Dual Fates Part 5

Sentimental

by

Sailor Janus

       "Come on Duo! You don't want to be late for your own funeral!" Hotaru giggled as she tugged on the cobalt blue-eyed pilot's sleeve, dragging him through the grass to the church.

       "Okay! I'm coming Hotaru!" Dup yelled following close behind the girl but suddenly froze as he stared at the church's name. Curiously, the young woman spun around to see exactly what her love was gaping at. "The Duo Maxwell Church." Upon reading the sign, she smiled, wrapping her arm around the deceased pilot and quietly led him inside.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

       Hotaru and Duo were shocked at what a large assembly had gathered to say goodbye to the cheerful pilot. It was truly incredible to the braided-haired man that so many people actually did care about him. He could feel tears begin to form in his blue eyes as the procession began.

       A tall, graying preacher stood up, silencing the room as he approached the podium. "We are gathered here today to honor the brave and noble pilot, Mr. Duo Maxwell, who gave his own life in preventing what could have the worst massacre this world had seen in years. We would like to send his spirit our love and thanks. Here to say a few words is Mr. Quatre Raberba Winner."

       Duo began snickering, which Hotaru awarded him with a light slap to his arm.        "Duo!" she practically scolded him.

       "What?! It's funny! They're making it out like I was a really big hero!" the braided-haired pilot grinned as the girl next to him dropped her head.

       "You were a hero. Your death pronounced the sparing of thousands if not millions of lives," she softly spoke, raising her head up to listen to the trembling blonde.

       Quatre glanced solemnly around the large room. He could not believe he was up there, saying goodbye to one of his best friends. It was still incredibly difficult to remember that Duo was dead and would never ever come back. 'I am never going  hear his laugh, or his foolish jokes, or his pity arguments between Wufei and Heero. Nothing is left but silence. Why Duo? Why did you have to die?' Quatre thought while trying to collect himself, the Arabian man looked down at the other three survivors who were trying their hardest to urge their friend to speak.

       Taking a deep breath, Quatre blinked back his tears, as he addressed the audience in the remembrance of his dear friend. "No one actually knew Duo too well. In fact we do not even know if Duo Maxwell was his real name, but we do know that he died as a hero, sacrificing his life for many. Duo was always a cheerful person with a great sense of humor who could lighten up any situation with a joke or even a simple smirk. We could probably use his help right about now. Many of us can say that we have been honored to be one of his friends, and a great friend to the world, and us he shall be remembered as. We thank you Duo and shall miss you greatly. Excuse me." Quietly, Quatre rushed away from the podium and back to his seat in between Trowa and Lady Une, who consoling the tear some kind-hearted pilot.

       The room filled with applause as Duo began snickering again, but suddenly stopped when he noticed the tears in his friends' eyes. Shockingly even Heero's Prussian blue eyes were wet. "Wow," he gasped, completely stunned that his best friend was showing emotion.   

       "You were quite well liked and will be gravely missed. Even Heero Yuy, the one that rarely shows emotion has shed a tear for you," Hotaru whisper, as she took Duo's hand in her own. She could tell he was feeling completely overwhelmed at the moment, and why should he not be, this was his funeral.

       "Ahem, would anyone else like to say a few words?" the kindly preacher inquired of the audience. To everyone's surprise, Heero Yuy stood up.

       "Yes, I would," he said in a monotone, stalking up to the podium, critically looking at the large group of people sitting before him. "Duo Maxwell was a pilot, a soldier, and most importantly, a human being. He fought with all his heart to complete the job no matter what it took to get it done. Duo was probably the most talkative and energetic person I had ever known and will ever have known. With his yard long braid he was always vibrant with life, even in the most dire of situations. Upon first meeting him, he tried to kill me, of course I tried to do the same, but we  had misjudged each other. Soon, I discovered I could regard him as a friend, my first friend. Duo, wherever you are, you'll be missed."

       Silently, the Perfect Soldier returned to his seat, crossing his arms lightly in front of his chest as he stared at his shoes.  'Duo, I still don't understand why you did it but the world thanks you.'

       "Whoa, I was not expecting Heero to get behind the podium! That is just surreal! He usually likes to stay in shadows and observe an event such as this," Duo gaped as he watched his best friend practically sulking in his seat.

       Hotaru leaned her against the pilot's shoulder. "You're leaving a lot of people behind who truly do care about you. Namely the other pilots. This will not be exactly the easiest to watch my Shinigami. It'll probably only get harder."

       Duo nodded as Wufei suddenly took the podium.

       The Chinese man gazed out into the audience for a brief second as he took a deep breath. "Duo Maxwell, what can I say about him?"

       "Here we go," the cobalt blue-eyed pilot muttered, ready to be insulted in front of a large group of people.

       "Duo!" the dark-haired young woman next to him hissed, trying to silence him before he missed what was about to be said.

       "Except, whether he believed me or not, that I respected him. Duo was the type of person who, no matter how irritating he maybe at times, was filled with good intentions. He was the laughter and inner child to our small blood-tainted group, something that the four of us, Heero, Trowa, Quatre, and myself could never achieve. All five of us had witnessed events take place, which have left internal scars in our souls, but Duo never seemed to allow them to control his life. He always marched around with a smile on his face, ready for anything. Duo, thank you for being one of us. It's a shame you were the one to surrender your life, so others may go on." With a small bow of his head, Wufei departed from the podium returning to his seat in between Heero and Sally Po.

       Duo blinked in shock. '"Did Wu-man just say he respected me? Oh man, this is tougher than I thought."

       "As I said, you impacted many lives, especially your comrades," Hotaru nodded, gently brushing her hand across the braided-haired man's face as they watched Trowa Barton walk behind the podium.

       The green-eyed pilot shut his eyes for a brief moment trying to contemplate what exactly to say. Finally he knew. "Duo Maxwell was one of four of my best friends. The five of us together had formed a special union, almost like a family. Each of us had our own unique personality and Duo's was probably the brightest of the five, and the most irreplaceable as well. He had a thirst for life, and walked upon the earth acting as if he had not a care in the world. The day he died, I will never forget. We were preparing for the worst but Duo was fearless, taking his mission in stride as he ended his life to save ours. We'll be eternally grateful to you Duo. Thank you." Quietly, Trowa left for his seat next to Quatre and Heero, closing his eyes once he was seated.

       Duo did not even know what to say. What seemed like a big joke was saddening him instead. 'This was supposed to be fun not depressing. Oh man was this ever a bad idea!'  he thought, glancing at his mournful friends sitting in the front row. "Hotaru, let's just go. This is way too much for me to handle right now," he found himself mumbled to the girl who nodding, obliging to his request.

       "Yes, I agree it's time to go. My funeral will begin in a few minutes anyway," she softly said as they walked out of the church with one last look at the surviving pilots.

       "Wait! You still want to go to yours?! Are you sure?!" the chestnut brown-haired man abruptly said, staring at the girl who turned to face him.

       "I am sure. I would like to hear what my friends and family have to say to me. I owe them that much," Hotaru answered as she began walking again.

       With a shrug, Duo threw his arms behind his head, and followed the young woman. "Whatever you say, Firefly. Here I thought going back to our past lives was rough!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

       Hotaru and Duo found themselves outdoors once again, except cherry blossom petals spread out on the ground surrounded them. Apparently they must have decided to have Hotaru's funeral outdoors.

       The dark-haired girl was amazed at how many people showed up. It was not nearly as big as Duo's but it was quaint and comfortable, mainly attended by the Sailor Senshi. Hotaru never did care for big elaborate events anyway. Pleasantly, she could feel the cobalt blue-eyed pilot wrapping his arms around her protectively. She realized that he was trying to shield her from the pain she was about to experience, but calmly, Hotaru was willing to accept it with open arms.

       Unfortunately the ceremony had already begun before the couple had arrived,  since they got a little lost in the dimensional pathways, but they didn't miss too much.      

       Setsuna stood calmly in front of the small crowd, looking very melancholy as she spoke. "Hotaru Tomoe was like a daughter to me. She was always filled with an air to her that made you feel alive, no matter what the circumstances were. Although she was young, Hotaru was very strong and resistant in achieving her goals. She was a very thoughtful young woman who never wanted to do anyone harm, even if it meant a sacrifice on her behalf. Hotaru, my dear, you will remain in our thoughts and our hearts. We shall hold your memory within ourselves always and forever." Suddenly, the dark-haired woman briefly smiled, as if she knew of the girl's attendance.

       "Setsuna-mama," the young woman murmured with a tiny smile as tear drops slipped from her violet eyes. "I miss you too."

       Duo's arms remained securely wrapped around Hotaru's fragile form, as he kissed the top of her head. "I'm still here."

       Slowly Haruka and Michiru together approached the podium. The aqua-haired woman however was sobbing uncontrollably but insisted on saying a few words.

       Taking a deep breath, the shaky woman lightly smiled to the small crowd. "Hotaru Tomoe... was also like a daughter to me. It was a pleasure watching her grow and mature from an adorable child to a beautiful young woman. It was very unfortunate that her life was cut so short. There was so much more living she could have done, but regardless, she still lived her life to the fullest, even when the moments were not the best. She was truly brave and intelligent and we'll miss her.....Excuse me." Covering her mouth as she trembled, Michiru tried to gain control of her emotion and her tears, but it was no use. Quietly she retreated to one of the seats in the front.    

       Sniffling Hotaru whispered, "Michiru-mama I miss you too. Very much. Please don't cry for me."

       "Shhhh," Duo said soothingly into the girl's ear as he slow rocked her side to side, still holding Hotaru tightly. "We can go whenever you feel you're ready. We don't have to stay through the whole thing."

       Haruka bowed her head before beginning her own speech. "Hotaru Tomoe was a breeze of fresh air to me She was young, full of life and energy, and always knew what was expected of her no questions asked. If any of us could have wished for a child, then Hotaru was the best that could have ever been offered. Through good times and bad, she held her head high. If only there were someway to bring her back. But forever, she'll stay in our hearts. We miss you very much Hotaru."      

       Hotaru smiled briefly as the blonde returned to her seat. "You'll stay in my heart too Haruka."

       Ami soon took the podium, "On behalf of Rei, Usagi, Minako, Mamoru, Chibi-Usa, Makoto, and myself, we would like to say a few words as well. Ahem, Hotaru was as fragile of glass but more precious, her spirit as bright as the sun. The day she died seemed to be darkest day in history. We only wish we could take back that day so she would still be with us. Even though we know that is not possible, we do know she did not die in vane. We can only that wherever she is, that she is happy. Hotaru, we miss you gravely and hope your soul rests in peace."

       The dark-haired girl closed her eyes as she leaned back against her Shinigami. "So many people cared about me. I knew they cared, but to hear them say it and cry over my lifelessness, is too much..... Duo can we go now, I believe I've heard what I needed to hear. After all this is my second funeral."

       The cobalt blue-eyed pilot nodded as he released the young woman. He knew exactly what she meant by the second funeral. The first had been her father, Professor Souchi Tomoe. He had died of a brain aneurysm, but she knew better. Since they were supposed to have perished in the lab accident. Once he was no longer possessed by the daimon, his body slowly gave out.

       Quietly, Duo and Hotaru left the funeral. Both felt slightly more at peace than they had previously did. Upon returning to the grassy yard where they always found each other, they discovered it was raining.

       The violet-eyed girl bowed her head slightly when she realized an important fact once again. "Wait. We aren't dead remember? In that life we were but this one, we are still alive. Just in some sort of trance or dream world."

       "Right. I keep forgetting about that," the braided haired man admitted. "So now what? Should we try accessing another life?"

       Hotaru thought for a moment before answering, "Yes, we need to solve this mystery as soon as possible, before something happens in our present life."

       Duo held out his hand to Hotaru gazing deeply into her violet eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this again so soon?"

       The dark-haired girl rose her gaze to his blue eyes as she slowly joined her hands with his, "I am sure. Ready?"

*~*~*~* 

Author's Notes: Apologies on this taking so long but this chapter was so hard to write. I had to reach so deeply within myself and the characters that you wouldn't believe it. I was literally in tears a several points.

Updates are not going to be as sporadic as they used to be for about a month b/c I'm going on vacation to visit my mom and will have to share a computer. I'll try to update once every two weeks if possible. Sorry for the inconvenience, which is also why I did not leave it at a cliffhanger.

Um, that's like all I can think of so until then.

Another Life, another death...