Rescue Me Between the Waves

by Sodapop29

Summary:

There, along the side of the ship, a long dorsal fin lifted, almost taunting in its nature as it swam beside the ship. The tail rose, purple in colour as it danced around. Ragatha wanted to get closer, to see this mesmerizing creature, to discover, but a hand pulled her back.

 

“Ragatha?! Are you okay?” Pomni had asked, hands placed firmly on her shoulders.

 

However, Ragatha never took her gaze off the sea. Instead, she shook Pomni off, lowering her head to see. But there was nothing there. Just an endless vastness, calling for her to explore. In her haste, her locket fell, below into depths she could not cross. She allowed Pomni to pull her back this time, purple swirling in her mind.

Notes:

A late mermay fic?! It's more likely than you think!

Chapter 1

Jax liked to think he was lenient. A powerful beast that tried to show mercy when possible. He roamed his waters, with a ferocity that brought pleasure to the king of the ocean himself. 

The humans loved to test his patients. With their large ships and sharp tools. It gave him a headache just thwarting all their traps. They knew of his kind, always searching. They would not find him. Jax would hunt them before they ever took hold of him. 

The others, he was less certain of. They were flighty, sirens afraid to use their voice. Jax held no such qualms. 

He began his patrol as usual, scouting as he plucked the odd fish or two. They seemed to be running from something, which told him all he needed to know. 

He’d been young when they came. Only a guppy as their anchors descended, taking precious lives with them. His pod creeped up upon the hunters, but they’d been too naive. The remaining members cowered, only Jax was willing to fight in their stead. His parents were long gone, down below until he joined them. 

“Their coming, y’know.” 

Jax looked up from his breakfast, tossing the bones aside as Zooble swam towards him. They weren’t like him. Colourful with fins that stretched wide, curling around them in sharp edges. He was almost jealous of how they could camouflage themselves, changing themself to fit anywhere they pleased. It was only now he could see them, only because they allowed it. 

“What an astute observation Zoobie! Tell me, what gave it away? The fish going crazy? The waves growing stronger? Or the way I get that irritating feeling before the pests always come. Do tell me which one, and don’t skimp on the details!” 

Zooble scoffed, batting the skeleton away. “ Jax. This is serious. They’ve been getting closer and closer, even when you try to lead them away. It’s making me nervous.” 

Jax hummed, digging the flesh from his claws. “You mean making Gangle nervous. Crybaby needs to learn the world is a scary place, boohoo! Get over it.” 

Zooble frowned, which Jax didn’t care much for. He pivoted, pushing his tail to glide forwards. He huffed as it was caught, his body being pulled backwards until Zooble turned him to face them. 

“Yes?” He said expectantly. He knew what they would say. But he wouldn’t do it. Couldn’t do it. 

“We need to start thinking of travelling elsewhere. Somewhere safer.” 

Yeah, not happening. 

“Listen to me Zooble, that’s not gonna happen. So don’t bring it up again. I’m tired of you always nagging. When will you realize I have it under control? The humans aren’t going to get us. Not while I’m around.” 

Zooble growled, pointing a hand in his face. He backed as they neared. 

“Oh yeah? What’re you going to do when they bring a whole fleet? When they outnumber us by the dozens, or hundreds, thousands?! We deserve not to live in fear everyday.” 

Jax hissed, slapping their claw away. 

“I am not afraid. ” 

“You can tell yourself you aren’t all you like Jax. You can say whatever you want. But I’m scared, Gangle is scared. We need to leave, or we’ll end up like our-“ 

“ Don’t.”  Jax said. His tail raised, his claws curling as he held them to his chest. His littermate sighed, glaring as they guided his hand down. 

“I’m sorry, but you need to think about it. I want a different life than this. I want you to swim freely, it kills me to see you look over your shoulder each time you’re out in the open. It kills me to see Gangle never smile without being in the dark.” 

Jax gazed down, stilling as he allowed them to smooth his brow down. When they were small they did this, keeping him from trouble more often than he liked. Why couldn’t they let him do the same? 

“Gangle and I spoke of having hatchlings. Could you imagine? But we can’t do that here. Just promise me you’ll think about it.” Zooble touched their forehead to his, feeling his nod as he pulled back. 

They would never have to leave as long as he was around. Jax would make sure of it. 

 

The open sea was glorious. Filled with life Ragatha could have only dreamed about. She sat in her cabin, her hand glued to her sketch pad as she thought of their findings. Ragatha shaded in the creature rising from the water, adding life to the still dolphin. 

So distracted was she that Ragatha failed to notice her door open. A chuckle startled her from her concentration. Before her door stood a young man, his skin pale and nose red. 

“Still lost in the clouds Raggie?” 

“Kaufee, you’re not supposed to be in here!” Ragatha giggled, her book dropped from her freight.

“Aw, don’t break my heart. We’ll be married soon enough.” Kaufmo entered. He picked up her sketchbook, flipping through the pages as he did so. 

“Still, we shouldn’t test it. My father would have a cow! Could you imagine? I was surprised he even let me come.” Ragatha expressed, rolling her eye as she settled on her bed. 

“Ragatha, you must be cautious. I’m trusting you to keep your head on your shoulders. Don’t do anything foolish like I would! You’re only going because Pomni is aboard.  You need a proper chaperone my dear!” She mimicked. 

Her head hit the pillow. She missed her father, but she knew she couldn’t pass up this opportunity of seeing the world. So much to explore. Unattainable in her life of shelter. Ragatha was not going to waste it. She’d explore the sea as long as it allowed her to. 

“Heh, you sound just like him.” Kaufmo joined her, seating himself on her mattress. He leaned down, his lips puckered as he hovered above her forehead. 

“Um, you better go! We don’t want anyone getting suspicious.” Ragatha blabbered, shooting up quickly. She watched as Kaufmo’s face fell, and she tried to push away the guilt in her heart. He lifted his lips up as if to smile, missing the mark as he went to hand her book back. He paused, quiet as the next page flipped over. 

“Oh.” Ragatha peeked at the picture he was struck by. Lined in black ink was a creature unknown to her. Thick in mass was its tail, fins like sharp blades lining its length as it rose and fell. Beneath it were swatches of purple, each failing to capture the right hue she’d seen. 

“Isn’t it intriguing? I saw it just yesterday, it was incredible! I can’t possibly think of its species. Some sort of porpoise? Perhaps a new kind of dolphin? I hear in Brazil they have pink dolphins, pink!” 

The longer Ragatha spoke, the more intense Kaufmo became. His gaze never left the paper, entranced just as she had been. 

 

Days on the ship were calm, but endless in their wonder. Ragatha watched the gulls pass, the whales shooting up to greet them. Pomni often held tight to the doll, cursing quietly for ever traversing off land. Ragatha would embrace her, smiling as she took in all she could. The lands of Nova Scotia were welcoming, inviting newcomers in to see her treasures. 

The crew were focused, their heads glued as they went about setting their fishing traps. They were traps unlike anything Ragatha had ever seen. Large boxes built with sharp blades. When Ragatha attempted to ask Kaufmo for their uses, he’d become panicked, stuttering as he spoke of sharks and their uses. 

She didn’t believe him. Ragatha would soon find out as she began her daily task of watching the water. The scent of salt calmed her, pushing her away from thoughts of what her suitor would do with those contraptions. Her hand fiddled with her locket, thumbing at the engraving. 

There, along the side of the ship, a long dorsal fin lifted, almost taunting in its nature as it swam beside the ship. The tail rose, purple in colour as it danced around. Ragatha wanted to get closer, to see this mesmerizing creature, to discover, but a hand pulled her back. 

“Ragatha?! Are you okay?” Pomni had asked, hands placed firmly on her shoulders. 

However, Ragatha never took her gaze off the sea. Instead, she shook Pomni off, lowering her head to see. But there was nothing there. Just an endless vastness, calling for her to explore. In her haste, her locket fell, below into depths she could not cross. She allowed Pomni to pull her back this time, purple swirling in her mind. 

She looked at Kaufmo now, gently prying his fingers off as she held his hand within hers. This seemed to awaken him, curling his to match her grip. 

“There you are. Where did you go?” Ragatha asked, playing her part. 

“If you see that thing again, run.” Kaufmo stressed, his hold on her going taught. 

Ragatha winced, her cotton shifting as he squeezed. This wasn’t the usual way things went. With his corny jokes and smiles, his gentle touch and soft tone. No, this Kaufmo before her was a different man. 

“ Promise me you’ll run.” Kaufmo repeated. 

 

 

“I will!” Ragatha yelped, pushing him away by his shoulder. Kaufmo startled, dropping her hand as if burned. 

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I’ll go, just…remember what I told you.” 

She stared at him as he left, his eyes filled with a sorrow she couldn’t understand. 

Ragatha wanted to understand, and she soon would. 

 

 

He despised humans. The way they destroyed, took, pillaged. 

But sometimes, they dropped things. Objects foreign to him, long and wide. Soft and heavy, never meant to live below the surface. Jax liked to take the long metal piece, the circle allowing him to gaze at the night sky in ways his eyes couldn’t on their own. Or see coming dangers ahead. 

If he sometimes used these tools, it was a secret. One only known to him. 

Jax kept them protected in an alcove. With dug out nooks perfect to stash everything in. His own world to relax in, where he could forget about the monsters vying for their lives. 

It was on such a day he tucked himself inside, pulling out a new item as he studied it. Gold, with a long chain circling to connect the oval shape on both sides. There were lines on the heart, lost to his knowledge in a language he didn’t understand. 

Jax rose higher in his cave, pulling his tail where the water couldn’t reach. His claws flexed, sealing open the foreign object to reveal something. There was a girl inside, much like the one he’d seen aboard the boat. But this one was smaller, not the young woman who stood tall. She was held together by her pod, an older man and woman. 

Jax wonders if he used to look like that. A young mer with his teeth bared in a smile, not a snarl. Was there a time he could rest in an embrace, instead of prowling his lands in an endless battle? 

Jax thumbed at the piece, until he heard a cry. 

“Jax? Come here! Now !” 

Zooble, that was Zooble. Jax cursed, throwing the gold aside as he dove downwards. Of course the one time he relaxed, the one moment he found to himself, the horrible beings had to ruin. 

His tail propelled him, sailing until he came upon his littermate. They looked frazzled, their gills puffed wide as they spun to face him. 

“Jax, have you seen Gangle? Is she with you?” Zooble asked, peering behind him. 

“Obviously fucking not! When did you see her last?” Jax pressed. 

Zooble hugged their arms, pondering as their head suddenly shot up. 

“She was looking for shells, she said she wanted to make a nest. I told her to wait for me but…” Their voice grew quiet as the realization passed through both of them. 

“Shit,” Jax spoke. 

He took off, Zooble on his trail as they bounded across the reef. 

Gangle knew better, she knew better! Why did she have to be so stupid and go alone?!  When Zooble couldn’t keep up Jax grabbed them, his claws digging in to force them along. 

There she was, his friend clutched within a net as it rapidly ascended to the sky. 

Zooble wailed, flinging themselves forward as Gangle cried out. Her claws were too small to cut through, her fins too delicate to be strong. When Jax blinked, it wasn’t Gangle. 

His mother reached for him, grasping his shoulders as he clung on. His father laid still in the trap as Zooble wept over him. Their mother gathered them both close, before shoving them. She lifted, up, up, and away. Gone was their family. Gone was Gangle. 

“ Jax!” Zooble screamed, reaching with all their might on Gangle’s hand poking through. 

Jax sighed, pinching his arm until he swam. His claws dug into Gangle, taking himself with her. 

Kaufmo kept his distance from her, that much she could tell. Ragatha dressed herself in layers that morning, a glove over her hand. 

The crew members seemed in high spirits today. Whistling as they lowered a new kind of trap;a net. Finally! Something more harmless looking than the blades she usually saw. 

Pomni was too occupied to pay attention to her, striking up a conversation with Gummigoo as he went about checking the sails. Pomni was a kind woman. Her stature petit and her eyes typically nervous were calm as she gazed at the gator. 

It was all too perfect for Ragatha. With her friend distracted, her affianced avoiding her, Ragatha became free to enact her plan. 

Which obviously, was to sit back and watch everything unfold. 

It was hard to say how it all happened. Everything occurred so quickly. Ragatha had her sketch pad out, idly flipping through the pages as she thought of inspiration. Gummigoo’s tail went straight, his head turning towards the gaff that was rapidly winding itself. 

“We got one!” A crew member shouted excitedly. The men jumped into action, clambering over to the deck as the net was hauled up. They lifted their vests, pulling rope from underneath. Kaufmo held a dagger within his hand. 

“What is going on?!” Pomni yelped, as Gummigoo pushed her back. His eyes were focused on the sight before him. A sight Ragatha would never forget. 

Within the net sat a strange creature. A white face with large black markings decorating her eyes. Her torso? Seemed to never end, red coiled around her until it curled outward into two fins. She was beautiful, releasing desperate clicking as she fought against the net surrounding her. 

Below the creature, made Ragatha gasp. Her creature, his eyes fierce as he growled. He swung his large mass as he dangled from the net. He was trying to cut through, but he and his friend were almost descending aboard the ship. 

Kaufmo faltered, raising his dagger high as the beings neared. 

“Kill the male! We want the girl alive!” One member roared. 

What? Why would they ever want to destroy something so innocent? What were they planning?! Ragatha inched herself forward, Pomni too frantic to stop her. 

Kaufmo nodded, fast as he screeched. 

“This is for my parents! My family!” 

He never got the chance. Ragatha pushed him, her hand going for his dagger as he prepared for the plunge. Kaufmo didn’t expect it, his dagger falling to the floor as she slammed him against the side of the ship. 

“Ragatha! Do you know what you’ve just done?!” The crew gathered around her, their eyes dangerous. Ragatha focused on the sound behind her. Hissing as the creature fought for his friend. 

“Forget her, we’re running out of time! Secure the mer!” Gummigoo shouted. Pomni seemed to snap from her trance. 

“Gummigoo, you can’t kill it! It didn’t do anything!” 

Gummigoo softened, cupping her cheek as she leaned into the touch. 

“There’s so much you don’t know Pomni. But I’ll tell you, right after this.” 

The doll stood firm, Kaufmo held as he fought her grip. “Raggie, please. You need to let me go.” 

“What’re you planning Kaufmo? Why can you never tell me anything?” 

His eyes were pleading, but his lips remained sealed. He wasn’t going to tell her. His head turned, gazing at the mers who struggled aimlessly, tangling hopelessly together. 

Her heart hammered in her ears, frustration making her tighten her grip on him. There was a choice to be made, one relying only on her. She said a prayer to her mother, a wish for her father to find peace without her. 

“Gummigoo is right, there’s a lot we don’t understand.” 

Ragatha rushed, throwing Kaufmo to the side as he stumbled. She scooped up the dagger, dodging hands that swiped for her dress. 

“Ragatha!” Pomni called for her, held back by Gummigoo’s strong arms. 

“Goodbye Pomni,” Ragatha smiled. The crocodile would care for her dear friend. She knew that at least. 

The doll leapt atop the net, startling the mers as she held the dagger steady. She brought it down unto the rope, cutting until it went taught. 

The rope snapped, releasing the three as they fell. The small mer trilled, curling around them all. Ragatha held her breath, her gaze travelling to the sky as she closed her eye.

Jax ripped the trap from their bodies, snarling as he tore it away. Gangle whimpered, Zooble wasting no time to pull their mate into their arms. 

Jax marveled at the two, Gangle alive as she buried her face within Zooble’s chest. It was hard to tell where one began and the other ended. They’d been saved, to live another day in their home. 

Their saviour, the girl, was sinking. She would land in the depths, her body fighting as she kicked. She was no match, losing the battle as the bubbles from her mouth grew weak.  

A human. A wretched creature set out to destroy all he held dear. 

Although, she’d freed him, saving him from the threat of his past. 

Jax watched as she took her last breath, crying out in vain as she soon fell slack. 

Hm. 

Perhaps he’d become even. He told himself this as his hands lifted her, guffawing at her weight. Jax lowered his head, fisting his claws within his grasp as his lips met hers. He huffed, bestowing breath within her still body. The woman jerked, flailing in his grasp until she sagged, resting against his chest. 

A glance to his pod told him they were still occupied within each other. Jax carried his saviour, pushing his tail to glide through the waters. They broke through the surface, his alcove greeting him warmly. 

Jax set the girl on the rocks, before he quickly retreated. She soon would awaken, angry and deadly. 

He waited. 

And waited. 

After many moments, nothing happened. At last he must have been too late, her soul would rest in the sea. Jax tried to swallow down the tight feeling in his chest. He inched slowly forward, staring at the strange creature’s features. 

From her eye were long lashes, the other a hard blue piece sewn in place. Jax laid his head upon her chest. He jerked back when it pushed him up. Oh! 

She was alive! 

….

Now what? 

Jax couldn’t keep a human within his alcove. Zooble and Gangle would reject her, fear too deep in their hearts. 

In his heart. 

But. 

She’d cut them free, risking her life for theirs. Something Jax never thought was possible. A huntress rescuing her prey. 

Jax rested a paw on her cheek, a texture he’d felt before. His eyes found an item sat snugly on the wall of the cave. A soft looking land animal that became heavy went wet.  That’s why she sank so quickly, she took more than she could bear. 

Jax pinches the cheek, squishing the heavy texture as he marvels at its softness. It was unlike his, where he carried cold, she held heat. Her heat was diminished, only returning when she healed. He huffed, allowing hot air to warm her face. 

Her nose crinkled, mouth opening as she groaned. Jax quickly pulled his touch away, scuttling until his tail reached the water. Within the jaws of the girl sat dull white teeth. Fascinated, Jax crawled back. He lifted her lips, carefully running a claw over the teeth to inspect them. 

She wouldn’t last one day on her own. Too small and delicate for the mighty depths, she’d be swallowed whole in seconds. She needed a protector, someone to provide for her every need. 

Wait, where had those thoughts risen from?! Zooble was really getting to him with all their mushy gushy nonsense. No way would he ever take a mate, much less a human! 

Still, they were not nearly as sharp as his own. Gold with blades so sharp he’d take home the kill every time. He’d need to prepare his kills for her, she’d never be able to herself. Jax tapped two identical sharp teeth, fighters among the odds. Just like his saviour, standing brave amongst men who sought destruction as his pod sought safety. 

Well, Jax decided. She could stay, until he knew what else to do with her. She absolutely could not go back to her ship. He’d provide for her. 

The difficult part would be keeping her hidden. 

 

 

 

 

The sea is endless. It is unkind with its cruelty, clinging to her as she cries out. Only, it fills her lungs. Her feet grow heavy, kicking wildly as the ocean becomes her. 

Her father is there, hand held within her own as he struggles to pull her up. His eyes, mismatched colours of green and blue plead with her to move, to do anything but let the water envelope her more. Her mother is yanking on her other hand, her voice screaming in her ear as she sinks further below. 

Pomni is behind her, arms encircling her waist. Her friend tries, with all her might, to tug her to land. Pomni kicks Ragatha’s legs, bites her shoulder. Her nails dig into her fabric, ripping as she tries to free her. Ragatha continues to descend. 

Kaufmo is above her. His eyes unmoving as he places a hand upon her hair. Ragatha glares at him, daring him to speak. He only applies pressure, pushing her deeper into the caress of the sea. 

She wishes to fight, surrounded by her loved ones. They cannot save her. The world is stiff, suffocating her as her body stops. Soon she will be no more than foam upon the waves. Ragatha accepts this. Her eye closes, her head lowers as her breath runs out. 

The world has gone dark, but yet she breathes. Hands hold her, lips give her new life as she is carried off to safety. Ragatha catches a glimpse between the salt stinging in her eye. Golden eyes fierce and grip shaking as she falls once more into the dark. 

 

The cold is what greets her when she wakes, stones surrounding the cave as she sits up. There is no parents, Pomni, or Kaufmo. The waves ebb and flow, never quite reaching where Ragatha sat. In the walls were dug out groves. Housing human gadgets like nets or different tools. From other sailors lost to sea. 

She must have washed ashore here, but how would she get out? It’s not as if she could swim, but what other way was there?

 Ragatha waited in the silence as she thought of her options. The crew wouldn’t look for her, not after she’d stopped them. How could she return to men so vile? No, she’d made her choice. Now she bore the consequences. 

The doll became startled from her thoughts when the water swirled, a head popping suddenly to survey her. The same mer as before, with two large fins protruding from his head, hanging down in curves. They reminded her much like how a rabbit may look. His eyes grew wide, as if he didn’t expect her to be up. He almost sinks below, his eyes being the only sign he’s still there. 

Ragatha held onto the hem of her dress, slowly pushing forward until she could reach him. 

“Don’t be frightened,” Ragatha spoke, letting her hand extend to him. 

He rose, making a keen whine as he did. He looked startled, covering his mouth with a paw. When her hand came into view, he bent his head down. Ragatha stifled a giggle when she felt the warm air as he sniffed her. Then, he did something Ragatha did not expect. 

His mouth opened, revealing his sharp teeth as a cod fell unto the rocks in front of them. 

“Oh! How lovely, you’ve brought a gift.” Ragatha gushed, wincing internally as he pushed it forward. It was cute, like the cats she’d feed back home. They gifted her all sorts of animals.  However, she never received a half eaten fish before. 

When Ragatha failed to pick it up, the mer did, scooping it into his palm as he held it out to her. 

“That’s very sweet, thank you.” Ragatha slowly raised a hand, patting his cold head. He recoiled, growling until she hastily drew her touch away. He nudged his hand, his eyes imploring. 

“Oh, huh…” Eat, he seemed to say. How long had it been since she last ate? A sound came from her stomach just then, causing Ragatha to blush as she waved her hand. 

“Hehe! Don’t mind that. I’ll be okay. Now tell me, where are we? I don’t mean to be a bother but I’m unsure how to get back to land. If you could be so kind as to-“ The mer leaped forward suddenly, pining Ragatha to the earth as he loomed menacingly above her. 

The doll’s eye slipped shut, unable to bear her fate as he grew closer. 

Instead, he carefully peeled her tightly clamped jaw open. The raw meat was shoved in, Ragatha gagging as his hand pressed over her lips. With no other choice, she swallowed. 

“Eeek! That was horrible!” When her mouth opened once more, he kept her in place. He raised the cod to his own lips, tearing into flesh as he chewed. He spat it out, shoving it inside as she shuddered. 

“Are you finished?!” She cried, shoving him back until he could no longer touch her. 

“I’m not sure why you’re angry with me. You’ve been asleep for days. I was starting to think you were dead.” He spoke, his brows drawn as he scowled, his voice low with a haughty air to it. 

“You can speak?!” Ragatha balked. 

“Yes, you humans think you’re so clever. But I’ve got something to tell you little pearl, we’re smart. We’ve been mimicking your speech for a long time. It’s how we lure sailors to their deaths.” He snipped. 

Ragatha stared, taking in his crossed arms. His tail swished in the water, as if a nervous tell. 

“You’re lying.” She stated. His shoulders fell, but he quickly righted himself. He dived beneath the waves, seconds passing until he plunged upwards, landing solidly on the rocks. He grinned triumphantly. 

“Very impressive! Now, thank you for saving me. May I know your name?” Ragatha inquired. 

His grin fell, gawking at her boldness. “Impressive?! I’ve taken down great ships, committed feats you can only dream of! I’ll show you impressive.” His tail smacked against the water indignately. 

She hadn’t meant to, but the sight of such a strong creature pouting caused a giggle, which Ragatha quickly tried to hide. 

The mer sighed, seeming to accept his charade was over. He leaned forward, “If I must tell you my name, what might I ask, is your name, little pearl?”  Perhaps he was attempting to intimidate her. She stayed put, fighting her warm cheeks as he gazed at her. 

“Ragatha.” 

“Ra-ga-tha,”  he sounded, rolling it on his tongue. He smiled in satisfaction at her nod. 

When he failed to return her gesture, the doll frowned. He seemed to find joy in her displeasure. 

“You saved me, haven’t you? After I went overboard. You saved me and I don’t even know your name.”  Ragatha declared. 

He paused, smirking before he answered her. “Alright, alright. I suppose it’s only fair. You did save me.. ” 

Ragatha waited. 

And waited. 

She stuck her foot in the water, splashing him as he huffed. Ragatha grinned as he shook his head, his large fins twitching. 

“Jax.” The mer spat out, his arms crossed. 

Hm, Jax was a nice name. It fit him. Simple with a relaxing ring to it. 

“Well, thank you Jax. I would have drowned if not for you. You saved my life.” 

Her words brought a flush to his face, his paw covering his cheek without thinking. 

Jax mumbled something she failed to hear. Ragatha tilted her head to better listen, close to his face. 

“Sorry, what was that? I don’t understand mumbling.” 

“I wouldn’t have had to save you if you stayed on the ship. What were you thinking? Why would a human save a mer?!  We’re enemies.” 

Ragatha placed a hand over his, his form shaking in the alcove. It stiffened at her touch. “I’m not your enemy.” She corrected. 

“I couldn’t stand back as a struggling creature was about to be killed for sport. You deserved to be set free.” Jax became lost in her words, blinking widely as his eyes became watery. 

“Hey, it’s okay. It’s over now, you don’t need to be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” Ragatha slowly rested her weight on his shoulder, her arms encircling his waist. He gasped, a sob escaping his lips. 

“You must have been so frightened, waiting for your death. But they’re not here right now. I won’t let them hurt you. If you see them again, I’ll protect you. Don’t be scared.” Ragatha proclaimed, rubbing soothing circles into his back. She took care to go around his dorsal fins. 

She allowed him to cry into her neck as she held him. Such a strong creature, with a tender and kind heart. He housed her for days, keeping watch not knowing if she would wake. Ragatha knew she needed to protect him as he did her. 

“I never thought a human would say something like that to me. I can’t believe it.” Jax whispered, his tail moving to wrap around her legs. The weight was heavy, cold as it settled upon her. Ragatha grounded herself to it as she pulled back. She wiped the tears flowing down his cheeks. 

Jax stretched, grabbing something from the carved shelf in his paw. When she looked, Ragatha found her locket dangling like a prize. He took her hand, opening it for her as his grip guided the gold door. 

“My locket! How did you find it?!” Ragatha rejoiced. 

“In the waves, it fell when you were watching me.” Jax snorted. 

“Ah, you saw that?” Ragatha said. Of course the handsome mer saw her fawning like a school girl! He must think her to be so juvenile. 

She allowed him to look at the picture with her, frowning when she held it to her chest. Jax startled when the first tear began to fall. “Uh, don’t cry! I meant for it to be a happy thing.” 

“I am happy,” the doll sniffed. “I’m grateful, thank you. It helps me feel like my parents are always with me.” When Jax wiped her tears he did so carefully. His claws were far too sharp, instead using the back of his hand. 

“She’s pretty,” Jax commented, nodding at her mother. “Like you.” 

Ragatha laughed, holding her locket over her heart. “Thank you. She was very pretty, yes. My father tells me I’m like her more and more everyday.” 

Jax rubbed her shoulder. “ Was? You said?” 

She smiled, one not so bright, with a hint of bitterness. “She passed from fever before my 16th year. I miss her terribly, but I know she’s still here.” 

Jax’s eyes widened. “Wow little pearl. Perhaps we’re more alike than I thought.” He carefully leaned forward, pressing his face over his. Ragatha thought he may kiss her. Instead, he rubbed their noses together, emitting a low rumble from his chest. It made  Ragatha’s whole body go slack, as if all her tension was cast away. “Your loss is great, I’m sorry. I hope I can alleviate some of it.” 

Much like a cat indeed, Ragatha realized. His pur filling the alcove. 

Ragatha marveled at his kindness, despite all that happened. 

“I’m sorry you’ve faced such cruelties. I wish I could make it not so. You and your mate must face such hardships.” 

Jax cocked his head. “Mate? What are you talking about?” 

“The female with you. The pretty one with the red fins.” Ragatha answered in confusion. 

He threw back his head, laughing. “Gangle? My mate? Ha, as if! I’d rather eat a blowfish!” 

“I, no? Ragatha floundered. 

Jax settled into her lap with a thump to his tail. His cheek rested into his hand as he smiled. “Nope.” 

Hm, well, how nice! He had no mate. That wasn’t a big deal, she wasn’t pleased at all by this news! 

“What about you? That clownfish seemed a bit keen on you.” 

Ragatha cringed. Maybe she would have felt guilty, stringing him along. But not now. “He’s no friend of mine. Not after what he did. Besides, it was all a farce. I never loved him.” 

“Never?” Jax echoed. 

“Never,” Ragatha confirmed. “I wanted to see the world. I love my father, but he sheltered me much of my life. After the death of my mother…I think it was too much for him to bear. I wrote him a letter, telling him I needed to get out on my own. I think about it a lot, how worried he must be. But I had my own path to follow.” 

Jax listened, his head coming to rest back on her shoulder. 

“I’m glad your path led you to me.” He admitted. 

Ragatha found she was glad too. Wrapped up in her strange new friend, she relaxed. Resting her head against his in their dark cave. Soon, they would worry about the crew. About her friend still aboard the dreaded ship. 

For now, she would bask in Jax’s safety and comfort, with one another to protect. 

 

Chapter 2: Let's Swim softly

Summary:

So, you’ve never?…” Jax was sprawled on the rocks, watching as Ragatha set about attempting a fire.

 

“Not really, no. Papa always thought it was dangerous.” She struck her stones together, the rocks clicking but never quite sparking.

 

“I couldn’t imagine not swimming. I think I’d rather die than be on land.”

 

Ragatha paused her ministrations, finally looking at him. His lips drew up, grinning as she sighed.

 

“Considering you would die, I don’t think you’d like that, no.”

 

Ragatha laughed as he sank down, drawing water into the land they sat upon. His fins shined as he flipped, waving as he reappeared. Ragatha lifted her feet to avoid the splash he sent her way.

Notes:

Warning for mentions of Ragatha's mother being a bit toxic. As well as mentions of drowning. I wasn't originally going to add another piece to this but here it is!

“So, you’ve never?…” Jax was sprawled on the rocks, watching as Ragatha set about attempting a fire. 

“Not really, no. Papa always thought it was dangerous.” She struck her stones together, the rocks clicking but never quite sparking. 

“I couldn’t imagine not swimming. I think I’d rather die than be on land.” 

Ragatha paused her ministrations, finally looking at him. His lips drew up, grinning as she sighed. 

“Considering you would die, I don’t think you’d like that, no.” 

Ragatha laughed as he sank down, drawing water into the land they sat upon. His fins shined as he flipped, waving as he reappeared. Ragatha lifted her feet to avoid the splash he sent her way. 

 

 

“Show off! I’d like to actually eat today! I can’t keep surviving off of oysters, and I am not eating raw fish again, thank you.” The doll scolded. 

Jax hummed, growing quiet in the way he did when she brought up food. Ragatha felt maybe he thought her ungrateful when he first fed her. Jax was proud of the kills he presented. Large and filling, only the best from the most skilled hunter he boasted. He wilted when Ragatha informed him she couldn’t consume them, sending her an almost guilty look as she spoke of illness. 

Since then, he brought her whatever she could eat raw. Consisting of oysters and berries she’d never seen before. Ragatha ate them happily, smiling to show her appreciation. It helped some, she hoped. Jax would perk up, trilling when her stomach stopped rumbling. 

 

But one couldn’t survive that way forever. 

So, Ragatha instructed him to find her anything to burn. Though with everything wet from the sea, or lack of resources, Ragatha found it very difficult. Jax frowned when she picked up a stuffed bear, his eyes growing so sad she put it down. It hadn’t been her intention to upset him. Now with the little life skills she had, Ragatha was regretting the luxurious life she’d lived. 

 

 

Jax continued observing her, crawling forward from the sea as she held the stones. Ragatha was unsure if he even knew what fire was. He’d only shrugged when she explained it. 

“I dunno. My parents never taught me how to make it.” 

That’s all Ragatha knew of his family. Two parents who perished, likely at the hands of humans. Perhaps that was why he sometimes hesitated at her touch. As if she would hurt him. He spoke sometimes of the other mer, how she was shy and nervous. Or about a sibling, Zooble. 

But that was all. Jax became dodgy if she pushed, flipping Ragatha onto her side, and laying his tail over her. She would complain, giggling as his paw reached for her sides. He’d curl his fingers, his claws scratching her until she melted. Ragatha would forget then, and their days went on. His world was split between her and his remaining pod. 

She struck the stone a final time, throwing the rocks as she groaned. Jax flinched away, the sound echoing around them as it fell. 

 

 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Ragatha apologized. She held out her hand, waiting for him to accept or reject. 

“Pff, as if you could scare me!” Jax chuckled, except his eyes were still wild. Glancing from side to side. He stared at her hand, slowly lowering his head into her palm. 

The doll smiled softly, thumbing at his cheek as he closed his eyes. The way Jax trusted her warmed her soul. For such a wild thing he was gentle, caring for her so fiercely it brought Ragatha surprise every time her heart fluttered. 

 

 “I’m going to starve tonight, aren’t I?” Ragatha mused. Jax whined, pushing his cheek against her. 

“Don’t say things like that.” He warned. 

“No?” Ragatha teased. She ran a hand along his curved fins, low and hanging as he growled. 

 

 

“It’s bad luck. Besides, you won't. Not while I’m around.” Jax declared. He squeaked when she pinched his cheek, pulling his head to rest in her lap. 

 

 

“I know bunny. I’m thankful.” Jax settled, a purr running through his throat. Ragatha’s head went fuzzy, as it often did when he soothed her. She let herself lay down, Jax resting on her stomach as she breathed tiredly. 

“More oysters?” Jax asked. 

“More oysters.” Ragatha confirmed. 

He left her, making sure she had enough for the night to be comfortable. 

“There’ll be none left,” Ragatha joked as she raised one to her lips. 

“I’ll find more.” Jax swiftly denied. 

He eyed her as she ate. Ragatha believed it soothed something within him. The need to provide for her being met as she feasted in front of him. It made her self conscious, but she endured it for him. 

 

 

“Maybe I can teach you,” Jax piped up. 

“Huh?” 

“To swim, I mean.” He rubbed his arm, nervous as his eyes avoided hers. 

“You’d show me?” 

“Yeah, if you want to.” 

“I’d like that.” Ragatha set the shell on a nearby stone. Her attention was quickly taken as her arm was grabbed. 

“We’ll have to be smart about this. You soak up water like crazy! But don’t worry starfish, I am the best around.” Jax boasted. 

“Well I feel very safe with that.” Ragatha ignored how he pulled and gently squeezed her stuffing. Jax wiggled until he fell from her touch, his face growing closer until they were indeed very close. Ragatha let her eyes fall shut, his cheek nudging against hers as he rubbed from high to low. His version of a kiss, she thought. It was wonderful, sweet really. He’d done this before, when he saved her. Ragatha wondered if he knew what it meant, rather than just breathing life back into her. 

 

 

Maybe Ragatha could show him her way of kissing. 

“Until tomorrow.” Jax whispered, resting a hand on her cheek. 

“Tomorrow.” Ragatha repeated. She promptly squeaked as he pinched her nose. 

“Jax!” The doll scolded. 

“Haha! See ya later pearl!” 

 

 

 

 

His pod is getting suspicious, Jax thinks. Zooble frets around him, their attention split between him and Gangle. They ask him where he’s going, whenever he wishes to see his pearl. Jax deflects, piling excuse upon excuse but they only push harder. He brings back large hunts as explanation, though Zooble’s unconvinced. 

Gangle, however, is a different story. She was there, up above as they were held prisoner, fighting for their lives. Gangle witnessed Ragatha saving them. She must know he took Ragatha. She never asked Jax questions. Simply taking the kills as he hands them to her. Gangle’s eyes are watchful, always knowing more than he wanted her to. 

For now, Ragatha was safe. Jax wasn’t certain for how long. Would his pod accept her? Or would they take their vengeance upon sight? Jax didn’t know. And he didn’t want to find out. Those sailors retreated for now. It was only a matter of time until they returned. Jax would do as he always had;his role in keeping everyone safe. 

That included Ragatha too. 

His poor pearl was growing thinner by the minute. She would need more to eat than measly oysters if she was to stay at sea. Another thing Jax was failing at. 

 

 

He gathered what he could, slipping into his alcove after spending time with his pod. The sun had just risen. Everyone had gone to rest after feeding. Giving Jax the perfect opportunity to see his starfish. 

There Ragatha laid, held within a box as she called it with a blanket upon the shores. Her eyes had yet to open, still held within Hypnos’s sweet embrace. 

 

Sometimes Jax would let her sleep longer. Watching as her chest rose and fell. Reminding him she was safe, alive. But right now their time was slim. 

“Raggie~” Jax sang. 

 

“No.” Ragatha turned over. A quiet sound slipped from her lips. A snore, she called it. 

“What? You gotta get up!” 

She whined, her hands raising to shield herself as he set her breakfast aside. 

“Ragatha,” Jax said sternly. “You’re not ignoring me, are you?” 

“Your provider, your protector?!” Jax declared. 

Ragatha flopped over, remaining blissfully unaware of her impending doom. 

“Your mate?!” Jax shouted, his tailing swishing as he chuckled. Until he realized his choice of words. Jax went silent, watching anxiously as Ragatha stirred. She blinked her eye blearily, before falling back. 

“Bad fishy.” She mumbled. 

“Oh, that’s how you wanna play this, huh? Well, your on!” Jax curled his claws, his paws finding hers sides. He dug in, scratching wildly up and down. 

“Huh?-ahhhhhaha!” Ragatha screamed as his pace quickened. 

“Jax!” 

“Oh, hi Raggie! So nice to see you woke up. I’ve only been waiting for hours.” He released his grip, Ragatha panting as her chest heaved. Jax watched without guilt as she caught her breath. 

 

“You have not. You rotten fish.” Ragatha grumbled. She recoiled in surprise as he tossed an oyster into her hand. 

“Eat up! You have a date with the ocean’s best, me.” Jax clarified. 

“Oh joy.” Ragatha sniped, but her lips were turned up. 

Once she finished eating, Jax thrust himself further onto the rocks. His hands went to her dress, deftly undoing the small circles that laced it together. 

“What are you doing?!” Ragatha shrieked. Jax allowed her to push him away. He sat back as she glared at him.

 

 

“You can’t wear that in the water. You’ll sink. Or well, even more than you do already. I told you, we need to be smart about this.” 

Ragatha gaped at him, her hands twisting behind her back in an attempt to do her dress back up. 

“But that’s so revealing! Anyone could see.” 

Ah, humans had such tedious conceptions of modesty. Worthless if you asked Jax. 

“I promise you’re very pretty. And the whole point is no one will see you! That’s why I came so early. Now hop to it.” 

His pearl glowered, a bright red staining her cheeks as she struggled to undo the remaining pieces. 

“Allow me?” Jax leaned his head atop hers. Ragatha grunted, her hand falling as he quickly took hold of the foreign circles. 

 

 

“Now what is this?” Jax questioned. Before him was a contraption he so alien his mind itched to understand. 

“My corset?” 

 

 

“Huh. Neat word.” Jax raised his claw, slashing the strings until they fell limply down. 

 

 

“That was the only one I had!” Her corset fell, revealing to Jax her bare chest. 

Ah. 

“You’re staring.” Ragatha remarked, covering herself as he marveled. 

Jax continued to stare, her words reaching death ears until Ragatha kicked water over him. 

He shook himself, grinning as he placed the corset down. 

“I was right, all of you is beautiful!  Now, we’re wasting time. Come here, let’s get going.” 

 

 

When Ragatha came within reach Jax quickly scooped her up. He ignored her squeak as he raised her high above his head. 

“Hold your breath.” He advised. Ragatha complied, her eye closing as they descended below the depths. 

Jax took her to the shallows. Deep enough he felt comfortable with her not holding him, but where he could quickly rescue her without delay. 

“It’s freezing,” Ragatha shivered. Jax led her into the waters. His hands remained on her waist. Her fabric quickly grew heavy, and so Jax lifted her higher to his chest. 

“Kick your legs, yeah like that.” Jax instructed. 

Sure enough, her legs began to rotate. Her breath hitched when the waves brushed against them. Jax tilted her head back, pressing his forehead to hers. 

“Don’t panic.” He released a hum, drawing them into an even back and forth. Ragatha released the tight grip she held on his arms, matching the pace he set. 

 

 

“Ha, this isn’t so bad.” 

Jax felt her soft chest brush against him. He laid his head atop hers to hide his warm cheeks. 

“I knew you could, you’re a natural! Plus, you’ve got the best teacher around.” 

Ragatha ducked her head until she could squint her eye at him. 

“You’re sure cocky for so early in the morning.” 

Jax cocked his head in answer. “Am I not meant to be?” 

She pinched a hanging fin, to which she surely delighted in Jax thought. 

“Oh I’ll show you cocky!” Jax tossed her, watching as she squawked and flailed. He flopped onto his back, catching her as she soared down. 

 

 

“You are worse than an orca I swear!” Ragatha cursed. Still, she made herself at home. Snuggling into his chest as her legs fell upon his tail. 

They basked in the quiet. Soon he would bring her back. Jax wished Ragatha could be among his kind. It was selfish to keep her by his side when resources were quickly growing fewer. But Jax would keep her as long as he could. 

“You know, saving you wasn’t the first time I almost drowned.” Ragatha broke the silence. 

“No?” Jax attempted to soothe her suddenly tense muscles. Her hands clenched as she lifted them to shield her eyes. 

“I was young. Barely out of leading strings when we boarded a ship to see my grandmother. See, my father sprung for a private ride. We were wealthy enough to be comfortable, and there were few people aboard.” 

Jax nudged her head, coaxing his pearl as her voice grew strained. He knew not of what strings she spoke of, but he’d listen. Humans were not kind creatures. They thought they could sail the waters in their ignorance, to take until there was nothing left. 

 

 

But Ragatha was different. A lonely girl hiding her heart to the world. A light so blinding Jax often got lost in her presence. Someone he fit with in a way he never had before. 

“Father was busy, in his study. Mother and I were watching the waves, and it wasn’t her fault. She only left for a moment, it was my fault. I wanted to be closer, to see a creature that floated alongside our ship. Except, I got too close to the side.” Her voice became quiet, as if she were relieving a memory long past. 

“What happened after?” Jax coaxed. 

Ragatha shifted in his hold. “I know what it’s like to be close to death. I’ve felt her near, asking me to join her. It’s cold, like bathing in ice. I don’t think it was for long, I don’t remember. My mother fetched my father, he told me. He jumped in, hauling me up. I’m lucky the sea was calm that day.” 

Jax pressed his face into her hair. He lowered his treasure into the water until they faced each other. 

“She should have been watching you.” It made him angry, he realized. Angry on her behalf, that her fate could have been sniped because of some foolish negligence. 

 

 

“My father was so mad, he’d never forgiven her. I loved my mother, I want her back. To be held by her and hear her voice again.” Ragatha continued on, as if not hearing him. 

“The voice I hear though? Whenever I hate myself, or mess up, it’s hers.” 

Jax didn’t know what to say. His own mother had been his world. Shielding him from the cruelties of life as best she could. Until the world took her from him. What could he say to ease Ragatha? 

Jax brushed a strand of hair from her eye. “I’m sorry.” 

Ragatha threw herself onto him, her face burying itself within his chest. Jax cradled her, floating to lay back once more. He rubbed her back in soothing strokes, her sobs piercing his heart as her shoulders shook. 

“When I jumped off the boat, I could feel it. Being dragged down, fighting for my life, I saw it all again.” 

“I’m sorry.” He repeated, his tail lifting to curl around her ankles. 

 

 

“I was so scared!” Ragatha wailed. 

Jax let her grieve, clenching his pearl as she confessed all her ghosts to him and the sea. He wouldn’t let her go, no matter what. 

 

 

 

Zooble was worried, Gangle could tell. 

She could tell in the way they paced. Swimming in circles so anxiously Gangle worried their fins would fall off. Still, Gangle did her best to calm them. 

“I mean, he disappears every morning! When he comes back, he’s covered in mud! What scent is he hiding?” Zooble throws their arms up.  

 

 

Gangle knew, she caught whiffs of it when Jax settled down for the night in their den. The hint of earthiness, of peeking your head above the water just as the rain fell. Her sense of smell was strong. Zooble, in their worry, forgot to look at the small details. 

The way Jax’s shoulders have dropped. How his eyes shine as he places their morning meals down. He laughs now, laughs! Not the cocky grin of when he’s teasing. No, a genuine laugh as he joins his pod on swims together. 

Zooble has been fretting over them both. Making sure there’s no danger approaching. They have been since the attack. Gangle loves them for it. She loves being doted on, protected so strongly as her mate shields her. 

Jax, on the other hand? Is growing sick of it. He plays it off, waving Zooble away when they grow too smothering. Gangle fears he may break, explode at Zooble until they both clash. 

It’s not Gangle’s business. Really it isn't, but Zooble wasn’t there. Gangle remembers being held down, waiting until her time was up. Jax snarled beside her as she gave in. 

The human hadn’t given up on them. Standing boldly against the sailors as she cut them down. They fell, the waters taking them in her sweet embrace. Zooble was on her in a minute. Tugging Gangle so close until they were one. Zooble reached out a hand blindly for Jax, but he swam from their reach. Gangle saw him carry the girl off. His eyes focused on her as he broke for his little hide away. 

No, it wasn’t Gangle’s business. But perhaps she could lead them there. It wouldn’t be telling if Zooble saw for themselves, now would it? 

In her hands Gangle placed down the seaweed she was weaving;a nest. 

“It’s just not right, I think I need something thicker!” 

Zooble halted their spiral, glancing over at her as Gangle lowered her arms. 

“Oh no, really? I tried to get the ones you like. Not too thick, but not too thin either. Is it all wrong? I can go grab more-“ Gangle caught their fin as Zooble began to leave their den. 

“You’ve been stressing yourself so much. Why don’t we head for a swim? We need a break. I don’t think I can make heads or tails of anything right now.” She stroked a hand soothingly on Zooble’s cheek. Her mate leaned in, eyes closing as they twittered. 

“I’m not sure if it’s the best idea.” Zooble protested. 

“ Zooble. We need to stretch our fins. We can’t keep spending our lives hidden away. Things are scary, we don’t know if the humans will return. But we can’t stay like this. It’s our life, we need to start living it.” 

Zooble stared, their eyes wide as they took Gangle in. 

“What?” Gangle questioned. It was the truth, wasn’t it? For years they’ve allowed themselves to be captured by fear. A new hope was given to Gangle. A kind hand bold enough to free them from their days of constant vigilance. Jax’s human gave her a new chance. Gangle wasn’t going to waste it. 

Her mate approached, pulling Gangle to them as they touched their foreheads together. 

“What’s that look for?” Gangle asked as Zooble nuzzled her cheek. 

 

 

“When did you get so brave?” 

Gangle laughed, tugging her mate’s paw as she lead them away. 

 

 

 

“You’ll see.” 

 

 

Jax was acting odd. Gangle was behaving differently. 

Each morning Zooble’s hatchmate rose to bring them the finest catch he could find. They teased him, assuring Jax he didn’t need to prove himself. He only boasted, shoving his prize into their face as he dug into his own share. 

 

 

Jax was hiding something. He only did grand acts to compensate for something else. Zooble wondered what it could be. Was he in trouble? Did he perform some sort of heinous act? 

Each day he took off, gone for hours until he reappeared, covered in muck.

Gangle would hide her smile behind a raised paw, quietly snorting as Jax settled in to sleep. 

 

Gangle glided through the reef with Zooble now, hands held tightly together as they spoke of nonsensical things. 

Zooble eyed the grotto as they passed it. They knew Jax frequented the alcove from time to time, never letting Jax be aware they knew of its existence. It was better that way. For him to have a world of his own. 

Maybe he was hidden in there? A new tool capturing his attention so exclusively to be gone for hours at a time. 

They arrived in open waters, the vast sea greeting them welcomingly. Only, there rested two figures above the sea. 

 

 

The first Zooble recognized immediately. Their hatchmate swayed back and forth, purple filling the blues in his presence. The second filled Zooble with cold dread.

Nestled protectively within his grasp, laid a human. 

Zooble began speeding up before they knew what was happening. They barely registered the tight grasp Gangle had on their hand. They needed to get closer, to fend off the woman before she could wreak havoc upon them all. 

 

 

 

But. 

 

As Zooble grew closer, they noticed the smile on their hatchmate’s face. Jax always smiled. A grin he plastered everyday to hide his vulnerabilities. To shield himself away behind a smirk so blinding you’d never know unless you grew up alongside him. 

The look he held on his face now, was so content Zooble simply stopped just above the surface. They hadn’t seen Jax this relaxed in years. Many moons had passed since their parents' demise. Many days since Zooble witnessed this rare occurrence for what Jax was in this moment. 

 

 

Happy. 

 

 

Zooble rose to the surface, Gangle struggling to pull them down as their eyes met the startling blue of the girl’s as she gasped. 

Ragatha knew something was wrong the moment his grip tightened. Jax shoved her back, held behind him as his hackles raised. 

“What’s wrong?” Ragatha inquired. 

 

“Sh.” Jax spoke, his body tensing. 

 

 

Before her were three mers. Her bunny, heroically coming to her rescue. Later, Ragatha would lay with him. Teasing Jax until he became too fed up and decided to take revenge. 

Now, a mer blinked in disbelief. They were covered in such complex patterns the doll needed to squint to make them out. Their tail was an art piece of stripes and curved lines. It reminded her of the zebras her father used to take her to see. Their hand raised, as if to touch Jax. He gave a low growl, his tail pinning Ragatha to his back. 

 

“Jax, I-“ The mer began. 

 

It was then that Ragatha noticed the third mer. Quiet, but so peaceful she couldn’t help but brighten immediately. The mer from the ship! She looked lovely, all traces of fear gone, except for the twiddling of her ribbon like paws. 

Ragatha ducked her head, pushing past Jax until she reached the pretty mer. Jax hissed, leaping forward to catch the doll when she began to sink. 

 

“It’s you!” They both spoke, eyes growing wide as they gazed at one another. 

“I’ve been thinking about you ever since we fell. You were so scared, are you alright?!” Ragatha fussed. She laid a gentle hand on her bunny’s shoulder, his tight grip faltering. 

 

“I’m fine! You were so brave! I don’t think me and Jax would have made it if it weren’t for you. You saved our lives.” Heat tingled on Ragatha’s cheeks. She was never used to praise. But it was being given to her more and more these days. 

“I was so angry, trying to hurt people with no concern for their wellbeing?! I trusted them, but they were nothing but trouble. I’m only glad you're safe.” 

Her vision became obscure as the mer swam towards her, red coiling around Ragatha as they embraced. Jax hefted her onto his chest to ease her into the hug. 

“Thank you.” The mer whispered. Her scales were soft against the doll’s skin. They lacked the thick scratchy like feeling Jax had. 

The colourful mer came closer, placing an arm around Ragatha’s new friend as they released one another. 

 

They bowed their head, paw raised over their heart as they spoke. “I can’t begin to describe how grateful I feel human. Thank you for rescuing my family.” 

Ragatha waved her hands, hitting Jax with her hair as she shook her head furiously. She heard his lips smack as if spitting out yarn. 

“No, no, please! Just Ragatha is fine.” 

The mer couple smiled. The colourful mer slowly raised their hand. 

“I’m Zooble. This is my mate Gangle.” 

Ah. So that was their relation. 

“Oh! You two are together, how wonderful! I almost thought he and Gangle were together. He’s a bit of a tease this one.” Gangle paled even more if possible, A noise of disgust came from Jax as he turned her around. 

“Never say that.” He deadpanned. His top fins lowered, as if ears angrily pinned back. They looked so cute Ragatha yearned to touch them. So she did, tugging gently on one as he groaned. 

 

 

Zooble chuckled, flicking his forehead with a webbed hand. Jax ducked his head, his cheeks darkening as he was teased. He gave Ragatha a tighter squeeze, settle, it said. 

The thing about Jax, was that he was a nervous sort. Ragatha hadn’t known him for very long, but she knew. The way he carried himself. Head held high, but eyes cast down. A leader, wanting to provide, growing anxious if he couldn’t. 

He was worried right now, that his family would hate her, Ragatha realized. 

She tried to soothe him, laying back against his chest. Jax wasn’t relaxed, but Ragatha knew he’d be in time. His family was lovely! There was nothing to fear. They were all getting along, just like she dreamed. Jax hardly spoke of them, or when he did, he brushed it off. Claiming they were up to boring things like collecting seashells and decorating with them. Privately, Ragatha thought seashell collecting sounded nice- 

“How long have you two been mates?” Gangle piped up. 

“What?!” Both doll and mer burst out. The waves quickly overtook Ragatha as Jax dropped her, salt flooding her senses suddenly.

 

  

“Dammit!” He cursed, ducking below as he yanked her up. Ragatha spluttered, shaking her head as she thought about what they must appear like to others. 

Did she like Jax that way? Sure, he was handsome, strong, protective. He wanted to take care of her. Not put her down or thought he knew what was best for her, like everyone in her life had done. 

And he was a jerk! Always poking her, teasing her! 

“agatha!?”

  

Showing her his vulnerabilities, making sure Ragatha felt safe. Being sad when he couldn’t provide for her…

“I think you broke her…” 

Ragatha felt her body being shaken, a hand turning her head forward. 

He was kind, listening to her plights, holding her when she cried…

 

 

Ragatha did want him, so badly. So badly it kept her up at night, lying on the uncomfortable shore. Longing for the press of his lips once more. To pull her close as he- 

Ragatha jolted as a pinch came from her cheek. 

“Ah!” Here Ragatha was, clutched within his grasp, surrounded by his family with little more than her remaining small clothes. What would her mother say? 

Ragatha, stop looking at the stable boy! You should not be staring at any man, much less one such as him. Maybe you’d be married if you weren’t such a daft cow. 

You need your corset tightened further? I told you not to eat so many sweets! You can say goodbye to going with us this evening, no suitor would want you for a bride. 

Except her mother was not here. No, Jax was. His eyes staring intensely into hers, calling her name urgently. 

Would Jax want her? 

 

 

As much as she wanted him? 

“Are you alright?” Zooble asked. 

“We’ve been mates for a few weeks now,” Ragatha decided on. 

“What?!” Jax shrieked once more. Gangle gasped, her tail hitting the water with an excited thud. 

“You could have told us Jax, we don’t care. A human who protects my pod is family to me.” Zooble declared. 

Gangle threw herself atop Ragatha and Jax, clinging tightly. 

“I knew it! I’m so happy for you both! Oh, Jax, have you made her an offering yet? I can help if you haven’t! I know a great place to find pearls. What kind of clams, it’s going to be so exciting-“ 

Ragatha basked in Gangle’s jubilation. If this was her new life, she would welcome it. 

Jax shifted, gently prying Gangle away. 

“Can we have a minute, yeah?” He spoke casually. Ragatha knew better, it seemed so did Zooble as they gathered Gangle to their side. 

“We’ll see you later, okay? At least you don’t have to worry about sneaking around now huh?!” Zooble smirked. 

“Zooble!” Gangle scolded, shooting them an apologetic smile. 

Jax stiffened as Zooble approached, the lingering tension still there. Zooble only swan closer, lowering their forehead to his. They nuzzle him once, a trill leaving their throat. Zooble pulled back to hold his gaze. Ragatha glanced away. The look Zooble gave, was it possible for family to love you that much? 

The tightness of Jax’s body eased, nodding to Zooble as they finally swam back. 

 

 

“It was nice to meet you Ragatha, I mean that. We’ll see you later.” Zooble promised. 

Gangle clasped the doll’s hand, “I’m so happy to see you again! We’re going to do so many things!” 

“Ugh,” Jax groaned. “Like I need another Gangle,” he complained as the pair descended below. 

Then, he whirled her around, his webbed hands tilting her head to meet his. 

“Mates?” Jax questioned, quietly, almost like he was afraid. 

She could deny it. Ragatha was a silly woman who grew up with more comfortability than she knew what to do with. She longed for adventure, and had received it. Begging Pomni to come aboard with her on a ship of a friend she thought she knew. Only to be cruelly misinformed, and forced to make a sacrifice Ragatha couldn’t begin to regret. 

Now she had Jax, someone who looked at her, and saw her. Not just the prim and proper daughter, or the motherly friend. A doormat everyone could walk across. No, he made her feel seen. With kind words, and a soft heart. He did everything he could for her. How could Ragatha turn away? 

No, she wouldn’t. 

“If you want to be, yes. I care for you Jax, so much. I know we’re different, but I don’t care. I want to be with you.” 

He remained silent, his golden eyes growing moist. Ragatha laid a mittened hand to brush the growing tears away. 

“ Yes , yes .” Jax nodded, wrapping his arms tightly around her. 

It was all so much, Ragatha sprung herself on him. Her lips found his, his maw open in surprise. One of his sharp teeth nicked her bottom lip. Jax spluttered in surprise, chirping as he attempted to pull away. Ragatha didn’t let him. She only pressed deeper, her tongue softly pushing against his until he faltered. 

 

They stayed like that, caught in each other’s  embrace as the waves lapped at their waists. When Ragatha moaned, Jax swallowed it, his tongue swiping over her bitten lip. When Jax keened at her pulling on his upper fins, Ragatha tugged harder. 

The sun was beginning to set, causing Jax to ease her back. Ragatha huffed quietly, leaning against his chest as he gathered her close. 

“I know, I know. But it’s getting dark, and I can stay with you all night.” Jax winked. 

It hit her then, as Jax swam to their den. He was hers , Ragatha was his. They could be together, with no fear of how they would be perceived. A giddy thrill went through her. There was no time limit on their love. 

When he laid her down on the beach, Ragatha snuggled up to him. Allowing him to place gentle kisses on her bare chest as she ran a hand over his back. 

This love may be different, but god Ragatha would treasure it with everything she had. 

That night, as he held Ragatha,  Jax dreamt of a memory long past. 

He’d been young, only learning to swim as a pup. His father went out hunting, his mother hanging back with her children. Zooble inconsolable as they cried for their father. 

It was only natural Jax swam off, distracted by the large new thing in his waters. A time when boats were fascinating, things he dreamed of exploring and piloting. 

 

He rose to the surface, staring at the odd creatures before him. A woman and a young girl. The young girl bounced around, with no worries in sight. The woman left, leaving her daughter behind. Jax chased the girl, leading her back and forth along the ship. She laughed, a bright sound as her curly red hair bounced. 

A new friend, his first ever as they danced their own secret song. Jax was too busy chirping up to the girl when he felt himself be snatched back, below the surface as his friend cried out. 

 

 

“Jax! What on earth possessed you to run off like that?! Do you have any idea what could have happened?!” His mother was shaking, her deep brown eyes piercing as she held him to her face. 

Jax chirped, rubbing his head along his mothers arm. She tightened her grip, holding him as she began to lead him away. Over her shoulder, Jax watched as the girl fell. 

“Ma!” Jax cried, pushing against her grip. His mother continued forward, ignoring his struggles. 

His friend writhed, her legs kicking wildly as she fought. 

He never got to see if she lived. It was unnatural, her body sinking as she became a blur in the distance. 

He gasped, his chest heaving. He wished for his mother then, to guide him as the image of the young girl falling replayed over and over. Jax had forgotten, that he once thought of a human as innocent, when he was ignorant of their wickedness. 

He tugged Ragatha more firmly to him. She was kind, and beautiful. To think they were once acquainted only to be pulled apart. They never would be again. He’d make sure of it. 

When Jax looked at Ragatha now, sound asleep, he smiled. They really were meant to cross paths. 

Notes:

Pomni is okay guys don't worry!

Notes:

Jax: I am fierce! Be afraid of me!

 

Ragatha: Hehe kitty go purr

 

Let me know what you think!