A/N I realized that I never gave a clear number for Beau's height, but she's 145cm, or about 4'7".
Warnings for this chapter:
-More slavers get to die and I won't apologize.
-Talk of people as property/objects
In the three days that followed, the crew watched in amusement as Beau essentially became interim Mother to the five children. From meals and bathing to laundry and entertainment, she worked her tooshie off to get them back on their feet, covering a portion of the deck with paper and art supplies during the warmer hours of the day, and quickly darting between all five of them as they each entertained themselves with personally curated mess. Wire's attention was gained at some point, and he sat against the railing to watch budding artists in his downtime, smiling to himself behind a pitcher of ale as various finger paintings and abstract sketches were shown off for approval. One of the oldest among them, a peachy colored goldfish labelled 'Twenty Three', would only whisper her words once Beau leaned in close enough, but grew more comfortable around the quiet man as he remained unobtrusive, eventually approaching him directly to offer out a doodle of his own image sat against the ship's railing with whatever beverage he'd chosen that particular day. The following morning he offered her a drawing of his own, easily recognized as an image of herself, and she'd taken much convincing before finally accepting that such a gift was hers to keep.
The only time Beau wasn't wholly focused on her crew's guests was the time she spent assisting Killer in the kitchen for communal meal preparation, as even nights were spent caring for one of them. Fifteen had made it a habit to sleep beside his surrogate Mother, and after he'd agreed to it the first night, Kid knew denying the boy's stay would only cause a rift between himself and the little woman he shared his bed with. If he was being honest with himself, he missed having the freedom to drag her atop his torso or talk about whatever mundane thing came to mind, and still found himself jealous of the little Fishboy that got to sleep with his head nestled into her chest. That aside, there was a part of him that felt almost mocked by the way he and Beau would cradle the child, as if they were caring parents simply holding their son close at night, but a closer look at the three of them and anyone would be able to see it for the lie it was- A Human, a half Mink and a Fishboy, all squeezed into the same bed with the smallest in the middle, protected by the kindness of the little lady wrapped around him, and the sheer might of the man that protected her.
When Kid woke up on that third morning to the feeling of Fifteen's chubby little arms wrapping around his neck, he didn't know what to do. It hit him then that he might've unwittingly given the child as much comfort at night as Beau had, and in his shock over receiving such innocent affections, he did nothing but lay there and allow it. What else could he do? Beau lay upon the arm he'd slipped under her pillow, and his other stretched over Fifteen to land on her hip, there was no way for him to free himself without waking her or upsetting the child that dozed against him, and so he simply closed his eyes, begrudgingly accepted his fate, and dozed until it was time for both present adults to get up.
The announcement of land was a blessing upon his ears, and though shallow waters prevented Vic from docking up against the island herself, their smaller rowboats would have no trouble bridging the gap. Twenty Three hurried to whisper a message for Beau, and the little half Mink perked with urgency at newest information.
"Oh! She says this is the island they came from, th-their old home is further along the coast, not too far from the edge of town" She relayed, watching Kid ponder something for a moment before voicing his thoughts.
"Are there other Humans there to run the place? Like the fuckers on that ship you were all dragged onto?" He asked, addressing the little Fishgirl directly. She nodded in response, visibly nervous as worries of a return to slavery surfaced.
He watched Beau attempt to comfort the child while Fifteen clung to the back of her shirt, and his mind was made up before he even truly questioned himself, darkest thoughts bubbling as the desire to shed blood sharpened his senses. Truth be told, he'd known it was possible they'd land wherever their last encounter had departed from, and now that it'd come to pass as truth Kid couldn't hold back the wave of blood lust that oozed from his skin.
"Hey, fellas!" He called, gathering the attention of his surrounding crew in the midst of various preparations, "Anyone wanna fuck up some slavers?!"
The resounding cheer he received only fueled his inner fire, offering the shy child a pat to the head in his giddy mood as he ruffled white locks.
"Don't worry 'bout it, by the time we're done with them? Ain't gonna be a single fucking person on this island with the balls to try that shit again." He promised, eyes scanning the coastline like a predator searching for it's next meal, almost unblinking as he waited for any indication that they'd found the right spot.
A coastal mansion entered his field of view, traditional aesthetic and scenic location giving the house an almost peaceful vibe if it weren't for the looks of unease all five children shot towards the only home they'd ever known. A constant haze of steam seemed to cloud over the building despite the Winter island's frigid chill, brisk air doing nothing to cool the fire in his veins as Kid's inner demons prepared to feast. Rowboats were deployed, leaving behind a skeleton crew to man the ship alongside Beau and the children as the rest of them silently made their way across the shallows.
Rather than a simple house, it became obvious at approach that this was an establishment of some kind, perhaps a public bath or a spa? The front entryway was open to business, framed by flowy yellow trees as the light bustle of humans and Fishfolk alike kept the tiled walkway alive. One quick glance was all it took to confirm these Fishfolk were slaves, the same collars Kid removed from the children flashing dangerously as their hosts carried on with mundane tasks. A plump man stood behind the front desk, yelling obscenities at a teary eyed Fishwoman as she repeatedly apologized for something. She glanced at newest arrivals, and the surprise in her eyes gave her assailant pause, visibly annoyed by inexcusable distraction as he rotated slowly to face the cause.
"You in charge here?" Kid asked, gaggle of hardened criminals behind him as the stranger began to deflate.
"Ah, y-yes I'm charged with running front of house, what can I-"
"Get me your boss."
"P-pardon?" the shorter man stuttered, bespectacled face reddening at sudden demand.
"Are you fucking deaf?" The pirate growled, sending the frontman jiggling away at the greatest speed he could manage, prior victim choking back laughter as her tormentor lost all air of authority.
While the Captain's eyes remained pointed after him, Killer approached the front desk and waved over the yellow Fishwoman, frilled ears standing to attention at his beckon before she scurried her way over.
"Excuse me, but could you please tell us what kind of establishment this is?" He asked, surprising the receptionist with a much calmer tone than his Captain's.
"Of course! This is the Maidenhair Inn, we're the only proper lodgings for hire on the island, so we get a lotta tourists, and sometimes pirates like you lot! Better to stay here after you get blackout drunk than to row back through the shallows and drown trying to climb onto your ship," She chuckled, an almost chittery noise as sharp teeth showed through well meaning grin, "We also serve as a bath house though, keeps us in business with the locals during dry spells. Can I get you anything?"
"Mm, I'll have to get back to you on that, there's about to be a shake up in the management" Killer mused in response, watching her pout in confusion as she failed to understand.
With the frontman's return came sight of his superior, almost identical to the man who's throat Kid had crushed with two low hanging braids in place of pompous ponytail. A forced grin stretched across chapped lips, and he addressed the notorious pirate Captain with his seediest ass kissing tone.
"Well, well, well, to what do we owe the pleasure? It's not every day such notable guests pass through our doors, 'Captain' Kid, correct? and it'd be mighty rude of me not to acknowledge the fellows you've brought with you as well. What can I do for you?" If the man brown nosed any harder, he'd find himself tickling the back of Kid's throat.
"Your shitstain of a brother rammed into the side of our ship a few days out from here, said you could make it up to us?" He fibbed, titular smirk stretching painted lips as the man in front of him began to sweat.
"Ah- Oh, did he now, w-well I'm sure we can arrange for you to stay free of charge? The herbal baths are quite-"
"We ain't here for a fucking bath," Kid interrupted, the victim of his ire shrinking under harshest gaze, "Got anything a bit more useful round here?"
A beat of silence passed before recognition sparked in the owner's eyes, and he turned to scowl at his rotund associate.
"Well don't just stand there Pavo, go round up the fish," He growled, beckoning the pirates to follow him down the hall to what must've been his office, "Sorry for my Cousin, he can be a bit... tiresome to look at"
"So this is a family business?" Killer asked, his friend happily allowing the more verbally inclined to take over the conversation.
"Why yes, actually. Our Grandfather settled here and opened the inn once he retired from the slave trade. Left it to our Father, and then it fell to us after he passed. Our old man was happy to just kick back and let the place run itself, but my brother and I? Well... I guess our side business is why you're here in the first place, isn't it?" He chortled, wrestling momentarily with a hefty key ring before welcoming them into his office.
The space itself was large and overly decorated, various trinkets and trophies from all over the world littering whatever space hadn't been claimed by stacks of files or records. An opulent, well polished desk sat near the back, comfortably padded chair groaning as it's owner took a seat and waved for the leader of his guests to take the chair opposite him. Kid chose to stand, ignoring offered seat and causing the man to cough awkwardly while pretending he hadn't just been slighted. He pulled open a drawer and retrieved some kind of binder, carefully flipping through it and muttering to himself until he was satisfied with the accuracy of his memory.
"Right, straight to business then. We don't have any fresher stock available at the moment, and I'd rather not part with any of the pregnant ones or those trained to run the inn, so that leaves us with seven- Three females, four males. Give Pavo another minute or two and he should have them lined up for ya"
Sure enough, after another moment of awkward silence, a knock on the door preceded it's opening, seven adult Fishfolk lumbering in with heads hung low as Pavo took up the rear. Obediently forming a line at the rounded man's command, their owner rose from his throne and pulled a riding crop from high waisted belt, swatting each individual on the thigh as he explained their species, age and more favorable traits. The scene itself was pitiful, but the minimal reactions from the Fishfolk themselves was the more sickening factor, as if their will to live had simply evaporated.
"If I may ask, why the collars?" Killer eventually interrupted, well aware of the usual reason for their use.
"Ah, these old things? explosive. Keep the remote on me at all times, just pop in the number on their collar and boom, charred gills if they're lucky, dead if they're not"
"And what's stopping them from simply prying them open?" The masked man asked, watching a smug grin settle across the shorter man's lips as he answered-
"Then they'll never get to see their offspring again, they piss us off enough and we'll blow'em up as payback. We're running a family business here, so if they mess with my kin it's only fair we get to mess with theirs, right?" He sneered, eyeing the line up of Fishfolk as their stances deflated further.
"Hmm, I see. So only yourself and ahh- Pavo, was it? The pair of you run the place in your brother's absence?"
"Ayye, Lingley's got a crew of misfits he surrounds himself with, but only us three are in charge here. He handles the- ehem- 'Exports' from the island, I run the Maidenhair, and Pavo does his best to waste as little oxygen as possible when he's not making himself useful" The owner explained, long braids smacking against his sides as he spat the last part towards his supposed disappointment of a cousin.
A thoughtful hum crossed Killer's lips, realizing the Fishfolk were unaware of their children's exportation for sale. A glance at the rest of present company indicated they were on the same page, Kid rolling his shoulders in predatory warm up for what was about to happen.
"It's a real fuckin' shame there's only two of ya," The Captain grinned, nodding towards the door so his men would block the exit, "Thought we'd finally get to let loose. You don't mind if we still try to have some fun with this, right? It's the least you can do for being such rotten pieces of shit"
Confusion and alarm mixed on both men's faces, Pavo quickly scrambling away so the line of slaves remained between him and the red headed savage that stared them down. His order for protection was ignored at the snap of Kid's fingers, all seven collars clattering to the floor as he unhooked their latches with magnetic powers. A pause, seven pairs of eyes staring at their grounded collars as silence stretched seconds thin, and then absolute mayhem as repressed fury overtook the Fishfolk, those nearest the cowering man quickly slamming him against the wall while the rest darted for their 'Master'. Snarls and screams and pleas for mercy drowned out the sound of Kid's laughter, sick amusement twisting his face as former slaves tore hunks of flesh from their lifelong tormentors with tooth and talon alike.
"Holy shit! I know we came for blood, but I didn't expect this kinda enthusiasm!" He announced, bellowing laughter no match for the feral snarls of people slighted and the visceral squeals of justice well served.
But a human body can only hold so much blood, the spectacle ending almost as soon as it began. With their tormentors dead and a room full of pirates, several exhausted pairs of eyes darted between themselves and the Captain, a dark red Fishman wiping blood off on his ragged pants before asking-
"So uhh, now what?"
"Now? You come and get your anklebiters off my fucking ship"
News of their vengeance and of the death of Lingley's crew spread through the inn like wildfire, previously unseen slaves pouring their way into the inn's main foyer to get a glimpse of their so called 'saviors', cheering among themselves for freshly earned freedom and weeping at Kid's feet as metal clasps were torn open with a simple gesture. He hated being called things like 'savior' or 'hero', but it'd be a lie to say the royal treatment didn't buff his ego, encouraging him to puff his chest out and flash the crowd a feral grin as they led sloppily cleaned parents and their assorted partners towards the shore. Heat pulled a small snail from his pocket, using it to connect with the ship's main line and give Sunnie the go ahead.
As their lone vessel made it's way to shore, cries of recognition fell from the lips of gathered Fishfolk, names never spoken outside of private family moments were now shouted out freely as they rushed to greet the boat and collect their children. Fifteen- Rather, 'Panda'- was the last to be collected, having buried himself in Beau's arms near rowboat's rear until his Mother finally managed to reach them. Fresh tears fell to commemorate happiest reunion, Sunnie slinging an arm around Beau's shoulders as Fletch dragged the little boat to shore.
"You looked after'em real good, short stuff" He offered quietly, feeling her sigh against him as their ride was wedged in place along the rest of their rowboats.
With roughly ten days to spend on what they now knew to be Ginko Island, it only made sense to accept the Fishfolk's offer of free lodgings as thanks, though it took mentions of a feast and free booze to convince Kid it was worth sleeping in a bed other than his own. The inn itself was in a state of comfortable chaos, with no one to tell them what to do, and the locals not used to seeing the usually meek Fishfolk act so rowdy, business was over for the day and a large bonfire was constructed in the courtyard for their impromptu feast, granting them an area of warmth within Winter's evening chill.
It wasn't exactly how they thought the evening would play out, but as the festivities kicked off no one could complain, pirates and Fishfolk alike engaging in all kinds of shenanigans as food passed among them, former Master's prized home brew soothing dried throats and enabling the odd bout of competitive drinking. Chittering giggles caught Killer's attention as he gazed into the fire with his drink of choice in hand, and a quick glance over his shoulder revealed the same receptionist from earlier, conversing with a much older Fishwoman at approach.
"Hey there Goldilocks, you're the smart one right?" She asked, helping the elder into a seat beside the fire before taking one herself.
"Mm, I'd say I'm better at communicating peacefully, sure. Why do you ask?"
"Grammie wanted to talk to you about the inn, she says its kinda yours at the moment? Like, because you could probably kill us all and stuff, I mean we've seen your posters so we kno-" The peppy yellow Fishwoman was stalled only by her elder's waving hand, snapping her mouth shut and making a 'zip it' motion as the green woman rested laced fingers against her cane.
"Yes, something along those lines," Came croaked address, "I've been looking after these frylings as best I can since settling here with our oldest Master, they're all my own children as far as I care to distinguish. There's no doubt they'll look to me for guidance once this thrill is over, so I would like to understand your intentions with our home- If you'd be so kind as to humor an old Catfish"
Killer hummed for a moment, fully convinced they had no plans of their own for this place beyond the murder of slave trading scum, though it wouldn't be his right to announce such a thing without Kid's prior approval. He turned to wave the Captain over, seeing him begrudgingly pull himself away from whatever nonsense conversation binge drinking accompanied, before staggering his way over and emptying his tankard.
"Yeah?" He asked, obviously inebriated as he blinked back the haze.
"The Fishfolk's elder was wondering what you wanted to do with the inn itself" Explained blonde companion.
"What? Fuckin', they can do whatever they want, I'on't give a-" He paused to burp, grimacing at the acidity that rose to the back of his throat, "I don't give a shit"
A quiet chortle met his verdict, quickly turning into a cough as the receptionist rubbed her elder's back for support. More shouts for Kid's attention dragged him back to his party group, and he whooped as previously empty tankard was refilled.
"Well, there's your answer. The inn's yours to do with as you please" Killer confirmed, sipping at the straw that poked through his mask to enjoy a more responsibly paced buzz.
Gratitude was expressed though he insisted there was no need, as their intervention was entirely self serving. Both Fishwomen began the trek back inside, stopping by the gaggle of parents and reunited children to spread the good news, interrupting Beau's recollection of daily routine as she caught the Fishfolk up on what their little ones had been doing. He watched the younger one fuss over Beau for a moment, before animatedly coercing her to follow along as they retreated indoors, the half Mink offering Panda a pat to the head when he protested her intention to leave.
Away from the bustle of the crowd, the yellow Lionfish that Beau learned was named 'Cheep' began to fawn over her furred parts, darting all around the smaller woman as she led the way towards the herbal bath. Cheep seemed to have a million questions, ranging from the size of Beau's shoes to whether or not she had fur anywhere else on her body, until the elder simply known as 'Grammie' scolded her for such nosiness. With reassurance her clothes wouldn't go missing from whatever cubbie she chose and would simply be washed, their guest stripped as her hosts did, fluffy towel acting as cover instead though the bath called for nudity. The sight of silvery scars along both front and back triggered another surge of curiosity from the younger Fishwoman, and she frowned to ask-
"They don't hurt you, do they?"
"Oh- Umm, these are from my old Master, no one hurts me now" She answered despite discomfort, sinking herself deeper into warm waters in the hopes greenish tint would cover her marks despite deeper water's drain on her strength.
"Oh, so they're nice Masters then, that's good" Cheep offered with a smile, earning a tug to her cheek from the old woman beside her.
"No! They don't own me- I- The Captain said I could be his, but he also said I'm not a slave anymore, so he only 'owns' me like he does the rest of his crew. I told him I was ok with being his, but he always said it wasn't right" She clarified, not wanting to give her hosts the wrong impression of dearest family.
A knowing grin crept onto her yellow acquaintance's face instead, brows raised as she hummed in thought despite Grammie's hard stare. Not another word was said on the subject, peaceful silence ruling the open bath as all three women soaked in the day's selection of medicinal herbs and naturally heated water. Beau could've fallen asleep if it weren't for the eventual noise brought by other arrivals, familiar voices among those filling the bath beside their own party of three. Obvious inebriation accompanied the group of men, though the Humans among them seemed oblivious to the bath's mixed nature until Kid's drunken attempts to whip Killer's ass with a towel earned him a scolding from Grammie.
"I'd rather you kept such shenanigans private, if you don't mind" She grumbled, stalling Kid in his tracks as he stood waist deep in steaming water.
"Wh- Oi! Why is the old bag in here?!" The redhead yelled, several Fishmen laughing at his shock.
"It's a mixed bath, ya dunce. You scared of a pair of tits?" Jeered a salmon pink individual, lounging back in the water as the Human males all quickly submerged themselves to avoid further embarrassment.
Turning to the side with a scowl, amber eyes landed on familiar face, bright red and mostly submerged under the water as she kept nervous eyes away from new arrivals. Recognition hit him full force, loud shout of surprise alerting everyone else to her presence before communal stares of curiosity struck a nerve with drunken possessiveness. Quickly hooking an arm around Beau's back to hide her at his side, he pointed free arm accusingly at the rest of the bath's occupants, combination of a snarl and a blush on his face as he stammered out demands.
"Fuckin'- Don't look at her! I'll gut you! Got i- Oi! Don't fucking laugh! What kinda joint you runnin' here?!"
"U-umm, Captain?!"
Beau's alarmed interruption caused him to face her again, and he quickly realized through the drunken haze that he had the little woman held in his arm, fully naked and pressed flush against his side, embarrassed beyond belief as the red on her cheeks matched his own. His brain raced helplessly as he attempted to come up with appropriate solution, simply staring at her face dumbfounded as inebriated thoughts failed to gain traction. Cheep's signature chitter pulled his attention to her instead, the lionfish making her way out of the bath with zero regard for personal nudity, tossing a towel in towards Beau as Grammie slowly followed.
"Come on fluffybum, I'll show you your room!"
Kid released her at the first sign of resistance, awkwardly turning his back and allowing Beau to fasten the towel around herself while shielded from eyes that knew better than to look in the first place. She rose, and a quick nudge of her head against his shoulder was given in appreciation of the gesture, slowly and timidly making her way out of the rocky bath until sapped strength fully returned.
"Fuckin' hell guys, you coulda warned us" Muttered Sunnie, finally relaxing as the bath became unisex once more.
A healthy dose of jeers and banter were tossed back and forth, the crew grateful for their Captain's inability to enact impulsive bouts of violence from lack of strength, instead hurling obscenities back at the mouthy strangers they were growing acquainted with. Weakness to water aside, Kid had to admit whatever they pumped into this bath was helping him relax, dissolving tension like a contactless massage and leaving his skin with a pleasant tingle. A half hour's soak was the limit for humans, as rising core temperature could threaten their health, and bathing while drunk was already a risk. Leaving their Fishmen companions behind to soak for longer, the crew dragged themselves out of luxurious warmth, toweling off and slipping into the provided garments while their clothes were taken to be cleaned.
As the most sober among them, it fell to Killer to herd his crew-mates towards assigned room, recalling the number Miss Cheep had told them at evening's beginning. They would be in room sixteen while Beau was in room ten, and a large string of grumbled complaints left his Captain's mouth as he flopped down on one of the nearest sleeping spots, folding his arms behind his head and sulking up at the ceiling as surrounding futons were claimed by tired men.
"I think they're just trying to be considerate, Kid. She's the only woman among us, it's not a stretch to assume she'd want her own space" Killer tried to reason, propping himself up on an elbow to converse with the man next to him.
"They're really gonna pull that after shoving us all in the same bath? Yeah, fuck off," Was grizzled response, "That yellow bitch is planning somethin', I can smell it..."
"You mad she's making friends again, boss?" Asked Fletch, earning a groan as Kid freed his arms to run calloused palms down embarrassed face.
No, he wasn't mad about it, just- Jealous. Jealous of all the attention she'd been paying to the children, and of the fact that even though they'd been returned to their parents, someone else had swooped in to steal her away for something. He just wanted to lie down, drag the little shrimp onto his chest and get some sleep, but instead she was down the hall somewhere in a different room, either by herself or stuck with the old bag and the chittery bitch. There was an attempt at sleep, awkward and uncomfortable as it was, before he gave up with a huff and rose to storm out of the room.
"Kid." It was a warning, a reminder not to get carried away.
"I know, get off my dick." He growled in response, assuming Killer had been waiting for this to happen.
He'd already stomped his way several doors down before uncertainty settled in his gut- What room was it again? Twelve? He slowed to a stop outside said door and waited, picking back through drunken memories in search of the correct number, unwilling to risk knocking on the wrong door and embarrassing himself. Luck smiled on him as the door beside it slid open, Beau stepping out of the room labelled 'Ten' and letting out a little gasp of pleased surprise at the sight of him. Her robe was identical to the ones everyone else wore, light gray with dark blue stripes, though the white sash around her middle had been tied into a bow at the side.
"You still up?" He asked, scowling at his own stupid question though it was the best he could do after being caught red handed.
"Mhm, I couldn't sleep. Were you going somewhere?"
"Just for a walk," He lied, "Wanna come with?"
And so they found themselves outside in the early hours of the morning, a light fluttering of snow covering what remained of evening's bonfire as the last embers were forcibly cooled. flakes attempted to settle on Beau's ears, the half Mink flicking them every few seconds to clear away chilled build up before pouting up at the sky, only to end up with powdery snow on her lashes instead. Kid snorted at her attempts to avoid Winter's rain, tussling his own hair before the build up deigned to melt. She'd seen snow before, but lack of a warmer wardrobe meant she often remained inside, working in the safety of her infirmary or the kitchen with only the odd venture through open cold.
"W-why did you want to come out here?" She asked, confused as neither of them were even remotely dressed for the elements.
"Just..." Oh. He hadn't really thought that far. Time to deflect, "Wanted some quiet. What about you? Weren't you about to go somewhere?"
"I was going to, umm, I just wanted to know if I could stay in the same room as everyone else?" She admitted, looking anywhere other than Kid's face at usual fear of rejection.
She'd left her own room for the exact same reason he'd left the crew's. Feeling vindicated in his motivations, Kid picked the little lady up by her waist, allowing her to grab hold of his shoulders as he hooked muscled forearm under her rump.
"Course you can, I dunno why the fuck they put you in a separate room in the first place" He complained, pleased by the nod of agreement she gave.
"Cheep was very kind to offer it, but I don't like being away from everyone, and I told her I always sleep with you anyways" She grizzled, allowing herself to be carried without complaint.
"What'd she say to that?" Kid asked, brows raised as he made his way back towards familiar hallway.
"She said I was a riot, and then she laughed!"
"Ugh, 'course she fuckin' did."