Behind the Glass (Komahina AU)

Chapter Nineteen: No Light

As the festival calms down outside, Kazuichi and Nagito were inside of boathouse. For such a small space, it felt comfortable with its warm colours. They were drinking tea while sitting legs crossed at the table when Kazuichi heard Nagito's story from beginning to end. Not for one second did the mechanic take his eyes off Nagito as he was entranced.

"Such a magnificent feat." Kazuichi said as he applauded. "Sorry, but I admire brave men fighting all odds for their desires."

"Thank you...I think." Nagito said, clearing his throat. "So, will you help me with this?"

The pink haired man sipped his tea before he placed his cup down. "A machine to accomplish such a task that daunting is no easy feat."

"I'll pay you anything you want." Nagito pleaded, clapping his hands together. "I'll give up my soul if I must."

Kazuichi looked at him disgusted. "Dude, chill! I am not some freak of nature who demands money from every stranger I come across...especially no souls."

"Huh?"

"I'll help you, dummy. No money required. I just want you to reunite with your lover." Kazuichi beamed. "Oh, since rooms out here as expensive as hell, I'll let you stay in the spare room in exchange of you helping as payment."

"Thank you..."

It was all Nagito can say. It was a long and bittersweet road since he joined the Foundation. All he wanted was to see Hajime alive and well...and if it would take him forever, he was willing to pay the price.
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### *Three Days Later...*

Hajime sighed as he looked out of his window. He was back home to what some may call a merman's paradise.

Thanks to Chiaki's quick thinking and speed, they were able to get back just in time. Immediately, he was placed into a hospital room for treatment just as he was about to pass out. Now, he was fully healed but was still confined to his room to make sure. Despite a clean bill of health, Hajime felt homesick as he missed Nagito. Some octopuses kept him restrained as a precaution as ordered by Chiaki. Mermaids were monogamous and not being with their mates was like handing down a death sentence. While there are those that return to society, majority of them commit suicide.

"Hajime..." Chiaki called out as she knocked on the door. Behind her was a slim figured merman with long dark hair and red eyes. Hajime looked away as the octopus let go of him and slithered away. "I see you are better."

He didn't say anything as he eyed the other guest. "Why are you here...Izuru?"

"I am not heartless. I care about you, brother." He said in a monotone voice. "We all do. What you did was reckless."

"I was kidnapped!" Hajime yelled, slamming his fists on his bed. "I protected innocent lives."

Chiaki got inbetween them, breaking up the fight. "Enough, both of you." She turned to Hajime and placed her hands on her shoulders. "We don't blame you for anything. We just wanted to make sure that you were okay."

"I will...when I see Nagito again." He replied quietly. Chiaki and Izuru looked at each other before leading him outside. The hallways were lined with glass so they could see the vast ocean glittering from sunlight. Fellow merfolk bowed in respect as the Queen came by while some told Hajime how glad they were to see him.

"You know, the Council is going to ask a lot of questions." Izuru said as he swam next to him. "As much as Chiaki and I care, they are not so forgiving about their rules."

"Let them try." Hajime said, swiftly taking off past them. Chiaki looked behind her, giving Izuru a dirty look.
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Later, they had arrived to the Council's chambers. Four merfolk sat on shell shaped thrones in a half circle. The large oblong doors swung open to reveal Chiaki being led by two royal guards. Hajime and Izuru followed close behind as a elderly man with a graying blue tail rose up.

"My Queen. You have returned." He said in a booming voice. "We were afraid that you were snatched away by those...filthy humans."

"Lord Kingler, you underestimate me."
Chiaki stated. "I have been doing this for years now."

"Nonetheless, you are Royal blood."
A mid thirties merman with long silver hair and a black tail interjected. "Taking these risks are not something a responsible mermaid should-"

"And if I recall correctly, I chose you to guide the kingdom in my absence, not be my parents." Chiaki interrupted, snapping back.

"Of course, your Majesty." A mermaid with dark skin and a purple tail bowed in respect. "Forgive us for intruding. Now, we are gathered here for another purpose. Hajime?"

Hajime swam nervously to stand beside Chiaki. He looked up to the Council and bowed. "Dear council, I thank you for granting me the time."

"No need to be nervous." The purple tailed mermaid replied. "We are happy to see you alive and well, dear Noble."

"I agree with Lady Daveryn." Lord Kingler nodded. "Seeing as how the seas are gotten worse, thanks to the wretched sea monster in the south, we are grateful for your return."

Hajime looked away as the thought of Nagito crossed his mind. Staying here...without seeing him...

"Lady Angelyne senses something wrong with the Noble." A young silver haired mermaid noted as she swam down to Hajime. She touched his cheek as he looked into her aquamarine eyes. "It seems...he has found love...in a uncertain place." She turned to the black tailed merman. "Lord Andreas...brother..."

Hajime took her hand off and sighed. "Council, I ask of you. Grant me access to return to the surface, so I can reunite with the love of my life."

"And risk the future of our race?" Lord Andreas shouted. "While that vile creature lurks out there? Have you lost your mind?"

A deafening silence followed as Hajime's heart tensed up in anger. How could they understand? They were just yes men; only looking for what they want. He looked at Chiaki who was trying to reason with the council.

"The rules are set in stone." Lord Kingler expresses in sorrow. "There is nothing we can do. He cannot return to the surface."

"YOU LIE!" Hajime screamed as he took off, pushing the guards away and busting open the doors. Just as he was about to reach the exit of the castle, an electric shock paralyzed him and knocked him out cold. "Nagito..."

Chiaki watched as the guards took the unconscious merman down to the rehabilitation rooms. Izuru placed a hand on her shoulder in silent comfort, but she pushed it off and swam away crying.
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To Be Continued...