Merformers - To find the one you trust!

Chapter 2 = Sunlight Search

May's POV

I woke up to the sunlight streaming through the cracks in the window. I go to sit up only to realise the merformer is still asleep on my lap, flash was curled up in the crook of my neck, Yapper had her head on my stomach, and Silk was draped over my ankles. I sigh, laying still so I wouldn't disturb them. My thoughts drifted to what I should do with the mer. My main goal was to reunite him with his pod, hoping they haven't left the area, though I highly doubt they would with a member missing. I would go out later and take the mer with me to help search for his pod.

SQUEAK!

I look down at my lap to see the mer awake. The dogs were also slowly waking up as well. I sit up, being care not to nudge any of them too much. I sit up in a seating position, with my feet in the water of the tank, the dogs sitting behind us, and now fully awake.

"Well, good morning little one. How are you feeling today?" I asked lightly patting the fins on his head. He purred happily which caused a smile to come to my face.

"Well what do you say we change those bandages and then get some breakfast" I said, standing up and stretching my arms. I then pick up the mer, only now realising he was quite heavy. I placed him on the table and replace his bandages, checking the wounds for infections. Once I was satisfied, I let him go back into the tank. He swam around for a bit. I go to leave the room, when I heard whimpering. I turn to see the mer looking at me sadly. I sigh 'this is going to be harder than I thought'.

"I'll be right back little one, okay. Flash, Twitch stay" I ordered walking out the door with the other three dogs following. I walk into the kitchen and make myself some toast, while grabbing five dog bowls and a bucket of fresh sushi and fish I had caught the other day. I also grab a bag of dog food. Grabbing all the food I make my way back to the indoor tank to see flash in the water swimming around with the mer, while Twitch sits on the side watching them. I laugh, getting their attention.

"Flash come here" I said, putting down the food and taking a towel. I dry off Flash, and then lay out the five bowls and pour in the dog food. I have my toast in one hand and a piece of sushi in the other, holding it out to the mer. He sniffed it hesitantly before eating it. I smiled as he yipped at the taste, but otherwise seemed to like it. After feeding them I started talking to them about today's plans, even if they didn't understand most of it.

"Alright, time for me to feed my other patients" I said getting up. The mer whimpered behind me, not wanting me to leave again.

"Fine you can come, but stay out of trouble, your wounds are still healing" I instructed picking him up in my arms and heading outside. When we stepped out, the beach was a mess, and so were the tanks. I sigh again.

"This is going to be a long day" I mumbled. I set the mer down in one of the smaller tanks and then left to grab the cleaning tools. Before that, I first made sure Shelly, Silver, and Oskar were okay. They all seemed shaken from the storm, but other than that they were okay. They brightened up when I fed them as well. Putting on my breathing mask I dove in to each tank and started pulling out all the things that got washed in with the storm. It was mostly seaweed. Lots and lots of seaweed. I did find a few beautiful shells I could turn into jewellery later. I went to grab another handful of seaweed, when a yellow and black blur beat me to it and started swimming around me. I laugh seeing the mer trying to help.

"Thank you little one" I said, holding out the bag so he could put it in. My job was done a lot faster thx to him. I was able to relax early for lunch. Once feeding all the animals in my care, did I finally sit down to eat, with a plate of food in my hands. The mer was sitting on the edge of the tank, next to me.

"Alright, little one. After this we'll head out to the reef and see if we can find your friends" I said. He squeaked happily and nuzzled into my side. I chuckle patting his head and down the scales on his back. I laugh, before noticing something under his chin.

"What's this?" I ask, lifting his head up, only to see a large, and very nasty scar. He whimpered when I ran my hand over it.

"OH, you poor thing. Come here" I cooed, pulling him into a hug and running my hand over his back scales. He purred at my touch and relaxed in my arms. We sat like that for a few minutes before I decided it was time to find his pod. They have to be worried about him.

I pulled out the boat from the large shed next to the house, that extended out into the water, making it look like half the building was floating. I set up the small pool on deck, that I use for treating animals, and placed him in. He watched me as I checked all the medical equipment on board, before heading up the stairs to the controls.

"Ready to go?" I ask, looking over my shoulder to see the mer excited about going out. Starting up the engine, I moved away from my sanctuary and out into open water. Our destination was the coral reef. I stop the boat once a good distance out. I grab my breathing mask, flippers, and a small water proof bag. I make sure the basic medicine and water proof bandages are in it, before throwing it over my shoulder. I put on the flippers, and breathing mask.

"Ready?" I ask getting in the water with the mer. I swim down to the bottom and press the red button to open the hatch. We swim out into the open water. Fish were swimming around us. The mer caught a few and started eating them. I laughed when he missed one and the fish all swam away from him.

"Come on. Let's find your pod" I said swimming deeper towards the bottom. Thx to the practice deep water diving, I could travel down pretty deep. I follow the mer since he knew where he was going. The beauty of the coral reef came into view and brought a smile to my face.

"You know, you're lucky to live in such a beautiful place" I said swimming next to him. he squeaked happily before swimming faster. I put my hands in-front of me and kick my legs together like a dolphin and swim faster to keep up. 'It's a good thing I have the stamina for this' I thought keeping up with the speedy mer. He started to slow down when we came to a small cave in the coral. Her swam into it only to squeak and swim back out. He hides behind me in fear.

"What's wrong little guy?" I ask concerned. I look towards the cave and instantly know something is wrong, having a dark feeling crawl up my back. I slowly swim forward, peeking inside. What I saw made me flinch. The place was trashed. There were fishing nets all over the cave, loose mer scales, fishing hooks, and the worst part was the blood stirring around the cave and on the fishing equipment. I hug the mer close as he whimpered in my hold.

"Shh, shh, shh. Don't worry, I'm sure they got away" I spoke, rubbing his scales lovingly. He hugged me tight, refusing to let go. I slowly swim back to the boat, holding onto the mer to protect him. I swim back through the hatch and leap up into a seating position on the edge of the pool, with the mer in my lap. I use one hand to take off my breathing mask. I set it next to me, then go back to hugging the mer close, while he whimpered sadly for his pod.

"I know, I know. It's okay. I'll help you find them and make sure they're okay. That's a promise I intend to keep" I promised sincerely. He looked up at me with sadness and longing. Longing to be reunited with his pod again. I sigh, running my hand over the scales on his face. He leaned in and quietly purred, enjoying my company. We sat there peacefully until....

"HHHHEELLLLLPPPPP!!!!" 

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Cliffhanger!!!!

What will happen next and who called for help? 

Wish to know? 

Then keep an eye out for when I next publish a chapter, which shall be soon. 

As always Whitewing.