The Merman and the Prince

Chapter 28

Akashi's Pov

I wondered into the galley where Midorima was unwrapping the bandages from Kagami's wounds. They were healed, the only signs he had been injured were the pinkish scars left and the bruises. They both started to stand up to attention but I waved them back to their seats.

"I just came to check up on you."

"No need. I heal quickly as a merman and with the tonics and salves made from my scales and hair it's like nothing happened."

"But something did happen."

Aomine was leaning against the wall and moved forward, his eyes were cold.

"You were kidnapped and tortured. You can't just brush that off as nothing!"

"Aomine please."

"Don't please me young buck! I almost lost you! If it want for Tetsu I would have! You need to be more careful. We all do."

He met my eyes and I nodded, rubbing my chin in thought.

"He's right. The hunters know that we have two merman, and they know that Tetsuya doesn't need the full moon to transform. They will be hunting us with all we have. I say we hunt them back."

"What do you mean?"

Kagami looked confused as Midorima took off the last bandage and began to pack away his first aid kit.

"Just like he said. We have been striking down slave ships but leaving the hunters alone. It is time we changed tactics. We won't be alone in this either. I am sure you saw the distaste the pirates on skull isle have for hunters, they would gladly follow us on this endeavour. It helps that they see Seijuro as some sort of pirate king too."

Everyone grinned at this but I ignored them.

"In fact I have already started the Kaijo and some pirates on this quest. The Jabberwock will be our ultimate goal but until then we strike down any slave or hunter ship we see and we keep you two safe and watched if we have to dock on an island."

"How is Kuroko?"

"Exhausted. He woke for a bit this morning for some food before falling back asleep."

"He was amazing."

Aomine's eyes lit up and Kagami was nodding in agreement.

"Indeed. I don't think I could swim as far and for as long as he did. He is something special."

"I already knew that."

I stayed in the cabin for the rest of the day, pouring over maps and information that the sylph jays had brought about slaver and hunter movements. It was getting late in the afternoon and I was contemplating heading down for some dinner when I heard Kuroko calling my name. I rushed over to the bed where he was struggling to sit up and I helped him up.

"I feel as weak as a kitten."

I brushed his long hair out of his face and kissed him.

"What do you expect? You were basically on the move for two days straight."

"It's not like I had a choice."

"You could have left us to our fates."

His azure eyes glared daggers at me and I laughed, pulling him into my arms.

"Okay, I guessed your reaction before I even opened my mouth. But god Tetsuya, you almost gave me a heart attack when you came onto that ship!"

I noticed he was trembling and I looked down to see his eyes were wide with fear.