Author's Notes
Pairing(s): 1x2 – main, past OCx2, established 3x4 and eventual 5xR
Warnings: post EW and AU, Duo OOC and shounen-ai
Chapters: target 15 parts
DREAMS AND EXPECTATIONS
PROLOGUE (Duo POV):
I remember reading somewhere that life has its quirks… that when you try your best to avoid something, THAT something - for some reason - always ends up meeting you some other time yet again… that these things are just flat out inescapable…that these things happen for a reason…
Tccchhh!
Okay, okay…so maybe they DO happen for a reason! I mean, much as I'd hate to admit it, I wouldn't have ended up piloting Deathscythe if the Maxwell Church Massacre hadn't happened. I wouldn't have fought in the war and won, wouldn't have met Quatre, Trowa, Wuffers and Heero "Shut up Baka!" Yuy. Wouldn't have ended up where I am now – without my Gundam and far far away from everyone…wouldn't be Duo Maxwell at all. Strangely, I don't mind being away from it all, because here I have found my place…because here I actually have a shot at being happy…being loved.
Confusing? Well, let me backtrack a little to how I ended up where I am now….
(Flashback: two years ago…)
Seven months. Seven whole damn months! Everything's finally settled and it seems like the war never happened at all. Despite some unrest among civilians and massive losses from the colonies and Earth, the factions have finally laid their cases to rest. Yes…Relena's bitch-ass peace and pacifist ideals have won and hopefully it stays that way.
But peace unfortunately doesn't settle immediately in some, and it definitely does not settle easily with Shinigami. I guess years of mayhem, death and tragedy does that to a person. Despite the hard-won amity, the organization of the Preventers, my friends… For some reason it didn't feel like I fit into the whole framework. So there I stood amidst the crowds, brushing elbows in an effort to gain a grip on Relena's political stronghold amidst the laughter and the exploding fireworks in the distance. To my far left stood Quatre talking to several WEI associates and of course where Quatre is, Trowa is never far off. I grinned. Those two really are sweet when you get down to it.
Turning my head slightly to the right, my eyes settled on Wufei rigidly standing beside his Royal Highness Milliardo Peacecraft. I rolled my eyes in amusement as it hit me how funny a pair they make. Zechs – er…I mean Milliardo and Wufei – a couple. Wow.
Eyeing the tall blonde as he surreptitiously took hold of one of Wu's hands, an action that won him a rather dark glare that amusingly seemed to have no effect on him whatsoever, I smothered a chuckle. Poor Wuffers. Ah no! On second thought, poor Milliardo!
And of course last but not least, I looked straight in front of me and clapped eyes on one lean figure in a dark blue suit with a mop of messy brown hair that refused to stay put. Heero Yuy, light and love of my life – not that he knows that – stood inches apart from the pink-gowned Queen of the world. Ever the illustrious bodyguard.
I sighed inwardly and winced. Okay…so falling for the Perfect Soldier wasn't exactly a wise move on my part but what could I do, I fell hard as soon as I found myself meeting those cold Prussian blues and the barrel of his gun. So yeah…Duo Maxwell has been stupid.
But stupidity set aside, I had to sigh rapturously as my gaze roved over his impeccably dressed form. That suit matched his eyes and that scowl on his face was giving me a major heart attack. He was gorgeous. Sigh.
And downright unemotional.
Damn.
Why do I always set myself on the unreachable?
Silence.
Damn! Heero could be right…I AM a baka…SHIT!
Heero must have felt my eyes on him for as soon as Relena had turned to speak to yet another ambassador, his cold gaze shifted over to me. One eyebrow quirked as if to say, What now Baka?
I shrugged, noncommittally grinning to myself as I thought over the fact that I was finally making some sort of language over Heero's blank stares. Thinking back on those many missions when I had to put up with his death glares and moody silences, I realized I had no other choice but to decode those looks. Heero was after all a man of few – if not NO – words.
Much to my surprise, the perfect soldier actually left Relena's side and made a beeline towards me, the usual death glare blazing from those wonderful eyes of his.
"Hey Hee-chan!" He hates the nick – I know. But who's to stop me huh?
"Hn.", came the reply. Ccchh! Figures.
" Rockin' party isn't it? Enjoying guard duty I hope. Betcha Relena's just ecstatic!" Lame Maxwell…Why on earth are you trying anyway?
"Baka. This will be over soon."
I let out a mournful sigh that I honestly didn't feel at all. I was GLAD the party was ending. I was actually looking forward to leaving everything behind me… memories and all. I felt too tired going along with everyone with my clown mask on when I didn't feel an inch like the happy laid back idiot I liked to show to people. I, Duo Maxwell, just want OUT.
But, they don't have to know that…especially Heero. Hopeless as my case with him is, I don't want him to think I'm WEAK. Duo Maxwell is anything BUT weak. Deep in thought, I almost jumped when the perfect soldier suddenly spoke out of the blue, " This is my last day with Relena. I'm joining the Preventers."
Wow.
That was a shock. Heero Yuy is actually LEAVING the queen of the world? I wouldn't have expected it!
Not in a thousand years!
And what does Duo Maxwell say to that wonderful announcement.
" Oh. Cool! Working with Wuff-wuff and Millie huh? As if THAT'S gonna be blast? Heh! Kidding! Seriously 'Ro, that's good!"
Okay. I was croaking like a frog out of control. But come on! I'm in shock here!
Much to my surprise, he threw me a rather strange look that suspiciously expressed…disappointment mayhaps? But it disappeared even before I could make sure. I shrugged. Geez! I've fallen for him so hard, I'm starting to imagine things. NOT GOOD.
" What about you?", came another out-of-the-blue inquest.
Well, if the other one didn't blow me away, this one did. Heero Yuy's actually asking something about me. ME.
Swiftly recovering my bearings, I shrugged yet again. I thought back on a week ago when Une had called for me, inviting – or rather - demanding that I join the preventers. I'm a damn good explosives expert and I do well with blending in the underground – I was a street kid after all - they needed me. I told Une I'd think about it and left the woman gaping at me like a fish as I exited her office, my usual manic grin pasted on my face.
It was understandable. Out of the five Gundam pilots, I was the one who always grinned and rejoiced in the middle of all that blood-shedding and death. Heck! I even went so far as to almost worship the God of Death. But I didn't of course and just settled on calling myself Shinigami...No wonder Une and everyone else thought I'd jump at the chance of still getting that stimulating adrenalin rush by joining the Preventers!
But they never did try to look under all that, and none of them ever discovered that underneath it all was just a tired street kid from L2…who virtually had nothing and no one to call his own. Trowa has Quatre…and Catherine and the circus; Quatre, well, with Trowa by his side now I'd say he has everything; Wuffei has his justice and just recently, Milliardo; and Heero, well, he was a soldier then and still is now. The war has taught me that to Heero Yuy, nothing else but THAT mattered.
And me? Sure I have friends, but selfish as it may seem, they're just not enough. They wouldn't understand why I am the way I am. They would never understand the real me. I used to have Deathscythe and revenge by my side, but then all that ended with the war. So now, I virtually have nothing to look forward to. My Gundam destroyed, my purpose gone and the one person I craved for the most hated my guts – I have nothing.
" I dunno Heero. Maybe I will join the Preventers.", I murmured in reply.
Beside me, Heero gave a slight nod of satisfaction and remarked, " You're expertise would be of great use."
I winced inwardly. Should've known he'd see things that way. He IS the Perfect Soldier after all.
Several feet from us, Relena waved a gloved hand that beckoned Heero to her side. Beside me he let out a sigh and muttered a gruff, 'excuse me' before walking off to do whatever it was the Queen of the world wanted him to do.
Staring at his retreating back, a melancholic smile twisted my lips and I whispered, " or…maybe not…"
The ballroom felt extremely uncomfortable all of a sudden and the urge to escape it all overtook me, and so I slipped outside and into the balcony.
Maybe fresh aircould help me through this suffocated feeling.
Stepping out under the moonlight, I raised my gaze towards ebony skies. The stars sparkled on the dark background and I sighed. I was suddenly missing space. At least there, I could lose myself in my woes and forget everything. Just float.
" Wonderful night…isn't it?"
My pilot instincts kicked in and I swiftly turned, my right hand gripping the handle of one of my knives sheathed on my side. Scanning the dimly lit balcony, my eyes narrowed and I flicked my braid behind me.
A man…a young man…looked to be slightly older than me stepped out and into my line of sight.
I sized him out if he was a threat, but he wore the same impeccable business suits worn by almost every damn guy in the room and he had the look of a businessman, much like those Quatre deals with. I relaxed my stance and allowed a small smile to escape my lips.
" Yes…the sky is wonderful at night."
That remark won a quirked eyebrow from him and he stepped forward to stand beside me. Under the brighter moonlight, I saw him clearly and settled on studying this stranger. He was tall, almost six feet compared to my very short five and three inches, shoulder length black hair was tied loosely at the nape of his neck. He wore silver rimmed glasses and I caught a glimpse of hazel eyes as he gazed towards the sky much like I did. A rather drop-dead gorgeous dude I have to admit.
" But the party isn't?", he asked as he turned his head slightly to meet my gaze.
I shrugged. No point answering that.
" Hmm…it is a rather sad crush.", he muttered to himself.
I peeked at him from under my bangs. Strange guy.
I almost jumped when he suddenly turned full front towards me and offered his hand. " Hanazawa. Hanazawa Ryuen."
I looked at the hand, then him, then back again. I reached out reluctantly and found my own hand in a rather strong grip of elegant long fingers.
"Duo Maxwell."
"Ah!", he eyed me appraisingly, " the gundam pilot."
I had to grin ruefully at that, " Yup…as if the whole world didn't know.", quipped.
He chuckled much to my shock. He was rather cheerful for a Japanese guy…of course, the only Japanese guy I know is Heero.
" So what is a famous hero doing outside glumly staring at nothing in particular?", he asked.
I shrugged. " Nothing."
At that answer, he turned right back to staring at the sky, " Is it hard?"
I turned my head to look at him, " what?"
He made a slight motion with his hand and gave me a sad smile, " This…no war, no fighting…just peace…nothing."
I stared at him. This guy was unnerving. I've only known for five minutes and he's suddenly pointing out things I've pondered on for so long.
" Are you psychic or something?", I suddenly blurted out only to regret it as soon as I did.
He chuckled. " No.", and smiled at me, " I was never in the war, but I do know what it is like to live with everything but still have nothing."
I fell silent. Yup…that was exactly how I felt.
"So is it hard?", again came the question.
And I answered, " Damn hard."
I met his eyes and in them I could see that sense of camaraderie…knowing that someone actually felt the same way I did.
"I just want to…escape it all…find my place…", I murmured still staring into those calm hazel eyes.
Silence.
"Would you like to work for me?", he said suddenly.
I stilled. What?
Did I hear things right? I just received a job offer?
Was this the right thing to do? I barely know the guy after all. I looked into his eyes yet again and only saw…sadness. A deep one. The same one I was carrying around.
"As what?"
He smiled, " My estates are on L3. I've a need for a new head of security."
L3. Far away from everything…knowing no one…starting anew…
What was I waiting for?
" When do we go…", I stopped. What the heck do I call him?
He grinned as he realized what I was thinking, " Ryuen…just Ryuen."
My brows shot up. Now way I'm calling my boss by his first name. This was supposed to be a new start for Duo Maxwell. A step forward to be different, to leave my past behind.
I shook my head with a slight frown and won the same frown from him, " When do we go…Ryuen-sama?"
He glared. I shrugged. I was used to Heero's glares, and this one was nothing compared to them.
He smiled.
And so that night, I packed my bags, cleaned the room Quatre had put me in, wrote a short message to the guys and a refusal to Une and left them in the hands of a bewildered Rashid. I left the mansion and stepped inside a dark limousine with the party and the people still having the time of their lives.
Two hours later, I was onboard a private shuttle on my way to L3.
On my way to a new start…
(End flashback)
A slight movement to my right captured my notice. A familiar scent whiffed passed by nose and I relaxed. I knew who it was.
" Dreaming again Duo?", came a light teasing voice from somewhere near my right.
I shrugged and flashed a grin towards the tall figure leaning on cold marble as he stood beside me. " Just…Thinking."
The admission won a sigh from Ryuen and I watched as he wrinkled his nose at me, " You think too much."
" No I do not." I retorted with aplomb.
Reaching out, he tapped a finger on my nose much to my surprise. Grinning at my reaction he murmured, " YES. You do. I catch you standing here every night looking out into space."
I smiled my sad smile and turned my eyes contemplatively back to space. Ryuen sighed but remained beside me, his hand gripping mine as it held onto the balcony's ornate marble rails. Both of us remained that way… content and comforting in each other's presence. There are words unspoken between us, but we had long understood that these are better left unsaid.
Would it be such a surprise to know that I have fallen for Ryuen-sama?
No…it wouldn't, would it? Sister Helen used to tell me that inside, I was a real softie. Loving others came naturally for me and love Ryuen I did. I will not deny that I care still for Heero…we fought side by side and we won the war, I loved him those years ago with a passion unsurpassed but with time, that feeling dulled and I learned to turn to Ryuen….my Ryuen-sama.
However, bad luck seems to be at my heels to this day especially in terms of my er…romantic involvements. I had loved my best friend Solo, but he died before I could even tell him …I loved Heero but that had been unrequited…I love Ryuen…and he loves me… however, honor and responsibilities come first to him as a Hanazawa and for us to flaunt what we felt would be a disgrace.
Yeah..I'm a masochist I know!
But what the heck? I love him too much to ruin him.
" Duo…get inside…it's getting cold.", Ryuen's murmured warning snapped me out of my musings and I turned to flash him a smile.
" Look who's talking? Who's the head of security here huh?", I teased.
He looked at me with twinkling hazel eyes behind those glasses of his, " You…However, I am the boss and you'll have to follow my orders."
Now you have to realize that being with Ryuen has changed me a bit…okay…maybe a lot. You could say I've mellowed and matured but then I still get my bouts of childish antics.
So I stuck my tongue out at him and smirked.
Our laughter echoed into the night as we clutched at each other with glee. Our faces content….our hearts longing for the unreachable…
(A year later…)
I should've have known my paradise wouldn't last.
I should've known damnit!
I watched as Ryuen thrashed about in his bed, his dark hair uncombed and wet from the fever.
I should've known…
" Duo?…" he whispered as he opened sightless eyes.
I leant forward, keeping my tears in check as I met those warm brown hazels.
" Why didn't you tell me?", I asked with more than a hint of desperation in my voice. ",Why didn't you tell me you were dying Goddamnit!"
His response was a small sad smile as he settled his gaze to where I sat, my head buried in my hands.
" And what good would that have done? I've been dying even before I met you Duo…th…this is partly why we were never meant to be…now is my time…
The Hanazawas have held this cursed condition for ages…plea…please…don't c….cr…cry for me?"
My dam burst…I don't know how…it just did.
"WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU FUCKING TELL ME? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME I'VE BEEN LOSING YOU THESE PAST FUCKING YEARS? WHY? WHY? I LO…"
"DON'T!" he suddenly snapped. I gaped through my tears as he stared at me angrily.
" What would you have done?", he asked more calmly in my silence, " worried yourself to death?"
I dropped my gaze and looked at the floor. The tears poured forth and I didn't stop them. I didn't want to.
" I don't want to be alone…", I whispered before taking hold of his limp right hand. I pressed my cheek into it…eager for the warmth.
" You won't be…you will find someone…and… you will always have me…..", his voice was weaker as he spoke.
" No!", was my vehement reaction.
"Yes…", he murmured as his eyes began to droop, " You're not alone…old loves…n..never…die….."
I stared at his gaunt face as his eyes closed. I watched and waited for his chest to rise…a slight sign at least that he was alive.
But it never did.
And so I stared at that kind wonderful face.
My tears fell…I had lost someone…
Again.
You will always have me….
He had whispered that before he died, and I hadn't understood…. at least, not then.
I stared as one of the Lab doctors approached me with a bundle of white in his arms.
" Maxwell-sama…meet Ran…"
With widened eyes I stared at the small bundle in disbelief.
"What the…."
" Hanazawa-sama started this project two years ago…His bloodline had been dying out even before the wars and so they came up with a solution. All the rightful heirs have done this. Gene therapy has proved to make up for the many lives his family has lost to their inherited health conditions. "
"But what about the consequences? " I stuttered, " This child will have it as well so…."
The doctor before me shook his head, a pleased smile on his face. " Ryuen-sama's genes did contract the condition, but we are the best of L3 Maxwell-sama. The child is free of it! We made sure of that."
I shifted my gaze back to that small bundle. I was too shocked to even notice that I was already cradling it in my arms.
A slight movement caused the side of the cloth to fall and I found myself staring at a healthy baby boy.
I gasped and the sound must have alerted the little thing because his eyelids slowly opened from his slumber, and I found myself staring into deep violet.
What the hell?
"By the way Maxwell-sama," the good doctor murmured behind me, " Hanazawa-sama must have held you in great esteem. It's his and your DNA that were used for the Ran Project – hence, the Hanazawa heir."
I was flabbergasted.
Mine and Ryuen's.
A part of him and me… A son… Our son.
Little Ran looked up at me with those violet eyes so like my own except for the flecks of hazel so much like Ryuen's. A tuft of chestnut-colored hair adorned his head and he yawned delicately at me before taking in his surroundings.
I smiled.
I guess Ryuen was right after all.
I wasn't alone. He made sure of that.
CHAPTER 1 - (2 years after Ryuen's Death)
(Duo POV)
I watched the small figure dressed in light denim overalls scrambling atop the hill not far a way from where I stood. Behind him, guarding like a lioness with her young stood his nanny. I permitted myself a slight quirk in the lips as I saw him bury his face into a cluster of flowers and sneeze.
Ran was growing up quite fast. It seemed like only yesterday when I held his small delicate body in my arms bundled in soft white baby clothes. Indeed, two years had changed him into this little carefree boy…and I wouldn't have it any other way.
" Duo-san!", Mylene started as she caught sight of me standing not too far away.
Ran, bless his sensitive ears, turned sharply at the mention of my name and looked downwards to meet my gaze eagerly.
"Papa!" was the enthusiastic exclamation as he bounded down the hill at full speed. Already a few feet away from me, his still clumsy feet stumbled and I felt my heart lurch in slight fear even as I reached out and caught him mid-fall.
Like the child that he is, Ran stared up at me, small arms going around my neck in a tight hug.
"You're back! You got me a present ne? I missed ya!", he babbled, unconsciously chewing on the end of his ponytail as he stared up at me with bright violet eyes. He was quite articulate for a two year old. One of the advantages of gene therapy I've been told.
I grinned. I never could resist him. " Yup! And it's waiting in your room right this minute!", I said with a laugh.
" Welcome back Duo-san.", greeted Mylene as she approached me.
I took in her rather rumpled apron and uniform remarking ruefully, " Ran-chan giving you trouble?"
Ran pouted even as he stayed latched on to me and Mylene smiled, " Oh yes…but Ran-sama is wonderful trouble."
I could see the rather pleased look on my son's face at the comment.
" See papa? I have been wonderful!", he pointed out to me brightly.
I sighed. It seems Ran has inherited some of my er…rather arrogant traits. I threw Mylene a scathing look as she smothered a giggle.
Hmmph!
I entered the manor and the staff seemed all excited and thrilled at my being back. Approaching me was the grim-faced Hayato, bowing quite formally as he fell to walking beside me.
"Duo-sama.", he murmured impassively, flicking my grinning young son a softer stare as he did so.
" –SAN. DUO-SAN… how many times do I have to tell you that Hayato?", I said in exasperation. Why the man insists on calling me so, I cannot understand. It's not like I own everything Ryuen had left.
I faltered slightly at the thought of my second love…Ryuen…
He was right you know…two years have dulled the pain of loss…and I had Ran after all.
" Yes Duo-sama.", came the reply.
I sighed and decided to let the matter go instead.
"Papa! Can I go see my present?", Ran pleaded as he squirmed to escape my arms.
I rolled my eyes. The little monster.
Dropping a light kiss onto his head of chestnut hair, I released him and watched as he scuttled up the stairs with Mylene in tow.
Geez! I love the kid!
" So!", I perked up and turned towards the waiting Hayato, " How were things while I was gone?", I asked. All the other staff had blended into the background, leaving me alone with Ryuen's loyal butler-turned-mine.
"Everything is fine Duo-sama. Dr. Stuart of Sakura Laboratories Inc. did stop by though. He was quite eager to see you and left a message. It seems the atmospheric filter he designed has been a success."
I couldn't help but be pleased. Well that's a bit of good news. I had started the project right after Ryuen's death as an effort to lend a hand to the colonies. L2 most of all. If what Hayato's telling me is true, then breathing air in my old colony was a problem no longer. I don't really understand why Ryuen made sure I took over the Hanazawa empire in his place. He had enough advisers that fit the bill, Ran happens to be his irrevocable heir and I had thought that I would remain to guard and protect the son he had made sure to leave me with. I had not asked for his wealth or his properties. I had only needed to be by Ran's side and him by mine. But it seems Ryuen had other ideas.
Ideas that, though I'd hate to admit it, I did not begrudge him.
" And your trip? How was it?", came Hayato's polite inquiry.
My good mood dispelled at the mention of why I had to leave for several weeks in the first place. I tugged at my braid unconsciously as my thoughts settled on the revelations during my trip.
I had left for one of our Research Centers stationed in the remote parts of L3 after receiving news of strange activity monitored on earth. I never did go back or visit the damn place having settled peacefully and comfortably in L3. However, Ryuen had always insisted that though passive, L3 and the Hanazawas had always thought to keep their eyes on earth and it's fellow colonies. I remember him mention that knowing what was happening kept his empire on its toes. A lesson he had learned during the wars.
"Something strange is going on Hayato.",I murmured seriously.
We entered the study, Hayato shutting the door quietly after me before turning to meet my stare as I leaned on a huge redwood desk.
" Sir?"
" You do know that our forwarding companies have been handling shipments between L4, L1 and Earth. Kazu Researchers have been monitoring the shipping docks for the last five years as you well know - a Preventers requirement for shipment security. A month ago, several shipments have been monitored missing soon after reaching warehouses on earth."
"hm…smugglers? rebels?"
I shrugged. " Maybe."
" It's been peaceful for so long…it could be anything! But my guts tell me that something weird is happening. And it's going to be bad. Really bad."
Hayato met my look with those wise old eyes of his.
"Another war?", he whispered.
We both fell silent. I suppressed a shudder as I thought.
' I hope not…GOD I hope not!'
It seemed my prayers came too late. Much too late.
I should've known that for an L2 street rat with a spread of dead bodies and ruined lives behind him, only Shinigami could answer. Life has been so kind to me the past few years, I actually forgot the death wish I carried on my back…death doesn't rest.
I should've known. Contrary to what I prayed for, the unthinkable happened…
"Mr. Maxwell! The reports! You have to see the reports! It's all in vids!"
I jumped causing my chair to topple down with a veritable crash. It's a good thing the leather and the foam cushioned the fall. That chair does cost a little over 70,000 credits. However my attention was not on my erstwhile chair but was riveted towards my secretary – Nick - as he swung my door open with a crash, his young face a rattled beet red. He must have run from the assistants' office to mine, which is a good 5 floors down.
"What?", I murmured uncertainly. My face must have gone a pasty white as I found myself in shock.
" A war!", my secretary panted, " Rebels have attacked Preventer HQ…How they were able to pull that off I have no idea!"
"What about the Queen?", I demanded. Much as I hate Relena, she IS the key to our much-wanted peace.
" Escaped thank God! Intelligence gave Commander Une the warning in the nick of time. Most of the preventers escaped unscathed!"
The tightening in my chest relaxed somewhat. My thoughts had been immediately on the guys, worrying whether they were safe or not. Knowing them however, I'd bet my ass they are.
" Any news where they are headed?", I asked Nick more calmly this time.
He nodded, " They took Shuttle V36 and are now nearing L4. They'll be staying there for the time being. You do know that the colonies hold no loyalty to Earth's factions, and Quatre Winner has offered them asylum."
I was quiet at that information. It must be serious given that they had to seek refuge in what is perhaps the farthest colony from earth and basically the most protected. Being a pacifist colony, L4 held no weapons of mass destruction however, they did have the most advanced security systems money can buy.
" Any news about the earth rebels?"
Nick's brows furrowed worriedly, " Not really. Just that they have put the whole nation under Military Protection and any supporters of the overthrown government is to be shot to death."
I cursed at that. How many lives will humanity sacrifice for this war? My time in L3 has made me appreciate peace too much to bring back who I was during the war. Who would've thought that Shinigami would finally be laid to rest?
" Sir? Is something the matter?", inquired my secretary anxiously, finally breaking me from my musings.
I shook my head in reply, " No…would you happen to know whether there are any plans to attack L4?"
Nick paled slightly at that, " But sir? L4 is a pacifist nation! Attacking it would be…"
I cut him short while casting a very dark look, " In war…anything is possible…even mass murder."
Horror dawned in Nick's brown eyes at my remark. Paler than before, he acknowledged my statement with a week nod, " I'll contact our sources sir."
I noticed his hands shook as he took out his mobile and pressing it to his ear.
I could smell his fear… and I understood.
I looked down from the study window, pulling at the heavy burgundy curtains in an effort to get a better view of Ran running around the pristine estate garden, his nanny watching close by from under one of the shady oak trees. I smiled. I still can't believe seeing all that green scattered all over the colony. Being an L2 orphan, the only view I was subjected to were stinking alleys, old men humping girls and boys alike…and lots of blood…lots of death.
I turned slightly at the sound of a soft knock, watching as Nick stepped into the room with someone in tow.
A tall angular man strode inside, black army booth matching a sort of military green uniform. On his left sleeve stood out a silver scythe emblem.
" Par.", I murmured with a slight nod of acknowledgement.
" Maxwell-sama.", he greeted stiffly at me. I could see his tension, his wary gaze shifting and landing on me.
" Report."
" The preventers, Commander Une and Queen Relena have safely reached L4's shuttle port. Mr. Winner has been keeping his people busy upgrading their defenses. A nearly impossible feat if I may say so given that they have less than 12 hours before rebel forces reach L4's territory."
I frowned. That Quatre was now forced to mass produce whatever weapons he could come up with just proves how bad things are.
" Any news on Rebel activity on earth?"
Par's mouth tightened visibly. I inwardly winced at that. Things must be really bad. I've never known Par to react to anything.
" Approximately 2,000 civilians dead in a shoot-out two days ago. The queen's supporters."
GOD…2,000 dead! Is there no end to all this pain and killing? My already clenching fists tightened even more, so much that I could feel my nails digging into my palm.
" What have the colonies said about this? ", I asked as I struggled to control my emotions. It wouldn't do any good to lose it now.
" L4 has obviously displayed on whose side it's on. L1 shall fight for Queen Relena I presume… Heero Yuy, ex gundam pilot, has always had the L1 council's support. As for L2, it's all a blur Sir…you know how they work; whoever has the most money gets them on their side. "
I glared blindly at the curtains at that remark. It was unfortunately too true…my colony, L2, wouldn't give a rat's ass who's right or wrong as long as mouths are fed and drugs continued flow…the quirks of the underworld. Memories I had struggled to bury inside the deepest recesses of my mind threatened to burst out. Me running through the alleys of L2, my mind working along the same lines as that of the people living there now…just survive another day, because nothing else matters.
"Sir?"
I almost jumped at Par's sudden interruption in my thoughts.
" Yes Par."
The man looked hesitant, quite unusual for him considering he's captain of HANAZAWA CORP. Special Ops. I sighed. " Spill it Par."
" Hanazawa has always been the driving force of L3. Even more so now that you have stepped into Ryuen Hanazawa's shoes. We stand behind you and we'll stay there… I thought you should know that."
I looked up at that lined, angular face in astonishment. When the heck did I inspire such devotion? I don't remember THAT ever happening.
Par let out a deep chuckle as I looked at him. I must have had a funny expression on my face. I was still too surprised though and watched in fascination as his chest heaved with too much laughter.
" What should I do Par?", I stared him in the eye this time and that was enough to erase all amusement from his face at the sight of how serious I was.
" What should WE do?", I whispered.
With a grim smile, my special ops captain reached out and clapped a hand on my shoulder, " I suggest we move now Sir. Time for us to stand with our colony brothers in L4 and L1… time to fight for peace."
I was silent at that…Peace he said. Has it come to that again? Us fighting for peace?
Inside, I smiled… no…it's not about peace…It's about people wanting to live! People like Relena, Lady Une, Wufei, Quatre, Trowa…Heero…people like those 2,000 civilians who died…My friends' faces swept by in my mind's eye…people I loved and still love…Yes. This was for them.
I gave Par wide grin. But it wasn't my Shinigami smile…no…it was a smile of someone who knew clearly what he would be fighting for without anger or bitterness.
" Yes Captain…It is our time to fight."
Preparations for several shuttles to L4 occupied me for the next four days. A dozen teams of my best scientists, technicians, guards and special ops… I gathered enough to bring a small but formidable army of strength and brains into L4. WEI ain't no pushover but the more the merrier right? Besides, my people could be of some good use some time!
As I stood inside the Tech Lab watching several men load cases upon cases of firepower – HANAZAWA manufactured firearms to be exact – custom made and ready to rock and roll so to speak. I struggled to ignore the surprised looks Par and the rest of my special ops team were throwing my way. I'm pretty sure they're rather surprised with my…somewhat unusual get-up given that they always see me around in my sweatshirt and jeans, or stiff looking business suits. This time however, I was dressed in solid black from head to foot, wrapped in a black leather trench coat that covered me from neck to knee. I had tied a dark belt tightly around my waist and under the coat, sported the darkest pain of jeans I owned. Equally dark combat boots completed the outfit. My hair – instead of the usual braid – was tightly tied back in a high pony-tail. Perched on my nose were my dark rimmed glasses – I never wore them since I hated to admit that I've become a tad near sighted the past year… I was a Gundam Pilot for christsake! Of course I hate being near sighted!
" You look ready for anything Duo-sama.", a gruff voice said behind.
Turning slightly, I gave Hayato a slightly embarrassed smile, " You don't think I'm overdressed do you?"
My ever loyal butler/ assistant/ bodyguard/ friend shook his head, " Oh no. Allow me to quote Ryuen-sama when he used to shop with you – You look heartily deadly – I think that's what he used to say."
The amused and fatherly glint in Hayato's eye almost made me laugh out loud, but then I wouldn't want to insult the guy's dignity. The old man had adored Ryuen as much as I did.
The lab's white doors slid open suddenly and I looked up to see who would enter.
" Papa!", a child's voice piped out to be followed by a woman's scolding voice.
"Ran-sama! You come back here you little imp!"
I sighed inwardly as I watched my boisterous son run towards me. This ended up with Ran clutching at my black clad leg like it was lifeline and me staring down to meet a pair of teary violet eyes.
"Ran will come with you!", he declared with a scowl.
With another exasperated sigh, I knelt low enough for my eyes to meet his.
" You can't Ran. Papa is going on a trip…a very important trip that will help a lot of people. I promise though… I will come back and I'll have a most wonderful present for you!"
My son's lower lip protruded at my explanation. His eyes were wider now as he continued to glare at me. " NO! I'M GOING WITH PAPA! PAPA! TAKE ME WITH YOU! PLEASE PAPA?"
I winced. Sometimes, Ran's vocal cords amaze me.
His violet eyes were now as teary as ever, "Please papa?"
At that oh-so-pitiful plea, I looked at Hayato and Mylen who had been staring down at the pair of us the whole time.
" Weeellll….", Mylene said reluctantly, " I do believe he'll feel safer with you Dou-san. You have been gone for quite a bit and with you going away again…" she shrugged, " Ran misses you."
"Hayato?", I gave my trusted friend a pleading look.
The old man smiled gently at me and reached out to ruffle my son's hair, " No harm in taking him I think…this way, YOU can protect him yourself"
I didn't miss that inflection on YOU. Of course. Hayato would understand that protecting Ran was something foremost in my mind.
Rolling my eyes at all the sudden sentimental drama going around, I grinned at a waiting Ran and pinched one cheek, " Alright kiddo. Pack up your teddies then! You're coming with papa!"
Ran's whoop was undeniably loud. " YIPPEE!"
And so began our journey to L4. What with my son coming with me, I decided to bring Hayato and Mylene along. Through the years, both had become family for me too and I was too stubborn to leave them behind. If I'm going to protect my family, I better make sure to protect ALL of them then…
( 2 days later)
A blink on the screens caught Rashid's attention. Stiffening, the burly Arab immediately patched his comlink through his waiting superior.
" Rashid…what is it?", Quatre Raberba Winner asked grimly as his face appeared on the vid-screen.
"Master Quatre…I think you should know, several shuttles are on their way here now. I believe permission to dock shall be requested in approximately fifteen minutes."
The blonde Winner heir narrowed his aqua blue eyes, his lips tightening at the report, " Any idea where they're from?"
Rashid shook his head," No. If you'll let me, I believe I can send some of our men with the DX47s to check the ships over?"
Quatre frowned. " Do that. Report to me immediately if something comes up. Winner out."
" What was it Quatre?", came the calm query as the blonde in question sighed tiredly after cutting communications with Rashid.
Quatre gave his green-eyed lover a worried glance before allowing himself to lean into firm strong arms.
" Several ships have been sighted on their way here Trowa. Allah! I don't know what we can do if they turn out to be rebel ships!"
In an effort to comfort his already stressed out lover, Trowa started to massage tense shoulders through the thin silk shirt that Quatre usually wore.
The two young men stood silent but close to each other. As if fearing that they would be torn apart. They remained close even as they heard the door to the conference room open, and several footsteps disturbed the former quiet.
" Winner…Barton…What's going on?"
With a heavy sigh, Quatre turned to face their two other friends who stood tense and waiting.
Wufei and Heero were poised ready to bolt just inside the room. Both looked grim as they studied their two other friends' countenance. Wufei's face seemed tighter than usual, his dark eyes flashing. Beside him, Heero Yuy "Perfect Soldier" stood resolute, his finely chiseled face betraying nothing.
Seemingly blank storm blue eyes bored holes at the couple, but a tell-tale glimmer flickered slightly.
Quatre leant against Trowa's tall willowy frame of six feet and three inches before meeting both hard stares squarely.
" Shuttles on their way to L4 docks."
It was Heero who spoke this time, keeping his questions short, " Who?"
"We don't' know yet," Trowa replied as he gathered Quatre even closer, " We already sent a few men to check. Security and defenses are on alert just in case."
"Hn."
" Where's Commander Une and Relena?", Quatre asked
" They're at WEI headquarters a few blocks away. We posted more than enough guards and left emergency evacuation instructions just in case. Hilde and Noin are there so I don't see any problems.", was Wufie's stiff but obviously tired reply.
After hearing that statement, all strength seemed to have left the blonde Winner. He slid on a cushioned chair and buried his head in his hands. Beside him, Trowa settled himself in another chair while at the same time placing a comforting hand on his back. Wufei and Heero sat themselves freely on the other chairs circling the table. All four wore the same tense and grim expressions on their faces as they looked at each other.
Silence dragged on for several minutes until Quatre chose to break the silence with a light chuckle.
His three other companions looked at him in surprise, " You know…If Duo were here, we'd still be able to laugh the whole thing off."
Trowa and Wufei allowed melancholic smiles on their faces at that too true comment. Heero stiffened and glared at the blonde, as if daring him to mention their former braided comrade who disappeared five years ago again…
" Oh stop being a grouch Heero!", Quatre complained with a wave of his hand, " And stop denying yourself… From the four of us, it's you who miss him the most!", he quipped.
With a low growl, the tall messy haired Japanese threw an even more intense glare at his blonde friend.
Wufei rolled his eyes and snapped, " Oh stop it you two! And Yuy! Quit acting like a kicked puppy!"
Before Heero could snap back a reply, Rashid's voice echoed excitedly over the coms, surprising all four gundam pilots.
" Master Quatre! The shuttles are from L3 and carrying equipment and weaponry…courtesy of HANAZAWA CORP. I'm told!"
The four exchanged astonished stares at the news.
" The Hanazawas have been known to keep to themselves, much like the rest of L3. Wonder why they suddenly decide to help us.", Quatre mused.
Before anybody else could comment further, Rashid's voice once again reverberated through the comlinks and this time, seemed quite dazed all of a sudden.
" Allah! You wouldn't believe WHO just stepped out of one of the shuttles!… It's Duo Maxwell!"
At that, the four stared at each other in shock before rushing out of the room and towards the office's exit, only to pile inside Quatre's luxurious limousine.
Everyone kept silent, digesting the little bit of news as they headed towards L4's docks.
TBC
Target update date: 03/ 07/05
Notes 2: Read and review please! More reviews equals updates/completion