Design of Hope

Chiaki was getting escorted by the foremost agents across the span that connected la Cadena de Narón and the enormous tower.

Only the first tower behind gate three provides access to the bridge since it is too high for anyone to climb in time. The alternative way to reach it, it's with a long-distance traversing ability such as flight, teleportation, and more.

La Cadena de Narón's past is that it was once an island much like any other, floating on the water's surface and supported by the four chains. But as soon as the water level in the Vast Expanse declined, it turned into an island in the sky.

However, that is just a widespread rumor, and the source of it hasn't been adequately explored or disclosed.

Chiaki watched from the bridge as battles took place below her and bullets were fired. They were too far below to be fully seen, and neither her allies nor her adversaries were visible.

She was horrified by the thought of the previous major war as she observed a minor battle between pirates and the government.

"Tell me, Yasuda. Does this remind you of the most recent war in which your family participated and died? It's a good memory, I suppose. Yet your faith and the faith of your companions have already been decided." Parth and Naeve followed Riley's lead as he spoke to Chiaki while walking in front of them.

"This is not what I wanted! Why can't you leave them alone? You have me, so why must you keep fighting? What do you gain from fighting back and forth? All that'll happen is more lives lost!" Chiaki asked, worried about the people below.

"Yasuda, perhaps you don't realize. These pirates came to your aid and are fighting in your honor. But the instant your life gives in and perishes at the prohibited chain, that "honor" will vanish. The world government has no concern about you, but your allies start bashing the authorities in the hope of rescuing you." Riley explained, remaining observant of the battle. "Those pirates may consider you a friend, but the world government knows everything about you, your family, and your qualities. They are a group of ignorant individuals who don't know the truth about your family lineage."

Riley gave her a controlled, somber gaze. "You put on a front of caring for those people, but that's only one of your many displays of virtue. However, we won't be released from your curse until we have a word with chief Elian at the headquarters."

Timothy jumped out of the way to dodge Alejandro's blade and landed at a safe distance. Alejandro dragged his blade behind and prepared to slash again, but a resounded around the area, drawing everyone's attention.

"Agent, Agnes. How's the situation at the third gate?" Agnes clicked the button on her earpiece and reported. "It's going fine, sir." She claimed, trying to be as truthful as possible. "Is something the problem, sir?"

"Gates 1 and 2 got breached. Agents Adhita and Maxim also failed their missions. I've summoned the final few agents to take over your duty. In the meantime, you and the rest of the foremost agents must meet at the top of La Cadena de Narón in my office, together with agent Alejandro." Instructed the person on the contact. "What about the third gate? In my opinion, a few inexperienced agents won't be able to defend it themselves."

"Do not worry about that, agent Agnes. If the pirates somehow breach the third gate, we'll require your help at the headquarters to defend the incoming pirates. Once we discuss the plan, I'll escort Yasuda to the forbidden chain with the soldiers' help. Are the orders clear?" The man wondered, being quite commanding.

"I understand. I'll inform Alejandro about the plan. Expect to meet us shortly." She disconnected the earpieces and gazed in Alejandro's direction. "Yo, Alejandro. We must meet chief Elian in his office at the headquarters immediately. The final few agents are on their way to take over our duty." Agnes called, putting her hands in her pockets.

"I guess it's been an honor to meet you in person, white-haired pirate Timothy." Alejandro phased through the ground and surfaced next to Agnes. "Hey! We didn't finish!" Timothy swung his right arm behind.

"Sorry, but duty calls." Alejandro stepped back, ready to enter the third gate. "No, you don't!" Timothy punched his hand forward and shot a fire blast in his direction.

However, in an instant Timothy's, Oriyana's, Rika's, and Tinna's bodies became paralyzed in place. "W-What the hell?! I can't move! Let me go!" Timothy shouted, but he didn't seem to be in pain.

"Empress, what's happening?" Rika and Tinna wondered, only able to move their eyes. "I was afraid this would have happened." Oriyana gazed into Agnes' eyes and noticed the blue energy around her eyes.

"Agnes' talent... As long as she maintains eye contact, she can freeze anything she looks at." Hearing Timothy attempting to escape, Oriyana gave an explanation. "If you knew what I could do, Empress. Why would you attempt to combat me? It would be a waste of time." Agnes called, turning around while keeping her gaze fixed on her adversaries.

"I swear to the Vast Expanse! The moment I get free, I'm going to take down every single one of you! Do you hear me, agent?" Timothy called with a confident tone, watching Agnes step behind the gate. "I'm going to take you all out and save Chiaki!"

He yelled in frustration. "Oh, I wish you the best of luck, white-haired pirate. I'm sure that Yasuda will need your help sooner or later. But keep in mind. The foremost agents will do anything to stop you." Agnes explained. "See you at the top, white-haired pirate." The gate slowly closed and blocked Agnes' view, which set everyone free.

As soon as Timothy regained control of his body, he shot forward while convulsing his right arm behind him and bursting into orange flames.

Instead of moving forward, he hit the gate, causing the orange flames to bounce off and extend behind him before rapidly spinning.

"Damn it!" He shouted, punching the gate in anger, and looked at the gate's top. "It's the biggest gate, but I can get over it." He claimed and prepared, but before he continued, somebody's voice resounded behind him and Oriyana.

He looked at them, seeing his crew members, friends, and allies. "Tim, Empress Oriyana! What's going on?" questioned Yumiko, running closer with the rest.

"It's good to see you, Yumiko," Oriyana called with a smile. "You've gotten stronger."

Tim snarled and slammed the gate in annoyance. "The agents were called to a meeting at the top of la Cadena de Narón, the agency's headquarters. I came so close to making it to the stairwell, but their abilities are beyond anything I've ever seen." Timothy spoke while crouching against the fence and crossing his arms.

"We're so close yet so far... It's starting to frustrate me. I just want to kick their asses and save Chiaki!" Timothy called, pounding his palm. "What are we supposed to do?" Kira questioned, looking at Blythe.

Timothy ignored Blythe, despite not being familiar with him.

Suddenly the gate opened. Timothy backed away from it and locked his eyes on the passageway with his friends.

They got exposed to a massive staircase in the distance, guarded by hundreds of marines and three agents. "Just great! More jerks to deal with!" Kou shouted out loud and frustrated.

The three agents led the soldiers and stood in front of them. They seemed tough and powerful foes. "We are here to dispose of you, pirates." The masculine agent claimed.

He was a slender, average-height man with spiky white hair. His left eye appeared almost mechanical, while his right eye was yellow.

The second agent rocked darker clothing with a blue scarf around his neck, brown hair, and brown eyes. His belt was adorned with two silver daggers, one on each side.

A woman with brown, medium-length hair was the third. She wore largely casual attire and sported red glasses across her forehead.

"I'm pretty sure they won't let us through... so, I think Timothy's crew should move on ahead while I'll stay down here," Blythe explained, receiving everyone's attention. "Are you sure, Blythe? There's no way you can do this yourself. And think about your sister." Yumiko claimed, looking at him.

"I won't be alone," He stepped to the side. "I have these people to help out and the Empress herself." He pointed at Bow and everyone else apart from Timothy's crew. "He's right, Blue. Chiaki needs your help, and you need to save your energy to save her." Bow explained.

"Besides... Your boatswain took down Niklas, and he worked with the world government in secret." Bruno added, followed by Phoebe. "Let's not forget. The six of you together can take down the foremost agents on your own! Keeping these fellow agents and marines occupied while you battle for Chiaki's survival is the least we can do."

Phoebe smiled. "And I'm sure Chiaki would love to see her friends in person. She hasn't seen you for a while. And maybe, if she notices that you're there as a group and will do anything to save her, then her perspective on the world could change."

"You've done so much for other people... Golden Wasakona, Harventona Park, Craftsman Island, and even Winterpeak. You're like an unstoppable force with enough determination to save one of your friends." Kira explained, pummeling her fists together with a wide grin.

"If not for you, those individuals would still be in torment. So believe us when we say that we can handle things down here. Your captain, I'm sure, has now realized that going it alone is rarely the best course of action." Timothy stared at them bewildered as Phoebe laughed in their direction. "Without each of you, he couldn't have gotten this far, and he won't be able to save Chiaki. Whatever he might think, I have no doubt that his heart was in the right place."

Ayuka, Kou, Ralphie, Yumiko, and Kyora looked at Timothy at once, leaving him speechless. "I think it's about time you listen to us, captain," Yumiko said, fixing her blades as the rest of his crew smiled. "You're a reckless fool, that's for sure, but if you want to save Chiaki, we'll do it together," Ayuka added. Timothy continuously looked around himself, sweat slowly dripping down his forehead.

"Don't forget. We have always worked together on our journey through the Vast Expanse, and up until a few days ago, you had never considered working individually. You worry too much about us getting hurt, but you aren't aware that alone you'll get hurt more." Kou said as Kyora continued, "If you get in trouble, then we will too."

Timothy reached for his hood and covered his head, hiding his eyes. He remained calm, a tiny tear slipping down his eyes, but grinned.

"I guess I have no choice. We'll save Chiaki as a team. Better yet, as friends." He told.

The six of them stepped closer and reached out with their arms, placing their hands together. "Ayuka. Kou. Ralphie. Yumiko. Kyora. Thank you so much. You're the best friends I could've asked for. Let's open Chiaki's eyes and show her that she's not alone."

They exchanged eyes with each other, smiled, and nodded until swinging their arms in the air. "Chiaki! Here we come!!" Their voices ran throughout the air for everyone to hear...

...and suddenly, Chiaki's body paused in her tracks. She looked down from the bridge and felt an odd sensation spreading through her body.

To be continued...