CHAPTER 27- Giving Up

I looked at them helplessly, angry. I was angry at them, but more so, I was angry at myself. I had my duty, and I failed them. Tears formed in my eyes, and I did not stop them this time.

"Ecco…? Is everything…alright?" Kimmy asked, kneeling next to me, placing her hand softly on my shoulder.

"They… they do not wish my help… I…failed them." I rose to my feet weakly, and Kimmy stood up next to me. I looked at Tobias and Amy. They looked at me, the doubtful, sneering looks of before, now faded into concern and pity. "…I wish to leave this place. There is nothing more I can do here." I said simply, keeping my eyes cast downward.

"…alright." Tobias said quietly. "but… first I need to make one quick stop. You guys head out to the car to wait for me."

"Where ya gonna go Tobias?" Kimmy asked. She still had her hand placed upon my shoulder, yet I did not complain. It was a small comfort I suppose.

"I have to check Skimmer, she's still not eating."

"...Skimmer?" I asked quietly.

"..yea. That's the name of our erm…" he seemed reluctant to say. I shot a glare at him. "uhm… Our young dolphin." He finished. I snapped my head up suddenly.

"You mean you have more dolphins here?!"

"Well… one. Now." He rubbed the back of his neck. "See, the whole reason the aquarium caught those dolphins was because all we had left is Skimmer, and well she's gotten so reclusive that the customers aren't happy. So they brought in those four to try to cheer her up, and put on better shows. Thing is, she won't go near them, and it's been two weeks since she's had a full meal. If she doesn't start eating or performing soon well... the aquarium might… you know."

"That's awful!" Amy snapped. "They can't do that!"

"Yes, they can. She's their property." Tobias replied.

"…hey…" Kimmy said, and then gently squeezed my shoulder. "Ecco can help!"

"…I can…?" I looked at her.

"He can talk to her, see what's wrong! Maybe he can help her feel better!" Kimmy said excitedly. I looked at her, and lowered my head.

"Kimmy…" Tobias said sternly. "Something tells me he doesn't want to deal with more dolphins right now…

"And why not?" Amy piped up, looking giving me a stern look. I looked up weakly.

"I cannot help… I have already failed my pod members…" I muttered.

"So?" Amy crossed her arms. "So you're gonna quit. After all THAT and you're gonna quit!? I thought you said it was your duty to help dolphins hmm? If you can't help them, at least help ONE! Don't you understand Ecco? What will happen to that little dolphin if you don't?" I shook my head weakly.

"They going to kill her Ecco. An animal that won't perform or make money is useless, and will be disposed of." Tobias said flatly.

"That can't do that!" I snapped.

"Yes, they can." He replied simply.

Kill a child..? They would..? NO! I cannot allow it! But… but I have already failed once…I cannot fail again…I cannot… "I am sorry… but I cannot help…" I hung my head once more.  Suddenly, Kimmy slapped me in the face. My head snapped back at the hit. I raised my hand to touch my face where she hit me. "Why by the almighty did you do that?!"

"Because you NEEDED it Ecco! Snap outa it! You saved that little girls LIFE Ecco! Something that was totally impossible, yet YOU did it! You have fought all this way and for what? NOW you're gonna QUIT?! That little girl needed you Ecco, and now this little dolphin does too! You can't just quit because of one roadblock, you have to keep fighting! No one is perfect, everyone has bad days. You said it was your duty to help and protect, so do your duty!" Her cold expression softened, and I looked in her eyes.

"You… are right. I apologize." I sighed, and mentally slapped myself. "You are absolutely right, and I thank you. I needed that.

"You GO girl." Amy snickered. "I have never seen you hit someone!"

"Yes… well…" Kimmy's face turned red. "He did kinda deserve it. But since he's so cute I'll let him go." She poked me in the stomach, and I looked at her oddly. Tobias rolled his eyes once more and shook his head, chuckling.

"So, are we going to go, or not?"

"Yes. I wish to meet the young fin. Take me to her." I stated, straightening my posture. I glanced at Kimmy as we began to walk again. I had to smirk.

Human, you are the first to strike like that… I deserved it for being so blind. Thank you.