Free Web NovelChapter 84: Friends Indeed
As Shinon and Kira burst into the infirmary, their hearts racing with anticipation, they were met with a flurry of activity. Nurses scurried about, attending to patients in various stages of recovery. The air was heavy with the scent of antiseptics and the soft murmurs of whispered conversations.
Their eyes frantically searched the room until they spotted Rico’s bed in a corner. Without hesitation, they made their way towards him, their steps cautious and eager. As they approached, they noticed the Doctor standing nearby, reviewing a chart with a perplexed expression.
"Doctor!" Shinon’s voice broke through the infirmary’s hum, capturing the medical professional’s attention. The Doctor turned to face them, his gaze shifting from the chart to the trio standing before him.
"Shinon, Kira," the Doctor greeted them with a nod. "I’m glad you’re here. Rico has made a miraculous recovery."
Relief washed over Shinon, and he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He exchanged a glance with Kira, their eyes shining with unspoken gratitude.
"Tell us, Doctor," Shinon urged, his voice filled with anticipation. "How is he? What happened?"
The Doctor’s eyes filled with wonder and awe as he spoke. "Rico’s wound, the one in his chest, has completely disappeared in a matter of hours.
It’s as if it was never there. His vital signs are strong, and so far, he’s showing no signs of infection or complications. Obviously, we’ll monitor his situation to ensure he’s at his best before releasing him."
A mixture of disbelief and joy flooded Shinon’s being. Rico’s miraculous recovery defied all logic and expectations. He couldn’t help but attribute it to the newfound hope that had infused their lives since their recent successes against the bandits.
"Do you think it was something supernatural?" Kira asked in a calm voice, her eyes wide with wonder.
Shinon wondered that as well. As far as he knew, Rico was not a superhuman, unlike Kira and himself, which was another reason why he required special medical attention.
That said, the sudden disappearance of Rico’s wounds suggested he might have awakened some dormant ability while in a coma. Shinon wasn’t sure if that was the case, but he had seen others going through something similar in his world.
The Doctor’s expression softened as he considered Kira’s question. "I can’t explain it, but I believe there are forces at play in this world that are beyond our understanding."
He continued, "Perhaps Rico was touched by such forces, granting him a second chance. Regardless, I’m sure Rico’s recovery is a joyous situation for both of you. But please keep in mind he has just woken up, and it’ll take some time before he can return to day-to-day activities."
"We understand, Doctor. But can we see him at least?"
"Sure, go ahead."
Shinon’s gaze shifted from the Doctor to Rico, who lay peacefully on the bed, his eyes closed in slumber. His heart swelled with gratitude for his friend’s recovery and the inexplicable turn of events that had brought them to this moment.
At that moment, the Doctor noticed the signs of exhaustion etched on his face. Concern flickered in his eyes. "And you, young man. You seem injured as well. Let me take a look at you."
"It’s nothing, Doctor. I’ll be fine. Rico is all that matters right now." Shinon shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips.
The Doctor nodded, understanding Shinon’s unwavering focus on his friend. "Very well, but take care of yourself as well. If you’ll excuse me, I have other patients to attend to."
With a final nod of gratitude, Shinon returned to Rico. Kira stepped closer, her hand intertwining with Shinon’s as they approached the bed.
Approaching Rico’s bedside, Kira reached out and gently clasped his hand. It was warm and reassuring, a tangible connection that spoke volumes. Rico stirred, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal dazed but alert eyes.
Shinon took his space on the other side, standing with his arms crossed. He noticed Rico’s frail form propped up by a mound of pillows. Tubes snaked around him, connecting him to various monitors and machines.
However, Relief washed over Shinon’s face as he saw his friend conscious and aware, even if weakened by his ordeal.
"Shinon... Kira..." Rico’s voice was weak, barely a whisper.
"Rico," Kira breathed, her voice thick with emotion. "You’re awake."
Rico’s brows furrowed, concern evident in his eyes. "Where... where are we? I refuse to believe... I was knocked out... long enough for you guys to develop our base this much... hehe..."
Kira’s eyes welled up with tears as she watched the reunion unfold, the weight of the past days finally lifting from her shoulders. She stepped closer, her voice filled with emotion.
"We’ve missed you, Rico. We were so worried."
Rico’s gaze shifted between Shinon and Kira, a mix of confusion and concern crossing his features. "Where are we, though?"
Shinon hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much he should reveal. Rico deserved the truth, no matter how grim it was.
"Rico, we’re in the Phoenix’s settlement. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear as soon as you woke up," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But listen, they saved your life and had the resources and medical expertise to help you when we had nowhere else to turn." freewebnσvel.cѳm
Rico’s brow furrowed, a flicker of worry passing through his eyes. "Shinon, you know what the Phoenixes are like. They’re ruthless and manipulative. We can’t trust them. Especially not after what they did-"
Shinon immediately placed a finger on his mouth, signalling Rico to do the same. No matter the grudge they held against the phoenixes for killing countless innocents, they could not afford to reveal their true feeling about them or that they had been the ones to kill their raiders.
Rico breathed slowly and calmed down as Kira’s hand caressed his. Shinon nodded solemnly, understanding Rico’s concerns all too well.
"You’re right, Rico. They’re not exactly saints. But they had the means to save you when nobody else did. They saved your life, and now I owe them a debt."
"You... you’re not working for them, are you?" Rico’s expression softened, his gaze locked with Shinon’s.
"Unfortunately, I am," Shinon shook his head, disgust evident in his eyes. "I’ve been crafting weapons for them, trying to pay off the debt I owe for your life. It’s the only way to ensure they wouldn’t harm you or Kira."
Rico’s eyes widened, a mixture of gratitude and concern etching his features. "Shinon, you didn’t have to do that, and we could have found another way-"
"I wish we could have. I seriously do," Shinon smiled wanly. "But time was running out, and I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. Now that you’re awake, we’ll find a way to get the two of you out of here, I promise."
"But Shinon, what about you?" Rico asked, concern lacing his voice. "We can’t just leave you here, facing all the dangers alone. Not after you got into this trouble because of me-"
"No, everything happened because of me," Kira chimed in. "Had I been careful, we wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place."
A sense of gratitude filled Shinon’s chest, his eyes reflecting the deep bond they shared. He understood their loyalty and refusal to leave him behind, but he couldn’t bear the thought of them being caught in the crossfire of his battles.
"Rico, Kira, I appreciate your unwavering support," Shinon replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I have a plan, and I won’t do anything reckless or put myself in unnecessary danger if that’s what you’re concerned about.
I’ll find a way to deal with the Phoenixes to ensure our safety and the safety of this settlement. You two need to be somewhere secure, away from all of this."
Rico’s gaze softened, his hand reaching out to grasp Shinon’s. "We trust you, Shinon. But we’re a team, and we face challenges together. We won’t leave you behind, not now, not ever."
Kira’s voice joined in, her tone resolute. "We’ll find a way to navigate through this together. We’ve always relied on each other and won’t break that now."
Shinon felt a swell of emotion rise, a profound sense of gratitude and solidarity. He knew he couldn’t dissuade them, and deep down, he didn’t want to.
They were his family, his anchor in the storm. Together, they had endured so much, and together, they would face whatever lay ahead.
"Alright," he conceded, his voice filled with determination and acceptance. "If you both want that, we’ll face this together. But promise me this: promise me that you’ll be cautious and prioritise your safety over mine."
Rico and Kira exchanged a glance, their agreement unspoken but understood. They nodded in unison, their expressions a reflection of their shared resolve.
"We promise, Shinon," Rico affirmed, his voice firm. "We’ll watch out for each other, just like always."
"That’s not what I-" Shinon was about to point out the fault in Rico’s promise, but Kira cut him off before he could.
"Don’t worry, we’ll be there for you, Shinon, just as you’ve been there for us."
"You guys..." Shinon shook his head, and admitted defeat. After all, his stubbornness had finally rubbed on them.
