{ * MIDNIGHT EMOTION.

[coimay-blog]

( tsukiko. )

@coimay​

          {▲} —; Tsukiko admired how the ocean looked from the top of the ship’s mast, tying himself to the boat with a string as he gently glided above the ship with the help of a balloon. He hummed, happily looking out to the sea. The Deceit was embarked along Peleus Ports, and Tsukiko was told not to wander off. It’d be all too common for him to drift and get lost, often being found a day later by accident. He sighed, feeling too restricted to the ship.

          {▲} —; Puffing his cheeks out in boredom, he looked around the ship. Most of the people here were easy for him to get along with, but he still felt like he could bond more with them. Though, that probably wasn’t the best idea. Violet eyes would scan the deck of the ship as he floated, and upon spotting someone, he bit off the string that held the balloon, drifting down behind the person and landing with a small thump.

          {▲} —; “Iiiiiiiiit’s Yokutooooooo, right?” Tsukiko pointed at the other, grinning widely. “You’re the one with the pretty voice! It is soft and warm, like mashed potatoes!” he claps his hands together, softly humming before talking once more. “You’re the one who also sometimes walks like a fishie on land right? All floaty-like up on land like a jellyfish in the sea! A slow and steady person, right?” he pauses, considering what to say next.

           {▲} —; “Eeeeeeeveryone’s out right now, why didn’t you tag along? I’m not allowed to since I have to make sure all the supplies on the ship stay as is, but how come you didn’t go out? Too boring? Wanted some beauty sleep or something? I think you’ve got too much of it! Let some others sleep for beauty, heaven knows we all need it and you really don’t!”

Well now, Tsukiko wasn't the first person he had expected to talk to him once he climbed up to the deck. In fact, he had been expecting a certain someone to lecture him on getting the deck all wet and slippery, but this was more preferred, so Yokuto couldn't complain.

Wringing his wet hair, Yokuto flashes a smile in greeting as the other approaches. He's still sopping wet from being in the ocean, but he doesn't mind it much at all. "That would be correct. I don't have any other name, or a last name for that matter." His lips quirk up in an amused smirk, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Thanks for the compliment...? Mashed potatoes are good, maybe I should make some for dinner tonight?"

He steps back and shakes his head like a wet dog. Not that it did much for his state, but it felt refreshing to do so. With a happy, content sigh, the young man spins around and faces his fellow pirate proudly, hands at his hips. "You're right, I do walk weird on land. And I do like taking things at my own pace, so as long as that pace doesn't affect our captain. Shall we list more facts about me?"

"As for going out, I don't really like the land much. This place is real dry too." Yokuto shrugs, and it's accompanied by a scowl. "I can't argue with Aeon, though. So I prefer staying on the ship than going in that damn cave or messing around in the ports... I typically go out only on orders or to go grocery shopping... Maybe flirt with cute people I find... That's about it."

He raises a finger and grins at Tsukiko, "But that's another topic entirely! I stayed because I like swimming. Oh, sleeping too, don't get me wrong. But the ocean feels great today! So it'd be a waste to spend it inside or on land."

It was sunny, but not too hot, and the breeze was nice. A few clouds, but not enough to block out the bright blue sky. A perfect day. How could he waste it doing anything but swimming? "Thanks. You're complimenting me a lot, and I'm not using my powers so... Tsukiko, are you nervous to talk to me or something? You seem bored too. Hm... Want to have lunch together?"

[coimay-blog]

( galena. )

  Such a child…It was obvious how little he desired to go in, yet he was still putting on a nonchalant front. “I won’t borrow you for much longer than that.” Smiling, she held open the door with a little bow, forcing Yokuto to enter before her.

  Upon entering, it seemed like a fairly normal medical room: a stained, well-worn mattress lied side by side a long metallic table of nearly the same size; wooden drawers lined the room, too nondescript to reveal anything of their contents, while right above them fine blades of diverse sizes and apparent functions decorated the wall. Yep, the standard. Well, this part wasn’t really her room.

  “Heh, you’re one of the few to see this room without bleeding or spilling all sorts of stuff all over it.” She clapped his back and let out a ringing laugh. It was a joke! Only the first time that people came in did they usually need dire attention. The second and third times were cleaner and featured much livelier conversation. The fourth was up to debate…Ah, maybe she should save her humor for a different kid, she mused when she saw Yokuto blanch. “That’s nice and all, but without anybody coming in lately, it’s gotten kinda boring in here,” she complained, half-talking to herself at this point. “Gotta come up with new ways to amuse myself…”

  To the right, a wine red curtain was draped across the length of the room, and Galena promptly disappeared behind it, not bothering to see any of Yokuto’s reactions. Moments passed. A hand stuck itself out of the coverings and beckoned.

  An odd variety of maps, scraps of parchment, and anything from bird feathers to ornate talismans were strewn all around. Some hung upon the walls, some sat on top of her dresser, a lot crowded upon what vaguely appeared like a desk - and woodshavings were everywhere like confetti.

  Sitting in the middle of this mess, Galena dug around before giving a resigned expression. A gust of air exploded around her with a foompf and papers fluttered about, but she grinned and victoriously held up a curious-looking object; what appeared to be a curved wooden flute with pieces of seashells jutting in and out at odd angles.

  “Aha! My latest side project…dunno if it has a place on The Deceit, but I could always sell it for a pretty penny on land. What do you think?” The air around her still rustled restlessly, and with it the contraption seemed to whistle and hum softly. A windchime.

"You make me want to stay away from here even in the case of needing medical attention..." Yokuto grumbles uncomfortably, arms wrapped around himself in a pathetic hug that really served no protection from anything, just comfort. He wanted to add that he would imagine the less work she had, the happier she should be (in more ways than one), but he refrained. He didn't quite get Galena as well as he understood people like Aeon.

His steps following her along inside are shaky and hesitant, but the halfblood does his very best to entertain her with the visit she so desired. However, he couldn't mask the disgust and discomfort on his face no matter how hard he tried. She'd have to settle for this much, she was lucky he hadn't bolted yet.

"Can't you amuse yourself outside this room...?" He asks, barely above a muttering tone, as he shuffles behind the curtain. The country they were in was pretty interesting when you ignored how long they were stuck here for. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but that would require leaving.

He missed the more tropical places they came across on their previous ventures... Islands of white sand and colourful flowers, music playing around every corner, merry laughter ringing out, and the constant smell of delicious foods... This place felt more drab and exhausting, especially the longer you stayed.

"This is nice." He admits as his eyes flit about the room. It felt... like a fortune teller's room, in a way? Not exactly magical like a fairy's den, but not quite a normal human room either. A flinch is given when the explosion happens, half because it's sudden and half because he hated filth, but he quickly recovers and leans forward to inspect what Galena holds out for him to see.

Yokuto hums in delight. He'd always adored human contraptions like these, perhaps it came from his mermaid side -- the interest in a world unknown to him. Yet it was, it was a world he'd lived in for years, yet so unfamiliar and always dazzling. A fish out of water, one could say. "I think it's nice, a piece of the land," He points to the wooden part, "and the sea." And then he gestures to the seashells.

"Do you always do this? Make things like this, I mean?" Yokuto inquires as he tilts his head all sorts of ways, looking at her creation in every possible way he could, trying to grasp it all in a very childish fashion. Yokuto himself wasn't the type to be skilled in making things, the best he managed was making food. He could get creative with spices, but not with wood and steel. "Do you always get this bored?"

[coimay-blog]

( fool. )

⚓-; “That’s fine, that’s fine! I have near death experiences on a daily basis, but it’s not everyday I fall in love!” His sentence was… slightly true. Due to the nature of his ability, death came more easily to him. To survive was a danger in and of itself, you could say.

⚓-; “Wh–Missus Aeon is your mom?! B-But you two look nothing alike…!” The idea of adoption or a metaphorical mother figure completely slipped his mind, and so he was in complete shock. He feels like he’s being lectured, and it’s as if he’s on the vagabonds’ ship all over again… Despite his age, he was treated like quite the baby (though who could blame them). Shuffling his feet, he looks down in a pout, “B-But, I just wanted to be a pirate…” Was it really such a hopeless situation? If even his wife said it wasn’t possible, then maybe he really should give up… He had no desire to be a vagabond though, so what would he do now?! It was a mid-life crisis!

⚓-; “Because Missus Aeon is the greatest cap’n in the whole wide world! Oh, but don’t tell my cap’n I said that, she’d have my head for it… Yokuto though… a beautiful name for a beautiful wife! I’m Arlyn, a navigator, and don’t worry don’t worry, you just have cold feet! It’ll all be a-okay!”

“S-Stop! Seriously, how do you just say that so easily...?! Don’t you know what falling in love means?” Yokuto’s face flushes again, pale hands flying up to clutch his head in complete shock. He was making it sound like even death wasn’t a problem for loving him -- and Yokuto was having a hard time processing that, among many other things!

His panic shifts to annoyance when Arlyn insinuates Aeon cannot possibly be his mom at all, a childish pout coming to his face. He crosses his arms and clicks his tongue, looking away. “My mom is my mom! And she’s the best mom ever, better than your mom even!” Defensive, whining statements leave his lips in a petty fury. He wouldn’t let this slide! Aeon was his precious mother that totally bested everyone else out there in everything!

Simmering down, Yokuto wonders why someone so blatantly delicate would ever want to be a pirate. He was pretty too. Couldn’t he be anything else? Like a model? To confirm this thought, Yokuto reaches out and grabs Arlyn’s chin, forcing him to look at him as he leans in close to inspect. “Hm. I was definitely right. You’re cute, so why bother being a pirate?”

Releasing Arlyn from his grasp, Yokuto smiles when Aeon is complimented. He practically sparkles, as if he was the one being praised. “My mom’s the best, you know it! I don’t know who your captain is, but it’s definite Aeon beats them anyway!”

And back to marriage. This guy just doesn’t quit! So, frustrated and lacking any other ideas, Yokuto pushes Arlyn up against the wall and looks down at him. “Hey, tell me.” He places his lips against the shell of Arlyn’s ear, his voice dripping from his lips like sweet chocolate. Just a little bit, he uses his power to make his voice send electric sparks down Arlyn’s spine. “Do you know what you’re getting into...? Marrying a siren?” A hand rises to brush the tips of his fingers along Arlyn’s jaw in a ghostlike touch, and then he trails that same hand down along Arlyn’s chest, stopping at his waist. 

After that, Yokuto pulls away and smirks. “You would never be able to handle me, so you should just quit while you’re ahead.”

[coimay-blog]

( arlyn. )

⚓-; Eyes opening wide open at the breathy–almost sensual voice that invades his ears, he stares into space for a while, his mind computing everything that was said to him during his slumber. When he finally registers everything said to him though, he deems his dream much more pleasant, for he nearly passes out again when he realizes the meaning of what his self-proclaimed fiancé had just uttered.

⚓-; The vagabond still hadn’t met with Aeon due to Yokuto’s interference, and despite how much he loved his partner he couldn’t understand why he would want to keep him away so badly! And so every time Arlyn snuck aboard The Deceit in order to visit, he was always quickly shoved into the boatswain’s room. At first, he took it as a sign of flirtation and almost instantaneously passed out, but when he was woken up and had it explained to him, he was able to retain consciousness (albeit grumpy and not understanding of Yokuto’s reasoning).

⚓-; He thinks about his dream–of Yokuto in a lacy white dress walking down the aisle, and then he thinks about the other’s words. Had he really fallen asleep on Yokuto…? Wait–what did he mean about their ‘night together’?! No… no no no no no–this just wasn’t possible…! For starters, he couldn’t even stand to be aboard his own ship simply due to the amount of kissing he witnessed upon it, and the nights were always worst of all, so it was simply impossible that he would do such a thing with Yokuto, no matter how much he loved him..! 

⚓-; Even when he drops the act though, Arlyn remains frozen in fear. His hands grip at the blanket hard enough to turn his skin pale, and he does little else then let out a ‘squeak’ of fear at the possibility that he had done… ‘something’ with Yokuto of all people… Though he supposed if he did do that, he wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else besides Yokuto.

Well. He hadn’t expected Arlyn to be that shocked. Almost hurtful to his pride actually. If he’d done that to anyone else, he’d be met with glee and excitement. Nevermind that, though, he had bigger things to worry about besides this vagabond finding him sexually attractive.

“Relax, I’d never do anything like that with you. I’d rather go on your ship and mess around with people there for a fun time. You’d freeze if I just blew a kiss. It was a joke, so don’t look so freaked out. It almost wounds me, you know?” Yokuto smiles, arms folded across his chest as he looks down at Arlyn. He looked absolutely petrified, so Yokuto made a mental note to not joke around like this with him anymore -- or as much, at the very least.

“If anything, you should tell your co-captain to meet up with me again. His name was Lucius, right? That hard to get and cold exterior just makes him more appealing. I’d love to get inside him. Emotionally, of course. Don’t faint, Arlyn.” He waves a hand and spins around to head for the door. Enough wasting time. “Come on now, though. Help me make breakfast. Who knows? Maybe my mom will see you working hard and praise you on your first meeting.”

[coimay-blog]

( xiuying. )

@coimay​

          {♥} —; “Oh?” Xiuying stopped in her tracks at the marketplace. The Vagabond Captain was there to do business, handing out cards to others and convincing beautiful women to join within her ranks. Her head turned towards a dark-haired man in beautiful robes, holding up a parasol to prevent the sun’s harsh rays from hitting him. A real beauty, how rare.

          {♥} —; Quickly disregarding the people she talked to, she went up to the other, cutting them off from where they were heading and smiling politely.

          {♥} —; “You sir … . you are very pretty. Your skin look soft, and it look pale as snow.” she admired his features. “Your eyes … . what beautiful colour, like bleeding pomegranate, I cannot help but look from distance and want to talk to you. Very unusual, but very good.” she couldn’t help but shake the feeling she’s seen him before, however. Maybe doing business?

          {♥} —; “Are you in business right now? I run very famous boat, and your look would fetch very high price among customer. I treat you good, pay well too. All you can eat, and will have private room too. If you not in work at moment, I think it very good deal. If not then maybe another time.” she pauses for a second, hitting her fist on her palm before she bows politely.

          {♥} —; “Humbly, I apologize. I not introduce myself first, how rude of me! I am Xiuying Xiang, Captain of Vagabond ship.”

Man, it was hot today. He should be used to the heat, he lived at sea all the time! But still, yikes. His original plan had been to go swimming, maybe make some friends with a dragon king under the sea! But Galena needed help shopping, so he went along with her until she was done, thus finding himself walking around instead.

He’d been heading back for the ship when he was suddenly stopped by a woman he supposed was meant to come off intimidating... but she looked sort of like him, dressed differently, and that made her less frightening. Besides, he had a siren’s voice. Not much could scare him when all he had to do was say a word and anyone nearby was dead.

“Haha, thanks.” Words he’d definitely heard before, but they were appreciated either way. His beauty may be a gift, but he worked hard to maintain it. After all, even a golden apple could rot without care. His looks, his abilities, his personality -- everything was maintained with dedication.

He covers his lips with his fingers, eyelashes fluttering as he laughs softly. “It’s probably because I’m not human, though. Not completely, that is.” That’s probably why she figured he was unusual.

Obediently and respectfully, he listens to her speak. She had a rough way of speaking, but different from the way Aeon spoke. “Business...?” The word leaves his lips in a whisper. She goes on to tell him more before abruptly cutting off to introduce herself. With her introduction done, Yokuto gasps.

“Oh! My, my. You’re Miss Xiang? I hear about you sometimes. From my mom. All good things, I assure you, ma’am.” Something about a longtime friend who was capable and equal. Oh, but as for that offer she brought up... “I’ve always liked you vagabonds... I’d love to go with... Your deal sounds perfect for someone like me, but I belong with the pirates. I have a mission I need to complete.”

Just like Xiuying, Yokuto bows in greeting. “I’m Yokuto. My mother, and captain, is Aeon of The Deceit. I’m a pirate, more specifically the Boatswain. It’s nice to finally meet you, my mom respects you a lot. And I’ve met two of your men. Lucius and Arlyn?”

He pauses for a moment before he frowns, still spinning his parasol idly in his hands. “You should really tie a leash on Arlyn, though. It’s a pain trying to drag him off our ship so much. And also he keeps trying to marry me.”

[coimay-blog]

( lucius. )

…Spicy? What was that supposed to mean? He grunted, putting his hands into the pockets of his jacket. sighing. ❝ Oh, I don’t know, maybe it was you. Dear, teach me why don’t you. ❞  This guy was pissing him off. Did he have to be an ideal? He certainly did not want to be anyone’s doll, yet again.

❝ Hmm. Polite. Maybe, who knows. I can be nice if I wanted, but that would be impossible with the amount of stress I have. ❞  Lucius sighed, scratching his head, wishing he could leave at this instant. …Human? Not sure myself. I couldn’t care less anyway.

❝ …Pirate, huh? My own name is Lucius, I’m apart of the group Vagabonds. ❞  This guy was pretty eccentric, and loud. The way his aura was sparkling hurt his eyes. ❝ Interesting, a half-siren. Who knows, I could be. Maybe yes or no. I never knew what my mother, or my father were. Amazing, tell me more why don’t’cha? ❞

Placing his hand on his chin, he shook his head. It’s not like he had much information anyway. He was supposed to be maintaining order on his ship, not being an informant. ❝ I don’t think I have, I haven’t been roaming around this area for too long. Sorry I can’t be of any help. ❞     

“Me? No, I’m much too lazy for things like that. I’m not a good teacher either, so that’s a second no! But you should work on your attitude, seriously.” Yokuto presses a hand to his cheek and sighs daintily. This guy was much too grumpy. He ought to smile. “You know, you’re never fully dressed without a smile. I can at least teach you that. How to smile, I mean.”

Stress? Oh, so his attitude was linked to his work? Hm. Yokuto didn’t really work much, and he found enjoyment in work when he did manage to do it... Besides, the people on his ship were capable and fairly tame (even for pirates, as weird as they were). “Hm... So do you sing to deal with your stress?”

“Well then, Lucius, it’s... somewhat of a pleasure to meet you.” The vagabonds were interesting people, but they lived to roam, not lived for the sea. So despite their lackadaisical style and the amount of information they could obtain, Yokuto just couldn’t align with them. “Well, regardless, isn’t it better to not know? That makes your voice a gift, rather than some innate ability everyone else has.”

Yokuto frowns when he’s shut down immediately. The pirates wouldn’t be moving anytime soon, so he had to get what he could out of people going in and out. Damn. “Hm. It’s alright, I didn’t expect much anyway. If you do hear anything, though, let me know.”

[coimay-blog]

( christ. )

⚓-; Getting back on his feet, Arlyn casually dusts off his pants before reaching into his jacket and pulling out a snack, looking at the other curiously. Why was he so worked up? He was beautiful, so surely this couldn’t be the first time he was confessed to, right? Oh, but that would mean the navigator would have to fight for his hand in marriage…! An unexpected battle, but one he wouldn’t back down from!

⚓-; For a moment, he gets lost in the other’s eyes, and so he absentmindedly continues eating, but the words spoken soon process in his mind. “Hm? Whaddya mean how can I decide that? It wasn’t a decision, I saw’ya and it was love at first sight!” A slight sense of urgency audible in the stranger’s voice, Arlyn tilts his head in confusion. My, his self-proclaimed future lover sure was a cautious one… “Why would I go hidin’, I’m here to see Missus Aeon! Hey hey, y’think y’could lead me to ‘er? Ooh–maybe even recommend me or somethin’! I’ve always wanted to be a pirate, y’know…”

⚓-; Finally finishing his food, he begins to walk around the other, a hand under his chin as red eyes narrow, inspecting him. “Hm… what size are ya? I think the cap’n can marry us… She’s always settin’ people up ‘n puttin’ ‘em together, so it should be fine… Oh, and what’s yer name! I gotta know so I can say it at the altar! Or on the ship…–well, wherever we’re bein’ married!”

As Yokuto continues on, rambling in a panic about safety and danger and just how reckless this guy was, jumping onto a pirate ship so thoughtlessly, it becomes apparent they were not listening. How rude! Yokuto didn’t get worked up for just anyone! Do you know how much energy this takes? Forget that, did this guy even understand the situation he was in?!

“You...! You could get killed here and you’re talking about me...!” This stranger was unbelievable, really! Yokuto was well aware he was good-looking, but most people didn’t ignore life or death because of the way his eyelashes fluttered!

Mom, he begs in his mind, is this what you had to deal with when you met mother?

... Wait. He was here to see... “Mom? You’re here to see my mom?” Yokuto can’t withhold his shock and exasperation. This one just wanted to waltz in here and be a pirate? Did he even understand how Aeon ran this ship? “You’d never last. You’d be eaten alive, you know that? This ship... God, how could you even charge into this situation so blindly...?”

He was about go on about how life worked on here, that if you couldn’t hold your own against each other or Aeon, you’d be dead... but it’s back to marriage within seconds. Yokuto can feel all the energy he’s stored up after years of avoiding work slipping away from him.

“Captain...? If you have a captain, why do you want to meet ours?” Did the other just really admire Aeon? That wouldn’t be shocking, his mom was the greatest women of the seven seas... but you need a lot more than admiration to survive here. “My name’s Yokuto. I’m the Boatswain here... And I don’t remember agreeing to get married! I’m only nineteen!”

[coimay-blog]

( zhayne. )

     He didn’t sound like a monster! He sounded like a normal person! Right? Zhayne was ticked off, but the guy had a point. “Yeah, okay, sorry. People get really paranoid when they spend too much time alone up here– I’m no exception.” He scratched his head, unsure of how much he should be revealing about himself. “I’m really not a sailor, no. But I do invent things. I don’t really try to hide that…” The fact that he was a science geek, that was. His whole appearance screamed “I’d rather build things with scrap metal than buy new gear!”

    Zhayne shook his head. “Wizards are the scum of the earth and have no sense of dignity. Feel free to kill any real wizards you see up here, new guy.” If they were really there.

    “I’m not about to be your tour guide, so if you want to go then you can–” He didn’t finish his sentence fast enough before the second favor was already in the air. He closed his eyes, obviously displeased by the idea of walking all the way there with a sailor of all people. He really had no interest in the weird tourist attractions that the townspeople made up. “Ugh…”

    The soldier approached the other, analyzing him like an unidentifiable zoo creature. It didn’t make much sense. The man looked as human as can be… though, he had never met a siren before, so there was no way for him to confirm. “Can sirens just… be on land? Isn’t this the worst place you could have wandered off to? It’s terribly dry.” Well, nevermind that. “I’m Zhayne Collier. Just Zhayne is fine. Do you normally just go up to strangers and ask them to escort you places? You’re not such spoiled rich kid, are you? Because I’m a busy man.”

“You should find some friends.” Yokuto quips, making no move to even imply he’d be this man’s friend. He would if the other wanted, but he wouldn’t offer it. Not a sailor, though? So he definitely wasn’t a Pirate nor Vagabond. Probably someone from here. Or an adventurer. Whatever.

He smiles brightly, like a child who just found a new toy, when told he could kill any wizard he saw. He had the go ahead, so it was fine now! Yay for him. “I’ll have fun when I see one then. Though you might want to wear headphones from now on.” It’d be a pity if he killed this guy in the middle of his fighting.

“Awww... come on! Don’t you like adventure and thrills? What if there’s treasure?” Yokuto huffs. This man really did not like going out, huh? All this dryness was dull... He needed some sea in his life, for Christ’s sake.

He frowns, deep and annoyed, when appraised. “It is horribly hot and desolate here, but it won’t kill me. I’m not full siren to begin with. I’m not even originally a siren.” People like this were so difficult to talk to! He just wanted to find more information on his mother and the curse, but with the way some people were, it was nigh impossible. And to make matters worse, until Aeon got what she wanted from here, he was stuck with whatever this place had to offer.

“Well then, Zhayne. To answer your first question, yes. My caretaker always taught me that everyone should be kind and help each other, so I just assumed that’s how the world worked... Guess fairies are liars too.” It had worked this far. But then again, he typically smooth talked cute women and men who were willing to help because Yokuto had something they were interested in to offer.

Logically he could just hypnotize this guy, but it felt like a waste of his vocal chords to do so. Besides, Yokuto had morals too, pirate or not, siren or not. “I’m not a rich kid, I’m an orphan. My human mom is dead, and my mermaid mother is missing. I’m trying to find her. That’s why I need to go to that place you mentioned.” He then quirks an eyebrow up in confusion, looking Zhayne over. “... Busy how? This place is just full of rocks... Man, you are really weird.”

[coimay-blog]

( aeon. )

     "Hm. True words, my boy. Through thick and thin, the oceans never hurt us. I feel like the seas been on our side since the very beginning.“ Since the very start of her adventure… the sea had taken Aeon on all kinds of adventures, but it had always shown her great things. It taught her valuable lessons, and brought her to amazing treasures. Among those treasures, were the people surrounding her on The Deceit at this very moment…

    Aeon appreciated his honesty with her. Not that he seemed to have a choice, but it meant a lot to her that he trusted her, and, well, actually had fun aboard her ship. She laughed, giving the bootswain a firm slap on the back. "Hah! Good to hear, lad! A satisfying answer! If you weren’t confident about your current position then I wouldn’t know what to do with ya. Gotta know where you belong in life if you’re gonna even try bein’ happy. I don’t know about any ‘destiny,’ but I sure love havin’ you in my crew, so that’s that.” The captain did this often– asking her pirates if they really wanted to be with her or not. Anyone without strong willpower and motivation had to be reconsidered as a key member of her crew. She didn’t have time to be disappointed, or to disappoint others. But knowing the sensitive situation Yokuto had come from, she was just glad that he was finally fitting in with them all.

    “Me? Of course! This is the best I’ve ever felt about where I am in life, I’d say!” Aeon grinned, hooking Yokuto’s waist with one arm in a glorious side-embrace. “You’ll always have us, and I’ll always have you. All of you.” She leaned on him back and pursed her lips in thought, imagining a time where that may cease to be true.

    “As long as I’m captain, I think things will continue on like this. But if you ever get unhappy here, you tell me, y'hear? Especially if I’m the cause of it. I wouldn’t wanna hold you back.”

“Haha. Some say we originated from the sea. Though I suppose it depends on who you are and what race you are too. Earth Spirits definitely didn’t come from the sea.” Yokuto laughs, gazing down at the dark waters. If he focused, he could hear sharks swimming and whales singing. But right now he was more concerned with his captain.

Yokuto smiles when Aeon gives him a firm hit to the back. Pirates and their strength! Although, Yokuto had his own level of strength too. “I wouldn’t be here at all if I wasn’t confident in myself or this crew. I took your offer back then because I was sure being with you was where I belonged, and I was also certain in you yourself, ma’am.” Aeon, to Yokuto, was a very firm and steady person, someone you could believe in within seconds. But not in a way that felt oppressive. Aeon was like a perfect beach day!

“I love being here too.” He adds after a moment of thought. Everyone around him was funny and pleasant to be around, even the men. When he originally came, he didn’t want to listen to anyone but Aeon. Like a typical angsty teenager, he’d reject all authority unless it came from Aeon herself. But that was over now. He trusted everyone here.

Hearing her respond so happily made Yokuto feel relieved. And the hug reinforced that warm feeling that bubbled up within him. He almost wanted to cry, and he could feel the burning tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. When people yearn for too much, they could get into bad situations. He was glad Aeon seemed content enough. She wouldn’t get hurt like his mothers did.

That made him sentimental... but the hug, and the words that followed after, really pushed him off the metaphorical cliff. But he covers it up well... or well enough that only his voice squeaks a little when he speaks. “Ahaha, spoken like a true leader... Yeah, we’ll always be together. Even if we get separated... if we look out at the sea like this, we’re still connected.”

He waves his hand, “Don’t worry, though. I’d never be unhappy here. You could never hurt me or hold me back, you’ve always pushed me forward! Ahh... but I’ll still complain when I want to. Like when Galena does her weird saw stuff so loudly. Euughh.”

[coimay-blog]

( grumpy. )

❝ …My mistake that I didn’t meet your expectations. ❞  He clicked his tongue, turning his head to the side. Voice? Was he singing that loudly? He didn’t see anyone here prior to his arrival, but he didn’t think he was singing so that everyone could hear. Did this kid have super hearing or something? That was a possibility, but he decided to not dwell on the topic for too long.

He tensed at the word pretty. How he hated that word. It made shivers go down his spine. His frown only deepened, as his eyes were no longer holding any malice, but had a slight melancholy. He could feel them touching him. He could feel their breaths on his neck. It was sickening. His breathing quickened, grabbing onto his chest, as his eyes widened. He took a deep breathe, shaking his head. He was out of that place, and with a stranger at that. He wouldn’t let himself break down, not now.

❝  Sorry I’m not one of those princely guys. ❞  Spitting out that word like it was dirt, he avoided saying anything like it. It only reminded him all the more of his past, which he had lived all his years trying to forget. Alas, he never could. ❝Then thank god I’m not pretty. …Like you? In what way? ❞  How the other worded it was.. strange. Lucius didn’t think it was in terms of looks, or personality, but something different… What could it mean? 

“Ooohh, spicy.” What an attitude on this one. What was his deal? The mysterious and brooding type? ... Well, that type was attractive but that was besides the point. “Who poured salt in your water? Your voice is great, but your attitude could use a crash course on basic etiquette.”

This guy... was weird. That little moment piqued Yokuto’s curiosity, but not enough for him to ask. Men were boring and annoying to be around. If this was a woman he was in front of... it’d be much better. He didn’t know how to handle men, after years of being raised solely by women. Even now his captain was a woman.

“I don’t need you to be princely. Just saying you could be more polite.” He folds his arms across his chest, wishing he could just walk away now. “Huh? Oh... are you... human or something? I thought all magical beings could sense each other... Hm.”

Pointing at himself, Yokuto grins pleasantly -- for the first time this entire exchange. “I’m Yokuto, a pirate,” Absolutely no shame or hesitation there. “and half siren! I thought if you could sing so nice, you might be something like it. But I guess not. Although, I’m originally a mermaid...”

He snaps his fingers as a little gasp escapes his lips, “Say! Do you know anything about the story of a woman who was cursed on a bloody beach?”

[coimay-blog]

( mountain man. )

    “You hit me with a rock! Don’t you think I’d want to know who you were?” Zhayne scoffed at the stranger, but refused to allow himself to get too worked up in case steam started literally blowing out of his ears. This man looked suspicious. Too suspicious. Weird people have been dropping by the mountain range lately, and this one seemed way out of his element.

    “Finely manicured. Sure.” The soldier held up one gloved hand, wiggling his fingers around. “Me too.” Still, it would be ideal to avoid a fight here if he could. The gun lowered itself back to his side and he sighed.

    “So bored that you came to the dangerous death mountains, huh? You must be a sailor. No locals ever come here.” Zhayne narrowed his eyes at the other, frowning himself. “You can’t just ask me for favors, I don’t even know you! What insolence…” He must be a pirate, the man thought, but if the guy didn’t want to fight then Zhayne wouldn’t give him a reason to.

     Although. The rumor about the wise old people living in the mountains must have gotten through to the public if someone like this knew about it. Interesting. He propped up one leg on a large rock and adjusted his glasses. “I hate wizards, too. I don’t know too much about sirens, but I do know that they’re around the Brine Enclave. Everywhere, in fact. Ever been to the Crescent Sanctuary? There’s um, special siren and or other sea-people burials there, apparently. Could just be a lie to attract tourists, but I heard you can actually hear singing at certain times of the day.”

“Ohhh. So it was you. Gosh, you sounded like a monster when you screamed, I was terrified out of my mind for a second, you know! But besides that, rock or not, no normal person would react politely to a gun being pointed at them!” At this point it was just a back and forth between them, though.

Must be a sailor, huh? But don’t all kinds of people go to all kinds of places? Like adventurers and storytellers... alicorns and witches! Right? “Wouldn’t that mean you’re a sailor too? Poor logic. You strike me more as a weird inventor sort of type.”

He waves his hand dismissively at Zhayne’s complaints. Insolence? Nah... Curiosity! It was good-natured curiosity! Who cares about knowing each other or not? Aren’t people supposed to be kind to one and other all the time? Man, being a pirate was teaching him his caretaker from the orphanage was just a real and true dream killer.

However, Yokuto brightens up at the agreement that wizards were to be hated. Clapping his hands with delight, he nods enthusiastically. “Wizards are the worst! Such tricky bastards.” The Brine Enclave? Crescent Sanctuary? Yokuto preferred to stay in town, on the ship or beach, or follow Aeon around like a lost chick. So...

“Burials?” For... sirens? And other sea creatures? Singing... He’d definitely be able to tell if he went personally whether it was a lie or not... but he didn’t know where to go. He was... well, a regular fish out of water on land unless he was flirting. “... Heyyy, mountain man, can you take me to that place? With the sirens? My name’s Yokuto, I’m a siren, and I really need to get there.”

That sounded like he was determined to die. Unintentional, of course.

[coimay-blog]

( jerk. )

Lucius just needed a moment to relax. Exiting the Jade Palace, he retreated to Violetton. Sitting on a nearby bench, he admired the scents of all the flowers, spotting roses, violets, chrysanthemums, and many more. He let out a heavy breath, as if all his worries had been erased, and started to hum a tune. It then turned into a song. A bird had perched on his shoulder, as many animals had gathered around him.

He smiled at all of them, as he continued to sing his heart out. Days like these was extremely rare, when you were like him. It was even more rare that Lucius had time for himself, with no need to worry about a single thing. Of course, he knew he had to return to the Jade Palace soon enough, having to make sure the ship wouldn’t be destroyed, and none of them would drown (namely, Aderyn and Aryln). Even so, he chuckled at the fact of their mess-ups, and smiles. He might’ve been harsh and rude, but he truly did care for all of the Vagabonds. 

He heard a rustle, as the animals scampered away, and the birds and butterflies flew, their wings outstretched. His singing instantly ceased, as his previous peaceful face, was replaced with irritation. Dusting off his clothes, he glared at the other. 

❝ …Do you need something from me?❞

@coimay

He’d just wanted to know where that voice was coming from. It wasn’t everyday you find a nice voice besides your own in Yokuto’s life! And he was always by the ocean singing, so it shocked him to think someone else could be doing the very same pastime, just in a change of scenery. He was curious, he wanted to know. Maybe they were a siren too? Maybe they knew about his mom?

But when he stumbles upon the person, seeing nothing but grumpiness and annoyance, Yokuto definitely thinks that they aren’t going to be helpful or a pleasant presence. Despite the pretty face, true beauty was accented with a charming personality!

“... No. I just wanted to find the voice. But I found it and it’s not what I expected.” He didn’t care whether this person was a noble or not, he’d talk freely without much care. The stranger may look gorgeous, but he wasn’t a woman and thus Yokuto rejected his presence like bile in his body. He’d only respect male members of his crew, and this man certainly wasn’t one of them.

“You were much nicer smiling than glaring at me... How troublesome, you know? You’re not pretty at all like this. Ahh... what a downer all around. I was really hoping you were like me...”

[coimay-blog]

( weirdo. )

   Zhayne had thought he heard mumbling in the distance but had immediately written it off as like, freaky mountain whispers, or something. It happened often up there. You spend too much time alone in Devilditch and suddenly the screeches of the wind sound like a person. Real scary.

  The man rummaged through his sack of rocks for no reason, desperately trying to find something to do to occupy himself so he could ignore whatever witchcraft was going on around him. Oh god, he thought in a panic, the wind was cursing its mother now. He really needed to go back to the mansion and talk to a real-life person. Even Zhayne knew his limits when it came to living alone for too long. He had to go back right now, finish tinkering with his weapons, and then actually go attend a training session for once in his life–

  “Ow!”

  His surprised shriek echoed in the vast, empty area, and he sat there for a moment in shock. It wasn’t the first time he had gotten hit in the head by a pebble, sure, but that one had seriously been thrown at him. His heart skipped a beat at the notion of having to interact with a person here, but he had to… defend his territory, or whatever! It would be a nuisance if people found his little makeshift home nearby!

  The soldier turned in the direction the rock came from and peeked over the top of a dirt mound, aiming his Hestia at the stranger. “You…! Who are you? What are you doing here? Stop throwing things!”

That shriek sent shivers down Yokuto’s spine. Was he walking around near some spirit dwelling? Was some cannibal monster about to jump out and end his life here and now? Damn... Aeon is going to be pissed if she finds my body dead on a mountain.

Thank god it soon revealed itself to be another person. Still dangerous, but not as bad as a cannibal demon thing. “Me...? Why should I tell you who I am? This isn’t private property, it’s a fucking mountain.” This guy didn’t even look rich enough to own this mountain if it were possible. He looked more like the weird dad from Beauty and the Beast no one liked.

He points a finger at the other and huffs, annoyed by how confrontational he was. He’d just ignore how that rock he threw probably hit this guy. “Put that thing down, I’m not interested in you enough to even think about swinging these finely manicured hands at you. I just came here since I was bored and didn’t want to go home yet.”

And then his hands find his way to his hips, lips pursing in a pout. “Actually, I take that back. Aren’t super smart wizards supposed to live in mountains and other weird places? Great. I hate wizards. But if you’re smart, you could do me a favour. You know anything about sirens?”

[coimay-blog]

( aeon. )

    Despite how in-tune Aeon was with the emotions of all her shipmates, she always held the most concern for those like her precious bootswain. She could write it off as primal maternal instincts or just watching out for the one of the youngest boys, but the captain wasn’t afraid to admit that she had grown quite fond of her closer crew members. They all seemed to complete each other, providing relationships that the others have been lacking. In this case: a motherless son, and a childless mother.

   Her little goldfish was out on deck again that night.

   "Ah! Ya caught me. Yeah, I might’ve had the same idea as you.“ Aeon rested her arms against the edge of the deck alongside the boy. ”…The waters are nice and calm here, despite all that we do.“ She tapped her fingers on the wooden rail. The woman had something to ask, she knew she did. It had been gnawing at her brain for a while.

   "Yokuto. I may be good at reading emotions, but that doesn’t mean I can see right through you at any time. So I gotta ask like a normal person. Don’t you dare lie, or I’ll cut your tongue out.” Aeon glanced up at him. Their height difference was only obvious when they were alone.

    “Are you happy here?”

Yokuto grins at her response, much like a child enthralled by someone much older than themself telling them something grand. Though it wasn’t grand, just a simple thing in common, yet it delighted the young pirate all the same. Despite his love for his mothers, they’d never been present in his growth. He had to wonder if conversations like this, even the most mundane and even the most annoying, were what it was like. To, you know, have someone... there. For you.

“I don’t see why the ocean wouldn’t be calm. What we’re doing isn’t harming it. We love it just as much as it loves us. Not everyone who belongs to the sea is born with gills.” If the sea was ever angered, it was because it was being hurt. And Yokuto could always hear it, as if the sea had a voice. Typically it sounded melodical and sweet or powerful and strong. When upset, however, it sounded like it was in agonizing pain, crying out for help. On those nights, he couldn’t sleep.

He’d never lie to Aeon! She had his utmost respect. As a woman, captain, and human being. She was definitely the grandest woman out there... But what an interesting question that was! He hums a long “mmm” noise in thought, amused to see someone so concerned about his well-being. “Am I happy here? I...” He didn’t think he achieved true overall happiness yet, but he did think... that being here was right. “I’d say I'm happy. Everyone here is interesting, and I get to meet all kinds of people and see new things everyday.”

He taps a finger against the rail twice. “Most of all, I’m at sea. I don’t belong on land, but I can’t go down underwater either. Being a pirate... is definitely what I was destined for.”

Yokuto averts his eyes to the side then, a boyish, sheepish smile at his lips. “Besides, no matter what happens, I... will always have you guys. Isn’t that right?” And then he leans to the side, towards Aeon. “What about you, mom of mine? Are you happy here?”

[coimay-blog]

@crystalluscre

This was definitely his favourite part of being a pirate. Standing on the deck, leaning against the edge, and listening to the waves roll and crash against the large structure that continued sailing on, beneath the starry expanse. Even the wood creaking as other pirates, still awake and murmuring to each other, walked along was pleasant to the ear. It created some kind of magical bubble, something impenetrable and almost magical. To Yokuto, this was the best part of having become a pirate.

Although, maybe most pirates would argue treasure, liquor, and blood pumping fights were more enthralling than some peaceful night at sea. But, compared to most, the sea was his home. The sea, for pirates, became a home when they belonged nowhere on land, but for Yokuto, he was born from the sea. And a part of him knew, deep down, he belonged deep inside it, in the kingdom of mermaids his mother came from.

That instinct came to him like a song, a melody always ringing in his ears, wishing for him to dive down and never return up. But he wasn’t a full blooded mermaid, and he was even cursed to add onto that mess. What would he do if he went down there? He couldn’t go home, not until he found and saved his mother. And just the thought of her, alone and scared in some deep dark ocean trench hating herself, made Yokuto reach for and clutch tightly his locket from her.

A pure white seashell that opened up and played a song, magical images of a kingdom beneath the ocean full of music, love, and happiness playing on repeat.

Besides, a part of him also had to admit this ship was his home.

Hearing footsteps coming along behind him, Yokuto spins around and grins naturally. With perfect pitch, he easily knew who had come up behind him. “You’re still awake, ma’am?”

“Fufu... But I can understand why. The ocean’s perfect tonight, isn’t it?” He’ll play it off like he wasn’t a little sad just a moment ago. After all, he wasn’t alone. This captain of his was very much like a mother to him.

[coimay-blog]

( galena. )

  “Give me juuust a second, little Yokuto.” Beneath Galena’s voice, a peculiar cacophony of sounds continuously streamed from the edges of the door: Kckckck. BrzZZZ. Ker-plop! Shhssss…all topped off by faint muttering.

  Abrupt silence occurred after what suspiciously sounded something getting shattered. The door swung open, and there Galena stood, hands shoved in pockets. “My, my, has it gotten to that time already?”

   “I don’t care as long as the bones have been picked out beforehand. Sorry, looks like you came here for nothing, kiddo.” She patted his head lightly, ignoring the look on his face. It’s not like she cared for showing off, but after peering side-to-side at the hallway she leaned against the doorway and tilted her head towards the room, “I know you’re not the type to change your mind, but you really don’t want to take a peek just one time?”

Little Yokuto...?! Well... he was way younger compared to most of the pirates. In fact, he was probably the youngest of them all... So he was definitely the baby of the pack. But he wasn’t that small! Was he? Did he come off like a child? Ahh, and he’d tried so hard to come off cool and mature...! What a pain. Now he’d be thinking about this all night.

At every sound from the other side of the door, Yokuto jumps in surprise (and fear). What the hell was going on in there to be making so many different noises? It really was a dungeon... It’d be terrifying to step foot in there, like when Sebastian ended up in the cook’s kitchen trying to help save Ariel!

Although, it’s even more shocking when Galena appears after such an amount of quiet. Like a startled fish, he stumbles backwards with a soft yelp and hugs himself defensively as he looks up at Galena, pouting. “No warning... You scared me.” She spoke like a casual and friendly aunt, compared to Aeon at least. He didn’t even have time to think about being upset he’d wasted his time when she offers for him to come inside.

Him? Inside there? Galena was great and all, but she really reminded Yokuto of a bird that could swallow fish in seconds. And the sounds that always came from her little workshop didn’t help. What if she was preparing to operate? What if she had stuffed dead bodies of fish?!

... But he couldn’t ignore a request from a woman. He deeply respected each and every woman he met, because both his mothers and even his caretaker had been women, and they’d all treated him with amazing care and love. A real mommy’s boy, if you will. “... I-I guess I’ll go in. But only for a moment, I have to make dinner and all so...”

[coimay-blog]

@krvlju​

Admittedly, after befriending the weird fellow who’d practically proposed to him on the spot, Yokuto had a hard time... not seeing him. The guy, Arlyn, really wanted to be a pirate (apparently he thought it was cool, which Yokuto didn’t really get himself). Therefore, since they were friends, he was constantly coming over. Didn’t those vagabonds need him? Gods above.

Oh well. He had to admit it was funnier having Arlyn around. The real sweet and naive type... It was just in a pirate’s blood to love messing with these ones, right?

Withholding an amused smile, Yokuto crosses his arms as he looks down at Arlyn sleeping in his bed. He really should’ve gone home last night, and he was just lucky Yokuto preferred sleeping outside on the deck, whether it be raining or sunny. He could even sleep in the ocean if he wanted to, but that might be risky unless The Deceit was docked for a few days.

“It’s about time to wake up, you know.” He laughs softly, about to simply rip off the sheets and drag Arlyn forcefully out of bed when he comes up with a more fun idea. Payback for their first meeting and every heartracing interaction after, yeah?

Placing one knee on the bed, it creaks beneath his weight as he leans above Arlyn and prods at his cheeks, tickles his sides, and ruffles his hair. He slept like a baby... and once again Yokuto was shocked he was younger than the other.

“Daaarling,” Yokuto whines playfully, clutching the fabric of Arlyn’s sleeve as he shakes the vagabond’s arm gently. He uses the same breathy, melodic voice he uses on everyone he remotely hits on as he speaks, utterly amused with his joke, “how could you fall asleep and forget about me in the middle of our night togetherrr...? Soooo mean. I don’t know if you really looove me...! How cruel, Arlyn!” A playful little huff, with a pout to match. Go the full mile or nothing!

“But! You have to get up now since I’m making breakfast,” That part was serious! He really was and he needed to know what Arlyn wanted (it was why he came all the way back to his room in the first place), but fun came first. So he dips his head lower, right next to Arlyn’s ear, “or do you want to eat me instead?”

And then he pulls back and laughs, clapping his hands loudly. “Seriously buddy, get up. What’re you in the mood to eat for breakfast?”