estoria | I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

Entry tags:

I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

Who:

mermaiding & you!
When: 2/24ish?, ICly
Where: Wherever there's still deep flooding
What: Oona struck a deal with Maris and got her scale back, meaning she can turn back into her mermaid form. She's finally taking it out for a spin.
Rating/Warning: Vaguely NSFW, because mermaids do not wear clothes.

[She hadn't expected it to go easily. The process of removing her tail had been painful and clumsy to begin with-- she had never used that magic before, and she had never had to replace said tail either. She knew, in theory, hwo to, but it had taken her a few times to finally get the magic right.

The process had been just as painful-- was it always going to be painful, or was she just inexperienced, doing something wrong? Every movement ached as her muscles got used to the familiar movements of swimming again.. or maybe it had something to do with this crash of energy? Who knew.

She did feel tired, but that wasn't important right now. She decided against going her full form (there was no need for someone to actually mistake her for a monster and try to kill her right off the bat), but the more familiar half-form that most people associated with mermaids was fine enough.

It felt like flying, twisting through the waters, her gills burning with unfamiliar use. It had taken more time than she'd like to admit to get used to using them and she'd spent far too long accidentally trying to use her lungs and choking herself. But now that she was getting used to it, she wasn't sure she'd ever actually leave...]

[Option A]

[She'd never get truly tired of swimming around, but the space isn't that large, so it isn't long before she gets bored--and that's when she takes to terrorizing poor passer-bys. She waits until someone's standing near the edge of the water and slowly surfaces, watching to make sure their attention isn't on the water itself and...

GRABS THEIR ANKLE.

And immediately bursts out laughing at their reaction. Maybe it's you she grabbed? Maybe a random NPC whose panicked screams make you feel like jumping in to help out or investigate? Either way, Oona's clearly having a grand ol' time.]

[Option B

[There's definitely something moving in the water. You might see a flash of golden hair, or light reflecting off blue scales. Maybe you see a light, glowing faintly deep below...

Either way, it entices you to look closer. If you kneel on the ledge and lean over the water to try and get a closer look, you're in for quite the surprise. Oona's stirred up the debris and dirt below to mask her ascent to the surface; male or female or anything inbetween, it doesn't matter; lean in close enough and you'll suddenly find a pretty mermaid breaking the surface to press a kiss to your mouth.

It's a quick one and she swims away a bit right after with a bright laugh and a grin]

[Option C]

[Okay, so maybe the drain on her energy was more than she was anticipating. She pulls herself up out of the water, only barely managing to get herself on land before she curls up on her side and promptly goes to sleep. Her tail dips into the water, occasionally swaying absently and causing ripples in the water.

She may even start snoring softly, but either way it's probably not a good idea for her to just remain there hanging out, right?]

[Option D]

[WILD CARD. Got another prompt you wanna try out? Maybe Oona manipulated the water to splash a nice wave at your character? Maybe you dropped something in the water for Oona to discover?

Go crazy it's all yours'!]

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I suppose I do... [ It's not even that her appearance offends him as much as he's worried that it will get him in trouble. What would mom think if she saw him with a naked mermaid?? Then there's the whole legal side of it - he doesn't want to see Oona in jail for indecent exposure! ]

Just don't get into any trouble because of it, okay? I dunno if this place has any lawyers, y'know?

[ Apparently he hasn't met the entire Ace Attorney cast. ]

No.

[Well...that's as far as you get, Oona, sorry. It's still progress though!!!]

You have accomplished a personal mission, but that is all. It is not enough for that manner of praise.

[ good thing she doesn't consider him prey (yet). makoto can't refute the feral glint staining her eyes, volatility that he couldn't predict, but on the flip-side she isn't underestimating him (by much). it's nice being taken seriously, even if his love for swimming pales in comparison to the push-pull mentality (latent intensity like exposed wires in the water) haru and rin took on in their races. if he'd been aware that rin managed to beat her on her home turf, he might've broken into another laugh, breath running ragged with displaced humor.

as it is, he partially shields himself from the water, partially snickers again, sliding into the water with fluid ease. ]

We'll see about that! Don't get too ahead of yourself.

[ but it comes down to delineating the smaller figures for their race (which is more of a cooperative swim than anything else, he isn't looking to win in earnest), so his expression visibly lapses into relative calm as he wades out to her. ]

Freestyle would be best, I think. You'll have to put up with me swimming above water for our match, but anything outside of cheating is fair game. Does that sound good to you?

["Stolen"...Edgeworth had thought that Oona could assume human form at will and whenever she wanted, but it looks like that isn't the case if she claims that her tail was stolen.

Edgeworth nods slowly.]

I see. I was of the impression that you could transform your tail into a pair of legs at will in your home world.

[He doesn't particularly like Maris after the spirit flooded the whole place and endangered countless lives, but...for some reason, he doesn't tell Oona off about her choice in company.]

Freestyle? [She tilts her head, wondering if it means what she thinks it means and if that means there's different was. For Oona, there was no 'style' or anything, she simply... swam. The idea that humans might have developed different ways of swimming is a baffling surprise.

Swimming at the surface is annoying, but doable, however, and she looks around for a point to swim to. There's another ledge not terribly far from them and she points it out.]

We can swim to there? First one there wins. Ah-- [Oona pauses, considering a moment] What is the prize for winning?

Could. It is...eh, complicated. [SIGH. She's gone over it enough times she honestly just doesn't know who knows what at this point.]

Tail can be removed, yes. Every mermaid who has gone on their journey knows how-- or, most do. [Whatever details don't matter] But, have to keep one scale from tail in order to put tail back. My scale was stolen. But, that man gave it back. Or, one similar enough.

[Oona tilts her head, frowning lightly at him] ...You are sure you are alright? You are taking everything too well. It is strange.

[ Kousetsu and Sousei are like two peas in a pod, to be honest. Kousetsu does nod at that. ] ...yes. But when contact is involved it is...different.

[ not the best of surprises for people, he'd imagine. ]

...I am not human. [ He's just gonna say it out loud. ]

Many of their mannerisms and thoughts on things I have not fully come to understand. [ His brows furrow in thought. ]

[he can't help himself. even in his sleepiness, haru's spine goes ramrod straight, eyes sharpening in a way they simply have not been yet this whole time.]

Even if it's just playing...don't do that. Not to Makoto.

[then he remembers who he's talking to, that she couldn't possibly know, that she isn't even human. how much haru himself hates it when people simply expect him to know or understand certain things, and the tiredness returns. he shifts, glancing away all over again.]

Please.

[he adds, which sounds like an apology and it's clumsy but he means it, shakes his head and cannot meet oona's eyes again when he answers her question.]

Most people. Never mind.

You'll see. If you get to know him.

[in his own ways, haru is plenty evasive, a star-act if disappearing is the only act happening. he shrugs his own words away and absently readjusts his sling, returning to crouch near the water's edge again, letting his left hand trail like he did before. there is something soothing. and maybe it's only because water has been his solace all his life but it's a little late to change that now. he can't explain himself to people he knows -- rin, makoto -- and so trying with someone new isn't something he'd consider.

his mind snags on makoto though; if it didn't feel like a trespass, he'd tell oona: makoto is afraid.

deep-hearted fear. people made of shadows walking in a solemn line for those they've lost. an ocean uncontrollable in the dead of night.

the fear of things being taken really.

it's not haru's to tell though.

he swallows a thought. not ordinarily stumbling to keep conversation, he does find he wants to get away from the topic of makoto badly enough that he hears his own words come out of his mouth with some surprise,]

I lost them.

...the earrings.

In the flood.

[his ears are pink which is evidently where haru's blushes start -- a fainter cast across the sharps of his cheekbones and he ducks his head a little more.]

I'm sorry.

[ they were a gift after all. he never even got to wear them, come to think of it. ]

[ well, he'd already known she was a sore loser. she'd better get used to it, because he's going to continue giving her a run for her money.

besides, it's not like he's trying to hide it. he had wanted to see her. ]

It's not like I can summon you out of thin air.

[ accio, mermaid!

he has been keeping an eye out for her for a few days, after all. granted, he could have sent her cerevice a message, but he'd felt awkward about the whole thing. this was easier.

which brings up another question -- ]

Where are you gonna go once the flood recedes?

Yes! You can swim freestyle with almost any stroke, although most people go for the front crawl since it's the fastest. [ he's not certain how well technical swimming jargon holds up when it comes to mermaids hailing from the deep blue, but he figures the particulars act the same way — living creatures go for what works best.

he glances over to asses the ledge, gauging the distance between with a humming note of affirmation before nodding, expression bright with relative anticipation. ] It's settled, then.

[ makoto's not exactly the type to swim for anything beyond the sheer, visceral enjoyment of being with his friends like the hokey, incorrigible sap he is, but if she'll willing to throw down bets, he'll gladly oblige. ] What do you want if you win, Oona?

[Edgeworth listens intently to her explanation. At least he gets it now and hums in thought.

When she asks if he's all right, he nods promptly.]

Yes, I am. I've seen many strange things long before I arrived here. Learning that mermaids exist in other worlds should no longer be a surprise to me.

[She blinks slowly and tilts her head back, acknowledging the change in him. Makoto meant a lot to him, she could tell, though she couldn't be sure how far that ran.] Said I would not, so I will not. I do not lie, so if give my word, it will be upheld.

[She simply watches him then, quiet and content to remain quiet until he moves the conversation along himself. Even if he doesn't, that's fine-- Oona is no stranger to silence and surely she'll find a way to fill it if it stretches too long.

Which is very nearly does, but thankfully Haru speaks up again. She tilts her head to the side, confused, until he clarifies that he means the earrings.] Ah. I understand, it is okay. Lost many of my pretty things in the flood and damage.

[She pouts a little at this] But, is fine. Things can be replaced. People can not. At least you lost only earrings and not yourself. [She reaches out to place a hand on his head in a comforting manner and smiles. Then her hand slides down the side of his face to grip his chin carefully, trying to turn his head slightly to look at his ears.] Are ears pierced? Can get you something you can wear, next time. I make plenty of money, so spending is not problem for me. Can find pretty things that can remind you of the ocean and will match your eyes.

[And then, as if in after thought she adds] I like your eyes.

[Her eyebrows go up and she looks instantly curious] You are not either? That is good. Now, can like you more.

[She grins a little, because damn can she understand that one.] Yes, have same problem, often. They are confusing, yes? No one ever says what they mean. Use too many words to say simple things and such.

What do you have trouble with?

Could send message on the thing. [Jeez, even she knows that!!

The question throws her off a little and she stares openly before looking off.] Where...? Do not know. Apartment was destroyed. Suppose will just wander and sleep wherever. At work could possibly sleep in dressing room or something?

Hmm... Did not think about it. [Yeah Oona hasn't thought that far ahead yet. She was kind of batting on a "cross that bridge when I come to it" thing.] Apartments are being rebuilt, yes? Suppose will wander to friends' places once in a while...

[Stop the hobo mermaid]

Those words mean little to me. [But she's not annoyed or anything; if anything she just looks amused and a little curious to know more. She hadn't met any humans before that took swimming so seriously until meeting Rin, Haru, and Makoto.] But, I understand, more or less.

[As for the issue of a prize... What did she want? She scratches her cheek, thinking about it.] Well, if you win, could give you kiss like I did for Rin. If I win... ah, can you cook? Cook me something! I like eating.

[Well that makes her curious now.] Before you arrived here? Like what? You are only normal human, yes? Thought you were from normal sort of world. Is that not correct?

[Quite a few questions there, though at least it all boils down to one goal: Learn what weird shit Edgeworth's had to put up with before]

I can teach you the definitions if you want! They're just different ways to swim.

[ he isn't invested with the same transfixing compulsion that impels haru and rin to the water, but he can't disavow the significance it has in his life. the fact of the matter is that makoto wouldn't have turned out the way he did if he never took up the sport in the first place.

his gaze turns refractive five seconds before his body catches up his brain and then he's fumbling and displaced, accidentally inhaling a few gulps of water instead of air. ]

Y-Y-You kissed Rin?! And he won? [ bear with makoto while he attempts to acclimatize. eventually, he sobers, one hand scrubbing modestly along the nape of his neck. ]

Um, I ... I don't think you'd enjoy anything cooked by me. [ understatement of the century. makoto's cusine might end up getting oona killed. ] Haru's a really good cook, though. If you race him, you should ask him for that.

[ but in a halfhearted attempt not to disappoint, he wracks his head in vain, attempting to come up with an adequate substitution on the pop fly. ] Is there anything else you might want from me?

[She instantly scowls.] It was accident that he won. I was distracted by the water, and other things. Was... eh, was too... [Arrogant, but she doesn't want to admit that out loud. Instead she lets out a harsh huff of breath] But yes, kissed him. He is not so good at it, honestly. But, will get better with practice. Maybe. He did not seem eager to be kissed by me again.

[She honestly wasn't sure if she should feel insulted by it or not...] Is he? Then, will have to race him. I like eating. [It's one of the view things she'll openly admit about humans and being on land-- the food variety is amazing.

His question is met with a hum, however, as Oona tries to think. Really she just wants food...] Suppose we could simply say you owe me. Ah, or, could buy meal. Or buy something pretty. I will take something pretty. [Oona really is a simple mermaid of simple pleasures.]

[The stories he could tell you, Oona. You might want to pull up a chair.]

Oh, that is correct. But I was sent to yet another world before I came to this one.

[ right. well, there goes that. ]

Yeah, yeah.

[ and rin raises an eyebrow when she continues.

so she's going to wander around, kiss more people, and possibly get herself into more trouble. a pretty girl doing shit like that? c'mon. rin might have high-flying ideals about romance and the like, but he's not naive. ]

You know you can get your own place, right?

[ and then rin frowns, drawing his own (erroneous) conclusions. ]

Where the hell are you working, if they're not paying you enough to make rent?

Yes, know that. [but effort...] Had apartment before, was destroyed when floods came. Could get another, suppose.

[The question gets an amused look from her though, and she tilts her head] Pleasure District. Dance and take off clothes, and men throw money at me. Mostly men. Make plenty to make rent, but there is good food and pretty things to buy. So, often, spend money on that.

Money does not have meaning for me, so often it sits useless. So, spend it right away to free space. [Space that is then taken up by pretty, useless objects. She seems to realize something though and frowns, talking more to herself now than him] Ah, but will have no place for pretty things if I do not have some place to stay...

[True priorities.]

[ she kissed rin. granted, it could've just been the quick peck he'd gotten instead of one of those decadent affairs he'd caught sight of those few times he found himself in the pleasure district, mouth-to-mouth encounters full of tongue and teeth and —

he immediately tamps down on that line of thinking and refrains from questioning her further, even if it is slightly liberating to know that rin's about as a good a kisser as makoto himself (abysmally bad when it comes to matters of romance and the fledgling heart). ]

He'd race you even if he didn't win anything, I think. The way you swim is so natural. Haru would definitely admire that. [ makoto scrubs hastily at one cheek. ] ... And I like the way you swim, too. [ scandalous. the tips of ears are tinged in red, a color that bleeds out of his cheeks under duress. ] Oh! Like a date, or a present. I can do that.

[ makoto would be fine obliging her with outings or curios regardless of their race, but he can't turn down her challenge now. he's not doing this for rin or haru's benefit, for once. it's for himself (and oona too, by extension). he aligns his sights with the ledge she initially pointed out. ]

Give me a signal when you're ready!

[Wait... What??]

Another world!? What do you mean? [Seriously what]

Thank you. [She looks... surprisingly, a little embarrassed by the praise, her cheeks turning pink with a mix of that and pleasure. It's been so long since she's had her tail back to swim with, the fact that she still hadn't lost her touch... Well, it was nice to hear.

Besides, who didn't like hearing things like that?

Right, a race! She had to focus! She blinks and shakes her head to clear it, angling her body towards the ledge now.]

On count of three? [A pause. They counted down, right? Right.] 3. 2. 1. Go! [And she's off, keeping in mind that she has to keep to the surface more than she would have liked. She won't dishonor this by cheating, though, just feeling the water glide across skin and scale and how free she felt in her natural habitat. It wasn't the sea, exactly, but it was still water, untouched b chemicals and the like humans seemed to like to dump in their pools.

The race hardly mattered anymore in the face of this.]

It's an alternate version of Earth, where different kinds of monsters exist, magic is real, and people are given certain powers.

[Yeah. He wouldn't be spouting all that nonsense if it weren't real.]

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I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

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/smooshes them too tbh shakes the heavens!!!

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