Safety in the Seafoam (DNF + Karlnap)

Chapter 99: Lifted

Dream POV.

The hand that had been at my throat moved to the claw and I directed it around his body, pulling it so it was almost taught against his skin, and then I looked towards Schlatt as a sign to lift the crane. The moment that he had been restrained the other diver let go and made a beeline to the surface, and although my lungs were beginning to burn.

I made sure to keep close to the mermaid, a hand on him the whole time. Even as my head was screaming I remained by his side before breaking through the surface. The moment I felt the cold of the air against my skin my mouth opened to let oxygen pour in which I greedily inhaled, continuing to hold George as I did.

His body was lifted about a foot above the side of the tank, and he seemed utterly terrified, yet he couldn’t bring himself to make any noises as his body twisted unnaturally in the air. I continued to hold his hand for as long as I could, as the crane dragged his body away from the water so he was over the firm, metal flooring.

The other diver who had been with me had instantly climbed out of the tank, and I followed after him. The rest of the crew were cautious as the mermaid swung over, small whimpering sounds falling from his lips as they slowly began to lower him down towards the two waiting hospital beds. His eyes twitched around everything before landing on me.

Slowly he moved down, gaze constantly darting back and forth but always looking back towards me in the end. “Don’t worry…” I mouthed to him. His eyes watered, but he seemed as though he was going to listen to me.

Eventually his body got low enough and I moved to wrap my arm around him, resting his body against my already soaked shirt. Two people approached and worked together to release him from the crane and I almost stumbled at his weight.

I had forgotten how heavy the mermaid was, being larger than myself and having a lot of muscle from swimming his entire life. After a moment I lowered him down onto the hospital bed, before watching as two people began restraining his tail and his arms. I couldn’t do anything, just looking into his eyes and holding his arm for as long as possible.

A needle was brought over and I began to see George fully panicking. His chest began to rise and full with a much quicker pace and my hand continued to hold his arm. “Stay still…” I instructed, my own voice quivering slightly.

I did not want to make it obvious that I was trying to comfort him, at least to the other people around the area. So I spoke as though it was an instruction to a pet, along the lines of ‘sit’ or ‘fetch’, yet as George looked towards me he could see that I was trying to keep him calm. “Just stay still and close your eyes…” I repeated.

For a moment he hesitated, before a minimal nod and they balled themselves shut. I continued to have my hand on his side as he closed them and watched as he winced when the sharp end was inserted into his neck. A sound of pain fell from his lips but he kept his eyes screwed shut.

“You are so brave…” I murmured, noting the way his tense body twitched as he listened to what I was saying. “I will be with you the whole time. I’m going to help you.” But my gaze was almost immediately pulled away as I saw the way Sapnap and the two other volunteers attempted to control Karl in the same way I had controlled George.

After waiting a moment and seeing that the brunette was asleep I began to escort him in this hospital bed out of the room, yet I couldn’t move ten steps before Schlatt was coming over to me, his gaze narrowed in annoyance and even anger. “What the hell are you doing? You could honestly get yourself killed!”

“What are you talking about?” I responded, instantly defensive yet my voice was lower than his. “I am fine.” But I glanced around as though someone else would answer.
“You were underwater for far too long.” He spoke firmly. “And you were getting far too touchy with him afterwards. What if he began to attack you? He could drown you!”

“But he didn’t.” I pointed out, before giving an explanation. “He was scared of the crane, so I kept him from moving and hurting himself or other people.”
“But how could you be sure that he wouldn’t attack you? Your recklessness could have cost you your life, you don’t seem to understand how serious it is.”

“I-” I couldn’t really say anything, not without revealing how much more information I knew about the mermaids than he was aware of. All that I did was bite the inside of my lip and nod with my head lowered, acknowledging what he was saying without resistance. So I just gave a nod. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted to help and it was the best way to hold him still.”

I could feel what seemed like one hundred pairs of eyes on me, all judging me. Schlatt just studied me for a moment, his annoyance clear on his face. Then he looked over towards the crane which was moving the other mermaid. “Get this one downstairs.” He spoke briefly, as though he was no longer interested.”

The doctor who had provided the needle moved to take the hospital bed and leaned it off, but I pushed it forward instead. “I can help.” I told him. “I am supposed to be the one taking care of the mermaid after all.”

The doctor didn’t bother to argue with me, seemingly content with the fact that I was doing his job of transporting the unconscious sea creature. When we reached the utility elevator he took the time to inspect the mermaid. A sigh fell from the doctor’s lips. “I can’t believe the Captain would use that crane. This skin looks as though it has never been bruised, but now…”

A hand trailed along its side, and I couldn’t help but stiffen protectively. I did not feel comfortable about the fact that he was touching my friend while he was unconcious, although I did share his annoyance towards Schlatt at the fact that he had been in that harsh metal crane. That was the only thing that we spoke about to each other, and after that there was quiet.

After a minute of the lift shaking as it raised itself, we came to a stop. I waited for the doctor to exit the small space before I followed after him. Neither of us spoke to each other the entire time as I led the unconcious mermaid to the lab.
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1173 words