A New Enemy

Logan stared out the window, his arms crossed over his chest. He was in the corridor outside of the mess hall, looking out at the stars. Shouts of merriment and joy were coming from his left but he didn't move to join them.

He didn't feel like drinking…

He shifted, moving his arms and winced when he felt the slight smart of pain. The wound only offered a slight twinge of pain here and there, usually just a dull ache, barely noticeable. He glanced down at it. Instead of dressing in his usual black sweater, he dressed in a simple shirt instead. He kept a long, black duster on, the sleeves off with the skull and crossbones on the breast pocket. His guns were at his hips and the weight gave him an odd sort of comfort.

Logan heard the doors slide open but he didn't turn his head to see who was coming. By the sound of the footsteps, it was a heavy set man and he was alone and obviously had had a good time considering the smell of ale that filled his nostrils.

"Good job out there today, hot stuff." Yulian commented as he leaned his weight against the wall. Logan eyed him, unable to see if he was joking, making fun of him, or actually meaning it. Yulian must have guessed at his thoughts and chuckled, his lips spreading in a wide grin. "Oh I meant it!" He clapped Logan on his good shoulder. "You even took a bullet for the Captain!" His face turned serious. "That earned you some points with the crew though…" his face turned sheepish, "I'm pretty sure the Captain would have been able to dodge it." Logan stiffened, already knowing that.

"You should probably lie down, Yulian," Logan glanced at him, "before you fall down." His words must have angered the second mate and Yulian sputtered, his round face reddening.

"I can hold my ale boy!" He shouted but tipped slightly. Logan lifted an unconvinced brow, making the other man's face turn another shade of red.

"Stop teasing him, Logan." Kei stepped through the doors, a bandage around her temple and a tray of food in her hands. "We all know how sensitive he is." She grinned at Yulian who only gave a snort before wobbling back towards the doors.

"That's it, I'm going back to drink with real men!" He hollered before disappearing through. Kei only rolled her eyes but when they fixed on Logan he could tell that she wanted to ask questions.

"What?" Logan sighed while turning back to the face the stars and planets beyond.

"Why aren't you celebrating? You fought well today." Kei shifted her weight, the tray still clutched in her hands.

"What's the tray for?" He had already guessed but was seeking confirmation. Kei caught how he avoided the questions but answered his nonetheless.

"For her Highness," Kei replied and Logan couldn't help the slight twitch of his lips.

"You really don't like her, do you?" He turned to face her and Kei shrugged her shoulders.

"I'd probably like her better if her mouth was taped shut." She tilted her head, lost in thought. "Now wouldn't that be an idea." She murmured and Logan shook his head, a slight chuckle escaping his throat.

"Here, give it to me and I'll see that she gets it. I'm sure the Captain wouldn't appreciate his guest having her mouth taped shut." He slid the tray from Kei's fingers and grasped it firmly in his own.

"Hey, it was just an idea!" Kei defended but he knew better, as did she. "Fine," she waved it off with a flick of her wrist. "I didn't feel like walking that far anyway. Good luck!" She called over her shoulder as she turned and went back into the mess hall. Logan started towards the girl's quarters, his mind surprisingly blank. He halted outside the large doors, nodding his head once to the two guards stationed on duty and picking his foot up, kicked it to signify that he was here.

"Who is it?" Marinna called, her voice holding authority and scorn. Logan inwardly sighed, thinking that taping her mouth shut wouldn't be such a bad idea.

"Your food." He replied simply and a moment later the doors whooshed open. He stepped inside the dainty apartments, going to the simple table and setting the tray down. Marinna sat perched against the window, her eyes glittering and her mouth set in a harsh line.

"You're the man who everyone thought was Captain Harlock." Marinna stated and Logan glanced at her. He saw her stiffen, her cheeks flushing slightly but he ignored it.

"I am." He didn't elaborate and perhaps she thought that he would but when he didn't he saw her jaw clench.

"So you are?" She ventured as Logan straightened, putting his hands behind his back. Marinna remained by the window, her eyes guarded and though he understood where her anger came from, he also wondered why she could be so guarded.

"Logan." He didn't say more but the name must have been enough for Marinna's eyes widened with recognition. They narrowed to slits and her chin lifted into the air.

"So you're the traitor!" She pointed at him and Logan stiffened. "How could you join that animal's side?!" She accused and though Logan felt no rage towards her for calling him a traitor, he felt rage when she accused Harlock of being an animal.

Harlock was many things…

But not an animal…

"An animal?" He bit out and clenched his jaw. "Captain Harlock is no animal." He growled and took a step towards her. Her face paled but he wouldn't harm her, keeping his hands behind his back. "He's the finest man I've ever known, and if you insult him again in my presence I cannot foresee how I will react. Am I understood?" His words were not shouted, but held that same harsh tone. Despite being face to face with him he found that he was slightly pleased when she didn't back down.

"Fine, I will not insult him but I will also not pretend to like either him or his crew." She hissed and Logan tilted his head, curious.

"How can you hate a man so much? Even after he has spared your life after you tried to take his?" Logan asked and he saw Marinna's eyes falter. "If he were the animal you think he is then he would have slaughtered your entire crew, killed your father and given you up for sport, yet he did not. Is that the act of an animal?" He inquired and Marinna inhaled a sharp breath, but he saw the reason in her eyes.

"No, but I would have killed him had you not gotten in the way." She bit out and Logan lifted his brows, not convinced.

She sure was a wildcat…

He turned back around, prepared to leave but halted when she touched his arm.

"I'm sorry, though," she whispered and Logan frowned, glancing back at her. She was looking down, not meeting his gaze. "For shooting you." She offered and Logan blinked but he removed his arm from her fingers.

"I would have rather it'd been me than my captain." His words made her look up at him, their eyes meeting for a moment before he turned and left. "Make sure to finish everything." He called over his shoulder before the doors whooshed closed behind him.

"She's a handful, ain't she Logan?" One of the crew members said as he glanced at the door. "She whacked me good when I accidently grabbed her rump. I mean it wasn't my fault! She was kicking and biting and I was just trying to get a hold on her but good golly…" the man rubbed at his arm, "I think I might have a bruise." His confession made Logan smile, a chuckle escaping his chest.

"Elites tend to be like that," he replied and left, heading back towards his rooms. He didn't have anywhere else to be but also didn't feel like wandering the seemingly endless corridors and bays of the Arcadia. The ghost ship may have felt alive, but he couldn't converse with it and would find it odd even if he could.

He waited for the doors to slide open and when they did he stepped inside. Shredding his duster he flung it over one of the chairs, heading for the small dresser that sat against the wall. He paused, sliding his hand along the wood before pulling one of the drawers open. A small metal disk lay inside and he stared down at it.

Nami…

He didn't reach for it, instead turning his head and catching site of the picture. The frame was rusted and the glass worn but the picture beneath remained untouched. Logan reached for it, picking up and holding it before his face. Two boys stood there, smiling and waving at the camera. One had purple eyes, his black hair short while the other had green with wild, brown hair.

Ezra and he…

The picture had been taken before everything had changed, before everything became so dark, filled with so much hate.

Logan stared at his face and swallowed, tucking the picture back into the dresser and closing the drawer. Turning back around he slumped into the chair, resting his arm on the table. He winced at the sting of pain, turning his head and lifting the sleeve of the shirt up. The wound hadn't bled through the bandage and he gently trailed a finger along it.

He'd done a good job…

The thought brought the sensation of having Harlock touching him, of having him so close, so close he could reach out and touch him, before his eyes but even as he thought that another thought entered his head. Despite being physically close to Harlock he wouldn't be able to touch his heart. The thought made Logan blink, snorting with disdain. Since when did he want to touch Harlock's heart? Logan pinched the bridge of his nose but halted when he felt the scar that now forever marked his face. He stood, moving towards the mirror to stare at himself.

Montonio and Marinna had thought that he was Harlock, that he was Harlock! He snorted, the thought idiotic to him. He could never be like Harlock. The reality didn't weigh on him like it used to however, and he tilted his head. They were similar, that was certain and he glanced back towards his dresser, remembering the mementos he kept of his lost loved ones. Harlock did the same, keeping the ancient rose from his wife.

His wife…

Logan wondered who she was and how she had died. Harlock said it was because of him, but how? Was she captured by the Gaia Coalition and executed, but that was preposterous, even the Gaia Coalition had morals but then again…

He'd been wrong before…

Logan sighed, knowing that it wasn't his place to ask. It had been enough for the mysterious Captain to tell him of his loss, to tend to him when he'd been injured.

Yet that was the thing…

Harlock didn't have to tend to him, it was his own folly but when Marinna had pulled that gun, prepared to send a bullet through Harlock's heart, he'd reacted without thinking. His rational mind had later told him that Harlock was right, her arm had been shaking too much to have gotten off a clean shot and Harlock had lived through considerably worse. A badly put shot wouldn't have killed him but Logan hadn't thought of that. The only thing he'd been able to think about was that Harlock was in danger.

He must have looked like an idiot…

Logan shook his head, pressing the palm of his hand against his good eye. Harlock had been angry with him, that he could tell when he'd lead him back to the Arcadia and to the infirmary yet he'd been so gentle tending to him. He was such a confusing man and Logan gritted his teeth. A knock on the door startled him and he straightened, his hand falling to his Cosmo gun.

"Who is it?" He called and the door slid open to reveal Yulian there. He was obviously still feeling the effects of his heavy drinking with the men but remained upright.

"Captain called us, meeting in his," he belched and tried to finish the sentence but Logan got the gist of it.

"Alright," he grabbed his duster and donned it, ignoring the dull ache in his arm. They started down the corridors, the stench of ale making Logan draw his nose up but he didn't judge. Not a few days earlier he'd been the same way. Yulian was talking about something, drawling on about new technology some other engineer had come up with, when they halted outside Harlock's doors. He stepped in, Yulian tottering in behind him and Harlock was seated at the head of his gothic dining table. He glanced at Yulian, showing his slight disapproval but when his eye found Logan's it changed but Logan couldn't read the look he was giving him.

Was it concern?

Or was it something else?

His heart sped up a fraction of a beat but he placed his hands behind his back, his fingers curling together to keep his composure. Kei was already there, positioned beside Miime and not looking particularly happy. Montonio sat between Harlock and Kei, looking rather sheepish and Logan halted at the end of the table, to Harlock's right. Yulian brought out a chair, flopping into it and Harlock eyed him.

"Well, Captain, we're all here." He burped and Harlock leaned back in his chair, tilting his head and fixing Yulian with an unreadable look. Yulian, despite being intoxicated, recognized the look and immediately sobered up. "Sorry," he mumbled, his cheeks flaming with embarrassment and not just from the alcohol.

"Your men are celebrating too soon, Captain Harlock," Montonio observed, a slight smirk on his face but Harlock didn't retaliate.

"Every man on this ship makes their own choices, Sir Akashi," Harlock's tone was emotionless, as it always was, "but don't concern yourself." His eye fixed him with a steady gaze, "They are quite capable of taking on this new threat." His words made Logan's ears perk.

"New threat?" Kei asked, her brows furrowing as she glanced between Harlock and Montonio. "What do you mean?"

"Sir Akashi has told me the reason why his cruiser was inhabited by so many soldiers of the Gaia Coalition and why," his tone nearly seemed bored, "they were so willingly to sacrifice their lives to keep it from us." He looked down at the table. "Apparently, they have acquired a new partner. This particular individual has produced a new form of technology that the Gaia Coalition is very interested in." His eye lifted to fix on Montonio who was seemingly to keep his composure. "Why don't you tell them why, Sir Akashi?" He prompted softly and Montonio's eyes turned hard, like steel.

"This new form of technology," he straightened his shoulders, "can kill you, Captain Harlock." He whispered and Logan felt as if someone had kicked the legs out from underneath him. "With you gone, the Gaia Coalition can forever rid the pirate scourge from the universe, erasing your entire legacy!" Montonio seemed to gleam with triumph. "Our new partner will make sure of it." He whispered fiercely. Harlock seemed unaffected by this while the rest of the room seemed to erupt into chaos.

"How on earth can it kill him? What are you talking about?!" Kei demanded, slamming her fists onto the table and Harlock lifted his hand, stilling her outburst.

"Sir Akashi's efforts in securing the technology were successful, but," he lowered his hand to the arm rest, "he has told me that he was in the process of meeting with this new partner of his. He has given me the coordinates." He pressed a button and the doors opened to reveal four of the crew mates. These appeared more sober than the rest and held rifles in their arms. "You'll be escorted back to your quarters. I trust that a meal will be waiting for you." Montonio stood; hatred in his eyes but in the gleaming depths held something that Logan hadn't seen before.

Respect…

"Thank you, Captain Harlock." Montonio gave a stiff bow before leaving and just as the doors closed Kei went off.

"What is with you?" She demanded, her blue eyes flashing flames but Harlock didn't respond. It was Miime who did.

"The Captain's plan makes sense." Miime swiveled her head around, her mint green eyes latching onto Kei's face and Logan saw her stiffen.

"But if Montonio is right, and this new technology can kill him, then why would he face it head on? Why shouldn't he—"

"We do not know enough otherwise." Harlock's stern words interrupted her. "I will not run," he fixed her with a firm look, one that could melt steel, "as far as this new enemy knows, they will be expecting a cruiser filled with the Gaia Coalition's soldiers, not the Arcadia. We have exactly three hours before we reach out destination." He tilted his head back, resting it against the wood, "I suggest you get the men sober." His words offered no argument and both Kei and Yulian left the room, both mumbling words of protest. Miime remained where she was, her gaze fixed on Logan now. He'd gotten a lot better with not staring at her, but he couldn't help the slight unease that trickled up his spine when she fixed him with those seemingly depthless orbs of mint green.

Noting that perhaps the reason she was staring at him was because she wanted to be alone with Harlock struck Logan and he dipped his head. Turning around he prepared to leave but Miime's voice halted him.

"What are your thoughts about this plan?" She asked and Logan slowly turned back around. He noted Harlock watching him but he remained looking at Miime.

"I understand Kei and Yulian's concern, but I also see the tactical advantage of the Captain's plan." Logan didn't trust himself to say more and Miime must have sensed him holding back but said nothing. She nodded and stood, her hair flowing out behind her.

"I'll prepare the ship." She moved away and out the door. Logan dipped his head.

"Captain," he turned to leave but Harlock halted him with one softly spoken word.

"Logan." Logan paused and slowly turned back around once more.

"Yes, Captain?" He asked and Harlock stood.

"Kei told me you took food to Montonio's daughter," he shifted, placing his arms across his chest. "Is she being looked after well?" His question irked Logan but he nodded.

"Yes, though I was told she is quite the fighter, Captain." He supplied and Harlock smirked slightly.

"To pull a gun on me she would have to be," his good eye flicked to Logan's arm. "What are your thoughts?" His question made Logan pause. Miime had already asked him that question and he'd answered, so why was Harlock asking him again?

"I've already told you, Captain." He replied and Harlock lifted his brow slightly.

"No, you told Miime. I want you to tell me." He straightened, taking a step towards Logan. "What would you do if you were Captain?" He wasn't whispering, but having his low voice so close made Logan gnash his teeth. Was this another one of his tests? Logan had guessed that was partly why he'd let Logan board before, giving him a test and he'd passed.

Or at least he thought he had…

"Sir?" Logan questioned, confused and flustered as Harlock took another step forward.

"What would you do if you were Captain?" He asked again and Logan kept his gaze level with his. He was serious, so Logan mulled it over in his head, considering every possible angle, every possible outcome.

"We do not know the strength of our enemy, automatically assuming that the Arcadia can outmatch anything is arrogant and naïve and puts the lives of the crew members at stake. However, in this situation, this new enemy does not know that he will be facing a pirate ship. Instead he will be expecting his ally, and so will be caught unprepared. It's a gamble whichever way you look at it, but I trust in your judgment, Captain Harlock." He lifted his chin. "You would not so carelessly throw the lives of your crew away." As he finished silence engulfed the cabin but Harlock did not speak, simply staring at Logan with that eye of his.

"So you'd do as I am doing?" He ventured quietly and Logan nodded.

"Yes, I would Captain." Logan's words were firm, his conviction showing in his voice and Harlock nodded once.

"Very well," he turned, his cape swishing out behind him as he crossed back to the dining table. Maps and other documents were laid there and Logan thought he recognized a map of a familiar ship. "I acquired these from Montonio's quarters on the Queen Mary." He sat down in the chair, gesturing with his hand to them. "They're encoded and considering your past history," he half smirked, a light gleam in his eye showing that he was teasing, "perhaps you could lend me a hand. After all, two eyes are better than one." Logan blinked as Harlock smirked at him.

Did he just make a joke?

Logan gave a slight, surprised chuckle and crossed to him. Bending over the table he scooped up the papers, turning towards the light. He immediately recognized the pattern of the encryption, picking out the words. The papers were describing the progress of reconstruction on a ship. Logan furrowed his brow, picking out hints that described the ship. After a few moments he figured out it was a well known elite battle ship, the Armada if he was correct yet it appeared significantly different. It seemed they were making repairs but the repairs made no sense.

"They're rebuilding a battle ship. Only," he paused, turning and placing the papers before Harlock, his finger pointing out the message. "The materials they're using and what they're doing makes no sense." He grabbed a quill, noting how old fashioned and ironic this seemed, as he showed Harlock how to spot the code. Harlock leaned forward, stooping over it and as he did so the side of his hair slid forward, brushing Logan's cheek. He inhaled that same mysterious scent and his gut tightened all in one violent moment and the quill nearly slipped from his fingers.

"I recognize these patterns." He murmured and his voice felt far away. Logan glanced at him and though Harlock was staring at the paper Logan could tell he was far away, living more memories from his past.

"You do, Captain?" He asked and Harlock blinked.

"Yes," he didn't elaborate and Logan frowned.

"Well?" He prompted and Harlock looked up at him. Logan stilled, realizing how close he was to him. Harlock stared at him for a long time and Logan's heart stopped.

He reached up…

His hand inching closer to his face…

Logan's breath caught…

Held…

Harlock's eye widened and Logan didn't have time to react when Harlock grabbed him, turning swiftly in his chair and pulling him to the ground just as a large ship scraped past them. The room shook and Logan felt Harlock's body hunch over his. His breath caught in his lungs, his hands gripping the man's shoulders as Harlock pressed him to the floor. He nearly whimpered, his mind going blank as he felt his legs touch his own, their hips meeting as did their torsos.

Good god…

His fingers tightened and he drew in a ragged breath, his eye flashing open to catch sight of Harlock's face. He was looking towards the window, his eye glittering fiercely and Logan's mouth went dry. The alarms were going off, signals to get to battle positions but they were drowned out by the fierce beating of his heart. When Harlock's face turned back towards his their eyes met and Harlock seemed to realize their positions.

He didn't move though…

"Are you alright?" He murmured and Logan swallowed. He told himself to move, to untangle himself from Harlock but his body wouldn't cooperate. His lips parted as he answered but nothing left his mouth but a small breath of air. Harlock's eye flicked down to them and fire seemed to scorch Logan's flesh.

Shit…

Logan felt Harlock's body tense against his and he nearly groaned but he found that a moment later he couldn't breathe when the man slowly started to lower himself. Logan gasped, his eye going wide and his hands tightened on Harlock's shoulders again, his fingers fisting in both his cape and ends of Harlock's hair. Harlock paused, seemingly to be knocked from a daze and pulled back. He grasped Logan by the arm, pulling him to his feet just as Kei dashed in. She was ruffled, her eyes wild as she came to an abrupt halt.

"Captain! Enemy battle ship! He came up on us from the rear!" She shouted and Harlock nodded. Not sparing Logan a glance he strode to the door, Kei moving to let him pass. Crew members dashed past, the shouting frantic as alarms went off above their heads. Logan gathered himself and charged after them. When they reached the bridge Yulian was already at the controls, Miime standing beside Harlock's throne. She glanced at him and Harlock paused, meeting her eyes and something passed between them.

"Captain! She's on our left side, closing fast!" Yulian yelled and Harlock strode to the helm. Grasping it he looked to the left, his eye fastening upon the enemy ship. Logan looked as well and the sight made his blood freeze.

The ship was made up of slick metal, the color like ash and Logan's eyes widened when he saw the battering ram. The skull was twisted and warped; the eyes narrow with a sinister, sick smile gracing the front of it. It was modeled after a Gaia battle ship but it was obviously not. There was smoke coming from it, surrounding the edges of it. He thought that it might have already taken damage but then he realized it.

The smoke wasn't coming from the ship…

It was a part of it…

Streaks of lightning, the color black, spread out inside the clouds and Logan gaped at it, as did the rest of the crew standing there. Harlock was the only one to react, twisting the wheel and the Arcadia turned. The enemy ship loomed closer, crashing into the side so that both ships locked together. The impact made the entire ship tremble and shake but Kei and Yulian gripped their stations for support. Miime nearly toppled to the ground but Logan grabbed her, steadying her.

"Battle stations." Harlock spoke calmly as he disengaged the wheel. "We're about to have some unwelcomed guests." He turned to Logan. "Escort Montonio and his daughter back here. Make sure they are unharmed. Yulian," he turned to him, "suit up and lead the men. Kei you do the same." He walked to Miime who lifted her face to his. "Stay here." He went to leave but Miime reached out, touching his arm and halting him.

"Harlock." The way she said his name, it was so intimate. Logan felt the flare of jealousy inside his breast. He blinked, shaking his head and stepping away to give them a moment. Kei was watching them, but looked to Logan.

"Let's go," she ran out of the bridge, Yulian behind her and Logan cast a look back over his shoulder. He paused when Miime reached up, touching Harlock's cheek and he couldn't help but stare. A screech filled the air and Tori descended from the air, flapping his wings and knocking Logan out of his state. He turned and streaked out of the room, heading for Marinna's rooms. The ship was filled with ordered chaos, if you could call chaos that. Crew members were running about but everyone seemed to know what they were doing, were they were going and what needed to be done. A blast nearly knocked Logan off of his feet, the flashing red lights telling him that they'd been breached. He gritted his teeth, drawing his Cosmo guns and pushing himself to run faster.

He came across them first…

Marinna was kicking and screaming, horrible curses flying from her mouth and Logan immediately noticed the blood that covered her gown. As he came into view her head shot up, her hazel eyes meeting his and Logan drew his pistols in one fluid moment. He fired off four shots, running forward and leaping into the air, driving his knee into the windpipe of one pirate while twisting and lashing out with his feet to kick another. There were perhaps ten and two held Marinna by her arms. She opened her mouth to scream but he fired two more shots, taking care of the ones beside the ones who held her arms.

"Logan!" She shouted and lurched, kicking out at one of the men who held her. He yelped, backhanding her but Logan took advantage of this and fired off two shots. Blood splattered the corridor and Marinna gasped, her face going white as she sank to the floor. Logan caught her, steadying her against his chest and he felt her trembling.

"Where's your father?" Logan asked, peering about the now empty corridor and was alarmed when she sobbed.

"He's…they…there was so…so much blood…" her fingers tightened in his coat and Logan's eye widened as the realization struck him. He wrapped his arms around her and stood, keeping her close to him as they picked their way over the bodies. She was still crying when they made it back to the bridge and it was empty, Miime the only one there. She glanced at him, her eyes asking questions but Logan said nothing, striding into the room and placing Marinna on Harlock's throne.

"Is she injured?" Miime asked while kneeling down beside the frantic Marinna.

"No, but Montonio…" he didn't finish and Miime looked up at him. She knew and nodded, placing her hand on Marinna's back. Logan felt guilt surge up within him and he opened his mouth to ask about the situation when a blast shook the room. Miime's head snapped up, her body whirling towards the door and Logan was actually shocked to see her pale green face turn the color of ash.

"Oh dear," she breathed and Logan saw her wobble. He reached for her, his mouth open to ask what was wrong when the door burst off of its hinges. He yanked her back, covering them both with his body and when the smoke cleared a man, flanked by several pirates, stood there.

The smoke made him unable to see the pirate's face, but he was tall and Logan felt the air drop. Miime was trembling and Logan glanced at her, but her eyes were trained upon the stranger. Tucking Miime behind him Logan straightened, glaring at the enemy.

"My my," the voice was raspy, as if it were a thousand years old, "I thought that taking the Arcadia would have been more," he paused, searching for the right word, "of a challenge." He clucked his tongue, emerging from the smoke. A large wide brimmed hat, a red and black feather in it, sat atop his head, shadowing the top half of the man's face. The lower half was rugged, a red beard covering it. He was dressed all in black leather, a red sash about his waist and high boots splattered with blood. The skull, swords crossed behind it, marked his chest and he carried two gravity sabers, a Cosmo pistol tucked in beside them. The man's eyes gleamed, a bright, maddening green and Logan clenched his jaw. Instinctively he knew he was outmatched but that didn't stop him from stepping forward.

"Who are you?" He demanded but the man just looked at him as if he were a bug he was about to step on.

"You're not the captain," he sounded disappointed while strolling about the room, his men filing in to surround them. "Pity, the coward must have left his lackey and his…" he trailed off when his eyes found Miime and Marinna. He gave out a high whistle, lifting his brows with admiration. "My my, he certainly does have a wide taste in women." He stepped forward and Logan heard Marinna's gasp of horror and rage filled him.

"You won't touch them," he growled, drawing his Cosmo gun and pointing it between the pirate's eyes. The pirate halted, lifting an unconvinced brow.

"Drop your gun boy," his lips lifted up in a sneer, "you're no match for me." He tilted his head, his eyes sliding past Logan to look at Miime. "It's funny," he chuckled, the sound on the edge of madness and it made Logan's skin crawl, "Yuki said there would be another." At the sound of the name Logan heard a startled gasp escape Miime's lips but before he could ponder it the pirate was walking towards him. "You know," he whispered, his eyes greedily wondering over Logan's body, "you're not half bad yourself. Your face is pretty, even despite the scar. It makes you look," he licked his lips, "unattainable." He seemed to revel in the word and Logan's gut turned to ice, his resolve hardening.

"You're sick," his finger pressed against the trigger but that only caused the pirate to laugh hysterically.

"Maybe, but hearing voices in your head tends to do that." He drew his gravity sabers as his face grew dark and twisted. "No matter, make sure no one interferes!" He hissed to his men as they created a circle around them, "I'll make sure to just wound you so later on we can have some fun." He took a step forward and Logan's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing about his lips.

"Why not have some fun now?" He retorted and his remark must have caught the other pirate off guard, but a moment later Logan pulled the trigger. The bullet slammed into the pirate's shoulder, knocking him back a step and Logan went to fire off another shot when laughter bubbled up from the pirate's throat.

"You naïve bastard," he hissed while straightening and Logan noted the blood dripping from his arm but the pirate seemed unaffected, "you think one bullet can kill me?" He threw back his head and laughed. "Oh what fun I'm going to have with you!" With that he lunged and Logan tensed. He ducked the first swing, coming underneath the pirate and kicking his legs out. He connected with bone, heard the snap of the man's knee cap but the pirate only laughed, swinging and backhanding him. Lights exploded inside his skull and he hit the ground hard, the air leaving his lungs. He gasped, struggling to sit up and barely managed to roll clear of the man's saber as he brought it down. Coming up on his feet he watched, mesmerized, as the tissue knit itself back together.

"Wh—" Logan didn't finish, the word ending in a slight curse as the pirate swung once more. He ducked, pushing forward and tackling the pirate to the ground. He shoved the saber away, pinning the man and going for his Cosmo gun but then something slammed into his side. Pain pierced it and he grunted as the pirate kicked him off. Logan lay sprawled on his back, his lips parted as he tried to breathe. Every breath brought pain but his teeth clenched and he tried to sit up but before he could the pirate planted his boot on his chest.

"My, my," he clucked and lifted his saber, the tip sliding underneath Logan's chin. He tilted it up and Logan inhaled sharply, rage filling his chest. "You are a minx," he whispered, tilting his head and his eyes gleaming with mirth and madness, "oh how I'm going to love breaking you." He hissed and Logan bared his teeth in a snarl.

"Good luck," he replied and drew out the other Cosmo gun. He pulled the trigger and blood sprayed his face but he rolled clear as the pirate tumbled back, a loud shriek of pain sounding about the room. He gasped, the pain making him blink but he saw Marinna's face, her eyes wide and Miime, she sat there, frozen, as if she were being attacked but unable to defend herself. He thought of another girl unable to defend herself and the anger that filled him blinded his pain and he turned, pushing himself to his feet but he only got to his knees before a foot kicked him harshly in the ribs.

He groaned, falling onto his side and he drew the gun again, prepared to defend himself but it was kicked away. He watched it skid across the steel floor and knew that he was done for.

"I underestimated you," the pirate's breathing was shallow and he sneered down at Logan, "I'd thank you but considering all the unpleasantness you've put me through." He lifted the saber, this time pressing it into the center of Logan's chest, "I'm just going to kill you instead." He gave a sad smile. "Which is unfortunate, I really wanted to break you first." Logan remained calm and glared up at the pirate.

"Go to hell." He growled and the pirate cackled.

"I'm already there," he hissed and lifted his saber.

And brought it down…

VVVV

Harlock reacted, shooting forward and slamming into the red haired pirate. The enemy sprawled back, flying into the line of his men and Harlock looked down, his eye meeting Logan's.

He was safe…

The relief that flooded his chest nearly brought him to his knees and he would have happily throttled the little pest at his feet for throwing himself into danger but he had other things to deal with. He'd gone onto the other ship, hoping to face the other captain head on but found out from captured crew members that their captain was going to flank him. Harlock had rushed back, knowing that they'd go for the bridge and find Logan and the people Harlock had ordered Logan to protect there.

And he'd been right…

He'd barely reached them in time and though Harlock noted that Logan was covered in blood, he didn't appear fatally injured. He lifted his saber, pointing it at the pirate.

He would die for this…

The pirate lifted his head, green eyes filled with madness latching onto him and Harlock frowned.

He looked…

Familiar…

"Ah, there you are Harlock." The pirate straightened, seemingly unaffected though Harlock knew that he'd cracked at least two of his ribs. He dusted off his hat and straightened his coat. Harlock's fingers tightened around the handle of his gravity saber.

"Who are you?" His voice was like ice but the pirate only chuckled, a wide sneer gracing his lips.

"He said that you would not recognize this face." He cocked his head, striding aimlessly about the circle but Harlock did not take his eye off of him. "He said that you'd claim to know nothing, when in your heart you'd know." He clucked his tongue once more. "Shall we tell him?" He called and Harlock could hear the madness in his voice. Harlock did not reply and the pirate's eyes widened, glee feeling them. A squeal left the man's lips and he hopped up and down. The display was unnerving but Harlock remained firm. "He said I could!" He giggled and stopped to face Harlock squarely. His face suddenly lost all mirth, turning dark and sinister. The abrupt change made Harlock's muscles coil, a sudden spark of familiarity erupting inside his brain.

"Flint." He whispered and the man grinned. It was cold and calculative and it seemed as if the body before him was possessed by two men.

"Ah, you recognized me before I could tell you." Flint's voice had changed, becoming deeper and much more chilling. He paused, his green eyes glittering with hate. "You don't seem surprised." He placed his hands behind his back and sighed. "No, I suppose you wouldn't be but Miime," his eyes flicked back to her, "is. It must have come to quite a shock to find out that you're not the last of your kind anymore." His words made Harlock's spine tingle and he was prepared to send a laser into the pirate opposite him but Flint must have sensed his intentions, smiling wickedly. "Don't worry old friend, you'll get your chance, but I'm afraid not today." Before Harlock could process his last words an explosion erupted above their heads. It forced him to one knee and he gritted his teeth. Flint laughed; the sound fading away as he disappeared back into the smoke. "I'll be taking something with me for compensation." He called and Harlock tensed, prepared to defend the people who surrounded him but was alarmed to see Montonio dragged through the smoke. His body was broken and bleeding and Marinna gasped.

"No! Don't you dare touch him! Father!" Marinna lurched from her chair, prepared to fly across the room but Harlock snagged her about her waist, pulling her to the ground just as bullets were fired above their heads. Flint cackled and disappeared along with his men. When the smoke had cleared Harlock lifted his head, looking about but finding the bridge empty.

"That monster," Marinna hissed, her eyes filling with tears but her eyes glittered fiercely, "How could he? He…he was dead…why couldn't he leave me his body? Who would…who would…" Marinna broke down and Harlock blinked, suddenly uncomfortable. Miime appeared beside him, her eyes like shadows, but she didn't look at him as she gently pulled the girl away. Marinna followed willingly and Harlock glanced back towards Logan. He'd managed to sit up but was holding his side, his face contorting with pain.

"Logan," Harlock crossed to him and though Logan glanced at him he didn't meet his gaze for very long. He reached out to help him, getting him to his feet and Logan drew in a sharp hiss.

"I think I cracked my rib," he gasped and Harlock helped support him but he couldn't help the ironic smile that pulled at the edges of his lips. Logan flashed him a glare, his green eye filled with irritation, and snorted. "What's so funny, Captain?" He gushed out as Harlock helped him to his throne.

"I can't seem to leave you alone, now can I?" Harlock inquired quietly while lowering Logan's body and Logan grunted but didn't reply. Marinna's sobbing filled the bridge and Logan looked at her, his eye filling with regret and guilt.

"I couldn't protect him, Captain." Logan murmured quietly and Harlock noted how Logan's fingers curled into a fist on his thigh, "By the time I reached them he was…" he didn't finish and Harlock returned his eye to the mourning girl. He recognized the grief that filled her, the rawness of it pricked at his heart and he clamped his jaw. "Why would this Flint take her father's dead body?" Logan's voice was soft, filled with hate and horror but Harlock didn't reply. He himself only had an inkling of what he might be doing and if he was even remotely close to being right he wasn't about to voice it.

"We're going to need to make repairs," he turned, striding towards the panels and halting at Yulian's station went over the intercom. "Yulian, Kei, meet me at the bridge." He got off and swiveled around, Logan still watching that girl and Harlock suddenly felt something twist in his gut. He strode forward, kneeling down and grasping Logan's chin. Logan started but Harlock tilted his head to the side, his eye roaming over Logan's face.

"What are doing?" He asked and Harlock noted how feverish his skin felt.

"Making sure it's just blood and not an injury." He replied and sliding his fingers along Logan's jaw. When he reached the young man's throat he felt his body tighten when he felt Logan's pulse jump. He withdrew his hand but remained standing where he was. Logan tilted his head towards him, eyeing him silently.

"Find anything?" Logan asked but Harlock shook his head. A moment later Kei burst in. Her suit was covered in dents and scratches and her face was smeared with soot and her lip was bleeding.

"Captain?" She halted, looking about the room, her eyes widening at the damages but they froze when they saw the weeping Marinna. She took a step towards her but then seemed to remember something, halting and facing Harlock.

"Where's Yulian?" Harlock asked but Kei shook her head.

"He took a round to the shoulder. He's in the infirmary with the rest of the men." Kei strode forward, her boots clicking against the steel, "When aboard the enemy ship I came across some information." She drew out a small chip and handed it to Harlock. "It looked important." Kei glanced at Marinna and Harlock noted the concern on her face.

"Montonio's dead." Harlock informed quietly and Kei blinked, shocked, but mutely nodded her head.

"Sir?" She asked and Harlock knew what was coming next.

"Yes, Kei?" He waited and she stiffened.

"Just what the hell just happened?" Her tone was hushed but didn't hide the anger in it. Harlock didn't have time to explain, he'd do that later.

"Get the ship headed for Fortress SSX," Harlock ordered as he crossed the room to Miime and Marinna. He paused but couldn't help the slight twinge of his heart when he saw the grief that covered the girl's face.

He knew what it felt like to lose a loved one…

Maya's face flashed before his eye, nearly knocking the air from his chest but he stilled himself, sealing away the memories behind a steel door encased in ice.

"Miss Marinna," his voice was calm, perhaps a hint of soothing in it, "Miime will escort you back to your rooms." Marinna didn't react, she just simply stood with Miime helping her. They slowly started from the room and Harlock was slightly alarmed to see Logan stand. "Logan—" he started, prepared to stop him but Logan shook his head.

"I'm fine, Captain." He straightened but winced, "I'll assist them." He walked towards the group of women and Harlock watched the relief cover Marinna's face. She reached out and looped her arm through Logan's, resting her head against his shoulder and surprise covered Logan's face before he could hide it. Silence filled the bridge as the small group left, Tori appearing out of the air to squawk overhead. He followed them out but Harlock didn't dwell on it. He returned to the helm, grasping the wheel firmly in his hands.

And started their voyage…

Hours later, the course set for Fortress SSX, he was wondering the corridors, taking in the damage done to his ship. The Arcadia had never before been damaged like this and the thought left an unpleasant feeling in his gut.

Captain Flint…

Memories of a comrade, one with always a stern face but a strong heart, played before his mind. Flint and he hadn't necessarily been friends; in fact they had been rivals, always competing to become the best. It was odd though, after Harlock had destroyed the other three Deathshadow ships he'd always assumed Flint had gone down with his own Deathshadow ship.

He was wrong…

But that was the thing…

The man who claimed to be Flint looked like Flint, but wasn't Flint, at least not entirely.

And as for Miime not being the last of her kind…

Did that mean that Yuki was alive? Harlock sighed, feeling suddenly tired. He paused, realizing where he'd wandered to.

Logan's rooms…

Harlock snorted, the irony nearly too much for him. He lifted his hand, prepared to knock but before he could the doors whooshed open and Logan stepped out. He collided with Harlock and instinctively Harlock reached out and steadied the younger man. Logan blinked from surprise and after Harlock realized what he was wearing, so did he.

He wore a button up shirt, the top few being undone to reveal his collarbone. Loose pants hung off of his hips and it looked as if he'd been about to crawl into bed, his ruffled hair insinuating that perhaps he'd already been in bed and was just waking up.

"Harlock?" Logan gasped in surprise and Harlock felt his muscles tighten at the sound of his name. "Er, Captain," Logan stepped back but Harlock noted the bruise along his cheekbone, "Wh-What are you doing here?" He asked and Harlock silently asked himself that same question.

What was he doing here?

"I came to check on you," he answered and perhaps it was just the dim lighting that made him think that Logan flushed slightly.

"Well, as you can see I'm perfectly fine, Captain." He straightened but Harlock saw how he hunched his side slightly. He lifted an unconvinced brow.

"Hmm, I can see that." He remained standing where he was, for some odd reason not trusting himself to step into Logan's cabin. Logan shifted on his feet, his jaw clenching in perhaps embarrassment.

"I'm just sore, sir," he lifted his head but Harlock saw the question in his eye. "What are you doing?" He asked and Harlock was slightly amused that Logan would want to know what he was doing.

"Wandering," he murmured and tilted his head, wondering if Logan sometimes did the same at night. Logan lifted his head, his gaze suddenly defiant. "What is it?" Harlock wondered out loud and Logan worked his jaw before answering.

"Flint," he shifted, "he said he knew you, Captain." His words were meant to bait Harlock into elaborating but he didn't.

"Yes." Harlock answered simply and Logan's face contorted with anger but a moment later it vanished, being replaced with exhaustion. The abrupt change startled Harlock and he reached for Logan just as he slumped against the doorframe.

"Logan?" He grasped Logan by the shoulder but was alarmed to feel how hot his skin was.

"I'm fine, I was just too hot so I thought I'd take a shower, sir." He whispered and Harlock gave a derisive snort.

Idiot…

"You have a fever," he stepped inside, pushing Logan back but Logan stumbled, causing Harlock to catch him against his chest. Logan's eyes widened and he clutched at Harlock's shoulders to keep himself from falling. Without a word he scooped him up, noting that he weighed next to nothing and Logan stiffened.

"What are you doing? Don't carry me like—" he stopped complaining when Harlock turned his face, fixing him with a harsh glare that silenced him. Taking three steps he lowered Logan down onto his bunk and held him there with a firm hand.

"Idiot," he murmured underneath his breath and Logan flashed him another glare but Harlock just snorted, a smirk playing about his lips.

He liked it when Logan looked at him like that…

"Here," he spotted a pitcher and cloth and dunked it, wringing it out and placing it on Logan's forehead. "Keep that there," he tilted his head, noting how childish Logan suddenly looked and it made him smile slightly again, "I'll call the doctor and have him get you something." He reached for Logan's arm, rolling up the sleeve and noting that the bandage had been bled through. He frowned, irritation whelming up inside him. "Didn't I tell you to take care of your arm?" He shook his head, prepared to unwind the bandage but Logan pulled his arm from Harlock's fingers.

"Why are you doing this?" Logan demanded quietly and Harlock paused. He looked at him and opened his mouth, prepared to reply but halted.

"I can't have my next replacement dying on me in the first few weeks," his voice was soft, "It'd be a hindrance, wouldn't you say?" He murmured and Logan stared at him for a long time.

"Yes," he answered and his voice was just as soft as Harlock's but held an icy bite to it, "but you don't need to concern yourself, Captain. I can take care of myself." He rolled onto his side, away from Harlock. "Now if you'd please leave, I'm tired." He didn't look at Harlock and Harlock recognized the refusal. He stood, remaining silent as he crossed the room to the door, pausing at the threshold. Logan still wasn't looking at him, his back facing him and Harlock felt a slight stab to his stomach.

He inwardly snorted and left, striding down the dark halls to his own rooms.

He didn't care if he'd hurt Logan's feelings…

It was the truth…

It'd be a pain if Logan died on him, leaving him without a successor and he'd have to find another man worthy enough to take up the mantle of Captain Harlock.

That's all there was to it…

Wasn't it?

VVVV

AUTHOR NOTE: Here's chapter three! Hope you like it! Please review so I know what you guys think about my story! Thanks for the reviews so far!