Disclaimers: I don't own the characters of Gundam Wing and this is not done with an agreement from the companies Sunrise or Asahi, so don't bother complaining. I do what I do for fun and for the enjoyment I might give to people who read fanfics. The only character I can claim ownership of is little Akira.
No more notes, I promise. And now we shall continue onto the final part of this fic…
Genjitsu
What do you dream of? Does world peace ever come to mind or do you sit unaware at the edge of a great, gapping chasm wondering how it came to be? Do your sweet dreams ever help you escape the harsh reality of this time or do you take pleasures in watching young children kidnapped from their homes and forced into the wars that you start? Why-
Dropping the pen with a sob Duo reaches behind him to clutch at his braid, only to remember that it's gone. Sighing he turns his gaze to the mirror at the other end of his room. Tears drip down his thin face as he gazes blankly at the mirror. Standing he mechanically makes his way to the reflective piece of glass.
People always did say that mirrors reflected the truth in one's soul. Frowning he stares at his reflection. I hate it all! All the secrets, the wars, - Cold fury glinting oddly in the normally cheerful eyes he snarls in contempt. Slamming his fist into the glass he blinks as pain flares up his arm.
Good-bye four leaf clovers/ hello gone awry/ don't cry the fight ain't over/ unless you let it pass you by*. Falling to the glass covered floor Duo laughs maniacally.
Laughter ending suddenly he stands, dismissing the falling blood on his knuckles, cold purpose in his eyes. Walking calmly to his closet he throws the clothes blocking the secret drawer in the wall. Jerking it open he pulls out the long, thick robe of the Ripper. Stripping out of his priest's clothing he dons the black robe of death. Pulling the slick black shotgun out of the drawer he checks over it, readying it for use.
Toeing off his shiny black boots he abandons them in a disarrayed pile on the floor. Shoving the gun into the special holster in the robe he slips into the silent hallway. Gliding soundlessly down the staircase he hoists the hood onto his head.
Moving unnoticed into the main sitting room he deftly unclasps his crucifix from around his neck. Cannot wear this as I finish this masquerade. Does not seem proper. Gazing at the last part of him remaining from the Maxwell Church he lifts it to his lips. Farewell, all of you who were murdered that day, but farewell most of all to Duo Maxwell. Dropping the gold crucifix into Heero's unsuspecting hands he turns to go.
Startled the Japanese youth clutches the necklace to his heart as he stands. "Duo? Where are you going?" he asks, an echo of worry heard in his controlled voice.
Turning in a whirl of darkness a voice, cold and precise, murmurs, "Duo is dead and I am going to finish this masquerade that he was living."
Trembling Heero ignores the stares of the others as he whispers in a voice full of sorrow, "Don't leave me."
Planting a gentle kiss on Heero's lips the ghost of death turns. Born on a deep note of pain Duo's voice whispers, "Gomen nasai Heero-san." Shutting the door behind him the Shinigami vanishes into a night full of sorrow and hatred.
Clutching at the golden reminder Heero remains on his feet, staring blankly at the wooden door. Duo, what has happened to you? My poor love, what has happened? Blinking he turns to face the others, who seem to be indulging themselves by staring at him. "Ne? What are you looking at?" he questions in a dangerously sweet voice.
Swallowing Quatre snuggles deeper into Trowa's embrace as he watches Heero closely. "You Heero," he whispers when nobody else does, hoping for his safety that Heero won't kill him. Tightening his arms around Trowa's waist the blond Arabian continues to stare at the sorrowful soldier.
Nodding in acceptance the Japanese clasps the crucifix around his neck and walks to the front door. Twisting to face the others he murmurs, a mournful echo of his normal voice, "Come on, we're going to find him and bring him back, please?"
Shoving himself to his feet the former OZ pilot nods his assent. Following his example Wufei stands with a murmured agreement. Shrugging Trowa stands forcing Quatre to do the same. Opening the front door with a whispered thank you, the Japanese leads them into the darkness of the night.
Moving easily through the crush of bodies the black robed figure creates little more than whispered comments as he passes the people enjoying the evening. Turning down the alley leading to the more run down part of town he sings softly to himself.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch
like me. I once was lost but now am
found. Was blind but now I see- Giggling to himself he smiles wickedly
as he moves through the dark streets. Yea,
though I walk through the valley of shadows I shall not fear death 'cuz I am
the blessed Shinigami, ruler of the world!
Bumping into a sleeping form he freezes as he hears a soft whimper. Turning his gaze downward he spots the shivering form by his bare feet. Flicking on a flashlight the young girl smiles up at him. "You dressing up for a party Sir?" she asks in a soft city drawl.
A mass of copper hair topples down her shoulders in silken waves that would have rivaled his own, had they still been there. Grinning he shakes his head and sits down by her side. Too skinny, gorgeous big blue eyes, and a promising figure beneath the dirt. Motioning to her hair he murmurs, "May I?"
Nodding slowly the girl cringes as he deftly tugs it up into an ever familiar braid that falls to her mid-back. Laughing she holds out a hand to him saying, "My name's Akira, I'm seven years old."
Gripping her hand gently he replies, "It is a pleasure to gain your acquaintance young Akira." Giggling at the formality in his greeting Akira stares at his twinkling amethyst eyes. Reaching up she pushes back the hood revealing his thin face and chin length chestnut hair.
"You've got pretty eyes Sir. Wish mine was so pretty."
Sweet, sweet child your eyes are glorious. Taking her hand he whispers, "Akira, your eyes are just as pretty as mine are and that's the truth." Taking a deep breath he murmurs, "Akira dear, I want you to promise me something."
"Whatever you want Sir I'll do."
"Promise that you will wait here for me so that I may rest here after I finish what I have to do."
Nodding Akira wraps her arms around his form as he stands. "I'll wait all night for you to come Sir," she whispers as he slips from her grip and vanishes once more into the night.
"Heero, are you sure this is the way he would go?" Quatre asks gently as they weave through the dark alleys. Nodding the Japanese youth freezes as he hears a voice. Stepping towards it he stares at a young girl with bright orange hair in a braid.
A braid. He's been through here all right. Walking up to the little girl he gently asks, "Excuse me miss, but have you seen a figure dressed like he was going to a party?" Forming a half circle behind him the others watch as the girl nods her head. "Which way did he go?" Heero murmurs in a sweet voice. Pointing towards Hilde's home Heero shouts his thanks as he tears off in that direction.
Grinning broadly as the rundown house burns he waves at Hilde as she tries to open the door. Shaking his head Shinigami watches the towering red-orange flames leap into the dark night sky, creating a whole new look for the stars. Pulling the shotgun out of his robe he levels in at Hilde, raising an eyebrow in question.
Shaking her head furiously she screams as the flames lick closer to her, trapping her where she is. Laughing Shinigami pulls the trigger, silencing Hilde's screams and saving her from the worst of the fire. Throwing the shotgun into the burning building through a window he slowly walks after it.
Exploding in a great ball of red flames the house falls to the ground. Burning bits of shrapnel hurl themselves at the black robed figure mercilessly. Slicing through his pale flesh they bring the flow of ruby blood with them.
Shocked by the blast he tumbles backwards as many pieces graze into his body. Hearing voices he staggers into the shadows around him. Huddling there he slinks off towards Akira, hoping that she'll still be waiting for him.
"Sir, you're bleeding," her soft city drawl moans as the black robed figure topples down by her side.
Shaking his head Shinigami whispers hoarsely, "It's nothing Akira, just a couple scratches, nothing serious." Heero, I'm sorry I have failed you. Sorry love. Warm and sweet darkness surrounds him dragging him deeper into the pain and silence beyond it.
Screaming as he falls away from her Akira thinks of the group of young men who came a bit after she had met this young man. I must go to them and bring them back to his, maybe they can help. Scrambling to her feet she hurries through the alleys effortlessly.
Tumbling to a stop behind them she stares in awe at the flaming remnants of a building. Shaking her head she grabs hold of the younger looking blond, tugging urgently at his hand. Letting out a cry he stumbles after her as she pulls him through the alleys.
Hearing many footfalls behind her she hurries towards the unconscious form lying hidden in the darkness. Dropping to her knees she tugs him out of the little cove she created for protection against the rain or searching soldiers.
"Duo!" the blond cries as he sees the figure. Falling down beside the lifeless form he gently brushes his blood-splattered hair out of his face. Slipping a hand down to his chest he listens patiently for a tell tale pulse. Finding a raged one he hollers to the others. "Milliard, do you have you cell phone with you?"
From the darkness a shouted positive answers the boy as he struggles to stop the black robed figure from bleeding. "Call Sally, tell her to meet us back home immediately!" Hurrying into the sheltered cove the others stare at the unmoving body. Glancing up at the blond grabs hold of the one in the green tank top that spoke to her earlier. "Heero, pick him up," the blond orders as he yanks a phone out of his vest.
Dialing a number he speaks rapidly to the other person. "Rashid, send a limo to First and Rio immediately. I don't care who drives as long as it's here in five minutes. Hurry!" Grabbing Akira's hand he pulls her to her feet and drags her after them as they rush towards the designated street corner.
Tumbling her into the black limo that waits for them he mutters an apology for the roughness. Climbing through the crush of bodies he starts to talk to the driver. Sitting beside him the tall brunette with a weird hairdo wraps an arm around his waist and tugs him down into his lap.
Turning to gaze at the still form Akira watches as the other brunette gently traces over the boy's bloody face. Haunted eyes catch hers as she stares. "Thank you young lady, I owe you my heart and soul," the boy murmurs as he holds the figure protectively in his arms.
Scooting closer Akira asks, "What's his name?"
Shaking his head slowly the boy whispers, "I know him as Duo Maxwell, but I don't know if that's his real name." Smiling weakly he asks, "What's your name?"
"Akira, I'm seven."
Chuckling the boy says, "My name's Heero Yuy, it's a pleasure to meet you Akira." Moaning Duo twists in Heero's arms. Turning his gaze to the boy Heero murmurs, "Shh koi, I've got you, everything will be all right soon."
"Heero? What are you doing here?" Struggling to open his eyes he giggles softly as Heero lays a hand over them. Stiffening he murmurs, "Where's Akira?"
"Shh, she's here with us, we won't let anything happen to her Duo."
Sighing he sinks once more to unconsciousness as Heero bends to lay a gentle kiss on his bloodied lips. Letting out a soft sigh Heero murmurs, "No, we won't let any harm come to her precious one."
The End
Duo: Hey, wait a second here. What happens next? You can't end like that!
Heero: (smirks) Sure she can Duo, she's the author after all.
Duo: But-
Heero: Maybe if you ask nicely she'll do a continuation.
Tami: Ask nicely Duo and I'll consider the idea. But now I need to finish off my comments.
I did it!!! First fanfic I've ever written! (skips wildly in a circle waving her arms around) yeah!!!! (comes to her senses) Hee-hee. (Sweatdrop)
I'm considering doing a continuation, but I don't know if I should. Send me your opinions and if I get enough positive ones I'll do it.
Duo: Send her billions of positive comments; I wanna see what happens to Akira.
Heero: (wraps his arms around Duo's waist) Don't worry, I'm sure she'll get enough go a heads to decide to write a continuation.
Tami: (turns to wave at invisible audience) Their counting on you out there to prompt me to tell them what happens with Akira. Don't let them down.
Quatre: Hey, guys. That was a good story Tami, I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
Trowa: (nod)
Wufei: (nod)
Milliard: It was very nicely done for a first try.
Tami: (blush) Thanks guys, your support means a lot to me as a writer.
Duo: (waves) Ya'll come back now, ya hear!