Chapter Text
Yuuichirou could never just lay out in the sun.
This was for many reasons, but what was the point of going out during the day or night if he didn't know how to sing? What good was he if he failed to lure in humans? If he were to try and sing, it would sound terrible and completely defeat the purpose. Yuuichirou was never taught how, thus labeling him an outcast.
That’s all he was; an outcast, laying along the rocks with a small fish in hand. It was all he could eat. None of the other Sirens would even think about helping him; not only for his inability to sing, but also because of how oddly kind he seemed to be. Kindness was completely against a Siren’s personality. But Yuuichirou wouldn't lie, he would love to have a decent meal for once.
"Get a human for yourself," they told him once, when he could barely move. He had to turn to fish and occasionally sharks. He would be lucky if he caught a human off guard.
Which wasn't often.
The fish was still flopping about, trying to free itself from Yuuichirou’s grip. Intense green eyes merely stared at it. Eventually, they closed as a sigh left his lips and he rolled over onto his stomach. Reaching his hand out, he returned the creature back into the water. It was probably best for him to return as well, since the moon was more than halfway across the sky. But he was too comfortable laying there, flicking his tail back and forth, in and out of the water while he swirled his webbed hand around to mess with the fish swimming by.
Yuuichirou preferred sleeping on the rocks, rather than waking up somewhere different than where he fell asleep. The currents were terrible around his habitat. He figured he was far enough away from shore, so he closed his eyes with a false sense of security. Who would approach a Siren, anyways? Especially one laying in their natural form.
Breathing out softly, he curled up onto his side, prepared to take a small nap.
—
“It appears he’s asleep,” a deep voice interrupted the silence of the night and the calming, constant sound of waves. “Perfect.”
A few shapes appeared on the shoreline, a distance away from Yuuichirou’s sleeping form. Behind them was a massive cage on wheels with a tank of water inside, connected to four horses who obediently stood on the edge of the shore, eyeing the water fearfully.
“As planned,” the man who spoke earlier continued, turning his sharp gaze towards the ones behind him, “Aoi, you handle the tail and abdomen. Shinya, you handle the muzzle. Seishiro, deal with his arms and hands. And lastly, Guren, you are responsible for putting him in the tank.”
Kureto Hiiragi nodded authoritatively towards the men and woman before him. “Go ahead.”
Everyone strode towards the sleeping from of the rumored Yuuichirou, the Siren who was unable to sing. The Hiiragi Cirque Ave. Freakshow had been searching for a Siren, but they were too expensive on the market, for they were incredibly risky to capture. To do so was life-threatening.
Yuuichirou was perfect, however.
He could not be a threat against the humans by singing alone. That did not mean capturing him was an entirely easy task; he had to be restrained. Even if he could not sing, a human (or any living creature) getting close to him risked being bitten by his razor sharp teeth or scratched by his nails.
As instructed, Yuuichirou was tied up, muzzled, and taken to the tank inside the cage.
—
Yuuichirou remembered feeling really light, not being able to feel the weight of his tail and his entire body felt really uncomfortable. He was really stiff, and he couldn't move his arms to brush off whatever was on his face. He didn't realize he was being bound until something- someone lifted him up completely and his eyes snapped open. Guren tensed. Yuuichirou was entirely restrained, but it was nonetheless frightening to be in such close quarters with a Siren.
How the hell did humans find him when no one even came around here?! Not only was he terrified; he was extremely angry with being handled so damn casually. Even tied together!
What would humans want with him, and why? Wasn't it the other way around? Not to mention being around them made him extremely hungry, and it was enough to make him struggle.
Yuuichirou struggled as much as he could up until one of them spoke.
“Oi, kid, calm down,” Guren said as Yuuichirou began squirming. “It’s best for you to shut up and take it for now.”
How did he expect Yuuichirou to calm down when he was being taken from his home, much less kidnapped in general? Well, Yuuichirou figured this was what most humans felt like once they realized they were going to be eaten by Sirens. Still, that wasn't important right now.
Yuuichirou made himself look normal- well, more human- in an attempt to confuse them into thinking, at least for a second, that he was a normal boy. He casted Guren a pleading gaze right before he was dropped into the water. What was worse was that the tank water wasn't anything like the sea water, and he had some difficulty breathing as he was sinking down to the bottom of the tank. Even though he could adjust, he was still terrified.
But.. maybe he'd get a chance to eat. They had to keep him alive if they wanted something from him, right?
After Guren watched Yuuichirou hit the bottom of the tank, he exited the the cage and locked it up. They’d deal with untying him later.
For now, they had to transfer him back to the Freakshow’s campground.
The drugs mixed in the tank water kicked in a moment later, successfully knocking Yuuichirou out again.
Yuuichirou was untied and all restraints were removed by the time he was at the campground. Everyone knew he was harmless behind a cage and in his tank; he couldn’t sing, so how could he put anyone under his spell?
—
By the time the sun rose, the campground was buzzing with interest and activity at the new captive.
“It looks like we have a newbie,” a cheerful, giggling voice rang out. A purple-haired naga had her tail stretched out behind her, slithering over the dusty ground of the interior of a large tent. “Mii-chan, come see with me!”
“We should keep our distance, Shinoa,” a blonde harpy, Mitsuba, stood behind her, talons pricking at the ground. She had her golden, feathered wings folded protectively in front of her. “Sirens go for humans, but who says they wouldn’t eat one of us instead?”
“Oh, calm down,” Shinoa waved her hand at Mitsuba. “He’s in a cage. Plus, he won’t try to eat us once he sees where he is. He’ll be put down instantly if he does!” Her eerie words ended with a giggle, and she turned back to where the caged tank sat in the back. Just as she was about to approach the glass, she paused, seeing the ringmaster enter.
“Oh, Kureto-nii-san,” Shinoa folded her hands behind her back. “Come to inspect the new recruit?”
“It’s about time he ate,” Kureto said coldly, not even sparing a glance in Shinoa’s direction. “Aoi, throw it in there.”
The harpy, Aoi, was more pale-yellow than golden. She nodded and stepped forward with a platter, a raw steak placed on it. She slid the meat between the bars so that it was right next to the tank. Yuuichirou could easily climb over the edge and get it; it was not meant to be difficult, but hopefully, the scent would awaken him.
Shinoa and Mitsuba watched with interest as Yuuichirou stirred awake.
Yuuichirou couldn’t tell if he was dreaming. In his mind, he could easily still be sleeping on the rock, starving, waiting for an unsuspecting human to swim by. He could almost smell the human now, except it wasn’t… human. It didn't smell right, but it was still meat, and it still made him hungry. His mouth watered.
The first thing he noticed when his eyes opened was the steak being held out to him and placed in front of the tank. He was only focused on the slab of meat. It was all he wanted, he hadn't eaten in days.
He was relieved to find out his arms were now free and he immediately raised himself and gripped the edge of the tank. He was about to snatch it when his eyes lifted towards Aoi and his pupils shrank, fear evident on his face.
Yuuichirou sunk back into the water with his hands pressed against the glass. He was hungry, sure, but he was more afraid, and his fear outweighed his hunger. His eyes shifted from one face to another, and though he still looked somewhat human, he couldn't help but to bare his sharp teeth in a mild threat. It was weak. He couldn't do anything, especially when he noticed the bars surrounding him.
For what reason? Why was he here?
"What...?" Yuuichirou started, but then his stomach growled again and he rested his forehead against the tank wall.
“Yuuichirou,” Kureto’s voice was loud, distinct. “The food is not poisoned. We would not have captured you just to kill you. Eat it.” Without waiting to see if Yuuichirou would listen, Kureto continued, standing before the bars, his shoulders broad and his eyes intense.
“You are now part of the Hiiragi Cirque Ave. Circus and Freakshow,” Kureto said. “I am Kureto Hiiragi, your ringmaster. It is to my understanding that you are an outcast amongst Sirens because you lack the ability to sing. We have graciously taken you under our protection and will provide you with a home, with food, and with companions. Running away is futile; you will merely be alone and starve in the wild. The best decision is to remain with us. You will be allowed to roam more freely once you are not so shocked from the change in your habitat.”
“Hello, Yuu-san,” Shinoa interrupted, waving her hand gracefully. “I’m Shinoa. Next to me is Mitsuba, or as I call her, Mii-chan!”
“Mitsuba is fine,” the harpy snapped, her violet eyes flicking back to Yuuichirou. “Yo.”
"I'll eat it if I want!" Yuuichirou snapped, not taking the change so lightly. If he was honest, he might be shaking somewhat. He was furious at this large guy, who thought he could just tell him what to do and tell everyone what he was. It wasn't fair.
"First off, mister big guy,” Yuuichirou said caustically, “my life isn't any of your business. Graciously? What makes you think I even want to be here?" He hissed out. Yuuichirou definitely wasn't happy, but he paused and glanced down at the meat. If he stayed here, he'd be able to eat, but he'd never see the others again. Not that they ever liked him, anyways. His eyes lowered in a sad-like manner before he caught himself.
"Nevermind starving, I can't live long without water, but what's your point? I know I can't leave-- ah." His attention belatedly turned towards the girls. Flicking his tail irritably, he offered a small wave of his fingers, even when most Sirens wouldn't even pay them mind.
"What's a circus...?"
“Oh, he doesn’t know much yet, does he?” Shinoa commented playfully.
“A circus is a performance to humans,” Kureto replied. “We will figure out how to put you in the show in the event that you can do something entertaining enough. If not, you will simply be part of the Freakshow Display. Humans will look at you and put money in a small box in front of your cage if they like you, and you will be expected to give them attention, show off your transformation, and otherwise. If you fail to do this, you will earn less and less, and essentially, less freedom. The more money you make, the better your treatment here.” Kureto held his head high. “If you end up costing more than you make, we will dispose of you.”
Expected to preform? Yuuichirou didn't know any tricks. He didn't want to entertain people. He only wanted to live as peacefully as a Siren could, which was pretty peaceful for him because he couldn't sing. He could hum; that was easy, but doing anything melodic louder than that made him sound terrible. Yet, he was just told he was going to be entertaining other beings. Humans, of all things.
He was content with just being in this tank. He didn't want to work for anything, and he found himself slowly shaking his head at everything Kureto said. Yuuichirou flared his fins in distaste and irritation, bristling out to appear hostile. He refused to do anything for the ones who kidnapped him.
Yuuichirou then turned his eyes to the side, where a man had just entered the tent.
“Perfect timing, Guren,” Kureto said affirmatively. “Yuuichirou, this man will be your primary caretaker. His name is Guren Ichinose. He will explain anything else to you. I will take my leave now.” Kureto nodded to Guren, then him and Aoi exited without another word.
Yuuichirou’s anger flared like his fins, and his teeth were showing in a sign that he would bite if Guren came any closer. He was the man Yuuichirou remembered before he was dropped into the water, so Yuuichirou was especially unhappy with him- angry, even. Slapping his hand against the glass, Yuuichirou raised himself back up.
"I don't want him near me,” he warned, snapping his gaze back up towards that broader man. He had a sudden thought, so before the food was taken away, he jumped up and leaned forward to snatch it up.
Satisfied, Yuuichirou settled back, but his eyes returned back to Guren.
“Oi, kid, you’re gonna have to listen to me if you want to have any sort of comfort,” Guren said sternly, eyes fixated on Yuuichirou.
“Shinoa, I think we should leave,” Mitsuba hissed between her teeth, nudging her elbow against Shinoa’s side. They slowly retreated, deciding they’d come try to get to know Yuuichirou another time. Once they were gone, only Guren remained, standing cross-armed before Yuuichirou.
“I was just like you once,” Guren explained. “I’m a Dryad, if you couldn’t tell, and before you make any assumptions, yes, I am a mad.” He looked exasperated and he then tilted his chin at the steak that Yuuichirou was holding. “Eat it, seriously. You’re not going anywhere, so just get used to it. We’ve all been through this before and trust me, it’s better than going out in this world alone.”
Yuuichirou merely rolled his eyes as Guren spoke. Obviously he was a man and a Dryad. Yuuichirou didn't think it was that weird, considering he couldn't sing. Plus, he's met at least one other Dryad before, nearly forty years ago. Although, Yuuichirou was only seventeen if he took his life span into consideration.
Flicking his tail in annoyance, he bit into the steak while continuing to glare at Guren standing in front of his cage. After swallowing, he placed it down before he swam back up and reverted back to his natural form to at least try to intimidate Guren. His skin colored a blueish-gray and his eyes were bright, almost glowing green amongst total blackness. Sharp, black claws grew from his fingertips. Guren merely watched as Yuuichirou grew more and more restless and frustrated with his situation.
"I know I'm not going anywhere, but who are you to tell me if here is any better than the sea?” Yuuichirou snarled. “I’ll still be laughed at, made to entertain those humans. Either way, it isn't fair, but there's jack shit I can do about it." Yuuichirou paused, trembling slightly.
"It's not your place to tell me such things,” he continued in a sour tone. “I’ll be the one to decide, but you're crazy if you think you can get me to do anything. It's not worth it." Yuuichirou crossed his arms over the sides of the tank, flicking his tail back and forth irritably.
"What's the point of all this, anyways?” He finally asked.
“You can stop trying to frighten me,” Guren scoffed at him. “You’re accomplishing nothing by looking like… that. Just calm the fuck down and eat more of the steak. Empty stomachs make everyone pissed off.”
Guren then placed a hand on his hip. “Look, kid, I don’t know if you’ve realized, but you’re a failure of a Siren. You can’t sing, which means you can’t survive on your own. We’re doing you a damn favor. So shut up and appreciate it. Everyone here has become somewhat of a family, and you’ll learn to call us your family eventually. For now, eat up and relax. All you have to know is that we’re saving your ass, and we make money so we can continue saving your ass.”
After saying that, Guren turned to leave. “I’ll be back later to change the tank water.”
Yuuichirou’s mouth opened as he tried to search for something to say. He was both too angry and hurt to come up with anything without seeming more stupid than he already made himself out to be. The dark grayish-blue of his skin returned to its peach color as he started to sink down into the water again.
As the anger continued to bubble within his veins, he blurted out a curse.
“Asshole!" He hissed, but he only received as smirk before Guren left completely.
Guren's last comment about him made him feel like somewhat of a slob, but what was the point? He wasn't going to hang off the side of the tank and eat like a dumbass. As he sunk down into the water with a pout forming over his lips, Yuuichirou picked up the steak to finish it off. His tail curled around himself, his gills on the side of his neck expanding to show he was angry, even if no one was there to see it.
"... So what if I can't sing,” he grumbled, tearing off another bite from the steak and glaring at the bottom of his tank.
—
“Have you heard, Mika?”
Mikaela tried to ignore the incubus Lacus, as usual, but Lacus continued to talk. “They found a Siren. But guess what? He can’t even sing. I wonder what Kureto is thinking…”
Mikaela continued to stare at his book, even if he wasn’t really reading it. He glanced up at Lacus, irritation in his red eyes.
“I’m trying to read, Lacus,” Mikaela reminded him. “I could care less about some new recruit.”
“Hmf, no fun,” Lacus looked over his shoulder at Rene, who seemed uncomfortable at the thought of someone he didn’t know on their campground. It was typical of a Lare to be so weary of a newcomer. “Let’s go check him out, Rene.”
“I suppose we could,” Rene agreed, and the two disappeared, leaving Mikaela alone. He read a couple more sentences, but his mind was spinning, curiosity beginning to get the better of him.
A Siren… who can’t sing?
Mikaela closed his book after some time had passed. Hopefully, Lacus and Rene were not pestering the Siren too much. Mikaela sort of wanted a peek, even if he claimed not to care earlier. Part of him wondered what a Siren’s blood would taste like, but it’s not like he’d attack one of the new creatures in the Freakshow out of the blue. The fact he was a Nosferatu was disgusting enough, and he couldn’t help but to have those thoughts of hunger.
It didn’t mean he wasn’t ashamed of it.
The day had ended and most of the Freakshow had settled, going to sleep for the night. Mikaela, as usual, never slept. He decided to take advantage of his nocturnal urges and wander over to where Guren’s tent was; he heard the newbie was under his care.
Hesitantly, Mikaela pushed aside the tent’s curtain and peered inside, eyes slitting to adjust to the dim lighting inside.
His breath was stolen away at what he saw.
A beautiful Siren lay in the tank, his skin smooth with small hints of teal scales. His tail was fanned out before him, glimmering in the soft lighting of torches within the tent. He seemed to sparkle in that light, and Mikaela’s eyes trailed, noticing the peek of greenish fins from his elbows and sharp, black claws extending from his fingertips.
The Siren’s body was gorgeous, but… Mikaela gulped as he looked up and saw the boy’s face. He was turned slightly away from Mikaela, yet he was awake. The curve of his neck and jaw was especially attractive to Mikaela, who licked his fangs with anticipation, but then he looked up and saw… his lips, his beautiful, dark hair, and those eyes.
Mikaela was gripping the edge of the tent, eyes glued to the Siren’s green irises until he realized they were staring at each other.
Mikaela quickly backed away, dropping the tent and separating them, his heart racing faster than it has in a while- it only pounded like this when he fed.
But at just the sight of the Siren, he was…
“Shit…” Mikaela’s cheeks burned and he turned away curtly, stalking back to Krul’s tent, across the campground.
Mikaela had to stay away from this Siren.
He was dangerously alluring.
—
Yuuichirou had been humming to himself softly, since he did not want to not to disturb anyone nearby or provoke any further yelling. Still, it was relaxing to hum to himself and to try and forget about his day. It was hard to forget, however, considering he was stuck in a tank- a small one, by his standards. He had no room to swim and he felt cramped. Still, it was nice how the noise of his humming bounced off the walls.
He stopped humming when he felt someone watching him.
Yuuichirou’s green eyes lifted to an incredibly pale man, accompanied by pale blonde hair framing his face. His skin was nearly all white, save for the striking red eyes staring back at him and black shirt the creature wore. He was hauntingly beautiful, and Yuuichirou couldn’t think of anything else as their eyes met.
Yuuichirou lifted a hand and pressed it against the glass when the man backed away.
They were called vampires- no, wait. Yuuichirou paused and thought. They were a different species of vampires, at least. Yuuichirou couldn't remember, but he had no way of asking right now.
He'd see him again, surely.