A Diamond So Dark...
Occurrences after Mercy's Sacrifice and the Sequel
Disclaimer: We do not own anything affiliated with Gundam Wing or its creations. Angela does own the plot and in helping, I revised and wrote the story. A joint creation. Any original characters along with Blacke Diamond sprung from either her or my own minds.
~+~ Chapter 3~+~ The one amongst you...
Slowly letting his eyes flutter open, Heero realized that he'd fallen asleep in his vast thinking at one time and that there were many others laying about in spots on the floor or against the wall, napping tiredly. Shifting slightly and remembering quickly that Quatre was leaning against his shoulder and still sleeping as his movements stopped abruptly. Gazing down at the unmoving form who slept soundly, he only shook his head slightly and watched in amusement. Usually, he hated for anyone to touch him, but he was getting better at it. That, and this didn't bother him as much as it had or would, his friend leaning against him. Casting his Prussian eyes at the others, he realized that Duo was still talking with his friends and the people that weren't sleeping the time away were grouping together and keeping preoccupied. The soft chatter was nothing more than a murmur echoing within the metal walls, the bright lights seeming to have lost their intimidating shine. Sighing and leaning his head once more against the wall and closing his eyes, the youth tried to think once again but still it was useless.
Soft footsteps and a muffled voice from behind the door caught the attention of all that were awake, jolting a few from their sleep as the sounds were amplified and echoed within the walls.
Eyes snapping open and glaring instantly at the door, Heero listened to the jingle of keys as people awoke and quickly moved from the entrance. "Quatre... wake up..." Gently shaking him awake, he listened as the youth back away in slight embarrassment. Disregarding this and standing quickly, the youth made his way to the front of the group and watched as the same soldier as before stepped in, gun poised.
"Well, are you really that anxious to leave this place child? Or do you just continually love to greet me?" Sneering sarcastically and motioning for another soldier to enter, he kept his gun trained on the boy before him and watched as his two friends from before joined as well.
"Dude, what are you talkin' about? Not even a mother could love that face, even if she were blind!" Laughing coldly, the cocky teen stepped before one of younger teens that the second soldier was reaching for. "Uhn uh, stay away from them."
"Do you really want to die twerp?"
"Ooh, I'm scared...." he called sarcastically, smirking mischievously.
"Leave them alone," was Heero's blunt and cold reply.
"And I suppose you're going to make me?" came the cold, sharp retort.
"If I have to," was all the Japanese youth answered, glaring deeply.
Quatre listened to them, stepping before another student as the first soldier tried to reach for him. "You don't listen too well."
"Who do you think you kids are?" Laughing and snatching out regardless, he took the blonde youth's arm and pulled him forward, pinning his arms quickly and skillfully behind the boy's back and training the gun on his temple. "Not so cocky now, are we?" Feeling the boy tense, he only smirked.
Keeping his poise and staying where he was, Heero watched the sudden surprise within the bold blue depths of his comrade yet made no motion to help him. They held no fear nor anger, but a knowing and a confidence for they faced death constantly and were not afraid to die for what they fought for. "Do you want to learn the easy way, or the hard way?"
"Man, Quatre could kick your butt easily. You really don't want to mess with that guy..." Chuckling softly at Quatre's smirk and nod, he shot a warning glare to the second soldier who advanced again.
"I suggest you all keep quiet unless you want to see him die." Cocking the gun and seeing the others tense, the other students besides the brave ones looked on in fear and some even begin to cry.
Heero tensed at seeing the trigger being pulled slowly, not wanting to risk it. "Let_him_go. Take me in his stead..."
"We're not going to bother with you brats yet... but you'll get your turn, don't worry." Sneering, he watched an adult walk through the children, a young man.
"Then leave the kids alone, let them stay safe and I'll go with you." One of the younger teachers, who'd tried to help calm the kids, when the other teachers had grouped amongst themselves, offered himself. It was his job and his responsibility.
Nodding to the second soldier, the first held the boy and heard his slightly choked gasps when he tightened his grip around his neck. "Fine, but I suggest one thing little kids. You have among you someone we want. It was rumored the Perfect Soldier is among you and we want him. Find him, and the rest of you will be safe. But hurry or you might be next." Waiting until the others were out, he began to back up with the kid still in his grasp, the youth struggling and tensing. Shoving the boy back into the room and watching him fall to the floor unexpectedly, he pulled the door shut quickly and locked it. They had heard rumor and might have just gotten an extra little boost, they'd never planned to capture the pilots until later, but to create more soldiers for their force.
Trying to brace himself, Quatre felt himself hit the floor as he put out his hands to try and stop himself. Arms giving way, he felt a sharp pain race up each of his arms as well as his legs from where his knees had hit. His elbows had given but hit the floor first, stopping him from any major injury. Wincing, the youth found that a gentle hand lay on his shoulder and looking up, he found it to be the once stoic, now protective young man and Duo by his side.
"You okay Quatre?" Duo eyed him, helping him up and ignoring the eyes that were on them.
Nodding and coughing, Quatre sat up and looked at the two. They had to do something to keep the others from getting hurt.
With concern, Heero watched his friend and kneeled by his side, sparing a glare at the soldier before the door was closed. "You can't just go and do things like that..."
Smiling and looking up as he got unsteadily to his feet, the youth only shook his head. "I didn't plan that to happen..."
Laughing softly, Duo stood but realized the murmur that was now floating through the room. "The Perfect Soldier is here?" or "A Gundam Pilot? Who is it?" or even "We've got to find him and let them have him so we'll be safe." Snorting in disgust, he returned the others' looks as well, they were hearing the same things. "Jeez man, so many people are just self- centered. Now everyone's going to be paranoid."
Nodding, Heero knew that everyone would claim everyone else to be the one that Blacke Diamond was after. "We lie low for a little while, I've got a plan."
Looking at him curiously, Quatre looked at the panicking people, each singling the ones they thought could possibly be the Perfect Soldier out. "The closed minds of these people, worried for themselves and themselves alone. It's sad..."
"Pathetic is the better word," corrected the normally silent youth, heading back over to his spot in the corner. The hesitant steps of the other two didn't bother him as they soon followed in suite.
Following silently and sitting down where he was before, Quatre looked away and smiled sheepishly. "I-I'm sorry about earlier, I hadn't meant or noticed when I fell asleep that..."
"Don't worry about it... it's fine..." resting his arms on his knees, the youth assured gently.
"So, what's runnin' through your mind man?" Duo questioned.
"Must you be so loud about it all? Maybe we should just tell Blacke Diamond everything if you're going to blurt it out like that..." Heero hissed temperamentally.
"Whoa, sorry buddy... I didn't mean to, honest." Stepping back slightly, Duo watched the boy before him warily. Something was really bugging this guy.
Giving an irritated snort, he only kept silent for a moment more. "Lie low for a little while longer. We need to know what is happening to the others. Then you both need to distract the next guard to come in when I give the word, and I'll escape to see if we can't get any help in this. You'll both have to take care of everyone until we can get this place overtaken and an escape in process."
Taking in a deep breath, the young aristocrat nodded. "We can handle that. Something more is bothering you..."
Shaking his head, he only leaned against the wall once more. "Not this time, it's nothing to worry about..." Still his tone was somewhat harsh, but the youth only prepared himself mentally and his body physically for the pain and dangerous limits that he would push it to in the time to come.
"All right..." Smiling softly, the youth only brought his knees closer to his chest, laying his head on them and hugging his knees closer, feeling Duo take a seat at his side.
"Are you sure you're feelin' okay Quatre buddy?"
"Yes, I've just got a bit on my mind right now too..." Turning his eyes to the overprotective boy, he gently smiled.
"Cool, but you wanna talk about it or something? Or am I left to fend for myself again if you wanna go to sleep?"
Laughing softly, though it seemed like a void time to do so, he shook his head. "I can't sleep now. Besides, now wouldn't be the best time to leave you on your own."
"Hey now, gimme a break! Geeze man, I can't get any respect... no respect, I swear..." Rambling on and catching soft laughter, he smirked. "Well, at least someone can still lighten up."
~-~
Laina staggered into the large room, tears streaming down her face as her sore and battered body threatened to give out and collapse had the soldiers not been pushing her and forcing her on. "What do you want with me!?" Screaming hysterically and crying, she crumbled to the floor when her arms were let go, her eyes pleading and searching.
"What are the results of the tests?" The man kept his back turned to the youth and the soldiers, deaf to her cries.
"She failed the pain endurance test miserably and her skills are worthless. She's just a pampered girl who attended the school sir." Glaring coldly at the pathetic excuse for a girl who lay frightened on the floor, crying and shivering, he reported the results with disgust.
"Take her to a holding cell, she'll take longer to train but not much than those other pampered brats. You'd almost think that if they were said to be so intelligent that they'd have some skills. Regardless, they can and will be trained. Is the other being tested?"
"He is sir, doing greatly better but his skills in piloting a mobile suit or weapon of any kind are still rather sloppy. The Gundam pilot would not hide his or her skills, nor would they fail either test so miserably, yet we're still uncertain as to whether the rumor is true or not."
"Then don't even bother with him and throw him into the same cell as this brat, and bring in two more of the subjects and test them. I will win this war, and will have the Gundam pilots later, especially the elusive Perfect Soldier. Find them and quickly, I do not accept failure." Watching over the monitors and sneering coldly, eyes hidden in the shadows as soft, short, honey-brown bangs fell forward in a messy but kept manner, his lean form standing as a silhouette menacingly.
Laina screamed and tried to pull free but was carried away, struggling and kicking, to a cold, damp, moldy cell that held a putrid odor. Hearing the cell door close, it was more of a simple cell with bar barriers that kept her from escape, the young, frightened woman sat in the corner, feeling the damp concrete soak through her night shirt and bite her skin.
~-~
"See, you've had it pretty easy man. Sounds like a royal pain of a life, but I'd really switch you, I swear I would." Sighing, Duo didn't know why he'd just unveiled his entire past softly to the merciful boy except for the fact that it made conversation and he wanted someone else to understand what he had to go through.
"I-I'm sorry Duo, I hadn't known everything I thought I did..." With a sympathetic smile, the youth leaned against the wall. He thought he'd had it bad at times in his life.
"Hey, don't worry about it. You ain't got anything to be sorry for, plus we can't really change it now..." Giving a half-hearted laugh, the youth thought of a quick subject change, the one they were on now was just depressing. "You know those girls who got you blushin' the other day," he wasn't sure how long they'd been in that room, "I think they really like you man."
Feeling his cheeks grow warm as he quickly hid his face within the shadows of his arms, he listened to Duo's laughter. Pulling his knees closer and smiling sheepishly, he heard a girlish laughter and felt himself blush deeper. "Thanks Duo, I feel so much better about being in this room right now..."
"Hey, I was just teasin', but seriously. A couple of them came over and were talking with Justin and me when you were asleep and I swear, every question out of their mouth was about you, if not complimenting on, and I quote, how "truly adorable and cute he is"." Duo caught his soft groan and couldn't help but laugh again and harder.
He was sure by now that his cheeks were a crimson red. "Duo..." With a nervous laugh and in a teasing whine, he tried to calm his emotions.
"Sorry, I can't help that you've got girls chasin' you down. Why are you embarrassed man? Havin' like-twenty girls fightin' over you should tell you something...." Snickering and grinning mischievously, the American youth placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'm not like you Duo, I really don't want girls chasing after me, you can have them. I'm more of a different, take it slower and not rush into things person. Be my guest and take them, take them all..." Smiling and raising his head, eyes looking curiously back into mischievous eyes, he didn't even want to know what was running through his mind.
"Fine, but you're missing out. Maybe I can change your mind..." Standing and stepping back and out of Quatre's reach, he only grinned evilly.
"Duo, what are you doing? Duo, no! Get back here!" Trying to grab the teen's arm and pull him back, he was unsuccessful as the youth stepped away from him, towards a group of girls. The ones who Duo had spoken of. "God, I'm actually going to hurt him, I swear it..."
Smirking, Heero caught part of the conversation and put two and two together so to say. "It has to be a first..."
"Oh no, he's going to bring them over! Duo, I swear I'll get you back for this, oh I'm going to hurt him so badly..." Hiding his face in the shadows of his arms, he heard a soft and amused snort from his side as Duo's voice grew more clearer with his approach. To make it so much "better", the girls were with him. "I swear I'm going to hurt him..."
Duo watched them, Quatre was obviously hating him at the moment but he was enjoying this. "Hey Quatre, these are the girls I was talking about. This is Shawna, Jesse, Kalina, and Raye. Girls, this is my buddy Quatre...."
"I'm going to hurt him, I'm going to hurt him, I'm really going to hurt him..." Chanting mentally, the youth took a deep breath and raised his head, a kind and diplomatic smile in place and his emotions under strict control. Standing, the youth gave a curt nod. "I'm pleased to meet each of you, and as my friend," he emphasized the word with a slight warning glare the young man's way, he continued, "said, I am Quatre."
The girls only began to giggle and smile, looking at him and their eyes flashing flirtatiously. A couple even turned their eyes to Heero who kept his closed, obviously deep in thought.
Sighing and really wishing that he could tell them to just go away, though it would be extremely rude and he was being civilized, the youth prayed they'd just leave on their own. Sitting and watching them do the same, he knew that he'd make Duo pay oh so dearly. It was hard enough for him to keep his emotions under control. "I'm sorry but..." His next sentence was cut short, Shawna interrupting him.
"You were really brave up there, the three of you. I would have been terrified if I had a gun pointed right at me. But that's just me. He could have killed you and you didn't even flinch!"
Closing his eyes and forcing himself to be patient, he didn't want to deal with these girls who were rather senseless. It was girls like these that gave them the flirty, over-talkative stereotype like the one Daemon and Zander gave the athletes. Sad enough, they were good at their jobs. "He could have, but there's no sense in fearing something that is inevitable and that will come either way. It was his choice whether or not to pull the trigger, it was my responsibility to protect my peers and those who are too weak to protect themselves."
"Is Wufei rubbing off that much on you guys?!" Duo stared at him, yet another who was becoming Wufei with his talk of those being weaker and righting the injustice.
Laughing softly, the youth smirked. "Maybe, but I'm afraid I'll have to excuse myself from this conversation. I still feel slightly ill at the moment and am tired, but it was truly an honor and pleasure to meet the four of you..." Standing, the Arabian teen looked for a spot that was fairly deserted and from the others. Finding one along the front wall, he only walked past the others and sat down on the cold floor, laying with his back against the wall and using his arm as a pillow. He'd grown tired again in the entire conversation with Duo and knew that his energy wouldn't be lasting too long but for about a week or so, not with this cold coming on. Coughing softly and closing his eyes, the young man began once more to drift into sleep, the chatter among everyone not bothering him in the least.
"Uh, sorry about him. He hasn't been feeling good lately girls..." Sighing and watching Quatre settle down, he turned back to the girls.
"It's okay," assured Raye, her eyes caught on Heero who was still oblivious to their presence.
"He's really sweet," confessed Jesse.
"And cute..." Kalina smirked.
"Isn't he that rich kid? The Winner kid?" Shawna questioned.
"Uh, he is but he's really cool, he's not like the stuck up kids you think of..." Duo defended his friend, knowing that he tried to keep as quiet about who he was because of the way everyone treated him when they knew.
"Wow, cute kid, gentlemen, and he's loaded! Could it get any better?" Shawna giggled, looking over the sleeping boy.
"Yeah, I bet you could have anything if you were his girlfriend..." Jesse wondered in awe, her eyes glimmering mischievously.
"He's not like that..." Duo persisted, growing somewhat offensive over his friend. This is why most people treated Quatre differently and why he hated it so, because they looked to the fortune he had first before bothering to know him.
"I know, get anything you want and then some, he's got enough money for it all, I wonder who gets him first...." Kalina continued, not bothering to listen to Duo's comment.
"Hey look, leave him alone. I thought you guys might have something more in your heads, but he's a good guy and if you're just in for it because he's rich, think again. He's my friend, and he's not that type of person and he doesn't need people like you guys..." Growing disgusted he watched the three girls turn to him. They were making this a game?! They were sick! All but Raye, she seemed nice enough but her eyes were glued on Heero at the moment.
"Hey, it's his choice, you can't tell us what to do. Besides, he's a big boy now, he can make his own decisions..." She shot back.
"Stay away from my friend, he wouldn't waste his time with you anyway...." Standing and noticing that Heero began to stir and look about, he only motioned toward Quatre's sleeping form. "He's over here man, he wanted to get some sleep..."
Glaring at the girls surrounding him, not having paid much attention when Duo brought them over, he especially didn't care for the one that kept staring at him as if in a trance. Standing, he silently made his way past them and strode over to Quatre's side, picking another spot against the wall and watching over his comrade's sleeping form. Worry began to fill him when he noticed that Quatre's features were slightly paler than normal, but the cold room could also help in doing such a thing. "Who were they?'
Sighing in disgust, Duo sat on his heels before the two, his back turned to the girls. "Just a bunch of money-hungry, stuck-up snobs. I was teasin' him and then brought the girls over who were talking about him the other day in first hour but they thought it was just a game to try and get together with him when they figured out who he was. Raye didn't seem too bad but she was obsessed with staring at you..." Snickering at his disgusted look, Duo couldn't help himself. "Now I know why this guy hates all the attention in being a celebrity and likes to keep quiet. I would too."
Nodding and watching the girls turn indignantly, he listened to the other chatter in the room, each conversation mixing into a soft hum with the others. Sometimes being known is almost as bad as not being known. At least when no one knows who you are, nor cares, you can hide from them and the world. When everyone knows you, it's nearly impossible to find a true friend and a place of security and secrecy. "Everyone gets a little fed up with it at times..."
"Yeah, being who he is, he's got a LOT to deal with. And not just being Quatre Winner, heir to the Winner estate and fortune..." Catching his nod, the youth turned his eyes downward to find the youth stirring slightly before he began to cough softly but only for a few seconds. "Well, this is a nice lil' vacation, just got to love the things we get ourselves into so conveniently." His every word dripped with strong sarcasm.
"Drop it." Motioning towards the others who were now extremely suspicious and still guessing at who the Gundam Pilot amongst them was, he gave a warning glare. Besides, Duo was slipping up again and letting his mouth get the best of him along with his voice, which couldn't help but rise.
"Oops, sorry man..." Looking about and finally sitting, the youth popped his knuckles and wondered what they were to do now. "...."
"What is it already?" Growing impatient and knowing that he was trying to decide whether or not to speak, Heero just blurted out rudely in irritation.
"I'm just wondering what we're to do and, well, how long we've been here..." Pulling his braid over his shoulder, the youth took the rubber band from his hair and undid part of the braid, redoing it and pulling it tighter from its loose and messy state.
"Now we sit here and we've been here since the morning we were taken and now we're going ahead into the second day of capture."
"How do you do that? It's like you have a clock in your head or something..."
"Training..." was all he replied.
"No wonder..." he mumbled, trailing off as he felt himself grow from slightly hungry to famished when told of the time frame.
"Don't tell me you're that hungry already Duo..." Eyeing the boy in question and then rolling his eyes at the soft nod, he really didn't know why he ever put up with this boy.
"Hey, I'm like a normal person, and am used to at least a meal a day, and I'd prefer that over the stealing and everything I had to do when I was supposed to be a little kid just so I could have something whenever possible..." He shot back but with a regretful tone.
"Get used to it, we might be here for a while yet."
"Uhn... don't say that. Lie to me and make me feel better, please?" He whined, stretching out and laying on his back, squinting against the lights.
"There are more important things to worry about."
"Like what? We're stuck in this boring room without anything..."
"Like company..." Heero called, getting to his knees and waking up Quatre, listening to his soft groan.
"Now?"
"We wait." Heero replied, sitting back down and watching Duo sit up as well, the other people awakening and gathering away from the door.
Quatre rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he was tired but he'd just barely gotten a nap. If they were planning anything, this was going to be really fun. He'd be struggling to see what he was doing or remember what he had to do, let alone pull it off. "No advance?"
"No," was the Japanese youth's reply.
With a cruel smirk, the soldier watched the fear in everyone's eyes as he looked for more candidates for the testing. "Well kiddies, how far have we gotten?"
Duo watched in amazement, whether out of true belief or bitter dislike for the two, Zander and Daemon were pushed to the front of the group. He almost had to laugh but what could happen to the two was no laughing matter. Even if they were complete jerks, they were still innocents and didn't need to be involved in this war nor put through whatever else Blacke Diamond could think up.
Quatre watched the terror in both boys' eyes, knowing that same fear. Standing, he watched, held back by Heero who'd grasped his hand in signaling that it was not yet time. "We can't let them go through this... even if they are selfish jerks..."
"Not yet Quatre..." was Heero's soft reply.
Sitting again yet against his will and better judgment, the youth remained quiet. "Even they don't deserve this..."
"But we must wait..." he called again as he turned his eyes from the crowd, his ears deaf to their startled cries and screams as two more teens were taken along with the two boys. Heero knew that Quatre would rather die a thousand ruthless deaths than see that happen to another, to see that fear and not do anything to try and comfort it. That's just the way he was. Yet, they had to wait for their time, or risk everything and more pain.
Catching sight of the three teens that usually "greeted" them at the door, the soldier grinned coldly. "What, not having fun? Finally learn that there's nothing you can do to help them or yourselves? Don't worry, it's your turn next...." Pulling the struggling youth's from the cell and locking the door, they made their way to the testing facility.
Trying to block out the cries and frantic voices of the people around him, Quatre rested his head against his knees and clasped his hands behind his head. How could he listen to their pained and terrified cries as they're taken without ever knowing this type of fear or capture before and know he didn't do anything to help them?! He said that he'd make sure no harm befell anyone. It's the same thing Heero had to have been feeling, that had caused him to be so temperamental with both he and Duo. Yet this was against everything he fought for! This wasn't what he did, it was like sacrificing them and throwing them to the wolves! Lord knew what Blacke Diamond did to them and none of the ones taken so far had come back. Not yet.
Placing a soft hand on his shoulder, Duo tried to spare him a smile. "Hey buddy, it's okay. We'll get them back and make Blacke Diamond pay, nothing is happening to them. They've got to keep them alive so that they can find the others, it seems like that's who they're after. Right?"
"Duo, they know that the Perfect Soldier is here..." Catching Heero's eyes, he realized that they held a sympathy, faint yes, but sympathy none the less. "... they'll use that pilot as bait for the others, it doesn't matter how many prisoners they have now or what they do to them..." He was sure never to refer to Heero or discriminate with gender. These people would be willing to give anyone up without hesitation right now.
"We don't know that for sure man..."
"They aren't coming back, notice how Laina still hasn't come back from wherever they took her nor that teacher, not even to threaten us with what could happen if the pilot doesn't show himself or herself." Again, Quatre was sure to choose his words wisely.
"And how long has it been Heero?" Turning to his comrade, he watched him hesitate a second before answering.
"25 hours, 18 minutes, and 34 seconds and counting," he stated bluntly.
Wincing at the time length, Duo turned to Quatre who seemed to be calming, as did the frenzied state or at least the audible part of it that surrounded them. Searching for something to say, he listened to his friend's soft voice speak.
"I'm sorry, I lost control a minute there. I just... to hear them like that, to not know the fear until now and the utter helplessness of sitting here and knowing I could have done something to stop them or try and stop them, but not doing anything... I just needed a moment to regain my thoughts..." Sighing deeply and trembling momentarily when he felt a shiver run down his back, he regained his composure.
"The time will come soon to strike, don't worry. We need to bide our time for now though Quatre, to just remain quiet." Shooting a glare to the students who were looking their way and conversing quietly, most likely why they'd done nothing this time to help anyone from being taken. They turned away immediately and walked off.
"Yeah man, we'll get 'em back, don't worry." Sitting and giving a gentle laugh, he caught the youth's reassured smile. "Then we can really kick some..."
"Duo," Heero stopped him with a blunt warning and cold tone.
"Well, you've got the point."
Smirking and shaking his head, the youth only met his friend's mischievous eyes and couldn't help but let his smirk grow into a knowing smile. "I got the point, loud and clear."
"Glad someone did, now can you finally explain to me what I just said there? Don't even try and explain everything that Heero said, I'm not that far yet nor would I even get half of it..." He couldn't help but just speak casually and see Quatre's smile grow, his laughter soft. "I'm not kidding man..." This only made him laugh harder.
"One of these days Duo, one of these days..." Heero warned, sending him a warning look, though not so much as a glare this time.
"Which one, I need to make sure I don't have plans and so that I can put you in. I'm a very busy man..."
Quatre couldn't help it, Duo just knew how to relieve the stress and make the hardships a little easier. The tension and negative air surrounding them was greatly mismatched with the laughter and light-heartedness, yet it was the only way the three made it through the war, or rather Quatre. He knew that Duo hid his pain and his fears by cleverness, a cheery smile, and jokes to make others laugh and feel so much better about himself. For Quatre, it was his music, his friends, and just to have the time to be who he wanted and who he was. Heero was fairly a mystery, but he did do so much better away from public places and he did loosen up in private and with his other friends. Wufei, he was another hard one. It seemed he made it through the war with Nataku mainly, but from what the youth guessed, possibly having those around him who did care for him as well and his health. Trowa was surprisingly easy, but maybe that was because he and the young acrobat were close and loyal friends, each looking out for the other. Trowa was more of the big brother type if you took the time to get to know him and build trust, yet he had his secrets and his own thoughts. Most of which he kept to himself, and did share some with the younger boy, but there was still so much that was withheld from him. Sighing deeply and wincing against his will, the boy turned his eyes upwards and grinned. "I really worry about you Duo, you know that, don't you?"
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Looking indignant, he shot back easily.
"That you're utterly hopeless and a great confusion, even to yourself..." stated Heero with a slight hint of smugness filling his Prussian depths.
"Oh, ouch! That was cold.... Dang, aren't we just the real compassionate type..." With sarcasm dripping heavily from each of his last words, the youth looked over his shoulder in a small pout and only caught a roll of his comrade's eyes in defeat.
Eyeing the two and grinning, the platinum blonde listened to the white noise within the background. The sounds he normally would block out. People were talking about them and how they didn't try somehow to stop the students from being taken once more, how they were having a fairly enjoyable and teasing conversation, and how they could even laugh in a time like this. What was wrong with trying to lighten the mood and take life one step at a time? They knew what they were to do; the three were just biding their time. Of course, everyone else didn't know that and wouldn't know that. Biting his tongue quickly to keep from saying anything and laying his head in his hands, the shifting of his comrades caught the youth's attention.
"Quatre? Uh, I don't mean to..." Duo began.
"It's nothing, I'm thinking..."
"That's not thinking... at least anything that wouldn't bother you this much..." It was his turn to contradict the boy who'd pushed his luck against Heero's restraints on his own anger and actions.
Yawning without bothering to look up, he only took a deep breath. "Nothing any of us can find the answer to nor solve..."
"You sure we can't help?" Duo chimed in.
"Positive."
"Get some more sleep, the plan starts when they come back and we don't know when that will be. You heard the soldier, we're next and maybe that's a thing working in our favor. Come here..." Motioning, he leaned forward as both boys moved closer, the others still looking at them in fear and puzzlement with accusation stated clearly on their features, within each of their movements. When they'd gathered closer, the youth spoke softly. "We go with them for the time, cooperate into capture and when we are far enough away that the students nor teachers will get hurt, we take over. I want the both of you to get back here and get everyone out of here, let me worry about the six in capture already. Make sure everyone gets out without injury or casualty, but take care of yourselves."
"Hey, don't worry about us man..." Duo's face was lit with a demonic grin, mischief burning in his eyes.
"We will, but be careful..." was Quatre's compassionate response. He was wide awake now, tired, but he knew he wouldn't be able to get to sleep again.
"Are you kidding? This guy is immortal, I swear..." Duo teased.
"Only compared to your standards, but I can die almost as easily Duo..." trailing off, the youth sat back and closed his eyes. Those three words, "I can die", sent an unwelcome feeling to his soul. This was going to be anything but an easy escape, that and painful. From the feeling he had, it would be very painful.
"Whoa dude, what's wrong with you?" Duo had caught the sudden discomfort and slight flinch when Heero had said, "die". He never seemed moved by death before, actually he almost seemed to welcome it.
"Nothing."
"Well you just."
Placing his hand on Duo's lower arm, he motioned for the boy to quiet. Quatre had also caught something and quietly closed his eyes, trying to search Heero's mind. Opening them quickly and looking back at the boy who sat still and emotionless, he gave a sympathetic smile. Fear. It was evident in Heero's mind and body, but for what, he was unsure. Shivering unconsciously, he quickly hugged himself as a wave of coldness swept over his body. Like the icy water of the lake. Brushing that thought instantly from his mind, the youth felt his pain again: his lungs ready to burst, the sudden inhale of water in panic, and exhaustion and feeling it sting and tear at his insides before he fell into unconsciousness; the pain in speaking and moving when the pneumonia had overwhelmed him, and his raw throat due to his continual hacking and coughing. Something he really didn't want to experience again, ever.
"I don't know what's goin' on with the both of you two, but I'm not sure I want to try and understand." Eyeing them warily, Duo only leaned back and laid on the floor, squinting his eyes against the light until he finally closed them in defeat. Well, things could be worse, they had to give it that much and that things weren't worse at the time. At the time.
Authors' Notes:
Angela: Aw, snap. That was GREAT! *claps and jumps up and down* Next chapter, next chapter! Heehee! Okay, now the technical drill: Things are fixing to get. Uh, waitaminute, I'll let Star break that news to you. Alrighty. Things have been tense for poor Quatre. Heero has to be the leader (of course), and Duo is trying his hardest to help out, even if that means jokes every few paragraphs. *sigh* Um, okay. To escape, Heero and Duo and Quatre are going to have to. WAITAMINUTE! I'm not going to tell you that! *catches a no-no look from Star* Opps! Uh, you'll have to review for it. The more reviews Star gets the faster she works. Right? Right. Um, your turn Lady Stardancer!
Star: ~*~grabs a Mountain Dew and a Snickers, tired of Skittles at the moment~*~ Well, wonder where those guys are now... ~*~looks for four of her many muses, Trowa, Heero, Wufei, and Quatre. Duo's working with Ang~*~ Oh well. Hope you like this, cause everything for the guys goes downhill from this point on... ~*~smirk and evil snicker~*~ Oh wow, is it going to go downhill, hope you picked up the foreshadowing with Heero... why else would he be so snappy after trying to become normal and show more emotion with his friends? ~*~sphinx-like smirk~*~ We got this story under control and it's gonna be a fun ride, that's all I'm sayin'... ~*~hugs Ang~*~ Thanks to this girl, and being corrupted... I was a sweet lil' angel, can you imagine? ~*innocent look*~ Guess not any longer with some of my friends, but let's have fun! ~*grins and takes shelter behind Ang in case any get "disgruntled"*~
Angela: *puts hand up to halt the "disgruntled" from getting to Star* Ahem. *deep booming voice of the Black Knight* None shall pass.. *Cheshire cat grin* Or else. Or else what??? Or else Star will never finish this story!!!!!!!!!!! *terrified gasp with several passing out* Yeah. *nods* That's what I thought. DUO!!!!
Duo: I'm sorry! *pause* Um, what'd I do this time?
Star: ~*~looks and crumbles to her knees, trying to wipe the never-ending tears from her eyes, her sleeves soaking~*~ Do you have to ask anymore Duo? ~*~laughs harder~*~ I'll have to train Trowa to do that, this is going to be fun, I'll have to let you work with Trowa-san... ~*~tries to quell laughter~*~
Angela: Silly- you didn't do anything. I just want you to guard Star from "disgruntled" while I go find some Skittles. Star's Snickers made me hungry and I wanna taste the rainbow. *waves to readers* Hope you peeps keep liking the story! Thanks for putting up with our ramblings! *walks off to hunt Skittles*
Disclaimer: We do not own anything affiliated with Gundam Wing or its creations. Angela does own the plot and in helping, I revised and wrote the story. A joint creation. Any original characters along with Blacke Diamond sprung from either her or my own minds.
~+~ Chapter 3~+~ The one amongst you...
Slowly letting his eyes flutter open, Heero realized that he'd fallen asleep in his vast thinking at one time and that there were many others laying about in spots on the floor or against the wall, napping tiredly. Shifting slightly and remembering quickly that Quatre was leaning against his shoulder and still sleeping as his movements stopped abruptly. Gazing down at the unmoving form who slept soundly, he only shook his head slightly and watched in amusement. Usually, he hated for anyone to touch him, but he was getting better at it. That, and this didn't bother him as much as it had or would, his friend leaning against him. Casting his Prussian eyes at the others, he realized that Duo was still talking with his friends and the people that weren't sleeping the time away were grouping together and keeping preoccupied. The soft chatter was nothing more than a murmur echoing within the metal walls, the bright lights seeming to have lost their intimidating shine. Sighing and leaning his head once more against the wall and closing his eyes, the youth tried to think once again but still it was useless.
Soft footsteps and a muffled voice from behind the door caught the attention of all that were awake, jolting a few from their sleep as the sounds were amplified and echoed within the walls.
Eyes snapping open and glaring instantly at the door, Heero listened to the jingle of keys as people awoke and quickly moved from the entrance. "Quatre... wake up..." Gently shaking him awake, he listened as the youth back away in slight embarrassment. Disregarding this and standing quickly, the youth made his way to the front of the group and watched as the same soldier as before stepped in, gun poised.
"Well, are you really that anxious to leave this place child? Or do you just continually love to greet me?" Sneering sarcastically and motioning for another soldier to enter, he kept his gun trained on the boy before him and watched as his two friends from before joined as well.
"Dude, what are you talkin' about? Not even a mother could love that face, even if she were blind!" Laughing coldly, the cocky teen stepped before one of younger teens that the second soldier was reaching for. "Uhn uh, stay away from them."
"Do you really want to die twerp?"
"Ooh, I'm scared...." he called sarcastically, smirking mischievously.
"Leave them alone," was Heero's blunt and cold reply.
"And I suppose you're going to make me?" came the cold, sharp retort.
"If I have to," was all the Japanese youth answered, glaring deeply.
Quatre listened to them, stepping before another student as the first soldier tried to reach for him. "You don't listen too well."
"Who do you think you kids are?" Laughing and snatching out regardless, he took the blonde youth's arm and pulled him forward, pinning his arms quickly and skillfully behind the boy's back and training the gun on his temple. "Not so cocky now, are we?" Feeling the boy tense, he only smirked.
Keeping his poise and staying where he was, Heero watched the sudden surprise within the bold blue depths of his comrade yet made no motion to help him. They held no fear nor anger, but a knowing and a confidence for they faced death constantly and were not afraid to die for what they fought for. "Do you want to learn the easy way, or the hard way?"
"Man, Quatre could kick your butt easily. You really don't want to mess with that guy..." Chuckling softly at Quatre's smirk and nod, he shot a warning glare to the second soldier who advanced again.
"I suggest you all keep quiet unless you want to see him die." Cocking the gun and seeing the others tense, the other students besides the brave ones looked on in fear and some even begin to cry.
Heero tensed at seeing the trigger being pulled slowly, not wanting to risk it. "Let_him_go. Take me in his stead..."
"We're not going to bother with you brats yet... but you'll get your turn, don't worry." Sneering, he watched an adult walk through the children, a young man.
"Then leave the kids alone, let them stay safe and I'll go with you." One of the younger teachers, who'd tried to help calm the kids, when the other teachers had grouped amongst themselves, offered himself. It was his job and his responsibility.
Nodding to the second soldier, the first held the boy and heard his slightly choked gasps when he tightened his grip around his neck. "Fine, but I suggest one thing little kids. You have among you someone we want. It was rumored the Perfect Soldier is among you and we want him. Find him, and the rest of you will be safe. But hurry or you might be next." Waiting until the others were out, he began to back up with the kid still in his grasp, the youth struggling and tensing. Shoving the boy back into the room and watching him fall to the floor unexpectedly, he pulled the door shut quickly and locked it. They had heard rumor and might have just gotten an extra little boost, they'd never planned to capture the pilots until later, but to create more soldiers for their force.
Trying to brace himself, Quatre felt himself hit the floor as he put out his hands to try and stop himself. Arms giving way, he felt a sharp pain race up each of his arms as well as his legs from where his knees had hit. His elbows had given but hit the floor first, stopping him from any major injury. Wincing, the youth found that a gentle hand lay on his shoulder and looking up, he found it to be the once stoic, now protective young man and Duo by his side.
"You okay Quatre?" Duo eyed him, helping him up and ignoring the eyes that were on them.
Nodding and coughing, Quatre sat up and looked at the two. They had to do something to keep the others from getting hurt.
With concern, Heero watched his friend and kneeled by his side, sparing a glare at the soldier before the door was closed. "You can't just go and do things like that..."
Smiling and looking up as he got unsteadily to his feet, the youth only shook his head. "I didn't plan that to happen..."
Laughing softly, Duo stood but realized the murmur that was now floating through the room. "The Perfect Soldier is here?" or "A Gundam Pilot? Who is it?" or even "We've got to find him and let them have him so we'll be safe." Snorting in disgust, he returned the others' looks as well, they were hearing the same things. "Jeez man, so many people are just self- centered. Now everyone's going to be paranoid."
Nodding, Heero knew that everyone would claim everyone else to be the one that Blacke Diamond was after. "We lie low for a little while, I've got a plan."
Looking at him curiously, Quatre looked at the panicking people, each singling the ones they thought could possibly be the Perfect Soldier out. "The closed minds of these people, worried for themselves and themselves alone. It's sad..."
"Pathetic is the better word," corrected the normally silent youth, heading back over to his spot in the corner. The hesitant steps of the other two didn't bother him as they soon followed in suite.
Following silently and sitting down where he was before, Quatre looked away and smiled sheepishly. "I-I'm sorry about earlier, I hadn't meant or noticed when I fell asleep that..."
"Don't worry about it... it's fine..." resting his arms on his knees, the youth assured gently.
"So, what's runnin' through your mind man?" Duo questioned.
"Must you be so loud about it all? Maybe we should just tell Blacke Diamond everything if you're going to blurt it out like that..." Heero hissed temperamentally.
"Whoa, sorry buddy... I didn't mean to, honest." Stepping back slightly, Duo watched the boy before him warily. Something was really bugging this guy.
Giving an irritated snort, he only kept silent for a moment more. "Lie low for a little while longer. We need to know what is happening to the others. Then you both need to distract the next guard to come in when I give the word, and I'll escape to see if we can't get any help in this. You'll both have to take care of everyone until we can get this place overtaken and an escape in process."
Taking in a deep breath, the young aristocrat nodded. "We can handle that. Something more is bothering you..."
Shaking his head, he only leaned against the wall once more. "Not this time, it's nothing to worry about..." Still his tone was somewhat harsh, but the youth only prepared himself mentally and his body physically for the pain and dangerous limits that he would push it to in the time to come.
"All right..." Smiling softly, the youth only brought his knees closer to his chest, laying his head on them and hugging his knees closer, feeling Duo take a seat at his side.
"Are you sure you're feelin' okay Quatre buddy?"
"Yes, I've just got a bit on my mind right now too..." Turning his eyes to the overprotective boy, he gently smiled.
"Cool, but you wanna talk about it or something? Or am I left to fend for myself again if you wanna go to sleep?"
Laughing softly, though it seemed like a void time to do so, he shook his head. "I can't sleep now. Besides, now wouldn't be the best time to leave you on your own."
"Hey now, gimme a break! Geeze man, I can't get any respect... no respect, I swear..." Rambling on and catching soft laughter, he smirked. "Well, at least someone can still lighten up."
~-~
Laina staggered into the large room, tears streaming down her face as her sore and battered body threatened to give out and collapse had the soldiers not been pushing her and forcing her on. "What do you want with me!?" Screaming hysterically and crying, she crumbled to the floor when her arms were let go, her eyes pleading and searching.
"What are the results of the tests?" The man kept his back turned to the youth and the soldiers, deaf to her cries.
"She failed the pain endurance test miserably and her skills are worthless. She's just a pampered girl who attended the school sir." Glaring coldly at the pathetic excuse for a girl who lay frightened on the floor, crying and shivering, he reported the results with disgust.
"Take her to a holding cell, she'll take longer to train but not much than those other pampered brats. You'd almost think that if they were said to be so intelligent that they'd have some skills. Regardless, they can and will be trained. Is the other being tested?"
"He is sir, doing greatly better but his skills in piloting a mobile suit or weapon of any kind are still rather sloppy. The Gundam pilot would not hide his or her skills, nor would they fail either test so miserably, yet we're still uncertain as to whether the rumor is true or not."
"Then don't even bother with him and throw him into the same cell as this brat, and bring in two more of the subjects and test them. I will win this war, and will have the Gundam pilots later, especially the elusive Perfect Soldier. Find them and quickly, I do not accept failure." Watching over the monitors and sneering coldly, eyes hidden in the shadows as soft, short, honey-brown bangs fell forward in a messy but kept manner, his lean form standing as a silhouette menacingly.
Laina screamed and tried to pull free but was carried away, struggling and kicking, to a cold, damp, moldy cell that held a putrid odor. Hearing the cell door close, it was more of a simple cell with bar barriers that kept her from escape, the young, frightened woman sat in the corner, feeling the damp concrete soak through her night shirt and bite her skin.
~-~
"See, you've had it pretty easy man. Sounds like a royal pain of a life, but I'd really switch you, I swear I would." Sighing, Duo didn't know why he'd just unveiled his entire past softly to the merciful boy except for the fact that it made conversation and he wanted someone else to understand what he had to go through.
"I-I'm sorry Duo, I hadn't known everything I thought I did..." With a sympathetic smile, the youth leaned against the wall. He thought he'd had it bad at times in his life.
"Hey, don't worry about it. You ain't got anything to be sorry for, plus we can't really change it now..." Giving a half-hearted laugh, the youth thought of a quick subject change, the one they were on now was just depressing. "You know those girls who got you blushin' the other day," he wasn't sure how long they'd been in that room, "I think they really like you man."
Feeling his cheeks grow warm as he quickly hid his face within the shadows of his arms, he listened to Duo's laughter. Pulling his knees closer and smiling sheepishly, he heard a girlish laughter and felt himself blush deeper. "Thanks Duo, I feel so much better about being in this room right now..."
"Hey, I was just teasin', but seriously. A couple of them came over and were talking with Justin and me when you were asleep and I swear, every question out of their mouth was about you, if not complimenting on, and I quote, how "truly adorable and cute he is"." Duo caught his soft groan and couldn't help but laugh again and harder.
He was sure by now that his cheeks were a crimson red. "Duo..." With a nervous laugh and in a teasing whine, he tried to calm his emotions.
"Sorry, I can't help that you've got girls chasin' you down. Why are you embarrassed man? Havin' like-twenty girls fightin' over you should tell you something...." Snickering and grinning mischievously, the American youth placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'm not like you Duo, I really don't want girls chasing after me, you can have them. I'm more of a different, take it slower and not rush into things person. Be my guest and take them, take them all..." Smiling and raising his head, eyes looking curiously back into mischievous eyes, he didn't even want to know what was running through his mind.
"Fine, but you're missing out. Maybe I can change your mind..." Standing and stepping back and out of Quatre's reach, he only grinned evilly.
"Duo, what are you doing? Duo, no! Get back here!" Trying to grab the teen's arm and pull him back, he was unsuccessful as the youth stepped away from him, towards a group of girls. The ones who Duo had spoken of. "God, I'm actually going to hurt him, I swear it..."
Smirking, Heero caught part of the conversation and put two and two together so to say. "It has to be a first..."
"Oh no, he's going to bring them over! Duo, I swear I'll get you back for this, oh I'm going to hurt him so badly..." Hiding his face in the shadows of his arms, he heard a soft and amused snort from his side as Duo's voice grew more clearer with his approach. To make it so much "better", the girls were with him. "I swear I'm going to hurt him..."
Duo watched them, Quatre was obviously hating him at the moment but he was enjoying this. "Hey Quatre, these are the girls I was talking about. This is Shawna, Jesse, Kalina, and Raye. Girls, this is my buddy Quatre...."
"I'm going to hurt him, I'm going to hurt him, I'm really going to hurt him..." Chanting mentally, the youth took a deep breath and raised his head, a kind and diplomatic smile in place and his emotions under strict control. Standing, the youth gave a curt nod. "I'm pleased to meet each of you, and as my friend," he emphasized the word with a slight warning glare the young man's way, he continued, "said, I am Quatre."
The girls only began to giggle and smile, looking at him and their eyes flashing flirtatiously. A couple even turned their eyes to Heero who kept his closed, obviously deep in thought.
Sighing and really wishing that he could tell them to just go away, though it would be extremely rude and he was being civilized, the youth prayed they'd just leave on their own. Sitting and watching them do the same, he knew that he'd make Duo pay oh so dearly. It was hard enough for him to keep his emotions under control. "I'm sorry but..." His next sentence was cut short, Shawna interrupting him.
"You were really brave up there, the three of you. I would have been terrified if I had a gun pointed right at me. But that's just me. He could have killed you and you didn't even flinch!"
Closing his eyes and forcing himself to be patient, he didn't want to deal with these girls who were rather senseless. It was girls like these that gave them the flirty, over-talkative stereotype like the one Daemon and Zander gave the athletes. Sad enough, they were good at their jobs. "He could have, but there's no sense in fearing something that is inevitable and that will come either way. It was his choice whether or not to pull the trigger, it was my responsibility to protect my peers and those who are too weak to protect themselves."
"Is Wufei rubbing off that much on you guys?!" Duo stared at him, yet another who was becoming Wufei with his talk of those being weaker and righting the injustice.
Laughing softly, the youth smirked. "Maybe, but I'm afraid I'll have to excuse myself from this conversation. I still feel slightly ill at the moment and am tired, but it was truly an honor and pleasure to meet the four of you..." Standing, the Arabian teen looked for a spot that was fairly deserted and from the others. Finding one along the front wall, he only walked past the others and sat down on the cold floor, laying with his back against the wall and using his arm as a pillow. He'd grown tired again in the entire conversation with Duo and knew that his energy wouldn't be lasting too long but for about a week or so, not with this cold coming on. Coughing softly and closing his eyes, the young man began once more to drift into sleep, the chatter among everyone not bothering him in the least.
"Uh, sorry about him. He hasn't been feeling good lately girls..." Sighing and watching Quatre settle down, he turned back to the girls.
"It's okay," assured Raye, her eyes caught on Heero who was still oblivious to their presence.
"He's really sweet," confessed Jesse.
"And cute..." Kalina smirked.
"Isn't he that rich kid? The Winner kid?" Shawna questioned.
"Uh, he is but he's really cool, he's not like the stuck up kids you think of..." Duo defended his friend, knowing that he tried to keep as quiet about who he was because of the way everyone treated him when they knew.
"Wow, cute kid, gentlemen, and he's loaded! Could it get any better?" Shawna giggled, looking over the sleeping boy.
"Yeah, I bet you could have anything if you were his girlfriend..." Jesse wondered in awe, her eyes glimmering mischievously.
"He's not like that..." Duo persisted, growing somewhat offensive over his friend. This is why most people treated Quatre differently and why he hated it so, because they looked to the fortune he had first before bothering to know him.
"I know, get anything you want and then some, he's got enough money for it all, I wonder who gets him first...." Kalina continued, not bothering to listen to Duo's comment.
"Hey look, leave him alone. I thought you guys might have something more in your heads, but he's a good guy and if you're just in for it because he's rich, think again. He's my friend, and he's not that type of person and he doesn't need people like you guys..." Growing disgusted he watched the three girls turn to him. They were making this a game?! They were sick! All but Raye, she seemed nice enough but her eyes were glued on Heero at the moment.
"Hey, it's his choice, you can't tell us what to do. Besides, he's a big boy now, he can make his own decisions..." She shot back.
"Stay away from my friend, he wouldn't waste his time with you anyway...." Standing and noticing that Heero began to stir and look about, he only motioned toward Quatre's sleeping form. "He's over here man, he wanted to get some sleep..."
Glaring at the girls surrounding him, not having paid much attention when Duo brought them over, he especially didn't care for the one that kept staring at him as if in a trance. Standing, he silently made his way past them and strode over to Quatre's side, picking another spot against the wall and watching over his comrade's sleeping form. Worry began to fill him when he noticed that Quatre's features were slightly paler than normal, but the cold room could also help in doing such a thing. "Who were they?'
Sighing in disgust, Duo sat on his heels before the two, his back turned to the girls. "Just a bunch of money-hungry, stuck-up snobs. I was teasin' him and then brought the girls over who were talking about him the other day in first hour but they thought it was just a game to try and get together with him when they figured out who he was. Raye didn't seem too bad but she was obsessed with staring at you..." Snickering at his disgusted look, Duo couldn't help himself. "Now I know why this guy hates all the attention in being a celebrity and likes to keep quiet. I would too."
Nodding and watching the girls turn indignantly, he listened to the other chatter in the room, each conversation mixing into a soft hum with the others. Sometimes being known is almost as bad as not being known. At least when no one knows who you are, nor cares, you can hide from them and the world. When everyone knows you, it's nearly impossible to find a true friend and a place of security and secrecy. "Everyone gets a little fed up with it at times..."
"Yeah, being who he is, he's got a LOT to deal with. And not just being Quatre Winner, heir to the Winner estate and fortune..." Catching his nod, the youth turned his eyes downward to find the youth stirring slightly before he began to cough softly but only for a few seconds. "Well, this is a nice lil' vacation, just got to love the things we get ourselves into so conveniently." His every word dripped with strong sarcasm.
"Drop it." Motioning towards the others who were now extremely suspicious and still guessing at who the Gundam Pilot amongst them was, he gave a warning glare. Besides, Duo was slipping up again and letting his mouth get the best of him along with his voice, which couldn't help but rise.
"Oops, sorry man..." Looking about and finally sitting, the youth popped his knuckles and wondered what they were to do now. "...."
"What is it already?" Growing impatient and knowing that he was trying to decide whether or not to speak, Heero just blurted out rudely in irritation.
"I'm just wondering what we're to do and, well, how long we've been here..." Pulling his braid over his shoulder, the youth took the rubber band from his hair and undid part of the braid, redoing it and pulling it tighter from its loose and messy state.
"Now we sit here and we've been here since the morning we were taken and now we're going ahead into the second day of capture."
"How do you do that? It's like you have a clock in your head or something..."
"Training..." was all he replied.
"No wonder..." he mumbled, trailing off as he felt himself grow from slightly hungry to famished when told of the time frame.
"Don't tell me you're that hungry already Duo..." Eyeing the boy in question and then rolling his eyes at the soft nod, he really didn't know why he ever put up with this boy.
"Hey, I'm like a normal person, and am used to at least a meal a day, and I'd prefer that over the stealing and everything I had to do when I was supposed to be a little kid just so I could have something whenever possible..." He shot back but with a regretful tone.
"Get used to it, we might be here for a while yet."
"Uhn... don't say that. Lie to me and make me feel better, please?" He whined, stretching out and laying on his back, squinting against the lights.
"There are more important things to worry about."
"Like what? We're stuck in this boring room without anything..."
"Like company..." Heero called, getting to his knees and waking up Quatre, listening to his soft groan.
"Now?"
"We wait." Heero replied, sitting back down and watching Duo sit up as well, the other people awakening and gathering away from the door.
Quatre rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he was tired but he'd just barely gotten a nap. If they were planning anything, this was going to be really fun. He'd be struggling to see what he was doing or remember what he had to do, let alone pull it off. "No advance?"
"No," was the Japanese youth's reply.
With a cruel smirk, the soldier watched the fear in everyone's eyes as he looked for more candidates for the testing. "Well kiddies, how far have we gotten?"
Duo watched in amazement, whether out of true belief or bitter dislike for the two, Zander and Daemon were pushed to the front of the group. He almost had to laugh but what could happen to the two was no laughing matter. Even if they were complete jerks, they were still innocents and didn't need to be involved in this war nor put through whatever else Blacke Diamond could think up.
Quatre watched the terror in both boys' eyes, knowing that same fear. Standing, he watched, held back by Heero who'd grasped his hand in signaling that it was not yet time. "We can't let them go through this... even if they are selfish jerks..."
"Not yet Quatre..." was Heero's soft reply.
Sitting again yet against his will and better judgment, the youth remained quiet. "Even they don't deserve this..."
"But we must wait..." he called again as he turned his eyes from the crowd, his ears deaf to their startled cries and screams as two more teens were taken along with the two boys. Heero knew that Quatre would rather die a thousand ruthless deaths than see that happen to another, to see that fear and not do anything to try and comfort it. That's just the way he was. Yet, they had to wait for their time, or risk everything and more pain.
Catching sight of the three teens that usually "greeted" them at the door, the soldier grinned coldly. "What, not having fun? Finally learn that there's nothing you can do to help them or yourselves? Don't worry, it's your turn next...." Pulling the struggling youth's from the cell and locking the door, they made their way to the testing facility.
Trying to block out the cries and frantic voices of the people around him, Quatre rested his head against his knees and clasped his hands behind his head. How could he listen to their pained and terrified cries as they're taken without ever knowing this type of fear or capture before and know he didn't do anything to help them?! He said that he'd make sure no harm befell anyone. It's the same thing Heero had to have been feeling, that had caused him to be so temperamental with both he and Duo. Yet this was against everything he fought for! This wasn't what he did, it was like sacrificing them and throwing them to the wolves! Lord knew what Blacke Diamond did to them and none of the ones taken so far had come back. Not yet.
Placing a soft hand on his shoulder, Duo tried to spare him a smile. "Hey buddy, it's okay. We'll get them back and make Blacke Diamond pay, nothing is happening to them. They've got to keep them alive so that they can find the others, it seems like that's who they're after. Right?"
"Duo, they know that the Perfect Soldier is here..." Catching Heero's eyes, he realized that they held a sympathy, faint yes, but sympathy none the less. "... they'll use that pilot as bait for the others, it doesn't matter how many prisoners they have now or what they do to them..." He was sure never to refer to Heero or discriminate with gender. These people would be willing to give anyone up without hesitation right now.
"We don't know that for sure man..."
"They aren't coming back, notice how Laina still hasn't come back from wherever they took her nor that teacher, not even to threaten us with what could happen if the pilot doesn't show himself or herself." Again, Quatre was sure to choose his words wisely.
"And how long has it been Heero?" Turning to his comrade, he watched him hesitate a second before answering.
"25 hours, 18 minutes, and 34 seconds and counting," he stated bluntly.
Wincing at the time length, Duo turned to Quatre who seemed to be calming, as did the frenzied state or at least the audible part of it that surrounded them. Searching for something to say, he listened to his friend's soft voice speak.
"I'm sorry, I lost control a minute there. I just... to hear them like that, to not know the fear until now and the utter helplessness of sitting here and knowing I could have done something to stop them or try and stop them, but not doing anything... I just needed a moment to regain my thoughts..." Sighing deeply and trembling momentarily when he felt a shiver run down his back, he regained his composure.
"The time will come soon to strike, don't worry. We need to bide our time for now though Quatre, to just remain quiet." Shooting a glare to the students who were looking their way and conversing quietly, most likely why they'd done nothing this time to help anyone from being taken. They turned away immediately and walked off.
"Yeah man, we'll get 'em back, don't worry." Sitting and giving a gentle laugh, he caught the youth's reassured smile. "Then we can really kick some..."
"Duo," Heero stopped him with a blunt warning and cold tone.
"Well, you've got the point."
Smirking and shaking his head, the youth only met his friend's mischievous eyes and couldn't help but let his smirk grow into a knowing smile. "I got the point, loud and clear."
"Glad someone did, now can you finally explain to me what I just said there? Don't even try and explain everything that Heero said, I'm not that far yet nor would I even get half of it..." He couldn't help but just speak casually and see Quatre's smile grow, his laughter soft. "I'm not kidding man..." This only made him laugh harder.
"One of these days Duo, one of these days..." Heero warned, sending him a warning look, though not so much as a glare this time.
"Which one, I need to make sure I don't have plans and so that I can put you in. I'm a very busy man..."
Quatre couldn't help it, Duo just knew how to relieve the stress and make the hardships a little easier. The tension and negative air surrounding them was greatly mismatched with the laughter and light-heartedness, yet it was the only way the three made it through the war, or rather Quatre. He knew that Duo hid his pain and his fears by cleverness, a cheery smile, and jokes to make others laugh and feel so much better about himself. For Quatre, it was his music, his friends, and just to have the time to be who he wanted and who he was. Heero was fairly a mystery, but he did do so much better away from public places and he did loosen up in private and with his other friends. Wufei, he was another hard one. It seemed he made it through the war with Nataku mainly, but from what the youth guessed, possibly having those around him who did care for him as well and his health. Trowa was surprisingly easy, but maybe that was because he and the young acrobat were close and loyal friends, each looking out for the other. Trowa was more of the big brother type if you took the time to get to know him and build trust, yet he had his secrets and his own thoughts. Most of which he kept to himself, and did share some with the younger boy, but there was still so much that was withheld from him. Sighing deeply and wincing against his will, the boy turned his eyes upwards and grinned. "I really worry about you Duo, you know that, don't you?"
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Looking indignant, he shot back easily.
"That you're utterly hopeless and a great confusion, even to yourself..." stated Heero with a slight hint of smugness filling his Prussian depths.
"Oh, ouch! That was cold.... Dang, aren't we just the real compassionate type..." With sarcasm dripping heavily from each of his last words, the youth looked over his shoulder in a small pout and only caught a roll of his comrade's eyes in defeat.
Eyeing the two and grinning, the platinum blonde listened to the white noise within the background. The sounds he normally would block out. People were talking about them and how they didn't try somehow to stop the students from being taken once more, how they were having a fairly enjoyable and teasing conversation, and how they could even laugh in a time like this. What was wrong with trying to lighten the mood and take life one step at a time? They knew what they were to do; the three were just biding their time. Of course, everyone else didn't know that and wouldn't know that. Biting his tongue quickly to keep from saying anything and laying his head in his hands, the shifting of his comrades caught the youth's attention.
"Quatre? Uh, I don't mean to..." Duo began.
"It's nothing, I'm thinking..."
"That's not thinking... at least anything that wouldn't bother you this much..." It was his turn to contradict the boy who'd pushed his luck against Heero's restraints on his own anger and actions.
Yawning without bothering to look up, he only took a deep breath. "Nothing any of us can find the answer to nor solve..."
"You sure we can't help?" Duo chimed in.
"Positive."
"Get some more sleep, the plan starts when they come back and we don't know when that will be. You heard the soldier, we're next and maybe that's a thing working in our favor. Come here..." Motioning, he leaned forward as both boys moved closer, the others still looking at them in fear and puzzlement with accusation stated clearly on their features, within each of their movements. When they'd gathered closer, the youth spoke softly. "We go with them for the time, cooperate into capture and when we are far enough away that the students nor teachers will get hurt, we take over. I want the both of you to get back here and get everyone out of here, let me worry about the six in capture already. Make sure everyone gets out without injury or casualty, but take care of yourselves."
"Hey, don't worry about us man..." Duo's face was lit with a demonic grin, mischief burning in his eyes.
"We will, but be careful..." was Quatre's compassionate response. He was wide awake now, tired, but he knew he wouldn't be able to get to sleep again.
"Are you kidding? This guy is immortal, I swear..." Duo teased.
"Only compared to your standards, but I can die almost as easily Duo..." trailing off, the youth sat back and closed his eyes. Those three words, "I can die", sent an unwelcome feeling to his soul. This was going to be anything but an easy escape, that and painful. From the feeling he had, it would be very painful.
"Whoa dude, what's wrong with you?" Duo had caught the sudden discomfort and slight flinch when Heero had said, "die". He never seemed moved by death before, actually he almost seemed to welcome it.
"Nothing."
"Well you just."
Placing his hand on Duo's lower arm, he motioned for the boy to quiet. Quatre had also caught something and quietly closed his eyes, trying to search Heero's mind. Opening them quickly and looking back at the boy who sat still and emotionless, he gave a sympathetic smile. Fear. It was evident in Heero's mind and body, but for what, he was unsure. Shivering unconsciously, he quickly hugged himself as a wave of coldness swept over his body. Like the icy water of the lake. Brushing that thought instantly from his mind, the youth felt his pain again: his lungs ready to burst, the sudden inhale of water in panic, and exhaustion and feeling it sting and tear at his insides before he fell into unconsciousness; the pain in speaking and moving when the pneumonia had overwhelmed him, and his raw throat due to his continual hacking and coughing. Something he really didn't want to experience again, ever.
"I don't know what's goin' on with the both of you two, but I'm not sure I want to try and understand." Eyeing them warily, Duo only leaned back and laid on the floor, squinting his eyes against the light until he finally closed them in defeat. Well, things could be worse, they had to give it that much and that things weren't worse at the time. At the time.
Authors' Notes:
Angela: Aw, snap. That was GREAT! *claps and jumps up and down* Next chapter, next chapter! Heehee! Okay, now the technical drill: Things are fixing to get. Uh, waitaminute, I'll let Star break that news to you. Alrighty. Things have been tense for poor Quatre. Heero has to be the leader (of course), and Duo is trying his hardest to help out, even if that means jokes every few paragraphs. *sigh* Um, okay. To escape, Heero and Duo and Quatre are going to have to. WAITAMINUTE! I'm not going to tell you that! *catches a no-no look from Star* Opps! Uh, you'll have to review for it. The more reviews Star gets the faster she works. Right? Right. Um, your turn Lady Stardancer!
Star: ~*~grabs a Mountain Dew and a Snickers, tired of Skittles at the moment~*~ Well, wonder where those guys are now... ~*~looks for four of her many muses, Trowa, Heero, Wufei, and Quatre. Duo's working with Ang~*~ Oh well. Hope you like this, cause everything for the guys goes downhill from this point on... ~*~smirk and evil snicker~*~ Oh wow, is it going to go downhill, hope you picked up the foreshadowing with Heero... why else would he be so snappy after trying to become normal and show more emotion with his friends? ~*~sphinx-like smirk~*~ We got this story under control and it's gonna be a fun ride, that's all I'm sayin'... ~*~hugs Ang~*~ Thanks to this girl, and being corrupted... I was a sweet lil' angel, can you imagine? ~*innocent look*~ Guess not any longer with some of my friends, but let's have fun! ~*grins and takes shelter behind Ang in case any get "disgruntled"*~
Angela: *puts hand up to halt the "disgruntled" from getting to Star* Ahem. *deep booming voice of the Black Knight* None shall pass.. *Cheshire cat grin* Or else. Or else what??? Or else Star will never finish this story!!!!!!!!!!! *terrified gasp with several passing out* Yeah. *nods* That's what I thought. DUO!!!!
Duo: I'm sorry! *pause* Um, what'd I do this time?
Star: ~*~looks and crumbles to her knees, trying to wipe the never-ending tears from her eyes, her sleeves soaking~*~ Do you have to ask anymore Duo? ~*~laughs harder~*~ I'll have to train Trowa to do that, this is going to be fun, I'll have to let you work with Trowa-san... ~*~tries to quell laughter~*~
Angela: Silly- you didn't do anything. I just want you to guard Star from "disgruntled" while I go find some Skittles. Star's Snickers made me hungry and I wanna taste the rainbow. *waves to readers* Hope you peeps keep liking the story! Thanks for putting up with our ramblings! *walks off to hunt Skittles*