What?!
Chapter 7 "Make sure to take Gene's utility belt off, we don't want anyone to start questioning us." Melfina gently began to pull the belt off, "I think that maybe just Jim, Usagi and me should go in." Aisha frowned but gave her consent, Suzuka swerved to the left and entered the parking lot. Usagi tensed, "How are we going to get him in there without jarring him?" Suzuka screeched the car to a halt, "Quick get him out and call to those men over there."
Melfina felt her stomach churn when she helped Usagi drag Gene out of the car, his blood had run straight through her clothes and she could feel it against her skin, warm and just slightly sticky. Jim watched as several men gently laid Gene out onto the stretcher and sped him towards the emergency wing of the building. When they entered the building just behind the EMS team everything seemed to be chaotic. A nurse ran up to the stretcher and began asking questions calling for this and that and Doctor Bernardo and Doctor Thannen. The noise seemed to grow to a deafening roar in Usagi's ears, she watched as the men wheeled Gene's body into a room with no windows. She was about to enter when a man pushed her back and said something about not being allowed in before closing the door.
Bending forwards and hugging herself she shivered her stomach hadn't stopped churning since she had dragged Gene from the car. Her bloodied skirt clung to her legs and the blood that covered Usagi's hands was turning brown now. Melfina caught Usagi just as she sunk to the ground in a dead faint. Jim's fists shook with their fury, 'This isn't happening, Gene can't die, Gene can't be dead!' Repeating those words over and over again he stared at the back of the seat. Melfina frowned, "Suzuka, are you sure it's such a good idea to just take Jim back with you? Maybe Usagi should go with you."
"No, you two should stay here to take care of any business that may come up with Gene, we'll tend to Jim.seeing as he's in shock." Shaking her head she inserted the key into the ignition, "We'll come around tomorrow morning alright? I just want to get Jim back to the house so he can get some rest." Melfina ran her hand through Jim's hair and cupped his cheek, "Everything'll be alright Jim. I promise, Gene, Gene won't die. I promise." She said, her small voice struck a cord in Jim, abruptly he broke into tears and threw himself at Melfina.
"Melfina, he's going to die isn't he?" He sobbed into her chest, Melfina held Jim close and so closely resembled a concerned mother in that moment that it made Aisha and Suzuka's eyes soften. "Jim, Gene wouldn't have it any other way.He'll come back, and things will work out." Smiling tenderly she gently pushed Jim back into the seat, "Now mind what Suzuka and Aisha say.Oh Jim," reaching in she gave him another hug, "I'll miss you tonight."
Jim wiped a tear away feeling foolish at his breakdown, Melfina closed the door behind her as she ran back inside the building.
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"I'm sorry he's in intensive care right now, he can't receive any visitors." Melfina tried to peek behind the large women with no success, groaning she took a seat next to Usagi. The blonde's blue eyes turned to Melfina, "Mel, do you really think Gene'll make it through this?" Melfina shrugged her shoulders, "Well, the injuries I don't think were serious so, the only thing we have to worry about is how much blood Gene lost." At the words Usagi glanced at her hands, "I think he'll live." She said more to herself then Melfina.
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Duo's slack face and clenched hands told his story, remaining in a standing position he glared at Heero, "You sick, stupid, messed up piece of fuck! What the hell were you thinking! I had the best fucking shot and then your piece of shit head got in the way, now look at us, licking our wounds because of Suzuka and Aisha!"
Wufei hissed when he removed the cloth from his injured arm, "I wouldn't mind an explanation either." Quatre, who had been at the sink, sighed heavily, wetting a cloth he ran it over his dusty face, "Three arrows and he was still standing.Did you mean to hit him on purpose all three times Duo?"
Duo's mouth opened in a growl, before turning his attention back to their leader. Heero stared out the tiny window the four had in their room, contemplating the kiss that Usagi and him had shared.
"WELL HEERO? WHAT THE HELL IS KEEPING YOU?" Duo yelled, slamming the bow down onto the table in his fury he ignored the thunderous crack of the wood and glared venomously at Heero. Heero turned calmly, "Gene is injured now. It's the prime time to go after her."
"Go after her! AFTER HER! You idiot! Does it look like we're all in shape to go after her right now? All I can do is limp around and Wufei can't even swing his sword much less punch someone Heero! How the hell can we go after her?"
Heero's eyes narrowed, "I'll go by myself if it's so much trouble." Quatre closed the door behind him decisively, "No. Frankly I don't trust you. You might send her off to some place where we'll never find her again." Trowa nodded, "We need to go as a group. Those arrows were dipped in arrowswood poison.solves one of our problems." Duo nodded his head, "Yea.she still has Suzuka and Aisha to protect her though, but there'll be five of us against them." Limping to his bed he glared at Heero angrily, "This is all your fault." Heero turned his gaze back out the window, Duo could go ahead and be angry with him, it didn't matter anymore. Nothing mattered much anymore.
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Jim slowly made his way down the hallway to Usagi's room, opening the door quietly he tiptoed in. Leaning over the curled form in the sheets he shook her, "Usagi," he whispered, "Usagi, wake up." Shaking her harder he sighed, "USAGI!" He finally yelled. "What?" She yelped, sitting upright she rubbed her eyes, "What is it? What's going on?" Her eyes swept the room, "I'm back home.was it, was it all a dream? Jim," Jim cut her off, "No. Melfina's still over at the hospital, she thought you should go and get cleaned up.Aisha bathed you.they think that Gene's going to make it." He finally said.
Taking a deep breath her lips eased into a small smile, "I knew it, Gene couldn't just die from a few arrows." Jim nodded his head, "Yeah, that's right, he can't just die from a few arrows." He said, his voice catching at the words. Wiping his sleeve across his eyes he sniffed, "I was so scared Usagi." Enveloping Jim in her arms she held him tightly, "He's safe.he's better. Don't worry." A few moments passed before she finally released Jim, sighing she brushed the hair away from her face, "I think.I think we better go visit Gene today. Maybe they'll let us see him today."
"Well, you have been sleeping for awhile, two days have passed since we sent Gene to the hospital you know. I never knew you could sleep so much." Usagi blushed, "Yeah.bad tendency of mine. I'll drive us there."
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Melfina rubbed her sleepy eyes and smiled when she saw Usagi and Jim approach her, "So you finally decided to come." She said happily, "Gene's been waiting for you two." Melfina could hardly believe that the tired, bloodied and grief-stricken girl she had seen two days before was standing before her with renewed strength and spirit. Her eyes caught the figure of a nurse and doctor as they entered Gene's room at nearly the same moment. Biting her lip she suddenly grabbed Jim's hand, "Jim, maybe you should go buy Gene some, some flowers. He said he wanted some last time I went in." Jim frowned, "What a softie, are you serious?" Melfina nodded her head quickly, "There's a gift shop on the first floor I think, maybe they'll have some flowers."
"Well, why don't you help me pick out a bouquet then. Usagi can go and catch up with Gene in the meanwhile." Melfina voiced before a second opinion could be added, Usagi shrugged. "Whatever's fine with you guys." Melfina was quick to grab Jim's shoulder, "Yeah, we'll be going, bye." Waving a farewell to Usagi she hurried Jim down the stairway.
Usagi watched the two go with confusion, 'I wonder what that was about.Gene can't really want flowers.should I give him flowers?' Wincing at the thought she glanced at her empty hands. A few feet from the doorway she could see that a nurse and doctor were in the room. "These, attacks, how long have they been happening?" She heard the doctor say clearly, continuing towards the door with a slower step she could feel her muscles tense.
"Awhile now." Usagi had entered the room, the nurse and doctor didn't even bother to see who was at the door. "Now, you said that your stomach and chest had pains?" Gene's tongue failed him when he saw Usagi, "Can I talk to you later about this?" he finally said. The doctor turned and met eyes with Usagi before turning back to Gene, "Well, Mr. Starwind, this may be very serious. I think it's more important to tell you whether or not you might have contracted some sort of," the doctor paused, "cancer. The pains that you've described match exactly with a profile we have on something called lung cancer. Now, we'll have to run some tests to make sure. Its not a sure thing at all, we just have some blood samples and the symptoms that you've described now. Would you like to run these tests, they'll cost some money though, and I must warn you that you might not have the cancer at all.I'll meet with you later in the afternoon to discuss it with you if that helps at all." Grimacing at the paper in his hands the grim doctor handed it to the nurse and whispered something in her ear, nodding at Gene he and the nurse left the room.
The injured pilot shifted uneasily when he finally met eyes with Usagi. She carefully picked up the clipboard that the nurse had set on the bed. She couldn't read the words on the sheet because her eyes were so blurred with tears, "Gene, oh Gene.what're we going to do?" She burst out unexpectedly, "What am I going to say to Jim, what are you going to say?" Bursting into tears she set the clipboard down and grabbed Gene's hands.
"What's going on?" Melfina was carrying a large bouquet of red, long- stemmed roses, freezing in the doorway she chewed at her lip anxiously. Gene just grinned, "Nothing Jim, Usagi just got a little overemotional." Squeezing Usagi's hand he looked at her earnestly, Usagi sniffed loudly and wiped her eyes, nodding her head vigorously she suddenly grabbed the roses from Melfina, "Look Gene, look at what Mel and Jim got you." She said, her eyes were still streaming and her hands trembled when she handed the roses to Gene. The red flower buds blurred together until they seemed to flame a crimson red.
Sniffing loudly she couldn't even speak, "I'm, going to the bathroom." She finally blurted out. Jim's forehead was creased in worry, "I didn't think she'd cry when she saw your ugly face Gene." He grinned sarcastically, Gene could only smile, somehow it hurt just to think of leaving Jim.and Usagi, everyone. "Mel.lets go back home." Melfina frowned, "You mean home, home?" Gene laughed, "Yeah, home, home. The one where we left the Outlaw Star."
"Yes of course.we are going to bring Usagi along aren't we?"
"Of course we are.I wouldn't have it any other way." Just then Usagi entered the room, her eyes were slightly swollen but other then that she looked as if she had never even shed a tear. They stayed for maybe an hour or so, however long it was, it didn't seem to be enough. "Mel, you really should get some sleep.The others I don't think even know how to take care of the house." Usagi finally said an almost pleading tone in her voice, Melfina's pastel blue eyes softened, "Usagi we'll come and pick you up in about three hours then.I really do need a shower don't I?" Laughing she turned to Gene and bowed, she hadn't rid herself of the habit, "I'll see you too." Jim eyed Gene for a moment and sighed contentedly, "I can't wait for you to get back. Then maybe Gilliam and I could make sure you were properly taken care of." Waving a hand over his shoulder he was out the door in the blink of an eye.
"So you're going back?" Usagi said a few moments after Melfina and Jim had left, when Gene looked at her he felt the greatest sense of quiet emitting from her.
"I have a theory, that they poisoned me somehow." He said, seeming to be completely off subject, "maybe if I went to my world I could find a way to cure it." Gene's legs moved to the opposite side of the bed as Usagi moved as if to sit on the edge of the bed. He was surprised when instead she lied down and huddled closer to his body. ".I'm not going to die or anything Usagi." His voice broke through the silence, strangled.
"I know." She said quietly, even though she didn't know, tears filled her eyes again, "Gene I know I'm a crybaby, and I'm clumsy and I've caused you all this trouble.but, I still can't help hoping that you," the words never came, they were caught in the back of her throat and refused to come out. Gene held her closer, "I love you.more then ever now."
The silence grew comfortable and welcomed, Usagi shed her tears on Gene's shoulder, the fabric of the hospital gown was faded and looked as if it had been through one too many washes. Soaking up her tears like a sponge it made her stop suddenly as she thought of what Gene would be thinking. A train of thoughts in Usagi's head began to speed up, there had to be a way to save Gene Starwind. "The crystal." She exclaimed out of the blue, "Gene, the crystal, I know a way to heal you. I can just, heal you with the crystal."
"Usagi, there's no way to heal me.we have to go back to our world. Besides, do you even have the crystal?"
Usagi frowned, "You're right.but, there's got to be a way. Gene, we can't leave this world just yet, I just need the crystal. I'm sure of it, it can heal you." Gene shook his head, "Usagi, I'm dying. Don't you get it? The best I can do is go to Gilliam and see if he can heal me."
"You can't even get back without the crystal anyway Gene! We have to get it!"
"How!" He yelled suddenly, "Damn it Usagi, don't you think I've realized that, I don't want to die here on this fucked up planet! I don't want to die! But there might be a way back on my planet, there obviously isn't here. You read the charts, less then one percent have made it through this cancer, or whatever you call it." Biting his lip he sat up slowly, "I can't.lose this." He said finally, holding his head in his hands he shivered, "This is the first time." snorting he leaned against Usagi who had sat up, "I'm turning into mush as we speak." Her fingers slid over his arm and enveloped his hand, "You can't lose hope, I refuse. There's a way. There is a way, we just have to get the crystal back."
"And what happens if that fails Usagi?"
"It won't. I guarantee it." Blinking the tears from her eyes she rose up taller seemingly, "I know where they are. I remember."
Gene frowned, "Usagi, your fucking crazy, do you, you actually think you can accomplish something!?! You're a single girl against, against five of them! Your insane!" He yelled at the top of his voice, "Don't you dare go, I swear Usagi, if you go." He shook his head, attempting to elevate himself more he caused pain to explode into his senses. When he regained his breathing he stared at the white ceiling before turning to Usagi, "Don't go, please don't go Usagi."
"I have to, don't you understand Gene? It's the only way, I know how to get around in there, it won't be a problem. I'll bring Aisha and Suzuka along."
"Usagi, you'll be surrounded, they'll be able to crush you. What do you think your doing?"
"I'M DOING THE RIGHT THING!" She burst suddenly, tears had squeezed from her eyes yet again, "You can't die Gene!" Shaking she shook her head, "I won't listen to you anymore, you need this, I can't let you die because I love you!"
He remained stiff and tense, ".Your loving me won't help anything. It'll just make things worse."
"Then you stop loving me first." She walked out of the room before he could say anything more, Gene clenched his teeth, '.your not going anywhere Usagi.'
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Aisha looked out the car window and waved to Usagi, she looked troubled as she walked towards her. "Hi Usagi. How was the visit."
"It was fine." She answered, her tone clipped. Buckling her seatbelt on she stared at the seat in front of her dejectedly.
"Doesn't sound like it, what's on your mind? Gene'll make it, he always has."
"I don't know.this time is different." She whispered, Aisha tilted her head, "Gene called us while you were waiting in the lobby.just before we were about to pick you up actually."
Usagi turned, her brilliant blue eyes were wide, "What'd he say?"
"What do you think he said?" Suzuka finally interrupted, "Your not coming along. We, will go and retrieve the crystal. How does that sound?"
"Two people against five?"
"Its better than one innocent girl against five." Suzuka turned and faced Usagi, "Your looks won't get you inside Usagi.neither will your pleas, you only have your wits and training. You won't stand a chance."
She remained silent, her hair fell about her as she leaned forwards and closed her eyes in thought, 'I won't let you go and get harmed Suzuka, Aisha.your all Gene has left.there is way.to save everyone.'
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The car rolled to a stop, Aisha peered out the window, "It sure doesn't look like the place that Usagi described to us." Suzuka's eyes narrowed, her hand tightened on her bokken so hard that her knuckles turned white, "That stupid girl. Aisha, back to the house now!" The wooden shack in front of her was twenty miles from the house, giving Usagi a good start. Suzuka thought, there'd be no way the could find out where she was by now.
"Taxi, stop." The yellow and black-checkered car screeched to a stop, "Hey lady, you sure you wanna get out here? It's in the middle of nowhere. Look, I'll even take off the fee of going back home if you want?" He offered generously, he glanced back at Usagi who was already opening the door. Shaking her head she handed him the money, he didn't reach for it, "Get back in the car, are you insane? Are you tryin to run away or somethin'? I'm gonna tell the cops if you are, this is stupid. There's gotta be someone back home who's gonna miss you." Usagi sighed, dropping the cash in the car seat she ran into the nearby woods. The cabbie grimaced, "Dumb girls gonna die of hypothermia.where the hell is a phone when you need one." He grumbled.
Usagi slowed to a walk inside the woods, shivering she could feel the darkness all around her. Hiding things, the shuffling of leaves under her feet was so loud it was almost as if it echoed off of the surrendering silence. Her eyes were wide, "What if they moved their location." She whispered to herself, 'then your screwed.' She thought back to herself, moving forwards her eyes began to cling to certain landmarks.that tree, with only a single branch on its towering trunk and then that other tree. Her mind was swimming in an ocean of memories, 'Its here.' She thought suddenly. Pulling back a blonde lock of hair she swallowed, 'And if they're not here I walk straight back.' Ducking through the leafless brush she stepped into a tiny clearing where an abandoned, rusty building stood. Her forehead creased in worry, she was already so high strung from the walk in the forest. Clutching herself for some warmth and a little reassurance she edged towards the building.
Coming upon the doors she starred at its still gleaming silver surfaces. Reaching a hand out she pulled open the door.
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"Haha," Duo laughed, "Your so damn stupid." Wufei set his cards down, "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what? Don't tell me after all these years your going to try and trick me into not getting my stake of winning." Wufei glared at Duo, "No, did you hear that? The door, someone's come in."
"Nobody's in this dump. It was probably Heero going out to hunt." Duo chided sharply, "Or maybe he's going to go see his lover." His face became hard and angry. Wufei scowled, "I'm going to go check up on Heero first.then I'll pay up."
"Yeah, yeah. You better, I'm not hunting tonight, its too fucking cold." He yelled after Wufei.
Turning down the hallway his footsteps became lighter and lighter until they couldn't be heard at all. Standing in front of the entranceway Wufei stared at the entrance door, it was just slightly ajar. Walking up to it he closed it quietly, at the same time his nose caught a delicate scent. Drinking it in, he clicked his teeth against his fangs, "I don't have to worry about hunting anymore." He murmured under his breath.
Heero felt the air go out of him when he saw the fragile figure slip into the room, without another thought he flicked on the lights. She stood frozen, like a deer in the headlights, looking about wildly she reached for the doorway. He was off the bed in an instant, it must have been then that she realized she wouldn't escape because a few tears trickled down her paling face as her hands clenched harder at the doorknob. "I didn't expect you to come to us." Heero said, his voice was loud and distinct in the broken quiet of the night. Heero's eyes glanced at the Usagi's crystal necklace, which lay on the table. Grabbing it he turned back to her, "You came back for it, didn't you? That was stupid of you.well here." Throwing the precious jewel to her he picked up one of Wufei's swords that hung sheathed on the wall.
Usagi clutched the crystal to her chest, a sudden triumphant light entering her eyes, "No, that was stupid of you." A surprised light entered his eyes before he lifted the sword to bring it down slicing through Usagi, "Moon Eternal! Make Up!" She yelled, lifting the crystal's glowing form above her head. Light and color swept the room and blinded Heero. Holding an arm over his eyes he brought the sword swinging down on where he had last seen Usagi's body. He opened his eyes soon enough so that he could see the sword swing straight through the glowing body of light. He was suddenly blown backwards by a hurricane of feathers as Usagi's toes touched the ground. Magnificent wings arched up behind her as her hair turned silver and cascaded down her back. Lifting her hand the crescent moon that had hovered above her flashed into light and produced a long rod onto which her hand gripped. The soft colored blue, yellow and pink skirt clung to her hips, Heero was quick to his rise to his feet. "You just let loose the demon!" He yelled, he had seen with his own eyes the long dark shadow that had been thrown behind her back and out the door, it had escaped as easily as that.
Her lazuli colored eyes glowed with an inner wisdom, and every move she made seemed to be gracefully played out. "I will heal you to what you once were demon." Closing her eyes she parted her lips and was about to speak when the door slammed into her. Her wings turned her around in mid-fall and she landed on her back, the sharp curve of the crescent moon just touching Wufei's neck. Stepping back he hissed, "You stupid little girl." Lunging towards her he knocked aside the staff and had straddled her in an instant. Like a snake he lunged towards her neck, lifting her arm Wufei bit deep into Usagi's arm instead.
Wincing Usagi felt her arm tingle with the pain and then it subsided, blood was staining her gloved arm. The fangs retracted and he pushed her hand down, shoving her other hand down he bit this time into her neck. His eyes didn't remain black as they usually did but blazed silver as soon as the first drops of blood went down his throat. Heero sheathed the sword on the wall, watching Wufei feed. Her struggles became less and less until she lay still underneath the vampire. Her hair turned back into the rich blonde that it had been and her uniform transformed into a black sweatshirt and pair of jeans. Pulling Wufei up abruptly Heero stared at the still silver eyes, "That's enough." He said gruffly, "We need her alive."
Running his tongue over his fangs he disappeared immediately into the bathroom. Coming out with a towel he wiped his mouth clean and then bent down to rub Usagi's neck clean. Throwing the towel down he grabbed Usagi up into his arms, "There's something odd about her blood."
"I noticed." Wufei's leader mumbled, "Your eyes turned silver when you drank her blood.has it ever done that before?"
"Never before. Tell me, why aren't you letting me kill her?"
"She activated the crystal.and let the demon lose."
"The Council told us there wasn't any way to destroy the thing without destroying Usagi..we still have to kill her."
"You need to do more research before you tell me information again. It could be anywhere now, who knows how fast it travels, the only thing we do know is that it can break off its connection with Usagi if she's dying and take up a new connection with any human nearby.We have to wait for it to come to us, where there's no people.then we kill Usagi."
"What about us, couldn't it come into us?"
"I'm sure Trowa can think up a spell to protect us during the meanwhile."
"What do you want me to do with her body in the meanwhile then?"
"Just dump her outside somewhere near the woods, we'll call the local police, they can find her outside.Duo should stay outside to make sure that the demon doesn't re-enter Usagi's body without our knowing it." Sighing heavily he shook his head, "This gets more and more complicated each time we meet her.the demon will have to kill Usagi itself when it realizes we're not going to do it anytime soon so it can free itself from its old connection with Usagi.that means that we have to keep a closer watch on her than ever before."
Wufei nodded his head, "I'll go tell Duo.and the others about this."
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"We were told to pick up a friend of ours found in the woods, her name is Usagi Tsukino."
"So you guys finally came. She might have caught a cold but otherwise she'll be fine." Melfina breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you for taking care of her." The man nodded his head, "Hey Joe, bring her on up." The police officer named Joe helped a blanketed Usagi onto her feet and to her friends. Usagi mumbled a thank you as she leaned on Melfina for support. "Are you alright?" Melfina asked quietly on the way to the car, Usagi couldn't even nod her head she was so tired.
"Well," Jim continued, he had insisted on going with Usagi, "Gene came home today. The doctors allowed it.we just have to be careful of his wounds." At these words Usagi gained some energy to respond, "I got the crystal." Melfina stopped in her surprise, her black hair lifted with the breeze caressing it as it passed by. Shivering she helped Usagi into the car, "If that's true then we don't need to worry anymore." Waiting a moment for a response she sighed fitfully, "Thank you Usagi. You saved him."
As the car sped away a lone figure stood in the dim lighting of the Police Station, a soft hissing sound was issuing from it. The shadows around the thing had thickened to hide the creature from prying eyes. 'Tick tock, tick tock times running out.'
Suzuka stiffened when the door was opened slowly, Gene looked up also, the tension in his eyes radiated through the room. Aisha's ears lifted slightly, Melfina and Jim entered with Usagi slumped on her shoulder. "Don't worry," Melfina said quickly, "She's only tired. I only found a few injuries on her." Usagi crawled slowly onto the bed and collapsed into Gene's lap. His breath came out easily, "Thank god she's okay. I thought for sure, when Suzuka told me what had happened that she would be killed."
Melfina nodded her head, her hands were folded in front of her, "She's just exhausted. It seems that she's lost a lot of blood from the analysis that Gilliam gave us on her."
"Oh yeah.I forgot that that little mobile suit of Gilliam was running around." Turning her head to the side the two puncture wounds to her neck had turned an irritated red where the scabs had formed. Turning suddenly Usagi sighed in her sleep, blowing back a red bang of hair Gene leaned back against the headboard, "Thanks Mel and Jim for going to go and pick her up.and you guys too, Suzuka and Aisha for trying to deal with the problem for me.it was nice for a change." Suzuka's eyes narrowed, "It was because we had the wisdom to not stay a target after the first shot." She spat out bitterly. Picking up the bokken that had been resting in her lap she lifted her head and swept out of the room. Aisha laughed, "I'm glad both of you are fine. We've had so much worrying over the past few days." Jim nodded his head at the comment, "I can't believe all this has happened in the space of a few days." shaking his head, he met eyes with Gene, "Gene, you know we should head back to the Outlaw Star someday soon. I talked with Gilliam and he said that the ship couldn't stand idle, unnoticed for more than a few days and it has been a few days, you know, so you should think about it." His brows knit together, "Look Gene, I know you and Usagi, got something going," pushing his two fingers together Jim shuffled his feet, "But, its not possible if you think about it."
Letting his hand tussle the silken hair he nodded his head, "For once.I can tell you truthfully that I already thought of that, I kept thinking we could go back and forth but.that would never happen, could never happen." Closing his eyes he wet his lips, "It won't be long though Jim, so don't worry about it."
Jim nodded his head slowly, "I'm sorry Gene.I just had to bring it up, to make sure that you knew, too." Gene nodded his head, "I do. But not until we're sure she's safe will we leave her side." Gene's longstanding friend grinned at the words, "Of course."
When Jim, Aisha and Melfina had left the room he stared at the prone Usagi. "So this is really it anyway." His eyelids drooped lower, his body was heavy with the grief of the knowledge, "So many times I thought that we could make it. I knew we could make it, but I guess we were both wrong then. There is no hope."
Opening her bellflower blue eyes she pressed herself closer to the warm body, 'mmm, warm.' She thought, moving her arms from underneath the pillow she stretched her sore limbs. Feeling the side of her neck where she had been bitten she was happy to find that there were no swollen masses from the bite, nor was there any sign of being bitten on her arm. Her fingers ran over the smooth facets of the crystal, uttering a sound of relief she lay back down. "You awake?" Nodding her head she hooked her arm around Gene's' "Yeah.I guess you heard that I got the crystal."
"Yes. You might have gotten killed but no, do you listen to any of your friends who are wiser and older and stronger? No, you go anyway, giving Suzuka and Aisha the wrong directions so that they wouldn't find out where the Demon Hunters really were camped out." Shaking his head he met eyes with Usagi, he stared at them, in them and remarked at their delicate blue color. Blinking she released Gene from her hold and held up the crystal, "Take off your shirt. I need to heal you now." The loose t-shirt slid off his shoulders and onto the ground, Usagi held a hand above her other hand which was holding the crystal and began to pray. The Imperium silver crystal began to glow and now hovered in-between Usagi's hands, slowly her hands moved forwards until they were just above Gene's stomach.
The pleasing warmth that emitted from her hands swelled throughout his body like an ocean wave. Soothing him inside and out, he could almost feel the warmth burning through the disease. Opening her eyes the princess found herself staring into an affectionate pair of brown eyes. Giggling she fell against him in a hug, "Feel any better?"
"Slightly." Usagi pulled away abruptly, "You're supposed to feel a hundred percent better."
"Well," he began slowly, "see, this pain is inside here." Patting where his heart was he smiled a small smile, "Because I know this can't last." All the features in Usagi's face grew heavy and pained, running her hands over her face Usagi shook her head, "I can go to your world and stay there." "Would you seriously be willing to make the commitment Usagi? The rest of your entire life in my world? Where nothing would be familiar? You know we can't switch off, and I can't stay in this world, I've got a ship to take care of."
"I can go to your world. I wouldn't mind."
Gene shook his head, "Your so immature Usagi."
"I'm immature!" She blurted out in shock, laughing her eyes flamed into life, "Gene, your more immature than me."
"Am not." He retorted sorely, slipping from under the sheets he shoved her back down into the bed, "I'm at least responsible enough to own a ship."
"I was responsible enough to be a future Queen."
"Was responsible." Going through his suitcase in the corner of the room he pulled out his usual uniform. "But seriously Usagi, you can't come and stay with me forever.even though it would be great if you could."
"Have faith in me. At least give me the chance of going to your world and trying it out for awhile longer.the few days that I spent there wasn't exactly quality sightseeing." Lying down on the bed she stared up at the ceiling, her hands folded underneath her head, "Imagine Gene, I'd see all these new species for the first time. Go around the galaxy," sighing she smiled, "We'd be able to do things for ages."
"Until you find out you need money to run the ship, buy the food, buy your weapons." Shaking his head Gene pulled Usagi half off of the bed and held her up by keeping his hands locked in hers. She was unalarmed at the sudden change in position, Gene continued, "And I have to buy everything else that we need, accessories for you, clothes.if we had a baby we'd have to buy it things."
Usagi's eyes grew somber, "A baby.already that serious? We haven't even gotten married.oh, you'd have to pay for that too wouldn't you?"
Gene nodded his head, "Jeesh, you really are stupid." Letting her hands go he let her collapse onto the floor, "There's got to be some way you can pay for it all though Gene, millions of people must be able to do it in your world."
"Millions of people who don't have ships to take care of. Gilliam's my own baby anyways." Pulling on his gloves he picked up his caster from where it lay on the bedside table, "Do you know how much money just docking the ship costs? Shit, it costs a lot." He mumbled, shaking his head he glanced out the window as a quickly passing shadow caught his eye. Frowning he checked outside the window, it couldn't have been a cloud, Gene thought. Unbuckling his caster from his belt he casually walked towards Usagi, "Hey, lets go downstairs where everyone else is."
"Alright then." She mumbled, hurriedly putting her hair up she rushed to the door where Gene stood waiting, "What's the sudden rush?"
"I dunno, just that I'm hungry." Heading downstairs he found Aisha, Suzuka and Melfina in the kitchen. Usagi waved to Jim who was at the couch, "What are you watching?"
"Cartoons." Jim responded, Usagi laughed, "Cartoons? I thought you were too old for them."
"I'm just seeing how your cartoons are different from ours back home." Jim responded quickly, you could hear the impatience in his voice. Aisha rolled her eyes, "I think what he's watching is stupid.its something called Ooney Unes, Oone Yunes.oh, something that went like Looney tins." Frowning she began to dry the dishes in front of her with a new, irate energy. Suzuka sighed, "How are you feeling Gene? Was Usagi able to heal you?"
"Never felt better." Planting a kiss on Usagi's cheek he leaned against the counter, "What's for breakfast?"
"I was thinking of making eggs and pancakes." Melfina responded as she grabbed for the flour, Usagi reached into a drawer and brought out the instant pancake mix, "Why don't you just use the instant, it's a lot easier. I could help you make it."
Shaking her head Melfina smiled, "No, I'd rather make them myself.you and Gene should relax."
"But Melfina, I want to help. You're supposed to be the guest here. Besides Gene can wait."
"Depends on what you mean by wait." He shot back, scratching his arm he held his head up by his arm. "C'mon Usagi, Mel offered to cook why don't we just go outside to the lake or something?"
"Because I'm hospitable." She griped back, grabbing an apron for herself she was surprised when Melfina suddenly snatched it from her. "Usagi, you really should spend time with Gene. I can do this myself. Besides you can do it your way when we get back to my planet." Laughing she shook her head, "Then you can work while I protest. How about that?" Her pigtails swept to the side as she tilted her head in thought, "I suppose so. If you really don't mind." Melfina shook her head, "Not at all. Besides I get to watch the cartoons." Everyone laughed at that.
Gene led the way down to the lake, crumpling into a heap on the bank he took a deep breath. "The air is so clean here." Usagi waded in, "Come in, its really cold but its fun." She watched the minnows dash in silver clouds around her and Gene's legs. "Gene, watch this." She whispered, reaching up to clutch her crystal with one hand she grabbed Gene's hand in hers. The world turned into soft watercolors with silver and turquoise nearly everywhere. Balls of lights swirled up from the water whenever they moved, when Usagi let go of the crystal she turned to Gene. "What do you think?"
"What was that?" He gasped out, Usagi laughed, "It was only the living spirit of everything around us.beautiful isn't it? I think so." She said softly. Dipping her hand into the water she sighed, "I want to be one of those little balls of lights."
Gene snorted, "Why?" She shrugged her shoulders, "Because then everything would be simple and beautiful. I wouldn't be noticed, but I'd be happy, happy as anything."
Minutes passed before they headed back towards the house. Usagi held her pants up upon entering, "I gotta change before I eat." She called as she rushed up the stairs. Gene followed her slowly. Entering her room he watched as she pulled herself out of one pair of jeans and into another. "That was a fast change."
"I'm hungry, that's why." Stopping at the doorway, next to Gene, she glanced up at his face.
It must have been instinct because the split second Gene heard the tinkling of glass he fired his caster at the patio window and shoved Usagi down the stairs. "Go!" he yelled. The explosion shook the house, taking out a handgun he sprinted down the stairway. "Suzuka, behind you!" He heard Usagi call, there was the distinct sound of something smacking against the wall. Turning the last corner of the stairway he came upon a scene of havoc. Aisha was face to face with a creature made completely of shadow, Suzuka sliced through shadow creature after shadow creature seeming to have as much success as a wave does against the beach. Firing his caster and rifle he was soon in the middle of the fray, shooting at everything and everywhere. At some point he lifted his head and caught sight of Usagi, she had transformed and bore the full regalia of Eternal Sailor Moon.
Her wings were outspread behind her as she met attack after attack annihilating each on-comer. All at once she lifted the silver staff above her, "Eternal moon, give us light!" She cried. Light shot out of the crescent moon at once, her silver hair flew back from the sudden outburst of energy. The shadow monsters slammed against the walls and disappeared, Suzuka looked shocked. Staring at Usagi momentarily she suddenly called out, "Usagi, behind you!"
Lowering her blinding staff Usagi twirled it in her hand and brought it crashing down on the slinking creature behind her. The light from the crescent moon stopped instantaneously, the lump of black shadow rose, bubbling and seemingly struggling against itself from the blow. Melfina and Jim who had been back to back fighting off the shadow creatures suddenly found themselves stuck to the wall. Pieces of the black creature had shot out and threw the five protectors of Usagi down on the ground or wall. Gene nearly screamed in frustration, thrashing about he still couldn't succeed in freeing himself from the gooey liquid. Usagi was by his side instantly, a frown on her lips, "Gene, stop struggling, cover my back while I set you free." Setting the razor-sharp crescent moon to work at slicing through the gooey liquid she could feel the dark presence behind her grow and grow at an awesome rate.
Just when she had sliced through the last strand of the gooey liquid a hiss of air told her to duck. At the top of the stairs stood a grinning werewolf, with bow and arrows in his hands, "Well, well, well. Look who's in trouble. And it so happens that gallant little me happens to be here." The demon did a ear-straining howl, "You damn Hunters think your so smart, you can't destroy me, look, here I am, living proof of that."
Rising up to its full height it took on the shape of a man, "I am the darkness which cannot be destroyed." A silver blade went slicing straight through him, the demon just laughed, peeling away from itself like an orange peel it fell to the floor in a quivering mass where it began to re-adjoin itself. Wufei bared his fangs in anger, "Damn it." Hacking away at the thing like there was no tomorrow he used a hundred different moves on him in a blink of an eye. Flecks of black liquid hit his cheek and covered his legs, halting suddenly he winced as the creature began to ooze up around his legs temporarily paralyzing him.
"Silver Crystal, give me the strength." Pointing the crescent ended staff at the creature she sent a beam of energy shooting out. Smacking into the demon it squealed in protest, splitting under the concentration of the light it fell from Wufei's legs. Smirking triumphantly she put both hands on her staff, "I'm going to send you back to where you belong."
Gene looked all around him, where had Duo and the three others disappeared? It couldn't have just been Wufei and Duo. A growing sense of alarm gripped him, what if the Hunters were just feigning that the shadow creature was an enemy and were just waiting to wear them down. "Usagi, free the others first! That thing can wait." Gene yelled, a cautionary air about him. She nodded her head. Standing just in back of her as she bent over to begin to free Melfina and Jim he stared at the open patio door. He didn't have another second to think when a dark mass hit him straight in the chest. Slamming him to the ground. His sense of smell, sight and hearing were lost as his face was completely covered by the demon. Yelling in panic and anger he pulled at the thing, only managing to pull out chunks of the creature. Light seared at his eyes, Usagi appeared in the midst of that light. Bending over she helped Gene up, "Hurry, its split itself into many creatures again.
Both swerved around when Trowa and Quatre unexpectedly entered the room. Both were chanting words over and over again. Usagi's wrists began to glow, Gene looked down at his, they were glowing too. Everyone's were, blue bracelets covered both of their wrists, Gene was about to pull it off when another blob of shadow came at him. This time he had his caster ready, firing straight at the thing it split and continued its flight towards Gene. Catching it on his hands it oozed over his fingers and began its way up his arms. Quatre nodded in content, turning to Trowa he pulled a sword from his side, "Looks like we're only waiting on Heero now. The demon can't enter anybody's body now even if it is trying to break its connection with Usagi." A hiss of air for some reason made Gene look straight towards Usagi. An arrow seemed to have grown from her chest. He would never be able to tell if it was Usagi, Melfina or himself who screamed then.
A second one pierced her in the heart and made her topple to the ground, Gene ran towards her. Not caring for a single moment about anything else in the world. The dying screams of the demon echoed in his mind and vibrated throughout his body. Falling to his knees his hands fumbled for a grip against the arrow's slim body, breaking the feathered section of each arrow he pulled them out. Holding her head to his neck he didn't dare look into her eyes again, that filmy look in the eyes was enough. Trembling the tears flooded from his eyes, 'Oh god no.' he thought over and over again.
Agony was squeezing his heart so hard in its fist that he was sure he would die if it squeezed any harder. Suzuka stared for a long moment at the two before her bokken slipped to the floor, she grabbed Aisha for support, "How." She began. Melfina's eyes, which had been fastened to Gene and Usagi lifted to the figure standing at the top of the stairs. "Gene!" she cried. He lifted his head so slowly.his eyes widened when they met with the slate blue eyes that stared back at him. Heero, stood at the top of the stairs, the bow still in his hands. Heero's brows came together, but it wasn't the same, his face was sagging with the weight of his crime his. He looked as if he'd murdered a comrade, his hands twitched. Throwing the bow down onto the ground he receded back into the shadow of the staircase. Dark was falling over the little house.
Melfina covered her face with her hands and began to sob, Jim stood in the middle of the living room staring at Usagi's wilted figure. Gene held her so close to him, so close.it took forever before his back began to rise and fall with the normal breaths of any healthy person. The imperium silver crystal that hung at Usagi's neck had shattered and lay in fragments around her. They twinkled for a moment before disappearing into thin air, as the weight in Gene's arms grew lesser and lesser he looked down to find her body fading. His hands tightened on the disappearing flesh, "I still love you." He whispered, a sob jerked his chest, "Even more now."
-Don't tell me, I know, if you think this chapters awful its okay, I already FULLY know that. A suggestion would help if you think its so bad, anyway I was desperate to get this story finished. Sorry. Toodles-Qt~chan
P.S. Epilogue?
Chapter 7 "Make sure to take Gene's utility belt off, we don't want anyone to start questioning us." Melfina gently began to pull the belt off, "I think that maybe just Jim, Usagi and me should go in." Aisha frowned but gave her consent, Suzuka swerved to the left and entered the parking lot. Usagi tensed, "How are we going to get him in there without jarring him?" Suzuka screeched the car to a halt, "Quick get him out and call to those men over there."
Melfina felt her stomach churn when she helped Usagi drag Gene out of the car, his blood had run straight through her clothes and she could feel it against her skin, warm and just slightly sticky. Jim watched as several men gently laid Gene out onto the stretcher and sped him towards the emergency wing of the building. When they entered the building just behind the EMS team everything seemed to be chaotic. A nurse ran up to the stretcher and began asking questions calling for this and that and Doctor Bernardo and Doctor Thannen. The noise seemed to grow to a deafening roar in Usagi's ears, she watched as the men wheeled Gene's body into a room with no windows. She was about to enter when a man pushed her back and said something about not being allowed in before closing the door.
Bending forwards and hugging herself she shivered her stomach hadn't stopped churning since she had dragged Gene from the car. Her bloodied skirt clung to her legs and the blood that covered Usagi's hands was turning brown now. Melfina caught Usagi just as she sunk to the ground in a dead faint. Jim's fists shook with their fury, 'This isn't happening, Gene can't die, Gene can't be dead!' Repeating those words over and over again he stared at the back of the seat. Melfina frowned, "Suzuka, are you sure it's such a good idea to just take Jim back with you? Maybe Usagi should go with you."
"No, you two should stay here to take care of any business that may come up with Gene, we'll tend to Jim.seeing as he's in shock." Shaking her head she inserted the key into the ignition, "We'll come around tomorrow morning alright? I just want to get Jim back to the house so he can get some rest." Melfina ran her hand through Jim's hair and cupped his cheek, "Everything'll be alright Jim. I promise, Gene, Gene won't die. I promise." She said, her small voice struck a cord in Jim, abruptly he broke into tears and threw himself at Melfina.
"Melfina, he's going to die isn't he?" He sobbed into her chest, Melfina held Jim close and so closely resembled a concerned mother in that moment that it made Aisha and Suzuka's eyes soften. "Jim, Gene wouldn't have it any other way.He'll come back, and things will work out." Smiling tenderly she gently pushed Jim back into the seat, "Now mind what Suzuka and Aisha say.Oh Jim," reaching in she gave him another hug, "I'll miss you tonight."
Jim wiped a tear away feeling foolish at his breakdown, Melfina closed the door behind her as she ran back inside the building.
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"I'm sorry he's in intensive care right now, he can't receive any visitors." Melfina tried to peek behind the large women with no success, groaning she took a seat next to Usagi. The blonde's blue eyes turned to Melfina, "Mel, do you really think Gene'll make it through this?" Melfina shrugged her shoulders, "Well, the injuries I don't think were serious so, the only thing we have to worry about is how much blood Gene lost." At the words Usagi glanced at her hands, "I think he'll live." She said more to herself then Melfina.
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Duo's slack face and clenched hands told his story, remaining in a standing position he glared at Heero, "You sick, stupid, messed up piece of fuck! What the hell were you thinking! I had the best fucking shot and then your piece of shit head got in the way, now look at us, licking our wounds because of Suzuka and Aisha!"
Wufei hissed when he removed the cloth from his injured arm, "I wouldn't mind an explanation either." Quatre, who had been at the sink, sighed heavily, wetting a cloth he ran it over his dusty face, "Three arrows and he was still standing.Did you mean to hit him on purpose all three times Duo?"
Duo's mouth opened in a growl, before turning his attention back to their leader. Heero stared out the tiny window the four had in their room, contemplating the kiss that Usagi and him had shared.
"WELL HEERO? WHAT THE HELL IS KEEPING YOU?" Duo yelled, slamming the bow down onto the table in his fury he ignored the thunderous crack of the wood and glared venomously at Heero. Heero turned calmly, "Gene is injured now. It's the prime time to go after her."
"Go after her! AFTER HER! You idiot! Does it look like we're all in shape to go after her right now? All I can do is limp around and Wufei can't even swing his sword much less punch someone Heero! How the hell can we go after her?"
Heero's eyes narrowed, "I'll go by myself if it's so much trouble." Quatre closed the door behind him decisively, "No. Frankly I don't trust you. You might send her off to some place where we'll never find her again." Trowa nodded, "We need to go as a group. Those arrows were dipped in arrowswood poison.solves one of our problems." Duo nodded his head, "Yea.she still has Suzuka and Aisha to protect her though, but there'll be five of us against them." Limping to his bed he glared at Heero angrily, "This is all your fault." Heero turned his gaze back out the window, Duo could go ahead and be angry with him, it didn't matter anymore. Nothing mattered much anymore.
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Jim slowly made his way down the hallway to Usagi's room, opening the door quietly he tiptoed in. Leaning over the curled form in the sheets he shook her, "Usagi," he whispered, "Usagi, wake up." Shaking her harder he sighed, "USAGI!" He finally yelled. "What?" She yelped, sitting upright she rubbed her eyes, "What is it? What's going on?" Her eyes swept the room, "I'm back home.was it, was it all a dream? Jim," Jim cut her off, "No. Melfina's still over at the hospital, she thought you should go and get cleaned up.Aisha bathed you.they think that Gene's going to make it." He finally said.
Taking a deep breath her lips eased into a small smile, "I knew it, Gene couldn't just die from a few arrows." Jim nodded his head, "Yeah, that's right, he can't just die from a few arrows." He said, his voice catching at the words. Wiping his sleeve across his eyes he sniffed, "I was so scared Usagi." Enveloping Jim in her arms she held him tightly, "He's safe.he's better. Don't worry." A few moments passed before she finally released Jim, sighing she brushed the hair away from her face, "I think.I think we better go visit Gene today. Maybe they'll let us see him today."
"Well, you have been sleeping for awhile, two days have passed since we sent Gene to the hospital you know. I never knew you could sleep so much." Usagi blushed, "Yeah.bad tendency of mine. I'll drive us there."
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Melfina rubbed her sleepy eyes and smiled when she saw Usagi and Jim approach her, "So you finally decided to come." She said happily, "Gene's been waiting for you two." Melfina could hardly believe that the tired, bloodied and grief-stricken girl she had seen two days before was standing before her with renewed strength and spirit. Her eyes caught the figure of a nurse and doctor as they entered Gene's room at nearly the same moment. Biting her lip she suddenly grabbed Jim's hand, "Jim, maybe you should go buy Gene some, some flowers. He said he wanted some last time I went in." Jim frowned, "What a softie, are you serious?" Melfina nodded her head quickly, "There's a gift shop on the first floor I think, maybe they'll have some flowers."
"Well, why don't you help me pick out a bouquet then. Usagi can go and catch up with Gene in the meanwhile." Melfina voiced before a second opinion could be added, Usagi shrugged. "Whatever's fine with you guys." Melfina was quick to grab Jim's shoulder, "Yeah, we'll be going, bye." Waving a farewell to Usagi she hurried Jim down the stairway.
Usagi watched the two go with confusion, 'I wonder what that was about.Gene can't really want flowers.should I give him flowers?' Wincing at the thought she glanced at her empty hands. A few feet from the doorway she could see that a nurse and doctor were in the room. "These, attacks, how long have they been happening?" She heard the doctor say clearly, continuing towards the door with a slower step she could feel her muscles tense.
"Awhile now." Usagi had entered the room, the nurse and doctor didn't even bother to see who was at the door. "Now, you said that your stomach and chest had pains?" Gene's tongue failed him when he saw Usagi, "Can I talk to you later about this?" he finally said. The doctor turned and met eyes with Usagi before turning back to Gene, "Well, Mr. Starwind, this may be very serious. I think it's more important to tell you whether or not you might have contracted some sort of," the doctor paused, "cancer. The pains that you've described match exactly with a profile we have on something called lung cancer. Now, we'll have to run some tests to make sure. Its not a sure thing at all, we just have some blood samples and the symptoms that you've described now. Would you like to run these tests, they'll cost some money though, and I must warn you that you might not have the cancer at all.I'll meet with you later in the afternoon to discuss it with you if that helps at all." Grimacing at the paper in his hands the grim doctor handed it to the nurse and whispered something in her ear, nodding at Gene he and the nurse left the room.
The injured pilot shifted uneasily when he finally met eyes with Usagi. She carefully picked up the clipboard that the nurse had set on the bed. She couldn't read the words on the sheet because her eyes were so blurred with tears, "Gene, oh Gene.what're we going to do?" She burst out unexpectedly, "What am I going to say to Jim, what are you going to say?" Bursting into tears she set the clipboard down and grabbed Gene's hands.
"What's going on?" Melfina was carrying a large bouquet of red, long- stemmed roses, freezing in the doorway she chewed at her lip anxiously. Gene just grinned, "Nothing Jim, Usagi just got a little overemotional." Squeezing Usagi's hand he looked at her earnestly, Usagi sniffed loudly and wiped her eyes, nodding her head vigorously she suddenly grabbed the roses from Melfina, "Look Gene, look at what Mel and Jim got you." She said, her eyes were still streaming and her hands trembled when she handed the roses to Gene. The red flower buds blurred together until they seemed to flame a crimson red.
Sniffing loudly she couldn't even speak, "I'm, going to the bathroom." She finally blurted out. Jim's forehead was creased in worry, "I didn't think she'd cry when she saw your ugly face Gene." He grinned sarcastically, Gene could only smile, somehow it hurt just to think of leaving Jim.and Usagi, everyone. "Mel.lets go back home." Melfina frowned, "You mean home, home?" Gene laughed, "Yeah, home, home. The one where we left the Outlaw Star."
"Yes of course.we are going to bring Usagi along aren't we?"
"Of course we are.I wouldn't have it any other way." Just then Usagi entered the room, her eyes were slightly swollen but other then that she looked as if she had never even shed a tear. They stayed for maybe an hour or so, however long it was, it didn't seem to be enough. "Mel, you really should get some sleep.The others I don't think even know how to take care of the house." Usagi finally said an almost pleading tone in her voice, Melfina's pastel blue eyes softened, "Usagi we'll come and pick you up in about three hours then.I really do need a shower don't I?" Laughing she turned to Gene and bowed, she hadn't rid herself of the habit, "I'll see you too." Jim eyed Gene for a moment and sighed contentedly, "I can't wait for you to get back. Then maybe Gilliam and I could make sure you were properly taken care of." Waving a hand over his shoulder he was out the door in the blink of an eye.
"So you're going back?" Usagi said a few moments after Melfina and Jim had left, when Gene looked at her he felt the greatest sense of quiet emitting from her.
"I have a theory, that they poisoned me somehow." He said, seeming to be completely off subject, "maybe if I went to my world I could find a way to cure it." Gene's legs moved to the opposite side of the bed as Usagi moved as if to sit on the edge of the bed. He was surprised when instead she lied down and huddled closer to his body. ".I'm not going to die or anything Usagi." His voice broke through the silence, strangled.
"I know." She said quietly, even though she didn't know, tears filled her eyes again, "Gene I know I'm a crybaby, and I'm clumsy and I've caused you all this trouble.but, I still can't help hoping that you," the words never came, they were caught in the back of her throat and refused to come out. Gene held her closer, "I love you.more then ever now."
The silence grew comfortable and welcomed, Usagi shed her tears on Gene's shoulder, the fabric of the hospital gown was faded and looked as if it had been through one too many washes. Soaking up her tears like a sponge it made her stop suddenly as she thought of what Gene would be thinking. A train of thoughts in Usagi's head began to speed up, there had to be a way to save Gene Starwind. "The crystal." She exclaimed out of the blue, "Gene, the crystal, I know a way to heal you. I can just, heal you with the crystal."
"Usagi, there's no way to heal me.we have to go back to our world. Besides, do you even have the crystal?"
Usagi frowned, "You're right.but, there's got to be a way. Gene, we can't leave this world just yet, I just need the crystal. I'm sure of it, it can heal you." Gene shook his head, "Usagi, I'm dying. Don't you get it? The best I can do is go to Gilliam and see if he can heal me."
"You can't even get back without the crystal anyway Gene! We have to get it!"
"How!" He yelled suddenly, "Damn it Usagi, don't you think I've realized that, I don't want to die here on this fucked up planet! I don't want to die! But there might be a way back on my planet, there obviously isn't here. You read the charts, less then one percent have made it through this cancer, or whatever you call it." Biting his lip he sat up slowly, "I can't.lose this." He said finally, holding his head in his hands he shivered, "This is the first time." snorting he leaned against Usagi who had sat up, "I'm turning into mush as we speak." Her fingers slid over his arm and enveloped his hand, "You can't lose hope, I refuse. There's a way. There is a way, we just have to get the crystal back."
"And what happens if that fails Usagi?"
"It won't. I guarantee it." Blinking the tears from her eyes she rose up taller seemingly, "I know where they are. I remember."
Gene frowned, "Usagi, your fucking crazy, do you, you actually think you can accomplish something!?! You're a single girl against, against five of them! Your insane!" He yelled at the top of his voice, "Don't you dare go, I swear Usagi, if you go." He shook his head, attempting to elevate himself more he caused pain to explode into his senses. When he regained his breathing he stared at the white ceiling before turning to Usagi, "Don't go, please don't go Usagi."
"I have to, don't you understand Gene? It's the only way, I know how to get around in there, it won't be a problem. I'll bring Aisha and Suzuka along."
"Usagi, you'll be surrounded, they'll be able to crush you. What do you think your doing?"
"I'M DOING THE RIGHT THING!" She burst suddenly, tears had squeezed from her eyes yet again, "You can't die Gene!" Shaking she shook her head, "I won't listen to you anymore, you need this, I can't let you die because I love you!"
He remained stiff and tense, ".Your loving me won't help anything. It'll just make things worse."
"Then you stop loving me first." She walked out of the room before he could say anything more, Gene clenched his teeth, '.your not going anywhere Usagi.'
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Aisha looked out the car window and waved to Usagi, she looked troubled as she walked towards her. "Hi Usagi. How was the visit."
"It was fine." She answered, her tone clipped. Buckling her seatbelt on she stared at the seat in front of her dejectedly.
"Doesn't sound like it, what's on your mind? Gene'll make it, he always has."
"I don't know.this time is different." She whispered, Aisha tilted her head, "Gene called us while you were waiting in the lobby.just before we were about to pick you up actually."
Usagi turned, her brilliant blue eyes were wide, "What'd he say?"
"What do you think he said?" Suzuka finally interrupted, "Your not coming along. We, will go and retrieve the crystal. How does that sound?"
"Two people against five?"
"Its better than one innocent girl against five." Suzuka turned and faced Usagi, "Your looks won't get you inside Usagi.neither will your pleas, you only have your wits and training. You won't stand a chance."
She remained silent, her hair fell about her as she leaned forwards and closed her eyes in thought, 'I won't let you go and get harmed Suzuka, Aisha.your all Gene has left.there is way.to save everyone.'
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The car rolled to a stop, Aisha peered out the window, "It sure doesn't look like the place that Usagi described to us." Suzuka's eyes narrowed, her hand tightened on her bokken so hard that her knuckles turned white, "That stupid girl. Aisha, back to the house now!" The wooden shack in front of her was twenty miles from the house, giving Usagi a good start. Suzuka thought, there'd be no way the could find out where she was by now.
"Taxi, stop." The yellow and black-checkered car screeched to a stop, "Hey lady, you sure you wanna get out here? It's in the middle of nowhere. Look, I'll even take off the fee of going back home if you want?" He offered generously, he glanced back at Usagi who was already opening the door. Shaking her head she handed him the money, he didn't reach for it, "Get back in the car, are you insane? Are you tryin to run away or somethin'? I'm gonna tell the cops if you are, this is stupid. There's gotta be someone back home who's gonna miss you." Usagi sighed, dropping the cash in the car seat she ran into the nearby woods. The cabbie grimaced, "Dumb girls gonna die of hypothermia.where the hell is a phone when you need one." He grumbled.
Usagi slowed to a walk inside the woods, shivering she could feel the darkness all around her. Hiding things, the shuffling of leaves under her feet was so loud it was almost as if it echoed off of the surrendering silence. Her eyes were wide, "What if they moved their location." She whispered to herself, 'then your screwed.' She thought back to herself, moving forwards her eyes began to cling to certain landmarks.that tree, with only a single branch on its towering trunk and then that other tree. Her mind was swimming in an ocean of memories, 'Its here.' She thought suddenly. Pulling back a blonde lock of hair she swallowed, 'And if they're not here I walk straight back.' Ducking through the leafless brush she stepped into a tiny clearing where an abandoned, rusty building stood. Her forehead creased in worry, she was already so high strung from the walk in the forest. Clutching herself for some warmth and a little reassurance she edged towards the building.
Coming upon the doors she starred at its still gleaming silver surfaces. Reaching a hand out she pulled open the door.
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"Haha," Duo laughed, "Your so damn stupid." Wufei set his cards down, "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what? Don't tell me after all these years your going to try and trick me into not getting my stake of winning." Wufei glared at Duo, "No, did you hear that? The door, someone's come in."
"Nobody's in this dump. It was probably Heero going out to hunt." Duo chided sharply, "Or maybe he's going to go see his lover." His face became hard and angry. Wufei scowled, "I'm going to go check up on Heero first.then I'll pay up."
"Yeah, yeah. You better, I'm not hunting tonight, its too fucking cold." He yelled after Wufei.
Turning down the hallway his footsteps became lighter and lighter until they couldn't be heard at all. Standing in front of the entranceway Wufei stared at the entrance door, it was just slightly ajar. Walking up to it he closed it quietly, at the same time his nose caught a delicate scent. Drinking it in, he clicked his teeth against his fangs, "I don't have to worry about hunting anymore." He murmured under his breath.
Heero felt the air go out of him when he saw the fragile figure slip into the room, without another thought he flicked on the lights. She stood frozen, like a deer in the headlights, looking about wildly she reached for the doorway. He was off the bed in an instant, it must have been then that she realized she wouldn't escape because a few tears trickled down her paling face as her hands clenched harder at the doorknob. "I didn't expect you to come to us." Heero said, his voice was loud and distinct in the broken quiet of the night. Heero's eyes glanced at the Usagi's crystal necklace, which lay on the table. Grabbing it he turned back to her, "You came back for it, didn't you? That was stupid of you.well here." Throwing the precious jewel to her he picked up one of Wufei's swords that hung sheathed on the wall.
Usagi clutched the crystal to her chest, a sudden triumphant light entering her eyes, "No, that was stupid of you." A surprised light entered his eyes before he lifted the sword to bring it down slicing through Usagi, "Moon Eternal! Make Up!" She yelled, lifting the crystal's glowing form above her head. Light and color swept the room and blinded Heero. Holding an arm over his eyes he brought the sword swinging down on where he had last seen Usagi's body. He opened his eyes soon enough so that he could see the sword swing straight through the glowing body of light. He was suddenly blown backwards by a hurricane of feathers as Usagi's toes touched the ground. Magnificent wings arched up behind her as her hair turned silver and cascaded down her back. Lifting her hand the crescent moon that had hovered above her flashed into light and produced a long rod onto which her hand gripped. The soft colored blue, yellow and pink skirt clung to her hips, Heero was quick to his rise to his feet. "You just let loose the demon!" He yelled, he had seen with his own eyes the long dark shadow that had been thrown behind her back and out the door, it had escaped as easily as that.
Her lazuli colored eyes glowed with an inner wisdom, and every move she made seemed to be gracefully played out. "I will heal you to what you once were demon." Closing her eyes she parted her lips and was about to speak when the door slammed into her. Her wings turned her around in mid-fall and she landed on her back, the sharp curve of the crescent moon just touching Wufei's neck. Stepping back he hissed, "You stupid little girl." Lunging towards her he knocked aside the staff and had straddled her in an instant. Like a snake he lunged towards her neck, lifting her arm Wufei bit deep into Usagi's arm instead.
Wincing Usagi felt her arm tingle with the pain and then it subsided, blood was staining her gloved arm. The fangs retracted and he pushed her hand down, shoving her other hand down he bit this time into her neck. His eyes didn't remain black as they usually did but blazed silver as soon as the first drops of blood went down his throat. Heero sheathed the sword on the wall, watching Wufei feed. Her struggles became less and less until she lay still underneath the vampire. Her hair turned back into the rich blonde that it had been and her uniform transformed into a black sweatshirt and pair of jeans. Pulling Wufei up abruptly Heero stared at the still silver eyes, "That's enough." He said gruffly, "We need her alive."
Running his tongue over his fangs he disappeared immediately into the bathroom. Coming out with a towel he wiped his mouth clean and then bent down to rub Usagi's neck clean. Throwing the towel down he grabbed Usagi up into his arms, "There's something odd about her blood."
"I noticed." Wufei's leader mumbled, "Your eyes turned silver when you drank her blood.has it ever done that before?"
"Never before. Tell me, why aren't you letting me kill her?"
"She activated the crystal.and let the demon lose."
"The Council told us there wasn't any way to destroy the thing without destroying Usagi..we still have to kill her."
"You need to do more research before you tell me information again. It could be anywhere now, who knows how fast it travels, the only thing we do know is that it can break off its connection with Usagi if she's dying and take up a new connection with any human nearby.We have to wait for it to come to us, where there's no people.then we kill Usagi."
"What about us, couldn't it come into us?"
"I'm sure Trowa can think up a spell to protect us during the meanwhile."
"What do you want me to do with her body in the meanwhile then?"
"Just dump her outside somewhere near the woods, we'll call the local police, they can find her outside.Duo should stay outside to make sure that the demon doesn't re-enter Usagi's body without our knowing it." Sighing heavily he shook his head, "This gets more and more complicated each time we meet her.the demon will have to kill Usagi itself when it realizes we're not going to do it anytime soon so it can free itself from its old connection with Usagi.that means that we have to keep a closer watch on her than ever before."
Wufei nodded his head, "I'll go tell Duo.and the others about this."
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"We were told to pick up a friend of ours found in the woods, her name is Usagi Tsukino."
"So you guys finally came. She might have caught a cold but otherwise she'll be fine." Melfina breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you for taking care of her." The man nodded his head, "Hey Joe, bring her on up." The police officer named Joe helped a blanketed Usagi onto her feet and to her friends. Usagi mumbled a thank you as she leaned on Melfina for support. "Are you alright?" Melfina asked quietly on the way to the car, Usagi couldn't even nod her head she was so tired.
"Well," Jim continued, he had insisted on going with Usagi, "Gene came home today. The doctors allowed it.we just have to be careful of his wounds." At these words Usagi gained some energy to respond, "I got the crystal." Melfina stopped in her surprise, her black hair lifted with the breeze caressing it as it passed by. Shivering she helped Usagi into the car, "If that's true then we don't need to worry anymore." Waiting a moment for a response she sighed fitfully, "Thank you Usagi. You saved him."
As the car sped away a lone figure stood in the dim lighting of the Police Station, a soft hissing sound was issuing from it. The shadows around the thing had thickened to hide the creature from prying eyes. 'Tick tock, tick tock times running out.'
Suzuka stiffened when the door was opened slowly, Gene looked up also, the tension in his eyes radiated through the room. Aisha's ears lifted slightly, Melfina and Jim entered with Usagi slumped on her shoulder. "Don't worry," Melfina said quickly, "She's only tired. I only found a few injuries on her." Usagi crawled slowly onto the bed and collapsed into Gene's lap. His breath came out easily, "Thank god she's okay. I thought for sure, when Suzuka told me what had happened that she would be killed."
Melfina nodded her head, her hands were folded in front of her, "She's just exhausted. It seems that she's lost a lot of blood from the analysis that Gilliam gave us on her."
"Oh yeah.I forgot that that little mobile suit of Gilliam was running around." Turning her head to the side the two puncture wounds to her neck had turned an irritated red where the scabs had formed. Turning suddenly Usagi sighed in her sleep, blowing back a red bang of hair Gene leaned back against the headboard, "Thanks Mel and Jim for going to go and pick her up.and you guys too, Suzuka and Aisha for trying to deal with the problem for me.it was nice for a change." Suzuka's eyes narrowed, "It was because we had the wisdom to not stay a target after the first shot." She spat out bitterly. Picking up the bokken that had been resting in her lap she lifted her head and swept out of the room. Aisha laughed, "I'm glad both of you are fine. We've had so much worrying over the past few days." Jim nodded his head at the comment, "I can't believe all this has happened in the space of a few days." shaking his head, he met eyes with Gene, "Gene, you know we should head back to the Outlaw Star someday soon. I talked with Gilliam and he said that the ship couldn't stand idle, unnoticed for more than a few days and it has been a few days, you know, so you should think about it." His brows knit together, "Look Gene, I know you and Usagi, got something going," pushing his two fingers together Jim shuffled his feet, "But, its not possible if you think about it."
Letting his hand tussle the silken hair he nodded his head, "For once.I can tell you truthfully that I already thought of that, I kept thinking we could go back and forth but.that would never happen, could never happen." Closing his eyes he wet his lips, "It won't be long though Jim, so don't worry about it."
Jim nodded his head slowly, "I'm sorry Gene.I just had to bring it up, to make sure that you knew, too." Gene nodded his head, "I do. But not until we're sure she's safe will we leave her side." Gene's longstanding friend grinned at the words, "Of course."
When Jim, Aisha and Melfina had left the room he stared at the prone Usagi. "So this is really it anyway." His eyelids drooped lower, his body was heavy with the grief of the knowledge, "So many times I thought that we could make it. I knew we could make it, but I guess we were both wrong then. There is no hope."
Opening her bellflower blue eyes she pressed herself closer to the warm body, 'mmm, warm.' She thought, moving her arms from underneath the pillow she stretched her sore limbs. Feeling the side of her neck where she had been bitten she was happy to find that there were no swollen masses from the bite, nor was there any sign of being bitten on her arm. Her fingers ran over the smooth facets of the crystal, uttering a sound of relief she lay back down. "You awake?" Nodding her head she hooked her arm around Gene's' "Yeah.I guess you heard that I got the crystal."
"Yes. You might have gotten killed but no, do you listen to any of your friends who are wiser and older and stronger? No, you go anyway, giving Suzuka and Aisha the wrong directions so that they wouldn't find out where the Demon Hunters really were camped out." Shaking his head he met eyes with Usagi, he stared at them, in them and remarked at their delicate blue color. Blinking she released Gene from her hold and held up the crystal, "Take off your shirt. I need to heal you now." The loose t-shirt slid off his shoulders and onto the ground, Usagi held a hand above her other hand which was holding the crystal and began to pray. The Imperium silver crystal began to glow and now hovered in-between Usagi's hands, slowly her hands moved forwards until they were just above Gene's stomach.
The pleasing warmth that emitted from her hands swelled throughout his body like an ocean wave. Soothing him inside and out, he could almost feel the warmth burning through the disease. Opening her eyes the princess found herself staring into an affectionate pair of brown eyes. Giggling she fell against him in a hug, "Feel any better?"
"Slightly." Usagi pulled away abruptly, "You're supposed to feel a hundred percent better."
"Well," he began slowly, "see, this pain is inside here." Patting where his heart was he smiled a small smile, "Because I know this can't last." All the features in Usagi's face grew heavy and pained, running her hands over her face Usagi shook her head, "I can go to your world and stay there." "Would you seriously be willing to make the commitment Usagi? The rest of your entire life in my world? Where nothing would be familiar? You know we can't switch off, and I can't stay in this world, I've got a ship to take care of."
"I can go to your world. I wouldn't mind."
Gene shook his head, "Your so immature Usagi."
"I'm immature!" She blurted out in shock, laughing her eyes flamed into life, "Gene, your more immature than me."
"Am not." He retorted sorely, slipping from under the sheets he shoved her back down into the bed, "I'm at least responsible enough to own a ship."
"I was responsible enough to be a future Queen."
"Was responsible." Going through his suitcase in the corner of the room he pulled out his usual uniform. "But seriously Usagi, you can't come and stay with me forever.even though it would be great if you could."
"Have faith in me. At least give me the chance of going to your world and trying it out for awhile longer.the few days that I spent there wasn't exactly quality sightseeing." Lying down on the bed she stared up at the ceiling, her hands folded underneath her head, "Imagine Gene, I'd see all these new species for the first time. Go around the galaxy," sighing she smiled, "We'd be able to do things for ages."
"Until you find out you need money to run the ship, buy the food, buy your weapons." Shaking his head Gene pulled Usagi half off of the bed and held her up by keeping his hands locked in hers. She was unalarmed at the sudden change in position, Gene continued, "And I have to buy everything else that we need, accessories for you, clothes.if we had a baby we'd have to buy it things."
Usagi's eyes grew somber, "A baby.already that serious? We haven't even gotten married.oh, you'd have to pay for that too wouldn't you?"
Gene nodded his head, "Jeesh, you really are stupid." Letting her hands go he let her collapse onto the floor, "There's got to be some way you can pay for it all though Gene, millions of people must be able to do it in your world."
"Millions of people who don't have ships to take care of. Gilliam's my own baby anyways." Pulling on his gloves he picked up his caster from where it lay on the bedside table, "Do you know how much money just docking the ship costs? Shit, it costs a lot." He mumbled, shaking his head he glanced out the window as a quickly passing shadow caught his eye. Frowning he checked outside the window, it couldn't have been a cloud, Gene thought. Unbuckling his caster from his belt he casually walked towards Usagi, "Hey, lets go downstairs where everyone else is."
"Alright then." She mumbled, hurriedly putting her hair up she rushed to the door where Gene stood waiting, "What's the sudden rush?"
"I dunno, just that I'm hungry." Heading downstairs he found Aisha, Suzuka and Melfina in the kitchen. Usagi waved to Jim who was at the couch, "What are you watching?"
"Cartoons." Jim responded, Usagi laughed, "Cartoons? I thought you were too old for them."
"I'm just seeing how your cartoons are different from ours back home." Jim responded quickly, you could hear the impatience in his voice. Aisha rolled her eyes, "I think what he's watching is stupid.its something called Ooney Unes, Oone Yunes.oh, something that went like Looney tins." Frowning she began to dry the dishes in front of her with a new, irate energy. Suzuka sighed, "How are you feeling Gene? Was Usagi able to heal you?"
"Never felt better." Planting a kiss on Usagi's cheek he leaned against the counter, "What's for breakfast?"
"I was thinking of making eggs and pancakes." Melfina responded as she grabbed for the flour, Usagi reached into a drawer and brought out the instant pancake mix, "Why don't you just use the instant, it's a lot easier. I could help you make it."
Shaking her head Melfina smiled, "No, I'd rather make them myself.you and Gene should relax."
"But Melfina, I want to help. You're supposed to be the guest here. Besides Gene can wait."
"Depends on what you mean by wait." He shot back, scratching his arm he held his head up by his arm. "C'mon Usagi, Mel offered to cook why don't we just go outside to the lake or something?"
"Because I'm hospitable." She griped back, grabbing an apron for herself she was surprised when Melfina suddenly snatched it from her. "Usagi, you really should spend time with Gene. I can do this myself. Besides you can do it your way when we get back to my planet." Laughing she shook her head, "Then you can work while I protest. How about that?" Her pigtails swept to the side as she tilted her head in thought, "I suppose so. If you really don't mind." Melfina shook her head, "Not at all. Besides I get to watch the cartoons." Everyone laughed at that.
Gene led the way down to the lake, crumpling into a heap on the bank he took a deep breath. "The air is so clean here." Usagi waded in, "Come in, its really cold but its fun." She watched the minnows dash in silver clouds around her and Gene's legs. "Gene, watch this." She whispered, reaching up to clutch her crystal with one hand she grabbed Gene's hand in hers. The world turned into soft watercolors with silver and turquoise nearly everywhere. Balls of lights swirled up from the water whenever they moved, when Usagi let go of the crystal she turned to Gene. "What do you think?"
"What was that?" He gasped out, Usagi laughed, "It was only the living spirit of everything around us.beautiful isn't it? I think so." She said softly. Dipping her hand into the water she sighed, "I want to be one of those little balls of lights."
Gene snorted, "Why?" She shrugged her shoulders, "Because then everything would be simple and beautiful. I wouldn't be noticed, but I'd be happy, happy as anything."
Minutes passed before they headed back towards the house. Usagi held her pants up upon entering, "I gotta change before I eat." She called as she rushed up the stairs. Gene followed her slowly. Entering her room he watched as she pulled herself out of one pair of jeans and into another. "That was a fast change."
"I'm hungry, that's why." Stopping at the doorway, next to Gene, she glanced up at his face.
It must have been instinct because the split second Gene heard the tinkling of glass he fired his caster at the patio window and shoved Usagi down the stairs. "Go!" he yelled. The explosion shook the house, taking out a handgun he sprinted down the stairway. "Suzuka, behind you!" He heard Usagi call, there was the distinct sound of something smacking against the wall. Turning the last corner of the stairway he came upon a scene of havoc. Aisha was face to face with a creature made completely of shadow, Suzuka sliced through shadow creature after shadow creature seeming to have as much success as a wave does against the beach. Firing his caster and rifle he was soon in the middle of the fray, shooting at everything and everywhere. At some point he lifted his head and caught sight of Usagi, she had transformed and bore the full regalia of Eternal Sailor Moon.
Her wings were outspread behind her as she met attack after attack annihilating each on-comer. All at once she lifted the silver staff above her, "Eternal moon, give us light!" She cried. Light shot out of the crescent moon at once, her silver hair flew back from the sudden outburst of energy. The shadow monsters slammed against the walls and disappeared, Suzuka looked shocked. Staring at Usagi momentarily she suddenly called out, "Usagi, behind you!"
Lowering her blinding staff Usagi twirled it in her hand and brought it crashing down on the slinking creature behind her. The light from the crescent moon stopped instantaneously, the lump of black shadow rose, bubbling and seemingly struggling against itself from the blow. Melfina and Jim who had been back to back fighting off the shadow creatures suddenly found themselves stuck to the wall. Pieces of the black creature had shot out and threw the five protectors of Usagi down on the ground or wall. Gene nearly screamed in frustration, thrashing about he still couldn't succeed in freeing himself from the gooey liquid. Usagi was by his side instantly, a frown on her lips, "Gene, stop struggling, cover my back while I set you free." Setting the razor-sharp crescent moon to work at slicing through the gooey liquid she could feel the dark presence behind her grow and grow at an awesome rate.
Just when she had sliced through the last strand of the gooey liquid a hiss of air told her to duck. At the top of the stairs stood a grinning werewolf, with bow and arrows in his hands, "Well, well, well. Look who's in trouble. And it so happens that gallant little me happens to be here." The demon did a ear-straining howl, "You damn Hunters think your so smart, you can't destroy me, look, here I am, living proof of that."
Rising up to its full height it took on the shape of a man, "I am the darkness which cannot be destroyed." A silver blade went slicing straight through him, the demon just laughed, peeling away from itself like an orange peel it fell to the floor in a quivering mass where it began to re-adjoin itself. Wufei bared his fangs in anger, "Damn it." Hacking away at the thing like there was no tomorrow he used a hundred different moves on him in a blink of an eye. Flecks of black liquid hit his cheek and covered his legs, halting suddenly he winced as the creature began to ooze up around his legs temporarily paralyzing him.
"Silver Crystal, give me the strength." Pointing the crescent ended staff at the creature she sent a beam of energy shooting out. Smacking into the demon it squealed in protest, splitting under the concentration of the light it fell from Wufei's legs. Smirking triumphantly she put both hands on her staff, "I'm going to send you back to where you belong."
Gene looked all around him, where had Duo and the three others disappeared? It couldn't have just been Wufei and Duo. A growing sense of alarm gripped him, what if the Hunters were just feigning that the shadow creature was an enemy and were just waiting to wear them down. "Usagi, free the others first! That thing can wait." Gene yelled, a cautionary air about him. She nodded her head. Standing just in back of her as she bent over to begin to free Melfina and Jim he stared at the open patio door. He didn't have another second to think when a dark mass hit him straight in the chest. Slamming him to the ground. His sense of smell, sight and hearing were lost as his face was completely covered by the demon. Yelling in panic and anger he pulled at the thing, only managing to pull out chunks of the creature. Light seared at his eyes, Usagi appeared in the midst of that light. Bending over she helped Gene up, "Hurry, its split itself into many creatures again.
Both swerved around when Trowa and Quatre unexpectedly entered the room. Both were chanting words over and over again. Usagi's wrists began to glow, Gene looked down at his, they were glowing too. Everyone's were, blue bracelets covered both of their wrists, Gene was about to pull it off when another blob of shadow came at him. This time he had his caster ready, firing straight at the thing it split and continued its flight towards Gene. Catching it on his hands it oozed over his fingers and began its way up his arms. Quatre nodded in content, turning to Trowa he pulled a sword from his side, "Looks like we're only waiting on Heero now. The demon can't enter anybody's body now even if it is trying to break its connection with Usagi." A hiss of air for some reason made Gene look straight towards Usagi. An arrow seemed to have grown from her chest. He would never be able to tell if it was Usagi, Melfina or himself who screamed then.
A second one pierced her in the heart and made her topple to the ground, Gene ran towards her. Not caring for a single moment about anything else in the world. The dying screams of the demon echoed in his mind and vibrated throughout his body. Falling to his knees his hands fumbled for a grip against the arrow's slim body, breaking the feathered section of each arrow he pulled them out. Holding her head to his neck he didn't dare look into her eyes again, that filmy look in the eyes was enough. Trembling the tears flooded from his eyes, 'Oh god no.' he thought over and over again.
Agony was squeezing his heart so hard in its fist that he was sure he would die if it squeezed any harder. Suzuka stared for a long moment at the two before her bokken slipped to the floor, she grabbed Aisha for support, "How." She began. Melfina's eyes, which had been fastened to Gene and Usagi lifted to the figure standing at the top of the stairs. "Gene!" she cried. He lifted his head so slowly.his eyes widened when they met with the slate blue eyes that stared back at him. Heero, stood at the top of the stairs, the bow still in his hands. Heero's brows came together, but it wasn't the same, his face was sagging with the weight of his crime his. He looked as if he'd murdered a comrade, his hands twitched. Throwing the bow down onto the ground he receded back into the shadow of the staircase. Dark was falling over the little house.
Melfina covered her face with her hands and began to sob, Jim stood in the middle of the living room staring at Usagi's wilted figure. Gene held her so close to him, so close.it took forever before his back began to rise and fall with the normal breaths of any healthy person. The imperium silver crystal that hung at Usagi's neck had shattered and lay in fragments around her. They twinkled for a moment before disappearing into thin air, as the weight in Gene's arms grew lesser and lesser he looked down to find her body fading. His hands tightened on the disappearing flesh, "I still love you." He whispered, a sob jerked his chest, "Even more now."
-Don't tell me, I know, if you think this chapters awful its okay, I already FULLY know that. A suggestion would help if you think its so bad, anyway I was desperate to get this story finished. Sorry. Toodles-Qt~chan
P.S. Epilogue?