Lost Little Sea Boys (A LUCA FanFiction and Crossover)

Ch. 18: Akiko Meets Ercolé

As Luca, Alberto, Toby, and the Konomashīs got ready for bed, Akiko announced something. "Hey, guys, I'm gonna go take a midnight walk before I go to bed. You guys can go to bed without me." She said.
"That's okay, Kiko. Enjoy your walk." Aiko replied. Akiko nodded as she smiled. She then walked outside the door. As Ercolé walked down the streets of Japan, he saw Akiko and immediately knew that she was the one keeping Luca and Alberto. Akiko saw Ercolé and immediately knew that something was wrong. She then walked faster to get farther away from them as Ercolé stopped her in her tracks. Akiko sneered. "What do you want?" She asked.
"Does it matter?" Ercolé replied. Akiko already knew exactly why Ercolé was in Japan. "There's no way I'm letting you get away with this." She said.
"Oh! I'm so scared!" Ercolé faked. Akiko stood unamused because Ercolé, who looked to be an adult, was acting so childish. Ercolé walked around Akiko tauntingly. "Oh. I know all about you, Akiko Kido Konomashī. You've got quite the reputation here." He said. Akiko cringed as Ercolé already knew her name. She then looked up with determination. "I'm sure whoever you're looking for is in a much safer place, now!" She snapped.
"Oh, you mean those Sea Monster Boys, Luca and Alberto?" Ercolé replied. That sent chills up Akiko's spine as Akiko turned pale. "Oh, yes! I know where they're hiding. And I can assure you that everything will be okay for you and your family if you just admit that you're keeping them." Ercolé continued as he walked around Akiko.
"No way! I'm not trusting a jerk like you!" Akiko protested.
"Alright, then, but if it's any consolation, they're never going see you again by the time I'm through." Ercolé finished as he walked away, pushing Akiko to the side with his hip. Akiko scowled at Ercolé, then looked down to the ground. Luckily, Chiba Jo was outside and saw the whole situation. She walked over to Akiko and started talking to her. "それは誰でしたか？" She asked, concerned. Akiko shrugged. "知りません。しかし、彼はルカとアルベルトと何か関係があることを望んでいると思います。彼はおそらく彼らを傷つけたいと思っています。" She replied as she frowned. Chiba's lip quivered. "なぜ誰かがそれらの2人の恋人を傷つけたいのですか？" She asked.
"おそらくその人には心がないので、私にはわかりません。" Akiko said. Chiba Jo shrugged as she nodded. "そうなると思います。" She replied. "彼らが所属する場所、アキコにあなたが彼らを家に連れて帰ってくれることを願っています。 彼らはあなたを頼りにしています。" Chiba Jo finished as she took Akiko's hands. Akiko nodded with determination. "はい。 がんばります。 私は彼らに何も起こさせません。" She said. Chiba Jo gave Akiko a warm smile as she walked off. Before she walked any further, she spoke again. "私はあなたの旅の毎晩あなたのために祈ります！" Chiba exclaimed as she waved.
"ありがとうございました！" Akiko replied. Chiba smiled warmly as she continued walking.