All That You Are and All That You Do
Hey, it's me. O Mighty Wife of Shinigami or O.M.W.O.S for short. Rae and I settled our differences and we agreed to joint custody over the appointed character. (Although I really do own her.)
Hey, I thought we talked about this, we both own her.
We did. And we do.
Liar, I thought you were my best friend. ,,^,, _ ,,^,,
O_o
Don't make that face at me. ,,^,, 0 ,,^,,
Don't cry baka. I'll buy you a banana shake.
^_^ I love banana shakes. Hey did you just call me a baka.
*_* - O.M.W.O.S out.
P.S In case you people are wondering why Ma-ling calls Heero Kyodai, as Heero calls Ma-ling Imoto is because they didn't have names when they were young. And seeing they're Japanese I figured they would speak at least some Japanese.
Oh.
I just wanted to clear that up. Continue reading. PLUS thank you Chaos for beta-ing my work.
blah blah' that means the words are italics indicating thought or a quick change of scene.
Disclaimer: Gods I wish I owned them but I don't.
Warnings: AU, new chara, Angst, maybe some OOC (you try writing with a cast of 6 plus extra's and when it's been six months since you've seen a episode of G.W. and you're poor and have no job and no money to buy G.W. on video. Darn you college for sucking up what little money I have.)
Rated: PG-13 for some violence and cursing.
Archive: If any one wants to, they can put my story up on their site. As long as you e-mail and tell me, so I can visit and check it out.
Feedback: Hell yeah. Um sorry about my language. It's late. 2:27 to be exact.
CHAPTER 2
She didn't know how long she laid there, but she new she had to get up. Ma-ling pushed herself into a sitting position and grimaced as a spasm of pain ran down her left arm. Heero.' Still clutching the piece of metal, she forced herself to her feet. Her long hair, undone long ago, fell in a tangled mess around her face.
Name?'
Max O'Brien.'
Pushing her hair back Ma-ling stumbled back to the school in a daze. She still couldn't accept the fact that Heero was gone. He isn't'. She kept expecting to see him running towards her.
Age?'
17.'
a voice echoed her name through the forest.
she muttered. She looked around as if to see if she had heard her name or dreamed it.
Any experience in mobile suits?'
A little sir.'
the voice called again more frantic then before.
I'm here Heero, she whispered. I'm here, she yelled. She stumbled in the direction the voice had come from.
Welcome O'Brien to your new home. OZ will be your family from now on.'
Thank you. I appreciate you letting me stay at the new OZ base.'
The pleasure is all ours. If Trieze himself sent you here then the honor is ours. Ah officer Bertles perfect timing. See that our new recruit gets settled in.'
Sir,' the woman of sixteen said saluting the officer. What's your name soldier.'
Max O'Brien', the boy said saluting. It's a pleasure.'
Shoving her way through a big bush Ma-ling saw Heero running towards her. A sigh of relief washed over her. Not watching where she was going she tripped over a root and sank to her knees. It's okay now. Heero's here. But why can't I feel him.' Looking up through her wild hair she now saw clearly who was running before her. Not her beloved brother as she previously thought, but Duo.
Her mind had played a evil trick on her. Her wall of security crashed and she became what she always feared of becoming. A scared little girl with no big brother to protect her from the monsters.
Did you see that explosion? Woah, Heero really outdid himself!, Duo said in amazement standing in front of Ma-ling, he held out his hand to help her up.
Ma-ling's eyes grew misty and she blinked a couple times to clear them. Heero's gone, she simply said, not taking Duo's outstretched hand.
What. Oh I know. Don't fret baby he'll be back, Duo nonchalantly said. He then quickly realized what he called her. Oops sorry, I forgot.
Ma-ling shook her head. No, Heero's gone. She held out the piece of Gundanum for Duo to see.
Duo's smile faded as he looked at the shinning metal in Ma-ling's hand. He quickly looked at Ma-ling then back at the small symbol of death in her hands. You're joking. Please tell me you're joking. Duo almost pleaded but he knew Ma-ling was not one for jokes. He kneeled in front of Ma-ling and gingerly placed a hand on her shoulder. He wasn't quite sure how to comfort her, she had become one of the guys, even Wufei had excepted her as a fellow pilot.
I guess Heero's death will be easier to handle then Wufei's, Ma-ling finally managed to say without her voice coming out in a whisper. At least, at least Heero didn't die in my arms, I didn't see him suffer. she ran her blood stained hands over face. No matter how much she tried she could not cry, not a drop of love fell from her eye, not even a shed of humanity surfaced. Which had tortured her soul since she was born.
She felt Duo press his head against hers, she didn't flinch or back away. She accepted his presence, primarily because she needed him as much as he needed her at this point.
*
It's a pleasure? Hm, that's a pretty formal greeting for one simple soldier as yourself, the woman said walking off leaving Max to catch up with her. He did in a instant, which surprised her. Most men gawked over her before realizing she had left them in the dust.
I'm officer Rae Bertles, in case you get lost I'll help you around the place, the woman said introducing herself over her shoulder. Max followed closely behind her.
Isn't Rae a boys name?, Max said to himself.
Rae stopped suddenly causing Max to almost run into her. She whirled around and faced the back haired boy. What did you say?
I said isn't Ray a boys name, Max repeated again.
Rae glared at Max through her dark brown eyes. Max noticed if she turned her head just a little to the left or right her eyes appeared almost black in the darkened hallway. Her long brown hair was swept in a braid, which reminded Max of.
So it does. But isn't Max also short for Maxine?, Rae said placing a hand on her slender hip. Huh, I must be wrong. Follow me Max, your room is down the hall.
Max found himself crossing his arms in wonder at the girl, then quickly realized she was leaving him in the background. He took after her, through the twisted maze of hallways through Oz's secret barge, which was a marvel, seeing they had managed to construct in space, without any implications of there ever being one.
All right here you go, O'Brien, Rae said, showing him a door. This will be your master suite, everything you need or could ever desire is in this room. Wake up is at five, breakfast at 5:30 at the mess hall. If you're late you don't eat. You will began training right away so I expect you get to bed early. Rae motioned towards the door. Good night and good luck, new recruits don't last very long here.
Why is that, Max asked opening the door.
Come to practice and you'll find out, Rae called over her shoulder smirking.
Max watched the girl leave then headed into his master suite' and looked around. A small room consisting of a bed and nothing more, except for some drawers that were stuck in the wall.
I left earth for this. I've had worse.' Max ran a hand through his hair and looked at it. That stupid hair dye wasn't working,' he thought noticing the black smudge across his hand. Two days of this and he already was having second thoughts. Two weeks, that's how long I have to be here. Then I can go back.'
*
How is she. Duo jumped at the sound of Trowa's voice, knocking his schoolwork to the floor. He cursed as he bent down to retrieve it.
Dammit Trowa, don't do that, Duo said bitterly shuffling his paper work into a untidy stack.
Do what, Trowa's indifferent voice said as he settled himself on the couch that was provided in the study room of the school. Trowa had opted to stick around the school, even though he would be leaving in a couple of weeks with the circus, so he hadn't bothered signing up for school. Ma-ling and Duo had appeared an hour after Duo went looking for her in the forest. She walked right past him without looking up, and into the school, leaving Duo with the burden of telling Trowa what happened.
Duo muttered under his breath as he sat heavily into the chair he previously sat before. He looked at his work in his lap and let them slid to the floor again. He didn't feel like doing it anyways. He leaned back in his chair and ran his hands over his face as if to wake himself up a little more.
It had been two days and Ma-ling had appointed herself sick to get out of school so she could be by herself. She hadn't left her room since and she wouldn't allow Trowa or Duo anywhere near her. They didn't even know if she'd eaten.
You know Trowa you don't have to stick around, Duo said staring at the ceiling. He got no response which wasn't unusual with Trowa.
You know I think she's took Wufei's death a lot better then Heero's, Duo said glancing sideways at Trowa, that got an answer from him.
Without looking up Trowa replied. Wufei wasn't her brother. Wufei was an idiot to not trust.
Ah trust that's brings back so many memories, Duo said in a mocked thoughtful tone. His emotions had switched so fast that Trowa wasn't sure if Duo had even noticed he did. Hiding behind a mask Duo was just like him, except he was a lot better at it then Duo.
*
How come you don't talk to me anymore Ma-ling.'
Because you're not really here.
Yes I am, I'm here, in your heart.'
Don't talk to me anymore!
But you and I always talk. We're best friends. We share each other secrets.'
I'm too old for this kind of stuff. I think it's time I put away this childish manner.
But Duo always talks to Deathscythe.'
Well I'm not Duo. Besides he's too friendly, always smiling. Makes me sick.
I'm happy, do I make you sick.'
No, you don't.
Then why do want to get rid of me.'
Because I want to be left alone, that's why!are you still thereFine! leave then. I don't need you. I don't need anyone.
Ma-ling's eyes fluttered open and found herself on her bed. She sat up and groaned as her arm protested being leaned on. She pulled her knees to her chin and sat against the wall. Her messy hair had put back into a somewhat bun and she still wore her school uniform.
What I'm I supposed to do now Heero? Huh? Do you expect me to just go on with my life and act like this didn't happen. Well Heero. You seem to have all the answers and yet you cant answer mine.'
Ma-ling sighed and her stomach growled. She ignored it and continued on with her speech.
You could of prevented this Heero. If only you had taken Wing Zero he would been able to tell you your future. You could of escaped death once again. Why did this time make it any different. Why Heero? Did you know you were going to die? Is that why you went by yourself. You were afraid I would follow you into your journey of darkness. How dare you decide my approaching destruction. If I were meant to die along side you then so be it.'
Ma-ling stood to her feet and grabbed her gun. She placed the circular barrel to her temple. Closing her eyes she squeezed the trigger
*
Maybe one of us should go check on her again, Duo said trying to balance a pencil on his lip.
Go ahead, Trowa answered not lifting his head. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes.
Me. I was sort of hoping you would take the initiative. Since you being the oldest and all.
Trowa made a soft grunting sound, one Duo wasn't sure if it was a laugh or a scolding.
Fine, I'll do it. I'm not scared. Duo said standing up, he stretched and rubbed his back.
I never said that.
Yeah, but you're thinking it. See I know how you clowns think. Duo grabbed his work and headed out of the study room.
Trowa's voice called out.
Duo turned around and caught they flying object Trowa tossed him. He looked at it and frowned. What do I want with this.
I figured I'd give it back. Ma-ling might want to shoot you when you bother her.
Oh. Ha, Ha, Ha, Duo shot out sarcastically, still he tucked the ammo clip in his pocket and headed up the flight of stairs.
*
Ma-ling opened her eyes and realized she wasn't dead. She squeezed the trigger of her gun again and nothing happened.
Trowa.'
Ma-ling's blood boiled. She shook with rage, even though Trowa hadn't meant to, he had prevented her from meeting her brother in death.
Fueled with anger she threw her gun at the window causing it to shatter, just like her life, into thousands of pieces and fall to the ground below.
She took a step towards the broken window and smiled. She wouldn't need her gun after all.
*
Walking up the second flight of stairs Duo heard a crashing sound. What the?' He quickened his pace and headed to Ma-ling's room. A couple girls were standing in the hallway. One of them spotted Duo and waved him over.
Hello ladies, he said making his way over to them.
They smiled, giggled, and poked each other as Duo stood in front of them. What are you doing here. This is the girls dorm rooms. one of them said shyly.
I just came to see how Ma-ling was doing. That's some nasty bug she caught.
It's probably because she spends so much time taking walks in the forest, another one said. The other girls nodded their heads in agreement.
I wonder what she does out there, a blond girl said.
Who knows, Duo said shrugging his shoulders. Will I gotta go see Ma-ling. I'll talk to you all later.
The girls giggled and nodded their heads.
Hey Duo. Duo turned around at the call of his name. When Ma-ling get transferred to the new school Heero got shipped to, tell her to tell him we're sorry he had to leave so suddenly like that.
Sure ladies, Duo gave a wave while still walking down the hall. The girls giggled again and headed down the stairs.
Geeze they're all the same.' Duo thought as he knocked on the door of Ma-ling's room. He didn't get an answer. Hey open up Ma-ling. It's me. Still no response. Look you're gonna have to come out sooner or later. And sooner is better. Don't make me come in there. he then added in a quiet voice. And I have your ammo clip so you can't shoot me.
Fine I'm coming in, hope you're decent. he turned the knob and pushed the door open. It banged against something and stopped two inches. Duo pushed a little harder. Something was definitely in the way. Something big. Something the size of, oh I don't know, a bed.
Ma-ling had shoved her bed against the door to keep anyone from coming in and stopping her. She shivered as the wind blew around her. Stepping onto the windows ledge she leaned against the wall and looked out at the open vastness. Ma-ling gave her necklace a squeeze and slipped it over her head. She smiled and looked down. Three stories up should do the trick.'
Ma-ling! What are you doing?, Duo yelled shoving his weight against the door. It gave a little but not enough to get through. Ma-ling answer me!
Ma-ling looked back up at the sky. She no longer heard Duo yelling or the sound of the door breaking. She only heard her brother calling her home.
Duo rammed his shoulder one last time at the door and it moved enough for him to get through. Squeezing through the tiny space he crawled over the bed and stumbled to the other side. Standing up he saw her.
he called cautiously as he took a step towards the woman on the ledge. What are you doing?
I'm doing what I should of done two days ago. Go away Duo. You don't want to see this, Ma-ling answered in a far away tone.
Don't do this, killing yourself wont bring Heero back.
I know but it'll bring me to him. Ma-ling said looking down at the ground.
Heero wouldn't want you to end your life over him. Duo said, edging closer to Ma-ling. Ten stepsseven stepfive steps. He doesn't want your life to end up like his.You're alive and that's what he wanted. Duo was right behind Ma-ling, he reached a hand out. Please come down. I don't want to have to come after you.
Ma-ling turned her glassy eyes to Duo. Her entire body shook and he was afraid she was going to fall off. He reached further until his hand brushed against hers. She looked down at his hand and slowly reached for it. Grasping her hand Duo led her back into the room. As soon as her feet touched the ground her legs gave way and Duo cradled her against him. She no longer was the lethal, killing, warrior she once posed as, but as a woman who needed to be loved. But Duo wasn't the one who could give that love. There was only one man who could give that kind of love, and right now he wasn't here.
TBC