open; 2024

[terrariums]

A place for PSLs, Bakerstreet continuations, and TFLN overflows.

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🍄 @beauman - Extracurricular Activities.

[terrariums]

[ The Monstro Lounge has been busier than ever the past few days, largely in part to one of their new dishes. While it is a simple dessert to make, the ingredients are more difficult to acquire within the safety of the College's boundaries. Whipped pudding infused with collagen and a special extract from a particular species of algae believed to be extinct in these parts. Even with fins, it's a difficult species to come across... so when it appeared on the Lounge's menu, Jade was hardly surprised that it drew the attention from many prying eyes.

Especially considering that the algae in its pure, raw form held so many promising properties for potions and poisons alike. Once cooked it was completely harmless and its naturally sweet, light flavor was adored by all who tasted it... but the agony it could inflict when consumed raw was not to be trifled with. Really, it's no surprise that the protist had been nearly swept clean from the surrounding water sources.

And yet Azul seemed to procure enough to produce such a popular dessert.

Wandering through the mountain forest is always a time that Jade looks forward to. The cool breeze, the shade of the trees, the foragable mushrooms and fauna to be used in a plethora of instances... food, art, and of course, terrariums. There is also something to be said about the wonderful feeling of being the strongest predator among these trees.

That is, until possibly today. With his bag hung over his shoulder and dressed properly for a hike, Jade heads off of his usual trail with a pleased sigh. He's well aware that he's being watched, but he had avoided gathering his precious subject for too long. How far would he need to struggle to escape the green eyes of a particularly insistent predator today? ]

[beauman]

[What a delightful new treat Mostro Lounge has served up! Even Vil had approved, when Rook brought some back to the dorm to share--and to study more closely, in Pomefiore's very own laboratory. Small wonder it's so popular, with so many students clamoring for a dessert being marketed as a health food. How had they ever managed it, though? As far as even Professor Crewel had known, such an ingredient was rare enough that even finding it to begin with was more challenging than affording it. Azul should have been cleaned out of his entire stock within hours, but it's been days already.

They can't simply not pursue the opportunity, though. That algae is critically important to the masterpiece Vil is creating with the Film Research Club as proof of his skills--not only as lead actor, but as script writer, director, and producer as well. Brewed into the proper potion, the agony it bestows becomes transcendent--mere pain gives way to a death-like slumber, as the soul temporarily slips free of its mortal shackles. How is he meant to create such a soul-chilling, heart-rending tale without such a tool? Even simply reading the script had brought tears to his eyes.

Even if the enormous potential utility of astral projection didn't interest him, even if the quarry he's been set upon wasn't fascinating in his own right, Rook could never bear to sit idly by when Vil needs him to help bring his magnum opus to life. He's visited the Lounge a few times, not only to get the taste and smell of the algae firmly in his mind, but to eavesdrop on what little he can glean from Jade, Azul, and the rest of the staff as well. But there's only so much to learn during business hours, isn't there? There had never been any question that Vil would need his..... more unique talents to crack this case.

Rook is only too glad to oblige. Academic responsibilities aside, nearly all of his free time recently has been devoted to shadowing Jade for his fieldwork. On campus, in town, on the mountain trails..... Or rather, around the mountain trails. Rook's own preferred route is clambering up through deep undergrowth and towering trees, perfect to use as cover from prying eyes. What adventure are they going on today, hmmm? Even if they're ultimately irrelevant to his overall goal, these little field trips of Jade's are still fun, and whatever species he forages for could always prove useful. The game is afoot!]

[terrariums]

[ Rook's trips to the Lounge were hardly surprising. When the ever-prestigious Pomefiore graced their aquatic halls it always meant one thing: that Octavinelle had something that Vil wanted.

And how couldn't he when this particular conquest was so valuable? For Rook to be eavesdropping and conveniently 'running into' the merman on his day-to-day or following him with such keen eyes... Well, it was obvious that Jade needed to keep this secret close to his chest. Partially because Azul despised giving things away for free (and others too prideful to simply ask), but also for Jade's own amusement. If he were to give Rook what he needed so easily he would lose out on these little games they've begun to play.

This isn't just Rook watching him hate flight class or admiring his extensive enjoyment of mycology until late in the evenings when the hunter's other victims targets were already tucked into their beds... it's something much more personal to the merman. It's a feeling Jade can't completely pin down--while he believes it will likely end today, it's a selfish desire to drag it on a little longer.

Jade pauses briefly to kneel down beside a deep cluster of white-headed mushrooms. His hand reaches into his bag to produce a piece of thin paper and a stick of charcoal. What is a small detour for his beloved fungi? There's a gentle care as he dusts the gills of the mushroom before carefully pressing it firmly against the paper before carefully examining its afterimage. ]

I suppose it is time, then.

[ It's tucked away as he stands, dusting his hands before abruptly shooting off full speed through the trees. ]

[beauman]

[What Vil wants, Vil gets, one way or another--even if Azul and his inner circle are too stubborn to surrender it that easily. Together, they'll figure out an alternate route to their goal--whether that's to poach from Azul's secret source, or to figure out what kind of legitimate suppliers he might have access to. But what Rook wants.....

He'll pursue his quarry to the ends of the earth, if that's what it takes; he will find his satisfaction. Doesn't everyone feel that impulse to give chase, when they see the object of their desire running from them?

If he was keeping this strictly professional, he wouldn't rise to the bait. He would keep following at a distance, maybe even far enough to pull out his binoculars and let Jade think he had shaken him. Seeing Jade sprinting off full-tilt like that, though..... The urge to keep playing with him is overwhelming. Rook is off like a shot within moments, eyes alight with excitement as he bounds deeper into the trees. How far does Jade like to venture past his well-worn trails, hmmm? Which of them truly knows the twists and turns of this forest better?

He suspects it doesn't really matter, in the end. Jade is a creature of the sea, not the land--it's doubtful the merman has the practice or stamina to keep running at full speed for too long, or the knowledge and presence of mind to cover his trail while he does so. So long as he keeps his pace measured, he can keep moving all night, even if he doesn't close the distance between them. And so long as Jade can't fully cover his tracks.....

Oh, this is going to be fun. Can Jade hear that delighted laughter in the distance?]

Prince & Leviathan

[beauman]

The measure of a man is what he does with power, or so they say. As the third eldest of his kingdom, Rook could do anything he likes with the power at his disposal. He certainly has the money and authority to, and the lack of responsibilities to allow him to pursue any passions that capture his fancy. So what does he do, with his power and freedom?

He pursues his every passion, and drowns himself in knowledge and experiences the likes of which very few have the luxury to accumulate. He patronizes the arts. He rides with the hunters. He sails with the merchants. He trains with the soldiers. He studies with the scholars. He even undertakes those jobs that nobody else seems capable of, works to unravel mysteries that seem to have no answer.

Why are the seas so dangerous now? Why is it so difficult to get any vessels through, be they merchant or military alike? How is it that the sailors bring tales of monsters ravaging the sea, when there haven't been any sightings of beasts capable of doing such things in these waters for years?

The last report he'd gathered has led him here--a once grand fortress-castle carved into the side of a coastal cliff. A marvel of architecture and engineering, a defensive masterpiece, once thought impregnable..... now, little more than a crumbling ruin, full of the deep and lingering mysterious sadness of days long lost. It seems a strange thought, for monsters to appear here, of all places--what reason could they possibly have to visit, when it's been abandoned for generations? But his mission isn't to be skeptical--it's to pursue every possible avenue of information, until his search finally turns up a lead that could explain the situation.

So..... into the shallows Rook goes, boots splashing in the water as he picks his way through tide-worn rubble. How in the world is he even meant to recognize what he's looking for, assuming he ever finds it?

[terrariums]

Long ago their kind shied away from the surface to hide from the attacks from sons of man. Large bones were overtaken by the sea and it was through them that he and his brother swam while their grandmother told them her tales. Their species so long-lived that she was just a hatchling when the decision was made to hide themselves away under the guise of extinction. Hiding away in the darkest depths of underwater caves to hide from prying eyes intent to catch and parade among their 'streets'. Yet despite that, some of their own still go missing---netted, speared, eaten by those seeking an immortal life...

So it's only natural that the twins grew curious. For the first hundred years of life their lives they behaved. Remained close. In recent months they've begun to yearn for more in the form of enrichment and revenge. Large bodies slamming into cargo and passenger ships alike, teeth and claws tearing into wood, steel, flesh, and bone. Large claws digging into ship hulls to tear them down and bring them to their depth. The sound of human screams being snuffed out by water or blood filling their lungs resonates like the sweetest music. Yet ships are harder to see from the depths they call home, so having a place to call a secondary home quickly became a need.

The broken, half-submerged castle made from beautifully bright crumbling rocks. The depths beneath it a beautiful, fragile mess of trophies ranging from bones to jewels and tools.

Jade senses Rook long before he sees him due to the disturbance of the water. Slowly he begins to unfurl from the tightly coiled position he was settled in further in the cove. His glowing eye drifting to the surface as he rises, webbed hands flexing as he considers the best course of action. Where the human lingers now is too close, yet not so deep that he couldn't simply flee back onto the shore if outright attacked.

No matter. If he flees, then it is no longer the leviathan's problem. The surface of the water breaks as strong spinal fins emerge as he circles a small distance away. For now, keeping his head below the water to watch how the man reacts.

[beauman]

"So big--! What.....?" Rook simply stares in disbelief for a moment, frozen and wide-eyed at the sight of the fins slicing through the surface of the water. The fins alone are bad enough, but the shadow disturbing the water..... it looks enormous.

What is it? Why is it all the way out here, so close to shore? Shouldn't it be beached in a place like this? How could it be so close to the kingdom when he's never heard of any such monsters making these waters their territory? What is he supposed to do about this? They can't get any ships in this cove without resigning themselves to them being destroyed. Any soldiers would be at a severe disadvantage, trying to fight in such cluttered and cramped quarters. The creature would probably simply abandon its lair and find another safe haven nearby, if they tried to destroy these ruins, or clear them out to make a battle easier. Arrows, maybe.....?

Maybe he's overthinking things. Maybe..... maybe this doesn't have to be dealt with just yet. Surely if he can just..... watch it for a little while, see what it does and why, he can come to an easier solution. Rook dusts off what seems to be the remains of a wall, taking a seat to watch Jade circle in silent contemplation.

[terrariums]

So he isn't as oblivious to his surroundings as most humans...

Jade continues his slow, daunting circles. Long, heavily spined and scarred tail flicking through the seafoam. Despite his observational skills, it's clear this little one has no self-awareness to the severity of his situation. If the sea serpent were to throw himself on the shore he could approach him in seconds from this distance. Claws digging into fragile flesh as his teeth seek the blood he's grown used to quenching his thirst.

Slowly his body lowers further into the water until only the waves ebb and flow in his wake. Yet his shadow lingers just below languidly inching toward the seafoam crashing against the sand.

Mad Science

[beauman]

What a wonderful facility he's been blessed with. What a delightful routine he's fallen into! It truly does seem as though the world is his oyster, now that he's graduated and coming into his own. As a freelance alchemical researcher, he doesn't need to hide his profession from anyone. He can be as free as he likes to talk shop with his peers, to form professional connections, to live (in most aspects that really matter) a relatively normal life.

After all, any contracts he takes are wholly separate from each other, an endless parade of novelty and enrichment, new puzzles for him to play with and solve every single day. People can know him for his creative and high-quality work--especially for the countless innovations he's contributed to the entertainment industry. But for those contracts he takes under the table, nobody has to be the wiser. Whether that's for his government sponsors, or his own family, if they want something a little more..... unorthodox taken care of.....

What a truly engaging way to spend his days. Happy as he is to play with chemicals and magic most of the time, a change of pace is welcome, as well--so when he's notified that a rare new specimen has been so kindly donated to him, Rook is absolutely elated. It's not too difficult to prepare and secure the tank the merman is being held in; by the time Jade starts coming to, he might hear Rook chattering away to himself (or to him? With absolutely no expectation of an answer?) as he works. "My, my..... They hadn't mentioned you would still be alive. Didn't they think to check your vitals? What in the world am I going to do with you, hmmm~?"

To start with, he's going to invade his privacy, apparently? That's definitely an observation camera being set up nearby, angled to capture the whole of Jade's new space.

[terrariums]

The last thing the merman remembers before the shock is struggling against strong bindings, claws and body thrashing and throwing his long body against them. His twin desperately striking at the ship trying to haul Jade out of the water while screaming in their native tongue through gnashing teeth.

Waking up emits a stream a bubbles from his gills. His eyelids still feel so, so heavy as he squints through the water. The words ringing in his mind barely registering as his head twists and his body coils tighter around itself. He can see a human, but he's currently the only one he senses---but other than that fact everything else in the space is entirely foreign. Lights flickering, strange bottles and large metal squares. The tank feels like a prison, which from what he can tell, it is.

Jade's lips part, but no words escape him as he bares his fangs.

[beauman]

It's not a terribly cozy little cage, is it? Cold and cramped, sterile and empty, absolutely no privacy on any side, flooded with bright fluorescent lights from above--and most miserably of all, filled with only barely enough water to cover Jade's gills, if he stays laying down. How is he meant to swim like this? He's lucky to have any water at all, to be honest--after all, Rook had thought Jade a mere cadaver when they had delivered him here, limp and bound and so deeply unconscious. There's only so much even he can do, on such overwhelmingly short notice.

"You poor dear..... You must be so scared." Because that's definitely the proper reaction to seeing teeth that could shear through your throat in a single bite. A quick check to make sure the camera is recording, and Rook steps back to get a good look at his captive, folding his arms in thought. What to do, what to do.....? "I can't just waste this opportunity, though. They'll surely expect some manner of return, even for a donation. Maybe if I could synthesize the protein....."

[terrariums]

Scared.

While he doesn't want to admit that the light-haired man is correct, it's impossible to deny it to himself. Slowly he rises his body, grateful for the natural sheen of a thick mucus membrane helping to keep him moist despite the less than ideal water level. A strong, clawed, webbed hand makes its way to press against the glass as mismatched eyes examine the clear walls surrounding him. A push makes it clear that it is nothing like ice, but... stronger, so it's only natural then that his fist would follow up to test its strength.

It leaves nothing more than a resonating clank, so the merman withdraws a little further back. As much as he can considering his small space taken up by such a powerful, long tail. The words that Jade speaks he's sure will go misunderstood, but he can never expect a human to understand their more complex tongue... but it's possible the context would.

Where am I?

🍄 @beauman - In mountains that are stacked with fear and in the sea that's painted black

[terrariums]

He remembers the moment he met Rook as clear as day.

At his entrance ceremony, nerves were somewhat on edge thanks to the chaos caused by his brother's outburst toward another student. He was so focused on the scene playing out before him that he didn't even notice the shorter student behind him until an arm was around his throat to bend him back to the blond's level with the sound of an inhale. The excuse then was nothing more than a playful greeting, but it was the start of a miserable couple of months. Not just for himself, but for Floyd and Azul as well. Hands grabbing their muscular arms, incessant questions, incessant watching... until abruptly it stopped.

Or at least it looked that way to anyone on the outside looking in. Jade's own nerves never truly calmed--the hairs on his neck standing or his skin catching unexpected goosebumps when he walked through the mountains. Rook didn't ignore his sibling either, but at least his attentions there seemed more... casual. A game of cat and mouse (or in the twins' minds, shark and minnow) that they alternated through with such ease that someone would think it nothing more than childish play. It's difficult not to be suspicious of the Savannaclaw student's intentions when his own are so misguided, but when he leans down to examine a flock of unfamiliar mushrooms conveniently plucked and laid where he normally liked to eat his breakfast he has to pause.

Even though he can feel the burning behind his ears that so clearly tells him that he isn't alone, he can't resist looking the gift over. Careful not to touch for now in case another unpleasant trap catches him in a similar fashion to the first time over a year ago when he stumbled upon exciting new fungi in these woods. He removes his pen from his pocket while digging his notebook from his bag. "Extended stems, extensive gills that trail to the ring... Such a colorful volva..."

So much for keeping his guard up.

[beauman]

Isn't it strange, how thoroughly he's taken to the three of them, yet how abruptly his attention seems to have eased off of Jade in particular? There seems to be no end to his playtime with Floyd; whether he's chasing or being chased, Rook always seems delighted to see him. Poor Azul still seems to be suffering from a more open sort of curiosity; it's not unusual to see Rook catching at his arm or lingering to watch him at work, peppering him with questions. What is he doing? Why? Oh, he guesses that makes sense, sort of--but why does he even care about that? Isn't it a whole lot more work to do it that way, when he could just get what he wants for himself? He's so strong and smart, wouldn't it be easy for him?

But Jade..... he seems a great deal quieter about how much Jade intrigues him, these days, even if he follows him more closely than ever. There are still questions, if not quite as many, or as invasive. He still has a tendency to delight in sneaking up on him, to ignore even the slightest pretense of personal space bubbles, to enjoy capturing his time and attention whenever he has the chance. He even still brings Jade presents, especially when they find each other in the forest--colorful insects, small frogs, unusual stones, chunks of moss that are difficult to find without straying far from the well-trodden mountain trails, meat from his hunts..... This is the the first time he's tried outright bringing him mushrooms though, rather than setting up his trap nearby already growing ones, isn't it?

It's clear he's been learning, at least. Suspect though they may be, every mushroom Jade examines looks to be perfectly edible. A few might upset his stomach a bit, but..... well, he's not poisoning Jade outright, is he? That's best to save for when you're closer to someone. Rook waits for Jade to be deep in his notes before he speaks up--his voice comes from high overhead, stretched out on his stomach along a sturdy bough for a good vantage point. "Well? What do you think?"

[terrariums]

How often has Jade had to remove Rook from the lounge by now? Even the entire process of setting up the establishment was met with green, prying eyes, though it was nice to have a human tongue to test snacks and beverages with. Floyd even enjoyed throwing just about anything together to see if Rook would turn his nose only for the blond to gulp it down as if it were the best meal he'd ever had. It was bizarre... but maybe he just liked Floyd.

He's easy to like in Jade's opinion. Maybe someone else just finally felt him worthy of the attention he deserves.

So the gifts always surprise him even though he personally adores trinkets. Sea glass, geodes, bits of plant matter, bugs, and food--all the types of things he likes. Though not as much as how he always seems to show himself the moment he lets his guard down. "!!" He grips his book, hand pulling his magipen all the closer before he lets out a slow sigh. It's just worse knowing that he was near already. "I have not seen this species here before. Are they from your dorm?"

What must the temperature be like for them to grow so uniquely with such little moisture? He hasn't spent much time there, but it's obvious from Floyd's own tales and the sun-kissed skin covering the hunter's shoulders that the heat is more than he'd prefer himself. Hardly fitting for a moist creature like himself.

[beauman]

How could he possibly resist hanging about to watch their little business get off the ground, when it's all so interesting? It's such a fancy space, so different from Savanaclaw..... The drinks and food are far different, too. Even Floyd's most whimsical creations are so tasty! Why wouldn't he want to share foods he likes, in return?

Rook just laughs in delight, seeing Jade tense so abruptly at the sound of his voice. For the moment, he doesn't move from his perch; he dangles an arm down instead, waving cheerfully. "Oui! I like eating them in the morning sometimes. You might like cooking them better, though."

🍄 @caycay - There are stars that fill the night, can you see them?

[terrariums]

It has been some time since Jade's interest transitioned into interest. While he's always been the sort to put his everything into the things he likes, he's never considered that it could transfer to a person other than Azul. No one else ever held his attention the same way his brother and house warden did.

Until Cater. It started slowly with admiration for such an easy-going nature, a passing interest in the redhead's signature spell, the way he handled Heartslabyul's rules despite how ridiculous some of them were... but it was when he started to catch glimpses of the mask slipping that Jade realized how much more he wants from the older student. He's so easy to slip behind that Jade finds himself watching him scroll his phone for several long moments before he leans forward, lips so close to the shell of Cater's ear.

"My, Rook-san is rather fixated on inspirational posts lately, isn't he?"

[caycay]

"Whoa--!"

Close, too close, waaay too close! Cater nearly jumps out of his skin when Jade's voice breaks him from his train of thought. Seriously, did he have to loom over him like that? Man, personal space, much? Of course, Cater being ever the people pleaser, laughs it off (albeit a bit nervously).

"Yeah, it looks like it. Can't imagine anyone else wanting to type so much to go along with their Magicam photos...but that's Rook, for you."

So...

"What's up, Jade?"

[terrariums]

Not many were wanting or able to write multiple paragraphs about the beauty of a flower growing from seed to full bloom as a metaphor for school life... freshmen becoming sophomores and so on until they becoming the blooming lilies of graduates. It's disgusting, really. Jade has never been able to really relate to words like that even with his own adoration of botany.

Especially from people who hide so much behind their eyes when they smile like Rook does.

Jade's head tips as he smiles down at his target. "I was looking for you. There is somewhere I would like to take you."

🍄 @crimsontyrant - If I'm asking for help it's because you opened my eyes.

[terrariums]

"Good afternoon, Riddle-san. Is this seat taken?" There are plenty of other chairs still available in the library, but the merman has no particular interest in any of them. He came here today to find Riddle, after all, and now that he is in his sights he has no intention of letting him get away. In fact, he's already taking a seat beside him while asking permission as nothing more than a formality.

His books are set on the table along with his pen as his gloved hands come to rest on his own lap. "I was hoping to discuss our lesson with Professor Crewel with you today."

Truthfully he doesn't need any help considering how fond of potionology he is, but it's a convenient topic of conversation.

[crimsontyrant]

The seat, open as it was for the taking, was not one that Riddle wanted Jade of all people to slither into. His own books were laid out on the table in a way that wouldn't allow him a quick escape unless he decided to shove everything messily into his bag. It isn't like he's opposed to his classmate asking him questions about their lesson...

Jade is simply a special case. Someone who Riddle was wary of, careful around. "If you're going to sit without letting me answer, then the seat isn't taken by anyone but you, now. Not that it matters. No, it was not." Riddle narrows his eyes.

Potions. Jade wanted to discuss Potions. Him, of all people.

"Really?" Incredulous; his tone betrays the emotion easily. "What about it? I thought it was a pretty straightforward lesson today." I don't believe you could have possibly had trouble with it, he holds back from saying, keeping his gaze firm on his classmate.

[terrariums]

The unspoken comment is fair enough, but Jade never said he had trouble with it. Simply that he wished to discuss it with Riddle in some way. He's well aware that he has no need for it, but an excuse to slide so close isn't one the moray will let slip so easily.

"Thank you." For the seat, of course, even though it's obvious to both of them that he had no intention to not sit in it regardless of what Riddle replied. "I felt the use of potions as a means to cause happiness rather fascinating. To think that they used to be used so freely for one's personal gain..." Says the man who idolizes the Sea Witch, but they both know already how wonderful she was. Even if some of her potions are forbid these days... "To think that Moon Grass could be that useful..."

He opens his own book, plucking his pen from his blazer pocket.

🍄 @eelusive - Welcome to my cage, little lover. I'll attempt to rearrange my bones with you.

[terrariums]

The last thing Jade remembers before the shock was struggling against strong bindings, claws and body thrashing and throwing his long body against them. His twin desperately striking at the ship to try and haul Jade out of the water while screaming in their native tongue through gnashing teeth. There was blood. There was bone. The remains of whatever poor unfortunate soul that his brother managed to drag into the water to squeeze them so hard that even the sound of the waves and Jade's gills flaring desperately as he writhed on the ship's deck couldn't hide it.

He remembers the pain of the lightning shooting through him from the device that human had and how agonizing it felt as it bolted raced through him. Turning his vision a blinding, overwhelming white...

How long ago was that now? He'd stopped counting the days now. Having become fairly calm as nothing more than an experiment that doubled as an overly exotic pet. His tank isn't near as vast as home, but it's familiar now. The tank beside his has remained empty since he killed its inhabitant--a kind mermaid caught some time before he was. She was grateful... even if he's too cowardly to give himself that same freedom. He never sleeps deeply, but a commotion wakes him with a start. The men with their white jackets are back again, as they always are, but dragging with them today is a much more familiar shock of teal. His body may be tied and bound, but his shape and the way he manages to yell in words no human could possibly understand is unmistakable.

Jade rises, body pressed up against the glass he's tried to break countless times as he watches Floyd thrash against all the hands clutching his dried out body. He bangs on the side of the tank, voice calling out in what--in this room--is just their private language.

[eelusive]

The days blend together, monotonous yet loud—a vile, erratic, constant ringing between his eyes no amount of violence will suppress. Floyd’s memory, sharp as a whip from a thresher shark’s tail, clings to the sound of his brother’s pain, and leaves him restless—sleepless—for several days on end. He’s wracked by visions of lightning, of dying men and their bitter blood… of Jade being swept away, just like that, beyond the safety of their open waters.

Tirelessly, Floyd searches all the same, until a chance encounter cuts his journey short. Frantic and unaware, he digs his teeth into bone, ripping apart digits and limbs until he too succumbs to a painful shock right between his ribs.

Hours pass. Miles upon miles of water and earth separate him from their home… until finally, though drowsy and weak, Floyd stirs and immediately thrashes against his bindings, whipping his tail so hard it knocks two humans to the ground. They’ve taken precautions, securing a strange device around the lower half of his face to prevent him from biting and binding his claws tightly together with rope. Nevertheless, Floyd persists, his shrieks so shrill, so alien, they shatter a row of beakers on a nearby shelf.

At last, the men manage to wrangle their catch, and with a less than gentle hand shove the weakened merman into the vacant tank. His gills flare, desperate for fresh gulps of salt water, while another man takes advantage of Floyd’s delirium to finally free him of his wretched bindings. There he lays, gasping in a heap at the bottom of his enclosure, the sounds of screaming and banging and shrieking flowing through his subconscious… Wait.

Slowly but surely, Floyd opens his eyes and peers through the glass. Teal hair, speckled skin, a single amber eye… Is it—? It is. “… Jade,” he croaks, relief overshadowed by sheer fatigue… and perhaps a touch of fear.

[terrariums]

There's relief on Jade's face even if, deep down, he's furious. Now isn't the time for him to lash out against his own glass that he's already learned is capable of withstanding his strength. A dark hand presses against the heavy glass between them...

"You're here..." He'd felt him, though. Deep down he'd always known that Floyd was still swimming along through their cold waters. While Jade had never wanted to see him here... he still feels a selfish level of relief. If they're together, they'll manage. Azul must know they're together too even if it doesn't seem that he was captured and brought here with his brother. Jade's body settles heavy against the floor, but so close to the glass to be as close as their divider will allow. "Are you badly hurt?"