Dragon Lady

Time's Wheel

Ch.23: Daisho! When you get wet…

"Leave me alone!"

A figure looms over her, its shadow falling over her closed eyes, increasing the blackness that is already there, the light shut out by the tightness of her eyelids, long, thick lashes casting shadows on her skin, now a mix of purple and blue, swollen and oozing blood. Tight bonds bind her hands, her arms outstretched along a hard block of wood, the rope so tight that it causes lacerations on her wrists that make her bonds slick and sticky. Shoulders scream for relief, the abused joints not used to hanging at such an odd angle for a long period of time. Her head hangs, her chin touching her chest, her clothing soiled with blood from a wound that has just recently been sealed.

The smell of rot and decay battle her senses and she unconsciously pulls away from the skeletal hand reaching for her. The figure before her laughs softly, falling back to join his companions at the foot of the steps behind the altar. The sound of metal on metal reaches her ears, moving away, the other wraiths are silent, only War making so much as a peep.

She doesn't move for several minutes, but when a light catches her face, she finds the strength to lift her head and open her swollen eyes. Violet eyes pull in the light greedily, staring at the stained glass window above the door. No sunlight exists in this world; the window gives off its own light, simulating a living world.

It takes a moment for her eyes to adjust, but when they do, she comes face to face with another one of her captors. Its frayed black cloak surrounds it, the hood of the garment bent slightly, indicating that the head beneath is bowed. Slowly, Death rises, ascending the steps and coming to stand before her. It reaches up a gloved hand but stops before touching her face, seeing her recoil.

Without a word, for it never speaks, it moves away, back before the altar to bow once more, its scythe on the ground in front of it.

Hotaru once again allows her head to rest upon her chest, tears rolling freely down her cheeks but without sobs. One would think she was asleep, Hotaru remaining in that position for hours. Hours ago, or maybe days, she had tried praying to any god that may be listening, something she would not normally do-an idea formed from the atmosphere perhaps. But that effort had been in vain and now only one thought remains, one hope in the dark underworld.

"Duo, help me please."

Duo shoots out of bed, his lungs suddenly gasping for air, his hand automatically going to his chest in an effort to calm himself. Sweat drips down his forehead and he blinks as a drop threatens to fall into his left eye. Slowly, he begins to relax, reaching out a shaky hand for the glass of water sitting on one of the many crates near his pallet, water spilling over the sides as he attempts to bring it to his lips.

"Duo, help me please."

It had been her voice in his dream, though he can remember little of the dream itself, the events no more than a blur. Only her voice remains, those final heart-wrenching words where she had called out his name, requesting help he can not give.

Feeling the sudden need for air, Duo slowly hauls his sore body up from his pallet on the floor. Getting up this time is easier, despite the gentle rocking of the floor beneath his feet. Although he had insisted that he was fine, both Luc and Eileen were adamant about him getting some rest on the trip to Daisho. Upon hearing about Duo's accident the captain, an older gentleman with the body of a stick, kindly lent him a room in the cargo hold for him to sleep in.

Mumbling under his breath, he yanks his shirt off the floor and throws it over his head, ignoring the wrinkling of the garment; it was not like there was anywhere he could iron it and no one else would really care. Finally, he snatches up his sword and belts it to his side before going out the door.

A gentle breeze grazes his skin upon opening the door, disturbing the braid down his back and ruffling the loose clothing around his body. He moves over to the railing and leans heavily upon it, raising his eyes to meet the town that is rising in front of him. His keen cobalt eyes catch sight of the docks beyond the town, dozens of ships harbored in its waters, white sails catching the wind, clouds suspended in the air. Although the sun had just been up when they left, Duo's gaze now focuses on crimson rays in the sky, to the sun now just rising above the horizon. He is still disbelieving that he had slept through the previous day as well as all night-it has been ages since he has slept like that.

So engrossed in the scenery, he barely notices a shadow falling over him. A gentle noise tears his gaze away from the shore, a sound made on purpose to grab his attention.

Eileen's small figure wedges its way beside him, her eyes clear for the first time in days; she had finally been able to catch some sleep. "Are you ready?" she asks softly.

Duo nods his accent, his eyes still glued to the river's banks. "As ready as I can be."

A bell tolls on the ship's bow and men begin milling around behind them, manning the oars and readying the anchor for docking. A door slams closed behind them and Duo turns to see Luc coming out from the cabin and moving toward them.

"The captain says that we should be docking in a few minutes," he says casually. "We should probably head toward Niyati's Flight on the north side of town once we reach land. There shouldn't be too much trouble there, it's not the richest sector, but it's not the slums either."

Not too bad on that side huh? Sounds just like any big city back home; the rich are too wealthy, the poor too poor, and the middle class caught in between. Nice to see some things don't change.

Silence ensues, the subject dropping. Duo is aware that the soundless void is becoming awkward and he can feel Eileen shuffling beside him, searching for words. After a few nervous moments, she mumbles something about preparing for docking and walks away in resignation.

Duo waits a few moments more, letting the solitude sink in, for the second set of footsteps to move away-but they don't, which is why he jumps when a soft voice breaks through his barrier.

-Duo stop it!

-Stop what?

-Stop feeling sorry for yourself! There is nothing you could have done and your doleful manner is disturbing everyone else around you! It isn't doing you any good!

-How would you know?

Luc stays quiet for a moment, his breath held and his eyes closed. -I know how it feels Duo. If something happens to her, it will be hard to forgive yourself, but it won't be for lack of trying. Some things are destined to happen and there is nothing we can do about it. I know it seems like there is no hope, that leaving her in that place for so long will be the end of her, but there is something we don't know about Hotaru, Duo. There is something strange about her, a power that I can't quite understand, something deeper than her healing abilities. Keep in mind that I have no evidence to back this up, but I believe that Hotaru is okay. I don't think they want her dead and something tells me that she has not given up yet. There is always hope Duo. I forgot that for a while, but I remember now and I promise that I will get you to Hell.

All thought is paralyzed for a second, Duo's cool blue eyes meeting Luc's steel gray ones. A wave of shock races through his body, blue searching gray for something that seems different in that gaze. Then suddenly, it hits him and he realizes that a subtle change has occurred in the demon, a transformation that had somehow been beyond his perception.

They're warmer-

A flood of emotions catches Duo off guard, all of them radiating from Luc's aura. Warmth, love, hate, loneliness, resignation, hope, and thousands of others. Duo blinks suddenly, shocked at what he is seeing, the mask that Luc always seems to wear striped away, the ice melting before his eyes.

Luc-

The ground beneath them jolts, forcing Duo to involuntarily reach out for the railing for support. Raising his head, the city of Daisho looms in front of him, seeming to stretch on for miles. People begin to brush past them, hurrying for the gangplank that will let them off the riverboat and onto dry land.

Eileen emerges from the depths of the ship and walks towards the two men. "Come on, it's time to go!" She stops in front of the two of them, her gaze flickering from one to the other, a baffled expression on her face. "Did I interrupt something?"

Luc smirks and begins to make his way toward the gang place, pausing slightly before Eileen. "Not really, just something that needed to be said."

Duo watches Luc's retreating back for a second before following, barely catching Eileen's muttered "whatever" before passing her.

It is a slight shock to be on dry land again, the stone cobbled streets beneath Duo's feet swaying slightly as he follows his friend with more than a little difficulty, the milling people attempting to sweep him along with the tide. He had always let the tide take him before; it is easier to get away from pursuers when there is a crowd, which is why keeping up with his taller companion is tasking.

The docks lead into the middle district's main street, the cobbled walkways lined with venders and criers, their huddled masses crowding one another, making the heat of the day seem greater simply by the close proximity of other bodies. Duo can not take a single step in any direction without running into someone.

Suddenly, Duo is knocked off his feet by a strong force at his right side and he barely has time to catch himself as his still injured body comes crashing to the ground. He shakes his head slightly to clear it, dispelling some of the fogginess about his vision. A muffled cry in front of him forces him to focus on the cause of the disturbance, a young boy with tousled and dirty brown hair, tattered clothing, and fear mixed into his amber eyes. The smell alone hints at the boy's origins on the streets and the thin ribs that are visible beneath the tears in his shirt confirm it.

"There he is! Get him!"

Duo whirls around, his eyes narrowing as he catches a group of blue clad uniformed men behind them, the one in the middle pointing directly at the two boys in the dirt. "Stop! By the order of Lord Artair, you are under arrest thief!"

Cursing under his breath, he moves and turns his attention back to the street urchin before him, finally noticing why the boy looks so fearful. Clutched in his dirty hands is a red, if somewhat bruised, fruit.

So that's why-those bastards! Everyone's gotta eat! It's not like the vendor would miss a single piece of fruit! I've already lost sight of Luc and Eileen, why don't I see if I can stir things up a bit?

Ignoring another the rush of pain in his stomach, Duo lunges forward and grabs the fruit from the boy's hand before the child can protest and shoves him forward and back into the crowd of people milling around them.

That done, he carefully moves back into the shadows of a nearby alley, years of practice allowing him to blend in with little difficulty. Duo stays against the wall of the alley, his back pressed as closely as he can get it to the edifice until the men pass. As soon as he believes that enough distance has been placed between himself and the group of men, he begins the chase.

Duo grins as he glances at the roof of the building he is leaning against-this is going to be easy. Rounding the corner he makes his way up the steps, absently tossing the fruit up into the air and then catching it again. He walks calmly up a small flight of stone steps and reaches for the doorknob, not too surprised to find the entrance to the house unlocked. Then, like it is the most natural thing in the world, he steps through the threshold and closes the door firmly behind him. The smell reaches his nose before he so much as notices the house's occupant at the stove.

Hearing the door close, a young girl, her flaxen hair bound up in a handkerchief so as not to get into what Duo assumes is some kind of stew. "Hey, what are you-"

Duo saunters past her, moving through the kitchen and toward the staircase behind the flustered woman. "Excuse me, just passing through." He says cheerfully, giving her a wide smile. "I'll be out of your hair in a moment. Oh, by the way, whatever is in that pot smells great!"

"What? I…"

Duo ignores her and climbs the staircase, immediately entering the first room he comes to, a bedroom-which thankfully happens to be empty. Had their been occupants, Duo might have been placed in a rather awkward situation. Shoving the fruit into a pocket in his pants, he opens a window and then proceeds to get up onto the sill, twisting his body around so that he can grab the edge of the roof. Once he is sure that he has a firm grip, he pushes off the edge, his body dangling precariously several meters above the ground before he manages to haul his body over.

He glances over the crowded streets before spotting the group of men not too far away, still searching for their quarry. With a running start, he leaps over the edge, the sheer thrill of the total weightlessness taking his breath away. The feel of hard concrete moments later sends a shock through his entire body, but he can not take the time to recover, instead leaping towards his next target, flying from rooftop to rooftop along gutters, pillars, and columns.

Duo stops at the entrance to another alley, this one smaller and leading to a dead end. The men below look around frantically, a blonde-haired one stamping his foot on the ground in frustration, muttering what Duo takes to be curses.

They're blind. Duo immediately catches the outline of the boy's frail form, caught in the reflection of a window across from the one he has climbed into, the shattered glass almost invisible due to the lack of light. Finally, the men turn around, giving up all hope of finding the thief.

Duo waits a moment longer until the pounding of footsteps fades into the distance, lost amongst the waves of people outside the little hideaway. Once he is sure it is safe, he swings down, landing easily on his feet with a cat's grace, facing the boy's window.

"Hey, you can come out now, they're gone!"

No response, the figure is just as still as it was when he entered. Damn, is he just shy or is he scared witless every time a stranger passes him on the street. Can't really blame him though, I know kids who used to be just like him. Nothing a little Duo Maxwell cheer can't fix.

"Hey come down already! I'm not going to hurt you, I promise!" The shadow moves slightly, a twitching of the muscles so unperceptible that Duo is not sure the movement was not his imagination.

Okay, plan B.

"Listen, I got that food for you, but if you want it, you're going to have to come down and get it, I'm not coming up there after you."

The figure hesitates but then moves to get down from his perch, climbing slowly down the drainpipe he had used to get up.

Thought that would work. Promises attract few who grow up on the poorer side of the spectrum, but food, now that's another matter entirely.

The boy is in front of him in moments, his eyes looking into Duo's fearfully as if expecting to be beaten or shoved away. Duo grins, holding out the fruit to him. "Come on, relax! I'm not going to hurt you."

Tentatively, the boy reaches out a hand, hovering just a few centimeters above the item he had stolen. Suddenly, before Duo has time to register the action, the boy snatches the fruit from his hand, moving away quickly and then falling to the ground where he proceeds to gorge on the small meal.

Duo watches in amusement, trying to recall how long it has been since he has seen anyone eat with such voraciousness while holding back the chuckle rising in his throat. "I guess you were pretty hungry kid."

"My name's not kid," the boy says, between bites. "The name's Benito."

Duo lets go of the laugh, sensing that the uncomfortable air has been dispelled. He leans down, ruffling the kid's brown locks. "Alright then, Benito it is then. Listen, you wouldn't by any chance know where Niyati's Flight is, would you?"

Benito looks up, swallowing another piece of food. "Yup. I know this town like the back of my 'and."

"I thought as much. Listen, I got separated from my friends when I ran in to you, do you think you could get me there?"

The street urchin gets up, throwing away the now empty core of the fruit. "Maybe, what's in it fa me?"

"What?" Duo says, a little taken aback. "Did I not just get your meal back for you?"

Benito shrugs, his form no longer appearing so diminutive. His voice is deeper than Duo had thought it would be, a hint of power and, dare he think it, arrogance behind his words. "Well, I wouldn ta have lost it had you not run into me."

"Me, run into you, you're the one-"

"Okay, okay! It's jus that I'm in a bit of a jam at the moment and I think mebbe you be the only one can help."

Duo's eyes narrow, but he drops his defenses-just a little. "Alright, what do you need?" I could just find the place on my own if need be.

"A friend of mine, Jin, waz took by Artair a few days past and is now serving some time at the locks if ya know what I mean. I needs ta get 'im out cause besides being my friend, he's also my only way outta 'ere."

Duo allows Benito's statement to trail off, trying to come up with a decision. He is under no obligation whatsoever to help this Jin, but then again, he couldn't help feeling a kind of kinship to this Benito, remembering all too well what it was like to be in his place. As if he didn't have enough to worry about!

Finally, "Alright, Benito, I'll give you a hand, but we wait until nightfall alright? I don't want to try crossing the law in broad daylight with thousands of eyes watching."

The answer seems to satisfy his young companion, for Benito nods his accent, turning toward the exit of the alley and moving toward the road. "Good. I'll show you the way to Niyati's Flight, but I'll be picking you up once the Night Watch begins their rounds."

Reluctantly, Duo follows Benito out of the alley toward the destination, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Now what has he gotten himself into?

The building Benito leads him too casts a comforting shadow over the area, soft light coming from the dusty windows. The two boys walk up the steps, the wooden floorboards complaining due to the added weight. There is very little sound coming from inside, most of the city out and about in the middle of the afternoon.

Benito stops him at the doorstep, placing a restraining hand on Duo's shoulder. "Remember, when the Night Watch starts it rounds…" That said, Benito turns and moves off the porch, scrambling toward the crowd and immediately blending in. Duo reflexively raises an eyebrow at the boy's retreating back.

Here at last.

Duo shoves open the door and walks into the common room, immediately spotting Luc and Eileen at a table in the back corner of the room.

When he moves closer, Eileen's mouth widens for a moment before creasing, her jaw clenched. "And where in Hell have you been!" she hisses, struggling to keep her voice under control. "We have been worried sick about you! Do you realize how worried we were when we realized that you weren't following us? You'd best have a very good explanation Duo Maxwell because I am going to send you to Hell the easy way if you don't!"

Second shock of the day! Jeez, I guess she's really pissed at me. Duo closes the distance between himself and the table, wisely keeping his mouth shut until Eileen calms down again. "Sorry I'm a little late, I ran into some unexpected trouble, a thief named Benito whom it appears I owe a small 'favor' to. It looks like I'll be heading out again tonight."

Eileen glares at him, sending a cool blast through his heart. "Duo! We have to think of plans to get Hotaru back! Do you not care anymore! Do you realize that she could be hurt or--"

Duo slams his hands down on the table. A crystal glass falls to the floor, shattering. "Of course I realize that she could be in trouble! I'm worried sick, I'm afraid that she could be more than just injured. For third time in my life, I'm afraid that someone I care about more that myself may leave me for good! How dare you say that I'm not worried, that I'm--"

Suddenly, warm arms envelop him, his head finding a warm shoulder to bury into. Reflexively, he grabs onto the small figure who's arms are locked around his waist, pulling himself closer, a few tears escaping his eyes.

"I'm sorry," Eileen whispers into his chest, her voice slightly muffled. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean that the way it sounded." She moves away from, but her hands remain on his waist. "Go and get some rest for this task you must perform tonight. Luc and I will stay here and think of a plan and we can be out of here by tomorrow morning."

"Thanks Eileen."

Eileen releases him, giving him a small pat on the arm in the process. "Oh stop, you don't have to thank me. I know that you wouldn't leave Hotaru in that place. I shouldn't have over reacted. Now get, I don't want to see you again until dinner. Our room is the first one on the left. I'll come get you when this Benito comes."

"Alright." Duo moves away from them, making his way toward the stairs, climbing them slowly, leaning more heavily on the railing than he normally would have. Yes, a rest is a good idea.

Duo finds the room easily enough and takes the first bed near the window, not even bothering to take off his shoes before sinking into the land of dreams.

Hotaru's eyes open slowly, her vision blurry and still not accustomed to the darkness of the room. Had she passed out again? She tries to raise one hand to her head to ease the pain there, but belatedly remembers that her hands are bound to the cross where her body rests. She had lost feeling in her arms long ago.

As her vision clears, she notices that Death is still kneeling by the stairs leading to the altar, its dark cowl hiding its features. The other riders are nowhere to be seen, in fact they never come near her. Only Death is ever present in her awakening hours.

"Who are you?" She doesn't know what prompted that question nor why she had wasted the breath on the statement, but somehow, it was right.

Death raises its head slightly, remaining still, as if studying her intently and pondering her question. Slowly, Death raises its arm, its finger pointing at her.

Duo awakens instantly, sweat pouring down his body, his heart pounding in his chest. Another nightmare, one all too real. Kami, what were those creatures doing to her! He reaches down beneath the covers and around his boot, feeling the cool metal of the Geisha VI against his fingers, however, the gun offers little comfort and no safety whatsoever anymore.

"Well, good evening Sleeping Beauty, I'm glad you're awake, it's time to go."

Duo grins, flicking his braid over his shoulder. "Yes, well, I most certainly need by beauty sleep. Can't have this pretty a face without it. I should have known that it would be you waking me up instead of Eileen."

Benito shrugs, taking a few more steps toward the bed. "You're friends already know that I'm here, so we are free to leave at anytime."

Duo nods, flinging his legs over the bedside and grabbing his sword from underneath. "Alright, but lets go out through the window, I have a feeling that the fewer people that see us, the better this will turn out. You can tell me about where we are going on the way."

After securing the Ragnarok to his belt, Duo flings open the windows and steps aside, indicating that Benito should lead the way. The younger boy takes two running steps and throws himself through the passageway, Duo at his heels. Duo trails Benito along that pathways of Daisho's rooftops as he makes impossible leaps along gutters, spires, and window ledges, the boy moving with the alacrity of one born to the air. Well, he has to admit it; the boy has some skills, showing absolutely no fear of falling whatsoever.

Benito stops at the rooftop to a large, four-story complex in the back of the city. The building is made entirely of granite, its dark surface giving it a foreboding appearance, the bars over the windows only adding to the overall effect; it definitely is not a place Duo would want to spend the night.

"This is Daisho's jailhouse. Jin is being held in the third level basement on the east side," Benito whispers. "I think you should know that no prisoner has ever gotten out. This place is Lord Artair's pride and joy."

Duo shrugs. "Yeah, that's what they all say. I've seen worse."
"Huh? There's worse?"

"You haven't seen anything yet. Is there a back door to this place, someplace that is guarded, but not heavily?"

"Yeah, along the south side, but why would we want someplace guarded? Wouldn't that make it harder to get in? We can't afford to cause a commotion."

"Trust me."

Benito's eyes narrow suspiciously, but he does not ask any questions, just simply leads Duo to the south side of the building, pointing the door below them.

"Alright, there's only three. This is going to be a piece of cake."

"Just what are we going to do?" Benito asks.

Duo doesn't reply. Instead he jumps over the edge, going from window ledge to window ledge to slow his descent. It isn't long before he hears muffled cursing behind him and he smiles; Benito is right behind him. He lands about ten feet from the doorway where the guards are and the moment his feet touch the ground, he takes off again. The first guard he strikes in the back of the head with his elbow, the man going down without so much as a sound, the second however, gets out a short screech before he is knocked unconscious, alerting the final guard. Duo tenses, knowing the last member of the crew is coming from behind, his adrenaline rushing. The attack never comes however and when Duo turns, a glint of metal coming from the guard's back draws his attention. A small throwing knife, right into the spinal cord. If he awakens, he most certainly will never move at least the lower half of his body again.

"What, did you think I was totally helpless?" Duo looks up at the voice, spotting Benito against the wall, three more knives in his grip. "Guess again."

"Should have known better Benito. My apologies." Duo kneels down and picks up the wounded guard setting him far from the door. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to use this one, his clothing is bloody."

Suddenly, Benito's eyes light up, Duo's plan suddenly strikingly clear. "I'll take this one," he says, pointing at the guard resting against the doorstep. I think he's closer to my size than the other."

"Doesn't matter to me."

After getting dressed and hiding both their old clothing and that of the injured guards, Duo leads the way inside, closing the door quietly behind them. "Just try to act normally, if we are caught down here it's going to be a real pain to try and get out again."

The two boys wander aimlessly through the hallways, taking random turns that they hope will lead them in the right direction. All the while, Duo's muscles are tense and he can't seem to keep his hand off of his sword. I hate doing this; I don't like not knowing where I'm going. Heero would kill me if he ever heard that I was walking into a mission blind. The only direction I have is down and east. Kami, what did I do to deserve this?

"Shit," Duo mutters, cursing under his breath at the wall in front of him.

"What is it?"

"A dead end. It looks like we're going to have to go back and retrace our steps. I know we're going in the right direction, but we need to find stairs of some kind-"

"What are you doing here?"

Both boys wheel around, and Duo has to force himself to relax when he sees the source of the voice. The man before them is tall and heavily muscled, an imposing figure in a uniform very much like theirs except with a little more hardware attached. Higher ranking officer. Now what?

The officer closes in on them, his arms crossed in front of him, his face stern. "Answer me soldier, what are you doing in this hall. You two, if I remember correctly, are supposed to be on guard duty."

"We were relieved a few minutes ago sir," Duo states, coming up with an answer immediately.

The officer tilts his head to the side. "Something wrong with your voice, its sounds a little different."

"A small cold sir," Duo replies, faking a small cough. "Must have caught that bug that's been going around."

The officer's body tenses, his mouth set in a deep and unforgiving frown. "I think you both ought to come with me to my office."

Benito whips a throwing knife into his hand, but before he can release it at the man's retreating back, Duo steadies his hand, indicating that they should follow. They round a few corners and then, as Duo had hoped, they entered a staircase. Now we're getting somewhere.

"You two should know that the force does not tolerate disobedience, you will both be punished for disobeying orders. One should never-" The officer sinks to the ground, grunting under the force of Duo's blow.

"Sorry friend, but thanks for giving us the way down. Come on Benito. These stairs look like they go all the way down. We'll have this Jin guy out of here in no time flat."

Duo takes off down the stairs, counting silently to himself until they reach the third door. He stops at the barrier, placing his ear to the door, listening for any indication of motion behind the passageway. "It's clear, come on!"

They do not go past three cells before Benito stops and grasps onto the bars of one of the cells, calling to the figure inside. "Jin! Are you okay?"

The figure inside looks up, amber eyes widening slightly at the sight of Duo's small companion. "Benito, what are you doing in here? It's dangerous here, if Kotoiri know you were here, he'd kill me!"

While the two of them greet each other, Duo pulls a set of lock picks from his boot-an old set given to him by Solo years ago. The old lock offers little protection against Duo's skill and within seconds, he hears the familiar click of the spring inside giving away. So much easier than the electronic systems back home.

When the lock releases, Jin shoves the door open roughly, stepping out into the lit corridor. He stretches languidly, almost as if he has just woken up from a comfortable nap instead of just being released from a prison cell, the rumpled breaches and shirt looking like he just rolled out of bed. After a long yawn, he glances toward Duo, finally acknowledging his presence.

"Who's this Benito?"

"That's Duo," Benito remarks, his cheeks acquiring a reddish tint. "He kinda got me outa a jam in the streets earlier and I ast him ta help get ya out."

"'Asked him' to help," Jin said wryly. "Something tells me you didn't just politely ask him."

"Well…"

"Don't worry about it," Duo interjects. "We have more important things to worry, like getting out of here before we get caught."

"Of course." Jin hesitates for a moment, biting his lower lip. "I know you want to leave as soon as possible and I agree wholeheartedly, but would it be too much to ask for if we make a slight pit stop. There's something here that I need to get before we leave."

"Do you by any chance know the way out of here?"

Jin grins impishly. "I was actually planning an escape for the day after tomorrow. I know this place well enough by now to get out."

"Good, in that case, lead the way. Your friend here has gotten me knee deep into this mess, I might as well keep going."

Jin laughs, his voice clear and as airy as a flute. "When you get wet, you might as well go swimming, huh? All right, this errand shouldn't take too long, come on!"

Jin leads them up back up the steps and to the first floor, taking an immediate right after they leave the stairwell. Suddenly, Duo's acute sense of hearing picks up voice from the stairs and he resists the temptation to reach for his gun. "Jin, I think they've found out that you're gone!"

"So it appears, but no matter, we're here." Jin opens a heavy oak colored door and steps in.

The office is lavishly furnished with a carpet thick enough to sink into. Bay windows stretch across the room and a fireplace in the corner adds a soft light, reflecting of the whitewashed walls; an extremely comfortable room for something in a prison.

Jin, however, ignores the room's decor and strides toward the fireplace, reaching above the mantle for the heavy sword that hangs above it. The sword's scabbard is worn, well past its prime, but judging by the reverent way in which Jin handles it, Duo surmises that the blade beneath is finely honed. Jin holds the weapon in his hands a moment longer, his eyes closed and his features slightly strained. It is not until the footsteps enter the hall near them that he straps the sword to his belt and grabs a wooden staff by the desk.

"Sounds as if the door isn't an option," Jin states, listening to the guards outside.

"Window?" Duo asks.

"Yup." Jin lifts the latch that is keeping the glass closed and gently pushes the glass outward, climbing through in one swift motion. Benito follows close behind, Duo bringing up the rear.

The trio runs several more blocks until they are between the middle and upper districts of the city. The moment they stop, Duo collapses against the wall of the nearest shop and doubling over, his breath coming in short gasps; his hand immediately goes to his stomach. He tastes blood in his mouth, only then realizing that he has been biting his lip. Duo had no considered what this task would do to him before taking it and he is slowly beginning to regret it.

Before he can protest, a strong hand grips his shoulder, slowly easing him to the ground where he can wait for the pain to recede. When his muscles are finally able to relax, he opens his eyes and meets a pair of very concerned and somewhat sorry amber pools.

"Feeling better," Jin asks softly.

Duo nods, not trusting his voice to convey any structured though at the moment.

Jin lifts up Duo's shirt and begins untying the bloody cloth around his stomach. "If you were injured, why didn't you say something? This wound has been torn open again, I'm surprised you're moving at all." Removing his own shirt, Jin begins tearing it into pieces, using the shreds to staunch the bleeding.

"It's not professional, but it will have to do. Is there any place we can take you? A clinic would be a bit risky, but…"

"No," Duo manages to get out. "My friends are still waiting at Niyati's Flight. They should have a plan for getting out of here by now."

Benito looks at him quizzically, taking a seat at his other side. "Get'n outa here?"

"It's a long story."

"We've got time," Jin says, snorting. "You're not going anywhere for the moment, so you might as well spill it."

For the first time since he had arrived, the whole story came out. Not just part of it, the small chunk that had been the past several months or so, but everything, from his "death" to Hotaru's abduction. Then, to his ultimate surprise, the rest of his story unfolded as well, from L2 to the wars. Before he could think about his actions, Duo discovered himself telling his entire life story to a total stranger.

When Duo finishes, Jin lets out a low whistle. "That is one incredible story, and you know what's crazier? I believe it!" Then, more seriously, "Duo, I owe you a great deal. I don't know anything about this Heaven's Gate nor to I want to go through Hell, but I can most certainly get you to your destination."

"Huh?"

"Do you feel you have recovered enough?"

"I suppose, but how…"

Jin places a finger to his lips, indicating that Duo should remain silent. "Go back to Niyati's Flight and get your friends, then meet me at the docks at the ship called the Sparrow's Fury, Benito will guide you."

"The Sparrow's Fury?"

Jin tightens his grip on his staff, taking off down the street. "Let's just say I'm about to make the heist of the century."

Minutes later, Duo bursts through the door of the inn, spotting Luc and Eileen at the same table they had been at earlier. He runs toward them as fast as he is able, only slightly out of breath by the time he gets there.

Eileen stands up, pushing her chair behind her, looking slightly alarmed at Duo's appearance. "Duo, what happened to your stomach? Are you alright?"

"No time for questions, just follow me!"

"Duo what…?"

Duo sighs in frustration, grabbing a hold of Eileen's wrist. "Come on, there isn't time to explain!"

Before the other two have time to react, Duo is leading them out of the inn and back into the street, heading for the dock.

-Can I assume that you have a plan? Luc's voice echoes in his mind.

-Yeah, you could say that. You're just going to have to trust me.

-Not very comforting.

-Yeah well, know you know how I feel.

Duo catches sight of the Sparrow's Fury easily, the small vessel one of the first ships he comes across at the docks. Two more soldier lie dead at the gang plank, one of them with a knife through his chest.

"I see you made it!" Duo glances up and catches sight of Jin hoisting the main sails.

"Yeah, and judging by the two dead soldiers at the foot of the gang plank, I'm guessing this ship's not yours."

"You guess correctly. This is the fastest ship in Artair's fleet. I've been itching to get my hands on her for quite some time now. Isn't she a beauty?"

Duo shrugs. Ships weren't really his forte. "Won't there be soldiers after us when they see this ship leaving port?"

"Oh, most definitely, but not too many I imagine. Most of them are busy elsewhere." Jin drops the ropes he is holding and points to a column of smoke rising from the middle of the city.

"Jin, I like your style."

"Thought you might, but enough chit-chat, it's time to set sail. Benito, is the anchor up?"

Benito suddenly appears before them, jumping down from the rigging above and landing on his feet. So that's where he learned to jump like that. "The anchor's up and the ship is ready for launch Jin."

Jin nods his approval and makes his way towards the helm, grasping the wheel and turning it, pulling the ship out of harbor. Whether it is pure luck or the work of some god (though Duo thinks the former, Jin seeming to have the Devil's own luck), the wind picks up the ships sales instantly, carrying it away from port.

Duo is suddenly made aware of why the ship is called the Sparrow's Fury. The ships small but aerodynamic design cut the water like a knife, picking up speeds Duo though would have been impossible for a ship. Wind ruffles his braid, sending it flying behind his back and Eileen, whose hair had been down, is forced to tie it back. Duo does not really feel the waves either, the ships, bow going through as if they are nothing. Jin has a point the Sparrow's Furry is a truly amazing ship and it does not take long for Daisho's coast to vanish entirely.

"Jin!" Benito yells from the crow's nest above. "We gots company!"

Three ships, all bearing the green flags of Daisho appear behind them, and closing in fast.

"How far Benito?" Jin yells from the wheel, his voice cutting through the wind.

"About three knots, and closing!"
"I thought you said that this ship was the fastest in the fleet," Luc says from his position at the bow.

"It is!" Jin irritably replies, "but it is also undermanned whereas those ships are not. Do not worry though, we will reach safety before they can ever do any damage!"
"Safety?" Duo asks, his hands still gripping the side of the ship, his knuckles white. "We're in the middle of the sea, how can there be safety?"

"Trust me!"

The three ships take only minutes to catch up and Duo scowls, suddenly wishing he'd stayed in Daisho which is why he is surprised when Jin suddenly orders the main sail to be cut.

Jin takes one look at the outright surprise on Duo's face and laughs. "Relax Duo, we're here."

"Where is here exactly?"

Instead of answering Duo's question, however, Jin turns to Benito. "Fire the cannon, I've had enough of playing cat and mouse."

"Of course." Benito ignites the cannon, sending one of the projectiles into the water.

"Isn't the point of firing a cannon to hit the enemy?" Eileen cries, panic now in her voice.
"It wasn't an attack," Jin replies, his expression perfectly calm and composed. "It was a signal." Without further explanation, Jin points, toward the area behind the ships, then to the left and right of them. More ships are closing in, however, the sails on these ships do not belong to Artair's fleet. These sails are jet black, and are large enough in number to make a small fleet of their own.

Duo jumps when the Sparrow's Furry rocks wildly from side to side, one of the newly arrived ships sailing up along side it. A small, balding man appears over the side, throwing a rope ladder down from the deck.

"Are we on time cap'n?"

"Ah, punctual as always Camon." Jin turns to Duo, Luc, and Eileen. "Well, all aboard."

"A pirate ship?" Eileen says in awe.

"Yup, Artair doesn't stand a ghost of a chance and for helping me out, I'll get you to Hell's entrance by noon tomorrow. Right after I fry this son of a bitch." With that, Jin climbs hand over hand up the ladder and disappears.

Duo shakes his head, he should have known. Oh well, they would get to their destination, it didn't really matter how. He'd get Hotaru back, even if it meant consorting with pirates-not that that really bothered. He couldn't really help liking the guy.