Conch checked the corridor behind him before moving closer. No Coral. Good. Coral would still be on the island, pacing barefoot in the shade, learning the limits of heat and patience. Sand burned unfamiliar skin fast. He'd complain about it later.
Conch turned back to the mermaid pinned beneath the rubble. She was small. Too small for these waters. Her fins were built for warmer currents, and shallower light.
Conch
How did you find this place?
She flinched at his voice.
Conch
And why are you here instead of your own waters?
She didn't answer. Her breathing was shallow, uneven. Fear had locked her tongue.
Conch waited a moment longer than he should have. Then sighed and moved the rubble aside with careful precision. Bruises bloomed across her back where weight had pressed too long. A scratch marked her arm and upper fin. She hadn't come looking for trouble, but but it found her nonetheless.
Conch
Answer me. I can't guarantee your safety here.
Her voice came out barely above the water.
Zui
Zui… my name is Zui. I come from Chinese Gulf. Going to Atlas. Treaty. I stopped at trench with clouds. I am lost.
Broken speech. Surface-influenced dialect.
Somehow that made things worse. Conch's jaw tightened. He lifted her carefully, mindful of her injuries, and carried her deeper into the ship. He set her near the leviathan's pearl, which brightened immediately, but it didn't open fully. Coral wasn't allowed in this room making it safe for her.
Conch
Stay here.
He hesitated.
Conch
Do not touch anything.
He left before she could respond. Behind him, the pearl dimmed slightly but remained awake.
Above, Coral sat beneath a crooked tree, feet buried in the sand, chanting under his breath.
Coral
Happy feet. Happy feet. Why are you angry today.
The water stirred. Conch emerged, already pouring the potion over himself. His dark blue skin lightened as he stepped onto land, a cloth tied loosely at his waist. The sun dipped low, painting the island gold. Coral watched with narrowed eyes.
Coral
That's unfair.
Conch
What?
Coral
You look good already.
Conch tossed him a bundle of clothes.
Conch
I brought you disguises. Shoes too.
They didn't fit. Coral laughed, then poured the rest of the potion over himself. Color drained from his skin. Hair darkened. His eyes shifted from orange to hazel. He stood still, stunned.Then he grinned.
Conch
We can go back and forth now. Land and sea.
Coral
I don't want to go back.
That came out too fast. Conch studied him carefully.
Conch
Once we settle somewhere, I can handle the water work. For now, I still need you gathering for stuff.
Coral's excitement snapped back instantly.
Coral
You're serious?
Conch
Why wouldn't I be?
Coral bounced on his heels, unable to stop moving.
Coral
No Atlas rules. No trench politics. Just us.
Conch
We'll need names.
Coral
Marine. Like prismarine.
Conch considered it.
Conch
And you?
Coral
Same. Brothers. That way they don't question us.
A pause.
Conch
I like it.
He smiled. Coral froze, then looked away.
Coral
I'm never getting used to that. You look wrong smiling like that.
Conch laughed. Coral followed, the sound bright and careless. Too bright.
Below, the pearl pulsed faintly. Zui watched it from where she sat, hugging her injured side. The light reflected in her eyes. And it watched her back.