Author's Notes: Thanks a lot for the reviews! And sorry for the long wait,
but my studies keep me busy all day long and I just got the night to type.
But don't worry, here we go......
Ah, yes, since I already wrote that part, I'll tell you that the first 4 chapters of this fic were inspired by a French movie called 'The Fraternity of the Silence' about war prisoners who endure any kind of torture in defense of their honor.
From now on, the story will take a plot following another movie (the one who truly inspired this). If someone manages to guess which is, will receive special recognition and, if she/he wants, can decide what my next fic is going to be about.
So, be prepared for this chapter.
warnings: blood, violence, Dark fic.
"Beyond Life and Death"
By Shinigami's Voice.
-chapter five-
"We're almost there" -04 called through the COM.
"05, report analysis" -the Wing Zero pilot ordered as they got closer to the satellite.
"The Oz radar won't notice our presence until the Gundams are into vision field. The stealth system of our suits will trespass the security for approximately 8 minutes, giving us time to cope with the 5 Doll keeps guarding the principal gates. Once we are at fire range, Heavyarms will be ready to implant the detonation device, granting us entrance to........"
The Chinese pilot continued his report as the 4 suits advanced through the darkness of space. The pilots were totally focused in this mission. Time was priceless in this situation. Duo's life could depend on it.
Quatre took a quick look at Heero's image on the COM screen, taking in his facial expression.
The perfect soldier mode was in full force.
'It's the only way he can confront this' -the blonde pilot reflected- 'We have to concentrate. We're almost there, Duo. Just a bit longer..........'
"Quatre....Quatre" -Trowa's voice brought 04 out of his thoughtful state- "Can you reach Duo from here? Is there any connection?"
"I'm trying....." -the Sandrock pilot answered as he shut his eyes, but shook his head in frustration- "But I can't manage to keep myself calm to establish the link. I'm too worried" -the youngster answered with sincerity.
"Attention everyone" -01 called- "We're in the mission's location" -Heero paused for a brief moment, his blue eyes narrowing a bit- "Go"
And Wing Zero flew directly against the enemy, the other three pilots at his sides.
'I promised Duo......I promised you, Duo.......I'm here.....' -Heero's mind repeated one time and another, as he fought the Dolls with perfect precision, at the same time his right hand lifted momentarily to grip the silver cross on his chest.
The battle lasted no more than 20 minutes. The Gundams, at any situation, were practically unstoppable, and now, when the 4 of them were fighting like it was the last battle of their lives, they became invincible.
"How's that possible??!! The five keeps couldn't even take one down?!" -the general in charge of the base's security screamed to his subordinates.
"General, Gundam 03 has exploded the west entrance. We're being invaded" -one of the ozies on the control board informed.
"General, Gundam 01 has completely destroyed the central defense"
"General, Gundam 05 is guarding the rebel troops that have come to....."
"Silence!!" -the general said exasperate. Things were just getting worse for them. Not only the 4 Gundams were attacking, but the rebel troops were also supporting the fight.
After pacing back and forth for a full minute, the Oz snatched the microphone from one of the cadet's grasp.
"Attention, base. Emergency state. Evacuate immediately. I repeat, evacuation in progress" -and after that, the General addressed to one of his assistants: "Get the A.G out of here. Take the north dock and prepare a ship for a getaway..........."
What the general didn't know, is that the north dock had already been secured by the rebel troops, and every Oz soldier was being taken as prisoner.
On the central hall, four young pilots made a dash towards the control room, knocking or shooting down every enemy that crossed their way. One second later, the automatic gates appeared at view.
".......north dock and prepare a ship for a getaway....." -the general was still talking when the gates were opened, and all ozies inside of the room were faced against four automatics.
What drained the color away from their faces wasn't the sight of the guns, but the sight of the soldiers aiming them.
The Gundam Pilots.
"Don't move" -01 practically grunted, when one of the cadets made a slight try to withdrew his own gun.
"Give up peacefully and your lives will be respected" -Quatre stated, though his voice was strangely cold.
He couldn't help it. These were the men who held captive his friend.
"Order your men to surrender immediately" -Wufei added, side-looking the man on the communication system.
Then, in a flash, the General crouched and tried to fire against them. His movement was followed by a cry, as he held his blooding hand close to his chest.
"I said don't move" -Heero repeated in his monotone, after he fired and knocked the gun out of the ozie's grasp.
03 pilot advanced until he stood in front of the fallen general, and fixing his intense green eyes on him, commanded.
"Take us to the cells. Now"
In that moment, rebel soldiers entered the room and started cuffing the prisoners, as the pilots were lead by the General through the halls, a gun trained on his neck.
"Where's the prisoner?" -Heero asked as they approached the area.
"Which one?" -the General answered with other question.
That was the worst thing he could have done.
In a swift move, Heero buried his fist on the man's stomach, making the ozie doubled over himself in pain.
"Where's the prisoner?" -Wufei was the one who repeated the question.
"I ...I don't know....." -the man gasped, as 05 dragged him with them until they stood in front of the cells.
"What?" -the Chinese growled, pushing the man against the cold metal wall.
"I ... I don't know...I really don't know....." -the ozie repeated, his eyes wide in fear at 05's hard glance.
"He's not here" -Trowa stated after checking inside all the cells along the hall.
The Wing Zero pilot whirled on his heels, ice blue eyes locking with the fearful ones of the General.
"We know Gundam pilot 02 is held prisoner in this base" -Heero pronounced each word in low, dangerous voice- "You will tell us now where is he or you ........"
"The A.G. took care of him. I didn't do anything. I swear" -the man started whimpering- "I didn't do anything. They gave the orders, they were the ones......." -the man blurted in cold dread.
"Where....is....02?" -01 said, his glance boring into the ozie's eyes.
"They......they transferred him.......it wasn't me.....they took him to....the dungeon......."
Heero's answer was a grunt, as he pushed the man towards the main hall, silently signaling him to take them there.
'If they've made him something, I swear........if they've touched him........' -01's thoughts drifted between anger and worry.
After some minutes of walk, they reached the electric stairs and went down, accessing into a cold hall which lead them to the underground dungeon's area.
"So...they're finally here........" - an ironic voice said as a shot went wild, flying close to 03's head.
Quatre rolled over and fired, and a thump signaled the man down.
"Don't shoot! We surrender!" -another voice, much older than the first one spoke.
When the 4 pilots and the captive General gave some more steps, they could see the two guards that were in charge of the zone. One of them, the bulky one, was bleeding from his stomach, but there was a sadistic smile twitching his lips.
The other one was much older, nearly 60. He had thrown their guns to show their surrender, and was currently holding his hands up.
"Yeah, we surrender, but that doesn't matter anymore" -the bulky guard gave an ugly smirk- "Glad you're finally here to 'visit' your friend. He's been waiting for you. Aren't you gonna enter and see him? What are you waiting for?"
Prussian blue eyes suddenly widened, as Quatre's chest was filled by a cold breeze, and a terrifying sensation settled on his heart.. ........emptiness. Total emptiness.
Heero cuffed the General and the mocking guard to one of the dungeon's bars, his actions purposely harsh, with suppressed anger towards the insults. Wufei took hold of the older man, who seemed to be more cooperative and would probably show them the way faster.
Trowa looked around the dark cells, inwardly shivering at the coldness of the place. Then, he caught sight of his blonde friend.
Quatre's expression was.......terrified beyond words. The younger pilot was clearly shaking, his eyes fixed on the way before them, widened in some kind of horror.
In that precise moment, Heero and Wufei lifted their glances, and Trowa gave some steps, in an attempt to call 04.
But Quatre started to run.
'No.....it can't be........no!!!.....Duo, please.......oh please........answer me.......' -the pilot's querubic features were painted with grief.
"Quatre!" -Trowa called, and sprinted on his feet after him.
A second later, Heero followed as Wufei dragged the old guard too.
04 kept running until he reached the last dungeon, and with a strong, effective kick, destroyed the electric code device, opening the gates.
Without stopping to think it twice, he entered the dark room, and activated the lights on.
The dusty lamps illuminated the moist place.
And Quatre was petrified on the spot. His face was already covered in fresh tears. He had started to cry the exact moment he stood in front of the cell.
Quatre knew.
"Quatre! Quatre, did you find............" -Trowa's voice died in his throat as he stepped into the room.
After the first second of shock, he recovered and ran past Quatre, kneeling in front of the figure that lay there.
"Duo.....Duo..." -he called softly, as he tried to sit the unresponsive pilot.
"No, Trowa......no" -Quatre's voice whispered between sobs- "We're late........Allah, we're late....." -the blonde pilot fell to his knees, shaking his head as the tears continued.
The European pilot widened his eyes as he took hold of Duo's wrist. Cold. There was no pulse. There was no breathing. There was no warmth.........
There was no life.
A second later, the sound of rapid footsteps were heard as Heero made it towards the entrance. He stood there, on the threshold, as his body refused to move at the sight.
"No! Don't, Heero! Go away! Don't look!" -Quatre cried out, standing in a rush, as he tried to push the Japanese pilot out of the room- "Don't look at him, Heero! Go!!"
Quatre continued begging, knowing it would tear Heero in two if he stared at the body of the boy who had managed to become the perfect soldier's friend.
Wufei was also there, his black eyes fixed in supreme shock and pain, contemplating the sad scene.
The scene where Trowa was holding the pale, cold body of Duo, who was covered in blood, his body slashed in wounds, his arms cuffed to the wall, his face cut mercilessly.
His eyes permanently closed.
"Today........it was today.......at dawn" -the old guard suddenly said in quiet voice- "It...it started at midnight, but he......the kid tried to hold on.......until dawn, when I heard whispers.......and he was gone........"
Heero, his expression blank, pushed Quatre out of his way. The blonde pilot tried to hold him, but Heero refused and, with slow steps, walked and kneeled beside Trowa.
The Heavyarms pilot lifted his glance to stare at 01, his green eyes shining with silent tears.
Without one word, the Wing Zero pilot slightly pushed Trowa to the side, as he took hold of the pale boy. 03 moved, as his hands came up, to cover his face and weep.
Slowly, gently, Heero's hand brushed the honey-colored bangs out of Duo's slashed face, his fingers trembling at the coldness of the skin.
The Chinese pilot shut his eyes, his hands clenching in fists, as two tears strolled softly down his cheeks.
Maxwell..........Maxwell was dead. Duo Maxwell was dead.
The cheerful pilot, the vibrant boy, the soul and life of the team was gone.
"He was brave........ He didn't say one word......no matter what the A.G. did, he kept silent......." -the guard added, clear remorse on his voice.
Quatre advanced, his heart in agony, and he placed his hand on Heero's shoulder. There was nothing to say.
The Japanese boy drew the inert body closer to his, as he hugged his gone friend. There was a metallic touch on his chest, as the silver cross was pressed against his skin.
Duo's cross.
"The brat lasted more than expected. The fool kept silent, probably thinking you would return for him. How stupid! Fry in Hell, stupid kid!!" -a voice roused in sadistic taunting, as the other guard called from the hall where he was cuffed.
Black eyes became slits at the words, Wufei couldn't hold his anger and pain any longer. He growled something, and attempted to whirl and shut that bastard, but.......
But Heero stood quickly, his shoulders shaking.
In fury. Shaking in fury, his eyes cold, with a metallic grim shine.
Before anyone could stop him, 01 exited the room in a second, heading towards the hall.
A moment later, three shots could be heard. Wufei also stepped out of the threshold, staring at Heero's figure as he returned to the dungeon, the gun still in his grasp.
On the hall, still cuffed to the bars, the guard was dead, with two bullets in his head, and the General had also been killed, a bullet to his heart.
In his grief, Heero didn't care any more. He just killed them. And the other three pilots didn't make any movement to stop him. If they could, they would have killed every ozie in the base.
When Heero kneeled again beside the body, an explosion shook the whole place, and the alarms went wild, alerting about the incoming destruction.
"There are still hostages!!"
"Take this people out of here!!"
"Someone help us!!"
"Get us out of here!!"
"Fire! Fire! We're trapped!! Save us!!"
The screams reached the ears of everyone, as the hostages tried to escape from the prisons wrapped in fire.
In less than 15 minutes, the base would blow up into pieces. And the hostages would die if no one helped them.
"We.......we got to help them...." -Trowa managed to say, his hand wiping his tears away.
Wufei nodded, and Quatre also agreed, their faces still wet.
"Heero?.......Heero?" -Quatre called.
But 01 didn't look up at them, he just shook his head in negative, not releasing the pale boy.
"He's not.......Heero listen......Duo's not here anymore......" -Quatre whispered, his voice faltering at his own words.
"Lets go, Heero. We can't .....bring him.......it's not right..." -Trowa murmured, as he gently took 01 by the arm, pulling him up.
"Let him go......let him rest......" -Wufei added, as he closed his eyes and bowed his head in respect and mourning.
And guilt. The same guilt that engulfed 01, 03 and 04 hearts. They were too late.
Heero disentangled his arms around Duo, and gently laid him on the floor again. Before standing up, he barely touched his lips to 02's forehead.
Heero came to his feet, his body still trembling slightly. But his eyes, though sad and sorrowful, weren't blurry.
No tears.
And with a last look and whispered goodbyes, the 4 pilots and the old guard, who was crying, exited the room and started running towards the other prisons' sector, in order to save the other hostages.
***********
Three crowded ships took off five minutes later, leaving the base behind, getting as far as possible before the explosion destroyed the satellite.
Inside the dark cell, a silhouette appeared from nowhere.
The black boots walked slowly towards Duo's body, and the shadow sat beside him, one black-gloved hand coming to rest on top of the messy chestnut hair.
"They left you, again. They left you, Duo.........there's no thing as a promise after all........"
The voice murmured, as he placed his other gloved hand on Duo's chest.
"But there will come the day, when blood will be paid with blood.....there will come the day........."
The fire flowed everywhere, as the detonation took the place down. The silhouette mused something softly.
And the shadow and Duo's body vanished, just a second before the satellite exploded among the blackness of space.
****************
Inside the ship, four pilots sat on a living room. They stayed there, an air of sadness drowning them.
None of them could talk. They could barely breath. The loss was so great, the pain so huge.
Life so cruel.
Heero stood in front of a window, staring into nothing.
He couldn't hear anything, couldn't think of anything, and couldn't feel anything, but the cold, sharp agony that was ripping his heart apart.
[ If I'm gone when you wake up.........
please don't cry............
and if I'm gone when you wake up.........
don't ask why............
don't look back at this time........
as time of heartbreak and distress.........
remember me, remember me..........
'cause I'll be with you, in your dreams.........
in your dreams..........]
To Be Continued...........
A/N: Please R&R. I know is sad, but things start to take other path next chapter.......leave a review, onegai. Or I'll also die. 'In your dreams' by Hanson.
But don't worry, here we go......
Ah, yes, since I already wrote that part, I'll tell you that the first 4 chapters of this fic were inspired by a French movie called 'The Fraternity of the Silence' about war prisoners who endure any kind of torture in defense of their honor.
From now on, the story will take a plot following another movie (the one who truly inspired this). If someone manages to guess which is, will receive special recognition and, if she/he wants, can decide what my next fic is going to be about.
So, be prepared for this chapter.
warnings: blood, violence, Dark fic.
"Beyond Life and Death"
By Shinigami's Voice.
-chapter five-
"We're almost there" -04 called through the COM.
"05, report analysis" -the Wing Zero pilot ordered as they got closer to the satellite.
"The Oz radar won't notice our presence until the Gundams are into vision field. The stealth system of our suits will trespass the security for approximately 8 minutes, giving us time to cope with the 5 Doll keeps guarding the principal gates. Once we are at fire range, Heavyarms will be ready to implant the detonation device, granting us entrance to........"
The Chinese pilot continued his report as the 4 suits advanced through the darkness of space. The pilots were totally focused in this mission. Time was priceless in this situation. Duo's life could depend on it.
Quatre took a quick look at Heero's image on the COM screen, taking in his facial expression.
The perfect soldier mode was in full force.
'It's the only way he can confront this' -the blonde pilot reflected- 'We have to concentrate. We're almost there, Duo. Just a bit longer..........'
"Quatre....Quatre" -Trowa's voice brought 04 out of his thoughtful state- "Can you reach Duo from here? Is there any connection?"
"I'm trying....." -the Sandrock pilot answered as he shut his eyes, but shook his head in frustration- "But I can't manage to keep myself calm to establish the link. I'm too worried" -the youngster answered with sincerity.
"Attention everyone" -01 called- "We're in the mission's location" -Heero paused for a brief moment, his blue eyes narrowing a bit- "Go"
And Wing Zero flew directly against the enemy, the other three pilots at his sides.
'I promised Duo......I promised you, Duo.......I'm here.....' -Heero's mind repeated one time and another, as he fought the Dolls with perfect precision, at the same time his right hand lifted momentarily to grip the silver cross on his chest.
The battle lasted no more than 20 minutes. The Gundams, at any situation, were practically unstoppable, and now, when the 4 of them were fighting like it was the last battle of their lives, they became invincible.
"How's that possible??!! The five keeps couldn't even take one down?!" -the general in charge of the base's security screamed to his subordinates.
"General, Gundam 03 has exploded the west entrance. We're being invaded" -one of the ozies on the control board informed.
"General, Gundam 01 has completely destroyed the central defense"
"General, Gundam 05 is guarding the rebel troops that have come to....."
"Silence!!" -the general said exasperate. Things were just getting worse for them. Not only the 4 Gundams were attacking, but the rebel troops were also supporting the fight.
After pacing back and forth for a full minute, the Oz snatched the microphone from one of the cadet's grasp.
"Attention, base. Emergency state. Evacuate immediately. I repeat, evacuation in progress" -and after that, the General addressed to one of his assistants: "Get the A.G out of here. Take the north dock and prepare a ship for a getaway..........."
What the general didn't know, is that the north dock had already been secured by the rebel troops, and every Oz soldier was being taken as prisoner.
On the central hall, four young pilots made a dash towards the control room, knocking or shooting down every enemy that crossed their way. One second later, the automatic gates appeared at view.
".......north dock and prepare a ship for a getaway....." -the general was still talking when the gates were opened, and all ozies inside of the room were faced against four automatics.
What drained the color away from their faces wasn't the sight of the guns, but the sight of the soldiers aiming them.
The Gundam Pilots.
"Don't move" -01 practically grunted, when one of the cadets made a slight try to withdrew his own gun.
"Give up peacefully and your lives will be respected" -Quatre stated, though his voice was strangely cold.
He couldn't help it. These were the men who held captive his friend.
"Order your men to surrender immediately" -Wufei added, side-looking the man on the communication system.
Then, in a flash, the General crouched and tried to fire against them. His movement was followed by a cry, as he held his blooding hand close to his chest.
"I said don't move" -Heero repeated in his monotone, after he fired and knocked the gun out of the ozie's grasp.
03 pilot advanced until he stood in front of the fallen general, and fixing his intense green eyes on him, commanded.
"Take us to the cells. Now"
In that moment, rebel soldiers entered the room and started cuffing the prisoners, as the pilots were lead by the General through the halls, a gun trained on his neck.
"Where's the prisoner?" -Heero asked as they approached the area.
"Which one?" -the General answered with other question.
That was the worst thing he could have done.
In a swift move, Heero buried his fist on the man's stomach, making the ozie doubled over himself in pain.
"Where's the prisoner?" -Wufei was the one who repeated the question.
"I ...I don't know....." -the man gasped, as 05 dragged him with them until they stood in front of the cells.
"What?" -the Chinese growled, pushing the man against the cold metal wall.
"I ... I don't know...I really don't know....." -the ozie repeated, his eyes wide in fear at 05's hard glance.
"He's not here" -Trowa stated after checking inside all the cells along the hall.
The Wing Zero pilot whirled on his heels, ice blue eyes locking with the fearful ones of the General.
"We know Gundam pilot 02 is held prisoner in this base" -Heero pronounced each word in low, dangerous voice- "You will tell us now where is he or you ........"
"The A.G. took care of him. I didn't do anything. I swear" -the man started whimpering- "I didn't do anything. They gave the orders, they were the ones......." -the man blurted in cold dread.
"Where....is....02?" -01 said, his glance boring into the ozie's eyes.
"They......they transferred him.......it wasn't me.....they took him to....the dungeon......."
Heero's answer was a grunt, as he pushed the man towards the main hall, silently signaling him to take them there.
'If they've made him something, I swear........if they've touched him........' -01's thoughts drifted between anger and worry.
After some minutes of walk, they reached the electric stairs and went down, accessing into a cold hall which lead them to the underground dungeon's area.
"So...they're finally here........" - an ironic voice said as a shot went wild, flying close to 03's head.
Quatre rolled over and fired, and a thump signaled the man down.
"Don't shoot! We surrender!" -another voice, much older than the first one spoke.
When the 4 pilots and the captive General gave some more steps, they could see the two guards that were in charge of the zone. One of them, the bulky one, was bleeding from his stomach, but there was a sadistic smile twitching his lips.
The other one was much older, nearly 60. He had thrown their guns to show their surrender, and was currently holding his hands up.
"Yeah, we surrender, but that doesn't matter anymore" -the bulky guard gave an ugly smirk- "Glad you're finally here to 'visit' your friend. He's been waiting for you. Aren't you gonna enter and see him? What are you waiting for?"
Prussian blue eyes suddenly widened, as Quatre's chest was filled by a cold breeze, and a terrifying sensation settled on his heart.. ........emptiness. Total emptiness.
Heero cuffed the General and the mocking guard to one of the dungeon's bars, his actions purposely harsh, with suppressed anger towards the insults. Wufei took hold of the older man, who seemed to be more cooperative and would probably show them the way faster.
Trowa looked around the dark cells, inwardly shivering at the coldness of the place. Then, he caught sight of his blonde friend.
Quatre's expression was.......terrified beyond words. The younger pilot was clearly shaking, his eyes fixed on the way before them, widened in some kind of horror.
In that precise moment, Heero and Wufei lifted their glances, and Trowa gave some steps, in an attempt to call 04.
But Quatre started to run.
'No.....it can't be........no!!!.....Duo, please.......oh please........answer me.......' -the pilot's querubic features were painted with grief.
"Quatre!" -Trowa called, and sprinted on his feet after him.
A second later, Heero followed as Wufei dragged the old guard too.
04 kept running until he reached the last dungeon, and with a strong, effective kick, destroyed the electric code device, opening the gates.
Without stopping to think it twice, he entered the dark room, and activated the lights on.
The dusty lamps illuminated the moist place.
And Quatre was petrified on the spot. His face was already covered in fresh tears. He had started to cry the exact moment he stood in front of the cell.
Quatre knew.
"Quatre! Quatre, did you find............" -Trowa's voice died in his throat as he stepped into the room.
After the first second of shock, he recovered and ran past Quatre, kneeling in front of the figure that lay there.
"Duo.....Duo..." -he called softly, as he tried to sit the unresponsive pilot.
"No, Trowa......no" -Quatre's voice whispered between sobs- "We're late........Allah, we're late....." -the blonde pilot fell to his knees, shaking his head as the tears continued.
The European pilot widened his eyes as he took hold of Duo's wrist. Cold. There was no pulse. There was no breathing. There was no warmth.........
There was no life.
A second later, the sound of rapid footsteps were heard as Heero made it towards the entrance. He stood there, on the threshold, as his body refused to move at the sight.
"No! Don't, Heero! Go away! Don't look!" -Quatre cried out, standing in a rush, as he tried to push the Japanese pilot out of the room- "Don't look at him, Heero! Go!!"
Quatre continued begging, knowing it would tear Heero in two if he stared at the body of the boy who had managed to become the perfect soldier's friend.
Wufei was also there, his black eyes fixed in supreme shock and pain, contemplating the sad scene.
The scene where Trowa was holding the pale, cold body of Duo, who was covered in blood, his body slashed in wounds, his arms cuffed to the wall, his face cut mercilessly.
His eyes permanently closed.
"Today........it was today.......at dawn" -the old guard suddenly said in quiet voice- "It...it started at midnight, but he......the kid tried to hold on.......until dawn, when I heard whispers.......and he was gone........"
Heero, his expression blank, pushed Quatre out of his way. The blonde pilot tried to hold him, but Heero refused and, with slow steps, walked and kneeled beside Trowa.
The Heavyarms pilot lifted his glance to stare at 01, his green eyes shining with silent tears.
Without one word, the Wing Zero pilot slightly pushed Trowa to the side, as he took hold of the pale boy. 03 moved, as his hands came up, to cover his face and weep.
Slowly, gently, Heero's hand brushed the honey-colored bangs out of Duo's slashed face, his fingers trembling at the coldness of the skin.
The Chinese pilot shut his eyes, his hands clenching in fists, as two tears strolled softly down his cheeks.
Maxwell..........Maxwell was dead. Duo Maxwell was dead.
The cheerful pilot, the vibrant boy, the soul and life of the team was gone.
"He was brave........ He didn't say one word......no matter what the A.G. did, he kept silent......." -the guard added, clear remorse on his voice.
Quatre advanced, his heart in agony, and he placed his hand on Heero's shoulder. There was nothing to say.
The Japanese boy drew the inert body closer to his, as he hugged his gone friend. There was a metallic touch on his chest, as the silver cross was pressed against his skin.
Duo's cross.
"The brat lasted more than expected. The fool kept silent, probably thinking you would return for him. How stupid! Fry in Hell, stupid kid!!" -a voice roused in sadistic taunting, as the other guard called from the hall where he was cuffed.
Black eyes became slits at the words, Wufei couldn't hold his anger and pain any longer. He growled something, and attempted to whirl and shut that bastard, but.......
But Heero stood quickly, his shoulders shaking.
In fury. Shaking in fury, his eyes cold, with a metallic grim shine.
Before anyone could stop him, 01 exited the room in a second, heading towards the hall.
A moment later, three shots could be heard. Wufei also stepped out of the threshold, staring at Heero's figure as he returned to the dungeon, the gun still in his grasp.
On the hall, still cuffed to the bars, the guard was dead, with two bullets in his head, and the General had also been killed, a bullet to his heart.
In his grief, Heero didn't care any more. He just killed them. And the other three pilots didn't make any movement to stop him. If they could, they would have killed every ozie in the base.
When Heero kneeled again beside the body, an explosion shook the whole place, and the alarms went wild, alerting about the incoming destruction.
"There are still hostages!!"
"Take this people out of here!!"
"Someone help us!!"
"Get us out of here!!"
"Fire! Fire! We're trapped!! Save us!!"
The screams reached the ears of everyone, as the hostages tried to escape from the prisons wrapped in fire.
In less than 15 minutes, the base would blow up into pieces. And the hostages would die if no one helped them.
"We.......we got to help them...." -Trowa managed to say, his hand wiping his tears away.
Wufei nodded, and Quatre also agreed, their faces still wet.
"Heero?.......Heero?" -Quatre called.
But 01 didn't look up at them, he just shook his head in negative, not releasing the pale boy.
"He's not.......Heero listen......Duo's not here anymore......" -Quatre whispered, his voice faltering at his own words.
"Lets go, Heero. We can't .....bring him.......it's not right..." -Trowa murmured, as he gently took 01 by the arm, pulling him up.
"Let him go......let him rest......" -Wufei added, as he closed his eyes and bowed his head in respect and mourning.
And guilt. The same guilt that engulfed 01, 03 and 04 hearts. They were too late.
Heero disentangled his arms around Duo, and gently laid him on the floor again. Before standing up, he barely touched his lips to 02's forehead.
Heero came to his feet, his body still trembling slightly. But his eyes, though sad and sorrowful, weren't blurry.
No tears.
And with a last look and whispered goodbyes, the 4 pilots and the old guard, who was crying, exited the room and started running towards the other prisons' sector, in order to save the other hostages.
***********
Three crowded ships took off five minutes later, leaving the base behind, getting as far as possible before the explosion destroyed the satellite.
Inside the dark cell, a silhouette appeared from nowhere.
The black boots walked slowly towards Duo's body, and the shadow sat beside him, one black-gloved hand coming to rest on top of the messy chestnut hair.
"They left you, again. They left you, Duo.........there's no thing as a promise after all........"
The voice murmured, as he placed his other gloved hand on Duo's chest.
"But there will come the day, when blood will be paid with blood.....there will come the day........."
The fire flowed everywhere, as the detonation took the place down. The silhouette mused something softly.
And the shadow and Duo's body vanished, just a second before the satellite exploded among the blackness of space.
****************
Inside the ship, four pilots sat on a living room. They stayed there, an air of sadness drowning them.
None of them could talk. They could barely breath. The loss was so great, the pain so huge.
Life so cruel.
Heero stood in front of a window, staring into nothing.
He couldn't hear anything, couldn't think of anything, and couldn't feel anything, but the cold, sharp agony that was ripping his heart apart.
[ If I'm gone when you wake up.........
please don't cry............
and if I'm gone when you wake up.........
don't ask why............
don't look back at this time........
as time of heartbreak and distress.........
remember me, remember me..........
'cause I'll be with you, in your dreams.........
in your dreams..........]
To Be Continued...........
A/N: Please R&R. I know is sad, but things start to take other path next chapter.......leave a review, onegai. Or I'll also die. 'In your dreams' by Hanson.