Hey guys! Surprise: an early update! *feeling inspired*

Reason: Holidays.

Anyways, enjoy the new chapter!

…

37. FREEDOM

"It's better to die fighting for freedom
than to love life in chains."
—Anonymous.

"Misaki…" Usui placed a hand over her shoulder. He could feel her shaking beneath his hand. "Maybe we could fix this…" his eyes hopelessly roamed the remnants of their boat.

"You know it is not possible; considering the time we have left," she said, trying to calm her nerves. She knew this was a suicide mission from the beginning. But understanding the riddle, finding all that treasure, and the endless adventure with Usui; everything took her into a delusion that at the end of the day, they would be fine. They would be safe.

Settling beside her, he wrapped an arm around her. "Hey, funny but under different circumstances, this view with you beside me would be so beautiful," saying this, he placed a finger below her chin and lifted her head.

With her eyes brimmed with tears, she looked at the horizon. She blinked a few times to clear her vision. The sun was hidden behind the clouds, only a few rays escaping them, falling like a golden curtain onto the ocean. The whole water shimmered and the waves made it appear like liquid silver.

"Why any other time? I find it beautiful right now…Takumi," she whispered and any other attempt on words were lost as her throat tightened. It burned as she held her tears in.

Usui was in no better state. Her calling his name made it all the more difficult for him to appear strong for her. For her only. Inside, dread filled him and it was trying to drag him into an abyss.

Misaki stole a glance at him and a humourless laugh escaped her. He arched at eyebrow at her. "Well, your face is so expressionless…I get it now! Whenever you are afraid, you get impassive, just like my sister." A wistful expression took over her features. "I miss her…and mom…and my friends."

He leaned in towards her. "You are decoding me, Princess. I was told I am hard to understand," he smiled ruefully.

"And there is a lot to know…you are the most mysterious riddle of my life. The only one I care to solve. And the irony, I don't have time for that." She dramatically put a hand on her heart, like she got shot. He chuckled and hugged her tighter.

Birds fluttered out of the forest behind them in a flurry of wings and colors. The water, that was a few feet away a little time ago, now touched their feet as a huge wave crashed down. Misaki looked up.

"Um, Usui?" Misaki slowly stood up, her eyes fixed on the ocean. Usui glanced up at her, still holding her hand. He followed her sight and looked about the sea. He immediately stood up.

"So, I take it that light isn't playing a trick on my eyes?"

"It's playing with my eyes too…"

There, upon the rising high and crashing low waves, a huge white cruiser was speeding towards them.

"A-Alright I don't get it…" Misaki was at a loss.

A little closer and they could see two people on the hull, a man and a woman. The lady was waving furiously at them.

"That guy…he actually came all the way here…" Usui smiled, shaking his head.

"Who?"

"Tora Igarashi. I owe him more than I can ever pay him back."

…..

Misaki looked ahead; her hair a mess in the howling wind. The island was a small speck from the distance. But she assumed even if she was closer, it must be looking like a rocky outgrowth.

Usui perched his chin in the crook of her neck and sighed. She gently ruffled his hair, smiling and feeling safe; well, as safe as she can feel in the middle of an ocean with a raging storm.

She remembered the feeling of gratitude she felt for Tora and Chiyo—a new friend she was glad to make—when they hauled Usui and her onto the boat.

"So, how did this happen, Mr. Mysterious?" she glanced at him sideways.

"Hey, I like this new name. So much dignified than outer-space-perverted-alien."

"Answer my question," she said, trying to command, but couldn't help the curious tone creeping into her voice.

"As soon as I could take a look at the map, I made a copy and handed it to Dr. Yuu Hirose. I asked him not to tell about this to anyone, and give it to Tora only if we took longer than we planned."

"If I had that before, I would've been here much earlier, maybe helped you," Tora said, walking towards them. Misaki would be happy to thank him again if not for that arrogant smirk he wore. She couldn't complain. That's how he was.

"And that is exactly the reason I insisted on keeping this a secret." Usui turned around, leaning on the railing.

"Your father was quite apprehensive. Felt bad that he didn't tell me about the map earlier."

Usui stayed calm. Misaki observed him and a small smile crept up her face. If one thing that this near death experience taught them, it was not to wait for anything, life was too short and unpredictable. Too short to hate people.

Hell, if her father came back, maybe she wouldn't be that mad. Just maybe.

"Sorry to intrude but please come inside. The captain says storm would get too strong and it is not safe outside," Chiyo said. Her voice was calm and her demeanour shy.

"Yes, that would be better," Misaki smiled at her. "You and Tora must be good friends. You too the risk to come this far; noting you don't even know us."

"Well, y—yes I guess," she blushed and looked at Tora.

"She is my girlfriend," saying this, Tora walked back into the cabin leaving a gaping Misaki, an amused Usui, and an utterly shocked, pleasantly surprised, and embarrassed Chiyo.

…

The single night travel felt like the longest night. Their boat rocked in the thunder like a feather struck in the autumn wind. No one slept. Silent prayers by the crew of the boat were answered as the clouds cleared and made way for a calmer ocean.

They stepped out of the cabin and breathed out in relief when a smooth breeze ruffled their locks. A small smile appeared on Usui's face as he watched Misaki's face soften. The immense stress that strained her beautiful face started clearing now. He couldn't resist and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Wah! Usui!" she yelled, backing off and dragging her palm across her blushed face. She heard Tora walking towards them and suppressed a groan. She couldn't handle the teasing.

"Hey, save it. I thought you guys had enough time alone for some romance?" Tora asked, eyeing them with a mischievous glint.

Misaki rolled her eyes and replied in a sarcastic tone, "Ya, way too much time for romance with all those life-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff situations."

"But I don't think Takumi missed even a single chance…" he looked at Usui. He simply shrugged.

Misaki muttered but smiled when an idea struck her. "Wait a second, our story is way too old, literally. Let's talk about yours."

Tora simply raised his eyebrow and turned towards Chiyo. She squirmed under his gaze and looked everywhere except in his direction. That shyness was new to him. All the women he came across were aiming for his money. He lost the respect for them, until Misaki. She brought out the respect they deserved…and Chiyo…she brought out the love.

She finally glanced his way knowing he wouldn't turn away unless she looked at him. He smiled. Not smirk, a smile. She could've melted on the spot.

"Are you seeing what I am seeing?" Misaki whispered to Usui, "Tora smiled like a normal person."

Usui chuckled. "Guess he can do that."

…..

Misaki looked at the neatly carved wooden door and smiled. Another hour or two, Usui would be free.

A day before, they reached the city. Misaki went straight to her home and Usui went to a hotel room; of course only after being strictly rejected by Misaki to sleep in her room. They had enough time to rest and freshen up.

Now, the two were standing outside the Duke's room, with two bags.

He looked at Misaki and asked, "Are you nervous, Ayuzawa?"

She sighed. "I'm tired of being nervous. Let's get it over with." She knocked the door. Gilbert opened and smiled at them.

"I am glad you are safe," he said, addressing Takumi. "And you too…" he gave a sideway glance at Misaki.

He allowed them inside and as they waited in the sitting room, he knocked the bedroom and called the Duke. He came out after a few minutes.

Misaki and Usui stood up as he reached them in long strides and gave Usui an awkward hug. He didn't move nor respond to the hug. Gripping his shoulders tightly, the Duke held him and smiled. It looked out of place on his face that was always frowning. "I—I am glad you are safe."

Usui gave a curt nod. The old man released him and walked towards Misaki. He held her hands and said, "Thank you." She smiled at him, tried to get that from her heart…but it was fake. She couldn't smile at the man because of whom she had to nearly lose Takumi…again.

They sat on the couches. "I am sorry," the Duke said with some difficulty. "My greed to save the castle put your lives in danger."

"Let's not get to that, grandfather. You've know it all along and you had enough time to reconsider your decision. You didn't. Don't act compassionate, now that we have what you want."

He bristled. "Young man, don't speak to me like that. I am not acting. I genuinely care for you."

"You mean we can take these bags with us?" Misaki asked, faking innocence.

Richard Rachester muttered under his breath and took a deep breath to calm himself. "Can I see what you've got?"

Usui removed the small vase from the coffee table and dropped the contents of his bag on the top. Misaki did the same. The glittering jewels and coins clinked and a few rolled down. He looked at his grandfather and saw the disapproving look. He wanted more, Usui could tell.

"Before you say something, I know this won't be enough to completely stabilize Walker's condition, but the money can give your investors and business partners some faith."

"Then," the Duke began, cleared his throat and said, "Will you work in the company and help till it gets better? I don't know anyone who is good enough—" Misaki cut him off.

"Hold on. He is not working for you. That was the deal. And, here," Misaki tossed the pouch she found in the box, "try if this helps. But no. No way will he do anything against his will."

Usui placed his hand on top of hers to calm her down.

Richard took the pouch and poured the contents in his palm. The pure white rocks filled his hand. He held them and they caught the light. They glistened and changed colors. His eyes gleamed like those stones and he smiled. "These may be so much valuable…"

"Looks like I am free to go," Usui got up and Misaki followed the suite. "I would appreciate if you restrain yourself from contacting me in the future. It wasn't very pleasant knowing you," Usui said, nonchalantly.

"One question," the Duke stopped him, pocketing the pouch. "What are you going to do now?"

"We have my share of treasure," he said, glancing over his shoulder. "Only enough not to burden my parents and get into a medical college, and for Misaki to clear off her father's debts and concentrate on her education."

That surprised Misaki; both the debt clearance and him being interested in attaining a medical degree.

"Like your father?" Richard asked, shocked.

"Yes. I was angry with him…but now that I look back, he was a major help while I found my real treasure," he wrapped an arm around Misaki. "Nothing's wrong taking in his interest."

Without another word, they left the room and just like that, Usui got his freedom.

…..

There you go! This is the last chapter. The next one will be Epilogue!

Hope you guys had fun all along. Leave a review!

Thank you for making me feel inspired.

Have a 'sparkling' day and 'treasure' it!