What 6
Chapter 6 Trowa held the cup of black liquid in front of him, "Here it is." Duo eyed its contents distastefully, "What the fuck is that?"
"It's the portal hole."
".Right." He mumbled, reaching behind him he began to swiftly braid his hair, Heero entered the room just then, wearing nothing more then a pair of pants. Closing his eyes for a moment against the brightness his eyes smoldered with a golden light, Duo flinched when he saw the sight. The light diminished and then vanished from their leaders eyes, sighing Heero grabbed the pot of coffee and a cup, "Are you done making that portal?"
"Yes. Should I hail the Outlaw Star?" Trowa had already turned to leave when he had asked the question.
"Go ahead." Swallowing the contents of his mug Heero leaned against the ship wall for a moment before returning to his room. Duo had watched him go and now was quietly contemplating what would happen when they got home. "Morning Duo." Quatre called cheerily, zipping his khaki's on and hopping into the room. Duo frowned, "You know you should dress before." He continued to watch Quatre as he poured two glasses of coffee. "I know, I was just in a hurry to get some coffee and pack." Picking the glasses up he grinned widely at Duo.
"Pack? What'd we bring here?" He turned his back on Quatre to start his job of washing the dishes, "And who's the extra cup for?"
Quatre's smile softened, "Trowa.Duo, something's on your mind. I can feel it, what's going on?" A smile stole across Duo's face, "Not much.I," turning his head to meet eyes with Quatre he just saw the door closing. Sighing he shook his head, "Never mind."
**************************
"We've got a portal ready to use to go back to our world, we'll expect Usagi to meet us at the entrance of o," Trowa was cut off by Gene, "Nope, I'm not just going to let my ship float around in space while I'm gone. We'll set down on the planet Dragon. I'll give your ship the coordinates."
"Usagi allowed you to come then." He said, succeeding in his attempt to act unsurprised, "Thanks for the coordinates." Shutting the connection off he stared at the screen, 'To the planet Dragon.I wonder if this is a trap.' His eyes narrowed and sparked at the thought, 'In that case he'd be ill prepared for what we'd have in store for him.' He was shaken from his thoughts by Quatre's voice, "Brought you some coffee. So, did it work out?"
Trowa sipped the coffee and remained silent for a moment before shaking his head, "No. We are being directed to the planet Dragon where we will be taking Gene Starwind and his crew along with us."
Quatre winced, "I wonder if Heero will allow it." Trowa shrugged, "Why wouldn't he." Rising up he stared out at the screen, "Space."
*******************
Gene leaned back in the seat, unsatisfied, 'God damn it..just need something.' folding his hands behind his head he closed his eyes in exhaustion, 'Damn it I need some girl who wants to just do it.' Gritting his teeth he felt his hands tighten on the controls, 'Just one.why the hell doesn't she want to do it? There isn't anything wrong with me is there?' He then began to go through the long process of balancing the good and bad of himself.
Melfina checked her watch, "I wonder if they've hailed Gene by now." Usagi glanced at her friend, "They probably already did." She took notice of Melfina's flushed face and smiled slightly, "So I guess you're excited about going to my world."
"Oh yes. It will be so interesting to see what your world is like, see new things that don't exist in this world." She flushed even more, packing the last of her clothes into the suitcase she began to reach for her other accessories, "I mean, "She continued, "Wouldn't you be excited if you were seeing this new world, a new place? Something completely different." Usagi shrugged her shoulders, "I don't think I'd get tired of this place, after all, you have so much advanced technology and different species of life crossing the road everyday, how could you get tired of it?"
Melfina only shook her head, "It gets tiring in one way or another." Finished with stuffing her suitcase she now stood with it in hand, "I just hope that, everything works out between you and Gene."
Usagi turned rather quickly at the words, "What's that supposed to mean?" She said, her expression was worried. Melfina shook her head, "It's just that.You and Gene, well." her voice trailed, "I just think that Gene may be a little rash when he wants something and it just happens to be you, and I want things to work out between you two because he's never looked at any girl the way he looks at you."
The blonde snorted, "Is that all? He's probably just extra horny being cooped up in this ship."
Melfina giggled, "No, it could never be that. I really do think he loves you Usagi."
Usagi shook her head, "I like to fancy that too, but, we're talking about Gene Starwind."
"Yes, we are." Gene interrupted as he stepped into the room Usagi grinned cheekily, "I mean, there's only one guy who can be as perverted, horny and annoyingly stupid as Gene Starwind."
Gene winced, "Jeesh, you could go a little easy on the insults. Besides I haven't thought about sex since I saw you."
Usagi nodded her head mockingly, "I believe you Gene." Laughing she closed her suitcase, "Have the Hunters hailed you yet?"
He nodded his head, "Yea, just a few minutes ago, we're almost to the planet Dragon so it'll be soon.Mel, can I have a moment with Usagi?" She nodded her head, glancing at Usagi for a moment, "I'll be waiting in the control room."
Usagi watched Melfina go, "Gene, are you sure you want to leave this world? It's so nice here, and you have Melfina here." His gaze softened, "I'd like to be with you more."
Sighing he reached for her suitcase, "Gilliam said we'll be landing in about ten minutes." She felt her heart seize up and nearly burst with joy, "I can't wait to go home. You'll love it there. Darien and I," glancing at Gene she continued slowly, "We inherited his family house.he was so wealthy, I can't believe that he loved me, of all people." Blushing she shook her head, "But it's over. He died two years ago."
"Your not getting all depressed on me are you? I mean the guys dead, what more is there?" He asked cheerily, Usagi looked shocked, "Gene your horrible." Smiling crookedly she followed Gene out of the room. "So why are we heading to this planet?"
They both entered the control room, Gene continued on towards his seat, "Because I don't want my ship to get hijacked or anything. On the planet Dragon there's plenty of places I could stash the Outlaw Star and not have to worry about it. I think Gilliam's planning to hide himself in the ruins that we were in before.if he can fit inside." Usagi was distracted when she saw Melfina floating in the tank, frowning slightly she crossed her arms over her chest, "Don't you feel the least bit suffocated in there?"
Melfina grinned, "No, I was built for this ship." Usagi was about to ask what she meant by that when Jim's body slammed into hers. Falling to the floor she opened her eyes and carefully picked herself and Jim up, "Are you alright?" Jim nodded his head blushing, "I, uh, wasn't looking where I was going." Aisha entered the room and upon seeing Jim pounced on him, "There you are, I was wondering where you had escaped to."
"Aisha!" Jim yelled struggling, "Let go of me! I'm not making any more pancakes for you! I already made twenty!"
Gene groaned, "Aisha, we'll be leaving in a few minutes so you might as well let him go." Aish frowned, her long ears drooped, "That's not fair, everyone else got a bigger breakfast then me."
"No, that's not true," Jim started, "You just aren't ever satisfied with your portion, now will you let me go!" He yelled, Aisha let him go still pouting and drooping with unhappiness. "Gene, would you like a visual of the area now?"
"Yeah, yeah, sure put it up on screen." Suzuka, who was in the room also stared at the desolate scene before closing her eyes, "It hasn't changed at all." Silence greeted her words.
******************
"So, this is the planet Dragon." Duo stated, sipping his coffee he yawned, "Looks like a pile of shit." Quatre frowned, "He probably wants to hide his ship here, I still can't believe that he's coming along too." Duo laughed, "Yeah, don't forget that cat girl."
'Or the women with the bokken.' Wufei thought, the ship began to hum as it prepared to land. Heero faintly heard Duo swearing in the background, he had spilled his coffee on the floor. The hatch opened for him, stepping out of the ship his eyes adjusted immediately to the suns piercing light. Glancing at Gene in the distance he scanned the area, an expanse of sun beaten, dry land.
Gene grit his teeth when he saw the boy, he couldn't put his finger on it but he couldn't find it in himself to forgive the boy. Shaking his head he turned to Usagi who was helping Jim drag Aisha from the ship, "C'mon, if we're going your going. It won't be scary at all." Jim groaned, "Aisha! What're you scared of?"
Aisha immediately stopped struggling and turned indignantly towards Jim, "SCARED! A KTARL KTARL IS NEVER SCARED OF ANYTHING!" She barked back at him before doggedly trying to reenter the ship. Gilliam closed his doors the moment Aisha's fingers slipped from its sides, Gilliam's mood that entire day had been remorseful and bitterly sad. Once Usagi had freed her hands from Aisha who had given up on breaking through the doorway she knocked on Gilliam's door, "Gilliam, I was wondering if I could do you a favor, maybe." His voice came a few moments later, "No.I don't believe you can."
She smiled, "Well, I was wondering if you'd like to come along." Jim, who was at the bottom of the stairs frowned, 'What? How can we possibly take Gilliam along with us?' "See, I was thinking," she continued, "that we could take one of your mobile suits with us since they're so small and it could record and then relate to you what happened when Gene and them came back." His voice was considerably lighter when he answered, "I think that's a great idea Usagi, I'll let you in to retrieve one of my mobile suits." She grinned, "I'm glad that I thought of this, I didn't want to just leave you behind."
******************
Fierce gray eyes sliced straight into the group, Heero was unperturbed by the look. The minutes dragged on until Usagi returned, taking note of the distance between the two groups she tried to get Gene to smile as they began to head towards the small group. "Hi Quatre." She murmured pleasantly, he smiled disarmingly, "Hey.everything all right?" Usagi nodded her head, "Okay, well, if you just give me my crystal we can head back home."
"What?" Duo said suddenly, scratching the back of his head, "Whaddaya need your crystal for?"
"To get us back home?" She frowned, "What do you mean? Besides it is mine." All too soon Gene's caster was pointed directly at Duo's face, "Give her back the crystal."
Usagi instantly grabbed Gene's arm and tried to pull it down, "What're you doing Gene! Stop it, he didn't mean anything." Heero's eyes were narrowed, 'If she already used the crystals power it might have awaken the thing inside her.but there's no outward effect on her yet.' Frowning he turned to Wufei, "Give me the crystal." Wufei reached into his pocket, handing Heero the crystal in mute distress. Heero stared at the item before holding it out to Usagi, she was about to reach for it when he suddenly drew back, "Usagi, is it alright if we keep this with us? We'll return it to you." She seemed confused as she pulled her hand back also, her other hand was still clutching Gene's, keeping him from reaching for his Caster. "But why? It won't help you or anything."
"We think.that it may be dangerous to you." Usagi nodded her head, "Oh. okay, well, how will we get home then?" Trowa stepped forwards, taking the cup he tipped the cup enough so that the black liquid poured out into the air in a steady stream.
The liquid never hit the ground, instead it remained a few inches above the ground, growing in size as more and more of itself was poured in. Trowa set the spotlessly clean cup down onto the ground, touching the portal he felt it quiver and then its insides began to swirl downwards, seemingly inside of itself. The lean hunter stood, "It's ready." Usagi gazed at the portal with amazement, "Wow.My portal wasn't like this." Dipping her finger in it she started in surprise when she felt the strong pull of it. Drawing her finger out she stared at her appendage, no evidence of the black liquid could be seen. Looking worried she slowly reached for her suitcase and threw it in the ever-growing portal. "You'd better hurry unless you want to wait another day for another portal." Trowa finally cut in.
Aisha stared at the black hole with distaste, "I don't want to go." Jim, Usagi, and Melfina turned pleading eyes to Aisha, she pulled at her ears in distress, "Well jeez guys I know it's hard without me but." Jim smiled at the remark, "Come on Aisha it'll be fun.I'll go first in fact." Swallowing he picked up his bag and threw it into the portal watching it get sucked in slowly. Glancing at Usagi she gave him a warm smile, "Don't worry, I've done it before it feels kinda funny but you'll end up alright." Nodding his head Jim was about to step into the portal when Gene suddenly pulled him back, concern written across his features, "Hey Jim, uh, why don't you let someone else go first." He glanced up at the group of Hunters. Duo rolled his eyes, "Damn it you're so much trouble this isn't a fucked up trap." Pouring the rest of his coffee onto the ground he let the cup drop and shatter on the ground.
Rubbing his hands together he leapt straight into the circular puddle, Usagi could feel her heart beating erratically in her chest, "I'll go next." Without giving anyone another chance to think about it she leapt straight in after Duo, Melfina slowly threw her suitcase in and then jumped in quickly, her eyes closed. Quatre went in next without a word, and Trowa followed. Jim met eyes with Gene, "I'll go now Gene it's safe." Wincing he put one foot into the portal and cried out as he was sucked in all too quickly. A hand grabbed Jim's disappearing one, pulling him up Jim's face came back into view, "Gene!" He said in shocked alarm, his mouth was pulled open in surprise and he felt strange with the portal continually, effortlessly sucking him in. Gene's arms trembled with the effort, the portal grew in size and then an explosion from within the portal seemed to occur as its center rose up above Jim's head and seemed to push him down.
The small hand slipped from Gene's grasp after that, "JIM!" Gene yelled nearly falling into the portal, Aisha's eyes were wide open, "It just ate Jim!" Her face grew savage, "You, YOU did this!" Growling she leapt over the portal and fell just short of Wufei. He whipped out his Bokken and sliced through the air, 'She's faster then before.' Wufei thought as he moved his body in time to avoid being hit, Suzuka turned to Gene, "Gene," His face was distorted with anger, "Leave the leader to me." He said between gritted teeth, reaching for his Caster Heero proved to be faster as he soared over the portal and landed on top of Gene.
His blue gloves connected with Heero's stomach, "YOU KILLED HIM! YOU FUCKING SHIT! HE WAS ONLY A KID!" A tear welled in his eye, 'Jim.Usagi! Mel!!' Punching Heero in the cheek he managed to knock the Hunter from him, reaching for his caster he whipped it out and fired at Heero. Heero narrowed his eyes, 'Idiot.' He did a back flip over the portal, grabbing the bag near him he jumped just in time to avoid being blown to bits. Reaching into the bag he pulled out the sheathed sword. Lifting it immediately Gene's shell was reflected off the blade, the sheath cracked and fell in two to the ground. His wild hair was stirred by the breeze, Gene fired a few more shells at Heero, he no longer tried to escape from the fusillade of shells but merely reflected them with the sword. Gene drew in a breath, his eyes suddenly turned to his remaining two comrades fighting. Heero tensed and then charged when he saw the Outlaw distracted.
Gene had a split second notice of Heero's oncoming body before he grabbed Heero's hand in his and lifted the sword above them, "Nice charge but you'll need more then that to finish me off." Heero remained quiet, his eyes showed indifference to the comment, with a sudden twist of his wrist he had freed himself from Gene's hands, with a quick movement he shoved the sword straight into Gene's stomach. Gene's expression was that of shock, and then it turned to anger, falling to the ground he held his hand over the wound. His muscles were limp from the pain, "You bastard." He reached for his gun, Heero grabbed it from him. Throwing the weapons into the bag he zipped it up and shoved Gene's body into the portal. "Gene!" Suzuka called, her voice sounded desperate when she cried out, Wufei knocked her out with the butt of his sword. Picking her up he dropped her into the portal, Aisha couldn't believe that she was the last one to go, of all the things. Backing away from the two she growled, it died in her throat. Sniffing a few tears entered her eyes, feeling the portal edge brush against her ankles she finally turned and jumped in, not wanting to be killed by the two warriors behind her, not wanting to be alone.
Wufei brushed back a stray bang, his black eyes still glittered with the heat of the battle, picking up the few bags they had left they threw them in the portal. Wufei took a last look around him before jumping in also, Heero stepped over the portal and stared at the blood stain, glancing up at the sky he took a handful of dirt and covered the blood efficiently. Stepping into the portal he felt the pull and told himself to relax, lifting the foot that was resting firmly on the hard rocky ground he closed his eyes in silence as he was tugged down. The portal swirled continuously for a few moments before beginning to grow smaller and smaller, and then finally disappearing. A tattered piece of black cloth seemed to cling to the rocks before the wind lifted it up, partly stained with blood it served as the only evidence that Gene Starwind had ever set foot again on the barren planet.
*************************
'Warm.oh god the pain.' He didn't dare open his eyes, '.am I in heaven.no, what the hell am I thinking an idiot like me couldn't be there.' With that thought he snapped his eyes open, staring at the white ceiling above him he frowned, where was he? Struggling to sit upright he realized a weight on his chest was keeping him from doing so, it was Usagi. She had her head rested on his bare chest, 'She's alive!' the thought brought energy and significance back into his life. Running his hand through her hair he shook her shoulder, "Usagi." She moved closer to him before finally lifting herself up from his body, he slowly moved to a sitting position.
"Usagi, you're alive." He said softly, staring at her, she grinned sleepily, "Of course I am. Why wou, oh yeah.Jim's alive too, everyone is Gene." Gene's lips twitched, "Are you serious?" Usagi nodded her head, pushing him back down into the bed, "You shouldn't even be sitting up your wound might open again." His head hit the pillow, "Everyone's okay then?"
"Yes. Everyone." Snuggling closer to Gene she sighed, "Gene.I thought you were going to die when I saw you bleeding all over the place. You just dropped from the portal and your blood was everywhere and Aisha was half hysterical." She laughed, "But everything turned out okay."
Gene grimaced, "Where are they?" Usagi held Gene down, "They aren't here. Please Gene, don't start. They told me what had happened, and it was an accident."
"Usagi," he said sharply, "It isn't an accident that he picked his sword up and stabbed me clear through my stomach."
She sighed, "Gene, you started fighting him.he told me he had stabbed you because there wouldn't have been another way to get you through that portal alive.your injury wasn't that bad." Her lips quivered at the words, "Oh Gene, please just forget about it."
His face softened at her voice, closing his eyes he sighed, "If it weren't for you .."
Usagi's fingers twined themselves with Genes'. She turned as the door opened, "Jim, he's awake." Jim's features lit up, "He is? That's great! He's just in time to see the sunset." Usagi nodded her head, "I forgot about that, your right, here open the curtains and I'll help Gene up."
"I thought that I wasn't supposed to be getting up." He grumbled as pain shot up his sides, making it to the window they were thrown open so he could smell the air, see the majestic scene in front of him. Jim tugged at Usagi's arm, "Come on, lets go down to the shore so we can get a better view." She hesitated, "Gene, do you want me to stay?" He shook his head, "You can go." Despite the feeling deep inside him that he would have liked to have had her stay with him, he let her go, watching as her slim figure joined the rest of the crew below on the shore.
The lake was on fire, blazing with the most passionate of colors, Gene's gray eyes swept over the area, over the trees bordering the pond and over the glorious reflection in the lakes clear waters. The sun's light tinted and threw everything into a different, softer and yet harsher light. The sun sank and disappeared behind the trees, the velvety dark blue of night had cloaked the sky. His eyes closed and then opened, he moved away from the window. Taking the bandages off of himself his hands ran over the newly made scar on his stomach, it was circular and reminded him of a spider as four crooked lines reached out over the side of his stomach.
It was a small scar, a small price to pay for the wound that he had endured, grimacing he stood in front of the mirror and stared at himself, 'One more scar I coulda done without.' Reaching for his pants he pulled them on and grabbed his Caster, "And where the heck do you think your going?" Usagi was standing imperiously in the doorway, Gene rolled his eyes, "Where do you think I'm going? I want to go and find those five."
She snorted, "Of all the things, Gene do you seriously think you can take on five trained killers? I don't think so, and even if you did win what good would it do?" Reaching forwards he grabbed her lips in a kiss, his hands wrapped around Usagi's waist, she pulled away from him as soon as his hands had worked their way under her shirt. The outlaw couldn't take it anymore, "Damn it Usagi what the hell is wrong? Why don't you just, just go along?!!" Usagi's eyes nearly glowed blue in her irritation, "I don't just want to have sex, because I'm going to get married first and if you think that's a stupid idea well too bad, that's the way I am." Gene snorted, "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard, love is love, you can't change that!"
"You don't love ME, you love the thought of getting laid! How is it possible that you can be like this! I thought we had gotten somewhere Gene!" She was yelling at the top of her voice at him, glaring at him with all her might, "If you REALLY loved me you wouldn't get into this subject!"
"Don't even start with that," he snapped back, "It can be used both ways, if you really loved me you would just say yes and that would be that!" Usagi looked bewildered at the suggestion, "Why can't you just wait! Why do you HAVE to have sex right now Gene?"
"I don't have to, I just want to, and besides what's so wrong with it?" His hands had balled up in anger.
"Because I want to make love, I don't want to be another person that you've had sex with. And I want to do it after I get married! After, after we know that we truly love each other, because," she halted in hesitation, "Because I don't want things to go wrong, I need somebody I can depend on, somebody I really love Gene."
"Then let's get married," his voice began to rise, "And then we can have sex, since that's the only reason I offered to guard you in the first place!"
Her eyes narrowed, "I hate you Gene, you stubborn idiot! Go and get yourself killed." Tears had fallen from her eyes the moment Gene had finished speaking, rushing out of the room she headed towards the safety of the bathroom.
Jim sighed, "We shouldn't have heard that." Aisha glanced up at the ceiling and shrugged, "Gene wants to do it. I don't know why, if I was him and I could marry Usagi I wouldn't take a chance with her." She pouted, her ears drooping, "I really thought Gene wouldn't do this.I guess he's just stressed." Suzuka emerged from the hallway, a hand partly covering her smiling lips. "Gene," she began, moving behind the counter Suzuka opened the refrigerator, "Is a sex fiend."
Melfina turned the T.V. off at the words, "Suzuka that's terrible. Gene Starwind is just scared." Aisha and Jim both started laughing at the comment, Suzuka pinned Melfina with her gaze, "Gene? Scared of what? Commitment? So he goes and sleeps around to make himself feel better? Then that makes him even more shallow then before." Melfina frowned, walking up to the outside kitchen counter she pulled up a seat for herself. "Gene had told me that he had wanted a girl who loved him truly.Gene doesn't sleep around as much as you think anyway Suzuka. He just, I think he wants to have Usagi like," She blushed, "I didn't quite understand what he was saying when he told me but." Suzuka's face calmed slightly at the words, "Gene is a bigger fool then I had made him out to be when I first met him. You can't own a woman. You can pay her but you don't truly own her."
A silence settled itself in the room, only a few minutes later Gene came down the stairs wearing nothing but a white shirt and jeans, staring around at the group he scratched the back of his neck in irritation, "I, I gotta get outta here."
Jim frowned, slowly he rose up and grabbed his and Gene's coat, Suzuka's face remained cold, "Fine, just leave." His eyes narrowed, "Hey, you know what, you don't have any business to be in my life so just butt the fuck out Suzuka."
It seemed that for once, passion would take a strong hold on her, "You pig Gene!" She slammed her teacup down, a hand had flown to her bokken, "How dare you just slap Usagi across the face with your stubbornness and then five minutes later go and find some hooker! I don't care if your scared she's something that you won't ever get again, don't you understand? This is your last chance Gene, in your whole life, the sex and everything did you ever find what you were looking for?" Relaxing her shoulders she drew in a deep breath and pulled out her bokken. "Get out. Get out and don't come back here." The wooden tip pricked Gene's throat, his heart beat faster, shaking his head he lifted both hands in surrender. Jim pulled at Gene's shirt, "C'mon Gene, you better get outta here, you heard what Suzuka said." Melfina looked shocked, "Suzuka! What do you think your doing! This is Gene we're talking about, it was a slip up, wasn't it Gene? Wasn't it!" She cried, her voice was stressed and high. Gene met eyes with Melfina for what seemed to be forever, heading towards the doorway he never looked back. "Gene, what're you doing? You can't leave! You have to try again, Usagi will forgive you, you just have to try!" Melfina cried as the door slammed shut, she turned on Suzuka, "Look at what you've done Suzuka!! He won't ever come back now." Suzuka sheathed her sword, "Good, the bastard doesn't deserve half the things he has." Softening at Melfina's expression she sighed, ".He will come back. I know Gene, and so do you, he just needs some time to think. Usagi's in the bathroom right now, why don't you see if she'll come down and talk with us.cheer her up." Melfina nodded her head slowly, "Alright." Stopping halfway up the stairs her hand clenched the railing, 'Gene what're you thinking?' Biting her lip she began her slow ascent upstairs, thinking that with each step she might still have a chance to stop Gene from leaving.
Coming onto the second floor she headed towards the bathroom, 'I have to tell her to forgive Gene.Oh Gene, I don't understand you!'
*****************
Her chin rested on her folded hands, staring at the teacup in front of her she gave another tremulous sigh, "How could he.I thought." she stopped talking as soon as her voice began to tremble, it was so embarrassing, getting crushed like that, right in front of everyone. Melfina smiled kindly, "Usagi, he will come back. I know Gene, and I know that he loves you. You must believe me." She picked up something that had been walking in- between her legs, "Believe me." Setting the cat onto the countertop she moistened her lips, "Gene's really a good person, he, he's just not ready for some things. And he gets confused when it comes to girls like you, and he's not obsessed with sex." Usagi shook her head in irritation, raising a hand to pet the tabby she burst into tears again, "I mean, it's not like I was asking too much of him, was I?" Aisha patted Usagi's shoulder comfortingly, "You didn't do anything wrong Usagi." Aisha's ears pricked at the sound of footsteps.
A porcelain white face came into their view, glancing at Melfina Suzuka turned to Usagi, "You should come outside. We can go to the island. It's so calm, it will be good for you." Melfina nodded her head animatedly, "Yes, lets go Usagi. Anything to give you some fresh air, and thinking time." Nodding her head she dragged her feet until they came to the rowboat. As soon as all four of them were inside the wooden boat Suzuka gave a small push, and they began their slow journey towards the tiny island in the middle of the pond. It made Usagi think of Darien when she saw it. He had built the latticework arbor, and then she had grown the Hyacinth Bean Vines just that summer. Things had been just perfect then.what had happened to her life? Why were things so chaotic? Staring at her reflection Usagi brushed back a bang, "When do you think Gene will be coming back? Or will he at all?"
Suzuka frowned, "I don't suppose he'd be coming back anytime soon.You might as well lock the doors, he'll probably come back to your house drunk." Usagi's soaring blue eyes lifted and came to rest on the assassin, "You didn't have to tell me that."
The boats bow nudged the islands grassy shore, slipping her shoes off she boldly put her foot into the water. Wincing she frowned, "The waters so cold!" Staring at the arbor for a thoughtful moment she grinned, "I forgive you." Suzuka held her ebony bangs out of her face, "Who are you talking to?"
"To Gene." Usagi said, moving inside the arbor she sat down on one of the benches, Suzuka's face was dark when she entered, "Gene has you under his spell." Usagi smirked, "No, I just know.I wouldn't feel this nagging feeling to fix things with Gene if I didn't love him." Aisha giggled when she heard the words, pulling the boat up slightly she ran out into the lake and dived in. Melfina remained standing in the water, shock written on her features and freezing her in place.
"You're just a teenager you wouldn't know the difference from love and the need to be wanted." Suzuka stood before Usagi, rigid and straight, "How can you be so foolish.I can't even begin to understand how your mind and your heart were so quick as to forgive Gene." Staring into Usagi's eyes she shook her head, "You are too young to understand love."
"No I'm not! Nobody's too young, there just aren't enough people to accept and embrace love." She said calmly, her hand flew to her neck, searching for the heirloom crystal. Biting her tongue in frustration her hands knotted into fists, "I love him." Suzuka stared at a single flower bud. Its petals were on the brink of opening and she couldn't help but notice that all around were flowers that had already opened. She knew that the late blossom would be just as beautiful as the neighboring blossoms when it opened, it would just take time.
************************
"What?" Duo said incredulously, "This can't be right. All those times, all those opportunities," gritting his teeth he slammed the table with his fist, "You're telling me that the only thing we had to do was put a knife to her throat." Groaning he leaned back into his chair, Quatre set the Old- World book down onto the table, "So Usagi has to be." Wufei nodded his head, reaching for his weapons he glanced at Heero. The hunter had been acting strangely since the new information had been received. Shaking these thoughts from his head he turned to Quatre, "She will be reborn." Brushing back his creamy white bangs he nodded his head dejectedly, "I know.I hope so anyway, but."
"There isn't another way." Duo frowned, had Heero just gotten mad? Heero, mad, about their mission? The thought struck him with a vengeance, slowly reaching for his bow he couldn't help but contemplate why Heero would be angry before shrugging it aside and speeding out the doorway, "I'll beat you all there." He called. Quatre rolled his lower lip back into his teeth, "I can't believe we're doing this." Trowa turned to the book, "The demon we're dealing with is ancient and powerful. We must destroy it before it awakens."
***************************
Jim grimaced when he saw a particularly appealing women pass by him, on her way towards Gene. 'No, no, no, stay away from him.he has a girlfriend.' Jim thought sadly, Gene had asked for a room of his own about an hour ago, he hadn't come out to even check on him. 'He must be really unhappy about what he said to Usagi.' Sighing he started in surprise when someone tapped him on the shoulder, "Excuse me, would you like another coffee?" Jim nodded his head, "Yeah sure.just put it on his check." He said pointing to the room. The bartender nodded his head, 'Odd little boy.' He thought as he grabbed another coffee mug.
The strong perfume had nearly knocked out Gene's scent glands, caressing the women's skin with his lips over and over again he couldn't achieve the heart throbbing, body tingling sensation that Usagi had given him with a simple glance. The lady moved under him, halting his motions he stared at her, "Damn it." Rolling off of her he wiped his lips, "How in the hell could I have done that to her?!!" The brunette sat up and began to carefully straighten her shirt out, "So I guess your not gonna get your business done here then." Gene shook his head, she smirked, "Your girl let you down? Or is it the other way around?"
"Other way around."
She shrugged, "It's your fault, don't think your girls too stupid to realize that." Rising to a stand she held her hand out, "Pay up."
"What!?" He cried, "I said pay up!" She said firmly. Gene dug into his pockets, 'Damn it, I'm outta money.'
"I uh, don't have any." The girl looked shocked, "Doug! This guys broke!"
Jim raised his head at the commotion, "So you actually did it Gene." His shoulders slumped dejectedly, heading out towards the car he waited at least a half hour for Gene to come out. When he did he wasn't the same Gene, leaning against the expensive car he spit out the blood in his mouth, "What a stupid shit." Gene grumbled, Jim shrugged his shoulders, "Things are different in this world." Going around to the passenger side of the car Jim climbed in. Glancing up at the sky Gene sighed, ".What was I thinking.." Climbing into the car he turned the ignition on and backed out into the road, "The only thing I don't like about this world so far is the cars. Why the hell hasn't anyone thought of taking the wheels off?" He grumbled.
"Like I said Gene, this world is different. Less advanced then ours." Gene took a sidelong glance at Jim when the gloomy voice reached his ears, he snorted, "I didn't do anything with that girl." Jim sat up in revelation, "You didn't! Are you serious? Are you telling me the truth?" His eyes were as bright as stars as he asked the question. Gene nodded his head, his eyes trained on the road in front of him, "I swear I'm not lying to you.Jim you're the smart one, what am I supposed to do? Usagi probably hates me now, I can't just walk back and expect things to be all better.I need to talk this one out with her, if she'll listen."
Jim was stunned, "Wow.that's the first glance at a mature Gene." The driver shot a glare in Jim's direction, "Aw, shut up Jim.so, what do you think I shou," the words died on his lips, frowning he could feel his muscles tightening and his heart was beginning to race. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, 'What's wrong with me.Usagi!' No sooner had the thought struck him when he slammed on the pedal, Jim was thrown back into his seat, "Gene what the hell do you think your doing!" He cried reaching for the seat belt.
A bead of sweat glimmered in the little light there was, Jim watched the bead of water leave a trail down Gene's cheek, "Gene, what's wrong?" The feeling inside Gene was growing and growing, engulfing him, "Usagi.she's in trouble." Jim ran a hand through his hair, "In trouble? What sort of trouble?"
*********************
Sucking air in avariciously the large creature began to change. Shaking his braid out the Hunter easily began to climb up into the limbs of the tree, on the very edge of the woods surrounding Usagi's house he had a perfect view of the outside of Usagi's house. Grinning cheekily he shook his head, "Too bad I don't have a house as nice as that." Reaching for the arrows that he had laid out behind him he took out a flask of a dark blue liquid. Dipping each arrowhead in, he picked up his bow and started to hum a song.
**********************
The mailbox lay brokenly in the middle of the driveway, dust was still falling from the abrupt stop. Gene ran inside and grabbed his caster, Jim closed his door slowly, walking to the house with measured steps. He heard the screen door slam shut, frowning he couldn't quite understand Gene, 'Is this really happening?'
********************
Duo drew the bowstring so far back that his hand was touching his cheek, sighting his prey he was about to let the arrow take to the air when a bulky creature came into his view.
*********************
Suzuka cried out in surprise and pain as her body flew over the water until she hit a tree on the other end of the small pond. Aisha was next, not flying quite so far from the blow but still hitting the shore right at Gene's feet, then Melfina who hit the ground just as hard. Gene was in temporary shock, "Usagi!" He yelled, his voice booming over the clearing. Loading his caster he lifted it up when a twinkle of light caught his eye.
***********************
Usagi was pressed against the arbor walls, her heart was slamming against her ribcage, midnight blue eyes stared at her intently. She could see his teeth glow in the setting sun's light. "I never forgot you." Stepping out of the shadows you could see his hands smoking from the energy he had used to send Aisha, Suzuka, and Melfina flying. Uttering a cry of fear she turned and was about to run towards the lake when she tripped and hit the ground hard. Turning over she stared at the Hunter, shaking she opened her mouth, "What do you think your doing Heero!" He tilted his head, "Killing you." Helping her up he stared into her eyes, "And I remembered your eyes." She shivered from the closeness, why did she feel suddenly comfortable in his arms, his slender, unscarred arms. Closing her eyes Usagi tried to pull away, Heero held her firmly in his grasp, "Look at me." Opening her eyes enough to see his face she trembled, "Why don't you just kill me?"
************************
"They've got us surrounded." Gene exclaimed, turning his head so he could see Usagi again he took a step back in surprise. 'What's Usagi doing with him! Why doesn't she struggle?' The slender figure that was Usagi was perfectly still, even as the dim outline of the Hunters head dipped closer to hers. Consumed with jealous rage he narrowed his eyes, turning he targeted the figure crouched on the tree branch he squinted his eye, "Son of a bitch."
************************
Usagi's yielding lips caressed the werewolf's, pressing his lips to her with more force he could feel her pulling away. Ending the kiss, he stared at her, his hold on her had loosened and his eyes had misted over, "I remember you.when you were scared." She frowned into his eyes, "Let me go, please let me go." His eyes remained on her face, "And now, I'm sent to kill you." She burst into tears, they streamed down her face and hit the ground, kissing her cheek tenderly he tasted the salt of her tears. Reaching behind him his hand gripped the handle of the dagger.
************************
He pressed down on the trigger.
*************************
Duo howled in surprise as the branch underneath him was blasted into smithereens by the red ball of light. His eyes swept the area and saw Gene's figure before he hit the ground. His arrows falling all around him, his fingers twitched, 'Bastard.' Duo thought, gasping for breath he gradually began to rise up, 'I'm going to eat you alive.'
**************************
The explosion behind Heero was enough distraction for Usagi to shove her way out of his grasp. Stumbling towards the water she was swimming towards her house with all the strength and speed possible. Heero lifted his dagger, about to throw it.
***************************
Suzuka had her bokken ready to strike her foe down, running across the top of the water she lifted it. Running towards the arbor she sliced through each beam, Heero looked up as the ceiling crashed down on him.
***************************
Wufei watched Heero's figure get crushed by the roof of the arbor, narrowing his eyes he was about to go and attack the assassin himself when a yowling cat girl leapt on top of him.
Gene pulled Usagi's quivering body from the water, "Are you alright?" He mumbled, hurrying her to the house, he stopped when he saw two figures emerge from the inside. Usagi looked up warily, her weary blue eyes widening, "Jim!" Wrestling her arm from Gene's she rushed towards him, the outlaw star pilot was faster. Seizing Usagi's waist he pulled her backwards, Jim stood stiffly, a knife at his throat, "Hand over the girl." Trowa called, Quatre was at his side, his eyes bright with emotion.
****************************
Suzuka was panting for breath, the arbor roof began to shake and then exploded upwards, hitting the water with a reinforcing smack. Bent over from the effort of lifting the arbor roof Heero glared at Suzuka, his lips curled back as a growl emitted from his throat. His eyes glowed gold, Suzuka wiped the blood from her mouth and laughed, "I won't let you walk away alive Hunter." He returned the grin, "Neither will I."
Duo notched his bow, heaving from the effort, his arm was quivering uncontrollably, aiming it at Usagi's back his vision blurred momentarily.
****************************
Gene lifted his caster and fired to the side of Quatre, sending the three flying, Jim was up in what seemed seconds. Running towards Gene and Usagi he came to a jerky stop, "GENE!"
Usagi turned towards Gene and screamed.
***************************
Duo licked his lips and did a coughing laugh, "Got the wrong person." Putting another arrow up he let it fly.
***************************
His blue glove was slowly, thread by thread being stained red, holding his shoulder he couldn't seem to lift his head with the pain. Usagi was at his side immediately, "Gene, we need to get you out of here!" Her cry echoed over the lake when a second arrow dug it's way straight through Gene's side, and yet another just under his lungs. Jim was paralyzed with terror, "Gene." he said, his voice was choked and squeaky with tears, "GENE!!" He screamed.
Suzuka appeared at their side suddenly, "Gene!" She murmured in horror, she turned her head to see Heero's form still leaning against the arbor. "We need to get everyone out of here now, Aisha!" She ejaculated in surprise, Aisha had stopped a few feet away from the group staring at Gene with wide eyes. Melfina was slumped on her shoulder, "Gene's alright, right?" She squeaked. Suzuka pulled Gene up onto her shoulder, "Aisha give Melfina to Usagi, help me with Gene we have to get him to a hospital now!" Usagi took Melfina numbly, staring at the feathered arrows sticking out of Gene's back.
Suzuka's face was pained but firm, "Get moving now, we don't have much time!" Jim picked up Gene's caster slowly, shaking his head he met eyes with Usagi, she reached out and grabbed Jim's hand. "We better go." Swallowing she pulled him along behind her, her legs so heavy. The wheels of the car screeched in protest as Aisha slammed on the pedal, "Where's the hospital?"
"Straight down the road, about fifteen minutes if we go fast enough." Her voice trailed, Melfina had awaken and had Gene's middle on her legs, Jim was at the very end while Usagi held Gene's head in her lap. His eyelids fluttered, Usagi brushed back a bang and kissed his forehead, "Please don't die Gene.don't die," breaking down into a sob she buried her face into his hair, "I love you so much." She whispered. Gene's body relaxed as he went unconscious from the throbbing pain.
Review if you want. -Qt~chan
Chapter 6 Trowa held the cup of black liquid in front of him, "Here it is." Duo eyed its contents distastefully, "What the fuck is that?"
"It's the portal hole."
".Right." He mumbled, reaching behind him he began to swiftly braid his hair, Heero entered the room just then, wearing nothing more then a pair of pants. Closing his eyes for a moment against the brightness his eyes smoldered with a golden light, Duo flinched when he saw the sight. The light diminished and then vanished from their leaders eyes, sighing Heero grabbed the pot of coffee and a cup, "Are you done making that portal?"
"Yes. Should I hail the Outlaw Star?" Trowa had already turned to leave when he had asked the question.
"Go ahead." Swallowing the contents of his mug Heero leaned against the ship wall for a moment before returning to his room. Duo had watched him go and now was quietly contemplating what would happen when they got home. "Morning Duo." Quatre called cheerily, zipping his khaki's on and hopping into the room. Duo frowned, "You know you should dress before." He continued to watch Quatre as he poured two glasses of coffee. "I know, I was just in a hurry to get some coffee and pack." Picking the glasses up he grinned widely at Duo.
"Pack? What'd we bring here?" He turned his back on Quatre to start his job of washing the dishes, "And who's the extra cup for?"
Quatre's smile softened, "Trowa.Duo, something's on your mind. I can feel it, what's going on?" A smile stole across Duo's face, "Not much.I," turning his head to meet eyes with Quatre he just saw the door closing. Sighing he shook his head, "Never mind."
**************************
"We've got a portal ready to use to go back to our world, we'll expect Usagi to meet us at the entrance of o," Trowa was cut off by Gene, "Nope, I'm not just going to let my ship float around in space while I'm gone. We'll set down on the planet Dragon. I'll give your ship the coordinates."
"Usagi allowed you to come then." He said, succeeding in his attempt to act unsurprised, "Thanks for the coordinates." Shutting the connection off he stared at the screen, 'To the planet Dragon.I wonder if this is a trap.' His eyes narrowed and sparked at the thought, 'In that case he'd be ill prepared for what we'd have in store for him.' He was shaken from his thoughts by Quatre's voice, "Brought you some coffee. So, did it work out?"
Trowa sipped the coffee and remained silent for a moment before shaking his head, "No. We are being directed to the planet Dragon where we will be taking Gene Starwind and his crew along with us."
Quatre winced, "I wonder if Heero will allow it." Trowa shrugged, "Why wouldn't he." Rising up he stared out at the screen, "Space."
*******************
Gene leaned back in the seat, unsatisfied, 'God damn it..just need something.' folding his hands behind his head he closed his eyes in exhaustion, 'Damn it I need some girl who wants to just do it.' Gritting his teeth he felt his hands tighten on the controls, 'Just one.why the hell doesn't she want to do it? There isn't anything wrong with me is there?' He then began to go through the long process of balancing the good and bad of himself.
Melfina checked her watch, "I wonder if they've hailed Gene by now." Usagi glanced at her friend, "They probably already did." She took notice of Melfina's flushed face and smiled slightly, "So I guess you're excited about going to my world."
"Oh yes. It will be so interesting to see what your world is like, see new things that don't exist in this world." She flushed even more, packing the last of her clothes into the suitcase she began to reach for her other accessories, "I mean, "She continued, "Wouldn't you be excited if you were seeing this new world, a new place? Something completely different." Usagi shrugged her shoulders, "I don't think I'd get tired of this place, after all, you have so much advanced technology and different species of life crossing the road everyday, how could you get tired of it?"
Melfina only shook her head, "It gets tiring in one way or another." Finished with stuffing her suitcase she now stood with it in hand, "I just hope that, everything works out between you and Gene."
Usagi turned rather quickly at the words, "What's that supposed to mean?" She said, her expression was worried. Melfina shook her head, "It's just that.You and Gene, well." her voice trailed, "I just think that Gene may be a little rash when he wants something and it just happens to be you, and I want things to work out between you two because he's never looked at any girl the way he looks at you."
The blonde snorted, "Is that all? He's probably just extra horny being cooped up in this ship."
Melfina giggled, "No, it could never be that. I really do think he loves you Usagi."
Usagi shook her head, "I like to fancy that too, but, we're talking about Gene Starwind."
"Yes, we are." Gene interrupted as he stepped into the room Usagi grinned cheekily, "I mean, there's only one guy who can be as perverted, horny and annoyingly stupid as Gene Starwind."
Gene winced, "Jeesh, you could go a little easy on the insults. Besides I haven't thought about sex since I saw you."
Usagi nodded her head mockingly, "I believe you Gene." Laughing she closed her suitcase, "Have the Hunters hailed you yet?"
He nodded his head, "Yea, just a few minutes ago, we're almost to the planet Dragon so it'll be soon.Mel, can I have a moment with Usagi?" She nodded her head, glancing at Usagi for a moment, "I'll be waiting in the control room."
Usagi watched Melfina go, "Gene, are you sure you want to leave this world? It's so nice here, and you have Melfina here." His gaze softened, "I'd like to be with you more."
Sighing he reached for her suitcase, "Gilliam said we'll be landing in about ten minutes." She felt her heart seize up and nearly burst with joy, "I can't wait to go home. You'll love it there. Darien and I," glancing at Gene she continued slowly, "We inherited his family house.he was so wealthy, I can't believe that he loved me, of all people." Blushing she shook her head, "But it's over. He died two years ago."
"Your not getting all depressed on me are you? I mean the guys dead, what more is there?" He asked cheerily, Usagi looked shocked, "Gene your horrible." Smiling crookedly she followed Gene out of the room. "So why are we heading to this planet?"
They both entered the control room, Gene continued on towards his seat, "Because I don't want my ship to get hijacked or anything. On the planet Dragon there's plenty of places I could stash the Outlaw Star and not have to worry about it. I think Gilliam's planning to hide himself in the ruins that we were in before.if he can fit inside." Usagi was distracted when she saw Melfina floating in the tank, frowning slightly she crossed her arms over her chest, "Don't you feel the least bit suffocated in there?"
Melfina grinned, "No, I was built for this ship." Usagi was about to ask what she meant by that when Jim's body slammed into hers. Falling to the floor she opened her eyes and carefully picked herself and Jim up, "Are you alright?" Jim nodded his head blushing, "I, uh, wasn't looking where I was going." Aisha entered the room and upon seeing Jim pounced on him, "There you are, I was wondering where you had escaped to."
"Aisha!" Jim yelled struggling, "Let go of me! I'm not making any more pancakes for you! I already made twenty!"
Gene groaned, "Aisha, we'll be leaving in a few minutes so you might as well let him go." Aish frowned, her long ears drooped, "That's not fair, everyone else got a bigger breakfast then me."
"No, that's not true," Jim started, "You just aren't ever satisfied with your portion, now will you let me go!" He yelled, Aisha let him go still pouting and drooping with unhappiness. "Gene, would you like a visual of the area now?"
"Yeah, yeah, sure put it up on screen." Suzuka, who was in the room also stared at the desolate scene before closing her eyes, "It hasn't changed at all." Silence greeted her words.
******************
"So, this is the planet Dragon." Duo stated, sipping his coffee he yawned, "Looks like a pile of shit." Quatre frowned, "He probably wants to hide his ship here, I still can't believe that he's coming along too." Duo laughed, "Yeah, don't forget that cat girl."
'Or the women with the bokken.' Wufei thought, the ship began to hum as it prepared to land. Heero faintly heard Duo swearing in the background, he had spilled his coffee on the floor. The hatch opened for him, stepping out of the ship his eyes adjusted immediately to the suns piercing light. Glancing at Gene in the distance he scanned the area, an expanse of sun beaten, dry land.
Gene grit his teeth when he saw the boy, he couldn't put his finger on it but he couldn't find it in himself to forgive the boy. Shaking his head he turned to Usagi who was helping Jim drag Aisha from the ship, "C'mon, if we're going your going. It won't be scary at all." Jim groaned, "Aisha! What're you scared of?"
Aisha immediately stopped struggling and turned indignantly towards Jim, "SCARED! A KTARL KTARL IS NEVER SCARED OF ANYTHING!" She barked back at him before doggedly trying to reenter the ship. Gilliam closed his doors the moment Aisha's fingers slipped from its sides, Gilliam's mood that entire day had been remorseful and bitterly sad. Once Usagi had freed her hands from Aisha who had given up on breaking through the doorway she knocked on Gilliam's door, "Gilliam, I was wondering if I could do you a favor, maybe." His voice came a few moments later, "No.I don't believe you can."
She smiled, "Well, I was wondering if you'd like to come along." Jim, who was at the bottom of the stairs frowned, 'What? How can we possibly take Gilliam along with us?' "See, I was thinking," she continued, "that we could take one of your mobile suits with us since they're so small and it could record and then relate to you what happened when Gene and them came back." His voice was considerably lighter when he answered, "I think that's a great idea Usagi, I'll let you in to retrieve one of my mobile suits." She grinned, "I'm glad that I thought of this, I didn't want to just leave you behind."
******************
Fierce gray eyes sliced straight into the group, Heero was unperturbed by the look. The minutes dragged on until Usagi returned, taking note of the distance between the two groups she tried to get Gene to smile as they began to head towards the small group. "Hi Quatre." She murmured pleasantly, he smiled disarmingly, "Hey.everything all right?" Usagi nodded her head, "Okay, well, if you just give me my crystal we can head back home."
"What?" Duo said suddenly, scratching the back of his head, "Whaddaya need your crystal for?"
"To get us back home?" She frowned, "What do you mean? Besides it is mine." All too soon Gene's caster was pointed directly at Duo's face, "Give her back the crystal."
Usagi instantly grabbed Gene's arm and tried to pull it down, "What're you doing Gene! Stop it, he didn't mean anything." Heero's eyes were narrowed, 'If she already used the crystals power it might have awaken the thing inside her.but there's no outward effect on her yet.' Frowning he turned to Wufei, "Give me the crystal." Wufei reached into his pocket, handing Heero the crystal in mute distress. Heero stared at the item before holding it out to Usagi, she was about to reach for it when he suddenly drew back, "Usagi, is it alright if we keep this with us? We'll return it to you." She seemed confused as she pulled her hand back also, her other hand was still clutching Gene's, keeping him from reaching for his Caster. "But why? It won't help you or anything."
"We think.that it may be dangerous to you." Usagi nodded her head, "Oh. okay, well, how will we get home then?" Trowa stepped forwards, taking the cup he tipped the cup enough so that the black liquid poured out into the air in a steady stream.
The liquid never hit the ground, instead it remained a few inches above the ground, growing in size as more and more of itself was poured in. Trowa set the spotlessly clean cup down onto the ground, touching the portal he felt it quiver and then its insides began to swirl downwards, seemingly inside of itself. The lean hunter stood, "It's ready." Usagi gazed at the portal with amazement, "Wow.My portal wasn't like this." Dipping her finger in it she started in surprise when she felt the strong pull of it. Drawing her finger out she stared at her appendage, no evidence of the black liquid could be seen. Looking worried she slowly reached for her suitcase and threw it in the ever-growing portal. "You'd better hurry unless you want to wait another day for another portal." Trowa finally cut in.
Aisha stared at the black hole with distaste, "I don't want to go." Jim, Usagi, and Melfina turned pleading eyes to Aisha, she pulled at her ears in distress, "Well jeez guys I know it's hard without me but." Jim smiled at the remark, "Come on Aisha it'll be fun.I'll go first in fact." Swallowing he picked up his bag and threw it into the portal watching it get sucked in slowly. Glancing at Usagi she gave him a warm smile, "Don't worry, I've done it before it feels kinda funny but you'll end up alright." Nodding his head Jim was about to step into the portal when Gene suddenly pulled him back, concern written across his features, "Hey Jim, uh, why don't you let someone else go first." He glanced up at the group of Hunters. Duo rolled his eyes, "Damn it you're so much trouble this isn't a fucked up trap." Pouring the rest of his coffee onto the ground he let the cup drop and shatter on the ground.
Rubbing his hands together he leapt straight into the circular puddle, Usagi could feel her heart beating erratically in her chest, "I'll go next." Without giving anyone another chance to think about it she leapt straight in after Duo, Melfina slowly threw her suitcase in and then jumped in quickly, her eyes closed. Quatre went in next without a word, and Trowa followed. Jim met eyes with Gene, "I'll go now Gene it's safe." Wincing he put one foot into the portal and cried out as he was sucked in all too quickly. A hand grabbed Jim's disappearing one, pulling him up Jim's face came back into view, "Gene!" He said in shocked alarm, his mouth was pulled open in surprise and he felt strange with the portal continually, effortlessly sucking him in. Gene's arms trembled with the effort, the portal grew in size and then an explosion from within the portal seemed to occur as its center rose up above Jim's head and seemed to push him down.
The small hand slipped from Gene's grasp after that, "JIM!" Gene yelled nearly falling into the portal, Aisha's eyes were wide open, "It just ate Jim!" Her face grew savage, "You, YOU did this!" Growling she leapt over the portal and fell just short of Wufei. He whipped out his Bokken and sliced through the air, 'She's faster then before.' Wufei thought as he moved his body in time to avoid being hit, Suzuka turned to Gene, "Gene," His face was distorted with anger, "Leave the leader to me." He said between gritted teeth, reaching for his Caster Heero proved to be faster as he soared over the portal and landed on top of Gene.
His blue gloves connected with Heero's stomach, "YOU KILLED HIM! YOU FUCKING SHIT! HE WAS ONLY A KID!" A tear welled in his eye, 'Jim.Usagi! Mel!!' Punching Heero in the cheek he managed to knock the Hunter from him, reaching for his caster he whipped it out and fired at Heero. Heero narrowed his eyes, 'Idiot.' He did a back flip over the portal, grabbing the bag near him he jumped just in time to avoid being blown to bits. Reaching into the bag he pulled out the sheathed sword. Lifting it immediately Gene's shell was reflected off the blade, the sheath cracked and fell in two to the ground. His wild hair was stirred by the breeze, Gene fired a few more shells at Heero, he no longer tried to escape from the fusillade of shells but merely reflected them with the sword. Gene drew in a breath, his eyes suddenly turned to his remaining two comrades fighting. Heero tensed and then charged when he saw the Outlaw distracted.
Gene had a split second notice of Heero's oncoming body before he grabbed Heero's hand in his and lifted the sword above them, "Nice charge but you'll need more then that to finish me off." Heero remained quiet, his eyes showed indifference to the comment, with a sudden twist of his wrist he had freed himself from Gene's hands, with a quick movement he shoved the sword straight into Gene's stomach. Gene's expression was that of shock, and then it turned to anger, falling to the ground he held his hand over the wound. His muscles were limp from the pain, "You bastard." He reached for his gun, Heero grabbed it from him. Throwing the weapons into the bag he zipped it up and shoved Gene's body into the portal. "Gene!" Suzuka called, her voice sounded desperate when she cried out, Wufei knocked her out with the butt of his sword. Picking her up he dropped her into the portal, Aisha couldn't believe that she was the last one to go, of all the things. Backing away from the two she growled, it died in her throat. Sniffing a few tears entered her eyes, feeling the portal edge brush against her ankles she finally turned and jumped in, not wanting to be killed by the two warriors behind her, not wanting to be alone.
Wufei brushed back a stray bang, his black eyes still glittered with the heat of the battle, picking up the few bags they had left they threw them in the portal. Wufei took a last look around him before jumping in also, Heero stepped over the portal and stared at the blood stain, glancing up at the sky he took a handful of dirt and covered the blood efficiently. Stepping into the portal he felt the pull and told himself to relax, lifting the foot that was resting firmly on the hard rocky ground he closed his eyes in silence as he was tugged down. The portal swirled continuously for a few moments before beginning to grow smaller and smaller, and then finally disappearing. A tattered piece of black cloth seemed to cling to the rocks before the wind lifted it up, partly stained with blood it served as the only evidence that Gene Starwind had ever set foot again on the barren planet.
*************************
'Warm.oh god the pain.' He didn't dare open his eyes, '.am I in heaven.no, what the hell am I thinking an idiot like me couldn't be there.' With that thought he snapped his eyes open, staring at the white ceiling above him he frowned, where was he? Struggling to sit upright he realized a weight on his chest was keeping him from doing so, it was Usagi. She had her head rested on his bare chest, 'She's alive!' the thought brought energy and significance back into his life. Running his hand through her hair he shook her shoulder, "Usagi." She moved closer to him before finally lifting herself up from his body, he slowly moved to a sitting position.
"Usagi, you're alive." He said softly, staring at her, she grinned sleepily, "Of course I am. Why wou, oh yeah.Jim's alive too, everyone is Gene." Gene's lips twitched, "Are you serious?" Usagi nodded her head, pushing him back down into the bed, "You shouldn't even be sitting up your wound might open again." His head hit the pillow, "Everyone's okay then?"
"Yes. Everyone." Snuggling closer to Gene she sighed, "Gene.I thought you were going to die when I saw you bleeding all over the place. You just dropped from the portal and your blood was everywhere and Aisha was half hysterical." She laughed, "But everything turned out okay."
Gene grimaced, "Where are they?" Usagi held Gene down, "They aren't here. Please Gene, don't start. They told me what had happened, and it was an accident."
"Usagi," he said sharply, "It isn't an accident that he picked his sword up and stabbed me clear through my stomach."
She sighed, "Gene, you started fighting him.he told me he had stabbed you because there wouldn't have been another way to get you through that portal alive.your injury wasn't that bad." Her lips quivered at the words, "Oh Gene, please just forget about it."
His face softened at her voice, closing his eyes he sighed, "If it weren't for you .."
Usagi's fingers twined themselves with Genes'. She turned as the door opened, "Jim, he's awake." Jim's features lit up, "He is? That's great! He's just in time to see the sunset." Usagi nodded her head, "I forgot about that, your right, here open the curtains and I'll help Gene up."
"I thought that I wasn't supposed to be getting up." He grumbled as pain shot up his sides, making it to the window they were thrown open so he could smell the air, see the majestic scene in front of him. Jim tugged at Usagi's arm, "Come on, lets go down to the shore so we can get a better view." She hesitated, "Gene, do you want me to stay?" He shook his head, "You can go." Despite the feeling deep inside him that he would have liked to have had her stay with him, he let her go, watching as her slim figure joined the rest of the crew below on the shore.
The lake was on fire, blazing with the most passionate of colors, Gene's gray eyes swept over the area, over the trees bordering the pond and over the glorious reflection in the lakes clear waters. The sun's light tinted and threw everything into a different, softer and yet harsher light. The sun sank and disappeared behind the trees, the velvety dark blue of night had cloaked the sky. His eyes closed and then opened, he moved away from the window. Taking the bandages off of himself his hands ran over the newly made scar on his stomach, it was circular and reminded him of a spider as four crooked lines reached out over the side of his stomach.
It was a small scar, a small price to pay for the wound that he had endured, grimacing he stood in front of the mirror and stared at himself, 'One more scar I coulda done without.' Reaching for his pants he pulled them on and grabbed his Caster, "And where the heck do you think your going?" Usagi was standing imperiously in the doorway, Gene rolled his eyes, "Where do you think I'm going? I want to go and find those five."
She snorted, "Of all the things, Gene do you seriously think you can take on five trained killers? I don't think so, and even if you did win what good would it do?" Reaching forwards he grabbed her lips in a kiss, his hands wrapped around Usagi's waist, she pulled away from him as soon as his hands had worked their way under her shirt. The outlaw couldn't take it anymore, "Damn it Usagi what the hell is wrong? Why don't you just, just go along?!!" Usagi's eyes nearly glowed blue in her irritation, "I don't just want to have sex, because I'm going to get married first and if you think that's a stupid idea well too bad, that's the way I am." Gene snorted, "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard, love is love, you can't change that!"
"You don't love ME, you love the thought of getting laid! How is it possible that you can be like this! I thought we had gotten somewhere Gene!" She was yelling at the top of her voice at him, glaring at him with all her might, "If you REALLY loved me you wouldn't get into this subject!"
"Don't even start with that," he snapped back, "It can be used both ways, if you really loved me you would just say yes and that would be that!" Usagi looked bewildered at the suggestion, "Why can't you just wait! Why do you HAVE to have sex right now Gene?"
"I don't have to, I just want to, and besides what's so wrong with it?" His hands had balled up in anger.
"Because I want to make love, I don't want to be another person that you've had sex with. And I want to do it after I get married! After, after we know that we truly love each other, because," she halted in hesitation, "Because I don't want things to go wrong, I need somebody I can depend on, somebody I really love Gene."
"Then let's get married," his voice began to rise, "And then we can have sex, since that's the only reason I offered to guard you in the first place!"
Her eyes narrowed, "I hate you Gene, you stubborn idiot! Go and get yourself killed." Tears had fallen from her eyes the moment Gene had finished speaking, rushing out of the room she headed towards the safety of the bathroom.
Jim sighed, "We shouldn't have heard that." Aisha glanced up at the ceiling and shrugged, "Gene wants to do it. I don't know why, if I was him and I could marry Usagi I wouldn't take a chance with her." She pouted, her ears drooping, "I really thought Gene wouldn't do this.I guess he's just stressed." Suzuka emerged from the hallway, a hand partly covering her smiling lips. "Gene," she began, moving behind the counter Suzuka opened the refrigerator, "Is a sex fiend."
Melfina turned the T.V. off at the words, "Suzuka that's terrible. Gene Starwind is just scared." Aisha and Jim both started laughing at the comment, Suzuka pinned Melfina with her gaze, "Gene? Scared of what? Commitment? So he goes and sleeps around to make himself feel better? Then that makes him even more shallow then before." Melfina frowned, walking up to the outside kitchen counter she pulled up a seat for herself. "Gene had told me that he had wanted a girl who loved him truly.Gene doesn't sleep around as much as you think anyway Suzuka. He just, I think he wants to have Usagi like," She blushed, "I didn't quite understand what he was saying when he told me but." Suzuka's face calmed slightly at the words, "Gene is a bigger fool then I had made him out to be when I first met him. You can't own a woman. You can pay her but you don't truly own her."
A silence settled itself in the room, only a few minutes later Gene came down the stairs wearing nothing but a white shirt and jeans, staring around at the group he scratched the back of his neck in irritation, "I, I gotta get outta here."
Jim frowned, slowly he rose up and grabbed his and Gene's coat, Suzuka's face remained cold, "Fine, just leave." His eyes narrowed, "Hey, you know what, you don't have any business to be in my life so just butt the fuck out Suzuka."
It seemed that for once, passion would take a strong hold on her, "You pig Gene!" She slammed her teacup down, a hand had flown to her bokken, "How dare you just slap Usagi across the face with your stubbornness and then five minutes later go and find some hooker! I don't care if your scared she's something that you won't ever get again, don't you understand? This is your last chance Gene, in your whole life, the sex and everything did you ever find what you were looking for?" Relaxing her shoulders she drew in a deep breath and pulled out her bokken. "Get out. Get out and don't come back here." The wooden tip pricked Gene's throat, his heart beat faster, shaking his head he lifted both hands in surrender. Jim pulled at Gene's shirt, "C'mon Gene, you better get outta here, you heard what Suzuka said." Melfina looked shocked, "Suzuka! What do you think your doing! This is Gene we're talking about, it was a slip up, wasn't it Gene? Wasn't it!" She cried, her voice was stressed and high. Gene met eyes with Melfina for what seemed to be forever, heading towards the doorway he never looked back. "Gene, what're you doing? You can't leave! You have to try again, Usagi will forgive you, you just have to try!" Melfina cried as the door slammed shut, she turned on Suzuka, "Look at what you've done Suzuka!! He won't ever come back now." Suzuka sheathed her sword, "Good, the bastard doesn't deserve half the things he has." Softening at Melfina's expression she sighed, ".He will come back. I know Gene, and so do you, he just needs some time to think. Usagi's in the bathroom right now, why don't you see if she'll come down and talk with us.cheer her up." Melfina nodded her head slowly, "Alright." Stopping halfway up the stairs her hand clenched the railing, 'Gene what're you thinking?' Biting her lip she began her slow ascent upstairs, thinking that with each step she might still have a chance to stop Gene from leaving.
Coming onto the second floor she headed towards the bathroom, 'I have to tell her to forgive Gene.Oh Gene, I don't understand you!'
*****************
Her chin rested on her folded hands, staring at the teacup in front of her she gave another tremulous sigh, "How could he.I thought." she stopped talking as soon as her voice began to tremble, it was so embarrassing, getting crushed like that, right in front of everyone. Melfina smiled kindly, "Usagi, he will come back. I know Gene, and I know that he loves you. You must believe me." She picked up something that had been walking in- between her legs, "Believe me." Setting the cat onto the countertop she moistened her lips, "Gene's really a good person, he, he's just not ready for some things. And he gets confused when it comes to girls like you, and he's not obsessed with sex." Usagi shook her head in irritation, raising a hand to pet the tabby she burst into tears again, "I mean, it's not like I was asking too much of him, was I?" Aisha patted Usagi's shoulder comfortingly, "You didn't do anything wrong Usagi." Aisha's ears pricked at the sound of footsteps.
A porcelain white face came into their view, glancing at Melfina Suzuka turned to Usagi, "You should come outside. We can go to the island. It's so calm, it will be good for you." Melfina nodded her head animatedly, "Yes, lets go Usagi. Anything to give you some fresh air, and thinking time." Nodding her head she dragged her feet until they came to the rowboat. As soon as all four of them were inside the wooden boat Suzuka gave a small push, and they began their slow journey towards the tiny island in the middle of the pond. It made Usagi think of Darien when she saw it. He had built the latticework arbor, and then she had grown the Hyacinth Bean Vines just that summer. Things had been just perfect then.what had happened to her life? Why were things so chaotic? Staring at her reflection Usagi brushed back a bang, "When do you think Gene will be coming back? Or will he at all?"
Suzuka frowned, "I don't suppose he'd be coming back anytime soon.You might as well lock the doors, he'll probably come back to your house drunk." Usagi's soaring blue eyes lifted and came to rest on the assassin, "You didn't have to tell me that."
The boats bow nudged the islands grassy shore, slipping her shoes off she boldly put her foot into the water. Wincing she frowned, "The waters so cold!" Staring at the arbor for a thoughtful moment she grinned, "I forgive you." Suzuka held her ebony bangs out of her face, "Who are you talking to?"
"To Gene." Usagi said, moving inside the arbor she sat down on one of the benches, Suzuka's face was dark when she entered, "Gene has you under his spell." Usagi smirked, "No, I just know.I wouldn't feel this nagging feeling to fix things with Gene if I didn't love him." Aisha giggled when she heard the words, pulling the boat up slightly she ran out into the lake and dived in. Melfina remained standing in the water, shock written on her features and freezing her in place.
"You're just a teenager you wouldn't know the difference from love and the need to be wanted." Suzuka stood before Usagi, rigid and straight, "How can you be so foolish.I can't even begin to understand how your mind and your heart were so quick as to forgive Gene." Staring into Usagi's eyes she shook her head, "You are too young to understand love."
"No I'm not! Nobody's too young, there just aren't enough people to accept and embrace love." She said calmly, her hand flew to her neck, searching for the heirloom crystal. Biting her tongue in frustration her hands knotted into fists, "I love him." Suzuka stared at a single flower bud. Its petals were on the brink of opening and she couldn't help but notice that all around were flowers that had already opened. She knew that the late blossom would be just as beautiful as the neighboring blossoms when it opened, it would just take time.
************************
"What?" Duo said incredulously, "This can't be right. All those times, all those opportunities," gritting his teeth he slammed the table with his fist, "You're telling me that the only thing we had to do was put a knife to her throat." Groaning he leaned back into his chair, Quatre set the Old- World book down onto the table, "So Usagi has to be." Wufei nodded his head, reaching for his weapons he glanced at Heero. The hunter had been acting strangely since the new information had been received. Shaking these thoughts from his head he turned to Quatre, "She will be reborn." Brushing back his creamy white bangs he nodded his head dejectedly, "I know.I hope so anyway, but."
"There isn't another way." Duo frowned, had Heero just gotten mad? Heero, mad, about their mission? The thought struck him with a vengeance, slowly reaching for his bow he couldn't help but contemplate why Heero would be angry before shrugging it aside and speeding out the doorway, "I'll beat you all there." He called. Quatre rolled his lower lip back into his teeth, "I can't believe we're doing this." Trowa turned to the book, "The demon we're dealing with is ancient and powerful. We must destroy it before it awakens."
***************************
Jim grimaced when he saw a particularly appealing women pass by him, on her way towards Gene. 'No, no, no, stay away from him.he has a girlfriend.' Jim thought sadly, Gene had asked for a room of his own about an hour ago, he hadn't come out to even check on him. 'He must be really unhappy about what he said to Usagi.' Sighing he started in surprise when someone tapped him on the shoulder, "Excuse me, would you like another coffee?" Jim nodded his head, "Yeah sure.just put it on his check." He said pointing to the room. The bartender nodded his head, 'Odd little boy.' He thought as he grabbed another coffee mug.
The strong perfume had nearly knocked out Gene's scent glands, caressing the women's skin with his lips over and over again he couldn't achieve the heart throbbing, body tingling sensation that Usagi had given him with a simple glance. The lady moved under him, halting his motions he stared at her, "Damn it." Rolling off of her he wiped his lips, "How in the hell could I have done that to her?!!" The brunette sat up and began to carefully straighten her shirt out, "So I guess your not gonna get your business done here then." Gene shook his head, she smirked, "Your girl let you down? Or is it the other way around?"
"Other way around."
She shrugged, "It's your fault, don't think your girls too stupid to realize that." Rising to a stand she held her hand out, "Pay up."
"What!?" He cried, "I said pay up!" She said firmly. Gene dug into his pockets, 'Damn it, I'm outta money.'
"I uh, don't have any." The girl looked shocked, "Doug! This guys broke!"
Jim raised his head at the commotion, "So you actually did it Gene." His shoulders slumped dejectedly, heading out towards the car he waited at least a half hour for Gene to come out. When he did he wasn't the same Gene, leaning against the expensive car he spit out the blood in his mouth, "What a stupid shit." Gene grumbled, Jim shrugged his shoulders, "Things are different in this world." Going around to the passenger side of the car Jim climbed in. Glancing up at the sky Gene sighed, ".What was I thinking.." Climbing into the car he turned the ignition on and backed out into the road, "The only thing I don't like about this world so far is the cars. Why the hell hasn't anyone thought of taking the wheels off?" He grumbled.
"Like I said Gene, this world is different. Less advanced then ours." Gene took a sidelong glance at Jim when the gloomy voice reached his ears, he snorted, "I didn't do anything with that girl." Jim sat up in revelation, "You didn't! Are you serious? Are you telling me the truth?" His eyes were as bright as stars as he asked the question. Gene nodded his head, his eyes trained on the road in front of him, "I swear I'm not lying to you.Jim you're the smart one, what am I supposed to do? Usagi probably hates me now, I can't just walk back and expect things to be all better.I need to talk this one out with her, if she'll listen."
Jim was stunned, "Wow.that's the first glance at a mature Gene." The driver shot a glare in Jim's direction, "Aw, shut up Jim.so, what do you think I shou," the words died on his lips, frowning he could feel his muscles tightening and his heart was beginning to race. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, 'What's wrong with me.Usagi!' No sooner had the thought struck him when he slammed on the pedal, Jim was thrown back into his seat, "Gene what the hell do you think your doing!" He cried reaching for the seat belt.
A bead of sweat glimmered in the little light there was, Jim watched the bead of water leave a trail down Gene's cheek, "Gene, what's wrong?" The feeling inside Gene was growing and growing, engulfing him, "Usagi.she's in trouble." Jim ran a hand through his hair, "In trouble? What sort of trouble?"
*********************
Sucking air in avariciously the large creature began to change. Shaking his braid out the Hunter easily began to climb up into the limbs of the tree, on the very edge of the woods surrounding Usagi's house he had a perfect view of the outside of Usagi's house. Grinning cheekily he shook his head, "Too bad I don't have a house as nice as that." Reaching for the arrows that he had laid out behind him he took out a flask of a dark blue liquid. Dipping each arrowhead in, he picked up his bow and started to hum a song.
**********************
The mailbox lay brokenly in the middle of the driveway, dust was still falling from the abrupt stop. Gene ran inside and grabbed his caster, Jim closed his door slowly, walking to the house with measured steps. He heard the screen door slam shut, frowning he couldn't quite understand Gene, 'Is this really happening?'
********************
Duo drew the bowstring so far back that his hand was touching his cheek, sighting his prey he was about to let the arrow take to the air when a bulky creature came into his view.
*********************
Suzuka cried out in surprise and pain as her body flew over the water until she hit a tree on the other end of the small pond. Aisha was next, not flying quite so far from the blow but still hitting the shore right at Gene's feet, then Melfina who hit the ground just as hard. Gene was in temporary shock, "Usagi!" He yelled, his voice booming over the clearing. Loading his caster he lifted it up when a twinkle of light caught his eye.
***********************
Usagi was pressed against the arbor walls, her heart was slamming against her ribcage, midnight blue eyes stared at her intently. She could see his teeth glow in the setting sun's light. "I never forgot you." Stepping out of the shadows you could see his hands smoking from the energy he had used to send Aisha, Suzuka, and Melfina flying. Uttering a cry of fear she turned and was about to run towards the lake when she tripped and hit the ground hard. Turning over she stared at the Hunter, shaking she opened her mouth, "What do you think your doing Heero!" He tilted his head, "Killing you." Helping her up he stared into her eyes, "And I remembered your eyes." She shivered from the closeness, why did she feel suddenly comfortable in his arms, his slender, unscarred arms. Closing her eyes Usagi tried to pull away, Heero held her firmly in his grasp, "Look at me." Opening her eyes enough to see his face she trembled, "Why don't you just kill me?"
************************
"They've got us surrounded." Gene exclaimed, turning his head so he could see Usagi again he took a step back in surprise. 'What's Usagi doing with him! Why doesn't she struggle?' The slender figure that was Usagi was perfectly still, even as the dim outline of the Hunters head dipped closer to hers. Consumed with jealous rage he narrowed his eyes, turning he targeted the figure crouched on the tree branch he squinted his eye, "Son of a bitch."
************************
Usagi's yielding lips caressed the werewolf's, pressing his lips to her with more force he could feel her pulling away. Ending the kiss, he stared at her, his hold on her had loosened and his eyes had misted over, "I remember you.when you were scared." She frowned into his eyes, "Let me go, please let me go." His eyes remained on her face, "And now, I'm sent to kill you." She burst into tears, they streamed down her face and hit the ground, kissing her cheek tenderly he tasted the salt of her tears. Reaching behind him his hand gripped the handle of the dagger.
************************
He pressed down on the trigger.
*************************
Duo howled in surprise as the branch underneath him was blasted into smithereens by the red ball of light. His eyes swept the area and saw Gene's figure before he hit the ground. His arrows falling all around him, his fingers twitched, 'Bastard.' Duo thought, gasping for breath he gradually began to rise up, 'I'm going to eat you alive.'
**************************
The explosion behind Heero was enough distraction for Usagi to shove her way out of his grasp. Stumbling towards the water she was swimming towards her house with all the strength and speed possible. Heero lifted his dagger, about to throw it.
***************************
Suzuka had her bokken ready to strike her foe down, running across the top of the water she lifted it. Running towards the arbor she sliced through each beam, Heero looked up as the ceiling crashed down on him.
***************************
Wufei watched Heero's figure get crushed by the roof of the arbor, narrowing his eyes he was about to go and attack the assassin himself when a yowling cat girl leapt on top of him.
Gene pulled Usagi's quivering body from the water, "Are you alright?" He mumbled, hurrying her to the house, he stopped when he saw two figures emerge from the inside. Usagi looked up warily, her weary blue eyes widening, "Jim!" Wrestling her arm from Gene's she rushed towards him, the outlaw star pilot was faster. Seizing Usagi's waist he pulled her backwards, Jim stood stiffly, a knife at his throat, "Hand over the girl." Trowa called, Quatre was at his side, his eyes bright with emotion.
****************************
Suzuka was panting for breath, the arbor roof began to shake and then exploded upwards, hitting the water with a reinforcing smack. Bent over from the effort of lifting the arbor roof Heero glared at Suzuka, his lips curled back as a growl emitted from his throat. His eyes glowed gold, Suzuka wiped the blood from her mouth and laughed, "I won't let you walk away alive Hunter." He returned the grin, "Neither will I."
Duo notched his bow, heaving from the effort, his arm was quivering uncontrollably, aiming it at Usagi's back his vision blurred momentarily.
****************************
Gene lifted his caster and fired to the side of Quatre, sending the three flying, Jim was up in what seemed seconds. Running towards Gene and Usagi he came to a jerky stop, "GENE!"
Usagi turned towards Gene and screamed.
***************************
Duo licked his lips and did a coughing laugh, "Got the wrong person." Putting another arrow up he let it fly.
***************************
His blue glove was slowly, thread by thread being stained red, holding his shoulder he couldn't seem to lift his head with the pain. Usagi was at his side immediately, "Gene, we need to get you out of here!" Her cry echoed over the lake when a second arrow dug it's way straight through Gene's side, and yet another just under his lungs. Jim was paralyzed with terror, "Gene." he said, his voice was choked and squeaky with tears, "GENE!!" He screamed.
Suzuka appeared at their side suddenly, "Gene!" She murmured in horror, she turned her head to see Heero's form still leaning against the arbor. "We need to get everyone out of here now, Aisha!" She ejaculated in surprise, Aisha had stopped a few feet away from the group staring at Gene with wide eyes. Melfina was slumped on her shoulder, "Gene's alright, right?" She squeaked. Suzuka pulled Gene up onto her shoulder, "Aisha give Melfina to Usagi, help me with Gene we have to get him to a hospital now!" Usagi took Melfina numbly, staring at the feathered arrows sticking out of Gene's back.
Suzuka's face was pained but firm, "Get moving now, we don't have much time!" Jim picked up Gene's caster slowly, shaking his head he met eyes with Usagi, she reached out and grabbed Jim's hand. "We better go." Swallowing she pulled him along behind her, her legs so heavy. The wheels of the car screeched in protest as Aisha slammed on the pedal, "Where's the hospital?"
"Straight down the road, about fifteen minutes if we go fast enough." Her voice trailed, Melfina had awaken and had Gene's middle on her legs, Jim was at the very end while Usagi held Gene's head in her lap. His eyelids fluttered, Usagi brushed back a bang and kissed his forehead, "Please don't die Gene.don't die," breaking down into a sob she buried her face into his hair, "I love you so much." She whispered. Gene's body relaxed as he went unconscious from the throbbing pain.
Review if you want. -Qt~chan