Chapter 5: Reuniting the past

Dominic tiredly worked at the computer in the command room of the Izumo. The chaos from a few hours earlier had calmed down. The bridge itself was mostly empty with a few others typing away at the computer. During repair most systems had to be turned off incase some malfunction takes place. At the moment he was logging in the deaths of the KLF pilots that didn't make it out. It wasn't his favorite job, but he knew some one had to do it.

"Hey Jen." Dominic heard one of the few people in the room say. A girl quickly finished typing something and looked over.

"What?" She asked.

"Did you hear about the news? It's pretty big stuff." He said while leaning back in his seat and folding his arms. Dominic on the other hand forgot about what he was doing and put his attention on the guy. "Those two people that disappeared during the second summer of love… What theirs names… Renton Thurston and Eureka I think. Well, they just reappeared at the science facility, just randomly!" The girl let out a little gasp.

"Really? I've been following Ray Out for a while now. They were those two on the board. I heard that they disappeared along time ago…" The two talked for a while. Dominic at this point lost his attention. His eyes were wide and he found it hard to swallow the air. He flinched when he felt an arm on his shoulder.

"Something wrong Dominic?" Anemone asked from above him. He looked around trying to understand what she said. Quickly he shook his head and stood up. Anemone frowned, wondering what was going on. He walked over to the two talking.

"Do you know where they are?" Dominic asked the guy suddenly. They both looked at him in surprise.

"Ummm… who?" He asked him.

"Renton Thurston and Eureka!" He asked in annoyance. The guy flinched back. Anemone eyes went wide with surprise.

"I don't know, maybe over at the Gekko-Go." He said a little offended.

"Thank you!" With that Dominic charged out of the room. Anemone followed quickly after him. The girl and man looked at each other and decided it was finally time to get back to work. Anemone found it hard to keep up with Dominic's quick moving feet. He was determined to find them, and she couldn't blame him. With out a word they left the Izumo and started across the landing site to the Gekko-Go…

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The sound of a growling stomach broke the silence. Renton looked over at Eureka who was blushing.

"A little hungry?" He asked her with an amusing smile starting to form across his face. She gave a few short nods. Not willing to hold it in he started to laugh, and Eureka shortly started laughing herself. It felt good to be able to laugh.

"Eureka… Let's not let this get us down." He said looking at her with a smile. She looked up and returned the same smile. "And let's go get something to eat, I'm starved." Standing up he helped her to her feet and they left infirmary. They'd both been in there a long while. The cooking room wasn't too hard to find. It literally only felt like a week ago, when they were cooking for the whole crew. Once they reached the room, they scurried about trying to find something to cook and eat. It came to their surprise that most of the food boxes and cans were empty.

"They sure have become lazy with out us." Eureka said and set an empty box back in the cabinet.

"Ahhh, here we go." Renton replied back and pulled out a small box of dried pasta. "Now all we need is some sort of seasoning." They both started to look harder behind all the piles of trash. Finally Eureka pulled out a jar of unused spaghetti sauce.

"Perfect." She said and put it on top of the table next to the pasta. It took a while longer to gather the clean pans and other utensils. But not long after that they were preparing themselves a good meal. The aroma of spaghetti slowly filled the room. Renton took a deep breath and exhaled it.

"Wow Eureka, this really smells great. Take a deep whiff of air." He said and waited for her reaction. She looked at him and then back down at the food. For a second she was a little confused. But then she took a deep breath and exhaled it.

"It really does smell good!" She said with a smile across her face. They both continued cooking for a while until the food was done. Then they gathered some plates, poured the pasta, and began to eat. They were lucky enough to have it turn out just right. The flavors exhausted in their mouth perfectly. Suddenly the door burst open. A young man was hanging to the wall and taking hard breaths. He looked up and spotted the two. Both Renton and Eureka noticed that it was Dominic.

"D-Dominic?" Renton asked in his confusion. Dominic didn't seem to notice. Instead he stepped forward on his tired legs and grabbed Renton's hand. He then started to shake it a little hard.

"Finally, I can thank you…" He gasped in-between breaths. Renton frowned in confusion and looked at Eureka. When Dominic caught his breath, he then shook Eureka's hand.

"I owe a lot to the both of you." He said and stood up strait.

"For what?" Renton asked him, hoping he wouldn't be offended.

"I think that if it wasn't for you two… Anemone wouldn't be who she is now. So thank Renton Thurston, and thank you Eureka." With that he bowed. The door opened up again and Anemone stepped in with a little look of annoyance on her face. She looked over at Dominic and stomped over next to him. With a grip that could crush skulls, she picked him up by the collar.

"You couldn't wait two seconds!" She yelled into his sensitive ears. His gaze went from her to them. She followed his eyes and spotted Renton and Eureka. Instantly her grip on his collar was released and he fell against the ground.

"Eureka!" She said in joy and ran forward giving her a hug. Eureka was a little overwhelmed and confused. "Where have you two been all this time? Me and Dominic have been worried." Dominic stood up rubbing the tender bump on his head.

"Yes, I'm sure that's a question every ones wondering." They both gave a look that made Eureka and Renton feel uncomfortable.

"Well…" Renton mumbled and rubbed the back of his neck. Eureka and Renton for a moment quickly explained much of what happened.

"I see…" Dominic said with nod of acknowledgement. "And you're saying that, to you, no time has passed at all." Renton nodded. "I wonder what caused that. I can only imagine what it must feel like." Anemone stepped forward next to Eureka while Renton and Dominic conversed.

"So, how is it going between you and Renton?" She asked her from the side. Eureka looked at her and then Renton. She blushed slightly and smiled. Anemone got the picture and let out a little laugh. "I know how you feel." She said while looking at Dominic. Eureka noticed the dreamy look on her face.

"You really have changed Anemone." Eureka said. Anemone closed her eyes and nodded.

"I know… Dominic freed me. He saved me from the captivity of… Dewey… No matter how hard I hit him, or how I treated. He always gave me that friendly smile. He always helped me up, even when I was screaming for him to go away. And he was the only one that would protect me." She finished and looked at Eureka. "We're both lucky to find such big idiots that would love us no matter what we threw at them." She joked and they both laughed. Renton and Dominic broke away from their conversation and looked at the two with slight confusion. They both stopped laughing and continued talking. Renton shrugged and turned his attention back to Dominic.

"So the kids really are alright, and Maurice is in school?" Renton shook his head unable to believe it. Dominic nodded with a grin.

"Yes, his grades are keeping up well."

"Eureka will be happy to hear about that later." He shared a quick look at Anemone and Eureka talking. "So why have you been keeping up with our kids any way Dominic?" Renton curiously asked him. Dominic gave a quick shrug.

"I really thought it was the least I could do until you returned. You wouldn't believe the connections the P.O.F. can pick up." Renton nodded and leaned against the wall.

"Dominic, thank you. It's really has been strange for us so far. With the planet breaking apart, and the military splitting in two different directions. It feels good to finally hear some good news." Dominic only nodded and leaned against the wall as well.

"So… have you and Eureka kissed yet?" Dominic asked him. Renton, instead of flipping out, coughed and blushed slightly.

"What kind of question is that?... but yes we have." He admitted at last. Dominic revealed a small little smirk. For a long while the two just stared and Eureka and Anemone talk. Both of their thoughts were on the same idea.

"What are you two looking at?" Anemone spoke defiantly. Both of them shook their heads in surprise and stood up. Anemone laughed along with Eureka. Both Renton and Dominic's faces turned red.

"Oh no…. The food got cold." Eureka said in disappointment. She had turned around and was looking into the pot.

"Were you and Renton cooking?" Anemone asked and tilted her head. Eureka nodded and picked the pot up. "Awww, Dominic, we should cook together from now on." She said looking at him. He rubbed the back of his head letting out a nervous laugh.

"I don't know how to cook…" The words escaped his thoughts and out his mouth.

"That's ok, we'll learn together!" She said excitedly and moved across the room next to him. The main thought that cross his mind was looking forward to burnt meals for the next few months. Eureka had put the pot in the microwave. She pressed a few buttons and hit the start button. Something was nagged at the back of Renton's mind and it finally clicked.

"Oh shoot… Eureka, you didn't put the pot directly in the microwave did you?" He asked in a strange and nervous tone. Eureka tilted her head and nodded. "Quickly turn it off, unplug it!" He yelled and pointed at the thing frantically. Eureka turned around unsure of what to do. The inside was already starting to flip out in a colorful light show. "Never mind, every one just get down on the ground!" Every one in the room did as he said. The microwave seemed to be possessed. It started shaking and the inside was flashing violently with different colors. There was a loud bang and the thing exploded. The smell of smoke quickly filled the room. Fire safety sprinklers on the ceiling turned on and nicely soaked every one with water. Eventually the chaos stopped and Renton was the first to stand up and look at the mess. Pieces of pasta had stuck to the walls of the room. The microwave itself looked like it was forced open. Inside the pasta had covered everything. The pot had fallen to the floor, leaving a trail of spaghetti tsunami in its path.

"Wow… Think they'll throw us in the brig for this one?" Renton wondered in awe. Eureka stood up with hesitation. She looked around unsure if she really wanted to see what damage she had just done.

"I'm sorry…" She said and stood up fully. Disappointment and sadness was written all over her face. "I just ruined everything that was going on… I'm…" She found it hard to utter the words. Renton stopped to think.

"No, it wasn't your fault Eureka. Besides, it adds more variety to the room. I think this place was due for a make over." He said with a corny smile. Eureka started to laugh. Dominic stood up and quickly ran over to help Anemone. Once she was up they all looked at each other for a second. Each one was covered in spaghetti mesh.

"I like the new look Renton. It fits you quite well." Dominic said looking him up and down. Anemone couldn't hold in the laugh, and neither could Eureka.

"Well, I think we should hurry and clean this place up before Holland or some one finds out." The sound of a door opening was heard behind them. They all turned around to see Holland standing at the door way looking at them. There was no look of surprise on his face. Casually he walked forward to the sink and poured himself some water. Then with that he left the room with out a word.

"Ok… lets just get this done." Renton said slowly. He turned around and gathered a few trash bag and other things need for the cleaning. They all worked together with out much conversation. With a combined effort, they were able to finish the cleaning completely in three hours. Anemone rubbed her eyes and turned over on the couch. Dominic had fallen asleep next to her. Eureka was watching Renton while he fiddled with the Microwave.

"Gah… I don't think it can be fixed." He said and yawned. It was clearly late at night.

"I'm sorry Renton." She whispered quietly. Renton looked at her and sighed. He walked over and sat down next to her.

"It wasn't your fault. I wish I had reacted faster. A lot of people surprisingly don't know that metal and microwaves just don't go together. This is something we'll just look back on and laugh." He said in mellow excitement. Eureka smiled and leaned against him. Renton put an arm around her and smiled as well. It came to his realization that this would be a good time to tell Eureka about the kids. He was about to open his mouth to say something, but stopped when he saw Eureka had fallen asleep in his arms. The situation was all too comfortable. His eyes had became heavier and the relaxing sensation of sleep overpowered him…

"Morning." A voice entered his mind dimly. Renton opened his eyes to see Holland standing in front of him.

"What… Morning? No, it's at least twelve at night." Renton shook his head trying to wake up.

"Hmmm, no, it isn't." Holland said and turned around looking at the room. "You guys sure cleaned this place up. Though, it looks like we'll be needing a new microwave." He looked over at the thing like he didn't care much. "There might be one in storage some where." Renton looked behind him to see the couches were empty.

"Did Anemone and Dominic leave?" Renton asked him. Holland nodded and let out another yawn.

"Yes, they left just a little before I woke you two up. Any way, I just wanted to let you know that your room is no longer yours. I'm giving it to Irik." Holland said simply. Renton was about to stand up in complaint, he stopped himself, realizing that Eureka was still asleep.

"What? Then where am I going to sleep." He asked Holland.

"Eureka's room, it's empty for now. So you'll just sleep in there along with her." A look of surprise hit Renton's face.

"Wait, what, with Eureka?" He said a little exasperated. Holland raised and eyebrow.

"It's not like the beds can fit two people. Besides, you seem to be doing well enough together any way." He said looking between the two.

"What does that mean?" Holland laughed and left the room before Renton could continue. With a sigh he leaned back and looked at the ceiling.

"Renton?" Eureka mumbled in her slow waking.

"Oh, morning Eureka." He said with a small grin. Eureka looked around the room and closed her eyes again.

"Its morning already… did Anemone and Dominic leave?"

"Yeah they did." He said and stretched a free arm. She nodded and closed her eyes, being too tired to get up.

"I wonder what's going to happen today…" She wondered out loud. Renton only shook his head and yawned again. It was only a few minutes later until they decided to finally get up. There was a loud crackling bang out side. Renton frowned and moved over to the window to see what it was. The sky was covered in a black mist. Water droplets started to fall from above and hit the hard ground. They heard a few yells and saw men waving their arms to pack up the stuff and get inside.

"A storm…" Eureka said quietly beside Renton. He nodded and squinted at a few engineers scrambling to pick up their soaking papers. His head fell down and he sighed.

"Dang it… that means we wont be lifting off today. And I was really looking forward to going to Bellfrost." A sigh of disappointment fell from his lungs. Eureka started to look disappointed herself. "Oh well… we can wait a day I guess." He said cheering up quickly. The door again opened behind them. They both turned around to see Hap.

"Ahhh, Renton, Eureka, long time no see?" He walked forward to see what they were looking at. Another crackle of thunder muffled its way through the walls.

"Hap!" Renton said excitedly. Hap only grinned and walked over to the cabinets. He opened a few, looking around for something.

"Seems like we're out again, hmmm…" He said aloud to himself. The news that Renton and Eureka were back must have finally reached every one.

"Hap, where are the others? I haven't seen them around the ship." Renton asked him. Hap turned around while closing the cabinet.

"They've been mostly outside working on the wings and such. Moondoggie and Gidget are probably slacking off some where. Woz, Jobs, Stoner, and Ken-Goh?… well those guys are always hiding out doing something. Yesterday was just a busy day. And this one would have been too… except." He made a quick gesture to the window and the storm outside.

"Oh…" Renton replied and nodded. Hap nodded and started walking for the door. He stopped suddenly and turned to the two of them,

"Oh yeah, I just remembered. Holland said he wanted you guys down in the hanger." With that he left the room. Renton and Eureka quickly responded by heading out themselves to the Hanger. Once they got there they saw Holland, Irik, Ken-Goh, and Talho standing around Xellien. Holland turned around and spotted the two.

"There you guys are. we need you to move the Final Beginning. For some reason it won't respond to any of us." Renton and Eureka looked at each other. They quickly got down the stairs until they were with the rest of them.

"Welcome back Renton and Eureka." Ken-Goh quickly got out before they moved into business. They both quickly thanked him and turned their attention to Holland.

"Its pretty simple, all we want you to do is move the Final Beginning, and we're good. It's getting in the way of some of our things." He turned around and looked at Irik. "This thing can turn into the second form right?" Irik nodded in reply. "Good, then get to it." Renton and Eureka moved over to Xellien and hoped inside. It was in a strange position that made it hard to get comfortable. Renton reached over and turned the LFO on. It once again flared to life and the compac drive began to glow. Eureka was staring at the compac strangely. Renton frowned and looked between the two.

"What's wrong Eureka?" He asked her. Eureka broke her gaze from the compac and shook her head.

"I don't know… I just can't figure out what this extra metal extension is." She said pointing at a little metallic like box that extended out slightly from the compac. Renton noticed it too.

"Hmmm… I don't know. I've never seen that on a compac before. I'll ask Irik when we get this into the right position." Renton gripped the controls and pulled on them. The Xellien pulled its arm out and pushed against the ground. It then pulled its leg out and pushed off the ground, putting itself in an upright position.

"Ok, now put it into the second form!" Renton heard Holland yell. He nodded and worked with the controls. The LFO suddenly fell back and transformed into the car like form. He had the Xellien maneuvered its way to the spot where Holland told him to put it.

"Great, thanks, that's all we needed for now." Once they finished Eureka reached out and turned the Xellien off. They both stood up and stepped down from it. Renton noticed Irik writing something down in a note book.

"Hey Irik!" Renton said while walking over to him. "Eureka noticed something strange on the compact drive. There's this little metallic extension coming from it. We were wondering if you knew what it was?" Irik reacted in surprise but quickly shook his head. Renton couldn't help but find that a little strange.

"That's a new improvement on the compact drive. It enables a stronger connection to the rider and the LFO. We were hoping to use it soon sense it can only be incorporated into the Final Beginning. Don't worry about it, it won't cause any trouble." He said and walked away with out another word.

"That was strange…" Eureka said. Renton nodded in agreement.

"Great job you two, how did it feel to be back in a LFO?" They both shifted their attention to Talho walking towards them. She stopped shortly and waited for a reply.

"It feels pretty good." Renton said and noticed she wasn't carrying the baby with her.

"The child is very energetic. He's happy to be awake. Though, he wants to go outside and move around more." Eureka said in her own gentle excitement. Talho laughed and shook her head. "Where is your baby?" Eureka asked her out of curiosity.

"He's asleep in mine and Hollands room." Renton noticed that when ever she spoke, there was this gentle and motherly nature all about her. She really was a different person then when he first met her…

"Renton…Eureka?" A voice of confusion came from behind them. The two turned around to see four people completely soaked. Each one was holding a wave board. Renton instantly recognized the one who spoke. It was Moondoggie with Gidget. Behind them were Matthieu and Hilda.

"Oni-san?" Renton said excitedly and ran forward. Eureka followed quickly behind.

"Eureka!" Gidget excitedly expressed and ran to her. For a while they just talked about everything that had happened to them. Telling them what they told Holland.

"Wow, that's an amazing story." Moondoggie said with amazement. Renton nodded in agreement.

"I don't know Doggie, your fall was pretty exciting." Matthieu snickered and pointed at the bruise on his forehead. Moondoggie didn't hide his growing frustration.

"Why, what happened?" Renton asked with mischievous curiosity.

"Well, when it started to rain, we couldn't really keep on our boards. Moondoggie tried to impress Gidget so he stayed on and tried doing a loop in the air." Matthieu stopped to hold in his incoming laugh. "To say the least, it didn't turn out as he planned. Instead he fell to the ground with a look that I wish Stoner had been around to take." Matthieu started laugh along with Renton. Moondoggie looked away from them and closed his eyes in hurt frustration. Eureka, Hilda, Gidget, and Talho on the other hand were talking on other various subjects.

"Sooo… did you kiss him?" Gidget said poking Eureka in the cheek. She blushed and looked at the ground.

"Why is that the first thing every one asks?" Eureka replied.

"Don't avoid the question!" Hilda snickered at her. Eureka didn't respond immediately, but eventually she nodded.

"Awww." Gidget excitedly cried out. Hilda and Talho only laughed at Eureka's innocence. After some time had passed they all went to eat dinner. The microwave was still broken. Eureka explained her mistake to the others and what had happened. She felt guilty, thinking that they might be mad. But they only laughed at her mistake. They all managed to find food to cook and prepare. After that they conversed a little more until the time came to sleep. Eureka slept in her usual bed while Renton slept on the upper bunk.

"Renton?" Eureka asked suddenly. They had been lying in their beds for a while. Renton turned over on the top bunk.

"Yeah?" He replied from above.

"Oh… I was just wondering if you were still awake." She said and went silent. Renton wasn't sure he quite believed her.

"Eureka… are you ok?" He asked her in the silence. There was no reply for a long time.

"Yes… I just want to know what's next. But that's something we will have to wait for." She said from bellow him. Renton wasn't quite sure how to reply. Now that he thought about it, they had just gotten themselves into a war. But that wasn't something he wanted to think about at the moment.

"Good night Eureka." He closed his eyes and let the power of sleep overcome him.

"Good night." She said softly and fell asleep herself.