Chapter 2

"Hey, watch it."

A broad, rich man carrying several large bags that seemed proportionate to his weight grumbles as I begin to fall back onto him.

"My apologies…" I reply faintly. All the strength has been sapped out of my muscles upon seeing that familiar face. Shock renders me utterly vulnerable, and if even a common thief had run by me and aimed his gun at my heart at this moment, I probably wouldn't have reacted.

What if I make a dash for it?

It would be my last chance to escape the ship and its leering doom. Perhaps if I explained the situation to the Captain, she wouldn't feel too hurt about my rejecting her offer. And Melissa wouldn't have anything to say to that either- she would probably hightail out of here as well if a dangerous violent terrorist were the captain of her ship.

But… as a soldier in the military, my number one duty was to the people. And if a treacherous risk were at hand for them, it would be my duty to do my best to stop it. It's this last thought that keeps my feet glued to the pavement.

Vrr, vrr. Vrr, vrr.

An uncomfortable vibrating feeling in my pocket jars me out of my thoughts. I reach into my pocket and pull out the mobile device in which Melissa insisted I take along to further achieve the "normal people feel," end quote.

"Hello?" I say, unsure of the person on the other end of the line, as the number calling was unfamiliar.

"Sergeant Sagara." A female voice replies.

"C-captain Testarossa!" Astonishment fills my voice. Why would the Captain be calling me?

"Sergeant Sagara," She repeats seriously and cutting directly to the chase, "are you at the Osanbashi Pier right now?"

"Y-y-yes ma'am. I appreciate the break that you have granted me, Captain," I continue stiffly, trying to find the right words to please her.

She doesn't say anything for a long, dark moment. Had I said something wrong?

Finally, the Captain continues. "Listen, Sousuke, I never granted you any vacation, as you may have believed I did. In fact, I never even sent you a letter," she whispers hurriedly. The sudden change in formality stuns me, but in an ominous way. Her serious tone and heightened pace states in itself that something was out of place.

"W-What do you mean?"

"She means, Sousuke, that Mithril isn't the one who sent you that letter." Melissa speaks loudly and briskly into the phone.

Melissa? Why was I hearing her voice?

"I called Tessa right after you left to tell her that you'd accepted her offer and were about to board the ship, but she didn't have a clue as to what I was saying. So we decided to get you on the line and discuss what's happening."

"But…" My face turns pale. "But didn't you know about the plan beforehand? I mean, you and Kurz supposedly knew about it as well. And how are you and the Captain on the line at the same time?"

"It's called a three-way, Sergeant Serious, and no, when I saw the ticket and the envelope, I just naturally figured that Tessa was the one who sent it," she admits sheepishly.

"Sousuke, you have to get out of there now," Captain Testarossa cuts back in worriedly. "We don't know who's set this trap for you. They may be targeting Mithril, or worse…your life." Her delicate voice has toned down to a whisper in concern for my well-being.

"Actually, we do."

"W-What?"

"Actually, we do." I repeat quietly, but more surely now. In fact, I'm certain I know who the culprit is. And perhaps if I told her, her mind would be more at ease. Then again, what were the chances of that happening, considering the madman who we were going up against?

"What? Who?" Melissa screeches into the phone. I wince, holding the device away from my ear for a moment to regain my hearing before resuming.

"It's Gauron."

There's a moment of silence. I can tell that the thought running through their minds is, Impossible! Gauron should've been killed already back in Helmajistan! There's no way he can survive that many times!

"Somehow, and don't ask me how, but he was able to deflect the attack from my Lambda driver and obscure the fact that he was still alive. I honestly and truly don't know how he managed it- I gave my all into that last attack. But I just know he's here, and worse, he's the captain of the Heroic."

"He's what? The captain? Why didn't you tell us earlier, Sousuke?" Melissa is furious.

"I didn't find out until just now. I was going to tell you…but you kind of beat me to it."

Finally, Captain Testarossa speaks up, her voice wavering slightly in fright. "Are you sure, Sergeant Sagara? Would you swear on your honor as a soldier?"

"I swear, Captain."

"And knowing you, you're probably thinking that you can't leave because of your honor as a soldier, correct?" Melissa interrogates. "You're thinking that it's your sole duty to protect the ship passengers from encountering any harm, right?"

"Sousuke, please don't do this!" Captain Testarossa cries out.

"I'm the only one capable right now, Captain, of stopping Gauron from committing anything serious- or even anything minor," I state in a gentle voice. "Please, Captain, I'll be sure to keep track of his activities, and I'll try to stay away from him as much as possible. Rest assured. I definitely won't fail you."

Melissa and the captain contemplate my words and the tone of my voice. When Captain Testarossa speaks again, she sounds tired and resigned.

"Alright, Sousuke. But just understand that I'm worried, that's all. I trust in your abilities- you're one of the finest soldiers I've met…" The Captain trails off into silence for a moment.

"…but be sure to come back, no matter what." This last statement is spoken in a barely audible whisper.

"Of course. And if there isn't anything else…?" I inquire in a steady voice to reassure her.

"No, that's it. Call Melissa and I anytime you need to. We'll be seeing you later."

I snap the device shut and stuff it back in my pocket.

The line moves along slowly but constantly. In a matter of minutes, I've reached the threshold of the giant hunk of metal.

"Please watch your step. We hope you enjoy staying with us on the Heroic," a cruise attendant lady says in a monotonous voice.

Stepping onto the finely carpeted floors of the ship, I look around, taking in the luxury that never before had I experienced. Several thoughts run through my head as I do this, mainly revolving around one: This is enemy territory now. I was going to have to be on my guard 24/7, if not already.

My last glimpse of freedom for many, many days disappears behind me as I follow the current of passengers deep into the belly of the monster.