Dear ocean…
Chapitre 1.0
Yandere Tom Nook x reader x Yandere Redd, and little Groucho x reader…
Warnings: night stalking, violence, manipulation, possessive and controlling behavior, abuse of power.
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Welcome to this fanfic inspired by the Animal Crossing and Yandere universe, where I imagined an alternative sequel to an existing story. From Yandere-ac https://www.tumblr.com/yandere-ac/623084593661214720/i-noticed-in-the-recent-update-that-there-was-a.
@yandere-ac
My goal is to revive this community with complex characters and intriguing situations. If some elements seem new or strange to you, don't panic: everything will be explained in detail at the end. Good reading, and hang on, this is just the beginning!
“Redd! Let me go, damn it!”
I was dragged inside his boat, where there was a metal door. Despite his injuries, Redd managed to pull out a key and unlock it.
As we entered, there was a large cage at the bottom of the stairs, and Redd threw me roughly onto a mattress, which softened my fall. Although I briefly lost consciousness from the fall, his yelling and cursing kept me awake, helping me stay aware despite the pain.
“I wanted to do this the easy way, Y/n! Believe me, I tried! But if you keep acting like this… always so stubborn… I’ll have to be more forceful!”
I tried to run towards the cage door to escape, but Redd was quicker than me, locking it behind him with a double turn, and now we were both alone inside the cage—I was trapped!
He tried to approach me, but adrenaline made me crawl back to the wall, desperately trying to get as far away from him as possible.
“Oh, Y/n…” he whispered as he slowly approached, while I remained frozen. He knelt beside me, pulling me into his arms and staring into my eyes. “You can’t escape, and no one is coming to save you. Get comfortable, the trip back is long.”
Saying that, he gently laid me back onto the bed, though I could no longer move. He kissed my forehead despite my weak attempts to resist. I could only make small movements and let out a faint whimper.
Then, he left the cage, carefully locking both doors, leaving me alone, imprisoned.
Had he planned this all along? How long had he been plotting to kidnap me?!
I slowly got up, scanning the place I was in. It looked like a bedroom. In the middle was the mattress that had cushioned my fall, preventing serious injury. There was also a small lamp to fight off the dampness, a canteen of water, and a wooden panel hanging on the wall.
I paused to think about how to escape. Redd didn’t realize it, but he had given me one advantage: I still had all my wits about me. Being on Redd’s boat, one thing was certain…
Redd is a survivor, always ready to run or defend himself in an emergency. There must be a secret passage somewhere to get me out of this cage…
Meanwhile:
Redd was steering the boat, whistling with joy. He had finally gotten you. After all that time circling your island, hiding in the dark corners, sneaking into your very own house… all just to take you away from that foolish man.
And in the end, he hardly had to do anything.
You had been handed to him on a silver platter, completely at his mercy.
It had been a year since the accident, and now, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. That bitter taste of loss… he had never really known it.
He had plundered, lied, manipulated, stolen, not just from Tom Nook, but from other men and women who had fallen under his charm. Even the most powerful ones, those who knew what he was doing, did nothing to stop him. They knew that, one way or another, Redd was untouchable.
With a well-hidden place, far from prying eyes, and loyal contacts charmed by his wit and intelligence, he knew he could keep you safe, away from the world.
To him, you were like a work of art, a delicate painting bathed in light. Your mere presence could erase each of his sins, committed day after day, night after night.
You had become much more than a simple obsession to him: you were his inspiration.
He had even dedicated a painting to you, a secret tribute to your beauty and everything you meant to him.
The idea that Tom would want to lock you away, hide you from the world, and especially from him? It was unforgivable.
To Redd, it was a betrayal of his only true happiness.
But before Redd could think of anything else, a powerful wave suddenly hit the ship, throwing him to his knees, along with everyone on board.
Furniture toppled to one side, and fragile glass objects shattered into pieces. Y/N, hitting their head, was cut by shards of glass on their knees as they lay half-conscious.
(Ugh! My head… What is happening?!)
They began to painfully get up, their thoughts still hazy, when they heard Redd’s furious shouts.
“HEY! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU—wait, TOM?!”
What? Tom! No, not him… How did he find me?
“Redd! Where’s Y/N?” Tom’s raspy voice demanded, leaving no room for discussion. It was much more of a command than a question at this point.
“How… How did you find me?” Redd was completely baffled, his tone betraying his confusion.
We were in the middle of the ocean, without Wi-Fi, no network, no means of communication. I didn’t even have my phone on me. Our scents, Redd’s and mine, were impossible to detect from such a distance, especially with the seawater masking even the strongest smells.
How could he be so sure I was on Redd’s boat? It seemed impossible to me. I know this might sound crazy, but… What if he had installed tracking chips? On me? Or on Redd’s boat? That was the only logical explanation I could come up with.
It would totally be something Tom would do. He’s always been meticulous and ready to develop technologies he found useful.
I had known Tom Nook for a long time. I had seen him evolve from a simple merchant with an apron to a man in a sweater worth a million bells. And that sweater? He never wore anything else now.
As his income increased year after year, Tom invested more and more in advanced technologies: surveillance apps, trackable devices, and sophisticated cybersecurity systems.
His cybersecurity engineers must have developed devices so advanced that they could be implanted almost anywhere, even on people, without them noticing. It was very likely that a tracking chip had been implanted in my body, which explained how Tom had managed to find us in the middle of the sea.
“Where is Y/N? I know they’re here, so stop messing around and tell me where they are!” Tom’s voice was rising, his anger growing.
(Damn! The situation’s getting worse, I need to find a way out fast… Oh?)
Y/N began scanning their surroundings, desperately searching for an escape as quickly as possible.
The small room was lined with thick wooden walls, but something seemed strange about the panel in front of them. The texture of the wood there looked slightly different from the others, as if time hadn’t worn it down as much, or that panel had been added later.
Looking closer, Y/N realized it was… a hidden partition! And it was wooden!
Curious, they pressed a specific spot on the wall, feeling a slight vibration, as if something was unlocking behind it. They used the glass from a lamp, now serving as a blade, to force the panel. It gave way slightly, revealing a secret passage.
Behind the partition, a narrow corridor stretched out before Y/N, wide enough for them to descend safely. The smell of salty sea air was stronger, which meant they were getting closer to the outside. The passage probably led to a service compartment or, even better, an exit to the sea. They were going to make it out!
But just as their excitement grew, they heard a loud noise from above, signaling that things were only getting worse.
BAM BAM
Tom Nook had boarded Redd’s ship and destroyed one of the walls with a single punch. So furious, he repeated his question.
“Where are they, Redd?! What did you do to them?! I know they’re here! You took them and hid them!”
The ship’s deck swayed slightly due to the rough seas, but at that moment, the real storm was between Tom Nook and Redd. The two adversaries stood facing each other, their gazes filled with hatred.
But something else was happening to Tom. His hands were trembling slightly, and his eyes, usually soft yet cold, were burning with a dangerous light.
“Don’t make me repeat myself again, Redd… You think you can take everything from me, huh? Y/N doesn’t belong to you! They’re mine, they’re under my protection, UNDER MY CONTROL!”
Redd’s voice became taunting yet threatening. This was a side of him Y/N had never seen before.
“Under your control? Tom. They ran away because they couldn’t stand you anymore. Haven’t you figured it out yet?”
“You want to lock them up in your little mental prison, watched 24/7? Faced with that, who would want to stay? You’re suffocating them, Tom. They fled from you, and you didn’t even see it coming.”
Tom Nook stopped, disoriented by these words, his gaze darkening. He shuddered, his eyes beginning to dilate, like a cornered animal. A low growl escaped his throat. His fists clenched so tightly that his claws dug into his soft fur, leaving small red marks. A vein throbbed under his snout, and his breathing became more and more erratic.
“You manipulated them. They would never have run. Never! They’re loyal… They? Run away? They can’t… I wouldn’t allow it. They need me, they know it, and you… You’re just an obstacle, Redd… A MISERABLE OBSTACLE!”
Tom’s gaze became even more intense; his eyes were now wild, almost unreadable. His pupils were so dilated that they darkened his stare. A spasm shook his right hand, as if he wanted to destroy everything around him. He took a sudden step toward Redd, each movement resonating like an imminent threat.
Redd, serious this time, took a slight step back, facing this surreal situation. He had never seen him like this, not even in their past confrontations.
“Tom… You’re losing it. Look at yourself, you’re on the verge of going mad.”
Tom roared, making Y/N jump in the process, his voice almost breaking the silence of the sea and sending shivers down Redd’s spine.
“CRAZY?! CRAZY, THAT’S WHAT YOU THINK?!
IF I WANT, I CAN DESTROY THIS SHIP! EVERYONE WILL FEAR ME, Y/N WILL BEG ME TO COME BACK! THEY’LL OBEY ME… OR I’LL DESTROY EVERYTHING AROUND THEM TOO!”
He made a sudden move, violently striking a wooden railing to his right. The blow was so strong that the wood shattered, sending splinters everywhere. His breath became heavier, more irregular, as if he was struggling to control the beast roaring within him. His muscles tensed, and his face was contorted with uncontainable rage.
Hearing all this, Y/N started quickly descending the steps, trying to make as little noise as possible despite their many injuries.
Their heart was pounding as they saw another door ahead of them, and fortunately, it wasn’t locked.
As they stepped outside, they looked around and noticed a securely fastened motorized lifeboat. With a good outboard motor and a spotlight mounted on it, it could help them navigate once they were out at sea.
As they tried to untie the ropes, they realized it was going to take much longer than expected. Trying to cut the ropes, they started crying in the face of the shouting coming from above.
(Damn… damn! I’m just surrounded by completely insane men! I don’t want to see them again… I never want to see them again.)
Redd, in a sharp, mocking tone but with an underlying caution, also started extending his long, sharp claws.
“There it is, you’re finally showing your true face, Tom. An uncontrollable monster, ready to destroy everything to keep control. Did you really think Y/N would stay with you after that?”
Tom’s breathing became rough, his chest rising rapidly, as if he was desperately searching for air. His eyes almost rolled back in their sockets, searching for Y/N, searching for his only comfort.
“They… They… They’re mine. I have to… I have to get them back… I’ll… DESTROY EVERYTHING if I don’t find them…”
Redd was ready to fight back at any attack that might come his way.
“You’ll never see them again, Tom.”
That was the final straw. Tom Nook let out an animalistic scream, a howl of pure rage. He lunged at Redd with uncontrollable violence, his blows becoming frantic, almost feral. Redd, agile and defensive, was barely avoiding the attacks. Tom had more strategy, more calculation in his movements. He was striking blindly, like a rabid beast, hitting everything in his path, including the ship’s structures, and Redd understood that all too well.
At the next knot, Y/N noticed they were leaving blood everywhere and were less precise than with the first knot. With a jolt, they heard Tom and Redd’s voices growing louder and more intense.
In their thoughts, they prayed for this knot, which felt like a knot of fate, to untie.
(I need to leave now. I’m out of time… please, I beg you, untie!)
Snap!
I pull one last time on the rope, and finally, the lifeboat freed itself with a soft splash against the hull of the boat.
(Finally! Soon free.)
Quickly climbing inside, I saw Tom roaring, striking everything around him.
“WHERE ARE THEY?! WHERE IS Y/N?! I’M GOING TO DESTROY THIS BOAT, AND YOU WITH IT, IF I DON’T FIND THEM!”
Splinters of wood flew everywhere. Tom, delivering violent blows, and Redd, dodging the attacks as best they could, kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings, ready to slip away at any opportunity.
With a bloodied forehead, panting, my knees, scraped by the shards of glass scattered on the deck, were throbbing with pain with every step I took. Despite the agony, I forced myself to free the last knot and start the engine. At the back of the boat, I turned one last time to observe the scene.
The blows they exchanged were so powerful that the partitions began to crack under the force of Tom’s despair. I thought I might be able to calm them down… I’m the biggest fool.
Without hesitation, I began to start the engine of the lifeboat, feeling the propulsion begin to move forward.
Tom, his eyes bloodshot, suddenly noticed me, and Redd understood Tom’s sudden halt.
Driven to desperation, Tom Nook ran, shouting to try to stop me.
“NO! Y/N, COME BACK! YOU CAN’T DO THIS! NOT AFTER EVERYTHING I’VE DONE TO HAVE YOU!”
But I didn’t look back, my hands trembling, my mind clouded by fatigue and injuries. I could still hear Tom’s heart-wrenching screams piercing the air around me.
Redd, for their part, was losing their smile. The obsession they hid behind their calm facade began to break through. And seeing the boat drift away, nothing compared to that view. Even the pain of their injuries became invisible in the face of this reality.
“They can’t escape me… they CAN’T! They were supposed to be mine, Tom, but YOU ruined everything!”
Their eyes became fixed, and their voice rose, almost broken by the frustration of seeing their “prey” slip away.
Tom fell to his knees, still holding the steering wheel stained with Y/N’s blood.
“Y/N… Y/N, please… Come back. Come back to me… I can’t… I can’t lose you…”
The screams of the two men echoed over the water, but the lifeboat continued to drift farther away, gliding over the waves. Y/N, for their part, was lost in thoughts, their mind buzzing. They thought about everything that had just happened, the madness they had left behind, the pain of their injuries, but most importantly, about the freedom that now seemed within reach.
They continued on their path without looking back, despite the trials that awaited them.
I began sailing, watching the sky slowly change. I felt both stressed and relieved.
The calm atmosphere after the storm soothed me. No more shouting, no more furious men.
I found myself alone, and surprisingly, it didn’t scare me. But there was a problem.
I didn’t know where to go or where to take shelter. I had lost friends, caught up in this whole affair, and the few trustworthy friends I had left without even saying goodbye.
And Groucho… oh, Groucho… how much I missed him…
But being alone in the middle of the ocean was still preferable to the violent fight between Tom and Redd. Thinking of Redd, I remembered he had hidden a survival kit somewhere on board.
Inside, I found a first aid kit, some still-edible biscuits, three bottles of water, and… photos of me.
Looking at them more closely, I realized he had taken them back when I was still mayor. One of them was taken downtown, when he still had his shop in a shady alley. Another showed me on the beach earlier this year, while I was working on the island.
I put the photos back and kept searching. That’s when I found a sort of clamp and… a tablet?
Curious, I turned on the tablet. There was no password or owner’s name. Just a positioning app and a Bluetooth option.
Looking closer, I found a note that explained everything I needed to know.
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Tracing Tablet User Guide
Welcome to the user manual of your multifunctional tablet. This tool has been designed to ensure your safety and protect your freedom against potential threats.
Main Functions:
1. Positioning:
This feature allows you to locate your position as well as any traceable objects nearby. Once activated, a signal is sent by any device connected to your network, showing you their location in real time.
2. Deactivation of Traceable Objects:
With this function, you can temporarily disable tracking devices present on your body. Even if a chip or another traceable object has been implanted in you, you can render it inactive for a limited time.
Warning: The deactivation is only temporary and can be detected by more advanced systems. Be cautious and use this option only in places where you feel safe.
3. Lémo App:
The Lémo app allows you to manage all the functionalities of your tablet. You can check active Bluetooth connections and verify devices linked to your profile.
Make sure your security settings are always enabled to prevent any intrusion or hacking attempts.
Warnings:
• Tablet Owner: Although the tablet is currently in your possession, it has been designed for high-risk situations. Those who provided it to you may have ambiguous intentions. Stay constantly on guard.
• Secure Usage: Never share your location or activities with anyone you do not trust completely. This device could be monitored by malicious entities.
• Support: In case of difficulty, contact a member of the Raid4Forever group for assistance. They are familiar with the dangers associated with this kind of technology.
• Reminder: Freedom comes with great responsibilities. Use this tablet wisely and never lower your vigilance. Your survival depends on it.
____________________
Reading this memo, I quickly got up, grabbing the electronic clamp that could save me valuable time.
As my fingers brushed over my body, I gripped the clamp tightly, ready to use it to deactivate the insidiously placed implant in my neck. A chip… How long had it been implanted without me realizing it!?
But today, I had managed to deactivate that damned chip. Still, a question burned on my lips: how had Tom Nook been able to implant a chip without me noticing?
I floated in the open sea, but I paused the engine, my hands still gripping the controls. I needed to think about the situation I was in. How had Tom Nook, that imposing tanuki, managed to implant something so small in me?
The wind gently picked up around me. I suddenly felt a craving for soda, the sodas Tom Nook used to give me… but there was something, a vague detail that eluded my memory. Then, Chris’s words resurfaced in my mind, clearer and more real than before.
“Tom Nook can get whatever he wants, Y/N. Traceable objects, surveillance systems… He even cut the ties between your town and mine… who’s to say he wouldn’t use them to find you?”
On my boat, those words echoed within me like an alarm bell I had ignored for too long, or perhaps even forgotten. But now, everything was becoming clear. Piece by piece, the puzzle was coming together.
He had everything. The means, the technology, contacts… He was even capable of improving tracking devices.
I was finally starting to understand some things. He always found me, whether I was at someone’s place, in a store, or even in a simple restaurant. He always managed to locate me, and if not, he systematically sent me messages whenever I got close to someone.
And the further I distanced myself from him, the more I sensed the extent of his obsession. It wasn’t just about possession; it was about total control. His spam messages and incessant calls spoke volumes. This was not just an obsession; it was suffocating domination.
I still remember that night. Everything became so clear in my mind, as if the puzzle pieces were finally coming together.
The drinks! That’s how he did it!
Everything was planned; I realize that now.
It had started innocently, almost subtly, with those drinks he gave me. Once a week, depending on the season. Hot in winter, cold in summer… I accepted them without thinking, unaware of what was hiding behind them.
Every morning, as I woke up in my bed, I noticed some pretty obvious signs.
My blankets were strangely wrinkled, and there was a pan placed on my bed, as if someone had cooked in my kitchen. With my memory problems, I paid no attention, telling myself it was probably me, half-asleep, who had made myself dinner after coming home late at night.
Then, there was that key. The one to my front door, which I always found on the floor, just inside. I thought it was just a clumsiness on my part… but why every Friday?
And the smell. A woody fragrance, a mix of dried leaves and burnt citrus. I remember having smelled it on my sheets once or twice, without ever paying attention. That smell… it was Tom’s. He wore that unique cologne. Why was that scent in my room?
At first, I hadn’t paid attention to it. I thought everything was normal. That it was just a simple act of kindness, those cans he offered me, sealed, as if no one had touched them. But now, I know he must have paid someone to add additives. Sleeping pills. Strong enough to pin me to bed for hours, unable to wake up, even if I wanted to.
It took Groucho inviting me for a drink at his place for me to finally not need Tom Nook’s drink. I had thought to keep it in the fridge for the next day. I came home, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I showered, slipped under my sheets filled with teddy bears and plush toys. I felt… heavy, but aware, much more aware than usual. That night, I still didn’t know what was about to happen.
That’s when everything changed… and oddly, I had forgotten.
I heard that sound, the distinct noise of a key in the lock. There was no crash, no forced entry. Just the sound of a key dropping — my key, probably — which explained why I found it on the floor every Friday. A simple click, as if someone with a spare set of my keys was entering. I didn’t move. I couldn’t move. My body was frozen, but my mind was alert. And that’s when I understood. There was only one person on this island who could have those keys.
Tom Nook.
I felt every fiber of my body tense. The sheets were heavy, almost oppressive, while I pretended to sleep. I had carefully hidden the can in the furthest corner of my fridge, well out of Tom’s sight. That night, I hadn’t drunk anything. Fortunately. But he didn’t know that.
The door to my room creaked softly. I felt him enter, each step muffled by the carpet but still resonating in the heavy air of the room. He moved with the assurance of someone who believed he had total control, someone who thought his prey was asleep, unconscious.
“Good evening, my dear…” he whispered softly, his voice laced with a sickly tenderness.
I didn’t move, continuing to play my role. He got even closer; I could feel his presence behind me, immense, almost suffocating. His hand rested on my shoulder, and he slowly slid his lips across my cheek, placing a light kiss there.
“How was your day, hmm?” he said with that feigned sweetness, as if it were a simple conversation between a husband and wife.
My heart raced, but I forced myself to remain still. He thought I was under the influence of his drug. Every Friday night, the same routine. But this time, he didn’t know I had escaped his trap.
He continued talking, recounting his day, as if it were a normal moment between us. “Today, business went well. Timmy and Tommy improved our sales again, and everything is going according to plan… Soon, everything will be perfect, Y/N. We will finally be together. Nothing can separate us.”
His voice betrayed a hint of madness. He had convinced himself that we were a couple, that I belonged to him. A shiver ran down my spine as he headed to the kitchen, still convinced I was sound asleep. I heard the familiar clinking of utensils, as if he were cooking for the two of us. But the truth was, I knew nothing of this ritual he repeated every Friday night.
I took advantage of his absence to send quick messages to Chris. My heart raced faster with each passing second. If Tom returned before I finished…
After what felt like an eternity — or at least, what seemed like one — he came back into the room. This time, I felt a different heaviness in the air. I heard him set something down on the bedside table. A metallic noise. He had brought a pajamas, as if he planned to spend the night here, with me.
I squeezed my eyelids even tighter as I felt the mattress sink under his weight. He lay down next to me, wrapping his arms around me with a sickly possessiveness. He placed his hand on my thigh, stroking it with calculated slowness, as if savoring every second.
“I love you, Y/N. You are everything to me. I do all this for you, you know… ” He pressed his body against mine, his chin resting on my head, whispering sweet words, but so disturbed. “I protect you, I cherish you. No one else can understand you like I do.”
He kissed me softly, on the head, the shoulders, and even my “sleeping” lips. All of this disgusted me, but I couldn’t react. Not yet.
Then, suddenly, he sat up. I felt him fidgeting. It was Friday; he had something to do. My blood ran cold when I heard a small metallic sound.
Slowly, he pushed my hair aside, exposing the base of my neck. The pain was immediate when he inserted the clamp to adjust the chip. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from whimpering in pain. I must not let him guess that I was awake.
Minutes passed like hours. During that time, Tom Nook whispered sweet nothings to me, reassuring me of his infinite love while he manipulated the little device that condemned me to be tracked.
“There we go, it’s done…” he finally murmured after an eternity. “You are mine, dear. You belong to me, forever. I’m so proud of you. You made it through the day. I hope it was less hard than when you were mayor of Crossing. But soon, all of this will be just a distant memory. You’ll never have to worry about anything again. I’ll take care of everything. You, me, Tommy, and Timmy. We’ll live in a wonderful place together. Just the four of us. A perfect family.”
When Tom finally lay down beside me after eating, I began to panic.
So… this was the cause of my memory troubles and sleep issues, huh?
As I tried to get up, I attempted to move at least one limb to help me escape and call for help. But my legs refused to respond, as if they were paralyzed.
I’m stuck.
And suddenly… complete darkness.
As I moved along my path, my memories advanced like my journey; moreover, the chip was emitting fewer and fewer signals. I realized that this device was not just a simple tracking object. No, it was much more than that. It was also a tool capable of making me forget entire sections of my life. Or perhaps it was due to the medication that Tom Nook slipped into my drinks?
Because strangely, since the deactivation of that cursed chip, more and more memories were resurfacing, like forgotten dreams suddenly found after a long sleep. They imposed themselves on me with a troubling clarity, and each piece of the puzzle began to fall into place.
I now remembered the nights that followed my disturbing discovery. Every Friday, religiously, I would throw away the drink I was supposed to consume. Instead, I pretended to be asleep, hoping that by feigning unconsciousness, I could hear Tom Nook, catch his words, discover his true intentions.
I don’t know if it was a part of me that was still irresistibly drawn to him, despite everything he had put me through, but I wanted to extract as much information as possible. To know how far his grip extended, and above all, why.
But all he did, every week, was talk to me. To hold a conversation as if everything was normal. As if there was nothing more natural than breaking into my home in the middle of the night and whispering his controlling delusions to me.
He talked about his days, his plans for our “future together.” He told me how he had everything planned for us, to a point that it became almost frightening in its precision. He described scenes of our future life on a distant island where no one could reach us. He spoke of our “children,” Tommy and Timmy, as if they were his own, as if we were already a perfect family. He poured out his disturbed thoughts, believing I couldn’t hear him.
With every word he uttered, I understood a little more the extent of his madness. He was convinced that all of this was real, that we were meant to be together, that everything he had done was for “our good.”
But I, now awake, knew that it was nothing but an illusion. An illusion he had constructed and in which he was trying to trap me.
The sea stretched out before me, black and unfathomable under the soft glow of the stars, which, despite everything, managed to maintain a slight brightness on the horizon. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. The constant noise of Redd’s boat engine echoed in my ears, a monotonous sound that kept me alert, even in the middle of nowhere. I had been sailing for hours, drifting away from the islands under Tom Nook’s control.
My hands trembled with fatigue, gripping the steering wheel that I held carefully, fearing every sudden movement. If I let go of the wheel for even a moment, I risked losing control and being spotted.
But… I desperately needed rest. Glancing at the tablet screen, the device clearly displayed Nook’s surveillance zones. There were not two or three, as I had hoped. No, to my great disappointment, all the islands were monitored. What remained were hostile territories, devoid of any security.
However, there was no surveillance at sea, and I had just entered a relatively safe perimeter. No signals, no drones.
I began to drift slowly toward a small rocky island, cautiously approaching the shore. There were no cameras, no poles to tie the boat, and it was an unexpected opportunity.
I suppose Tom deemed this island “too small” to exploit. He probably abandoned any idea of monitoring it.
I cut the engine, and the sudden silence enveloped the air around me. Only the sound of waves against the hull of the boat disturbed this tranquility. I let out a sigh of relief before dropping the anchor. The boat sank gently into the sand, and I made sure to secure it tightly to prevent it from drifting.
I began to walk on this deserted island, curious to learn more.
“Tom Nook considered this place too small to be exploited… He abandoned it, and I understand why. There’s no port to tie up a boat, no helipad… Nothing useful.”
I ran a hand over my hips, observing the exotic fruits hanging from the trees, ripe and ready to be picked. A faint smile formed on my face.
“And yet… This could be a good place to live, right? A place where no one would ever come looking for me… where I could finally be alone. Without Tom Nook, without Redd, without any of those crazies who want to control me, possess me.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, imagining building a small cabin with my own hands, planting fruits, living simply.
“I could even build a house… I learned how to do it by watching Tom. And I could survive here, plant fruits, go out to sea at night to avoid being spotted, quietly bring back resources…”
A light laugh escaped me, tinged with a hint of madness.
“If only it were that simple.”
The gentle lapping of the waves oddly cradled me. Gradually, I lay down on the sand, exhausted after so many hours at sea. My eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
“Maybe I could really stay here… never seeing anyone again…”
Thinking this, I didn’t even realize how quickly I was sinking into sleep.
I had settled on this small island, convinced it was too insignificant to attract Tom Nook’s attention. It was a peaceful place, under surveillance, an apparently perfect refuge. Yet that night, a strange dream came to disturb me.
The water shimmered under a moonlight I couldn’t see, but I felt its presence. I was alone, standing on a fine sandy beach, my feet sinking slightly into the damp ground. Before me, the sea stretched infinitely, calm and silent, like a perfect mirror reflecting the invisible. Then, in the distance, a familiar silhouette emerged from the horizon: Groucho.
He was there, immense, imposing, literally walking on water. Every step he took seemed in harmony with the liquid surface, as if he defied the natural laws of the world. His gaze rested on me, intense yet soothing. He said nothing, but his silence spoke more than words. He extended his hand, a simple gesture but full of meaning. I hesitated, wondering how he could walk on water… How was that possible?
Yet something inside me urged me to move forward. Slowly, almost unconsciously, I began to walk toward him, feeling my feet leave the safety of the sand to rest on the water, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I didn’t understand what was happening, but the warmth of his hand in mine brought me an odd comfort. The more we walked together, the more memories returned to me, moments shared with Groucho, instances of silent complicity. His words, though informal, resonated within me, reminding me of the times he had managed to make me smile, even in the worst moments.
We walked for a long time, in silence, until he finally stopped. With a gentle gesture, he pointed to something in the distance. A city. Huge. Vibrant. Groucho still said nothing, but I knew. He wanted to show me that this was where I needed to go. Not this small island. Staying here would be too risky. They could find me, even in this seemingly lost place. There was no security in insignificance.
And just as I was about to ask more questions, I woke up, abruptly, my heart racing. It was still dark, but I knew I couldn’t stay here. Groucho, through this dream, had shown me the way.
At the same moment I restarted the engine, the sounds of motors and helicopters harmonized. Straining to listen more closely, I realized these helicopters were heading in my direction.
I leaned slightly, my fingers gripping the boat’s controls, my breath coming in short gasps. Around me, the dark sea seemed to protect me, but I knew it wouldn’t last. I first heard a dull noise, like a distant buzzing that was getting closer. The sound of helicopter blades broke the silence, and then voices emanated from loudspeakers attached to the flying machines.
“All boats, maintain your positions! Helicopters approaching.”
I shivered. They were close. Too close. The rumble of the boat engines became more distinct as well. My heart raced as I tried to stay hidden, but their presence grew increasingly oppressive.
“Unit 3, advance toward the northern zone. Unit 5, check the east beach. We need to locate her quickly. Don’t let her leave the area!”
The authorities’ instructions echoed in the air, sharp and precise, both alarming and relentless. They were talking about me; I was sure of it. Each word sent a chill down my spine.
“We’re searching for an individual, code name: Y/n. Potentially armed. Priority: location and capture.”
I gritted my teeth. How did they know? How could they have guessed I was here?
“Helicopter Alpha-2, perform a thermal sweep. Boat Delta-4, you are too far from the target, tighten the perimeter immediately!”
My breathing became more erratic. Their voices were now so close that I could almost hear the helicopters’ engines above me.
“We’ll get her. She can’t go far.”
I tried to ignore the rising panic within me. I had to stay focused; I didn’t have much time left.
I launched the boat at full speed, feeling the adrenaline surge through my body.
I couldn’t stay hidden here forever; it was better to reach the city quickly.
The engine roared beneath my feet, and I could almost taste freedom within reach. But that feeling was short-lived. The sound of the helicopters grew louder, drowning out the roar of the waves.
The water slapped against the hull, and I sensed something was wrong. I hadn’t been discreet enough. Suddenly, a light flickered in the distance. The helicopters. They had spotted me.
“Helicopter Alpha-2, we have movement on the water! Confirm waves detected at 3 o’clock!”
My heart tightened. No, not now… I pushed the engine to the limit, but the helicopters were closing in.
“Boat Delta-3, we have visual on a vessel! Heading 280, movement confirmed. Possible target: Y/n.”
I was sweating under the pressure. Their strong, authoritative voices haunted me, amplified by the loudspeakers above my head.
“Y/n… You cannot escape. We know you’re there.”
My heart skipped a beat. Tom Nook. His voice flooded the airwaves. I felt sweat trickle down my neck as I accelerated further, nearly losing control of the boat. He continued, relentless.
“Anyone who captures Y/n will receive a substantial reward. She is wanted. One million bells to whoever brings her to me UNHARMED first.”
“We see them!” someone yelled from a helicopter. “To the southeast! They’re trying to reach the mainland!”
The voices multiplied, some calm, others panicked.
“Unit 5, cut them off to the north!”
“Delta-7, circle around from the west. We need to trap them before they reach the city!”
The boat creaked beneath my feet, each wave making it tremble a little more. Redd had unconsciously trapped me, of course. This boat was never meant to last more than a day; I know that now. He gave me just enough hope to believe I could escape, then left me with this wreck that threatened to disintegrate beneath me at any moment, easy to build, easy to damage… Damn it!
But I couldn’t stop. Not yet.
I yanked the controls, zigzagging to avoid the searchlight beams sweeping the water. They knew I was there somewhere, but I had to keep them from locking onto their target. The engines roared behind me, their massive shadows drawing closer. I was out of breath, my arms ached, but I pressed on. If I stopped, it was over.
The sky above me was black, without a moon to guide me, but I kept my eyes on the small gap I could see in the distance. A chance, perhaps, a tiny opening between two boats. If I could make it through there…
But before I could even think about it, a huge boat positioned itself right in front of me. The waves it caused lifted me, tossing my boat into the air. I lost complete control, my body pitched forward, and icy water slapped my face. I couldn’t see anything for a moment. When I finally opened my eyes, the boats had surrounded me.
I looked up, panting, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. They were there. In front, behind, everywhere. The engines roared around me, their imposing hulls forming a wall. No way to get through. My gaze slid from one boat to another. They were lined up, an endless row, blocking all my escape routes. Except for a small space, right there, in front of me. But I knew it was a trap. An illusion of freedom. They had me.
A voice crackled over a loudspeaker.
“You are under arrest. Drop what you have and exit the vessel. No charges will be pressed against you if you cooperate.”
A heavy silence settled in, but it was quickly broken by Tom Nook. His voice was broken, desperate.
“Y/n, come back… Please… It’s over. Don’t hurt yourself. Come back with us.”
I closed my eyes. I could raise my hands now. Accept my fate. It’s all over. They had me. But a small voice in my head refused to give up. I reopened my eyes, and there I saw it. That small space.
My mind raced. There might be a chance. I could still get away. Just one last effort. My body trembled, my muscles screamed in fatigue, but I straightened up. I knelt, and my fingers tightened around the controls. One second. That’s all I needed.
“NO! Y/n, don’t do it!” Tom Nook screamed, his voice heartbreaking. I no longer listened to him.
I jerked the controls sharply, and my boat surged forward, narrowly avoiding the boat looming in front of me. I zigzagged between the vessels, my hands shaking, water splashing all around me, and Tom kept yelling behind me.
“Stop! Y/n, no!”
I screamed with all my might, the taste of victory within reach. I was almost out. Almost free. But my cry died in my throat as I saw him.
The Rock.
Too late. I don’t have time to dodge. The boat crashes against the rock, and the impact throws me into the air. My body falls hard, and my head strikes something solid. A dull pain floods my skull, then everything goes blurry.
I lie on the sand, covered in damp grains, half-conscious. The sound of the engines fades away gradually. They can’t see me. Not here. Not with this sand covering me like a shroud. I breathe heavily, my thoughts are muddled. Is it over?
Tom Nook is still shouting in the distance. He won’t find me. Not this time.
A familiar scent slowly pulls me out of my unconsciousness. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, gently waking me. I open my eyes with difficulty; the soft light around me still stings a little. I am no longer on the beach, nor in the icy water. That’s the first thing I realize. No, this place is… different.
I try to move, but a dull pain courses through my body. My muscles feel heavy, my limbs numb. Slowly, I become aware of the bandages covering my skin. My arms, my legs, my torso… even around my head, I have bandages everywhere. A thick dressing wraps around my right leg, and as I look closer, I notice a cast. The sharp pain that shoots up when I attempt to move that leg takes my breath away.
I freeze, allowing my eyes to adjust to the dim light. The room is calm, warm. I hear the dull sound of a television playing in the distance, a bluish glow filtering through the slightly ajar door. Familiar objects surround me: dark wooden dressers, a coffee table with a nearly empty bowl of popcorn, scattered energy drink cans. To my right, a bedside lamp casts a soft, golden light.
I’m not in a hospital. I’m… in a house.
My heart starts to race. How did I get here? Who brought me? My still foggy mind tries to recall the previous events. The water, the boats, Tom Nook, the rock… Everything comes back to me in flashes, but the pain is overwhelming. I raise a trembling hand to my neck, my fingers grazing the skin where, once, a small bump reminded me of the presence of that cursed chip. It’s gone.
Someone took it out.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the rising anxiety within me. The chip is no longer there, and I’m still alive. Which means that, somewhere, someone saved me. But who?
I attempt to sit up, but as soon as I move, a sharp pain explodes in my leg. A scream escapes me, uncontrollable. My hands grip the sheets, and I grit my teeth, but it’s useless. The pain is too intense.
Before I can even react, I hear hurried footsteps coming up the stairs. The door bursts open, and a large figure rushes into the room. I immediately recognize the thick fur, the massive shoulders, and that worried look… Groucho.
“Groucho…?”
He rushes to my side, his eyes scanning my face for signs of pain or fear.
“Y/n?!”
His voice is low, filled with panic. “What are you doing? Don’t move, you’re still injured!”
I try to speak, but my throat is too dry. All I manage to do is nod. Groucho crouches beside me, his expression serious yet gentle.
“Yeah, it’s me. You almost didn’t make it, kid. You always knew how to get into impossible situations.”
He gently places a hand on my shoulder; his touch is surprisingly tender despite his imposing stature. “You don’t have to worry about that anymore. They won’t find you here. I’ll make sure no one hurts you.”
He stands up, and I watch him disappear downstairs, his heavy footsteps resonating through the house. My mind starts to clear, but one question remains:
How did Groucho find me?
(Hey, it’s me again. To give you a clearer idea, some characters in my fanfic will have well-developed personalities, like Red. This story is heavily inspired by the Yandere-AC fanfic I mentioned earlier. The main character, one of my OCs, Vin, named her town Crossing in honor of a character with the same name who saved her many times. It’s a fun little nod, you’ll see!
Chris, another OC, is the mayor of a town that is independent and not controlled by Tom Nook. He despises Tom Nook, who is seen as dangerous, especially when it comes to Vin.
Vin’s background is tied to the earlier games, where she appeared as a mayor ready to go far, but later, her role was reduced to just an island representative under Tom Nook’s control.
Tom Nook, on the other hand, evolved from running a simple wooden shack to becoming a millionaire businessman, controlling IT services, creating his own phone brand, and expanding his real estate empire.
I’m working on a continuation of Dear Ocean, with a chapter 1.5 where I’ll explore the point of view of the other characters when Vin isn’t around. It’ll show how Tom Nook manages to reach her and what’s happening on his side, as well as his interactions with the other characters.
That’s about it, I think I’ve covered everything.)
