[IC] [Old Radio/Waiting in Earth Crossover]

[futureforbirds]

**Their travels bring them back to the cliff overlooking the ruined coastal city. Though it was the first visit for one of their party members - Miku, whom they'd met back at Kaito's home city. Since she acted so young and carefree, Kaito had tried to make their trip over as fun and happy as possible. But now that they were here, with the ghost town in sight, Kaito's smile sobered. This wasn't just a long camping trip. They had to get serious.

He shoved his hands in his pocket as he stared down on it. They'd probably want to pick up the supplies they weren't able to take last time. And more importantly, he really hoped that the boats in the harbor were seaworthy. The knowledge that their radio was in English was an excellent lead, but it meant that they had to get off of this island.**

Comments

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

... Why would you have to do that?

[deteriorated]

Wh-what if she falls? It's slippery here and she's dragging herself on the floor...

[Even if she's a mermaid, he knows what an elder sibling's responsibility is.] We might have to help her, just in case. If you're really worried about it, you can keep watching us.

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

... Okay, I'm watching you. No funny business!

[deteriorated]

[He smiles at her, relieved.]

I'll make sure of it.

[futureforbirds]

**he keeps looking between the Rinmermaid and KAITO, but it seems to have gone well**

Well, uh... what're we doing?

[deteriorated]

We're going to help her while she looks around and make sure she doesn't get hurt. [Which they... apparently needed permission for.]

[futureforbirds]

Oh. Well. Cool.

Good job, KAITO! Now we don't have to worry about being misunderstood again.

1/2

[deteriorated]

[.....]

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

[Meanwhile, she's gotten a pretty good distance on the boat before she's all worn out. Wait, is that a door? Why is it closed? Where does it go? Maybe she'll slip in and take a peek inside...]

[futureforbirds]

**notices that** !

Careful, there's stairs in that door!

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

Huh? [But the door is open and she's... leaning, leaning, leaning--!]

[futureforbirds]

**crap, hurries over and reaches to pull back her arm, just in case**

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

[Good show, Kaito! She's grabbed just in time, but she's still leaning forward and looking down the stairs.]

What's down there?

[futureforbirds]

Well, um. Cargo. You know, this and that...

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

[Is she really supposed to just accept that as an answer.]

[futureforbirds]

**would she even know what half the stuff down there is?**

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

[No, but would any kid accept "this and that" as an answer?]

[futureforbirds]

... I'm not sure you'll understand even if I tell you. Most of it is uhm. Not ... for aquatic use?

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

[A pause before she says,]

Is it poison?

[futureforbirds]

No, why would we -

**DO ALL MERMAIDS JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS LIKE THIS**

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

I heard it in a story! [Now that her sister told her they were humans, she can recall a couple tales about them.]

Humans poison the ocean!

[futureforbirds]

... Oh.

That -

- We don't just carry around poison so we can dump it in the ocean, okay. We're not that heartless... just made some, er, bad decisions.

**although that was his ancestors so he's having difficulty coming up with anything**

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

So it really happened? [She thought they were stories! She relaxes and leans back towards the deck.]

It really happened... wow...

[futureforbirds]

Yeah, it did. And humanity wiped itself out too, for the most part.

[aqualoid.livejournal.com]

[She thinks about that for a moment before grabbing hold of Kaito.]

Then you're like... really old coral!