Luna P shouts from behind the curtains, "Long chapter peeps!!!"
Chapter fourteen- 'Children of Time'
The crashing of the sea, blocked out the sounds of the world around her. High above her was the glorious Earth shining brightly as a star in its peak of light.
Towering over her, was the beautiful castle made of silver, shining like crystal. Large but graceful, it put the Earth's beauty to shame. All light colors, seemed to meld together as one splendid delicacy.
Emotions seemed to jumble together, and hit her all at once. A red rose in it's full bloom, brought out the sadness of the world, as each petal began to fall, and disappear into the mist that slithered into the clearing of the woods she stood in.
High above in the castle, a bright light flashed, as if trying to reach her, calling her to come. The urgency in the light, was so strong, it pulled her closer, and closer.
A shadow loomed over her, and she looked up frightened of what she might find. A figure stood in the light, arms stretched out towards her. Her eyes swam with unshed tears, and a sob bubbled up from her throat. 'What do you want from me!'
'Tell them!'
She glanced left then right, fear prickling the back of her throat. She looked back at the light, as the shadow melted away. 'Tell them what!'
She fell to her knees, and the mist rose around her. 'Leave me alone!' The sobs burst from deep within her throat, and her body shook. Tears spilled from her eyes, and she hugged herself.
Quickly, the mist rose to her waist, and the intense heat of anger hit her in the face. She shuddered in fear, and whimpered, begging to be left alone. A shadow loomed over her again, and she looked up to the light. 'Leave me alone!'
She could tell, even from here the figure shook their head, refusing to leave her in the world of nightmares. Arms stretched out to her again, and beckoned her to come.
As the mist touched her breasts, she heard the roar of rage crackle in her ears, ordering her to stay. 'You're mine!'
The bellow came from behind, startling her. She ducked her head, afraid to look behind her. The mist rose passed her face, and she couldn't see the light anymore. Darkness crept up from the corner of her eyes, and slowly she was being swallowed by it.
Images swirled around in the mist, until she was trapped in a funnel. The petal sliced her flesh, as they touched her, and the light scorched her skin. The anger made her mind race in confusion, and the fear clutched her heart in a tight grip unwilling to let it go.
Laughter echoed through the distance. A deep throaty laughter of pure evil, and it wrapped itself around her. She struggled, wanting to break free. Tears burst from her eyes, as she fought for the surface of the cyclone around her.
As if gravity itself weighed her down, she fought to stand, to breath, to see the light once more. She wanted so much to go, to go to the light, where it felt safe and warm.
The rage rung in her ears threatening to make her go insane, of the madness of it all, and she screamed.
?????
Somebody grabbed her shoulders, and shook her roughly. Her eyes snapped open, and the lamp light on the nightstand blinded her. Her eyes fell closed, and spots blotted the blackness beneath her eyelids.
She opened her eyes again, this time looking away from the lamp, and into a pair of dark blue eyes. "Hey babe, are you okay?"
She stared at him dumbly, still unable to place his face in her mind. All she could think about where the voices. Even now, they still whispered to her in her mind, beckoning her. She blinked, clearing her visions of the bright spots. She saw his dark hair, pulled back from his face; his dark violet, not blue eyes stared at her in concern. She nodded, remembering his question of her well being. "Hai I'm fine."
He nodded, and pulled back. "I was walking by, to go to the kitchen, and I heard you scream. Scared the hell out of me. I thought you were dieing or something babe. Some dream?" She flushed, and sat up in the bed. She tugged the blankets up to her chin, and nodded numbly.
She felt the tears threaten to fall, and she would have let them go, but some force, held them at bay. They rimmed her swollen eyes. Her bottom lip quivered. She felt as if her stomach had fallen out of her, and hit her toes, and her heart was stuck in her throat wanting out.
He reached up, and wiped the about to slip past her unknown barriers. She looked at him, water blurring his handsome face. "Gomen nasasi Duo kun. Hai, I..."
Duo sat down on the bed in front of her, and crossed his legs Indian style. He took her hands in his, and gave them a reassuring squeeze. "You can tell me if you want babe. Maybe...maybe if you do, you might feel better. I know it works for me. I told my ex girlfriend everything about my life, and it felt good to get the secrets off my chest, and into the air."
"Ex?" She looked at his face, her tears beginning to dry up. "Yea, but we're still buds now. It's just, we grew up with each other, and she liked me, so I asked her out. We came to a conclusion, it wouldn't work out. I keep in touch with her now and then; tell her what up and down. We're each other's support."
Usagi nodded, and freed one of her hand from his, and rubbed her eyes, like sleepy child would try to rub the sleep away. She dropped her hand, and stared at it. "Do you trust me?"
The question, was way off base, it left Duo expressionless. He blinked, trying to focus on her out of the blue question. "Yea of course babe. Quatre trusts yea, hell Trowa does too. Plus, you're a nice person, and related to a pacifist, how could I not?"
Usagi choked on her laughter, the bubbled from deep in her throat, escaping past her heart. "Artigato Duo chan. Alright, I'll start in the beginning I guess." Duo nodded, and grasped her free hand, and gave her a friendly smile. "All ears babe."
Usagi nodded, and bowed her head, concentrating. "It begins, when I'm five. My Otosan, and Okaasan, and I, had come here, to visit Otooji, Obason, and my itoko. We were having such a wonderful time there, back where they lived. I can't remember it was so long ago. A huge house, out in the country, and it we had it all to ourselves. My family, and I.
Relena and I were playing out on the swing; full of laughter, full of joy those were the good times. Free from the pain, the sorrow of wars, and free from chaos."
Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes, but she narrowed her eyes, and tightened her fists, that had formed in Duo loose hold on them. He frowned slightly, but didn't speak. He knew, she would continue, when she was ready.
"Otosan, and okaasan, had kept a dirty secret from everyone. Only because, they didn't want to worry anyone. Otosan was always busy working, and Okaasan was in and out of the healing place...I mean the hospital.
I looked up from the swing, looking away from the flower Relena wanted to show me, that she had planted that spring herself, and took care of herself. She loved flowers back then."
She bit the insides of her cheeks, and felt pain, and tasted the coppery iron taste of blood in her mouth. Duo's thumb brushed across her knuckles, as if the touch, would ease her rising pain, and anger. Still, he refused to speak, and refused to interrupt her. She would tell me.
Usagi looked up, her eyes flickering to his face, and then they found a place on the wall, over his shoulder. They took on a far away look, and her eyes glazed with tears, and her nails drew blood from her palms.
She inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. "My Okaasan...she was walking towards us. She looked so beautiful, to me; she was a hime, with beauty of a goddess like in fairy tails. My Otosan, was a soldier, who whisked her away from an evil man." She softly smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"She was smiling, and waved towards us. I had hopped off the swing. It happened so fast. One minute, she blew a kiss to me, her eyes glowing with life, and the next she fell to the ground, and wasn't moving. My otosan was on the patio with my Otooji, and Obason. They heard me scream, and ran towards Okaasan. I was there first. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. My otosan then took her away from me, and I never saw her again."
Her voice cracked, and it took all her will, to keep from crying. She held her breath, fighting off the sob. "She was sick. I didn't know, no one did but Otosan. Otooji was mad, and so was Obason. They yelled at my otosan, and told his it was her fault; okaasan was in the healing place. I never saw Otooji, Obason, or my itoko again. I was never aloud to see my Okaasan, because she was too sick. I thought she had the flu, like I did. I was sick that week to, with the chills, coughs, and fever. It hurt to go to the bathroom, and it hurt to eat. Otosan was so busy; he never knew I was even sick. A lady named Une took care of me; she was a good friend to one of my Otosan's friend.
One day, Une took me to the healing place, to see if maybe I had more than just the flu. I had been sick for a week, and it was getting worst. Sometimes, I could barely see, and other times, I couldn't talk.
The doctor said, I had a bad flu. And it worst, happened when I caught a cold. Une, and the doctor, left me alone in the room, to talk privately. I snuck out, and went to find my okaasan. I had a flower, one of her favorites, I lilac, she loved them so much."
Usagi sighed, and dropped her gaze again. "I asked the nurse at this tall counter, if I could give my Okaasan a flower, and a kiss before I went home. She asked my last name, and I told her. She led me to the room, and walked out, but she told me to come out into the hall when I was done.
I walked up to the huge white bed, and climbed onto this chair. I stared at my okaasan, but it wasn't her. She didn't look beautiful, or peaceful anymore. Her face was so white, and she had these tubes in her arms. I knew I wasn't supposed to touch her, but my heart begged me to. I kissed her cheek, and rubbed her hand, that laid at her side.
She opened her eyes, and looked dazed and not really awake. I felt awful, that I wok her up, so I held up the flower for her. She looked at me, and smiled. She took the flower, even though she could barely lift her arm. 'Are you coming home soon okaasan?'"
Usagi choked on her sob, and jerked her hands from Duos grip, to burry her face in them. " 'Usa love, tell me a story.' She looked so tired, and like I did every night, when she came to tuck me in, I told her a story instead of her telling me one. 'Usa love, tell me a story.'" Usagi sobbed, and cried out in denial, as if the words held too much of truth, as if she didn't want to know that it happened.
"She stared at me, with her pretty eyes, my eyes, and she looked so strained, to even look at me. 'Usa love, take care of Otosan. I love you.'" Duo watched her, as she lifted her head, to stare at the wall, tears coursing down her cheek. She sighed slowly. "Her finer touched my cheek, before he hand fell, and the machine next to me, went off with this long dead tone. I stared down at my Okaasan, her eyes staring at me, with no life. I couldn't think, but I knew she was gone. She looked so peaceful, so happy, and relaxed. She wasn't sick anymore."
Duo pulled Usagi into a tight hug, and rubbed her back soothingly, but she didn't cry, not anymore. She started to feel better. "I saw the nurse come in, and then I saw the floor near the chair I was standing on. The last thing remember seeing, was the flower lying on the floor in front of me."
Duo pulled away from her, and stared at her face. "You had the same disease, I mean, that's what your mother died of?" Usagi nodded, and leaned against the headboard. Duo crawled next to her, and sat down at her side. Usagi rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed. "Hai. Otosan, put me in an incubator, so that the disease wouldn't get worst. It took him ten years to find the cure." "Ten years? Shinigami, how'd you learn everything in what a few months???"
Usagi briefly smiled, and replied, "A computer fed information into my brain as I slept. Sort of like going to school, but only my brain goes, and absorbs everything. But otosan left a few things out." "Do you feel better Usagi?" "Hai, much. Artigato for listening Duo chan."
"Ready to go to the fair?"
"Will we have fun?"
"Yea of course babe. But, we have to take a few kids from the orphanage with us, I promised them." Usagi nodded, "I don't mind. I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes. I need to take a shower, and change."
Duo nodded, and climbed off the bed. He had been nicely kicked out of the room, but even though it was coated with nice words, it still stung. He walked to the door, glanced at her briefly, before he slipped out of the room. He had heard many sad stories, hell his was one of its own, and no fairy tale ending there.
She was five, when she lost her mothers. She was just a child, when her childhood was stripped away from her, before she could enjoy it. She lost everything so young, and slept through her years of growing up, and enjoyment. Where was God's help in that? That's why he lost faith in God, and that's why, he had lost faith in the church. God was never there for people; people were there for people, but not God. (Gomen, for you God believers!!!! I don't hate god, and I know I shunned him, but Duo does not believe in god, because of his past. If you don't know his past, you'll learn in the up coming chapters).
Duo walked down the hallway, following it till it led him the staircase that would lead him to the second level. He slowly descended down slowly, his hands stuffed into his pockets. His heart felt as if it had dropped to his knees, and was unable to get up. He had heard a lot of sad tales, but Usagi's touched him the most. She never got the chance, to cope with the lost, or sort through her emotions. and the guys weren't helping, by throwing themselves at her.
He vowed right now, as he tucked away his feelings, that he would be her friend, and would be there for her.
He made it to the second level, and had turned towards the entry hall, when someone entered the large ballroom, with hard heels. "Duo!" He nearly, forgot to breath, and could have sworn his heart stopped. He turned, glancing around, to see if her heard correctly. But before he could spot Heero, something came up from his side, and took hold of his arm. "Good morning Duo kun."
He looked down, to see Relena, and nearly fell over in shock. "Relena!! What are you doing, I thought you like Hee man???" He was desperate, hoping she would let him go, so he could flee. "Iie silly. I was wondering, if you'd like to go out for breakfast?"
Duo blinked, and wondered what the hell happened to the real Relena. This one was more civil, less clingy, but energetic all in one. And something about her, just didn't fit right on her face. "Uh, sorry Relena. I already asked Usagi, if she'd go to the fair with me, and with a couple kids from the orphanage."
Relena let him go, "Oh how sweet of you. Artigato, for caring for Usagi Duo kun, I really appreciate it. Go right ahead. We'll go have breakfast tomorrow, if you want?" Duo nodded, slowly, "Yea sure, I guess." She smiled brightly, "Great. Here I'll ask Peagan, to drive you two to the orphanage, and the fair grounds. So that way, you don't have to pay for Takushi service." Duo was about to protest, but Relena waved her hand, "Iie, it's the least I can do for my itoko. Now you take care of her okay." He nodded, before she skipped away happily, humming a tune he didn't recognize. Duo watched her go, and shook his head slowly, "Crazy."
"Who is?"
He turned around, to see Usagi standing behind him. "Wow that was quick. I didn't expect to see you for another thirty minutes at least." Usagi rolled her eyes, "Come on, lets go." She grabbed him by the arm, and literally drugged him out of the mansion, to the black limo waiting for them.
"What happened to the limo?" Usagi looked at Peagan, who replied, "Relena sama, asked for it to have a paint job. She said, she was tired of pink." Usagi nodded, "Alright." She slid inside, and Duo looked at the limo closely. "But I thought she loved it?" Peagan shrugged, "So did I. But I guess, with her growing older, she grows out of those sort of things." Duo slid into the back seat next to Usagi, and Peagan shut the door. Peagan rounded the car, and slid into the driver seat.
"Where to Mr. Maxwell?"
"Duo please. Um, the old orphanage on Pine street. Do you know?" Peagan nodded, "yes of coarse I do. I know it very well in fact. We'll be there in less then ten minutes."
Duo nodded, and sat back in his seat. He glanced at Usagi, and shook his head. She wasn't the same sad girl, he had been holding in her room, minutes before. She changed while she had taken a shower and changed. Her smile reached her eyes again.
She smiled at him, her eyes glowing with happiness. As she smiled back, he reminded himself.
He would tuck away his feeling for her, and would be her friend, because that was what she needed most.
?????
The limo pulled over to the side of the road, and Peagan climbed out. He walked to the back seat door, and opened it. Usagi climbed out first, with Duo right behind her.
Usagi looked up at the tall building, and complimented on how old, but beautiful it looked.
Duo took her hand, and led her to the doors to the building. He opened the door for her, and let her enter first. He followed in right behind her. Instantly, he was bombarded by the familiar smells, that he had grown used to when he had been here. Walking next to Usagi, he walked through the house, finding it empty.
Since the sun was out, he knew all the kids, would be outside. He opened the back door, and the two, were hit by the shouts of little kids, and cries of babies. Adults scurried back and forth, trying to take care of both.
Usagi looked around at all the children. While she watched them all, Duo dropped his gaze, to the group of nine children hanging around the jungle gym. They had arrived barely a week earlier, but had latched onto his quickly. They had called him...
"Otooji Duo!!!!"
It made his heart flutter slightly at their cries of joy, when he came to visit.
Usagi looked up, just as a herd of ten children raced towards Duo, their arms open wide. They enveloped him in a bear hug. She heard his laughter, and Usagi couldn't help but smile. The children pulled back, and Duo pointed towards her. "Hey kids, meet a friend of mine. This is Usagi; she's going to the fair with us. Usagi meet the new kids on the block."
Usagi giggled slightly, and waved, "hey there." The kids were silent, as they stared at her. Their eyes seemed to stare straight through her soul, as if they were questioning her silently.
Duo slapped on a grin, "She's a nice person, so I expect you to treat her good. If you don't you don't go to the fair. Now introduce yourselves to her."
Usagi knelt down, as the youngest of the group stepped forward. The child had light blond hair, with strands of silver. It was pulled back into a high bun on her head. Curly strands, fell from in front of her ears. Thick bangs fell over a small forehead, and formed a heart shape, much like Usagi's hair. Her eyes were azure in color, sapphire stones, filled with innocence, and joy.
She was small, 3'2, and looked around the age of 4. She was cute, with a button nose, and pale skin. In some way, she reminded Usagi of Quatre.
Usagi smiled, and shook the child's small hand. The little girl was dressed in a beige pleated skirt that came nowhere near her knees, and a white sailor shirt, with a beige collar, and a large bow in front, and a pair of flat black dress shoes.
"Hello Usagi san, my name is Kigoi Sabaku."
Instantly, Usagi fell in love with her. Her voice, sounded so innocent, so full of life. "Call me Usagi chan, Sabaku chan." The little girl grinned, "Hai, then call me Saba chan."
Usagi nodded, and watched as the little girl stepped back. A few of the boys around her, glared at her. Usagi frowned, but it disappeared, when a boy stepped forward.
He was tall, maybe 4'8, and at least 6 years old. He was slim, and handsome, even at such a young age. He was dressed in beige pants that fit loosely on his long legs. A clean crisp white sailor shirt, with a white folded down collar. On his feet, were a pair of boys dress shoes.
He looked sophisticated, and well educated. He held himself well, but his eyes drooped to the ground at his feet. His eyes were the same as the girl before him. But his hair, was honey blond, cut short, but loose in the back. His bangs were long, and fell into his eyes, mostly his right eye.
He was silent, and held an air of shyness, but innocent all together.
Usagi reached up, and lifted his chin. His gaze met hers, and they looked so calm, so sad. His skin was lightly tan, and smooth against her fingers. "Hey there. What's your name?" She stared at him, but he didn't reply. She smiled non-the less.
Duo cleared his throat. "Sorry Usagi. Sairensu doesn't talk much." Usagi nodded, but didn't look away from the boys face. "It's a pleasure to meet such a fine young man." She noticed his cheeks flush, and she kissed his cheek. "Maybe in time, you'll talk to me on your own."
The boy pulled away from her, and stepped behind Sabaku. His gaze fell to his feet, and he didn't move, even though his eyes still watched her.
Next, two boys stepped forward. They were glaring at each other from the corner of their eyes, but didn't speak.
The one of the left was taller than the other. He was about 4'8, and about 9 years old. Dark skin, a nice tan, and already had muscles, which came to a surprise to Usagi. His hair was cut short in the back, with long bangs. His hair was unruly, and slightly shaggy golden blonde locks. His eyes were dark, and the color, reminded her of someone. Who, she could place. But the color was blue, but they were so dark.
He was dressed comfortable, with black stretchy shorts that reached to his calves, and a long loose fitting dark blue shirt. The sleeves reached midway to his elbows, and they hung off his arms. Black knuckle gloves, leaving his fingers bare. Black combat boots, and blue socks, that matched his shirt.
The second boy, was short by a few inches, maybe 4'3 and as old as Sairensu. He was built, like the other boy, even though he was so young. His hair was long, but pulled back by an orange bandana. His bangs fell over a long forehead, and into his dark obsidian eyes.
He was dressed with taste, and looked comfortable in the outfit. Light blue pants, that didn't quite reach his ankles, and hugged his legs tightly at the end of the legs. Dark color socks rumpled up, and black sneakers. A chain hung loosely from his pants. A red shirt, tucked in, but still fit loosely on him. The sleeve reached about his elbows. Black knuckle glove, like the other boy wore, and he wore a blue backpack on his back.
The first boy frowned slightly, looking Usagi up and down. He was distant; she could see that in his dark eyes. Then suddenly, he grinned, nearly knocking Usagi off her feet. His grin, would defiantly swoon girls, when he got older. He held out his hand, "Keisotsu Junsei. But call me Jun."
Usagi took his hand, and felt his firm grip, before he shook her hand. "Nice to meet you Jun chan." He nodded, and let her hand go, before stepping back. Instantly, the grin vanished, and a frown appeared on his face once more.
Usagi looked at the second boy. He looked uncaringly at her, as if she were the dirt under his feet. He spat out, "Ryuujin Kojou." He then stepped back, and crossed his arms over his chest.
Duo scowled, "Jou, be nice to Usagi." The boy rolled his eyes. Usagi looked up at Duo, "Don't worry Duo chan. He can be rude if he wants, I don't mind."
The boy grunted, but a flush appeared on his cheeks, only making him angry for his weakness.
Usagi stood up, her legs groaning as she did so. She looked at the group of kids. She couldn't help but smile at them. So young, and full of life. She wished she could have her childhood back. Usagi inhaled deeply, trying to hide the pain.
Something took a hold of her shirt, and gave a good jerk. She blinked, and looked down, to only see a mop of golden curls. "Well hello there." The head lifted, and Usagi stared into familiar sapphire blue eyes. She was handsome. The little girl, looked like a china doll, which had been taken outside to play with. A smudge of dirt marred her pale cheek. In her short page buy style mop of golden curls, were specks of fine gravel. She was dressed in a plain white sundress, with a sunflower on the bosom, and white dress shoes. The little girl was no more than 3'5, and at the most 5 years old.
"I'm Kasei Okibi."
The little girl let Usagi go, and bounded back, to stand next to Junsei.
Three more took a step forward. They looked like they were the best of friends, or the two 7 year olds were protecting the 5 year old.
The little boy in between the older boy and girl, reminded her of herself. He looked at her, with big blue eyes, full of innocence, joy, and eagerness. Usagi smiled, causing the little boy to grin back. His short silvery white hair, framed his face, and looked soft to the touch. She was dressed in black shorts, and a white sailor shirt, with a black collar, and black sneakers. He was average in size 3'8. Usagi knew, he'd be a lady killer, by the time he turned 15.
The girl to his right was 7 years old, and 4'4. She had long dirty blonde hair, pulled back into a thick braid. And she had green eyes, which stood out from all the blue-eyed children. She was dressed in baggy black jeans, a red short sleeve shirt, and red sneakers. Bracelets on her wrists, and a necklace hanging from her neck.
The 7-year-old boy wasn't much taller than the girl, maybe an inch at the most. He stood out among the children with thick brown hair, which was pulled back into a Chinese type ponytail. His eyes stared at her, much like the girl, but his were brown in color. The little boy wasn't dressed like the girl; instead, he wore a black turtleneck, and tan pants, the fit loosely around the legs, and black dress shoes.
The girl cleared her throat taking authority Usagi could only assume. "I'm Suisei Koorimizu. But call me Koori." She then pointed to the little boy holding her hand, "This is Kinsei Suteki."
Before Koori, could continue, the last boy added quickly, more like in a rush, "Mokusei Ikazuchi. Call me Zuchi."
Usagi nodded, and the group stepped back. Usagi looked back at Duo, who was still staring at the kids, as if in waiting. Usagi glanced back all the kids, and noticed in the back of the group, a girl sitting on the floor. She looked up, as if she felt Usagi's gaze.
Magenta eyes widen in fear, as if in fear of recognition. The children parted, and Usagi noted, that the girl was much older than the others. Pale but fair skin, and about 4'10, and about 13 years old. She was the oldest, and tallest by far. She had cotton pink hair, pulled up into cone buns on her head, with pigtails flowing down to her waist.
She was dressed neatly, in a blue sailor shirt, collar, with a white trim, and a blue mini shirt. There was a large red bow on the front of her shirt, and she wore black dress shoes. Usagi smiled at her, "Hey there."
The girl looked away. Duo frowned, "Sorry, Usa isn't usually shy. Usa please stand up." She did, and bowed to Usagi, "Chiba Chibi Usa." Usagi bowed as well, "Its nice to meet you, all of you in fact. Now who wants to go to the fair!!!!"
The kids shouted with praise, and Duo and Usagi led them to the limo. All the kids climbed in, and Usagi and Duo sat up front. The limo pulled away from the curb, and head for the fair, where they would spend a day of fun.
Chapter fourteen- 'Children of Time'
The crashing of the sea, blocked out the sounds of the world around her. High above her was the glorious Earth shining brightly as a star in its peak of light.
Towering over her, was the beautiful castle made of silver, shining like crystal. Large but graceful, it put the Earth's beauty to shame. All light colors, seemed to meld together as one splendid delicacy.
Emotions seemed to jumble together, and hit her all at once. A red rose in it's full bloom, brought out the sadness of the world, as each petal began to fall, and disappear into the mist that slithered into the clearing of the woods she stood in.
High above in the castle, a bright light flashed, as if trying to reach her, calling her to come. The urgency in the light, was so strong, it pulled her closer, and closer.
A shadow loomed over her, and she looked up frightened of what she might find. A figure stood in the light, arms stretched out towards her. Her eyes swam with unshed tears, and a sob bubbled up from her throat. 'What do you want from me!'
'Tell them!'
She glanced left then right, fear prickling the back of her throat. She looked back at the light, as the shadow melted away. 'Tell them what!'
She fell to her knees, and the mist rose around her. 'Leave me alone!' The sobs burst from deep within her throat, and her body shook. Tears spilled from her eyes, and she hugged herself.
Quickly, the mist rose to her waist, and the intense heat of anger hit her in the face. She shuddered in fear, and whimpered, begging to be left alone. A shadow loomed over her again, and she looked up to the light. 'Leave me alone!'
She could tell, even from here the figure shook their head, refusing to leave her in the world of nightmares. Arms stretched out to her again, and beckoned her to come.
As the mist touched her breasts, she heard the roar of rage crackle in her ears, ordering her to stay. 'You're mine!'
The bellow came from behind, startling her. She ducked her head, afraid to look behind her. The mist rose passed her face, and she couldn't see the light anymore. Darkness crept up from the corner of her eyes, and slowly she was being swallowed by it.
Images swirled around in the mist, until she was trapped in a funnel. The petal sliced her flesh, as they touched her, and the light scorched her skin. The anger made her mind race in confusion, and the fear clutched her heart in a tight grip unwilling to let it go.
Laughter echoed through the distance. A deep throaty laughter of pure evil, and it wrapped itself around her. She struggled, wanting to break free. Tears burst from her eyes, as she fought for the surface of the cyclone around her.
As if gravity itself weighed her down, she fought to stand, to breath, to see the light once more. She wanted so much to go, to go to the light, where it felt safe and warm.
The rage rung in her ears threatening to make her go insane, of the madness of it all, and she screamed.
?????
Somebody grabbed her shoulders, and shook her roughly. Her eyes snapped open, and the lamp light on the nightstand blinded her. Her eyes fell closed, and spots blotted the blackness beneath her eyelids.
She opened her eyes again, this time looking away from the lamp, and into a pair of dark blue eyes. "Hey babe, are you okay?"
She stared at him dumbly, still unable to place his face in her mind. All she could think about where the voices. Even now, they still whispered to her in her mind, beckoning her. She blinked, clearing her visions of the bright spots. She saw his dark hair, pulled back from his face; his dark violet, not blue eyes stared at her in concern. She nodded, remembering his question of her well being. "Hai I'm fine."
He nodded, and pulled back. "I was walking by, to go to the kitchen, and I heard you scream. Scared the hell out of me. I thought you were dieing or something babe. Some dream?" She flushed, and sat up in the bed. She tugged the blankets up to her chin, and nodded numbly.
She felt the tears threaten to fall, and she would have let them go, but some force, held them at bay. They rimmed her swollen eyes. Her bottom lip quivered. She felt as if her stomach had fallen out of her, and hit her toes, and her heart was stuck in her throat wanting out.
He reached up, and wiped the about to slip past her unknown barriers. She looked at him, water blurring his handsome face. "Gomen nasasi Duo kun. Hai, I..."
Duo sat down on the bed in front of her, and crossed his legs Indian style. He took her hands in his, and gave them a reassuring squeeze. "You can tell me if you want babe. Maybe...maybe if you do, you might feel better. I know it works for me. I told my ex girlfriend everything about my life, and it felt good to get the secrets off my chest, and into the air."
"Ex?" She looked at his face, her tears beginning to dry up. "Yea, but we're still buds now. It's just, we grew up with each other, and she liked me, so I asked her out. We came to a conclusion, it wouldn't work out. I keep in touch with her now and then; tell her what up and down. We're each other's support."
Usagi nodded, and freed one of her hand from his, and rubbed her eyes, like sleepy child would try to rub the sleep away. She dropped her hand, and stared at it. "Do you trust me?"
The question, was way off base, it left Duo expressionless. He blinked, trying to focus on her out of the blue question. "Yea of course babe. Quatre trusts yea, hell Trowa does too. Plus, you're a nice person, and related to a pacifist, how could I not?"
Usagi choked on her laughter, the bubbled from deep in her throat, escaping past her heart. "Artigato Duo chan. Alright, I'll start in the beginning I guess." Duo nodded, and grasped her free hand, and gave her a friendly smile. "All ears babe."
Usagi nodded, and bowed her head, concentrating. "It begins, when I'm five. My Otosan, and Okaasan, and I, had come here, to visit Otooji, Obason, and my itoko. We were having such a wonderful time there, back where they lived. I can't remember it was so long ago. A huge house, out in the country, and it we had it all to ourselves. My family, and I.
Relena and I were playing out on the swing; full of laughter, full of joy those were the good times. Free from the pain, the sorrow of wars, and free from chaos."
Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes, but she narrowed her eyes, and tightened her fists, that had formed in Duo loose hold on them. He frowned slightly, but didn't speak. He knew, she would continue, when she was ready.
"Otosan, and okaasan, had kept a dirty secret from everyone. Only because, they didn't want to worry anyone. Otosan was always busy working, and Okaasan was in and out of the healing place...I mean the hospital.
I looked up from the swing, looking away from the flower Relena wanted to show me, that she had planted that spring herself, and took care of herself. She loved flowers back then."
She bit the insides of her cheeks, and felt pain, and tasted the coppery iron taste of blood in her mouth. Duo's thumb brushed across her knuckles, as if the touch, would ease her rising pain, and anger. Still, he refused to speak, and refused to interrupt her. She would tell me.
Usagi looked up, her eyes flickering to his face, and then they found a place on the wall, over his shoulder. They took on a far away look, and her eyes glazed with tears, and her nails drew blood from her palms.
She inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. "My Okaasan...she was walking towards us. She looked so beautiful, to me; she was a hime, with beauty of a goddess like in fairy tails. My Otosan, was a soldier, who whisked her away from an evil man." She softly smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"She was smiling, and waved towards us. I had hopped off the swing. It happened so fast. One minute, she blew a kiss to me, her eyes glowing with life, and the next she fell to the ground, and wasn't moving. My otosan was on the patio with my Otooji, and Obason. They heard me scream, and ran towards Okaasan. I was there first. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. My otosan then took her away from me, and I never saw her again."
Her voice cracked, and it took all her will, to keep from crying. She held her breath, fighting off the sob. "She was sick. I didn't know, no one did but Otosan. Otooji was mad, and so was Obason. They yelled at my otosan, and told his it was her fault; okaasan was in the healing place. I never saw Otooji, Obason, or my itoko again. I was never aloud to see my Okaasan, because she was too sick. I thought she had the flu, like I did. I was sick that week to, with the chills, coughs, and fever. It hurt to go to the bathroom, and it hurt to eat. Otosan was so busy; he never knew I was even sick. A lady named Une took care of me; she was a good friend to one of my Otosan's friend.
One day, Une took me to the healing place, to see if maybe I had more than just the flu. I had been sick for a week, and it was getting worst. Sometimes, I could barely see, and other times, I couldn't talk.
The doctor said, I had a bad flu. And it worst, happened when I caught a cold. Une, and the doctor, left me alone in the room, to talk privately. I snuck out, and went to find my okaasan. I had a flower, one of her favorites, I lilac, she loved them so much."
Usagi sighed, and dropped her gaze again. "I asked the nurse at this tall counter, if I could give my Okaasan a flower, and a kiss before I went home. She asked my last name, and I told her. She led me to the room, and walked out, but she told me to come out into the hall when I was done.
I walked up to the huge white bed, and climbed onto this chair. I stared at my okaasan, but it wasn't her. She didn't look beautiful, or peaceful anymore. Her face was so white, and she had these tubes in her arms. I knew I wasn't supposed to touch her, but my heart begged me to. I kissed her cheek, and rubbed her hand, that laid at her side.
She opened her eyes, and looked dazed and not really awake. I felt awful, that I wok her up, so I held up the flower for her. She looked at me, and smiled. She took the flower, even though she could barely lift her arm. 'Are you coming home soon okaasan?'"
Usagi choked on her sob, and jerked her hands from Duos grip, to burry her face in them. " 'Usa love, tell me a story.' She looked so tired, and like I did every night, when she came to tuck me in, I told her a story instead of her telling me one. 'Usa love, tell me a story.'" Usagi sobbed, and cried out in denial, as if the words held too much of truth, as if she didn't want to know that it happened.
"She stared at me, with her pretty eyes, my eyes, and she looked so strained, to even look at me. 'Usa love, take care of Otosan. I love you.'" Duo watched her, as she lifted her head, to stare at the wall, tears coursing down her cheek. She sighed slowly. "Her finer touched my cheek, before he hand fell, and the machine next to me, went off with this long dead tone. I stared down at my Okaasan, her eyes staring at me, with no life. I couldn't think, but I knew she was gone. She looked so peaceful, so happy, and relaxed. She wasn't sick anymore."
Duo pulled Usagi into a tight hug, and rubbed her back soothingly, but she didn't cry, not anymore. She started to feel better. "I saw the nurse come in, and then I saw the floor near the chair I was standing on. The last thing remember seeing, was the flower lying on the floor in front of me."
Duo pulled away from her, and stared at her face. "You had the same disease, I mean, that's what your mother died of?" Usagi nodded, and leaned against the headboard. Duo crawled next to her, and sat down at her side. Usagi rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed. "Hai. Otosan, put me in an incubator, so that the disease wouldn't get worst. It took him ten years to find the cure." "Ten years? Shinigami, how'd you learn everything in what a few months???"
Usagi briefly smiled, and replied, "A computer fed information into my brain as I slept. Sort of like going to school, but only my brain goes, and absorbs everything. But otosan left a few things out." "Do you feel better Usagi?" "Hai, much. Artigato for listening Duo chan."
"Ready to go to the fair?"
"Will we have fun?"
"Yea of course babe. But, we have to take a few kids from the orphanage with us, I promised them." Usagi nodded, "I don't mind. I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes. I need to take a shower, and change."
Duo nodded, and climbed off the bed. He had been nicely kicked out of the room, but even though it was coated with nice words, it still stung. He walked to the door, glanced at her briefly, before he slipped out of the room. He had heard many sad stories, hell his was one of its own, and no fairy tale ending there.
She was five, when she lost her mothers. She was just a child, when her childhood was stripped away from her, before she could enjoy it. She lost everything so young, and slept through her years of growing up, and enjoyment. Where was God's help in that? That's why he lost faith in God, and that's why, he had lost faith in the church. God was never there for people; people were there for people, but not God. (Gomen, for you God believers!!!! I don't hate god, and I know I shunned him, but Duo does not believe in god, because of his past. If you don't know his past, you'll learn in the up coming chapters).
Duo walked down the hallway, following it till it led him the staircase that would lead him to the second level. He slowly descended down slowly, his hands stuffed into his pockets. His heart felt as if it had dropped to his knees, and was unable to get up. He had heard a lot of sad tales, but Usagi's touched him the most. She never got the chance, to cope with the lost, or sort through her emotions. and the guys weren't helping, by throwing themselves at her.
He vowed right now, as he tucked away his feelings, that he would be her friend, and would be there for her.
He made it to the second level, and had turned towards the entry hall, when someone entered the large ballroom, with hard heels. "Duo!" He nearly, forgot to breath, and could have sworn his heart stopped. He turned, glancing around, to see if her heard correctly. But before he could spot Heero, something came up from his side, and took hold of his arm. "Good morning Duo kun."
He looked down, to see Relena, and nearly fell over in shock. "Relena!! What are you doing, I thought you like Hee man???" He was desperate, hoping she would let him go, so he could flee. "Iie silly. I was wondering, if you'd like to go out for breakfast?"
Duo blinked, and wondered what the hell happened to the real Relena. This one was more civil, less clingy, but energetic all in one. And something about her, just didn't fit right on her face. "Uh, sorry Relena. I already asked Usagi, if she'd go to the fair with me, and with a couple kids from the orphanage."
Relena let him go, "Oh how sweet of you. Artigato, for caring for Usagi Duo kun, I really appreciate it. Go right ahead. We'll go have breakfast tomorrow, if you want?" Duo nodded, slowly, "Yea sure, I guess." She smiled brightly, "Great. Here I'll ask Peagan, to drive you two to the orphanage, and the fair grounds. So that way, you don't have to pay for Takushi service." Duo was about to protest, but Relena waved her hand, "Iie, it's the least I can do for my itoko. Now you take care of her okay." He nodded, before she skipped away happily, humming a tune he didn't recognize. Duo watched her go, and shook his head slowly, "Crazy."
"Who is?"
He turned around, to see Usagi standing behind him. "Wow that was quick. I didn't expect to see you for another thirty minutes at least." Usagi rolled her eyes, "Come on, lets go." She grabbed him by the arm, and literally drugged him out of the mansion, to the black limo waiting for them.
"What happened to the limo?" Usagi looked at Peagan, who replied, "Relena sama, asked for it to have a paint job. She said, she was tired of pink." Usagi nodded, "Alright." She slid inside, and Duo looked at the limo closely. "But I thought she loved it?" Peagan shrugged, "So did I. But I guess, with her growing older, she grows out of those sort of things." Duo slid into the back seat next to Usagi, and Peagan shut the door. Peagan rounded the car, and slid into the driver seat.
"Where to Mr. Maxwell?"
"Duo please. Um, the old orphanage on Pine street. Do you know?" Peagan nodded, "yes of coarse I do. I know it very well in fact. We'll be there in less then ten minutes."
Duo nodded, and sat back in his seat. He glanced at Usagi, and shook his head. She wasn't the same sad girl, he had been holding in her room, minutes before. She changed while she had taken a shower and changed. Her smile reached her eyes again.
She smiled at him, her eyes glowing with happiness. As she smiled back, he reminded himself.
He would tuck away his feeling for her, and would be her friend, because that was what she needed most.
?????
The limo pulled over to the side of the road, and Peagan climbed out. He walked to the back seat door, and opened it. Usagi climbed out first, with Duo right behind her.
Usagi looked up at the tall building, and complimented on how old, but beautiful it looked.
Duo took her hand, and led her to the doors to the building. He opened the door for her, and let her enter first. He followed in right behind her. Instantly, he was bombarded by the familiar smells, that he had grown used to when he had been here. Walking next to Usagi, he walked through the house, finding it empty.
Since the sun was out, he knew all the kids, would be outside. He opened the back door, and the two, were hit by the shouts of little kids, and cries of babies. Adults scurried back and forth, trying to take care of both.
Usagi looked around at all the children. While she watched them all, Duo dropped his gaze, to the group of nine children hanging around the jungle gym. They had arrived barely a week earlier, but had latched onto his quickly. They had called him...
"Otooji Duo!!!!"
It made his heart flutter slightly at their cries of joy, when he came to visit.
Usagi looked up, just as a herd of ten children raced towards Duo, their arms open wide. They enveloped him in a bear hug. She heard his laughter, and Usagi couldn't help but smile. The children pulled back, and Duo pointed towards her. "Hey kids, meet a friend of mine. This is Usagi; she's going to the fair with us. Usagi meet the new kids on the block."
Usagi giggled slightly, and waved, "hey there." The kids were silent, as they stared at her. Their eyes seemed to stare straight through her soul, as if they were questioning her silently.
Duo slapped on a grin, "She's a nice person, so I expect you to treat her good. If you don't you don't go to the fair. Now introduce yourselves to her."
Usagi knelt down, as the youngest of the group stepped forward. The child had light blond hair, with strands of silver. It was pulled back into a high bun on her head. Curly strands, fell from in front of her ears. Thick bangs fell over a small forehead, and formed a heart shape, much like Usagi's hair. Her eyes were azure in color, sapphire stones, filled with innocence, and joy.
She was small, 3'2, and looked around the age of 4. She was cute, with a button nose, and pale skin. In some way, she reminded Usagi of Quatre.
Usagi smiled, and shook the child's small hand. The little girl was dressed in a beige pleated skirt that came nowhere near her knees, and a white sailor shirt, with a beige collar, and a large bow in front, and a pair of flat black dress shoes.
"Hello Usagi san, my name is Kigoi Sabaku."
Instantly, Usagi fell in love with her. Her voice, sounded so innocent, so full of life. "Call me Usagi chan, Sabaku chan." The little girl grinned, "Hai, then call me Saba chan."
Usagi nodded, and watched as the little girl stepped back. A few of the boys around her, glared at her. Usagi frowned, but it disappeared, when a boy stepped forward.
He was tall, maybe 4'8, and at least 6 years old. He was slim, and handsome, even at such a young age. He was dressed in beige pants that fit loosely on his long legs. A clean crisp white sailor shirt, with a white folded down collar. On his feet, were a pair of boys dress shoes.
He looked sophisticated, and well educated. He held himself well, but his eyes drooped to the ground at his feet. His eyes were the same as the girl before him. But his hair, was honey blond, cut short, but loose in the back. His bangs were long, and fell into his eyes, mostly his right eye.
He was silent, and held an air of shyness, but innocent all together.
Usagi reached up, and lifted his chin. His gaze met hers, and they looked so calm, so sad. His skin was lightly tan, and smooth against her fingers. "Hey there. What's your name?" She stared at him, but he didn't reply. She smiled non-the less.
Duo cleared his throat. "Sorry Usagi. Sairensu doesn't talk much." Usagi nodded, but didn't look away from the boys face. "It's a pleasure to meet such a fine young man." She noticed his cheeks flush, and she kissed his cheek. "Maybe in time, you'll talk to me on your own."
The boy pulled away from her, and stepped behind Sabaku. His gaze fell to his feet, and he didn't move, even though his eyes still watched her.
Next, two boys stepped forward. They were glaring at each other from the corner of their eyes, but didn't speak.
The one of the left was taller than the other. He was about 4'8, and about 9 years old. Dark skin, a nice tan, and already had muscles, which came to a surprise to Usagi. His hair was cut short in the back, with long bangs. His hair was unruly, and slightly shaggy golden blonde locks. His eyes were dark, and the color, reminded her of someone. Who, she could place. But the color was blue, but they were so dark.
He was dressed comfortable, with black stretchy shorts that reached to his calves, and a long loose fitting dark blue shirt. The sleeves reached midway to his elbows, and they hung off his arms. Black knuckle gloves, leaving his fingers bare. Black combat boots, and blue socks, that matched his shirt.
The second boy, was short by a few inches, maybe 4'3 and as old as Sairensu. He was built, like the other boy, even though he was so young. His hair was long, but pulled back by an orange bandana. His bangs fell over a long forehead, and into his dark obsidian eyes.
He was dressed with taste, and looked comfortable in the outfit. Light blue pants, that didn't quite reach his ankles, and hugged his legs tightly at the end of the legs. Dark color socks rumpled up, and black sneakers. A chain hung loosely from his pants. A red shirt, tucked in, but still fit loosely on him. The sleeve reached about his elbows. Black knuckle glove, like the other boy wore, and he wore a blue backpack on his back.
The first boy frowned slightly, looking Usagi up and down. He was distant; she could see that in his dark eyes. Then suddenly, he grinned, nearly knocking Usagi off her feet. His grin, would defiantly swoon girls, when he got older. He held out his hand, "Keisotsu Junsei. But call me Jun."
Usagi took his hand, and felt his firm grip, before he shook her hand. "Nice to meet you Jun chan." He nodded, and let her hand go, before stepping back. Instantly, the grin vanished, and a frown appeared on his face once more.
Usagi looked at the second boy. He looked uncaringly at her, as if she were the dirt under his feet. He spat out, "Ryuujin Kojou." He then stepped back, and crossed his arms over his chest.
Duo scowled, "Jou, be nice to Usagi." The boy rolled his eyes. Usagi looked up at Duo, "Don't worry Duo chan. He can be rude if he wants, I don't mind."
The boy grunted, but a flush appeared on his cheeks, only making him angry for his weakness.
Usagi stood up, her legs groaning as she did so. She looked at the group of kids. She couldn't help but smile at them. So young, and full of life. She wished she could have her childhood back. Usagi inhaled deeply, trying to hide the pain.
Something took a hold of her shirt, and gave a good jerk. She blinked, and looked down, to only see a mop of golden curls. "Well hello there." The head lifted, and Usagi stared into familiar sapphire blue eyes. She was handsome. The little girl, looked like a china doll, which had been taken outside to play with. A smudge of dirt marred her pale cheek. In her short page buy style mop of golden curls, were specks of fine gravel. She was dressed in a plain white sundress, with a sunflower on the bosom, and white dress shoes. The little girl was no more than 3'5, and at the most 5 years old.
"I'm Kasei Okibi."
The little girl let Usagi go, and bounded back, to stand next to Junsei.
Three more took a step forward. They looked like they were the best of friends, or the two 7 year olds were protecting the 5 year old.
The little boy in between the older boy and girl, reminded her of herself. He looked at her, with big blue eyes, full of innocence, joy, and eagerness. Usagi smiled, causing the little boy to grin back. His short silvery white hair, framed his face, and looked soft to the touch. She was dressed in black shorts, and a white sailor shirt, with a black collar, and black sneakers. He was average in size 3'8. Usagi knew, he'd be a lady killer, by the time he turned 15.
The girl to his right was 7 years old, and 4'4. She had long dirty blonde hair, pulled back into a thick braid. And she had green eyes, which stood out from all the blue-eyed children. She was dressed in baggy black jeans, a red short sleeve shirt, and red sneakers. Bracelets on her wrists, and a necklace hanging from her neck.
The 7-year-old boy wasn't much taller than the girl, maybe an inch at the most. He stood out among the children with thick brown hair, which was pulled back into a Chinese type ponytail. His eyes stared at her, much like the girl, but his were brown in color. The little boy wasn't dressed like the girl; instead, he wore a black turtleneck, and tan pants, the fit loosely around the legs, and black dress shoes.
The girl cleared her throat taking authority Usagi could only assume. "I'm Suisei Koorimizu. But call me Koori." She then pointed to the little boy holding her hand, "This is Kinsei Suteki."
Before Koori, could continue, the last boy added quickly, more like in a rush, "Mokusei Ikazuchi. Call me Zuchi."
Usagi nodded, and the group stepped back. Usagi looked back at Duo, who was still staring at the kids, as if in waiting. Usagi glanced back all the kids, and noticed in the back of the group, a girl sitting on the floor. She looked up, as if she felt Usagi's gaze.
Magenta eyes widen in fear, as if in fear of recognition. The children parted, and Usagi noted, that the girl was much older than the others. Pale but fair skin, and about 4'10, and about 13 years old. She was the oldest, and tallest by far. She had cotton pink hair, pulled up into cone buns on her head, with pigtails flowing down to her waist.
She was dressed neatly, in a blue sailor shirt, collar, with a white trim, and a blue mini shirt. There was a large red bow on the front of her shirt, and she wore black dress shoes. Usagi smiled at her, "Hey there."
The girl looked away. Duo frowned, "Sorry, Usa isn't usually shy. Usa please stand up." She did, and bowed to Usagi, "Chiba Chibi Usa." Usagi bowed as well, "Its nice to meet you, all of you in fact. Now who wants to go to the fair!!!!"
The kids shouted with praise, and Duo and Usagi led them to the limo. All the kids climbed in, and Usagi and Duo sat up front. The limo pulled away from the curb, and head for the fair, where they would spend a day of fun.