Kate paced around the room. Kaku had given her an orange t-shirt with Galley La's logo in blue. The t-shirt was long on her and went down to her knees.

"So what do we do?"

Kaku was still sitting on the bed, his arms crossed.

He nodded and grabbed a duffle bag from under his bed. He then opened his closet and started to throw his clothes inside.

Kate panicked and ran towards him. "Woah woah, wait, what are you doing?!"

He looked at her sternly.

"Kate, it's not safe for either of us right now. We need to leave…even just for a bit." He continued to pack his bag.

She looked at him guiltily.

"Kaku, you should stay here. I'll go by myself…. They won't charge you with anything. I think Nash would be to scared to after what you did...Just tell them I ran away…"

He finished packing his bag and dropped it on the ground.

She was right—he didn't have to leave. Even if he had killed all of them, the World Government would find a way to brush it under the carpet and they could proceed with their mission. But why was his gut telling him to leave? Not only that, why did he feel he had to protect Kate? He tried to rationalize in his head. Maybe he wanted to protect her because it was due to his forgetfulness that she ended up walking in that alley way… he nodded to himself. Yes, that was it. It was his fault, and therefore he was responsible…. there was no other proper explanation…

He smiled at her confidently. "Don't worry. This will blow over before you know it and we'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail!"

She looked at him hesitantly.

"Kaku…I really don't think you should come."

All of a sudden they heard a ruckus coming from the main lobby.

"Kate from Galley La? No I haven't seen her why?"

Kaku turned to Kate. "Are you wearing underwear?"

She blushed at his question. "Yeah…why?"

He quickly grabbed his bag and picked Kate up, jumping out of the window.

Iceberg waited nervously at the train station. It was now closed to the public, but he told Kaku he would meet him here. He pet Hedgehog on the head for comfort.

They should be here..

Soon enough, Kaku and Kate appeared.

Kate was muttering something under her breath, but Kaku refused to put her down…knowing there was a chance she may run.

"Iceberg, thank you for this."

Iceberg placed a hand on the young shipwright's shoulder.

"Anything for a friend."

Kaku winced, knowing what was to come in the future….

"The boat is over there. There's a tunnel that is no longer in use, but you should make it to open waters in less than 5 minutes."

Kaku bowed to thank Iceberg.

"Thank you again, we will see you soon!"

Iceberg gently held Kate's hand. "Stay safe."

She nodded and waved at Iceberg as Kaku ran towards the boat, still draped over Kaku's right shoulder.

They got into a medium sized wooden boat with manual oars. They sat on opposite ends of the boat facing each other.

Kaku paddled as fast as he could, although he had no idea where they were headed.

Let's see what happens..

-

Kate pulled the bottom of her shirt through the collar to make a bikini like top. Usually she would be embarrassed to be dressed in such a way, but it was far too hot.

Kaku had been rowing for 8 hours straight without a break, and without breaking a sweat.

What is this guy made of?!

She approached him cautiously, not wanting to break the focused trance he seemed to be in.

"Kaku, you should sleep. I can row for a bit."

He shook his head and smiled.

"I'm fine! Besides, girls like guys with muscly arms right?"

He laughed. Normally, he would have been a bit tired by now…but he couldn't contain the excitement brewing within him. This was the first time he would travel to an unknown place on his own free will…no orders….no mission…..even though it would only be for a short amount of time he felt free.

Before Kate could respond she beamed.

"KAKU! LOOK!"

She pointed to a small island in the distance. It was unfamiliar for her, but it was definitely inhabited.

Kaku laughed. "Land ho!"

Kate looked closer and saw a sign that read

"Monogatari?"