Over the Ocean, Over the Sea

By Y. Yoshi

After a storm sinks his ship, the laconic pirate Nagai Sho finds himself stranded alone, far from home, on an abandoned island.
Or so he'd thought until the mysterious yet alluring denizen of this island appears before him: a vision of high cheekbones, dark catlike eyes that speak of grief, long hair black as an island night and enticing hips.
But... Male.
This evasive being, Rei, brings with him more questions than answers:
Where did he come from, when there is nobody else here?
And what does he really want?
Why does Rei know how to read the currents expertly and fish, but appears to have never seen a compass before nor tried to find his way away from this place until Sho found him?

And... As time passes, another question reveals itself to Sho:
What does he himself want now?
For as he lies under the stars with Rei's slender body nestled next to him in the moonlight, stroking the man's cheeks that are still damp with fresh tears, Sho finds that he isn't so sure that he can leave just yet...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781922381514

Book preview

Journal

Day 3

Nagai Sho. That’s my name. I hope I don’t forget it. I’ve heard a lot of stories about how stranded sailors turn up insane when they are found after months or years of being shipwrecked. I hope I don’t end up like them. I know that journal entries are supposed to start with 1 or something. But this is technically my third day on this abandoned island. Or at least it looks abandoned…

The ship got sunk by that freakish storm the other day and I found myself washed up here a couple of days ago. Some of the debris came with me, but no other person. I don’t know if anyone else survived.

So far, I’ve gathered rope, a large part of the fabric from our sails that somehow came out in one piece, and writing materials that I’m using for this. I never knew our crates and barrels were so water-tight. A chest got washed up too. Probably from the Captain’s cabin. I haven’t opened it.

Funny thing, I found a whole crate of rum as well. Full bottles and all. I can’t even drink.

Day 4

Did a bit of exploration. I figured that this used to be a fishing village when I woke up on the first day. Quite hard to miss that fact when stilted houses lined the shore and the cliffs. Those that were right by the beach, at least. For good reason too. The tide comes in quite high. Needless to say, I am taking shelter in one of the beachfront houses whenever the tide rises at night.

I say that it’s a fishing village, but oddly enough, I haven’t found any boats. If the inhabitants left the island, I suppose that would explain it. Otherwise… Well, I haven’t seen any dead bodies. Let’s just assume that they took the boats and left the island. Speaking of bodies, none have washed up on shore yet.

Anyway, about the exploration. I went inland, as far as I could, and found a spring on the way. I guess that’s the source of freshwater for this place. I went into most of the houses too, to see what I could salvage. There was flint, rusted knives, some clothes, blankets. There’s quite a bit lying around. I suppose the previous inhabitants left in a hurry. Can’t help but wonder why.

Come to think of it, I noticed a cave on the other end of the beach this afternoon, when the tide was low. I thought I saw someone there. Maybe it’s just my imagination.

Day 6

Found a barrel of apples this morning. A nice surprise. That’ll feed me well enough for quite a while, assuming they won’t spoil. I’ll have to figure that one out.

One thing that happened today; I went into the cave. There were some things in there, trinkets and stuff. Someone’s definitely been in there recently because I found the Captain’s gold compass in there. I wanted to take it but I felt someone staring at me. Fucking creepy. I heard no one. I saw no one.

I left after that. Went fishing. Did miserably. At least I ended up with one fish the size of my palm. Quite proud of that though, actually. At least I have apples to go with that. I should probably eat the bruised ones first.

There’s something strange about this island though. I’m curious but part of me doesn’t really want to know.

Oh, I switched my trousers and shirt for the traditional robes I found in some of the houses. Frankly, they’re more comfortable. But I can see why they’re not worn out at sea. The fabric reaches close to the ground and billows around in the wind. I’d say they’re far too prone to getting wet.

Day  7

I’m spooked. There was a bag of shellfish and quite a few fishes outside the house this morning. There’s definitely someone else on this island.

1

After a week on this island, Sho had found a rhythm to his routine. The surprise food this morning threw him off quite a bit though. What was he going to do for the whole day without the need to search for food? He didn’t really want to explore more either. The knowledge that there was someone else here with him, someone who probably watched his every move, wasn’t exactly a comforting thought.

In the end, Sho decided to stay in the house and clean up a little more, make things a bit more comfortable. He wondered if he should build a raft or something to try leaving the island. But without the compass, Sho wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Getting lost at sea without adequate supplies would be a much worse fate than staying on this island for the rest of his life.

As night fell, Sho started a fire in the sunken hearth in the middle of the house. Putting a pot of freshwater over the fire, Sho added in a few strips of the seaweed he found and dried out, along with some of the shellfish that was dropped off at his doorstep this morning. Hopefully, the boiling will eliminate any possible toxins.

A full moon rose on the horizon and Sho settled on the walkway right outside the house, bare feet swinging over the edge, just above the water as he set up a fishing rod and leaned back, relaxed. There was no need to catch anything. But having something to do, to anticipate was better than sitting around doing nothing.

While waiting for his stew, Sho tried to formulate a plan to leave this island. He would definitely have to gather food supplies first if he wanted to do so. Leaving would be easier if there was a fishing boat still docked somewhere on this small island though. But if a friendly ship came by, and he manages to catch their attention, that would be even easier. Sho wondered if his shipmates were alive. Hopefully, they survived. Maybe they did and they were looking for him, or not. Maybe. Hopefully.

The line on the fishing rod unravelled, with the catch on the other end speeding off. Casually, Sho picked it up and started reeling the creature in. It wasn’t too difficult. There wasn’t much weight behind it. Before long, he pulled his catch out of the water. It was a squid. Its ink could be useful for writing if that was ever necessary. But he didn’t need more food to keep now. It would just go to waste.

Unhooking the squid, Sho threw it back into the water and set his rod down. He didn’t expect that he would actually catch something. He shifted, folding his legs in as he stared at the moon. Sho soon got bored though. Humming a shanty he picked up from his time at sea, he stood up and went back in for his stew. Sho quickly ate his fill, but there was still half a pot untouched. He pursed his lips as he put the lid back on the pot. It should still be edible tomorrow.

Sho lay down on the bedding he set a short distance away from the hearth. It took him a while to figure out how far was too far and how close was too close, but he finally found the right spot. With a satisfied palate, he had intended to go to sleep but the salt from the seafood and the seaweed had him needing a drink. And he didn’t exactly feel like drinking water. He glanced at the untouched crate of rum that sat in a corner of the space.

Without much hesitation, Sho went over to the crate and pulled out a bottle. Popping it open, he sat down on the plank walkway again and started to drink, watching the moon and counting the stars as he did.

2

Sunlight hit Sho’s eyes as he cracked them open. His head hurt. Why did it hurt? Sho lay motionless, tucked into his bedding as he tried to recall what happened last night. He didn’t remember getting back into bed, but there was a vague memory of drinking from one of the bottles…

As he tried to sit up, his vision swam and a peal of light laughter hit his ears. Sho snapped his head towards the source, making the room spin again as he did. Closing his eyes, he groaned.

I’ve never met a pirate who barely makes it through a quarter of a bottle, the voice teased. Forcing his eyes open, Sho squinted as he tried to see who was talking. His aching head immediately felt soothed by the sight before him.

An impossibly beautiful man sat next to the hearth, so beautiful that he tugged at Sho’s heartstrings. The man was smiling at Sho, watching him as he rested his chin on an arm placed on the knee of a propped up leg. Sho found himself staring into the man’s dark eyes filled with mirth, his smile drawing him in.

Suddenly, he snapped out of his reverie. Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, Sho asked, What makes you think that I’m a pirate?

The stranger hummed in amusement. Cocking his head to one side, he brushed his long dark hair over his shoulder and said, That brand on the inside of your wrist is telling enough.

Sho subconsciously shifted his right hand away, keeping his expression impassive as he kept his eyes on the stranger. As pleasing as he looked to his eyes, something didn’t feel quite right.

Don’t be so uptight, the stranger coaxed, stretching his legs out, lounging. As the fabric of his long robe shifted, Sho noticed that it shone with an iridescence as it flowed over the stranger’s form, an odd trait for cloth, if that’s what it was made out of.

Who are you? Sho asked, his tone level.

Does it matter? The stranger smirked at him.

If you’re going to come into where I dwell, I might as well get to know you, Sho said, trying to convince the stranger to give up his name.

You don’t need to know my name to get to know me, the stranger said, leaning forward with a wider smile. Besides, I don’t have a name.

That’s not possible.

Perhaps, the stranger said. Perhaps I had one. But if I ever did, I don’t remember anymore.

Sho continued to stare at him, unsure of what to make of it.

You, though. The stranger pointed a slender finger at Sho. You have a name, don’t you? Tell me?

No, Sho answered. If I’m not addressing you by name, you won’t address me by name either. There isn’t anyone else to get mixed up with on this island after all.

The stranger burst out laughing. How sure are you that we’re the only two people here?

Sho grew tense. Are we not…?

It’s alright, the stranger said, waving a hand as his laughter subsided. You’re right. There is no one else here.

The stranger’s confirmation didn’t offer much comfort to Sho. He wasn’t even sure that he could trust this person.

You really won’t share your name with me? the stranger asked.

Sho shook his head.

A grin appeared on the stranger’s face. His teeth were particularly white. Afraid I’ll steal your name? he teased.

Sho shook his head again. Just so that we’re on equal grounds.

The stranger’s grin turned into a smirk. If you say so, he said, sounding unconvinced as he turned to look out of the entrance of the house, towards the sea.

Were you the one who left the food outside the house yesterday? Sho asked. The question had been nagging at him for over a day.

The stranger’s eyes slid toward Sho. Looking at Sho out of the corner of his eyes, the stranger replied, Of course, who else could it be? Did you enjoy it?

Cautiously, Sho nodded. There’s… still a lot I haven’t eaten, actually, he said. But thank you. After a pause, he added, Still… why would you…?

It’s been a while since I had someone else with me here, said the stranger. He went back to staring at the sea. Since you were so bad at spearing fish, I thought you’d starve without help, he continued, smirking. Also, he added, take it as a thank you for not taking anything from the cave.

Sho grew tense again, reminded of the hostility he felt when he entered the cave.

I would appreciate it if you never went back in there, the stranger said, standing up. Sho remained silent as he began to walk out of the house. Stopping by the barrel of apples, the stranger paused and looked at it intently.

You can help yourself to them if you want, Sho offered. I haven’t figured out how I’m supposed to finish them all anyway. They might just end up going to waste.

The stranger’s eyes lit up and he picked up an apple. Flashing Sho a smile and a wink, he muttered a soft thank you and left, a delighted smile on his face.

Journal

Day 9

I’ve been meaning to ask the man with the strange robes if there were any boats left on this island, but he hasn’t returned since the first time he showed up in here. Then again, it’s only been a couple of days. But when I ran out of fish last night, more appeared outside the house this morning again. He’s obviously still watching me. I haven’t decided if it’s a good or bad thing.

His warning about entering the cave… it’s odd. I wonder what’s in there that he doesn’t want me seeing. There was definitely a path that led deeper in. I’m worried that I might get lost in there though. Perhaps I could use the rope to mark my path if I were to ever explore the cave

Anyway, I finally opened the chest. Got a sizeable rock from the beach and broke the lock with it. There was a map in there. I don’t know where I am, so that’s not very helpful at the moment. There were more writing materials too, along with some of the Captain’s journals. There was also a bundle of candles, a telescope, a watch, a dagger, and promissory notes. Those notes will be useful when I leave this place. If ever.

I guess I can time when the tides come in and out now with the watch though. Once I have that down I can plan for a trip into the cave. Don’t want to get stuck in there when the tide washes in.

I think I didn’t write about this in previous entries but there’s a bath area in this house. But it seems like there’s an issue with the pipes. I can’t get any water flowing. It’ll be nice to get it to work and finally get a hot bath. I can’t remember the last time I had one.

Day 11

I’m getting better at spearing for fish. As nice as it is to have someone providing me with food, I don’t really want to rely on him. I’d be left helpless if he decided to disappear or stop feeding me. That’s far too risky for my liking.

Though, thanks to the things he’s brought so far, I could figure out what’s edible and what’s not in the rock pools. But it would be nice if he was with me though. I could just ask him.

He hasn’t reappeared yet. I’m still waiting.

I don’t know why but I’m looking forward to it. I wonder if it’s the loneliness getting to me. Maybe that’s what draws me to him. I wonder where he lives. It doesn’t seem like he uses any of the other houses in the settlement. He’s a strange one.

I got the pipes in the bath area working. I checked around the back and apparently, they were just disconnected. Maybe I’ll go get firewood tomorrow morning then try and take a look around in the cave again.

Glad to note that no dead bodies have washed up. They’ve either all survived, or gotten eaten up. Which it is, I don't really know.

3

Sho stood at the entrance to the cave, peering into the darkness. He was told not to go back in but that only piqued his curiosity more. Using a piece of the sails’ sheets, Sho wrapped a few apples in it and brought it with him to leave in the cave. He remembered the stranger’s delight with a mere apple. Hopefully, this would be enough to appease him if he got upset over Sho’s defiance.

Why it mattered to Sho, he did not know.

What Sho did know, though, was that he was going into the cave no matter what.

Tightening his fist around the bundle of apples, Sho squared his shoulders and headed in. He carefully manoeuvred around the slippery rocks and put a hand on the wall to guide him as he approached the knoll that led up to the open area where the trinkets were.

It was not a taxing hike, but the humidity in the cave clung to Sho’s skin and clothes, drenching him in perspiration by the time he arrived at the clearing. There was a hole in the ceiling that let light into the cave, allowing Sho to venture this far in without the need for a candle. Any further and that might be necessary, but not today.

The clearing still looked the same. The same low, table-like structure was there, the same trinkets were lying around, though in slightly different positions. The compass was still there too. Staring at it as he approached the table, Sho felt the urge to reclaim it again but he resisted, instead simply placing the apples next to it. His re-entry to the cave was already a big enough transgression.

A small voice in the back of Sho’s mind questioned again why he should let that bother him. Pursing his lips in annoyance, Sho smothered the voice away and looked to the back of the cave, trying to see if he can go in deeper.

The path ahead had a gentle decline that led into darkness. Swallowing his uncertainty away, Sho put his hand on the wall again and started walking in with cautious steps. If he fell in here and broke something, he might never see the light of day again.

Moving away from the clearing, Sho soon found his vision plunged back into impenetrable darkness again. It felt as if it was closing around him, enveloping him, making it harder for him to breathe. Logically speaking, it was probably just the humidity making his lungs work harder. Being able to see would make him feel much better though. Hopefully, there was another light source concealed inside, like the hole at the clearing.

It was hard to tell how long Sho had been wandering around, following along the wall, but it felt like ages and it seemed like he wasn’t going to find any end nor light if he went on. It was getting harder and harder to breathe as well, more so than before. Sho decided that he should turn around. He would be better off coming back another day with the candles.

As he turned, Sho began to find his ears being filled with the deafening sounds of his heart racing mixed with the echoes of his feet shuffling around on the gravel. He forced himself to slow his breathing and his heartbeat, taking in long, deep breaths despite the difficulty. It would be a bad idea to panic now.

The way back seemed to take less time and within moments, Sho was back at the clearing on the knoll. He sat down on the sandy ground, under the spot of light that illuminated the otherwise dark cave. The air felt less oppressive here. Maybe it was due to the presence of light.

After taking a short break, Sho started to make his way back to the entrance when he threw a glance at the table and felt his heart stop. The bundle of apples were unwrapped and there was one less apple now. He smiled wryly to himself, half glad that the stranger has accepted his offer yet worried about what he might have to say about Sho’s intrusion. Until the stranger confronts him about it, though, there was nothing Sho could do about it. That is if he even shows up again.

Hand to the wall, Sho descended the knoll, heading back to the entrance of the cave. When he made it back into the open air, the sun was just beginning to set and water has crept back up towards the shore, submerging the rocks at the entrance. Sho didn’t expect that he would spend such a long time in there but it was hard to keep track of time in the darkness.

Sighing, Sho resolved to take better note of the tidal patterns. Perhaps he should bring the watch with him the next time he goes in. Keeping his mind occupied with improvements to his plans, Sho hurried back to the house, eager to go indoors before the rising tide forced him to try and swim his way back.

By the time Sho made it home, his body was worn out and his skin felt sticky from the perspiration and salty wind. It’s a good thing he had prepared for a hot bath. After lighting the hearth in the front of the house, Sho fired up the boiler for the bath and as he waited, he sat on the walkway outside, crunching on an apple as he watched the sunset.

When the moon began to glow, Sho had bitten the apple down to its core. He dropped it into the rising water and watched, expecting it to float back up but it never did. He frowned. Weren’t apples supposed to float in water? Staring at the water for a moment more, he scanned the surface but saw nothing that resembled the apple. Giving up, he shrugged to himself and went back inside. Perhaps it was too dark to see.

Stripping his robes off, Sho hung them over the folding screen that separated the bath area from the rest of the house and rinsed his body before slipping into the warm water, sighing as he felt his muscles relax. Submerging himself underwater, Sho