Kirk slowly focused, breathing slowly and normally. Despite Barnum being right in front of him. The Concussion kept him daze. Reeling to figure out what was going on.
He swore he knew that deep voice... it was a voice he feared, but he was just now collecting his memories to figure out what had just happened.
He had gotten the money to Cocoyashi... dug up the grave... then everything went dark.
He took a moment to glance around, already noticing that he wasn't where he used to be. What the hell was around his face? Was he gagged or something?
He tried to move his hands down to investigate.. but his hands were stuck. Leaning his head back, he discovered the cuffs easily, tugging on them a few more times with some loud jangles.
Kirk, with growing terror, quickly looked down at himself, becoming more energetic with his movements as he woke up further. The quickness of his breath started to hurt though, so he tried a bit harder to keep it calm. He was already growing suspicion of what might be constricting him.
Now he was not only wide awake. But aware.
His eyes widened in horror as he realized he was practically naked beside a shitty pair of pants adorning his legs. Then the straps he could feel on his face, confirming the horror of what was on him. A damn giller. He would've been scrabbling by now before his head shot up towards the sound of the same voice, suddenly shrinking back against the wall as he finally realized who was facing.
"There we go. Thats what I was waiting for." Barnum gave a slimly side grin
"B...Barnum..!" He managed to croak it out after a moment, struggling to speak. Even while he managed to say something, the giller made him muffled and sloppy as he spoke.
He somewhat squinted at the other, trying to see him better in the dark. Kirk completely skipped over the stupid question he had asked him. Obviously, there were many more important things to go over before they got to the formalities.
"wh..where the hell... ack- Where the fuck... am I? What's- ack- ack-! what's the deal..?! What's... going on?!"
"Where are you?" The smile widened sarcastically "Oh don't tell me you've gone and got the Memory of a Goldfish, guppy!" Barnum chose to use the Term meant for child fishmen to the man. He poked his head rather harshly with his index.
Kirks teeth would've bared at the term and comment, prideful of his good memory, but he was instead left reeling a bit from the poke, trying to tilt his head away from the finger while tugging on his chains. He just couldn't see, damnit! And it made it worse that this 'giant ass freak' was blocking his view of the place.
"And Don't tell me you forgot the very compound where you grew up! I remember the way you used to look at this building with distain as you saw other filth like you be shoveled onto the boats! To think your finally in here your self!"
"Wh..what?! Why am I in the compound?! I was about to.. to.." Kirk eventually trailed off, looking mortified. Things started to piece together, his anger growing.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Barnum bent forward and looked at him. His sharp teeth making his grin look all the more malicious. Like a predator looking at it's prey "Hm? What was that gup? You were about to say something"
Kirk had to lean back far against the wall to try and keep his distance. He hated the sight of his grin and seeing his teeth so close It was like being trapped in a corner by a very hungry sea king, it just radiated doom and dread.
"What to say..."
"I could say anything. From the fact I said bring me 269,198,000 and you brought More than that. When I remember specifically saying 'Not a Berry more'."
Kirk's eyes widened again and immediately, his voice raised at Barnum's insane requirements. "That isn't fair! I was about to count it out and get the right amount! You sent people after me though! You didn't give me a chance!"
He snapped at Barnum while leaning closer, getting in his face as well. "I gave you your damn money like we agreed on! Even more than you wanted! Right now, Oliko and I should be out of here! You can keep the damn town if you want, I just want my sister you fucking leatherback! A deal is a deal!"
His anger was mounting. He was trying to put on as much bravado as he could. Even using that slur against him. His voice continuing to muffle out curses. But it didn't effect Barnum in the slightest.
"No one likes an Over achiever Kirk. I could also say that your early or late?" He said tilting his head thinking to himself, clearly sarcastic to his point
"Buhaha!" The laugh was deep in his throat, laughing heartily "But truthfully. You're here because your use is done. You went off and got this much! And I didn't even have to lift a finger..." His words oozed a sense of condescendingness
"But...Maybe I shouldn't take the money..." He leaned back in closer. Oh so close to his face.
"Who knows how a pretty boy like you earned it..." He gave a gross sneer as he lifted a finger and lifted his chin. "Koi like you have always been sought after for their beauty..." He spoke in a husky voice
Kirk paused in his muffled yelling, taken aback by the finger against his chin, and quickly shrunk back in absolute disgust, whipping his head away to get away from that pose. That comment haunted him like the plague, for sure. It was true, he had obtained some of the money by doing some deeds with others before stealing all of the treasure they had once they fell asleep. But he never liked to think about it.
In his state of desperation, why would he ever give up the chance to steal from some rich bloke if they would have sex with a Fishman? He could just keep parts of his clothes on to hide parts. He passed well enough, especially in the dark. Then there was the fact that, despite no attraction to them. He slept with women.
He had gotten far with the money he had found from them. One day, he wouldn't be ashamed, but right now? He was. Most of that money was stolen, though. Most of it was clean. He wasn't disgusting like that.
"Just take the money... and give me my sister."