“She’s getting married? That caught me off guard,” Agami says.

  “Was she like your girlfriend or something?” Stella asks.

  “I think so…” he closes his eyes, trying to recall. He feels a slight burn in his forehead and stops himself. “Ugh, only one way to find out.”

  Stella wraps her arm around him and points to the sky. “Alright! To Fu Shuin we go!”

  “Wait. What about Gearfried? Last time he tracked us down, remember?”

  Stella gives a smug smile. “Don't worry about him. I stole his tracking tool!”

  “His tracking tool?” Agami pauses to remember if Gearfried had one before.

  “Eh, don't think too hard,” Stella says, pulling out a small device with a screen and dials along the side. “When he was babysitting us, he pulled out this device to check where you were.”

  “How does it work?”

  “If I remember correctly.” She presses a button on the device, and the screen lights up, displaying multiple pulsing dots, each with a name and number above. “Well, when you turn it on, it shows this little boop on the map, right here. This is how I found you earlier.”

  Agami looks at the screen and studies the other dots. From the numbers, they are not too far.

  “Interesting,” Agami says. “Let's get out of here, before they catch us.”

  Stella turns off the device and puts it away. “One step ahead of you.”

  Because Agami does not have an ID, they decide the next best option is to take a train to Fu Shuin.

  At the Portmore train station, Stella looks around while waiting for Agami to exit the taxi.

  The train station is modest in size, although it only has two floors; Agami could see trains either leaving or entering the station. Red bricks supported by black steel beams made up most of the building, complementing the grey brick floor. Groups of people either enter or leave the station, each of a different size. Some greet their families with a hug while business people with suitcases walk around, discussing work on their phones.

  A mixture of small stores and restaurants is spread across the station, neither hiding nor boasting their presence. Agami wants to browse, but Stella keeps dragging him away, excited for their adventure.

  “You know, I'm still a little surprised.”

  Agami waves at the taxi as he joins her, asking, “What are you talking about?”

  “Well, when you said yes to joining me.”

  “Was I not supposed to take you on your offer?” Agami asks.

  “That's not what I meant. People usually just dismiss it as ‘Stella is just being eccentric or reckless’, and then they go on like it didn't happen.” They continue their conversation as they wait in a small line for the ticket office.

  “Oh…So, is this your first time doing something like this?”

  Stella exhales heavily, her smile fades for a moment before returning. “Well, hehe. First time for everything, right?” They reach the front of the line, where the officer smiles as he greets them.

  “Two one-way tickets for Fu Shuin. Oh, and make sure we get our own room or whatever you call it!” She excitedly orders.

  The officer continues to smile as they reply, “Are you referring to the cabins, ma'am?”

  “That one!”

  “Of course, would you like one of our economy, second-class, first-class, first-class plus, or luxury compartments?”

  Stella raises an eyebrow as she asks, “What's the difference between them?”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  The officer takes out a pamphlet and slides it toward Stella, pointing at it.

  Stella remains quiet as she reads.

  “Stella?” Agami says.

  She looks up and tries to smile. “We'll take first-class.”

  After Stella gets over the prices, the officer hands her their tickets.

  They walk down the stairs and arrive at a line for onboarding. They enter another line for people boarding.

  Stella sighs loudly, “Why are there so many lines?!”

  “Well, I guess after yesterday, it makes sense people want to get out of here,” Agami answers.

  “Can't blame them, I guess.” Stella turns to him. “Are you sure you want to do this? No turning back once we step on the train.”

  Agami pauses for a moment and looks toward the exit of the station. He thinks about Tenmei and the others. Gearfried's conversation from yesterday comes to mind.

  “Would it be fine if I make a quick call?” He asks her.

  Stella raises an eyebrow. “Sure?”

  Agami gestures for her phone. “Would you mind dialling them for me?”

  She tilts her head in confusion.

  “I don't have a phone nor know how to use one,” Agami nervously chuckles.

  “Oh, right.” Stella dials a number on her phone before she hands it to him.

  He puts the phone to his ear, and it rings for a few seconds.

  What am I going to say?

  The phone still rings.

  I'm guessing they will be mad at me.

  It connects.

  “Hi hi!” An enthusiastic feminine voice answers the phone.

  “Hi?” Agami replies. He looks at Stella and asks, “Who did you call?”

  “I'm sorry?” The voice on the phone says.

  “I did dial Gearfried, didn't I?” Stella replies. She takes the phone and looks at it. “Yeah, this should be Gearfried's.”

  “OH! Are you looking for Gearfry? Just a moment.” They hear movement in the background.

  After a few seconds, Gearfried answers, “Hello. This is Gearfried.”

  “Uh, hi, Gear– uncle Gearfried,” Agami awkwardly greets.

  “Agami?! Everyone has been worried. What happened? Are you alright? Where are you?” Gearfried sternly asks.

  Agami pauses for a moment, unsure what to answer first.

  “Hello?” Gearfried says.

  “Oh, sorry. I was lost in thought.” Agami takes a deep breath before continuing. “I wanted to call to let you know that I'm not returning to the hotel.”

  “Really? …Why not?” Gearfried's tone becomes more stern.

  “Oh, umm…I decided that…well, I–...” Agami pauses for a moment, recollecting himself. “It’s not that you guys were horrible, you were nice and friendly, but–…But I need to find someone and get answers.”

  “Answers?” Gearfried repeats.

  “Yes. I know what I'm doing is selfish, but if I find a–” Agami quickly looks around and whispers, "Benefactor…” he returns to his normal tone. “I will try to fight them or call for help, but if I travel with all of you, I won't…”

  Agami pauses as he struggles to get the words out. Gearfried’s silence is slowly crushing him. His heart is rending itself.

  I'm so sorry. Why is this so difficult? Agami remembers the times he spoke to Gearfried. His patience and honesty.

  “If that's what you want, then I won't stop you,” Gearfried answers.

  “Huh? You're not?”

  “No.” The sound of a sliding door opening in the background is heard before he continues. “I wouldn't want to keep you against your will. Besides, I'm certain there's a lot you want to figure out.”

  Agami swallows his spit. “Uhm, yes. I do. But what about Sora and Imino?”

  “Let me worry about them.”

  “And Tenmei?”

  “Eh, he'll have to deal with it. I'm certain there are other ways to hunt down the Benefactors.”

  A small smile appears on Agami's face. “Thank you, Gearfried.”

  “Thank me by calling once in a while. It will help me keep my peace of mind. Oh, and tell Stella she owes me a new tablet.”

  “Sure– I mean yes, I will.”

  Stella nudges Agami as they reach the front of the line.

  “Oh, I have to go. I will send a message when I get a chance!”

  “No doubt. All the best, Agami,” Gearfried says before cutting the call.

  “What did he say?” Stella asks as they board the train.

  “He wished us all the best…”

  “Oh, didn't see that coming!” Stella says with a smile.

  “ …and that you owe him a new tablet.”

  “Lame~” Stella laughs.

  “Yes…lame…” Agami exhales and follows Stella, ready to embrace this new step.