Author's notes:
Opps forgot to put these in the first chap…gomen ne
"talking"
' Thinking '
" flashback "
' sound effect ' -- it might not be in italic
Also in case I get any beef about this, SOTL is an AU fic. Everything is twisted and strange. There's some OOC but I tried to keep everyone
the way they normally are. Ah what the hell…just enjoy J
Chapter 2
Simply because he was unfamiliar with the land and it's people Quatronin was forced to stay in a hotel.
The view of the city was something that he did appreciate though. The lights twinkled and danced off of other reflective building surfaces. It reminded him of the stars he used to simply gaze at for hours on end back home.
Blinking quickly out of the soon to be painful memory, he focused his thoughts on how he would rescue Trowna.
'They won't be guarding him at all times. After all they're probably out looking for me anyway, but that's far too risky.....Then there's Fei...He had escaped quickly. But to where?' He wondered. If he could find Fei before the others then he would perhaps have one ally.
The blonde closed his eyes and tried to feel the thoughts of his love. At first there was nothing, and he was ready to give up when he felt a twinge of agony.
"Trowna..." he whispered, eyebrows knitting together in concern. Trowna was in a great deal of pain. Barely conscious and extremely injured.
Opening his eyes, anger coursed through him. In that state he would not be able to speak with Trowna, or share thoughts with him. He could only hope that his love would heal quickly and contact him soon.
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Lounging on the roof of the truck, Dwano waited patiently for Hirto to return. Although correctly translated their names would have come out to Hiro and Duo. He was indifferent as to which he was addressed by.
"Well if I didn't know any better I'd say someone were trying to sneak up on me." he smiled.
After a few seconds of silence another responded, stepping out of the shadows and into the light where Dwano could see, "Whatever gave you that impression?"
Eyeing the masked figure in front of him, he shrugged.
"Things seem to be going quite smoothly for you Kalin Dwano."
"That they are." was his reply, "You wouldn't happen to have any...oh say...tidbits of information that would help things go even more smoothly for me would you?"
"Not at this particular time." responded the tall figure turning, "Perhaps another time."
"One of these days somebody's gonna unmask that pretty face of yours Mido, If you're not careful." Dwano called after him as he departed.
The fact that Mido was there disturbed him. Not only had he proven troublesome in the past, by seeming to always know what was going on and when, but he also managed to often ally himself with the wrong people in Dwano's opinion.
He was just getting the idea to go after the long haired platinum blonde when Hirto returned.
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Droplets of crimson dripped into the grass as he came to a stop in front of the truck.
"Hirto...or should I say Hiro?" Grinned the braided other, as he hopped down off the truck and walked towards him, "What took you so long? You just missed a visitor."
"Visitor?" he asked, as Dwano circled him, "Who?"
"Mido..." Breathed the slender boy, leaning into Hirto from the side, all the while placing arms about his waist.
He growled, "Now isn't' the time for this."
"Oh you always say that." Dwano complained, nuzzling closer, "And besides," he inhaled deeply, "you reek of blood. How can I possibly resist?"
He had totally dismissed the fact that there was still warm crimson lines running down his arms and dripping from his fingertips.
Dwano however did not. In fact the other Kalin was already lifting Hirto's wrist, and taking the blood covered fingers into his mouth.
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Trowna's head spun as the terror and pain invaded his senses. Visions filled his head and he could not stop them from replaying in his mind.
An auburn haired female. She called to him mentally, but physically she was being pressed into the ground by her neck. Trowna could feel the pressure at her neck, and the pain of internal injuries as if they were his own. She kicked and clawed at her assailant, but only managed to cough blood onto the calloused hand wrapped firmly around her neck. The other hand was pushing down on her chest slowly crushing all the bones within that area.
The expressionless look on his face and cold dark blue eyes were unmistakable.
"Hirto....Why-" Trowna gasped, clutching at his own chest and hoping that the vision would end on a more pleasant note then it had begun.
Her breath was hitching as she managed to pry Hirto's hand away from her throat. Then a scream tore through Trowna's head, as the sound and feel of his chest finally giving into the pressure Hirto was applying.
The sickening crunch nearly made Trowna loose what little food he was able to consume.
'I'm.....sorry Kalin Trowna....I've failed you...."
Deep green eyes opened in realization of who's mortifying death he had just witnessed, "Katherii..." was all he managed to get out before slipping into unconsciousness.
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"Owwww!!!" cried out the young man, "You bit me!"
Turning his head to the side to spit out some of the blood that he had drawn from the stranger, he then turned to leave.
"Hey you can't just walk away! Get back here!" snarled the young man approaching from behind.
Turning swiftly, long white shirt flowing around him he glared at the individual. He said nothing, just continued glaring, as if to challenge the other to dare touch him again.
The man snorted, cradling his injured hand like a wounded pup, then pushed his way through the crowd where he disappeared.
'Weak.' was the only thought that came to mind as he went in the opposite direction of the man. This was all he had encountered since he had descended.
As he walked through the city, trying to pick up the language and some of the written words, he started to wonder why he hadn't encountered anyone familiar to him.
After the descent, he was the first to awaken. His wings were stronger than the others, and more durable. Once he had made sure he sustained no injuries, he went over to investigate the others. Next to him was Quatronin, and he was no where near conscious. He had thought of carrying the boy, but while durable, he was not yet strong enough for such a task. He had started to wake the blonde up, but one of the others was starting to regain consciousness. Wasting no time he simply left, hoping the others would be able to do the same.
It wasn't that he was a coward, he just wasn't recuperated enough for combat.
Fei cursed to himself, stopping to lean against a nearby wall. He was dressed in long black pants, which closed about his ankles, and remained spacious about the rest of his legs, draw stringing at the waist. Over the pants he wore a long white shirt that came to his knees with a high collar and slitted on either side allowing him free movement.
A few small children ran by, chased after by a frantic woman, waving her hands about.
He tried to make sense of what they were saying, but unlike the others who had descended, he spoke a different dialect and language all together. His clan was bound to tradition and kept their own language, along with learning the other language more commonly spoke.
"Excuse me sir, would you like to buy some flowers?"
Looking down, his dark eyes fell upon that of a girl who came up to his thigh. Her black hair was pulled on top of her head, while she wore a faded flower printed dress and scuffed white shoes.
It took him a few seconds to get some idea of what she had asked, then he shook his head and held out his empty hands.
"Oh! That's okay. I don't have any money either, that's why I'm selling flowers." she smiled, looked around quickly, then reached into her basket filled to the brim with colorful assortments of flowers "Here. Mommy says it's a snapdragon hybrid. But don't tell anybody you got it from me."
Fei took the orange and green colored flower, then nodded down at the girl, "Sankou."
"You're welcome. Ja ne!" she smiled then skipped off down the crowded streets.
Fei had been educated of the world he was now in, so there was nothing much to surprise him. The living conditions were similar to the ones he was used to, yet poorly constructed, the atmosphere was the same, the only difference was how people treated one another. There was a lack of respect and order. It bothered him to see small children on the streets selling wildlife and strangers who would damn near grab anyone that caught their eye.
Sighing heavily, Fei looked at the flower he was holding, briefly letting some of his essence pass through it before dropping it to the ground. Then he shoved his hands into his pocket s and continued on his search, for something or someone familiar to him, never noticing the hooded young man watching him from across the street.
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Umi yawned as he pulled out his cell phone. Then leaned against the building, plugging one finger to his ear so that he could hear.
There was a click after the sixth ring and labored breathing could be heard on the other end.
"What?"
"Um...You told me to call you if I saw anything and well-"
A deep moan cut him off which was followed by Dwano's whispering, "Be patient this'll only take a second. Umi?"
"Yes? Uh...ur did I call at a bad time?"
"Better be good news." was his sharp answer.
Umi swallowed hard, looking down at the ground, "It is! I just found Kalin Fei. He's two cities over from Ms. Relina's home. City 329. It's the largest one on the coast."
"Mmmm, good work Umi. Keep track of him, but remember don't let him...ahhh see you. I'll call you to check your progress. Have you seen any sign of Quatronin?"
Umi sighed, "No, but I'll let you know if I do."
"Great." replied the other cheerfully, "Now if you'll excuse me I have an unfinished task of my own to complete."
All too quickly did Umi hang up the phone and slump his shoulders. He was tired. Unlike his Kalin who could go for days without rest, Umi was beat. All's he wanted was to get a shot of something strong and loaded rich with alcholony goodness, then to pass out like any self respecting guy his age. And that's exactly what he was going to do.
'Fuck Dwano and his little "assignments". If I wanna go out and get drunk off my ass then pass out on the floor at someone's party then that's what I'm gonna do!'
With that in mind Umi stormed towards the nearest bar, not caring which way the other had gone, but stopped halfway there when he realized he had no money, "Damn!"
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Sally walked through the crowds in city 328. It was where her apartment was located. One of them anyway, since she was still in the military and always on the move.
She carried two bags from the nearby food store in each hand, 'What am I doing? I should be out searching for him!' Her mind told her this, but her training and conscious mind told her that when she needed to get involved she would know. Then she told herself it was for the better, because of Lucrecia. If she were ever to find out...Sally frowned to think of such consequences for such a friend.
Even though it was afternoon and the sun was still out there was an brittle autumn chill in the air. It stirred at her senses a bit, as one of her crimpy locks of hair blew across her face.
"Sally." someone called to her as she was easing the door open to her building.
Looking up into the masked face of Millardo Peacecraft, she smiled, "Oh, Millardo, you startled me. Lucreacia's been wondering about you-"
"Actually I came to see you." he replied, holding the door for her.
She nodded her thanks, as she entered and asked, "What for?"
He was silent as she walked towards her apartment and did not speak again until after she shut the door and was heading towards the kitchen.
"I wanted to ask you if the name Triepzon was familiar to you?"
The name ground itself into her brain like burn. Yes she recalled the name and how she had almost ended up there instead of with her Dragon Clan, "Yes, but how do you-"
Holding up one hand, he shook his head and smiled, "It's unimportant. However you should be aware of the fact that your death will be ordered fairly soon."
"What?!" she exclaimed, staring up at the long haired man dressed in shades of grey.
"The others will be given orders shortly to kill the rest of the protectors and watchers. They have already begun."
Sally couldn't believe what she was hearing, but before she could question it a door opened and Lucrecia stepped sleepily into the living room.
"Sal what's all the commotion. It's my day off and-" she began, but her eyes had drifted over to Milliardo who still stood in the center of the living room.
"Zechs..." she said quietly. Sally had noticed that it was very rare that Lucrecia ever called Milliardo by that name, always Zechs.
He nodded towards her as she closed the distance between them.
"You've been gone for so long...I was worried that something might have-" she stopped herself, "Relina has been worried about you as well Zechs. You should go see her now that you're back."
"I will in time Noin. Thank you for your concern." he replied without any hint of emotion whatsoever.
Sally knew it wasn't her place to interrupt, but later on she would sit down with her friend and give her the scolding of a life time.
"I'm sorry to have intruded. Could you wake me around seven Sal?"
She nodded as the dark haired woman slipped back into her bedroom and shut the door.
"I'm still confused," Sally began, "How is it that you know all of this? And further more why are you warning me?"
Smiling slightly, he turned and headed towards the door, "Find him quickly Salone."
She gasped at the sound of hearing her true name spoken. But before she could stop him from leaving the door was shutting behind him.
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Taking a sip from his tea, Quatronin surveyed the area. He was seated at a local food court casually observing what was happening around him. After picking the language swiftly and easily, he had decided to reassure himself with the customs just to make sure he wouldn't stand out any more than he already did.
A tall thin young man came over to his table, carrying a rounded trey in his arms. His hair was light and dusted his shoulders, "Is there anything else I can get you?"
He shook his head, "No."
"Alright then, I'll be out with your check shortly." and with that he turned and disappeared around a corner.
Quatronin was still in city 328, but he was finding it hard to want to remain there. It was too small. And if anyone was keeping an eye on him when the time came to fight or take leave, he would be caught off guard. In a larger city there would be more places to hide out in and more people to speak with.
The waiter returned, and handed him a small slip of paper, "Thank you."
Before he could turn to leave, "Wait. I need some information."
Turning the young man looked down at him and nodded, "Okay."
"Is there a city larger than this one?"
"Of course."
"Where is the nearest one?"
"You can catch the next train over to it. It's about a two hour ride, but the foods decent." shrugged the other.
"That's not what I asked. I asked where it was."
The other flinched, then swallowed and said, "East of this place. Can't miss it. You'll know you're getting close to it when you see the river. If you're planning on driving be careful, there's lots of military around and even more once you get to the city."
The blonde thought on this as he reached into his pocket and pulled out two coins. Ignoring the bulging eyes of the waiter as he placed them down, and stood, "Thank you for the information."
Quatronin began walking through the city towards the train station, or what he assumed was it anyway, 'Perhaps Fei will be there as well.'
He sighed heavily when someone came out of a nearby crowd and began walking ever so close to him. Tensing, he readied himself to deal with this bold newcomer.
He stopped when he realized who it was at his side. Long nearly floor dusting deep blonde hair, greyish blue eyes, and the most exotic eyebrows he'd ever seen. She nodded at him, "Good evening Kalin Quatronin."
"Dote..." he trailed off then looked at her and couldn't help but smile. He was glad to see someone he remembered as a friend.
She dipped her head in respect, then started to speak, "I have little time, because I am playing two roles."
"I don't understand."
Glancing at him she sighed, "While my loyalty still lies with you, I must be loyal to Mrs. Relina as well,"
He understood this and failed to see why it bothered her. It was expected that those sent ahead of he and the others were to live just as the people of this world did, until told otherwise.
Dote continued, "She in turn is unknowingly loyal to Hirto."
Quatronin frowned and stared over at his Watcher, "I see. Do they know?"
"No. They entrust me with Kalin Trowna. His condition is improving."
"Dote, you have to get him out of there. They'll kill him I know they will, or worse." he paused then looked forward, "Same for you. You are to leave with him as well."
She smiled weakly, "As much as I would love to, Kalin Trowna is in no condition to be moved. We would get no further than the front gate. And..." she trailed off.
"What? Dote what's else?"
"My name here is Dorothy, Kalin Quatronin. And you would do well to go by your own transactional name as well."
"Dorothy what else troubles you?" He was worried that there was something about Trowna that she was not telling him, "What type of condition is Trowna in?"
"Kalin Quatre it's best you don't think of such things. You should focus more on finding Kalin Fei." she replied, surprising him when she used his translated name. She stopped walking and turned to face, him lacing her hands behind her back , "Be aware at all times after you leave this city. Dwano has sent a spy out on patrol who is looking for you and Kalin Fei. I am uncertain as to what Hirto's roll is at the time, but I'm sure he's up to something." Her eyes narrowed when she spoke his name.
Quatronin nodded, looking in the direction of the train station, "Thank you Dorothy. Please be careful and watch over Trowna."
She nodded, then turned, long casual dress flowing behind her, and headed back down the sidewalk.
After turning around Quatronin felt slightly at ease. He knew he could trust Dote and that she would defend both he and Trowna with her life if needed. He just hoped it wouldn't come to that.
Hirto was seated on the roof, scanning the perimeter for anything suspicious. His legs were drawn up and his arms resting crossed on his knees. Since the sun was down and shadows concealed his presence, he was free to expose his wings.
The tips of the long white feathers, which adorned his wings brushed at his bare ankles, as he curved them forward. It was good to have them out. Under normal circumstances he would have to at least once a day. Keeping them in longer than that and it became painful. This was mainly due to the fact that they were so large.
Dwano had gone to investigate the whereabouts of Fei and wouldn't return for a while unless something went wrong.
He frowned and curved his wings forward even more so that they practically enveloped him. Unlike Dwano, who seemed to enjoy it there, Hirto disliked it very much and wished to return home as soon as possible. The air was unclean, and everyone was untrustworthy.
A car pulling up to the main gate caught his attention. But who got out of it was even more disturbing. It was the female with the exotic eyebrows. She got out of the car, glanced about her, then began jogging up the walkway, towards the house.
'What was she doing out? She was suppose to be tending to Rekia.' Hirto's eyes narrowed as he watch her pick up the pace. But he had decided that she would not reach the house before answering a few questions.
And with this in mind the young warrior pushed his wings behind him, and stepped off the roof. His drop was fast and precise. He landed directly in front of the running female.
She gasped and stumbled backwards, placing her arm up to shield herself.
Hirto rose from his crouch drawing his wings inwards so that they were no longer visible, although one might wonder about the torn and tattered condition of his shirt.
Nodding politely, "Kalin Hirto. You startled me. I was unaware that you were keeping watch. Had I known, I would have informed you sooner about my trip into the city."
Not fully trusting her word, "You have nothing with you. Why would you make a trip to the city and return with nothing?"
She smiled then held out her empty hands, "I meant to bring money with me. But I was in such a rush to return to Ms. Relina, that I forgot to take it off my dresser. Perhaps I'll go back later. Unless there is something you needed me to do Kalin Hirto."
After trying to read her eyes and not succeeding, "No."
"Well if you'll excuse me, I must get back to Ms. Relina." she nodded towards him again, then passed by him and into the house.
Listening to the rapid rhythm of her heartbeat, he started to run a few things threw his mind, 'Why did she seem so familiar? Who exactly is she?' But he couldn't answer those questions. Apparently she was sent to aide Rekia, since her memory was lost. 'But by who? And why send someone to assist a watcher. Why not just inform me?'
Something wasn't adding up.
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The constant annoying ring of the phone next to his ear was what finally got him to pry an eye open and look at it.
It rang again and he was just tempted to hurl it to the floor.
Grumbling under his breath, he picked up the phone and clicked it on to answer it.
Before he could even open his mouth words assaulted his over sensitive ears, "Well Umi, so nice of you to answer your phone."
Rubbing his face, he tried to place the voice, then cringed when he was snapped at once again.
"You know, you're not doing too good a job here Umi. No follow up report. Not even a check in. Are you trying to avoid me....again."
Umi shuttered, then remembered he hadn't even so much as looked at his phone since the day he'd seen Kalin Fei. And that was some time last week. No wonder Dwano sounded slightly....upset.
"No it's not that! I was sleep and I didn't hear the-"
"So you're telling me that you've been sleeping when you should have been out looking for Fei and Quatronin?" asked the other calmly.
"No I-"
"Umi," he said softly, but loud enough to interrupt, "You keep disappointing me. Makes me wonder about your loyalty, it really does."
The blue haired boy swallowed heavily.
"However it's been brought to my attention that being in this world has affected you. You've grown set in your ways and you're having troubles adjusting to the way things should and will be from now on right?"
"Yeah..." Umi sighed into the phone, shoulders slumping at the words.
"That's what second chances are for. So get your ass up and report to me in two hours."
With that said there was a click and the phone line was severed.
Umi sighed, and fell back onto the bed. Rubbing his face with his hands he then held them out and examined his arms.
From his wrists up on either side of each arm were dark blue jagged stripes. They went along his sides, down his back and were on either sides of his legs as well. He had been born with them and while he was in the world he was in, he was sure to keep them covered at all times.
Once he was dressed and had left what was left of his cash with the front desk clerk of the hotel, he was on his way out the door. Outside the air was thick with a promise of rain.
"Great..." he muttered, as he started forward, "Oooof." He was nearly knocked onto the ground, but his shoulders were grabbed to steady him.
"Sorry." he managed, looking up into a pair of crystal blue eyes.
The taller man glanced him over, "Are you alright?"
Umi nodded, not believing what he was seeing. The man before him was the most alluring person he'd ever seen while he was on this world, "Y..Yeah. I'm okay." he stammered, unable to take his eyes away from the strangers face.
'Remember your mission Umi!' he scolded himself, 'You have no time to stare at pretty faces-but...' With much effort Umi broke the gaze and pulled away from the firm grip on his shoulders.
Taking the hint, "Be more cautious when roaming about."
His voice was low and deep. Very reassuring and comforting to hear, but Umi pulled his hood forward so that it covered his eyes and nodded, only seeing a glimpse of the platinum blonde haired other as he turned and gracefully stepped away.
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After finally picking up the language, Fei felt accomplished. Now he could mix and blend in with the rest of the people of the world he was forced to occupy.
His current task for the time, was finding his Watcher. He refused to call her anything else but. He required no one to protect him. He was fully capable of handling himself quite well in a battle. But so far his search was proving to be very unsuccessful, and time was running short. His clan was depending on him. Clenching his fist, he recalled why it was they had sent him in the first place:
"The Tri has sided with the Duawn and Aon is surly to fall if something isn't done."
The elder snorted, "What business is it of the Dragon clan's to interfere with their petty squabbling and honor less battles?"
"Elder if I may," interrupted a darkly dressed woman.
"The council addresses Lady Chang."
A woman dressed in a black robe stood and walked to the center of the room to address the council heads, "Though we normally distance ourselves from the other clans, it is very unwise to simply turn our backs on the situation entirely."
The elder nodded.
"What would you have us do Lady Chang?" asked one of the other council members.
She held her chin up, "A Descent."
There were several laughs and gasps to be heard around the room.
"Surely you can't be serious." laughed one of the council members.
"Oh I assure you I am very serious." she stated.
The Elder rubbed his chin and was about to reply when something crashed to floor directly in front of Lady Chang's feet.
Fei tensed to move, but was stilled by the Elder when the form stood up. His onyx hair was matted to his skull and tinged with blood.
"Forgive me Elder.....Kalin Fei....the allied clans have begun their attack. We were taken by surprise and have broken the first shield." coughed the injured solider, as his final breath was exhaled in a thin trickle of blood down the side of his mouth.
Fei stood, catching the eye of Lady Chang who had an unreadable expression on her face, "Then I must-"
"NO." rasped the elder, "You must prepare for your descent. If they have broken the first shield then Kalin Hirto must be with them." Standing shakily the older man continued, "Gather the others. The second and third shield needs strengthening."
"Elder I-" Fei began, but this time Lady Chang interrupted.
"No Kalin Fei. Do as the Elder has bid. Prepare for the descent."
Stubborn to the last Fei had insisted once more, "They haven't enough time to strengthen the shields. My majick-"
"Must be saved." she finished, dark eyes holding his, "They have come for you. If you are to be of any assistance to your people Kalin Fei, then you must leave at once to prepare for the descent!"
Clenching his fist, then casting one final understanding glare at the woman he turned and left with the Elder.
"Salone..." he muttered, wishing that he shared some of the Aon clans telepathic ability.
*all GundamWing characters are property of their orginal owners blah blah blah….don't sue ..I am poor…. Umi belongs to me and is my little bishie to do with what I please bwhahaha..