Chapter Text
ʚ✩ɞ
Years later
“Taehyung? Taehyung! Bitch, I’m talking to you!”
Taehyung sighed, eyes staying closed as he lounged on the bouncy pool float. “What do you want, hyung? Can’t you see I’m relaxing?”
“Who the fuck said you could relax??? You’re supposed to join your aunt and uncle’s dinner tonight! I swear, I’m practically your butler at this point.” Hoseok’s voice was annoyed and breathy, this summer heat being a strong enemy in their coastal island.
“Isn’t that what you’re paid to do?” Taehyung hummed, yawning as the pool floatie slowly turned in the pool.
“Actually, what happened is that my parents kicked me out for pursuing a dancing career and you were nice enough to give me a job and a place to stay. But yeah, basically your butler.” Hoseok grumbled, walking over to grab the hose so he could spray Taehyung’s figure.
“What the fuck, dude!”
“Why are you shrieking?! You’re literally in water right now.” Hoseok laughed while Taehyung seethed, slipping into the pool to get out. “C’mon, I’m just trying to keep your aunt and uncle from kicking your ass.”
“Nah, they raised me, I think they’d let me get away with anything at this point and would still applaud me.” Taehyung rolled his eyes. Don’t get him wrong, he appreciated his uncle and aunt for taking him in when his parents were lost in a boat accident, but they pampered him a lot. They let him live in their gorgeous revamped castle home as they were descendants of the former kingdom that used to rule this island.
Their own son, Kim Seokjin, was scolded more often than he was!
Whatever, Taehyung enjoyed living a luxurious life even if it sometimes felt like pity. There was a void in Taehyung’s chest, one he didn’t put there and he wished it would go away. He wandered aimlessly throughout his teens, and now that he’s a grown adult, Taehyung wonders if he’s just letting life take him, and not him taking life.
Sighing, Taehyung scratched his bare chest that glistened in the sunlight, staring out from his pool balcony to the gorgeous island life below, people in flowy clothes roamed, beautifully built homes, restaurants and places were scattered around. Everything is clean and polished. Except for the glaring difference in this perfect scenery.
A rugged crumbling wall curled tight around the kingdom’s length, it was built long before Taehyung was born. The history around it was a bit bizarre, and unknown as time keeps going on. Taehyung has heard from his royal aunt and uncle that it was built by one of the past kings, to provide his kingdom with security.
Security from what, is what Taehyung wondered but his question was often dismissed. No one really wanted to know the reason behind it, life here was simple and quiet. All the food was produced here, and old ties with allies were created long ago so the kingdom functions well even as time continues to tick forward.
However, Taehyung continues to wonder why the wall exists, especially when they live on an island. It’s long in length, and if you travel deeper into the middle, it doesn’t even appear like you live on an island. But from his balcony, Taehyung’s able to see over the wall, and see the glorious sea that stretches on for miles. Gorgeous in its color and vibrancy, but why are they divided from it? The wall was erected straight from the sand line, not allowing any water in if it wasn’t coming from the pipes.
When Taehyung was younger, he begged his aunt to allow him to see over the wall, eager to see the water over. His eyes craved to see the sun melt into the ocean, just as it rose up from it. But his aunt merely caressed his hair and told him there were plenty of pools for him to swim in, there was no point in exploring past the wall.
No one else in the kingdom seemed as curious as him to explore past the well or even indulging so much in pools. Except his best friend Jimin, who was probably the only other person Taehyung could express his curiosity to. Jimin studied Marine biology at the local university which meant all of Taehyung’s questions could be answered.
Yawning, Taehyung lumbered into his house, the wall length windows bringing in the gentle warmth of the sun. His aunt and uncle, ever so generous, told him he was more than welcomed to live in the castle with them. There were plenty of bedrooms and empty space to offer, but the young bachelor decided it was best he had his own place.
Besides, he wasn’t exact royalty, he was their nephew, Seokjin’s cousin. His mother was his aunt’s older sister and Taehyung could tell because him and his aunt share similar features. Sometimes Seokjin jokes about how uncanny their similarities are.
Speaking of him, his cell began to ring and jostle on his bed as Taehyung leisurely picked out his outfit for the dinner. Grumbling, Taehyung shuffled on a freshly pressed pair of navy slacks and answered the phone. “To what do I owe the pleasure of, prince Seokjin?”
Seokjin’s familiar snort echoed over the phone. “You know you don’t have to use that title right? Royalty isn’t as popular as before, our parents basically raise their fifteen dogs in an old castle.”
It was always endearing that Seokjin referred to them as ‘our’ parents, even though they weren’t that to Taehyung. “That’s true, I wouldn't be surprised if Adelaide turns that castle into an animal rescue center.”
Seokjin snorted again. “Father wouldn’t protest, he spends most of his days out golfing with his ministers.”
“I heard he’s trying to have his ministers approve his request to put his statue up on Angel’s top.”
“Of course he would do that, so self-entitled.” Seokjin grumbled to which Taehyung snickered, knowing his uncle was a bit of a…whore when it came to attention. Especially towards himself. Angel’s top was the highest point of the island, a greenery forest that surrounds a long dormant volcano that had once erupted. Now, it’s a beautiful stop to take pictures.
“Anyway, I was calling to make sure you make it to dinner. Mother wants to see your face and not make sure you’re turning into a brownie with all the tanning.”
“I don’t stay in the pool that much.” Taehyung snipped, although that’s what he’s been doing all day. It was summer, which meant it was time to relax in the cool water. No excuses.
“Sure. Let’s go with that.” Seokjin’s rich tone was tainted with sarcasm. “Just make sure you come, it’s been awhile since we’ve seen you. Miss you, lil bitch.”
Taehyung scoffed, sorting through his walk-in closet to find a decent shirt. “That is no way to talk to a royal figure, Kim Suckjin.”
“Oh shut the fuck up, I’ll see you soon.” Seokjin groaned, ending the call much to Taehyung’s amusement who continued to sift for a shirt. It took longer than needed, Hoseok coming back like all prissy, shooing Taehyung here and there.
“I’m not a child, hyung.” Taehyung whined on the ride to the castle, a short five minute drive that Hoseok insisted he do.
Hoseok hummed, his hands drumming along to the music on the radio. “At this point, you are. Just lounging around at home, you would drown in that pool if it weren’t for me coming around.”
“Can’t help it that swimming in the pool makes me feel weightless…like nothing else exists. I can finally feel something other than…emptiness.” Taehyung whispered the last part, that strange melancholy feeling creeping inside his chest.
Hoseok’s eyes shot up to the rearview mirror, lips pursing tight together but they had arrived at the castle, a beautiful thing that stretched evenly up and down. A rustic white brick with golden tinted windows. It rested above mounds of volcanic rock, nestled safely to provide a small wall from the lower parts of the island where the rest of the kingdom laid out.
Stepping out of the car, Taehyung breathed in the summer air, his feet knowing every inch of this castle area. His birthplace, and his childhood home. His memory didn’t know about his parents, not even any lingering emotions towards them. They were dead when he was about four, and any photos of them were taken from the kingdom to better protect his young mind from any trauma.
Truly, all Taehyung remembers after his parents' accident is him waking up slowly in a bedroom with his aunt Adelaide’s hand caressing his head, whispering that she would love him no matter what. Even if Taehyung is grateful for all they’ve done, he hides the bitter part inside him that prowls around wanting to know more information about his parents. He wishes to know what they look like, or if he was a happy baby. Why couldn’t he just know.
As much as Taehyung hid that part of himself, as the years pass, it only grows more and more. His body is starting to feel trapped, and his voice wants to scream out. Shaking his head, Taehyung strolls to the castle entrance, the guards standing on duty waving and allowing him in. Hoseok promised he would pick him up later tonight after the dinner and Taehyung hoped this dinner wouldn’t last long.
He knew his aunt and uncle probably missed him, but this could also be a publicity stunt, always good for their image for their islanders who adored their old timey political leaders. Whatever it was, Taehyung put on a good mask to remain calm and pleased for their sake.
Once inside, Taehyung was greeted by Seokjin coming down the sparkling, spiral stairs, glancing down at his phone before grinning at his cousin.
“Well look who it is, looking like the sun just kissed you.”
“C’mon, the tan isn’t that bad.” Taehyung whined, opening his arms for Seokjin to embrace him. His presence is a familiar and sturdy comfort. “I’m not pale like you.”
“You once were,” Seokjin rolled his eyes. “Have a royal painting from when we were kids, we looked like ghosts standing next to each other.”
“I’d rather be kissed by the sun than a ghost.” Taehyung grimaced, strolling further into the castle to the main living room, where his aunt Adelaide was lounging with her countless furry pets scattered around.
Her recent bob cut framed her elegant face suitably, her blue eyes intent on her fashion catalog but when Taehyung stepped into her vision, she beamed softly, holding her arm out. “Nephew, it’s been too long! You’re making me worry over here, I’m still a mother you know.”
Taehyung smiled, bending down to give her a gentle hug, heart warming at her motherly touch and kindness. “Sorry, auntie. Been relaxing and hanging out with Jimin these days. I meant to call you about my business.”
The queen merely raised her eyebrow, her emotions easily laid out in her blue eyes. They almost matched Taehyung’s blue eye color, and Taehyung wondered if the blue eye genetic was just strong in their family lineage, although Seokjin didn't inherit that gene from her. Seokjin had the king’s deep brown eyes.
“Take care of yourself, Taehyung-ah. As we grow older, we only want you and Seokjin to live happy long lives.”
“Yes, and marry a beautiful spouse.” Seokjin hummed, kneeling down to scratch a puppy’s fluffy ears. “Which you should start doing, Taehyungie.”
“Not this again,” Taehyung groaned, scowling in his cousin’s direction. “Not all people are like Namjoon hyung, I like to take my time with meeting the love of my life.”
“But what about that girl I suggested to you last month, honey?” Adelaide asked, tilting her head while Taehyung sighed, a little annoyed that his aunt still doesn’t truly get that Taehyung prefers men over women.
“She just didn’t work out. Her attitude needed attention constantly, I knew she would get bored of me quickly.”
“But you’re going to be twenty-four soon, my love. Please consider finding a proper spouse soon.” Adelaide prompted, putting her catalog down to pet a kitten that found its way to her lap, meowing softly.
“Yeah, or father will pick a spouse for you.” Seokjin snickered, avoiding the swat Taehyung tried to give him.
“I definitely do not want another Lucy tormenting my life.” Taehyung claimed, shuddering as he remembered the lady his uncle tried to set him up with and boy, was that girl wild, all over the place and obsessed with him. He’s lucky he still has hair; she really tried to keep it all for herself.
“What’s this mockery being thrown towards me?” King Liam’s voice boomed over the living room, his entire still from the golf course as a few dogs scrambled over to yip at his arrival.
“Nothing, uncle. Good to see you.” Taehyung drawled out lazily, his uncle merely waving at him with an appeased expression.
“Happy you made it, nephew. Come, I believe Nelson called us for dinner.” Liam said, sighing deeply as he massaged the end of his back. “I hope he made my favorite. I sure crave meat after a long golfing session.”
Adelaide hurried to his side, patting his back with a sweet smile. “You have to take breaks between each round, my darling. I told you that.”
Liam waved away her worries as Taehyung and Seokjin loused behind, smiling at each other as they walked the hallways they grew up on. If Taehyung thought hard enough, he could see him and Seokjin’s small bodies as they ran through these hallways, laughing and chasing after each other.
So much simpler times.
Now it was different, Taehyung felt like an empty void while his trusted cousin expanded his life with his handsome boyfriend and budding career at the university. Making his name known even more around the kingdom.
His cousin’s life was bright, and Taehyung’s was…dull.
Was he bitter? Maybe. Who knows.
Blinking the memories away, they were seated in the royal dining room. A grand room with a wooden polished table that held their first course meal on it. The few maids that remained pushed their chairs in before leaving the room so the cooks could bring the meals in.
Taehyung ate his food quietly, basking in the familiar chatter of his aunt’s flowery tone gossiping to his uncle about media with Seokjin butting in occasionally to muse about random things. His uncle was like him, quieter in these conversations unless something important came up.
Eventually his attention was needed by his aunt who directed her question towards him.
“So, Taehyung-ah,” her red lips took a sip from her wine glass, leaving a stain behind. “What’s been on your mind lately? Anything new that’s been happening?”
She must've gone through all her gossip if she was directing the question towards him. Deciding to be honest, Taehyung shrugged, pushing his half-eaten steak around. “Well, I was wondering about the wall—”
His words were cut off by his uncle who put his own wine glass down, which had been filled three times already. “No more talk about this wall, Taehyung-ah. I feel like that’s all you talk about.”
“It’s so ancient.” Seokjin laughed lightly, wiping his mouth with his napkin.
“Why can’t I talk about it?” Taehyung snipped, eyebrows furrowing. “I’m merely curious to know the history behind it, why was it created? Maybe we should make plans to tear it down, if it truly has no history behind it.”
“Taehyung-ah, it’s been there since the kingdom’s been here. Why tear down one of our kingdom’s staples?” His aunt chuckled, sipping her wine again.
“Well, my parents were kingdom staples, weren’t they? Why did you tear down their history?” Taehyung couldn’t contain his tongue, was the wine numbing his tongue as well?
Uncomfortable silence immediately stifled the dining room as everyone’s eyes darted back and forth.
His aunt spoke first, sighing softly and sadly. “As we’ve said before, nephew, it was better for your little mind to be protected from their memories. It’s safer—”
“I’m not some child anymore, Adelaide!” Taehyung protested, putting down his utensils with annoyance. “My mind is mature enough to handle their deaths and history.”
“Taehyung.” His uncle’s booming, authoritative voice rose in, keen eyes locked onto his figure. “There are just some things better left in the past.”
“What gives you that right?? I deserve to know who my parents were, why do you let me fester in my aching curiosity?” Taehyung scowled towards them, hating their guilty expressions and down-turned lips.
“Tae…” Seokjin tried to speak, but the anger began pooling out of Taehyung’s chest.
“Look, I appreciate all you’ve done for me. But I deserve some respect and authority to learn about their lives. I can no longer live a life wondering who I really am.” Taehyung hated that his voice wobbled at the end, god why was he so emotional?
“Oh, Taehyung-ah…we’re just trying to protect you—” Adelaide murmured, yet Liam cut her off.
“Taehyung, listen here. Nothing good comes from curiosity. It only leads to destruction, and that is what the wall is there for. To protect us from curiosity killing all of us. Now have some reason and calm yourself!”
His uncle’s lack of empathy and understanding was beginning to tear wounds into Taehyung’s heart as he snapped. “I’d rather die of curiosity than live a life fabricating my own happiness!”
Pushing his chair back, Taehyung stormed out of the dining room, ignoring Adelaide and Seokjin’s calls for him to come back. If they really cared, wouldn’t they respect his wishes? Why will no one tell him about his parents or about that stupid wall?
Huffing and puffing, Taehyung rushed out of the kingdom, the beautiful evening outside windy because of a brewing storm circulating in the sky above. Great, just perfect weather for Taehyung’s shitty mood.
A storm was exactly how he felt, confused as his mind swung side to side like the roaring wind. Hoseok wasn’t going to come for another hour so Taehyung stomped towards the garden grounds, but his eyes fell back onto the wall that stood tall, containing them all. Since no one was eager to explore past the wall, taking the king and queen’s word for it that it was just a symbol of their kingdom, the guards that used to stand there weren’t there anymore. No one saw a need for it.
“I’m done waiting for answers.” Taehyung muttered, changing his direction towards the wall. He was going to make his own decisions from now on, nothing was going to stop him from finding out about his parents. And if his curiosity to see the sea beyond the wall was so dangerous, so be it.
Taehyung didn’t care. His legs felt limitless as he ran between alleyways and pathways towards the wall, keeping to himself with his head low so no one would notice him. Thanks to the vegetation coated near the wall’s edge, Taehyung was able to explore the sandy area with a renewed eagerness.
“There has to be an entrance somewhere that leads me up.” Taehyung muttered, placing his hands on his hips as he observed the cracks and lines scattered across the wall. There were pillars erected evenly spaced out that held the wall up, so maybe there could be stairs hidden inside them leading up? There were lanterns that were stationed up there, so they had to be a way up there.
As Taehyung thought, the storm broke a bit to reveal the glowing full moon, such a beautiful sight that Taehyung had to glance up at, basking in its beauty. Although the wind whoosed by and the clouds rumbled their power, Taehyung swore he’s never felt more alive.
“You know what…” Taehyung grinned, rolling his sleeves up. “I’ll just fucking climb this thing.”
It had enough ridges in it, and with the trees high behind him, no one would really notice him scaling the wall. Yeah, fuck this shit, Taehyung wanted to feel free and finally satiate his need to see the sea beyond this wall. See it in its full glory.
Grunting, Taehyung began his climb up the old wall, sweat prickling at the corners of his skin as he heaved his body up the old wall. It wasn’t that tall in height, and with his eager burst of adrenaline, Taehyung barely felt the strain.
He was living for himself, putting an end to the void inside him. Gasping, Taehyung dug his fingers deep into the protruding bricks on the wall, coughing at dust and the wind rushing in his eyes. It was a struggle, but Taehyung has never felt such pride the second his body landed on the walkway at the top of the wall.
For a few moments, Taehyung panted for fresh air, smiling as he stared up at the glowing moon that still shined so sweetly even though the storm clouds tried to cover it.
“I…I finally made it up here…” Taehyung gulped, twisting his thrumming body to the side to stand up and slowly inch closer to the other side of the wall. What he saw took his breath away. An ocean that stretched for countless miles, beautiful in its entire length. Taehyung has never felt so small before seeing the magnitude.
The sea was a beautiful shade of the night sky, Taehyung’s eyes were wide as he leaned over a little more to see the harsh rocks that surrounded the wall. An old pier was off to the side in the distance, probably where the old trade boats would enter at, but were abandoned once the wall was put here.
“Truly…couldn’t be a more gorgeous sight.” Taehyung sighed, feeling the tightness in his chest from earlier disappear, complaining again why such a beautiful body of sea was kept away from them. He knew trade would rise in stocks if they used the old pier, and who knew what food they could begin to capture from this new ecosystem.
Why should something so beautiful be hidden away? There seemed to be nothing wrong with it. Taehyung’s body ached to dive in and feel this water around his body, he just knew this water would feel different. More alive and smooth.
As Taehyung leaned over, enjoying his new favorite sound of the ocean waves hitting against the rocks, his ears prickled when he heard a ringing noise. Smiling fading a little, Taehyung massaged his ear, thinking his ears were picking up a random noise.
But the ringing continued, low in volume until Taehyung focused his attention and listening, heart skipping a beat when the ringing transformed into a sweet crooning, sweeter than the singers who belt their voices at the outside bars and restaurants.
This tune that was becoming louder and louder by the second was too good, not quite a lullaby or an instrumental, however Taehyung was gaining much interest in how beautiful this singing was. Sweet and alluring, whoever had this voice must be gorgeous. So talented with a voice that can echo across the rough tides.
Taehyung’s curiosity grew as he leaned a little more over the edge, trying to figure out where the hell this voice was coming from. Was someone down behind him in the town playing a song or singing? Highly unlikely, because Taehyung could swear it was coming from the ocean’s direction.
But where the hell would someone be positioned to be singing right now?
Squinting his eyes, Taehyung’s eyes roamed the waves coming in, observing their striking force towards the end and the softer ones farther out, the serene sounds of water bobbing and crashing.
Was it someone out in the water? Was that possible?
The singing only became louder, a soft hum so gentle and delicate that built in rhythm as it carried over the light breeze, bringing forth words from the honey-coated lyrics. Words so daunting yet freeing, Taehyung’s ears felt blessed the second those words touched him.
Longingly, the voice sang, “Dear wanderer, hush your weary dread, moonlit foam will pillow your head, come taste the lull of the tide between your lips, we’ll cradle you in fathoms deep.”
Taehyung tilted his head, his full attention focused on the ocean as the voice lulled his mind into a strange bubble of curiosity and excitement. “Such sweet lyrics…”
“Gentle is the tide that hides the reef…soft are the bones this lullaby keeps…” The voice wove into a deeper tone, cusping at the edge of gentle and dangerous. It piqued Taehyung’s interest even more as his heart thumped hard for the location of this singer. He needed to find them.
“Follow the sighing sea…follow the pulse that binds your heart to mine,”
“Leave the brittle shore where promises go to die,”
“Breathe in the ocean’s kiss and close your eyes.”
Taehyung sighed, closing his eyes slowly when the voice became so close it felt like it was clasping around his face, similar to the sensation of a pair of hands holding his face so softly. This voice was making the ocean sound so alluring and intriguing, if Taehyung wanted to know the ocean before, he’s never wanted it so badly now.
I need to know whose voice this is…I need to know, I need to. Taehyung swore, eye pupils blown out as everything faded away, his entire being drawn to this delicious voice that purred so nicely into his mind.
The song continued, “We watched your kind scar the land and the sea, heard the screams from above and below…”
“Now the tide will unmark your flame, embrace the lull of the tide to cleanse your blood.”
“Yes…” Taehyung mumbled in agreement, the lyrics hitting hard inside him. His blood needed to be cleaned; for what exactly? He couldn’t put his finger on it, but if this voice told him to do so. Taehyung would do it, its voice was just so sweet and beautiful, enticing to his mouth. A budding taste so delicate.
The crooning voice deepened, vicious mashed in gorgeous undertones. “Castoff kings, forgotten queens — all sink alike and feed our dreams,”
A word sung in some sort of language Taehyung has never heard before touched his ear, but it still sounded so beautiful. It pulsated all around him, entrapping him solely and fully.
“Come undone…hear us in the under-tide…wishing you home.”
“Come undone…and follow, follow…”
“Follow…” Taehyung whispered, eyes half-lidded as his vision blurred till all he could see was the ocean. Full in its glorious length that stretched for miles, smooth and gentle with its daunting scent and breeze that caressed his skin warmly.
“Follow, follow…” The sweet voice was particularly singing right into his ear, making Taehyung inch closer to the edge of the wall, his low-lidded eyes spotting something dark bobbing up from the ocean surface.
There, that must be the singer and Taehyung didn’t even hesitate to prop his legs over the edge, heart racing so fast with excitement and frivolous curiosity. Taehyung didn’t care about his lack of oceanic life, or the danger of hanging off the side of this cliff.
If this voice wanted him to follow him, he would follow it anywhere.
So enticing and sweet, Taehyung couldn’t resist.
Exhaling slowly, Taehyung allowed his body to fall off the edge of the wall. His body felt no pain, nothing at all as the wind tore all around him for a brief moment before he hit the ocean surface. There was no pain, only the ache to fulfill his need to find the singer of this gorgeous voice.
The song kept echoing in his ears even when the tide rushed around him, his oxygen leaving out bubbles from his lips.
Words whispered into his ear just as Taehyung’s chest constricted from the lack of air.
“Follow…follow…”
“Until your heartbeat joins the sea…”
ʚ✩ɞ
(Jeongguk’s POV)
This was his moment, after waiting so long, Jeongguk had perfected his siren song. His constant practice on his songs after his mother passed, Jeongguk knew he had enough power to bring groups of humans to his beckoning.
It was horrible that Jeongguk lost his childhood to devote himself to the grief and anger from his mother’s tragic killing. As he’s grown and his tail has shed its layers, Jeongguk has become a proper siren. He ignored his father’s pleas to stop this way of life, as mermaids only wished to serve the ocean and not live a life full of grief and anguish.
However, Jeongguk couldn’t see his father’s point of understanding, especially when he had the power to make those awful humans pay for what they did to his mother. For all the pearls that slipped from his eyes to drift into the sea, for all the happy memories he could’ve made with his mother.
Everything, they had taken everything away from Jeongguk.
So instead of grieving with his mermaid friends and family, Jeongguk went to find a siren to train from. Which was a bit difficult to do as sirens aren’t typically accepted close to the kingdom, they usually live alone and far off in deep coves. Yet, it didn’t stop Jeongguk who searched thoroughly and wide to find his teacher, a siren who was born around the time humans first began attacking mermaids.
She was reluctant at first to teach such a young mer-child, but seeing Jeongguk’s desperation and resolve full of steel, she allowed him to begin teaching with her. Ruby was her name, a woman still tainted by her own pain that the humans inflicted onto her.
“They killed my child in front of my eyes,” Ruby had admitted to Jeongguk, her words only making the ache deepen in Jeongguk’s chest. “On the shore, it’s almost impossible for us to move and they had exhausted the strength inside me to fight them. They killed my daughter so brutally, I still see the life leaving her body in my dreams every night.”
“If I train you, minnow, you must know that being a siren is a duty full of grief and exhaustion. But I will offer you the many nooks and knowledge that I have learned from the sea witches I’ve encountered. They are more insightful than merkin can make them appear.”
And so, Ruby took Jeongguk under her fin, educating him on everything that makes a siren. Helping him perfect his singing, how to properly lure a human with seduction and how to use his mermaid body to expose his spikes and claws. It was grueling work, Jeongguk sometimes felt his voice would collapse from all the singing, but once he could use it to practice on a real human they had found on a boat by himself, Jeongguk didn’t find it so hard to sing it out.
Watching the human fall under his spell was hypnotizing to even Jeongguk who felt so powerful controlling the human to fall into the water, his limbs flailing around but his body was affected by the siren, snared so he couldn’t move.
Jeongguk had watched with wide eyes as the human eventually drowned, soon a floating body that Jeongguk didn’t hesitate to flick his tail at and scratch with his claws. It made the anger and grief inside him fade a little, and it planted a seed of pleasure inside the siren for being able to destroy humans just at the sound of his voice.
And today, on the anniversary of his mother’s death, Jeongguk wanted to kill a human with his bare hands.
Usually, he’s only practiced on lone sailors or passing ships, his siren song alluring them to drown in the ocean, but he’s never directly killed them. But to make this death special, Jeongguk would allow the human to see him so they could feel every strike of pain they deserved. To watch close as death took the human’s soul right in front of him.
Jeongguk’s ache for justice has not left, only amplified as time has gone. Ruby had once prodded at him if this drive of anger would last.
“I feel your anger, minnow. But this anger can cause you to get lost in your own storm created by your yearning. The gods before us have spun tales to keep us away from subduing to emotions like anger. It will only bring you down deeper.”
But Jeongguk knew Ruby didn’t mean those words, she was just saying them to provide Jeongguk with a choice, so she wouldn’t feel guilty if Jeongguk ended up dead fighting against these selfish humans. Recently, Ruby stays in her cove, barely moving as she stares up at the surface and Jeongguk knows her silence is coated by her grief.
It wouldn’t be long until she would finally stop moving, preventing water from entering her gills. That is what happens to most sirens, full of spite and anger, but once it weakens, they go to die alone, fading away into the tides. So lost in their own emotions.
Swallowing the bile coating the back of his throat, Jeongguk swims leisurely through the night sea, his ears keen on any noises around him. He’s explored these lengths of the ocean, especially close to the island wall. In the early twilight hours, Jeongguk had even made it up the wall, flinching when his claws finally touched the rough texture of the stoned wall.
Here, Jeongguk was able to figure out the length and width, finding holes below that leaked unpleasant substances and often random pieces of textures that Jeongguk had never seen before. When his curiosity got the best of him, Jeongguk would collect them and observe them at his cove.
Either way, Jeongguk had the wall mapped out in his head by how often he visited, knowing there was a crack on one shoulder of the wall that could fit his body if he really tried. Yet, Jeongguk never tried, still having that internal fear of humans no matter how much he ached to go in and force his way to the humans, pouring down his madness.
For now, one human would have to suffice.
Jeongguk knew it would be difficult to find a human out in the ocean on this exact day. It wasn’t exactly the season for being out on sea, and boats came less often to this island. It was rare to find a lone sailor out on his boat, ever since the wall was completely built, humans were not found outside of it, much to Jeongguk’s dismay.
Jeongguk wondered if bringing a rainstorm would help, as sailors before enjoyed a good storm to capture fish. However, as if it were fate, Jeongguk popped his head out of the surface, eyes clear and sharp as it caught the shadow lingering at the top of the wall.
It was truly his lucky day, Jeongguk hadn’t seen a human in so long and his heartbeat in anticipation being able to finally satiate his hungered grief. It didn’t matter why there was a lone human peering over the edge of the wall, Jeongguk’s voice opened up and started his beautiful song.
Lyrics Ruby had him repeat over and over again, till the words engraved themselves into Jeongguk’s mind, can recite them in his sleep to protect himself if ever needed. Jeongguk had to raise his voice high and evenly since the human was up above, but it wasn’t long before the human wobbled, its body caught in his snare.
That’s right, vile scum…fall down into my grasp. Jeongguk thought in his head, disgust swarming inside his chest when the human eventually fell into the ocean, a harsh crash to the ocean surface.
Can’t wait to get rid of something so evil for ever existing… Jeongguk grumbled in his head, swimming over to where the human was sinking, his flesh limbs barely moving as the tiny clear bubbles slowly dissipated between them. Jeongguk knew drowning was a painful death, it was evident when the human’s chest suddenly jerked up, like it was trying to get back up to the surface.
“Oh, poor wanderer…” Jeongguk sighed, brushing his long hair locks out of his vision as he settled near the sinking human, his scales prickling being near a human creature. “Be ready to kiss death.”
Jeongguk flicked his tail to hover over the human, the bubbles gone so Jeongguk could stare right into the human's low-lidded eyes that stared back at him with an emotion Jeongguk couldn’t decipher.
It…surprised Jeongguk who calm this human was, it kept eye contact with Jeongguk as his lips parted, soundless noises drifting out. With his claws drawn out, Jeongguk was prepared to slice this human up so his blood could coat the ocean, finally paying his penance to all the torture humans have made mermaids go through.
But up so close, Jeongguk felt his heart stir when the human continued to stare up at him, his eyes portraying an emotion similar to…amazement.
Hesitating, Jeongguk gripped the human’s clothing, drawing his arm back, wondering if he could force his arm through the human’s chest like sliding smoothly into a pile of sea sand.
Why am I hesitating?
Why can’t I just kill him?
Gulping, Jeongguk battled with his mind, how was this so different from singing sailors to their deaths? Was it because this human wasn’t completely dead yet? His eyes stared into his eyes, looking into his soul.
Mother told me to never hurt others.
A saying I’ve forgotten after my mother died…
His mother was known for her kindness and gentle manner. Jeongguk remembers when he was little, the sweet caresses his mother’s fingers would enact on his forehead, filling him with such comfort. Her gentleness is what caught his father’s attention, a trait inside his mother that made him fall in love with her.
His mother wouldn’t hesitate to care for sea creatures they would find or stumble onto, her eyes soft and pure, her arms reaching out to heal the shells of sea turtles or clean the teeth of sharks. No matter the sea creature, small or big, scary or pretty, his mother would tend to them with a cherry smile and a bubbly laugh.
Mother…how I miss your kindness…
An act of killing or violence was never on his mother’s mind, even at her last moments. She tried to reason with the humans with respect, she didn’t know them personally but she still tried. Her heart was a beautiful emotion that Jeongguk wished he could’ve experienced longer.
Mother wouldn’t want me to kill this human. I should be celebrating her instead of doing this.
Reeling back, Jeongguk cried out, his hand letting go of the human as his heart wrestled with his strong emotions. His mind was screaming at him to just kill the human, paint the sea with his blood in a symbol of justice. But his heart whispered its voice, tugging at his strings to live a life by his mother’s example.
Truly, deeper inside his heart, Jeongguk hated hurting others. But it was the only way he knew, how could he go against all he’s ever known?
The human only sank deeper, its eyes finally closing and Jeongguk gasped, seeing the human body spasm again as it tried its best to beat death even when unconscious.
Everything falls down to choices.
It was a moment of hesitation before Jeongguk swam down, gathering the human into his arms, heart squeezing holding a human; a creature that’s been the center of his anger for years, so pliant and simple in his hold.
Sighing, Jeongguk made up his mind. “You better be happy, mother. I’m doing this for you.”
Claws retracted, the siren cupped the human’s face, eyes intent as his fingers pursued the human’s lips, bringing it to him as he sucked out the water in the human’s throat. It was a quick movement, Jeongguk’s back tingled a little at the feeling of their lips touching, but he knew the human wouldn’t survive just with the water out of his body. He needed air, but where could he dispose of the human?
Oh yes, that crack in the wall, but is Jeongguk really ready to take that risk? Venturing into unknown territory, a piece of the world Jeongguk has ached to see since he was a mere child?
Swallowing his fear, Jeongguk decided he would do whatever it took to get this human to safety, as it’s what his mother would’ve done. Tightening his hold on the human, Jeongguk swam quickly towards the direction of where the crack in the wall was, knowing the human didn’t have long until it would drown.
It wasn’t long until he found it, breathing in through his gills, the siren pressed the human close to his chest (ugh, just so ew—) and shot himself through the crack, barely managing by the sharp edges of the wall.
Once through the wall, Jeongguk immediately noticed how different the water felt here, stiffer and staler, he could already see the bottom of this pocket of water, and he steeled himself for poking up into the surface.
I only hope there aren’t humans already waiting for me…ready to kill at any moment.
Growling, Jeongguk got them up to the surface, shaking his head away from any stray waterdrops as the human’s body slumped next to him, motionless and cold like a slimy rock. There wasn’t much around Jeongguk thankfully, it was all green blobs, similar to algae but it went up instead of down.
Tilting his head at that change, Jeongguk paddled them to the sandy shore, wincing whenever a rogue rock nicked his tail. There was too much structure around this body of water, the shore reached their bodies sooner than Jeongguk anticipated, his tummy getting covered in sand as he dragged the soaked human onto the patch of land.
Jeongguk whipped his head side to side, fangs out as he observed the area around him for any threats. He couldn’t hear anything besides the lapping of the shore and a certain creaking noise that lingered around the shore.
Furrowing his eyebrows, Jeongguk turned his attention to the human who still wasn’t responding even after it was back drinking its natural oxygen. The siren tilted his head, pressing his hand onto the human’s chest, noting that there was no longer any water inside its body. So, what was the issue?
Feeling his hidden desire of curiosity surge out from his childhood, Jeongguk slowly leaned his head down until his pointed ear hovered over the human’s chest.
Does it have a beat like mine? Jeongguk wondered, gasping when he felt a warmth underneath his ear, a heartbeat just like his own. It surprised the siren because he thought humans were made up of bloody flesh and dirty scum, he didn’t know they shared something in common. A heart that beats to the rhythm of the ocean.
The human’s chest suddenly shuddered, causing Jeongguk to quickly snap back into his original pose, eyes blinking as the human’s face pinched into a painful grimace, limbs twitching slightly yet his eyes would still not open.
“You’re so lucky I love my mother; she saved your life.” Jeongguk grumbled pitifully, his tail flicking behind him in annoyance, his black hair dripping down as he glared down at the human. “Also, that kiss meant nothing to me, I was saving your life.”
Jeongguk’s lips pursed when the human’s expression only worsened, like it was feeling lots of pain. Sighing, Jeongguk knew he couldn’t leave until the human opened its eyes, maybe he’ll terrify the human enough to spark nightmares for the rest of his life.
Taking a deep breath, Jeongguk began to sing a new tune, one did not create by the sirens. A song that contained no pain, anger or grief. It was just a simple melody to soothe the pain on the human’s face, Jeongguk put his mother’s love into this song because her love could soothe any troubled heart.
Harmonizing, Jeongguk leaned closer again, wet locks framing his ethereal face as he hesitantly reached up to place his fingers on the human’s cheek, feeling the damp smooth skin. It was unlike his coarse scales, fascinating.
Before the song’s bridge, Jeongguk noticed the human’s eyes were fluttering, the grimace finally fading as the human sighed softly, chest moving at a normal rate. Once the human’s bleary eyes landed onto him, Jeongguk lowered his tune, staring down at the human with boredom.
“Beautiful,” Taehyung croaked out, throat tight and parched but whatever was happening right now, he didn’t want to lose it. The being in front of him was so gorgeous, and damn, it’s voice. Taehyung was entrapped. “So beautiful.”
Weakly, Taehyung raised his trembling hand so he could touch the ethereal face in front of him. Such big doe eyes that seemed to swirl with countless enticing colors.
However, the face frowned down at him, a sneer so to speak. A scoff left its ruby painted lips. “You wish, scum.”
With a swift jab, Jeongguk elbowed the human’s neck, knocking Taehyung out again as his hand fell to the sand like a limp piece of flesh. Satisfied that it was alive and well enough, Jeongguk shimmed back to the water, basking in the ocean’s familiar touch.
He only left a little guilt elbowing the human, but it annoyed Jeongguk that it thought it had the audacity to try and touch him. Another scoff escaped the siren’s lips as he swam back on the other side of the wall.
Jeongguk decided to fall into kindness just like his mother, it was a weird feeling going against his entire life of hating humans. That hate was still there, but maybe now…Jeongguk could enjoy a life of just peace, and not one full of boiling anger that pooled uncomfortably inside his body.
Shaking his head, Jeongguk went deeper into the ocean, trying to clear his confused thoughts.