Author's Notes:

It's been nearly 3 years since I stopped writing this fanfiction. Please forgive. I seemed to have forgotten a lot of the original ideas that I had planned for this. But don't worry, it'll come back, if not, I'll make it up, and it'll probably be close to my original ideas. This chapter is just a precursor, so don't worry, I'll get back into the writing mode soon enough. BTW, at the current moment of this writing, 9/19/2009, I'm writing two fanfictions, so please bear with the time lags.

Thanks for keeping up with this fanfiction for so long people. PS: I will try to get back on track as soon as possible.`

Chapter 31

No… Eureka!

Stop that!

If you keep doing that I won't be able to hold back!

Ahahaha.

Seriously, stop now before it's too late!

Ah. If you continue like that, I will seriously spill my guts out.

Stop already!

Ah! Hahaha!

PLEASE! STOP TICKLING ME WITH THAT FEATHER!

AHAHA!

Renton woke with a start. Cold sweat had gathered on his forehead and palms. "What a strange nightmare," he thought as he shook his head in an attempt to clear it, "How in the world does a being ticklish to a feather have anything to do with us? I don't even think I talk like that!" He let out a loud yawn as he stretched. It seemed as if he and Eureka had fallen asleep before they realized it. He looked to his right and gazed at Eureka's peaceful face and thought how cute she looked despite being asleep. He smiled, Around him, bushes and trees obstructed most of his view; the area they chose to sleep in was very well hidden from the streets. In fact, it was so well isolated that he nearly forgot that it was only a five minute walk from that little grass hill they lied on as they watched the stars the other night.

There was a tiny space in the surrounding trees, just enough to let a small stream of light to pass through. The warm light lit the small space quite well and provided a great view for Renton: he was able to see nearly every blade of grass on the ground. He could even see the dew that collected on the leaves. He smiled, "How peaceful it seems." He recalled all that had happened to him and Eureka in the past year. So much had happened, and most of the time, they were fighting for their lives. There were many situations in which Renton thought that he would lose Eureka, but with everyone's help, things managed to turn out better than he had expected. He remembered his promise that he made to Nirvash and smiled. "Nirvash, just you watch. We'll fix this whole thing once and for all," he said quietly.

Renton's right hand was still holding Eureka's hand. "It's so warm," he thought as he gently squeezed her hand. "Eureka. Wake up." His left hand stroked her light turquoise hair. He was slightly surprised how silky Eureka's hair was; his hair always felt rough to his hands, even after he had a proper bath. Renton shook Eureka softly, "Eureka." She opened her eyes slowly and smiled. "Good morning Renton," she said as she stretched her arms. Renton smiled, "Wanna go look around the town? Today's probably the last day we'll spend here. We'll have to get to the Gekko-go by night fall I think." Eureka smiled softly and nodded her head. Together, they sprang up on their feet and crawled out of the small bushy area. They walked pass the hill on which they had made their wishes. Renton smiled as he recalled the memory. Soon enough, the two left the sanctuary of the trees and found themselves back on the main street of the city. He had never seen this city during the daytime; it was only last night that he came here, and that was at some restaurant. He exhaled sharply: the city looked amazing bathed in the morning sun. Since the buildings were white, they seemed to glow almost. Renton laughed, "Let's go Eureka!" Eureka smiled and took a step forward. Unfortunately, she was not used to the high heels yet, and had stepped down improperly the sidewalk.

"Renton! Oh! Ah!" The heel had snapped and caused her to fall and let out a small yelp.

"Eureka!" Renton said as he tried to catch her. "Ouch! A-are you okay Eureka?" He fell down along with her, but luckily, he broke her fall by pulling her over him. "Y-yeah, I'm okay" she blushed, "Are you okay?"

"Uh huh. You're a little heavier than I thought."

"Huh? Oh!" She quickly moved off Renton and pulled him up, "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize that.."

Renton laughed, "Don't worry about." He picked up her heels and examined it, "It looks like it is broken, maybe even beyond repair." He looked at her and realized that he should have tried to reassure her instead.

"Eureka, don't worry about."

"But, it was Talho's and she said that she got it from Holland for her-"

"We will definitely get it fixed by the end of today."

"Really?"

Renton smiled and extended his hand, "Let's go look for a cobbler. He'll know what to do."

Eureka giggled, "Thank you."

"For what?" Renton inquired.

"Nothing, it just makes me really happy that.. well. That we're on a date."

Renton smiled, "Me too."

"Dates are so much fun," Eureka said. Renton laughed, "Alright let's go."

The two strolled through the white streets of the city. Unlike previous cities they had been through, this city was doing quite well. It did not seem to have been hit by any of the Corealian's fallout. They continued walking along the side walk when Renton spotted a small white pillar. It barely reached Renton's waist and it had a spinning hologram of a star. "Hm? What is that?" He thought as he approached it. "I think it's this cities directory." Eureka said, "They are usually common in cities that have a lot of shopping districts." Renton stepped closer to the machine and placed his hand near it. The star flickered and spun. "Woah!" exclaimed Renton, "it moved!" The machine came to life as the hologram expanded. In a cool female voice it asked, "Hello, welcome to Neon City's shopping center. How may I be of assistance?"

"Huh. That's interesting." Renton said aloud, "I guess it can tell us where to find a person who can fix your shoe!"

The machine replied in its cool female voice, "If you are looking for a cobbler, please take this route."

To their surprise, a 3-D map popped out of the center of the machine. Eureka giggled, "I guess there's no need to even ask it. It already figured out what we wanted." Renton smiled and looked at the map; he quickly memorized the path to the store and pulled Eureka along. "Com' on! This way! It's not that far away."

"Yikes!" Eureka laughed as she tried to keep up with Renton, "Slow down!"

Renton laughed exuberantly and yelled, "Come on Eureka!"

He laughed again; he doesn't know why he's happy but it felt that it had been such a long time since they had time to experience a normal life. "Even if it is for a short day," he thought, "it's enough for me."

He smiled at Eureka, and she smiled back at him.