A/N: So now we come to the inevitable showdown between Duo and Relena. Who shall prevail? Just kidding. I had so much fun writing this chapter. I think, anyway. Feel free to e-mail me if you want to ask anything about my thoroughly confusing story, DiD. God help me, even I confuse myself sometimes! But because I got so inspired watching Vision of Escaflowne, here it is, my chapter three! Enjoy!
Oh, and does anybody have an anime/manga picture of Duo with his hair down? Recently I've taken up drawing again, and managed to draw a passable Hotohori of Fushigi Yuugi in the process, but I really would like a Gundam Wing picture, especially of Heero/Duo. Hehe.
And a special note: sloe-eyed can mean either blue-eyed or violet-eyed. Take your pick.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, quite obviously. I don't think I would have bothered putting Relena in the series if I had full ownership. She's such a pest, honestly.
Descent Into Dissonance
By Rei Tomiyama
Chapter III – Sloe-Eyed Angel
Uriel had always been there with him, for as long as he could remember. It seemed that there was no time, really, before he had met the silver-haired Archangel, and perhaps, there wasn't. What good was there to retain a memory of being alone? It only served to create unhappiness and sorrow, and therefore had no purpose for him. Why should he need to bring with him bitter recollections if right in front of him resided contentment and companionship?
However, certain events happened so abruptly, and he was thrown into a mindless and chaotic state. The first friend he'd ever had by his side had died and fallen to the world below. Unless he ventured to give up his immortality to search for Uriel wandering as a lost human soul, he would never see the lavender-eyed angel again.
He was convinced God was sure to send him away from Heaven anyway. He had slain Riguel, which was against divine law, and he would have to suffer the consequences of a murder done in the name of personal vengeance. He smiled bitterly.
He'd as soon rather be dying over and over again hoping to stumble across Uriel than be imprisoned, unable to do anything, he decided. He turned around to face the Seraphim that had silently formed a protective circle around him, their majestic wings unfurled. They all had swords burning with a steady crimson flame, and he looked, almost reflectively, at his own silvery-blue twin blades slightly stained with blood.
Without warning he stepped backwards and jumped, plunging himself from the skies to the small speck of land waiting to receive him, and his wings were slowly stripped from him, pristine white feathers falling away, one by one.
Wait for me… I'm going after you…Uriel!
A pair of amethyst eyes bore into his in that infinite moment.
I'll be waiting…
"Uriel?"
He woke up with a sudden start, gaze focusing in on violet orbs staring right back at him. His heart was thudding wildly in his chest. Uriel…
"Uriel? I've finally found you now, haven't I?" He said softly. A pale hand smoothed back his unruly hair. A glint of silver flashed in the bright sunlight as strands of the archangel's hair caressed his face.
"You have never needed to find me, because I have always…
Always been with you."
His eyes closed.
…
The next time Heero opened his eyes, he was alone. The rest of the people inside the room had gone, and the sky was dark. It must be dinnertime by now, he estimated. He swung his legs over the bed, grabbed a pair of jeans and a navy t-shirt from his cabinet, then headed off to the canteen.
"Yes, that's correct, I'm a friend of Heero's… yes, we've known each other for quite a while, now." He heard a familiar voice say jovially over the usual din of conversation. He knew that voice from somewhere, he was pretty sure… he just couldn't place it. As he stalked past the other students, a chestnut head spun around and waved cheerfully to him, and he felt a glimmer of recognition.
That same smiling face, those sparkling wine-colored eyes, the long rope of hair…! He began to walk even faster, almost desperate.
"Duo!" Someone exclaimed, and all the cafeteria's occupants swiveled around to see what was all the fuss about. He belatedly realized that it was himself that had uttered the name so loudly. The other teenager rushed forward and embraced him suddenly.
"Heero!" He didn't know how he could have forgotten Duo. They had been inseparable since childhood. Duo's adoptive parents had entrusted to keep their exuberant son away from trouble, and he did, although he was coerced into playing accomplice to pranks more than once. As they both grew older, the bond of friendship between them strengthened. A few years after they had met, Relena had shown up, intent on attaching herself permanently to Heero's side, but with Duo's help, he had successfully evaded her sneaky tactics.
That is, until a year ago, when his own father had found out the… unnatural sort of relationship the two of them had progressed to. He had been forced to move back to Japan, and he had not so much as received a single letter from his long-time American companion. But he had only remembered that when he had woken up.
A hand clutched his and led him through the crowd, weaving in and out of cliques to finally stop at a table, where his other roommates were already seated. He automatically took a seat, but he couldn't help but gaze fixedly at one person. How could he have forgotten?
"So, Heero… it seems Duo's story is true." The blonde Arab was practically glowing. "He was showing us your pictures." He pushed an unmarked white envelope across, towards the Japanese boy. He took it silently and scanned the colored photographs. In almost all of them, a sullen, slightly younger image of himself was present, but what he took note of was the fact that beside his childhood counterpart was a chestnut haired boy leaning against him, braid snaking around Heero's shoulder and neck. Why hadn't he noticed the resemblance before? He felt angry with himself, and Duo must have realized that, because he sat down next to Heero, prying open his fists to return the pictures inside the envelope.
At least, all but one picture. The last one had been taken shortly before Yui Hiroto had abruptly returned from his business trip and stormed inside his heir's bedroom, furious to see another half-naked teenage boy on Heero's bed. It was Duo with his silky long hair cascading past his shoulders, his black polo shirt unbuttoned, a solemn expression on his features. He turned it to look at the back, and saw the inscription.
Only for you.
-Duo
"It's that onna!" Heero reluctantly looked up, lost in memory, when Wufei hissed the sentence between his teeth, just in time to witness Relena, of all people, nearing their table. His face darkened when she halted right in front of Duo.
"You miserable faggot!" She spat scathingly. "How dare you have the gall to waltz into Heero's life again, just when he's committed himself to a fresh new start!" She paused for a moment, then continued with her rant. "Heero is my boyfriend now, not yours! So think again before you try anything, if you don't want me to inform Mr. Yui that the foolish American boy who was such a bad influence on Heero is back to torment his son again!" She assumed a complacent air, satisfied.
"You fucking bitch!" Duo snarled back. "So it was you who told that pompous jerk! Jealous now, weren't you? Admit it, now, Relena, you were jealous 'cause you, a girl, lost to me, a boy, over Heero, and you couldn't stand to lose now, could you? That's why Heero left America, with you trailing behind like a lovesick puppy! And now that I'm here again, enrolling in this school, you're afraid you're going to lose again!" At this point, a lot of people had surrounded the area where the commotion was taking place and were listening with keen interest.
Heero sighed internally. Way to make a first impression in school, Duo. Now all of Relena's groupies will be hounding you, no doubt about it.
"What's going on here?" All the students froze. The commanding tone could belong to none other than their principal, Treize Khushrenada. He stepped through the rapidly-thinning throng of individuals hurriedly exiting the cafeteria and glanced around the room, spotting the source of the ruckus almost immediately. He headed to a particular table.
Relena bit her lip anxiously. She wasn't used to being in trouble with the principal. She was, after all, a goody-goody popular girl. But a mischievous, lazy smile slowly spread across Duo's visage, which worried the others, most especially his best friend. "Excuse me, Mr…" Treize raised an eyebrow critically. "I do believe we haven't met yet. Treize Khushrenada." He extended a hand, which Duo shook.
"Maxwell, sir. Duo Maxwell. I run, I hide, but I never lie." If possible, the older man's eyebrow lifted even higher at the statement.
"Very well, Mr. Maxwell…"
"Please call me Duo, Mr. Khushrenada."
"Duo, then. What in the world were you and Ms. Peacecraft," at this he gestured to the blonde, "talking about that so many other students were attracted to your train of conversation?" Duo merely smiled pleasantly.
"We were but renewing acquaintances, Mr. Khushrenada. You see, Ms. Peacecraft and I have known each other from back in America, which is where I used to study." Heero nodded almost imperceptibly, but Khushrenada caught the movement and directed his cordial stare at the other boy.
"Ah, so you also know Duo, Mr. Yuy?" Out of the corner of his eye, Heero saw Relena clench her teeth and smirked.
"Hn. Yeah, I do." At this, Duo jumped in before anybody could say anything else.
"Anyway, Mr. Khushrenada, that was all there was to it. Wasn't it, Relena?" He smiled mockingly at her, as if daring her to disagree. She knew when she was defeated. She plastered a saccharine smile on.
"Of course, Duo. Our peers were simply overexcited because Duo announced his plans to move to our school, Mr. Khushrenada. There was absolutely nothing to worry about. And now, if you'll excuse me." She bowed deeply and absconded the room, leaving a puzzled principal behind, who turned to leave the room as well.
And Treize Khushrenada was indeed, not the only one confused by the recent turn of events. Everybody else, except for Duo, had similar questioning looks.
"What was that about." Heero said dryly. He was given a sheepish grin in return, belied by the dangerous glitter of violet eyes.
"Um… so I guess you know Relena Peacecraft as well…" Quatre laughed nervously, trying to dispel the uncomfortable atmosphere. A bitter sound escaped Duo's lips.
"Hell yeah I know her… that little conniving harlot used to hang off Heero's arm like some leech starving for blood. Specifically Heero's blood. Even when I told her straight out that Heero was going out with me, she went berserk and…" He flushed guiltily at the sight of a skeptical pair of cobalt eyes.
"When, exactly?"
"Uhhhh…" He darted glances all around them, as if wanting to flee the interrogation, trying to stall time. "Well, you know the day you were fiddling with your camera in your home and taking pictures of me? I…errr…I borrowed some negatives and had them duplicated to show her."
"And I suppose she refused to take your word for it." Duo whipped his head towards the speaker, surprised. So did four other pairs of eyes.
What the…! Khushrenada's still here! Shit… I didn't see that coming. Heero mentally cursed himself for not paying more attention. They could have given away vital information to the man without even being aware of it.
A smile was playing on the auburn haired man's lips. "I pride myself on being aware of my students' affairs, and I find this to be one of the more effective methods in doing so." Wufei growled at the statement. This was supposed to be a private thing, not a gossip session, dammit!
"Anyway, go on. Pretend I'm not here." Duo shot the older man an uneasy look.
"We-e-e-e-ll, fine then, Mr. Khushrenada, with your permission. To make a long story short, Relena tried to claw me with her manicured nails, and we kinda got into a brawl. Haha…" He licked his lips and stared at his feet. Heero frowned, but said nothing. Trowa remained impassive.
"Kinda?" Quatre prompted. "What happened after she clawed you?"
"I guess…" Here Duo faltered, and his face scrunched up in a poorly hidden grimace. "I think I lost control as well, and I ended up dumping her into a trashcan." The Japanese boy's brow furrowed. He remembered seeing his friend bleeding and scratched one night, left eye closed and dripping with blood. When he'd asked what happened, Duo had evasively replied that a cat had attacked him in the alley. The subject had been immediately closed afterwards, and he had never thought to bring it up again.
"So she was unconscious?" Wufei thought it hard to drag a kicking and screaming girl all the way to a trashcan without bruising. Take Meiran, his stubborn girlfriend, for example. He winced at the recollection.
"Yeah." The long-haired teenager answered dully. "I aimed a roundhouse at her chest, kicked her between the legs, snapped her wrist, broke a few ribs, and backhanded her neck. She was knocked out, all right." He released a strangled laugh.
"I thought I'd killed her." His haunted eyes alighted at an empty spot near them. There was a soft gasp of shock from Quatre.
The principal was gone.
"What he's going to do now with what he's learned, I wonder..." Trowa murmured to himself, quietly.
They all headed back to the dorm, their footsteps blanketing the heavy tension amongst themselves.
…
"You're lying! Heero would never go out with someone like you!" She launched herself at him and scored her nails on his arms. He let out a sharp cry at the unexpected assault, and then he saw red.
She was no longer that annoying girl whose pastime was to stalk Heero, but a threat to be obliterated. He landed a staggering roundhouse kick to her chest and the impact made her stumble backwards onto the pavement. It was a struggle for her to get up, but she did it, and she raked a hand on his face, leaving a trail of crimson from his left eyebrow to his cheek. He kneed her hard in the ribs, and she collapsed, clutching her side and gasping for breath. Already she was weakening, and he could have left her in that state.
However, he felt strangely bloodthirsty, and so he lifted her up by her collar with ease, using only one hand, and then he took her right arm and forced it behind her, twisting her wrist until it snapped. He threw the girl back down to the ground, where she lay painfully sobbing.
"Stand up, Relena." He was humming a melancholy tune under his breath as he pulled her to her feet. His voice was tinged with exasperation.
"Come on, Relena, I thought we were playing a game. Don't let me down now!" A kick directly between her legs sent her reeling, and she slumped down, defeated. Then a paralyzing backhand to her neck, and it was over.
His insane laughter echoed in the distorted shadows of the night as he cradled her into his arms, dumping her inside an empty metal trashcan.
What kind of person was he? How could he have done such a thing without considering the consequences? Horrified, he ran from the scene, away from the gruesome results of his own handiwork.
"Duo!" Heero? What was he doing here? Had he seen Duo with Relena? He panicked. Heero was his best friend, but even he knew that such an act was intolerable, and he would surely turn Duo over to the police and into jail.
But he didn't know if Relena was dead already, his mind protested. If Relena was alive, and that was a big if, he would be kept in jail. But if he really had killed the girl, then he would be sentenced to a lethal injection. He kept running, yet even then he could still hear Heero calling his name, voice bouncing off the walls as he ran after Duo.
"Duo! I'm here! You don't have to be afraid!" He slowed down, involuntarily. Did Heero really mean it? Would he believe Duo if he said he hadn't meant to hurt Relena?
"It's okay, Duo… it's just a dream." Blue eyes looked into his searchingly, and tanned arms opened to embrace him. He stepped forward, not quite sure, but unwilling to turn away the comfort that was offered.
"You're with me, Duo… it's okay… it's just a dream. " He woke up thrashing on the bed, but somebody was holding him back.
Heero…He buried his face in the Japanese boy's chest, sobbing noiselessly. When the tears had left him, he finally fell asleep in his friend's arms.
"It's okay, Duo…" Heero repeated to himself quietly. "You're safe. I'll protect you."
…
A/N: Wow! Another chapter done! I'm so happy I could do a victory dance:) Hehe… anyway, can anyone guess what happened to Relena, really? After all, if you were beaten half to death, you wouldn't forget so easily, right? So, if you guys review, try to leave your own theory of how the events all connect together. Oh, and notice how Heero's last name is still spelled as Yuy while his father's is spelled as 'Yui'? No, it's not a fluke, but I'd like to see how you guys interpreted it. Until the next chapter, then!
Rei:)