Series: Pinball

Chapter 8: Removal

Author: Niere

Rating: PG

DISCLAIMER: The series Gundam Wing and the characters therein do not belong to me. I'm just putting them in different situations to see how they react.

Summary: It's a world where everyone has psionic abilities…well, most everyone. Another contest is coming up and the undefeated Duo notices a new player, a null, a person with no psionic abilities. Just what is it about this boy and why can't Duo get him off his mind?

Author's Note: Have you ever heard the song Pinball Wizard by Elton John? I love the song. I was listening to it and was bitten by yet another plot bunny. This is based, loosely, on that song.

indicates "conversation" via manual alphabet, the system Duo is using to communicate with Heero

TK=telekinesis, the ability to move things with one's mind. TP=telepathy, the ability to send/receive thoughts. Empathy=the ability to send/receive emotions or feelings. Pyrokinesis=the ability to create/control fire. Pre-cog=the ability to "see" the future.

Heero wasn't in his usual chair when the boys arrived the next morning. "Hey, Dale," Duo called, spotting his friend. "Isn't Heero here yet?"

"Early as usual," Dale responded. "Why?"

"He isn't in his chair."

Dale looked concerned. "It isn't like him to wander off, but I really don't have the time to look for him right now."

"We'll find him," Wufei assured the man.

"You'd better find him quickly," Dale told them. "He's scheduled for the first match."

The friends started scanning the area, looking for the dark-haired boy. Suddenly, they heard a knocking from behind them in an odd cadence. Turning, they spotted the wayward boy, standing just outside of the bathroom, knocking on the door, a small smile on his face. He stopped knocking when the door became warmer and he felt a nudge on his shoulder.

Duo hurried to his side. we were looking for you

I know Heero grinned. Trowa and Wufei found me

how did you know

Quatre was worried Heero's grin widened. I could tell when they found me because the door got hot and Trowa pushed my shoulder

Duo laughed. you remembered

Heero looked indignant. of course

"We need to get going," Trowa reminded Duo. "Heero and I are competing, as are Wufei and Quatre."

"Come on then," Duo agreed. you are in the first match and I'm in the second Duo explained to Heero. then we need to talk. I have something to tell you

good luck with your match Heero spelled. I wish I could watch you in action

Duo gave him a quick hug and led him to the platform for the match.

The first match went well. All four of the friends came out with high scores and progressed onwards. Duo, on the other hand, while managing to score high enough to progress, came in second in his match. This fact was noticed and commented on.

"What's the matter, kid? Losing your touch? Or has that null corrupted you?"

"Back off, Joe," Duo growled. "Maybe it's that I have better things to concentrate on than a stupid pinball game. You ever think of that?"

"Yep, corrupted," the man sneered. "Not much of a talent yourself, except for fighting and pinball. Maybe you two should be together…a nothing and a useless null. The perfect match."

"Take that back." Duo's eyes darkened in anger. "You can say what you want about me, but you leave Heero out of it."

"Why should I? No talent and handicapped to boot. He's probably the best you can do."

Quatre and Wufei appeared at Duo's sides. "Come on, Duo," Quatre said. "He's not worth getting thrown out for fighting."

"Besides, Zechs should be here shortly," Wufei pointed out. "You should let Heero know what to expect."

"Another time, Joe. I have more important things to do right now." He allowed his friends to start to lead him away, then turned to call over his shoulder. "Oh, Joe?" Duo gave him a grin that made the man's blood freeze. "You might think about taking off a bit early. Shinigami does not like it when his friends are insulted, you know?"

The man paled. "Is that a threat?"

"Of course not." Duo's laugh had no humor in it. "I wouldn't do a thing like that, now would I? I just thought you might need reminding is all." With that, he turned to find his new friend.

"You aren't planning anything, are you?" Quatre asked, concerned.

"Nah," Duo assured him. "He's not worth the hassle. I just don't like how he talks about Heero is all."

"You can't change how people think," Wufei pointed out.

"Hey, they can think what they like, as long as they don't try to rub my nose in it!"

Duo spotted Trowa and Heero sitting together. Heero was tapping on Trowa's hand. "What's up, Tro?" Duo asked.

"It seems that you aren't the only one able to communicate," Trowa said with a smile. "Heero also knows the old Morse code. I recognized it when he was knocking on the door."

"Huh?" Duo looked confused.

"It's an ancient code where the letters are done in a series of taps, using both long and short sounds. It was used before the original audio-only phones were invented," Trowa explained. "When he was knocking on the door, he was sending the signals for 'I'm over here'. He told me that he didn't know if anyone would understand, but it was worth a try."

"Cool," Duo said. It was nice that Heero was able to communicate with someone, but Duo wasn't exactly sure how he felt about it. He sort of liked the idea of Heero depending on him. 'Cut it out, Duo,' he thought to himself. 'You want what's best for Heero, not to possess him.' His recent dreams flashed through his head. He flushed slightly at the memory of the dreams and the recording that was made of one of them. The recording! He still hadn't told Heero about his trip to the law enforcement station yet! "Guys, I need to talk to Heero for a bit. Why don't you keep a look out for Zechs, ok?"

His friends nodded, and left the two alone.

Heero I Duo wasn't sure quite where to begin.

What is it

I need to know something, but I'm not sure how to ask

just ask

is Dr J abusing you

Heero pulled back with a shudder. Tentatively, he reached out again. what makes you think that

the way you react when he's mentioned and some things you told me

I can't talk about it

if he's hurting you there are people who can take you away from him

how could they, no one knows about me

they do now

Heero paled. how do they know

I told them about you

why would you do that Heero seemed angry. how could you do something like that to me without telling me. what gives you the right to mess around in my life

what life Duo insisted. he keeps you locked up all the time and doesn't allow you any human contact at all

why should you care

because I like you and care about what happens to you

I already know what will happen

what

these people will come and try to take me away but he will talk them out of it. Duo he's a telepath, a strong one, convincing people is easy for him

what if the authorities had your side of the story first

Heero actually snorted at that. and just how am I supposed to tell them my story He pointed at his mouth. I can't exactly explain things now can I

there is a way that you can

how

your memories

Heero looked confused. how can they know my memories

Duo explained the procedure that he had gone through the evening before. it doesn't hurt and then they will know everything

he would just call me a liar

memories can't lie

"Hello again, Duo," Zechs said, coming up to the boys. "I take it this is Heero?"

"Yes, I was just explaining things to him."

"Has he agreed to be read?"

"I haven't asked yet." Heero, Zechs is here, the one I spoke to last night. he wants to know if you are willing to be read

read, what is that

have your memories recorded

and my memories could be used against J

yes

will you be there

if they'll let me

I'll only do it if you're there with me

"He says that he'll do it if I'm there with him," Duo translated for Zechs.

"It's not normal procedure," Zechs mused.

"But he can't speak for himself. I can translate for him." Duo looked at his friend. "It's the only way he'll do it. Zechs, please. We have to get him away from Dr. J."

"He understands the procedure?"

"Yes."

"Will he be able to sign the consent?"

Heero there is a form that you'd have to sign giving them permission to read you. Could you do that?

yes

"What about the competition?" Trowa asked. "Leaving now will get him disqualified."

do you want to continue the competition Duo spelled to Heero.

forget the contest. I always hated them anyway

Duo grinned. "Screw the competition. He doesn't even like them. Let's go save Heero." He turned toward his friends. "There's nothing you can do, so you might as well continue. Who knows, maybe one of you will win."

Wufei gave Duo a quick hug. "We'll do our best. You go take care of Heero."

Zechs led the boys toward the entrance to the stadium. Dale stopped them before they got to the door.

"I can't allow you to take Heero away without Dr. J's consent."

Zechs pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to the official. "I believe everything is in order. It is suspected that this young man is being abused by his guardian and is being taken into protective custody."

Dale looked at Duo. "Is this true? You think he's being abused."

"I'm sure of it," Duo stated, "and has been for a long time."

Dale nodded. "Then it's about time someone did something about it, isn't it?" His expression turned mischievous. "Too bad we never can get a hold of Dr. J. There's no way I can let him know about this until he decides to come by to pick Heero up." Zechs looked surprised. "Go on, get out of here," Dale told them. "Take care of that boy."

"Thanks Dale," Duo said, smiling at his friend.

With Heero's hand in his, Duo led the boy out the door and on his way to, hopefully, freedom.

TBC