Episode 6: Memories
Heero grasped the two roses in his hands and placed them in their respective
places on the duelist's chests. As the sword was pulled from his chest a
strange feeling of calmness swept over him, as usual. The same feeling that
compelled him to stand completely still and watch each duel. The same
feeling that made him feel like a watcher from far away of something that
didn't concern him. The same feeling that came every time the sword came
from his chest.
Yet this time something was different. This time, as the Star Sword met
with Wufei's scimitar in sparks of motion he felt something. It was as if
something from the back of his mind was trying to step forward and be
noticed. Heero felt his hand itch. It itched to hold a sword. He glanced
down at his own hand and was surprised to find a thin line of blood
dripping from the tip of his index finger and into a pool in his palm. The
thorns on the roses, one must have stuck him. With a single movement he
flicked his hand and the blood flew off of his hand and splattered on the
dueling arena's floor.
Blood splattered across the floor…
Heero blinked as the memory rushed forward, uninvited. He looked up to the
two duelists in front of him. Wufei in his purple accented student council
uniform and Duo in his new black accented one. The two moved fast. Wufei
clearly had harnessed his anger and was using it to move swiftly with
deadly precision. In contrast Duo's moves were a combination of lucky
ducking and last minute dodging. Every now and then the swords met, but it
was clear that Duo was simply trying to stay away from the edge of Wufei's
sword and not too worried about Wufei's rose.
As Heero watched the battle he noticed a similarity to Wufei's movements.
Something about them was familiar. Then, suddenly, it wasn't Wufei who was
fighting. In his place stood a girl of equal height, in the same student
council uniform. Her straight, fine black hair was pulled into two
ponytails which danced around her head as she made her quick movements.
A look of sheer determination on her face.
She moved toward Duo quickly and his movements seemed to smooth out. Then
it wasn't Duo, it was someone else. A young man with disheveled brown hair
that would never stay neat. He wore a normal school uniform, the dark
maroon which resembled blood. The rose attached to his chest was yellow
and his eyes had a look of blankness, as if he already knew the battle was
over and who would win.
Heero's eyes widened as he realized what he was seeing. Himself! Himself
fighting a duel. The memories rushed back in a split second, yes, he had
been a duelist! He'd fought in the duels and in the end he'd won. He'd
won.
Before his eyes the other Heero's sword began to glow and a black cloak
appeared around his shoulders. He charged forward, shattering the rose on
the woman's chest. But he didn't stop. Heero took a step forward to yell
as his double moved in for the kill. He opened his mouth as he saw the
blood fly and splatter across the dueling floor. Then he blinked and the
two were gone. In their places stood a gasping Duo and a very angry
Wufei. Wufei's purple rose lay in pieces on the ground and the Star Sword
disappeared from Duo's hand.
Heero stood in a kind of shock. These memories, why was he remembering
now? Why was it important now? Why hadn't he remembered them before?
He'd completely forgotten he had been a duelist. And now-
"No, Melian will have justice."
Heero looked at Wufei quickly, instinct sweeping into his body. Before Duo
could react or even notice Wufei had retrieved his sword and was darting
for him. Duo looked up just in time to see Wufei, but had no time to move.
Heero didn't stop to think, he just acted.
In a second's time he placed his hand on his own chest and drew forth the
Star Sword from his own body. He moved with lightning speed and moved
knocked Duo out of the way, Wufei's sword slicing a clean cut into his
arm. Wufei made a low growling sound and turned to face him. Heero glared
and ignored the cut, readying himself for the next attack.
"Melian will have her justice! I will win this duel!"
Heero's glare intensified and this time he moved first. "No… you… won't!"
At that last word his sword met with Wufei's and there was a loud 'clang'.
Wufei's sword split and the upper tip fell to the ground. Wufei collapsed
to the ground, slamming his fists into it with as much force as he could,
taking out his anger on the floor. Meanwhile the sword disappeared from
Heero's hands and he glanced at Duo.
Duo sat on the ground, a shocked expression on his face. Heero simply
grunted and headed toward the exit from the arena. A few seconds later Duo
got to his feet, brushed off his uniform, and hurried after him. Wufei
was left to take his anger out on the floor and scream his rage to an
uncaring sky.
*
"Ne, Heero." Duo raced up to Heero's side and matched his quick stride back
to the dorms. He placed a hand on Heero's shoulder, causing the boy to
stop. Heero met his eyes with a blank look. Waiting.
"Why? Why did you save me?" Duo asked quietly. For one of the few times
in his life all humor was gone. He was curious and confused, not grinning
and taunting. His eyes were wide and his face still portrayed the look of
a shocked child who really wanted to understand what he had just seen.
Heero opened his mouth to dismiss the subject… but words failed him. He
didn't understand himself what had happened. He didn't understand why he'd
saved the very one he'd threatened to kill four nights ago. It didn't make
sense. An awkward silence drifted on between them then finally Heero
turned away.
"I don't know," he said quietly.
He waited silently. Waited for Duo to make some comment about showing
emotion or some 'I told you so' remark. There was nothing. Just silence.
When Duo did speak it was in a hushed tone, one of complete seriousness.
"I could have been killed. You've threatened to kill me before. And yet
you saved my life. I guess all I can say is thanks. I don't understand
it, but thanks none the less."
Heero started and looked up to meet the American's purple eyes. And in them
he found a strange look. A look of complete gratefulness, and… trust. Duo
was being sincere. The two stood silently, watching each other. Neither
knowing what to say. In the end they both dropped the subject and simply
walked back to the dorms, side by side in silence.
A strange kind of truce had been reached. Heero had saved Duo's life, and
Duo owed him for that. And yet Heero felt new. He knew in his mind that
were the same situation or a similar one to happen again he would have
reacted the same way. Both knew they had reached some kind of truce. Both
knew that from here on in they would see each other through, to the end.
Whatever that might be.
*
Treize frowned in thought and rubbed his chin silently. He sat in his
ornate chair upon the Student Council balcony, watching the duel below.
Around him were the other Student Council members, minus Quatre. All had
watched the duel with interest. But it seemed that only Treize himself had
noticed Heero's movements. The boy had reacted during duel. He had even
draw his own sword and defended the current champion duelist. That was
most interesting.
"Most interesting indeed."
Zechs, who stood behind Treize's chair, frowned. "I had thought the Star
Prince became merely a shell when his Soul Sword was drawn."
"As was the case, but something has changed. This is unexpected…" Treize
stood up and walked to the edge of the baloney as Duo and Heero left the
arena. "But not completely useless. It may in fact be the key that was
missing in the last set of duels."
Zechs glanced quickly at Trowa, who sat completely still; his full attention
seemed to be focused on the arena below and Wufei. "Perhaps. Then you
were right, and he is close to receiving the power of the gundams. He will
be able to awaken them."
"Do not be quick to judge, old friend. But yes, the time is soon in
coming."
Behind them Trowa stood up silently from his chair and headed for the door.
Zechs turned and looked at him.
"Going somewhere Trowa?"
Trowa paused and turned, shrugging. "The duel is over. Is there any reason
you wish me to stay, Kaitou?"
Zechs glanced to Treize who shook his head. Zechs echoed the movement.
Trowa simply gave a small bow. "Then I shall leave you to your
conversation." In a graceful movement he turned and stepped into the
elevator, leaving them alone.
Zechs followed soon after at Treize's beckoning. Treize smiled lightly and
reached to the table next to his chair, lifting a glass of wine. Now
everything was truly in place. This time the gundams would awaken. It was
only a matter of the marionettes playing out their parts.
*
As soon as the elevator hit the ground floor Trowa broke into a run. He
understood it all now. Wufei's warnings made perfect sense, and Duo was in
danger. Despite what Zechs may have thought Trowa had been listening the
entire time and he now knew what was going on. Their speaking coupled with
Wufei's warnings about the previous set of duels and the result all fit
together perfectly. So perfectly he cursed himself for not figuring it out
sooner.
Before he'd only been concerned for Quatre's safety. Then he had not known
what the outcome truly was. But he had figured that it wouldn't be pleasant
for the winner. Thus he'd taken it upon himself to make sure that Quatre
never won. Luckily Duo had helped him in that area. But now, as he raced
across the courtyard to where Quatre would be waiting, he understood that
no matter who won they would all suffer. And in the end it didn't matter
who won the duels. The duels had to be stopped. Period. Or they would
all suffer, current champion duelist or not.
He found Quatre sitting on their bench waiting patiently. But as he saw
Trowa rushing toward him he stood up in alarm.
"Trowa, nani?"
Trowa slowed down, and looked at him seriously, completely calm though he'd
just run at such a fast pace. "You need to find Duo, he's in danger. You
have to convince him to stop dueling. If he wins the duels we'll all pay
the price."
"What do you mean?!"
"We've all been puppets this entire time. Treize-sa- OZ was simply using
us. We need to stop him from participating in another duel!"
Quatre nodded. "Come on, I know where he is!"
The two broke into a quick run for Duo's dorm room. Not a single moment to
waste. Yet as they reached the dorm room they found the door being held
open by a tall figure. Zechs. He was speaking with Duo.
Trowa increased his pace to reach the door, hoping that he wasn't too late.
But as he moved into earshot and heard the conversation. Duo was glaring
at Treize.
"… truth about the badge, if you win."
"I accept," Duo replied icily.
Quatre's voice rang out a second later. "Duo! No!"
Duo looked in surprise at the two boys racing toward him. Quatre stumbled
to a stop. "Please, tell me you didn't just agree to another duel!"
"I…" Duo looked confused but nodded. Quatre turned and glared at Zechs.
"You're too late." Zechs said smoothly, speaking to Trowa. Trowa said
nothing, but inside he cursed once more. Treize had known he was listening
to the conversation. And now their fates were sealed. This was the last
duel and Duo would awaken the gundams this time, for sure. They were too
late. And now all they could do is stand by and watch as OZ moved in for
the kill.
"You planned this." Trowa said softly. "You planned it all."
Zechs merely smiled and walked away. Behind them all, unnoticed stood
Heero. He had listened to the entire conversation between Zechs and Duo,
unsure of what to do. He knew his orders, and this was the time he'd been
prepared for. Yet he felt unsure. The truce he and Duo had shared moments
ago… whose side was he really on?
Heero set his eyes into a glare. In the end Treize was the one he owed
allegiance to. Duelists came and went but Treize was always there. OZ was
always there. And in the end OZ was all that mattered.
So why did he feel so guilty about what he knew he would have to do?
Heero grasped the two roses in his hands and placed them in their respective
places on the duelist's chests. As the sword was pulled from his chest a
strange feeling of calmness swept over him, as usual. The same feeling that
compelled him to stand completely still and watch each duel. The same
feeling that made him feel like a watcher from far away of something that
didn't concern him. The same feeling that came every time the sword came
from his chest.
Yet this time something was different. This time, as the Star Sword met
with Wufei's scimitar in sparks of motion he felt something. It was as if
something from the back of his mind was trying to step forward and be
noticed. Heero felt his hand itch. It itched to hold a sword. He glanced
down at his own hand and was surprised to find a thin line of blood
dripping from the tip of his index finger and into a pool in his palm. The
thorns on the roses, one must have stuck him. With a single movement he
flicked his hand and the blood flew off of his hand and splattered on the
dueling arena's floor.
Blood splattered across the floor…
Heero blinked as the memory rushed forward, uninvited. He looked up to the
two duelists in front of him. Wufei in his purple accented student council
uniform and Duo in his new black accented one. The two moved fast. Wufei
clearly had harnessed his anger and was using it to move swiftly with
deadly precision. In contrast Duo's moves were a combination of lucky
ducking and last minute dodging. Every now and then the swords met, but it
was clear that Duo was simply trying to stay away from the edge of Wufei's
sword and not too worried about Wufei's rose.
As Heero watched the battle he noticed a similarity to Wufei's movements.
Something about them was familiar. Then, suddenly, it wasn't Wufei who was
fighting. In his place stood a girl of equal height, in the same student
council uniform. Her straight, fine black hair was pulled into two
ponytails which danced around her head as she made her quick movements.
A look of sheer determination on her face.
She moved toward Duo quickly and his movements seemed to smooth out. Then
it wasn't Duo, it was someone else. A young man with disheveled brown hair
that would never stay neat. He wore a normal school uniform, the dark
maroon which resembled blood. The rose attached to his chest was yellow
and his eyes had a look of blankness, as if he already knew the battle was
over and who would win.
Heero's eyes widened as he realized what he was seeing. Himself! Himself
fighting a duel. The memories rushed back in a split second, yes, he had
been a duelist! He'd fought in the duels and in the end he'd won. He'd
won.
Before his eyes the other Heero's sword began to glow and a black cloak
appeared around his shoulders. He charged forward, shattering the rose on
the woman's chest. But he didn't stop. Heero took a step forward to yell
as his double moved in for the kill. He opened his mouth as he saw the
blood fly and splatter across the dueling floor. Then he blinked and the
two were gone. In their places stood a gasping Duo and a very angry
Wufei. Wufei's purple rose lay in pieces on the ground and the Star Sword
disappeared from Duo's hand.
Heero stood in a kind of shock. These memories, why was he remembering
now? Why was it important now? Why hadn't he remembered them before?
He'd completely forgotten he had been a duelist. And now-
"No, Melian will have justice."
Heero looked at Wufei quickly, instinct sweeping into his body. Before Duo
could react or even notice Wufei had retrieved his sword and was darting
for him. Duo looked up just in time to see Wufei, but had no time to move.
Heero didn't stop to think, he just acted.
In a second's time he placed his hand on his own chest and drew forth the
Star Sword from his own body. He moved with lightning speed and moved
knocked Duo out of the way, Wufei's sword slicing a clean cut into his
arm. Wufei made a low growling sound and turned to face him. Heero glared
and ignored the cut, readying himself for the next attack.
"Melian will have her justice! I will win this duel!"
Heero's glare intensified and this time he moved first. "No… you… won't!"
At that last word his sword met with Wufei's and there was a loud 'clang'.
Wufei's sword split and the upper tip fell to the ground. Wufei collapsed
to the ground, slamming his fists into it with as much force as he could,
taking out his anger on the floor. Meanwhile the sword disappeared from
Heero's hands and he glanced at Duo.
Duo sat on the ground, a shocked expression on his face. Heero simply
grunted and headed toward the exit from the arena. A few seconds later Duo
got to his feet, brushed off his uniform, and hurried after him. Wufei
was left to take his anger out on the floor and scream his rage to an
uncaring sky.
*
"Ne, Heero." Duo raced up to Heero's side and matched his quick stride back
to the dorms. He placed a hand on Heero's shoulder, causing the boy to
stop. Heero met his eyes with a blank look. Waiting.
"Why? Why did you save me?" Duo asked quietly. For one of the few times
in his life all humor was gone. He was curious and confused, not grinning
and taunting. His eyes were wide and his face still portrayed the look of
a shocked child who really wanted to understand what he had just seen.
Heero opened his mouth to dismiss the subject… but words failed him. He
didn't understand himself what had happened. He didn't understand why he'd
saved the very one he'd threatened to kill four nights ago. It didn't make
sense. An awkward silence drifted on between them then finally Heero
turned away.
"I don't know," he said quietly.
He waited silently. Waited for Duo to make some comment about showing
emotion or some 'I told you so' remark. There was nothing. Just silence.
When Duo did speak it was in a hushed tone, one of complete seriousness.
"I could have been killed. You've threatened to kill me before. And yet
you saved my life. I guess all I can say is thanks. I don't understand
it, but thanks none the less."
Heero started and looked up to meet the American's purple eyes. And in them
he found a strange look. A look of complete gratefulness, and… trust. Duo
was being sincere. The two stood silently, watching each other. Neither
knowing what to say. In the end they both dropped the subject and simply
walked back to the dorms, side by side in silence.
A strange kind of truce had been reached. Heero had saved Duo's life, and
Duo owed him for that. And yet Heero felt new. He knew in his mind that
were the same situation or a similar one to happen again he would have
reacted the same way. Both knew they had reached some kind of truce. Both
knew that from here on in they would see each other through, to the end.
Whatever that might be.
*
Treize frowned in thought and rubbed his chin silently. He sat in his
ornate chair upon the Student Council balcony, watching the duel below.
Around him were the other Student Council members, minus Quatre. All had
watched the duel with interest. But it seemed that only Treize himself had
noticed Heero's movements. The boy had reacted during duel. He had even
draw his own sword and defended the current champion duelist. That was
most interesting.
"Most interesting indeed."
Zechs, who stood behind Treize's chair, frowned. "I had thought the Star
Prince became merely a shell when his Soul Sword was drawn."
"As was the case, but something has changed. This is unexpected…" Treize
stood up and walked to the edge of the baloney as Duo and Heero left the
arena. "But not completely useless. It may in fact be the key that was
missing in the last set of duels."
Zechs glanced quickly at Trowa, who sat completely still; his full attention
seemed to be focused on the arena below and Wufei. "Perhaps. Then you
were right, and he is close to receiving the power of the gundams. He will
be able to awaken them."
"Do not be quick to judge, old friend. But yes, the time is soon in
coming."
Behind them Trowa stood up silently from his chair and headed for the door.
Zechs turned and looked at him.
"Going somewhere Trowa?"
Trowa paused and turned, shrugging. "The duel is over. Is there any reason
you wish me to stay, Kaitou?"
Zechs glanced to Treize who shook his head. Zechs echoed the movement.
Trowa simply gave a small bow. "Then I shall leave you to your
conversation." In a graceful movement he turned and stepped into the
elevator, leaving them alone.
Zechs followed soon after at Treize's beckoning. Treize smiled lightly and
reached to the table next to his chair, lifting a glass of wine. Now
everything was truly in place. This time the gundams would awaken. It was
only a matter of the marionettes playing out their parts.
*
As soon as the elevator hit the ground floor Trowa broke into a run. He
understood it all now. Wufei's warnings made perfect sense, and Duo was in
danger. Despite what Zechs may have thought Trowa had been listening the
entire time and he now knew what was going on. Their speaking coupled with
Wufei's warnings about the previous set of duels and the result all fit
together perfectly. So perfectly he cursed himself for not figuring it out
sooner.
Before he'd only been concerned for Quatre's safety. Then he had not known
what the outcome truly was. But he had figured that it wouldn't be pleasant
for the winner. Thus he'd taken it upon himself to make sure that Quatre
never won. Luckily Duo had helped him in that area. But now, as he raced
across the courtyard to where Quatre would be waiting, he understood that
no matter who won they would all suffer. And in the end it didn't matter
who won the duels. The duels had to be stopped. Period. Or they would
all suffer, current champion duelist or not.
He found Quatre sitting on their bench waiting patiently. But as he saw
Trowa rushing toward him he stood up in alarm.
"Trowa, nani?"
Trowa slowed down, and looked at him seriously, completely calm though he'd
just run at such a fast pace. "You need to find Duo, he's in danger. You
have to convince him to stop dueling. If he wins the duels we'll all pay
the price."
"What do you mean?!"
"We've all been puppets this entire time. Treize-sa- OZ was simply using
us. We need to stop him from participating in another duel!"
Quatre nodded. "Come on, I know where he is!"
The two broke into a quick run for Duo's dorm room. Not a single moment to
waste. Yet as they reached the dorm room they found the door being held
open by a tall figure. Zechs. He was speaking with Duo.
Trowa increased his pace to reach the door, hoping that he wasn't too late.
But as he moved into earshot and heard the conversation. Duo was glaring
at Treize.
"… truth about the badge, if you win."
"I accept," Duo replied icily.
Quatre's voice rang out a second later. "Duo! No!"
Duo looked in surprise at the two boys racing toward him. Quatre stumbled
to a stop. "Please, tell me you didn't just agree to another duel!"
"I…" Duo looked confused but nodded. Quatre turned and glared at Zechs.
"You're too late." Zechs said smoothly, speaking to Trowa. Trowa said
nothing, but inside he cursed once more. Treize had known he was listening
to the conversation. And now their fates were sealed. This was the last
duel and Duo would awaken the gundams this time, for sure. They were too
late. And now all they could do is stand by and watch as OZ moved in for
the kill.
"You planned this." Trowa said softly. "You planned it all."
Zechs merely smiled and walked away. Behind them all, unnoticed stood
Heero. He had listened to the entire conversation between Zechs and Duo,
unsure of what to do. He knew his orders, and this was the time he'd been
prepared for. Yet he felt unsure. The truce he and Duo had shared moments
ago… whose side was he really on?
Heero set his eyes into a glare. In the end Treize was the one he owed
allegiance to. Duelists came and went but Treize was always there. OZ was
always there. And in the end OZ was all that mattered.
So why did he feel so guilty about what he knew he would have to do?