Grim is too anxious to even glance at the buffet. Instead, he hides under its tablecloth, peeking out at the guests twirling across the dance floor. Soft music fills the space, creating a serene atmosphere that only contrasts with the turmoil knotting in his chest.

Where have you gone?

Grim watches Azul talking amicably with Grimsby, who unfortunately is likely his best chance at finding you. He also sees Rielle and Erica, though they aren't doing much. Every time he looks, Erica is unsuccessfully trying to drag him to the dance floor. For some reason, Rielle seems distracted. Grim hopes he gets his act together.

"Azul!" A voice calls out, and one of the twins (Grim can't tell which) rushes over. He leans down and whispers something into his boss's ear before they excuse themselves and slip away.

Grim looks around, then moves to follow them.

But wait! He pauses, unsure, and his ears fall back against his head. What if they aren't going to you at all? What if whatever they're doing is entirely unrelated, or a trap?

He can't be seen. You're a thief- how would you sneak around?

"You pull away, slipping the crown off the podium and taking it with you. You're in the clear.

Then you knock the top of the crown against the guard's hand."

"'Giddyup, Sparky!' You yell as Grim goes under another bush and sprints forward."

"You practically dive through the window Grim had scouted yesterday, rolling onto the floor with a thud. You make eye contact with a guard."

"You look down and see Ruggie's cart rolling into the courtyard. You clutch the vase tighter and jump over the side."

"You pull out the scroll and noisemaker..."

Scratch that, turns out that you are a terrible example. Strange, because your walk is almost silent. Like pick pocketing, it is a subtle indicator of your skill in the trade. Maybe it was one of the things that had caught Crowley's eye?

Now that he thinks about it, how did you even meet Crowley? Grim still doesn't know the full story. He understands that Crowley rescued you from the King after Prince Whats-His-Face followed you to Ramshackle, but why did the King want you in the first place?

Grim pushes these thoughts to the side. He can ask you about them later, but right now he needs to focus. He decides to follow the mermen from a distance, down a hallway where they enter a room and shut the door. Grim rushes down and presses his ear against it.

He needs a sign you're in there. Then, he can get you out.

"So good to see you, my Dear!" Azul's smooth, muffled voice announces from within. "How are you doing? Apart from being tied up, of course."

There's a pause as if he's waiting for an answer, which he never receives. When he speaks again, Azul's tone has shifted dramatically.

"How did you find out?" He asks, and Grim can hear the tension crackling through the door like a storm about to break. "It's rude to lurk."

Silence fills the room. The person seems reluctant to tell him anything, not that Grim can blame them- especially if the other twin is in there too. Grim shudders.

Still, since he can't tell who's inside, should he go? While they're distracted, this could be his chance to find you. What would you do?

"Well, nevermind that." Azul hums. "I'll find out in due time. We both know why I'm here- you want to make a deal."

...is this person insane? That's the dumbest thing Grim has ever heard of in his life. This isn't you. You aren't that dumb. Grim turns to leave.

"I do." A voice rings out. "I need an authentic mermaid outfit."

Grim's ears twitch.

***

"You want a what?" Azul asks, checking to make sure he has heard you correctly.

"A mermaid outfit." You repeat from the chair you're tied to. You feel the rays of the setting sun on your back out the window behind you like a clock. Earlier, you contemplated the odds of you escaping through it until you realizes there was nothing but water below you. Nobody would hear you over the crashing waves either, so your best bet was to lead Grim to you and give him enough time to get you out. "It's very important that I acquire one."

Silence. You're met with the stunned and confused looks of Azul, Floyd, and Jade, who can't tell if you're yanking their chain.

"...a what?" Azul repeats, tilting his head closer.

You huff. "A mermaid outfit! How many times do I need to say it?!'

They look at each other, then Floyd shoots you a look that's equal parts skeptical and stunned. "You're kidding."

"I am not!" You gasp. "Are you three seriously the ones calling me dishonest here? May I remind you that I have been nothing but a cooperative, law abiding person? I worked off my debt to you after Sparky stole the fish with honest labour, and even offered to stay behind and take inventory to make your lives easier! If this is how you treat people you work with then I don't even want to make a deal with you!" You humph and look off to the side.

"Wait!" Azul smiles sweetly. "My apologies, you're absolutely right. We have good reasons for what we did, I assure you. Tell us what we want to know and we'll explain everything- and get you, ah.... What is it?"

So you can hear what I know and then spin my version of events? While you've still got me tied up? Yeah, right.

"A mermaid outfit.." You sniff, still looking off to the side indignantly. "Fine. In that case, I want something to eat first."

Floyd deadpans. "You can't be serious."

"I'm hungry!" You snap. "You know how much energy it took to get here?"

"How did you get here?" Jade presses. "You didn't swim all the way from shore on your own."

"Get me food and I might tell you."

Azul exchanges a look with the twins before turning to you. "Of course. What would you like?"

"Calamari." You look at him innocently. "We're on a ship- surely the party has some?"

Azul inhales deeply.

***

Grim rushes out onto the deck and looks around. What now? Magic is out of the question. His stomach drops even thinking about it. He doesn't want to hurt anyone ever again.

...but if he can't use magic, will you ditch him?

"No offence, but what exactly are you bringing to the table?"

"I have magic!"

You already hate magic. After seeing what he did, what if you hate him by extension?

What if you always did? Now that you've seen only the worst of his magic, will you refuse to be with him at all since he's useless?

You said it was okay, but you say you're okay all the time when it's clearly not true.

...does he even want to be a mage anymore, and risk hurting you- or anyone else ever again?

***

"So I want it to have sequins," you list off, "and pearls, because you know. Fish."

"Why do you want a mermaid outfit?" Jade asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I figure if I'm dealing with actual mermen I should have the proper attire. You know," you add flatly, "cause I respect you guys so much and everything."

"You know there's no set mermaid attire, don't you Shrimpy?" Floyd inhakes, tapping his foot against the floor. "Clothes are a human thing. We basically swim around naked. Wanna see?"

"Floyd." Jade grits his teeth and looks to the ceiling. "Stop."

Azul facepalms, looking like he wants the ground to swallow him whole. His whole face has gone red, much to your amusement.

You look directly at Floyd. "Are you hitting on me?"

He chokes on air. "What?"

"I mean," you explain, "you did tie me up. I don't know, I'm getting some pretty mixed signals here."

Jade looks at you, eyes wide and face tinted pink.

"I'll squeeze you." Floyd threatens, trying to regain his sense of control and look menacing.

"That's not helping."

He splutters, and Azul looks ready to faint.

***

"Would you like to dance now, Rielle?" Erica asks him, wrapping herself around his arm and pulling it closer to her chest.

Rielle looks down at her. Her eyes are bright, sparkling, and shining with hope. He feels bad but wishes she would take a hint. He's pretty sure she wanted to kiss him last night on the boat, so he spent the whole time dodging questions and avoiding eye contact whenever she leaned in. It's become exhausting.

Still, he understands how she feels. For some reason you don't seem to like him very much, though he can't think of a reason why. He supposes you are just protective of the Princess.

In a way, that makes it worse. Erica is beautiful- he had thought so since the moment he first laid eyes on her. And brave! He very well could have fallen in love with her.

But then you appeared, and he saw that you are all of that and more. You're considerate and brave- you hadn't been scared when you had seen him. In fact, you were empathetic enough to put yourself in his shoes! Would Erica have thought of that?

No. Erica is determined and adventurous- both qualities he likes and admires in her. But you know when to listen. You may not have been born a princess like she was, but you have the heart of one. Just thinking about you makes him swoon.

"No thank you." Rielle shakes his head and pulls his arm away. Her face falls.

I'm sorry.

Still, Rielle's not even sure he could stomach a dance in the first place. He needs to find a way off this ship and get to you... wherever you are. Though the sun is still fairly high in the sky, it's still setting, painting hues of red and yellow across the ocean.

Rielle glances over to where Azul had been talking to Grimsby. No wonder he had been able to give him human legs- who knew the Sea Witch had a side hustle on land? He supposes it's a little morbid- Rielle eyes the fish on the table the Mostro Lounge had been responsible for catering- but it pays.

Rielle remembers Azul's encouraging smile from earlier. He really is a genuine person, though not afraid to get his hands dirty. Still, Rielle doesn't want to be a polyp. Maybe he should have negotiated a different deal. If you recognized him, you might have approached him yourself instead of sending Erica his way. Maybe he would have kissed someone on that boat ride last night. Maybe...

For the first time in his life—and perhaps all time—the merman feels a wave of seasickness.

"Rielle! Erica!"" Someone screeches, and Rielle looks around the sea of faces for whoever it could be. He almost screams when his leg is suddenly grabbed, looking down in horror. A familiar pair of bright blue eyes look up at him.

"Grim?" He yelps. "How did you-"

"No time!" Grim shakes his head, practically clawing Rielle's leg desperately. "Y/n's in trouble!"

Rielle's eyes darken, and he feels his heart stop. "What?"

***

"I can't believe it!" You wail. "You're gatekeeping being a mermaid from me!"

"No!" Azul grits his teeth. "If that's what you want, I can make you a mermaid. Just-"

"No!" You screech. "I see how it is! Only mermaids get cool outfits!"

"Mermaids don't wear outfits!"

"I'm reporting you for denying my dreams of being a mermaid princess!"

Jade steps forward, eager to grasp even the slightest bit of information. "And who will you be reporting to?"

"The Underwater Fashion Police of course!"

Floyd looks at Azul and Jade. "Can I squeeze her."

"No!" They snap back.

"I'm going back upstairs." Azul takes a deep breath and adjusts his suit. "I'll look into a mermaid outfit... whatever that means, but I'm finished wasting time."

"Aw!" You pout. "But we're all having so much fun together!"

Floyd glares at you. "No, we're-"

"Someone's coming!" Jade hisses from by the door.

"HELLLP." You shout flatly, only for Floyd to lunge over and clamp a hand over your mouth.

"Be quiet-" he stops mid-sentence, realizing you're wiggling your eyebrows. With a sigh, he looks up at the ceiling like he's questioning why fate cursed him with your presence.

There's a knock at the door.

"Wrong room!" Azul calls, only for the door to be blasted open. Everyone ducks away in shock, and Floyd moves to cover you from the blue flames. A tall, blonde man appears in the doorway with a small, furry monster at his side.

"Rielle!" Azul pales and forces a smile. "I can expl-" His sentence is abruptly cut off as Rielle's fist connects with his face.

Grim scurries to your side and releases a blast of heat, weakening the ropes enough for you to pull free. However, Floyd reacts just as quickly. He grabs your wrists, holding them against the chair and locking you under him. He looks into your eyes.

"You're not going anywhere."

Grim bares his teeth and lunges at him, sinking his fangs into his hand. Floyd yelps and reflexively pulls away, freeing you. You worm yourself out of his other hand and shove past him to the exit.

Meanwhile, Rielle tackles Azul to the ground, distracting Jade. You run right past him as he tries to restrain the determined blonde from killing his boss, who's groaning on the floor and trying to protect himself from a flurry of punches.

"Wait-" Floyd calls after you as you run out the door, Grim at your heels.

You sprint out onto the main deck and look around for Erica, pushing through the crowd. Finally, you spot her—a vision in a stunning white and blue dress looking every bit the princess she is. This is Rielle's true love, and she's probably wondering where on earth he disappeared to.

When she spots you, her eyes grow wide with shock. She looks you up and down, rushing over with a gasp. "Y/n! How did you get here? Where's Rielle?"

"In a fist fight with my landlord."

"What?!"

"Quickly! We need your help! Grab some guards and come with me!" You grab her by the wrist and try to tug her in the direction you came from. She pulls back.

"Y/n, what's going on here?"

"Rielle is in trouble!" You explain frantically. "Azul, Jade, and Floyd-"

"Mr. Ashengrotto and company?"

"Yes!" You nod, trying to pull her along. "Rielle came to save me since they had me tied up downstairs and now he's in trouble too! Guards, Erica! Guards!"

She stares at you, still refusing to budge. "Are you feeling well?"

"No!" You screech, turning around. Your eyes are bloodshot from salt and all the crying you've been doing. Your hair is damp and crunchy. Your clothes are still wet and definitely not suited for the occasion. You smell like a fish. "Obviously not! I literally swam across the ocean to get here!"

She winces and looks around. "Guards!"

You sigh. "Thank yo-"

"Seize her!"

You freeze and turn around, eyes wide. You're not even sure you heard her right until you see the six guards rushing over to restrain you.

Erica refuses to meet your eyes, looking to the side guiltily.

Your voice is small. "Erica?"

The guards grab you by the arms and the next thing you know, you're on your knees with your head down before her.

***

"Let go of me!" Rielle thrashes and squirms in the twin's arms. Azul has to give the blonde credit where it's due- not many people are strong enough, or crazy enough, that both Jade and Floyd are needed to hold them down.

Azul has a wicked glint behind his eyes, though he speaks calmly. Blood drips from his nose, and his skin is a patchwork of blues and purples. "Let's all calm down, shall we? Y/n has escaped, which means the guards will likely be down here any second."

"I hope they cut out your tongue." Rielle spits, which surprises Azul. When the Prince had come to him for help impressing a human girl, he had been disgustingly innocent and unsuspecting. Now, he looks at Azul with pupils mere pinpricks against a turbulent gray sea of anger. His breath comes in ragged, seething gasps, nostrils flaring as his fingers tremble. His jaw is clenched so tightly that it seems his teeth might crack, and the veins in his neck bulge as if they could burst at any moment. Every muscle in his body is tense, as if he is barely restraining the violence within.

What happened to him?

"Charming." Azul drawls, wiping blood from his nose. The prince is louder now and annoying in a whole new way, but the businessman doesn't care enough to probe. "Though, you certainly do make things easier."

Rielle's eyes narrow. "What do you mean?"

"I might almost feel guilty if you continued to behave like a naive child, but you're the ideal hostage." Azul steps forward, eyes emotionless and hollow. "I have no intention of going down with this ship."

"Before we do anything else, perhaps we should see how the guests above react to Y/n's claims." Jade proposes. "We are in good standing with the elites, and she is essentially a nobody to them."

"Yeah, but isn't she friends with the princess?" Floyd points out.

"Stay. Away from her!" Rielle seethes. "I swear, if you lay one hand on Y/n then I'll-"

"Silence him."

Floyd casually kicks the blonde's back, forcing him to cut himself off with a groan.

"We will see the Princess's reaction." Azul agrees. "And act from there."

***

"Why?" You stare at Erica, eyes wide with hurt. The guests have formed a crowd to spectate the drama unfolding, whispering amongst themselves. You're humiliated. "Erica, what's going on?"

"Y/n, you're acting erratic!" She explains. "You need to calm down!"

"Are you kidding?" You stare at her, wounded and bewildered.

"You never showed up at the docks, no explanation, only appear on the ship when it's miles from shore, drenched, hair looking like you haven't brushed it in your life, send your ferret to get Rielle, and then claim he's getting jumped by three of the most benevolent men in the Kingdom?"

"You don't understand!" You try to explain. Why do you always have guards after you? "Also that hair comment was not necessary. It's Azul-"

"The philanthropist who funded this whole event? You seriously expect me to believe that?"

Of course he did.

"Erica," You tell her slowly. "Rielle is in trouble. Are you really willing to risk something happening to him?"

Her eyes widen, hurt, as her face turns bright red. "Not the point!"

"What is the point then?"

"You're acting crazy! What's gotten into you?"

"I'm not crazy!" You argue. "Go down and see for yourself! Azul and the others are down there with Rielle-"

"Is Rielle hurt?"

"Well... I mean, probably by now!"

"Probably? By now?" She gives you a look. "So you don't even know?"

"There's three of them and one of him!" You argue.

"Why would they be attacking Rielle?"

"We didn't." Everyone's eyes drift to the bloody, bruised, and grimacing businessman emerging from the hall. Behind him, the twins drag Rielle out by the arms. "He attacked me."

The crowd gasps, and Erica puts her hand to her mouth in shock.

"No..." Your eyes start to water as you make eye contact with Rielle. His face is expressionless, but his eyes are soft.

"...you were right." Erica mumbles softly. "He is crazy. I'm so sorry I didn't believe you before, Y/n, but don't worry." Her eyes are full of tears when she looks back at you, expression gentle. "I won't let him hurt you anymore."

You stare at her, unable to respond. How are you supposed to get out of this one? Both you and