Beloved Demise
Chapter Two – Start
By: M o o n M y s t
A solitary shot echoed from the dim alley, the dark night pierced by the deadly sound. Scattered footsteps could be heard and a few unsuppressed moans followed the gunshot. To the people of the neighborhood, these were the usually sounds. There was no point in looking into the cause of the blast – it wasn't like anyone on the colonies actually cared who died – just as long as it wasn't them.
The same bitter taste filled his mouth, the adrenaline running on an all-time high since his soldier days – even if he could never replicate the rush he felt from piloting Zero. There was no time for insignificant thoughts, though; he just wanted to enjoy the surge of epinephrine.
A masked figure leaped from the shadows, his silver sword flailing madly, a crazed cry made Heero turn in readiness, his pistol swiftly moving to a level position. His finger pulsed eagerly as he looked at the assailant. A cocky grin spread upon the Japanese man's face – pure delight in his prey's frugal attempt.
The cocked gun aimed accurately, and with a single movement, the mysterious figure was dead, a silent body that few would remember. But that was the real world these days – you died, if you were lucky someone would lament, and then you were back into the earth -- forgotten to the world.
He heard heavy breathing from behind him, and so he turned, his gun at the ready as he shot systematically, firing rounds into the darkness. A thud confirmed the young man's suspicions; another victim was added to the immeasurable list.
His sensitive ears picked up no more sounds, just the scurrying of rats and other sickening vermin. And so he walked, his gait strong against the harshness of the reality people lived in. Heero felt a slight pressure pulling down on his foot – something was attached, he was sure of it. It could be nothing – but his soldier's sense told him there was something more.
He leaned against the brick wall, it cold touch sending foreboding shivers up his spine. If it was a bug and he was to touch it, a sound vibration would signify his discovery of the device. On the other hand, if it were some sort of weapon then he could be in danger just by doing nothing.
He cursed the darkness, his eyes straining to see what was attached to his shoe. He chanced a slim finger on the edge of the object – it was definitely metal. He prodded it gently, feeling the indentations of some sort of writing – and then a – What? A squishy, sticky substance fixed itself onto his finger. Heero pulled at the mysterious substance and looked intently at it.
Maybe he really was losing his touch – GUM? He had gone through all that hype for a penny stuck to gum on his boot? What were these worlds coming to?
He pocketed the coin, its metallic sheen flashing in the sinister alleyway. A lucky penny. And did he ever need luck these days – he had yet to fail on his missions, but they were becoming more pained with each passing one.
Yuy shook his head resignedly, seven years – only seven years – he was practically still in his prime, so why the hell was he having such trouble concentrating? He guessed more training was in need. And so, without much a care in the world, he walked down the filthy alley and into the dank street-
Not noticing the dark figure behind him, holding a small machine dexterously, while flipping a single penny in his hand,
"Heads – I win."
~*~
"So, why are we here?" asked the curious young man, his cerulean eyes full of interest as he sat down in the hospital cafeteria. The three friends sat at a shoddy table, its paint peeling and its unleveled legs wobbling incessantly.
"Well, I guess this all started with us." Said the smooth voice of Trowa Barton, his hair shading his vibrant green eyes, which blinked mysteriously.
"What do you mean?" asked the young blonde, his puzzled complexion leading his friend sigh methodically.
"Geez. . . Haventcha seen anything? Anyone? It's practically impossible to miss what's going on in the worlds." Stated Duo, his voice rising steadily beyond its normal volume.
"I'm sorry, I don't know anything." Quatre apologized seeing the aggravated look in the braided man's eyes.
"It's just the worlds' falling apart, get? All those people – all those kids – they don't know what's goin on – just that there ain't enough food for them an' their families. This damned world is one piece a junk." He said, flicking a strand of brunette hair out of his face.
"Why, though?"
"No Gundams – no peace. Heero was right about one thing – everything falls apart when ya take away the force – geez, I can't even go and get a soda without seein' a beggin' kid or gettin mugged." The hollow look in his cobalt eyes becoming more pronounced as he said those words – faint reminisces of younger years coming to light in his mind.
"I still don't understand why I'm here."
"Hold ya horses – I'm just getting to the good part. I know me an Trowa have been in contact once in a while, so he knows most of what's goin on." He said, systematically tugging at the end of his braid. "But, well, this might sound kinda strange, but see, Relena – well, she got married."
"What!?" asked Quatre, shock evident on his sweet face. And as to confirm his friend's words, Trowa nodded before taking a small sip of his coffee.
"It'd be almost 5 years now. Not that you can blame her or anything – she probably tried to invite you to the wedding – was a nice reception – good cake." He said cheerfully, trying to lift the surprise from the fragile man.
"She got married – wow. Never really thought of Ms. Relena that way – you know, I guess I thought she'd get married, but well, I don't know – I just can't picture her with a man – she was always so alone."
"Yeah, well, this isn't really about her, see? I need your guys help." Said Duo, his tone changing to a more serious one as he set down the paper cup of rather disgusting looking coffee.
"You know we'd help you in any way, Duo, just what do you need help with?" and then added quietly, "It's not anything illegal, is it?"
"No – well, not really."
Trowa's eyebrows arched curiously, he had been quite silent, not that he wasn't usually hushed, it was just for such a stirring happening, he seemed so very calm compared to his counterpart. It was probably just the hospital food, but something in his gut was telling him that something just wasn't right. The fact that he had noticed a few persons missing didn't sit well in his stomach.
"I can't tell you everything now – just trust me, okay?" asked Duo, praying for any divine intervention that his insane scheming might just actually give him the end result he was hoping for. But then, what's a perfect plan without its drawbacks? He'd just have to deal.
"Okay." His two friends said in unison, not quite sure of what they were actually getting themselves into. But they trusted Duo – but then again, he had been known to do some pretty crazy things. Trust – that's what it was all about.
"Good, now, we can get started."
A/N- Sorry this chapter is so short, but I just took a huge test and I am so drained! Hey, don't worry, this is NOT a Heero/Relena romance. I repeat – NOT! It isn't a Relena/anyone story. And you can take the relationships whichever way you like – I don't care – it's your perspective, think what you like! please review - I'd like to know what you think - questions, comments, random rants - all are accepted - opinions, whatever else you have to say!
