realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act I

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Chapter 03: Act I

The Little Mermaid: Act I—

§ instructions.

The first Act of our third campaign is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own toplevels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique toplevel and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the toplevels. There are also toplevels for each Sub Quest this time around, but players are more than welcome to create their own individual toplevel if they have something else in mind they would like to do.

As a reminder, characters will find similar information and instructions within their journals so they won't go in blind. Also to note, all characters will have all their belongings within them as well as the additional supplies provided to them by the Storyteller. As you know, everyone has undergone a special "mermaid" transformation upon arriving into the Book, but do note: characters in Main Scenes will have a second wardrobe change while acting the scene. Their merform will stay the same, but they'll have additional bits to add to their role. Outfits will be provided in the prompts themselves, and these outfits will only be in affect during the scene. The moment they leave the setting area, they return to their other wardrobe.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to travel to the "setting location" and then return. Threading all of that isn't necessary, but it's to help give a better idea that characters can take a break between scenes or wait a bit to help with other things like the Sub Quests.

Feel free to refer to the Game Notes for more detailed info as well as ask questions or clarifications.

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The freezing cold water was a shock to his system and for a moment, he felt like he was frozen in place, paralyzed by the intense temperature change.

His first urge was to gasp for air, but he control it, trying to turn in the water to swim to the surface. Even if he could see under the water in this form (which he couldn't, normal human eyes right now-), there was nothing but darkness, beyond the flashes of lightning he could barely make out where he was.

Air-- he needed air--

He felt two hands on his shoulders, turning him to face--

Dojima was barely able to make out the face across from him in the dark water-- until a lightning strike illuminated the sky, showing him a wavery, human ish face--

Wearing a very distinct crown.

Reaching out, Dojima gripped one of the 'mermaid's' hands, nodding. He was conscience, thank goodness- now please help him get to the surface!

Once he saw and felt Dojima grip one of his hands and see the movement of his head, Eustace relaxed just a fraction. The older man was conscious, which means he would be able to help swim instead of needing him to drag up dead weight.

Without another moment to waste, Eustace slips his arms under Dojima's arms for a better grip before propelling them forward and upward with the strength of his tail. He can still feel eyes following their movements, but that would have to stay in the back of his mind. He instead focused on the waters surface occasionally illuminated by lightning strikes before they finally break the surface.

He continued to support Dojima, allowing him time to catch some air, but it was difficult. The waters were turbulent from the wild waves.

"How well can you swim?" he asked once there was an opportunity.

Dojima tried to assist his rescuer, kicking to propel them forward, but well, human legs could only do so much compared to a literal fish tail.

Upon hitting the surface, Dojima took a deep, involuntary breath-- and then coughed, as salt water got right down his throat from the swirling water, damnit it...

It took him a minute or so to finally, get to a point where he could talk, but the wind was howling--

"W-well, enough, in calmer water..."

He'd gone swimming in the river and in the ocean before, but this was an entirely other level for him.

"We, need to, keep moving--"

Regardless, he'd do what he could to keep himself above water.

Eustace continued to support Dojima, keeping his arm around him even while he coughed. He knew the surface would be bad, but he didn't realize it was this bad. If they weren't careful they could easily be caught by the waves. What even happened to the ship? He didn't even think to look back, both due the current situation as well as knowing it wasn't really important. Regardless, trying to swim through these rough waters was going to be—well, a pain.

Just as he was about to answer, they would get a little luck. His passing thought about the ship will be somewhat well timed as driftwood from the wreckage was already drifting past them. Seeing a large piece, he releases his hold from Dojima long enough to swim out and grab it before bringing it back to him, along with some rope.

"Here, tie one of this to yourself and I'll hold onto the other. And use this—I'll pull you. It should be faster than if you tried to swim, at least until the waters become too rough."

Not only that, but with Dojima tied to him there was less risk of them being separated, so that if something did happen Eustace would be able to quickly retrieve him.

"H-hey--!"

Okay, suddenly being released like that when he'd been relying on Eustace to keep him at the surface was... not a great feeling to say the least. Dojima's head definitely dipped under the water for more than a little bit, before surfacing again with a gasp--

And seeing the 'Mermaid' coming back with some wreckage and a rope.

Oh, So that's what he was up to--

"T-thanks," Dojima pushed down his annoyance for a moment, quickly grabbing hold of the wood with one hand, while trying to tie the other with his free one. More than a little difficult, but--

There, that should do it.

"...Next time you let go of me like that, give me a heads up, would you?"

That was fair to ask, right?

Dojima might have to get used to Eustace suddenly acting on his own like that—it was more than likely to happen again despite the very fair request.

"If there's enough time," was Eustace's only reply as he worked on fastening the rope to his waist, just above where his tail began. It was clear he was too focused on the situation at hand and how to deal with it than anything else, but he would try to keep it in mind, at least now that it was brought to his attention.

He then glanced back at the older man.

"Do you know the direction of the shore?"

Ah, great, a 'lone wolf' type, just what he needed...

At least the other man seemed actually capable, so he shouldn't complain too much. Both hands now on the wreckage, Dojima held on tight as another large waved swept over them.

D-damn, it took a lot of his strength to hold on...

"The shore--" Did he have any idea? How could he? The clouds had blotted out any sign of stars, even if he could read them, and there was no sign of land--

He'd glanced up towards the horizon, to see if he could make out anything in the storm, when he saw it-- in the distance, a sweep of light across the fog and rain-- and then another--

"--I see a lighthouse, that way--!" He pointed with one hand, still making sure to grip the wreckage with his other arm.

A lighthouse?

After bracing against the waves, Eustace looked over in the direction Dojima pointed. It took a moment, but he eventually saw the sweep of light. It was going to be a long swim and he still feels as if something was watching them from somewhere below, but they had no choice. They had spent enough time trying to get their bearings.

"Hold on," were his only words, giving Dojima only a few precious seconds to prepare before he dove underwater to begin swimming. Although the water helped, he could feel the weight and drag from the man behind him.

"--Got it."

Fortunately, he was quick to react when given appropriate warning, and moved to grip the wreckage more fully, treating it almost like a surf board-- before being dragged along at a speed that was surprising, even in this storm.

Still, Dojima was dead weight in this situation, and he knew it. The waves were crashing over him with no restraint, the wind whipping past his face, and only his own upper body strength was going to keep him above water.

He was really, really glad he had been chosen for this role, as much as his own fears were catching up with him... along with the hypothermia. Better him than the kids. ... Or Nanaki for that matter, considering how he can't grip anything... being a dog...

Suddenly, Dojima felt an intense, sharp pull on his leg, pulling him backwards-- nearly causing him to lose his grip completely.

"W-what the--?!"

Shit, something was there-- the blots...?!

Knowing that the longer they were in the water and in these conditions, the more risk Dojima would be. It was one of the many reasons why Eustace tried to keep up a brisk pace, intending to get them to shore as soon as possible. However, it would of course wouldn't be "smooth sailing."

The moment Dojima is pulled backwards, Eustace feels some of it from the rope, but it's the shout that makes him stop and turn. Dojima couldn't see it since he was at the surface, but underwater the Erune could. It was one of the blot merfolk, similar to the ones that had been milling around the underwater palace. But what was it doing up here, and why was it pulling on Dojima's leg—!

Before Eustace could react, it gives a hard yank on Dojima's leg, hands grasping at the fabric to try and forcibly pull him under. The strength is far beyond what either could have expected and it may feel like as if he's being sucked in by a powerful undercurrent. And if Dojima is pulled under, so will Eustace due to being tied to him—at least first.

Dojima kicked at the grabbing hand full force, trying to wring his pant legs from the creature. It's hands tore into the fabric of his pants, but that didn't halt it's attacks; no, it only made it angrier, grabbing his now bare leg and digging it's claws into him.

"A-argh--!"

The pain ripped through Dojima like fire, but he still gripped onto the wreckage, his fingers digging into the wood--he could feel the wood start to splinter, wincing as it pierced his finger tips, but he wasn't, letting go without a--

"G-grk--"

The next pull was so powerful, so sudden--

Dojima fell beneath the waves with barely a sound. Immediately, arms wrapped around him, one hand covering his mouth and nose, the other holding him in place, preventing his escape to the surface, pulling him further below.

...Then more hands, more arms, pulling at his legs and arms, wrapping around his neck--

Dojima struggled hard in the grip of what he could only guess were blots, the darkness of the water blinding him completely. He shoved his elbows into the creatures, kicked at them, trying to reach for Excalibur, but--

He was going to drown, if he didn't, get help...!"

Fortunately for Dojima, Eustace was quick to react, slowed only by the number of blots that had appeared. He had also been accosted, but he managed to draw his long knife and stab one through, freeing himself so that he could tail whip another and completely break free from the small mob. Seeing Dojima precarious situation, he charged forward, cutting through the water to ram into one of the blot mermen holding Dojima's leg. He then proceeds to slash at the one at his neck, and soon their attention shifts onto their attacker.

It should at least be enough to loosen their grip for Dojima to break free from their grasp.

Dojima could see the corners of his vision start to blur and fade, even the eyes of the blots beginning to lose their luster as his body begged for oxygen. Fighting back was just wearing him out faster, but what choice did he have?!

A burst of bubbles left his mouth as the blot's hands increased their pressure around his windpipe, when suddenly he felt his leg twist back, before it was-- free?!

And then suddenly the chokehold on his neck was gone-- He could feel the tug of the rope around his middle moving, and realised-- Eustace was giving him an escape route. He jabbed his elbow into the blot still holding his middle, hard, managing to wriggle free before his attackers could regroup.

Dojima couldn't remember swimming faster in his life before, his desperation for air overcoming his fatigue; though at some point, he felt the rope around his middle pull taunt, snapping into his gut. Damn it, right, they were still connected-- Just a bit more, and he'd get to the surface...!

Eustace was fighting furiously to try and give Dojima all opportunity to swim up, even lingering behind to keep them distracted. But he didn't realize how long (or short) the rope was, so the moment he felt it go taut he quickly glanced up. Damn. At first he tried to swim up to give the man more slack, but then he was grabbed by one of the blots and dragged down several precious inches.

Gritting his teeth, he was left with no choice but to reach up and slash his blade through the rope before swinging it down to stab the offending blot. He had to exert more force into his movements due to being underwater, force he could feel starting to burn, but as a hardened soldier he just continued.

After freeing himself from the one who tried to drag him down, he quickly spun around to slam his tail against another. One of the oysters that had been clamped onto his tail breaks free, but he paid little attention to it. More time is wasted as he dispatched a third, but once done he turned his attention upward and swam up. Hopefully Dojima managed to get to the surface, but if not...

He hastened his ascent.

Dojima could feel the rope slacken, then tighten-- glancing over his shoulder, he couldn't make much out from the murky, dark depths...

...When suddenly the rope went completely slack. Eustace must have cut him loose. A fear for his team mate rang through Dojima's mind, he hated the idea of leaving the other man behind to fight or him. But what could he do? He was useless in this state, and--

And his lungs were burning, his body demanding oxygen. He had to keep going. Even if his limbs were starting to feel like lead, even if that threatening darkness kept edging around his vision, he refused to give up--

He broke the surface with a loud gasp, then dipped back under the waves, the wild storm still affecting the ocean's surface. Again, he pushed up, trying to stay above water, trying to get more air in his lungs, but it was a losing battle.

Damnit, no, not like this...!

Just when Dojima was starting to feel all hope was lost, strong arms wrap around his waist before suddenly shoving him back up to the surface. Eustace's head breaks through alongside him shortly after, though he didn't need the air.

"Hang onto me," was all he said as he readjusted his grip around the man to first let him catch more of his breath.

But now...the piece of wood they had been using was long gone and although he considered having Dojima be on his back, with the waves it would still be fairly difficult to swim. Considering the rest of their very limited options, there was a small click of his tongue before he spoke again.

"We'll have to call the whale."

Suddenly, air--

Dojima went on instinct, grabbing onto those arms that were wrapped around his chest, refusing to let go as he took in huge gulps of air, coughing out the water that had gotten into his lungs. Thank god Eustace didn't need to worry about drowning, because the detective was not about to let go, clinging onto him as the storm continued on around them.

He really owed this guy a drink after all this.

It took more than a moment for Dojima to realise he was being spoken to, and to decipher what was being said, but...

Whale?

...Right, a whale, they could call upon a whale for help if they...

...Shit.

"Can... can you sing?"

Eustace allowed Dojima to use whatever part of him he needed. Normally he would mind so much physical contact, but this was a dire situation and a necessity. That said, it was a bit difficult trying to keep afloat, especially since "treading water" as a half-fish was quite different than with legs. But he managed.

"........Rarely."

That was all Eustace was going to initially answer that, but he sighed.

"However, we have little choice, and there was no specification that we had to sing well."

Not that he...really wanted to sing at all. On occasion he might hum to himself or repeat verses of an old song, but never in public let alone another person.

"...Fine."

Just don't hold this against him, Eustace.

Dojima took a deep breath, and as loudly as possible-

"E-everyday's great in your o-cean!"

... Just, don't ...don't ask...

"Hey whale, can you hear?

That we're calling you here?

We're in, need of help, so

Please come out and save us!"

LOOK HE'S DOING HIS BEST, ALRIGHT.

That...was...a...very.......interesting performance. Or so that was what the expression Eustace had seemed to indicate. At some point his ears might have flattened a little as he did his best to hide his cringe. But the man was right next to his ears. It was difficult.

In any case, Eustace looked out to the waters, but there didn't seem to be any sign of the whale. ...Ugh, he had to sing, too, didn't he...

Should he try to follow up Dojima's, er, lyrics? Or do something different? He wasn't really familiar with the style, but... Well he could try???

After clearing his throat, his voice will come out a little softer but clear. Whether this was his natural singing voice or some story magic at play given his role, it carries into the wind and he doesn't sound half bad, really. Bit awkward and clearly not wanting to do this at all, but he was doing his part.

"....Hey whale, listen to our plea.

We're lost in this big open sea.

Come and help us reach the shore.

So we don't have to sing anymore."

Uuuggh.

Look when you've nearly drowned and have to belt out a song to save your ass, it's not going to sound pretty, okay? And the only thing he could think of for some reason was that damn Junes song...

Still, Eustace followed after him, his voice... a lot cleaner and more 'mermaid' sounding than his. Dojima had to practically shout those lyrics, but the other man's voice just carried naturally... even if he sounded as awkward as Dojima felt.

"...I'll buy you a drink, after this."

Least he could do for the guy.

For what felt like an eternity, they waited, for... something, anything to appear, as they weathered the storming sea. The 'prince' was feeling like they had humiliated themselves for nothing.

But... as Dojima squinted in the darkness, he saw something... white, in the water. And upon the next flash of lightning, it became clear as the noon day sun--

A whale. A very large, humpback albino whale...!

"It... it worked...?!"

Eustace just let out a sigh at the offer. He was a bit weirded out by how his voice sounded, but he wasn't going to comment anymore than he had to about what they both had to just go through.

An effort that he was starting to feel like they wasted. He was about to just drag Dojima to get this over with when he heard Dojima's exclamation.

"...?"

Turning towards where the older man was looking, his eyes widened in surprise. That... That really worked?? At least they didn't have to do this again (hopefully). Still surprised by the sight, the whale eventually drew near close enough to them and seemed to wait patiently.

"...So it would seem. Let's not waste anymore time."

Time to pull Dojima closer so he can climb up on the whale.

"Yeah, definitely--"

The adrenaline rush from before was starting to wear off again, and if this kept up he was definitely going to get hypothermia. Still, Dojima kicked along with Eustace's swimming, to try and help, even as he cringed from the pain. Those claws digging into and slicing down around his calve was coming back to him, now that he wasn't in immediate danger.

Th whale was low enough in the water that Dojima could scramble onto it's back, ignoring the pain from his still splintered covered fingers. He sat there, hands holding onto the creature-- which, if he could let himself be honest, was pretty amazing, he'd almost, ALMOST say magical...

"...Uh, thanks for the lift."

...was all about he could say to the whale. What do you even say to a whale...?

After ensuring that Dojima was on the whale, Eustace contemplated joining...but now that he was able to see Dojima's state, he somehow managed to climb up alongside him. He actually got a little help from the whale, the creature lifting its long flipper to boost him up a bit.

"Don't need you falling off," was all he said before Dojima could question his actions.

"If you feel you need to rest, go ahead."

"...Heh, thanks."

Dojima couldn't help a wryly smile at the other man, sighing as the whale began to move towards the lighthouse, finally.

"...But I'll rest when we dump me on the beach. I don't... sleep on jobs."

Eustace would understand, right? Dojima could tell by this guy's actions... he was some sort of soldier or trained professional. And this was a 'job', after all.

Chapter 03: Act I

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