Chapter 9: Bearing with Pain
Renton slowly opened his eyes to something that he thought was the best way to wake up from a deep sleep. Eureka was looking down at him with a wide and warm smile. He couldn't hold back his own expression of joy.
"Morning." She spoke cheerfully while reaching a tray of food out to him. Renton took it all too generously, his stomach reminding him of how hungry he was.
"How long have I been out?" He asked and looked over his food. Which contained buttered toast, sweltering pancakes, and a simple glass of orange juice at the side.
"For a while now, about two days." Renton instantly sat up in surprise, almost knocking over his food.
"T-Two days!" He exclaimed in his confusion. Eureka couldn't help but let out a small laugh as she nodded.
"Yes, Mischa said that your body was going through a tough recovery. For a while I was a scared." She nodded at the food for him to eat. But he didn't take his eyes away from hers.
"I think I awoke last night. You were there for me weren't you?" He asked her with gentle eyes. Eureka looked down and nodded. "Thank you Eureka." His arms reached out to give her a hug, but a sharp pain jabbed at his left arm. He barely kept his hand from grabbing it in agony. A caring look crossed her face as he reacted.
"Careful with your arm, it's still healing from the bacterial damage." Eureka urged him and looked around wanting to do something, but found nothing. Renton nodded and took a few deep breaths.
"Ok, sorry, I'm still surprised it's just there." He joked the last part and rubbed his neck. But Eureka didn't share his amusement. Instead she broke eye contact and looked away in guilt. He suddenly wished he had chosen his words more carefully. "Eureka, I don't want you to blame yourself in any way. It wasn't your fault, it was mine. I made the mistake in not saying anything." Eureka nodded, but it didn't seem to change her mind. He started to wonder what could be bothering her so.
"I just can't get out of my head the person who died." She spoke with a soft voice. Renton's eyes went wide as a piece of struggled air forced itself into his lungs. His head shook in slowly, not wanting to believe the words.
"Some one… died?" His voice quivered with unbelief. Eureka nodded and an uncomfortable wave of feelings settled in the room. Neither could look at each other. And Eureka suddenly wished she hadn't said a word. A few moments passed with a burning silence. Finally Eureka looked up at Renton, with small puddles of tears forming in her eyes.
"But I don't think he'd want to be remembered that way. He… He died for us so that we could be happy. So should we be sad?" Eureka urged suddenly. Renton was surprised at her spontaneous reaction. But her words drifted through his mind. Then a sudden memory of two people who were close to him drifted into his thoughts.
"You're right Eureka, I don't think that person would want us to remember him that way. Charles and Ray both died… And… I don't think they would want me to remember them with anger, or sadness, but rather thoughts of joy." He nodded in agreement as the aura of darkness drifted from the room. The two gazed into the others eyes. She then reached down and wrapped her arms around his head. With only one arm free, he embraced her as well. The two stayed that way for a long time, not even realizing that Holland had entered the room. He stood there, watching with a small smile. Softly he shook his head and left.
----
Dominic sat idly at an empty table. Though the rest of the room was scattered with random groups of people. He on the other hand was alone, sitting with a small portable computer. Next to it was a tray of food, only scarcely touched.
"Impossible… not even in the west database." He let out a sigh and looked up at the ceiling. "This isn't good enough, I need something other then the P.O.F…. I need the U.F.F's database. But getting that is nigh impossible." A laugh forced its way through his lungs as he shook his head. The whole situation was impossible. Then a strange thought crossed into his mind. He was curious to know where Anemone was. Since recently he had been neglecting her, obsessing with his works. Now that he thought about it, it didn't seem right of him. "I should go find her…" He stood up slowly but stopped when his stomach grumbled. "But… I guess I could eat first." Rolling his eyes he sat back down and began to finish his food. Only a few minutes later did he feel some one tap his shoulder and sit down in front of him. He looked up expecting to see Anemone and her cheerful smile, but it was just Konner.
"Hey Dominic, you got any time for once?" He asked, nodding at the laptop. Dominic followed his gaze and nodded.
'Seems like every one knows…' He thought to himself
"Good, any way, I was just curious to know if you knew?" Konner asked, while leaning back in his chair and getting quite comfortable.
"Knew what?" Curiosity was peeking at Dominic's interests. But Konner didn't reply at first. He seemed to be contemplating something before speaking.
"Commander Jurgens doesn't know, and I think its best if it stays that way. You see, Renton and Eureka were with us at the battle. They were looking for their kids." He finished with a serious tone. Dominic reacted in surprise and tilted his head.
"What? When did their kids go missing?" He asked urgently.
"Just a while ago, when they went to their home in Bellfrost. The only way I found out was through Irik. He sent us a short communication message before leaving." Dominic nodded and stood up from his chair, the thought of food completely escaping his mind.
"I see, something has to be done. I owe it to Renton." Konner laughed and stood up.
"I thought you would say something like that." Dominic looked over at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" He asked suspiciously.
"Well, I hear things from Anemone. The reason I came to you is that I some how knew you would want to do this. So, here we are. I'm going to help you find the kids." Konner stepped around the table and held a hand for Dominic to take. At first he hesitated to do so, but then a smile slipped across his lips. Although this Konner seemed strange to him, he had a smooth style about him. He reached out and shook the hand.
"We'll start in the best place we can." Dominic spoke with professional speech. Konner tilted his head in curiosity.
"And where would that be?"
"Where else?" Dominic chuckled and sat down at his computer. "The database."
----
Holland nodded in approval at all the items they had gathered.
"Perfect, now that we have everything we need. Let's go ahead and get this baby painted." He reached down and picked up the blue paint bottle. Jobs, Woz, Talho, Moondoggie, Hilda, and Matthieu stood in front of the Xellien. Most of the hanger was cleared except for the 606, 909, and the 303. They had laid a large pad under the Xellien, as in to keep the ground from getting painted. Now that everything was ready, they started forward to paint the Xellien.
Renton was lying in the medical room, by himself. His only company was the computer at his side. Which annoyingly kept beeping his heart rate. For a split second he felt like picking the machine up and throwing it half way across the room. Eureka had left him a while before, to check on things and put away his food. After another hour or so, the door finally opened and Mischa stepped in, closely followed by Eureka.
"Well Renton, good news. I'm convinced that you can leave the room. Only under one condition." She looked in between Eureka and Renton. "Don't use that left arm, it needs all the healing it can get. And also, you'll have to return to me once a day. I want to reapply some of the antiseptic, and make sure that the bacterium isn't multiplying again." Renton quickly nodded in reply. Mischa gave him a suspicious look, but finally she nodded and put his arm in a sling. Then she let them go on their way. Once they left the infirmary, they decided to see what else was going on.
"Wow, I'm surprised she let me out." He said next to Eureka with a loud sigh. Eureka smiled and shook her head.
"She only needed a little convincing, that's all." Renton looked over at her in surprise, but it quickly morphed into a suspicious grin.
"Didn't know you were so convincing" Renton spoke with a playful tone. Eureka laughed and the two continued walking. Right when they turned the corner, they were assaulted with a bright flash of light. Eureka fell backwards along with Renton.
"What was that?" Eureka asked, trying to figure out what was going on. It was quickly followed by a smirk like laugh.
"Sorry about that kids, just thought I would get a good picture for Ray Out." Stoner Replied to them and stepped forward. Eureka looked over to see Renton gently holding his arm.
"Are you alright?" She asked suddenly. He nodded and stood up.
"Yeah, just stung a little, nothing big." Ignoring the thought completely, he reached his spare arm out to help Eureka up. She accepted it and the two shared a fierce look at Stoner. He smiled innocently and started walking backwards.
"Hey hey hey, let's not get feisty now. It was just for the sake of Ray Out." The two rolled their eyes and walked passed him. He let out a sigh and greedily took another picture of them from the back. As they walked on, Eureka continued to look down at the arm with concern. He noticed it and shared a friendly smile.
"Don't worry Eureka, I'd give it a week or two." Eureka looked up at his welcoming smile. She shared her own and looked down the hall. They reached the command room to only find it empty.
"Dang, no one here…" Renton sighed in disappointment. Eureka walked out to the railing while Renton walked down the stairs to the extended deck.
"I wonder where they all are?" Eureka said, looking down at Renton. He didn't respond, but instead he was looking out the view port. She curiously tilted her head and walked down the stairs. When she reached him, she also looked out at the view port. They were flying towards to very large and broken pillars. Each one's tips spiked out violently. Eureka gazed at it with sorrow, but Renton tilted his head in deep thought.
"You know… It's not all that sad." He spoke slowly. Eureka looked over at him, wondering what he meant. "They stand for what our last world was. It's almost beautiful when you really look at it." Eureka decided to view it from his point of view. And she then realized a strange thing. Both pillars stood together in the distance, almost proud. Their work was done, and they had accomplished what they were commanded. The cracked tips stood up artistically. The sun stood on the horizon, allowing the pillars to cast their shadows upon the crystal blue sea. Eureka and Renton both admired the site for a while longer.
"Hey Renton, Eureka." A voice spoke from above. They turned around to see Irik standing at the railing. It suddenly crossed Eureka's mind that she had never told him what Irik had done. She started to open her mouth to say something, but Irik spoke with out noticing. "There's something that me and your grandfather wanted to show you. It's a project we've been working on for a while." With that he turned around and walked away. Eureka curiously looked over at Renton who only shrugged in reply. The two decided to follow along. Irik led them to the hanger. He stopped just before entering the door. "It's almost done. we only need a few more touch ups. But we'd like to see it on a test drive afterwards." Irik opened the door and stepped through. He froze in place. Renton and Eureka both followed, wondering why he stopped. "What… What are you doing!" He yelled across the hanger and ran down the stairs. Renton and Eureka both looked out to see several people working on the Xellien. They saw them painting a design that looked similar to the Nirvash. Except for the actual shape of the Xellien, and it was blue instead of red.
"Ohhh, hey Irik. How do you like the new look?" Holland asked and stepped down from the finished design. Irik fell to his knees in horror.
"You… you painted it." He gawked at the Xellien. Holland smiled in satisfaction and nodded.
"Yup, just following the suggestions from Eureka." He looked up at Renton and Eureka. A strange knowing smile on his face.
"Pretty nice, I think I like it better then the Nirvash." Hilda commented from beside him.
"Yeah, I always liked blue more then red." Moondoggie replied and stepped out from behind the Xellien.
"It'll take a while to dry, but once it is. It'll be ready for another go." Holland smirked and took off his mask that protected him from the paint's fumes. Irik stood up and shook off his surprise.
"Very well then… I might as well reveal what me and Axel have been doing." Irik said and turned around walking towards something that was wrapped in a curtain. Axel stepped out from behind it, a proud smirk across his face.
"About time, I've been waiting for this." The old man grabbed at the large sheet, as did Irik. They both tightly pulled on it, where it swiftly flew off. What lie under it was a grand LFO board.
"This is the new board for the Final Beginning." Irik motioned proudly at the large board. Eureka stepped down, anxious to see it up close. Renton on the other hand was looking down in complete surprise.
"Incredible…" Holland gaped from the side.
"How long have you been working on it?" Renton asked, and stepped down the steps as well. Axel and Irik looked at each other and shrugged.
"For a while now, at least ever since Axel came aboard. It was easy sense we just used one of the spare KLF boards. It took a lot of redesign, but we had everything we needed." Irik replied to his question. Eureka on the other hand moved under it, feeling the smooth metal. "Of course, it's not done yet. Just give us an hour or so." Holland took a step forward.
"Perfect, that's just how long it will take the paint to dry." Holland noted excitedly. But Irik flinched when he mention the word paint.
"Not that it doesn't sound fun and all, but I'm starving." Matthieu said simply and started for the stairs. Every one else followed closely behind. All Holland could do was look down in disappointment, seeing that they didn't share the same excitement. Talho shook her head and stepped up next to him.
"You should eat too Holland." Talho nudged his side. He nodded and let out a short sigh.
"Okay, well then, in two hours." He said to Eureka and Renton, and then left with Talho. The two watched as Irik and Axel began to work on the board. Finally they decided that maybe they should leave them be. They walked back to the room and sat down on the bed. With little else to do, Eureka explained to Renton everything else that had happened while he was asleep.
---
"Yes!" Dominic yelled and his fingers started to move across the key board faster. Konner looked up tiredly with a raised brow.
"What, did you find something?" He asked in a drowsy voice. Dominic reacted with intense enthusiasm. There was a fiery grin across his face, as his eyes moved back and forth across the screen.
"I'm into the U.F.F. database. It took a while, but I found a little crack in their system. I'm surprised it wasn't fixed up. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep the link. But hopefully it will be long enough for what we want." Dominic said each word with overpowering excitement. Konner suddenly felt wide awake, he stood up and moved around to look at the computer screen. The screen scrolled by with several file selections, all news items on certain days of the week. And then within them, all the locations of things that were held on those days.
"Do you know the day the kids were taken?" Dominic asked suddenly and looked up at Konner.
"I think around the… eighteenth?" He said with hesitation. Dominic nodded and clicked his way through the information. After a while of mostly nothing, his head perked up.
"I think this is it." He quickly read through the information and nodded. But he made no movement to talk to Konner.
"Well?" He asked him in aggravation.
"Well… It seems that they are at another command center. But this confuses me…" Konner frowned in confusion, and tried to see where he was reading. Suddenly Dominic shot up urgently.
"What the… What is it?" Konner asked in his lack of understanding.
"We have a few spies aboard the ship." Dominic spoke with such a fiery, that Konner actually took a step back in surprise.
"Who?" He asked carefully.
"Commander Jurgens kids, and the former Ageha Squad of Dewey." He clenched his teeth as he nabbed his laptop and headed for the door. Konner quickly caught up and followed behind. The two ran down the hall. They reached the command room, and looked around for captain Jurgens. Who was fortunately sitting in his command chair.
"Captain Jurgens!" Konner yelled up to him, and the two ran up to him. Jurgens looked down with a raised brow.
"Yes?" He asked with a sturdy tone.
"We have a few spies onboard." Dominic quickly opened his laptop and pointed at the selected information. Jurgens looked it over carefully, and then let out a rather depressing sigh.
"To have failed at raising such good kids." He stood up and walked over to the communications desk. Gently he pressed a small button and leaned his head down. "Will crew members twenty one through twenty six report to the command room immediately." With that he stood strait and turned to the door patiently. Dominic looked into his eyes, seeing something he hadn't noticed before. Jurgens actually seemed disappointed, with out any anger. It suddenly occurred to him that maybe Captain Jurgens… That maybe he really considered the kids as his children. Dominic suddenly felt guilty, almost wishing he had never found the information. But the inevitable must come.
A time passed before four kids stepped into the room. They each lined up next to each other, sharing a short salute. Captain Jurgens sighed and stepped forward, looking each one in the eye.
"Where is Daia?" He asked them patiently. Two of them looked over as if in surprise, while the other two looked at each other in worry. This caused Jurgens to raise a brow. He shook it off and stood strait. "When Dewey died… I thought I'd owed you something. So I took you kids in, and decided to care for you. I've tried treating you like my children, and I've noticed some of you have taken to that." His voice was firm, strait, and profession. It wasn't weak, but nor was it harsh. Every one in the room seemed to have stopped what they were doing, and turned their attention to him. "And for a while, I thought I was doing the right thing." He stopped and looked in between them grimly. His face held no anger, but a dropping hope. "I guess I failed. I know that you are working for the U.F.F." All four of them flinched back in surprise. But two stood strait and shook their head in distress.
"That's not true, we never rejoined them. Though we did receive contact from them, they offered us to rejoin them. So that we could refill Dewey's glory in restoring the U.F. to full power… but me and Jena rejected the offer. We both agreed that Dewey's plan was unintelligent." She looked over at Jena who nodded in agreement.
"But it says right here." Dominic interrupted suddenly. He reached down on his laptop and started rescanning the information. He then frowned in slight bewilderment. "Never mind, it looks like Jena and Keria were not included on the record. But rather…" He looked up from the laptop, and at the other two girls. "Only Ren, Ika, and Daia." The two girls suddenly looked stressed at the situation.
"So you two also got the message?" Keria looked over at the two with building anger. Jena also seemed to be feeling the same emotion. Ika and Ren took a few steps back in fear. Suddenly Ika took a step forward in burning rage.
"Master Dewey was a better commander then you ever were Yurgus!" She screeched through seething teeth. Captain Jurgen's eyes went a little wider at her words. He actually seemed offended.
"Konner, and Vice Captain, please take these two away… to the prisoner cells." His words were slightly hesitant. And he couldn't make eye contact with either of them.
"Yes sir…" The vice captain replied, and the two of them forced Ika and Ren out of the room.
"Is that all Dominic?" Jurgens asked with a solemn voice. Dominic looked at his computer, seeing that it had gone blank. He assumed the U.F. had found the unrecognized link. Slowly he closed the laptop, and paused for a few moments.
"I was wondering if… me and Konner could borrow a shuttle." He asked, looking up at him. Jurgens raised an eyebrow curiously.
"Any reason why?" He asked.
"I'm hoping you'll just trust me on this one. Its very important to not only me and Konner, but a few other people as well." For a long moment, Captain Jurgens just held eye contact with Dominic. All Dominic could do was stare back, he couldn't tell him why they needed the shuttle. It was a personal matter for Renton and Eureka. But it also crossed his mind, that Jurgens would probably help. But that was the last thing they needed. It had to be concealed to a small group of people, so as to not spread the information. For after hearing about the kids being spies, he wasn't sure he could trust any one any more. Although his trust was strong with Jurgens, he just couldn't trust others. For a moment longer they held the gaze, and then Jurgens looked away, shifting his attention to the two girls.
"You have my permission, go ahead and do so." Dominic nodded in gratitude and started to walk away.
"Thank you Yurgus…" He spoke before walking through the door. When Jurgens didn't reply, he turned around to see him crouched on the ground. He was talking to the two girls. His eyes were actually soft and gentle, and the girl nodded. They were listening to each and every word he spoke.
'Those girls are really changing Jurgens. I guess for him… It's like having a family again. And for the girls, it like having a father they never had.' He thought to himself, feeling a smile forming cross his face. 'You deserve it Captain.' With that last thought, he walked out of the room.
---
"Did Matthieu and Moondoggie really have a race?" Renton asked in amusement.
"Yes, Matthieu beat him with out really trying." She told him with the same amused look
"Its-" He stopped when the door to their room suddenly opened. Holland walked in with a smile of pure excitement.
"Are you guys ready to launch?" He asked, quickly looking in between the two. Renton looked over at Eureka, who nodded in reply. "Good, I can't wait to see it in action!" He turned around and left the room. Renton stood up along with Eureka. They then followed the energetic man to the hanger. This time only Irik, Axel, and Talho were to be seen. They walked down the stairs into the broad area. Irik and Axel were doing their final check ups. Talho was looked up as the three approach.
"Well, it's been a while sense you two really got to ride an LFO with a board that was made for it." Talho said with a kind and friendly voice. Eureka nodded with a small smile, but Renton couldn't help but admire the design of Xellien's new board.
"So, are you two ready to take it for a test drive?" Irik asked, stepping out in front of them. Axel wasn't too far behind, just making one final check.
"It's amazing." Renton said in total awe, and Irik shared a look back at it himself.
"Yes, we're ready to test out the board." Eureka answered irk and stepped forward, next to Renton.
"Good, and if comes back with even a scratch. I'll make you wish you had never been born Renton!" Axel spoke with his usually harsh voice. Which had demanding discipline written all over it.
"Heh heh… Don't worry, not a scratch." Renton replied nervously, taking a few steps back. Eureka and Renton moved to get into the Xellien. They quickly hopped in, but Renton took the co-pilot seat. Eureka cocked her head, wondering what he was doing. She then remembered his arm, and that he would be unable to pilot. So she took the pilots seat and started the Xellien. The Xellien transformed into the humanoid shape and took a few steps forward. It slowly reached down and gripped the board. Every one stepped back, as in to not get in the way.
"Now, with this board it can transform in its third form. So just settle it down on the launch gears. Press the Maroon colored button to the far right. That will initiate the transformation." Irik yelled up at them. Renton looked down and nodded. He reached across and pressed the glowing button. Suddenly the Xellien split the board in two, and attached it to its back, like a set of closed wings. It then fell backwards, transforming into its plane shape form.
"Awesome…" Holland gaped from bellow, and Talho laughed at his excitement. "We have to get to the control room to see this!" He turned around and immediately ran up the stairs. Talho rolled her eyes and quickly followed.
"Just wait a little longer, and we'll set you up for launch. In the mean time, we'll be waiting in the command room along with the others." Irik told them and left the room along with Axel. For a few brief moments, Renton and Eureka were left alone once again.
"Is your arm going to be ok?" Eureka asked with a concerned voice. She had her eyes locked on his arm, suddenly having second thoughts of doing this. But he smiled in reply and shook his head.
"Don't worry, I can handle this." Eureka looked back up at his warm smile. She nodded and let the soothing words relax her tense body.
"Then let's do this together." Eureka held out her hard, and Renton took it with his right one.
"Are you two done?" A mischievous voice came from the comm.. Both Renton and Eureka looked down in utter surprise. They had no idea that the comm. was even on. Looking at each other, both suddenly felt their cheeks turned warm with a soft red.
"Y-yes, we're ready for launch." Renton's struggling voice replied. They heard a few distant laughs in the back round. He rolled his eyes and folded his arms. Eureka couldn't help but find it all a little amusing.
"Good, then teach that bird what its like to fly!" Holland's charging voice came from the comm.. Renton couldn't help but feel Holland's excitement feeding into his own. He reached across and pressed the button. The Catapult door opened, revealing the night sky outside. Electrical bolts moved up and down the launching gears. Renton and Eureka looked at each other, their anxious feelings surging through out them. Renton nodded and Eureka turned back to the controls. She then pressed another two buttons and the Xellien shot forward. Sparks flew from behind the wheels as they left the Gekko-Go, and soared out into open space. They were free once again, together. The Xellien bent with the waves, causing a massive splash of green glow to shoot up. Eureka couldn't help but smile, her excitement was thriving inside her. She quickly shared a glance at Renton, to see his own thrill was exploding. For a split second, she felt like it was just him and her. That nothing else could touch them, and that the waves would guide them on the right path. She gripped the feeling and let it swallow her up.
"The Xelliens happy as well." She spoke softly beside Renton. He turned his head and nodded.
"So are you." He replied back to her, and they both gazed at each other. They then looked forward again, taking advantage of this time they had. The Xellien dipped up and down, reflecting the pure rays of the white moon. Eureka gripped the controls and the Xellien dipped down once again. It soared towards the ocean, and leveled itself, barely scratching the calm water with its wings. Water spewed from the pressure, shooting up and soaking the Xellien. After a few more moments of laughter, the two stopped and sat back. The moon's angelic glow shined down on them. After all the excitement had been building, they finally decided to let it drain. Softly the surging feeling faded, only leaving them with pure relaxation and utter peace. Renton shifted his gaze to Eureka, who was staring dazedly at the moon. But Renton didn't shift his attention to look himself. To just see Eureka in such a calm flushed a warm feeling of relief. He was just happy to see her living again, and letting the world around her fade away. She turned her head to see him gazing at her. Her eyes closed slightly as they went soft. Renton reached his right hand across, and Eureka took it gently. Then ever so slowly, their heads came together. Just when their lips were about to meet, the radio suddenly burst to life.
"Renton, Eureka, please respond immediately!" A shockingly urgent voice came from the comm.. Renton instantly recognized it as Dominic's. With out hesitation he reached down and opened the channel.
"Dominic?" He replied in his bewilderment.
"Renton? Good, we finally got a hold of you. There's little time to explain, but if we move quickly. We'll be able to get the kids back." Eureka looked up, unable to believe what Dominic had just said.
"Don't loose yourself in thought guys, we have very little time." They heard Konner's voice this time. Eureka quickly closed her eyes for a few moments, and then she opened them again. Renton and Eureka looked at each other, but quickly shifted their attention back down to the comm..
"Now, only a few hours ago, I was able to access the U.F.F. database. Inside there I found the transfer routes between Bellfrost and other cities. I don't know why, but their moving your kids around a lot. Luckily, one is passing by a command center pretty close. With the Final Beginning alone, I don't think it would be possible. But, we have the prototype, and the element of surprise. So all we have to do is move in quickly, and violently…" There was a long pause. "Are you up for it?" He asked with sudden calm and understanding. Renton looked over at Eureka who was looking back at him. He felt her squeeze his hand reassuringly. A smile formed on his face as he nodded.
"Yes Dominic, there is no better time then now." Renton spoke into the comm..
"Good, then let's get going." The Xellien pulled up and swerved to the right, flying away from the Gekko-Go. A map faded onto their screen.
"What are you guys doing?" The confused voice of Holland came.
"To save the kids." Renton replied all too simply.
"What?" But neither Eureka or Renton Replied. Instead Eureka reached across and cut the link between the Gekko-Go and the Xellien.
"Did you tell the Gekko-Go?" They heard Dominic ask over the comm..
"No, we're in a big hurry right?" Renton responded back to him.
"Yes, just meet us at the command center. For now we'll have to maintain radio silence." And with that the comm. shut off. The two didn't speak much along the way. But Renton could see the same look in her eyes again. She was determined, and that wanting hope was glowing in her face.
Only twenty minutes passed until they saw two objects flying off in the distance. One left a green trail while the other just glided along.
"This is Dominic, me and Konner have discussed the plans. We've come to the conclusion that the right entry port is the best way in. Konner is going to stay behind and hold off any troops. While me, you, and Eureka head for the kids." Renton looked up in surprise.
"Will Konner be able to hold it off on his own?" He asked.
"Yes, we're testing out one of the new prototype weapons. And we're pretty sure it'll hold them off for a while." Dominic almost sounded like he was smirking. "There's the command center, get ready!" Both Eureka and Renton looked up to see a tall building on a large island. Bright lights blared from it, but other then that little detail. It mostly seemed calm and quiet.
"Follow me, I'll make the breaking maneuver." Konner informed them and quickly broke off from the group. They all followed behind. As the building got larger, Renton felt his nervous feelings rising. Before they knew it, they were surfing along side of the large circular building. Konner stopped and did a loop in the air. His KLF then swooped right into a large panel door. The entry way didn't even put up a fight. Konner's KLF board ripped through it like paper. All of them moved their vehicles in and quickly landed them on the ground. Only a few seconds later did the whole place flash red.
"Alarms tripped, get back quick guys. I'll send you a message when it becomes to hot to hold." Konner said and his KLF took a few steps forward. His KLF then reached behind its back and gripped a rather large gun. When the gun was pulled out, it slammed into the left hand. The frail frame of the KLF seemed like it would fall apart from holding the massive gun. But it gripped it tightly and firmly. Dominic hopped out of his shuttle and waited for Eureka and Renton to catch up with them. They both quickly climbed down from the Xellien and ran up next to him.
"That gun is one of the first of its kind for a KLF. What ever is caught in front of it when the trigger is pulled, won't be in front of it for long." He finished and quickly pulled out a small pad.
"You sure their here?" Eureka asked him, wanting a true answer. Dominic briefly looked up and nodded.
"With out a doubt, their only two levels up from here." He turned around and started to run for a far off door. Eureka and Renton quickly followed behind. The ear shattering sound of gun fire exploded from Konner's KLF. They rushed into the door and closed it behind them
"Ok, where to now?" Renton asked, looking down at Dominic's small pad. Dominic looked down at it, pausing for a few seconds.
"Ummm…. I think…" He turned it upside down and frowned. "That way?" He looked down the path curiously. Renton reached out and nabbed it away from his hands. "Hey!" He exclaimed with a hurt look. Ignoring it, Renton looked over the pad himself.
"This way." He quickly dashed off with Eureka and Dominic quickly following behind. They stopped every now and then, turning to run up a set of stairs. Finally, after running through a series of long halls, the found an unguarded door. Renton gripped the door and pulled it open. They were once again introduced to a large prisoner room. He looked down at the pad again and then turned his head to the right. "Cell number thirty five." They all rushed down the railing until they reached the desired door. Dominic with out waiting reached down and placed a small black box.
"Get away!" He commanded them and covered his ears. There was a short pause until the door burst open. Eureka was the first to run inside. She ran in there as if the world were on the other side… which Renton thought wasn't too far off the mark.
"Mama?" Renton thought he heard a faint voice whisper. Renton's eyes shot wide open, and he rushed in himself. On the floor were all four of them. Each one was crying, even Eureka muffled her tears on their heads. Renton ran forward and put his own arms around them. It felt so strange, and yet so blissful to them. He knew that everything was going to be alright from now on. Dominic let them have a few moments of Reunion, but even he knew the time was short.
"Renton, we have to leave now…" Dominic spoke with a firm and strong voice. Renton looked back and nodded in understanding.
"Come on guys, we have to hurry." Eureka glanced over and nodded. They all quickly stood up, barely allowing the joyous feeling emerge. Eureka picked Linck up, as Renton picked Maeter up. They both knew that their tiny legs wouldn't be able to keep up with them All of them quickly backed tracked to the hanger. Surprisingly, they ran into no trouble along the way. Dominic hoped that it was because of their sudden surprise attack. It wasn't long till they reached the Xellein and others. Eureka and Renton set the kids down.
"You'll have to go with Dominic. The Xellien's cockpit isn't as large as the Nirvash's." Renton told them with a gentle voice. They all looked up at him with hopeful eyes, but they understood the circumstances.
"We understand." Maurice replied with a looked that Renton hadn't seen before. It seemed that Maurice had grown a lot sense they were gone. Dominic nodded to Renton as he took the kids and put them in the shuttle. Eureka and Renton quickly climbed back into the Xellien.
"Let's keep a watch on the kids." Eureka suggested as she moved the Xellien into the air. Renton nodded in agreement and looked over the readings. Only a few second later, Dominic's shuttle shot off into open space, Xellien quickly following behind. Konner did his best to catch up. His KLF weakly placed the massive gun on its back, then it quickly took off after them. The three soared off to what seemed like a clean get away. But it was short lived when ten KLFs launched from the command Center.
"Hold on… we got ten KLFs coming in fast!" Konner informed every one with an irritated voice. Renton shifted his gaze down at the flashing green screen. Ten red dots were quickly advancing on them. He carefully considered the situation. Finally the decision was made.
"We should turn back and dis-" Eureka with out warning pulled back on the controls, completely catching Renton off guard. It seemed like they were both thinking on the same page. The Xellien pulled back, and did a short twist. All ten KLFs had already caught up with them. Three broke off and spread out towards the Xellien. The Xellien dipped down and swerved to the right. It then slammed its board into the enemy KLF, knocking it off its own board. While keeping its momentum, it gripped the ownerless board. Then with a few more twists, it threw the board at on of the other KLFs. The board pierced right through the air like an arrow, cutting right through the unexpecting KLF. The third one attempted to grab the Xellien, but Eureka quickly improvised for the situation. As the enemy flew at them, the Xellien lifted its legs, turned, and shoved the bottom of the board right into its stomach. The immense pressure snapped it in two. Three down, only seven left to go. This time Konner moved in, but with a fury that Renton had never seen before. His KLF shot out in a spinning whirl wind. He landed on an enemy, ripping off its arm. Then while flipping one end around. It slammed the arm against the head, shattering the delicate metal.
"What the…" Renton murmured, unbelieving of Konner's sudden fury. The prototype leapt from the enemy and landed on another. He picked up one foot and shoved it into the enemy's chest. The KLF went dark, becoming lifeless and cold. Rneton wasn't sure why, but something didn't seem right. He frowned in his confusion, trying to get a good look at Konner's KLF. The thing was ripping everything apart, like a crazed animal. Just when he was about to open his mouth, Eureka gripped the controls violently. They shot forward right into the chaos. The Xellien did a corkscrew, then span down like a fan right on top of an enemy KLF. When the spinning fury collided with the KLF. It ripped it to shreds. Renton looked over at her in surprise. He flinched when he saw a look in her eyes that he'd never seen before.
"Eur-" He choked when she turned the LFO. Suddenly, gripping the ruined KLF and chucking it at another enemy. Metal pieces rained from bellow the flying mass of metal. It slammed against the desired target, absolutely immobilizing it completely. "Eureka, what wrong?" He asked hopelessly. Eureka didn't respond, but instead expressed a fierce looking of concentration. She seemed angry for no apparent reason. A feeling that he never thought he would see from her. The last two KLFs considered the situation, and both turned around to escape the destruction. But Eureka didn't let that come to be. The Xellien swerved down along side with Konner. The two gripped the defenseless KLFs. Xellien crushed the head, grabbed the gun, turned it around, and filled the cockpit with fiery bullets. Konner directed his KLF to reach back and slam a mighty fist right through the cockpit. Both KLFs exploded in a burning chaos. Eureka turned the Xellien towards Konner and violently moved it forward. At first Renton was confused, but the look in her eyes answered to his confusion.
"Eureka NO!" He yelled and reached forward with his burning left arm. His skin felt like it was shedding with every inch it moved. Eureka's eyes shot wide open, the anger and fury disappeared with out a trace. What she was doing came to her like waking up from a deep sleep. With all her strength she redirected the Xellien away, barely dodging Konner. She looked around, her breath quick and heavy. Renton was looking down at his arm. It felt as if some one had stabbed five heated pens into his sensitive skin. Slowly, three red dots faded onto the bandage cloth. Eureka looked over, seeing him carry his arm in pain.
"Renton?" She asked urgently, looking at the arm with intense concern. Soft tears formed on the tips of her eyes.
"What… Happened?" He looked over at her with confusion and worried eyes. The tears fell down, tickling her cheeks.
"I… It…." The words felt suppressed in her throat. He softly reached across and held her hand with his free one.
"Let's go back, right now we should concentrate on the kids." His eyes had turned gentle with his soft voice. She nodded, and held his hand tightly. Though no words were spoken, he felt a cold feeling in his stomach. He'd never seen such a fury in her eyes. But now she seemed surprised and lost. They both had been in similar situation before. And he could never remember such a hate in her.
"Renton… I'm sorry." She almost whispered too softly to hear. He squeezed her hand affectionately.
"Don't worry." Was all he felt he could say. Right now he wanted to comfort her. But what ever happened back in the fight. He knew would have to wait till they were back on the Gekko-Go.
It wasn't long until they had reached the Gekko-Go. Konner decided to keep outside while Dominic and the others landed inside. As the Xellien came in for the landing, Renton easily took notice of an infuriated Holland. He looked at Eureka, about to let out a nervous laugh. But she was looking down, a guilty lock on her eyes. He was about to reach over when suddenly a few irritating knocks sounded from their window. Renton looked up at a sight that froze his bones. Holland looked down on the two with threatening eyes. The air around them suddenly became heavier.
"You going to open it up?" He asked with a voice that didn't match his expression. Renton couldn't hold back a nervous laugh. With a great amount of hesitation, he opened the door. Holland reached down and pulled Renton up by the collar. "You left with out even telling us where you were going…" His voice was calm, but an ice cold breath peeked at his tone. The shuttle to the side opened, and three excited kids along with Dominic stepped out. Holland turned his head in utter surprise. Eureka instantly stood up and rushed toward them.
"Mama!" They all cried in unison. She knelt down as they rushed into her open arms. Holland and Renton then made eye contact once again. Except Renton didn't falter this time, but instead held a serious gaze.
"I had to do it…" He told him in a sturdy tone. Holland held him by the collar for a few more seconds, but then released his tight grip. A small smile slipped across the man's face. It reminded Renton that Holland understood more then he's willing to give away.
"Renton?" An exasperated voice yelled across the hanger. Renton shifted his attention to Mischa who was quickly running at him.
"What?" He asked in his confusion. She furiously pointed at his left arm. Not really understanding, he looked down. To his surprise, the whole thing was red and damp. All the white cloth that had once protected his arm was now soaked in a thick red.
"Quickly get down here, we're fixing that up. Your body isn't in the situation to defend itself." Renton couldn't help but release a suppressed sigh. With a short nod he stepped down and suddenly felt woozy. The pain in his arm was starting to refresh itself. The world around him faded slightly, but he kept his footing strong. Soft hands gripped his right arm, to keep him from falling over. He turned his head to see Eureka looking at him with concerned eyes. It seemed as if she was trying to say something. But it was muffled by the hazy surroundings.
"What…?" He asked her. Everything around him started to speed up. Before he realized, he was already moving down the hall. Then slowly a dark haze filled into his surroundings. His body went numb, and everything went dark…
---
"Get him on to the medical bed." Mischa commanded Holland and Dominic. They picked Renton up and laid him across the bed. Mischa took a small pair of scissors and then slowly yet carefully cut his bandage open.
"What happened, Renton was acting fine earlier?" She asked desperately. Mischa didn't look back, she was slowly peeling off the bandage. Which still exposed no white traces.
"I don't know what you two did, but it over exerted his body. He shouldn't have gotten in the Xellien. His body is still recovering from a major bacterial attack." Mischa then set the bandage down on the table. She took a few cloths and began to wipe the blood off his arm.
"But…" She muttered, images of the battle flashing in her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push them out.
"Eureka, I could tell that you guys must have come from a battle. That would be the only way to explain the marks on the Xellien. But… Renton must have had an adrenaline rush. That's the only reason that he was able to stay awake and keep moving. Once that rush ended, his already tired body just wanted to shut down." She stopped and checked his heart beat. Eureka couldn't help but notice how weak and slow his breath was. "His hearts getting slower…" Mischa let out a sigh and looked back at the three. "Leave, I'll take the rest from here. It's just too much commotion." He looked at Holland and Dominic, but her gaze stopped on Eureka. Eureka felt a shiver run down her spine. They all left, but Eureka stopped when the door closed behind her. Holland stopped as well to look back at her saddened eyes.
"Eureka… Your kids are probably waiting for you." He spoke softly, and she turned her head towards him. The two looked at each other until she finally nodded. She walked down the hall with a solemn aura. Holland let out a sigh as he watched her go.
"A lot seems to happen around here." Dominic noted beside him. Holland looked over and nodded grimly. Eureka turned down the hall, a burning guilt filling her stomach. She couldn't explain what happened back in the battle. But she felt like it was her fault, all of it. When she reached the hanger again, she saw all the kids huddled together. They all looked up and ran at her. She knelt down and let them incase her in their arms.
"Mama, where is barfie?" Maeter asked her with innocent eyes. She suddenly found it hard to make eye contact with her.
"He's just taking a nap." She said with a smile.
"Mama, why is your cheeks wet?" Linck asked this time. Eureka quickly reached up and wiped away her tear stained cheeks.
"It's nothing, don't worry." Her smile started to feel harder to maintain. She shifted her eyes to Maurice, who never spoke a word. His look actually caught her off guard. It was serious and firm, he knew more then he was expressing. "How about we go eat?" Eureka suggested the idea suddenly. Maeter and Linck perked up at the idea.
"Yeah, they never gave us any good food!" Linck almost yelled in his excitement. Eureka let out a small laugh and stood up. They all headed for the lounge room. When they reached it, Meater and Linck headed in, but Eureka felt a hand grip hers. She turned around in surprise, looking down at Maurice.
"How is Renton?" He asked with surprising significance. Eureka looked away, feeling the guilt in her stomach piling.
"He'll be fine, he's just… tired from what happened…" She tried to convince him, but she couldn't even convince herself. Maurice looked up at her in confusion. He then smiled, completely ignoring what he had asked.
"Then can we eat?" He asked earnestly. Eureka looked down, surprised at his sudden change of attitude. But she felt her own smile spread, and she nodded. They finally followed in behind Maeter and Linck.
---
Renton slowly opened his eyes. His body felt so weak and heavy. He tried to gather on where he was, but all he could tell how dark it was. The only light was from the window which shined a soft glow from the moon. He suddenly felt a tight burning pain all over his arm.
"Renton?" A very quiet voice whispered from above. Renton turned his head to see Eureka. She was looking down at him with tired eyes, but they expressed a strong concern. He frowned up at her in confusion.
"What happened?" She looked away, a sudden look of guilt settling in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Renton, it's my fault. I…" She tried to get the words passed the thick wall in her throat. Renton smiled up at her and shook her head.
"No, it wasn't your fault. You were just worried about the kids." Eureka turned her head back. His soft smile was starting to push away the pain in her stomach.
"But…" Renton looked over at the clock on the wall. It was three in the morning. A small flash of surprise shot through him. She had been awake all night for him. He quickly shook it off and looked up at Eureka.
"Eureka… I know you didn't do it intentionally. The flash of… anger must have been from protecting the kids." He lifted his right arm up and wiped a tear that was swelling on the tips of her eye lids. "The kids are back… and I'll be fine." Eureka felt her own smile growing. She looked down at back up at the Renton, motioning something to him. He looked down to see all the kids sleeping around her.
"They were worried too." She whispered back. Renton felt a strong warmth cover his body. He then looked back up to see Eureka's sweet smile. The one that made everything else fade away. She then rested her head next to his. The two could finally fall asleep. This time with out guilt, with out worry, and with out loss. It was the first time that they could all be together in overwhelming joy.