Chapter 8: Recovery

Word had got around that Captain Planet and the Planeteers were in the hospital. This had caused quite hubbub. The Planeteers had handled the situation, not letting them bother the superhero. Despite the situation with Kim, he had agreed to have a word with the crowd, figuring it would give him something else to think about at least for a little while. Cap just hoped the hospital wouldn't become a tourist attraction just because they happened to be there.

On the morning of the third day in the hospital, Cap had begun to seriously consider doing as Gaia had told him to and give Kim a dose of his blood. There didn't seem to be any improvement in Kim's condition. Or so the nurses kept telling him.

He had told the Planeteers what the spirit had advised him to do when they had dropped by. Mostly it had been Gi who had kept him company but the others wanted to give him their support too. In this case, the rules had been allowed to be bended a little but only to the extent that all five could stay in the room for a short while.

Cap felt he needed a bit of a recharge. He didn't need it very badly but he wanted to be prepared for possible eco-emergencies. The superhero went to the window to check if the sun was shining. To his relief it was. If it had been cloudy, he would've had to return. He let the sun recharge him, feeling much better.

The Planeteers came for a visit. "How is she?" Ma-Ti asked. "Any change?"

"None that I can see," the eco-hero replied with a sigh. "I guess the only possibility here is to do as Gaia told me to. But I'll wait until a nurse has checked on her."

As if on cue, a nurse came in. "Good morning, everyone."

"I don't see anything good in it," Cap grumbled. "Please tell me she's better."

The nurse did her checks. "Well, her blood pressure's a little higher, at least. And her heartbeat is steady. Otherwise, no change."

The same old story he had heard umpteenth times. "Let me guess," the superhero said. "You don't know if she's going to recover."

"I'm sorry," the nurse said, unable to think of anything else to say. "We'll just have to hope for the best."

"I'm getting tired of hearing that," Cap muttered after the nurse left, his hands gripping the bed sheets. Gi placed a comforting hand on the superhero's shoulder. He had rarely been in such a foul mood. "I think it's time to give her a helping hand."

"Maybe we should wait a little more," Linka cautioned. "Her condition could improve today."

"And then again, maybe she will get worse again and won't wake up at all," Cap said somberly. He went to the bedside table and took the syringe out.

"Do what you think is best," the Kayapo told him. "We will support you."

He nodded. "I'm a bit skeptical about using this thing, but I guess Gaia knows what she's talking about." With that, he stuck the needle in his arm and drew the required five mil. "Why can't I just give this to her straight instead of mixing it with the rest?" he asked Gaia telepathically, remembering her instructions.

"Even if you are half human, your other half seems to be predominant," came Gaia's voice in his mind. "If you put it in the IV, it will be thinned down a bit and won't be so strong as it enters her bloodstream."

Cap supposed that made sense. He hadn't thought much about his other half, thinking of himself as a being of nature. But it was a fact that he wasn't a full elemental. He might as well have been, having put most of his mortality aside when he had made a certain decision.

Putting that thought aside, he asked, "How do you know this will help?" Despite her saying it was safe, Cap couldn't help feeling unsure about it. But he did trust the spirit. "What if…"

"Planet, just do it," Gaia told him patiently.

"Alright, alright." Cap went to the drip. Hesitating only for a moment more he injected the blood. It seemed to sparkle for a few seconds before returning to normal. The syringe disappeared as soon as the blood left it. "How long will it take to work?"

"That I don't know," Gaia admitted. "I'm sorry."

Cap sighed. "She doesn't know how long it will take to work," he told the Planeteers. "All we can do now is wait." The superhero hoped they wouldn't have to wait long, since there had been enough of that lately.

"We will keep our fingers crossed," Linka said.

The eco-hero smiled a little, glad of his friends' support. "There is the possibility Plunder or Blight or someone else could take advantage of this situation any day now. They could think Kim's gone and I'm an easy target."

"They do not know you very well, if they think that, then," Linka stated. The superhero had already showed that he would do his job, no matter what.

Despite having brought it up, Cap wished the villains would not hatch any schemes right now. He didn't want to leave Kim. Not until she woke up.

In the afternoon Kim gave a sigh. Cap hoped she would open her eyes but nothing else happened. He was alone for the moment since the 'Teers had gone to get something to eat.

Cap glanced at the heart monitor. Her heartbeat seemed to get stronger. 'At least that's something, I guess,' he thought.

He went to get a nurse and told her what had happened and to confirm the fact about Kim's heartbeat. The nurses had gotten used to the superhero by now and he could even talk to them when they had time.

After doing her checks, the nurse on duty told Cap that Kim was just sleeping now and it was only a matter of time now when she woke up. The drain was removed but the oxygen mask stayed in place just in case.

The superhero smiled, relieved beyond measure about the news. It seemed the worst was over. "That's great news."

"To be honest, we didn't expect her to recover at all," the nurse admitted. None of the nurses hadn't had the heart to say that to him until now.

Cap kept quiet about giving Kim a dose of his blood. "She's a tough girl."

When the Planeteers returned, the eco-hero told them the news. They were glad.

Gi gave him a hug. "I knew things would work out," she said, causing Cap to smile.

"I'll be a lot happier when she actually does wake up," he said.

For the rest of the day, he hoped Kim would wake up, but she didn't. Cap was hopeful after the good news, though, and just talked to her like before.

When it started to get dark, the Planeteers went back to where they were staying near the hospital.

In the morning Kim stirred and groaned. Slowly she opened her eyes and focused on him, smiling a little when she recognized him. Cap was overjoyed that she was finally awake.

"Welcome back, my love." The superhero smiled, taking her hand in his. He felt it safe to remove the oxygen mask. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Kim replied, blinking tiredly. "What happened?"

He had been told this might happen so he wasn't alarmed and told her, adding that she had been unconscious for a long time after that. "Long enough to worry me and everyone else," he told her when she asked how long she had been under. He gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Don't tell me you've been with me all that time," the brunette said.

Cap smiled affectionately. "Where else would I have been? But if you don't believe me, ask one of the nurses."

If there was one thing she knew about him, it was that the superhero devoted himself to whatever he thought was important. Even if she hadn't been awake, Kim was glad he had been there for her.

After a while the Planeteers came in and were pleasantly surprised to find Kim awake.

A nurse came to check on her and smiled when she discovered the patient was awake. "It's good to see you're awake, Miss Dawson."

"It's good to be awake." Kim took a deep breath and winced. "Ouch."

The nurse asked if she wanted something for the pain. The brunette did so the nurse left and after a few minutes came back with some painkillers.

"It'll take some time for them take effect," she said.

After the nurse had left, Ma-Ti started. "Um, sorry but I was told we are needed."

Cap sighed. "Duty calls then." He cursed the timing but felt better about leaving now that Kim was awake, although he knew she was still far from healed.

Kim frowned, confused. "I didn't hear anything."

"Telepathy," the superhero told her simply, sure it didn't need to be explained further than that. If she asked, he would elaborate on it, though.

It seemed that wasn't necessary. "Who's at the other end?" she asked, curious.

Cap thought of how to put it. "A friend of ours," he finally said.

"Was that how you and I were able to 'talk' when I was Plunder's 'guest'?" the woman asked, putting two and two together.

Cap nodded. "Sorry, but we really have to go now."

Kim was sorry to see him go so soon but understood he had a job to do. "Come here," she said, beckoning him to come closer. He did so and Kim gave him a kiss. "For luck," the woman explained.

Cap smiled affectionately. "Just take it easy now. I'll be back before you know it. The power is yours!" The superhero left and the Planeteers' rings flared with light.

Kim decided to take a little nap until he returned. Now that the painkillers had taken effect, she could sleep without difficulty.

It was Blight and Plunder. It was obvious they had counted on Cap being miserable and were quite surprised when this was not the case.

"I know for a fact that people who are shot in the back rarely survive," MAL told Blight after they had managed to get away. "So maybe Planthead didn't care about the woman as much as Bleak said he did."

"Either that, or the fool screwed up," Blight said.

Plunder snorted. The thought was ridiculous. "He's the best mercenary I know. He doesn't screw up."

A few days later Kim was stretching her legs in the corridor, leaning on Cap a little. She had been admitted out of ICU and had insisted on getting out of bed for a moment. She had been allowed to do that, but only because of the superhero who promised to keep an eye on her. It was clear to everyone that Cap cared about the girl a lot.

The Planeteers came for a visit. "How are you feeling today?" Gi asked.

"A bit better," Kim replied. "I'm glad this guy's here with me." She smiled at Cap who had left her side only for missions. There hadn't been many of those, much to the superhero's delight, giving him a chance to be there for the woman.

He was surprised she hadn't gotten tired of him yet though, the way he had been hovering over her. "There's no place I'd rather be right now than with you."

"At least we get to spend some time together now," Kim said. "Although I can think of better ways to spend a vacation." The grin she had on her face when she looked at him told volumes. "If Plunder's men hadn't interrupted us…" The woman looked at Cap affectionately and traced the outlines of his stomach muscles with a finger.

Cap shook his head in amusement, although he was of like mind about that. Then her words of three years ago came back to him. "Remember what you said when we met? Because I do."

Kim frowned. "What did I say?" Her memory wasn't as good as the superhero's apparently was.

"'It doesn't matter what we do, as long as we do it together'," Cap quoted verbatim. "Right?"

Kim gave a laugh, trying to hide the grimace as this hurt her injured lung. Cap noted the grimace. Whether she liked it or not, it was time for her to go back to bed. "To think you still remember that."

"I guess this place is not that ideal, though," the superhero admitted. He would have much rather spent time with her at the cabin than at the hospital.

"Hopefully the food will get better," the woman chatted as if nothing had happened. "All I've gotten so far are broth and soup."

"She wouldn't have eaten even that if I hadn't fed her," Cap told the five.

Kim smiled. "I had to. You were so insistent. Besides, you liked feeding me, didn't you?"

He smiled fondly at her, having to admit she was right. "I just want you to get better, love," the superhero said. "You do have to eat so you'll get better and out of here, you know."

"I know. If you ever decide to quit being a superhero, you should be a nurse," Kim told him with a straight face. Well, he had been her personal nurse, so to speak.

"Me? A nurse?" Cap repeated, rolling his eyes. "White's really not my color so I think I'll stick to what I know best, thank you very much."

"Hey, I was joking." Kim smiled and ruffled his hair, wincing as this stretched the side where the stitches were.

Cap looked at her with concern. "You should go back to bed now, Kim. You've been up long enough."

This resulted in a bit of an argument but in the end she let him take her back to her room. He helped her lie down and sat himself down beside the bed.

"We will go and get some lunch now," Linka said and the five left.

A doctor came to see her. "How are we feeling today?" he asked.

"Better," Kim replied.

"That's good. I'd like to talk about that blood sample we took this morning," the doctor said.

"What about it?" she asked, exchanging a look with Cap. He had told her what he had done.

"We found something strange in it. We're not even sure what it is." The doctor was noticeable confused.

"I don't think it's anything to worry about," Kim said, having thought fast. "I feel fine and if something does happen, Planet here will get you."

Cap nodded. "You bet." This seemed to satisfy the man so he let it go.

"Doctor, how long will have to stay here?" the brunette asked.

"Since your injuries were quite serious plus the complications you had, I'd say two or three more weeks. But it really depends on how fast you recover enough to be released." With that, the doctor left.

Having to be satisfied with this news, Kim looked at Cap, who looked thoughtful. "What's the matter, love?" she asked.

"Just wondering what my blood will do to you," the superhero told her. "Besides the obvious." Nothing had cropped up so far.

"Well, I don't feel any different and I'm not glowing or anything," Kim said. "I promise I'll tell you if something unusual happens."

Cap smiled, fondling her cheek. "See that you do."

The next couple of weeks tried both Cap's and the nurses' patience. Kim complained about having to stay in bed so much. Despite getting out of bed for her walks, her condition improved day by day.

"Never thought I'd say this," the eco-hero told the Planeteers one day. "But I'm kinda glad to go on missions once in a while, just to get away from her and her temper."

"She too much to handle?" Wheeler asked. The American sympathized with him. Linka was like that most of the time. At least to him.

Cap nodded. "And stubborn to boot."

"Wait 'til she finds out how stubborn you can be," Gi said. Unlike in this case, there had been times when the superhero's stubbornness had gotten him in trouble.

Cap grinned. "She already does. Who do you think wins our arguments? She's so cute when she pouts." He had just told the woman the facts and she couldn't dispute them.

"Will she be released soon?" Kwame asked.

"Any day now," was the reply. Kim's recovery rate had surprised the hospital personnel. "I've been thinking of taking her to Hope Island. A change of scenery would do her good."

"Have you asked Gaia about that?" Gi asked. "Kim's an outsider you know."

"Nope," Cap admitted. "First I'll ask Kim would she want to go and then I'll ask Gaia."

"You don't have to," the superhero heard the spirit's voice in his head. "It's fine with me." Gaia had figured it was time to get to know the woman her son cared so much about.

"What did she say?" Ma-Ti asked, noticing the surprised expression on Cap's face.

"She said it's fine with her," he replied, pleased about that and looked in the general direction of Kim's room. "I wonder if it's safe to go to her now." The woman had driven him out of her room again and he had left to let her cool down.

The Planeteers exchanged looks and tried to keep from laughing.

A few days later Kim was told she would be released. She was given a prescription for some antibiotics and painkillers. Cap assured the doctor he would make sure the woman would take them.

"Somehow I knew you'd say that," Kim said. She was grateful that he was there for her, though.

"And here's the medical certificate for your boss," the doctor said, handing her a paper.

Kim took it. "Thanks. I can go now?"

The doctor nodded. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Captain Planet," he said.

"The pleasure's all mine, doc," Cap said heartily. "Thanks for putting up with her." He grinned when Kim jabbed him in the arm. "Sorry but you were quite a handful." Impossible, even, but this he didn't say out loud.

The brunette had to admit he was right. Her impatience had gotten the better of her a number of times. Whereas his patience had been exceptional.

The doctor left, leaving the pair alone. "How long will your sick leave be?" Cap asked Kim.

She checked the certificate. "At least 5 months."

"Plenty of time," Cap commented with a smile.

"Time for what?" she asked.

He fondled her cheek. "For us to get to know each other better, love." He would not only get to know her but would also let her get to know him. The woman knew even less about him than he did about her.

Kim smiled, looking forward to it. "It sure is. But there's one problem. What am I going to wear? I can't keep these." She looked down at herself wearing the hospital clothes.

Cap gave her some clothes he had gotten from the cabin that morning. "Have I told you how wonderful you are?" Kim asked, a hand on his cheek.

"Not lately," he said and smiled.

Kim knew that to be true. She hadn't been that nice to him. "Well, you are," she said and gave him a kiss.

When she had changed her clothes Cap offered his arm. "Shall we?"

"We shall," Kim said and they left the room. Once they got outside her face lit up when she saw Buddy waiting with the Planeteers. He was on a leash so as not to run her over in his excitement. The bandage was gone from his leg.

"I don't have to tell you what he thinks about seeing you again, do I?" Cap asked with a smile.

No, he certainly didn't have to. It was so obvious. "It's so good to see you again, boy," Kim said, hugging the dog. Buddy licked her face.

After the trip to the pharmacy Cap helped her to climb aboard the Geo-Cruiser. "You're in good hands with the Planeteers and I'll be just outside," he said. Otherwise the superhero would have travelled in the plane too, but there was no room, the craft having only six seats.

"I didn't sleep so well last night so I think I'll catch up on that now," Kim said.

Soon the Geo-Cruiser was in the air, the superhero flying beside it.