Author's Notes: Shin's Voice reporting. Thanks for the reviews, minna. I'd
like to answer to Lone Wolf, who asked me not to make this fic into a
'morbid' story.
First, what's that? Let me look it up in dictionary...........sorry, it's just that English is not my native language. I'm a 5 years student but I think I'm doing it pretty well, ne?
Ok, morbid. Hmmm. As I told you before, I'm setting this story into a movie (actually two, but my favorite is the last one), which is very bloody and violent, though I'm changing some things. When I told you this is a Dark Fic, I meant to say it would contain blood, foul language, supernatural things, spirits, curses and all that stuff. You can expect Death to be here. (Gee, I'm already giving you clues!)
But don't let this disappoints you and please, PLEASE continue reading and reviewing. Just remember that even if things look pretty bad, I'll try to give it a weird but NICE ending. The reason? I love Duo with all my heart!
"Beyond Life and Death"
By Shinigami's Voice.
Chapter Three
"The little bastard............" -a guard murmured while peeking through the shielded window that showed the dungeon where Duo was prisoner.
"I'm not completely sure this is right" -the other one, much more older, complained as he also caught a glimpse of the boy lying there, in a pool of his own blood.
"What the heck do you mean?" -the younger one, with a scar crossing his neck asked.
"Do you really believe he's gonna talk after all the shit the A.G. is putting him through? I think he's gonna die first.................."
"So what? If he dies, good. I'd be happy to see him suffer" -the man smirked with cruelty.
Muffled steps alerted the guards and they resumed their vigilant position. Two minutes later, Commander A appeared in the hall.
Without a word or any other sign in his serious and indifferent expression, A nodded towards the guards, and the shielded gates were opened for him.
"02, on your knees" -he ordered as soon as he stepped into the dark room.
Duo looked up with brilliant eyes. He hated to be ordered around. Therefore, he didn't moved one inch.
"On your knees" -the commander said again, looking down at the boy.
The 02 pilot was chained by his ankles to the wall and his black clothes were drenched in blood.
He was completely helpless, but then again, his violet eyes had the same challenging shine of a furious soldier.
"If you're not strong enough to move, I'll give you assistance" -A replied after a pause, and with brutal force, hauled the boy from the floor, lifting him by the collar of the priestly jacket.
The American pilot hissed in pain, his vision blurring from the agony all over his body. Still, he tried to retaliate, attack, no matter how futile it was.
But he simply couldn't move. He was extremely weak from the enormous loss of blood, and his limbs didn't respond to his orders.
"My partner M gave you a little introduction of your future treatment if you don't cooperate. I'm expecting you to use your brain and decide to talk" -the man continued, his tone totally indifferent while he hit Duo against the cold wall, like pining a butterfly against a window.
'Go to Hell' -Duo thought with scorn.
"Gave me three answers, and you'll survive.............at least today" -A raised an eyebrow as he made his offer- "The names and location of your leaders in space and Earth" -the man commanded, while pressing the teen against the wall as much as the chains allowed him.
Duo looked at him with a hard glance during a full minute, before letting a smirk surfaced his face.
The green eyes of the commander lit up in anger at the mockery of the gesture, and he quickly turned the boy around, crushing the teen's face against the rough surface.
"Don't play games with me" -the man hissed, as he took hold of the injured left hand of the pilot, where two days ago T had buried the scalpel.
With a slow but firm grasp, the ozie twisted the arm, trying to inflict as much pain as possible.
Duo's heartbeats pounded faster and he shut his eyes, coping with the torture in silence.
"And I still have two questions more" -the man suddenly said- "The Gundams and pilots location, and the rebel bases where the armament is stored. Think it twice, or you'll regret having ever confronted me"
'Burn in Hell' -was Duo's silent reply.
His body may be weak, but his will was unbreakable. He knew his duty.
"Stupid fool. You can't count in anyone but you now. No one will come for you, you're on your own. If you answer, you can save yourself from lots of pain. If you don't, I swear you'll live the most horrible agony before you breath your last minute"
'Wrong, damned ozie. The guys will come for me. Then, I'll show you who's stupid'
"I'm not patient. Answer the first question" -the commander ordered, but silence was his response- "Now" -he growled, as one of his hands took hold of Duo's left hand, and he snapped one of 02's finger broken.
The American twitched in pain, muffling a protest.
"M already broke your right hand, but I'll break one by one your fingers if you don't open your mouth and talk"
But the prisoner in the dark room remained silent.
**********
"Another mission?" -Trowa asked, his voice disbelieving.
"It came at 14:35 today" -Heero answered as he typed instructions for the other three panels of Gundams 03, 04 and 05.
"Today is the 3rd day" -Quatre said sullenly, looking slightly upset.
"Has it something to do with 02's retrieving?" -Wufei asked as he studied the information.
It seemed as ages before Heero answered.
"No"
"Heero" -Quatre said, almost in warning- "How can you..............."
"Don't say anything" -Heero cut the Neo-Arabic as he turned to face them, his blue eyes hard as stone.
But you could read his distress in them.
"Don't.............you.................dare" -the Japanese pilot repeated, his hands clenched in fists, the only sign of his own sorrow.
Quatre nodded, understanding the boy's silent worry.
The others turned their glances around, trying not to put more pressure to the situation. They were all stressed and disturbed by Duo's long capture, but Heero......................
Heero the most.
Under his gray long-sleeved shirt, a silver cross hung from his neck since three days ago, when Duo gave it to him.
"I've acquired important information about Duo's whereabouts" -Heero suddenly said, as he turned again to the laptop, typing some coordinates.
"How? When?" -the three pilots jumped to stand beside him, all the eyes set on the screen.
"The reports don't show any incoming ship, but these three bases have received more supplies during the last 60 hours, and the communication channels of the three points have been changed to 'standard' to 'high level'. This could mean links of communication between Oz's leaders and the A.G"
Heero explained while showing the others the locations and status.
"Very possible" -Wufei mused.
"What are we waiting for?" -Quatre said, his voice regaining some hint of hope.
"I'll prepare the munitions and................" -Trowa started to say, but once again, 01 cut them off.
"No. We have a mission to accomplish first. Then, we'll attack and search the bases"
"Why?" -Trowa's eyes were as intrigued as his voice.
"Because it was delivered almost two hours ago. It was expected for us to support a rebel attack as soon as possible. We are already delayed" -the Wing Zero pilot said as he stood up from his place.
There was a expecting silence for a while, before the Chinese pilot started in a wistful tone.
"I understand your track of thoughts" -he said, addressing 01- "We can't rank one life over dozens of other lives. We wouldn't be strong soldiers if we can't accomplish our duty..............."
"And we can't place one person's life over others because we are somehow related to him. In order to cope and win this war, we have to be ready to risk many things to save others" -Trowa added after a moment of reflection.
"Awful" -Quatre whispered, but his rational mind, the one trained as a soldier and pilot, told him that it was the right thing to do. Though, somewhere inside of him, told him that it was a mistake.
However, in a situation like this, with a mission in progress, the rational mind took command.
"Have you informed Dr. J and the others about this?" -Wufei asked as they headed towards the hangar.
"Hai" -01 answered, and added before the others asked- "And he refused to give authorization for us to proceed with 02's searching"
"But we are not caring about that anymore, right?" -Quatre replied, opening the gates.
"Hai" -the L1 pilot confirmed.
************
"So, J, explain me why is that you refused to give the pilots the authorization" - the scientist known as professor G, asked to the other old man.
"So, G old man, are you starting to regret the decision?" -the Dr. asked with one eyebrow quirked.
"You know I don't. The fact that 02 was my pupil has nothing to do. He had to die some day or another" -the man with umbrella-like hair answered with a shrug- "But, still, if he is alive, we could use him a while longer. I don't see the point in losing such a piece"
"But, G, that's what you don't understand. 02 pilot isn't alive" -Dr. J replied, his metallic hand typing some information.
"Why so confident? The kid was rough" -G said back.
"You don't know much about A.G. I can tell that" -the other scientist said thoughtfully- "They don't let any prisoner alive after 48 hours. Even if 02 made it after the torture sessions, they probably gave up on him and let him die when they found out he represented no use for Oz"
"So, 02 is dead by now. I can see then why you didn't want the other pilots to go. If they find what's left of him, it would be demoralizing for their battles" - professor G concluded.
"Exactly..................Well, anyway, it was your pupil, so my condolences for your lose. You trained him well" -J shrugged as he got back to work.
" I know. It's a pity, but this is a war after all" -G said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. But in his mind, he heard, clear and loud: 'It was a good kid' .......................
*********
[ And here I am.......................
when are you coming back? ..............
when will the fall bring you back? .............
when will my wait come to an end ?...........
I am willing to believe, but......................
but the nights are fading slowly................
and I'm still waiting.......................
here I am.......................
until you decide to return...................
even if I have to wait forever....................
here I am ....................... ]
The drop of water fell slowly, splattering against the floor. One second later, another droplet followed the way, splattering against the floor of the cold cell.
The floor was red.
Crimson red of blood.
"Father........Sister......"
The boy murmured between muffled sobs, feeling as thousands of knives were stabbing his body.
"Please.......Heero....."
Duo shut his eyes, trying to prevent to tears. He hurt. Every part of his body, and soul.
"Cat........Trowa......Wufei......"
"Please, someone.........I....can't......any longer......"
He couldn't feel his hands. That man, the bastard, had made as he promised. He broke his fingers one by one, and left the room drowning in fury, since Duo didn't say a word.
"Solo........Solo........" -he whined quietly.
How long had it been? The others were supposed to be there as soon as possible. Why they hadn't come yet?
Suddenly, a flash of lightening crossed the cell, and he watched in awe as many children ran pass him, laughing and playing. They were so similar to the church's children........
'Pass me the ball!'
'You can't catch me! You can't catch me!'
'Wait! Here! Gotcha!'
The lightening disappeared, leaving him confused. He tried to sit up, but moaned at his injures, and remained in his lying position.
He had started to hallucinate.
He could feel the heat of his skin, though he was also covered in cold sweat. The fever had grown higher as the hours went by.
"Please........someone........"
In the opposite corner of the cell, a silhouette was leaning against the wall, completely silent. The black boots of the shadow gave some steps, which made absolutely no sound.
Someone had arrived.
To Be Continued......
A/N: Please review, minna. I'd be so grateful. I already have the 4th chapter. If you R&R, I'll post it immediately. K? Ja ne!
First, what's that? Let me look it up in dictionary...........sorry, it's just that English is not my native language. I'm a 5 years student but I think I'm doing it pretty well, ne?
Ok, morbid. Hmmm. As I told you before, I'm setting this story into a movie (actually two, but my favorite is the last one), which is very bloody and violent, though I'm changing some things. When I told you this is a Dark Fic, I meant to say it would contain blood, foul language, supernatural things, spirits, curses and all that stuff. You can expect Death to be here. (Gee, I'm already giving you clues!)
But don't let this disappoints you and please, PLEASE continue reading and reviewing. Just remember that even if things look pretty bad, I'll try to give it a weird but NICE ending. The reason? I love Duo with all my heart!
"Beyond Life and Death"
By Shinigami's Voice.
Chapter Three
"The little bastard............" -a guard murmured while peeking through the shielded window that showed the dungeon where Duo was prisoner.
"I'm not completely sure this is right" -the other one, much more older, complained as he also caught a glimpse of the boy lying there, in a pool of his own blood.
"What the heck do you mean?" -the younger one, with a scar crossing his neck asked.
"Do you really believe he's gonna talk after all the shit the A.G. is putting him through? I think he's gonna die first.................."
"So what? If he dies, good. I'd be happy to see him suffer" -the man smirked with cruelty.
Muffled steps alerted the guards and they resumed their vigilant position. Two minutes later, Commander A appeared in the hall.
Without a word or any other sign in his serious and indifferent expression, A nodded towards the guards, and the shielded gates were opened for him.
"02, on your knees" -he ordered as soon as he stepped into the dark room.
Duo looked up with brilliant eyes. He hated to be ordered around. Therefore, he didn't moved one inch.
"On your knees" -the commander said again, looking down at the boy.
The 02 pilot was chained by his ankles to the wall and his black clothes were drenched in blood.
He was completely helpless, but then again, his violet eyes had the same challenging shine of a furious soldier.
"If you're not strong enough to move, I'll give you assistance" -A replied after a pause, and with brutal force, hauled the boy from the floor, lifting him by the collar of the priestly jacket.
The American pilot hissed in pain, his vision blurring from the agony all over his body. Still, he tried to retaliate, attack, no matter how futile it was.
But he simply couldn't move. He was extremely weak from the enormous loss of blood, and his limbs didn't respond to his orders.
"My partner M gave you a little introduction of your future treatment if you don't cooperate. I'm expecting you to use your brain and decide to talk" -the man continued, his tone totally indifferent while he hit Duo against the cold wall, like pining a butterfly against a window.
'Go to Hell' -Duo thought with scorn.
"Gave me three answers, and you'll survive.............at least today" -A raised an eyebrow as he made his offer- "The names and location of your leaders in space and Earth" -the man commanded, while pressing the teen against the wall as much as the chains allowed him.
Duo looked at him with a hard glance during a full minute, before letting a smirk surfaced his face.
The green eyes of the commander lit up in anger at the mockery of the gesture, and he quickly turned the boy around, crushing the teen's face against the rough surface.
"Don't play games with me" -the man hissed, as he took hold of the injured left hand of the pilot, where two days ago T had buried the scalpel.
With a slow but firm grasp, the ozie twisted the arm, trying to inflict as much pain as possible.
Duo's heartbeats pounded faster and he shut his eyes, coping with the torture in silence.
"And I still have two questions more" -the man suddenly said- "The Gundams and pilots location, and the rebel bases where the armament is stored. Think it twice, or you'll regret having ever confronted me"
'Burn in Hell' -was Duo's silent reply.
His body may be weak, but his will was unbreakable. He knew his duty.
"Stupid fool. You can't count in anyone but you now. No one will come for you, you're on your own. If you answer, you can save yourself from lots of pain. If you don't, I swear you'll live the most horrible agony before you breath your last minute"
'Wrong, damned ozie. The guys will come for me. Then, I'll show you who's stupid'
"I'm not patient. Answer the first question" -the commander ordered, but silence was his response- "Now" -he growled, as one of his hands took hold of Duo's left hand, and he snapped one of 02's finger broken.
The American twitched in pain, muffling a protest.
"M already broke your right hand, but I'll break one by one your fingers if you don't open your mouth and talk"
But the prisoner in the dark room remained silent.
**********
"Another mission?" -Trowa asked, his voice disbelieving.
"It came at 14:35 today" -Heero answered as he typed instructions for the other three panels of Gundams 03, 04 and 05.
"Today is the 3rd day" -Quatre said sullenly, looking slightly upset.
"Has it something to do with 02's retrieving?" -Wufei asked as he studied the information.
It seemed as ages before Heero answered.
"No"
"Heero" -Quatre said, almost in warning- "How can you..............."
"Don't say anything" -Heero cut the Neo-Arabic as he turned to face them, his blue eyes hard as stone.
But you could read his distress in them.
"Don't.............you.................dare" -the Japanese pilot repeated, his hands clenched in fists, the only sign of his own sorrow.
Quatre nodded, understanding the boy's silent worry.
The others turned their glances around, trying not to put more pressure to the situation. They were all stressed and disturbed by Duo's long capture, but Heero......................
Heero the most.
Under his gray long-sleeved shirt, a silver cross hung from his neck since three days ago, when Duo gave it to him.
"I've acquired important information about Duo's whereabouts" -Heero suddenly said, as he turned again to the laptop, typing some coordinates.
"How? When?" -the three pilots jumped to stand beside him, all the eyes set on the screen.
"The reports don't show any incoming ship, but these three bases have received more supplies during the last 60 hours, and the communication channels of the three points have been changed to 'standard' to 'high level'. This could mean links of communication between Oz's leaders and the A.G"
Heero explained while showing the others the locations and status.
"Very possible" -Wufei mused.
"What are we waiting for?" -Quatre said, his voice regaining some hint of hope.
"I'll prepare the munitions and................" -Trowa started to say, but once again, 01 cut them off.
"No. We have a mission to accomplish first. Then, we'll attack and search the bases"
"Why?" -Trowa's eyes were as intrigued as his voice.
"Because it was delivered almost two hours ago. It was expected for us to support a rebel attack as soon as possible. We are already delayed" -the Wing Zero pilot said as he stood up from his place.
There was a expecting silence for a while, before the Chinese pilot started in a wistful tone.
"I understand your track of thoughts" -he said, addressing 01- "We can't rank one life over dozens of other lives. We wouldn't be strong soldiers if we can't accomplish our duty..............."
"And we can't place one person's life over others because we are somehow related to him. In order to cope and win this war, we have to be ready to risk many things to save others" -Trowa added after a moment of reflection.
"Awful" -Quatre whispered, but his rational mind, the one trained as a soldier and pilot, told him that it was the right thing to do. Though, somewhere inside of him, told him that it was a mistake.
However, in a situation like this, with a mission in progress, the rational mind took command.
"Have you informed Dr. J and the others about this?" -Wufei asked as they headed towards the hangar.
"Hai" -01 answered, and added before the others asked- "And he refused to give authorization for us to proceed with 02's searching"
"But we are not caring about that anymore, right?" -Quatre replied, opening the gates.
"Hai" -the L1 pilot confirmed.
************
"So, J, explain me why is that you refused to give the pilots the authorization" - the scientist known as professor G, asked to the other old man.
"So, G old man, are you starting to regret the decision?" -the Dr. asked with one eyebrow quirked.
"You know I don't. The fact that 02 was my pupil has nothing to do. He had to die some day or another" -the man with umbrella-like hair answered with a shrug- "But, still, if he is alive, we could use him a while longer. I don't see the point in losing such a piece"
"But, G, that's what you don't understand. 02 pilot isn't alive" -Dr. J replied, his metallic hand typing some information.
"Why so confident? The kid was rough" -G said back.
"You don't know much about A.G. I can tell that" -the other scientist said thoughtfully- "They don't let any prisoner alive after 48 hours. Even if 02 made it after the torture sessions, they probably gave up on him and let him die when they found out he represented no use for Oz"
"So, 02 is dead by now. I can see then why you didn't want the other pilots to go. If they find what's left of him, it would be demoralizing for their battles" - professor G concluded.
"Exactly..................Well, anyway, it was your pupil, so my condolences for your lose. You trained him well" -J shrugged as he got back to work.
" I know. It's a pity, but this is a war after all" -G said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. But in his mind, he heard, clear and loud: 'It was a good kid' .......................
*********
[ And here I am.......................
when are you coming back? ..............
when will the fall bring you back? .............
when will my wait come to an end ?...........
I am willing to believe, but......................
but the nights are fading slowly................
and I'm still waiting.......................
here I am.......................
until you decide to return...................
even if I have to wait forever....................
here I am ....................... ]
The drop of water fell slowly, splattering against the floor. One second later, another droplet followed the way, splattering against the floor of the cold cell.
The floor was red.
Crimson red of blood.
"Father........Sister......"
The boy murmured between muffled sobs, feeling as thousands of knives were stabbing his body.
"Please.......Heero....."
Duo shut his eyes, trying to prevent to tears. He hurt. Every part of his body, and soul.
"Cat........Trowa......Wufei......"
"Please, someone.........I....can't......any longer......"
He couldn't feel his hands. That man, the bastard, had made as he promised. He broke his fingers one by one, and left the room drowning in fury, since Duo didn't say a word.
"Solo........Solo........" -he whined quietly.
How long had it been? The others were supposed to be there as soon as possible. Why they hadn't come yet?
Suddenly, a flash of lightening crossed the cell, and he watched in awe as many children ran pass him, laughing and playing. They were so similar to the church's children........
'Pass me the ball!'
'You can't catch me! You can't catch me!'
'Wait! Here! Gotcha!'
The lightening disappeared, leaving him confused. He tried to sit up, but moaned at his injures, and remained in his lying position.
He had started to hallucinate.
He could feel the heat of his skin, though he was also covered in cold sweat. The fever had grown higher as the hours went by.
"Please........someone........"
In the opposite corner of the cell, a silhouette was leaning against the wall, completely silent. The black boots of the shadow gave some steps, which made absolutely no sound.
Someone had arrived.
To Be Continued......
A/N: Please review, minna. I'd be so grateful. I already have the 4th chapter. If you R&R, I'll post it immediately. K? Ja ne!