Chapter 8: Spiraling Hopes
'Another day gone away.' Renton thought to himself as he scrubbed a dirty plate. He was inside the kitchen, along with Eureka. The two stood there alone, cleaning up the dishes after a short crew meal. Eureka looked over at him and tilted her head. She noticed a strange look on his face, one she didn't recognize at first.
"Renton, are you alright?" She asked him, his head suddenly twisted in surprise. Eureka frowned in confusion.
"S-Sorry, I was just think about the last few days, that's all." He said with a smile and waved his hand, shoeing the thought away. Eureka noticed that ever sense the command center, Renton had been acting strange. As if hiding something from her, but he wouldn't admit it. She nodded and continued scrubbing the dishes.
"Holland said that they might repaint the Xellien today. He wanted to know what colors we'd like." Eureka said, trying to spark a conversion. Renton looked at Eureka with a little excitement. She smiled, finally seeing him lively again.
"Really? Man, that'd be great!" His hand started to move faster in scrubbing the plate. "What would you like the colors to be?" Renton asked her from the side. Eureka looked up at the ceiling and thought about it for a second.
"I don't know… maybe red and white like the Nirvash?" Eureka suggested the idea to him. He looked at her and thought about it for a second. Right now the Xellien was pretty plain in color, only having its grey tinted metal to expose.
"I don't know, what else could we do? Maybe its time for a little change?" Renton said, looking at Eureka. She nodded and looked him in the eyes. Her own eyes went wide slightly and she looked back out the window, an idea striking her.
"How about blue and white?" She asked him excitedly. Renton thought about it for a second, trying to think of how the Xellien would look in the color variation. He liked the idea and nodded his head.
"I like it, but why blue?" He asked her curiously. She paused for a second and blushed.
"Because your eyes are blue." She said a little shyly. Renton blushed as well and smiled. He reached out and took her hand. The two stood there until the door to the kitchen slid open. Moondoggie stepped in and looked at the two mischievously. They both looked over at him.
"Sorry, am I interrupting something?" Moondoggie asked teasingly and with a playful smirk. Renton rolled his eyes.
"What do you want?" Renton asked him a little impatiently. Not really wanting his teasing at the moment.
"Oh, I'm looking for Matthieu, I thought he might be in here. To bad Stoner isn't here, it would have been a nice picture." Moondoggie sighed and shook his head. He then stepped out of the room casually, as if nothing awkward happened. Renton turned to see Eureka laughing.
"Come on, let's head back to the room. I want to grab something before we check up on the Xellien." Eureka nodded and they both quickly finished off the dishes. They then headed back to room quickly and grabbing some cleaning things. Life seemed a little normal for a second, but Eureka felt as if her room was a little empty.
"Renton…" Eureka asked, breaking the muffled silence. Renton looked up at her.
"Hmm?" Eureka looked away and then back at him. She sat down on the bed, looking a little uncomfortable about something. Renton dropped what he was doing and sat down next to her.
"You think their alright?" Eureka asked looking at him with saddened eyes. Renton knew she was talking about the kids. He looked away and thought about it for a second. Quickly he turned his head back and smiled at her.
"I know they are Eureka. As long as Maurice is there, then all of them will be safe!" He said trying to cheer her up. Eureka smiled a little, seeing what Renton was attempting.
"Thank you Renton, I'm sorry." She let out a small smile. Renton frowned not really understanding why she would be apologizing. "I didn't mean to ruin our happiness." Slowly she looked down at the ground in disappointment. Renton reached around and gave her a tight hug. At first Eureka was surprised, but then she smiled in relief. Renton understood her, always lending the strength she needed. He pulled away softly, smiling at her with kindness and understanding.
"Eureka, I-" He paused for a second looking around in sudden confusion. His eyes quickly diverted to his left arm. Eureka tilted her head in confusion.
"Renton?" She asked him with no response. Suddenly he stood up and looked down at his left arm in horror. Eureka realized something was wrong. "Renton, what is it?" She asked him urgently, following his gaze down to his arm. He looked up at her in distress and he fell to the ground. Eureka stood up from the bed, quickly rushing over to his side. His right arm shot out gripping his left tightly.
"It hurts." He almost yelled, but barely held it in. Eureka didn't know what to do. She quickly stood up.
"Renton stay here, I'm going to get Mischa!" She turned and ran out the door. Her eyes darted about, searching for anyone. Finally she reached infirmary where she charged through the door while it was still sliding open. She looked about the whole room, not seeing Mischa anywhere. Turning around she headed out the door and ran down the hall once again. This time she stopped at the lounge and ran inside. There she found two people sipping coffee. Both Mischa and Holland looked up in surprise. Holland stood up immediately seeing Eureka's distressed expression.
"Eureka what's wrong?" He asked her quickly. Eureka felt the tears building in her eyes building. Mischa stood up as well, setting down the coffee.
"It's Renton, s-some things wrong." She said in a quivering voice. Holland noticed that Renton wasn't with her. Mischa stepped forward, heading for the door.
"Where is he?" She asked Eureka who was quickly following her.
"He's in our room." Mischa nodded and the three of them headed out to the door. They quickly rushed to the room, seeing that Renton was passed out on the floor. His cheeks were flushed and he didn't make a move when they came in, but his eyes opened weakly. He took a deep breath and started to pick himself up from the ground. Slowly he made it to his feet, but his legs went wobbly and he fell down. Holland rushed forward and caught him before it could happen.
"Hold on there Renton." He said helping him to his feet.
"I…" He stopped to take a few breaths, as if talking was a strained effort. "I'm fine, just a little tired." Eureka looked at him not believing the words he spoke. Holland turned his head at Mischa who quickly nodded.
"Could it be a fever?" Holland asked with seriousness. Mischa looked at Renton for a second.
"I'm not sure, how long has he been like this Eureka?" Eureka looked at him and then Mischa.
"I don't know, he was just fine. Then he said his arm was hurting, and I came for you guys." Mischa looked at her in surprise.
"We need to get him to the Infirmary quickly. I don't think this is a fever." Holland nodded and picked Renton up who struggled weakly.
"I said I'm fine…" He grumbled with a barely understandable voice. Holland headed out the door, Eureka and Mischa quickly following behind. They reached the infirmary and Holland set Renton down one of the bed.
"Take off his jacket and pull up his left sleeve." Mischa ordered Holland who quickly complied with out order. Once he pulled off the jacket he reached down to pull up his left sleep to reveal a disturbing sight. Holland flinched back in surprise and disgust. Renton's left arm had five little bumps that were swollen. They were slightly moist, and each had a little scab, as if it had been cut there before.
"What in the world?" Holland said looking at the arm. Mischa stood up and reached down with a little tweezers. She scooped up some of the slime and took it over to her desk.
"What's wrong with Renton?" Eureka asked worriedly and stepping up to see what was wrong. She saw his arm and gasped at the mutilated sight. The memory hit her from way back to where they were on earth alone. Renton had punctured his arm with a rock. He had tried to show that they were the same, that he had loved her. "Renton…" She muttered quietly, unable to express any more words. Mischa turned to Holland and made a short nod at Eureka. He understood and put a hand on Eureka's shoulder.
"Eureka, Mischa needs time to figure things out. She won't be able to help him with the distraction of people. Come on, let's step out." Eureka didn't want to leave, but Holland's hand was firm and reassuring. So she followed him out the door.
"Impossible, it was so long ago, he never said anything." She whispered, looking back at the door and then back at Holland. At the comment he looked over at her in surprise.
"Eureka, did something happen?" Holland asked her. Quickly she looked up at him and then back down at the ground.
"It's just… back when we were inside the planet. Something happened and his arm got hurt. He got a really bad fever, but it cleared up the next day. I knew his wounds hadn't healed, but he never said a word." Eureka looked back the door, wanting to know what was happening on the other side. Holland looked down at the ground, thinking to himself.
"I see…" He leaned against the wall and sat down. His mind was deep in thought, and neither spoke more.
Some time had passed, Eureka was still standing at the door, waiting. Holland was looking up at her, knowing what was obviously on her mind. Pity was filling his stomach. Eureka and Renton were already dealing with enough trouble, but he knew there wasn't much he could do.
"Eureka, maybe yo-" He stopped when the door slid open. Holland quickly stood up to see Mischa looking at a pad with worried eyes.
"I was afraid of this, its no way near a fever." Mischa eyes were scrolling across the pad. Holland stepped forward looking her strait in the eyes.
"Mischa, what is Renton's condition?" Holland's face was calm, yet it revealed a wave of importance.
"Renton had been asking me for some antiseptics. He said that he got a small cut and need it for his left arm. I gave him some simple stuff to use. But what happened to his arm was not a simple cut." She paused for a second, turning around, looking into the room. Taking a deep breath in, she let out a sigh. Eureka looked up at her and then tried to see Renton. "Well, he has a really bad bacteria infection. Usually these kinds of things could be easily removed… but… this is different. This is a rare bacterial infection that I haven't seen in a long time. It can only thrive when the body is at its weakest moment. One reason it's hard to catch it is because even when it can start multiplying, it's easy to get rid of. All you need is a special antiseptic that'll neutralize the bacteria. The fact that it was able to even get this far is surprising, usually it dies out. Now that it's this far into the infection… we really need that antiseptic, and we need it quickly." Eureka nodded and wiped away the tears from her face.
"But why didn't Renton tell me?" Eureka asked looking at Mischa and Holland who didn't share the same glance at her.
"Eureka, when I was giving him the antiseptic. He asked me not to tell you about it. He didn't want you to worry about it. Even it was a little problem. Though I'm afraid it's a lot bigger." Mischa finished and Eureka went into a surprising calm. She reached up and wiped the tears of her moist cheeks.
"Where in the storage would they be?" Eureka asked her. Mischa shook her head.
"That's the thing, we don't have any." Eureka's eyes went a little wide in worried surprise. "But there is two P.O.F. facilities that are close enough for us to reach soon." Holland stepped forward and nodded in his silent decision.
"Perfect, then me and Matthieu will-" He stopped when Eureka turned around and gave him a look of determination. But it was just that, there was something in her eyes. A hope and strength that told him she needed to do this. "Or me and Eureka will go to the facilities and check it out." He said slowly, not sure his decision was made. Eureka gave him a smile of gratitude, and she turned back to Mischa.
"May I see him?" She asked her hopefully. Mischa paused for a second. She looked back into the room and then back at Eureka. A small smile formed across her face and she nodded. Eureka walked passed her into the room. She moved in slowly, not being really sure she was prepared for what she would see. When her eyes fell on Renton, the first thing she noticed was his arm. It was swollen with a couple of bumps. She quickly moved next to him and looked at it carefully. His arm didn't disgust her, but instead she wanted to reach out and care for it, to take Renton's pains away.
"Eureka?" She heard a soft and weak voice come from Renton. She turned her head in surprise, but then she smiled at him. A look of confusion was covering his face. "Where am I?" He asked trying to look around.
"In the infirmary." She said with her soft smile. He frowned in his confusion and then noticed his arm was exposed. His expression went from confusion to surprised irritation. Suddenly he attempted to sit up, but Eureka quickly stopped him.
"I don't need to be here, I'm fine." Renton said trying to get up, but was too weak to do so. She pushed him back down gently.
"Renton, please don't… I know what happened." She spoke with a soft and careful voice. Renton looked up at her and then away. A wave of guilt spread across his face. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked him, wanting to know the truth from him. He wouldn't make eye contact, but only diverted his eyes to some where else in the room.
"I…I didn't want you to worry. You were already pressured with so many other things. It wouldn't be fair. I didn't want you to worry about the kids and me too." He finished, not really knowing what else to say. Eureka looked down at him and smiled. She then reached her head down and their foreheads came together gently. She looked directly into his eyes, and he looked back up into hers. When he saw her warm smile his guilt suddenly washed away.
"Thank you Renton, but I want to protect you too." She said softly, the very words calming him. He smiled and closed his eyes, letting his body finally rest. It surprised her at how fast he had fallen asleep. She drew back, placing her hand against her forehead. Her smile faded as her eyes filled with sadness. His head had been so warm… For a few more moments she gazed at him, deep in thought. Then she stood up, wiping away the expression of worry. She walked pass Mischa and headed out the door. But she stopped when a firm hand gripped her shoulder firmly. Turning around she saw Mischa looking at the ground. Slowly Mischa looked up at her, a serious expression across her face.
"Eureka… you have a right to know the truth." Mischa spoke to her with a professional tone. But there was still a hint of friendship and understanding in it. "Renton's infection isn't simple, it's dangerous. The bacteria has formed in the weakest part of his body, in other words, the bumps you saw. You see, his body is working extremely hard to fight against the bacteria, but its not working. Hence why he is so weak right now. Look Eureka… the bacteria is strongest in his arm, and that's where it's multiplying. If you don't get back in time, I will have to sever his arm." Mischa waited for Eureka's reaction. Eureka looked up at Mischa in surprise and looked down at the ground as if searching for something, an answer that wouldn't be given. But then for a few seconds she stopped, just looking at the ground. When she looked back up, the worry, stress, sadness, and everything was gone from her face. But instead it was replaced with determination and confidence.
"I understand… I need to be strong for him." She said and turned around, walking down the hall. Mischa looked at her walking away and then she smiled and shook her head.
"An amazing couple they are." She turned her head back to Renton who was fast asleep. A sigh drifted from her lips and the smile drifted away. "But I'm afraid times running out." With that the door slid closed.
Eureka was in the Xellien, while Holland was in the 606. Eureka waited patiently, but an anxious feeling to leave was burning in her stomach.
"This is Holland, the 606 and Final Beginning are launching from the ship. Open the catapult." There was a short pause until Talho's voice came over the comm..
"Holland, you're leaving the ship, under what circumstances?" Talho asked, her confusion being very evident.
"Yes, we'll return in a few hours. In the mean time just loop around, we don't want to loose you." He responded and the comm. and shut off. He hadn't answered the question, but at the moment it seemed irrelevant. The time they had was short. The catapult opened up slowly, letting the light from the outside spill in. Eureka squinted for a brief moment until her eyes adjusted.
"Xellien prepped and launching." She spoke into the comm. Her fingers quickly poked at a few buttons. Electrical bolts swerved around the wheels and the Xellien was rushed forward. It shot out and quickly halted as it caught onto the faded waves. Right behind it came the 606.
"Ok Eureka, here's the deal." There was a short pause until her screen turned on, revealing a map. "You'll be heading there." The map zoomed in on a point, and a small red dot blinked in the middle. "I'll be heading else where. When you get the medicine, immediately head back to the Gekko-Go." Eureka nodded and reached across turning on the comm..
"Understood, see you soon." She finished and gripped the controls. Her eyes quickly darted at the unoccupied seat next to her. It felt a lot emptier inside with out Renton. She shook her head, removing the feeling from her thoughts. The Xellien soared away, off to the place it was need. Holland waited a few moments, looking at it, but he turned his attention back to his own objective. Pulling back on the controls, the 606 dipped down sailing of into the opposite direction. It was only thirty minutes later until he saw a small building in the distance.
"Perfect." Holland said, his hopes starting to build inside him. The 606 pointed down and sailed towards the ground. It did a few swirls in the air until it came to a short stop and it landed on the ground. A few people around the building looked up in surprise. A hiss of air shot out as the cockpit opened and Holland quickly hopped out. Some of the people shook their heads and walked away. He noticed one was wearing a medical uniform. Holland stopped the man before he could get away.
"Stop, I need a special Antiseptic." Holland spoke quickly with out explanation. The man looked at Holland in surprise and confusion.
"Ummm… what kind?" The man replied slowly, finding the situation just a little strange.
"It's called Rinium A, do you have any of that?" Holland spoke with absolute urgency, just getting right to the point. Though the man didn't respond at first. He seemed to be thinking about it.
"Oh yes, I remember it now. That stuff really isn't in high demand. I'm not sure, you'll have to check with the manager of this medical building." Holland rolled his eyes in irritation.
"Fine, where can I find him?" He asked.
"Easily at his office. You can find it on the second floor, room eighty." Holland sighed in relief and quickly shot off with out even thanking the man. He ran into the building and turned around the corner. His eyes shot about, looking for some way to reach the upper levels. Finally he spotted an elevator. A few people looked him strangely. He ignored them as he ran to the elevator and pressed the button ten times. Incase the first time didn't work. It opened at last and he rushed inside. One man looked back curiously and shrugged his shoulders. The door closed and the elevator slowly took him to the top. His foot tapped against the hard ground. When the door opened he rushed out into the hall.
"Good… now if I can just find the room." He said quietly to himself. Slowly he carried himself across the hall. Finally his eyes hit the number eighty above a door. With a smirk of satisfaction, he rushed over and opened the door. He entered a room which was strangely organized. It was covered with wooden furniture. But the pristine setting didn't distract him. Instead he walked forward to an elderly man who was sitting in his over sized chair. The older man looked up from a paper and shared his attention to Holland.
"May I help you?" He asked in a weary voice.
"Yes, I need a special antiseptic called Rinium A." This time Holland spoke politely. The elder man nodded and stood up. He moved over to a small cabinet. Opening it, he pulled out a small little vile. Carefully the elderly man examined and nodded.
"I see… we're out." He told Holland simply. Holland wasn't happy with the results, but he kept his cool.
"Dang it… I really need it. Do you know where I can get some?" The elderly man frowned as he pondered the question.
"There is another medical building that is pretty close to here. An hour or so away, I believe they would have some. They borrowed an amount from us some a long time ago. There was a strange out break of a rare bacteria in the water system. I doubt that they used all of it." The Holland smiled in quick release.
"That's perfect!" He quickly stated and rushed out the door. The elderly man frowned in confusion. Then with a short shrug the man sat down and began to look his paper over.
---
Eureka had reached her destination not to long after Holland reached his. She felt the hope in her stomach building.
"It has to be here." She whispered to herself. Swiftly she made her way to the medical building. Inside she looked around, not sure where to start. A man that was walking by noticed her and stopped. He couldn't help but find the wings on her back strange. But it suddenly hit him on who it was.
"Eureka? Aren't you that girl from Ray Out?" The man asked her suddenly. She turned around not expecting some one to speak to her.
"What… ummm, yes I am?" She said slowly.
"What can I help you with?" He asked her with a kind smile. Eureka relaxed, this man seemed to be friendly and trust worthy.
"I'm looking for a special antiseptic called Rinium A." He perked up slightly and genuinely smiled.
"You're in luck, we asked for a supply of that just a month ago. I'm pretty sure we have some left, just come with me." The man turned around and led Eureka through the building. The two walked for a while until the man turned into a door. She followed behind quickly, not being satisfied until she had it in her hands. The gentleman stopped in front of a row of boxes. He looked at each one curiously, until his eye caught one. A smile shot across his face and he reached for it. Carefully he pulled it down and opened it up. Eureka felt her heart sink, inside was rows and rows of empty vials. The man didn't give up though. Instead he picked them up one at a time. Finally he stopped and pulled out a small vial filled to the brim with a clear liquid. Eureka suddenly felt the sinking feeling rise again.
"Is that it?" She asked both excitedly and hopefully. The man looked back at her expression and he laughed.
"Yes, as a matter of fact." He held the vial down to her. Eureka took it and held it closely. Then something hit her realization.
"I… I don't have any money." She said looking up at him with an expression of worry. The man looked around and then back at her with a playful smile.
"Don't worry, a doctors duty is to help another. No matter what the circumstances are." Eureka felt herself lift up. The man was truly sharing his generosity.
"Thank you so much." She said and shortly bowed. The man shook his head quickly and raised his hands.
"No worries, when ever you need help. You can always come to me. My name L-" He was cut off when everything around them began to shake. There were a few loud explosions, followed by a hideous laughter that caused Eureka to shudder. Everything stopped, a short silence filling everything around them. Eureka looked up at the gentleman who helped her.
"What was that?" She asked him quietly. He didn't look down at her. His eyes were on the door. His face turned serious with concern.
"Bandits…" He muttered and gripped his fist in anger.
---
The 606 glided through the air, the Gekko-Go was in clear sites. Holland reached across the controls and pressed down on a small button.
"This is the 606 reporting back to the Gekko-Go. Has the Final Beginning returned yet?" Holland asked.
"The Final Beginning has yet to return. What did you guys go and do?" The sound of Talho's voice replied. Holland frowned in slight surprise.
"She should have returned by now." Holland thought aloud.
"Sorry Holland, didn't catch that last part. What did you say?" Holland looked down at the speaker and then out the window.
"Keep circling, I'm going to head over to where Eureka went." It sounded like Talho was about to say something. But he reached across and shut it off before he could tell. Quickly he mounted his hands on the controls and swerved it to the right.
---
"You should get out of here quickly." The man spoke to Eureka. He ran over to the door and opened it slowly. Carefully he peeked his head outside.
"Bandits? Around these parts…" Eureka stepped forward next to him.
"Yes, they've been invading us for a long time now. It usually happens in intervals, and they always take a shipment of something we really need. I suggest you take that antiseptic and get out of here." Turning around he headed to the back of the small storage room. He moved a few boxes aside and pulled out a smaller one. When he opened It Eureka saw that there were a few guns inside. Gently he reached in and pulled one out.
"My hands weren't made to kill." She heard him barely whisper. Slowly he stood up but his eyes were still on the gun. The man stood there for a few more seconds in thought. Then he shifted his gaze to Eureka, who was standing and waiting. A smile slipped across his face and he gripped the gun. "But they were made to protect." He reached down once again, grabbing a few more guns. Then he walked over to Eureka and handed her one.
"I imagine you know how to use it." He said and walked passed her. Eureka looked back in surprise, wondering how exactly he meant that. The two left out the door and moved down the halls cautiously. As they moved, Eureka spotted a window. She peered out to see the sun had gone down a good ways.
"No…" She muttered to herself and gripped the gun tighter. The man stopped and looked around the corner.
"Good, we should be ok. There's an emergency exit just right there. Now just tur-"
"Doctor Lendin?" A rough voice interrupted them. The man turned around looking back in confusion. Behind Eureka and the doctor was a tall and gruff looking man.
'Docter Lendin…' She thought to herself. The name sounded so familiar, but apparently it was the man standing next to her.
"What did you come here for this time?" Lendin spoke with subtle annoyance.
"Surprisingly we're not here to steal your stuff, but rather steal you." The man took a few threatening steps forward. But Lendin was quicker, his hand swiftly pulled up holding the gun. The other man took a step back in surprise.
"Figures you'd finally give away your true self." The other man started to laugh awkwardly. Eureka was utterly confused at the whole situation. But Lendin looked at the man with absolute importance.
"How much did they pay you, or how much did they say they would pay you?" Linden smirked at the last sentence. The man stopped laughing and grumbled at him.
"More then you were ever paid." The man suddenly rushed forward, but Lindin was already pulling the trigger. The man fell to the ground, screaming in pain.
"I'm sure…" Lindin shook his head and looked down at the gun.
"Where did you hit him?" Eureka asked, looking down at the man. She almost felt sorry for him.
"Mehh, just the left knee. It'll leave him immobilized, but it won't kill him." He said with a cheery smile. "Come on, we got to get on the move." He pointed down the hall and started moving. Eureka nodded and followed after him. They moved around the corner and headed out the emergency exit. When the doors opened a flood of bright light filled in. They stepped out into the outside. Everything around them was silent and calm.
"Ok, this way." He said turning and starting to walk away. Eureka didn't follow, she looked the opposite direction. When this caught his attention he stopped and turned around in confusion. She looked back and shook her head.
"Thank you, but I can't go with you. I have something I have to do for some one I really care for." The man tilted his head at what he said. A smile slipped across his face and he nodded.
"Very well then, I'll just have to escort you then." He said and stepped forward, motioning her to lead the way. Eureka shared a smile of gratitude before they headed down the other direction. Once they turned around the building they spotted the Xellien. Eureka perked her head up in confusion. Lindin looked down at her and curiously frowned.
"What is it?" He asked, Eureka oddly started running for the Xellien.
"Some things wrong." She said and continued to run. Lindin shrugged and followed after her.
"Well, do-" He was cut off by the sound of a loud explosion. Eureka turned around to see a rain of debris shoot at them. One hit Eureka, slamming her against the ground. She felt an onslaught of tinier rocks hit her. It finally stopped and Eureka opened her eyes slowly. The large piece on top of her wouldn't budge.
"Dangit… I didn't want to kill him." A gruff and high pitch voice came over a crackly comm.. Eureka moved her head to see a black 606 step forward. It had emerged from a large whole in the building. It was holding a massive gun with a steaming tip.
"Dead?" Eureka whispered and looked around. She turned her head to the right to a see something she wish she hadn't. A large piece of rubble lay on top of Lindin. His eyes were gazing at the never ending sky, lifeless, and never blinking. A strange smile was across his face, one that Eureka couldn't bare to witness. She turned away and felt the warm tears stream down her face. "No…" She whispered.
"What do we have here?" The same voice exclaimed mischievously. Eureka's eyes went wide open. She looked up at the 606 which was gazing back down at her.
"Well, if it isn't that girl from Ray Out? Heh… I bet I'd get big points for kill you." A whimpering laugh slurred through the comm.. A shiver flew down Eureka's spine. The 606 slowly lifted its gun, and the tip of the gun stopped on Eureka. She gazed into the dark hole. Only seeing darkness and pain.
"Pl..Pl…ea…" She couldn't get the words out. She gripped the antiseptic tighter and closed her eyes. A loud bang thrashed at the air which was quickly followed by gnashing metal. Eureka opened her eyes in surprise and looked over to see what was happening.
The black 606 was now fighting an orange 606. "Holland?" Hope was starting to fill her again. The two 606's fought with each other. Occasionally one landed a hit on the other.
"Who the heck are you?" The black 606 yelled. There came no response from the orange one. Instead it reached under and lifted the enemy 606 up. It then twisted it around and slammed it against the ground with incredible fury. Only a few seconds later the orange cockpit slid open and Holland jumped out.
"Eureka, are you alright!" He yelled and ran down towards her. It only took a few seconds for him to reach under and slide the rubble away. His eyes darted around, checking for any serious injuries. "Well?" He asked and looked at her. Eureka didn't respond immediately. Instead she lifted her hand and looked at it. A wave of relief flushed over her when she still saw the vial in her hand. Some how feeling it wasn't enough. She smiled and looked up at him.
"Yes, I am." Holland shook his head and helped her up.
"We need to hurry." Eureka nodded and started for the Xellien.
"You Idiots." A voice crackled behind them. Holland looked around to see a large gun pointing at them. Turning around, he quickly dashed forward and knocked Eureka to the ground. Just a few seconds later there was a ringing explosion. Shrapnel shot out, sending a few scrapes across Holland's back. It only lasted a few seconds until it was all over. Holland stood up and felt his scarred back.
"Dangit… what a pitiful last tactic. Killing him self for the sake of revenge." Holland turned around to see Eureka searching the ground for something. Confused, he stepped forward to see what she was looking at.
"Eure-" He stopped when she did. Lying on the ground was their last chance for Renton. The vial was shattered, its pieces scattered about in a small area.
"No… please no…" She whispered to herself. Holland looked away, not knowing what to say. Eureka suddenly stood up and started for the Xellien. He looked up and wondered what in the world she was doing. It suddenly clicked and he rushed forward to stop her.
"You're not going to the third hospital. There's no way to you'll get it and make it back in time." Eureka only struggled to get out of his grip.
"No… I need to get it for him!" She almost yelled.
"No, he needs you by his side!" Holland yelled and Eureka froze. The tears started to fall down her cheek again.
"But…" Her voice cracked. She knew what she had to do. Chasing false hopes couldn't be done. Slowly she nodded and Holland hesitated to let go. Finally he did and she didn't run.
"Can you make it back with the Xellien?" He asked her grimly. She replied with one short nod. "Ok, I'll meet you back at the Gekko-Go." Eureka didn't reply, she only started walking towards the Xellien. Holland watched her walk away and climb into the LFO. "It's not fair." He muttered and hopped into the 606. The two lifted off on their boards. The ride back was silent, no conversation at all. A few times Holland saw the Final Beginning sloppily swerve off path. At first he thought it was an attempt to head for the third hospital. But then again, he had no idea as to what she was doing. He wondered how she was really feeling.
It wasn't long until the 606 and the Xellien were back and landing at the Gekko-Go.
"Welcome back, how did the trip go?" They heard Talho ask from the comm. all too cheerfully. No one knew what was happening.
"Mission failed…" Holland replied with a dark voice.
"What?" Talho asked with a sound of confusion.
"Meet me at the room. I don't want the others to know."
"Right." She replied back and the comm. shut off. The cockpit slipped open and Holland looked out towards the Xellien. Its cockpit lay open, with no one inside. With a sigh he gently stepped down from the 606 and started for his room.
---
Eureka was rushing down the halls. She stopped at the medical room and headed inside. The room was empty except for a sleeping Renton. With only a moment of hesitation she stepped forward. His face was calm and peaceful. But the bumps on his arm were starting to turn black. She carefully sat down next to him, being careful not to wake him up. But it seemed that even that surpassed his awareness. His eyes slowly opened and he turned his head to Eureka.
"Oh, hey Eureka." He said with a small smile. "Did Mischa say when I'm getting out of here." His voice was cheerful and friendly towards her. But only guilt stabbed at her chest. She felt the tears gliding down her cheeks. But she smiled and nodded. Renton frowned in confusion.
"Eureka…?" He spoke slowly. She wasn't telling him everything, and this didn't escape his notice. The door slid open from the side. Eureka turned around to see Mischa step in, holding a pad and taking readings. She looked over to see Eureka sitting next at Renton. At first she seemed happy, thinking that they returned with the antiseptic. But the smile quickly faded when she saw Eureka's face.
"Very well… I can't wait any longer then." A dark and solemn look encased Mischa's face. Eureka felt her body prickle with cold dots. She shook her head as the tears fell.
"No… please…" Mischa shook her head and stepped forward.
"Eureka… If I don't he will die." Every one spoke as if Renton wasn't there.
"Why, what in the world is going on?" He asked and shifted on the bed. Mischa sighed and the door slid open again. She rolled her eyes in annoyance, feeling as if she was dealing with enough already. Holland stepped in with a grim look, while Talho quickly followed.
"Holland, I might need your help with the operation. It can't really be done safely with out two people. And Talho, please help Eureka out of here." Talho nodded and moved forward. She shared a look at Renton that scared him half to death. Her face was expressing pity and guilt.
"Wh…What's going on?" He said looking around the room, his breath getting heavier.
"Renton… The infection in your arm is getting worse." Renton's eyes got wider, and Eureka couldn't bear to see his fear. But her eyes wouldn't turn away. Talho helped her up and started to move her to the door. Mischa spoke slowly, reaching out for two pairs of gloves. "The infection is to strong, and we can't reach an antidote soon enough. If you want to live, we have to sever your arm." Eureka barely saw the look on his face. He was scared beyond belief. Slowly he shook his head, and looked as if he was about to yell. But before Eureka could see more, the door closed. Eureka felt her breath speeding up. The tears in her eyes were swarming. She couldn't control it, she felt herself breaking down.
"Eureka." Talho began to speak, but Eureka shook her head. Talho embraced Eureka in her arms. But it didn't help, the image of Renton's complete fear kept flashing in her mind.
"No…" She whispered weakly and pushed away. It became too much, she turned around and ran. Talho took a step forward to stop her, but she was already shooting down the hall. Eureka kept running until she stopped at her room. Her feet weakly carried her to her bed, where she fell down upon it. "Please no!" She yelled into her pillow, soaking it with salty tears. The loud sobs emitted from her with out restraint. The pain was to strong, and her body to weak. "Why… Please… why?" As time passed the tears started to slow, and her sobs grew quiet. A wave of fatigue suddenly washed over her. The door slid open, but she didn't bother to look.
"Eureka?" She recognized Irik's voice speaking to her. Slowly she turned her head, exposing her tear stained face. Her face held a solemn and lifeless look. Irik looked down in confusion, not sure on how to react. "wh-whats wrong?" He asked her. Eureka wasn't sure that she wanted to respond. How could she say something like this to him? But she felt a need to tell some one.
"Renton's loosing his arm…" She spoke slowly and grimly. A shocked expression hit his face.
"What… why?" He asked urgently. She could already feel the tears building up in her eyes again.
"It's because of a rare bacteria… so rare, why him? I was so close to getting the antiseptic…" The tears began to fall again.
"What antiseptic?" He asked quickly.
"Rinium A." She barely croaked as the tears poured down.
"Rinium A, I have a small vial of that. Klera gave it to me for an experiment. I have plenty left." The tears stopped as Eureka's eyes went wide. She stood up quickly, completely catching Irik off guard.
"We have to hurry Irik, please!" She begged him with such urgency that he felt confused.
"R-right… the." He stood up and ran out the door. Eureka quickly followed. They ran down the hall, passing a really confused Matthieu. They continued down until they stopped at Renton's old room. Irik ran in, digging his hands through a large pile of papers. Finally he reached a small box. His hand shakily opened it. The clinking sound of bumping glass filled Eureka's ears. There was a loud shattering sound and Eureka felt her heart skip a beep. "D-don't worry, empty file." He laughed nervously. Eureka took an uncomfortable sigh of relief. Finally he picked one up and ran it over to Eureka. She looked at it in surprise, as if not expecting. He held it out for her to take, and she quickly took it.
"Thank you so much Irik." She said with a smile that he never thought he'd witness towards him. Turning around she dashed down the hall. It felt like an eternity. She stopped at the medical room, seeing Talho wait outside with folded arms. She looked up in surprise at Eureka. Then she quickly stepped in front of the door.
"Eureka I can't let you through, you know that." Eureka shook her head and held up the vial.
"Talho, please, this is the antiseptic!" She spoke with incredible urgency. Talho looked down in surprise, not sure if that was possible. With out hesitation Talho turned around and opened the door. She quickly dashed through, followed by Eureka. Mischa was holding a sharp device that almost made Eureka stop.
"What's this, she can't come in here. We're about to start the operation." Mischa said, unbelieving that Eureka would actually burst in like so. Holland reacted quickly, he was about to step forward, but Eureka held up the vial.
"I have it, it's the Rinium A." She said with heaved breaths. Mischa stepped forward and took it. Looking it over to make sure.
"It is…" She said with slow confusion. Mischa looked at Holland and nodded. A wave of incredible relief and calm flushed through the room. Eureka felt like both she and Renton just dodge a really big rock. She shifted her gaze to look at Renton who was peacefully sleeping. A smile of relief formed on her lips. Mischa had them leave the room, even Holland this time. It didn't matter to her. she knew he was going to be alright. Eureka waited outside the door. Holland and Talho attempted to wait as well, but Talho remembered the baby. And Holland was a little anxious to help her. For a long while she sat by herself, waiting patiently. She looked up at the sound of foot steps. Irik was walking down the hall and stopped next to Eureka.
"Is he ok?" He asked, looking at the door in wonder.
"Yes… thank you Irik." She said and looked at him with a kind smile. Irik looked down at the ground and nodded.
"It was no problem, I'm just glad I could help." He didn't smile, nor express anything. But his voice gave away enough of what he was truly feeling. "I'll head back to work then." He said and turned around. Eureka looked up at him, wondering what was going on in his mind. But Irik never stopped, he continued walking.
A few hours passed by. Eureka had fallen asleep with her head resting against her knees. Mischa stepped out to see her lying on the ground. A smile slipped across her face.
"Thank goodness…" She whispered and looked to the right as Holland walked up. He also spotted Eureka asleep on the ground.
"How is he?" He asked, not looking away.
"He'll be fine, we're incredibly lucky. It's a miracle that Eureka found any. I wonder where in the world she found it?" She looked up at the thought suddenly. Curiosity was now peaking her interests. Holland shook his head and sighed.
"Yes, we are lucky." He exclaimed and reached down to wake her up. But Mischa quickly stopped him. She gazed at one of the windows at the far wall. No light shined through.
"Its night and she'll want to see Renton. Maybe its best if she just gets to bed." Holland nodded and picked her up.
"I'll get her to her room then." And so he did with out another word. Mischa turned down the corner. But not before she posted a do not disturb sign on the door. The rest of the night was finally calming down. All the chaos and confusion was only witnessed by a few people on the ship. Holland couldn't help but laugh at the situation. He turned into Eureka's room and set her down on the bed. Softly he put the blanket over her and began to walk out. Silently he walked to the command room. The lights had dimmed as most of the ship went to sleep. Once he reached it he walked up to the command chair and sat in it.
"Still awake eh?" A voice spoke from above. There was a blight flash and Holland looked up in surprise. He spotted Stoner holding his camera. Another flash emitted from annoying device. Stoner looked down at it curiously and smirked. "That one's going to be good." He said and started down the steps. "So what was with all the commotion earlier?" He asked and sat down in one of the empty chairs.
"A lot of things you'd probably wish you hadn't missed." Holland smirked himself and leaned back in the chair.
"Really?" Stoner asked, his interests building.
"Yup, but I'm too tired to tell you right now." Stoner sighed and nodded in defeat.
"Oh well, you'll just have to tell me tomorrow." He challenge before he stood up and left.
"Yeah… tomorrow." Mumbling the last words he fell asleep.
---
Renton felt the world around him suddenly appear. He was awake, but he refused to open his eyes. Everything that happened seemed like a nightmare. No matter how hard he wished it wasn't true. A sharp pain shot across his arm. A groan pushed its way through his throat, but he forced it back down. In surprise he lifted his head and looked down at his arm.
"What?" He muttered in surprise, but the relief of seeing it was overpowering. Taking a few breaths, he leaned his head back down. Something brushed against his cheek. Curiously he looked over to see the top of Eureka's head. She seemed to be sitting down on a chair, and laying her head on his bed. Her breath was soft and calm. In her sleep she seemed at peace. A smile slipped across Renton's face. "Thank you." He whispered too quietly for her to hear. Carefully he leaned his head against hers, and let the urge of sleep retake him.