Sun from the Moon

06. Fire

- Gen -

Gen gasped as the bucket of water handed by Nikky almost slipped out of his hands.

His heart was about to implode, so worried and frightened he was, but he pulled himself together, trying not to show it, and the bucket passed into Kokuyo's hands as the mentalist received another, and then another. It was important not to weaken. No link in their human chain should give way, because putting out the fire was all that mattered... all that should matter, even if his mind was in total chaos.

Under the full moon, which fire made look sinister, the sea breeze carried splinters of burning wood, and the acrid smell of smoke filled his nostrils. The sparks swirled in the air, defying everyone's efforts to save the Perseus and prevent the Kingdom of Science's dreams from going up in smoke, and Gen began to cough, eyes red as he fought not to break down.

Since Ukyo had collapsed on the dance floor, everything had changed like in a nightmare. In a flash, the mentalist had realized how serious the situation was. As Senku rushed towards the observatory, his instinct was to look for Secret, to call his name, but in vain. Then, a shadow had crept into his heart, a bad feeling still there since Secret was nowhere to be found.

When he'd seen Ryusui staring at the horizon, darkness gates had opened wide. Of course, Gen had seen the growing glow towards the sea, the black smoke halo rising into the night sky. He'd driven the car carrying the buckets and pump mechanism Chrome had created a few months ago, which could be used as a fire hose. He'd done all this with fear in his stomach, but refusing to believe the fire could come from their boat.

So, his eyes widened in horror, realizing it was indeed the Perseus burning. It seemed unreal, but it was the wood they'd carefully selected and assembled that was crackling and creaking under the intense heat. The flames spread, devouring the sails Yuzuriha had woven enthusiastically. The Perseus, so proud and ready to set sail the next day, was attacked by tongues of fire when Gen turned to Senku, to see nothing but him.

Despite the shock and obvious pain he felt, the scientist refused to remain powerless in front of this spectacle. As the fire roar filled his ears, Gen heard him give clear, precise orders, full of that incredible boldness that gave them the strength to fight. Buckets were taken to the sea. The pump was turned on. But Gen was unable to move, as the discussion he'd heard between Taiju, Kinro and Ryusui had twisted his insides.

« There's no one in there, right? » The tall, dark-haired guy asked in panic.

« Ginro was supposed to be watching the boat, but I haven't seen him anywhere! » His brother explained, tense with fear.

« Let's go and have a look! We have to get the goats out too! » The captain ordered, as he poured water all over his body to face the flames.

« I'll go with you! »

Gen had spoken without realizing it, terrified Secret might also be trapped in the fire, ready to do anything to find him, even risking his own life. His sudden, uncontrollable fear had become his driving force, and he took a step forward as their leader stepped in with a sudden, almost violent gesture, glaring at him so darkly the mentalist was silenced.

« Certainly not! »

« Senku-chan... »

« You have nothing to do in this inferno, mentalist! Stay here! »

Gen almost cried.

Because he felt useless, powerless. Because Secret's disappearance was driving him mad. Because after that, Senku had rushed into the burning boat with Taiju and Ryusui, making his blood run cold. He'd wanted to scream, but the words had died on his lips when he was dragged towards the sea, among the human chain he'd joined like an automaton, trying not to think about the fact that he could lose them two in that cursed fire.