Archive of Our Own

#32 - Prompt:

When he believed

    he  ̷s̷h̷e̷ was human

He fell in love

      true and pure

When he discovered 

     he  ̷s̷h̷e̷ is  ̷m̷e̷r̷m̷a̷i̷d̷ merman

Despite his  ̷h̷e̷r̷ fears

      he loved him  ̷h̷e̷r̷ more

   - Unknown

The Merman’s Tale: Key to Love?

Blaine was sick and tired of all the duties he had as prince of his kingdom.  He wanted to explore, meet new people, and learn about the world, just like his cousin Ariel had done.  Although he wasn’t as hung up on gadgets, gizmos, whosits, whatsits, and thingamabobs as she was.

He decided to sneak away one night and live his life freely.  He thought he had gotten away without anyone knowing until his friend and personal guard, Sam, appeared behind him.  He was trying to be stealthy, but Blaine heard him a mile away.

Blaine sighed. “Sam, what are you doing?”

“Protectin’,” he said.

Blaine huffed. “I’m trying to get away from things, Sam. Go back.” 

“Won’t leave ya,” he said with a big smile.

So they swam away together, looking for something new and different. 

Blaine had always wondered about the land above the water, so he swam towards the nearest land mass.  Others in the kingdom had explored the upper world in the past, so Blaine knew there was a seaside village not too far away. 

As he drew closer to where the land and sea met, he felt a bit nervous.  He turned back a few times as he got closer to the brightness and the edge of the water.  He was having a fight with himself while Sam stayed back and just stood waiting, watching as Blaine almost touched the surface of the water and turned around several times.

Finally, Blaine forced himself above the water. He spied a boy down the beach, sitting hunched over on his legs. He sounded distressed, which caused Blaine to move closer.  As he emerged from the water, his skin started to dry and his magic tingled, causing pants to appear on his legs where his mertail used to be.  He stumbled a bit, but pushed forward, walking unsteadily like he was drunk. 

He saw that the boy was stunning, his skin paler than any he’d ever seen before.  He felt drawn to him.  Slowly, he made his way up the beach until he stood near the boy and wondered what to do.

He stayed that way for a few moments before sitting down next to the boy and reaching out with his hand to pat his back.  He startled and almost jumped out of his skin when Blaine touched him.

“Who - who are you?  I didn’t know anyone was around to see me,” he said, wiping his eyes.

“My name is Blaine, and I saw you were upset, so I wanted to give you some comfort.  I felt drawn to you.”

The boy marveled at Blaine.  “Usually people try to avoid me. Why would you care about me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?  What’s your name?” 

“Oh, my name’s Kurt. I live in the village with my father, and mo…” He started crying again.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s my mother. She died recently, and I don’t know how to live without her. I don’t really fit in, and she helped me to cope. Now she’s gone.”

“What about your father?  Doesn’t he care about you too?”

“Yes, I think so, yes. But he’s very different than I am. I’m afraid I won’t live up to his expectations.”

“Is he unreasonable and stubborn?  My dad sure is. All about setting a good example and not causing waves.  It’s very frustrating.”

“My father loves me. We are just very different, which makes it hard to connect.  Where are you from?  I’ve never seen you before in the village,” Kurt asked, having never met someone from outside the village.

“Oh, I am on a journey of discovery and have come from another land.”

They talked the afternoon away, their frustrations about being different connecting them like two halves of a whole. 

As it was getting dark, Kurt invited Blaine back to his home for dinner.  Blaine decided he wasn’t ready to leave Kurt, so he accepted his kindness.

Sam followed them in the shadows, continuing to guard Blaine.

On the way to Kurt’s home, they were accosted by a big hulking boy from the village, David, who proceeded to try and rough Kurt up, grabbing him and shaking him.  Kurt fearlessly tried to fight back, but failed.  Blaine stepped up, and with his increased strength and stamina from living under the waves, he was able to punch David and scare him away.  Sam hadn’t had the chance to step up before it was already over.

“Thank you. I don’t know why he torments me the most out of everyone in the village,” Kurt said breathlessly.

Once they were inside, Kurt introduced Blaine. “Papa, this is my new friend, Blaine. I invited him for dinner. I hope it’s okay?”

Kurt busied himself around the kitchen working on dinner. He hummed as he worked, and occasional bits of song would flow from him. 

“I was worried about you. You’ve been gone most of the day, Kurt,” his father, Burt, said.

Kurt hugged him. “I just needed some time alone.”

Burt nodded and turned towards Blaine. “Hello, welcome to our home. Who are your parents, and where do you live? I thought I knew everyone in our village.”

Blaine told Burt he was traveling and away from his home, which caused Burt to raise an eyebrow and stare at Blaine for some time, taking in his clothes and skin. 

Shortly, Kurt had a dinner of fish and pasta ready for them all.  Blaine marveled at the fork he was presented with to eat.  He had never had hot food either. However, he enjoyed the seasonings and flavors and fell on his food with gusto, causing Kurt and Burt to laugh and give him another portion.

“Kurt, would you sing for me?  Your voice sounded beautiful as you worked at the evening meal.”

Kurt was surprised. No one except his mother had ever mentioned his voice.  She had a spellbinding, magical sounding voice.

Kurt pulled out a gittern and played and sang of love and loneliness, family and loss.  He had Blaine sobbing after a while.  Blaine had never felt so moved by song.

When it was time for bed, Kurt offered his tree house to Blaine to spend the night.  Once Kurt was asleep, Sam crept up the tree and fell asleep next to Blaine. 

Blaine laid awake for some time marveling over the experiences he had in just one day.  He felt a strange closeness and bond with Kurt.  He drifted off with images of Kurt dancing in front of his eyes.

***

They spent the next few weeks exploring the surrounding countryside and having childish adventures along the way. Sam would occasionally show himself to let Blaine know he was still watching, even introducing himself to Kurt eventually.  Blaine sometimes joined Kurt in song, finding he enjoyed the feeling.  

Eventually, guards came looking for Blaine to bring him back.  He dodged them for a few days, but realized he would have to go back. They would never stop coming. 

“Kurt, I have something to tell you,” Blaine said, hoping Kurt wouldn’t be too upset.  “I need to go back home for a while.”

Kurt started to cry. “I knew it would happen eventually. I’ll miss you terribly. I’ve never had a friend before you.”

“I’ll come back to visit as soon as I can. I’ll never forget you.” 

Later that night, Blaine walked away with tears in his eyes. 

***

They fell into a pattern as the years went by. Blaine would visit for a few weeks in the summer every year.  After a few years, Kurt decided to follow after Blaine when he left.  He snuck along behind him and wondered where Blaine was going when he headed towards the beach.  As far as he knew, Blaine didn’t have a boat.  Kurt watched in awe as Blaine slowly walked into the water. Once submerged, he didn’t reappear for a few moments.  

Kurt became worried and walked closer to the beach.  What he saw stunned him. Blaine, his Blaine, dove out of the water, and he had a tail!  A fish tail, with beautiful blue scales sparkling in the moonlight. He caught a fleeting glimpse before he was gone beneath the waves. 

Kurt stood there stunned, not sure what to think or do.  Finally, he tried to talk to his papa about Blaine that night.

“Papa, have you met people from other villages before?”

“Seldom, my son. Our village is pretty remote and doesn't offer anything unique to bring visitors.  Why do you ask?  Is this about Blaine?” Burt had had suspicions about Blaine from the moment he met him.

“Well, I followed him when he left tonight, and it looked like he went into the water.  Do you believe in sea creatures?”

“So many questions, my son.  Come here and sit with me. Let me tell you a story.  Once upon a time, there was a young man who dreamed of a life in the ocean, swimming with the fish and seeing all of the undersea world’s wonders.  That young man, he met the most amazing woman. She seemed like a dream to him.  Her singing entranced him with its beautiful melodies.  However, she was real, and they fell in love.  Unfortunately, he couldn’t live under the sea forever, so she decided to live with him above the waves.  Even without her scales, she still sparkled like a thousand points of light in the young man’s eyes.”

“Wow, that’s an amazing story. What happened to them, Papa?” Kurt asked, astonished at his father talking so much, especially about a fairytale story.  What Burt told him next caused his heart to freeze.

“They were very happy together for a time. Sadly, living away from the water wasn’t good for her health, and after a few happy years, she eventually became sick and died.  The young man was older by then and very sad with her passing. But she left something behind, something very precious that reminded the man of her every day. Do you know what that was, Kurt?”

“Was it a shell or some jewelry so he could remember her - or a song maybe?” 

“No, it was a beautiful son, a son the man cherished and loved with every beat of his heart.  That son is you, Kurt.”

Kurt was shocked. “What?  What are you saying, Papa?  Am I part fish then?”  

“All I know is you are my son, and I love you very much, and your mother cherished you too.  Now, you were talking about Blaine. Yes, I’ve known for a while now he was from the sea.  Something about his eyes reminded me of your mothers.”

Kurt could hardly sleep that night thinking about everything his papa had told him.  His beautiful Blaine was magical.

***

Knowing nothing of Kurt’s discovery, Blaine was back with his family being pushed by his father to take on more duties and focus on their people.  The surface dwellers had begun to pirate their waters and pollute them.  Some of their people had been spied on, and rumors grew about merpeople.  

Soon more ships sailed the waters above them, creating chaos.  Blaine’s father grew more and more concerned about the dangers surface dwellers were bringing.  He talked to other undersea kingdoms to build a network to monitor the destruction from above. 

As time went by, Blaine found it harder and harder to get away. But he would never leave Kurt behind, no matter the cost. So he returned for shorter and shorter periods of time.

His grandmother, their high priestess, asked to see him one day.  “Blaine, my handsome grandson, I have had a vision of you and your future.”

“Me? But I don’t think I’m important, Grandmere, just another boy in the vast ocean.”

“Ah, but you are important. I have seen it.  One day, you will unite our kingdom with the surface, creating a whole new kind of world, a land where our people’s safety will be ensured.  We will be stronger and, most importantly, we will be safe.  In order for my vision to come to pass though, we must swim through some dark times and waters. You - you will need to be brave and fearless and hold your love close to your heart, even when you aren’t with him.  Know that I see a path for you both to be together. I see your souls have been together in past lives and follow each other from lifetime to lifetime.”

When she said ‘him’, Blaine gasped.  He hadn’t told anyone about Kurt. Only Sam knew why he continued to visit the surface world.  “How - how do you know about him?”

“I have seen him in my visions, his pale skin and beautiful voice. Tell him how you feel, hold him in your heart, and, above all, protect him.  He is the key, the key to our future.  Take this knife, give it to him when next you see him. It will be the key to finding him when he is lost to you.  Its magic will keep you connected, shining a light in the darkness.”

Blaine held the knife in his hand, looking it over. It had an ancient inscription on the blade, and it seemed to glow.  He felt some power emanating from it, and it seemed to call to him.  He tucked it carefully into the sheath his grandmere gave him.  He would give it to Kurt when he next visited him. 

 ***

Kurt was looking through a box of things his mother had left behind.  He found an old scroll tied up in the box.  When he unfurled it, he felt a magical tingle flow over him.  The words were ancient, yet he was suddenly able to read them.

When he believed

    he was human

He fell in love

      true and pure

When he discovered 

     he is  ̷merman

Despite his  ̷fears

      he loved him more

Kurt felt shivers go up and down his spine as he realized this was how he felt about Blaine. It didn’t matter what he was, he loved him truly and deeply.

 ***

As the years went by, Kurt had tutors and learned all he could.  His father was the mayor of the town, and he wanted to assist him at his office. He grew up hanging out there while his father worked.  Kurt was courageous and would stand up for the lesser villagers.  He couldn’t let injustice go, and he intimidated many.  His stubbornness and innate sense of justice would enable him to lead the village forward as a united people if he ever decided to take his father’s place when he retired. 

*** 

Things beneath the waves continued to get worse. There were more attacks against merpeople, and pirates hunted them for their beauty and innate magic.  Blaine was forced to organize fighting parties that would be ready to move at a moment’s notice to assist with attacks across the waves.  He decided he couldn’t wait any longer though, and took off to see Kurt as the twilight was darkening the ocean. 

He dragged himself out of the ocean and stumbled towards Kurt’s home.  He was saddened that he would not be able to spend much time with him as had been their normal routine when he visited.  He climbed the tree house, letting the memories of the last few years run through his head.

He pushed on the window to Kurt’s bedroom and dropped in.  He saw Kurt sleeping, looking like an angel with the moonlight shining on his skin. It looked like it was glowing in the light, making Blaine’s heart want to burst with all the feelings he had for Kurt.

He knelt down beside the bed and caressed Kurt’s face, causing him to wake from the sensation.

“Blaine! It’s so good to see you. Why are you coming so late at night though?”

“I’ve missed you, my beautiful pearl.” Blaine leaned in and kissed Kurt, the way he’d been wanting to for years. 

Kurt gasped and then leaned into the kiss, feeling so many things wash over him.

Blaine pulled away. “Kurt, I’ve loved you for a long time, maybe even on that day when I first saw you on the beach.  I don’t have much time tonight, but I had to see you and give you a gift.”

“A gift? I don’t need anything but you and your love,” Kurt said, sensing something was wrong.

“I wish we could be together always, but I have to protect my family and my people, and so I must go away for a time.  Please take these and try not to forget me.”

“Never, I could never forget you, silly,” Kurt said, tears rolling down his face.

“Please take this pearl ring as my promise that I will come back and that I want us to be together someday.”

Kurt gasped. It was a sparkling gold ring with the largest pearl he’d ever seen set as the center stone.

Blaine leaned in and kissed him tenderly before pulling away again.

“Finally, take this dagger. My grandmere said it will keep you safe and enable us to be together one day. Never go anywhere without it.  Please, Kurt, I beg you to always keep the dagger with you.”

“Of course. I will. And I’ll never forget you, my love.”

“You feel the same?  I hoped, but never expected…” Blaine trailed off, seeing the love reflected in Kurt’s eyes.

They held each other for the rest of the night, light kisses all over their bodies connecting them.  

Kurt fell asleep as dawn arrived, and Blaine snuck away back to the sea and his duties.

*** 

Two years had gone by since that night, and Blaine was always in Kurt’s heart. He never removed the ring or dagger, no matter where he was. Even in sacred places, he remembered Blaine’s plea.

Kurt wondered what he could do to be with Blaine. He had heard nothing from him since then.  His village had seen many other visitors come through though.  They were not the best quality of people. Kurt thought most of them were brigands.  They told tales of fights on the sea, battling for treasures from the deep and fighting a variety of creatures. Some sounded too fantastical to be real.  So far, they only came to the village to resupply with local wine and fruits, and there had been no trouble with them.

Little did Kurt know, that was soon going to change. 

Riding the waves was a great dark ship, the Pestilence, and its leader was pirate Captain Sebastian.  He and his crew had fought many skirmishes with the sea folk.  They had been able to capture some of the creatures, and the captain had a special aquarium in his cabin with a variety of sea creatures on display.  He could feel the magic locked inside them, but so far he’d not been able to find a way to release it, no matter how he’d tortured them.  

He had a sea hag on his crew that had been trying various potions and spells but had so far been unsuccessful.  She and Sebastian were discussing ideas when the sea hag started convulsing and had a vision.

“Hear me well, there is one who holds the key to releasing the magic of the sea.  His skin is pale as cow’s milk, his eyes the deepest blue of the azure sky, his tongue sharper than a sword.  He is the key to the hidden kingdoms of the depths.  If you trick him, befriend and beguile him, he will enable you to unlock the deepest magic, and rule above and below the seas.  Search the coast for his village.”   

She gasped and passed out cold on the floor.

Her words caused Sebastian to lust after this unknown stranger. He was the key to his darkest desires. 

He pulled his maps from his sea chests and started to mark their path. This man must be in one of the seaside villages they periodically went to for resupplying.  Sebastian was a lecherous man who had taken many men and boys to his bed.  By the time he was done with them, they were begging for his steely rod as he tossed them aside.  He took what he wanted without a care. This one would require his stealthiest manipulations.  Sebastian would have to court this magic man to ultimately get what he wanted.  

Once the sea hag was awake, he directed her to create a pendant that would enable him to influence someone and gradually take their will from them, making them a puppet to his wishes.  

She worked her dark magic for days to create something to steal the will from the strongest mind.  Now they just had to find this mystery man. 

The ship anchored at yet another village.  Sebastian was frustrated with the endless number of villages they had explored looking for his key.  Disgruntled, he decided to set ashore and get a drink. He had little hope this would be the village.  He went to what he was told was one of the finest restaurants in the town.  He ordered their best wine and spit it back at the server once it touched his lips. 

“You call this your finest wine!?  I’ve had better dregs contaminated with sea water.  Bring me something better or someone to explain how this could possibly be all you have to offer,” he demanded.

After being told this was truly the best they had and being directed to the winery owner’s establishment, he stomped off. 

He tossed a couple people out of his way as he stomped off, growling like an animal. 

Kurt came upon a couple terrified town folk cowering in doorways.  Once he found out what was going on, he was off and running. 

He caught up with the stranger as he was pounding on the vintner’s door demanding wine fit for drinking.

“Excuse me, Sir, and I use the term loosely,” Kurt said, clapping his hand on the stranger’s shoulder and shaking him.

Sebastian turned and gasped. 

“Who do you think you are, terrorizing innocent people because our wine isn’t to your specifications?  If you don’t have the common decency to treat people with respect, you need to vacate our village and never return.  What kind of barbarian are you?” Kurt finally started to wind down from his outrage on behalf of the victims.

Sebastian slowly came out of his stupor and began calculating in his head after seeing Kurt’s looks and hearing his bite.

“You are absolutely right, my good man. It’s been a long voyage, and I have to apologize for my manners and behavior.  I’m truly sorry and apologize to you and everyone else.” Sebastian bowed, trying to dredge up his best courtly behavior.

Kurt was stunned. He’d expected a fight.  “Oh, uh, well, I guess we can understand your distress, but, really, kindness will get you much further in life. No one here is trying to cheat you.”

Sebastian leapt at the opening. “Please, let me buy you a drink to apologize for my insufferableness. My name is Sebastian, and I’m the captain of the vessel in your harbor.”

Kurt was surprised at the invitation. He looked at the handsome captain and wavered. 

“Please, I’d like to get to know the hottest man I’ve seen in many a time on my voyages.”

Kurt blushed and stammered, “Well, I - I guess that would be fine.”

Sebastian bowed and offered Kurt his arm.  They walked off to the village tavern and seated themselves in the corner.  Kurt didn’t drink often, so the hard spirits Sebastian chose soon had him a bit woozy.

They talked about Sebastian’s voyages across the sea, delivering cargos and goods, exploring strange cities, and meeting a wide variety of people.  Of course, Sebastian made no mention of his piracy or the attacks on the sea folk.  He did talk about the adventure and sense of discovery he felt.  He was sure Kurt was the key he had been looking for.  He could sense sea magic on him. Now he just needed to convince him to leave. 

They talked the afternoon away, and Kurt was very drunk by the time Sebastian left that evening.

“I confess, I’m taken with you, my handsome prince. May I return on the morrow to court you?” Sebastian smiled at his craftiness.

“Court me?  I’m not really looking to be courted.”  Kurt thought of Blaine, and his heart hurt. It had been a long time with no word.

“Nonsense, a fine man like you must have your choice of suitors.  I’d count myself lucky to have you on my arm.”

Sebastian walked Kurt home from the tavern and bent to kiss his hand before returning to his ship in the harbor.

Kurt was a bit dazzled and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow that night.  His dreams were of the sea, swirling around and around, voices coming from all directions, the night sky alight with lightning, dark tentacles slowly reaching out to capture him.

Sebastian returned to his ship, demanding the sea hag attend him immediately.

“I’ve found him!  Finally, I’ve found the key to my future success and empire,” he raved. “Are you sure the charm is as strong as you can make it?  He certainly seems like a strong and stubborn man.”

“Yes, I have repeatedly cast the spell on it.  No one can withstand my power.”

“Tomorrow, you will join me in the village as my darling mother. I just had to bring you to meet the man that has captivated me so.” Sebastian laughed maniacally. 

*** 

Kurt awoke with the worst hangover of his life.  He groaned and tried to pull the pillow over his head to keep the light out.  His father heard him groaning and opened his door.

“Sounds like you had fun last night,” he said, chuckling.

“Papa, shush, you are too loud. Oh my head.” 

“You don’t normally drink. What brought this on?”

“We had a surly visitor harassing our people yesterday. I hunted him down and put him in his place.  He apologized and begged me to go for a drink as an apology.  One led to dozens, it seems like. He will be back today. He wants to court me!” 

“Court you? That is serious business.  And what are your thoughts on this man?  Does he have a name?” Burt asked, surprised.

Kurt laid there for a moment collecting his thoughts.  “His name is Sebastian. He voyages across the seas delivering cargo and had many entertaining stories of his journeys.”

“Do you welcome his advances?  You’ve never been with anyone except Blaine that I know of.”

“Papa!  No, I’ve - I’ve never been with anyone.  I honestly don’t know what to think.  No one has ever shown interest in me except Blaine,” Kurt said, scandalized that his father would ask such personal questions. “He intends to return sometime today to dine with me, so I suppose I should get up and prepare.” Kurt’s head was spinning as he slowly sat up.

Burt returned with some water for Kurt to drink.

A little before the midday meal, Kurt heard knocking on their front door.  He hesitantly rose to answer the door and was surprised to find a wizened old woman staring at him.  A moment later, Sebastian greeted him warmly, leaning in to hug him.  He introduced his mother, Ursula, who, after hearing him talk about Kurt, just had to join them for lunch and meet the man who had finally captivated her son’s wandering heart.

Kurt was stunned, and they walked through the village to a café for a filling lunch, where he was peppered with questions by both Ursula and Sebastian about his childhood, his interests, and where he saw himself in years to come.  

After lunch, Sebastian and his mother returned to the ship, asking to see him again for dinner that night and not taking no for an answer. 

Kurt agreed, feeling out of his depths with all of this attention. 

This continued for several weeks.  Sebastian was relentless in pursuing Kurt.

Finally, Kurt insisted Sebastian meet his father, and they planned a special dinner that night for them. 

*** 

Under the sea, Blaine was up against a fleet of ships roving the waters, setting traps and spoiling large areas of the ocean floor with toxic materials.  They could never seem to get ahead of the brigands, and he felt like they were slowly losing this undeclared war. 

He thought of Kurt often as he drifted to sleep and hoped he was well.  He held onto the vision his grandmere spoke of, about their future together.  He had no idea how they could build an amazing kingdom together though.  He was having trouble keeping this one going and felt more alone every day.  His father had given Blaine many duties, and he was in charge of their fighting squadrons. He often felt overwhelmed with responsibilities.

*** 

Kurt had prepared a fancy dinner for Burt meeting Sebastian and his mother.  Sebastian arrived right on time, and Kurt ushered him into the house.

“Sebastian and Ursula, I’m so glad you agreed to dinner tonight.  This is my father, Burt, the mayor of our town,” Kurt said, stumbling over his words from nerves.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Kurt has talked about you often.  I appreciate your interest in my son.” Burt smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He sensed something was off about them.

Sebastian saw Burt’s reaction and worked hard throughout dinner to convince him they were on the up and up.  He regaled him with stories and tales of his adventures.

As they talked over coffee, dishes pushed to the side, Sebastian cleared his throat and interrupted the flow of conversation.  “Kurt, I think the world of you and want to give you a token of my affection.” With a flourish, he presented Kurt with a small box.

Kurt wasn’t expecting any gifts and sat momentarily stunned before taking the box.  “Thank you, you really shouldn’t have.”

He gasped as he opened the box.  It was a necklace with a large pendant made out of nacre with some purple coloring threaded throughout.  It was a lovely gift, except when he went to touch it, it felt oily to him and off somehow.  He thanked Sebastian and tried to put the box to the side.

“My love, it would give me the greatest pleasure to put this on for you.” Sebastian smiled like a cat that ate the canary. 

Kurt felt it was only polite to agree. He felt like it was a noose going around his neck even though the chain was very long and hung low on his chest.  Once it was on, he felt very strange. 

The evening wrapped up, and Sebastian told Kurt they would have to sail out on another trip on the morrow. He would miss Kurt and hoped Kurt would feel the same.  They would return in a fortnight, and he hoped Kurt would welcome him back.

Sebastian snuck a deep kiss from Kurt while Ursula kept Burt occupied.  “You will miss me, won’t you, my beautiful angel?”

Kurt felt a compulsion come over him.  “Yes, yes, of course I’ll miss you, Sebastian.”

Kurt wondered after he said that. He’d been enjoying the attention and getting to know Sebastian, but it had also been a bit overwhelming.  He looked forward to some time to think. He hadn’t forgotten Blaine after all.

Sebastian and Ursula walked back to the ship.  

“Finally, it’s on him and can start working,” Sebastian said.

“Yes, he won’t be able to take it off now. It’s part of the compulsion. It will work itself inside his dreams and mind.  You will notice the difference when we return, I promise you.” The disguised sea hag cackled.

Kurt woke the next day feeling disoriented.  His sleep was full of dreams of dark things chasing him, caught in a war between humans and the sea.  The waves battered at his will and mind.

He met Burt in the kitchen where he was heating water for tea.  “That was a fine gift Sebastian gave you last night.”

“Oh, yes. I was not expecting him to give me anything.  He’s been spending so much time with me, I thought that was gift enough.”

“And?  What are your thoughts?” 

“To be honest, I’m not sure.  He’s very attentive and caring. I’ve not seen his foul temper since the villagers talked about it before I met him.  He’s been nothing but gallant. But he’s not Blaine,” Kurt said, looking sad.

“I understand, but you may never see Blaine again, my son. I’d like to see you happy with someone. I won’t be around forever, and no one in the village appreciates what you have to offer.” 

“Sebastian has invited me to take a voyage with him.  To be honest, part of me thinks maybe I could find Blaine, and part of me just thinks it’s an exciting opportunity. And I find myself drawn to Sebastian.”

“Why not try the sea then when he returns?  A short voyage will let you see him at sea in charge of his ship and allow you to see if you are drawn to sailing or if you’d rather be on the land.  The sea holds lots of beauty and mystery,” Burt said wistfully.

“I’ll have a decision by the time Sebastian comes back surely.”

As the days passed, Kurt found it harder and harder to concentrate and found himself sitting, staring off into space at times.  He suddenly found himself missing Sebastian without even realizing he was thinking about him.  Even his father asked him if everything was okay, wondering at his dazed and distracted behavior. 

Sebastian was checking in with his other captains to see their progress in the war.  They had captured a variety of sea folk, and they were locked in aquarium-type pens on his private island fortress.  He felt like they were getting closer to unlocking the secrets being held from his clutches.  After focusing solely on Kurt for so long, he took his frustrations out on several slaves they had captured from other ships and ports.  Finally, getting his fill of flesh for a bit and being his usual self went a long way to making him feel better.  Once he’d gotten what he needed from Kurt, he would make a satisfying bed partner. But not before his usefulness was done. He couldn’t take a chance of breaking him. 

Kurt spent the time away from Sebastian thinking and singing. It always helped him think through problems and really focus.  Since Sebastian had left, Kurt felt a bit off. His thoughts were fuzzy, and he wasn’t able to concentrate.  Eventually, he thought maybe he was just missing Sebastian and his interest.  He had to be an adult and put aside his childhood love of Blaine. He said he cared, but Kurt knew he was a merman, and they would have a lot of trouble being together long term. They were of two worlds.  Not to mention, Blaine had some kind of position of responsibility to his people and duties.  Kurt sadly tried to put his feelings and thoughts of Blaine aside.  He wouldn’t take off the ring or stop carrying the dagger around though. He’d treasure them and the magical times they spent together growing up. 

The fortnight went by quickly, and Sebastian’s ship was on the horizon back to the village before Kurt knew it.  Sebastian was anxious to see how well he had ensnared Kurt.  He leapt down to the dock and strode purposefully to Kurt’s home.  He pounded on the door, and when Kurt opened it, he acted like he had been gone for years and swept Kurt up in his embrace and kissed him deeply and passionately, taking his breath away.

Kurt was panting when their kiss broke.  “Sebastian.” He leaned forward to give him another passionate kiss.

“Did you miss me, beloved?” 

“Yes, I didn’t realize how much until I saw you at the door,” Kurt said, feeling overwhelmed.

“Let’s grab a drink and catch up.” Sebastian led them to the tavern.

Many drinks later, Kurt’s head was swimming.  “Seb, I’ve decided something,” he said hesitantly.

“What have you decided, my angel?”

“I want to go with you on your next voyage to see if the sea is where I feel at home, by your side.”

“You’ve given me my heart’s desire,” Sebastian said, reaching out to hold Kurt’s hand. “I’ll make sure you have a wonderful cabin on the ship near my mother’s. I don’t want to rush you too much. You are worth the wait.” Sebastian looked deep into Kurt’s bleary eyes.  “Would you do anything for me, my dearest?”

Kurt looked at him seriously. “I – I would do my best to make you happy, without compromising my principles.” He smiled widely.

Sebastian fumed internally. Kurt wasn’t fully under the spell. He was certainly a strong-willed man.  He would have to keep working on breaking his will.

They went back to Kurt’s home late that night.  Kurt was stumbling along barely able to walk.

Once they arrived at Kurt’s door, Sebastian decided to test things.

“Dearest, could I come in?  It’s been so long without you. I’d love to hold you for a while longer.”

Kurt’s head was spinning. Part of him felt like he should say no, yet he found himself saying yes.

Once inside, they cuddled on the sofa, Sebastian making Kurt’s head swim more with his passionate kisses.  

Sebastian kept telling him what to do. “Kiss me. Touch me. Take off your shirt...”

At some point, Kurt began to perspire as he struggled to control himself.  After a few moments of his body continuing against his will, he was finally able to stop and say no.

“Seb, that’s enough for tonight. I’m not ready for….all of this yet.”

Kurt thought he saw Sebastian’s eyes flash with fury and disgust.  

When he blinked, his eyes only showed care and concern.  “Of course, my love. I’m sorry I got carried away being in your company again after so long apart.”

Kurt patted his cheek and smiled.  “We have all the time in the world.”

Sebastian went back to the ship after that and yelled for the sea hag.  “Ursula! Attend me!”

“Yes, what’s wrong?”

“He is only slightly under the charm’s sway so far.  I could not bed him.  How long must I wait?”

“He is a strong-willed boy!  Most would have completely been under its sway after a fortnight.  Did he agree to come on a voyage?”

“Yes, he did agree to that at least.”

“Perfect. I’ll add some herbs to his food to weaken his will.  We will have him under your power soon!”

“We better!  I want to rule all, and I’m tired of waiting!” Sebastian pushed her out of his cabin and slammed the door shut in her face.

As Kurt had already made up his mind to go with Sebastian, they were able to up anchor a few days later with Kurt on board.  He had a tearful farewell with Burt, and then they were on their way.  

Kurt settled into a cabin between Sebastian’s and his mother’s. It would take some time for him to get used to sleeping in a hammock, but otherwise he had been excited to look out at the vast sea and see no land on the horizon.  

Sebastian had been busy directing his men, who seemed to avoid Kurt, but were respectful when he bumped into them.  He wandered the ship, taking in everything. The smell of the sea tantalized him. 

Sebastian was talking with the sea hag when she had another vision. 

***

At the same time, Blaine’s grandmere had the same vision.  

“The boy who floats between worlds is at a crossroads. Lead him to the ancient book of spells, and his voice will enslave the enemy. One side’s doom is upon them, pending the choice made. The magic will draw him.”

Blaine’s grandmere called for him immediately after she awoke, and he rushed to her side as quickly as possible.

“Blaine, my boy, you must find your love. The time is nigh. He’s in danger, and that risks our safety as well.  The dagger I gave you holds our blood. If you focus on the link, you will be able to find him when you are nearby.”

“Grandmere, we are fighting for our lives. I don’t have time to visit Kurt now.”

“Listen to me, Blaine. You’ll doom our entire species if you ignore my warnings.  Go! Go now! ” she commanded.

He decided he would take the time to visit Kurt and see how he was doing.

*** 

Once the sea hag was awake again, Sebastian called Kurt into his cabin.  

“Beloved, I have a special surprise for you. Because it’s your first voyage, I wanted to give you the choice of where we went.”

“My choice? But I’ve never been to any place before. How would I choose?” 

“I knew you would ask that, so I’ve taken my maps and set them out for you. Take a look and see what area draws you and your interest,” Sebastian told him, pushing a command into his voice.

Kurt looked at the maps, a bit overwhelmed.  He walked over and stood in the middle of them, let out a breath, and closed his eyes.  The pendant glowed slightly, and Kurt’s hand started to move, floating over the maps. It seemed to be moving without him controlling it.

Sebastian knew they were getting closer to his victory, and he glowed with excitement.

Kurt trembled as his hand slowly came down to point at a tiny island, barely visible on the map.  He opened his eyes, and they seemed to glow. “There, that is where my destiny will be decided.” He suddenly shook his head in confusion. “Did I pick an area?”

“Yes, my love, you did a wonderful job. You chose an area I haven’t explored, so it will be a new adventure for all of us.” Sebastian leaned in and kissed Kurt with all the passion he held inside.  Kurt would grant him supremacy over all, he could taste it.

Kurt swooned with the kiss and had to sit down afterwards.  Something about Sebastian’s unrelenting will made him shaky.  He’d never experienced that with anyone else, always being his own strong self.  He wasn’t sure if that attracted him or scared him.

Sebastian directed his men to set sail, and they were underway in a short period of time.  It would be several days’ journey to the island.

*** 

Blaine had swum as fast as he could toward the shore and was knocking on Burt’s door expecting to see Kurt.

Burt opened the door. “Blaine!  I’m surprised to see you again. Be welcome in my home.”

Blaine stalked in. “I must talk to Kurt. It’s urgent.”

“I’m sorry, Blaine, he is out on a voyage with his…fiancé, I guess you’d call him.”

“His fiancé!?” Blaine stumbled and had to sit down, suddenly shocked by Burt’s words.

“We had a ship captain come ashore, and he took a fancy to Kurt. He’s been courting him for a couple months now.  Kurt left on a voyage with him to see if he wanted to commit to being with him or not.  They only left a few days ago.  I don’t expect him back any time soon.”

“No, that’s not possible. It was foretold that he and I will be together.  How?” Blaine stumbled over his words.

“I’m sorry. Kurt still cares for you. He’s never forgotten you, but he figured you were of two worlds, so there wasn’t much hope of being together,” Burt told him sadly.

“Two worlds?  What do you mean?”

“We know you are merfolk. Kurt watched you dive into the sea years ago.”

“He - he never told me that.”

“No, it didn’t matter to him what you were. He loved you still.  This is partially my fault. I told him I didn’t want him to be alone and lonely, so I encouraged him to at least explore things with the captain,” Burt said, feeling remorseful.

“It’s not your fault, my people needed me. We are fighting with pirates across the sea.  I should have found time for Kurt anyway,” Blaine said, sadness overwhelming him for a time. Suddenly, Blaine snapped out of it and gasped.  “I – I still have to find Kurt. He’s in danger, according to my grandmere.  Do you have any idea where they were going?” 

“No, I’m sorry. The captain, Sebastian, made it seem like they could go anywhere, just to enjoy the time together and Kurt’s first time at sea.”

“I hope my grandmere is right then. I’m going to have to track him down somehow.  What is the name of the ship?”

“It’s the Pestilence,” Burt told him.

“Oh no. That’s one of the pirate ships that have been plaguing us.  No wonder my grandmere warned me. He’s on the edge of falling in with them. I can’t imagine him choosing to hurt anyone though.”

It was Burt’s turn to gasp.  “It’s the pendant. Sebastian gave him a pendant before he left last time.  Kurt seemed a bit dazed while he was gone, but I thought he was just missing him.  It’s got to be influencing him somehow, don’t you think?”  

“I know there are magic items that can influence people, but I have little experience with them. My grandmere would know for sure.  That must be part of what she was talking about.  I must set out to find him as quickly as possible.”

Blaine thanked Burt and quickly headed back to the sea.  He gathered his people and told them to search high and low for the Pestilence and report back to him.  It was vital to their continued existence.  Once they were gone, he spread out a great map and plotted out what they already knew of the pirate ships. It already had markings for the toxic wastes and where they typically would have the most trouble with them. 

The merfolk used their network to communicate with other sea creatures like hippocampi and water spirits.  With their aid, they were able to get a sense of the land dwellers’ ships for hundreds of miles within a couple days.  Blaine readied himself to rush to Kurt’s side.  He took off once the ship had been seen and swam as fast as he could. He was able to get a ride with a hippocampus, and they flew through the water at dizzying speeds. 

Back on the ship, they were sitting down in Sebastian’s cabin to eat.  Kurt had only taken a few bites of his food. 

“Is there something wrong with your food, my love?”

“It – it tastes very bitter to me. The flavoring is strange on my tongue.”

“You should eat all of it, to keep your strength up.”

Kurt automatically found himself spooning more of the food into his mouth until he realized he was doing it.  “I’m not enjoying it. I - I’ll go without, thank you.”

Sebastian’s eyes flashed at Kurt’s comments. He glared at Ursula.

She blanched when she found him looking at her.  “Sometimes the food made on a ship can taste strange. We have limitations on what we can prepare.  I’ll make you a snack, my darling boy.”

“Thank you, Mother, but that’s really not necessary,” Kurt said, patting her hand.

“It’s my pleasure. Indulge an old woman, dear.”

Of course, Kurt readily agreed, not wanting to cause an argument. 

That afternoon, she brought him a mug of spicy mulled wine with some sweetened cookies.  

Kurt loved sweets, and the wine dulled his senses to the bitterness hidden inside.  His head swam shortly after finishing the snacks though.  From then on, all of his food had multiple flavors and scents.  The longer they sailed, the more he felt confused and unsure of things.  His head only seemed to clear when he was following directions from Sebastian.  Their makeout sessions continued in the evenings, but Kurt kept his resolve about not being ready to give himself to Sebastian yet.

 ***

Meanwhile, Blaine had been racing across the sea. He had been a few days behind the Pestilence, but he’d been able to make up some time with the hippocampi switching out so they could keep their best speed. He slept holding to their neck to keep from falling off as they galloped across the waves.  After three days, he started to feel a pull in the direction they were going. He hoped it was the dagger calling to him.  He had to hope that Kurt had kept his promise to keep it with him at all times. He was overwhelmed with a sensation of urgency now.

*** 

Kurt’s thinking grew murkier and murkier as the days went by.  He could barely process enough to get dressed. He was struggling to do things on his own.  He felt like his spirit was being walled up and caged.  Thankfully, Sebastian had been busy with the ship and hadn’t asked him to do anything or really interacted with him much.  Kurt had the sense that Sebastian was more interested in what Kurt could do for him and not actually in Kurt himself now.  He wondered how he had been fooled so easily.  He realized he’d had no experience with romance or dating, and Sebastian had been so forward and pushy about everything that he had gotten swept up in all the excitement.

Sebastian had seen the extra drugs working on Kurt, so had stopped paying attention to him. He was more focused on getting to the island as quickly as possible so he could get what he needed.  He would finally get the magic flowing in the sea creatures’ bodies for himself.  

One of the crew cried out, “Land ho!”

Finally!  Sebastian rounded up the crew members that would be going with them.  He figured they would have to explore to find whatever it was that would enable Kurt to give him everything.

Meanwhile, Blaine had arrived at the ship.  He thanked his ride and proceeded to sneak up the side of the ship.  He landed on deck and crouched down in the shadows.  He didn’t see Kurt, but could feel the dagger calling him.  He looked around to see how to proceed, when suddenly a crew mate walked right into him and jumped back in shock.  Before he could say anything, Blaine had grabbed his head and twisted roughly, snapping his neck in an instant.  Blaine quickly dropped the body over the side of the ship then searched for a way into the bowels of the ship.

He killed a few more crew members and dumped their bodies the same way he had done the first.  He was just ready to charge the hatch to the inner workings of the ship when suddenly the door flew open.

He hid quickly and watched as a tall man ordered several of the crew to take up arms and ready the dinghy to take them ashore.  An old woman walked with him. She seemed to have a glamor over her features, but Blaine could sense she had magical abilities.  He almost jumped up when he saw Kurt.  He was so close, but he’d only get captured if he tried to communicate.  He watched his pinched face. Kurt’s eyes seemed to be glassy, and he walked hesitantly along as if he was somehow being forced. 

“Kurt!  Keep up with us,” the man in charge yelled. He must be Sebastian.

Blaine couldn’t tell what was wrong with Kurt, but he was glad he had raced to his side.  

Something wasn’t right. He wasn’t sure why Kurt would be a risk for his entire race, but he knew he had to follow along closely.  He slipped over the other side of the ship and swam underwater as the dinghy was rowed to shore.  He stayed far enough back so he wouldn’t be seen.

Sebastian was in such a hurry that they had left in the dark as soon as the ship was close enough to shore.  Sebastian evidently didn’t want to waste time waiting for first light.  That enabled Blaine to stay very close without anyone seeing him.

Once they were on shore, lanterns were lit, and the pirates formed up around Sebastian, Kurt, and the sea hag. 

Sebastian looked at Kurt in the flickering light. The night sky above them was periodically cut with jagged bolts of lightning flashing around them.  The rain had not reached them yet, but the air was thick and heavy, making it hard to breathe. 

“Kurt, you hold the key. Lead us to the magic book and my destiny!” Sebastian ordered, willing him to move quickly.

Kurt stood there for a minute swaying before slowly turning around in a circle.  Suddenly, he felt a pull toward the South, and he stumbled forward.  The pirates lit the way, yet Kurt seemed to be lost in a trance and did not need the light to guide him. 

Blaine had crept near the pirates and watched Kurt walk off.  He wished he could let him know he was there, but he wasn’t sure how aware Kurt was right now.  The pirates spread out, continuing the trek but not really expecting anything.  Blaine took advantage of that by taking out some of the ones trailing behind.  The fewer of them he had to fight in the end the better. Blaine was lucky. His eyes were able to see much further in the dark than the average person because he spent his life in the depths of the ocean. 

The party kept walking, following Kurt, who never wavered from the direction he was heading.  

Sebastian periodically cursed and told him to hurry.  Eventually, they began to see a hillside looming out of the dark.  As they drew closer, there were statues of sea creatures along the path.  Finally, they came to a cavern that sloped downward and seemed to go under the island.  Kurt kept walking, but Sebastian stopped him. 

“Kurt, do you sense the book? Are we close?”

Kurt stopped and turned towards him.  His eyes were glowing white, and the pupils were tiny pinpricks.  He spoke in a monotone, acting like he was an automaton.

“We are close to the sacred chamber. If we can defeat the protector, we will be able to get the book.”

“Lead on, my lackey,” Sebastian commanded, laughing excitedly.

They walked on, not realizing there were only three pirates left, besides Sebastian, the sea hag, and Kurt.

Blaine slowly crept into the cavern behind them. 

They walked down a steep incline and saw a large doorway.  

“That must be the chamber!  We are so close.”

Kurt shuffled onward and entered the chamber.  In front of them lay a deep pool of water, and on the other side of that was a rocky podium where a large book was resting.

Kurt stood in front of the pool. It looked like he was searching for something.  Sebastian was ready to tell him to walk around the pool, when suddenly the water started to froth and churn, bubbling and sloshing.  A large tentacle shot out of the water and wrapped around Kurt’s waist, pulling him in.  As that was happening, more tentacles shot out and appeared to lodge all around the chamber, like whatever they were attached to was using leverage to pull itself up from the depths.

The remaining pirates hugged the cavern wall in terror.  The sea hag dropped to her knees and stared at the tentacles in awe. Her magic reacted to the creature.  Sebastian hadn’t let anything stop him. He was already halfway around the pool on the edges, working his way to the book.

As Blaine peered in the doorway, he didn’t know what to make of things.  He wasn’t sure what creature was working its way out of the water.  It was gigantic, perhaps one of the old Titan gods of mer myth.

Whatever it was, it finally emerged from the depths, its tentacles waving Kurt around like a toy.  It was black, and it seemed to draw the light into it, so it looked depthless, almost like moving shadows.  Then it started speaking, its words sounding loudly inside the heads of everyone around, causing them to wince and clap their hands over their ears. 

“Who dares to invade the sacred temple of the Sirens? My children, none may touch the book but one of Siren blood.”

That stopped Sebastian in his tracks.  How could he get the book?  Wait, the prophecy said Kurt could get it.  He must be part sea creature.  Was that the sea magic he sensed before? 

“We are here to help my friend, Kurt, get the book,” Sebastian stated boldly.

“Is that the child in my arms?  I sense Siren blood in him.  Speak child, why do you seek the book?”

Kurt was glowing. He was turned in the tentacle, this way and that.

“I came for the book because Sebastian told me to get it for him,” he said in the same monotone.

Sebastian laughed. “Now you know, Kurt. You wanted to get the book for me. You want me to rule land and sea.  You remember, don’t you?”

“Yes, as you command,” Kurt said woodenly.

Blaine finally spoke up.

“Kurt, you mustn’t give Sebastian the book. He will enslave all the undersea world with its power.”

Kurt was spun around to face Blaine.  His face scrunched up, and he looked like he was trying hard to remember something.  “B - Blaine?”

“Yes, my love. I’m sorry I’ve been away from you for so long, but I never stopped loving you.” 

Tears sprang to his eyes. 

“I sense your conflict, my child,” the creature spoke and slowly lowered him to the book. “You can rule all, but you must make the choice for yourself.”

Kurt reached out and touched the book, and the pages flew open to a spell.  He looked at the pages and began to sing.  The song echoed through the cavern and slowly spread. It touched the creatures of the sea and the pirates on board the ship, and it continued to spread, calling out to everything.  Within a few moments, it was echoing in the waves and across the seas many leagues away.  Every living thing felt its pull, to obey. 

Finally, Kurt stopped his song of loss and loneliness on the shipwreck of life, his song of rage and betrayal.  He looked out at Sebastian and then over to Blaine.  His eyes seemed to suddenly clear as the song spread tendrils of magic energy weaving around Kurt. One of the tendrils enveloped the pendant, and it dissolved instantly.  Through suddenly clear eyes, Kurt truly looked at Sebastian. 

“ You !  You tried to force me to do what you wanted!  You’ve been twisting my thoughts and dreams for months now.  How dare you!  You are the lowest form of life.  I’ll hate you ‘til my dying day.” Kurt spewed his anger forth, his rage causing the entire island to quake.  He floated up, up into the air.  The magic responded to his every movement.  Suddenly, the entire top blew off the cavern. Rocks crashed around everyone as Kurt rose into the air.  The rocks crushed the remaining pirates, and suddenly Kurt directed the creature’s tentacles to pick up Sebastian and the sea hag. 

“You both tried to use me, manipulate me, and ruin my life.”

Sebastian begged, “You know I love only you. I was going to share the world with you.  You deserve everything that the world has to offer.”

The sea hag laughed. “You were a pawn ripe for the picking, you hopeless mortals and your passions.”  Her form twisted and wavered until something unrecognizable was left in her place.

Kurt gave Sebastian an incredulous look before the tentacle started wrapping tighter and tighter around him. Soon he was covered, and there was a popping noise, and Sebastian and the sea hag were no more.  His screams finally drowned out.

Blaine watched all of this, a mixture of horror and sadness for what Kurt had to endure washing over him.

Kurt looked down on him, tears rolled down his cheeks as he began to sing once more.  As he spun his song out intertwining with the waves and spreading back out to all he touched,  he completed the spell.  

Suddenly, the Pestilence and all the other pirate ships out on the waters and all the pirates aboard were pulverized as if giant hands had surrounded them and crushed them.  The magic around Kurt slowly dissolved, and, unconscious, he plummeted into the water.

“ Kurt !” Blaine screamed before diving into the water to find him. 

He used the dagger to guide him toward Kurt, diving and dodging the debris from the island crumpling around them.

He was about ready to give up hope when a hand shot forward, and he grabbed and held it as though his life depended on it.  He shot up as quickly as he could toward the surface, afraid Kurt would drown under the churning waters.  He chanced a look at Kurt to see the most beautiful pale white tail attached to the man he loved.  Kurt was glowing still, but he had transformed, now sporting a Siren’s tail and gills.  Blaine stopped to admire him, stunned by the change.  

As he stared agape, Kurt’s eyes began to flutter.  He looked dazed and confused for a moment, then realized that Blaine was right in front of him, finally after so long apart.  He smiled and pulled Blaine in for a searing kiss.  He hummed as they kissed, and the sea around them started to warm, enveloping them in a pocket of their very own.  They kissed as if the world was ending and this was their last embrace.

Finally, they broke apart.  “How, how did you find me?” Kurt asked, confused.

“The dagger, it was spelled to allow me to find you.  My grandmere told me you were in danger. I had to come to find you.  I’m so sorry I was away for so long.”

“It’s okay, I understand now, after having experienced Sebastian’s evil.  Speaking of which, your people that were trapped by him are free now. I freed them as I unleashed the spell on them.”

“Are you okay?  I was afraid you wouldn’t survive the old sea god or that the magic would kill you,” Blaine said.

“I’m okay, Changed, as you can see. Had I ever actually swum in the ocean, I would have realized my abilities sooner.” Kurt chuckled.

“What now, my love?  Can we be together? I’ve missed you, my first and only love.” Blaine looked questioningly at Kurt, still holding his hand.

“Now, it’s time for a whole new world,” Kurt said, as he began a new song, one of hope and filled with love.

As his song washed over the world, a tear in the ocean opened, and his people started flowing through, rejoicing and singing.  They had fled the world when the humans started to hunt them years before. Kurt’s mother was one of the last who stayed behind, their queen, left to keep her people safe, waiting for the day they could return. 

The old sea god was suddenly around them all, rejoicing that his subjects had been returned to him.  His darkness started to leech away like an oily inkiness, leaving pure white skin and tentacles.  He used his magic powers to raise up a kingdom for the Sirens, a mix of sea and sand for them to frolic in the sun.  

The magic book was forever chained to Kurt’s wrist, magically there when he needed or wanted it, invisible otherwise. 

Kurt and Blaine created a new kingdom, one combined of sea and humanity. Kurt’s village was more than happy to let him lead them to prosperity in a new world. 

Epilogue:   

The sea god, their sea god, was pleased.  His people thrived, and he had new worshippers from the merfolk and the surface dwellers.  Best of all, they all prospered together under Kurt and Blaine’s rule.  He had decided to reward them with something special.

He appeared in their chambers, the two tangled in sleep still, bodies pressed together, never far apart for long.  He cleared his throat, and then caused a dissonant ringing in their heads until they groggily sat up, wondering what was going on.

“My lord, how may we be of service to you?” Kurt asked reverently.

“You have both served me well, and, today, I will be providing the service.”  He smiled beatifically, his face glowing.

Blaine and Kurt looked at each other in confusion.

“You have created a wonderful kingdom and brought me many new worshippers.  Today, I want to give you a gift.”

He gestured with his hand, and suddenly a large pearly egg appeared on the bed in front of them.

“This is magnificent, my lord, but we have no need of such a treasure.”

“You are correct in naming this a treasure.  Inside this magic egg are twins, their essences taken from parts of both of you, infused with life by me.  You must spend as much time as you can with the egg, touching it and imparting your love and affection to it.  In a few months, it will hatch, and your children will be upon us.  This is my gift to you both. I only hope it will bring you as much joy as seeing you both grow and prosper has done for me.” The lord smiled and blinked out, leaving the egg behind.

Blaine reached out for the egg, and it felt warm to the touch. He could feel the lives growing inside it.  He gasped and pulled Kurt’s hand over to touch it as well.

They felt their awe and love reflecting back at them.  This was truly a gift of a god!  They both embraced the egg and kissed its shiny shell.  Kurt’s voice rose in a lullaby.  

The kingdom of Klaine with its Klainish people would lead the world into a golden age of wonders.  Nothing would hold them back.