Partings

Harlock sat quietly in his room, the glass of red wine between his fingers. Miime had been with Marinna, choosing her company over his and he didn't blame her. He raised the glass to his lips, taking a long, slow sip and savoring the wine as it slid across his tongue and down his throat. He lowered the glass down to the table, his eye staring into the swirling red depths.

So Flint was alive, at least a part of him anyway, and the Gaia Coalition had in some way reinforced a battle ship with Black Matter and Yuki, another survivor of the planet Jura, was working with him.

Yuki…

He thought she had perished when the Deathshadow ships had been destroyed.

Then again…

Harlock thought that Flint hadn't survived either…

He took another drink from the wine, closing his eye and nearly draining it. He felt more than heard her enter and Harlock looked up to see Miime standing there.

"She's resting now," Miime flowed forward, halting and lowering down into a chair but not reaching for the wine. Harlock nodded but said nothing; the other knew what each of them was thinking.

"I should have listened to you when you said something was wrong," Harlock murmured as he thought back to when he'd first entered the bridge. "We would have been prepared." Silence greeted his words for a long moment.

"I doubt that Harlock," Miime finally answered, her voice soft and tired. She leaned back, resting her body against the back of the chair. Harlock watched her as she closed her eyes, breathing softly. "He protected us," she murmured, "even when he knew he was outmatched." Her eyes opened and fixed on him, "He has a strong heart." Harlock nodded, his fingers playing about the stem of the glass. He felt something in Miime's gaze change and he lifted his eye to hers. "You care for him." It wasn't a question, only a statement, and Harlock stilled.

He wasn't naïve…

He recognized the feelings to protect but the reasons he wanted to protect Logan was because he was to be the next captain. Also, perhaps in some twisted way, Logan was more like Harlock than anyone else he had ever met and he knew what it felt like. He knew what it felt like to make a decision that ended up costing so much more than you could pay for, knew what it felt like when your world came crashing down and no one was there to help you stand back up again. Was that why he did what he did? Because he recognized another version of himself and instead of leaving him alone, like Harlock had been, he decided to remain firmly by Logan's side? Yes, that played a major part in it, but Harlock sensed something else and by the way Miime was looking at him, so did she. Miime's eyes blinked slowly but he wasn't fazed. Her green orbs flowed across the room, drifting about as if she were lost.

"I felt her Harlock." Miime whispered and he glanced at her. "I felt her presence, her heart." Her eyes returned to his. "Her mind was so vibrant, but so…dark…twisted." Miime's eyes glowed slightly, her hair rippling, "She was broken." Her voice was a dry whisper. Harlock felt as if someone had squeezed his heart with icy fingers, talons digging in. "She's not the same, Harlock." Miime's shoulders shook and Harlock stood, moving towards her. He lightly touched her shoulder and she reached up, clasping his fingers tightly with her own. "I did not sense her when we emerged from the Black Matter, or anyone else." She turned her face and looked up into his. "How could she or Flint have survived?" Her green eyes searched for answers but Harlock had none to give. She saw the expression that graced his face and slowly nodded, accepting it.

"You should get some rest," he advised and Miime slowly stood. "We'll be docking at Fortress SSX soon." Miime didn't reply, moving from the chair and flowing from the room. He watched her go before his eye flicked back to the table. The chip that Kei had given him laid there and he moved towards it. Reaching out he picked it up, studying it quietly. Turning he left his quarters. The halls were silent, as they always were. Tori alighted down from the shadows, settling on his shoulder.

"Have you been keeping an eye on Logan?" Harlock inquired quietly and the bird chortled. He kept walking until he reached the Arcadia's computer. He halted, his eye roaming over the machinery. Stepping inside Tori alighted from his shoulder, circling overhead and crying out softly. Harlock remained looking at the main computer.

Tochiro…

"Hello, old friend." His voice was soft but the computer seemed to understand him, humming a gentle reply. A sad smile tugged at the corners of his lips and he stepped forward, settling down beside the main database.

Silence…

"Things have changed." He started, resting his elbows on his knees. "Flint appearing, Yuki being alive," he reached up and ran a tired hand over his face, "that is if she really is alive, like Flint." He tilted his head, the yearning to see his friend's face only making his heart heavier. "There's a new weapon that can kill me, perhaps after all these years that's possible." He chuckled, though the humorless tones echoed back to him. "No matter," he straightened, "perhaps this can explain." He reached into his pocket to retrieve the chip. He slowly inserted it and the room flashed a slight iridescent blue as the information was processed.

What he saw shocked him…

Black Matter…

They were trying to harness it again, to make weapons that could take over the galaxy but how did they get it in the first place? Harlock scowled, scanning the words and numbers.

"They're making more Deathshadow class ships," he murmured and Tori shrieked, flying down to land above his head on the computer which shimmered as if it were trying to tell him something. "They're reinforcing them with the Black Matter."

So that explained why Flint's ship had appeared so abruptly and why it had looked the way it had looked. It also gave reason to why he'd recognized the patterns listed in the repairs being made to the Armada. He'd seen them done to the Arcadia and the other ships. He straightened, pondering his situation. He knew of only one other that might have ties to tell him what was going on yet when they had last spoken they had left on harsh terms. Slipping the chip free of the database he tucked it back inside his pocket. Perhaps the reason of the entire universe being in potential danger might be able to win him back over.

"Things are about to get interesting, Tochiro." Harlock murmured while reaching out and touching the machinery, the metal cold underneath his palm. It whirled to life, emitting a blue light before fading and Harlock lowered his hand. Turning he headed out of the room, Tori staying behind. Harlock noted that in the last few years the bird had become silent, staying to the shadows more and more. He knew that the loyal companion missed his master, more so than perhaps Harlock did. As he strode past the mess hall he halted when he heard the laughter inside.

Laughter…

It was such an odd sound…

The simple notes could lift a person's heart, wash away their worries and make life better than what it was, even for moment. He listened to the voices, listened to them talk of the battle, listened to them voice their concerns.

Then Logan's name was mentioned…

Harlock stiffened, perking his ears. They still did not fully trust him, but were starting to see him as one of their own. He'd risked his life protecting Miime and even Marinna, who underneath her prickly exterior was starting to let her defenses down. He listened for a few moments more before moving on. Logan would be pleased to hear that he was finally being accepted back into the folds.

Harlock wondered how he faired, for he hadn't seen him since the night before. It was now morning, or you could call it that for there was no sun to go off of. He suddenly felt a pull to see him, hear his voice and feel his presence. He blinked, pondering the sensation but he rounded the corner and nearly bowled Marinna over. The young girl yelped as she stumbled back, trying to right herself and Harlock reached for her but she fell into Logan's arms, who stood behind her.

"Harlock!" Marinna gasped and she gaped at him. He noticed how red her eyes were, how drawn her face was but then she seemed to remember that she was still in Logan's arms. She cleared her throat, flushing slightly and stepping away from him.

"Miss Marinna," Harlock replied, his eye roaming over her before flicking to Logan. Logan wasn't looking at him, his eye trained to the empty space to his left. "Logan." He ran his eye over him, noting that he wore a black turtleneck and that his skin was still pale. Was he still suffering from the fever? He was distracted when the light showed the bruise that marked his cheek.

He wondered if it pained him…

He wanted to reach out, to touch it gently, but instead curled his fingers into a fist at his side. Marinna stepped closer to Logan and Harlock glanced at her. Did she think that now after her father's death he would treat her differently? He straightened, placing his hands at his sides so that his cape fluttered down to conceal his body.

"I was just escorting Miss Marinna to the mess hall, Captain." Logan shifted and Harlock stared at him a moment. He looked considerably better, the medicine he'd sent seemingly to have done the job.

Yet…

It irritated Harlock seeing Logan with Marinna. He was supposed to come see him when he felt better. He paused, thinking over his last thought. Logan didn't have to do anything unless it was a direct order from Harlock himself.

He just thought…

He mentally shook himself…

"Very well," he strode past, missing the surprised look Logan gave him and continued towards his rooms but instead of going there he headed to the bridge. He stepped inside, seeing Kei at her station. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she stared out at space, her face distant. At his presence she glanced over her shoulder at him, dipping her head in acknowledgment.

"Captain," she murmured as Harlock came to stand beside her. He sensed how withdrawn she was. Ever since she'd found out the true reason he'd wished to reverse time she'd been different.

He didn't blame her…

Her red suit was still splattered with blood and he wondered if it was hers or her enemies'. They stood in silence for a long moment before she finally spoke.

"What happened, Captain?" She asked softly and Harlock flicked his eye to her face. "To have an enemy like Flint," she turned and faced him, "You and I both saw that he felt no pain, that his body seemed to heal by itself and that he seemed to be more than one person. How is that possible? And his ship?" She gushed out a tired sigh, reaching up and pinching the bridge of her nose but Harlock was surprised to see her shoulders shake. "There is supposed to be no other like the Arcadia, no other that is stronger than her, but with one blow she nearly destroyed us and his men that he commanded," she lowered her hand, "their armor wasn't like ordinary armor. It was reinforced with black steel. Our bullets could do nothing while theirs shredded through ours as if it were butter." Her eyes hardened. "I want answers, Captain."

Answers…

Why did people ask questions when in reality, they didn't want to know the answers to the questions they'd asked?

"Trust me, Kei." He whispered, keeping his eye level with hers, "You will know soon enough, you all will." He murmured and he could see that his answer vexed her. She opened her mouth, prepared to rebuff it when a high wailing filled the air. He flinched, clenching his jaw and Kei cried out, covering her ears with her hands. It pierced the ship and Harlock turned, trying to find the source of it and paused when he saw the small device. It was positioned on Yulian's panel and Harlock took a step towards it even as it whirled to life.

Flint…

The mad pirate smirked at him, obviously happy with whatever he had accomplished as the wailing died.

"Tsk tsk," he wagged a finger at him, "You're getting slow, Harlock." He chuckled, his green eyes flashing bright. "I thought that you would have noticed my little message earlier, but no matter. This way is so much more," he paused, searching for the right word, "thrilling." His lips spread wide, revealing white teeth.

"What do you want?" Harlock's voice was like steel and seemed to sober the cackling pirate up.

"Oh I just thought that, oh what was her name," he lifted a gloved finger, tapping his chin, "ah yes Marinna, might want to see her knew daddy." Harlock's eye widened and Flint cackled. "I thought you might react like that!" He snickered. "I did tell my men to keep him intact, but he put up more of a fight than he was supposed to." He gave a slight shrug. "Oh well, he still works." He gestured with his hand and the hologram shifted. It revealed three figures. Harlock recognized two figures being that of Flint's crew, the one in the middle a dark, twisted form he didn't recognize. A moment later Harlock heard the whoosh of the door and the clatter of feet as Logan and Marinna rushed in.

"What's going on?" Logan demanded but halted when he saw Flint. Flint's eyes gleamed and he licked his lips, a hungry and feral look entering his gaze.

"Ah, there you are. I'm glad that you're still walking," Flint purred and bile rose up in Harlock's stomach. "I was so disappointed when Harlock here interrupted us." His lips pulled back in a sneer, "But don't worry," he tilted his head, looking at the twisted figure hid in shadows before his eyes came back to them, "we'll meet soon enough." He chuckled. "Then I promise we'll have some fun then." He cooed and Harlock narrowed his eye.

"Enough, explain yourself." He growled, his fingers tightening around the handle of his saber. Flint gave a bored snort, as if he was hoping he could toy with them longer.

"Fine, she's here now so I get to see her face." He directed his words at Marinna who bristled.

"What are you talking about, scoundrel?!" She hissed and Flint frowned, as if he were actually hurt that she'd called him that.

"Now that's not very nice," he grumbled, "considering I just brought your precious father back from the dead." His words shocked them and he pulled back, gesturing for his men to step forward. They did and Harlock realized all too late that the twisted figure they held up was Montonio. A horrified gasp left Marinna's lips and Kei jolted beside him.

The man's flesh was ash gray, his head bowed but what was the most disturbing were the black tubes that entered his body. Two tubes entered along his collarbone, wrapping around to attach to a tank that looked like it had been molded to his back. Two more tubes wrapped around, sinking into the man's hips. The flesh was bloody, scabs that puckered and oozed blood lining it the points where the tubes entered Montonio's flesh.

Then Harlock saw it…

It looked like dust, but Harlock knew that it wasn't…

It was Black Matter…

It filtered in through the tubes and every gust that entered the man's body made his chest rise and fall. He groaned, lifting his head and blinking but Flint snapped his fingers. They pulled the man back and Harlock heard the door as Miime entered. She flowed to his side, her eyes glowing bright with anger and he knew she was going to cross the distance to enter Flint's mind but before she could a figure appeared beside him.

Her hair was long, flowing down to her feet and was a pale blue, the tips an ash white. Her dress was the same color but her eyes were what shocked him. They were depthless, a dead gray instead of a mint green.

"Yuki," Miime breathed and Harlock heard the pain in her voice. Yuki's lips, a shocking pale, twitched at the corners and for a moment her face resembled fondness before it slipped into one of indifference.

"Miime," she called. It was raspy, the notes not holding life.

"Yuki here," Flint wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against his side, "is going to help me. You see, Montonio over there has some information that I need and I can't very well get it out of him if he's dead." His face sobered, malice and hate filling it, "You're not going to finish ahead of me this time, Harlock. This time I'll finish first and you'll be second. This time I'll be the one to kill you, like you did to me so long ago." His words dripped venom, "Not yet, not yet though. He won't let me, not until after he gets what he wants." He snickered. "But after that he promised me, promised me I'd have you all to myself afterwards." He grinned, the sight chilling, "I'll make sure of it." He released Yuki and sighed. "But I think our little chat is running a little long, don't you?" He waved his arm. "I suggest you prepare yourself Harlock," he hissed, the words low, "because I'm coming for you and the entire universe." With that he flicked the hologram off, the lights dying to show that its message had been terminated.

Silence…

Harlock knew everyone was staring at him, asking with their eyes what had happened, what to do and where to go. He closed his own eye, letting himself calm.

"What is going on?" Marinna demanded, her voice barely above a whisper, and Harlock turned his face to look at her. She was trembling, her eyes staring at the dead hologram and Logan had his arm around her shoulders, keeping her close. Harlock's gut tightened but he strode forward. As he approached, Marinna's chin came up, defiance entering her hazel eyes.

"Do you wish for me to escort Miss Marinna back to her quarters, Captain?" Logan asked and Harlock lifted his eye to Logan's face. He knew that this must have been a shock to her, finding out that her father had been dead, but was now alive and captured by Captain Flint, but nonetheless they lived in a merciless reality.

"There's no need," he tilted his head, a thought mulling over in his head. "Miss Marinna and I have things to discuss, in private." He stepped past them, glancing over his shoulder at Logan. "Bring her to my rooms and if she wishes it, bring her food as well." With that he kept walking, his footfalls like that of a ghost's. He knew he'd been curt and tried not to ponder the exact reason why he'd been that way but to no avail it kept gnawing at the back of his mind.

Marinna had obviously shown a liking towards Logan and that was understandable. He'd saved her, defended her and acted as her protector but what was he protecting her from? Surely he knew that though Harlock and his crew were labeled as pirates they would never stoop so low. Or perhaps he didn't and so sought to guard her but then again, Harlock noticed the striking resemblance she bore to Nami.

Was that why he protected her?

Harlock knew that the girl had been dear to Logan, and also to his older brother, Ezra and that had been the major breaking point between the two. But how deeply had he cared for Nami? Did he see her as a long life friend or did he see her as something more, now forever lost to him? Harlock gritted his teeth; he had his own past demons, ones that he didn't share with anyone. He could not blame Logan for not opening up to him, for Harlock knew how people, how the universe, saw him.

He was a man without a heart…

Without a soul…

And that was how he preferred it...

After all he was doomed to live for eternity, so why make relationships that would die?

They only caused more heartache and as Harlock shut himself into his rooms he silently found the idea ironic. He'd faced fleets of enemy ships, been shot at and had more than one occasion looked down the barrels of guns that had been prepared to take his life. He'd done all this with deadly calm.

He wasn't afraid of death…

What he was afraid of was loss…

The loss of the ones you cared for…

That single thought scared him to his bones…

Especially when he thought of losing someone in particular…

VVVV

Logan watched Harlock disappear from the bridge of the Arcadia. Marinna was still close beside him and he could hear her swift heartbeat. Kei and Miime crossed to them and though Logan did not know Miime well, he could see that she was not alright. Kei obviously knew this as well and stayed beside Miime's side, her aura reminding him of a loyal attack dog.

"I'm taking Miime back to her rooms," Kei glanced at Miime, perhaps seeing if she'd object but she didn't and Kei returned her blue eyes to Logan's. "Keep this private; I doubt the Captain wants this spreading." She ordered and Logan frowned. Kei gently grabbed Miime's arm, guiding her from the bridge and Logan turned back to Marinna. She was still staring at the hologram.

"He's alive…he's alive…but how?" Marinna's slurred words made Logan realize how affected she was. He reached out; grabbing her shoulders and making her face him.

"That's all that matters," he told her firmly. "He's alive." He repeated and Marinna blinked and he could see the light come back on. That same spark of defiance entered her eyes and she pulled back.

"But he's a prisoner!" She shouted. "And look what they did to him! What that monster did to him!" Her voice shook and for a moment Logan thought that she might cry but she didn't, straightening and drawing in short, shallow breaths.

She was frightened…

"Don't be scared." Logan reassured her, reaching out and touching her forearm. She glanced up at him, her hazel eyes shimmering for a moment before she blinked. She pulled away from him again, her hands fisting at her sides as she looked away.

"I am not scared." She insisted but he saw past that mask.

"Yes," her head snapped back to glare at him, "you are." He wondered at it. "Why are you frightened? Harlock will protect you." The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them but he already knew that Harlock would. Marinna gave a skeptical chuckle and she bit the inside of her cheek. She seemed to be struggling with what she wanted to say but he waited. After a few moments she lifted her chin but he saw the wall beginning to crumble.

"Why would he?" She demanded softly. "I'm an Elite, a part of the Gaia Sanction that declared him a pirate. I'm his enemy and so is my father." She shook her head, despair entering her eyes. "This is the first time I've ever left my home since I was a little girl. The last time I did my mother was murdered before my eyes," her hands tightened into fists at her sides, "and now my father will meet the same fate. I'm at the mercy of a merciless man on a ship manned by pirates with no way to return home. For the first time I am on my own with my men imprisoned and now your Captain wishes to speak with me. Doubtless he'll interrogate me on what my father might have known, but I won't tell him." She gave a humorless chuckle. "Even the small pieces of information he did tell me probably aren't worth much. He only took me along because he said that we'd be making a new life for ourselves." She shook; her voice tight and angry, "I am at the mercy of pirates." She hissed and Logan didn't reply, watching as she went to walk away from him.

"Marinna," she halted as he spoke her name. He stepped in front of her, forcing her to look at him, "Harlock is not like most pirates. He may interrogate you but not for his own means. He'll do so for the crew's welfare and if you so wish it, he will not force you to tell him anything. Harlock may be a pirate but there is one thing that he will always remain." He saw Marinna's skeptical look but he reached out and grasped her arm tightly, "He'll remain a gentleman." Logan knew the words he spoke were true and he hoped that he was able to convince Marinna that. He saw her hesitate but he turned, nudging her along. They left the bridge and walked in silence but after a few moments she cast him a look.

"Perhaps you are right Logan," she murmured while facing her gaze forward, "but I still do not trust him." They stopped outside of Harlock's quarters and she turned to face him. "There is someone that I do trust," she stared steadily into his eye. "That person is you." Before Logan could react she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his chest but not squeezing, remembering his bruised ribs. "Please be someone I can trust, Logan." She murmured and Logan swallowed. He reached up and clasped her shoulders, squeezing tightly.

Could he be someone for her to trust?

A face flashed before his eyes, of a girl's smiling face and he knew his answer.

"I'm not the one you should trust," he murmured and Marinna blinked, pulling back and looking up into his face. "The man you should trust is inside." He gestured with his head towards the awaiting door. "I'll get you some food." He untangled himself from her arms and quickly strode down the corridor.

Leaving her to stare after him…

VVVV

Harlock remained in his chair as the door opened. Marinna stood there, her face pinched and guarded and he stood in one smooth movement. He moved out from behind the table, reaching out and grasping the back of the chair. Marinna eyed him, then it and he couldn't help the slightly bemused smirk from touching his lips.

"Sit, for we'll be having a rather long conversation." He offered and slowly Marinna crossed the room, lowering her body down into the chair. Harlock returned to his own chair, surveying her from across the ancient dining table. She looked about, her hazel eyes taking in the details and for a moment he thought he saw admiration in her eyes.

"Though I appreciate the act of the gentleman," Marinna started, her eyes returning to his and he saw the determination in them, "let's get down to why you called me here." Her voice was like steel and Harlock tilted his head. It was to be expected, after all she probably blamed him for her father's capture, and even her mother's death though he did not have a hand in that. She saw him as a pirate and saw all pirates as cutthroats and Flint didn't help matters much.

"Very well," he rested his arm along the rest of the chair, "we are to dock at Fortress SSX. There repairs will be made to the Queen Mary and your crew released. After we have departed you may do whatever you wish. In the process, I will try and recover your father and stop Flint. If I succeed, he will be returned to you." He knew his words would surprise her and the shock that covered her face gave him a small sense of satisfaction.

"Wh-what?" Marinna stuttered and he smirked. It was probably not often that the young girl was caught speechless.

"I never had any intentions of keeping you as a hostage, or your father for that matter. I only sought to discover who the Gaia Coalition's ally was and the new weapons they have produced. I have learned that, therefore, there is no need for you on this ship." He tilted his head back, resting it against the headrest and fixed her with a calm stare, "Besides," he chuckled softly, "we both know that even if you did know something, you would not tell me even if it were to help me in retrieving your father." His softly spoken words made her stiffen, her cheeks flushing from embarrassment as she looked away. "I apologize," her head snapped up at his words, "I did not wish your father's capture."

He hoped that she would believe him but if she didn't then she didn't, he wouldn't dwell on it. He watched emotions play over her face, anger, hurt, pain and so many others until finally her shoulders sagged.

"I know that now," she whispered and he watched her eyes mist over before they cleared, "and though I do not understand why you are doing this," she lifted her chin, squaring her shoulders and fixing him with a hard look, but this one no longer held spite or menace, "I thank you for it." She paused and he watched her mull something over inside her mind before she continued. "As perhaps you saw earlier," she bit her lip, "I trust Logan." Marinna paused again before starting. "But when I asked him if he could be someone I could trust, he told me that the man that I should trust was you." Her words shocked Harlock slightly but he hid it, remaining calm and impassive as he listened. "I do not know you, Captain Harlock, but I am beginning to understand why Logan told me to trust you, even when I do not." Silence engulfed the cabin and Harlock studied her face.

Despite losing her father she was still strong…

If she ever commanded a ship he'd hate to be on the receiving end of her wrath…

"You are strong, Miss Marinna," he smirked, "If you were ever to command a ship, pirate or soldier, I'd consider you a worthy opponent." He dipped his head. "There is but one question I must ask you before you take leave of my ship." She nodded, waiting for him to continue. "You're father; Flint was his ally, was he not?" Harlock trained in on her expression, noted how her eyes widened ever so slightly.

"I am not sure," she murmured. "He said that he was a man of "ill-repute" and that the Gaia Coalition was just using him and his commander." Harlock perked his ears, tilting his head.

"Commander?" He asked, thinking of the person Flint had referred to earlier, and Marinna blinked, perhaps realizing that she'd already said too much and hesitated.

"My father never mentioned his name." She frowned, her eyes accessing his face. "Back at the bridge, Flint seemed to know you." He saw anger and distrust enter her eyes. "How? And why did he do that to my father?" She leaned forward, intent on hearing his reply. Before he could, a knock on the door sounded.

"Come in," Harlock called and Logan appeared, carrying a tray of food. Harlock could tell that Logan noticed the tension but he said nothing as he strode forward, placing the tray before Marinna. She cast him a look and he returned it before straightening, keeping his hands behind his back.

"Tell me, Captain Harlock." Marinna demanded and Harlock stared at her for a long moment. That had been the girl's father, she had a right to know but did she really want to know? Harlock glanced up at Logan and he was looking right back at him, his gaze subtle and calm. He trusted Harlock, trusted his judgment and Harlock drew strength from it.

"You wish to know the truth?" Harlock inquired and Marinna nodded, not even sparing a glance at her food. Harlock sighed, knowing that his answer would not make her want to eat for days but she wanted to know and he wouldn't stop her.

"Information, as Flint said earlier." Harlock answered and they both frowned in confusion.

"Information?" Marinna's voice shook, "But he's not going to give him it! So what are you suggesting? That he's going to torture him?" Her hands were shaking and Logan rested a hand on her shoulder. She glanced at it and Harlock saw her calm and instead of feeling relief that she wouldn't become a total mess he felt something else prickle up his spine. He stiffened, his fingers curling around the arm rest.

"You know the race Miime belongs to, yes?" He asked softly and Marinna nodded. "They can manipulate the mind and force it do what they will. However, once that information is stored," he paused, knowing his next words would truly shatter her, "the body is torn apart, the mind crumbles, leaving nothing else." Harlock's soft words felt like daggers and he watched them find their marks. Marinna stared at him for a long time, silence engulfing them.

"So he brought my father back from the dead, to just torture him for information and then have him die anyway?" Her voice trembled with rage and disbelief. "We have to find him, stop him." Her words hardened. "Let me come with you." She demanded and Harlock blinked, surprised. Logan must have been too for his brow lifted. "I may just be a girl, but I know people and these people can help us." She stood, leaning forward and placing her hands on the dining table. "If you don't," she warned, her voice dropping, "when my ship is repaired I'll come after you too." She growled and Harlock silently congratulated her.

Not many would talk to him like that…

But nonetheless…

She was not going…

"I am afraid I must refuse your offer, Miss Marinna." Harlock murmured. "I am sure by now you and your crew will be reported missing and search parties will be sent out. If you are found with us there will be no turning back for they will either brand you a pirate, like us, or seek the capture of the Arcadia and her crew and that is something that I cannot allow." He saw the anger grow on her face. "I do not encourage you to seek this Flint out on your own, but he is your father. Do what you must, but not on my ship." He sank farther into his chair. "The people that I will entrust your care to are kind, honest people." His eye hardened, turning to cold steel as did his voice, "They will not be given over to the Gaia Coalition, am I understood?" His harshly spoken words made Marinna pause and he could see the turmoil going on inside her.

"He's right, Marinna." Logan offered and her eyes snapped to his face. Something passed between them and Harlock watched as Marinna slowly nodded.

"Very well," she turned back to face Harlock squarely. "Let me make myself clear, Captain Harlock. I do not like you and if we are to meet paths again trust that my aim will be better than last." Her words made him smirk and he dipped his head in a farewell. Marinna turned, heading out the door and Harlock lifted his eye to meet Logan's. They held for a moment before Logan dipped his head, excusing himself to follow after Marinna.

Harlock watched him go…

Noting that yet again he was left in the darkness…

Alone…

VVVV

Logan stood silently as the crew of the Queen Mary was being escorted off. They'd docked at a branch of Fortress SSX, keeping the identity of it secret. Marinna stood beside him. She hadn't said much and neither had he but as the members of the crew began to dwindle he knew that it was getting closer. Harlock stood across from them, watching the procedure with Tori atop his shoulder. Logan couldn't help but stare at him but Marinna drew his attention.

"Logan," she called his name and he turned to face her. She gave him a hesitant smile while drawing out a small linen napkin. "This is for you." She held it out for him and he frowned. "That way, if you're ever caught just show it, and they'll know to let you go." Logan slowly unfolded the linen and inside was placed a small ribbon, a thread of dark hair woven around it and he realized that it was Marinna's. Attached to the ribbon was a small stone, the same color as her eyes and Logan looked up at her. Her cheeks were tinged a light pink and she fidgeted but after a moment she tipped her face up towards his.

"I can't accept this," he murmured and hurt washed over her face. "I'm a pirate, Marinna, a part of the Arcadia and her crew. I can't accept this for the reason you're giving it to me," he smiled softly, "but I can accept it as a parting gift from a friend." Her eyes lit up when he finished and she chuckled.

"I should have known you'd be like that," she whispered and sighed. "Once the Queen Mary is fixed I'll be going back home to gather aide from the Gaia Coalition," a soft pleading light came into her eyes, "I know you won't come with me, but I just want you to be careful." He was touched at her level of concern for him and he nodded.

"Just do the same for me," he whispered and she smiled but he saw her eyes mist. The sight tugged at his heart and the memory of promising another girl that he'd come back safely entered his mind. He reached out and wrapped her in a hug, finding it odd at how much Marinna had grown on him. Her own arms settled about his waist and she squeezed once before pulling away. Kei strode up to the small platform they were standing on, eyeing Marinna cautiously but Marinna just smiled. Descending the platform she lifted her hand, waving a slight goodbye to Logan who lifted his own in return. She joined the rest of her crew and was escorted off. The doors closed and he caught sight of Marinna still waving before they shut. The thrusters burst to life and the Arcadia lifted into the air.

As they flew back out to space Logan glanced down at the gift, touching it gently with his finger. Draping it around his wrist he tied it, pulling the sleeve of the sweater over it to conceal it. He'd find a better place for it but now it'd stay on his wrist so that it'd be safe. He turned around, prepared to head back to his rooms when a figure stopped him. Yulian stood there, leaning on a crutch and a smirk on his lips.

"I'm out for a day and look what happens to you, hot stuff." He chuckled, his round face glowing and Logan crinkled up his nose at the stench of ale, "Ya already got the ladies fawning all over you." His body shook with his laughter and Logan sighed.

"You should really lay off the ale, Yulian," Logan offered while reaching out to steady him. Yulian snorted.

"Naw, that's stuff the best and from what I hear we're making a pit stop at Fortress SSX. Now there's where a fella goes to get some good ale!" He bellowed and Logan cringed. Stepping forward he grasped Yulian's arm tighter.

"Come on, we better get you back to the infirmary." Logan nudged Yulian but the man grunted.

"I can do it!" He barked and pulled his arm free but when he turned he went to topple. Logan lurched forward, catching the heavier man and grunting from the weight. His ribs ached but he ignored them, steadying Yulian.

"Stop complaining and let me help you," with that Logan pulled Yulian's arm over his shoulders and started walking. Yulian grumbled a response but sagged against him, the crutch taking little weight off of Logan's shoulders. What felt like hours later, Logan finally got Yulian back to his cot in the infirmary. Yulian flopped down onto it, a belch leaving his lips and Logan scrunched his nose, pulling back and waving a hand through the air.

"You sure the doctor should be letting you drink like this?" Logan spied a glass of water and shoved it towards him. "Drink it." Yulian scrunched up his face but took the glass, his hand shaking but he drank it. He nearly dropped the glass however, but Logan caught it and set it on the small bedside table. "Lie back," Logan instructed and though Yulian looked like he didn't like taking orders he did it nonetheless.

"You know," he wheezed, glaring up at him, "when you first came on this ship I thought that you were just a kid. Then you betrayed us and I hated you, really hated you and then you show up and save us." He shook his head. "At first I didn't want to see what the Captain obviously sees in you, but I know it. Everyone else sees it too," he gave a tired sigh; "I guess I was jealous too. I mean, I don't call you hot stuff for nothin'." He grumbled. "And I don't mean you're looks kid." He grunted. "Ah I'm drunk," he waved his hand, "leave me be. I've made a fool out of myself enough already." He rolled over and Logan blinked. He moved away, leaving Yulian and heading back out.

His words didn't leave his mind. What had he meant about the Captain seeing something in him? Did he mean that in the future Logan would make a great captain? Logan sighed, reaching up and lightly touching his hand to his ribs.

They were still tender…

"You alright?" Logan jumped, flinching at the smart of pain but turned to find Kei standing there. She ran her eyes over him, fixing him with a curious stare.

"Fine." He replied as Kei came to stand beside him.

"You don't look it," she tilted her head, looking at his ribs before ghosting them back up at his eye. "Carrying Yulian back to the infirmary probably didn't help much." She noted and Logan snorted.

"No, I suppose not but he didn't look he could walk." Logan lowered his hand and noted the blood that still splattered her red suit. "You really should get that cleaned," he pointed at the droplets, "otherwise people are going to thing you're injured." Kei followed his finger, fastening on the blood and he watched her stiffen.

"It's Yulian's," she murmured softly while lifting her face to his. "I got it when I dragged him back to cover after he was shot." Her features pinched at the edges, "The guns they used were the ones Montonio was keeping stashed in that bay." Logan remembered the room they hadn't gained access to, Flint's men effectively blowing the room and taking the guns themselves while slaughtering the soldiers inside. "He's terrifying." Kei whispered, her voice barely audible, and surprise struck Logan.

Kei was never frightened…

But she was now…

"Kei," he reached out and grasped her forearm; "he's just a man." She looked up at him, her face skeptical.

"A man?" She shook her head. "No man can take a shot to the shoulder and heal in two minutes; no man can have his knee cap blown or his ribs broken and still be able to function. He's not a man, Logan." She faced him squarely. "He's a monster and one we might not be able to stop." Her face fell and Logan gritted his teeth.

"Stop thinking like that," he shook her slightly, getting her attention. "Don't forget whose Captain of this ship, of who we follow and what he can do. Harlock will beat him and stop whatever he is planning but he can't do this without us. He needs you to trust him, Kei and of all the people you need to trust, it's him." Logan's words were firm, but not harsh and Kei seemed that for a moment she seemed to believe him but she stiffened.

A moment later Logan felt him…

He dropped his hand, lifting his head and fastening his gaze on Harlock. The pirate stood there, seemingly shrouded in shadows and Logan couldn't help it when he felt his cheeks flush.

Did he just hear everything?

Kei must have thought the same for she cleared her throat, shifting on her feet.

"Captain," Kei gushed out and Harlock spared her a glance but his eye returned to Logan's face.

"Kei," he took a step forward, his cape parting to reveal his lithe body beneath it and Logan swallowed. "Logan," his eye scrutinized him and Logan's hand curled into a fist.

Why did he look at him like that?

It was as if he swept aside his barriers, looking straight into his soul and bearing him to the world.

He hated it…

Hated how it made his spine tingle, hated how it made him feel feverish and hot all at once. He shook his head, looking away and towards the wall but he could still feel Harlock looking at him.

"I saw you escort Yulian back," Harlock shifted his gaze to the door, "Yulian tends to enjoy his alcohol." Logan looked back and saw a hint of disapproval cross Harlock's face before it was gone. "Kei," his commanding tone made Kei straighten, "we'll be docking shortly. I trust you to oversee it." Kei nodded, giving him a two finger salute.

"Yes, Captain." With that she turned down the corridor, heading for the bridge but stopped when Harlock called after her.

"And Logan's right," Harlock stared steadily at her, "you should get cleaned up." Kei flushed but nodded, scurrying away and Logan swallowed.

So he had heard…

Logan ducked his head, looking at Harlock's boots but Harlock remained where he was, not moving and the silence seemed to be eating away at Logan.

"When we dock," Harlock's lilting voice made his stomach tighten, "you'll come with me." He strode past Logan and Logan followed after, shock crossing his face.

"What do you mean, sir?" Logan questioned but Harlock kept walking.

"I'll be meeting with a friend," Harlock looked over his shoulder at him, "I need someone with me and someone on the ship. Kei will be here and Yulian is in the infirmary so that leaves you." He paused, turning back to face him. "When we do go, make sure to conceal your face." His eye fastened on the bruise and for a moment Logan thought he saw pain enter his eye, as if Logan being injured hurt Harlock as well. "You need to change." He ordered and Logan nodded. He turned and started walking but was surprised when Harlock followed after him.

"Umm," he paused at his doors, "what are doing, sir?" Logan asked and Harlock seemed bored.

"I need to make sure that the clothing you pick is appropriate." His voice dropped slightly and Logan swallowed.

"Alright," he stepped inside and Harlock did the same. Harlock crossed to the small table, lowering down into the chair and resting his arm on the table. Logan swallowed, doing his best not to make the assumption that Harlock was doing this to watch him. Ignoring him, or at least trying to, Logan crossed to his closet and drew out a simple black shirt with a brown leather jacket. It was simple and offered no signs of him being a pirate or belonging to the Gaia Coalition.

"That will do." He remained where he was. "Put it on." Logan was glad that he was facing away from Harlock, but that didn't erase the erratic beating of his heart. He slowly grasped the edges of his sweater, prepared to pull it over his head, but drew in a shallow breath when he felt his ribs ache.

"Here," Harlock's low voice sounded beside his ear and Logan nearly yelped, biting down on his lip to keep it from escaping. He felt Harlock's fingers brush his hips and he shut his eyes, "you're still in pain." He commented and gently pulled the sweater up. "It'll be easier if I help you." Logan didn't have the voice to reply, it had gone dry. He obediently lifted his arms, letting Harlock pull it over his head and he shivered, the touch of the suddenly cool air making him feverish.

He didn't dare turn around…

He could feel Harlock's breath on his shoulder, close to the nape of his neck. He was so close. If he were to just lean back then they'd touch and the thought nearly made him moan.

"You're covered in bruises." Harlock murmured and Logan swallowed, his bones melting. "Are you sure that they're bruised? Not cracked?" Surprise made him jump when Harlock stepped in front of him, his eye focused on his bruised rib cage.

"The…the doctor said they weren't." Logan noticed how his voice quivered and Harlock brought his eye back up to his.

They clashed…

Held…

"Let me see," Harlock murmured and Logan found that he couldn't object when Harlock guided him back towards the chair. He sat down, noting how his chest was rising and falling despite how he tried to control his breaths. Harlock didn't say anything, but Logan saw his eye spark, the gold in his eye seemingly to burn as he drew closer. He reached out, the tips of his fingers touching Logan's skin.

Logan's fingers curled into the seat and he turned his head away but when Harlock came closer he caught his intoxicating scent. He quivered; closing his eyes as Harlock slowly drew his fingers over his skin. He drew closer to his hip, for the mottled bruises ran from his hip up to the top of his ribs.

"He'll die for this," Harlock murmured and his words made Logan turn his head, surprise making him momentarily forget what was happening.

"What?" Logan whispered his voice raspy and was shocked to see how dark and sinister Harlock's face had become.

"For doing this to you," he whispered silkily and Logan cried out when he touched a sensitive part, but it wasn't pain Logan felt.

It was pleasure…

Harlock paused…

"Did I hurt you?" Harlock asked and Logan flushed, unable to stand it. He could lie and say that he did but for some reason, Logan wasn't going to.

"No…that…wasn't it." He murmured his voice barely audible to even him but Harlock must have heard it. He stared at Logan for a long moment, his fingers stilling on Logan's side. Logan looked at him and Harlock's eyes drifted over his face, fastening on the bruise and Logan saw that same pained expression before it turned to icy anger.

He wanted to touch him…

Logan reached up, his fingers tingling at the thought of touching his hair, of tracing his scar, outlining his lips and his jawline but as he lifted his wrist the light caught the gem there. Harlock's eye flicked down to it and Logan stiffened, knowing what he would see.

Marinna's gift…

It dangled from his wrist and he swallowed. Harlock stared at it for a long moment, trailing his fingers down Logan's arm to lightly touch it.

"Marinna gave that to me." Logan confessed but Harlock didn't say anything. Logan felt him withdraw, felt him go back into himself, and before Logan could stop himself he reached for him.

But Harlock was already gone…

He straightened, placing his hands behind his back and fixing Logan with an emotionless stare.

It felt as if someone had stabbed him…

"I'll call for the doctor. He'll wrap your ribs and help you dress if you need it." He whirled, his cape flying out as he headed for the door. "Meet me at the docking bay when you're done." He left the room and Logan stared after him. His fingers curled into a fist at the rage that flooded his chest and he slammed it down on the table.

Damn…

The stone jingled and he eyed it. For a moment he thought of ripping it free, of tossing it away and he reached for it but halted. Harlock must have recognized what this was but did he know the real reason why Logan had kept it? It wasn't so that if he was ever captured he'd be cut free without punishment. No, it was because Marinna was a friend and reminded him of Nami so he kept it.

But Harlock didn't know that…

Or maybe he did and that wasn't why he was angry…

Was he jealous?

Logan immediately scolded himself, tossing the idiotic thought from his head. Harlock would never be jealous for he had to actually like Logan in order to be jealous. Logan groaned, resting his head in his hand. He'd realized that he admired Harlock and in his admiration he'd formed a crush. He chuckled, the sound devoid of warmth.

He wasn't gay, or at least he didn't think he was but when he was around Harlock…

That seemed to change…

Harlock wasn't though…

He'd had a wife and though that might have been a long time ago Logan doubted that his sexuality had changed. He grunted and wanted to bash his head against the table. Since when did he care about Harlock's sexuality?

What did he want from Harlock?

And what did Harlock want from him?

He couldn't help the feeling of wanting to find out…

Even if the answer destroyed him…

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AUTHOR NOTE: Okay Chapter Four! Hoped you guys liked it! Please review!