Dalliance

Chapter Three

-A Twist in the Tale-

Kai tried not to let out a groan as he steered the ship the king had given him. It was taking longer than he'd thought it would to run into Hideaki and Hikari, and he'd had about as much as he could take of the king's crew. All they ever did was follow the rules. Everything was structured and in order, all the time. It was driving him crazy. Not to mention that he wasn't even in charge of the 'mission' as it had been deemed. Captain Sully, one of the king's finest ship commanders, was in charge. And Kai hated answering to the old coot.

Every move he made as watched, even if all he did was piss over the side of the ship. It was like they didn't trust him, as well they should, but still. He couldn't wait until all these men were dead and he was in charge once more. Then everything would be restored. The white haired pirate glanced to the side as the elder man walked over to him, stopping next to the wheel. "And how close are we today?" he asked, his voice gruff.

He had to refrain from rolling his eyes. It was the same question he was asked every day. "I don't know Captain, like I said, hidden treasure isn't the easiest thing to find." He sighed. He hadn't told them that they needed Izayoi in order to find the treasure, only that they were headed in the right direction.

In reality, though, Kai was steering the ship around in circles, making it larger and larger each time in the hopes that he'd see his own ship on the horizon. He'd already brought them back to the general area he'd been in when the storm had hit, and he knew that his crew wouldn't be far away. They'd search for him for at least two more days before giving up. That was just their nature.

"Don't give me any backtalk boy." Sully glared over at him. "I know there's something you're not telling us, and until I find out what it is, you'd better sleep with one eye open."

This time he did roll his eyes. "Yeah, okay." He said. As if he was scared by anything the aging man said. He could take him on without breaking a sweat. Sully left then, barking something to the crew about eating a quick lunch before returning to their posts. Kai didn't really care though, because during the meals was when he got the deck to himself, and he didn't have to worry about someone watching him.

He smiled when he was finally alone, just him and the sea. He'd forgotten how much he enjoyed steering a ship, since Hideaki did it most of the time. But it was very relaxing. The only thing more relaxing was sex, and only after the deed was over. That was something he hadn't done in a long time either. A woman. Perhaps he'd find himself a barmaid when they hit land next and bed her until he was bored. Or maybe a fisherman's daughter. They were always good for a romp.

As he scanned the ocean, he prayed to whoever was listening that he found his crew today. Spotting a spec in the distance, he pulled out his telescope and expanded it, looking through the glass. A dark smirk came to his face then. It was his ship, and they were headed right for them. Perfect.

He put the looking glass away and gripped the wheel once more, turning so that the two ships would pull up alongside one another. He knew that Hideaki would attack them, it was policy. The ship was a nice, wealthy looking one, and they would need some more supplies. And so, Kai waited until they were closer, before walking over and ringing the alarm bell. "Captain!" he shouted, keeping the glee off his face and out of his voice. "Captain!"

Sully came lumbering out from below deck, juices dripping down his chin from the meats he'd been eating. "What?"

Kai successfully looked alarmed. "Pirates Captain!" he pointed to his ship. "Coming right at us! What should we do?"

"Men! Get to your battle stations and prepare the cannons!" the old man shouted down to them. "Get ready to fight!"

Kai could hear the panic and the scurrying, as sailors ran out on deck, and other opened up the portholes down below to move the canons into place and load them. He wasn't going to have any of that though, and had already disabled every single one in the middle of the night. There was no way in hell he'd let some stupid fuddy duddies damage his ship. Not after all the trouble he'd gone to in stealing it and fixing it up to his liking. It was his baby.

He moved back to the wheel, steering the ship right for Hideaki. "Boy! Bring us up to their starboard side!" Sully shouted up as him, and with a nod, Kai did so, allowing his smirk to finally show. And when the ships were alongside one another, the old man shouted for their crew to fire just as the other one began its barrage.

When the cannons didn't fire, and the ship took damage, Kai had to refrain from bursting into laughter at the looks of panic and confusion on the men's faces. This was just too good. Sully began to shout more orders, and Kai watched in amusement as he saw his own men getting ready to swing aboard. If there was one thing a real sailor should know, it was to never cross blades with a pirate, because it may be the last time they ever do so.

They were boarded then, and Kai released the wheel, drawing his sword and slowly making his way into the fray. He saw Hideaki land on the deck, and knew that Hikari had stayed behind to take care of the ship. It wasn't that she couldn't fight, but she was a woman, and therefore was protected as much as possible. Plus she preferred not to get her hands dirty.

He made his way up behind the brunette, moving his sword to block it when he rounded on him. He smirked at the look of surprise on his friend's face. "Took you long enough to find me." Kai said, as the two men lowered their swords.

"Where have you been?" Hideaki demanded, giving him a harsh glare, though Kai knew it was because he had been worried. "We looked everywhere. Did you get captured by these suits?"

"Please." Kai rolled his eyes. "I'll explain later. First thing, we must kill all who refuse to join our crew." He declared, pointing his sword at all of the fighting men.

Hideaki nodded, a smirk on his own face as he and Kai shot forward, working as if they were a single being. It didn't take long for them to overrun the ship and kill off the ones who said they would die before turning to piracy, but by the end of the raid, they had a good ten more recruits. The brunette let out a tired breath as he sheathed his sword and looked back to their vessel. "Hikari! I found Kai." He called.

Hikari ran up to the railing. "You did?" she shouted, seeing her cousin. She gasped, grabbing a rope and swinging across. Using the momentum of her landing, she ran to Kai, throwing her arms around him. "Kai! I was so worried!" she smiled.

Kai laughed. "I'm sorry for disappearing on you guys." He released her and turned to his crew. "Raid below deck and take what we need. Then we sink this vessel." He ordered, earning a cheer from the men as they rushed off to do his bidding. He turned back to his friends then.

"So where did you disappear off to?" Hikari asked curiously.

"I was pulled from the storm." Kai told them. "By a mermaid."

Both of them gave him a disbelieving stare. "You were saved…by a mermaid?" Hideaki chuckled, hitting his friend in the arm. "Good one buddy."

Kai pouted. "No, I really was. Her name is Izayoi, and she has long black hair and pretty jade eyes." He explained.

Hikari deadpanned. "You need to get laid."

"Guys!" Kai stomped his foot. "She saved me and brought me to the coastal kingdom that gave me this ship and crew to find the treasure, or so I told them. It was really to find you all. But the important thing is that I figured out what we need to find it. A mermaid. And I think it's Izayoi. She is the most beautiful creature of the sea I've ever seen. And she told me where to find her."

"I thought the tales about mermaids were bad. Why do we want to find something that will pull us down into the depths and drown us? Or serenade is right into a cliff?" Hideaki huffed, not looking thrilled with the idea, though it made sense.

Kai scoffed. "Hideaki, she saved me from the depths. She waited for me to wake up…and she let me kiss her." he told them. "I think she's different from other mermaids, which is why I know she's the one we need."

Hikari gave him a considering look. "You like her, don't you?" she arched a brow. "That's why you're so adamant about this."

He crossed his arms. "…no." he denied.

The brunette rolled his eyes. "Well get over your stupid ass crush cause' you can't fuck a fish. The most you could get is a blow job."

"I know that." Kai replied. "But that aside, it doesn't mean I'm not right about her. And," he reached inside his jacket and pulled out a rolled up sheet of paper. "I got us a new map." He declared happily, wagging it in front of them.

"I can't believe I'm related to you." Hikari sighed, wiping a hand down her face.

"You're a moron." Hideaki shook his head as he headed back to their ship. "Alright everyone! Set the fires and-"

"Captain!" someone shouted, coming from below deck and dragging out a familiar looking princess. "We found her hiding below!"

Kai sighed. "Great." He muttered, walking over to them. "And just what do you think you were doing, hm?" he crossed his arms and stared down at the brunette woman, tapping his foot.

Vitani stared up at him, wide eyed. "Kai…you're the captain of these pirates?" she asked in disbelief, looking around. Then her aqua gaze returned to him. "That's why you wanted one of my father's ships…you lied to us, took advantage of my kindness. How could you?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I'm a pirate." He explained simply, before looking to the man. "She comes with us. By sparing her life, I return the favor she granted me. Now let's go." He waved for everyone to follow him as he headed towards the edge of the ship. "And Hikari, she stays in your room."

The pale haired woman puffed up. "What?" she asked in outrage. "Why? Just because she's a princess doesn't mean-"

"Because I said so." Kai gave her a hard look as he grabbed a rope and stepped up to the ledge. "Now let's go." He ordered, swinging across. Hikari huffed, sending a glare Vitani's way before she followed her cousin.

Hideaki shook his head, following suit as everyone got off the ship that was beginning to go up in flames. He knew this journey was going to be a chaotic one, and he sure wasn't looking forward to meeting any demons from the deep.

Izayoi looked around the surface of the water. She was sure she'd seen a ship pass by not too long ago and everything in her told her that Kai was near. She had missed him so badly since she had to leave him on the beach. With a fortifying breath she swam up and popped her head about the still water and searched around.

That was when she heard a gong and turned around to see a ship coming towards her, though it was slowing down. Finally, it came along side with almost every occupant leaning over the edge as they stared at her.

Kai's face appeared then and he smiled at her, before glaring at everyone else. "Do you all mind? You're going to scare her, back away." He motioned for them to do so, and only when they had did he return his stormy gaze to her. "Hello Izayoi." He smiled once more.

She smiled, her expression practically glowing. "Kai! I knew you would come." She exclaimed, she felt like her heart was overflowing from all the joy. "Can you not come closer?"

Hideaki was beside Kai then, "Don't do it, it's a trick. She'll pull you under." He warned, making Izayoi blink.

"I would never do such a thing." She gasped. "I am a mermaid not a siren you boorish man."

Kai chuckled, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "Calm down Hideaki, I told you I'll be fine." He looked back at the ebony haired mermaid. "I shall be down in a moment." He said, just as a rowboat was being lowered in front of him. He climbed in, before it was lowered to the water. And once it was, he turned and began to maneuver the small boat, though he didn't have to work for long, because Izayoi swam right up to him, resting her arms on the side of the boat. Kai leaned towards her. "You're just as beautiful as I remember." He whispered, reaching out and lightly stroking her cheek with the backs of his fingers.

Her smile grew, if possible, and she leaned into his touch, relishing in the feel. "Thank you. I was so impatient, everyday felt like years as I waited for you. I've told my cousins all about you. They don't believe that a human could be as handsome as I tell them you are." She giggled.

He cupped her cheek. "None of my crew believed you to be real, or even as kind as I had said. You just witnessed my first mate's thoughts." He nodded up to where Hideaki and Hikari were watching him, waiting for his signal.

"Well that's because most encounters concerning humans are with Sirens." She explained. "They lure in sailors to their deaths and have sharp teeth and claws to rip you to shreds. They are very scary to everyone." Izayoi shivered, looking around as if speaking of them would cause them to appear. "But mermaids are kind, well…mermaids are kind, mermen not so much. They are even more aggressive than sirens. But, I am a mermaid." She said happily. "I do not do things to harm others if I can help it."

Kai nodded. "Yes…Izayoi, I was wondering if you would do me another kindness." He requested, almost sounding reluctant.

"Kiss you again?" she leaned up, looking even more excited. "Because if so the answer is yes!"

He couldn't help but chuckle. "Well…that wasn't it, but now that you bring it up, I shall have one of those before telling you." he said, leaning down and pressing his lips against hers. She kissed him back sweetly, placing her hand over his, which was on the edge of the boat. They broke for air, but only enough so she could kiss him again. When they finally broke again, Izayoi was giggling uncontrollably.

"It's so amazing." She whispered, looking up at him once more. "I like kissing you so much Kai."

"And I like kissing you." Kai replied. "Now, about my request, if you have a mind to hear it."

Izayoi blinked, worry marring her perfect brow. "Okay…what is it?"

"I seek a treasure. The Treasure of the Sea." He told her. "It is said that the most beautiful creature of the sea knows its location, and I believe that to be you. Will you tell me where I can find it?" he asked.

Jade eyes widened slightly as Izayoi sunk back into the water so that her lips were beneath the water. She rose slightly, shaking her head, "I…I cannot help you with that task."

Kai leaned forward over the side. "Why not? Please Izayoi, don't make this hard for me." he nearly begged, seeing Hideaki raising his hand, about to give off the signal on his own.

She shook her head, though she looked ashamed since she had disappointed him. "I can't…I don't know where it is." She admitted. "All I know is that it is not what it seems."

He let out a sad sigh. "I'm sorry Izayoi…but I just have to believe that you can help. Forgive me." And just as the words left his mouth they heard a loud snap, before the mermaid was surrounded in a large net, tangling around her form.

Izayoi screamed out, trying to get out of the trap. She didn't understand what was happening, but her heart was hammering so quickly that she almost lost consciousness. She struggled, trying to move down, but was pulled back towards the surface and then onto something hard. The next thing she knew, the wood she was in rocked, but not from the water, it was as if they were in the air. She finally opened her eyes and gasped out, not ready to taste air in her hardly used lungs. And then she fell hard on the wood of the deck of the ship. The ropes of the net were thick and blocked much of her vision, but she tried to see what was going on. She saw Kai before her and she almost felt safe. "Kai! Please help me!" she begged, her eyes watering from her fear.

Kai crouched before her. "You will be returned to the ocean once I've found the treasure." He said, his hard tone warring with his sad gaze. He stood then. "Take her to the tub that was prepared. We cannot have her dying on us."

Her eyes widened in horror as she was picked up once more. She wailed, thrashing around in the grasp of the men holding her. That was when she heard her brother, though Kai heard a much harsher voice than last time. "Izayoi!" a dark haired man shouted from the waters, his eyes red with rage.

"Noriaki!" Izayoi screamed.

"Izayoi!" he yelled once more, holding up his hand as the air around the whole ship began to drop drastically. "Release my sister you disgusting humans!" Icicles began to form in the air before shooting towards the ship like arrows, some nailing a few of the crew to the posts and wood through their flesh.

"Load the cannons and fire on him!" Kai ordered, aiding the men in carrying Izayoi below deck, leaving Hideaki in charge of the battle.

"You heard him!" Hikari shouted, running up and taking control of the ship. "Move faster you worms!"

"Izayoi!" Noriaki raged, diving beneath the waves. Hideaki looked around, his gaze narrowing before the whole ship lurched forward and then back, rocking to the side. Huge tentacles reached up from every angle, wrapping around the masts and the woods, starting to crack away at the ship.

Hideaki dodged one that tried to swipe at him. "Fire immediately! Free us!" he shouted, hearing the cannons go off, taking some of the tentacles off.

The boat seemed to break free as it moved, the tentacles sliding down. Hikari ran to the side, trying to see what had happened then, not paying attention to the suction cup that came down on her head and took her under without so much as a scream.

Hideaki maneuvered them out, trying to catch the wind just right so they sailed forward at top speed, leaving the sinking octopus's grasp. He let out a tired breath and wiped his brow, taking a look over the ship to calculate the damage. All he could do was thank the gods at how close they had come to have their ship snapped in half.

Kai came back up a moment later, taking in the scene. "What happened exactly while I was subduing the mermaid?" he asked his friend, stopping next to the wheel.

"I have no fucking idea." Hideaki frowned. "But I never want to see a merman ever…ever again."

"Me either." Kai sighed out, looking around. "Did Hikari go below deck to check on things?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"I think I saw her take that princess below so she wouldn't get hurt." He shrugged, glancing around. "How did containing the mermaid go?"

"As well as you'd expect." He said dismally. "She struggled and screamed the whole way, is still doing so, in fact. But I got her into my chambers and into the tub of water. She wasn't too happy when I had the net nailed down over it, but I have to take precautions." He shrugged. "So we'll see. Hopefully she'll give me some information I can use. First things first though, we need to get as far away from here as possible. I don't want them to find us."

Hideaki nodded, keeping his gaze forward. "I agree. That thing almost tore our ship apart."

They continued to sail then, their goal of making distance between themselves and the merman the only thing in their minds. It wouldn't be until much later they discovered their female companion was missing, and by then it would be too late. Because once you were in a merman's clutches, it was damn near impossible to get out of them.