She was still with him.
Skyler watched in silence, her heart tightening just a little more. Gabby had never left Tony's side, not even for a second. After a kiss—wasn't that when love truly began? That single moment where everything shifts?
She glanced at Tony's face. So still. So quiet. And somehow, even in pain, he looked peaceful. Skyler didn't want to let herself hope too much, but a part of her already believed he'd come back. That he'd wake up and flash that annoying, charming smile.
Elsie touched her arm and leaned in. "Go on," she whispered. "We found it. The Neet Candies… here they are."
Skyler stepped forward and held them out. Their soft glow lit up her fingers. "I think it'll work," she said, her eyes meeting Gabby's. "Let's try."
Gabby took one and turned it over in her palm. "How is it used then?"
Skyler blinked, then took a small breath. "I'm not completely sure with this one, but I think… you tap it lightly on the wound, right at the opening. Then you wrap a strip of cloth around it to keep it in place. After that, it should release a healing vapor. It's kind of like a strong, minty gas. It works slowly, but it heals from the inside."
Gabby nodded, thoughtful.
In the background, Z-12 was still, observing. His mind was already turning over explanations. The soldiers who had been on the edge—they were recovering now.
He could already see how he'd frame it. "I'll just tell the General I discovered the treatment myself," he thought. "What matters is they're alive. That's what counts after all these sleepless nights. That's what matters."
He stacked the books on the table, then reached for his neckwrap—a long, dark cloth with faint patterns stitched into it, something he always wore when stepping out with purpose. He wrapped it around his neck, the fabric firm and familiar against his skin.
It was time to inform the general.
"What will you do then?" Elsie asked softly, her voice laced with tender love for her brother.
All eyes drifted to Skyler. The only one among them who understood medicine, even a little.
She stepped closer. "Okay… can I have them?" she asked, gently reaching for the candies from Gabby.
Then she looked over to Elsie. Her voice lowered, just a little.
"Elsie, please… can I have a strip of cloth? Long enough to go around his waist. Please."
It was the first time she had ever said Elsie's name like that.
Soft. Real.
Because for once, it wasn't just about treating a wound. It was about saving someone they all loved.
"No, let me do it. You might hurt yourself," Gabby said gently to Elsie. Her voice was calm but firm, and carried a touch of care. "You can sit with her," she added as she walked away briefly, then returned with a long, striped cloth in her hands. She passed it over to Skyler without saying a word.
"Make it quick," Gabby said softly, stepping back. She folded her arms, standing quietly in the dim glow of the cave, watching with silent hope.
"Hold this," Skyler instructed Elsie. She crouched down beside Tony, who lay still and pale. Her hands moved with steady purpose as she unwrapped three of the small, glowing candies. She uncovered the wound, then gently placed the candies at the opening.
"Use this one rather," Elsie said, handing her a better striped cloth. "It came with the others."
"I'll explain later," Skyler replied, focused. "Just pass me the cut one."
She paused briefly, holding the tabs in place. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Call her. We need help."
Elsie turned to Gabby and called out, "Gabby, please—we need you."
Gabby's brows raised slightly in surprise. She pointed to herself. "Me?"
Elsie nodded.
Gabby approached. Skyler looked up at her with tired eyes. "Hold this again," she said to Elsie, then looked at Gabby. "Please lift him. Let his head rest on your lap."
Gabby nodded and gently raised Tony, cradling his head in her lap like something fragile and dear.
Skyler adjusted herself. "I need space around his waist to tie the cloth."
She took the striped cloth from Elsie, placed it gently over the tabs, and wrapped it around Tony's waist. Her fingers moved quickly but carefully, stretching it from back to front. She tied it—not too tight, just firm enough to keep the healing tabs in place. It wasn't just treatment; it was quiet care.
"It's done," she said at last, exhaling. "I need to rest. I feel hungry."
She turned her eyes to Gabby and gave a small, tired wink.
Elsie gave a soft laugh. "Yeah, I'm feeling it too."
They quietly left the cave chamber, leaving Tony resting peacefully. The glow of the Neet Candies shimmered faintly under the cloth.
Gabby remained. She looked down at him. His face was calm, eyes closed, breath even. But then, he blinked—slowly—and opened his eyes. A little hazy, but aware.
Gabby smiled as his head stayed resting on her lap.
"Are you alright?" she whispered.
Tony didn't answer at first. His gaze drifted a little, then found her face and stayed there.
"Rest," Gabby murmured. She slowly eased his head off her lap and placed it on the bed beside him, tucking a cloth under his neck.
A short while later, she returned with a small tray. Bread, some soft meat, and pressed wine—the food she had purposely saved just for him.
"If you wake up… I brought this for you," she said softly, setting the tray near his side.
Tony stirred. Gabby helped him sit up gently, supporting his shoulders.
The pain had dulled. The candies were doing their work.
He looked at her.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice low and thick with meaning. His eyes searched hers.
Gabby didn't say a word. She just smiled—one of those soft, lingering smiles that stay in the heart longer than the moment lasts.