Although the blade itself didn't produce any noise, the metal hinges screeched painfully as it resisted. If not for the cloth straps uncomfortably stuffed into her ears, Ariel didn't think she'd be able to stand it.

But it wasn't long now, just a few more cuts and even the thick metal door should fall with a single push.

Guila wasn't in the kitchen with her. Because the noise rendered Ariel's hearing useless and the metal shavings messed with her sense of smell, it fell onto her to keep an eye out.

So Guila had gone back into the lobby, behind the front desk and was acting as a lookout.

It had been a while since the fighting near the Opera House started, but the intensity had plateaued rather than fade away completely. Maybe her initial thoughts of their eventual failure were wrong. But there was the problem of ammo. If only they were equipped with those new Laser-Based Multi-Barrels which recharged itself after long bursts - then they could conceivably cleanse the whole of Deck B in half an hour. As long as they had a bunker to huddle in, and especially because the insects were so tightly packed in the race to smother them.

While she was keeping watch, however, her gaze moved to the distance, where the ceiling dropped at a 90 degree angle. That marked the end of Serenity's on-board city. A metropolis deliberately designed to be an escape from modern cities. Where citizens were always able to bathe in the warmth of the sun. Though simulated, in this case.

There were no tall towers taller than 5 stories, save for the very few near the Square. Green, open parks were scattered everywhere, along with playgrounds, pubs, and many other recreational areas.

"Experience freedom like our ancestors once did."

That was one of the hooks for the B Deck tickets and they weren’t kidding. If it wasn't for the pitch-black darkness, insects and the war in the distance, Guila would've actually felt the same sort of liberation as the Rainforest Safari dome.

After the war, Imperial law dictated that at least 70% of a planet’s surface must be left to nature. Mostly to show to the other nations how forward thinking the Emperor was. But this just meant demolishing existing structures and condensing people into megacities. Then the other factions started following their lead.

As a result, even though her husband was the most renowned man in the Empire, they were still forced to make do with a 197th Floor Penthouse that had a sorry excuse for a garden. While their original estate, which spanned several dozen hectares, was turned into an Imperial Museum and a natural reserve to venerate his success.

‘Even though it would've been far more respectful to let him keep his ancestral home.’ But her, of all people, voicing any complaints would be damning.

The situation was also worsened by the fact that they were also flanked by identical towers. Which meant there was no view to speak of. The only saving grace was that they were two floors higher than the rest, so they could still enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

But if everything about this trip actually went according to plan, then… she'd still be hating Ariel.

Blessings in disguise? No. More like a glass of water in the middle of a massive desert. But it was also equally likely that by this time, they would have returned to the Suite with smiles on their faces. She probably just needed a few words and an explanation from their husband, and she might've seen the mistake she was making, much, much earlier.

'... oh, right. There hasn't been a ceremony yet. I would've never heard the end of it, otherwise.'

It wasn't a requirement to have one but her husband was the Count. If they don't hold one, then the mockery from those like the Baroness would only spread to Ariel and worsen. Now reminded by the fact that she was only able to confirm one noblewoman's death made Guila sigh.

'I have to make sure I'm part of the planning. There's no way I'm letting her cry on her big day like I did. At the very least, I should show her that I completely support their union.'

While her thoughts did as much wandering as her eyes, the sound of grinding steel behind her had finally stopped. Yet despite all the noise they made, not a single insect seemed to take notice. The only reason she could think of, was that their buzzing and chittering drowned out everything else.

Guila spent a few more seconds checking her surroundings, before she got up with a hiss. But then came the stench. That sour, disgusting stench that spurred their panicked escape in the first place. It would've been fine if it came from outside, but… she turned to the hallway that led straight into the kitchen.

She broke into a run. Ariel hadn't screamed nor went to her. Which could only mean two things. Either she was knocked out by the smell, or they caught her like that child she saw!

‘Please be safe!’

----------------------------------------

Without Guila by her side, Ariel was left to her thoughts - stewing on ideas that she otherwise never would have had. Most critical of them all, was that she wanted beyond getting to safety.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Ariel understood Guila's wish for the both of them, to return home to Master and live happily ever after, together. Though she would never say it in such certain terms; Guila wanted them to spend the rest of their lives together, in each other's company. Such a fact would've brought her immense joy in the past.

It still does. Because being loved also meant no more abuse.

She'd be happy.

But she's also learned that her previous pursuit of happiness was a sham, and Guila's source of happiness was completely alien to her. However, what other form of happiness was there? Maybe just serving them and being treated in kind, was happiness enough? It certainly made sense and was far more realistic than her initial goal.

While she was giving herself answers that didn’t satisfy and felt lacking, her hands slipped to the side. The door had stopped resisting. She was through!

She wanted to go get Guila immediately, but the moment she pulled the cloth out of her ears, she paused. Her senses were assailed by squelching, thudding, and then, the smell which had begun to seep through her metal dust-covered face mask.

Ariel never saw it the first time they encountered one. But with the unwrapped spear in her hands, she could. Now, there was only one thought in her mind. Would she be more afraid of it, if she did see it?

Then, weak crying came from the other side of the door.

When Guila finally reached the kitchen, her worried expression gave way to relief. Ariel was still inside and the door hadn't been opened. Although the stench was a lot stronger here, Ariel thankfully didn't seem affected.

That relief vanished quite quickly though, as Ariel stood up properly against the door cutout.

"What are you doing?!"

"There's someone on the other side…!" Ariel sat up as she answered, gazing at the direction Guila approached from.

"They need help." Thinking that she was just unable to hear them, Ariel continued.

"So what?!" But the reply she received was neither the support nor ideas she'd expected. The message was clear. Nothing and nobody else mattered, unless it helped them get home. "You think you’re going to save them, when you can’t even walk properly?!"

"... but!"

"Stop that, right now!"

She froze hearing the order, but when the crying stopped, Ariel shook her head and resumed.

"Did you just- Ariel!"

"No! I won't stop!" Ariel screamed back yet even Guila noticed the tremble in her voice. "I… I want to help them!"

"P-plus… there's only one.” No matter how much she wanted to dredge up the willpower, the fact that she was being scolded terrified Ariel more than whatever her senses warned her of. “I promise that I can handle it!”

“I told you no!” She stormed closer, even with her limp - the rage and worry that Ariel was making her feel, far outweighed any thoughts of tackling this calmly. “Get away from the wall right now!”

Then just as she stepped into the dim golden light of the multi-tool, Guila’s reason returned and she hid her opened palm behind her back. But it was too late, Ariel already noticed it. However, rather than overwhelming her once more, the terror seemed to condense in Ariel’s heart. No longer did it grip her, because she learned another piece of the truth.

Despite the fact that Guila loved her and cared for her, she was still going to harm her. Slap her. Reprimand her. Words were never going to be the end of their argument, if she didn’t do as told. Ariel never imagined that love would be something so messy and disgusting. Even though Guila already told her, she still believed in the beauty of love that she was shown in the Pod.

But, if love really was like that, then…

“I’m going to help them!” She said with a glare, despite her quivering lips and shaking breath. “Even if you’ll hurt me to try and make me listen, I know that this is the right thing to do and… I want to do it!”

“I don’t need your eyes to fight if I have this spear, so can you change it back and find us a way to Master, instead? Please, Guila! We need what's inside too, don't we?!”

No other sounds came from the other side besides squelching and thudding. But Guila could barely hear it over the sound of her own heartbeat. Never once has she felt so angry, so… hateful. Yes, there was truth in Ariel’s words. They already bet on the supplies behind this door, and they had to follow through.

But why won’t she just listen?! When all she wanted was for her to be safe?!

Through gritted teeth and with a glare that didn’t lose to Ariel’s, she answered.

“... I don’t want you to get hurt even more.”

“I won’t. I just need a minute. Maybe less. Then we’ll be back on our way to Master.”

Guila didn’t speak any further, she just turned away and held her elbows. Taking that as her answer, Ariel placed the spear between them and resumed pushing the wall out of the way.

But as the banging got louder and the stench got stronger, Guila clicked her tongue, went on her knees and grabbed the weapon off the floor with a clatter.

“... Thank you.”

“... … You’re welcome”

While staring at the glowing blade, Guila was forced to face a painful but almost ironic truth. Her heart wasn't strong enough to handle rejection from Ariel. If it was, she wouldn’t have hidden her hand.

Having to hurt Ariel should've been a cheap price to pay, because everything had to be done to keep her away from danger. If someone tried to stop her, then she had to kick, scream and do her damndest to get them out of the way.

Ariel deserved to be just as treasured as she was, and Guila knew such emotions could only come from her.

'Don't worry, mama. I won't stumble a second time…'