*(A/N - Thanks again for the greatly appreciated reviews. I was going to wait awhile to put this chapter out but my conscious got the best of me. Just so you know this is a continuation of the last chapter's sub story. The gundam pilots and Setsuna will be in this chapter. Well words are short and I'll get to the chapter. (Thanks for reading)*
"What's being said" //Thoughts// *(Flashback)*
The Screen behind the Mirror - A Puppet without Strings
* Disclaimer - I do not own anything but the plot of this story. *
People write philosophies about many things. Some would make sense and some wouldn't. I always like to say in the end we will realize how little we truly know of life. We want to pretend we have all the answers when deep down we know nothing.
.:*:.*.:*:.*:.*:.
*(I lay on the deathly cold floor; some unknown force held me there. The cryptic person with the dark cloak still stood there in the isolated corner of the room. The mumbled ancient spell stopped. A deafly silence now filled the room. I noticed that I was finally able to get up, and looked around the room without moving. The person in the isolated corner decided to make an appearance and ever so gently walked over to me.
"Where am I", I spoke slightly shaken up
"You now reside in a land where time doesn't matter." The person spoke in a gentle tone, which made me ease up a little bit.
"I am known by many names, but you can call me Setsuna."
I didn't know or understand anything at that moment. Only, that I'm nowhere near earth.
"I brought you down here because there is a very important matter that you will need to tend to in the distant future."
"Why did you drag me here…I had to go to hell and back because of you."
"Well, as I was saying there was something important that must be said, and I needed to talk to you personally no matter what the cost."
"Even my life?"
"I'm sorry, but yes, even your life…you see as you probably know you're not normal and shall never be."
"What are you talking about?"
"Your destiny has already been told…you will know death but never experience it until your time."
"…"
"You will not die until your appointed time."
"You're trying to say that I will be reborn each time that I-"
"Exactly, I am sorry but that is your fate."
"This is dumb…I don't-"
"Just listen for a second, do you remember the ancient spell you deciphered?"
"Umm…Death Reborn-"
"Yes, that's the one. You have the power of silence, death, destruction, and rebirth."
"So that spell was to…"
"Destroy the world."
"What am I?"
"I don't have time to explain it to you but you are like shinemegami."
"Will I be able to escape death when I use the spell?"
"...No, you see…that spell is to destroy the world when it comes to chaos. If you destroy it for selfish ambitions, you will of course die along with everybody else. Your spirit will wander forever without being put to rest and will be filled with guilt. If you destroy it at the right time then you will live a world of nothingness."
"Either way I lose… Am I just a damn tool to destroy this world?!"
"You must go and never tell any body what you heard or saw here. Time has run out…some questions will be answered by time…and some won't, this is your fate, never forget it."
I heard Setsuna say something in the process of me disappearing into god knows where, yet I couldn't tell if I was supposed to hear it or not.
"Once a puppet's strings are cut it can't do anything but rot, it has no earthly use anymore..…how sad" )*
.:*:.*.:*:.*.:*:.
I left that place with more questions then I had in the beginning…my life seems to be like that. I have been a fool for a while; I would always claim to know people when I didn't. Hell, I don't even know myself. My life is filled with a deep lack of understanding. In the end, I only realized one thing. I do not understand the world, humanity, and even the desires that lie in the deep depths of my heart.
.:*:.*.:*:.*.:*:.
*( Ami and I would of went to our next class, yet we didn't. We walked to my…well our spot quietly yet our minds raced. There is no way our history teacher could have known our secret but he does. Please don't let this be the time…not yet.
"I think I know," Ami said more to herself then me.
I looked at her silently telling her to go on.
"In the last war, like our teacher said, there were various important people whose memories weren't erased. Mainly because they knew some people wouldn't turn against them and would be there if they needed them again."
"How about us?"
"I'm not quite sure…maybe they knew we had powers all along but didn't do anything until they were needed. On the other hand, maybe we were some how unaffected by however way they erased all the humans memories. You see since we have powers our bodies operate differently from others."
"This means we need to be extra careful around the gundam pilots. They could already know everything about us and might have already led us in some kind of trap."
*Ring*
"Let's go" Ami said anxious to hear how the old guy found out about us.
We walked to the class at a normal casual pace. I figured I would let Ami do most of the talking since she knows more about the situation then I do. When we walked in the classroom, it was quiet and the teacher was at his desk grading papers. He casually glanced up at us and smiled. We of course didn't smile back, I did not feel like it and Ami was in a serious mood.
"What's with the serious face?" The teacher said with some kind of smile still planted on his face.
// Hahaha, if you only knew what we went through today because of you, // I thought to myself.
Ami was about to say something but was cut off by the teacher.
"Let me guess…you want to know how I know about you two."
Ami and I just shook our heads.
"Well, first of all you two stick out like a sore thumb. The students and teachers may not notice…but for people like soldiers who were trained to notice odd behavior and/or people…well it's just obvious. Also, before I left they told me if I see any kind of magic users to tell them. I thought they were crazy but after I got to observe you two then I knew it was true."
"So they know about us-"
"Wait, I haven't told anyone and I'm not planning on it. My business with them was finished a long time ago, and will remain that way. You have my word on that…promise."
I looked into his eyes and could tell that he was telling the truth. I could tell Ami thought so too when her look of worry turned to relief.
"Are the gundam pilots here…I saw a group of five boys that resemble them." Ami said deciding to get to the point.
"Hmm…lets see, did they look like this," he said as he handed us pictures of five boys.
"Exactly like that" I said.
"Yep that's them…don't really know why there here though. Might be looking for magic users like you." He said as he put the pictures up.
"Why are you helping us…I mean you could of turned us in, but you-."
"You remind me of myself, when I look in your eyes…I see so much pain. All those organizations want is money and power. All the soldiers are like puppets, they have no use but to do what needs to be done then die. That is there destiny… I didn't want to be used like that but I had a contract, when I was released I was the happiest man alive. I said no more…No more will I be there little puppet."
My mind raced when he said puppet…to the time when I talked to Setsuna and even now. Can a master cut its puppets strings and the puppet will live freely like him. He defied his master's orders and lived his own life. I want that…I want to be like that, yet I doubt I can…no I know I can never be like that.
"If we have any questions…can we umm-" Ami said then was cut off by the teacher.
"Of course, anytime you need help just talk to me."
"Thanks Mr.-"
"Why don't you call me 'Jerry'?"
"Jerry?"
"Yeah, always wanted to be called that."
"Ok… bye Jerry."
While we were leaving, I heard 'Jerry' say "just like old times" but didn't think too much of it. Things should get very interesting…yet I don't want it to.
"I have a feeling we forgot something," Ami said.
"What, everything's taken care of-"
"Duo!!" Ami yelled and dragged me by the arm running.
We ran until I saw two figures in the distance leaning casually against a car talking. They looked up and smiled. It must be Duo and umm…that guy, Quatre. All the other guys were not there which I was glad; they would just act like jacka-
"Sorry about this" Ami said interrupting my thoughts.
"It's ok, we were only waiting for an hour," Duo said sarcastically.
"Listen I said I'm sorry-"
"Why don't we just go to your apartment Ami." I said not feeling in the mood to hear arguing…yet for the first time I realized Duo and Ami looked good together. That thought made me smirk but that quickly wiped off my face.
"Yeah, let's do that" Quatre said.
"Ok, but before we go what took you so long" Duo said with some stupid smirk that would make other girls melt yet made Ami and I feel sick.
"Sigh, it's a long story"
"I have time"
"I don't, let's go"
"Ok, we'll follow you two," Said Quatre, quickly trying to change the subject.
When Ami and I got in the car I just had to laugh.
"What" Ami said in a gentle yet annoyed tone.
"I didn't think you two got into fights that much."
"Yeah, well for some reason it just happens that way."
It didn't take that long to get there and when we did surprisingly… they fought again. It was weird, I never knew Ami could act like this; she must really dislike Duo.
"You drive too slow-"
"There was a police car right beside me and it was a service road…do you want me to just speed and get a ticket."
"I could have talked him out of it," said Duo with that same smirk on his face.
They just kept on like that; I looked at Quatre who was trying to tell Duo to shut up. I tried to calm down Ami but it didn't work out as I planned. So, I grabbed Quatre's hand.
"Let's go."
"Sigh, yeah"
We left and let them argue; when we were inside the apartment there was an awkward silence, which Quatre broke.
"Is she always like that."
"No, Ami is usually quiet and gentle yet…she told me Duo got on her nerves. I just shrugged it off, yet I didn't think it was that bad."
"Oh"
"Duo?"
"Yeah pretty much so, yet I never really saw him bug a female, usually just male."
"You seem different from the rest," I said more to myself then him.
"Really?"
"Hmm…oh yeah" I said not thinking he heard that statement. "You're gentle…and seem to care more, no offense but the rest of them seem like jackasses."
"Hahahaha, I guess you just need to know them a little better…in the end they're not totally bad."
"Really…" I didn't know why I was even talking to this guy…I mean he's a gundam pilot. It's just he's kinder then the rest, so it makes me want to at least act somewhat kind back.
"You're not as bad as I thought you were. The way Wufei talked about you, made you sound like the crypt keeper."
"He talked about me." I said in a bored tone of voice
"Every now and then yeah, he says you're different because you never back away when he talks to you."
"Oh, it's weird to think he has a life sometimes…yet I see something in his eyes that he's to stubborn to let out."
"You're very perceptive," Quatre said with a gentle smile on his face.
"I guess…"
The door opened and in came a tired Ami and a well, just Duo.
"Are you ok Ami?" I said noticing her tired face
"Sigh, yeah" she said with a smile yet I knew it was fake.
"Let's get started" duo said with his same smirk.
They both went to the computer and every now and then Duo would get up and help himself to the fridge.
"You have nothing but junk food in here."
"Is there a problem with that," Said Ami in her famous gentle voice yet there was a hint of annoyance.
"Well, just thought most women would have health food and junk like that trying to loose weight."
I feel it; Ami is going to get mad again. It's weird though…if anybody else said that it wouldn't bother her but when he says it, she gets angry.
"You know you really should be helping me."
"Jeez, can't I at least eat…and you could finish it yourself, you're smart."
"So could you, you're just as smart as me."
"There is difference in having the ability to do it and to lazy to do-"
"You're the one who said you couldn't do it alone."
"I did say that didn't I"
"Duo maybe you should be quiet" Quatre said trying to get his friend out of trouble
"I guess so," Duo said as he made his way to the computer. They finished most of the report and I noticed the tattoo on his arm.
"What does that gundam tattoo represent?" I asked not to sound suspicious but realizing it did anyway. He looked at me which almost sent chills down my spine cause I never pictured him with a serious face. He smiled and said something I wouldn't expect.
"What do you think?"
"Do you expect me to answer that?"
He simply shook his head. I was going to say something until Quatre again came to Duo's rescue.
"Sorry to interrupt, but It's getting late and we have school tomorrow, I think we should go."
"Yeah you're right, Ami do you think you could finish the rest?"
"Sure, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Ok, bye Hotaru" said duo and winked on his way out.
"Bye guys" Said Quatre with a gentle smile on his face.
"Bye" Ami and me said in unison.
After they left Ami looked at me and smiled, I of course smiled back.
"I'm so happy they left, "Ami said as she stretched.
"Hahahaha, I didn't know you and Duo fought that much."
"Yeah, I don't bother him; he just likes playing around because he knows he bothers me."
"Sounds like love to me."
Ami looked at me with a deathly cold stare.
"Just kidding," I said and Ami smiled and said, "I know, me too."
"I'm going home"
"Already?"
"Yeah I'm tired."
"Or just need time to think?"
"You know me too well"
When I got home I immediately sat in my bed. I consider Ami my friend but I can't tell her my destiny…what I am. She's so lucky, she has powers but when she dies she'll just rest…but no matter how I die I'll always be eternally cursed. I can't tell her what I am…or what I'll have to do one day, this is my fate. I have to live my life as a puppet with strings. When they are cut I am no more…I will sit there and be forgotten and no one to remember.
"Ami…will you remember…"
You're the only one who cared to understand this puppet, this puppet with no life, who was meant to be eternally alone until she met you. )*
.:*:.*:.*.:*:.*:.
(A/N - Just so you know I put Ami and Duo arguing cause I thought it would make the story more interesting. Well sorry for the long wait and I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as I can. Thanks for reading.)
.:*:.Please Review.:*:.
"What's being said" //Thoughts// *(Flashback)*
The Screen behind the Mirror - A Puppet without Strings
* Disclaimer - I do not own anything but the plot of this story. *
People write philosophies about many things. Some would make sense and some wouldn't. I always like to say in the end we will realize how little we truly know of life. We want to pretend we have all the answers when deep down we know nothing.
.:*:.*.:*:.*:.*:.
*(I lay on the deathly cold floor; some unknown force held me there. The cryptic person with the dark cloak still stood there in the isolated corner of the room. The mumbled ancient spell stopped. A deafly silence now filled the room. I noticed that I was finally able to get up, and looked around the room without moving. The person in the isolated corner decided to make an appearance and ever so gently walked over to me.
"Where am I", I spoke slightly shaken up
"You now reside in a land where time doesn't matter." The person spoke in a gentle tone, which made me ease up a little bit.
"I am known by many names, but you can call me Setsuna."
I didn't know or understand anything at that moment. Only, that I'm nowhere near earth.
"I brought you down here because there is a very important matter that you will need to tend to in the distant future."
"Why did you drag me here…I had to go to hell and back because of you."
"Well, as I was saying there was something important that must be said, and I needed to talk to you personally no matter what the cost."
"Even my life?"
"I'm sorry, but yes, even your life…you see as you probably know you're not normal and shall never be."
"What are you talking about?"
"Your destiny has already been told…you will know death but never experience it until your time."
"…"
"You will not die until your appointed time."
"You're trying to say that I will be reborn each time that I-"
"Exactly, I am sorry but that is your fate."
"This is dumb…I don't-"
"Just listen for a second, do you remember the ancient spell you deciphered?"
"Umm…Death Reborn-"
"Yes, that's the one. You have the power of silence, death, destruction, and rebirth."
"So that spell was to…"
"Destroy the world."
"What am I?"
"I don't have time to explain it to you but you are like shinemegami."
"Will I be able to escape death when I use the spell?"
"...No, you see…that spell is to destroy the world when it comes to chaos. If you destroy it for selfish ambitions, you will of course die along with everybody else. Your spirit will wander forever without being put to rest and will be filled with guilt. If you destroy it at the right time then you will live a world of nothingness."
"Either way I lose… Am I just a damn tool to destroy this world?!"
"You must go and never tell any body what you heard or saw here. Time has run out…some questions will be answered by time…and some won't, this is your fate, never forget it."
I heard Setsuna say something in the process of me disappearing into god knows where, yet I couldn't tell if I was supposed to hear it or not.
"Once a puppet's strings are cut it can't do anything but rot, it has no earthly use anymore..…how sad" )*
.:*:.*.:*:.*.:*:.
I left that place with more questions then I had in the beginning…my life seems to be like that. I have been a fool for a while; I would always claim to know people when I didn't. Hell, I don't even know myself. My life is filled with a deep lack of understanding. In the end, I only realized one thing. I do not understand the world, humanity, and even the desires that lie in the deep depths of my heart.
.:*:.*.:*:.*.:*:.
*( Ami and I would of went to our next class, yet we didn't. We walked to my…well our spot quietly yet our minds raced. There is no way our history teacher could have known our secret but he does. Please don't let this be the time…not yet.
"I think I know," Ami said more to herself then me.
I looked at her silently telling her to go on.
"In the last war, like our teacher said, there were various important people whose memories weren't erased. Mainly because they knew some people wouldn't turn against them and would be there if they needed them again."
"How about us?"
"I'm not quite sure…maybe they knew we had powers all along but didn't do anything until they were needed. On the other hand, maybe we were some how unaffected by however way they erased all the humans memories. You see since we have powers our bodies operate differently from others."
"This means we need to be extra careful around the gundam pilots. They could already know everything about us and might have already led us in some kind of trap."
*Ring*
"Let's go" Ami said anxious to hear how the old guy found out about us.
We walked to the class at a normal casual pace. I figured I would let Ami do most of the talking since she knows more about the situation then I do. When we walked in the classroom, it was quiet and the teacher was at his desk grading papers. He casually glanced up at us and smiled. We of course didn't smile back, I did not feel like it and Ami was in a serious mood.
"What's with the serious face?" The teacher said with some kind of smile still planted on his face.
// Hahaha, if you only knew what we went through today because of you, // I thought to myself.
Ami was about to say something but was cut off by the teacher.
"Let me guess…you want to know how I know about you two."
Ami and I just shook our heads.
"Well, first of all you two stick out like a sore thumb. The students and teachers may not notice…but for people like soldiers who were trained to notice odd behavior and/or people…well it's just obvious. Also, before I left they told me if I see any kind of magic users to tell them. I thought they were crazy but after I got to observe you two then I knew it was true."
"So they know about us-"
"Wait, I haven't told anyone and I'm not planning on it. My business with them was finished a long time ago, and will remain that way. You have my word on that…promise."
I looked into his eyes and could tell that he was telling the truth. I could tell Ami thought so too when her look of worry turned to relief.
"Are the gundam pilots here…I saw a group of five boys that resemble them." Ami said deciding to get to the point.
"Hmm…lets see, did they look like this," he said as he handed us pictures of five boys.
"Exactly like that" I said.
"Yep that's them…don't really know why there here though. Might be looking for magic users like you." He said as he put the pictures up.
"Why are you helping us…I mean you could of turned us in, but you-."
"You remind me of myself, when I look in your eyes…I see so much pain. All those organizations want is money and power. All the soldiers are like puppets, they have no use but to do what needs to be done then die. That is there destiny… I didn't want to be used like that but I had a contract, when I was released I was the happiest man alive. I said no more…No more will I be there little puppet."
My mind raced when he said puppet…to the time when I talked to Setsuna and even now. Can a master cut its puppets strings and the puppet will live freely like him. He defied his master's orders and lived his own life. I want that…I want to be like that, yet I doubt I can…no I know I can never be like that.
"If we have any questions…can we umm-" Ami said then was cut off by the teacher.
"Of course, anytime you need help just talk to me."
"Thanks Mr.-"
"Why don't you call me 'Jerry'?"
"Jerry?"
"Yeah, always wanted to be called that."
"Ok… bye Jerry."
While we were leaving, I heard 'Jerry' say "just like old times" but didn't think too much of it. Things should get very interesting…yet I don't want it to.
"I have a feeling we forgot something," Ami said.
"What, everything's taken care of-"
"Duo!!" Ami yelled and dragged me by the arm running.
We ran until I saw two figures in the distance leaning casually against a car talking. They looked up and smiled. It must be Duo and umm…that guy, Quatre. All the other guys were not there which I was glad; they would just act like jacka-
"Sorry about this" Ami said interrupting my thoughts.
"It's ok, we were only waiting for an hour," Duo said sarcastically.
"Listen I said I'm sorry-"
"Why don't we just go to your apartment Ami." I said not feeling in the mood to hear arguing…yet for the first time I realized Duo and Ami looked good together. That thought made me smirk but that quickly wiped off my face.
"Yeah, let's do that" Quatre said.
"Ok, but before we go what took you so long" Duo said with some stupid smirk that would make other girls melt yet made Ami and I feel sick.
"Sigh, it's a long story"
"I have time"
"I don't, let's go"
"Ok, we'll follow you two," Said Quatre, quickly trying to change the subject.
When Ami and I got in the car I just had to laugh.
"What" Ami said in a gentle yet annoyed tone.
"I didn't think you two got into fights that much."
"Yeah, well for some reason it just happens that way."
It didn't take that long to get there and when we did surprisingly… they fought again. It was weird, I never knew Ami could act like this; she must really dislike Duo.
"You drive too slow-"
"There was a police car right beside me and it was a service road…do you want me to just speed and get a ticket."
"I could have talked him out of it," said Duo with that same smirk on his face.
They just kept on like that; I looked at Quatre who was trying to tell Duo to shut up. I tried to calm down Ami but it didn't work out as I planned. So, I grabbed Quatre's hand.
"Let's go."
"Sigh, yeah"
We left and let them argue; when we were inside the apartment there was an awkward silence, which Quatre broke.
"Is she always like that."
"No, Ami is usually quiet and gentle yet…she told me Duo got on her nerves. I just shrugged it off, yet I didn't think it was that bad."
"Oh"
"Duo?"
"Yeah pretty much so, yet I never really saw him bug a female, usually just male."
"You seem different from the rest," I said more to myself then him.
"Really?"
"Hmm…oh yeah" I said not thinking he heard that statement. "You're gentle…and seem to care more, no offense but the rest of them seem like jackasses."
"Hahahaha, I guess you just need to know them a little better…in the end they're not totally bad."
"Really…" I didn't know why I was even talking to this guy…I mean he's a gundam pilot. It's just he's kinder then the rest, so it makes me want to at least act somewhat kind back.
"You're not as bad as I thought you were. The way Wufei talked about you, made you sound like the crypt keeper."
"He talked about me." I said in a bored tone of voice
"Every now and then yeah, he says you're different because you never back away when he talks to you."
"Oh, it's weird to think he has a life sometimes…yet I see something in his eyes that he's to stubborn to let out."
"You're very perceptive," Quatre said with a gentle smile on his face.
"I guess…"
The door opened and in came a tired Ami and a well, just Duo.
"Are you ok Ami?" I said noticing her tired face
"Sigh, yeah" she said with a smile yet I knew it was fake.
"Let's get started" duo said with his same smirk.
They both went to the computer and every now and then Duo would get up and help himself to the fridge.
"You have nothing but junk food in here."
"Is there a problem with that," Said Ami in her famous gentle voice yet there was a hint of annoyance.
"Well, just thought most women would have health food and junk like that trying to loose weight."
I feel it; Ami is going to get mad again. It's weird though…if anybody else said that it wouldn't bother her but when he says it, she gets angry.
"You know you really should be helping me."
"Jeez, can't I at least eat…and you could finish it yourself, you're smart."
"So could you, you're just as smart as me."
"There is difference in having the ability to do it and to lazy to do-"
"You're the one who said you couldn't do it alone."
"I did say that didn't I"
"Duo maybe you should be quiet" Quatre said trying to get his friend out of trouble
"I guess so," Duo said as he made his way to the computer. They finished most of the report and I noticed the tattoo on his arm.
"What does that gundam tattoo represent?" I asked not to sound suspicious but realizing it did anyway. He looked at me which almost sent chills down my spine cause I never pictured him with a serious face. He smiled and said something I wouldn't expect.
"What do you think?"
"Do you expect me to answer that?"
He simply shook his head. I was going to say something until Quatre again came to Duo's rescue.
"Sorry to interrupt, but It's getting late and we have school tomorrow, I think we should go."
"Yeah you're right, Ami do you think you could finish the rest?"
"Sure, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Ok, bye Hotaru" said duo and winked on his way out.
"Bye guys" Said Quatre with a gentle smile on his face.
"Bye" Ami and me said in unison.
After they left Ami looked at me and smiled, I of course smiled back.
"I'm so happy they left, "Ami said as she stretched.
"Hahahaha, I didn't know you and Duo fought that much."
"Yeah, I don't bother him; he just likes playing around because he knows he bothers me."
"Sounds like love to me."
Ami looked at me with a deathly cold stare.
"Just kidding," I said and Ami smiled and said, "I know, me too."
"I'm going home"
"Already?"
"Yeah I'm tired."
"Or just need time to think?"
"You know me too well"
When I got home I immediately sat in my bed. I consider Ami my friend but I can't tell her my destiny…what I am. She's so lucky, she has powers but when she dies she'll just rest…but no matter how I die I'll always be eternally cursed. I can't tell her what I am…or what I'll have to do one day, this is my fate. I have to live my life as a puppet with strings. When they are cut I am no more…I will sit there and be forgotten and no one to remember.
"Ami…will you remember…"
You're the only one who cared to understand this puppet, this puppet with no life, who was meant to be eternally alone until she met you. )*
.:*:.*:.*.:*:.*:.
(A/N - Just so you know I put Ami and Duo arguing cause I thought it would make the story more interesting. Well sorry for the long wait and I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as I can. Thanks for reading.)
.:*:.Please Review.:*:.