Chapter 1

Mermaids, or Mermen were stories that old sailors talked about, they where half human and half fish, beings that live under the sea. Most said they had seen the creatures, many said they had been saved by them. But are they real or are they only a tall tale? Who knows

After all, no one had any physical proof of such a ludicrous creature. No pictures, no actual tangible proof. So, the tales of merpeople died away but... the rulers of the sea never actually died with those tales, and neither did the human fascination with the deep sea...

Daichi smiled as he swam quietly out of the small underwater cove. It was still dark in the tropical waters of his home, giving the waters a crisp chill that made Daichi smile to himself as he swam.

He was told time and time again that it was a bad idea to get too intrigued with the land creatures... but Daichi simply couldn't help himself! They made such enchanting things.

Daichi smiled as he reached the beach, just as the sun was rising. He pulled himself onto the sandy shore and laid back, just enjoying the chance to bask in the golden orb's warmth as it brought the world to life. He had never actually... seen a human... but seeing isn't everything. Daichi sighed and sat up to look around at the land he would never be a part of.

"I wish I wasn't stuck in the sea... I would love to explore all that the land has to offer," he murmured shaking some sand from his drying hair. "If only I could."

"I knew I'd find you here."

Daichi smiled when his childhood friend Tyson pulled himself on the sandy shore as well. "Well I mean come on.... This place is heaven." Daichi pulled his fin out of the water and let it fan out. Daichi was one of the oddest looking creatures of the sea his tail was luxurious and a pretty odd colored. Unlike most mermen whose tails where black, blue, or brown his tail was a bloody red that when the sun hit it, it looked like rubies. His fin was a dark brown. This went well with his brown skin and long flaming red hair. 

"You're odd Daichi," Tyson said. "Why would you want to leave a paradise like ours just to be with those things?"

Daichi shrugged lightly. "I just suppose I want more then this..." he moved his hair from his bright green eyes.

"Anyway... Have you picked a mate yet? You're running out of time you know," Tyson asked as he lay on the sand. It was a well-known fact that Tyson had begun developing a crush on Daichi when they had grown of age. It was almost time for all the young merfolk to pick their mates, but Daichi didn't really want one if it meant for him to give up his dream of being on land and he didn't like the idea of being paired with someone forever.

Daichi didn't mind Tyson; if he were to be mated he would actually prefer the other. His fins were more suited to fast swimming, which is why he often caught lunch and shared with the red head but what made him so was that Tyson was a rare merman; he didn't have a fish tail, but his was a snake like tail. It was a Light blue and it matched the sea, so when he swam it was side to side and up and down. Down his spine was web like things that were dark blue.

This went well with his spiky blue hair and deep eyes. Daichi could see why men and women loved him. "No, I have not pick, and I don't think I will," Daichi said laying down

"You say that now," Tyson yawned

Daichi and Tyson stayed until the sun rose high into the sky and Hiro began to worry they may get caught. So, with a sigh, Daichi slid back into the only world he'd truly know. He looked back only once, before diving under the waves behind Tyson.

Daichi looked back up at the surface as he turned around and followed Tyson deeper into the sea.



"Your Highness?"

The blond prince glanced up as he focused once more on the sea before him, his paintbrush moving with grace, depicting the elegance before him.

"The queen insists you attend dinner, my master."

Max lifted his gaze up towards the servant. He wasn't quite sure whether this particular servant was male or female, but he assumed female with their fine Kimono of silk and the long black hair pulled effortlessly back in a fine braid.

"Sir, is it possible that you also speak to the Queen on what I requested?"

Now Max remembered. His name was Rei and he had been bought for his first birthday as his personal servant. Under the kimono hid a well-muscled form.

"Yes, of course Rei," Max gave a smile as he nodded and stood. "I'll speak to my mother on the subject of proper clothes for you." That always slipped his mind when he was painting.

Max hurried down the marble steps only to see his mother, Queen Judy, tapping her fingers impatiently on the edge of the counter. 

"Max! You're late for your lesson!" She said as she pointed him towards a young man in a fighter's clothes, the billowy white sleeves clinging to him as he pulled a rapier from his belt.

"Are you ready, your highness?" The ginger haired man asked as the two pairs of blue eyes met.

"Sure, Brooklyn," Max wasn't a prince, oh no, his family was just beyond rich! And as so he was giving the title Prince Max, but he didn't want that, he didn't want to study in the large house all day or have to be around the rich and snobby but there was nothing he could do. Max sighed as he followed his trainer outside and onto the sandy beach.



"Lord Tyson, Lord Daichi," Daichi and Tyson turned around to see a shining male swim to them.

"Hey Garland," Daichi said as the man came to a stop. His long slivery hair flowed behind them as he smiled at the two princes. "King Hiro wants to see you both now."

The two males sighed and swam after Garland, his shining moonlight tail swishing in front of them. Soon the entered the undersea palace gates and all the Mermen and Mermaids bowed before them as they passed.

Soon they entered the place and up to the throne where an older looking male that looked like Tyson sat. His midnight tail and dull green fan fanned out as he looked down at his younger brothers.

"Where were you two?" He asked smiling.

"Out..." Daichi lied, he knew his big brother hated it when he went to the land.

"You didn't go to the human world did you?" asked Hiro with a raised eyebrow.

Garland laughed "King Hiro, I don't think they would break your rule for the forty-fifth time in a row," he said with a smile.

"Fine.... " Hiro said not believing Garland. "You two are late for your tutoring! Go!"

Daichi rolled his eyes as Tyson and he followed Garland into the back of the kingdom.

Hiro sighed, he had to take over after his father was killed and watched his brothers, which was hard when Tyson was in love with Daichi and Daichi could care less! As well as Daichi's little thing with humans.... Iyaha this was a lot to deal with.

"You were there on the Beach, huh?" Garland asked.

"Well, if it wasn't for your stories..." Growled Tyson as his snake tail waved.

"My stories? Well they are just stories..." Garland said. "None of it is real. there are no humans."

"But you said that humans could swim like us," Daichi said with a pout.

"You're so dumb Dai!" Tyson wrapped his tail around Daichi and grinned. "You can tell he's making it up."

Daichi pushed Tyson away. "He is not, come on.... swimming in this sea is nice... but it is kind of dull," the red head pouted.

"Aww you're so cute when you pout!" Tyson tried to kiss Daichi but the young male ducked.

"Go after some one other then me... try Garland."

"Gar's too old!" Tyson whined. 

This made Garland growl. "I am not old!" Then he pulled out a stick. "Now, shut up and sit down... it's time for your lesson." If there was one thing Garland hated it was Tyson talking about his age. Garland was only nineteen, Hiro was twenty, Tyson was seventeen, and Daichi was the baby. He was only fourteen, but he didn't look it.

Garland looked at Daichi out of the corner of his eye as he started his lesson about the types of ways to dodge sharks. The red haired boy was looking up at the sky with longing eyes so Garland thought of something.

He put down his things and smiled. "Okay boys, we are going to take a trip."

Tyson rolled his eyes. "Oh joy... to where? A reef?" he asked dully.

"No-No... we are..." Garland floated above them. "Going above water." The sliver haired man took off upward

"What?!" Yelled Tyson turned around and saw Daichi swimming after their teacher. "Are you insane?" Tyson asked as he got to them. "If we go up there we'll be seen."

Daichi looked at his brother. "You said there are no humans so then we have nothing to worry about," said Daichi as he looked at Tyson.

"Hiro will kill us!"

"Don't worry, what he doesn't know won't hurt us." Garland said before he kept going, Daichi stuck his tongue out at Tyson and kept going too.

Tyson growled but he followed as well.



Max ran at Brooklyn when his kanta stick, but the orange haired man moved out of the way and Max tripped into the sand. He gave a growl but the ginger haired man easily leapt with the grace that bellied his profession. "Don't tell me that was your best shot," he said with a smile before moving in perfect time.

Max blew the sand out as he landed face first once more. "Damn," he muttered as he glowered at Brooklyn.

"Max! Have you asked yet?"

Max gave a look at his personal servant as he shook his head, taking note that Rei had let his hair loose. "No, not yet," he growled slightly as he was rewarded with a smack to the back of his head.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Max yelled.

Brooklyn sighed at that. "You have to do better. Stop daydreaming all the time." The man said as he walked away and dropped into a fighting stance. "On four."



Daichi, Garland, and Tyson popped their heads up above water and looked around. " See, I said there were no Humans."

"Then what are they?" Daichi asked pointing. Tyson and Garland looked and their mouths dropped. Sure as the sun comes up there were three humans on the beach.
 
"Damn, we better-"
 
"HI!" Daichi yelled as loud as he could.
 
"No!" Garland and Tyson grabbed Daichi and shoved him back underwater.
 
Max tripped as he ran at Brooklyn and Rei had to giggle at his lord's falling. "I said run, not trip," Brooklyn said as he helped Max up.

"I know. But didn't you just hear some one yell 'Hi'?" The blond asked. Brooklyn and Rei looked at each other and said "No."

Brooklyn yawned, "come on, it's time for your horseback ridding lesson."

"I know I heard something," Max whispered as he walked away.

 

"Are you trying to kill us?!" Tyson yelled at his brother once they got back underwater.  "What the hell is wrong with you!"

"What's the big deal?" Daichi growled. "It was only them of them and I wanted to say hi."

"Daichi," Garland started. "We can't let humans know we live down here. They'll come down here."

Daichi looked at this brother and teacher. "So what? What can they do to us?"

"They can kill you."

Daichi, Tyson, and Garland froze as Hiro came into view. "Didn't I say don't go up there?" He glared at his brothers and long time friend.

"Sorry, I just thought Daichi would like to see the land," Garland said.

Hiro looked at Garland and sighed. "I told you about this Garland! I don't want to banish you." Hiro turned to look at Daichi but when he did Daichi was gone.

The red head has slipped off as the older males were talking.

"DAICHI!" Hiro yelled.
 
 

Daichi had gone back up to the surface and was looking around for the humans he saw before, but the beach was bare. "They must of left…" He whispered sadly. Just then he saw three things running across the beach and he gasped when he saw one of them was the blond he had saw before. "Hi!!!!!!" he yelled waving.
 
Max came to stop when he heard the yell, as well as Brooklyn and Rei. "Where did that come from?" Max asked.

"Over there!" Rei pointed to the sea and the other two men saw a boy out in the sea waving.
 
"I think he needs help." Brooklyn said as Daichi waved. Just then something grabbed Daichi’s tail and started pulling him down.

"What?" Not wanting to go down Daichi started to fight what ever had his tail but to Max, Rei, and Brooklyn he looked like he was drowning.
 
"Shit!" Max got off the horse and started to run into the sea but Daichi had gone under water and Hiro and Garland pulled the fighting male deeper under water just as Max had gotten to the spot.
 
"Where did he go?" Max asked.
 
 
 
SMACK
 
Hiro's hand  met Daichi's face. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" he yelled at Daichi. "Do you want us to die?"
 
"My lord, don't you think that..." Garland started but Hiro growled at him.

"Shut up Garland… Right now," he hissed his eyes blazing. Then he looked back Daichi. "Go home now!"
 
Daichi sniffed a bit and nodded, his face still a bit red as Tyson swam ahead to swim with Daichi to calm him down and behind them were Hiro and Garland.
 
But Tyson couldn't forget the golden-eyed human on the beach. His mind went back to the bronze colored skin and hair darker than the deepest cave. But what caught Tyson's gaze the most was the colorful 'skin' that covered his body and the smooth fins that split in two.
 
He sighed as he stared up towards where the water broke into the surface. "They were beautiful," Daichi whispered from beside his friend.
 
"I have to see him again," Tyson finally spoke up as he turned back to Daichi who nodded his head. "Hiro is mad at you, you know." The red head didn't say anything as they closer to home.
 
 
 
Pale hands slid over a finely muscled back as the alabaster skinned merman opened his eyes, crimson glimmering in the darkness of the cold cave. He reached out his hand to stroke it over the cheek of his ever-faithful servant. Strong fingers dug through the dual colored hair, pulling the crimson eyed one down into a fierce kiss.
 
"Sasha," Kai whispered the boys name as he allowed him to attend to his throat as he yanked on the silken white hair and the off colored, silver eyes, staring into empty space. He knew this ever loyal boy had never seen him, never would, but he had stayed loyally at his side throughout his banning from the merkingdom.
 
But one day Kai knew he would gain his revenge.
 
"Master." Sasha whispered in Kai's ear as strong arms brought him close. "I heard that the king's baby brother has fallen in love."
 
This had perked Kai's interest as he lifted Sasha up so his jet-black tail could curl around his waist and seat himself on his lap. "Tell me more," Kai murmured as he pressed his lips to the tanned throat.
 
"He's in love with a human," a smirk flickered over Kai's lips at hearing this as he flicked his blue tail to swim towards the sandy floor, his hand trailing down the flat stomach as his lips found the sensitive skin.
 
"Excellent," Kai hissed against the soft skin as his midnight blue tail flicked, moving so that he was resting on top of Sasha. He slid his hand down, finally finding the flap of skin that hid away his tight entrance.
 
The blind merman arched at the touch as Kai's other hand brushed over his face, staring into the empty eyes. "The king will pay for what he did to you, to us," Kai whispered as he pressed kisses to his eyelids before drawing back, his fingers sliding into the hidden warmth. Sasha didn't shiver and wince anymore when he touched him, a sign of his great trust and Kai knew better than to abuse that, after what the king had done to them both.
 
The royal family would pay. 
 



   Chapter 2
 
"Prince Max, are you alright?" Rei asked as he walked into the young man’s bedroom.

"Yea, I guess..." The younger male trailed off as he looked out the window.

Rei placed a hand on Max's head and sighed. He was the boy’s servant but he was also Max's best friend. Max had looked for hours for that boy but he couldn't find him, and the blond felt bad, afraid that he was dead.

Rei had to think of something that would get his lord’s mind off of today’s events. "You know... I believe he was a mermaid." Rei said, he knew this would get the other’s mind off of things.

"A what?" Max asked

"A mermaid, half fish half human," Rei stood up and walked around Max's bedroom. "You never heard of them?" Rei looked at Max. This had gotten Max interest.

"Tell me…"

Rei smiled, his long hair flowing behind him. "They live in an underwater kingdom. It's like something out of a book. There are all kinds, red tails, blue tails, white tails, yellow tails, so many!" A glint was in Rei's eyes as he smiled.

"It’s said that these things bring bad luck, others say they know the sea’s deepest secrets and have all the riches. They even can take human form."

"Really?" Max was on the edge of his seat now.

"Yes!" Rei walked over to the window and looked out at the sea with longing eyes. "They say that the mermaids can talk like us, as well, but they don't understand us or the things we do..." the male trailed off.

"Rei…"

Rei blinked as he came back to the real world. "Oh I’m sorry Lord Max," the boy smiled, bit Max didn't believe his smile. "But they are only stories," Rei bowed to Max and said. "My lord, I am going to go take a bath if that is alright."

"Sure," Rei walked away and Max's eyes followed the boy, There was something going on with Rei.

Rei took off his robe and let the silk hit the floor. He was Max servant so he had a room and bathroom to himself. The man looked into the water and slowly got in. Rei had to bite back a moan of pain as he felt pain shoot though him.

Rei opened his eyes and stared at the white and black tiger shark tail. He sadly ran his finger over the scales. He had come here on land years ago and never went back, he never once stepped foot back into the sea. He liked it here on the land but he did miss the sea greatly.

Once Rei was done with his bath he dried his tail off well, so it wasn't moist. If anything wet got on him, well... he didn't want to think about that. He opened the door and found on his bed a pair of silk white pants and a black silk top. On the top of it was a note.

It read: I told you I'd ask her. Love Max

Rei only laughed.



Daichi sighed as he swam into his room. Hiro had told him he couldn't come down to dinner tonight, but Daichi didn't care, he was still thinking about that boy that ran into the water. What was he doing? Daichi didn't know, but he did want to talk to him.

"Daichi?" Tyson opened the door and saw his brother looking like he was in deep thought.

"I told you they where real," Daichi said as he grinned at his brother.

"I know, but I don't think it's a good idea for us to go up there anymore." Tyson said as he floated down to Daichi's bed.

"But!" Daichi looked at Tyson "You wanted to see them too!"

Tyson sighed "So? We're not human, we can't be human and they can't come down here." Daichi looked at Tyson and sighed. "Anyway, Daichi, forget the humans, you need to find a mate." Tyson went over to Daichi and wrapped his tail around Daichi and hugged him from behind.

"I told you, leave me alone."

Tyson huffed. "Fine, wallow away with your human, see if I care." With that the older prince left the younger one alone for that night.



"Ahhh!" Sasha shot up from his bed. The white haired boy was shaking hard and the noise of the yell was enough to wake Kai in a bolt, pulling the other man into his arms. He stroked the long hair as Sasha buried his face into Kai’s chest, clutching onto his shoulders.

“I had a dream, about the explosion,” Sasha whispered as he nestled closer into the protective arms.

Kai pressed a soft kiss to Sasha’s hair as he pulled him close, trying to comfort the boy. “It’s alright,” he whispered as he cradled him in his arms and pulled him close. He hated seeing him like this every night, and he knew exactly who to blame.

Sasha clutched to Kai’s arms before finally falling asleep once more, his head resting on his mate’s chest as he curled close, his tail wrapped around Kai’s waist to hold himself close. 

Kai brushed his hand through the flowing white hair as he stared up at the darkness of the cave they had been banned to. The royal family would be punished for what they had done, he would make sure of it.

“Love…” he whispered, trying to move his mate back to their bed with a flick of his tail. His small body wasn’t hard to move, until he sensed something near by.

Kai’s eyes narrowed as he saw the shadows moving by. “Sharks…” he hissed as he pulled Sasha closer. The blind boy would never outrun them without his help. 



Tyson hadn’t told Daichi but he had gone back to the surface. He had to see the human with the fine hair again and see him he did, but the way he saw him made his eyes widen in shock.

“Damnit,” Rei swore as he stared at the boy in the water. Longing had been aching at his heart and all he had wanted was a brief swim, figuring no one would find him in the middle of the night. He was dead wrong and he realized it as he stared into the wide brown eyes.

“Do all humans have tails?” Tyson asked, wide-eyed at what he was seeing. Were humans creatures of the sea too? He had to tell Daichi this one!  

Rei’s mouth wasn’t working as he stared at the boy, not sure what to say. “I’m a different type of human,” he finally said, feeling fairly stupid. He knew that if he got out of the water there was a good chance that he could get caught.

“Are you really a human?” Tyson asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Can you swim with those?”

“Yes!” Rei gave him an undignified look.

Tyson didn’t look like he believed him though, and threw a glance back to Max’s mansion before sliding in the rest of the way. “I’ll be back tomorrow night,” Rei whispered as he ducked his head under the water and Tyson stared in amazement.

Garland was right! Humans could swim just like them!



Sasha had awoken at the sound of the shark crashing against the small entrance to the cave and Kai covered his mouth, wanting to desperately save his mate’s life. When he had been banished he had been stripped of all weapons, but just maybe there was something in the cave that could save them. He had long ago given up caring for his own life but he did worry for Sasha. There wasn’t another person alive that would care for a blind merman, and he would die if left on his own.

The shark growled as it tried to get its jaws into the cave. Sasha buried his head into Kai's chest. "Kai..." Sasha whispered, for once he was glad he couldn't see.

The Shark was getting closer every time, then it stopped. Kai watched as the shark seemed to take interest in something other then them.

"Did it leave?" Sasha asked timidly.

"Yeah it did," Kai assured him but he wanted to know why it did.



 "You’re not bad for a land thing." Tyson said as he watched Rei keep up with him.
"Anyone ever tell you, you talk too much?" Rei asked as he passed Tyson, his long catfish tail was a lot more powerful than Tyson's snake one. The two swam though the dark water with only the moon being their light.

"If you are like me... why haven't I seen you before now?" Tyson asked as he stopped in front of Rei. Tyson's eyes burned into Rei's golden ones. "Why do you look like him..?" Without thinking Tyson put his hand on Rei's face and traced the whisker like marks there.

Rei Blushed lightly and moved his head. "I didn't say touch me, and anyway…" Rei looked up at the moon though the water.  I live on land, I don't like being in the sea anymore."

"Why?" Why would some one not like this place?

"Because..." Rei stopped and the color in his face drained. "SHARK!" He yelled and Tyson moved just in time and the shark that was messing with Kai and Sasha came zooming at them.

The shark made a U-turn and charged at the males once more. "Come on!" Tyson and Rei took off with the shark hot on them. No matter where they went that fish was gaining.

"Down there." Tyson grabbed Rei's hand and dove down deeper into the sea floor.

The shark growled as it looked for its sea food, but the sea floor was so deep that it couldn't see anything. With a roll of its eyes the shark turned and swam away.

Behind a large rock were Tyson and Rei. Tyson had Rei's body pulled to his so the shark wouldn't get him. Rei could hear Tyson's heartbeat and once the fish was gone Rei pulled away. "I ... have to go."

Rei turned around to leave, but Tyson grabbed his arm and pulled him back. Rei turned around and found himself in a deep liplock. The first thing Rei did was growl and smack Tyson in the face. "Ass!" he snapped before he swam away.

"My name is Tyson!" the boy yelled but he didn't seem to mind the pain in his face, but Rei was gone. "Ow... he can hit hard." Tyson whispered as he headed home.

Unknown to them, Kai had seen the whole thing.