Author's note: Longest chapter I everrrrrrrrr wrote -awards self a medal- I would like to thank all my fans *crickets* all my reviewers *crickets* and all my readers *crickets die*
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Chapter 2: My Soul is in the Sky
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The mood onboard the Dolphin was grim. The team spent their time split between patrolling the land around the ship and visiting the local towns in shifts on watch. Doctor Gilmore said they would wait another two days before flying back to Japan, whether or not 0014 woke up. 002 rarely left her side in Doctor Gilmore's lab. Her physical status was stable. She could breathe by herself, but was supported with an IV drip and food tube. 001 tried tapping in but read nothing. If her mind was active, he could not reach it.
It was day three. 002 sat by her bedside, holding her hand. It felt unnaturally warm, as though she had a fever. Even though he continuously checked, her temperature read normal. He let go of her hand and held his head, bowing down. 'Why did you have to turn up at this hunt, Lily? Why? You should have been here on the Dolphin…. Then you would have been fine.' He looked at her, bags under his eyes and hair disheveled. 'It kills me because I know now I can't protect you…. You are the strongest and bravest person I know. How you destroyed that cyborg…. He is the one I saw in your nightmare. What history did you have on the base? He was the one that beat you to a pulp before…..?' the same questions buzzed in his mind over and over.
A hand rested on 002's shoulder, startling him. He looked up to see 005. "Dinner is ready, 002." 002 shrugged, "I'm not hungry." 005 gave his shoulder a squeeze. "I know, but you need to. You haven't eaten since yesterday. Go, I will stay with 0014. 002 dropped his head and relaxed his shoulders. "Okay, I'll be back soon. Thanks, 005." Even though there was sadness in his voice, his thank you was genuine. 005 watched as he walked away. The usually confident young man, full of swagger, dragged himself away. He turned to look back at 0014, looking straight through 005. "See you soon, Lily," he whispered before leaving the room.
005 took 002's seat and looked at 0014. She looked even smaller than usual, wrapped up in blankets. Her face was slack, no color in her cheeks. "Hello, 0014. It's me, 005. Or, G Jr. I don't think I ever told you my name, though you probably knew it. Can I call you Lily? It's one of my favorite flowers." 005 continued, his eyes soft. "I have to tell you, Lily. What happened on that cliff…. What I helped you do to R-03 has been eating me up. Just like every other life I have taken without want… it haunts me. And knowing you, for the brief time I have known you, I am sure you feel the same. I hope you wake up soon. I think it would be good for us to talk about this. We'll support each other. If that guilt and worry is keeping you from your body, please know that you did what you had to do. In the meantime, I will be here. I will watch over 002 like the stars watch over us." Tears welled in his eyes as he reached out, his massive hand completely covering hers.
…
003 walked into Professor Gilmore's lab, bringing the coffee she offered Jet. She stopped suddenly, realizing he had fallen asleep, his head and arms resting at the foot of the bed. She tip toed quietly, setting his coffee down on the desk. She kept her own cup close to her chest and looked down at 0014. She took the second seat next to the head of the bed and quickly checked the IV drip. She looked back at 0014 and reached over to place a hand on her forehead. She was warm, but not too warm now. It seemed that her 'fever' was going down. 003 took a sip of her coffee and thought for a moment. "0014, I wonder if you can hear me….. Everyone is so worried about you. We all wish for you to wake up soon. I know that I had expressed how happy I was that you were joining the team, but I am sorry that I did not make more of an effort to warming to you on the Dolphin. I guess it puzzled me that you wanted to be doing other jobs… I guess I thought you didn't like me much and wanted to stay from me. I hope that when you wake, we can start again. Us girls got to stick together right?" 003 chuckled to herself as she felt she sounded a bit silly. "002 hasn't left your side, he is here right now, sound asleep. You are so lucky you two, to have found love in spite of everything that has happened. I guess, I envy you in a way…. Maybe we can have…. Girly talks sometime. Please, wake up soon."
003 looked down again at 002. She got up, and pulled out a blanket from the cabinet. She draped it around his shoulders, and smoothed down his hair. 003 thought about her history with the young American. She was well aware that he liked her very much at the beginning, but she did not respond to his attention. He seems so sour when 009 and the others joined. After the destruction of the base, she worried he would himself completely to his loneliness. Meeting 014 changed him completely, and she hoped, he would never revert back to what he was. "See you two later," she whispered and walked out of the lab.
…
004 woke up with a start. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. Just another night, and another nightmare about his beloved wife, Hilda. He threw his legs over the side of the bed. Stretching, he pulled a shirt off the chair beside his bed and put it on. He checked the clock. 1.30am. 'Maybe I could go and get some fresh air or relieve 008 from his night time duty.' 004 made his way down the dimly lit corridor. He slowed as he approached Professor Gilmore's lab. He peeked in, seeing 0014 lying motionless and 002 asleep at the end of the bed, a blanket half falling off his shoulders. 004 walked in and over to 002. He reached down and rearranged the blanket over the young man. 002 groaned in his sleep, frowning. 004 was worried he had woken him, but relaxed when he saw his face soften. He then sat down at the head of the bed and looked at 0014. It pained him to see such a bright spirit so still.
"Hey, 0014, it's me, 004. Hope you don't mind me. I couldn't sleep, so was on my way to take over patrol watch. You are going to have a lot of hours to catch up on when you wake up," 004 smirked to himself but his smile faded quickly. "0014, you need to get it together and come back to us, especially for Jet. I know this boy well and he needs you, now more than ever. I saw the pain he suffered when you stayed at the base. I saw him do a 180 degree turn when you two were reunited. You can't leave him now….. It wouldn't be fair." 004's felt a tightening sensation in his chest. "I am sure he blames himself for this…. Blames himself for you getting hurt…. And if you don't wake up, he'll blame himself forever. So please, come back. We are all waiting." His light colored eyes darkened. Rising to his feet, he slowly walked to the door. He glanced back and sighed. He then left the room. If only he had waited a second longer, he would have seen her fingers twitch, closing around the edge of the bed sheet.
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008 walked through the corridor on his way to bed. 004 had come out and offered to take over. 008 took the offer, gladly. He was feeling tired, both from the patrol and from the heavy atmosphere between the team. He passed by Professor Gilmore's lab without looking in. His pace slowed and he stopped. Breathing deeply, he turned around and walked back, pausing at the doorframe. Only the lights of 0014's monitor illuminated the room. 002 was sound asleep with a blanket around his shoulders. 008 leaned on the doorframe, taking in the scene. "0014," he whispered. "I have to admit, I was shocked when I heard what you were capable of… how you defeated that other cyborg with 005. Big guy is pretty chewed up about it too. Makes me wonder how dangerous the new cyborgs will be. Guess time will tell, when you wake up. Well, I am glad you are on our side; we need all the help we can get. Hurry back, we have business to attend to, girl." He smiled sadly and turned away, headed for his bedroom.
….
The following morning, 002 woke up slowly. His back ached from being bent over the bed. He rubbed his eyes and looked over at 0014. She hadn't moved. He sighed heavily and stretched. A knock at the door caught his attention. 007 stood there, cup of tea and a book in hand. "Morning, 002. 006 has already started breakfast. Why don't you head down there before the herd arrives? I know you'd rather not be social." 002 smiled at him wearily and nodded. "It's like you read my mind, 007. Thanks." 007 waved his hand. "Don't mention it. I'll keep an eye on our little hurricane. Go on." 002 gave his shoulder a squeeze as he walked out of the room. 007 settled himself in the chair beside 0014's bed. "So, 0014, will I continue where we left off?" he asked, setting down his cup of tea and opening the marked page in his book of Shakespeare. "Ah, here we are," he cleared his throat and delivered the lines. "Fair lovers, you are fortunately met. Of this discourse we more will hear anon.— Egeus, I will overbear your will. For in the temple by and by with us These couples shall eternally be knit.— And, for the morning now is something worn, Our purposed hunting shall be set aside. Away with us to Athens. Three and three, We'll hold a feast in great solemnity. Come, Hippolyta." 007 paused for a moment. "I do recall you saying you lived for a time in Greece, 0014. How exciting! Perhaps, once you are awake, we'll travel there. Oh, and we'll have a feast, of course! Never did I think I would be able to travel the world as I am doing now. It does inspire me to write… You are one of the few on this ship that enjoys my writing. I hope to have written something decent for you before you wake. But for now, Shakespeare will take the lead." 007 continued reading "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to 0014, until 002 returned. He looked up at 002 and smiled. Folding down a dog's ear on the page he stopped, he closed his book and picked up his tea cup. He smiled warmly at 002 and patted him on the shoulder. "Chin up, 002. 'Though she be but little, she is fierce!' quote from my pal, Shakespeare." He gave a sad smile and made his way back to the kitchen.
…
In the afternoon, Doctor Gilmore came to check on 0014. He also brought 001, who was now awake. 002 was almost dozing in his chair and was startled when Doctor Gilmore entered the room. "Good afternoon, 002. I brought 001, perhaps he can try tapping in to 0014 again. 002 nodded, and got out of his seat for him. Professor Gilmore put up a hand to stop him. "Please, stay seated and take 001. I will tend to 0014's drip and vitals," he explained as he handed 001 to 002. 002 cradled 001 in his arms and looked down at him, giving him sad smile. He was well used to handling 001 now and also enjoyed it. 001 communicated with 002 telepathically. – 002, there seems to be more activity in 0014's brain. I feel like the fog there is lifting.- 002 almost jumped up out of his seat. "Really? That's great new-!" 001's voice interrupted him – She is not out of the woods yet. Even if or when she wakes up, there could be irreversible damage done. She had never used her power in reverse before. It was almost the equivalent of an overdose. And prior to that, she was only moments from death." 002 shoulders slumped, hope filtered away again. "Keep talking to her like the others have been. It seems to be helping." Professor Gilmore now stood beside 002. "There have been many miraculous cases of people waking up from comas, 002. Don't lose faith, keep talking to her." 002 nodded. "Have you spoken to her, Doctor?" 002 asked. "Of course, 002. I tell her that we are all waiting for her to come back. We are a family now and have to take care of each other," he smiled warmly at 002. "Thanks, Doctor Gilmore. I need to talk to her more too. I just…. I just don't know what to say." Jet added, sadly. "You can try reading to her, like 007 did, or playing music. Anything that connects her back to us can't hurt. Here, let me put 001 down for his nap." Doctor Gilmore took 001 and made his way to the door. "Keep faith, Jet. It will all be okay," he smiled again, and left the room.
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It was another dreary day, and sunlight faded fast as the weather turned stormy again. 006 had cleared away everything after dinner, saving a portion for 002. He had refused to come join them, even after 009 had asked him. He trotted down the hallway, no way was he allowing his delicious food to go to waste! He turned the corridor and walked into Professor Gilmore's lab. 002 was slouched in the chair at the head of bed. "002!" he stated curtly. The young cyborg almost jumped out of his skin, and looked at 006. "I have made a feast and I am not letting it go to waste! You normally eat enough for a family of four, so get your skinny behind down to the kitchen and eat! I am not taking no for an answer!" Under any under circumstances, 002 would have chuckled at the over dramatic little chef. Instead, he just raised his hands in defeat, and got up. "Thanks, 006." He said with a sad smile and left the lab. 006 was preparing for a confrontation and then realized he needed to simmer down. He looked over at 0014. "Poor girl, you are wasting away down here! I wonder if I blend up my special friend rice, could I stick it in your food tube or IV drip?" He sat down by the bedside, leaning forward with his arms on his knees. "0014, you need to come back to us. I have big plans for you. You are going to help me out at my restaurant back in Japan! I really need a waitress who won't take nonsense from annoying customers… maybe, since you calmed 002, we could train him in too! Those long arms of his could carry quite a few plates…." 006 knew he was just rambling, but he wasn't comfortable with getting emotional and sentimental. He sighed deeply. "Just, hurry back, okay? I have a few new dishes for you to try." And with that, he got up and headed back to the kitchen to make sure 002 ate all the food he had left for him.
…..
009 saw 006 leave Professor Gilmore's lab and head towards the kitchen. As he walked towards the room, he peeked in, seeing that 0014 was alone. He looked down the corridor again, to see if anyone else was around. 009 then walked in and pulled the door closed behind him. He took the seat at the head of the bed. "Hey, 0014. It's me, 009. Or Joe. I just wanted to tell you that you have to pull through. We have lost so many people at this point. I remember 0013, whom you may know as well…. He… he could have been part of our team. I never even got to find out his real name. But with you, we are now more than acquaintances. We are a stronger team because of you. I know that 002 is beating himself up about it. He believes that if you hadn't joined us on the dino hunt that this wouldn't have happened. However, he doesn't realize that if you hadn't shown up, R-03 would have destroyed us all easily. You, along with 005's help, saved our lives. While we strive for peace, I fear we may have more powerful enemies out to get us. We need you, 0014. Please get better. The team needs you," he took her hand gently, rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand. Hearing the door open, he quickly dropped her hand and whipped his head around to see 002. "Hey, 002. I was just talking with 0014. Doctor Gilmore said it may help. So I figured no harm in trying." 002 shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, seems everyone knows what to say except me," he responded flatly. 009 smiled at him. "I am sure she knows you are here, 002. I will leave you two. Maybe I'll see you later for patrol, okay?" 002 nodded as 009 made his way to the door, stopping for a moment to rest a hand on 002's shoulder. "She saved our lives, 002. Imagine if she didn't show up." 002 winced at the thought. He turned to watch 009 leave. 'I should go on patrol tonight, I haven't helped them for the past couple of days.' Taking a deep breath, he sat down at the head of 0014's bed.
Jet tried to talk. He tried to think of something deep and fulfilling to say. The words were not forming. Nada. He hit his fists on his knees in frustration. "Goddamn it, Lily! I don't know what to say! Just… just come back! I can't lose you again!" Looking around, he noticed Lily's phone plugged into its charger at the wall. Before all this happened, she had been showing him how to use her smart phone. He had learned how to use it pretty quickly. He went over to the phone and picked it up. It had been set to silent. Unlocking the screen, "19 missed calls" and "12 messages" notifications appeared. Jet dismissed the messages by swiping them. He then accidently hit the app button, showing the recently used items. "Music" was labeled at the top of the screen. Jet hit the icon and the screen loaded. "Snow Patrol- Signal Fire" was highlighted as the last played song. 'Well, Doctor Gilmore said music could help, let's see who this Snow Patrol is,' he thought as he hit play. Soft guitar and piano filled the room. Jet's ears pricked at the lyrics.
"The perfect words never crossed my mind
'Cause there was nothing in there but you
I felt every ounce of me
Screaming out
But the sound was trapped
Deep in me"
All I've wanted just sped right past me
But I was rooted fast to the earth
I could be stuck here for a thousand years
Without your arms to drag me out"
Jet felt a bit uncomfortable. These lyrics were hitting a bit too close to home. He looked at Lily sadly. She hadn't stirred. He leaned forward, holding his head in his hands, wishing he knew what to say or do…..
There you are, standing right in front of me
There you are, standing right in front of me
Forced fear falls away to leave me naked
Hold me close
'Cause I need you to guide me to safety
Jet leaned back and slouched in the chair. He stared up at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, listening to the melody.
No, I don't wanna wait forever…..
"Nooo, I don't wanna wait… forever…." Came a quiet, raspy voice. Jet's eyes shot open and he almost vaulted off his seat. His gaze locked on Lily.
Lily stared back at him, eyes hooded and sleepy. A small smile played on her lips. "In the confusion and the aftermath, you are my signal fire…" she rasped along with the singer. Jet blinked several times, and then moved forward, one knee wobbling as he grabbed onto the bed sheets. "Lily?" he squeaked.
The only resolution
And the only joy
Is the faint spark of forgiveness
In your eye…
"Sorry it took me so long to wake up, Firecracker," she croaked, as she pulled herself up into a sitting position. Jet still peered at her, on his knees at the bedside. "Lily? You're okay?" he whispered. Lily smiled at him, "Yeah, I think so. Felt like I was floating in space…. I could hear parts of what people were saying… How long was I out for?" Jet quickly stood up and took her hand. "Three, almost four days…I was here, the whole time. I was so worried about you." Lily placed a hand over his. "I know, I could feel you. All of you. You all brought me back." Jet then as gently as he could, wrapped his arms around her. She sighed in his embrace.
"You could really use a shower, Jet" Lily whispered.
"You too, Firefly" he whispered back.
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Author's note: Phew! Really enjoyed writing this one! I totes stole then ending from Futurama, the episode where Leela falls into a coma after being stung by a baby space bee. Hope you like it! Proud of me for not killing off my character AGAIN? Think I got each Cyborg's thoughts okay? Well, either way, it was fun!
Oh, and that song was used in the Spiderman movie. Cos Toby Maguire is my BAE. Well, not before Jet but ya get meeeee…. KISSESSSSSSSSSS! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx