A/N: OK *Ponders* Now you'd think that a shorter part would take less time to write, instead of more, ne? Gomen nasai minna! I guess I got writers block again =( Oh well, this parts here now. Oh and on a totally different subject, what do you think of the Mel/Gene/Hilda triangle I've got going here? Cause I've got some people saying how much the love the Gene/Mel stuff and others begging for it to turn out Gene/Hilda, and to be honest I love them both and can't decide between them anymore so I have a little idea for it. How would you people like it if I wrote two alternate endings? One for both of them, then everyone can be happy. Good? Let me know what you think, 'k? Please r/r!
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Bounty Hunted
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Part IV (b)
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Jim's eye's were heavy as they wandered over the still forms of his sleeping friends. They looked so peaceful in their sleep, younger even. But then again sleeping had that effect on people, a peaceful sleep could let even the most troubled of souls find a brief happiness. But Jim wasn't so lucky, and sleep it seemed, for him, wouldn't come so easily.
Not that he wasn't tired, not that he wasn't both mentally and physically worn out from the days events, but there was just something out there keeping the boy awake. Perhaps there was just to much on his mind, so much that it felt it simply couldn't rest. Or perhaps it was just because Jim was sort of an insomniac, due mainly to too much work. But the reason didn't really matter to him, it was annoying just the same.
However he was fairly certain that it was the first one. His mind was just plain overloaded with fear and regret. Before this day he'd always thought that finally getting his story off his chest would be kind of a relief, so why did it still trouble him so? Why did this feeling of regret and uneasiness about the whole thing still linger inside of him? He really wasn't sure, and that bothered him most of all.
Gene, Melfina, Hilda. He let his eye's wander over them all. They'd all fallen asleep so quickly, so easily, and in fact before they'd even reached their own quarters, leaving all four of them together safely in one room. 'There's safety in numbers.' He thought to himself, in remembrance of the day before, relieved that he was no longer the only one who felt that way.
Hilda had been so reluctant to come back here. Why? The question had been bothering him for quite some time now. Was she really just trying to keep everyone safe by keeping them apart? He couldn't help but think it was more. He knew it was more. He wasn't as blind as he was thought to be, being a kid really did have it's disadvantages, but he had always been an observant one. Hilda'd had this look in her eye's the day before, this strange look that only seemed to grow more concerning to him as the evening wore on.
It was Gene. He was certain of it. Had there been something between the two? He'd always had his suspicions, but never anything to back it up. But did Gene feel the same way? He really wasn't sure, not that Gene wasn't shocked to see her again, not that he hadn't been thrilled. But did he feel the same way? He had been growing closer to Melfina. Jim knew that there was something between them, it had been so obvious for so long. But now? Would this change things? Complicated things?
He frowned at the thought. Like there wasn't enough to worry about *without* the thoughts of his partners hopeless love life. Since when did he care much about that anyway. He shrugged it off as he turned away, knowing that it was really none of his business anyway and that it really wasn't his concern. He had enough of those already. Enough concerns. No need to take on those of his friends too. He hardly needed anything else left resting on his shoulders, he was causing them all enough grief as it was.
Jim had never been much of a fighter, he'd always hated that about himself. The thought that he actually needed their protection, that he couldn't take good enough care of himself. That he relied on his friends so much. Dangerously much. They'd fight to the death if it meant keeping him safe. A thought haunted him excessively. What if the really did? Could he really live with that kind of guilt? Could he really stand to lose them again...
He shook his head at this, as though it would make these thoughts go away. He wasn't thinking strait, his mind ablaze with fear and confusion, he needed some air to clear his head. And so with a yawn, he left his friends and headed for the control panel to unlock the door, thinking that perhaps this was just what he needed to get some sleep. At the moment it was all he really wanted.
"What are you doing, Jim?" The boy heard a familiar robotic voice ask barely stopping the door to open before him.
"Just going out." His reply was simple, staring at the still closed door loningly.
"I really don't think Gene would like that." Gilliam told the boy honestly, to which Jim could only sigh.
"And since when do you always listen to Gene?" The blond asked, somewhat annoyed with the small pink machine.
"Well he *is* the captain, I'm supposed to follow his orders." Was Gilliam's response. "And besides, from what I've heard, I have to say that I agree with him. You shouldn't be out there alone, plus, your not looking all that well."
"I'm fine!" He was lying. He felt sick. That much was made obvious by the expression on his face and by how pale he'd grown in the short amount of time. But then again he had been through a lot, and he was quite certain to go through a lot more. That is if he didn't pass out first. Of course if he did, then at least he'd finnally get some sleep.
"Jim, I'm sorry, but..."
"Gil, please." Jim cut the other off in his pleas, and Gilliam couldn't help but take note of the fact that he sounded much to desperate, looked much to pale. Something was defiantly wrong here.
"I'm going to wake Gene." Gilliam stated as he turned to leave the boy.
"No, don't!" He stopped him. "I just need some air, that's all. I'll be fine, Gilliam please?" He didn't like the way this was going. He knew how to take care of himself, didn't anyone trust him? First Gene and now... No, he couldn't think like that. Gene had said it himself, he had to have faith. In Gene and in their friendship. He couldn't let himself think this way. He just couldn't. Besides, he had said it him self that he need their protection. Not that he really wanted it at the moment, but he did. But then again he also needed so sleep, some air, and so he stared up at his small pink friend, his azure eye's all to full of desperation. "Gilliam, please? He said again, causing Gilliam to finally give in he realized as the door slowly slid open.
"Don't go far." He instructed Jim as the boy walked out into the awaiting night.
"I wont." The blond promised, anxiously breathing in the cool air as he headed down the platform to the docking bay. 'Finally.' He sighed inwardly, making himself comfortable on a nearby crate. It was nice to be out of the ship again, he'd felt so trapped and constricted in there. Helplessly trapped with his own haunting thoughts and memories left as his only company.
It was strange that he should feel that way. Very strange, and that scared him. Normally he would have felt just fine onboard the Outlaw star, surrounded by his friends, protected by it's walls, but now? Now it had made him almost claustrophobic. He sighed at the thought. The Outlaw Star made him claustrophobic, well that was just terrific. Gene was gonna love that one. And just what he needed too, another thing to worry about. But then again, what wasn't there to worry about anymore? Worries were everywhere, that was one thing he couldn't control.
Not that it was much better outside, he was still alone, still had his memories, his worries, his thoughts, but at least he could breath. And he swore, the air of a space station had never felt so good. Maybe this was the only way to go. Perhaps seclusion was his only escape. If not from his memories, then at least from the questions. He still couldn't believe he's answered so much. He'd held everything inside for so long, shouldn't he feel better now? Now that he'd finally gotten that one immense secret off of his chest?
'I guess I was wrong.' He thought sullenly. 'I guess I didn't escape the questions.' He never would. He was so full of them himself, so full of questions, so full of confusion, so lacking of answers. It made him sick to think of it. Why was he running away from it? He didn't know. His thoughts simply didn't make sense anymore. And what of his friends? Weren't they in danger right now? In danger because of him?
Worries. Just more worries. They were building up inside of him, and even he knew that it was to much for him to handle. His thoughts were so muddled and out of order, and he was so lost within them. So trapped within them. It was like being alone in the dark as a child, shadows lay over everything and monsters were shrouded beneath them all. He knew that he was only a child. That those monsters were everywhere.
He was quick to Bury his face in his hands, bending his knees against his chest and resting his elbows upon them for what little comfort it could give him. His friends were in danger. He was putting them in danger. He had to stay away from them, the farther he was away, the safer they were. They'd be better off.
What was he thinking now? Was he actually considering running away again? Actually considering getting himself caught? No! He wouldn't think like that. He couldn't. He had to have faith, in himself as well as his friends. He had to have faith. And then...
Jim's head popped up immediately at the sudden sound now protruding his ears. What was that? A clicking? No, a creaking. Was someone from a nearby ship loading up? Or maybe someone was moving the crates? He looked around curiously, all the while wondering why he even cared. He had always been a curious boy, that's how he'd learned so much, perhaps that was it. But still, it wasn't an uncommon sound, why should he care? He never had before.
"Is someone out there?" He wondered aloud, and he could have kicked himself for it. There were pirates out there looking for him and here he was sitting alone in the docking bay calling out to God knows who and not even considering the fact that it might be an enemy. What was he thinking? He really hadn't been thinking clearly. Claustrophobia or not, he was much safer onboard the Outlaw Star.
He was off the crate in a second, ignoring his thoughts of warning completely and peering curiously around to see just what was going on. 'Run, Jim! Get out of here!' His mind was screaming, begging, he knew he should have listened. But he didn't. He couldn't. Why? Did he really love danger that much? Did he really love the prospect of being killed or captured? Was Gene really rubbing off on him that much? Or was he just going crazy? Why couldn't he just run? He should run! But he didn't. Why couldn't he?
Jim could hear himself gasp as a near by crate fell on it's side breaking him out of his thoughts as he winced at the unwelcome sound. He shook his head uneasily as he turned away from the scene. Time to get going. He'd have to be crazy to stay there any longer. And so he was on his way, back to the Outlaw Star, back to safety, back to his friends, 'There's safty in numbers' but still glancing back in everlasting curiousity as he walked. A bad I idea, he realized rather quickly, wishing all to hard that he'd been paying more attention to where he was going as his eye's grew wide at the sight of the heavy set man he'd just collided with.
'Dammit!" He cursed himself, fully aware of the danger he was in now. 'Dammit, Jim! What the hell were you thinking?'
"Ah, there you are boy." The man said with an ominous grin as he grabed the young blond roughly by the arm. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
'Dammit!' He cursed himself again. He was so scared right now, he could feel himself shaking with fear in the mans strong grip. How could he have let this happen? He couldn't go back with this man! He couldn't go back to that life. He had to stop this. Had to get help. 'Gene' He thought fervently. Gene could help him. Gene could save him. He had to! 'He will!' "Gene! Help me!" His screams could be heard through out the night air. "Please...!"
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Gene Starwind Gasped in surprised as his eye's shot open and his ears were filled with the screams of his young friend. "Jim!" He shouted back through their communicator. "Jim, where are you? What's happened?" His cries were desperate, but no avail, he realized as the only reply he received was that of the crud unwelcome sound radio static now ringing through his ears.
"Gene, what's wrong?" Hilda was the first to stir at the sound of his screams, followed almost immediately by Melfina.
"Damn him!"
"Who?" Melfina wondered rubbing her eye's as she sat up, starring at the other worry evident in her soft amber eyes.
"Jim!" Gene exclaimed in response, jumping quickly to his feet in search of his castor. To say that Gene was upset would have been an understatment. He was furious. How could Jim have left like that? What had he been thinking?
"Gene, is everything all right?" Gilliam asked curiously as he entered the room. "I heard screaming."
Gene couldn't help but glare, his hands tightening into fists as he did. "Where is he, Gilliam?" He demanded of the small pink machine. His voice monotone and icy, and unlike that of his normal self.
"You mean Jim?" He asked, confused by his captains behavior. Gene nodded, glaring still. "He said he needed some air, and he didn't look so good so..."
"And you just let him go?" Now it was Hilda who was shouting. She wasn't much happier than Gene.
"He said he wouldn't go far." Gilliam replied simply, only now thinking of how stupid his desision had been. "Jim's a trust worthy boy, he should be okay." He hoped.
"It's not him I don't trust..." Gene trailed off, looking away in his thoughts.
"...It's the pirates." Hilda completed his sentence, a grave look upon both of their faces as the stared at one another.
"Oh no..." Melfina added as realization of just what happened rushed over her. She was on her feet in a moment as she rushed to the ships nearest window, looing out worriedly for her young friend.
"Melfina, you stay here with the ship." Gene instructed the fearful bio-android, not more than five feet away from him. "Hilda and I are going after him."
"No!" Melfina exclaimed quite suddenly, turning back to them with a frown. "No, Gene! I'm coming too!"
"No, Mel, I need you to stay here in case he comes back. Someone needs to be here." Gene practically pleaded with her. But he wasn't being entirely truthful. It was dangerous out there, he couldn't have her getting hurt. She had to stay safe.
"All right." Melfina sighed, giving in easily as she turned back to the window. "Just go then."Her tone had been almost cold but that couldn't be worried about now and they both knew it.
And so Gene simply nodded as he headed for the door, Hilda was already there and waiting, they had to go. But he couldn't help feeling bad for leaving Melfina behind. She had to stay though. If not for Jim or herself then for him. He couldn't risk her getting hurt. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself it anything should happen...
"Gene, come on!" Hilda called, snapping him out of his pensive state. She frowned knowingly at the other. He was thinking of Melfina, she was certain of it. But no, she couldn't of that now. She wouldn't. Jim needed her now. He needed them. She couldn't think of that now. "Gene." She said his name again, this time her tone was more pleading and he just nodded in response as he ran to her side.
Melfina could see them outside now, her hands pressed firmly to the glass before her as she watched them below. It was all she could do to fight back her tears as she stared on in worry. Why was this happening? Why couldn't she go? She never got to go. Why was she always left to worry like this? It wasn't fair and she hated it. "Please be careful, Gene." She whispered, her breath warm and fogging against the glass as she watched her friends disappear into the darkness. "Come back to me Gene..."
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Jim's eye's were shut tight in fear, as he fought desperately to hold back his tears. His chest was burning, rising and falling redundently as he gasped for air. Pirates never had been the brightest guys around and Jim had been lucky enough to make an escape when he kicked the unsuspecting man in the shine. And now here he was, his heart pounding, his pulse racing and his lungs heaving to the point of pain as he leaned wearily against one of the crates.
This was useless, he could only run so long, only run so far. But where? This docking bay here was like a maze, so cluttered with crates and an occational ship. Sure, he could see the Outlaw star from his current position, but actually getting back to it was a whole other story. That man was over there anyway. He knew he was trapped. He knew it was useless. Why couldn't have the faith Gene wanted him to? He neded it so badly now. Why couldn't he find it? It was usless...
"Jim?" Someone was calling his name. "Jim where are you?" 'Gene!' Oh God, it was Gene. 'I'm over here!' He screamed mentally. 'Oh God Gene, please find me!' But he couldn't say it out loud. Gene wasn't the only on looking for him. He couldn't draw attention to himself again, he just couldn't. He was trapped, cornered. It was usless. There was nothing he could do. Nothing but stand there and wait to be found. Found by Gene with any luck.
"There you are! You little brat." But apparently luck wasn't on the boys side tonight, he realized as the dark man stared coldly down at him.
"No!" He screamed at the man.He couldn't go back to that! He just couldn't! "No, I wont go! You can't make me!" His immediate reaction was to run, but he couldn't. His legs were so tired, his breathing so shallow, he simply couldn't run form the man, and the only thing he accomplished by trying was falling flat on his face.
Pain coursed through the boys small body as his ankle twisted beneath him, and he could only gasp in agony as the now laughing man pulled him roughly to his feet. "Good job, kid." He sneered at then boy in his grasp. "Thanks for making my job a little easier."
"No!" Jim cried, still trying to pull away from the other, only causing himself more pain as he did. "Gene!" He screamed in one last feeble attempt to escape. "Aniki, I'm over..."
His words were cut off abruptly by a sickening crack that made his stomache turn as he was thrown painfully into a nearby crate. And he could only pray that the sound he heard was that of the crate breaking under his weight as he felt the warm sensation of blood trickling down the back of his neck. He let the darkness overtake him willingly... He was so tired...
To be continued...
A/N: Well that's it for now. How was this one? Do I suck at action as much as I think I do? Hehe... I must to actually call all of this action. I dunno ^_~ Well, anyway, I hope this was OK, sorry it took so long, and let me know what you think about the alternate endings thing. Thanx for the reviews! and for reading! Later peeps!
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Bounty Hunted
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Part IV (b)
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Jim's eye's were heavy as they wandered over the still forms of his sleeping friends. They looked so peaceful in their sleep, younger even. But then again sleeping had that effect on people, a peaceful sleep could let even the most troubled of souls find a brief happiness. But Jim wasn't so lucky, and sleep it seemed, for him, wouldn't come so easily.
Not that he wasn't tired, not that he wasn't both mentally and physically worn out from the days events, but there was just something out there keeping the boy awake. Perhaps there was just to much on his mind, so much that it felt it simply couldn't rest. Or perhaps it was just because Jim was sort of an insomniac, due mainly to too much work. But the reason didn't really matter to him, it was annoying just the same.
However he was fairly certain that it was the first one. His mind was just plain overloaded with fear and regret. Before this day he'd always thought that finally getting his story off his chest would be kind of a relief, so why did it still trouble him so? Why did this feeling of regret and uneasiness about the whole thing still linger inside of him? He really wasn't sure, and that bothered him most of all.
Gene, Melfina, Hilda. He let his eye's wander over them all. They'd all fallen asleep so quickly, so easily, and in fact before they'd even reached their own quarters, leaving all four of them together safely in one room. 'There's safety in numbers.' He thought to himself, in remembrance of the day before, relieved that he was no longer the only one who felt that way.
Hilda had been so reluctant to come back here. Why? The question had been bothering him for quite some time now. Was she really just trying to keep everyone safe by keeping them apart? He couldn't help but think it was more. He knew it was more. He wasn't as blind as he was thought to be, being a kid really did have it's disadvantages, but he had always been an observant one. Hilda'd had this look in her eye's the day before, this strange look that only seemed to grow more concerning to him as the evening wore on.
It was Gene. He was certain of it. Had there been something between the two? He'd always had his suspicions, but never anything to back it up. But did Gene feel the same way? He really wasn't sure, not that Gene wasn't shocked to see her again, not that he hadn't been thrilled. But did he feel the same way? He had been growing closer to Melfina. Jim knew that there was something between them, it had been so obvious for so long. But now? Would this change things? Complicated things?
He frowned at the thought. Like there wasn't enough to worry about *without* the thoughts of his partners hopeless love life. Since when did he care much about that anyway. He shrugged it off as he turned away, knowing that it was really none of his business anyway and that it really wasn't his concern. He had enough of those already. Enough concerns. No need to take on those of his friends too. He hardly needed anything else left resting on his shoulders, he was causing them all enough grief as it was.
Jim had never been much of a fighter, he'd always hated that about himself. The thought that he actually needed their protection, that he couldn't take good enough care of himself. That he relied on his friends so much. Dangerously much. They'd fight to the death if it meant keeping him safe. A thought haunted him excessively. What if the really did? Could he really live with that kind of guilt? Could he really stand to lose them again...
He shook his head at this, as though it would make these thoughts go away. He wasn't thinking strait, his mind ablaze with fear and confusion, he needed some air to clear his head. And so with a yawn, he left his friends and headed for the control panel to unlock the door, thinking that perhaps this was just what he needed to get some sleep. At the moment it was all he really wanted.
"What are you doing, Jim?" The boy heard a familiar robotic voice ask barely stopping the door to open before him.
"Just going out." His reply was simple, staring at the still closed door loningly.
"I really don't think Gene would like that." Gilliam told the boy honestly, to which Jim could only sigh.
"And since when do you always listen to Gene?" The blond asked, somewhat annoyed with the small pink machine.
"Well he *is* the captain, I'm supposed to follow his orders." Was Gilliam's response. "And besides, from what I've heard, I have to say that I agree with him. You shouldn't be out there alone, plus, your not looking all that well."
"I'm fine!" He was lying. He felt sick. That much was made obvious by the expression on his face and by how pale he'd grown in the short amount of time. But then again he had been through a lot, and he was quite certain to go through a lot more. That is if he didn't pass out first. Of course if he did, then at least he'd finnally get some sleep.
"Jim, I'm sorry, but..."
"Gil, please." Jim cut the other off in his pleas, and Gilliam couldn't help but take note of the fact that he sounded much to desperate, looked much to pale. Something was defiantly wrong here.
"I'm going to wake Gene." Gilliam stated as he turned to leave the boy.
"No, don't!" He stopped him. "I just need some air, that's all. I'll be fine, Gilliam please?" He didn't like the way this was going. He knew how to take care of himself, didn't anyone trust him? First Gene and now... No, he couldn't think like that. Gene had said it himself, he had to have faith. In Gene and in their friendship. He couldn't let himself think this way. He just couldn't. Besides, he had said it him self that he need their protection. Not that he really wanted it at the moment, but he did. But then again he also needed so sleep, some air, and so he stared up at his small pink friend, his azure eye's all to full of desperation. "Gilliam, please? He said again, causing Gilliam to finally give in he realized as the door slowly slid open.
"Don't go far." He instructed Jim as the boy walked out into the awaiting night.
"I wont." The blond promised, anxiously breathing in the cool air as he headed down the platform to the docking bay. 'Finally.' He sighed inwardly, making himself comfortable on a nearby crate. It was nice to be out of the ship again, he'd felt so trapped and constricted in there. Helplessly trapped with his own haunting thoughts and memories left as his only company.
It was strange that he should feel that way. Very strange, and that scared him. Normally he would have felt just fine onboard the Outlaw star, surrounded by his friends, protected by it's walls, but now? Now it had made him almost claustrophobic. He sighed at the thought. The Outlaw Star made him claustrophobic, well that was just terrific. Gene was gonna love that one. And just what he needed too, another thing to worry about. But then again, what wasn't there to worry about anymore? Worries were everywhere, that was one thing he couldn't control.
Not that it was much better outside, he was still alone, still had his memories, his worries, his thoughts, but at least he could breath. And he swore, the air of a space station had never felt so good. Maybe this was the only way to go. Perhaps seclusion was his only escape. If not from his memories, then at least from the questions. He still couldn't believe he's answered so much. He'd held everything inside for so long, shouldn't he feel better now? Now that he'd finally gotten that one immense secret off of his chest?
'I guess I was wrong.' He thought sullenly. 'I guess I didn't escape the questions.' He never would. He was so full of them himself, so full of questions, so full of confusion, so lacking of answers. It made him sick to think of it. Why was he running away from it? He didn't know. His thoughts simply didn't make sense anymore. And what of his friends? Weren't they in danger right now? In danger because of him?
Worries. Just more worries. They were building up inside of him, and even he knew that it was to much for him to handle. His thoughts were so muddled and out of order, and he was so lost within them. So trapped within them. It was like being alone in the dark as a child, shadows lay over everything and monsters were shrouded beneath them all. He knew that he was only a child. That those monsters were everywhere.
He was quick to Bury his face in his hands, bending his knees against his chest and resting his elbows upon them for what little comfort it could give him. His friends were in danger. He was putting them in danger. He had to stay away from them, the farther he was away, the safer they were. They'd be better off.
What was he thinking now? Was he actually considering running away again? Actually considering getting himself caught? No! He wouldn't think like that. He couldn't. He had to have faith, in himself as well as his friends. He had to have faith. And then...
Jim's head popped up immediately at the sudden sound now protruding his ears. What was that? A clicking? No, a creaking. Was someone from a nearby ship loading up? Or maybe someone was moving the crates? He looked around curiously, all the while wondering why he even cared. He had always been a curious boy, that's how he'd learned so much, perhaps that was it. But still, it wasn't an uncommon sound, why should he care? He never had before.
"Is someone out there?" He wondered aloud, and he could have kicked himself for it. There were pirates out there looking for him and here he was sitting alone in the docking bay calling out to God knows who and not even considering the fact that it might be an enemy. What was he thinking? He really hadn't been thinking clearly. Claustrophobia or not, he was much safer onboard the Outlaw Star.
He was off the crate in a second, ignoring his thoughts of warning completely and peering curiously around to see just what was going on. 'Run, Jim! Get out of here!' His mind was screaming, begging, he knew he should have listened. But he didn't. He couldn't. Why? Did he really love danger that much? Did he really love the prospect of being killed or captured? Was Gene really rubbing off on him that much? Or was he just going crazy? Why couldn't he just run? He should run! But he didn't. Why couldn't he?
Jim could hear himself gasp as a near by crate fell on it's side breaking him out of his thoughts as he winced at the unwelcome sound. He shook his head uneasily as he turned away from the scene. Time to get going. He'd have to be crazy to stay there any longer. And so he was on his way, back to the Outlaw Star, back to safety, back to his friends, 'There's safty in numbers' but still glancing back in everlasting curiousity as he walked. A bad I idea, he realized rather quickly, wishing all to hard that he'd been paying more attention to where he was going as his eye's grew wide at the sight of the heavy set man he'd just collided with.
'Dammit!" He cursed himself, fully aware of the danger he was in now. 'Dammit, Jim! What the hell were you thinking?'
"Ah, there you are boy." The man said with an ominous grin as he grabed the young blond roughly by the arm. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
'Dammit!' He cursed himself again. He was so scared right now, he could feel himself shaking with fear in the mans strong grip. How could he have let this happen? He couldn't go back with this man! He couldn't go back to that life. He had to stop this. Had to get help. 'Gene' He thought fervently. Gene could help him. Gene could save him. He had to! 'He will!' "Gene! Help me!" His screams could be heard through out the night air. "Please...!"
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Gene Starwind Gasped in surprised as his eye's shot open and his ears were filled with the screams of his young friend. "Jim!" He shouted back through their communicator. "Jim, where are you? What's happened?" His cries were desperate, but no avail, he realized as the only reply he received was that of the crud unwelcome sound radio static now ringing through his ears.
"Gene, what's wrong?" Hilda was the first to stir at the sound of his screams, followed almost immediately by Melfina.
"Damn him!"
"Who?" Melfina wondered rubbing her eye's as she sat up, starring at the other worry evident in her soft amber eyes.
"Jim!" Gene exclaimed in response, jumping quickly to his feet in search of his castor. To say that Gene was upset would have been an understatment. He was furious. How could Jim have left like that? What had he been thinking?
"Gene, is everything all right?" Gilliam asked curiously as he entered the room. "I heard screaming."
Gene couldn't help but glare, his hands tightening into fists as he did. "Where is he, Gilliam?" He demanded of the small pink machine. His voice monotone and icy, and unlike that of his normal self.
"You mean Jim?" He asked, confused by his captains behavior. Gene nodded, glaring still. "He said he needed some air, and he didn't look so good so..."
"And you just let him go?" Now it was Hilda who was shouting. She wasn't much happier than Gene.
"He said he wouldn't go far." Gilliam replied simply, only now thinking of how stupid his desision had been. "Jim's a trust worthy boy, he should be okay." He hoped.
"It's not him I don't trust..." Gene trailed off, looking away in his thoughts.
"...It's the pirates." Hilda completed his sentence, a grave look upon both of their faces as the stared at one another.
"Oh no..." Melfina added as realization of just what happened rushed over her. She was on her feet in a moment as she rushed to the ships nearest window, looing out worriedly for her young friend.
"Melfina, you stay here with the ship." Gene instructed the fearful bio-android, not more than five feet away from him. "Hilda and I are going after him."
"No!" Melfina exclaimed quite suddenly, turning back to them with a frown. "No, Gene! I'm coming too!"
"No, Mel, I need you to stay here in case he comes back. Someone needs to be here." Gene practically pleaded with her. But he wasn't being entirely truthful. It was dangerous out there, he couldn't have her getting hurt. She had to stay safe.
"All right." Melfina sighed, giving in easily as she turned back to the window. "Just go then."Her tone had been almost cold but that couldn't be worried about now and they both knew it.
And so Gene simply nodded as he headed for the door, Hilda was already there and waiting, they had to go. But he couldn't help feeling bad for leaving Melfina behind. She had to stay though. If not for Jim or herself then for him. He couldn't risk her getting hurt. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself it anything should happen...
"Gene, come on!" Hilda called, snapping him out of his pensive state. She frowned knowingly at the other. He was thinking of Melfina, she was certain of it. But no, she couldn't of that now. She wouldn't. Jim needed her now. He needed them. She couldn't think of that now. "Gene." She said his name again, this time her tone was more pleading and he just nodded in response as he ran to her side.
Melfina could see them outside now, her hands pressed firmly to the glass before her as she watched them below. It was all she could do to fight back her tears as she stared on in worry. Why was this happening? Why couldn't she go? She never got to go. Why was she always left to worry like this? It wasn't fair and she hated it. "Please be careful, Gene." She whispered, her breath warm and fogging against the glass as she watched her friends disappear into the darkness. "Come back to me Gene..."
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Jim's eye's were shut tight in fear, as he fought desperately to hold back his tears. His chest was burning, rising and falling redundently as he gasped for air. Pirates never had been the brightest guys around and Jim had been lucky enough to make an escape when he kicked the unsuspecting man in the shine. And now here he was, his heart pounding, his pulse racing and his lungs heaving to the point of pain as he leaned wearily against one of the crates.
This was useless, he could only run so long, only run so far. But where? This docking bay here was like a maze, so cluttered with crates and an occational ship. Sure, he could see the Outlaw star from his current position, but actually getting back to it was a whole other story. That man was over there anyway. He knew he was trapped. He knew it was useless. Why couldn't have the faith Gene wanted him to? He neded it so badly now. Why couldn't he find it? It was usless...
"Jim?" Someone was calling his name. "Jim where are you?" 'Gene!' Oh God, it was Gene. 'I'm over here!' He screamed mentally. 'Oh God Gene, please find me!' But he couldn't say it out loud. Gene wasn't the only on looking for him. He couldn't draw attention to himself again, he just couldn't. He was trapped, cornered. It was usless. There was nothing he could do. Nothing but stand there and wait to be found. Found by Gene with any luck.
"There you are! You little brat." But apparently luck wasn't on the boys side tonight, he realized as the dark man stared coldly down at him.
"No!" He screamed at the man.He couldn't go back to that! He just couldn't! "No, I wont go! You can't make me!" His immediate reaction was to run, but he couldn't. His legs were so tired, his breathing so shallow, he simply couldn't run form the man, and the only thing he accomplished by trying was falling flat on his face.
Pain coursed through the boys small body as his ankle twisted beneath him, and he could only gasp in agony as the now laughing man pulled him roughly to his feet. "Good job, kid." He sneered at then boy in his grasp. "Thanks for making my job a little easier."
"No!" Jim cried, still trying to pull away from the other, only causing himself more pain as he did. "Gene!" He screamed in one last feeble attempt to escape. "Aniki, I'm over..."
His words were cut off abruptly by a sickening crack that made his stomache turn as he was thrown painfully into a nearby crate. And he could only pray that the sound he heard was that of the crate breaking under his weight as he felt the warm sensation of blood trickling down the back of his neck. He let the darkness overtake him willingly... He was so tired...
To be continued...
A/N: Well that's it for now. How was this one? Do I suck at action as much as I think I do? Hehe... I must to actually call all of this action. I dunno ^_~ Well, anyway, I hope this was OK, sorry it took so long, and let me know what you think about the alternate endings thing. Thanx for the reviews! and for reading! Later peeps!