Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duo Maxwell, Gun for Hire ❯ Basement Hospital ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: NightingaleRose 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.06.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 295 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.06.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 295 | Status: Work In Progress
Well, here's chapter 3
Same Disclaimers apply
Enjoy!
~@~
Thump. Thu-thump. Thump. Thu-thump. Thump
Blackness. Grey. Hazy.
A young girl and her dog, smiling up at us. She offered us a flower. She asked if we were lost.
Explosions. Crashes. There was the smell of smoke and the heat of fire, rubble everywhere. The taste of death was in the air.
We searched the rubble and found the dead puppy. It was the girl's puppy. The building had collapsed in the attack.
Sirens sounding off, we knew it meant air raid.
Scrambling to hide. So far from home.
Fade into Black.
Explosion. Gunfire. Screams. The cries of children. The pleas to God to save them. More gunfire. The sound of a stained glass window breaking.
There was blood everywhere. We felt nothing but death. Hold on, a spark of life.
We rush to her. The woman that gave us our braid. Sister Helen.
Words. She died in our arms. We were the sole survivor. The Maxwell Demon.
The cries haunt our nightmares.
The blackness over whelms us again. Nothingness takes hold. Please... no more.
Thump. Thu-thump. Thump. Thu-thump. Thump.
~@~
Groan. Whimper. Anyone get the number of that truck? My head felt like it had burst and my brain was leaking out my ears.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Mr. Maxwell. For a moment there, I was afraid we had lost you."
I managed to crack an eye open and then quickly shut it. I was going to kill whoever turned the lights on so bright. "It takes more than that to kill me, though, could someone turn down the lights? It hurts to open my eyes and I like seeing what's around me."
There was silence for a moment. Somehow I didn't find that very comforting.
"Um, Mr. Maxwell, the lights are down. We're in the basement of Marie's Double."
That was a woman's voice. I must be really fucked up if I didn't recognize it right away.
"Please tell me you're joking?" I paused for a moment. Hold on... "Err... how did I get here?" That would be one of the many questions of the night.
"We brought you here Maxwell."
Ah, that would be Wuffer's voice. I could feel a hint of my power residing in him. He was standing a little to the left, next to Trowa. Somehow, I could feel him too. What the hell happened?
"You passed out. So did Heero. We brought you both here to Dr. Sally Po."
Thank you Trowa for reading my mind. That was exactly what I wanted to know. Now lets see if I can figure everything else out. Wish me luck; I'm going to need it.
"From what I can gather, you are a very lucky man Mr. Maxwell. From what they described, and from what I was able to piece together, you suffered from some sort of overload or backlash. Unfortunately, this isn't my field of expertise. Don't worry though, we've sent for one of Clan Giovanni to help figure this out. She should be here in a few moments."
I tensed up and started to struggle to sit up. Damn my eyes to hell, I was going to be at least semi functioning if one of those undead bastards was going to be in the room. "Look, I'm fine. See? I can sit up and everything." Okay, so I was barely sitting up with my feet dangling over the cot they put me on.
"Mr. Maxwell, lay down. You're not the only patient here I'm concerned about. Heero has been unconscious since you touched him."
I turned my head towards her voice. My eyes finally started to focus, and I could finally see her. She looked to be somewhere in her early 20's with reddish brown hair done up in two French twists. She had a kind face with gentle blue eyes. She was dressed in slacks and a dark blue shirt with a doctor's lab coat over it. Ventrue. My power whispered Ventrue.
Behind her I saw Heero on another cot, lying as still as death. I frowned as I stared at him. There was a spark of power in him. It called to me. I answered.
Next thing we knew, he was gasping for breath and coughing. That got everyone's attention. Better him than me. I hate being the center of a Doctor's attention.
She rushed over to him and started checking him out, a frown appeared on her face and kept on deepening. Now I was curious. What could possibly be wrong with a dead guy?
Her frown turned to a confused look as she looked up at me. "Now I really want to know what happened. Heero's heat is beating. At a steady heart rate."
"Yes indeed. What did you do Mr. Maxwell?"
We all turned towards the door to see who had spoken. She was a tall, willowy woman with pitch-black hair and brown eyes. She was definitely of Italian decent with a faded tan to match. She was Giovanni.
"Hello Amelia, I was hoping you could tell us. This is more of your clan specialty than mine." Po greeted her.
I watched this woman like a hawk. Giovanni were known for their clan ability at necromancy. Unfortunately for them, or fortunately for me I guess you could say they lacked the natural talent I had. They had to rely on rituals and spells. Because of that, they've always envied us human necromancers. That envy always leads to problems.
Amelia looked to me and then to Heero before approaching him.
My eyes followed her as something tickled at the back of my mind. My power was warning me of something else in the room. It looks to me like Ms. Amelia had a ghostie following her. Not surprising. They always did focus more on what happens after death than the moment of. I guess in a sense so did I, but I reanimated them, gave them a spark of life. Her kind explored the ghost plane.
She turned towards me as I saw a shadow of something whispering to her. I'm willing to guess that's the ghostie.
"It seems, Mr. Maxwell, that you have done the impossible."
I couldn't help it. I had to grin. "You know, I don't know if that was a compliment, statement, or an insult, but I'm gonna take it as a compliment and say thanks. Though could you tell me what exactly I did?"
That got an amused look out of her. So this one has a sense of humor. That's nice to know. I always though they were back stabbing bastards. It could be just she's sneakier about it. Who knows? "You nearly made him human again."
That got a surprised look from all of us. The Doc had this surprised, shocked, confused type look on her face. I have to admit, it was pretty funny to see. The boys beside me were just impassive.
It was Heero that looked like a lost little boy. That look nearly broke my heart. I mean, this guy was looking like a perfect solider a few hours ago and now, everything's stripped away and he was lost. Damn it and I was the one that did it. I just don't know how I did it.
~@~
After Sally decided to chase everyone out of the room, things got quiet. She decided we needed rest so here I was in the room with Heero. I know that Trowa and Wufei weren't far off. I could feel them on the other side of the door. It was then I realized I couldn't feel where the other vamps were. Yeah, I knew they were there; I just couldn't pinpoint exact locations.
I couldn't help it I had to say something to him. The guy was sitting there with a blanket wrapped around him like a lifeline with his head resting against his knees. He looked pathetic.
"Um... I'm Sorry..." Okay that was pathetic. I'm sorry? How lame can you get?
He looked over at me, his eyes slightly glassy. The poor guy was in shock. Damn it. Now I feel like even more of an ass.
Silence reigned for a few more moments before the guy finally spoke. " There's nothing to be sorry for."
Like hell there wasn't. My powers, magic, whatever the hell you want to call it, did something to him. I don't know what, but they did something.
A feeling of despair washed over me. My violet eyes looked at him in confusion as I tried to figure out where that came from.
'Am I still a Gangrel....' Whispered through my head. Shit.
"Yeah, I think you are." So I answered out loud. I'm still wondering why the hell I'm hearing his thoughts.
He jumped a little and stared at me. "How did you...?"
"Man, I haven't a clue. Somewhere between being knocked out and you getting a heart beat something freaky happened."
"Hn."
"Yeah... my thoughts exactly."
~@~
We got a few more visits from various people as the night wore on. The good Doctor refused to let us go, so we were forced to stay here over night, err, day for observation. Since she couldn't monitor us during the day, she left her assistant, one Anne, watching me.
The girl was a cute, but a simple ghoul that was bound to Ms. Po. So as dawn came, I fully expected to be left alone with the girl as my only companion and Heero to do whatever it is that kindred do during the day when they sleep.
The first few hours past sunset were boring. I think I even managed to fall asleep. I know I woke up around noon, and hungry. Anne was kind enough to get me something to eat. So we sat there talking for a few hours.
I was amused to learn more about some of the vamps in the city. Most of the clans were represented, with the exception of some of the bloodlines and the rare clans. The Tremere kept to them selves and refused to do anything for anyone, even the Cam, with out a price tag involved. I also learned that up until six months ago, it was a free for all in this city. Then Victoria showed up. She claimed to be under Camarilla orders. Well, according to Anne, she straightened things out, called some people in and got everyone situated in their own territories, excluding some businesses that were already established, hence why the Crimson Rose and Cloud Nine were able to exist outside of their sects jurisdiction.
Now that was all very interesting to know. My experiences with the flesh crafting European bitch left me with the impression that she was all about self-gain. She probably still was. Who knew? I was still suspicious on why she asked for me by name.
All and all it was a very boring, but informative day. By far the most interesting thing happened around 4 pm, two hours before sundown. Heero woke up. What was even more surprising was that he had a craving for sushi. So he was either one of the few vampires that could eat food, or he was more human than vampire right now.
Two hours and an entire bento box full of sushi later every one else started to wake up. I felt Trowa and Wufei spark to life somewhere in the back of my mind. Glad to know Heero and I aren't the only ones participating in this mess.
Hey look the door's opening. Maybe it's our jailor coming to let us out? I can only hope.
Sally walks in and talks to her assistant briefly. I can tell she was surprised at Heero's behavior since waking up. It sure as hell surprised us when we heard him say. 'I'd like some sushi'
A few more minutes pass and she states we can leave. It's all I can do not to whoop for joy. I'm out that door in a matter of seconds with my braid trailing behind me.
Unfortunately, I don't get five feet out the door before there's a yank on my braid. Okay, I'm not ashamed to admit it, I yelped. Well wouldn't you if someone yanked on nearly three feet of hair? It fucking hurt! "Hey! What's the big idea?"
There was a snort from behind me as I managed to not fall on my ass. "The 'big idea' was stopping you from dashing to Kami knows where in this city of the damned and disappearing on us."
"Wufei and I want to go with you."
That was short and to the point. I'm starting to like this Trowa guy. At least he doesn't rant about the obvious like Fei does. Or pull my braid. Yeah, definitely like him more.
"I'm only heading back to my apartment. Though if you insist, fine, come along." I pouted as I nursed my poor braid. My poor poor braid.
So everyone piled into my junker that, surprisingly, was still in the parking garage and escaped the ticket police.
~@~
Several complaints and threats later, we arrived at my new abode.
Few more minutes found me staring in shock at a newly furnished place. I guess Noin took it upon herself to organize and put things where they should go. That woman rocks. I need to buy her flowers or candy or hell, a puppy. Wonder if Milliardo would object.
There was the sound of a throat clearing and the feeling of amusement. I guess Heero was finding this funny. So sue me, I was still adjusting to this. It's not as easy as you think.
I turned and grinned at my guests. "Well, make yourselves at home. I need a shower and clean-ish clothes." That got me curious look from Heero. "So sue me, I haven't done laundry in awhile. I haven't had time to." I stuck my tongue out at him before making my way upstairs to the bedroom. Luckily the bathroom was attached.
20 minutes later and I felt human again. Well, as human as I got which was more than any of my guests. I padded down stairs in nothing but a pair of faded jeans and a towel around my neck. For once my hair was hanging loose from its usual braid. I needed to comb the mess out before braiding it or it'd be a mess later.
The sight that greeted me was amusing. Heero was leaning against the wall divider between the kitchen and living room. You know, it was one of those half walls with a counter top. The real kicker was the fact that he was eating an apple. Guess Noin stocked my fridge also. Now I really have to do something for that woman.
Trowa was sitting on the floor with an array of guns around him. The guy was cleaning a browning in the middle of my freaking living room. What the hell is it with this guy and overkill? On the plus side, I want him watching my back in a gunfight.
Wufei was on the couch. My guess was he was meditating or something. You know, he actually looks handsome when he's not scowling or ranting about something.
I sat down on the floor near Trowa and started my task of brushing out my locks and then braiding them. When I was done I sighed in relief. I just didn't feel right without my braid, ya know? It was my lifeline in a sense. Ever since...
I frowned before looking up at Heero. "Hey, Heero, do you remember anything from when we blacked out?"
He frowned as he took another bite of the apple. I could tell he was relishing the taste of it. It took him a few moments before he spoke. "Gunfire."
I watched him as a puzzle look crossed his face as he continued too much the apple. "There were also screams. Children screaming, and the sound of breaking glass." He looked up at me. "Those weren't my memories."
I sighed as I moved my braid over my left shoulder and started stroking it. "No, they're not. Just like the memories of a little girl and her dog aren't mine."
Heero stiffened as he stared intently at me. His apple was forgotten at the moment.
"It sounds to me like you two were sharing memories while you were out." Trowa looked up from his gun as he slid the clip home.
~@~
After a quick change of clothes, it was back to Marie's Double. I figured it was a good idea to you know, go show up so I can assure my employers that I was still alive and kicking.
Of course, the other three came with me. Heero had barely left my side. Not that I minded. Hell, after what I've put him through, I'm surprised he hasn't grown those claws his clan's so famous for and torn out my spine.
The crowd became quiet as we entered. Heero was beside me and Trowa and Wufei were flanking us. I felt like I had my own bodyguards for God's sake.
It didn't get any better when I moved towards a nearby table and everyone seemed to move out of my way. Great, they were afraid of me. Well, at least that would make my job easier.
The first to attempt to approach me was Milliardo. He didn't get closer than five feet from me. Chicken shit. It's not like I have rabies and bit you know.
"This is unexpected."
Was that all he had to say? I've done something that a Giovanni claims is impossible and all he can say is that this is unexpected? Stupid Toreador. I'll show him unexpected.
"Thanks, apparently the unexpected and I are old friends. Didn't you know you were welcoming a walking time bomb into your city?" Another point to immaturity.
That got me a raised eyebrow and a slightly amused look. "Then you, like the rest of us, don't know what's going on either."
Damn observant bastard. I might as well tell him the truth. "Nope. Not a fucking clue. The little pool of blackness I use to play with you lot has never acted like this." Okay, so I was annoyed. I'm sarcastic when I'm annoyed. Isn't everyone?
"Perhaps I can be of some service."
I turned my head to see who spoke. Another Blondie was walking up behind Milliardo. This one looked to be maybe an inch or two taller than me. It took me a moment to realize that he was the Lasombra pack leader of the Sabbat in the city. I gave him a curious look as he approached. How could he help?
"It's obvious that the Giovanni don't know what is happening, and the Tremere would rather dissect you than diagnose the problem." He said softly.
Man this guy had a soft voice. It was nearly calming to hear. My head tilted a bit as I urged him to go on with a raised eyebrow and a hopeful look.
"It seems that your power thinks you are lacking. It's trying to compensate for that." He stopped beside Milliardo and folded his hands behind his back.
It started to stir. My eyes widened as my power spilled over, eagerly rushing at this new blonde. What the hell was going on?
My power crashed into him, wrapping itself around him, completely ignoring Milliardo. I felt a familiar tug as a spark similar to what I felt from Wufei and Trowa settled into this new guy.
Quatre. His name was Quatre. He was 250 years old. He was 10th generation.
I must have stood up at some point because I felt the other three move closer to me.
"Duo? Duo! Are you okay?"
Heero? That was him, wasn't it? Why did he sound so far away when he was standing right there next to me?
I felt myself start to sway and begin to fall only to be caught by someone. My eyes closed, as my sense of smell was flooded with the scent of forest and apples. Then there was nothing but blackness.
~@~
Glossary Time! Same Disclaimer as before so see to last chapter.
Lasombra: Keepers, Shadows, Magisters. The leaders of the Sabbat, they are Darwinists, predators, elegant and inhuman. Firm believers in the worthy ruling and the unworthy serving, the Lasombra have maintained their traditions even as they have turned the Sabbat to their own purposes. (Affiliation: Sabbat)
Tzimisce: Fiends. If you described a Tzimisce as inhuman and sadistic, it would probably commend you for your perspicacity on the inhumanity, and then demonstrate that your mortal definition of sadism was laughably inadequate. The Tzimisce have left the human condition behind gladly, and now focus on transcending the limitations of the vampiric state. This clan of kindred can shape flesh and bone at will, creating monstrous creations that only they can control. (Affiliation: Sabbat)
Antitribu: someone who is opposed of one's clan's affiliations and sides with another sect. Example. Victoria is a Tzimisce Antitribu because she is Camarilla instead of Sabbat.
Independents: clans that don't affiliate with either side. For example: Clan Giovanni, Gangrel, Followers of Set.
Same Disclaimers apply
Enjoy!
~@~
Thump. Thu-thump. Thump. Thu-thump. Thump
Blackness. Grey. Hazy.
A young girl and her dog, smiling up at us. She offered us a flower. She asked if we were lost.
Explosions. Crashes. There was the smell of smoke and the heat of fire, rubble everywhere. The taste of death was in the air.
We searched the rubble and found the dead puppy. It was the girl's puppy. The building had collapsed in the attack.
Sirens sounding off, we knew it meant air raid.
Scrambling to hide. So far from home.
Fade into Black.
Explosion. Gunfire. Screams. The cries of children. The pleas to God to save them. More gunfire. The sound of a stained glass window breaking.
There was blood everywhere. We felt nothing but death. Hold on, a spark of life.
We rush to her. The woman that gave us our braid. Sister Helen.
Words. She died in our arms. We were the sole survivor. The Maxwell Demon.
The cries haunt our nightmares.
The blackness over whelms us again. Nothingness takes hold. Please... no more.
Thump. Thu-thump. Thump. Thu-thump. Thump.
~@~
Groan. Whimper. Anyone get the number of that truck? My head felt like it had burst and my brain was leaking out my ears.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Mr. Maxwell. For a moment there, I was afraid we had lost you."
I managed to crack an eye open and then quickly shut it. I was going to kill whoever turned the lights on so bright. "It takes more than that to kill me, though, could someone turn down the lights? It hurts to open my eyes and I like seeing what's around me."
There was silence for a moment. Somehow I didn't find that very comforting.
"Um, Mr. Maxwell, the lights are down. We're in the basement of Marie's Double."
That was a woman's voice. I must be really fucked up if I didn't recognize it right away.
"Please tell me you're joking?" I paused for a moment. Hold on... "Err... how did I get here?" That would be one of the many questions of the night.
"We brought you here Maxwell."
Ah, that would be Wuffer's voice. I could feel a hint of my power residing in him. He was standing a little to the left, next to Trowa. Somehow, I could feel him too. What the hell happened?
"You passed out. So did Heero. We brought you both here to Dr. Sally Po."
Thank you Trowa for reading my mind. That was exactly what I wanted to know. Now lets see if I can figure everything else out. Wish me luck; I'm going to need it.
"From what I can gather, you are a very lucky man Mr. Maxwell. From what they described, and from what I was able to piece together, you suffered from some sort of overload or backlash. Unfortunately, this isn't my field of expertise. Don't worry though, we've sent for one of Clan Giovanni to help figure this out. She should be here in a few moments."
I tensed up and started to struggle to sit up. Damn my eyes to hell, I was going to be at least semi functioning if one of those undead bastards was going to be in the room. "Look, I'm fine. See? I can sit up and everything." Okay, so I was barely sitting up with my feet dangling over the cot they put me on.
"Mr. Maxwell, lay down. You're not the only patient here I'm concerned about. Heero has been unconscious since you touched him."
I turned my head towards her voice. My eyes finally started to focus, and I could finally see her. She looked to be somewhere in her early 20's with reddish brown hair done up in two French twists. She had a kind face with gentle blue eyes. She was dressed in slacks and a dark blue shirt with a doctor's lab coat over it. Ventrue. My power whispered Ventrue.
Behind her I saw Heero on another cot, lying as still as death. I frowned as I stared at him. There was a spark of power in him. It called to me. I answered.
Next thing we knew, he was gasping for breath and coughing. That got everyone's attention. Better him than me. I hate being the center of a Doctor's attention.
She rushed over to him and started checking him out, a frown appeared on her face and kept on deepening. Now I was curious. What could possibly be wrong with a dead guy?
Her frown turned to a confused look as she looked up at me. "Now I really want to know what happened. Heero's heat is beating. At a steady heart rate."
"Yes indeed. What did you do Mr. Maxwell?"
We all turned towards the door to see who had spoken. She was a tall, willowy woman with pitch-black hair and brown eyes. She was definitely of Italian decent with a faded tan to match. She was Giovanni.
"Hello Amelia, I was hoping you could tell us. This is more of your clan specialty than mine." Po greeted her.
I watched this woman like a hawk. Giovanni were known for their clan ability at necromancy. Unfortunately for them, or fortunately for me I guess you could say they lacked the natural talent I had. They had to rely on rituals and spells. Because of that, they've always envied us human necromancers. That envy always leads to problems.
Amelia looked to me and then to Heero before approaching him.
My eyes followed her as something tickled at the back of my mind. My power was warning me of something else in the room. It looks to me like Ms. Amelia had a ghostie following her. Not surprising. They always did focus more on what happens after death than the moment of. I guess in a sense so did I, but I reanimated them, gave them a spark of life. Her kind explored the ghost plane.
She turned towards me as I saw a shadow of something whispering to her. I'm willing to guess that's the ghostie.
"It seems, Mr. Maxwell, that you have done the impossible."
I couldn't help it. I had to grin. "You know, I don't know if that was a compliment, statement, or an insult, but I'm gonna take it as a compliment and say thanks. Though could you tell me what exactly I did?"
That got an amused look out of her. So this one has a sense of humor. That's nice to know. I always though they were back stabbing bastards. It could be just she's sneakier about it. Who knows? "You nearly made him human again."
That got a surprised look from all of us. The Doc had this surprised, shocked, confused type look on her face. I have to admit, it was pretty funny to see. The boys beside me were just impassive.
It was Heero that looked like a lost little boy. That look nearly broke my heart. I mean, this guy was looking like a perfect solider a few hours ago and now, everything's stripped away and he was lost. Damn it and I was the one that did it. I just don't know how I did it.
~@~
After Sally decided to chase everyone out of the room, things got quiet. She decided we needed rest so here I was in the room with Heero. I know that Trowa and Wufei weren't far off. I could feel them on the other side of the door. It was then I realized I couldn't feel where the other vamps were. Yeah, I knew they were there; I just couldn't pinpoint exact locations.
I couldn't help it I had to say something to him. The guy was sitting there with a blanket wrapped around him like a lifeline with his head resting against his knees. He looked pathetic.
"Um... I'm Sorry..." Okay that was pathetic. I'm sorry? How lame can you get?
He looked over at me, his eyes slightly glassy. The poor guy was in shock. Damn it. Now I feel like even more of an ass.
Silence reigned for a few more moments before the guy finally spoke. " There's nothing to be sorry for."
Like hell there wasn't. My powers, magic, whatever the hell you want to call it, did something to him. I don't know what, but they did something.
A feeling of despair washed over me. My violet eyes looked at him in confusion as I tried to figure out where that came from.
'Am I still a Gangrel....' Whispered through my head. Shit.
"Yeah, I think you are." So I answered out loud. I'm still wondering why the hell I'm hearing his thoughts.
He jumped a little and stared at me. "How did you...?"
"Man, I haven't a clue. Somewhere between being knocked out and you getting a heart beat something freaky happened."
"Hn."
"Yeah... my thoughts exactly."
~@~
We got a few more visits from various people as the night wore on. The good Doctor refused to let us go, so we were forced to stay here over night, err, day for observation. Since she couldn't monitor us during the day, she left her assistant, one Anne, watching me.
The girl was a cute, but a simple ghoul that was bound to Ms. Po. So as dawn came, I fully expected to be left alone with the girl as my only companion and Heero to do whatever it is that kindred do during the day when they sleep.
The first few hours past sunset were boring. I think I even managed to fall asleep. I know I woke up around noon, and hungry. Anne was kind enough to get me something to eat. So we sat there talking for a few hours.
I was amused to learn more about some of the vamps in the city. Most of the clans were represented, with the exception of some of the bloodlines and the rare clans. The Tremere kept to them selves and refused to do anything for anyone, even the Cam, with out a price tag involved. I also learned that up until six months ago, it was a free for all in this city. Then Victoria showed up. She claimed to be under Camarilla orders. Well, according to Anne, she straightened things out, called some people in and got everyone situated in their own territories, excluding some businesses that were already established, hence why the Crimson Rose and Cloud Nine were able to exist outside of their sects jurisdiction.
Now that was all very interesting to know. My experiences with the flesh crafting European bitch left me with the impression that she was all about self-gain. She probably still was. Who knew? I was still suspicious on why she asked for me by name.
All and all it was a very boring, but informative day. By far the most interesting thing happened around 4 pm, two hours before sundown. Heero woke up. What was even more surprising was that he had a craving for sushi. So he was either one of the few vampires that could eat food, or he was more human than vampire right now.
Two hours and an entire bento box full of sushi later every one else started to wake up. I felt Trowa and Wufei spark to life somewhere in the back of my mind. Glad to know Heero and I aren't the only ones participating in this mess.
Hey look the door's opening. Maybe it's our jailor coming to let us out? I can only hope.
Sally walks in and talks to her assistant briefly. I can tell she was surprised at Heero's behavior since waking up. It sure as hell surprised us when we heard him say. 'I'd like some sushi'
A few more minutes pass and she states we can leave. It's all I can do not to whoop for joy. I'm out that door in a matter of seconds with my braid trailing behind me.
Unfortunately, I don't get five feet out the door before there's a yank on my braid. Okay, I'm not ashamed to admit it, I yelped. Well wouldn't you if someone yanked on nearly three feet of hair? It fucking hurt! "Hey! What's the big idea?"
There was a snort from behind me as I managed to not fall on my ass. "The 'big idea' was stopping you from dashing to Kami knows where in this city of the damned and disappearing on us."
"Wufei and I want to go with you."
That was short and to the point. I'm starting to like this Trowa guy. At least he doesn't rant about the obvious like Fei does. Or pull my braid. Yeah, definitely like him more.
"I'm only heading back to my apartment. Though if you insist, fine, come along." I pouted as I nursed my poor braid. My poor poor braid.
So everyone piled into my junker that, surprisingly, was still in the parking garage and escaped the ticket police.
~@~
Several complaints and threats later, we arrived at my new abode.
Few more minutes found me staring in shock at a newly furnished place. I guess Noin took it upon herself to organize and put things where they should go. That woman rocks. I need to buy her flowers or candy or hell, a puppy. Wonder if Milliardo would object.
There was the sound of a throat clearing and the feeling of amusement. I guess Heero was finding this funny. So sue me, I was still adjusting to this. It's not as easy as you think.
I turned and grinned at my guests. "Well, make yourselves at home. I need a shower and clean-ish clothes." That got me curious look from Heero. "So sue me, I haven't done laundry in awhile. I haven't had time to." I stuck my tongue out at him before making my way upstairs to the bedroom. Luckily the bathroom was attached.
20 minutes later and I felt human again. Well, as human as I got which was more than any of my guests. I padded down stairs in nothing but a pair of faded jeans and a towel around my neck. For once my hair was hanging loose from its usual braid. I needed to comb the mess out before braiding it or it'd be a mess later.
The sight that greeted me was amusing. Heero was leaning against the wall divider between the kitchen and living room. You know, it was one of those half walls with a counter top. The real kicker was the fact that he was eating an apple. Guess Noin stocked my fridge also. Now I really have to do something for that woman.
Trowa was sitting on the floor with an array of guns around him. The guy was cleaning a browning in the middle of my freaking living room. What the hell is it with this guy and overkill? On the plus side, I want him watching my back in a gunfight.
Wufei was on the couch. My guess was he was meditating or something. You know, he actually looks handsome when he's not scowling or ranting about something.
I sat down on the floor near Trowa and started my task of brushing out my locks and then braiding them. When I was done I sighed in relief. I just didn't feel right without my braid, ya know? It was my lifeline in a sense. Ever since...
I frowned before looking up at Heero. "Hey, Heero, do you remember anything from when we blacked out?"
He frowned as he took another bite of the apple. I could tell he was relishing the taste of it. It took him a few moments before he spoke. "Gunfire."
I watched him as a puzzle look crossed his face as he continued too much the apple. "There were also screams. Children screaming, and the sound of breaking glass." He looked up at me. "Those weren't my memories."
I sighed as I moved my braid over my left shoulder and started stroking it. "No, they're not. Just like the memories of a little girl and her dog aren't mine."
Heero stiffened as he stared intently at me. His apple was forgotten at the moment.
"It sounds to me like you two were sharing memories while you were out." Trowa looked up from his gun as he slid the clip home.
~@~
After a quick change of clothes, it was back to Marie's Double. I figured it was a good idea to you know, go show up so I can assure my employers that I was still alive and kicking.
Of course, the other three came with me. Heero had barely left my side. Not that I minded. Hell, after what I've put him through, I'm surprised he hasn't grown those claws his clan's so famous for and torn out my spine.
The crowd became quiet as we entered. Heero was beside me and Trowa and Wufei were flanking us. I felt like I had my own bodyguards for God's sake.
It didn't get any better when I moved towards a nearby table and everyone seemed to move out of my way. Great, they were afraid of me. Well, at least that would make my job easier.
The first to attempt to approach me was Milliardo. He didn't get closer than five feet from me. Chicken shit. It's not like I have rabies and bit you know.
"This is unexpected."
Was that all he had to say? I've done something that a Giovanni claims is impossible and all he can say is that this is unexpected? Stupid Toreador. I'll show him unexpected.
"Thanks, apparently the unexpected and I are old friends. Didn't you know you were welcoming a walking time bomb into your city?" Another point to immaturity.
That got me a raised eyebrow and a slightly amused look. "Then you, like the rest of us, don't know what's going on either."
Damn observant bastard. I might as well tell him the truth. "Nope. Not a fucking clue. The little pool of blackness I use to play with you lot has never acted like this." Okay, so I was annoyed. I'm sarcastic when I'm annoyed. Isn't everyone?
"Perhaps I can be of some service."
I turned my head to see who spoke. Another Blondie was walking up behind Milliardo. This one looked to be maybe an inch or two taller than me. It took me a moment to realize that he was the Lasombra pack leader of the Sabbat in the city. I gave him a curious look as he approached. How could he help?
"It's obvious that the Giovanni don't know what is happening, and the Tremere would rather dissect you than diagnose the problem." He said softly.
Man this guy had a soft voice. It was nearly calming to hear. My head tilted a bit as I urged him to go on with a raised eyebrow and a hopeful look.
"It seems that your power thinks you are lacking. It's trying to compensate for that." He stopped beside Milliardo and folded his hands behind his back.
It started to stir. My eyes widened as my power spilled over, eagerly rushing at this new blonde. What the hell was going on?
My power crashed into him, wrapping itself around him, completely ignoring Milliardo. I felt a familiar tug as a spark similar to what I felt from Wufei and Trowa settled into this new guy.
Quatre. His name was Quatre. He was 250 years old. He was 10th generation.
I must have stood up at some point because I felt the other three move closer to me.
"Duo? Duo! Are you okay?"
Heero? That was him, wasn't it? Why did he sound so far away when he was standing right there next to me?
I felt myself start to sway and begin to fall only to be caught by someone. My eyes closed, as my sense of smell was flooded with the scent of forest and apples. Then there was nothing but blackness.
~@~
Glossary Time! Same Disclaimer as before so see to last chapter.
Lasombra: Keepers, Shadows, Magisters. The leaders of the Sabbat, they are Darwinists, predators, elegant and inhuman. Firm believers in the worthy ruling and the unworthy serving, the Lasombra have maintained their traditions even as they have turned the Sabbat to their own purposes. (Affiliation: Sabbat)
Tzimisce: Fiends. If you described a Tzimisce as inhuman and sadistic, it would probably commend you for your perspicacity on the inhumanity, and then demonstrate that your mortal definition of sadism was laughably inadequate. The Tzimisce have left the human condition behind gladly, and now focus on transcending the limitations of the vampiric state. This clan of kindred can shape flesh and bone at will, creating monstrous creations that only they can control. (Affiliation: Sabbat)
Antitribu: someone who is opposed of one's clan's affiliations and sides with another sect. Example. Victoria is a Tzimisce Antitribu because she is Camarilla instead of Sabbat.
Independents: clans that don't affiliate with either side. For example: Clan Giovanni, Gangrel, Followers of Set.