Chương 54: Chapter XV — The Greater Torment

The group returned to the deck, the industrial hum of the hangar replaced by the quiet of the night sky. The air was cool and crisp.

"Look, Ran!" Kaoru gasped, rushing to the railing.

"It's like we're floating in a sea of stars!" Ran lowered her fan, a genuine smile gracing her lips as she gazed at the twin moons.

"It is... magnificent."

"Hey, you two! Check this out!" Before they could turn, Galan leaped over the railing with a wild grin and disappeared into the darkness below.

"Aah!" Kaoru shrieked, freezing in place. Ran's face went pale. She whirled around and saw Pan leaning against the wall, shaking his head, while Meredith was trying to suppress a fit of deep, rumbling giggles.

"Come here! It's okay!" Galan's voice called from below. Hesitantly, they peered over the edge. Galan was lounging comfortably on the curved hull of the ship, arms crossed behind his head.

"See? Told you it's safe," he said calmly.

"The ship creates its own gravity. As long as you don't fly away, it'll catch you." Ran let out a shuddering sigh of relief. Kaoru, however, snapped her fan open, glaring down at him.

"Dear God, don't do that! You scared us!" Galan's tone softened.

"Sorry, Kaoru. Meet me on the other side, okay?" He started walking along the hull.

"What do you mean?!"

"Just go to the other side of the ship!" Just then, Pheidon's voice crackled through the voice expansion box.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please hold on. We're about to turn. And please do not jump off the ship and walk around its hull." Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. The ship began to turn, and a wave of nausea washed over the two goat-women.

"I don't like this," Kaoru grimaced.

"Me neither," Ran agreed, closing her eyes.

"You'll get used to it," Meredith said, joining them.

"Has he always been like this?" Kaoru asked. Meredith smiled.

"Yeah, he's never been one to follow the rules. Now let's go meet him." As they walked, Ran noticed the sad-looking Pan. Maybe it'll be easier if I get his trust first. She then approached him.

"Are you okay?" Pan looked up from the floor.

"Hm? Oh, hey. I was just... thinking about some things." It must be about that Theara girl.

"We can talk about her if you want," Ran said softly. Pan looked surprised.

"How did you know?"

"I can't think of anything else that could bother you right now."

"Hmph. Alright." On the other side of the ship, Galan vaulted back over the railing.

"What's wrong?" he asked, seeing Kaoru's frown.

"Oh, sorry I worried you," he said while rubbing the back of his head.

"I accept your apology, Dear God," she said, lowering her fan.

"But please, just... don't do it again. My heart can't take it."

"I won't. I promise."

"And what about me?" Meredith asked, crossing her arms with a smirk.

"Knowing you, you'd cheer if I fell."

"C'mon, I'm not that cruel," She chuckled. Okay, maybe that'd be a bit funny.

"By the way, let's meet up with Ran," said Galan, noticing the two of them alone. They approached Pan and Ran, who were in the middle of a quiet conversation.

"... and I don't know how to feel about never being able to see her again," Pan was saying.

"The stories you tell keep her spirit alive, don't they?" Ran said, gently holding his arm.

"That's a great honor you're doing for her."

"Hey, what are you up to?" Galan asked.

"Oh, hey, Gal. Just reminiscing about Theara."

"I miss her too, Pan," Galan said, his voice soft.

"But take it easy, alright?"

"Sure, Gal."

"Oh, and you can take these two to the other side of the ship. Meredith wants some alone time with me." He and Pan clasped hands.

"Alright, I'll see ya later, Gal." The bard said. As Galan and Meredith walked away, she pointed at Pan, mimed carrying a baby, and then drew a flat hand across her neck. They certainly don't mince words, Ran thought.

"What do you want to do now?"

"I wish to enjoy the breeze a bit more before we continue the tour." Pan said while stretching his arms.

"What about you, Kaoru?"

"I want to look at the stars and learn more about Theara." Pan's face lit up.

"Really? Then let me tell you about this one time she broke the string on Ianthe's harp..."