Chapter 18

'Coma' was playing with Rogue's hand as they were waiting outside after the tests were concluded. It was mainly to keep Rogue calm and assure her of his presence.

"Miss Rogue, Mr. Coma", they heard the voice of the doctor call for them once again. This was it. They would now get the verdict which would determine their next actions.

'Coma' smiled at the man shyly and walked back into his office. They sat down.

"It has been decided that you may go back. Everything is fine and you aren't afflicted with what we're looking out for."

The doctor had explained that there had been a case of a rare disease in pregnant women in the area, which they had been checking everyone for. It was contagious and the government wanted to keep it controlled. They hadn't announced the news to not spread panic.

Apparently.

There were a few holes in the story, but 'Coma' didn't comment. For most people, that'd have been an acceptable enough explanation.

Rogue smiled brightly at that, relieved. So did 'Coma'.

"Then we'll keep it to ourselves. Are there any signs we should look out for?"

"Oh, you can carefully feel around the womb every morning. If there's a sudden knot there that wasn't there the next morning you should definitely consult your local doctor. They'll be informed slowly over the next month on how to recognize it."

"Alright. I I'll make sure to do that. Thank you, doctor."

"You're welcome. I'm glad we get to see you off so soon. All the ones that have been delivered here so far have had to stay since they showed signs of it."

"Really? It's spreading so quickly?", 'Coma' asked in disconcert.

The doctor nodded, looking serious.

"You were lucky. That's why, if anyone you know hasn't gotten a check-up yet, make sure to advise them. It can be deadly for both mother and child."

That's what they were after, then.

'Coma' nodded earnestly, looking concerned. "We'll make sure to do that."

"Then, let me guide you back to the port area. Luckily, the ship who brought you here hasn't left yet, so they have agreed to take you along, at least to the next harbor where we can send you homeward."

'Coma' and Rogue smiled at that.

"They were great company over the last few weeks, weren't they, love?"

"Yea. I'm glad we get to see them again so soon."

It had actually not even been 4 hours since they had arrived, so it wasn't that weird that the ship hadn't set off again yet. They could have been carrying some supplies that had to be carried off or someone could have family here.

'Coma' knew better though. They had obviously been made to wait. Most likely due to the orders he'd intercepted around a week ago.

He thought they shouldn't have gotten into too much trouble for it though.

"Well then, I wish you a safe journey and that the little one grows up strong and healthy", the doctor smiled as he shook their hands one last time.

"Thank you, doctor. Stay healthy and I hope everyone makes it out of this situation intact."

With a last nod, they each turned around and went their own way. The doctor back inside and the couple back to the ship.

"Coma! Rogue! Welcome back. That was quick, huh?", Kuzan greeted them with a smile and a wave as he fell into step with them on their way to the familiar ship.

"Yea. I'm kind of glad. While I wouldn't have minded the medical support for the rest of the pregnancy, being at home is best after all.", Rogue commented.

"Aaaah, that's true. Your home is really cozy, I hope you don't mind if I visit sometimes."

"Of course not!", Rogue said, "You're always welcome. If you don't mind the little one making a ruckus there soon."

"Uwah, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe next year then", he said mock disgusted.

They laughed merrily, greeting the other Marines as they went.

"So, what's the plan?"

"Ah, I don't know either. The Captain's still inside getting our orders. You have to ask him. He only asked me to wait for you while he was busy inside."

"Oh, alright…"

They chatted for a few minutes more before the Captain came out, face unreadable.

When Daizo had called him in earlier, Zena had felt as if he was entering a monster's den, he was that nervous. He hadn't allowed any of that to show on his face though.

He had never been on good terms with this particular Rear Admiral, mainly because their idea of justice was just too different. He himself had always acted professionally but other man had passed up no opportunity to let him feel his disapproval and displeasure.

If he could hurt him somehow, he did. If he could make it harder for him somehow, he did. If… if Zena tried to help someone… he would do his utmost to destroy his efforts.

It was childish, it was counterproductive, it made their superiors exasperated, and sometimes… it was downright cruel.

Yet, given their difference in rank, there was nothing Zena could do about it.

He briskly boarded the ship and didn't even look in the direction of his passengers until he'd issued departure orders.

"Coma, Rogue.", he forced himself to greet with a nod, "you can use your old rooms. We'll just go with the previous arrangements. We have to head another way though, so it'll likely take a month for you to feasibly reach Baterilla."

"Ah, that's fine. Thank you, Captain."

He nodded, gruffly motioning for them to go in and get settled once again.

They nodded in understanding.

"Kuzan, with me."

They vaguely heard as they entered and headed back to their old cabin.

Rogue had an uneasy feeling in her stomach as she thought back at the recent interaction. She hadn't been able to read the Captain at all. It had almost been as if he was talking to strangers.

She uneasily looked at 'Coma', trying to convey her thoughts with just a look since they still couldn't risk speaking openly.

"Don't look into it too much", the illusion he had been constantly upholding around her soothed, "Zena and his superior just don't get along."

'Coma' simply squeezed her hand in reassurance. Seriously, with how much he'd squeezed it the last few days, you'd think it'd shrink or something.

He didn't mind much if it helped her keep it together.

"Later on", the illusion finally said, "the plan may go out the window. If it does, just stick close to me and trust me, alright?"

He decided not to tell her the particulars but warned her like this. If he told her any more, the risk was too high.

The bad feeling Rogue had before worsened at the comment, but she decided to trust him. They had come this far already; she may as well leave things to him to the end.

She closed her eyes for a moment to push her worries back and nodded at him. Yes. Things would be fine.

Hours later, when they were called to join the crew for dinner, she ignored the fact neither Zena nor Kuzan partook in their usual banter, attributing it to their moods just being off. She decisively overlooked the near-frozen expressions on their faces as they merely watched on as the other Marines joked around and teased the couple.

The next day, the sea was rough. The winds were strong and rocked the huge ship in irregular intervals as it made for its destination steadily.

The conditions made it near impossible for the couple to spend any time outside or help around the ship, the constant rain and churning sea water splashing onto the deck rendered any cleaning they could've done futile.

Thus, they spent the day shut in their rooms, talking and dozing when the conditions were quiet enough.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the ship completely changed.

A grim look appeared on nearly everyone's face and tempers were running high.

The winds had calmed a little, causing the sea to calm into a steady, if stronger than usual churning. The rain was still beating down on them steadily, causing everyone on deck to be drenched to the bones. The ground was slippery, and visibility was low. The atmosphere spiked when a shout came from the Crow's Nest above though.

"It's there!"

Zena closed his eyes.

"Ready for docking. Now that the sea has calmed, we can land properly. Kuzan, fetch them."

He didn't even turn to his subordinate as he gave his orders.

"Sir."

Kuzan gave a short acknowledgment and went inside without another word, a complex expression on his face. When he got out of the rain, he mechanically shook himself and squeezed out whatever wetness he could out of his hair and clothes before continuing his trek.

*knock knock*

The sudden knock woke Rogue from the fretful doze she had fallen into not half an hour ago. She sleepily blinked up at 'Coma's face to make sure she hadn't dreamt up the sound.

At his nod, she reluctantly left the now familiar warmth of his chest and made to get up.

"Just a moment!", she called sleepily, followed by a loud yawn.

'Coma swiftly got off the bed himself, steadying her as she followed his example before opening the door.

"Oh, Kuzan, is something wrong?"

The petty officer stared at them for a moment, before turning his back.

"The Captain sent me to get you."

"Is that so? Then we shouldn't keep him waiting. Rogue, your shoes.", 'Coma' busied himself, getting a thin overcoat for her and pulling on his own shoes as well. In less than a minute, they stepped out of the cabin.

"Where would he like us?", 'Coma' asked with a smile.

"He's up on deck. Follow me."

"Sure. Did the storm pass already? Or is this just a temporary lull?", 'Coma' asked.

"It's just a lull. Still pissing heavily out there."

"Aaaah. I feel sorry for you guys. I hope nobody got hurt. Rain makes anything slippery and the rocking doesn't help, does it."

"We're fine. Got used to it"

They shortly reached the ladder up and climbed out of the safety of the canopied hallway and onto the deck. They were exposed to the elements as soon as they exited. The rain was pelting down on them heavily and the wind tore at their clothes, causing their balance to be knocked out of whack even more than before. Rogue basically had to cling to 'Coma' to make sure she didn't slip, fall and break her head on something.

Nearly the whole crew was on deck, waiting for them when they emerged, serious expressions on their faces.

"Oh, everyone is here…", 'Coma' muttered, a bit of nervousness in his tone. "W-what's wrong?"

"Coma", the cold voice of Captain Zena sounded from the side

"Come.", he simply continued.

'Coma' surveyed the crew once more, suspicion slowly dawning on his face. He forcefully gulped it down and turned to lead Rogue towards the Captain anyway.

"Captain", he greeted in an unsure tone as they reached the man.

He merely received a nod in reply. Decisively, Zena turned and waved them to follow.

That's when Rogue noticed that they were actually docked next to a huge rock protruding from the sea. A rock Zena was now expecting them to follow him onto, in this weather.

She gulped in apprehension, her fears from the day before resurfacing once again as she shivered.

'Coma', who was still supporting her obviously noticed and squeezed her shoulders marginally, just enough to let her know he was there.

'Right', she reminded herself, 'this is likely what he meant yesterday.'

Shakily, despite herself, she followed after Zena. She could do this.

Itachi noticed her growing panic with slight regret. There was nothing he could do about it right now though.

'Coma' wrapped his arms around her protectively once more when they had cleared the gangplank onto the rough surface of the rock, where the Captain stood, patiently waiting for them.

"Captain", he said, sounding outright worried now, "what's going on?"

Zena merely stared them down for a long moment before opening his mouth to reply.

"I'm sorry, Coma, Rogue."

"What-", Coma was cut off as a blade seemed to materialize in his hands out of nowhere and he decisively slashed down towards them.

Eyes wide in alarm, 'Coma' forcefully turned Rogue around, away from the approaching blade and staggered in pain as the steel dug deeply into his back, bringing them closer to the edge.

*Gasp*

Rogue gasped in shock and panic as she registered what had happened but couldn't get out of the tight hold he had on her.

She gave a startled cry as 'Coma's body jerked once more, another bloody gash opening on his back. 'Coma' swayed dangerously as he moaned, before collapsing to his knees, pulling her down with him.

"Stay still", the familiar illusion commanded.

She froze, suddenly unable to move, and limply fell back into his arms, as if she herself had been struck by the blade.

"W-why?", 'Coma' gasped out, voice hoarse with emotion.

"Orders are orders. I'm sorry.", Zena said quietly before turning and swiftly hopping back on board. The plank was retracted, and the Marines automatically started readying for departure once again, none of them able to meet 'Coma's bloodshot eyes as he tightly hugged the nonresponsive body of Rogue close.

"This is goodbye.", they heard the faint voice of Zena say before the ship started drifting away, the rain causing them to be unable to hear anything else.

He caught the eyes of Kuzan, who was tugging at a piece of rope hard, pulling it with his full strength.

Nothing but regret could be seen from his gaze.

As long as he could still make out the figure crouching hunched over, perilously close to the edge of the lonely rock, slowly bleeding out, yet still clutching the limp body of his love in his arms, Kuzan did not look away. He couldn't.

This… this was their fault.

Kuzan didn't understand. This, this cruelty… how did this serve justice?

The heavy hand of his Captain landed on his shoulders.

"Don't look away. Burn it into your memories. This… is what a mere whim from a higher ranking Marine can do."

The Captain's voice now betrayed his anger at what he had been forced to do, for no reason at all, his gaze still locked onto the faintly visible outline of the boulder they had abandoned their charges on.

The heart-breaking look on 'Coma's face just then would be something neither of them would ever allow themselves to or were able to forget.

"Ready the cannons!", he finally shouted.

For a split second, everyone froze, staring at the man with wide eyes, before the order registered and they scrambled to comply.

"Fire!", the emotionless voice of Captain Zena commanded not one minute later.

*Ka-boom* *Boom*

With only a small delay the whole broadside was fired towards the base of the formation protruding from the ocean. They could only barely hear the impact and subsequent rumble of the whole structure crumbling into the ocean.

'Coma, Rogue', Zena prayed silently, 'Please forgive me. I hope you can rest well wherever you're going. You deserve happiness.'

With one last look back to observe the churning sea where he had abandoned his friend to death, Zena determinedly turned back to his crew. He was scum. They were scum, the worst kind. Zena swore never to let anything like this happen again.