Sequel to Mercy's Sacrifice
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of the characters or props
affiliated with them. I do, however, own the plot.
~*~ Chapter 9 ~*~ To See One's True Self
Settling into her soft-blue blouse, Lady pulled her long hair over the collar, smiling in satisfaction. No one really saw her out of uniform, and if so, she was dressed in her business skirt, blouse, and jacket. But she did have other clothes, those two suits weren't all she cared for, she had actually had a life before the war. She loved to create strategies and take order, yes, but she also needed to relax from time to time.
Brushing her bangs from her eyes, Lady opened the bathroom door and strode silently to her bedside, the youth having fallen asleep once more. "So young and trusting. You just can't see that Mr. Treize is right. If you five would only have joined us, this wouldn't have happened. It wouldn't continue to happen." Gently taking a seat on the bed, she checked his fever and was slightly gladdened to find that it had broken after the day. "You still have a chance. Stop your stubbornness child and help us build a better world." In her still somewhat-different state of mind, she began to hum softly as she took a stool and book in hand, having left the bed, and began to read. Mr. Treize was doing the right thing, she believed in him.
~*~
With a soft groan, Heero groggily opened his eyes, pain shooting throughout his right arm and his shoulders. Remaining still, he had to remind himself not to move anything from his waist to his neck.
Slowly turning his head, Heero found himself strapped to a single-sized bed, the cell identical to the one as before-yet smaller. He was, of course, by himself. Somehow the loneliness almost felt welcome; it was natural. Yet, he regretted it. Being alone like this gave him too much time to think, for his thoughts scared even him at times. He wanted to know where the others were and how they were fairing. This was OZ and they couldn't be trusted.
As Heero closed his eyes once more, his mind began to wander against his will. It dwelled on thoughts and memories of the war. Of his mistake and failure which cost him the life of the sweet, innocent, little girl and her puppy. Yet, that vision faded and was replaced with another face. A kind, understanding smile, bright blue eyes filled with life, a merciful voice, slightly unruly, platinum gold hair. He had to face it, Quatre was gone. But why couldn't it have been him?! It a soft whisper, he spoke to the darkness. "I'm so sorry Quatre. I truly am." Yet something didn't feel right, about him accepting Quatre's death. Like it was the wrong thing to do. But then, if the others knew Quatre was finally at peace, then he had to stop denying it.
A jangling of keys set Heero on edge, yet he knew that he couldn't do anything so he ignored them. Voices spoke in soft whispers in the room with him, yet he just pretended to be asleep.
"How much longer does he need to sleep? I'm getting tired of baby-sitting this brat."
"Stop complaining. Is he securely tied down?"
"Yeah. I can't wait until they're finally sent off to the next base, they're enough of a pain as it is. Not to mention that Lady Une's new treatments toward them. Since when did she treat prisoners of war like guests at a high-class party?"
"Oh, you're just complaining because you actually have to do something."
"I work more than you do."
"At being lazy."
"Just shut up and get done what you need to or I'll shoot you myself. All I have to do is make it to tonight, then they're transported our of here and out of my hair."
"You don't have any hair."
"It was a figure of speech!"
"He can use big words."
"Shut the hell up and do what you're here to do."
"I am, unlike you..."
Heero listened, interest perked at the mention of being transported to another base. They would overtake the transport unit, then leave to Sally's base. He'd just be sorry that it wouldn't be the five of them, only the four.
Gritting his teeth, Heero forced himself to stifle a cry when one of the men ripped back his shirt, jerking his arm brutally. Opening his eyes, he spared a "death glare" toward the man but said nothing nor rebelled.
"'Bout time you're awoke kid, you've been one hell of a pain the entire time and all you had to be was lazy. Get up, you're fine for now. You little ass is going back to the other cell. I'll be glad not to have to keep looking after you. I can finally get some sleep."
Heero settled his breathing, somewhat gladdened to be restrained. He felt he had a lot more strength and the urge to knock these guys out was rather tempting. He only feared ripping out the stitches again and regretting some unwanted pain later, nothing else. "Are you that blind jackass?"
"Get out of that damn bed and stop being cocky?"
Sighing, the Japanese youth lifted his left arm as far as he could. The straps around his wrist constricted, the edges digging rather sharply into his skin. "Like I said.... are you really that blind?" He only smirked coldly when the officer grumbled, undoing the straps hastily. His smirk turned to a slight frown as he stifled a groan, the officer pulling him harshly from the bed and into the air. Steadying his balance, Heero forced uncertain and wobbly steps, back to the previous cell.
~*~
Sighing, Wufei looked at Duo who was growing extremely impatient. "Duo, give it time. They can't don anything to him, they need him to get us to do anything."
Hitting the wall with his fists, Duo groaned in frustration. "Urgh! But they're OZ! They'll do anything!" He stopped his pacing and rambling when the door was thrown open and a form pushed in. Hearing the door shut, he focused his eyes quickly to see Heero sitting on his hands and knees, panting and gasping slightly.
Trying to steady his breathing, Heero didn't even bother to listen to the others near him, yet focused on pushing back the oncoming darkness and the call of unconsciousness. He'd regained energy, but he didn't have a lot to spare and it was a long "walk" so to say.
"Heero?" Trowa was still worried because of his somewhat erratic and forced breathing.
"I-I'm fine, really. Just tired..." Squinting against the darkness as he tried to watch the others gathering around him.
Sighing gratefully, Duo nodded. "C'mon buddy, you should lay down." Gently helping the usually independent pilot, Duo led him to the cot once more where he sat.
Heero shook his head when Duo recommended he should lay down. He still had so much to contemplate and the new information he got needed to be spoken.
"What'd you hear?" Trowa asked right off the bat, knowing that Heero had something on his mind and usually never came back empty-handed.
Wufei snorted softly at the sudden question, knowing that Trowa had picked up his interest as well, Heero always seemed to gather information from anything and everything and now they could us it. "Please, tell us."
Nodding, Heero began. "They're going to go ahead and try and ship us to the next base tonight. We can escape then. It shouldn't be a problem, overtaking the transport unit, and then just escaping to Sally's base." Rolling his stiff shoulders, he forced himself not to grimace.
"We should be able to do that if the plans don't change, but can you handle it Heero?" Wufei frowned slightly, taking a seat on the steps.
"You worry too much, and if it's to escape this hell-hole, then I'd do it anytime." Smirking, he nodded to confirm his decision. Yet he closed his eyes and didn't bother to meet their worried gazes as he felt a blanket being drawn around his slightly trembling shoulders. Looking up, he found Duo and gave a curt nod, but looked away quickly.
"What's wrong buddy?" Duo never saw the Perfect Soldier so averting before. He was guilty or felt guilty of something. "It's... it's about what happened to Quatre, isn't it?"
Releasing a sigh, Heero only shook his head. "So many things could have been changed to avoid such a consequence. And even so, he didn't deserve that..." Opening his eyes, their Prussian depths burned with a great wildfire of loathing, contempt, uncertainty, guilt, depression, and confusion. Why did he have to feel? Why did he have to experience such things? It was so much easier when he never had to experience such things, he wouldn't feel so much like it was his fault and an emptiness within his being. Like a part of him was gone when his friend had died. A part of his family. Hanging his head, Heero closed his eyes and took another deep breath.
Trowa nodded, his eyes cast to the floor. Then looking up sympathetically, he smiled. "We can't change the past, but we can learn from it and change the future. He was called home Heero, in the most undeserving of ways, but the Lord has his reasons for everything. I've learned that all too well. Quatre isn't truly gone or dead unless you let his memory die. And I won't, neither should any of you. There's no need feeling guilty and blaming yourself for something you couldn't control Heero. And by now, you seem to be rested yet not in full and we don't want to chance anything if we can help it." Sighing, he walked to Heero's side and nodded to Duo who took the blanket back and replaced the pillow on the cot.
"He's always watchin' out for us, one of our guardian angels. He's always with us too, in our hearts where he made a home in each of us. The Lord knows what he's doin' and he's takin' care of our little buddy now, just like Quatre's takin' care of and helpin' us. Hey, he musta gotten OZ to help ya and this transport unit so conveniently coming to our knowledge must be his work too." Smirking, Duo watched Trowa help the still tired youth lie down before covering him in seeing how he couldn't move his arms much. Mentally, he prayed and spoke to his friend who had "passed on". "Come on Quatre, we need your help in this one more time, help us to make our escape buddy, you always did and could before. Help us do it again."
~*~
Opening his eyes, Quatre awoke to a darkened room, the steady *beep* of the heart monitor with his every pulse. Gazing about himself, he found that he was breathing on his own and the IV's had long since been removed. Pushing himself off of the pillow and into a sitting position, the young Arabian realized just how, even he had to admit it, grateful he was of OZ's help. Yet questions still plagued his mind. For one, what was wrong with Lady Une? She was a mystery within herself. Two: Why was he ever trusted to be put in her quarters and without being restrained? And at utmost, Three: Did the others really just leave him or was there something he was missing? He trusted them, he knew they'd sacrifice themselves first before just up and leaving him, especially to die. Yet, logic proved they did. And without good reason that he could think of.
Bringing his hands to his face, the platinum blonde rubbed the sleep from his eyes with his palms and yawned wearily, brushing back his bangs from his bright blue eyes. Sighing, oh it felt so good to do even that, he looked about once more. He was alone, and this could work to his advantage. He had to escape, regardless. If it was just to find his friends and realize that they had abandoned him, then so be it. But he was loyal to them, until they gave him reason to break that bond between their friendship. They'd sacrificed so much already, in getting him from the lake, trying to revive him, to taking him to and treating him at the cabin. Even getting Sally all the way out there. So why had they just left? Coughing softly and grimacing at the still slight irritation in his throat, all he figured was that he was administered pain killers, he rose from the bed. Stifling a groan and putting most of his weight on his left leg, Quatre turned off the heart monitor and took the wires from his chest. He didn't need them.
Catching sight of a small laptop on the coffee table further toward the center of the room, the youth hobbled to it and sat down carefully, opening the lid. If he alerted OZ, then he alerted them. He didn't care much at this time. Clicking away at the keys, he had to find out what OZ knew and see if he couldn't track where the others were or at least what happened to them. If anything, they'd gone with Sally back to her base, and he could get a hold of them there. Quickly hacking into their computer information data systems, he scanned for anything and everything that could help him in his quest. Yet, there was nothing except his medical file that they had of him since he first arrived there it seemed, nothing that he didn't know. Growing frustrated, the youth quickly got into Sally's information systems and hacked into the base that she'd spoken of, the one they were supposed to return to. Connecting to their programs and opening a live conference, he waited for one to answer his call.
Watching Keiha sulk about the halls, Sally knew that something was wrong as well. Then again, when the guys were all taken into custody by OZ or any other rebel forces that worked against them, what wouldn't be wrong? Catching the incoming call, Sally quickly opened the connection to see Quatre's determined but much healthier face. "...."
Quatre disregarded her shock and began to speak, his voice still somewhat scratchy but he could talk without great pain now. "Sally, where are the others? Are they with you?"
Extremely confused, Sally questioned him. "What? Aren't they there?"
Now it was Quatre's turn to be confused. Were the others trying to come and get him out? Or were they supposed to have come with him to the base during capture? Great! new questions he didn't have the answers to. Sighing, his head shot up in surprise as he heard footsteps echo down the hall outside the door, heading to the chamber of which he occupied. Nodding to Sally, he quickly disconnected and destroyed all evident links that showed what he'd done. Standing painfully and limping to the bed, he sat down upon it and quickly threw the blankets over his legs. He was about ready to lie down and pretend to be asleep when he realized that the heart monitor was still off, the monitoring pads hanging from the limp wires. Cursing himself mentally, the youth watched the door as it opened, revealing an older woman with her hand upon her gun, looking back at him.
Pursing her lips and watching the youth, she strode into the room, hand on her gun. "Don't think that I won't restrain you, we can easily put leather bindings on this bed and strap you down or bring in another one to do so. You're lucky to be here, with having sparked Lady Une's merciful side, and that we even took the time to treat you for your illness and injury Mr. Winner. I suggest you lie down now and try nothing, I've been given explicit orders to do what I believe necessary." Watching the silent youth lie down, she shot her gaze to the heart monitor. It seemed a little quiet in here. "What'd you do?"
"It's obvious that I'm still alive and don't need it, besides, I was tired of its constant beeping." Not caring that he sounded rude, Quatre stared at the ceiling. He had more on his mind and being well brought up and mannered wasn't at the top of his list for things to do right now.
"Now you are, and it's the only way we'd hear if you weren't for some reason. Ignore the beeping if it bothers you. We decide what to do, not you. If you try anything, I've also been instructed to watch out for myself first, not you kid. I will shoot to kill, without worry or hesitation." Walking to his side and pulling back the blankets, she watched him warily and pulled up the baggy shirt that he was wearing. Taking up the wires, she attached them once more. Standing when it was done and releasing some of the tension in her muscles, she flicked the monitor on again.
Biting his tongue, Quatre felt his cheeks grow warm in embarrassment. Oh wow, something that made him feel even better, not only was his mind ready to explode with all the mass confusion of thoughts, but his pride was being beaten down by a woman because she had caused him to blush. Listening to her leave, Quatre sat up once more, bringing his knees to his chest and rubbing his lower right leg softly. It still hurt like hell. Wincing, he finally just wrapped his arms around his knees, laying his head on them and trying to think everything out.
~*~
Duo sat on the chair backwards, smirking as he wore the officer's patience thin. "You know, your wife's gotta call sometime. She was pretty good if ya know what I mean..."
"Don't fuck with me kid! Shut the hell up and tell me where that traitor Hilde Schbeiker is." Balling his hands into fists, he glared down the smirking pilot. This kid was one smart-ass.
Not saying a word, Duo flung his braid over his shoulder and leaned his forehead against the back of the chair.
"Damn it, answer me!"
"Whoa man, make up your mind. You just told me, and I quote, to "shut the hell up". So I did. Sheesh, I was doin' what you told me to." Laughing at his frustrated groans, Duo found this kind of capture and interrogation hilarious. Especially when he knew that the OZ soldiers were under strict regulations now and couldn't hit them.
"Okay, you're really getting on my nerves." Trying to keep his voice calm, the man spoke through gritted teeth, nearing the boy. "Tell me.... where is Hilde Schbeiker?"
Sitting up and leaning backwards, Duo looked at him in disgust. "Can anybody say "Tic-Tac"? Man, when was the last time you brushed?! And talk about some B.O., man, it's called showers and deodorant." Eyeing him skeptically, Duo only burst into laughter when the other man upturned the table and yelled in frustration. "What? Don't wanna play?"
Right now, he was ready to shoot the kid right between the eyes. Grateful for the knocking at the door to the interrogation room. Opening it to find Lady Une, he saluted her and pushed the door fully open for her entrance.
Duo caught sight of Lady and smirked. In a lower, sing-song voice, he called dramatically, "Here she comes to wreck the day!"
Taking a deep breath, Lady saluted and dismissed the officer, knowing that this was going to be anything but dull. "Not glad to see me Duo? And here I was clearing my entire schedule for lil' ol' you." Sitting across from him with indifferent eyes, she looked with a slight frown at the upturned table.
Catching her gaze, he snickered. "Just surprised you took time off from drooling over Mr. Treize" he drew out the words childishly, "to chat with me. What, he finally shut you out in the cold? Or did he give ya five minutes of his time and you finally lost your virginity? Just another whore in his bed, I'm sure..."
"At least five minutes is more than you'll ever get, minute man..." Lady replied casually.
"Hey, I only need a minute to get the job done, and well done," he sneered.
"Or that's all they can stand of you; inflatable dolls don't count..." she murmured, yet loud enough for him to hear.
"Bitch!"
"Thank you Duo, you're too kind." Smirking, she watched his diminish. "Three to one."
"Yeah, yeah..." Sighing heavily, Duo glared at the floor. "You're no fun anymore, where'd the other dude go? He was interesting.." Chuckling softly, Duo looked at the upturned table again.
"I see, he's no problem of yours. Don't want to talk?" She feigned an innocent voice.
Bursting into laughter, Duo watched her. "Wow, that was a good one. I'll admit, if you can pull off sounding innocent, then you're really good at acting. Hey, Broadway might need ya, though a couple gallons of make-up might help on the interview. You ever looked into plastic surgery?"
Biting her tongue, she only watched the youth. He was having way too much fun for being here and for being told that Quatre was now "dead". "And end up looking something like you? No thank you Duo. You know you'd pass for a better girl than you ever could a man..." Smirking at his shock, she laughed softly.
"Oh, gee, thanks. I'll remember that and call ya if I ever wanna become a drag queen," he called sarcastically. "You wanna see the goods? I'll prove how much of a man I am to ya, no problem." Standing, he stared her down with ready eyes, not really caring either way if he did or not. If he wanted to show her up, he'd do it.
"No please, keep it on. I relish my sight thank you..." Crossing her legs, one over the other, she turned her head in disgust.
"Hey, you ain't seen nothin' yet till you've seen what the God of Death has in store." Offering again, he began to laugh and took a seat. "Fine, you know you want me."
"Oh Duo," she called sarcastically, "you know it's taking every ounce of my will power not to throw myself at you..."
"That's right..." he called in confirmation. Nodding and sighing, he listened to the quiet room.
"You wouldn't know pleasure until you've been with an older woman..." She smirked.
Shocked, Duo looked at her. "Are you offering?"
"I might just get bored one night..." Pretending to yawn as she covered her mouth with her left hand, she reached up with her right hand and teasingly undid her top button on her jacket.
"Ah!!! Stop! Put it on! PUT IT ON!!! I'll pay you to put it back on, save my virgin eyes!" Covering them and screaming, Duo closed them tightly. "Fine! Four to one, just put it on!!!!"
Smirking again, Lady redid the top button. "Virgin eyes? I figured, you don't even know what pleasure is, not even a taste of it."
"And I'll be more of a virgin than Virgin Mary when I die now!! Gladly!" Shaking his head vigorously and barely peeking out from between his fingers, he sighed.
Laughing cruelly, she eyed him. "Lil' mister, "I've got the entire package" is still a virgin? You couldn't pay a street whore to screw you Duo, you couldn't pay anyone for that matter."
"Oh, that was cold..." Duo glared as he watched her, thinking quickly of a comeback but not really being able to find one. "At least I'm not payin' my boss to screw me..."
"At least I get it, either way little girl..." Lady retorted calmly. "Five to one."
"You fucking bitch!" Standing and pushing the chair to the floor, he stood with anger and contempt in his eyes. "C'mon, you wanna go?! Let's go, right here, right now!"
"You know, I might just keep you around a little longer, not transport you, and have a little more fun." Standing gracefully, she shook her head slightly, raising her gun and pointing it to his heart. With indifferent and bored eyes, she spoke calmly. "Do you really want to die here and now by my hand? If so, say the word and I'll gladly do it. I did my duty as a human being in putting Quatre out of his pain, I won't hesitate to do my duty to humanity and spare their pain in ending your life."
Glaring with more hatred than that of Heero's normal glare, he hated the woman before him, no-loathed her with the deepest and strongest of passions. "You didn't do any justice to Quatre, he still could have lived. But a heartless bitch like you wouldn't know anything about hope or helping and believing in someone else. Fuck off." His voice was low and cold, holding nothing but contempt for her.
"Oh, don't be so sore. You were the one that offered. You're becoming extremely boring, why waste my time when you don't want to play? Officer.." she called back at the door, eyes and gun still trained on the boy as the soldier entered, "Take him back to the cell and bring me Chang." Smirking as Duo was led out, his glare not bothering her at all, she called as he left the room and watched him stop dead in his tracks. "Six to one Duo, six to one."
~*~
Looking up at hearing the jangle of keys once more, Wufei was prepared to throw his eyes from the flooding light just before the door was open. Heero was asleep and Trowa was trying to sort his thoughts out, meanwhile, the youthful warrior had been trying to calm his restless soul. Squinting against the light that flowed quickly into the room, even after throwing his gaze away from it, all he heard was Duo's curses and felt a gun to his back. Inhaling sharply and biting his tongue, he forced himself not to groan or cry out because the barrel of the weapon was shoved right into the area that the metal door handle hit. His back was still very sore and it was somewhat painful to move without somewhat uptight movements, always trying to keep his back straight. Feeling a hand grab his shoulder, he looked at the others a moment more before being forced out of the door and down the hall, his vision useless to him for he was still somewhat blinded by the light, into interrogation.
Duo fumed as he sat on the steps, watching Trowa cross over to him. "That fucking bitch, one day, she'll pay dearly..." Speaking mainly to himself, Duo clenched his hands into fists and continued to seethe, his anger slowly and gradually diminishing.
"What happened?" Sitting across from him tiredly, the young man watched in slight concern.
"Lady Une is a God damn, fucking bitch, that's what's wrong. Damn slut..." Laying his head in his hands, Duo tried to calm himself.
"What's the score?" Trowa knew how Lady had gotten to him.
Bursting from his seat and yelling, he paced the floor in anger and frustration. "Six to one!" Then lowering his voice when Heero began to stir, he hissed. "Six to one! That fucking bitch plays dirty and she was insulting Quatre! I was just fine pissing off the other guy until her sorry lil' ass came in and ruined everything! I swear, I'm going to kill that woman one of these times!" Taking in deep breaths, he stopped his pacing and collapsed in his previous seat once more, holding his face in his hands. Not only was he now thoroughly ticked and confused, but he was still upset over losing one of his best friends. Chanting mentally, he forced his emotions to remain in check. "Big boys don't cry, neither do you."
Nodding, Trowa glanced at Heero before he turned to Duo. "They're OZ, what else do you expect. Don't let her get to you Duo, we can't lose it all when we're so close to getting to escape. We're just biding our time."
"Oh, there's a lil' change there too," he called with an angered tone, forcing his emotions back with a stronger will and a forced laugh. "She's decided to keep us around a little longer and play."
Sighing, the young circus star only nodded again. "Then we'll have to control our emotions until the time comes. Have patience Duo, all we have to do is play them from here on out."
Rubbing his fingers with his eyes, the American teen agreed. "Fine, if you say so man..."
~*~
"Well well, everyone's just sore today, aren't we? After helping out 01, this is the greatest thanks I get? You boys are really letting me down."
Wufei closed his eyes, his back against the wall and his voice soft but firm. "What happened to your extreme disgust with us? Hating us for being "inhumane"."
"My interest was perked else wise, for my own reasons. I do as I please and change my mind when I wish." Lady tapped her fingers on her knee, propping up her other elbow on her leg and resting her chin on her hand. Now just to break the young dragon's spirit.
"You're a disgrace of all weak onnas." Sneering, he began the process of calming his mind, body, and soul once more in hopes of sorting out his questions and indecisiveness.
"You speak of all being weak Chang, yet you think you're strong? I watched your duel with Mr. Treize. He wasn't even trying and you put everything into that duel. And yet you still lost..." Lady called casually, knowing by the slight tensing in his body that she'd found his weakness.
Remaining calm, Wufei spoke again. "You were not there foolish onna, you wouldn't know the difference."
Smirking, she replied lazily. "Oh but I was, and I saw it all Wufei. You putting every ounce of "skill" you had into each thrust or move, yet you were beaten easily and quickly. Yet you still have room to contradict others on being weak and not knowing justice?" A soft snort was heard from the woman, yet she figured she'd refrain from saying something more until after his response.
Growing somewhat angered with this woman, Wufei disregarded the comment about his lost duel. "I never said that I was strong, but I am stronger than the innocents who should not fight in this war and surly I'm stronger than those who keep this war going. They are but cowards who fight blindly. They don't even know what the meaning of justice is, and I'm sure neither do you..."
Oh, this was perfect timing. She just couldn't resist! He'd said exactly what she wanted to hear. "I don't know justice?" Lady began. "Watching blindly as a boy slowly suffocates to death while in utter torment the entire time is justice? You were so hopeful you were blinded. His fever was so high that I was amazed his body hadn't just shut down and given up on him. His lungs couldn't even hold any air, nothing more than a quick gasp. Blood and other fluids had already filled them. Those were only the major problems, it was near impossible for him to breathe either way, his throat was so inflamed and swollen. You couldn't see that he was dying and just needed a little help to end his torture. Because you only saw what you wanted to see, 05."
Closing his eyes, Wufei thought back to the expressions on Quatre's paled and pained face back in cabin. Was he blinded by his own hopes that he'd committed the highest crime he could have against himself and his friends? To let them die, not only another, but his friend. To watch them and never see it because he didn't want to acknowledge it? Did he really help in causing Quatre's torment? Now the young warrior was as well questioning himself and everything he did. Was he truly that weak? If so, then no, he didn't have any room to fight or contradict others about justice, let alone fight in Nataku. He was weak and blinded, because he didn't do what he needed to do as a warrior, a soldier, and a friend.
Lady laughed inwardly, surprised that she'd broken him down so easily but she'd broken him none the less. He and Trowa were uncertain of each of their moves, Duo was beginning to question himself with a great lack of confidence in himself, Quatre was doubting each of his loyalties, and all there was left was Heero. She probably got to him without knowing it, but that was yet to be determined. And the entire game was so much fun, all she needed was a quick tongue and sharp wit. "Finding the truth Wufei?"
Sighing, Wufei's mind was still clouded by questions and a "few" more were just added to it. "What do you want from me sphinx?"
"Well, that's the first time I've been called that. I just want to know why you won't join OZ, you believe you're right and so much stronger than us, but are you right? You can see your grave mistake with Quatre in being so blind. So how do you know you're not just thinking what you want to, that you're not wrong?" By the time she was done with them, they wouldn't be able to battle! Oh, she hadn't had so much fun in years it seemed, if anything, this was the perfect strategy and counterattack.
Opening his eyes and glancing at the impassive woman, the young dragon only laid his head in his hands, drawing his knees closer to his chest. "Am I right? Do I fight for the right thing and do justice, or am I blinded again? Or am I just bringing dishonor and fighting for all the wrong reasons and lessons I want achieved from this war?" A soft sigh was the only thing that escaped his lips, Wufei wasn't sure what to do. Her words had gotten to him, sending his mind into a whirlwind of confusion and helping his indecisiveness to grow. At one time, he knew what was right and what was wrong, what was just and unjust. Or did he really ever know? Maybe what he thought was wrong was right, and what was right was wrong. Growing frustrated, Wufei tried once more to calm his mind, body, and soul, yet the questions blazed like a war within his eyes, within his heart.
With a smirk, Lady knew that her job was done with him. They were so strong, they were weak. They believed that everything they did was right that the slightest doubt sent their entire world crashing down in uncertainty. "Finally see I speak the truth?" Laughing softly at his silent form, she called over her shoulder and figured she'd had enough for today. "Soldier, take 05 back to his cell, I'll speak with 01 later. You're all becoming so boring now, Duo doesn't want to play, you and Trowa don't talk, and Heero sleeps too often. Maybe I will transport you out tonight." Watching him being led away, she left the room herself and headed for her quarters.
~*~
A soft groan floated in the air, echoing slightly in the large room. The young aristocrat still hadn't been able to sort anything out! Why did this have to happen to him, why now? God, he hated this! "Urh, why are things so complicated?!" Speaking to the darkness, Quatre clenched his fists, gripping the blanket tightly. He wasn't even sure why he was still in the bed and not trying to hack into Une's computer again or escape, but he wasn't doing either. Maybe if he could play OZ and join them for a little while, then find his friends and turn against OZ and destroy the large base, then he could escape and having found out a lot more information than he normally would have. It'd be risky, but if they were trusting him this much, then maybe they'd trust him on his own. That's what he'd do, he'd "join" OZ's forces for a little while. Closing his eyes, he listened to footsteps echo down the hallway once more, heading for his location as they stopped outside the door. Squinting against the light from the corridor and finding that it was Lady, he sighed and turned away.
The older woman paid him no mind, but took off her glasses and set them on the dresser top, flicking on a small lamp as its soft glow radiated over the dimly lit room. "Awake again Mr. Winner?"
Not saying a thing, Quatre took in a deep breath and released it. He didn't feel like doing a lot of things today, and one was talking. At least not to her.
Snorting softly, Lady pulled off her jacket, straightening her long-sleeve, white shirt beneath it. Taking a seat on the stool once more, she took the book in hand and opened it to the page she'd marked, not really paying any attention to the boy.
With a curious gaze, Quatre watched her and sat up slowly. She didn't even bother to look up from her book. "What is wrong with you?" He had to answer one of his questions and she was just acting too weird right now.
"I'm not illiterate and do enjoy books, young man. I believe that that is the best thank you I'll get for saving your life and seeing as how you're no longer in utter torment. You're welcome, I guess." Sighing, she rubbed her left shoulder with one hand and held the book with the other hand.
Shaking his head and keeping his eyes on her, he spoke softly. "You're different. I didn't mean the book..." he spoke rudely, his eyes still confused and frustrated. "You never trusted us before, yet I'm in your quarters, in your bed where you've let me regain my health, and without being restrained and left alone. You're pulling something."
Laughing softly, Lady marked her page and held the closed book in her lap. "I'm not pulling anything, I just have other things for my soldiers to do than guard you, besides the fact that you could barely stay awake, let alone move or try and escape. I let my doctors help you and treat you because I'm not a "heartless bitch" as I've been told, even if you disagree, and in my quarters is where I can keep a close eye on your health and well-being. And now, you haven't given me reason not to trust you." Sighing, she rose and walked to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face and drying it, needing to wake up.
Eyeing her skeptically, Quatre pulled the blanket up further and yawned. Something just didn't seem right about this though. Well, if they trusted him, then he could easily play them. Pulling his knees to his chest, he winced and stifled a groan at the sudden stabbing in his leg.
Looking with a frown, Lady watched him and crossed over to his bedside. "Lay down." Catching his curious gaze, she took his shoulders and only felt him rebel slightly before lying him down, pulling back the blanket and grabbing the small basket of dressings and medications. Sitting quietly by his side, she unwrapped his injured ankle and looked at the reddened area. She'd also had her surgeons stitch up the torn and severed skin.
Quatre closed his eyes, opening them and staring at the ceiling without a word when a soft humming floated to his ears. Listening for a few moments, he realized that it was Lady and that she was humming "Amazing Grace". She had a soft and warm voice, but it slowly built into words as she began to sing the hymn softly.
Lady didn't care what the youth before her thought, she hummed and sang as she wanted to. "I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see..."
Feeling the pain slowly disappear, Quatre listened to the welcome hymn as it calmed his frustrations.
"..His grace has brought me safe, thus far, and grace will lead me home..." She continued, watching him relax and finishing her tending to his wound. Replacing the covers, she got yet another queer look from the boy but he said nothing as she took her seat, picking up her book where she left off as she hummed, "How Great Thou Art".
"Why are you humming those songs?" Curiosity getting the best of him, Quatre spoke up, finding the songs somewhat soothing to his soul and releasing his frustrations gently.
"You're relaxing, aren't you? I grew up hearing those hymns..." Continuing where she left of, she only hesitated to yawn before she continued her humming. Placing the book back on her lap after marking the page, the older woman decided that it was time for her to settle her curiosity. "Why don't you stop your own pain and join OZ?"
Quatre was grateful again for the calming hymns, but he was caught off guard by the sudden question. "You're no better than the Alliance, trying to be a dictator yet telling the colonies that things will be different and disguising your actions with fancy words and false promises. I fight to end this war, so that others don't have to fight, feel the pain, or die. So that innocents can remain just that, innocent. So that I am the only one that suffers as I need to. And to right your mistakes."
"We're both fighting to end the war and see that the colonies are treated fairly. It would end sooner if you helped us so that other innocents didn't have to see this and die for it." Lady replied. Now just to sway him in full.
"You've lied to the colonies and threatened them many times before, using them against us, the Alliance, and even themselves." Quatre retorted.
"I called false bluffs that you believed to save many lives that you were destroying. As for what the colonies do amongst themselves, we can't control that and even you know that Mr. Winner." Was her rebuttal. She knew that the youth had referred to his father's death.
What could he convince her of that she was wrong and he was right? He couldn't really think of anything to contradict that. She very well could have been calling false bluffs when Heero self-destructed, but they couldn't have taken that chance. Even the Gundam Pilots couldn't control the colonies or their people, so it'd be asking too much to say that OZ could. As for lying to the colonies, maybe they weren't. Only time would tell that and he didn't really want to take that chance either. Closing his blue eyes once more, Quatre only sighed and gave it a few minutes of thought. Without moving nor opening them yet again, the young Arabian spoke up at last. "And you'd trust me enough to join OZ?"
Smirking, she realized that things were so much easier than she'd expected and that this was rather fun. "You'd be under supervision until you proved yourself worthy, but yes, you would be trusted enough to join our forces." A gundam on their side could really help out, not to mention its pilot in their hands and at their disposal.
"Fine," was all he spoke, seeing more and more that the others didn't have a truly good reason for leaving him alone like that in such a time. Any reason evaded his mind, except they thought him too far gone to save and left him to die. If so, then Trowa should have just shot him when he had the chance. "I have no reason to deny."
Nodding, Une only took her book up and began to hum again, listening to his breathing slow as he so fell to sleep once again. His soft features began to relax, his fists unclenching from the wrinkled blanket. Now, just to destroy Heero's confidence, get Quatre started in building battle strategies, and finally watch the last battle where the four others would meet their doom by a once fellow comrade's hand.
~*~
Groaning softly, Heero opened his eyes to find Wufei and Duo asleep on the cold floor, Trowa sitting on the step with his back to him. A painful process, but Heero proceeded in forcing himself into a sitting position, yawning and trying to shake the sleep from his vision.
Without turning, Trowa smirked. "Awake again are we?"
"How long have I been out?" Heero swung his legs over the edge of the cot, standing on unsteady legs but feeling almost up to his normal strength.
"Just guessing, but I'd say about four to six hours by now. Then again, you can't really tell in this type of room." Snorting softly, the youth quieted his voice once more. He'd had too much time to himself to think, realizing that he may very well have been blinded as Une had told him, by what he wanted to see. He failed in his duty as a soldier and friend, he should never have thrown his aim to the wall.
Walking to his side and taking a knee, Heero tried to sit down without hurting himself if his legs should give out quickly. "You told me not to blame myself nor to feel guilty for Quatre's passing, so then neither should you..." Watching the other two sleeping forms, the Japanese youth could feel his guilt as well.
Allowing himself to grin softly, Trowa shook his head. "It's different. You were asleep and couldn't do anything Heero, you were still trying to regain your health. I on the other hand, had the choice, and knew that if we still couldn't get out and if Quatre was suffering so, it was my duty to end his pain. I was a coward and didn't fulfill my duty. I am to blame in a great part for his pain and his death."
Elbowing the boy roughly and turning his eyes to meet his gaze, Heero sat determined. "And you didn't know what was to happen either way. It's not different. You are not to blame yourself if I am not allowed to. Got that?" He sent him a warning glare.
Smirking, Trowa only shook his head. "Fine for now, we'll continue this later..." Looking with indifferent eyes toward the door, he once again heard familiar footsteps. "Wufei, Duo, wake up. We've got visitors."
Watching the door, Heero stared back with the same, emotionless, stoic glare and waited while the soldier entered and gazed about the room. Wufei and Duo quickly sat up and watched the soldier in silence as well, waiting to see who would be next.
"01, get up. You've got a lil' visitor..." he sneered, pointing his gun at the pilot dubbed, The Perfect Soldier.
Looking at the others with an evil smirk, he only but nodded and stood. "I'll be back in a few minutes, this should be interesting." Leaving without another word, he glared at the soldier before following him blindly out into the corridor.
"Hey, give that bitch hell for me man!" Duo shouted as he left, smirking. If anyone could shut her up and show her up, it was Heero. He always had something to retort with, even if he didn't speak it very often.
~*~
"I want you to supervise him as you would a normal OZ trainee, let him deal with the battle systems and give him testing situations in which to fight. Let him develop his own strategies and get used to the test programs." Une watched as Quatre settled into the pilot's seat of the simulator. He wasn't wearing an OZ uniform yet, but rather a long-sleeve, loose shirt and jeans. He was still recuperating yet Lady figured this the best time as any for him to learn to use the computer programs and to retest and observe his skills.
"Yes Ma'am." Barked the soldier as he saluted her. Turning, he only nodded to the ex-gundam pilot and watched him begin the simulation, closing the hatch and watching from his computer. There was a camera hidden in the back of the cockpit.
Knocking softly yet again on the same door, Lady listened to the disgruntled officer bark his last frustrations before opening the door, saluting her. Dismissing him without a thought, she entered the room and met Heero Yuy, The Perfect Soldier, eye to eye under his intense gaze of hatred.
"I take it you're glad to see me?" She only smirked and took the seat once more.
"Not even when hell freezes over will I ever be anywhere close to delighted to see your sorry ass." Heero spat, closing his eyes and leaning back against the chair. He was still somewhat tired. "Don't you learn that we'll just destroy this and kill everyone when we escape? If you're trying to persuade me to join with your screwed over organization, then fuck off."
"You speak more now than in the entire time added in all of our other encounters. You're getting better at this." Lady commended.
"If I don't have to listen to your damn voice, I'll talk all night," he retorted softly.
Smirking, she tried to pry inside of his head and find his weakness. Quatre was all of their weaknesses, but there was something more that she could use. "Then tell me what I want to hear."
Laughing coldly, he popped his knuckles. "And what the hell would that be?" Sadly enough, he was starting to sound a lot like Duo and being a smart-ass was rather fun. "I'm already taken if you're asking, thanks..." His voice was cruel and low, but amused.
"Oh don't flatter yourself Heero." The older woman only rolled her eyes. "Join OZ, it's as simple as that."
"I already replied, listen bitch. No. What part of that don't you understand?" Hissing at her, he kept his eyes closed.
"That's original, too bad it's overused by Duo already." Lady snorted. "And you'd die like Quatre protecting Relena's false beliefs of peace?"
Eyes shooting open and locking with a deadly glare on the woman, he stood slowly, never breaking his gaze. "Do you want to die now or later?"
"Try me..." she smirked, rising and holding her hand over her gun. "You're just as blind as the others are, not seeing your ignorance and great mistakes."
Taking a step toward her and watching her raise her gun, he sneered coldly. "Go ahead and shoot me, end my cheap life now. You only hide behind that gun anyway. You've ended a great human's life, why stop there?" Feeling the barrel of the gun press against his chest, he put it right over his heart. Placing her finger on trigger, he lowered his hands with a cold stair. "Or are you too scared to?"
Smirking, Lady slowly began to pull the trigger. "Don't ask for things you don't want." Watching him tense slightly, she knew that he even feared death slightly. "Do you really want to die now?"
Heero stood his ground. If she did finish pulling the trigger, it'd hurt like hell and there was no guarantee that he'd get any help. If she didn't, then she didn't. Yet right now, that was very uncertain, so he stood where he was, never breaking his harsh gaze. "That's not up to me, now is it?" Gritting his teeth, he awaited the bullet to enter his body.
Lady watched him, his deep blue eyes depicting his uncertainty as it battled within his mind. Quickly throwing her aim downwards, she pulled the trigger completely and listened to his stifled groan. "I envy the soldier that hit you with his aim, and now, I wish to take my turn. You'll live through it, I don't feel like dismissing you yet or letting you get out if this that easily." Watching him place his hands over his lower left abdomen, she sneered.
Heero kept his gaze on the woman, feeling a scorching pain rip through his upper waist, but he didn't show her or anyone else the pain he was feeling. Slowly crumbling to his knees, he tried to stop the bleeding as his life's essence seeped and oozed between his fingers. Grimacing slightly, he closed his eyes to focus his discipline before looking up at her. "You really are a coward."
Raising the gun again and aiming it at his head, Lady looked down at the youth. "I can easily change that, but later, you're too much fun to have around." Turning, she put her gun cleanly and smoothly into its holster, opening the door. "Sergeant, take him back to the cell."
With a soft growl, the Japanese pilot rose to his feet, pulling his arm from the soldier as he felt her gun train on him. The weak-looking woman was a sergeant? Taking uncertain steps, Heero walked along the corridors and back to the cell where the others were being held, his strength fleeing him once more.
~*~
Quatre tried the new simulation, feeling so much better for piloting something again. They'd redone the graphics to appear like he was back in his gundam, they probably figured that's when and how he fought his best. Well, at least he still had something to fight for, even if he wouldn't get Sandrock back again for it was at Sally's base and the others would be guarding it with their lives. Inhaling sharply and quickly destroying the holographic enemy just within his blind side, Quatre forced the machine to fly backwards and finished off the rest of the "mobile dolls" easily. He'd been in the simulation for a few hours now, it had to be. And yet, they just kept throwing anything and everything at him. "We done or is there more?"
Watching the screen, the officer had to admit that the kid was good. "We still have a few more simulations to test. Standby for incoming targets and battle." This one he had to try himself. Quickly jumping into the second simulation model, he programmed it with the same simulation drill, he watched the screen appear with the vision of his fleet against the Gundam Sandrock. It was a land battle, in the desert yet near a small camp of nomads.
Again, Quatre waited for them to make the first move, heading straight into a heated battle but there was something different about one of his opponents. It was different, like someone was actually piloting it. A couple of the moves he hadn't seen since he fought alongside of Heero. "Urgh! You don't fight for them or with them anymore! Get over it and defeat your enemy so that you can keep fighting for those who shouldn't have to!" Wiping that thought from his mind, Quatre concentrated on the battle at hand.
The soldier fought hard with every trick he knew, but in the end after about another fifteen minutes of the fight, he finally lost and exited his simulator. Trotting back over to the observation screen, he watched the pilot relax his muscles and try and calm his breathing. "You've passed all the simulations soldier. You can go ahead and exit your mobile suit simulator at this time."
Unstrapping himself and opening the door, Quatre took in a cool, deep breath but collapsed immediately to his knees, holding his hands over his lower left side and cringing in pain. He could feel it, he could still feel the pain of the others. But they didn't concern him anymore, he had to remember that it was they who deserted him, that he was an OZ soldier now. They were his enemy. Blocking their pain from his mind as well as their emotions and feelings, the stubborn youth got to his feet. Yet there was also a great sadness and loss, he could feel it within himself before he blocked them from his mind. No! They were on their own now, just like he was.
Watching the youth uncertainly as he seemed to regain his composure from Lord knows what, he motioned for him to exit the training wing. He was uncertain of what Lady Une wanted the youth to do next, but his results were excellent as to be expected and they were done with their simulations.
Quatre forced himself to forget that feeling, their pain and sadness. He had to! Shaking himself mentally, the young Arabian followed the elder soldier, making his way among the dull corridors.
~*~
"Don't you guys think something feels wrong here?" Duo piped up, breaking the eerie silence.
"Like what Maxwell?" Wufei spoke softly, still debating whether he was right or wrong, his once strong feeling of justice now failing in leading him in the right direction. Was it justice that was burning so savagely within his soul? Or was it something else?
Trowa said nothing, but his interest perked at this.
"Well, Lady Une. Take her for example. It's like she's messin' with our heads or something and she's being nicer than she was before." Cracking his knuckles, the youth laid on his back and stared up at the ceiling, imagining a star-studded night.
Now he finally spoke. "She's found each of our weaknesses it seems, and she is different." Trowa thought about what she'd said to him. "When she spoke to me, she called into light my ability to make the right decision and whether or not I had been blinded of Quatre's pain and didn't show him mercy sooner."
Wufei thought about this, a smirk crossing his lips. "As she called in my lost duel with Treize, asking me why I spoke of those who were weak and should not fight when I could have been no stronger than they. That, and if I was truly making just decisions or if I was following something else blindly and doing injustice to others."
"Hell, she just put me down man. That's sad, she plays mind games with you and we just go for wit." Duo laughed half-heartedly.
"Which you are sorely losing," Trowa remarked.
"Oh gee, thanks for the moral support Trowa," he retorted sarcastically.
"Heero's back," Wufei chimed in, having caught the sound of footsteps.
Heero staggered toward the door, really beginning to hate being shot like this in such a short time as he watched the cell door fling open. Stepping in, he closed his eyes to stop the spinning of the room and listened to the door shut. Not bothering to move, he listened to the others call to him.
Wufei stood, having sat by the side of the door and he didn't catch more than a tired silhouette, but that was enough to worry him. "Heero?" Reaching out to place a steadying hand on his shoulder, the Chinese youth watched him collapse to his knees, the warrior sitting quickly and catching his falling form.
A pair of firm hands held the boy from falling completely to the floor, and leaning back, Heero could hear Wufei's faint voice. He was really going to kill Lady Une now, there were no two ways about it.
"Trowa, go ahead and turn on that projector again..." Catching the metallic scent of blood, the young dragon frowned in disapproval. If it was from Heero's shoulder again, then they might as well just amputate the thing and get rid of the problem. Blinking against the light, he saw pooling blood around Heero's lower left side, his features pale. "Damn it bakka."
Duo caught the dark red on Heero's shirt, biting his lip and wincing slightly before jumping up and grabbing his once-white belt. The blood from before had dried and turned the cloth stiff, but they had to stop the bleeding. "You know, if you don't quit this Heero, I'll end up baby- sitting you again and I don't even get paid." Pulling back the shirt gently, he caught sight of the wound as blood seeped from it, some of it already beginning to dry and over the skin. "Okay buddy, this is gonna hurt like hell..." Eyeing the wound, he realized that the bullet hadn't exited his body. "Well I'll be..."
Taking in short, shallow breaths, Heero tried to focus his vision as he laid on the floor, his head and shoulders resting on the warrior's lap. Without success, he tried to stifle a growl yet felt and heard it escape his throat. "Just do it..."
"Uh, shit. Trowa, you might wanna do this, I'm sure you'd be better at it. The bullet never left his body, we're gonna have to take it out before we can wrap up his side." Eyeing the silent youth, he took the projector as it was handed to him.
A gentle sigh was all the noise that Trowa made, crossing over to his comrade's left and looking back up at Duo. "Do you still have that blade?"
Nodding, Duo slipped the tiny blade from his inside sleeve, handing it over to Trowa. "Here ya go buddy."
Taking the blade in hand, Trowa dismissed all feelings from his mind and began to cut the skin along Heero's side, feeling him tense and jerk slightly away from the sharp object. Yet Trowa watched in indifference as the skin was torn open, more blood pouring out yet the small glint of the bullet embedded within one of his muscles. He didn't even think twice about removing it with his hands as he listened to Heero's low growl. Normally, all would be silent and the teenage boy unfeeling to the pain, but he was also greatly weakened, an opposing factor. Ripping off his second sleeve and folding it, Trowa placed it over the wound firmly after wiping away some of the blood surrounding it. "Sit him up Wufei. Go ahead and hand me the belt Duo, we need to tie it securely and tightly to stop the bleeding, it appears Lady Une did this one on her own and if she just sent him back here, then they won't be helping him, at least not for a while."
Groaning at feeling the belt pulled taut around his waist, he struggled to stay conscious. Well, there goes his renewed strength and rest. He wouldn't be doing much when they escaped, he couldn't. Leaning back against Wufei tiredly, he felt himself become unbearably hot again as it became extremely hard to breathe. Just like back at the cabin. "Nmph.... damn that woman..."
"I just said to give her hell for me, I didn't say get shot up man." Duo smirked. "You musta really pissed her off."
"...No, she.... pissed me off..." Growing drastically weak in seconds, he stopped talking and closed his eyes, his breaths were panting gasps, the heat slowly leaving his body.
"Duo, go get the blanket and pillow, I don't want to move him too much and we can just lay him next to the door. Stay awake Heero." Trowa wiped the blood from his hands and the blade on his pants, nodding in approval as the blood slowly soaked the cloth but not too fast and it didn't really spread. The blood flow was stopping on its own with only slight help. Helping Wufei, they moved the boy's weak and limp body to the side of the door, a soft groan his only response and a slight wince. Covering the shivering boy as his comrade placed his head gently on the pillow, Trowa stood and looked about the rest of the room.
"What's wrong Trowa?" Duo piped up, sitting by his friend's side protectively. It wasn't normal to see Heero this weak, but even he wasn't immortal.
"I felt something. Like an understanding before it just vanished. Like when Quatre was around and he could always sense what we were. Almost as if he blocked us out somehow." Sighing, the youth knew he sounded ridiculous. Quatre was dead and he knew it, but maybe he just hadn't realized that empty feeling before. Like Quatre did shut them out. He couldn't if he wasn't alive, so what was Trowa's problem!? Shaking himself mentally, he turned to face the others who seemed to sense the same thing.
"I noticed it as well Trowa, but how can it be possible?" Wufei added softly.
"He's passed on, maybe we just didn't notice it before 'cause I do too." Duo thought aloud.
"Maybe you're right Duo..." Sighing, he still couldn't shake the feeling. Turning his eyes to the unconscious Japanese boy's form again, he only drew his knees up to his chest and placed his arms over them, leaning his chin against his chest. Falling deep into thought, he listened to the silence for a moment longer before falling into himself, a peace overcoming him as he lingered in his own thoughts and more welcome memories.
~*~
A/N: I know, I just keep torturing Heero and now Quatre's turned against them all too. I know he normally wouldn't, but there are so many possibilities with this one! So, I guess you'll just have to read and find out. Only one other knows what's happening, my friend Andi. ~points to andi and smirks~ The ending is really soon here, within chapters ten and eleven of the sequel. I didn't even think about Lady shooting Heero again, especially after just having him tended to, but I just added it and I had to put something in there to stall a little bit of time. It worked out. :p I'm workin' on updating and uploading, the next chapter for Strength of Friendship is going to be the last chapter, a lot of it summary. It's drawing out too long. That, and there will be an alternate ending to this one, it's been suggested by a couple of my reviewers to try both, so I will. I've also got a new story coming up, "A Smile Covers All". Heaven's Angel is gonna get a summary chapter sometime soon here so get things going. I've also got a couple new POV's up, a Heero/Andi(I wrote it for my best friend, but you could always put yourself in her place^_~) and a Trowa/(lucky girl a.k.a. I wish me!) one. It's from the girls' point of view. I know, it's a lot, just thought I'd give you the heads up. Here's the info summary for "A Smile Covers All" for any who are interested:
"A Smile Covers All"
"You're hurting him! Leave him alone!" screamed the youth in near helplessness.
What if things were different in the past? What if Duo and Heero had met under different circumstances? Well, let's take a look at the possibilities.
Duo's not orphaned by the war and lives with an awful secret, out of loyalties to his family name yet mainly fear, he hides it. A happy-go- lucky youth hiding his secret with a cheery smile befriends an orphaned renegade boy, yet loyalties to this friendship and bond may just prove false.
Trying to make it on the streets during the time of war, Heero is without family, friends, or a home. And in hi mind-he doesn't need any of them either. Yet, one chance encounter with a friendly youth of his age gives him second thoughts. Slowly finding a friend in the other boy, he watches him warily. This comes from knowing that he's not being told something and truly hating being left out. Can he find out the secret in time to save the boy's life or will he be left alone once more?
I'll try and upload as soon as possible. The chapter is written out, just not typed. Please review and thanks for your help. The help with the plots that I was hinting at was for new stories, I didn't clarify that. But thanks in help to you, my great and generous reviewers! ~hugs all~ I've made a few changes to this too. Any ideas for a plot for a NEW story are welcome, I've got peeps helping me and I'm all too grateful, but I'm still working on ideas... ~contemplates~ Well, I'll go get more chapters typed, this Author's Note is getting a bit long... ~sheepish grin~ Adios chicas and chicos!
~*~ Chapter 9 ~*~ To See One's True Self
Settling into her soft-blue blouse, Lady pulled her long hair over the collar, smiling in satisfaction. No one really saw her out of uniform, and if so, she was dressed in her business skirt, blouse, and jacket. But she did have other clothes, those two suits weren't all she cared for, she had actually had a life before the war. She loved to create strategies and take order, yes, but she also needed to relax from time to time.
Brushing her bangs from her eyes, Lady opened the bathroom door and strode silently to her bedside, the youth having fallen asleep once more. "So young and trusting. You just can't see that Mr. Treize is right. If you five would only have joined us, this wouldn't have happened. It wouldn't continue to happen." Gently taking a seat on the bed, she checked his fever and was slightly gladdened to find that it had broken after the day. "You still have a chance. Stop your stubbornness child and help us build a better world." In her still somewhat-different state of mind, she began to hum softly as she took a stool and book in hand, having left the bed, and began to read. Mr. Treize was doing the right thing, she believed in him.
~*~
With a soft groan, Heero groggily opened his eyes, pain shooting throughout his right arm and his shoulders. Remaining still, he had to remind himself not to move anything from his waist to his neck.
Slowly turning his head, Heero found himself strapped to a single-sized bed, the cell identical to the one as before-yet smaller. He was, of course, by himself. Somehow the loneliness almost felt welcome; it was natural. Yet, he regretted it. Being alone like this gave him too much time to think, for his thoughts scared even him at times. He wanted to know where the others were and how they were fairing. This was OZ and they couldn't be trusted.
As Heero closed his eyes once more, his mind began to wander against his will. It dwelled on thoughts and memories of the war. Of his mistake and failure which cost him the life of the sweet, innocent, little girl and her puppy. Yet, that vision faded and was replaced with another face. A kind, understanding smile, bright blue eyes filled with life, a merciful voice, slightly unruly, platinum gold hair. He had to face it, Quatre was gone. But why couldn't it have been him?! It a soft whisper, he spoke to the darkness. "I'm so sorry Quatre. I truly am." Yet something didn't feel right, about him accepting Quatre's death. Like it was the wrong thing to do. But then, if the others knew Quatre was finally at peace, then he had to stop denying it.
A jangling of keys set Heero on edge, yet he knew that he couldn't do anything so he ignored them. Voices spoke in soft whispers in the room with him, yet he just pretended to be asleep.
"How much longer does he need to sleep? I'm getting tired of baby-sitting this brat."
"Stop complaining. Is he securely tied down?"
"Yeah. I can't wait until they're finally sent off to the next base, they're enough of a pain as it is. Not to mention that Lady Une's new treatments toward them. Since when did she treat prisoners of war like guests at a high-class party?"
"Oh, you're just complaining because you actually have to do something."
"I work more than you do."
"At being lazy."
"Just shut up and get done what you need to or I'll shoot you myself. All I have to do is make it to tonight, then they're transported our of here and out of my hair."
"You don't have any hair."
"It was a figure of speech!"
"He can use big words."
"Shut the hell up and do what you're here to do."
"I am, unlike you..."
Heero listened, interest perked at the mention of being transported to another base. They would overtake the transport unit, then leave to Sally's base. He'd just be sorry that it wouldn't be the five of them, only the four.
Gritting his teeth, Heero forced himself to stifle a cry when one of the men ripped back his shirt, jerking his arm brutally. Opening his eyes, he spared a "death glare" toward the man but said nothing nor rebelled.
"'Bout time you're awoke kid, you've been one hell of a pain the entire time and all you had to be was lazy. Get up, you're fine for now. You little ass is going back to the other cell. I'll be glad not to have to keep looking after you. I can finally get some sleep."
Heero settled his breathing, somewhat gladdened to be restrained. He felt he had a lot more strength and the urge to knock these guys out was rather tempting. He only feared ripping out the stitches again and regretting some unwanted pain later, nothing else. "Are you that blind jackass?"
"Get out of that damn bed and stop being cocky?"
Sighing, the Japanese youth lifted his left arm as far as he could. The straps around his wrist constricted, the edges digging rather sharply into his skin. "Like I said.... are you really that blind?" He only smirked coldly when the officer grumbled, undoing the straps hastily. His smirk turned to a slight frown as he stifled a groan, the officer pulling him harshly from the bed and into the air. Steadying his balance, Heero forced uncertain and wobbly steps, back to the previous cell.
~*~
Sighing, Wufei looked at Duo who was growing extremely impatient. "Duo, give it time. They can't don anything to him, they need him to get us to do anything."
Hitting the wall with his fists, Duo groaned in frustration. "Urgh! But they're OZ! They'll do anything!" He stopped his pacing and rambling when the door was thrown open and a form pushed in. Hearing the door shut, he focused his eyes quickly to see Heero sitting on his hands and knees, panting and gasping slightly.
Trying to steady his breathing, Heero didn't even bother to listen to the others near him, yet focused on pushing back the oncoming darkness and the call of unconsciousness. He'd regained energy, but he didn't have a lot to spare and it was a long "walk" so to say.
"Heero?" Trowa was still worried because of his somewhat erratic and forced breathing.
"I-I'm fine, really. Just tired..." Squinting against the darkness as he tried to watch the others gathering around him.
Sighing gratefully, Duo nodded. "C'mon buddy, you should lay down." Gently helping the usually independent pilot, Duo led him to the cot once more where he sat.
Heero shook his head when Duo recommended he should lay down. He still had so much to contemplate and the new information he got needed to be spoken.
"What'd you hear?" Trowa asked right off the bat, knowing that Heero had something on his mind and usually never came back empty-handed.
Wufei snorted softly at the sudden question, knowing that Trowa had picked up his interest as well, Heero always seemed to gather information from anything and everything and now they could us it. "Please, tell us."
Nodding, Heero began. "They're going to go ahead and try and ship us to the next base tonight. We can escape then. It shouldn't be a problem, overtaking the transport unit, and then just escaping to Sally's base." Rolling his stiff shoulders, he forced himself not to grimace.
"We should be able to do that if the plans don't change, but can you handle it Heero?" Wufei frowned slightly, taking a seat on the steps.
"You worry too much, and if it's to escape this hell-hole, then I'd do it anytime." Smirking, he nodded to confirm his decision. Yet he closed his eyes and didn't bother to meet their worried gazes as he felt a blanket being drawn around his slightly trembling shoulders. Looking up, he found Duo and gave a curt nod, but looked away quickly.
"What's wrong buddy?" Duo never saw the Perfect Soldier so averting before. He was guilty or felt guilty of something. "It's... it's about what happened to Quatre, isn't it?"
Releasing a sigh, Heero only shook his head. "So many things could have been changed to avoid such a consequence. And even so, he didn't deserve that..." Opening his eyes, their Prussian depths burned with a great wildfire of loathing, contempt, uncertainty, guilt, depression, and confusion. Why did he have to feel? Why did he have to experience such things? It was so much easier when he never had to experience such things, he wouldn't feel so much like it was his fault and an emptiness within his being. Like a part of him was gone when his friend had died. A part of his family. Hanging his head, Heero closed his eyes and took another deep breath.
Trowa nodded, his eyes cast to the floor. Then looking up sympathetically, he smiled. "We can't change the past, but we can learn from it and change the future. He was called home Heero, in the most undeserving of ways, but the Lord has his reasons for everything. I've learned that all too well. Quatre isn't truly gone or dead unless you let his memory die. And I won't, neither should any of you. There's no need feeling guilty and blaming yourself for something you couldn't control Heero. And by now, you seem to be rested yet not in full and we don't want to chance anything if we can help it." Sighing, he walked to Heero's side and nodded to Duo who took the blanket back and replaced the pillow on the cot.
"He's always watchin' out for us, one of our guardian angels. He's always with us too, in our hearts where he made a home in each of us. The Lord knows what he's doin' and he's takin' care of our little buddy now, just like Quatre's takin' care of and helpin' us. Hey, he musta gotten OZ to help ya and this transport unit so conveniently coming to our knowledge must be his work too." Smirking, Duo watched Trowa help the still tired youth lie down before covering him in seeing how he couldn't move his arms much. Mentally, he prayed and spoke to his friend who had "passed on". "Come on Quatre, we need your help in this one more time, help us to make our escape buddy, you always did and could before. Help us do it again."
~*~
Opening his eyes, Quatre awoke to a darkened room, the steady *beep* of the heart monitor with his every pulse. Gazing about himself, he found that he was breathing on his own and the IV's had long since been removed. Pushing himself off of the pillow and into a sitting position, the young Arabian realized just how, even he had to admit it, grateful he was of OZ's help. Yet questions still plagued his mind. For one, what was wrong with Lady Une? She was a mystery within herself. Two: Why was he ever trusted to be put in her quarters and without being restrained? And at utmost, Three: Did the others really just leave him or was there something he was missing? He trusted them, he knew they'd sacrifice themselves first before just up and leaving him, especially to die. Yet, logic proved they did. And without good reason that he could think of.
Bringing his hands to his face, the platinum blonde rubbed the sleep from his eyes with his palms and yawned wearily, brushing back his bangs from his bright blue eyes. Sighing, oh it felt so good to do even that, he looked about once more. He was alone, and this could work to his advantage. He had to escape, regardless. If it was just to find his friends and realize that they had abandoned him, then so be it. But he was loyal to them, until they gave him reason to break that bond between their friendship. They'd sacrificed so much already, in getting him from the lake, trying to revive him, to taking him to and treating him at the cabin. Even getting Sally all the way out there. So why had they just left? Coughing softly and grimacing at the still slight irritation in his throat, all he figured was that he was administered pain killers, he rose from the bed. Stifling a groan and putting most of his weight on his left leg, Quatre turned off the heart monitor and took the wires from his chest. He didn't need them.
Catching sight of a small laptop on the coffee table further toward the center of the room, the youth hobbled to it and sat down carefully, opening the lid. If he alerted OZ, then he alerted them. He didn't care much at this time. Clicking away at the keys, he had to find out what OZ knew and see if he couldn't track where the others were or at least what happened to them. If anything, they'd gone with Sally back to her base, and he could get a hold of them there. Quickly hacking into their computer information data systems, he scanned for anything and everything that could help him in his quest. Yet, there was nothing except his medical file that they had of him since he first arrived there it seemed, nothing that he didn't know. Growing frustrated, the youth quickly got into Sally's information systems and hacked into the base that she'd spoken of, the one they were supposed to return to. Connecting to their programs and opening a live conference, he waited for one to answer his call.
Watching Keiha sulk about the halls, Sally knew that something was wrong as well. Then again, when the guys were all taken into custody by OZ or any other rebel forces that worked against them, what wouldn't be wrong? Catching the incoming call, Sally quickly opened the connection to see Quatre's determined but much healthier face. "...."
Quatre disregarded her shock and began to speak, his voice still somewhat scratchy but he could talk without great pain now. "Sally, where are the others? Are they with you?"
Extremely confused, Sally questioned him. "What? Aren't they there?"
Now it was Quatre's turn to be confused. Were the others trying to come and get him out? Or were they supposed to have come with him to the base during capture? Great! new questions he didn't have the answers to. Sighing, his head shot up in surprise as he heard footsteps echo down the hall outside the door, heading to the chamber of which he occupied. Nodding to Sally, he quickly disconnected and destroyed all evident links that showed what he'd done. Standing painfully and limping to the bed, he sat down upon it and quickly threw the blankets over his legs. He was about ready to lie down and pretend to be asleep when he realized that the heart monitor was still off, the monitoring pads hanging from the limp wires. Cursing himself mentally, the youth watched the door as it opened, revealing an older woman with her hand upon her gun, looking back at him.
Pursing her lips and watching the youth, she strode into the room, hand on her gun. "Don't think that I won't restrain you, we can easily put leather bindings on this bed and strap you down or bring in another one to do so. You're lucky to be here, with having sparked Lady Une's merciful side, and that we even took the time to treat you for your illness and injury Mr. Winner. I suggest you lie down now and try nothing, I've been given explicit orders to do what I believe necessary." Watching the silent youth lie down, she shot her gaze to the heart monitor. It seemed a little quiet in here. "What'd you do?"
"It's obvious that I'm still alive and don't need it, besides, I was tired of its constant beeping." Not caring that he sounded rude, Quatre stared at the ceiling. He had more on his mind and being well brought up and mannered wasn't at the top of his list for things to do right now.
"Now you are, and it's the only way we'd hear if you weren't for some reason. Ignore the beeping if it bothers you. We decide what to do, not you. If you try anything, I've also been instructed to watch out for myself first, not you kid. I will shoot to kill, without worry or hesitation." Walking to his side and pulling back the blankets, she watched him warily and pulled up the baggy shirt that he was wearing. Taking up the wires, she attached them once more. Standing when it was done and releasing some of the tension in her muscles, she flicked the monitor on again.
Biting his tongue, Quatre felt his cheeks grow warm in embarrassment. Oh wow, something that made him feel even better, not only was his mind ready to explode with all the mass confusion of thoughts, but his pride was being beaten down by a woman because she had caused him to blush. Listening to her leave, Quatre sat up once more, bringing his knees to his chest and rubbing his lower right leg softly. It still hurt like hell. Wincing, he finally just wrapped his arms around his knees, laying his head on them and trying to think everything out.
~*~
Duo sat on the chair backwards, smirking as he wore the officer's patience thin. "You know, your wife's gotta call sometime. She was pretty good if ya know what I mean..."
"Don't fuck with me kid! Shut the hell up and tell me where that traitor Hilde Schbeiker is." Balling his hands into fists, he glared down the smirking pilot. This kid was one smart-ass.
Not saying a word, Duo flung his braid over his shoulder and leaned his forehead against the back of the chair.
"Damn it, answer me!"
"Whoa man, make up your mind. You just told me, and I quote, to "shut the hell up". So I did. Sheesh, I was doin' what you told me to." Laughing at his frustrated groans, Duo found this kind of capture and interrogation hilarious. Especially when he knew that the OZ soldiers were under strict regulations now and couldn't hit them.
"Okay, you're really getting on my nerves." Trying to keep his voice calm, the man spoke through gritted teeth, nearing the boy. "Tell me.... where is Hilde Schbeiker?"
Sitting up and leaning backwards, Duo looked at him in disgust. "Can anybody say "Tic-Tac"? Man, when was the last time you brushed?! And talk about some B.O., man, it's called showers and deodorant." Eyeing him skeptically, Duo only burst into laughter when the other man upturned the table and yelled in frustration. "What? Don't wanna play?"
Right now, he was ready to shoot the kid right between the eyes. Grateful for the knocking at the door to the interrogation room. Opening it to find Lady Une, he saluted her and pushed the door fully open for her entrance.
Duo caught sight of Lady and smirked. In a lower, sing-song voice, he called dramatically, "Here she comes to wreck the day!"
Taking a deep breath, Lady saluted and dismissed the officer, knowing that this was going to be anything but dull. "Not glad to see me Duo? And here I was clearing my entire schedule for lil' ol' you." Sitting across from him with indifferent eyes, she looked with a slight frown at the upturned table.
Catching her gaze, he snickered. "Just surprised you took time off from drooling over Mr. Treize" he drew out the words childishly, "to chat with me. What, he finally shut you out in the cold? Or did he give ya five minutes of his time and you finally lost your virginity? Just another whore in his bed, I'm sure..."
"At least five minutes is more than you'll ever get, minute man..." Lady replied casually.
"Hey, I only need a minute to get the job done, and well done," he sneered.
"Or that's all they can stand of you; inflatable dolls don't count..." she murmured, yet loud enough for him to hear.
"Bitch!"
"Thank you Duo, you're too kind." Smirking, she watched his diminish. "Three to one."
"Yeah, yeah..." Sighing heavily, Duo glared at the floor. "You're no fun anymore, where'd the other dude go? He was interesting.." Chuckling softly, Duo looked at the upturned table again.
"I see, he's no problem of yours. Don't want to talk?" She feigned an innocent voice.
Bursting into laughter, Duo watched her. "Wow, that was a good one. I'll admit, if you can pull off sounding innocent, then you're really good at acting. Hey, Broadway might need ya, though a couple gallons of make-up might help on the interview. You ever looked into plastic surgery?"
Biting her tongue, she only watched the youth. He was having way too much fun for being here and for being told that Quatre was now "dead". "And end up looking something like you? No thank you Duo. You know you'd pass for a better girl than you ever could a man..." Smirking at his shock, she laughed softly.
"Oh, gee, thanks. I'll remember that and call ya if I ever wanna become a drag queen," he called sarcastically. "You wanna see the goods? I'll prove how much of a man I am to ya, no problem." Standing, he stared her down with ready eyes, not really caring either way if he did or not. If he wanted to show her up, he'd do it.
"No please, keep it on. I relish my sight thank you..." Crossing her legs, one over the other, she turned her head in disgust.
"Hey, you ain't seen nothin' yet till you've seen what the God of Death has in store." Offering again, he began to laugh and took a seat. "Fine, you know you want me."
"Oh Duo," she called sarcastically, "you know it's taking every ounce of my will power not to throw myself at you..."
"That's right..." he called in confirmation. Nodding and sighing, he listened to the quiet room.
"You wouldn't know pleasure until you've been with an older woman..." She smirked.
Shocked, Duo looked at her. "Are you offering?"
"I might just get bored one night..." Pretending to yawn as she covered her mouth with her left hand, she reached up with her right hand and teasingly undid her top button on her jacket.
"Ah!!! Stop! Put it on! PUT IT ON!!! I'll pay you to put it back on, save my virgin eyes!" Covering them and screaming, Duo closed them tightly. "Fine! Four to one, just put it on!!!!"
Smirking again, Lady redid the top button. "Virgin eyes? I figured, you don't even know what pleasure is, not even a taste of it."
"And I'll be more of a virgin than Virgin Mary when I die now!! Gladly!" Shaking his head vigorously and barely peeking out from between his fingers, he sighed.
Laughing cruelly, she eyed him. "Lil' mister, "I've got the entire package" is still a virgin? You couldn't pay a street whore to screw you Duo, you couldn't pay anyone for that matter."
"Oh, that was cold..." Duo glared as he watched her, thinking quickly of a comeback but not really being able to find one. "At least I'm not payin' my boss to screw me..."
"At least I get it, either way little girl..." Lady retorted calmly. "Five to one."
"You fucking bitch!" Standing and pushing the chair to the floor, he stood with anger and contempt in his eyes. "C'mon, you wanna go?! Let's go, right here, right now!"
"You know, I might just keep you around a little longer, not transport you, and have a little more fun." Standing gracefully, she shook her head slightly, raising her gun and pointing it to his heart. With indifferent and bored eyes, she spoke calmly. "Do you really want to die here and now by my hand? If so, say the word and I'll gladly do it. I did my duty as a human being in putting Quatre out of his pain, I won't hesitate to do my duty to humanity and spare their pain in ending your life."
Glaring with more hatred than that of Heero's normal glare, he hated the woman before him, no-loathed her with the deepest and strongest of passions. "You didn't do any justice to Quatre, he still could have lived. But a heartless bitch like you wouldn't know anything about hope or helping and believing in someone else. Fuck off." His voice was low and cold, holding nothing but contempt for her.
"Oh, don't be so sore. You were the one that offered. You're becoming extremely boring, why waste my time when you don't want to play? Officer.." she called back at the door, eyes and gun still trained on the boy as the soldier entered, "Take him back to the cell and bring me Chang." Smirking as Duo was led out, his glare not bothering her at all, she called as he left the room and watched him stop dead in his tracks. "Six to one Duo, six to one."
~*~
Looking up at hearing the jangle of keys once more, Wufei was prepared to throw his eyes from the flooding light just before the door was open. Heero was asleep and Trowa was trying to sort his thoughts out, meanwhile, the youthful warrior had been trying to calm his restless soul. Squinting against the light that flowed quickly into the room, even after throwing his gaze away from it, all he heard was Duo's curses and felt a gun to his back. Inhaling sharply and biting his tongue, he forced himself not to groan or cry out because the barrel of the weapon was shoved right into the area that the metal door handle hit. His back was still very sore and it was somewhat painful to move without somewhat uptight movements, always trying to keep his back straight. Feeling a hand grab his shoulder, he looked at the others a moment more before being forced out of the door and down the hall, his vision useless to him for he was still somewhat blinded by the light, into interrogation.
Duo fumed as he sat on the steps, watching Trowa cross over to him. "That fucking bitch, one day, she'll pay dearly..." Speaking mainly to himself, Duo clenched his hands into fists and continued to seethe, his anger slowly and gradually diminishing.
"What happened?" Sitting across from him tiredly, the young man watched in slight concern.
"Lady Une is a God damn, fucking bitch, that's what's wrong. Damn slut..." Laying his head in his hands, Duo tried to calm himself.
"What's the score?" Trowa knew how Lady had gotten to him.
Bursting from his seat and yelling, he paced the floor in anger and frustration. "Six to one!" Then lowering his voice when Heero began to stir, he hissed. "Six to one! That fucking bitch plays dirty and she was insulting Quatre! I was just fine pissing off the other guy until her sorry lil' ass came in and ruined everything! I swear, I'm going to kill that woman one of these times!" Taking in deep breaths, he stopped his pacing and collapsed in his previous seat once more, holding his face in his hands. Not only was he now thoroughly ticked and confused, but he was still upset over losing one of his best friends. Chanting mentally, he forced his emotions to remain in check. "Big boys don't cry, neither do you."
Nodding, Trowa glanced at Heero before he turned to Duo. "They're OZ, what else do you expect. Don't let her get to you Duo, we can't lose it all when we're so close to getting to escape. We're just biding our time."
"Oh, there's a lil' change there too," he called with an angered tone, forcing his emotions back with a stronger will and a forced laugh. "She's decided to keep us around a little longer and play."
Sighing, the young circus star only nodded again. "Then we'll have to control our emotions until the time comes. Have patience Duo, all we have to do is play them from here on out."
Rubbing his fingers with his eyes, the American teen agreed. "Fine, if you say so man..."
~*~
"Well well, everyone's just sore today, aren't we? After helping out 01, this is the greatest thanks I get? You boys are really letting me down."
Wufei closed his eyes, his back against the wall and his voice soft but firm. "What happened to your extreme disgust with us? Hating us for being "inhumane"."
"My interest was perked else wise, for my own reasons. I do as I please and change my mind when I wish." Lady tapped her fingers on her knee, propping up her other elbow on her leg and resting her chin on her hand. Now just to break the young dragon's spirit.
"You're a disgrace of all weak onnas." Sneering, he began the process of calming his mind, body, and soul once more in hopes of sorting out his questions and indecisiveness.
"You speak of all being weak Chang, yet you think you're strong? I watched your duel with Mr. Treize. He wasn't even trying and you put everything into that duel. And yet you still lost..." Lady called casually, knowing by the slight tensing in his body that she'd found his weakness.
Remaining calm, Wufei spoke again. "You were not there foolish onna, you wouldn't know the difference."
Smirking, she replied lazily. "Oh but I was, and I saw it all Wufei. You putting every ounce of "skill" you had into each thrust or move, yet you were beaten easily and quickly. Yet you still have room to contradict others on being weak and not knowing justice?" A soft snort was heard from the woman, yet she figured she'd refrain from saying something more until after his response.
Growing somewhat angered with this woman, Wufei disregarded the comment about his lost duel. "I never said that I was strong, but I am stronger than the innocents who should not fight in this war and surly I'm stronger than those who keep this war going. They are but cowards who fight blindly. They don't even know what the meaning of justice is, and I'm sure neither do you..."
Oh, this was perfect timing. She just couldn't resist! He'd said exactly what she wanted to hear. "I don't know justice?" Lady began. "Watching blindly as a boy slowly suffocates to death while in utter torment the entire time is justice? You were so hopeful you were blinded. His fever was so high that I was amazed his body hadn't just shut down and given up on him. His lungs couldn't even hold any air, nothing more than a quick gasp. Blood and other fluids had already filled them. Those were only the major problems, it was near impossible for him to breathe either way, his throat was so inflamed and swollen. You couldn't see that he was dying and just needed a little help to end his torture. Because you only saw what you wanted to see, 05."
Closing his eyes, Wufei thought back to the expressions on Quatre's paled and pained face back in cabin. Was he blinded by his own hopes that he'd committed the highest crime he could have against himself and his friends? To let them die, not only another, but his friend. To watch them and never see it because he didn't want to acknowledge it? Did he really help in causing Quatre's torment? Now the young warrior was as well questioning himself and everything he did. Was he truly that weak? If so, then no, he didn't have any room to fight or contradict others about justice, let alone fight in Nataku. He was weak and blinded, because he didn't do what he needed to do as a warrior, a soldier, and a friend.
Lady laughed inwardly, surprised that she'd broken him down so easily but she'd broken him none the less. He and Trowa were uncertain of each of their moves, Duo was beginning to question himself with a great lack of confidence in himself, Quatre was doubting each of his loyalties, and all there was left was Heero. She probably got to him without knowing it, but that was yet to be determined. And the entire game was so much fun, all she needed was a quick tongue and sharp wit. "Finding the truth Wufei?"
Sighing, Wufei's mind was still clouded by questions and a "few" more were just added to it. "What do you want from me sphinx?"
"Well, that's the first time I've been called that. I just want to know why you won't join OZ, you believe you're right and so much stronger than us, but are you right? You can see your grave mistake with Quatre in being so blind. So how do you know you're not just thinking what you want to, that you're not wrong?" By the time she was done with them, they wouldn't be able to battle! Oh, she hadn't had so much fun in years it seemed, if anything, this was the perfect strategy and counterattack.
Opening his eyes and glancing at the impassive woman, the young dragon only laid his head in his hands, drawing his knees closer to his chest. "Am I right? Do I fight for the right thing and do justice, or am I blinded again? Or am I just bringing dishonor and fighting for all the wrong reasons and lessons I want achieved from this war?" A soft sigh was the only thing that escaped his lips, Wufei wasn't sure what to do. Her words had gotten to him, sending his mind into a whirlwind of confusion and helping his indecisiveness to grow. At one time, he knew what was right and what was wrong, what was just and unjust. Or did he really ever know? Maybe what he thought was wrong was right, and what was right was wrong. Growing frustrated, Wufei tried once more to calm his mind, body, and soul, yet the questions blazed like a war within his eyes, within his heart.
With a smirk, Lady knew that her job was done with him. They were so strong, they were weak. They believed that everything they did was right that the slightest doubt sent their entire world crashing down in uncertainty. "Finally see I speak the truth?" Laughing softly at his silent form, she called over her shoulder and figured she'd had enough for today. "Soldier, take 05 back to his cell, I'll speak with 01 later. You're all becoming so boring now, Duo doesn't want to play, you and Trowa don't talk, and Heero sleeps too often. Maybe I will transport you out tonight." Watching him being led away, she left the room herself and headed for her quarters.
~*~
A soft groan floated in the air, echoing slightly in the large room. The young aristocrat still hadn't been able to sort anything out! Why did this have to happen to him, why now? God, he hated this! "Urh, why are things so complicated?!" Speaking to the darkness, Quatre clenched his fists, gripping the blanket tightly. He wasn't even sure why he was still in the bed and not trying to hack into Une's computer again or escape, but he wasn't doing either. Maybe if he could play OZ and join them for a little while, then find his friends and turn against OZ and destroy the large base, then he could escape and having found out a lot more information than he normally would have. It'd be risky, but if they were trusting him this much, then maybe they'd trust him on his own. That's what he'd do, he'd "join" OZ's forces for a little while. Closing his eyes, he listened to footsteps echo down the hallway once more, heading for his location as they stopped outside the door. Squinting against the light from the corridor and finding that it was Lady, he sighed and turned away.
The older woman paid him no mind, but took off her glasses and set them on the dresser top, flicking on a small lamp as its soft glow radiated over the dimly lit room. "Awake again Mr. Winner?"
Not saying a thing, Quatre took in a deep breath and released it. He didn't feel like doing a lot of things today, and one was talking. At least not to her.
Snorting softly, Lady pulled off her jacket, straightening her long-sleeve, white shirt beneath it. Taking a seat on the stool once more, she took the book in hand and opened it to the page she'd marked, not really paying any attention to the boy.
With a curious gaze, Quatre watched her and sat up slowly. She didn't even bother to look up from her book. "What is wrong with you?" He had to answer one of his questions and she was just acting too weird right now.
"I'm not illiterate and do enjoy books, young man. I believe that that is the best thank you I'll get for saving your life and seeing as how you're no longer in utter torment. You're welcome, I guess." Sighing, she rubbed her left shoulder with one hand and held the book with the other hand.
Shaking his head and keeping his eyes on her, he spoke softly. "You're different. I didn't mean the book..." he spoke rudely, his eyes still confused and frustrated. "You never trusted us before, yet I'm in your quarters, in your bed where you've let me regain my health, and without being restrained and left alone. You're pulling something."
Laughing softly, Lady marked her page and held the closed book in her lap. "I'm not pulling anything, I just have other things for my soldiers to do than guard you, besides the fact that you could barely stay awake, let alone move or try and escape. I let my doctors help you and treat you because I'm not a "heartless bitch" as I've been told, even if you disagree, and in my quarters is where I can keep a close eye on your health and well-being. And now, you haven't given me reason not to trust you." Sighing, she rose and walked to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face and drying it, needing to wake up.
Eyeing her skeptically, Quatre pulled the blanket up further and yawned. Something just didn't seem right about this though. Well, if they trusted him, then he could easily play them. Pulling his knees to his chest, he winced and stifled a groan at the sudden stabbing in his leg.
Looking with a frown, Lady watched him and crossed over to his bedside. "Lay down." Catching his curious gaze, she took his shoulders and only felt him rebel slightly before lying him down, pulling back the blanket and grabbing the small basket of dressings and medications. Sitting quietly by his side, she unwrapped his injured ankle and looked at the reddened area. She'd also had her surgeons stitch up the torn and severed skin.
Quatre closed his eyes, opening them and staring at the ceiling without a word when a soft humming floated to his ears. Listening for a few moments, he realized that it was Lady and that she was humming "Amazing Grace". She had a soft and warm voice, but it slowly built into words as she began to sing the hymn softly.
Lady didn't care what the youth before her thought, she hummed and sang as she wanted to. "I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see..."
Feeling the pain slowly disappear, Quatre listened to the welcome hymn as it calmed his frustrations.
"..His grace has brought me safe, thus far, and grace will lead me home..." She continued, watching him relax and finishing her tending to his wound. Replacing the covers, she got yet another queer look from the boy but he said nothing as she took her seat, picking up her book where she left off as she hummed, "How Great Thou Art".
"Why are you humming those songs?" Curiosity getting the best of him, Quatre spoke up, finding the songs somewhat soothing to his soul and releasing his frustrations gently.
"You're relaxing, aren't you? I grew up hearing those hymns..." Continuing where she left of, she only hesitated to yawn before she continued her humming. Placing the book back on her lap after marking the page, the older woman decided that it was time for her to settle her curiosity. "Why don't you stop your own pain and join OZ?"
Quatre was grateful again for the calming hymns, but he was caught off guard by the sudden question. "You're no better than the Alliance, trying to be a dictator yet telling the colonies that things will be different and disguising your actions with fancy words and false promises. I fight to end this war, so that others don't have to fight, feel the pain, or die. So that innocents can remain just that, innocent. So that I am the only one that suffers as I need to. And to right your mistakes."
"We're both fighting to end the war and see that the colonies are treated fairly. It would end sooner if you helped us so that other innocents didn't have to see this and die for it." Lady replied. Now just to sway him in full.
"You've lied to the colonies and threatened them many times before, using them against us, the Alliance, and even themselves." Quatre retorted.
"I called false bluffs that you believed to save many lives that you were destroying. As for what the colonies do amongst themselves, we can't control that and even you know that Mr. Winner." Was her rebuttal. She knew that the youth had referred to his father's death.
What could he convince her of that she was wrong and he was right? He couldn't really think of anything to contradict that. She very well could have been calling false bluffs when Heero self-destructed, but they couldn't have taken that chance. Even the Gundam Pilots couldn't control the colonies or their people, so it'd be asking too much to say that OZ could. As for lying to the colonies, maybe they weren't. Only time would tell that and he didn't really want to take that chance either. Closing his blue eyes once more, Quatre only sighed and gave it a few minutes of thought. Without moving nor opening them yet again, the young Arabian spoke up at last. "And you'd trust me enough to join OZ?"
Smirking, she realized that things were so much easier than she'd expected and that this was rather fun. "You'd be under supervision until you proved yourself worthy, but yes, you would be trusted enough to join our forces." A gundam on their side could really help out, not to mention its pilot in their hands and at their disposal.
"Fine," was all he spoke, seeing more and more that the others didn't have a truly good reason for leaving him alone like that in such a time. Any reason evaded his mind, except they thought him too far gone to save and left him to die. If so, then Trowa should have just shot him when he had the chance. "I have no reason to deny."
Nodding, Une only took her book up and began to hum again, listening to his breathing slow as he so fell to sleep once again. His soft features began to relax, his fists unclenching from the wrinkled blanket. Now, just to destroy Heero's confidence, get Quatre started in building battle strategies, and finally watch the last battle where the four others would meet their doom by a once fellow comrade's hand.
~*~
Groaning softly, Heero opened his eyes to find Wufei and Duo asleep on the cold floor, Trowa sitting on the step with his back to him. A painful process, but Heero proceeded in forcing himself into a sitting position, yawning and trying to shake the sleep from his vision.
Without turning, Trowa smirked. "Awake again are we?"
"How long have I been out?" Heero swung his legs over the edge of the cot, standing on unsteady legs but feeling almost up to his normal strength.
"Just guessing, but I'd say about four to six hours by now. Then again, you can't really tell in this type of room." Snorting softly, the youth quieted his voice once more. He'd had too much time to himself to think, realizing that he may very well have been blinded as Une had told him, by what he wanted to see. He failed in his duty as a soldier and friend, he should never have thrown his aim to the wall.
Walking to his side and taking a knee, Heero tried to sit down without hurting himself if his legs should give out quickly. "You told me not to blame myself nor to feel guilty for Quatre's passing, so then neither should you..." Watching the other two sleeping forms, the Japanese youth could feel his guilt as well.
Allowing himself to grin softly, Trowa shook his head. "It's different. You were asleep and couldn't do anything Heero, you were still trying to regain your health. I on the other hand, had the choice, and knew that if we still couldn't get out and if Quatre was suffering so, it was my duty to end his pain. I was a coward and didn't fulfill my duty. I am to blame in a great part for his pain and his death."
Elbowing the boy roughly and turning his eyes to meet his gaze, Heero sat determined. "And you didn't know what was to happen either way. It's not different. You are not to blame yourself if I am not allowed to. Got that?" He sent him a warning glare.
Smirking, Trowa only shook his head. "Fine for now, we'll continue this later..." Looking with indifferent eyes toward the door, he once again heard familiar footsteps. "Wufei, Duo, wake up. We've got visitors."
Watching the door, Heero stared back with the same, emotionless, stoic glare and waited while the soldier entered and gazed about the room. Wufei and Duo quickly sat up and watched the soldier in silence as well, waiting to see who would be next.
"01, get up. You've got a lil' visitor..." he sneered, pointing his gun at the pilot dubbed, The Perfect Soldier.
Looking at the others with an evil smirk, he only but nodded and stood. "I'll be back in a few minutes, this should be interesting." Leaving without another word, he glared at the soldier before following him blindly out into the corridor.
"Hey, give that bitch hell for me man!" Duo shouted as he left, smirking. If anyone could shut her up and show her up, it was Heero. He always had something to retort with, even if he didn't speak it very often.
~*~
"I want you to supervise him as you would a normal OZ trainee, let him deal with the battle systems and give him testing situations in which to fight. Let him develop his own strategies and get used to the test programs." Une watched as Quatre settled into the pilot's seat of the simulator. He wasn't wearing an OZ uniform yet, but rather a long-sleeve, loose shirt and jeans. He was still recuperating yet Lady figured this the best time as any for him to learn to use the computer programs and to retest and observe his skills.
"Yes Ma'am." Barked the soldier as he saluted her. Turning, he only nodded to the ex-gundam pilot and watched him begin the simulation, closing the hatch and watching from his computer. There was a camera hidden in the back of the cockpit.
Knocking softly yet again on the same door, Lady listened to the disgruntled officer bark his last frustrations before opening the door, saluting her. Dismissing him without a thought, she entered the room and met Heero Yuy, The Perfect Soldier, eye to eye under his intense gaze of hatred.
"I take it you're glad to see me?" She only smirked and took the seat once more.
"Not even when hell freezes over will I ever be anywhere close to delighted to see your sorry ass." Heero spat, closing his eyes and leaning back against the chair. He was still somewhat tired. "Don't you learn that we'll just destroy this and kill everyone when we escape? If you're trying to persuade me to join with your screwed over organization, then fuck off."
"You speak more now than in the entire time added in all of our other encounters. You're getting better at this." Lady commended.
"If I don't have to listen to your damn voice, I'll talk all night," he retorted softly.
Smirking, she tried to pry inside of his head and find his weakness. Quatre was all of their weaknesses, but there was something more that she could use. "Then tell me what I want to hear."
Laughing coldly, he popped his knuckles. "And what the hell would that be?" Sadly enough, he was starting to sound a lot like Duo and being a smart-ass was rather fun. "I'm already taken if you're asking, thanks..." His voice was cruel and low, but amused.
"Oh don't flatter yourself Heero." The older woman only rolled her eyes. "Join OZ, it's as simple as that."
"I already replied, listen bitch. No. What part of that don't you understand?" Hissing at her, he kept his eyes closed.
"That's original, too bad it's overused by Duo already." Lady snorted. "And you'd die like Quatre protecting Relena's false beliefs of peace?"
Eyes shooting open and locking with a deadly glare on the woman, he stood slowly, never breaking his gaze. "Do you want to die now or later?"
"Try me..." she smirked, rising and holding her hand over her gun. "You're just as blind as the others are, not seeing your ignorance and great mistakes."
Taking a step toward her and watching her raise her gun, he sneered coldly. "Go ahead and shoot me, end my cheap life now. You only hide behind that gun anyway. You've ended a great human's life, why stop there?" Feeling the barrel of the gun press against his chest, he put it right over his heart. Placing her finger on trigger, he lowered his hands with a cold stair. "Or are you too scared to?"
Smirking, Lady slowly began to pull the trigger. "Don't ask for things you don't want." Watching him tense slightly, she knew that he even feared death slightly. "Do you really want to die now?"
Heero stood his ground. If she did finish pulling the trigger, it'd hurt like hell and there was no guarantee that he'd get any help. If she didn't, then she didn't. Yet right now, that was very uncertain, so he stood where he was, never breaking his harsh gaze. "That's not up to me, now is it?" Gritting his teeth, he awaited the bullet to enter his body.
Lady watched him, his deep blue eyes depicting his uncertainty as it battled within his mind. Quickly throwing her aim downwards, she pulled the trigger completely and listened to his stifled groan. "I envy the soldier that hit you with his aim, and now, I wish to take my turn. You'll live through it, I don't feel like dismissing you yet or letting you get out if this that easily." Watching him place his hands over his lower left abdomen, she sneered.
Heero kept his gaze on the woman, feeling a scorching pain rip through his upper waist, but he didn't show her or anyone else the pain he was feeling. Slowly crumbling to his knees, he tried to stop the bleeding as his life's essence seeped and oozed between his fingers. Grimacing slightly, he closed his eyes to focus his discipline before looking up at her. "You really are a coward."
Raising the gun again and aiming it at his head, Lady looked down at the youth. "I can easily change that, but later, you're too much fun to have around." Turning, she put her gun cleanly and smoothly into its holster, opening the door. "Sergeant, take him back to the cell."
With a soft growl, the Japanese pilot rose to his feet, pulling his arm from the soldier as he felt her gun train on him. The weak-looking woman was a sergeant? Taking uncertain steps, Heero walked along the corridors and back to the cell where the others were being held, his strength fleeing him once more.
~*~
Quatre tried the new simulation, feeling so much better for piloting something again. They'd redone the graphics to appear like he was back in his gundam, they probably figured that's when and how he fought his best. Well, at least he still had something to fight for, even if he wouldn't get Sandrock back again for it was at Sally's base and the others would be guarding it with their lives. Inhaling sharply and quickly destroying the holographic enemy just within his blind side, Quatre forced the machine to fly backwards and finished off the rest of the "mobile dolls" easily. He'd been in the simulation for a few hours now, it had to be. And yet, they just kept throwing anything and everything at him. "We done or is there more?"
Watching the screen, the officer had to admit that the kid was good. "We still have a few more simulations to test. Standby for incoming targets and battle." This one he had to try himself. Quickly jumping into the second simulation model, he programmed it with the same simulation drill, he watched the screen appear with the vision of his fleet against the Gundam Sandrock. It was a land battle, in the desert yet near a small camp of nomads.
Again, Quatre waited for them to make the first move, heading straight into a heated battle but there was something different about one of his opponents. It was different, like someone was actually piloting it. A couple of the moves he hadn't seen since he fought alongside of Heero. "Urgh! You don't fight for them or with them anymore! Get over it and defeat your enemy so that you can keep fighting for those who shouldn't have to!" Wiping that thought from his mind, Quatre concentrated on the battle at hand.
The soldier fought hard with every trick he knew, but in the end after about another fifteen minutes of the fight, he finally lost and exited his simulator. Trotting back over to the observation screen, he watched the pilot relax his muscles and try and calm his breathing. "You've passed all the simulations soldier. You can go ahead and exit your mobile suit simulator at this time."
Unstrapping himself and opening the door, Quatre took in a cool, deep breath but collapsed immediately to his knees, holding his hands over his lower left side and cringing in pain. He could feel it, he could still feel the pain of the others. But they didn't concern him anymore, he had to remember that it was they who deserted him, that he was an OZ soldier now. They were his enemy. Blocking their pain from his mind as well as their emotions and feelings, the stubborn youth got to his feet. Yet there was also a great sadness and loss, he could feel it within himself before he blocked them from his mind. No! They were on their own now, just like he was.
Watching the youth uncertainly as he seemed to regain his composure from Lord knows what, he motioned for him to exit the training wing. He was uncertain of what Lady Une wanted the youth to do next, but his results were excellent as to be expected and they were done with their simulations.
Quatre forced himself to forget that feeling, their pain and sadness. He had to! Shaking himself mentally, the young Arabian followed the elder soldier, making his way among the dull corridors.
~*~
"Don't you guys think something feels wrong here?" Duo piped up, breaking the eerie silence.
"Like what Maxwell?" Wufei spoke softly, still debating whether he was right or wrong, his once strong feeling of justice now failing in leading him in the right direction. Was it justice that was burning so savagely within his soul? Or was it something else?
Trowa said nothing, but his interest perked at this.
"Well, Lady Une. Take her for example. It's like she's messin' with our heads or something and she's being nicer than she was before." Cracking his knuckles, the youth laid on his back and stared up at the ceiling, imagining a star-studded night.
Now he finally spoke. "She's found each of our weaknesses it seems, and she is different." Trowa thought about what she'd said to him. "When she spoke to me, she called into light my ability to make the right decision and whether or not I had been blinded of Quatre's pain and didn't show him mercy sooner."
Wufei thought about this, a smirk crossing his lips. "As she called in my lost duel with Treize, asking me why I spoke of those who were weak and should not fight when I could have been no stronger than they. That, and if I was truly making just decisions or if I was following something else blindly and doing injustice to others."
"Hell, she just put me down man. That's sad, she plays mind games with you and we just go for wit." Duo laughed half-heartedly.
"Which you are sorely losing," Trowa remarked.
"Oh gee, thanks for the moral support Trowa," he retorted sarcastically.
"Heero's back," Wufei chimed in, having caught the sound of footsteps.
Heero staggered toward the door, really beginning to hate being shot like this in such a short time as he watched the cell door fling open. Stepping in, he closed his eyes to stop the spinning of the room and listened to the door shut. Not bothering to move, he listened to the others call to him.
Wufei stood, having sat by the side of the door and he didn't catch more than a tired silhouette, but that was enough to worry him. "Heero?" Reaching out to place a steadying hand on his shoulder, the Chinese youth watched him collapse to his knees, the warrior sitting quickly and catching his falling form.
A pair of firm hands held the boy from falling completely to the floor, and leaning back, Heero could hear Wufei's faint voice. He was really going to kill Lady Une now, there were no two ways about it.
"Trowa, go ahead and turn on that projector again..." Catching the metallic scent of blood, the young dragon frowned in disapproval. If it was from Heero's shoulder again, then they might as well just amputate the thing and get rid of the problem. Blinking against the light, he saw pooling blood around Heero's lower left side, his features pale. "Damn it bakka."
Duo caught the dark red on Heero's shirt, biting his lip and wincing slightly before jumping up and grabbing his once-white belt. The blood from before had dried and turned the cloth stiff, but they had to stop the bleeding. "You know, if you don't quit this Heero, I'll end up baby- sitting you again and I don't even get paid." Pulling back the shirt gently, he caught sight of the wound as blood seeped from it, some of it already beginning to dry and over the skin. "Okay buddy, this is gonna hurt like hell..." Eyeing the wound, he realized that the bullet hadn't exited his body. "Well I'll be..."
Taking in short, shallow breaths, Heero tried to focus his vision as he laid on the floor, his head and shoulders resting on the warrior's lap. Without success, he tried to stifle a growl yet felt and heard it escape his throat. "Just do it..."
"Uh, shit. Trowa, you might wanna do this, I'm sure you'd be better at it. The bullet never left his body, we're gonna have to take it out before we can wrap up his side." Eyeing the silent youth, he took the projector as it was handed to him.
A gentle sigh was all the noise that Trowa made, crossing over to his comrade's left and looking back up at Duo. "Do you still have that blade?"
Nodding, Duo slipped the tiny blade from his inside sleeve, handing it over to Trowa. "Here ya go buddy."
Taking the blade in hand, Trowa dismissed all feelings from his mind and began to cut the skin along Heero's side, feeling him tense and jerk slightly away from the sharp object. Yet Trowa watched in indifference as the skin was torn open, more blood pouring out yet the small glint of the bullet embedded within one of his muscles. He didn't even think twice about removing it with his hands as he listened to Heero's low growl. Normally, all would be silent and the teenage boy unfeeling to the pain, but he was also greatly weakened, an opposing factor. Ripping off his second sleeve and folding it, Trowa placed it over the wound firmly after wiping away some of the blood surrounding it. "Sit him up Wufei. Go ahead and hand me the belt Duo, we need to tie it securely and tightly to stop the bleeding, it appears Lady Une did this one on her own and if she just sent him back here, then they won't be helping him, at least not for a while."
Groaning at feeling the belt pulled taut around his waist, he struggled to stay conscious. Well, there goes his renewed strength and rest. He wouldn't be doing much when they escaped, he couldn't. Leaning back against Wufei tiredly, he felt himself become unbearably hot again as it became extremely hard to breathe. Just like back at the cabin. "Nmph.... damn that woman..."
"I just said to give her hell for me, I didn't say get shot up man." Duo smirked. "You musta really pissed her off."
"...No, she.... pissed me off..." Growing drastically weak in seconds, he stopped talking and closed his eyes, his breaths were panting gasps, the heat slowly leaving his body.
"Duo, go get the blanket and pillow, I don't want to move him too much and we can just lay him next to the door. Stay awake Heero." Trowa wiped the blood from his hands and the blade on his pants, nodding in approval as the blood slowly soaked the cloth but not too fast and it didn't really spread. The blood flow was stopping on its own with only slight help. Helping Wufei, they moved the boy's weak and limp body to the side of the door, a soft groan his only response and a slight wince. Covering the shivering boy as his comrade placed his head gently on the pillow, Trowa stood and looked about the rest of the room.
"What's wrong Trowa?" Duo piped up, sitting by his friend's side protectively. It wasn't normal to see Heero this weak, but even he wasn't immortal.
"I felt something. Like an understanding before it just vanished. Like when Quatre was around and he could always sense what we were. Almost as if he blocked us out somehow." Sighing, the youth knew he sounded ridiculous. Quatre was dead and he knew it, but maybe he just hadn't realized that empty feeling before. Like Quatre did shut them out. He couldn't if he wasn't alive, so what was Trowa's problem!? Shaking himself mentally, he turned to face the others who seemed to sense the same thing.
"I noticed it as well Trowa, but how can it be possible?" Wufei added softly.
"He's passed on, maybe we just didn't notice it before 'cause I do too." Duo thought aloud.
"Maybe you're right Duo..." Sighing, he still couldn't shake the feeling. Turning his eyes to the unconscious Japanese boy's form again, he only drew his knees up to his chest and placed his arms over them, leaning his chin against his chest. Falling deep into thought, he listened to the silence for a moment longer before falling into himself, a peace overcoming him as he lingered in his own thoughts and more welcome memories.
~*~
A/N: I know, I just keep torturing Heero and now Quatre's turned against them all too. I know he normally wouldn't, but there are so many possibilities with this one! So, I guess you'll just have to read and find out. Only one other knows what's happening, my friend Andi. ~points to andi and smirks~ The ending is really soon here, within chapters ten and eleven of the sequel. I didn't even think about Lady shooting Heero again, especially after just having him tended to, but I just added it and I had to put something in there to stall a little bit of time. It worked out. :p I'm workin' on updating and uploading, the next chapter for Strength of Friendship is going to be the last chapter, a lot of it summary. It's drawing out too long. That, and there will be an alternate ending to this one, it's been suggested by a couple of my reviewers to try both, so I will. I've also got a new story coming up, "A Smile Covers All". Heaven's Angel is gonna get a summary chapter sometime soon here so get things going. I've also got a couple new POV's up, a Heero/Andi(I wrote it for my best friend, but you could always put yourself in her place^_~) and a Trowa/(lucky girl a.k.a. I wish me!) one. It's from the girls' point of view. I know, it's a lot, just thought I'd give you the heads up. Here's the info summary for "A Smile Covers All" for any who are interested:
"A Smile Covers All"
"You're hurting him! Leave him alone!" screamed the youth in near helplessness.
What if things were different in the past? What if Duo and Heero had met under different circumstances? Well, let's take a look at the possibilities.
Duo's not orphaned by the war and lives with an awful secret, out of loyalties to his family name yet mainly fear, he hides it. A happy-go- lucky youth hiding his secret with a cheery smile befriends an orphaned renegade boy, yet loyalties to this friendship and bond may just prove false.
Trying to make it on the streets during the time of war, Heero is without family, friends, or a home. And in hi mind-he doesn't need any of them either. Yet, one chance encounter with a friendly youth of his age gives him second thoughts. Slowly finding a friend in the other boy, he watches him warily. This comes from knowing that he's not being told something and truly hating being left out. Can he find out the secret in time to save the boy's life or will he be left alone once more?
I'll try and upload as soon as possible. The chapter is written out, just not typed. Please review and thanks for your help. The help with the plots that I was hinting at was for new stories, I didn't clarify that. But thanks in help to you, my great and generous reviewers! ~hugs all~ I've made a few changes to this too. Any ideas for a plot for a NEW story are welcome, I've got peeps helping me and I'm all too grateful, but I'm still working on ideas... ~contemplates~ Well, I'll go get more chapters typed, this Author's Note is getting a bit long... ~sheepish grin~ Adios chicas and chicos!
