My Tourniquet

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West Island, Orb, New Year's CE 71-72:

The last day of school passed quickly. Paul took both the guitars and the music home. Everyone was thrilled as they passed their classes and now had a break. The air was cooler than it had been being Orb's winter time. Kara once wished they could get snow, which was impossible for a Pacific island country. Dave suggested that one year they should go to a northern country on New Year's for the snow.

The break between school and New Year's Eve was drawn out and tedious. Kira avoided being home as much as possible by hanging with his new friends. Any spare time that they were bored, it was spent working on their music. Deanna had an old percussion set years old but it sufficed. The practice was normally at Dave's place or Kara's. The favorite hang out was Kara's home, when her father was away, which was often. With Em's car, they could move the drums around but only occasionally. When they found Kara's place worked best, the drums remained there.

The morning of New Year's Eve felt like any other as Kira woke up groggily. He pushed aside last night's usual events and took his usual shower. The makeshift bandage on his arm had bled through. The small gash from the glass bottle reopened when he showered but less so than the previous night. It was easily controlled with new bandages. He had just dressed when his mother called for him. Someone was looking for him.

Kira read his clock. 9:13.

He walked out and saw Paul waiting in the entry, dressed in his normal jeans and black shirt. "Hey."

"What's up?" Kira asked.

"We have some last minute shit to do before tonight," Paul said. "They wanted to meet at the mall in half an hour."

"Thanks for the warning," Kira replied sarcastically. "Why didn't they say anything yesterday?"

"They just thought of it this morning. Deanna and her epiphanies," Paul rolled his eyes. "Let's just get moving."

"Hang on," Kira said. He grabbed his smaller pack and black jacket from his room and met Paul again.

"See ya later," he called out as they left. He barely heard his mother call back from the kitchen.

The rest of the day flew by within the blink of an eye, so to speak. They had breakfast at a local joint before Deanna and Kara took over. They wanted the group to look somewhat coordinated, like from the same genre. A couple of stores had the things they wanted and they were done in mere hours before moving to Kara's place. They practiced through the first song and into the second one. Dave was going all out on the sound effects with greater ease this second song. The practice turned into a wild time when Paul started a game of cards which involved to a water fight when Dave splashed Kara with his cup. The day just wore on.

"Let's get dried and ready for this thing," Deanna interrupted the fun. Reluctantly, they all agreed and changed. They were able to leave for the Crow's Nest just in time. The club was already starting to crowd up. Paul tried to check them in but to no avail. He went every which way and found no one to talk to. When the tough guy returned to the table, the other occupants noticed he seemed miffed. Kira left the table and weaved through the crowd. They lost sight of him but he soon reappeared appearing pleased with himself. Paul glared.

"We're good," Kira announced. "They'll just make announcements to be up on stage. Just listen for our name."

"Any sight of our esteemed leader?" Kara asked. Her grey eyes couldn't pick out a familiar face aside from her friends. The others didn't see Amy yet either.

"Let's hope Em was right," Paul breathed out slow. "Or we'll be quite a show."

The party kept going and going, every couple of songs a live band played. Most of them were all right. Paul and Dave couldn't get enough of criticizing them on this and on that.

The time ticked away, until Paul felt a hand on his shoulder. They all saw Em there, smiling. "Sorry if we're late," he said with Amy coming up behind him, "couldn't get Emmaleigh to sleep."

"No problem," Paul said.

"What's the big idea?" Amy snapped, and turned to Em. "You fucking invited these losers?"

"Introducing a new band, Evanescence," the announcer called. There was the welcoming cheer like with the other bands.

"Talk about timing," Paul said to Amy. She stared.

"What?!"

"Are you gonna get up and sing or what?" Paul jeered in a friendly way. The group stood and made their way to the front. Em said he would watch their table. "Get going, Amy. I told you it would work out."

"But…"

"They never did quit," Em admitted. "You only thought they did. Now get your fucking ass on that stage, girl, and make it good!"

She glared but turned and stalked away. The group was setting up as she took the microphone. Before speaking into it, she looked at Paul and Kira.

"Evanescence, huh?"

Kira shrugged, "We needed something to get in."

"I like it," she smiled and faced the crowd.

"This is our song, 'My Tourniquet'," she announced in a clear voice. Deanna and the boys started up with the music. Dave arranged to play the piano and violin recordings and other back up vocals while Kara took his bass position. Amy heard the song and knew they put weeks into it when she hadn't. But the lyrics were still fresh in her mind.

"I've tried to kill the pain, but only brought more..." she sang into the microphone, her voice ringing through the club.

"I lay dying and I'm pouring crimson regret and betrayal…I'm dying, praying, bleeding, and screaming. Am I too lost to be saved? Am I too lost-? My God, my tourniquet, return to me salvation. My God, my tourniquet, return to me salvation…"

Amy walked along the front of the stage as she sang, looking into the eyes of the captivated crowd.

"Do you remember me? Lost for long…will you be on the other side? Will you forget me? I'm dying, praying, bleeding, and screaming. Am I too lost, to be saved? Am I too lost-? My God, my tourniquet, return to me salvation. My God, my tourniquet, return to me salvation…"

She rocked her body to the instrumental solo. The song had come together in a wonderful, haunting tune. Finally the mic went to her red lips again.

"My God, my tourniquet, return to me salvation. My God, my tourniquet, return to me salvation. My wounds cry for the grave. My soul cried for deliverance, will I be denied, Christ, tourniquet, my suicide…" The crowd cheered as she waved and placed the microphone back in its stand. Not a moment later, the sweet notes began pick up as Paul threw in a few notes of his own before letting Amy take the lead. Right behind her was Dave was toying with the synthesizer they'd borrowed.

"You're too important for anyone. You play the role of all you long to be. But I, I know who you really are. You're the one who cries when you're alone.

"But where will you go? With no one left to save you from yourself. You can't escape. You can't escape."

Lighters began to appear in the air, swaying with most of the crowd. Occasionally a holler from the back rang out.

"You think that I can't see right through your eyes. Scared to death to face reality. No one seems to hear your hidden cries. You're left to face yourself alone.

"But where will you go," she sang and was pleasantly surprised to hear Kira echo just loud enough, "Where will you go?"

"With no one left to save you from yourself. You can't escape the truth. I realize you're afraid [I realize]. But you can't abandon everyone. You can't escape. You don't want to escape.

The score Paul diligently wrote changed up a little, leaving only Dave taking up the borrowed synthesizer to solo support Amy as she sang her last verse, "I'm so sick of speaking words that no one understands. Is it clear enough that you can't live your whole life all alone? I can hear you in a whisper. But you can't even hear me screaming." Once again, the band threw themselves into the song to finish the last stretch.

"Where will you go [where will you go]. With no one left to save you from yourself. You can't escape the truth. I realize you're afraid [I realize]. But you can't reject the whole world. You can't escape. You won't escape. You can't escape. You don't want to escape."

With the crowd encouraging them, the band continued through their last song for the evening, a mellow Imaginary before stepping from the stage a warm success. The six managed to get to their waiting seats a few minutes later where Em was grinning ear to ear.

"That was totally awesome!" he exclaimed.

Capital City, Orb, New Year's CE 71-72:

Everyone took their time arriving at the docks for the tiny trip. The yacht was the smaller one owned by Athrun's family. The New Year's Eve was their launching date and then a whole day hanging around the island. Lacus and Cagalli arrived together, as Lacus picked the other girl up.

"I hope this will turn out all right," Lacus wished, looking out at the sea. "It would be a disappointment if the weather turns bad."

"I don't doubt that, Lacus," Cagalli smiled. "I think we're good on clear skies tonight."

They boarded the small yacht where Athrun was waiting. Only Miriallia and Shiho were left. Athrun said they had arranged for a round of smaller fireworks and plenty of sparklers. There were snacks out and soon the last two arrived. The boat shoved off from the dock. It sailed close to the shore and was making its way to a quieter bay where the waves would be smoother.

The games consisted of mainly card games and some board games. The guys - Athrun, Yzak, Dearka, Nicol and Tolle - all absorbed themselves in a couple rounds of poker while the girls - Lacus, Cagalli, Miriallia and Shiho - talked the evening away while playing boards games for the beginning of the night. Later dinner was announced. It was laid out buffet style so that the guests could eat at their pace. Everyone opted for getting a plate and lounging on the deck under the stars and crescent moon.

"So, Lacus," Shiho said, "When are you going to hit it big?"

"Huh?"

"You wanted to be a singer," Shiho clarified. "When's that going to happen? I'm sure you could pull something off."

Lacus smiled. "Yes, well…I was thinking about waiting for another year or two before really pushing for it. It wouldn't do to split myself between trying to sing and do school. I'd rather finish school first."

"True," Cagalli agreed. "What about you, Shiho? What do you want to do?"

The girl thought for a moment while moving her pawn forward. "I was thinking about the military." They looked at her. "Well, I enjoy that sort of thing. It would do well for me."

"You have a point," Miriallia said, watching the game between Lacus and Shiho. "I want to be a photographer. It would be so much fun to go around the world, taking photos for magazines."

Cagalli frowned. "I haven't the foggiest idea. I might take after my father and go into politics."

"Have fun," they laughed. Cagalli shrugged. "I can't let all the men have the fun. They'll make a mess of it."

"Hey!" the guys shouted and everyone began laughing.

"Men are troublesome," Mir admitted.

West Island, Orb, New Year's CE 71-72:

"Not a bad way to start the New Year," Paul said. His companions nodded. It seemed like they were the last band of the night. The music blared from all around as many club patrons partied on. Strobe lights were flashing. Booths were crammed with teenagers drinking and laughing.

"Hey," Dave said offhandedly. "I suppose we're keeping the name then?"

"Totally," Amy agreed. "It's perfect for us."

Randomly, she picked an ice cube from her cup and tossed it. It landed on Deanna, sliding under her shirt, between her breasts. The goth girl jumped up instantly with a short scream. Dave almost fell over in his seat, laughing at her. Paul joined him, both earning heated glares from the assaulted girl. Kira grinned but wisely remained silent. In a pathetic rebellion, Deanna picked up a couple more ice cubes and tossed them to Amy who ducked almost completely under the table.

Em tried to control his laughter as he looked to Deanna. "What was that?"

"I try," Deanna said, brushing her dark bangs back from her eyes. Amy sat up, smirking.

Capital City, Orb, New Year's CE 71-72:

Refusing to be humiliated further, the young men moved to the back part of the boat, whining about cruel feminists. The ladies laughed the evening away. When midnight approached, they put aside the dishes and cards for sparklers and small fireworks. A servant set a large digital clock on the deck to count the seconds to midnight. Dearka and Tolle teamed up in setting up a small group of artillery fireworks around the edge. It was only one minute left of the old year.

"Don't burn down the boat," Mir warned the two pyro-maniac wannabes. "We don't want to start the New Year with a crisis."

"Don't worry, doll," Dearka assured her offhandedly, and Tolle popped him on the shoulder for the doll comment. "This will be great."

"Oh, boy," Mir muttered. She lit a third sparkler, waving around the stick of gold sparks. Cagalli threw on a pop CD to add a little music to the party.

"Anyone have a New Year's resolution in mind?" Dearka asked. He tossed up and caught a silver lighter with a grin.

"Don't bother, Dearka," Yzak sneered. "I'm quite sure you didn't keep yours last year."

Laughter mixed with the music as the final countdown began. Lacus watched as everyone celebrated the special moment and finally glanced up at the moon. My resolution…

Five…

Four…

Three…

West Island, Orb, New Year's CE 71-72:

When Em caught his breath, he checked the large clock across the dance floor. "Whoo-hoo! One minute left!"

As the seconds ticked away, the noise grew louder. Some were finally covering their ears. With a smile Amy nodded. "So let's make this the best year in our lives and rock hard."

"Cheers!" they exclaimed.

Two…

One…

"Happy New Year!"

Capital City, Orb, New Year CE 72:

"Happy New Year!" they shouted. The boys lit the fireworks and launched them into the skies over the dark waters. Bursts of red, blues, and greens lit the skies in a radiant display that dimmed the stars behind them. Everyone was huddled close, sharing a warm embrace with the next person. Yzak managed to squeeze himself out with a scowl as Dearka tried to push him towards the tomboy brunette. Shiho was equally content to avoid the grumpy man and settled for her girl friends' hugs.

Lacus smiled as Shiho embraced her with a bright smile, careful not to touch her sparkler to Shiho's hair. When they pulled apart, Lacus turned and froze in shock at the sight before her. One after another, the rest of the group took notice of the kissing couple that was Athrun and Cagalli. Dearka and Tolle snickered and were shooed away by Shiho.

Finally Lacus slipped away to a quiet part of the ship, gazing out at the colorful night sky. The sea breeze was cool and smelled salty. Another New Year's come and gone. "Kira…"

West Island, Orb, New Year CE 72:

Confetti showered the room with silly string and hats. Poppers went off all around. People just hugged the next person. Amy slapped Paul across the cheek when he tried collecting his New Year hug with a kiss on the cheek.

"To Evanescence!"

Amy and Kira bid their company a last happy New Year and good night as they departed from the Crow's Nest. Most of the people were still partying to the blaring music and would be for a few more hours to come. It was nearly one thirty in the morning. The night was cool but pleasantly so. Amy kept smiling, latched onto Kira's arm.

"It turned out all right," she said then added quietly, "Thanks."

"No problem," Kira said. "But remember to drop your fourth hour class. Then we can practice without fear of Ms. Roberts or Mr. Caster."

"Happily," Amy replied. "Let's see how long you guys can put up with me. I'm a tough bitch."

"We've noticed," Kira chuckled. "Paul and I agree that misery loves company, seeing how we got together."

At this Amy smirked and gave a dry snort, "No kidding. I get the idea you're an abused child, right?"

Kira nodded. "Yeah. I don't understand what the story is behind it but I think it started with a fight between Haruma and Uzumi…"

"Uzumi…Nara Athha?" Amy stared at him. "He's the head dude of Orb, isn't he?"

"Yup," Kira said. "When our real parents died, I was adopted by the Yamatos and my twin sister was adopted by the Athhas. I don't know why but I think some fight ensued after that. Haruma finally moved a couple of years ago to quit the fight, but I think it set him off more."

"Talk about drawing the short straw," Amy said indifferently. "My mom walked out when I was about 13. It totally set my dad off."

"What'd he do?"

"He beat the shit outta me for the most part," Amy said. Her attention drifted around the street and dark buildings. "He also raped me. Hasn't since Mom left but he did. Fucking bastard. He's out drinking with buddies tonight. That's why I'm not going home until I know he's passed out for the night."

Kira frowned. "Smart move."

"You learn things growing up like that. Strange…I think similar things happened to Dave and Deanna," Amy continued. "There've been rumors. And something weird went on with Kara. No idea what but they're just as messed up as we a–"

She trailed off and stared wide eyes. "Shit…" Her voice had shrunk to a whisper. Kira looked where her eyes landed and saw a patrol car driving down the street.

"It's a patrol car," Kira reasoned. "It is New Year's after all."

"No," Amy shook her head and grabbed Kira. "That's Blake! He's no good cop. Hurry!" Without waiting, Kira ran after Amy down the nearest alley. He saw as he began running that the lights lit up and the car sped up. The officer, Blake, found his prey.

"Who's Blake?" Kira asked.

Amy slowed down but kept walking quickly. "You've had the pleasure not meeting that pig. He's a local asshole who happily tortures high schoolers like us. He and my dad are best buddies. Never misses a chance to fuck with me…and I mean that figuratively and literally. He's not a nice cop. Rumor has it he beat Paul up once and left him in an alley back in middle school."

"Great," Kira muttered. They finally worked their way out of the maze of allies and onto a somewhat new street. "Anything normal around here?" His question was unanswered.

"Oni Street," Amy read the nearest road sign. They walked along the dark, empty street quietly, as if to keep the dead asleep. That was the feeling as they walked by a large cemetery, which the rotting sign named Old Shore Cemetery. A little fog hovered over the old soil and stones. Thick, old trees were scattered throughout the grave site, thickening into a forest further in. An iron fence covered in ivy surrounded the old grounds. The small gate, however, was broken, barely hanging on a hinge. Across from the gate and over the street was an old apartment complex overlooking the cemetery.

"I'm in love," Amy said. Kira only shook his head, starting to get a feel for her style of things. "There's Tobin Street," she pointed out. Down Tobin Street until Corin Ave and they were back on track. They had gone completely the opposite direction then they needed.

The walk to Corin was uneventful. But no sooner had they turned onto Corin Ave did a patrol car pull out of an opposite avenue and stop them.

"Well, well," the cop said as he got out. Kira knew Amy wasn't lying when he saw that plain face of maliciousness. It was a look that promised hell.

"Haven't seen you around, Amy," he smirked. Not one of Amy's or Paul's sarcastic or pleased smirks but a sickening smirk that made you shrink back in fear. And that's what Amy did, backing into the cold stone wall of a building. The man turned his attention to Kira, who stood a step ahead of Amy.

"And Kira, right?" his eyes narrowed.

Kira inhaled sharply. He knew that course, baritone voice.

"Your fathers are looking for you," the man said. "Both of you are wanted at home tonight. It's a little…dangerous for you kids to be out this late."

"We're heading home now," Amy almost stuttered. Her voice did tremble, which Kira found unbefitting for her.

"I'm sure," he replied. "Since I'm a nice guy, I'll give you rides home. Get in." His firm voice left no room for argument. That…and his glimmering gun. The two teens forced their legs to carry them into the old car and remained silent. The pleased officer drove down the streets towards 35th Street where the Walters' residence was. When he pulled into the driveway of the ugly house, he got out and dragged Amy by the arm into the house. She tried struggling but failed. A figure of a man whom Kira couldn't see clearly took Amy by the arm and spoke to Blake. Kira pulled out his cell phone and quickly texted a message to Dave who had a cell phone. It was back in his coat before the pig cop returned to the car.

He began driving to the next house.