Cruise Dilemma: Bamboo’s possible romance and enter detective Tannen.

Chapter 13

Cruise Dilemma:

Bamboo's possible romance and enters detective Tannen.

"So, Admiral? Is your next plan ready to go? My labyrinth needs more energy." The Emperor demanded. A flier is presented to him. "A couple's cruise line? You can't be serious. How will this gather us more negative power?"

"These luxury cruise lines will be my next targets. Humans are so passionate when it comes to love, romance and time off with their dear ones. My ship is in position and ready to take one over." The Admiral explained.

Vilevelious was a bit skeptical. "And you have a monster ready with you? Couples produce positive energy, so how will this work?"

"True, my lord, they do produce positive feelings, but I have a monster that specializes in ruining relationships. Known for breaking couples, turning all that positive feeling into anger, hate, and emptiness and so on." He explained.

"Very well, as long it works, do as you must." Vilevelious returned to the shadows.

Back at the restaurant, Alistor and company gathered at the table for their next job. Bamboo was all happy.

"This next job will reel us in the big bucks. My restaurant has recently been selected to cater for the S.S Lavi. A love boat for couples."

The company took a glance at the flier with no amazement.

"Here we go again…sigh. For a moment, I thought you were gonna drag us on another ski trip. Fine, let's do this then." Auroa sarcastically remarked.

"Just give us a moment to pack."

"Already taken care of." He brought their bags out from under the table. The group was slightly astonished.

"Hey, what's the idea? So you actually had the time to go through all our stuff in our rooms?" Maigashi asked.

Bamboo nodded without guilt.

"Rather creepy if you ask me," Alistor replied.

"Well, you're all on my payroll anyway. So think of this cruise as a nice little treat for doing a good job so far. Plus, Sairori approved me to pack all your stuff anyway. We're set to board next week, so I'll need you all to help load my supplies into the cart."

"Sairori, you bastard." He mumbled to himself.

A while later… On some ship away at sea. A riot breaks out as a crowd of couples are seen arguing. Chairs tossed, tables flipped, and food everywhere. Yelling and shouting all around.

"You bastard! I know you were eyeing that other woman. Admit it!"

"It's over! All over, we're through."

"You lost our engagement rings? How could you."

"You're not man enough for me."

From above, a dark spectral figure emerges through the walls to glance at the scene. Chuckling and laughing at the fools below.

"Heh, my power is working just like a charm. All is going as planned, master. Their energy is ready for the taking."

"Excellent, Patched Specter, time for the ship to move in."

The air begins to dampen, moist filled amid the barren sea. The Admiral's ship materializes in front of the oncoming boat heading his way. A massive skull emerges from the mast of the vessel opening its mouth. The energy was being sucked away from the enormous cruise ship. In seconds, the fighting on board dies out as the crowd lies unconscious on the floor. The Admiral drops in to take a gander.

"So shall we dispose them, master?" The monster asked.

"That won't be necessary." He replied.

"What do you mean? They are no use to us further."

"Indeed, but instead, we'll leave them stranded off on this island. When they wake, they'll be even more traumatized. Since they're already broken, they'll continue to further feed our labyrinth hypothetically."

"Very well, at least this ship is now ours for the taking."

"Prepare to round up the next batch."

One week later, Bamboo and company were seen waiting outside by a hotel. A concerned look from Tannen as the others stood by.

"Something the matter?" Alistor asked.

"The previous guests that boarded this ship miraculously never returned. It's been happening a few times already. A little shady, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I heard about it as well. It's been going on this past week." Maigashi nodded.

"The cruise claimed all those couples simply found true happiness on some distant land afar. However, once you have boarded, you never want to come back." Auroa explained.

"Well, that's not our problem if these couples feel like never coming back. We're here for the money and promotion for my restaurant." Bamboo reminded them. "And maybe they'll all love my grass jelly."

"Ooh, don't get started," Alistor mumbled.

Moments later, the party arrives at the docking bay, ready to board the Lavi. A large crowd waits in line. Bamboo presents the documents with five special boarding passes to a crew member. A confused look suddenly appears on the ticket man's face.

"I'm sorry but, I don't remember our cruise requesting any catering service at all? So, who are you supposed to be again?" He asked.

Bamboo immediately puts on his chef hat and pulls out a frying pan. Aprons get tossed on the faces of the others as he spun around.

"You mean you haven't heard of me? I am Bamboo! The great gourmet chef. I have ventured distant lands, sailed turbulent seas, dwelled gloomy caves, endured molten chambers, and climbed towering peaks for the freshest ingredients around."

"I'm sorry I quite didn't catch that? Are you sure you're on the right ship? Cause you must be mistaking us for another cruise line?"

Bamboo continued to ramble on as the rest of the company kept quiet from the embarrassment. Then, finally, the crowd behind begins complaining as the line comes to a sudden halt.

A lady with dark green hair suddenly appears behind the ticket man.

"Do we have a problem here? What's the hold-up?" She asked.

"Oh, captain...This nut job claims they're part of some catering service we didn't order? A great master chef he keeps rambling on about. But, he refuses to leave; what should we do?"

The lady immediately gives off a nasty grin to them. Then, a tense stare-down begins between her and Bamboo while the others wait.

"Who is this odd one?" She mumbled to herself. "I can feel a vast amount of energy coming from this idiot. Maybe this could be the boost we need to fill our labyrinth."

The rest continues to watch them both stare down. The frying pan clutched in their boss's hands as the lady gave a welcoming smile.

"Sorry for the inconvenience. You all may pass through."

Bamboo rushed to the kitchen without hesitation.

"Well…that was easy. I can't believe we actually made it through somehow." Alistor wondered.

"For a minute, I thought security was gonna boot us off for holding up the line," Auroa said. "No time to waste; Bamboo needs us in the kitchen."

As the party goes to assist Bamboo, the ship takes sail in a matter of time. Hours later, dinner was in the middle of preparation. Guests are seen dancing in the ballroom. Finally, the captain appears from behind the doors. A grin on her face.

"Time to begin the first phase of my plan. Heh heh heh…."

Moments later, Bamboo was in distress while the crowd grew tense waiting for their meals. Finally, Tannen and the rest rushed back to the kitchen to sort the situation.

"My whole pot of stew I've prepared is missing. My bacon as well!" Bamboo weeps.

A magnifying glass immediately pulls out from a pocket as Tannen steps in.

"Someone must have taken it then. This looks like the time for some detective work. What we have here is a mystery." Tannen said.

"A mystery?" Everyone in the room wondered.

"Yes, a mystery. We must find some clues that will lead to a culprit."

The group begins to follow Tannen as they investigate the ship. Leaving from the kitchen through the ballroom, they spot a trail of drips leading through a hallway. Bamboo dips his finger to take a taste.

"This is my stew!" Bamboo confirmed.

"Ah-ha! These drops will lead us straight to the culprit. This way!" Tannen said.

"My only question is who in their right mind would bother stealing a whole pot of stew." Maigashi wondered.

"We'll soon find out."

The trail ends in a closed room labeled VIP. The sound of a couple can be heard arguing as Bamboo didn't hesitate to bring the doors down. Next, they witness a couple fighting over food as a woman tries to pull him away from a pile of bacon. The pot of stew rests on the side of their bed.

"What the hell is going on?" Maigashi asked.

"My boyfriend said he loves bacon more than he loves me. I can't take this." The woman cried out.

The man couldn't resist engorging his face into the pile of bacon. He immediately began to stutter before speaking out.

"BACON! Can't stop the feeling. I love bacon, but I love you too."

"How can you say that?" She cried.

The couple continues to argue endlessly as the rest took a moment to digest what they just saw. Auroa and Maigashi couldn't resist laughing at the sorry sight.

"It's clear this man is delusional." Auroa nodded.

"I just want my pot of stew back. You can keep the bacon." Bamboo said.

He tries to take the pot but was quickly pushed back by the couple. Bamboo started to feel bad for them.

"I love bacon, I love you, I love bacon, but I love you too. My mind hurts."

"Then you can love them both." Snapped Tannen.

The situation quickly cools down as Tannen resolves the problem for the strange couple with advice and ideas. In a matter of time, the couple was soon in each other's arms once more as Bamboo reclaims his pot.

"Yeah, you both can totally love each other while smothering in food. I guess..." Maigashi repeated.

"We'll try that out." The woman agreed.

"Okay, mystery solved. I think it's about time we take our leave. Sorry about the door, by the way."

The party returns victoriously back to the ballroom as the captain peeped from the shadows. A distasteful look on her face.

"Argh, they ruined my plan. I'll just have to try something else then. Heh heh."

A while later, another problem soon immersed from the wild crowd. The group checks upon the situation. Couples blaming one another for lost possessions.

"We have a case of missing valuables this time, it seems. A pair of shell earrings, a pink brooch, and an engagement ring. The list goes on." Auroa read.

"So, detective Tannen, do you have a lead on where to start?" Alistor asked.

Things begin to quiet down as Tannen was in the middle of intense thinking. They took a moment to wait for his words of wisdom. A brief moment later…

"I have no clue, to be honest." He said.

The party quickly stumbled. The situation continued to heat up with the crowd as the rest begins covering their ears.

"QUIET!!!" Bamboo shouted.

"It's not our problem you people misplace things. So you all can afford this cruise, I'm sure you can always just repurchase the items again. We're just about to serve dessert, so relax."

Bamboo's words allow Tannen to come up with a solution.

"Ah, of course!" Tannen snapped. "Love cannot be replaced by the mere trinkets. Never forget, these are just possessions clouding your judgment against another's trust. Your love for one another is something special. Remember, you're all here and now. Live for the moment and ask why you are here in the first place? To be together in each other's arms, right?"

The couples quickly come to their sense, forgiving one another and cuddling in the ballroom. Bamboo gives Tannen a pat on the back.

"A job well done! Now we can bring out the dessert."

From a dark corner, the captain is seen biting her thumb. Then, finally, she quietly leaves the room.

"Argh! These guys are ruining everything. I must try something else."

Her communicator begins to ring as she heads into the lady's room. Closing the door behind a stall, she takes a seat before answering. The Admiral's image appears on a small screen.

"So, are the next set of victims ready yet?"

She turned her eyes away for the moment.

"Sorry to say, we're experiencing just some minor setbacks."

"Well, then you better pick up the pace. My ship will be arriving at your position tomorrow night, so you better not fail."

The call ends immediately as she quietly mumbles to herself. She hears a slight knock on her door but ignores it. The setback continues as she tries to lose herself in her own thoughts. A third knock happens.

"Can you see I'm busy minding myself? Go away!"

The moment she leaves the lady's room, Bamboo pops right in front of her by surprise. She quickly stumbled back before kicking him in the face.

"Ow….."

"Oh? It's you? I'm sorry, are you alright? Wait a minute, were you spying on me? You peeping pervert!"

"Oh no, it's not like that." Clueless he was.

"You didn't hear anything, did you? Cause you better not." Her eyes glare down as he felt belittled.

He continues shaking his head.

"Then what were you doing knocking?"

He was shy for the moment but regained posture before presenting her with something. A plate of grass jelly.

"I notice you were the only one not around for dessert. So I felt obligated to search high and low this entire ship just for you."

There was a slight blush on her face.

"Ooh… what do you mean by that?" She quietly asked.

He placed the dish in her hands.

"I couldn't bear seeing someone missing out on my greatest creation. Especially a pretty gal like you who has never been hard to forget. You must try it!"

"Well, thanks, I guess? I'll just save this for later. I'm not hungry at the moment."

He brought a spoon out for her.

"No, I insist! You must try it now."

"But I'm not hungry." She repeated.

"Just one bite!"

She turned her face away as he tries to spoon-feed her. The spoon entered her mouth as the taste of the grass jelly melts across her lips. Taking a quick swallow, she immediately became ill within seconds and rushed back into the lady's room.

"She must have loved it." Bamboo carried on his way.

Back in the lady's room, she is seen barfing in the sink. A toothbrush in one hand, trying to brush the bad taste out of her mouth.

"That stuff is nasty. Ugh… I'll make Bamboo pay for this if it's the last thing I do. Argh!"

The next night a loud scream was heard on board. Alistor and the party rushed to the scene to check what it was. They stumbled to a bathroom where a man sits in shock.

"What happened here? Explain!" Alistor asked.

"I minded my own business on the toilet when some guy jumped out and surprised me. It was that chef. Bamboo! I'm sure of it. Plus, he left something which belongs to someone."

A shell earring was picked up.

"Hey, that looked like something one of the guests lost the other night?" He mentioned.

"Yeah…you guys don't think Bamboo could have done this?"

"Well, he's the only one not with us now," Maigashi mentioned.

"It just doesn't add up. Bamboo was in the kitchen the entire day, and there are security and cameras throughout this ship." Auroa thought.

"Sounds like it's another mystery." Tannen brought out his magnifying glass. "Take a close look at this earring. You can see there is a stain left on it."

They took a closer look at the clue and were amazed.

"You're right. Our boss couldn't have done this. Something is amiss, and we must uncover the truth."

Another scream was heard, and they rushed to the next scene. More victims left and right as missing items began popping here and there. Soon all eyes were on Bamboo back in the ballroom.

"We have to head back to the main room. Bamboo is in trouble." Alistor was worried.

"Go on ahead. I'll continue to search the ship for clues." Tannen explained.

Alistor and the party make their way back to the main room. Bamboo defended himself as the crowd continues to label him a suspect.

"I told you! I don't have anything to do with your case. I was in the kitchen all day preparing your meals. So how would I have the time to pull that off?"

"That's creepy, and you should be ashamed of yourself." One pointed out to him.

The party came to the scene to defend their boss, but the crowd was not in their favor.

"Then we'll have to find a way to claim he is innocent then," Auroa suggested.

Bamboo got right up.

"Okay, I admit it!"

Everyone was struck cold for the moment, as he further explains.

"I forged the documents to get us on this ship. The tickets used to get us on were counterfeit, but I didn't steal anything, and I don't stalk people in bathrooms because that's just creepy."

The party was relieved to hear the news strangely.

"You mean we couldn't get on this ship in the first place?" Maigashi asked.

"I thought you paid for these tickets." Alistor thought.

Bamboo nodded to them.

"What $800.00 per ticket? Do you think I'm out of my mind to pay that much for a trip? That's $4000 down the drain."

"Ah-ha! Indeed." Tannen makes a dramatic appearance in the room. "That leads us with the final answer to our investigation. It's all clear now."

"How so?" Maigashi wondered.

"Think back; why would we even be on this ship? If we couldn't get in the first place, then the crew should have had us booted off way before the ship even left."

"Oh yeah, that sweet captain allowed us on board." Bamboo remembered.

All eyes were now on the captain. She came out from the shadows.

"So? What differences does that make? I must have mistaken your documents due to the heat. Yeah, that's right. We'll be sure to report you back to the local authorities."

"Cut the chase; there's no use denying it anymore. There's something you want from us." Auroa pointed.

Tannen throws a reaper card cutting open her lower pockets. Missing valuables scattered on the floor.

"What? No, he must have planted these in my pockets."

Tannen presents the final clue to the audience from the press of a button. Video footage rolled back to last night's events with her and Bamboo.

"But how….I was so close."

"I had to compromise with a little force against your security. Your crew is nothing more but a sham. Reveal yourself!"

She looked down with a gloomy look on her face. Then, smoke starts to emit across her body.

"Very well…heh heh. I was getting sick and tired of this form anyway."

Her disguise materialized away, revealing a monster. Multiple appendages begin popping out of her back.

"If I can't take this crowd's energy, then I'll just have to take this dope face then. Whoopers attack!"

She takes a dive at Bamboo, wrapping herself around him. The crew members turned into enemy soldiers as the crowd begins fleeing for their lives. The party starts taking on the charging grunts coming at them.

"Ow, wow, get off me." Bamboo struggled as energy begins leaving his body.

"I'm not letting go. After what you pulled. It took me all night to wash out that taste from your dreadful sweet."

A loud crashing sound immediately commenced shaking up the room.

"What was that? Did the ship hit something?" Alistor asked.

"Sounds like it's coming from the front deck," Maigashi replied.

"The Admiral just arrived on time for the fun. Once I'm done with this idiot, I'll be glad to take the rest of your energy."

They faced ready against the monster, but Tannen steps in.

"Leave this one to me. The rest of you handle the situation upfront."

The three of them leave to the front deck taking out the remaining enemy grunts in the way. Tannen brings out his Scythe to begin charging towards the monster. Two massive limbs stretched out to retaliate, but he sliced them back. He moves in close, ready for a direct hit, but she takes cover behind Bamboo's bulky body. His Scythe bounced back upon impact knocking him halfway across the room.

"Your friends are fools if they think they can take the Admiral on. The names Patched Specter, by the way."

Bamboo continues to feel drained.

"You coward…."

"Your friend here makes a nice big shield for me. Just look at him. So hopeless to do a single thing. Heh, this is all too easy."

"Damn, Bamboo, you have to break free from her grasp. It shouldn't be too difficult for someone big like you."

"But she's a woman. I don't hit girls; ooh. Ow, stop it." He complained.

"You got to be kidding me…." Tannen nodded with disbelief. "This fight is going to take a while."

Meanwhile, Auroa, Maigashi, and Alistor made their way outside to the front deck. Moist and mist-filled in the air. They spot a massive ship rammed to the Lavi. The Admiral appears before them on board.

"We meet again."

"Tonight, we'll defeat you here. Just like the three who came before you." Alistor rushed in to start the attack.

"Hey, wait! Damn it!" Maigashi yelled.

The Admiral quickly vanished within the smoke appearing right behind. He sent Alistor flying back from the strike of his anchor.

"Don't take me too lightly, unlike the previous three generals who came before you. I am Admiral Bombshell, Veteran commander of the Aggerona Naval division. You have interfered long enough."

A high burst of wind begins building from Auroa as the rest moved back. Objects across the deck start breaking apart. The Admiral stood his ground, barely budging an inch.

"Ah, the wind channeler. You've displayed quite some power despite Scrap Ram's demise. But your wind cannot hold me back."

He launches his anchor at Auroa, forcing him to jump back as it crashed through the wooden deck. Maigashi makes a run to the sidelines as Auroa materializes his whip out of air.

"If we're going to beat him, we have to work together. I can sense a water-based aura coming from this guy. Maybe I can stun him." Maigashi said.

Maigashi sends five rounds of bolting daggers, impacting the Admiral from the side as Auroa charged at the Admiral with his Riptide technique attempting to slice through. Smoke and debris scattered across the air, but the Admiral stood unharmed.

"What?" Surprised Auroa.

He backs away from the Admiral retaliating with some blasts of air, but the general remained unharmed.

"You both rely on distance combat, I see. Well, I can play that game too."

The general pulls out a small cannon blasting them. The walls across the S.S Lavi begin to crumble apart. Maigashi makes a run, avoiding the fire as holes are made through each exploding shot.

"Okay, now what?" Maigashi asked.

Alistor suddenly came from behind Bombshell in the air, catching them by surprise. His sword impales the top of the general's head.

"A direct hit. That has to hurt."

The Admiral was stunned for the moment, but victory was cut short as he tossed Alistor aside, breaking his sword in the process.

"You got to be kidding me? Is this guy a brick wall?" Alistor asked.

The general removes the broken part of the blade on his head while the three maintain a distance. Then, moisture begins building up, forming walls of liquid around him.

"You are right about sensing a water-based aura, but my body is composed of high-grade titanium dating back to the late Zophian period."

The Admiral launches his anchor once more, forcing the three to jump further back.

"Auroa…can you think of something. We can't keep this up much longer."

"I don't know…this might be a fight we cannot win. Hopefully, Tannen is faring better. We'll have to wait and see."

Back with Tannen, the monster continues to drain Bamboo's energy. He continues to do nothing till Bamboo comes to his senses.

"Seriously, just do it."

Bamboo continues to whine.

"Ooh, I hate this, but fine."

He takes a bite at Patched Specter's hand, forcing her to break free.

"Ouch! Ooh, I think you broke a nail. I'll have to get another manicure." She cried.

Five reaper cards are thrown at the monster.

"What? I can't move."

Tannen rushed in with his Scythe at full power. Darkness bursts out, plowing through the monster's entire body.

"Submerge into darkness."

"Noooooo!"

Patched Specter falls back to explode as Bamboo runs to take cover under a table.

"Well, that's a relief. Now let's check on how the others are doing." Bamboo gave him a pat on the back.

They both make their way to the deck.

Back outside, the Admiral unleashed a vortex of water, forcing the party to fall back. Maigashi immediately recalls something.

"Now I remember. I heard about you long ago from a story somewhere but didn't believe it was true. You were a prestige war hero. A valiant commander who went mad after a sudden military discharge."

The Admiral further explains.

"True, I have tried everything to fill the void. Worked my way into a position of greater power and influence to fight for what was right and wrong. But, there was a time I used to be just like you, seeking the thrill for adventure."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll one day wake up to realize the harsh reality. Fighting for an impossible dream while a government forces you to do horrible things, participating to ensure cover-ups. Then, the same government will turn and eventually abandon you."

"We're nothing like you. You serve under Vilevelious, a fiend bent on destroying our world. You are no different from the rest." Alistor pointed out.

"Believe what you want. I'm too trapped in a war to be at peace. Vilevelious was the only one who recognized my worth. His goal is my mission, and nothing is going to stop me from bringing this labyrinth to your world."

Tannen and Bamboo finally catch up to the party. They watch as the sunlight begins to break in. Then, finally, the Admiral starts to step away.

"It seems Patched Specter has been vanquished. No need to continue leaving her efforts in vain. She has gathered quite enough energy. Time for my leave."

"Hey, get back here," Alistor demanded.

"Till we meet again."

The Admiral disappears into the horizon along with his ship. The fog of battle clears as an island came into their view.

"Hey! I can see a bunch of people waving." Bamboo points out.

"Wait a minute; they look just like the crew members and missing guests," Maigashi said.

The ship makes a stop at the island as the party encounters the real ship captain. The guests who were missing were finally found.

Back at the enemy base, Admiral Bombshell reports back to Vilevelious.

"She may have failed, but you were able to accumulate a mass amount of energy over this past week." He was pleased to say.

"I'll have another plan ready in no time, my Emperor. Your labyrinth will rise in due time. Your goal is my dream."

A while not too later, everyone was back on board. The actual ship captain was busy telling off Bamboo as the others kicked back to enjoy the breeze.

"The captain said we'll be let off with a warning this time," Auroa explained. "Maybe Bamboo can finally work out his affair, hopefully."

"Yeah… Bamboo's been crushing on a monster this whole time." Maigashi teased.

"So, Tannen, how long were you into the detective business?" Alistor cared to ask.

"I use to own a detective agency back in the days. But that was long ago."

Bamboo immediately pops up from behind them.

"Okay! Back to work. We got another feast to prepare for the trip back. And she is even interested in trying my grass jelly." He smothered.

Filled with joy, he sends them back into the kitchen as the ship sails back home through the horizon.