Chapter 9

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Eight thirty rolled around more quickly than either of them expected. Ami had looked up several pictures of the two of them so as to know how to alter their appearances. The late Ami Yui had cut her hair just above her shoulders but had retained its unnaturally blue color. Using a preliminary disguise she went out and bought a box of brown hair dye and some makeup. Within mere minutes she had undergone a complete transformation, from a naturally beautiful, blue-haired young woman to a heavily made-up, brunette teen.

Heero was slightly harder to change. Because the deceased couple was easily six years older looking than the living one, Ami's first step was to make him look even younger than he was. Worry lines were erased from his forehead and blonde highlights were added to his hair. Nothing could be done on short notice about his easily recognizable blue eyes, so she bought him a pair of sunglasses to cover them when needed. Clothes too had to be changed for the both of them, not only where theirs slightly too colorful for mourning they were a few centuries too early. Ami hacked her own account ("I'm too predictable.") and withdrew even more money. Black clothes were bought and eight thirty was on their heels. It was time to find the cemetery.

It wasn't too difficult to locate as hover-cars were parked all over. Ami and Heero, now Naru and Nephrite to anyone who asked, simply walked and found themselves a place to stand. From where they were they could each identify their friends, but their friends couldn't identify them. It was a foolproof plan, they would just stand there and observe, each grateful to see those seemingly lost to them. It was perfect.

They hated it.

Ami clung tightly to Heero, her fingers intertwined with those of the hand he had around her waist to tuck her against his side. They surveyed the scene closely, watching intently as two caskets were laid side by side on the ground. Mourners gathered around, but closest to the coffins was a group of thirteen people the two in disguise knew all too well. One by one they approached the coffins to pay their respects.

Usagi was the first, laying a soft white rose on the casket that held her dearest friend, then another on that of her friend's husband. Tears falling freely she walked to the microphone to speak to the crowd as the others listened carefully and placed their own flowers. She was silent for a few moments, watching those in front of her, before she spoke.

"I never wanted to do this." She began slowly, struggling to keep her voice even but not bothering to wipe away the water that spilled down her cheeks, "I never wanted to stand up here and tell all of you how much I loved my best friend and how much I'm going to miss her. I never wanted to give an elegy for Ami. I never wanted to have to say good-bye.

"Heero, too I loved like a brother. He was best friend to my husband and best man at my wedding, and when he and Ami were married I knew they were perfect for each other. Not even Minako's matchmaking could have set it up better. They were never happier than when they were around the other, they lived for each other. And died for each other too, I suppose. They didn't deserve this-"

Her voice choked violently and she almost completely broke down, sobbing uncontrollably until Mamoru arrived onstage to comfort her. His arms holding her tightly she seemed to regain her confidence and, gently wiping her eyes and sniffling, she continued. "We are all going to miss them both. I was looking at the newscreen this morning and found the perfect quote--pardon me for editing it some. 'Three nights ago, Tokyo lost two of its most valued members.' And we did, we really did.

"Aside from being a policewoman, Ami was a treasured part of this community. She was sweet, polite, and courteous to everyone even when she herself was in a bad mood. She was always there when I or anyone needed a shoulder to cry on and she helped in any way she could, on or off the job. Even back in high school there wasn't a night she didn't help me with my homework and as many times as I would call she never got exasperated with me. She cared as much as she could and then some.

"And Heero. When necessary he laid down the law, but underneath that tough exterior he was just as sweet as his wife. He was a dream neighbor and a dream friend. If his help was needed there was nothing he wouldn't do to assist. He and Ami really brought out the best in each other, from the day they met there was nothing but happiness for either of them. It's never fair when anyone dies, but here the fates were especially cruel.

"O God--give them back. I shall keep asking You."

Usagi paused, wiped her tears once again, then forced a smile.

"And for all you idiots out there who think I'm a bimbo with no brain, I wrote that myself. SO insert-non-funeral-appropriate-word OFF!"

Mamoru blushed violently and led her offstage. In the crowd there were a few broken laughs but not many.

Ami watched closely as her friends all paid their last respects to her and her husband of that time. Rei approached quietly, unusually silent, her chin held high but tears falling unheeded. Minako was sobbing openly and Quatre put aside his violin to comfort her. He too cried bitter tears for his friends, but hid his grief for her. Michiru had put away her violin as well, the two of them had been playing a duet for the funeral, and found her sanctity in Haruka's arms. Even the blonde was crying softly. Duo was doing his best to comfort his wife Makoto but they both had tears running down their faces. Even Hotaru, dry-eyed at first, broke down as she said her final farewell to an old friend. Trowa led her back to her seat, a comforting arm around her shoulders. Only Setsuna remained tearless though grief was more than evident behind her eyes. She was holding strong for the rest of them. Just like Ami had done in her own time, Heero realized. Speaking of Ami...

A few drops of water hit his arm. The blue-haired love of his life was tucked securely under his arm, finally allowing herself to cry. The tears fell and her body wracked with sobs but she did not make a sound. He wrapped his other arm around her and held her close, letting her cry against him for as long as she needed. It was a long time but when the tears would no longer fall and she curled up, red-eyed, against his chest, he knew it was time to go.

She agreed.

***

ok, first off i must say that a lot of this scene must be screwed up. i've never been to a funeral so all i had to work from was movies (what a source). and yes, that line of Usagi's--the 'O God' one--is from A Prayer For Owen Meany. the line after that i had a lot of fun with, it seemed very Usagi-like.

and now i must sadly announce that this will be the last reality ami and heero visit before this story comes to a close. i have several reasons. a) i seem to be losing my readers. b) i have another story i'm having much more fun writing. c) i don't have the time to write two stories at the same time. and d) this one isn't any fun to write anymore--it has somewhat become the bane of my existence. sorry folks.

Fate's Child: well, someone's a wee bit over-stimulated. no more cappuccinos for you. (read eXiles 1 to get that) anyways, i'm afraid i won't be able to use your idea--if everyone thinks they're dead in this dimension, they'd freak to see them alive again. and there are no senshi/pilots in this dimension either, just every-day, normal, famous people.

Kaiya: glad you liked it. btw, i read the latest installment of your story--good job. a bit confusing, but good job. and a quote: 'how many times do i have to flush you before you'll go away?'

SakuraMona: the vampire fic is in the making--and not quite as dark as I thought it'd be

Serena Yuy: for this, this is the past. for us, it's the future. and this fic will come out somewhat happily-ever-after

Fluffy pink bouncy bunny: this is the last reality I'm going to do (check above), so thanks for the ideas but I won't be using them

Purple hogati: the whole sess/kag comes from my story 'Only In Dreams.' It's not in the manga. And I don't know enough about DBZ to do a crossover

Frigidgemstone: thanks, and good luck to you on your writing