Life's Second Chance

Helmets On!

"She's not breathing!" reported a rushing medic as they placed the youth into the metallic mobile hospital.

Charley's eyes widened and before she could hop into the ambulance a whip-like prehensile tail wrapped around her waist sweeping her off her feet. She was placed in the back seat of the red Speedster, with Vinnie at the handles.

"Helmets on bros!" called out Throttle as the trio followed the speeding white vehicle. Worry stricken eyes peered through the glass panes in front of them as the doctors on board sent shocks through the girl's limp body with an automated external defibrillator.

The shrill sounds of sirens were enough to send shivers up anyone's spine, and as Charley egged Vinnie to go faster, she could see the metal paddles being used and shed a few fearful tears-her heart seemed to jump into her throat.

Once at the hospital the bikers dismounted and rushed in with their helmets still on their heads, each at either side of the rolling stretcher. Soulful eyes watched the group in white and green coats enter the Emergency Room.

Pin drop silence seemed to envelope the hall. Modo's cybernetic eye locked onto the glass panels-the vision of just moments before vanishing while Vinnie did his best to calm the now hysterical Charlene. Throttle..was on a whole different wave length all together.

As time drew on, the whole world seemed to stop-no-freeze as the band of four waited in the lounge. Charley had fallen asleep on Vinnie's shoulder, her cheeks were flushed from the tears she shed. Modo sat hunched over with his cybernetic eye fixed on his hands with which he clasped in front of him as he leaned his elbows upon his lap.

Throttle seemed the most calm as he addressed the doctors and nurses. No one seemed to question why the young man hadn't taken off his bike helmet. Only when the golden-tan Martian took a seat did he actually show some hint of emotion.

Fingers crept under his tinted visors to rub the tears that had sneaked out of the corners of his eyes; it was just like that incident with the Tanker all over again. The last moments before the tanker exploded played across his memory..their little talk while sitting and gazing at the canyons.. How she always looked him in the eye in that special way..The warmth she always seemed to radiate when she entered the room..

He'd never really paid much attention to her, but now he'd wished he'd actually had gotten to know the girl a little more.

The memories of the recent past soon played their part as he leaned back against the blue plastic seats. Throttle pointed his shaded eyes to the big white tiles that blanketed the ceiling above them. The coldness at their reunion..It didn't hit him until then. He didn't understand why Modo was so worked up about her forgetting who they were..and now..he knew.

Though they all did retie some bonds at some point, it still didn't have that same warmth as it always used to have. He'd even dare say he missed the way she used to look at him. There was much that Ray and Carbine had in common, no wonder he took a slight fondness to the human girl. No wonder he was so awkward. He had also forced himself to remain distant.

Yet... somehow, how this girl had touched all their hearts a second time-and this time, it was different-at least... It was different...for him.

Most would describe Ray's new persona as soft, sweet, kind, and naive..too naive for her own good -like almost that of a child. Her playful, mischievous spark seemed almost none existent as well. Boy what he'd give to have her pull one of her schemes once again..What did happen back on Mars?