Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Hmmmhmm...Hmmm, hmm, hmmm..."

 

Two gentle knocks came from outside of the large clamshell in the middle of the bedroom.

 

"Oh, Boo-Bear! Wake up!"

 

"Uuugh...No..." "Breakfast is ready! Please?"

 

The shell opened, and Boober rubbed his eyes, looking up at his sister. "There's my darling!" "...I'm so tired." "I know you are, dear. Now get up, come eat!"

Mokey swam out of the room, and Boober sluggishly followed, sitting down at the breakfast table. Mokey had prepared bowls of fruit, including Latok, Boober's favorite.

"Eat up, dear! We've got errands to run today!" "We? Can't I stay home? I hate going into the kingdom, everyone is scared of me..." "Scared of you? Boober, that's nonsense!" "Mokey, you've seen the way they look at me. It's better if I stay in here." "Oh, my poor baby...But please? I want to spend the day with you. And if anybody talks bad about you...Well, I'll take care of them! Nobody bullies my Boo-Bear!" "Mokey, I'm not a baby." "You're my baby! Now finish up, and let's get moving!"

 

Boober sighed, quickly finishing his breakfast and swimming away to grab his scarf, a gift from their mother before she passed.

 

"Look at you! Cute as always, hm?" "Mokey, geez...C-Can we just get a move on? I want to get this over with..." "Oh, darling...I promise we'll have a fun day out!" "Doubt it..."

The siblings opened the door and swam out towards the kingdom square, where all the citizens did their shopping. As they swam around, Boober clung to Mokey's side, taking notice of every dirty look another person gave him. He undid his scarf and wrapped in around his head, trying to hide his esca, but he couldn't hide his spikes or fangs.

People still stared at him, though. He didn't look like other merggles. He didn't have the pretty, shimmery scales, or the elegant figure, or the dreamy eyes. He had a fleshy tail and eyes that glowed as bright as the esca on his head. And he was quite chubby, which often caught peoples attention. People often laughed at him, claiming he didn't even look like a merggle. He was often called terrible names, and the royal guards often threatened him with violence and jail time, often when he was doing nothing at all.

Mokey wasn't treated much better, but at least she looked the part. But as a siren, people were scared of her, often accusing her of being a cannibal or a murderer. She didn't exactly like the comments, but she had learned to tune them out.

The rest of the kingdom didn't like them, but there wasn't much the siblings could do, considering there was nowhere else to go. No other kingdoms for miles, and an ocean filled with dangerous creatures. As long as they behaved, and paid their taxes, they were permitted to stay. Yes, even merggles have taxes. The world is fucked.

 

After they entered a entered a grocery store, Boober sighed, his anxiety calming once he could no longer feel dozens of eyes looking him up and down. He stayed quiet, trying to catch his breath until Mokey's voice snapped him out of it.

 

"Boober, would you like some salmon flakes?" "S-Sure...A-And get some nori, I-I want to make sushi." "I will!" "Thanks...Y-You know, I-I-I was looking through some old recipe scrolls, a-a-and I found this nice recipe for-!"

 

"Hey! Freak!"

 

"Ah!"

 

Boober yelped as an elbow slammed into his back. "O-Ow..." "Excuse me!" Mokey quickly turn around, but the perpetrator was already gone.

 

"Oh dear...Are you ok?" "I-I'm fine...t-that just really hurt..." "I'm sure it did. I promise we'll be out of here soon, ok?" "Ok...I-I told you I should have stayed home, though..." "I'm sorry, dear. But really, all I wanted was to spend time with you." "I-I know...I love you." "I love you too! Come on, let's keep going."

 

The siblings kept going, stopping in a clothing store. Boober dolefully gazed at the tail covers, but Mokey quickly dragged him away.

"You could't possibly cover up your tail, my dear!" "...Maybe people would stop treating me like a freak, if I did." "But then you wouldn't be you anymore. And you're perfect just the way you are." "Maybe to you..." "Everyone who doesn't think that isn't worth your time. Ok? Now let's keep looking." "...ok."

 

As they kept looking, Mokey spotted something that caught her eyes. "Oh, Boo-Bear! Isn't this cute?" She held a cute top made of koi scales to Boober's chest. "U-Uh...su-sure?" "And it's your size!" "I doubt that. Nothing here is ever my size." "No, really! This is your size! And you'd look so pretty!" "You think so?" "Of course! Here, try it on!"

 

Boober slipped the top on, and looked into the nearby mirror.

"I..." "What do you think?" "I-I like it, but..." "But?" "A-Aren't Koi scales expensive? How much is this?" "Doesn't matter. Do you want it?" "I-I...Yes." "Then I'll get it for you! Put it in the basket, let me know if you see anything else you like!"

 

The siblings spent the entire day out shopping, before returning home in the later afternoon.
But as Boober went to unpack the grocries, he noticed his sister longfully gazing out the window to the house.

 

"Mokey?" "Hm? Oh, Sorry." "What are you doing?" "Just...thinking. I had such a fun day today, but...Do you ever feel like we're living in a cycle? Where every day in the same?" "Yes. I love it." "I know you do, but...I want something more." "More? Mokey, we live in the most prosperous kingdom in the entire ocean, what more could you possibly want?"

 

As Mokey opened her mouth to speak. large, rectangular shadow passed above. A vessel for the Silly Creatures that lived above. Strange beings, said to have four arms and no tail, sharp teeth and a taste for flesh. Parents told stories to their fry of the dangers of being seen, and that it would result in them being harpooned and cooked for dinner. If any merggles were seen near the surface, they would be punished. Fined, aressested...or even exiled. Only a fool would even think about such a thing.

 

Mokey gazed up at it, a sparkle of longing in her eyes.

 

"I want to see the surface."

 

"The surface!?" Boober yelled, horrified. "What could possibly be on the surface!? T-The Silly Creatures want to kill, and hunt and eat us!" "Oh, those are just fairytales! I'm just so curious about them...Won't you come with me and see? We'll sneak out, nobody will see us! Don't you want to see what they're like? I've heard they're very intelligent and brave creatures...Maybe even smarter than us."

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

"Is a whale a fish?" "What?" "Are whales fish?" "No, whales are not fish. Whales are mammals." "Wait, they are?" "Yes." "I thought they laid eggs." "Red, when the hell have you ever heard of whale eggs?" "I don't know, Gobo! Where have you ever heard of Gryphon's existing in real life!" "Oi, you promised you wouldn't bring that up anymore!"

 

Red smacked her friend in the face and turned back to face the ocean, where Gobo's brother, Wembley was busy climbing out of the water with his board.

 

"Hey! Hey, guys! D-Did you guys see the wave I hit!? I-It was awesome! B-but it was also really scary! But I went flying!" "Sorry, bud, I didn't see. Turns out, Red thinks whales lay eggs." "Wait, whales don't lay eggs?"

 

There was silence for a moment.

 

"Anyway," Gobo stood up and grabbed his board, hoping to change the subject. "It's my turn. See ya!"

 

He ran towards the water, and Wembley sat down on the beach blanket. "Did you see any of my wave, Red?" "I saw a bit. You looked cool as hell out there." "R-Really? You think I-I'm cool?" "Yeah, you're cool, give yourself some credit!"

 

Wembley smiled, and tucked some hair behind his ear. "T-Thanks...I-I guess I've just been worried about people thinking I'm lame..." "Nah. I mean, if you're lame, I'm lame. And I know for a fact I'm not lame." "No way! Y-You're the coolest person I've ever met! N-Next to Gobo, of course!" "Yeah, yeah...So, how did your finals go? I never asked. "...Fine. Scared to look at my grades, but I think I did...Ok." "You probably did great! I know I failed at least one." "That's not good!" "Only if you care. I know I don't."

 

Red laid back on the blanket, staring up at the morning sun. "But I'm happy to be free for the summer...until I have to go back to work. That'll suck." "Well, let's appriciate the freedom we have for now! Maybe we can finally go visit that mermaid exhibit at the mueseum!" "You wanna go see that? I think it's just supposed to be a stupid themed thing for kids." "No! G-Gobo said it was really cool!" "He works there, he needs to sell tickets." "W-Well, I still want to go! Mermaids are cool!" "I guess...I dunno, I've never been into fantasty shit like that."

 

~~~

 

"Wow...Look at them..."

 

Mokey dreamily gazed at the Silly Creatures on the beach, her eyes landing on the woman with puffy red pigtails and a bright red swim top. Other merggle women could never compare to beauty like that. No amount of gold, or pearls or shimmering scales could compare to the silly creature just a few fins away from her.

"Mmh, look at her...Boo-Bear?" She looked down at her brother, who was cowering behind the rock. "Boo-Bear, you're not even looking!"

 

"I-I'm scared." "There's nothing to be scared of! They're not even looking!" "I-I can't..." "They hardly look different from us! And some of them are beautiful...Come up here!"

 

With trembling hands, Boober pulled himself up on the rock, and looked towards the silly creatures. Almost instantly, his eyes landed on the blonde silly creature sitting next to the redhead. He was just gorgeous.

 

"A-Ah!" His esca began to glow bright like a flame, and his cheeks filled with colour upon seeing him. "G-Goodness, you were right...They're beautiful."

 

Mokey hummed in response, her tail softly flicking water around. The Silly Creature woman streched, and Mokey just swooned, giggling like a madwoman. Boober just silently stared at the blonde, eyes fixed on his torso.

 

But as they kept watching, the Silly creatures soon took notice that somebody was watching them.

 

"Who the hell is that?"

 

As soon as the woman spoke, they siblings both squeaked and dove back into the water, swimming as far as they could get before having to stop and breathe. "O-Oh cod..." Boober clutched his chest. "That was terrible! They almost saw us! What if they come after us!? What if they chop us up and cook us!? ...ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?

 

Mokey was in fact, not listening. "Wasn't she beautiful? Ooh, that hair...that face!" "T-Those eyes..." "YES! Weren't they gorgeous!?" "Yes...I can't believe I'm admitting that. But that blonde..." "W-When was the last time you felt this way!?" "Never." "Exactly! Oh, but we can't tell anybody about this! You know how everyone in the kindgom feels about the silly creatures..." "I do know. B-But what do we do now? They almost saw us, we can't be reckless about this." "Can't be reckless about what?"

 

Boober blushed and began to wring his hands together. "W-W-Well...we're going back up there, aren't we?"

 

~~~~~

 

"Who the hell is that?" "Who's what?" Wembley looked over towards the rock, but there was nothing there. "I thought I saw a chick starin' at us." Red mumbled, flicking sand off of the blanket as Gobo approched, picking seaweed out of his hair.

 

"Hey. Did you see me out there?" "You bet I did! You looked so cool!" "You looked like an idiot."

Gobo kicked sand at Red, and she snarled at him.

 

"Whatever...Hey, let's get outta here, eh? I gotta get some work done at home, and I wanna start gettin' dinner ready." "Aww...But I wanna stay! Gobo, can I please stay? I-I'll be home before dinner, I promise!" "You're sure?" "Please? I w-wanna look for shells and beach glass!" "Well, alright...But keep that promise, ok? I don't want my baby brother getting hurt. Ok?" "Ok!"

 

Wembley waved as Red and Gobo walked away with the beach stuff, and he ran towards to shore to begin looking for treasures.

 

Behind the same rock as before, Boober was staring, face flushed the same colour as his hair. The silly creature skipped along the shore, filling the chest pocket of his shirt with seashells. Mokey leaned against the rock, huffy that the woman she had been admiring had gone. But she stayed behind, to keep her brother safe. "What's he doing, Boo-Bear?" "J-Just picking up shells...He likes shells, like me." "Aw, how cute!"

 

"Hm?"

"Shh!"

 

The silly creature had overheard them, and was beginning to walk towards the rock. Boober held a finger to his lips, as the siblings slowly slipped into the water to avoid making splashes.

 

"Hello?" Wembley peeked over the side of the rock, looking into the perfectly clear water, and spotting a person with bright red hair under the surface.

He hummed, and placed one of the larger shells he had picked up on the top of the rock, and walked away to go do something else. Boober slowly rose back up to the surface, and grabbed the tiny scallop. Mokey held her brother's shoulders and gasped. "He left you a gift! Do you think that it's somehting silly creatures do?" "...I-I dunno...But...G-Give me a second."

 

Boober tucked the shell into his scarf, and dove towards the ocean floor, picking up a large conch shell, swimming back up to the surface. "H-How do I get his attention?" "Attention?" "I want to g-g-give something back...What do I do?" "...Throw a rock!" "You think so?" "Yes!"

 

Humming and picking up a small pebble, Boober threw the rock as hard as he could at the silly creature, narrowly missing his head.

 

"W-What the hell!?"

 

Wembley quickly turned around, and noticed the large conch sitting on top of the rock, where the smaller shell had been. Slowly and cacuiously, he walked over and picked it up. Nothing living inside, it was in perfect condition. He peeked over the side of the rock again, but there was nobody there.

It was strange, but who was crazy enough to say no to a perfect conch? With a big smile on his face, Wembley turned around and began to walk home.

 

Back under the water, Boober was paralyzed with fear, as his sister swirled around him. "Oh, my little starfish! I'm so proud of you!" "I-I-I...I'm...oh goodness, what have I done!? He got so close! I-I saw his face!" "Aaaand~?" "H-He's so handsome..." "Hehe! I'm so jealous! I wish that redhead could have stayed...She was rather lovely." "M-Maybe you'll see her tomorrow...?" "Tomorrow! Yes, what a wonderful idea! But let's go home, ok? We shouldn't be up here much longer...can't risk being spotted." "O-Of course...let's go."

 

The siblings swam home, still giggling to each other about how excited they were about these new, fluttery feelings.

 

~~~

 

"Hey Wemb! Did you find anything good?"

 

Silently, Wembley placed the massive conch on the kitchen table.

 

"Holy shit." Red poked at it. "Where'd you get that thing?"

 

"...I think I'm being haunted by the ocean?"

Chapter Text

The next morning, Wembley had to wake up early to go to work, at a touristy surf shop on the beach. The customers were never great, but he liked the sunshine, and the owners paid him well.

 

He kicked his blankets off and pulled his banana tree shirt on (Unbuttoned and open, of course), plus a pair of swim shorts, his sandals, and a puka shell necklace. He looked like a steryotype, but apperently it sold more t-shirts.

After running a comb through his mullet, he grabbed a handful of shiny trinkets from his dresser, and shoved them in his pocket, before turning around and leaving his room.

 

"Mornin', Gobo! Mornin' Red!" He skipped out into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee.

 

"Hey, Wemb...you're lookin' awfully chipper." "I'm excited! I'm going go out and look for the ocean ghost today!" "Oh. Well, Wemb...A-About that, what do you mean? You said that shell just appeared on that rock?" "Yeah! I put a smaller shell on a rock, turned around, and that huge conch was there instead!" "And...nobody was there?" "Yeah! But I saw some read hair in the water when I looked over the rock!" "So you think it's a ghost?" "Well, I don't know yet! That's why I need to go back!"

 

Red and Gobo gave each other concerned looks.

 

"I mean, if as long as you stay safe. Who knows, maybe it's just another person who wants to trade shells with you! Maybe you'll make a friend!"

 

Wembley smiled. "A friend...Friends with a ghost!" "No, Wemb-" "Bye guys! Don't wanna be late! Hehe!"

 

He hopped on his vespa and took off, waving to almost everyone he passed. Fraggle Cove was a sleepy little beach town, where almost everyone knew each other. At least, that's how it used to be. Tourists were flooding there area, especially now that school was out. Homes were being gutted and turned into AirBnBs, and the stores, including the one Wembley worked at, had gone from selling genuine, handmade goods, to cheap plastic crap that looked vaugely tropical.

The muesuem had removed most of their exhibets to make room for more family friendly stuff, brushing over the beautiful history of the entire city just to sell tickets. The resturant where Red worked had been turned into a gimicky 'dinner and a show' type place, that didn't sell many local dishes, because tourists where scared of the 'weird, exotic cuisine'. It was sad to see, but the money that the tourists brought in was incredible for the community. Even if everything else they brought in was making Fraggle Cove a worse place to live.

 

He parked in the alley next to the shop, and checked his phone. 7:53...Seven minutes before he had to actually be at work. Shoving his phone back in his pocket, his quickly ran across the street, up to the magic ghost rock. He peeked over, to see if the red hair was back, but it wasn't. So he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a little sparkly brooch shaped like a ladybug. He turned his back and waited for a minute, but when he looked back, but the brooch was still there. Another minute, nothing. Another, nothing.

He sighed, running back to the shop, hoping to come back and check the rock later. He had a good view of the rock through the store window, so maybe he could finally catch a glimse of his new friend!

 

He unlocked both doors, and started re-stocking the shelves with cheap plastic leis, toys for children, and little glass dolphin statues. As well as the homemade goods the owners still made. They were an older couple, who were basically retired, but kept ownership of the shop to avoid it being torn down and turned into something even more tourist trappy. Wembley was their only employee, since their son was too young to work, and nobody else in the town was 'acceptable'. According to the wife of the couple, he was 'just a sweet lil' thing'. Which in reality meant that he was just agreeable and would do anything if told.

The wife made handmade jewellery out of clay, and her husband sold little stautes he carved from wood, often in the shapes of weapons or monsters. They were an...old couple, for sure. But Wembley thought they were sweet.

 

Half an hour later, at 8:30, Wembley turned on the 'OPEN' sign, and waited for his first customers of the day. He checked the schedule next to the register, wondering if any cruise ships were due to stop in, but there was nothing.

Oh dear. It was going to be a slow day, wasn't it?

 

~~~~~~~

 

"Boober, don't you want to go back up?" "...No." "But what about that boy you saw?" "We probably won't see him again." "You don't know that! What if he left you another gift? Please? It was so exhilirating, I need to go back! Plus, you wanted to keep going, you said so!" "Mokey, if we keep going up there, people could see us! We could get caught by the silly creatures, or worse, exhiled from the kingdom!"

 

"But..." "No! No buts! Mokey, we have a good life here, but we're on thin ice! One wrong move, and we're offically shark food! I don't...I don't want that."

Mokey huffed. "Fine. You can stay. But I'm going." "You can't go alone! What if you get spotted!?" "I won't. I'll make sure of it." "You can't make sure of something like that!" "Boober, I am going, and that's final! I'm sick of being stuck here, aren't you!? The people here hate us, and it's so boring! I want adventure, don't you?" "No. I like the boredom. But...Look, if you want to go that badly...I-I'll come with you. Then at least we'll be exhiled together."

 

"That's the spirit." She gave him a kiss on the head, and headed for the door, opening it up to reveal one of the royal guards.

 

"Eep!"

 

"Ma'am." "Umm...hello?" "I'm here to collect this months taxes." "Oh! Yes, of course!" Mokey grabbed a large bag of pearls from the table next to the door. "Here you are! Exactly 300!" "Thank you, ma'am. Now, where are you headed?"

"Uuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhh..." "Hunting." Boober piped up. "We need to go find herring." "Ah. Well, a school of herring was spotted near the crystal caverns. You'll want to get moving if you want any chance of finding it. Good day."

 

The guard swam off, and Mokey breathed a sigh of relief. "Good save..." "Thanks. But let's hurry if we don't want to be spotted."

 

Avoiding the gaze of the rest of the merggles, the siblings swam out of the kingdom gates, and towards to shore, where the silly creatures would be. Once they surface, Mokey took notice of a red gleam on top of a rock.

"Hmm? What's that?"

 

She reached up and grabbed it. "Oh, Boo-Bear! It's a treasure! It must be for you!" "...For me?" "It must be from your admiarer! Hehe!" "For me...Oh goodness." Boober's face flushed bright red. "It's...beautiful. H-Hold on, I-I need to put something back...S-Something better than a shell...Uuh..."

 

Boober reached into his scarf pocket, and pulled out a ticky clam covered in barnacles. "Will this do?" "Yes! It's such a special treasure!" "A-Alright..."

 

He swam up to the rock and placed the clam on the rock.

 

"I-I hope he likes it..." "I'm sure he will! Now, what do you think this is?" "I don't know...It looks like a pin of some sort, but...I don't what this red thing is supposed to be." "Well whatever it is, it's shiny! Maybe it's a land fish!" "Fish don't live on the land. Mammals do." "Oh. Well, is it a mammal?" "Mammals don't have six legs. Is it...A bug?" "Maybe! Hmm...I wonder-! Oh! Hide, quick! Somebody's coming!"

 

Mokey slipped under the water, and Boober vanished as she tugged him down by his fins

 

~~~~~

 

"Is this authentically Fragglish?" Wembley stared down at the plush dolphin the woman was trying to buy. "Excuse me?" "Is this an authentic Fragglish product?"

 

"Uuuuuhhhh...Yes?" Fragglish wasn't a word. It was just the name of the town. He had no idea what she was trying to ask, so he just said the first thing that popped into his head. "They come from a, uhh...l-local...manufactuer." "And what about these?"

 

She dropped a lei on the table. "Are these real flowers? Where were they picked from?" "Ma'am, those are plastic..." "Oh. Well, I'll take three."

 

"Mhmm...that'll be $32.87. Will that be cash or card?" "Do you accept American currency?"

 

Wembley smiled wide, but his eyes looked dead. The fact that she had to ask...

 

"Ma'am, Fraggle Cove is part of America..." "Is it? Oh. Well, here."

 

She passed over the money, and pulled on the leashes her children were wearing. "Girls! Let's go! We need to make our mueseum reservations!"

 

"Have a lovely day..." Wembley mumbled, burying his face in his hands. His head hurt already, and it hadn't even been an hour. He rubbed and slapped his cheeks, glancing out the window at the beautiful yellow sun, and the rock that he had placed the brooch on. As he watched, a hand reached out of the water and grabbed the watch. Wembley perked up, and watched as a second hand reached up and placed a different object on the rock.

 

Wembley gasped, realizing that his ghost friend was back. He got up from his stool, ran outside, and ran across the road to the beach, narrowly avoiding getting hit by a car. The sand was boiling hot as it slipped into his sandals, but he didn't even notice. He reached out and grabbed the object, holding it up to his face.

 

It was a...pocket watch? Covered in barnacles?

 

"...Coooooool!" He squealed. It looked like a real ocean treasure! How did his ghost friend even get this? Where did it come from? He slipped it into his pocket and leaned over the side of the rock, hoping to catch a glimpse of that red hair again. Maybe they would get to talk to each other this time!

 

"Hello?" He called down.

 

Boober jumped at the sound of Wembley's voice.

 

"H-H-He's...talking to me..." "Go talk to him!" "No! No, I shouldn't! He could hurt me!" "He won't! You're friends! Go say hi!" "No, no, no...Silly creatures could carry illnesses! I could get sick!" "You won't get sick if you don't get close! Go!"

 

Mokey pushed Boober upwards. "E-Eh...F-Fine! Don't push me!" He swam upwards, covering his esca with his scarf. His head popped out of the water, and he looked around for the silly creature. The surface air was freezing against his skin, and his soaking wet hair clung to his skin. He kept his mouth in the water, worried about the germs in the surface air.

 

"Hello?"

He turned around, and gazed up at the silly creature staring down at him.

 

"...Woah." The silly creature climbed over the rock, and smiled down at his new friend.

 

"Hi! I'm Wembley! What's your name?"

 

Boober's face turned bright red, and he vanished underneath the water again.

 

"Oh Mokey! Mokey, I couldn't do it! I can't talk to him, I'm too scared!" "Oh, sweetie...Come here." Mokey cuddled her brother. "I'm so proud of you for trying! What did he say?"

 

"...he told me his name. Wembley." "Wembley? Oh, that's a nice name! Well...Maybe he'll leave you another cute treasure tomorrow! And maybe that cute girl will come with him! Hehe!" "Oh, Mokey...You're hopeless." "A hopeless romantic!"

 

~~~

 

"Hello? Hello!?" Wembley got closer to the water, but it was too dark to see.

 

"Oh, fiddlesticks..." He got back up and headed back over to work, protectivly holding the pocketwatch in his hand. He opened up the door to the shop, and noticed a man standing at the register. He was tall and pale, wearing a fancy button up and slacks, and there was a large amount of items of the counter. Wembley got a terrible vibe from him.

 

"Uuuh...H-Hello sir! Apologies, I had to run out to handle something! Are you all ready to checkout?"

 

The man nodded. "Yes." His voice was deep and rough. Wembley smiled akwardly, and slipped behind the counter. As he rung up the rum, the register beeped.

"Oh dear...May I see some I.D?" The man rolled his eyes, but placed his license on the counter.

 

'William Grossberg'.

 

"Uuuh...Alright, you're good! Thank you!" "Hm."

 

Wembley kept ringing up the items, Wembley took notice that most of the items were mermaid themed. Strange...

 

"Um...Y-Y-You're dressed awfully fancy! Are you here for buisess?" "Yes, actually. I'm lending several artifacts to the local mueseum for their mermaid exhibits. I'm having a meeting with the director later...We're hoping to get live mermaids in the exhibit soon." "Oh! Like actors?"

 

The man laughed. "No."

 

He quickly tapped his card against the reader, gathered up his items, and quickly rushed out of the store. Wembley blinked, very confused. He got strange customers, sure, but that guy was super creepy. And what did he mean about getting mermaids for the exhibit? He meant he was getting actors, right?

 

~~~~

 

"Hi, welcome to the Fraggle Cove Mermaid Magic exhibit. Can I see your tickets?"

 

Gobo punched the family's tickets, and opened the gate to let them in to the exhibit. It was a big room with purple and blue gradiant walls, and tons of fake garbage on display, mimicking an Atlantis sort of civilization, living beneath the waves. Two large, clyindar shaped tanks sat in the middle, with signs on them reading, 'Out for a swim!'. The muesum had promised live mermaids on display, but was activally against hiring any actors, claiming they needed to be 'The real deal'. Whatever, maybe they wanted a scuba diver instead.

 

Gobo hated this place. When he first started working, his sophmore year of high school, he loved it. The artifacts and history was all real, and it felt like a place where he could share his passion for classics and archeology. Now it was just another tourist trap, full of stuff for toddlers to do while their parents played on their phones and didn't pay attention. And it didn't even bring in good buissness. Most days, it was empty.

 

He felt his phone buzz in his pocket, and looked around to make sure nobody was watching. When he checked his phone, the only thing on there was a poorly spelled text from Wembley.

 

'OOK AT FHIS TJING!!'

Attatched was a picture of a rusty old pocket watch.

 

'Cool, Wemb. Where did you get it?'
'Ny ghsot frend! I traden a brocoh for it!!'
'Wow. We might have to go check out that area later, there might be even more cool stuff!'

 

He put his phone away when he saw an older man approching.

 

"Hi, welcome to the Fraggle Cove-" "Quiet. Where's your manager? I'm here for a buisness meeting." "Uuuuhh...Ok? What's your name?" "William." "William? Ok, hold on."

 

Gobo pulled up his walkie-talkie. "Gene, a man named William says he's here for a meeting."

 

Gobo's manager came down from his office, and rushed to greet the man. "Ah, Mr. Grossberg! So wonderful to see you, come in! Thank you, Gobo." "You're welcome...I guess."

 

He watched as the two walked upstairs, discussing something in hushed voices. Probably something to do with the exhibet. Whatever, it's not like he cared.

 

~~~~~

Red leaned against the outdoor wall of the resturant, monster energy in hand as she gazed out onto the ocean. The lunch rush was about to start, so she was getting her break now, so she didn't pummel a small child to death later. And while she zoned out, she thought. She wasn't happy. She was stuck in a dead-end job, serving people she despised, who were activally ruining her home. She was lonely, and miserable most days, while she watched the world around her crumble. She only had her surfing and swimming now, but how long would that last? Once the summer really got going, the beaches would be overrun with tourists, and when fall came, she would be back at school with no time for any of her hobbies. And of course she had Wembley and Gobo, she would never leave them for anything. But she needed more.

The resturant had once been good. Not great, of course. There were better places a block away. But the owners were a friendly old couple, and they knew how to run a resturant.

And then the wife died, and the husband sold the place to rich americans who turned the place into a bright, neon luau that sold pizza and mac'n'cheese to appeal to tourists. The scummy owners had hired a local band for live entertainment, and they often admitted that they were also misterable, but the gig paid well and got them publicity. They also stopped hiring male servers, and the uniforms had also been changed from a regular polo and slacks to a bikini top and sarong wrap. An outfit that was extreamly unflattering on Red's muscular frame.

She wanted to quit. She needed to quit, she was so miserable. But she couldn't. She needed the money, and it would be impossible to find a new job in town. So for now, she would have to suffer.

 

She glanced down at her phone, rolling her eyes and prepared to head back inside, when...She heard it.

 

A beautiful song. Being sung by an enachanting voice. Red turned around, desprate to find the source, as the sound rang in her ears.

 

On a rock, a few feet out into the ocean, was a beautiful woman with dark skin and electric teal hair. Only the upper half of her body was visible, but Red didn't seem to notice.

 

The woman stopped singing, and winked at her, blowing her a kiss before slipping back into the ocean.

 

Red stood there in shock for another minute, before snapping out of it and shaking her head.

 

"W-Woaaah...Holy shit. Maybe Wemb's is right...maybe the ocean is haunted."

 

She walked back inside the resturant, throwing her can in the garbage and picking up her tray.

 

"Hiii, welcome to the Fire Pit, are you ready to order...?"

The woman at the table hummed, running her long, red nails down the menu.

 

"Do you have hot dogs?"

 

Red's pencil snapped in half.

 

"No." She hissed through gritted teeth. "We don't."

~~~~~~~~

 

Later that night, Wembley stopped by the magic rock to place another trinket. This time, he put down a Hot Wheels car. He hoped his friend would like it!

 

"Hey! Wemb!" "Hm? Oh, Hi Red! How was work?" "Terrible. What are you doing?" "Making an offering! My new friend and I have been trading trinkets! Look at this cool watch!"

 

Red looked at the pocketwatch. "Huh. Wow." "I was wrong about it being a ghost, though...He swam up to me today...Just a regular human. I tried to talk to them, but they went back under the water." "Aw, that's a shame. Well, you'll see them again soon. Now put the car down and let's go home."

 

"Aw, ok...We-Well, will you come back with me in the morning to check?" "Sure. Maybe they'll actually say something to you." "Hehe. I hope so! I've been getting pretty lonely lately..."

 

Red nodded.

"Yeah. Me too, bud."

Chapter Text

Boober happily hummed, snuggling into the sofa as he stared at the sparkly brooch. Mokey gazed out the window, up at the beach on the surface, daydreams of the silly creature girl swimming through her head.

 

"Oh, Boober..." She sighed, her tail fins fluttering.

 

"Yes?" "Isn't love beautiful?" "Love? Well, sure...I've never felt this way before." "Me neither!" "It's incredible...But it's a little painful." "Painful?" "My chest hurts, I-It's all tight...And my heart hurts, knowing I can't ever talk to him." "I know...Have you ever dreamed about being a silly creature?" "No. I only ever dream about being a normal merggle...Without the fangs, or the eyes...With pretty scales, and a nicer body..." "Oh, Boo-Bear. Your body is beautiful just the way it is. And so is the rest of you."

 

Mokey sat down next to her brother, and ran her fingers through his hair. "Dear, you can't listen to the jerks out there. They're just trying to make themselves feel better, because they're not beautiful on the inside." "...I just wish I could live somewhere else...Somewhere I could fit in..." "Well, you know," Mokey hummed. "I think fitting in is overrated. I like being a little different. And who's saying we can't go talk to the silly creatures?" "...the law?" "The law only says we can't reveal our identities!" "It's still too risky!" "Not if we're careful! We have to go, I need to see her again...Don't you want to see if Wembley left you another tresure?"

 

Boober paused, his eyes once again focusing on the brooch.

"...Ok. But we have to start being more careful! If anybody sees us, we're dead!" "I know. I won't let anybody hurt us. Now let's go! Hurry, hurry!" "Ah! Don't push me, I'm going!"

 

As the siblings made their way to the kindgom gates, somebody grabbed Boober's fin.

 

"Hey! Freak!" "Ah! Hey, let me go...!"

 

Mokey turned around and shoved the stranger off of her brother. "Excuse me! Don't you dare touch him! What do you want!?"

The stranger jabbed a finger into Mokey's chest. "You two have been sneaking out! What have you been doing!?" "Well, I don't know if you've noticed, but we're two young merggles all on our own! We need to go hunt, and gather pearls!" "You're up to something!" "We're up to nothing! Go mind your own buisness! Come on, Boober..."

 

The stranger huffed, watching as the siblings swam out of the gates, and down towards the sea floor.

 

Boober clutched his chest and heaved, so nervous from the confrontation.

 

"Oh, Mokey...I knew this was a terrible idea! We're going to get caught! We're going to get exiled and murdered!" "We're not going to get murdered. It'll be ok...Here, hold me, cry into my shoulder."

 

Boober sobbed and clung to his sister, whimpering into her shoulder as he sobbed out all his worries. "I-I-I just don't think this is worth it! We're in a good place, b-b-but nobody likes us...W-W-We're so close to getting kicked out..." "I know. But we'll be careful...We deserve this. We deserve to be in a better, happier place...Why don't we take it slow for a minute? Then we'll go up to the surface and see our friends. Ok?" "...We're not friends." "Yet! Hehe!"

 

~~~~~

 

"...I hate tourist season..." Red mumbled, leaning on the counter of Wembley's store, gazing out the window at screaming, sunburnt children. "Uuh...yeah, me too. So, um...why are you here?" "Resturant's closed. And I'm bored." "Oh. W-W-Well, do you have to hang out here? I-I-I'm not supposed to talk to friends on the job!" "Oh, lighten up!" She punched him in the shoulder. "I'll buy something, just let me hang out for now."

"...Ok! Just don't make a mess." "Have you checked the rock yet?" "Yeah, I did. The car is still there...L-Luckily, nobody else stole it! But I wonder if he's ok...I'm worried!" "Why? You told him your name and he ran away." "He was scared!" "I dunno..." "I think he's just shy. I just need to let him warm up to me!"

 

Red rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Whatever...Hey, did I tell you I got serenated the other day?" "What?" "A random woman on a rock sang to me and blew me a kiss." "Wow! D-Did you talk to her?" "Nope. But my god, that singing really turned me on."

 

Wembley scrunched up his face. "Reeed, I don't wanna hear about that..." "Sorry. That's just the only way I knew how to describe it. I felt like I was floating. And she was so pretty..." "Well, I hope you find her! Who knows, two weird strangers hanging out in the ocean? Maybe they know each other?" "I doubt it, this place is full of freaks. But whatever, I...if she shows up again, I'll talk to her."

 

The door to the shop swung open, and Wembley popped back into customer service mode. "Oh! Hi, Welcome to-...Oh, hi Gobie." "Hey." "What are you doing here, dumbass?" "My exhibet is closed for the day, they're 'sprucing it up', or whatever. So I got the day off. What about you?" Resturant closed for the day. So I came to bother Wemb." "Hey, same here!" "Aw, you two suck! What if it was really busy today?" "Wemb, it's never busy in here. Chill, you're ok."

 

Wembley slumped against the counter and sighed. "S-Sorry...I'm just stressed...My mind is racing a mile a minute, I-I can't stop thinking about the rock. What if I'm crazy? What if it doesn't mean anything? what if I'm just wasting my time?" "Oh, Wemb. Don't get to worried about it, eh? Look, it's a weird situation, but you can't rush a friendship. Just keep trading your little trinkets until he works up the courage to say something. You're a sweet kid with a big heart, he'll see that." "Awww...Thanks, Gobo...Hey! The car is gone!"

 

Before Gobo could say anything, Wembley was gone, running across the street to go check. "Wemb, wait-!" "He's gone. Consumed by his own homosexual thoughts." "Shut up, Red. Go follow him."

 

Wembley crouched down next to the rock, and held his hand to the surface of the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of his friend.

 

"Hello?" He called down.

 

Two dark sillouettes began to slowly rise up, closer to the surface, making Wembley tense up

 

A hand rose up from the water, and gentley placed a diamond earring in Wembley's palm.

 

The blonde gasped, and squeezed the mysterious hand, making the stranger flinch.

 

"Please!" He begged. "I need to talk to you, please!"

 

The hand stranger paused, before gently rising out of the water.

 

"H...h-h...h-hi..."

 

Wembley smiled. "Hi. Please don't run." "I-I-I...I won't." "Thank you for the earring." "...t-thank you for the little creature...Um...i-it's Wembley, right?" "Yeah! What's your name?" "...U-Um...Boober." "Boober! What a pretty name!" "...Thank you...A-Ah!"

 

Boober suddenly dipped into the water, just as Red and Gobo approched.

 

"Where'd he go?"

 

"You scared him! Hold on!"

 

Wembley dunked his entire arm in the ocean, and waved Boober back over.

 

The redhead rose up again.

 

"..."

 

"D-Don't worry about them! This is my brother, and our best friend!" "Hey." Gobo waved. Red just sneered.

 

"Don't you want to move your bangs? Can't you see?"

 

Boober quickly shook his head, tying his scarf tighter around his head.

 

"I think it looks cute! S-So, um...You like swimming, huh? You spend a lot of time in the water! I mean, so do I! I-I'm a surfer! Do you like surfing?"

 

"...I dunno what that is." "Oh! W-Well, I can show you! I-If you want to come out, and-!" "No." "...Ok! Well, that works too! S-So, um...hey, I...I just wanna say...T-the trading trinkets...I-It's been making me really happy! A-And you seem sweet, so...I-I'd like to get to know you better!" "...Oh. I...I don't know if that's a good idea. Really, I...I just wanted to say hello. I'm so..."

 

Boober's eyes drifted down to Wembley's torso. "...Curious about you." "I'm curious about you too!"

 

"Awww, Boo-Bear!"

 

A young woman suddenly popped out of the water and gave Boober a hug.

 

"Ah! Mokey, you promised me five minutes!" "I know, but I got too excited! I needed to see them!"

 

Red blinked. And then she smiled.

 

"And who are you~?" She purred, nudging Wembley out of the way and getting on her knees.

"Hm? Oh! I-I'm Mokey, Boober's sister! And you are~?" "The names Red. I'm pretty important around here...Pro surfer, great at soccer." "Ooooh~! I don't know what that means, but it sounds impressive!" "It is. And that's a pretty fancy top you have." "Oh! Thank you, it's one of my favorites! I like your top as well~"

 

Boober groaned, and screamed bubbles into the water. "Mokey, don't...be careful..." "Hm? Oh, right! I'm sorry, but I'm just so...Hehe! Well, you know!" "...Unfortunately, I do...Look, we...we can't stay here much longer, people might see us!" "Boober, nobody else comes anywhere close to this area! We'll be ok! Can't we stay for just a little longer?" "...I..."

 

Wembley smiled at his new friend. "I'd love for you to stay." "Really?" "Of course!" "...Thank you. You...you're all very sweet..."

 

"Hehe! So, um...why do you spend so much time in the water? I've never seen your lower half!" "...it's a personal choice. Don't ask about it, ok? We...we could get hurt..." "Hurt?" Gobo asked, confused. "Is it medical?"

 

The siblings shared a quick look.

 

"Yes! Very medical! Oh, we could simply never leave the water, or else! Ooh, and our lower halves are so ugly, you would throw up at the sight!" Mokey sighed, leaning against a rock in a dramatic fashion.

 

Red chuckled. "You, ugly? I couldn't imagine it." "...Oh my..." Mokey blushed, giggling to herself.

 

Gobo sat on the sand, and looked down into the water.

 

"Water's pretty murky...Probably from all the sand people are kicking up. Tourist season, huh?"

 

"Uhh...what?" "Y'know, tourist season. When all the Americans flood the area and make everything hell for the entire summer." "Oh. We've, um, n-never noticed." "No? Geez. I guess it doesn't effect the people in the...less exciting areas." "I suppose not. I've never seen them before..."

 

Boober's voice was beginning to tremble, and he was slowly sinking further into the water.

 

"Boober? Are you ok?" Wembley asked, reaching out to hold his hand. Boober slowly shook his head. "No...No, I can't do this..." "You can do this! We can do this! I want us to have this..." "I'm scared...I don't want to be exiled...I don't want to die..." "We won't die. If we make friends with the silly creatures, maybe everyone else will stop fearing them...And, well..."

 

Mokey nodded her head in the direction of their very confused new friends.

 

"They seem sweet. I think we should just let ourselves be happy."

 

"Oh dear...Fine. But if things get sticky, we're LEAVING." "Deal!"

 

"Are you two ok?" Wembley asked. "W-W-We're...fine. Just nervous. We don't talk to new people very often, a-and the people in our community...aren't very accepting." "Oh, yeah. We get that. We won't tell anybody, we promise!" "Thank you...So, where did you find this treasure?"

"The car? Oh, I don't remember...I think I just found it somewhere? I don't remember...What about the earring, where's it's partner?" "I don't know. I found it while swimming." "Well, it's really cool! Right, Gobo?" Gobo nodded. "He hasn't shut up about you since he came home with that conch. He's obsessed with you." "A-Aw!" Wembley blushed. "I-I-I wouldn't say obsessed!" "I would."

 

Wembley nervously laughed, and smiled down at Boober. Boober smiled wide, and his esca began to glow bright, shining through the scarf covering it.

 

"Oh, um...B-Boober, dear..." Mokey reached to cover it with her hand, but Boober had already noticed. He squeaked in surprise and dove back under the water.

 

"What was that!? Is he ok, what was that light?"

 

Mokey hummed. "It...was..."

 

She didn't even bother to think of an excuse before diving back under the water.

 

Red and Gobo shared a confused look, while Wembley gasped and tried to dive into the water after Boober, only stopped by Gobo grabbing his necklace.

 

"Don't, bud. I think they want to be left alone." "Yeah. But also, what the hell was that all about?" "I dunno. Maybe they're just weird. Also, Wemb, you'd better get back to the shop."

 

Wembley perked up. "SHIT! I forgot, I forgot!"

 

~~~~~

 

Boober sobbed, the light from his esca quickly fading.

 

"Oh, darling. Don't cry, please." "I-I-I ruined everything! My stupid glow ruined everything, just like it always does!" "Your glow doesn't ruin things, dear...Look, we can go back up and apologize, they'll understand that you got spooked!" "But how do we explain it? I barely know how to explain it to other merggles!" "We'll think of something! Look, I-! I just really need to see Red again, ok? I can't lose her." "Really?" "Really. I know it might seem pathetic, but there's just something about her!" "It's not pathetic...I understand." "You do? Oh, fabulous! Let's go back up and see them!" "I dunno, Mokes. I think they left."

 

"...Oh. Well, then I suppose we'll just leave? Feels like such a sour note to end on, don't you think?" "I don't care. I need to go home and process my feelings." "That is a good idea...I should write a poem for Red!" "...You shouldn't get too attached. That's a really bad idea." "We don't have anything to worry about for now!" "...Key word 'for now'..."

 

On their way back to the kingdom, Mokey lured in a couple of trout with her voice, before promptly biting their heads off. Not only would the fish be dinner tonight, but it would also give them an alibi, in case anybody questioned where they had been.

 

They waved to a few merggles on the way back to their home. A few waved back. Most of them snarled.

 

"Here we go, baby. Home, sweet home."

 

Boober signed, and tossed his scarf away. He gazed into the mirror, eyes brimming with tears at the sight of his esca.

 

"I hate this stupid thing..." "Don't say that." "It's true! I hate it, I want it gone!" "You don't mean that!" "Yes I do, Mokey! It's done nothing good for me!" "That doesn't mean you should get rid of it!" "B-B-But I...I..." "Shhhh...Please. I don't want you to hurt yourself, ok?"

 

Mokey held her brother's head to her chest. Their tails curled together, and as she rubbed his back, he began to softly glow.

 

"Promise me you won't give up on our friends, ok? We need this." "Ok...I won't."

 

~~~~

 

"...Yes. Down there. I'm sure they're down there. In their little houses...We only need two, but get good ones..."

Chapter Text

The next Saturday, Wembley didn't have work. He sat in the special spot all day, waiting for Boober to show up again. He drew pictures in the sand with sticks, threw pebbles in the ocean...nothing. No movement from down below.

 

Red and Gobo were both at work, and he was very lonely. He hoped he was ok...

 

"Wembley?"

 

"Boober!"

 

Boober's head popped out of the water, and he swam towards the shore.

 

"Morning...where are your friends?" "Oh, they're at work...Where's Mokey?" "Behind me, she's on her way...Here, I...I brought you a treasure."

 

Boober lifted his hands, and handed Wembley a long necklace with a diamond on the end.

 

"Here." "Oh, wow! It's beautiful, thank you! Gee, now I feel bad...I didn't have anything speical, so I made you a bracelet."

Wembley slid a beaded bracelet onto Boober's wrist. It was decorated with seashell charms and shimmery beads.

 

"Oh goodness...Oh, Wembley, it...it's beautiful. You made it?" "I did!"

 

"Thank you...I love it."

 

Wembley smiled, and slipped the necklace on top of his other one. "Thanks! Hey, why don't you come out of the water and sit on the rock with me? It's nice and warm! I feel like a lizard!" "...I shouldn't."

"Really? But, you spend all the time in the water!" "...I like the water." "Well, then do you think I could get in and swim with you? These are swim shorts, after all!" "...bad idea." "Really? Why?"

 

Boober stayed silent. Wembley crawled off the rock and sat on the sand.

"Are you feeling ok? Do you have a secret?" "...No." "It's ok if you do. I won't tell anybody." "...I can't tell you. I could get hurt." "Hurt? Who's going to hurt you?" "...That's not important." "...Are you in danger?" "...Maybe."

 

"Does Mokey know? ...is she in danger too?"

 

Mokey's head poked out of the water, and she swam to greet Wembley. "Good morning, Wembley! Is Red around?" "She's at work. Are you ok...? Boober said you were in danger."

 

"Danger?" "You have a secret, Boober said so...Will somebody hurt you if you tell me?"

 

"Oh. W-Well, um..." Mokey paused, unable to think. She didn't realize Wembley would ask questions so quickly.

 

"I...I-I, um...we...Oh goodness..." "You can trust me. I won't tell anybody..." "Well, w-we haven't known each other for very long..." "Boober." Mokey put a hand on her brother's back. "I think we tell him. If we tell him, it could make things safer. We won't have to sneak out, people will see us less." "B-B-But what if they catch us!? We'll be exiled!"

 

Mokey looked down into the water.

 

"...Then so be it. We'll find another place. Wembley, we...We'll tell you our secret." "No! Mokey!" "Boober, I feel like we don't have a choice! At least if we tell him, we might have somebody to turn to if things get messy!"

 

Boober paused.

"Ok." He whispered. "We can tell him." Mokey smiled. "Thank you dear...Now, Wembley." "Mhm?" "You have to promise us one simple thing, alright? You cannot tell ANYBODY about this. Not even Red and the other one." "Gobo?" "Right. You can't tell them." "Ok, I won't! So...what is it?"

 

With trembling hands, Boober reached up and untied the scarf, letting his esca pop up. Wembley blinked.

 

"...What is that?" "My glow." "No, b-but...What...Is it? It looks like an angerfish lure." "Well...it is."

Boober lifted himself out of the water and let his tail drag against the stone, as he sat next to Wembley.

Wembley stared. His hands were shaking and his eyes were wide, as he stared down at Boober's tail. "I-I-I...I-I don't know what...to say...y-you're a mermaid?" "Well, the term is Merggle, but yes." "I...A-Are you real?" "Yes."

 

He looked down at Mokey, who was twirling her hair in her fingers, her tail fin now visible behind her.

 

"You're...you're mermaids..." "Yup."

 

"You're mermaids!" "Yes, that's been established." "Oh my gosh, I-I...you're real! You're real, in front of me! You! You have fangs...!" "...I do. Don't stare too hard, they're...ugly." "No, they're so cool! A-And so is your tail, wow! It's...fleshy." "Yeah, I...I don't have scales. Mokey does, though...She's the pretty kind of mermaid."

 

Mokey huffed, but stayed quiet.

 

"W-Well, I-I dunno, Boober...I think you're pretty!" "...Wembley, please don't lie to me." "I'm not! I promise, I'm not! You're very pretty!" "...Oh. Well...thanks." Boober looked away, trying to hide his blush.

 

"S-So, why did you have to hide this? ...people aren't trying to hurt you, are they?" "Well, humans knowing wouldn't exactly be good," Mokey hummed. "But it's not that. It's illegal for merggles to reveal their identities to surface dwellers. And me and Boober aren't exactly welcome in our kingdom." "Really?" "Well, Boober doesn't exactly fit...conventional beauty standards, and people are generally scared of me."

"Scared of you?" "I'm a siren." "...A siren, wooah! Can you kill people? Sorry, that's rude. But can you?" "Hehe! Well, not exactly...But I'd rather not share." "Oh! O-Ok, got it! B-But what happens if the people in your kingdom find out?"

 

"...We'll be kicked out of our home. And the ocean is dangerous..." "Th-They can just do that!?" "The king can do as he pleases. It's not like we can stop him...we're all on our own." "That's awful..."

 

Boober hummed, fluttering his fins in the water.

"We're used to it...I-I was really, really scared to tell you...Or even come up here in the first place. But Mokey is right. You're the only other person we can trust." "M-Me? You barely know me!" "Well, at least you like us. Can't say that about the other merggles." "Oh gosh...W-What can I do to help?" "Well, just make sure to keep an eye out for us, alright? We need to know we can trust you."

 

Both of the siblings leaned closer.

 

"Can we?" They both said in perfect unison.

 

Wembley nervously giggled. "O-Of course you can! I won't tell a soul! But...what would happen if you got exciled...how can I help? I-I can't breathe underwater, and you don't have legs!" "We'll figure something out when the time comes. Just be prepared." "G-Got it! Wow, friends with mermaids! I-I-I mean, merggles! This is the stuff I dreamed about when I was a kid!" "And I would dream of coming up to the surface..." "But why? Isn't the ocean the most magical place in the world?" "No. The kingdoms are beautiful, but the rest of the ocean is full of dangerous predators, and dead coral and garbage..."

 

"...Oh. Yeah, that's...our fault. Humans aren't as magical as they seem." "Neither are merggles. They're cruel and heartless, looking for any excuse to start a war." "A war!?" "Our king wants to declare war with your town." "What!?" "It's an empty threat. Don't worry...But we're not as magical as we seem." "Oh. Well, I the grass isn't greener on the other side? Or, uh...the water isn't bluer?"

 

Mokey smiled. "That's funny. So, what are you doing here all alone?" "Oh, my job is closed on weekends. But Red and Gobo get a lot of business of Saturdays, so they're super busy...S-So I'm glad you're here! I-I've actually been pretty bored...Not much to do, considering all the tourists...Everywhere is so busy, y'know? Well, no. You might not."

The siblings shook their heads.

"Can't say we do. But you've mentioned it before. Sounds awful." "...It has it's upsides. I suppose you're toursits of sorts, huh? From another world?" "That's one way of putting it. Very smart." Boober purred, leaning a little closer. Wembley turned pink and awkwardly laughed. "Hehe...Hehehe! G-Geez, that glow is awfully bright!" "...Oh." Boober yanked on his esca and turned away. "Sorry..." "No, no! Don't apologize! I like it, it's super cool! Anglerfish are awesome!" "Really? You don't think we're...ugly?" "Not at all! Especially not you, you're...!"

 

Wembley's eyes went up and down Boober's body. "You're very pretty." "Oh." Boober giggled, twirling a chunk of hair. "Thank you..." "Hehe! You're very welcome! So, u-um...C-Can I...touch?" "Oh. Are your hands clean?" "Yup!" "...Go ahead."

 

Gently, Wembley's fingers ran down Boober's tail. "Woaaah...it's leathery, almost." "What's leather?" "Oh, it's, uh...a kind of fabric. I like your tail a lot...it's unique!" "Thanks...I-Ah!"

 

"Oh!" Wembley stopped touching Boober's side fins. "Are you ok?" "S-S-Sorry...they're ticklish..." "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! They're just...beautiful..." "Thank you."

The two scooted a little closer together, and Mokey squealed. "Oh, you two are so cute!" "Mokey, quiet! Goodness, do you want to draw attention!?" "Oops! Sorry...Thank you for being understanding, Wembley...we're very greatful." "W-Well, I can't just let you get hurt! That would be cruel of me!" "Well, we're happy that you have a heart. Oh, but speaking of which...we should head back. It's close to hunting hours, people might spot us..." "Really? So soon?" "Yes. I'm sorry." "...It's ok. W-Will I see you tomorrow?"

 

Boober nodded. "I hope so. Same time?" "S-S-Same time! See you!" "Bye, Wembley. I promise to bring you an extra special gift tomorrow."

 

The siblings dived back into the water, and Wembley waved goodbye until their silhouettes were out of sight. Once they were gone, he pressed a hand to his heart and sighed, leaning against the rock behind him.

 

"Oh, goodness...friends with mermaids...Oh gosh, I-I have to keep this a secret..."

 

He stood up, hopped over the rocks and ran to his vespa, clipping on his helmet and driving towards the house. It was a nice day outside, like always. Sunny, warm...A little boring, if he was being honest.

 

He threw himself off of his bike, and ran up the old wooden stairs, fumbling with his keys and throwing open the door. His heart was pounding, and he couldn't stop smiling.

 

"Oh, gosh...!" He grabbed a throw pillow from the couch and held it to his chest, a dreamy smile coming across his face as he thought about his new friend. He danced around the room, taking him to gaze out the window at the beautiful blue ocean.

 

"Isn't he wonderful?" He mumbled to nobody in particular. "Just wonderful...Just magical, spectacular, enchanting! A mermaid, friends with me! Two, no less! And they're both so nice...Hehe! Five year old me would be so happy! Oh, what am I talking about? Current me is happy! Hehe!"

 

Wembley felt like he was in a fairytale. He danced around the room with the pillow, laughing along to the fantasies in his head. Whenever he caught a glimse of the ocean, he tore his eyes away and giggled. When his gaze landed on the necklace Boober gave him, a tingle of emotions shivered up his spine.

 

"Oh goodness..."

 

"Wemb?"

 

"AH!"

 

Gobo stood in the doorway, running a hand through his hair. He looked dishevelled and exhausted. "...Hi-Ho, Gobie." "What the hell are you doing?"

 

Wembley blushed and buried his face in the pillow.

"Nuthin'..." "Nothing? Just having a little you party?" "...mmhm..." "Alright...Hey, do you mind handling dinner tonight? I don't trust Red." "Y-yeah, sure! ...What happened? Geez, you're a mess!" "I had tour duty. Three birthday parties, and a cruise group." "Oh no." "Yeah. Those kids like to grab. And their parents are...worse." "Aw, Gobie...I'm sorry..." "Don't be sorry. It pays our bills. But geez, I need to shower."

 

Wembley tossed the pillow aside as his brother walked past him. As he did, Gobo stopped and turned around.

 

"...Something the matter?"

 

Gobo reached out and lifted the gem of Wembley's necklace.

 

"Where did this come from?" "Oh! Uhhh...B-Boober gave it to me." "Really? Where did he get it?" "He found it at the bottom of the ocean!" "Really?" "Yeah, he finds all sorts of cool stuff down there!" "Huh. Well, it's...nice. Oh, and Red should be home soon. She's just a little busy." "Ok! I'll get dinner ready, then!" "Sounds good, buddy."

 

Gobo vanished into the bathroom, and Wembley walked into the kitchen to get started on dinner. They needed to go get groceries, so there wasn't much...But everyone likes grilled cheese!

 

As he was about halfway through the cooking, Red walked in the door.

 

"Hiya, Red!" "Uuuuuughhh!" Red groaned, leaning against the doorframe and slumping down onto the floor. "My head hurts..." "Will grilled cheese help?"

 

She perked up. "You made grilled cheese?" "Yup!" "Oh, Wembley!" Red stood up and limped over to Wembley, and gave him a very sweaty hug. "Oh, you're the best. I love you so much..." "Do you love me, or do you love grilled cheese?" "...I can love more than one thing." "Hehe!" "Is Gobo in the shower?" "Yeah." "Uuugh. Well, I guess I'll wait...Did you talk to Boober and Mokey today?" "Yeah! Boober gave me this necklace!" "Huh. Fancy. How was Mokey?" "She was fine! She asked about you."

 

Red smiled and leaned on the counter with her elbows. "Did she?" "Yeah!" "When are you meeting up next?"

 

Wembley paused.

 

"...I dunno. Me and Boober are gonna meet up tomorrow...But I don't know if Mokey's coming." "Oh. Hey, what do you think is up with them being in the water all the time?"

 

"...uhh, I-I...I'm not sure. I just take their word for it. Whatever makes them comfortable, huh?" "I guess."

 

Red grabbed a pop from the fridge and cracked it open. "I just don't get it. But whatever. I just want to get to know her better. She's unique, She's quirky, She's...different." "Heheh...She's different, alright..." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Nothing!"

 

There was a pause. Wembley smiled. Red gave him a weird look.

 

"Are you ok?" "Yup!" "If you say so. I'm gonna go toss this stupid bikini out the window."

 

Red left, and Wembley breathed a sigh of relief. He was terrible at keeping secrets! Why did he agree to this!?

 

~~~

 

Once the siblings were safely home, Boober sank down to the floor and sighed.

 

"Oh, Mokey..." "Yes, dear?" "Something's happening to me...I can feel my heart thumping." "And?" "A-A-And...Goodness, my face is so warm...And I can't stop thinking about him. The bracelet is making my skin tingle." "Mmmh~! Darling, this is love!" "...Love. You think?" "I do! He's sweet, and he's kind! And don't you think he's handsome?" "He's very handsome...Oh goodness, you're right! I'm in love!"

 

"Yes!"

"This is terrible!"

"Yes-Wait, what?"

 

"This is awful! I can't be in love with a silly creature! I'm putting us in danger! How do I stop it!?" "Stop it? You shouldn't stop it, you should embrace it!" "...Really?" "Yes! I want you to be happy. Embrace it!" "I don't even know if he likes me back. Or if he's gay!"

Mokey hummed. "Time will tell."
She cupped her brother's cheeks, but their moment was interrupted by banging on the door.

 

Boober whimpered and hid behind the wall, while Mokey went to open the door.

 

"...ma'am." "Oh. Hello, Sir...How can I help you?"

 

The knight snarled down at her. "We've been getting reports of you and your brother sneaking out of town and heading towards the shore." "And? We like the quiet, and that's where all the best treasures are." "You're not communicating with the silly creatures? None have seen you?" "If we did, they'd have flooded the kingdom by now! I assure you, we have no interest in talking with the silly creatures."

 

The guard growled and leaned in close.

 

"We're watching you..."

 

And with that, he turned around and swam away, slamming the door behind him.

 

Both siblings sighed, and Boober swam in for a hug.

"There, there, baby..." "I want to be up there so bad...I-I crave it, at this point...t-the air, the sand...And Wembley...but this is getting scary...W-W-We need to be fully out of sight! But we can't risk anybody seeing us!"

 

Mokey hummed.

 

"Hmmmm...Oh! I've got an idea! Let's go see the Trash Heap!" "The Trash Heap? What's she going to do?" "Hehe! You'll see!"

 

Mokey swam towards to the door, and waved for Boober to follow.

 

"C'mon!"

 

"...You're not gonna ask for...that, are you?" "Hehe! Maybe~!" "Oh, Mokey...Mokey, no...!"

Chapter Text

"Oh, great Trash Heap~!"

Mokey hummed as she swam up to the massive pile of plastic bottles, fishing nets, and broken glass. The pile shifted, and two scruffy beaver-like creatures swam up to stare at the merggles.

 

"You are in the presence of-!"

 

"Hello, cuties!"

 

"Hey! Don't interrupt! We have a script, y'know?"
"Oh dear. I'm so sorry. Continue!" "Naahh...it's ruined. Marjory, you have guests..."

 

The pile shifted into a taller form, and she yawned.

 

"Ahh, you two again...What can I help you with this time?" "Weell....W-We were just wondering...is there anything we can do to help us explore the surface?" "The surface?" Marjory scoffed. "Why would you go to the surface? Everything you need is down here!" "Nyeaaahh!"

"W-Well, madame...we've met somebody..."

 

"Ah. I see. Well, if it's for love...Let me see what I can do."

 

Marjory reached into her stomach and rummaged around for a moment.

 

"Hmm...Here!" She pulled out a glass bottle with a piece of paper inside.

 

"Give this to your mystery lovers, have them gather the ingredients and brew the potion. It will make you one with the silly creatures...but be careful. It's temporary. And those legs won't exactly be pretty."

 

Mokey stopped paying attention the second the bottle landed in her hands.

 

"Oh, wonderful! Thank you Madame, thank you! Oh Boober, isn't this wonderful?" "...Umm...I-I..." "We can explore the surface! We can see out friends, we'll be out of danger! And I...I really want this."

 

Boober paused. He looked down at the bottle, and rubbed his temple. "I know. Me too...I want this too."

 

~~~~

 

The next day, Wembley waited by the rocks, holding a dusty old newsboy cap. He hummed to himself, watching the water for any sign of his friends.

As soon as he caught a glimpse of Mokey's bright blue hair, he perked up and hurried over to the water.

 

"Mokey! Boober! Good morning, good morning!" "Good morning, Wembley!" "H-Hi, Wemb...What's that?"

 

"Oh! Well, I...I-I thought that...Maybe instead of wrapping that scarf around your head...y-you could wear this! It's a hat!" "Oh."

 

Boober reached out and took the hat, carefully letting his esca hang out. He gazed at his reflection in the water.

 

"Oh, thank you, Wembley...Thank you, I love it. I love it so much." "Goodie!" "And we have something for you, too." "Oooh!"

 

Mokey held up the bottle, and Wembley took it. "A message in a bottle? Did you write it?" "No. We haven't opened it. It's a recipe." "Oh! For what?" "A potion. Will you brew it with us?" "A potion! Really? What will it do?" "Well, we're not exactly sure...But we won't be able to do it. Will you?" "O-Of course! R-Right now, o-or...do you want to hang out?" "We can spend time together once the potion is done. Trust me, it'll be much more fun." "Uuuhhh...Ok! How long with it take?" "Not long, I'd think. We'll wait around here." "Uuuuhhh...ok! I'll see you later, I guess?"

 

Boober smiled up at him.

 

"Thank you, Wemb. We really appreciate it." "Well, I'm happy to do it! B-But...this won't be dangerous, right? I-I trust you, but..." "We promise. If we're being honest, we know as much as you do." "...Ok. I'll get started! I'll see you later!" "Bye."

 

Wembley ran off, and the siblings dived back into the water, swimming away from the shore, so no other mermaid would see them.

 

"Do you think he'll be able to do that?" "Of course! I trust him! Don't you?" "...Well. I like him a lot, but...I don't know if he's the smartest." "...true."

 

Wembley panted as he ran as fast as he could to find the only person who could help him.

 

"Doc!" He yelled, banging on the door of the old house. "Doc, I need your help!"

 

The door swung open, and Doc stared at him.

 

"...Wembley? Are you ok?" "Yeah! Can I borrow your equipment? I need to make...something."

 

Doc blinked. "...sure? Come on in." "GREAT!"

 

Wembley ran inside and tried to pry open the bottle. "Can I, like...get you anything?" "Nope! Well, I might need some help to gather the ingredients."

 

The cork popped out, and Wembley slipped the paper into his hand, before unfolding it and reading it out loud.

 

"Let's seeee...One cup of water, a clump of human hair...A chopped radish, some grass...Boil and whisper a deep, dark secret into the mix, before pouring into a bottle and letting it cool..."

 

Doc blinked. "...Wembley. What the hell is going on? Is this for a L.A.R.P, or something?" "...If I say yes, will you let me stay?"

 

"Oh, Wemb..." Doc shook her head and clicked her tongue. "Do what you need to do...I'll go get you a radish and some scissors, just grab a handful of grass from outside." "Got it! Thanks!"

 

Wembley grabbed the grass, and filled up a little bottle with water. Doc soon returned with the radish and some scissors, so Wembley could add the hair.

 

After placing all the ingredients in a bottle, Wembley placed it over Doc's bunsen burner and turned it on. All the ingredients seemed to dissolve, leaving behind a purple liquid.

 

"..what the hell?" Doc whispered. It didn't make any sense! "Well, what was the last step? Add a secret?" "I guess so...Could you...cover your ears? This is gonna get a little personal..." "Already on it, bud."

 

Doc covered her ears, closed her eyes, and turned around. Wembley leaned forward, careful of the flame, and thought. What was a secret he could tell? He didn't keep secrets...Oh! But he did have one!

 

"I-I'm friends with merggles!"

 

The potion accepted the secret, turning a light magenta colour, and releasing a cloud of smoke shaped like a seashell.

 

"Aw, geez...What even is this stuff?"

 

He turned the burner off, and Doc turned back around.

 

"What the hell was any of that?" "Nerd stuff. Y'know, D&D, dragons, faeries, mermaids." "Mermaids?" "Mermaids!? What mermaids!? I never said anything about mermaids!" "You said mermaids." "You said mermaids! I don't know anything about any mermaids!"

 

.
.
.

 

Wembley placed a cork on the bottle and ran out. "Bye Doc! Love you!"

 

Doc leaned out the window and watched him book it down the street. "Ok? Uhh...love you too?"

 

All the commotion made Doc's girlfriend, Cotterpin, come out of the room, wrapped up in her housecoat. "What the hell happened out here?" "I don't know. Wembley was being weird...Hey, wanna go into the forest and collect dirt samples with me?" "Hell yeah I do!"

 

~~

 

Wembley climbed over the rocks to the secrect hiding spot, where Mokey and Boober were waiting.

 

"Were," He wheezed. "You two, guuhh, waiting for me, oof, t-the whole time?!" "No. We swam around for a bit. Had a snack. Then we figured we'd come and wait. Why are you so out of breath?" "I ran!" "Wembley!" Boober scolded. "Why would you do that! That's bad for your lungs and heart!" "Yeah, I can see that now...my lungs burn...Here's the potion!"

 

Mokey took the bottle, and smiled at her reflection in the liquid.

 

"Oh, Wembley...thank you...Thank you, really! Oh, Boober!" "C-Calm down, Mokey...We need to be careful...Did the Trash Heap give us any other instructions? Do we take it on land?" "No, she didn't say anything. I don't think it matters." "Of course it matters! What if we can't swim!? If we take it in the water, we could drown!" "The water is shallow enough!" "For you! I'm only 5'11!"

 

"Only?" Wembley giggled. Boober frowned. "That's very short by mermaid standards. Mokey's 7'2."

 

Wembley blinked. "Wow. W-Well...w-wait, is that...a potion to turn you human!?"

 

Mokey nodded. "It's only temporary. But we wanted to explore the surface so bad!" "She did. I just wanted to spend time with you." "With me? Oh, Boober!"

 

Boober blushed. "Don't mention it, ok...Mokey, open the bottle."

 

Mokey opened the bottle, and cringed at the smell. "Oh, that smells awful...Alright. Wish me look." "Stay safe, please...Oh gosh, this is going to end terribly, I can just tell." "I promise it won't. Here, I'll prove it to you."

 

.
.
.

"...Why are you staring?" "You made it sound like you were going to drink it." "Oh. Oh, I...Apologies. I'm nervous." "Yeah. So am I. Do you want me to drink first?" "Would you?" "...if it would make you feel better, yes."

 

Mokey smiled, and handed over the bottle. "Thank you...I love you, Boo." "I love you too."

 

Slowly and hesitantly, Boober lifted the bottle to his lips, tilting half the liquid back into his mouth. He handed the bottle back to Mokey, and clutched his throat.

 

He began to cough, struggling to breathe, causing him to fall forward into the water.

 

The water filled his lungs, and he couldn't breathe. But his entire body was burning, he couldn't move or stand.

 

Once Mokey had taken her dose, she crawled up onto the beach and clutched her lungs, feeling them twist and morph into something different. Her entire body felt like it was being stabbed with a thousand tiny needles, like every single one of her scales was being plucked right from her flesh.

 

She leaned back on the sand, and succumbed to the pain, passing out as sea foam began to bubble up from in between her scales.

 

Upon seeing Boober fall into the water, Wembley leapt into the water to save him. Boober was heavy, but Wembley was able to pick him up and carry him a few inches to the shore.

Boober's tail had indeed been replaced by a pair of human legs, but they were covered in marks that looked similar to the freckles on his tail. At least the spell had been kind enough to give him some shorts. But his weird little koi scale top remained.

 

He was still coughing, so Wembley gently laid him down on the sand. The change in position and elevation finally got some air into his lungs. After one final cough, he took a deep breath in, before collapsing into Wembley's arms. He looked up at him, eyes brimming with tears from the pain, and opened his mouth to speak.

 

"D-Did you...s-save me?" "Of course I did. What else was I going to do?" "I...I didn't think you would..." "Why wouldn't I?" "...Because nobody in my life has ever cared enough to save me." "What about Mokey?" "Mokey doesn't count...You do."

 

Boober reached a trembling hand up to touch Wembley's cheek.

 

"You saved my life, Wembley...Thank you." "Aw." Wembley put his hand on top of Boober's. "Please don't thank me. I just did what was right. So, um...w-what do you think of your legs?"

 

Wembley helped Boober sit up so he could get a look at his body. "Oh, they're...strange. What are these marks?" Boober reached to touch his legs, but feeling the skin squish underneath his fingers made him cringe.

 

"I don't know what they are. They look like moles. Pretty normal." "R-Really? They don't look anything like yours..." "Aw, Boober! Nobody is the same up here! I-I know merggles have these weird beauty standards, whe-where you all look identical...A-And I guess we have that up here, but it's different! I think your legs are nice." "Well, thank you. I suppose I'll just have to get used to them."

"I suppose." He reached up to touch his head. "L-Look's like it got rid of my lure, too...I'm still going to keep the hat on, though." "Oh, please do! You look very cute! And I'm sure Mokey thinks so, too!"

 

Boober suddenly gasped. "Mokey!" He turned around, and shook his sister around. "Mokey! Wake up, please!"

 

"Euugh..." Mokey's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, her arms trembling under her weight. "Did...it work? Are we alive...A-Are you ok!? You almost drowned!" "I'm f-fine, don't worry. Wembley saved me." "Oh! Oh, Wembley! Thank you!"

 

Mokey opened her arms, and Wembley leaned in for a hug.

 

"You fainted, Mokey. Are you ok?" "I'm alright...I-I feel great now, a-actually! The potion worked!"

 

Mokey ran a hand up her calf. Unlike Boober's legs, hers were covered in little scars in the shape of merggle scales. "Look at those...curious. Well, the Trash Heap did say they wouldn't exactly be pretty. But I think they're perfect! Now, um...how do they work?"

 

Wembley stood up and held out his hand to Mokey. "I'll help you stand! Go slow, ok? Use the rocks!"

 

Mokey tightly held onto Wembley's hand and the boulders, trying to stand on her numb and trembling legs. Her knees buckled under her a few times, but she managed to stand while balancing herself on one of the rocks.
"How does it feel?" "It's very strange! They don't feel very stable." "Humans are pretty top-heavy! You'll get used to it. Boober, take my hand!"

 

Boober took Wembley's hand, and managed to get all the way up onto his feet on the first try. But his legs collapsed, and he fell forward, against Wembley's chest. As he fell, he took notice of their height different. Wembley wasn't very tall, but Boober was a few inches shorter than him. He huffed. He hoped he could maybe stay the same height as his merggle form, but that was wishful thinking...

 

"Whoops! Careful, there!" "...e-eh...Sorry..." "Don't be sorry, you're learning! That's what Gobo always says to me!"

 

As Wembley taught Boober how to take his first steps on land, Mokey pushed her self away from the rock, and waved her arms to avoid falling into the sand. Her knees trembled, but she managed to take a few steps towards her brother.

 

"Boober, look at us! We're doing it, w-we're blending in with the silly creatures!" "Eugh. Not very well. My...what do you call them?" "Knees?" "Yes. I don't think they're supposed to hurt like this." "Oh no! W-Well, we've got to stop by the shop anyway, s-so we can grab you some shoes. I'll get you something you can use as a walking stick!" "A what?" "It'll help you balance! Mokey, are you ok?" "Yes! I'm doing just wonderful, I love this!" "Goodie! Ok Boober, just keep holding onto me!"

 

Boober leaned against Wembley's side, and smiled. "Gladly..." He mumbled.

 

The trio climbed over the rocks, and Wembley helped Boober limp across the beach towards the souvenir shop. The beach was flooded with tourists, including screaming children shooting each other with water guns and throwing footballs. One of the wet footballs smacked Boober in the side of the head, soaking his hair.

"Ah! Ow!" "Hey!" Wembley turned around to scold the children. "Watch where you're throwing those things! You could hurt somebody!" "...sorry, mister..."

 

The kids ran off, and Wembley turned to comfort Boober. "Are you ok, Boober?"

 

Boober shook his head, and lifted his hat slightly. His lure had returned.

"Oh no! Is it wearing off already!?" "I don't think so...It must be the salt water. If it touches us, that part of our body turns back." "Oh. Well, that's not good...But now we know! Keep your hat on, let's hurry!"

 

Once they were across the street (Mokey got very distracted looking at the cars), Wembley unlocked the door and led them both inside.

"The sandals and clothes are over there! Pick out whatever, I'll just put it on my employee tab." "You don't want payment? We have pearls!" "Pearls? You use pearls for money?" "Yes! Do you...not?" "Of course they don't, Mokey! They use those coins!" "He's right. Although, these days, we use these."

 

Wembley held up his debit card. "It's basically connected to our money, but the bank holds onto the money until we spend it...I dunno, I'll find a better way to explain it. But pick out whatever! Some of it is homemade, some of it...isn't. But we've got lots! Oh, and Boober!" "Hm?"

 

Wembley walked over to the bin that held large sticks of driftwood that had been glazed and varnished. The tourists went crazy for them, for some reason...

"Take your pick! These will make for great walking sticks!" "Oh, Wembley. Thank you, that's very sweet..."

 

Boober cuddled against Wembley's shoulder and pulled out a stick. "You've been very kind. Oh, if only the other merggles could see how kind you are, maybe they'd stop fearing you..." "Aw, well...Not every human is like me. A lot of them are real cruel." "Same goes for the merggles. I guess it's good we found each other, hm?" "Hehe! I wouldn't want any other merggles as my friends!" "Trust me. You wouldn't. Now, u-um...are there change rooms?" "No, but you can just use the employee bathroom. Do you need help standing?"

 

"Hehehe..." Boober blushed. "N-N-No...b-but...thank you..."

 

Using his new stick, Boober picked up the selection of clothes he had gathered. A dark blue top and a ripped and ruffly brown skirt. Wembley questioned why he would opt for something like that over the regular skirts and shorts, but he supposed that merggles were a flashy and fashionable bunch. That would explain the bright purple maxi dress Mokey had picked, as well as the sandals covered in sparkles and flashy beads.

 

"Oh, Wembley...you're absolutely sure?" "Sure, I'm sure! Really, it's not problem. And here!" Wembley pulled a basket of sparkly jewellery out of the checkout counter. "Take your pick!" "Oh, Wembley!"

 

Mokey reached across the counter and hugged him. "You're perfect, did you know that? Just perfect!"

"U-Um, We-Wembley?" "Yes, Boober?" "A-Am I wearing this right? I-I regret picking these, I-I feel silly..."

 

Wembley looked up, and had to keep his jaw from hitting the floor. "I don't look dumb, do I?"

 

Both Wembley and Mokey spoke at the same time.

 

"Oh, Boober..."

 

Mokey approached him, with wide open arms, and she scooped him into a hug. "You look beautiful..." She gently held his face in her hands, and brushed his bangs aside.

 

"My goodness...your eyes!" "My eyes? A-Are they...?" "Yes. They don't shine." "They don't!? Boober quickly ran to look at the closest mirror. To Wembley, his eyes seemed normal. But Boober seemed horrified at the sight. Or...excited? He couldn't quite tell.

 

"Boober, are you ok?" "My eyes! My eyes, t-they're normal!" "Yeah, they sure are! Is that...strange?" "M-My eyes, normally...oh, they're like my lure! Bright and blinding, and terrible! And now they're...well, they're not beautiful. They're grey and milky..but they're normal."

 

Wembley frowned. "Aw, geez...I dunno, Boober. I like your eyes! I think they're pretty!" "...You're giving me all these compliments. Do you really mean them?" "Yeah! Oh, and I bet your real eyes are pretty too!" "They're not. They blind people, they're so bright." "Like stars on your face!" "...that's one way to put it."

 

Mokey threw open the door to the bathroom, and flipped her hair, excited about her new look. "Wembley, you're too kind! Here, I must give you something in return." "Y-You really don't need to!" "No, I insist!"

 

Mokey pulled a little bag out of seemingly nowhere,and placed three large, perfect pearls in Wembley's hand. "They might not be money, but they must be worth something, hm?" "W-Woah! Mokey, this is too much! These have got to be worth a fortune!"

 

She booped his nose. "I insist. It's almost nothing for us." "Aw...well, thanks...So, it's your first day on land! What do you want to see first?"

 

"Hmmm..." Mokey hummed.

 

"Where's Red?"

 

~~~

 

"Hi, welcome to the Fire Pit, how many...?" "Hiya, Red!" "Oh, Hey Wemb. You want a daiquiri or something? Sit at the bar, give me five minutes." "O-Oh, no! I'll get out of your hair in a second, but Mokey wanted to see you!"

 

Red turned around. "Mokey?"

 

"Red!"

"MOKEY!"

 

She dashed around the hostess stand and leapt into Mokey's arms, almost knocking her off balance. "Oh dear! Well, you're excited!" "You're outta the water!" "Yes I am! And I came to see you!" "To see me? Aw, geez. Well, I'm at work right now, so we can't hang out...Oh, but do you want a drink? Wembley will pay!" "Wha-HEY!" "You need to close your tab!" "It's not my tab, it's Gobo's tab!" "It's both your tab! Alright, come sit down. This way."

 

Red took Mokey's hand, and led them to three stools at the tiki-themed bar. "So, we've got little pretzels, those are free. Here's an appetiser menu if you want, like...Mozzarella sticks, or something. And here's the drink menu. Wembley, what do you want?" "Just lemonade!"
"Lemonade...are you five?" "I have to drive home!" "Whatever. Boober, nice to see you out of your element. Want something boozy to loosen you up?"

 

Boober popped a pretzel in his mouth. "Water." "Just water?" "Yes." "Wow, you are boring." Red grabbed the nearest clean glass and filled it with tap water from the sink behind here. "There. On the house, because it's fuckin' water. You don't want anything else?" "No. Water's fine." "Ice?" "No." "Holy shit, you're weird. Alright, fine. Mokey, let me take care of you, alright? I've got something special for you."

 

Mokey blushed. "Really?" "Yeah. Give me three minutes."

 

Red walked off, and Mokey smiled. "What a girl..." She hummed to herself. "She's...something." Boober mumbled, sipping his water. Luckily, this kind wouldn't wear off the potion. Only salty ocean water had that effect.

 

Exactly three minutes later, just like Red promised, she came back with a tray of drinks. "Here's your lemonade, stupid." "Thank you!" "And, Miss Mokey! Here you are!"

Red placed a drink on the table that was the exact colour of Mokey's hair. "Oh goodness!" "It's called a blue hawaiian. It's not the boozy kind, but I hope you like it." "Red, thank you!" "No problem. Anything else?" "No, we're all good. Unless you want to stick around~?" "Ugh. I'd love to, but we're about to hit the lunch rush. I gotta go clear some tables. But I'll see you later, I hope!" "Yes! I promise!" "Good. I'll be back to check on you in a bit. You need a refill, Boober? Maybe something with flavour?" "This is very good water."

"...Forget I asked."

 

Red walked away again, and Mokey swirled her drink with her straw. "She's so sweet..." "I-I've never seen her so something that nice! She must really like you!" "Well, I'm honoured! She's very nice...Oh Wembley, I can't thank you enough for giving us this chance. The ocean hasn't felt like home in so long..." "Well, m-maybe this will be a nice change of scenery! I just hope nobody finds out. I would hate for you to get hurt...So, where do you want to go after this? I-I know some great spots!" "Sounds fun!" "Mhmm...I-I'll just follow you. Just make sure it's safe, ok?" "Of course! I wouldn't take you anywhere dangerous!"

 

As they chatted, the front door chimed, and a large man walked in. Wembley looked over, and he blinked a few times. He knew this man.

 

Oh.

 

It was William.

 

Another waitress came to greet him, and he rudely pointed towards the bar instead of saying anything to her. She led him over to an empty stool, but he didn't sit down. Instead, he walked over to the merggles and Wembley.

 

"...I remember you." "Hello, Mr. Grossberg!" "And you remember me. Smart lad...Who are your friends?" "...just some friends from school."

"Hm."

 

William lifted his hand and placed it on Boober's bare shoulder. Boober's entire body trembled, and he tried to push him off, but William kept a tight grip.

 

"Always nice to see young locals supporting local businesses...Wish I could see more of that in my hometown." "...p-please...l-l-let...g-go..."

 

He was ignored. "Been swimming a lot, huh? You two smell like...ocean." "Let go...l-l-l-let go...o-of me..."

 

Ignored yet again. William looked down at him, and smiled.

 

"What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Eugh!"

 

Boober screamed and shoved him away, falling off the stool and rushing into Mokey's arms. The commotion alerted Red, who ran right over. "What the hell happened!?" She turned to William. "What did you do!?" "Engaging in some friendly chatter." "No, fuck no. Get out. Get out of my fucking restaurant."

"You're going to kick me out because this bitch can't handle a little touching?" "Yup. Fuck off, get out." "You can't be serious." "I said get the fuck out!"

 

The yelling alerted Red's manager, who came storming over. "Red, what the hell are you doing!?" "This asshole touched one of my friends, I want him out of here!" "No. You can't keep kicking people out for no reason." "No reason!?"

 

Red's manager took William's hand and shook it. "Come this way, sir. We'd be happy to serve you a drink on the house." "Thank you. I appreciate it."

 

"WHAT!?"

 

Red stood there in defeat as they walked off. Boober was still trembling in Mokey's arms, and Mokey was gently rubbing his shoulder with water. "Shhh, shh...it's ok. You're clean now. All clean." "H-He made me dirty..." "I know. but now you're clean, I cleaned him off of you." "T-Thank...you..."

 

Wembley pushed his lemonade towards Boober. "Want a sip? It's really good." "...No thank you. I-I'm good...I-I'm...I'm ready to leave." "Already? Alright, let's get you away from him. Red, I'll close our tab!" "Thank fuck. Ok, just give me your card. I'll see you at home."

 

After handing over his card, Wembley took Boober's hand and squeezed it. "I'll take us somewhere safe. Somewhere nobody else knows about, not even the tourists! Trust me, you'll love it!"

 

"Here's your card, dumbass." "Ok, thanks! Bye Red, see you later!" "Whatever."

 

Mokey leaned on the counter and smiled. "Goodbye, Red." "...b-b-bye, M-M-Mokey..." "See you later."

 

The siblings followed Wembley out of the restaurant, and William watched them leave. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, texting one his business partners.

 

'Hey, Gene. I've found two of them. Disguised, roaming the land.'

'You're sure??? How could you tell???'

'Smelled like ocean. Beautiful, both of them.'

'How do you plan on catching them?'

'I have a few ideas. They're hanging out with that little blonde twunk who works at the store I sourced the decorations from.'

'Wembley! That little rascal, I love that kid! He's brothers with one of my best tour guides!'

'Perfect. That will be useful information for us.'

 

~~~~~~

 

"W-Wembley, is this...your house?" "Sure is! What's a better spot to hang out than my own backyard? Nobody can find us, we've got loads of plants! Oh, and I can teach you all about life on the surface!"

 

Mokey gasped. "Yes! Yes, that's perfect! Thank you, thank you!" She ran to hug him, but tripped and fell on her face.

"Aw, phooey..." "Ah! Aw geez, are you ok?" "P-Perfectly fine...Please, show us around, we'd love to see! Right, Boo-Bear?"

 

Boober just nodded. "Mmhmm..." "What's the matter? Are you still stressed?" "...a little...Sorry, I-I'm ruining everything." "Don't be silly, of course you're not! Right, Wembley?"

 

"Not at all! Let's go, I can't wait to show you the kitchen!" "...kitchen?"

 

Wembley unlocked the door, and let his friends inside. "Welcome! As long as you're here, you're safe! If you need someplace to go while on the surface, you can come here!"

"Thank you, Wembley...Kitchen?" "Right! This way!"

 

They turned into the kitchen, and Boober gasped.

 

"Goodness!" "Do you like it?" "I've never seen anything like it before! What's...what's this?" "The oven." "This is an oven!? It's beautiful!" "Really? It's a crappy oven that came with the house. You want to see a nice oven, you should have asked Red to take you into the kitchen!"

 

Boober began to rush around the kitchen, running his fingers across the smooth surfaces.

 

"It's all...gorgeous. Is this really what the surface is like?" "I guess so."

"It's perfect...D-Do you think I could maybe...cook you something? To show my appreciation?" "Cook me something?" "A nice bisque. You'd love it! I just...I want to show you how thankful I am. For all of this." "O-Of course! But, um...we have to go get groceries, s-so...You can come with us! Pick out what you need!" "That sounds nice. Thank you."

 

Boober's lure then began to glow. It was so bright, Wembley could see it through his hat.

 

"Hm? Wemb, you're staring." "Oh! S-Sorry...Your glow is just so pretty! I've never seen anything like it. It really does draw me right in..." "H-Huh? You mean it?" "Yeah! Is there something wrong with that?"

 

"N-No, it's just, as an anglerfish, we...we use our glow to attract mates." "...oh! Oh geez! I'm sorry!"

 

"Don't be sorry. I just thought you should know..." "Do you have a mate?" "Me? No! Of course not, look at me! I'm ugly, my hair is stringy, my lure and my fangs scare people! My tail is hideous!"

"Your tail is beautiful! You're beautiful! Everyone else is wrong! Believe me, ok?"

 

"...Ok. I will...Hey, where's Mokey?" "Aw, I dunno! Mokey? Mokey, where are you?"

 

They both walked into the kitchen, and found Mokey staring at the TV, mesmerised.

 

"Mokey, are you ok?"

 

"...This is...fascinating. What is it?" "The television! Here, let me show you!" Wembley grabbed the remote and turned the TV on, startling the siblings.

"Eek! Oh goodness, it's like a radio! But for pictures!" "That's a good way of putting it! This is just the news, you probably shouldn't listen to it. But we can watch a movie later!"

 

"Incredible...Can I touch it?" "Uuhh...Sure! But be careful!"

 

Mokey ran her fingers down the screen and hummed. "It's smooch..." "Did you expect it to be bumpy?" "Yes, actually." "Oh. Well, let me show you around the rest of the house! I can't show you Red or Gobo's room, but I can show you all of my stuff! This way!"

 

Wembley skipped down the hallway, and Boober poked his sister in the shoulder.

 

"Stop staring, that light is going to hurt your eyes. We've got to follow Wembley." "You can follow Wembley! I'll stay here..." "You don't want to see the rest of the house?" "I'll see it later. You two should have some alone time!" "Alone time? What are you talking about?" "What do you think I'm talking about?"

 

Boober stopped.

He thought.

And he thought.

 

And he thought...

 

"...A-Ah! No! I-It's not like that!"