GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 6: Siege of Italica Part 2 (Rewritten)

Marketplace, Italica

March 28, 2028, 08:42 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The team moved through the narrow streets, their boots clacking against the uneven cobblestones. Eyes followed them from every corner, the townspeople watching the strangers with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Some whispered among themselves, their expressions guarded, while others kept their distance, children peeking out from behind their parents.

Kurata's fingers twitched near his gear, his eyes scanning the faces that tracked them. "I don't like this,"

Kuribayashi shot him a smirk, her voice low and teasing. "What's the matter, Kurata? You scared?"

He huffed, shifting uncomfortably as he walked. "No, it's just—"

Hill's voice cut through, calm and steady. "Relax, Kurata. It's normal for them to be cautious. Just stay sharp."

Perez let out a dry chuckle, surveying the tense crowd. "Yeah, who wouldn't be on edge when a bunch of aliens suddenly show up? But hey, at least we don't have to worry about anyone charging at us with an S-vest."

Hill let out a brief snicker. "True. Worst-case scenario, someone comes at us with a knife."

Kurata grimaced, his brow furrowing. "That doesn't help."

Perez clapped him on the back, a crooked grin on his face. "Hey, we're just trying to keep it light, man."

Kurata shot Kuwahara a sideways glance. "How far is this marketplace anyway?"

Kuwahara glanced around, trying to orient himself. "We're getting close. Should be just around the corner here—"

But before he could finish, a sudden stillness descended as they stepped into the market square. The usual hum of activity was absent, replaced by an unsettling silence. Rows of people, bound in heavy chains, filled the square. Men, women, and children of every shape and size—some with animal-like ears, others with scales along their skin—were either crouched in cages or standing hunched over. Their hollow eyes followed the newcomers, a haunting blend of hope and fear flickering in their gazes.

The only sounds that broke the silence were the occasional clink of metal chains and the low murmur of a merchant haggling over a price as if this grim scene was just another transaction. The air itself seemed thick with oppression, as though even the ground beneath their feet shared in the suffering that surrounded them.

The team exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the scene settling heavily on their shoulders.

Kurata swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper. "Is this... is this the right place?"

Lelei, her expression as flat, nodded. "Yes. This is it."

Andrew stood still for a moment, taking in the sight. Years of dealing with difficult situations had taught him how to stay composed. His eyes briefly scanned his Japanese teammates, sensing their discomfort, and then he straightened up, his voice steady as he tried to regain control of the situation.

"Alright, let's not get stuck in place," Andrew said calmly,

He looked around, scanning the square. "Where's the trader's store, then?"

Lelei, her tone as flat as always, replied, "It should be somewhere near the center of the market."

Andrew nodded, trying to keep the mood light despite the heaviness in the air. "Okay." He gave a sharp whistle, drawing the team's attention. "Come on, let's move."