Reshimation Fanfiction Part 2

     The ride to the Coliseum was a quiet one, save for the occasional mumble or instruction from the medic. When he was done with FLLFFL he worked on Umbrella, then patched me up. I glanced at the former agent. His seat was still down from when the doctor was tending to his wound. He was in a dead sleep, but I wasn’t surprised. When I had a wound like that I was out for two days.
     As we pulled into the medical section of the facility, I noticed numbers of RHGs had gathered outside.
     “Oxob, you didn’t tell anyone else about Alpha or anything, did you?” I inquired.
     “No one other than Andre; I expected something like this would happen. Someone must have seen us leaving with Felix.” Felix… of course, the head medic. I glanced through the tinted windows at the crowd. All were dead silent as they watched us pass.
     “Pull straight in and close the bay doors,” I said, leaning between the front seats, “they don’t need to see who we have with us. It might start something.” Andre nodded and complied, going directly into the medical bay. It was basically an enclosed parking lot, and its doors were thick to deter anyone who might try to break in. Luckily, no RHGs had gathered inside, only a team of medics. They approached as soon as the vehicle stopped, heading straight for the back. I got out and watched them for a moment.
     “Get Alpha to sickbay immediately,” said Felix. The order was obeyed, and soon FLLFFL was behind closed doors. I felt a tap on my shoulder, and I turned to the medic. “Would you mind helping me with the other one?”
     “Umbrella? Sure, but… why me?”
     “The other two are discussing something.” I glanced at Andre and Oxob, then shrugged.
     “Can’t argue with that logic.” I went around to the other side as the medic went to get a gurney. I opened the door and gave Umbrella a tap, but he didn’t stir. “Umbrella?” I gave his arm a slight shake. Nothing. I heard the medic approach.
     “I don’t think he’ll be waking up for a while. With the blood loss and radiation damage, he’ll be lucky to wake up in 48 hours.”
     “He’s a tough guy. He’ll pull through.”
     “I’m sure he will.” We pulled him out and lifted him onto the gurney.
     “Need anything else?”
     “I think I can handle it from here. Thanks.”
     “No problem.” I watched him walk away with Umbrella in tow.
     “Hey, Draco.” Andre and Oxob approached.
     “Yes?”
     “We were thinking… it may not be a good idea to keep Umbrella here while he’s in his current state,” Andre stated.
     “Especially after we tell the Gladiators,” Oxob added. I rubbed my chin in thought. They had to say something eventually, and even though most Gladiators are good people, some of them might hate Umbrella a little too much.
     “I see. What did you have in mind?”
     “Well, you more-or-less volunteered to watch him,” Andre answered, “so maybe you could find a place for him until he’s back on his feet?”
     “Wait, you’re not going to ask anyone else to look after him? It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just…”
     “We don’t think anyone else will be up for it, but we can try.” My eyes wandered to the vehicle and spotted Umbrella’s equipment.
     “What about his things?” I asked. Andre and Oxob glanced at each other.
     “I suppose,” Andre replied, rubbing his chin, “we can send them with you, or whomever Umbrella ends up with.” I thought for a moment.
     “Can I ask a favor?” I received raised brows, as it was uncommon for me to ask for such things.
     “Um, sure, what is it?” Oxob answered.
     “I want to see if Umbrella’s equipment can be redesigned so it doesn’t give off so much radiation. If he’s going to be using it, I don’t want it killing him.” After exchanging glances with Oxob, Andre grinned. I think he was amused by my sudden protectiveness over someone who had been our enemy moments before.
     “Alright, we’ll have the engineers see to it. We’re going to consult StickPage.”
     “You’re not going to tell the Gladiators about Alpha and Umbrella?”
     “That can wait for now. In the meantime, you hang around in case something comes up.” I nodded, and they left. A few minutes later two engineers came in and collected Umbrella’s equipment into a case. After they left I sat down and leaned against the side of the Treader in the empty bay.

     I pulled out my Tracker to see how much time had passed since we arrived. It had been a couple hours, and in those hours the crowd outside became restless. I could hear the mumbling through the thick bay doors.
     My tracker bleeped, and I looked down. A video feed featuring Andre had begun. Guess these things do have a video function. He sighed before speaking.
     “I know you all are curious about the outcome of Alpha’s battle with Umbrella. I also know you will not like what I am about to tell you.” The humming of the crowd ceased. “It is an unfortunate fact that Alpha was defeated-” A slight uproar started, and Andre signaled for silence. “But, due to a certain Gladiator’s actions, we were able to bring him back. He is currently in sickbay and is expected to make a full recovery. Now for the part you’re not going to be too fond of.” He let out another sigh. “It is also because of the Gladiator I spoke of before that we were able to capture Umbrella. However, it seems things have changed. Despite recent events, he is no longer an enemy of the Coliseum.”
     At this the RHGs outside became furious, shouting to explain or that we should kill Umbrella. I stood and reached for one of my swords, then remembered they don’t know where he is.
     “The reason for this is because he worked for someone far more dangerous, and was betrayed by his employer. He is now a valuable asset for us, and I expect you to treat him as such. He is in critical condition from the battle, and, in order to help prevent any attempts on his life, will be kept in a secret location until he can fend for himself. There is one matter that still stands. Once he is brought back here, we will need at least one volunteer to watch over him. I know he doesn’t have a great history with us so far, but we need to put that behind us. We need to prepare for something far greater. I’m sure you’re curious as to what, but that will come later. If you are willing to take responsibility for Umbrella, send a message to my Tracker.” As the video ended, I noticed silence outside. The humming of voices soon started up again, and faded as the Gladiators dispersed. I sat back down with a sigh. That went better than expected.
     My Tracker buzzed. I snorted as I raised the device.
     The medics want Umbrella to stay for the night to make sure he’s stable. - Andre
     Alright.
     It’s late. You should get some rest. - Andre I humphed in amusement. Where exactly did he expect me to sleep? Some RHGs live in the dorms here at the Coliseum or in the city a few miles out, but I wasn’t one of them. I sighed and leaned my head against the Treader. I didn’t feel like going to town, and I don’t know if they assign temporary rooms. I suppose sleeping inside the ATV was better than nothing.
     “Excuse me.” I flinched at Felix as he popped up around the corner. He was stealthy, for a medic. “Oh sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
     “It’s alright. You need something?”
     “Not really… I just noticed you were still here and was wondering if everything was OK.”
     “Everything’s fine. I just have to figure out where my bed is going to be tonight.” The stick scratched the back of his head.
     “I suppose I could let you stay in a room,” he suggested. I shrugged.
     “Eh, why not. It’s better than what I had in mind.” I stood and let the medic lead me inside and down the white and grey halls. We came to a section I had never been in before, but I soon realized it was where the more critically wounded were held. But why did he lead me here? The medic noticed the question on my face.
     “I thought you’d like to be as close as possible in case something happens. In this case...” he stopped beside an open room, “you’ll be right next to his room.” I paused before entering, giving a nod of thanks. “Before you sleep, I’d like to check your wounds.” I sat on the bed and let the medic inspect me. “Hm, that’s interesting…” he mumbled as he took off a patch.
     “What?”
     “Your wound seems to have stopped bleeding already… it looks a day old.”
     “Oh, yeah, I heal faster than the average person.”
     “Is that so?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll have to read back over your profile.” He took off a couple more bandages, then paused at the wound at my collar bone. “Hold on a minute…” he mumbled, leaning in a bit closer, “seems the bullet is still there.” He looked back over my other injuries. “They’re all still there, save for the knee. How unprofessional of me.” He left the room for a moment, and soon returned with a tray and forceps. “This shouldn’t hurt much.” I hissed as he pulled out the bullets.
     “Ouch,” I grumbled as he pulled out the last one.
     “Sorry.” He rebandaged the wounds and, taking the tray with him, left without another word. I sat on the bed for a minute, gazing out of the window before laying down.

     I yawned as I woke and stretched, then flinched at the pain from my injuries. I shook myself with a snort.
     “Finally awake?” I turned my head to find Andre sitting in a chair by the bed. “I was beginning to think you were going to sleep all day.” I glanced at the clock as I swung my feet over the edge of the bed. It was past noon.
     “Not to be rude or anything, but why exactly are you here?”
     “Straight to business, eh? Alright, I’ll level.” He leaned forward onto his knees and lowered his voice. “You’re in charge of Umbrella.”
     “No one else wanted to take him in?”
     “There were a few. Last night Umbrella woke for a short time, but long enough to be informed of the situation. He chose you.” I looked down at the floor.
     “Why me?”
     “Don’t know. Maybe it has something to do with you saving his life, or because you’re the only Gladiator he actually spoke with.” I continued looking at the floor. “Come on, lighten up. Being the one who offered first, I’m surprised you’re not happy about it.”
     “It’s not that…”
     “Then what is it?”
     “I was planning - if I ended up with him - to keep him at my home...”
     “Not seeing the problem.”
     “The problem is I don’t live alone. A Gladiator lives with me. He normally listens, but sometimes his emotions get the better of him and he may do something stupid.”
     “Oh yes… Nhaleet is it?”
     “Yeah.”
     “I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”
     “Mh, maybe…” Andre’s Tracker buzzed. He pulled it out and looked at it for a minute.
     “I gotta go.” He stood, putting the Tracker away. “I’ll get a chopper prepped for you.”
     “Alright. Thanks.”
     “No problem.” He left, and I remained in the room for a while longer before heading to the hangar.

     Luckily the chopper didn’t draw any attention. I was quiet the whole way, even though the pilot and Felix kept trying to start a conversation.
     We touched down at sunset, not far from my house. I aided the medic in unloading Umbrella and helped guide the gurney up the side of the porch with a ramp. At the door I paused. If Nhaleet was here, surely he would have come outside when he heard the chopper. I sighed and opened the door. It was nice to be home.
     I signaled for Felix to come in, and the gurney clanked over the doorframe. I moved to the front to help move Umbrella upstairs, then heard a familiar set of footsteps.
     “Draco?” He must have been sleeping. Sometimes it takes an earthquake to wake the kid.
     “Hey Nhaleet,” I sighed.
     “What’s going on?” He looked at the stickfigure on the gurney. “Is that...”
     “Yes, it’s Umbrella.”
     “What the hell is he doing here?” I stepped between Nhaleet and the gurney, in case the boy lost it.
     “I’m going to be watching him until he’s back on his feet.”
     “But isn’t he-”
     “We’ll talk about this later.” I turned to continue what I was doing.
     “You’re the one that interveined with the battle, aren’t you?”
     “What makes you think that?”
     “Because it sounds like something you’d do.” He took a step back, then went back into the living room. I returned to the front of the gurney and grabbed the edge, and with Felix’s help pulled it up the stairs. I directed it towards the second room on the right. Once we were in the spare bedroom we carefully moved Umbrella from the gurney to the bed.
     “Are you sure Nhaleet won’t bother him?” Felix asked. I crossed my arms.
     “Don’t worry, he knows better than to get on my bad side. He’s seen what happens when people do.” Felix began taking the gurney away.
     “I’ll be right back with supplement shots.”
     “Supplement shots?”
     “He obviously can’t eat at the moment, and even if he wakes he can’t have anything until that wound is mostly healed.” I gave an understanding nod and watched him leave, then figured he could use some help getting that bed on wheels down the stairs.
     After seeing the medic out the door, I peeked into the living room. Nhaleet was sitting in his usual chair, twiddling his thumbs.
     Felix came back in with a small bag and a case, and I followed him upstairs. He instructed me of where and when to give a shot, when to change his dressings, then took his leave. Before he stepped out of the door he paused.
     “Oh, almost forgot.” He pulled out a portfolio and handed it to me. On the tab was my name.
     “What’s this?”
     “Your profile. I thought Umbrella should know who he’s staying with.” I nodded, and we gave each other a wave as the chopper took off. I went back to Umbrella’s room and placed the folder on the bedstand, then went into the living room to give Nhaleet a talk. I sat in my usual spot on the couch, across from his chair. At first I was silent.
     “I know this may be strange for you...” He looked up with a raised eyebrow, and I sighed. “Look, I’m going to tell you the same thing Andre said. There’s something bigger going on. We don’t know exactly what, but we know it’s not good. And I have a feeling a fight is going to break out soon. We may need all the help we can get. Umbrella’s commander tried to terminate him after his last mission, which is why he’s here now. I’m pretty sure he has nowhere else to go. But I’m glad you didn’t act like most of the others. They’re so focused on the past, they don’t want to give him a chance. Umbrella’s trying to start on a clean slate. Don’t make it any harder on him than it already is.” Nhaleet looked back at the floor.
     “Alright.”
     “Good boy.” His stomach growled, and I grinned. “Haven’t I told you about going hungry?”
     “Yeah, but you’re a better cook than me.” I chuckled as I stood.
     “Well then, I better get cheffing.”

     It had been about two days since Umbrella was brought here. During those days I really had nothing to do other than care for him. Part of the reason I joined the RHG was because my life was so dull.
     Today it was grey, the clouds letting down a steady drizzle. Nhaleet was at the Coliseum training, so I was alone. I had spent most of the day reading Halo: The Cole Protocol. It was a good book. Now I was sitting on my bed, twiddling my thumbs and staring at the floor. I glanced at the end of my bed and noticed my guitar leaning against the wall. It was one of those ones that can switch from acoustic to electric.
     “Why the hell not…” I mumbled, and I retrieved the instrument. I noticed the cord was still plugged in. It has been a long time since I’ve played it. After checking the switch to make sure it was on electric, I half-heartedly plucked at the cords, reminding my fingers how to work them. I suddenly found myself playing a certain tune, and I began singing along.
     “They see you as small and helpless
They see you as just a child
Surprised when they find out
That a warrior will soon run wild
Prepare for your greatest moment
Prepare for your finest hour
The dream that you’ve always dreamed
Is suddenly about to flower
We are lightning
Straying from the thunder
Miracles of ancient wonder.

     “This will be the day we waited for
This will be the day we open up the door
I don’t want to hear your absolution
Hope you’re ready for a revolution
Welcome to a world of new solutions
Welcome to a world of bloody evolution
In time
Your heart will open minds
A story will be told
And victory is in a simple soul.” There was a clatter across the hall, and I stopped, setting the guitar down to investigate. I saw movement through the crack of the door of Umbrella’s room, and I burst in to find him on the floor, along with a toppled chair. It seems he tried to leave the room, but was too weak and fell, taking the chair with him. He moved to get up, and I quickly went to aid him. “Take it easy. Come on, back to bed with you.” As I lay him back in bed, I set the chair upright with my tail.
     “Thanks,” he grunted, and I nodded.
     “I was beginning to worry. You’ve been out for nearly three days now,” I said, sitting down. He adjusted himself and grimaced at the pain the movement brought.
     “Was that you singing?” I scratched the back of my head with an embarrassed grin.
     “Um, yeah… it was.” There was a moment of silence.
     “I… wanted to thank you… for saving me,” he said hesitantly. I shrugged.
     “Just doing what I felt was right.”
     “I thought you all hated me.”
     “Oh, most of them think you’re literally Hitler. They’re just focused on what you did and don’t think you’d change.”
     “And you?” I rubbed my chin and closed my eyes.
     “Our eyes are in front because it’s more important to look ahead than to look back.” I opened my eyes to find Umbrella giving me a partially confused look. “Don’t dwell on things in the past. Learn from them and keep moving forward.” There was another moment of silence.
     “Why did you protect me?” he asked. I sighed and leaned forward onto my knees, searching for an answer.
     “I felt leaving you would go against the Old Code my father taught me.”
     “Old Code?”
     “A knight is sworn to valor. His heart knows only virtue. His blade defends the helpless. His might upholds the weak. His word speaks only truth. His wrath undoes the wicked.”
     “Some code.”
     “But let me ask you something. Why did you choose me to look after you?” Umbrella looked away.
     “Well, firstly, you didn’t try to kill me first, though I suspect you easily could have.” I nodded as I leaned back. “Secondly, in the few minutes we talked, I could tell you were a decent man… or whatever the hell you are.” I chuckled.
     “Well, everything you need to know about me is in that folder there,” I said, gesturing to the bedstand. “Read it whenever you get the chance.” He nodded, and I got up to leave. “Oh, I hope you don’t mind, but I had the engineers redesign your equipment. It still gives off some radiation, but not nearly as much as it did before. It’s in the case by your bed.” I began walking away, then paused in the doorway. “Welcome to the family, Umbrella.”

To be continued…?