. I should have never brought up the matter; I should have let things be simple. It was not meant to be.”

“You were right at that time. Now you are wrong.”

For the first time, Alon spoke to her with a heated and bitter tone. Not even when he judged her magic did he show this anger. He almost seemed resentful of her words. And for it, she finally looked up at him, her eyes narrowing like his. He was looking down at her with sorrowful disapproval, which only made her sink more in her gloom.

“It is the truth. We can’t do anything to-“

“It surprises me to see your determination fade this much, when it’s one of the things I most admire of you, my love. Were my words so harmful, that now you are afraid of considering what could be done?”

Her azure eyes looked deeply into his firm silver ones. Hers slowly filled with angry understanding, catching his double-edged words. She shook her head, horrified by the mere thought.

Alon smiled sadly and leaned closer to her face, taunting slightly with his next words.

“So are you, Iara. We both are crazy.” He leaned his head, questioning as she clenched her teeth. “You never paid mind to what anyone said of you. Why let go now of that remarkable will of yours? Why do it now?”

“You know well why, Alon!” He leaned away calmly when she pushed his chest gently, dropping the conch on the sand, cracked and broken. He let her protest, knowing that wound would not heal any time soon, unlike the ones on her neck. “Stop bringing back that idea. I don’t want to hear it. It went wrong, in too many ways.”

Alon sighed, whispering back, kindly.

“There’s no parasite anymore, nothing that could try to twist the outcome. Now we could ponder carefully, and perhaps make it work.”

“Even if I could try, with my own hands, without that thing… I am still weak, I can’t do it. That monster forced all my potential to surface, erasing everything else. I can’t pay that price again, and nothing I do will compare. It can’t work out.”

There was silence. She held herself with a growl, leaning away from his gaze. She did not look back, not even if his next words echoed gently.

“It could.”

Iara did not move, but she did shiver. His arms wrapped carefully around her figure, so slowly that she could push them easily. But she didn’t. She only cried, staring as his hands grasped hers, making them open over his. He kept that hold under her gaze, whispering devotedly.

“There is a way, Iara.” Her expression softened, for Alon was trying to amend a mistake he would forever regret. “If only you lighted it for me, I could help you through it.”

No ill-intended strangers. No manipulation. She had his heart, willed to set things right.

“If only you taught me how, if you showed me the way… I could.” Alon lamented, tangling his tail with hers, noticing how she stopped shuddering. “I’m still blind. But I have the strength you need.”

He feared she would refuse, curse the mere idea… until a faint light glinted. It reflected on his now hopeful eyes, entranced by how her hands glowed over his. They seemed to be aflame, in a bright hue that did not burn, even if it was vibrant and fierce. He did not falter when she spoke doubtfully, because there was a trace of wonder in her voice.

“Do you really trust it will work?”

He pondered silently for a moment, but he soon affirmed with all the love in his soul.

“I don’t need to; I know it will be okay. I wouldn’t let it go wrong, not if my hand can stop it.”

He slowly turned her around, gently. They kept holding hands as their eyes met, feeling hopeful, and at the same time restless. His voice quivered slightly, as he muttered words that were almost pleading.

“W-would you trust me again?”

She did once, and he failed her. He did not think himself deserving of it.

Iara did not answer with words. Alon tried to gasp in reflex, but he could only blink. She had latched herself on him, pulling him down, kissing him fiercely. He soon relaxed, holding her back slowly, closing his eyes as she did. Both cried, their hold was almost painful, intense. They sat there in the dark, the waves brushing their tails on the shore. Hours passed until they let go.

There had to be a way out, and they would find it.

——————-

 

“Leave, please.”

Those words had been firm, but they had not moved to go back to the water. He himself remained on the sand for hours, not truly wanting to go to the car.

“If I see you tomorrow, I will not come back.”

He did come back, his threat a simple bluff.  Her azure eyes had glared proudly again, while his hazel ones accused and questioned in anger. Neither was leaving, both knew. A merman could do nothing as the tension increased, each day that passed. The human’s anger and dejection were building up slowly. Matthew kept on coming, no matter how much he cursed each morning. There was both sadness and relief, each time he saw them awaiting him.

“Why do you fucking stay?” He had lashed out, even if he kneeled close to them, not wanting to go away yet. “Why do you have to make me feel chained? I can’t follow you; you are making me wish for something I can’t have.”

They could only answer with half-truths, seeing the anxiousness in him. His gaze would always avert to the waves, his own body. He looked at them almost mournfully. And they could only hide their intentions, keep inside the words they wanted to say so badly.

“We’re chained too, but it’s not hurting us as you believe.”

“You won’t lose us. I know it would break your heart.

They displayed their resolve every day. They always answered his pleas with unfaltering affection. And it always managed to drown him in loving guilt.

“We are staying with you, no matter how.”

It killed them to see how those words would make Matthew cry, from disbelieving joy and painful anger. His hand would clench on the sand, a curse always let out under his breath. They were always grateful for the silence Ethan gave them; he would just watch distantly while they met and said goodbye, every day.

The merfolk wished nothing more than to be able to voice what they held inside, scream and shout it. They hated to keep it away from Matthew and make him feel such turmoil. But they could not tell him yet. Not yet. It was still a faint hope, a dimly lighted pathway, which could be a dead-end. If they were to reveal it to him and fail in reaching its objective, it could kill him inside.

They were not sure of their power yet.

“I hate to do this again.”

Alon frowned, floating gently in the dark. His figure could only be discerned thanks to the faint moonlight that pierced the waves above. His silver eyes showed sorrow as Iara cradled a small string of algae, which swayed between colourful coral near their nests. Her eyes stared with doubt at the small thing, remembering what happened to the last plant she tried to make grow with her will.

“You saw how I left it.” Alon fidgeted in shame, because Iara whispered darkly. “It died.”

He let out a raspy puff of air, looking at his hands intently.

“I’m sorry, Iara.” He smiled and tried to be optimistic. “Leave it, I will keep on trying by myself and-“

“No.” Her azure eyes almost pierced him, her own hands seeming to glow faintly. He had not been able to manifest his will, no matter how she held his hands and explained how it felt, how he could invoke it. He needed to see. Alon bowed his head sadly, for she glared at the plant and commanded. “You’ll see what this can do, what you could accomplish. I must teach you, or we will never achieve what we wish for.”

He wished to be able to help her with all his heart. Yet he couldn’t bring it out.

Perhaps he needs a mark at hand.

His silver eyes glinted, a light suddenly reflecting. He watched with slight nervousness as her hands hovered calmly over the plant, her fingers tangling in bright hues. Her face held no emotion as the algae began to pulse, flowing up to reach her glow. Her voice echoed sadly, even if she looked calm and focused.

“Last time, I could feel myself growing exhausted doing this.” Alon soon felt admiration, because the once brown plant gained a lively tonality, shining and growing faintly under her gentle grasp. “Now I only feel a faint numbness in my mind and body. I have grown stronger; I needed to be to come back to you both. That parasite ripped me inside out, all that I was. It hurt to retrieve it all. It seems I have a stronger will than I thought.”

Her hands suddenly gripped tighter the plant, her tail cradling it closer, a smile growing on her lips. It was a smile that unnerved Alon, because it was full of bitterness. She shook her head, laughing shortly.

“I may know better now, but as soon as I let go, as soon as I stop focusing…” One of her hands moved away slowly, and only Alon was surprised to see the plant twitch, as if in fear. It swayed towards her hand, desperate to keep her energy; it could only try to take more, not share its own. “When I let my resolve fade, it will die. Tenacity and exhaustion are not enough payment, not from one. This being does not understand my wish; it only reacts to it in instinct. There is no emotion exchanged. Perhaps there could be, but alone, I am unable to bring anything into reality with it. The spell will falter, even if he welcomes it with all his heart. He does not know how to beckon his will to flow.”

She paused for a moment, in which she let her hand near the plant again. Once more, it sustained itself with her ache, with no regard for it. She whispered, grimly.

“Alon, do you know why the change brought him so much pain? Why the flower withered? Why I lost all my thoughts and emotions?”

He knew it well, deep inside. It hurt him to say it.

“The spell fed on suffering.”

She nodded dejectedly, her next words resentful.

“That beast only wanted one thing: sustain. It had no heart, so it took mine and his agony.” Her hand caressed the plant lovingly, her smile growing faintly as it bloomed with her glow. “Will is born in emotion. We are not heartless, but we can be selfish; anyone could hold blind and visceral desires. Magic has always required willpower, devotion, and a true-hearted choice. A spell like this needs to bind you; it is only permanent when you surrender yourself to it, completely. That’s why, in one way or another, it can hurt. Not everyone can give themselves away so easily; one can rarely achieve a wish alone. Some people can twist a deal and betray others. Some truthful pacts break apart with time, for care can be lost easily. Sometimes, the repercussions can be horrifying. Magic is truly dangerous; we are flawed, so it is as well. That’s why it’s frowned upon, denied of trust. Few truly care; fewer are willing to give up something. It is not easy to love.”

While Iara spoke, Alon slowly sunk at her side, watching silently. Now, his tail brushed hers as he sat in front of her. She did not move when his hands moved closer, over the stalks swaying below their fingers. He examined the algae for a minute, to then look at her.

Iara felt warmth inside, for his eyes could not leave hers. She could almost hear his heart beating strongly, even if anxious. His gaze was troubled, caring, yet he seemed to be trying to find something in himself, not daring to look at his hands. Alon only had eyes for her; nothing else, only what he cared for, what he wanted to help the most. He ignored all corporeal senses, what he thought his glow should feel. He stopped trying to invoke his own glow with strength or focus. No more did he yearn to see those hues, he would not force them to appear. He just looked at her beautiful azure eyes.

They were all he could see or notice, until they glinted more in the dark, not only due to her glow. The shadows around them faded when another light rose. Alon trembled, feeling something warm around his hands. It took him a few seconds to dare look down at them, seeing Iara’s eyes fill with joy, regaining that brightness he loved. He let out a shaky exhale, trembling subtly as he glanced at his own fingers. There was a silver glow tangling on them, which almost looked like fire. With him noticing it, the glow flickered, reflecting his state of mind. He would have jerked away, in instinct, but her hands reached for his and prevented the light from dying.

Iara held his hands with a calm smile, patient and caring. And so, he slowly relaxed, letting her guide his glow closer to the plant. Their hues tangled, mixed.  She spoke slowly, her tone truly hopeful, for he had achieved something few ever did.

“Don’t move away.” Alon obeyed, nervous as her hands let go of him gently, to hover over the plant and his hands. His glow faded a little, flickering, but it did not die. “You finally let it out, Al. It only gets easier from here. Keep on breathing, focus on how the leaves try to reach your touch, how they need it. It helps it stay alive. You can help it grow.”

His silver eyes fixed on the plant, seeing indeed how it flowed to reach his flames. Its stalks expanded each time he raised his hold, compelling it to grow, for it to keep feeling his energy. Iara kept on smiling, but she did see him pant and laugh, ignoring his own tiredness. They both were as strong, but she knew how to endure the ache better. She had weakened her glow to let him feel his own. Now, she moved to hold the plant again, her mind fully focused on the task. Both their wills tangled fiercely, in blinding vibrant radiance.

Soon, he let out a small gasp of amazement, and her eyes glinted with interest. Both stared as the stalks grew bigger, reaching their chests, consuming all the space between them.

“It has…”

“It is enough.”

She sighed and let her glow die out, which caused him to follow suit, without guidance. The plant did twitch and try to reach for them, but it did not whiter. It now swayed tall, tinted forever in her hues, a faint trace of silver coursing through its roots. It had grown enough to live, two wishing for it. They both shared their will, their desire for it to endure. However, it was not without consequence, even if small.

“Alon?”

He panted shakily, holding a hand to his chest, breathing tiredly. He smiled when Iara swayed closer and held him up.

“I’m alright.” He looked again at the plant, at his hands, at what he had helped achieve. “W-we can-“

She only nodded, smiling with him. They pulled at each other, hugging with a small delusional laugh. Her tail swayed happily, while he slumped placidly. Their foreheads touched as they focused on their hold, both exhausted. Their hearts were beating fast, hopeful.

It was a small achievement, it was not much yet. They needed to keep trying, grow stronger together. But they had found a way.

—————-

 

His eyes narrowed, looking closely. Matthew frowned, because Jason suddenly grabbed some scissors from the counter. In a blink, there was a fast motion over his foot, a small snap.

“That will be all.”

Matthew relaxed on the couch as Jason stood away, gone the bandages that had been around his foot. His hazel eyes looked up, eyebrows rising in question, hopeful.

“Then, it is…?”

Jason nodded, noting something in his notebook. There had been multiple checkups, a few required ones in his clinic. No matter how he moved his foot, it did not hurt, even if perhaps it should. The X-rays did not lie, and so, he could not deny the truth.

“It is healed. Rather fast, I must say. Just don’t go running now, keep an eye on it. There is no need for me to visit anymore.”

Shamira let out a whine at those words, disappointed. Jason had been coming to check for inflammations and possible complications, knowing Matthew hated to go to the clinic. Ethan sighed nearby, letting down a cup of coffee he had been drinking, noticing well the joy in those hazel eyes. It was something that he had not seen for a long while, not since he drove him to that beach for the first time. All these following days, there was just expectant sorrow. Matthew looked over his shoulder, hearing him warn.

“You heard it. You better be careful while going to that beach. If you mess up your ankle again, you won’t go out I’m on watch.”

Matthew coughed, trying to brush away the matter, because Jason was nearby.

“I’m n-not going to that beach. I’m not-“

“Good, I won’t have to waste fuel driving all around the cay for a stroll.” Matthew wanted to facepalm, but he only took a deep breath as Ethan shrugged. “Maybe you could rest here, watching TV, taking it easy for once.”

“Ethan-“

“I will leave you to your quarrelling.” Matthew frowned when Jason turned for the door, while Ethan simply raised his gaze from his coffee. “A few walks may help keep your ankle in good shape. I have never liked TV much; it is not healthy to watch it for hours, reading is much better. But knowing you would read on the computer, a stroll is better.”

Matthew bit his lip, because Jason halted at the open door, letting out a few knowing words.

“I hope it will help your mood too. Take care, both of you.”

Matthew answered with a nervous nod, not bothering to deny anything, while Ethan answered with silence. The door closed, not without Jason giving Shamira one last thankful pat. Apart from her whines, and a parrot chirping, the house fell silent. A cup of coffee needed to be finished for some words to be said.

“I guess this means I can finally leave you alone. You can walk around on your own; those stairs to your room won’t be a problem anymore.”

Matthew had rolled down his pant leg to cover his ankle, and now was looking up at Ethan nervously.

“You mean…”

Ethan stood up to leave the cup on the counter, ignoring Matthew’s disbelief and surprise.

“What? Thought I would latch on you forever? No, I have stuff to do. And you do too, don’t you?”

Matthew leaned his head, frowning.

“I just thought…” He rubbed the back of his neck, ashamed to admit he believed Ethan would never leave him alone. “After what happened, I guessed you would not want to-“

“Do whatever you want.” Matthew flinched a little, because Ethan was a little scolding, still not facing him. “At least now I know what you are doing out there; couldn’t say the same before. This time I don’t need to worry, not as much. If something happens, I just need to grab a harpoon.”

Not that he could keep on saying he blamed those two. They were as clueless as Matthew. The three were clueless youngsters, no matter if two had fins. He still couldn’t imagine himself thinking like this before seeing them.

Ethan took a deep breath, seeing Matthew hug his knees on the couch, looking away in shame. He truly felt guilty of having kept those things from him. But he knew he did so for a reason. He ended up breaking his word, for his sake.

Soon, the old sailor shook his head, crossing his arms as he whispered, making Matthew blink.

“Don’t sweat it, okay?” Matthew dared look up, frowning as Ethan walked towards the door as well, looking back at him calmly. “You were reckless, shit happens. But we brush it off, don’t we?”

Ethan kneeled for a moment, laying down a hand near Shamira. A parrot was fast to jump on his arm, hopping fast towards his shoulder. He stood again and met Matthew’s eyes, which stared at him in question, not understanding. So he just made something clear.

“Look, do whatever makes you happy. But…” He opened the door, letting out caring words he meant with all his soul. “Please, just tell me what you get yourself into. You hear me?”

There was a trace of recognition in those hazel eyes, as they saw acceptance in his. Matthew smiled and nodded, whispering back, trying to sound honest.

“I will, Ethan.”

“Then that’s it.” Ethan waved a hand at him, closing the door slowly. “Be careful near the water.”

The door closed again. Matthew let out a long sigh, hugging himself, slumping on the sofa. He did not look up when a dog barked in question, padding to him. He closed his eyes, thinking to himself, the silence helping.

Do I even want to near the coast?

The day went along, without him moving for hours. He tried to keep himself from standing, not wanting to head out. Each day he would swear he wouldn’t. Yet he stood in the end, unable to keep himself from doing so any longer. He growled and scratched his hair in anger, finding himself in his room to grab his jacket. Most of the day was already gone, and because of it, Shamira watched closely his every move. Soon, he was out the door, yet again. Now that he was able to walk, it was even more obvious that he was doomed to near.

He always felt compelled to. No matter how much he denied it or cursed. He was bound.

———-

 

Her eyes finally stopped trailing the sand, for shadows loomed over it, the sun long gone.

Iara finally turned around to face the waves. She felt disappointment, because Matthew had not come to the beach today. She would have feared, remembering his words and promises of not coming back, but she knew better. There had been a lot of days in which he took a lot of time to appear. She knew he had to take care of his ankle; he could not roam as much. But she had seen him get better. Each day he walked with more ease. He was healing, and yet, he grew bitterer and more resigned.

She sunk back into the water, doubting that Ethan would bring Matthew today. It was too late for them to drive here. She began to swim back towards the reefs, where another mediated in silence.

Alon let out a focused exhale, his breaths long and calculated. His hands were raised at his sides, his tail swaying as he broadened his shoulders. He displayed a proud stance, having isolated himself each day, every time they went back into the water. He had been pushing away the thought of sad hazel eyes and hopeful azure ones. His silver eyes opened again, to admire what had stolen his focus all these days. He had begged her to let him try alone, and each day he grew stronger. His hands moved once more and brushed the stalks, which had grown taller than him. His glow tangled all over the plant, painting the waters in silver, brighter than the moonlight.

He did not need her guidance anymore. Many nights had he been awake, pondering her caring words. The plant grew strong and high, a statement of how he had come to control his will. His determination was as fierce as hers, as much as he did not think so. They both were anxious, desperate to make it happen, end their painful wait. Alon let go when a voice echoed behind him.

“I doubt it can grow more, Al.”

There was faint laughter tangling in her words. He smiled sadly, turning to face her, noting quickly her amusement. Under her stare, he found himself fumbling with his hands, his glow fading softly.

“I still don’t feel ready.”

Iara looked down in thought, swaying closer to him with a sigh.

“Neither do I.” She grasped his hands, meeting his eyes. “We won’t be any more ready than we are now, however. I taught you everything I know, I don’t think your will could be any stronger. We can only try.”

Matthew had healed. They had learnt, the spell was at reach. They could only reveal it.

“Do you…” Alon looked down, frowning as Iara whispered with a fearful faint tone. “Do you think he will want to go through it again?”

Alon opened his mouth but took a minute to answer. His hand raised her gaze slowly, his face leaning closer, smiling down at her with a reassuring nod.

“He has always been stubborn. After how much he struggled to get back at you, I can only imagine how much he would want to have you at reach.” He gave her tail a nudge, trying to cheer her up. “We can only ask. It wouldn’t hurt.”

“It could hurt.” Iara smiled bitterly, sighing. “He would leave some things behind.”

Alon argued again, laying out a fact.

“And he could take them back when he so wished.”

Iara blinked, because Alon crossed his arms at her, eyebrow raised. She soon shook her head with a tired grin, able to understand without words. Matthew would be like them, for as long as he wanted to. Nothing could prevent him from voicing his hate for it; they would never refuse to let him go. He could easily push it all away. Nothing could prevent them from wishing for a change again. If this worked… all could be done.

“I just worry, I just feel-“

Iara stopped whispering, because Alon had tensed, hearing something. His eyes sharpened as an echo reached them, his gaze quickly fixing on the surface ahead. She soon turned around to face the coast too, recognizing well the sound of something thrown into the water. To be precise, it sounded like if a rock had been thrown into the waves, flung.

Someone was at the beach, at night. There were no sounds of a car. Both floated there, frowning, unable to see the shore clearly from their nests. They knew there was someone there, however. They exchanged looks, debating if it could be him. It was late, and there was definitely no car, they would have heard it coming.

At the shore, Matthew huffed, glaring tiredly at the water ahead. He was not seeing any fins or bright eyes. And so, he sighed and put his hand in a pocket, looking down as he pondered. Maybe they did not know he was there. They could be sleeping. Perhaps they thought he did not want to come.

Shamira sat at his side on the sand, looking up at him, seeing him fidget in doubt. He was debating if to call or leave. After a minute, Matthew took a slow step back, which he soon halted with a snarl. His head bowed, another deep breath taken, his hand clenching inside his pocket. He couldn’t make his mind, if to stay or go.

He always said he wouldn’t come back if they did not leave. And they kept on affirming they would stay. It was something he could not stand, but he could not do anything about it. All the while, the waves flowed, back and forth without stopping.

He just waited. For what, he wondered. There were only two possible paths to follow, each as painful. They could finally leave and break him. Or he could break himself with guilt. His eyes stared mournfully at the sand, the waves almost touching his feet. They seemed to try to reach him, only to cower back. It reminded him of how he felt.

I can’t-

“You can walk.”

Matthew raised his gaze slowly, calmly. The voice echoed to him with the sounds of the tides, barely a whisper. He remained silent for a minute, only to answer sadly and with a small tired shrug.

“Doesn’t change anything, does it?”

Another voice echoed, slightly scolding.

“You could get into the water now.”

That made him glare. Alon and Iara had not left the water, and now watched as Matthew stepped into it, not bothering to take off his boots. He got closer to them angrily and slowly, questioning with his gaze. He only halted when the water reached his waist, to then let out bitter words, right in front of them.

“I’m in, guys.” Matthew laughed angrily, shaking his head, seeing them frown. “What now? It doesn’t change a damn thing. Have you waited all these days, just to see me get into the water like this? Unable to swim like I once could? Did you think this would make me feel better? It only makes me feel helpless.”

The last words were growled. Matthew had leaned closer, lashing out. The two did not even flinch for it, their gazes firm. They saw him tremble slightly; they knew his hand was shaking, even if it was hidden inside a pocket. Alon and Iara tried to speak softly, to try to calm him down and settle a ground for the words they wanted to say.

“You are not helpless, Matt.”

“We waited to see you heal.”

Alon and Iara tried to reach for his arm with their hands. To their surprise, Matthew stepped slightly off their reach, having expected them to try. His eyes were narrowed, his hand finally leaving his pocket, clenched. He shook his head strongly as he denied them.

“Don’t.” The two let their hands fall, because Matthew sobbed bleakly, slowly losing his composure. “D-don’t make me go into the water to have to leave it. I’m tired of being like a wave; I close in, just to back away. I always have to leave you, and I’m fucking tired. I can’t be with you, so please, go into the sea. If you won’t do it for yourselves… do it for me.”

It hurt to beg. It hurt to say it over and over again. Those silver and azure eyes seemed to darken, growing tired as well. They remained silent, their figures seeming to tense under his sorrowful gaze. They said nothing… but that did not mean they did not let him know their thoughts.

Matthew was blinded for a moment, for two sudden lights glinted between them. When he got over it, he froze, pure disbelief settling in him. He stared for a full minute, shaking, incapable of saying a word. Alon and Iara had raised their hands again, and now they were engulfed by two bright lights, their vibrant hues parting the darkness. The glows almost looked as warm as the fires they sometimes lighted on the beach. They wielded the flames without harm, holding them firmly in front of them, for him to see clearly. Those hazel eyes could not stop looking at the glows, while theirs were fixed on him, intently. They spoke decisively yet gently, their gazes betraying their fear of him running away.

“We are only leaving…”

“If you come with us.”

The moon loomed above, yet there was no red reflected on the waters. There were only azure and silver hues, which did not seem as cold as that eclipse had been. The former merman trembled as he tried to collect all his thoughts, entranced. He was seeing clearly what could only be called magic. It was kept in their hands, shown clearly to him, without reaching.

After a minute, Matthew raised his gaze slowly, looking with disbelieving wonder at the two. He had heard Alon say many times that he did not hold this knowledge. Yet, there he was now, showcasing it, unafraid of it.

“Y-you-“ He gulped, keeping himself from falling, his feet trembling. “You are saying you can…”

“Change you.” Matthew did not miss how Iara looked down to her hand, her expression mournful. “Only if you wish for it.”

The mermaid felt doubt, the only thing that kept her from faltering was the fact that Alon was standing firmly at her side. The merman spoke up, knowing Iara could not bring herself to justify the offer. He looked at the human with a pleading gaze, not knowing what to make of Matthew’s silence.

“I told you before how I refused to listen to her, Matthew. She could have had my aid, but instead, I forced her to seek an evil creature that could offer it.” His black tail curled below him, his silver eyes shameful. “Had I accepted her beliefs, I could have said this much sooner. I could have been willful, I could have helped. You may know that it takes will to bring magic forth. This time it is different, it is not the same.”

A dog watched from the beach, calm while a human looked at the sea, debating. The merfolk had fallen silent, finding their thoughts hard to express. After a while, Matthew looked at them again. He had many questions, and their answers scared him.

“W-would it work?”

Alon and Iara took deep breaths and answered. There were multiple questions in those three words.

“Nothing would go wrong this time, Matt. It’s us who wish for it, no one else.”

“It won’t bring pain. I wouldn’t be saying these words if it could cause any.”

She wouldn’t let anything get in between, and he would never hurt him. Matthew watched sadly as they let their hands drop at their sides, their glows dying. They looked at him nervously and let out their fears, one at a time.

“If you have doubts, we will understand. We have them ourselves”

“We needed to wait for the right moment. Now we are finally strong enough, and you have healed.”

“Yet, even if we know it is possible now, it is still asking a lot. You would leave everything on land.”

“However, you saw that it is possible to break the spell. We would never tie you. You could come back if you so wished.”

It took a minute for Matthew to process it all.

“So, you are saying it is safe.” Matthew looked down at himself, frowning. “I could… “

They both nodded, daring to meet his eyes to prove their honesty. It was not needed, for there was pure trust in those hazel eyes, he never doubted their words. Iara held her hands together and looked away, mistaking his thoughtful silence for reluctance.

“W-we understand if you need to think it over. It’s not an easy choice. Go back home and think if you really wish to-“

Iara flinched, hearing a splash of water. She shivered as she saw Matthew kneeling in front of her, glaring into her eyes sadly. He snarled, shaking his head at her.

“I thought I made clear already what I wished, Ia.” She frowned, because Matthew dared jest slightly. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten I trust you… I don’t need to think it over.”

There was sad laughter in his voice. She gave him a worried look, not sharing his smile, only his sorrow.

“Not even for Ethan?“

Matthew sighed, chuckling nervously as he glanced at the water.

“I do worry for him, yes. But I know that waiting to tell him will make no difference, no words will soften the blow. No matter what, I will let him know, and I’d rather show than tell.” Matthew looked over his shoulder, and then back at them after a few seconds, full of wonder. “You said… I could change my mind, didn’t you?”

Alon nodded slowly, his tail swaying up and down nervously.

“You remember how you freed her, don’t you?”

“I can’t forget it, even if I want to. It still sends shivers down my spine.” Matthew affirmed next, his eyes showing resolve. “You both have my trust. I would not be able to walk away tonight now that I know this, believe me. Ethan won’t like it much, but he will have to understand; this does not have to be a secret anymore. I need to dive in.”

He knew Ethan would accept this if he showed him he was safe. And if he truly was against it… he could go back. He did not know how exactly, but he had seen that it was possible. The two would do anything for him, he knew. Going back was an option, but he wanted to stay forever at their side. He knew that well, just by looking at their bright eyes. Iara was still showing worry, pondering deeply, all ever caring. Alon was looking right through him, all ever attentive, ever since he grew remorseful. Deep inside, however, both knew he missed the warmth of the tides.

Iara looked up slowly and Alon smiled, both hearing Matthew speak with slight hopeful joy, grinning.

“Get me into the water, guys.”

The three sat there, arguing silently. They knew well this needed thought; it was something that needed trust, dedication. It was a tie, a risk. Yet they just exchanged gazes, each swearing they were already bound. There was nothing they could say, nor ask. Every second they waited was a second in which they suffered a painful heartache, a loss of time in which they could be close.

Iara looked up to the moon, wondering. Alon held her hand and smiled reassuringly, both having talked about this beforehand. They did not need the moonlight, they only needed each other. Matthew’s eyes glinted, seeing her smile and joke again, something he had feared to lose. She was truly back, and near, her voice calling once more.

“You might want to leave behind your phone, Matt. I doubt you want to crawl your way back home to tell him.”

She did not fail to make them blush with her smirk, eyeing his clothes with a funny look. While Matthew nodded with an awkward cough, Alon looked away and fumbled with his hands.

Soon, steps echoed out of water. A dog looked up calmly as a human neared, determined and serious. Shamira let out a small whine, leaning to allow Matthew to pet her, listening as he whispered carefully.

“I need your help. One last time, chum.“ Matthew smiled as he took off his jacket, and a phone out of it. “I want you to stop looking out for me, and start keeping an eye on Ethan. As stubbornly as you have for me, okay?”

Shamira let out a proud huff, giving him a stern raise of snout, but she did not bark in protest. Matthew ruffled her fur one last time, gratefully.

“Good girl.” He stood, looking down at her tiredly. “Check on him tomorrow, please.”

She let herself plop on the sand, guarding Matthew’s belongings. She wondered how an old sailor would react, knowing it would be shocking once more. It was an impulsive choice, but she did nothing to stop it. There was no reason to, there was no danger.

Two merfolk watched as the human stepped into the water again, advancing until it reached his neck. He did not object when they both swam to his sides, halting to let him take a deep calming breath. No questions were asked when they grasped his shoulders, in order to drag him deeper into the waves. They held him and swam for him, bringing him into the sea. They neared the reefs, the shore left far behind. There was no fear or doubt, however. He only glanced nervously at the water, looking back faintly at the now far sand. Soon, he raised his gaze to them again. They had halted below the moon and above beautiful coral.

Matthew felt the gentle rocking of the water, their tails moving around him carefully. They never let him sink, keeping him close, in a warm hold. He held onto them as well, shivering as their hands began to glow, the light increasing with each second that passed. It did not burn when it finally brushed his skin. It did not feel like fire but like water itself. It was a sensation he could not describe, too foreign. And as strange as it was, it did not make him falter. Still, he did show nervousness when they both spoke, determined and caring.

“We are going to sink you. Focus on your heartbeat and wish, on our hold.”

“Take a deep breath. Don’t fear to let it go, we would never let you drown.”

Matthew closed his eyes, nodding. They both smiled softly, seeing him take a long inhale. He could not avoid frowning when he was pulled down into the water, their hold tight and firm. He managed to stay calm, feeling them brush his back and face. They let him know they were there, close.

If he had opened his eyes, he would have seen loving bright eyes staring at him intently, never showing any malice even if sharp. He would have seen them exchanging a focused look, both saying something. He did not see them nod… and then bite their own lips with their fangs. Blood flowed, yet they did not care for it.

Iara frowned, her eyes full of care as she noticed slight wincing. Soon enough, Matthew opened his mouth with a small jolt, letting out his breath, unable to hold it anymore. And just like that time, when he would have drowned in those cold ruins… he felt warm lips brush him, a hand leaning his head sideways, closer.

Matthew opened his eyes, at last, feeling air flow into his lungs fiercely. He met her azure eyes, her glowing hand holding his face as she kissed him strongly. He could feel something else in her kiss, on her lips, but he did not think much of it. There were other sensations. His eyes blinked dazedly, for the azure flames seemed to tangle and sink into him. All flickered for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat.

He felt the same stupor that came after drinking from that flower. But instead of pain, only numbness and tiredness flowed in him. His whole body failed to respond, making him fall limp in their hold. Alon and Iara had to inch closer at his sides to prevent him from sinking more, the three almost touching the surface, tinted by the moonlight.

Her hand eventually let go. Matthew blinked in a daze as she pulled away with a smile. His hazel eyes narrowed, seeing a trail of blood on her mouth, her blood. He understood. He could understand perfectly. The air she gave him almost pulsed in his lungs, her blood mixed in it. He felt again the strange palpitating feeling inside, his whole body quivering for it. There was no ache or agony, even if it was a strong sensation. It was almost like falling asleep, but without losing conscience.

His body was struggling to change; he tried to focus on it. It was still not enough; it was only a fragment he struggled to keep from shattering. Still, her enchantment would not fade, and he would not hurt for it, because another one pulled at him. Matthew felt Alon rest his hand on his chest, firmly. His silver eyes were fixed on him, sharp, yet all ever attentive.

Matthew trembled, closing his eyes again. He shook as his body began to change externally, even if faintly. Alon could feel him grow anxious, his heartbeat fast under his hand, his silver blazes almost seeming to pierce him.

Alon watched for a minute, keeping his hand still. He trusted himself, her hold assuring at his side, not voicing anything but confidence. As soon as he saw Matthew let her air out in a silent gasp, he took a long inhale of water himself.

The human expected the killer whale to do as the dolphin did. He expected air. He felt him lean his head too, that hand never leaving his chest as his heartbeat grew faster. Alon pulled at him for a kiss, but he barely noticed it, all his body numb. He did wince, however, not feeling air being given. Alon closed his eyes himself, sad to see Matthew flinch in reflex, feeling water sink into his lungs. He tried not to fight it, struggling to remember how he had breathed it once. Their tails brushed him, to try to calm him.

The merman let go, having exhaled all the water in his mouth, with his blood. They saw Matthew gasp and inhale more on his own, trembling. They were ready to act upon any signs of drowning, pull him out to the surface if there was pain. But there was only slight discomfort, a grimace as he tried to lean onto them, his hand clenched. Their bright eyes filled with hope, seeing faint scales emerge from his feet. He was breathing.

Alon and Iara cried, their tears mixing in the water. Matthew huffed when they hugged him between them, only leaving space for his lower body. Their hands rested on him, their glow tangling, never stopping. His hazel eyes opened slightly, clearer, his mind pounding. There was a strange feeling on his skin. Like in that night, something was tearing out, his flesh shifting. But there was no pain; it didn’t feel like scorching or cold. There was only warmth, numbness.

Matthew smiled tiredly, feeling exhausted. He did not scowl, for he could understand he was changing, that he was able to breathe again. There was no need for air anymore. He did not need to struggle to keep himself alert; they were holding him, keeping him safe. It took a while. It was not a fast change. They had to hold him time to time, because he sometimes would jolt in reflex; a dorsal fin was growing out his back, his caudal fin was emerging from his bronze tail, and two long silvery fins were expanding at his sides.

He let out one final wheeze, letting himself collapse onto them, unable to focus anymore. And then, the glow slowly faded. No tears could be seen in the water. Their bright eyes watched with pure sad joy as he tried to lift his gaze tiredly, the three panting as they clutched each other tightly. All felt the exhaustion, all wishing with all their hearts.

Only the moon glinted now in the dimly lighted water. And even then, his hazel eyes saw in the darkness. He could see their eyes in the dark, his own sharpening. He could see them smiling down at him. There were no cold gazes, there was only care. They were not leaving him. He could feel his own tail brushing theirs; he could feel his body, their hold on it.

“I’m…“

He was too tired to speak. But he did laugh shakily when the other two did. Iara outright pulled at them both in a joyful sway, the three almost incredulous. He had changed, perfectly. No pain, nothing lost. There was no repercussion, other than the tiredness, and the promise of being bound.

A dog closed her eyes on shore, seeing the outlines of three figures emerge from the waters, laughter echoing in the night. They held each other close, like if they were going to disappear from each other’s arms. They only floated there, close, their bright skin and eyes glinting under the moon. They exchanged caring words, not wanting to let go any time soon.

This time, they could be together.