Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duo Maxwell, Gun for Hire ❯ This is so not our night ( Chapter 10 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: NightingaleRose 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.14.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 285 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.14.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 285 | Status: Work In Progress
Usual Disclaimers apply.
XXX
The move from my little apartment with its overload of junk into Cloud Nine's private suits took a few days. Well, actually, it took Noin and her moving crew one day, and us another day to sort all the boxes out and get them to the right rooms.
In the end, I was amazed by the size of the rooms. It turns out that the ground floor of Cloud Nine is the club complete with DJ booth and bars. The second floor was VIP rooms that could be rented for a high priced or used by the owner for meetings like when Mandy first met me. The third floor was a series of suites built to be individual havens for the certain Kindred.
Quatre claimed the master suite. Trowa and Wufei reclaimed their own rooms. So did Heero. I was surprised to find that out. I was hesitant on claiming my own room, but hey, might as well. I doubt I'll be sleeping in it that often, but it doesn't hurt to have one.
Each room came fully furnished with its own private bath. I was amazed to find out I had a Jacuzzi in my bathroom. Hey, talk about relaxing in style. I could get used to this.
Knock. Knock.
I looked up from where I was unpacking my laundry to put in the dresser and smiled. Heero was in the doorway. I motioned for him to enter. He nodded and walked over to me. I set the shirt I was holding down just in time. Heero pulled me close to me and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. I sighed happily and rested against him. Yeah, I could certainly get used to this.
"Aishiteru Koibito"
I grinned. I knew what that meant. True it was only because it was one of the few phrases Heero was able to get right in English. But hey, I'm not picky. I'll take any form of I love you.
I kissed him as way of answer. How else was I supposed to respond? He couldn't hear me. So this was the next best thing. Well, actually stripping him naked and locking the door would be the next best thing.
I was about to do that too when there was another knock at my door. Wufei was standing in the doorway, looking a little too amused for my taste. He knew he was going to stop me from having fun. So not fair.
"Quatre wants us all to gather in the master suite in five minutes."
Curse him and curse Quatre. Hell, for good measure, curse Trowa. At this rate, I'll never get laid how I want. Tied down and at Heero's mercy.
Grumble. "We'll be right there."
I glared at Wufei as he left us. He still had that damned smirk on his face. Cocky bastard. He's probably gotten laid more than I have in the last week.
Heero gave me a curious look. I gave him a small smile and motioned in the general direction of Quat's room. He got the idea right away. His hand slipped down to hold mine and we were off.
XXX
"Alright Q, we're here. Now why are we here?"
Quatre smiled from his position on his couch. Yeah, his room had a couch. And plush chairs. And a huge four-poster canopy bed. Lets not forget the antique wardrobe and the fireplace. Yeah, lets not forget that. Or the fact that every thing's done in Black and Red.
Besides Quatre sat Trowa and Wufei. Both of them were lounging there. Wufei still had that damnable smirk on his face.
"We need to decide what to do about those books."
Ah, so we're back to this again. Figures. Though yeah, I do agree it's a pressing problem.
"I think they're too dangerous to hand over to anyone."
Even though Wu says that, I know it's not an option
"Yeah, and then the Tremere come after us. I don't know about you Wu, but I'd rather not have another run in with vamps that can set things on fire without a flamethrower or matches."
"I agree with Duo. The books will only make us a target,"
Yeah, like we weren't already? Hello? I seem to have a target permanently painted on my back. It's called being one of the few living beings living in a vampire world. I'll be lucky to see 200 at the rate I'm going!
I felt Heero stroke my braid gently. I guess he could tell I was a little irritated.
"The only option is to give them to Johann and let him deal with the Tremere."
Thank you Quat! If anyone can convince Wu-man, it's Quatre. I hope so anyway. It's either him or Trowa. Though I'd be curious how they manage to do it. I bet it involves chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Or handcuffs. And lets not forget the ball gag!
Trowa nodded in agreement. Wufei grumbled. Heero had no clue what was going on. I was in agreement with Q-bean.
"Alright then, lets give them to Johann. The sooner the better."
"Tonight then."
XXXXXX
Ten minutes later of discussing how we were going to give the books to Johann without causing trouble and we were left to get ready for the night. Heero followed me back to my room. I could tell he was antsy about something. I don't know what, but still.
I guess he saw the look on my face and shook his head and sighed. He motioned that he was going to go for a walk and left before I could say anything. First last night and now tonight. That confirmed it. There was something wrong with my Heero.
I finished getting ready for the night. You know, the whole lets dress decently and arm myself to the teeth getting ready.
I tracked down Trowa. I mean, if anyone knew where to find Heero, it'd be Tro, right? I sure hope so.
"Hey Trowa! Have you seen Heero around?"
Trowa looked thoughtful for a moment. "No, try the dance floor. He might have went down for something to eat."
I cringed slightly. Yeah, so he still needed blood. I can't always win I guess.
So I went down stairs. On the second floor I ran into the bald twins. I learned that their names were Bert and Ernie. I shit you not. Those were their actual names. No wonder they were bouncers. This way they could beat up anyone making fun of their names and get paid. That and the benefits were decent for a Brujah.
"Hey guys, you seen Heero around."
Both of them shook their heads.
"Nope."
Great. Down to the dance floor I go. Lets see if I can survive the loud noise and press of bodies without getting groped. I doubt it.
Deathscythe stirred as I weaved my way through the mass of people. I had one guy stop and hit on me, thinking I was a girl. I set him straight real quick. Nothing says male faster than a punch to the gut. People parted for me after that.
I looked everywhere I could think of, including the bathroom. This led to the conclusion that he was not in the building. Outside we go then.
I forced my way out the doors with a little help from the bouncers. There was much cursing by the people we forcibly moved out of my way. Ah, the sounds of people who have nothing better to do than get wasted and going home with random strangers.
I looked up and down the strip. I couldn't find him anywhere. I even stopped in the Crimson Rose. Mar said he hadn't been in there. Somehow I believe her.
Deathscythe was starting to get even more restless as time wore on. I didn't like it. When it starts getting like this, then I know there's something wrong. Or going to happen. Something bad. Something very bad.
Screech! Crash! Thud!
I winced. It sounded like an accident. I turned around. Yeah, that's what it was. Right there in the middle of the strip. A car veered off and hit a telephone pole. The I noticed it. There was blood on the road. My heart leapt to my throat. What exactly happened?
I started to run towards the scene. The closer I got, the more agitated Deathscythe became. There was something newly dead here. I'm hoping it was the driver.
The car looked totaled. A quick check on the driver revealed him to be out cold but alive. I couldn't say the same for the passenger.
A whimper caught my attention. I looked towards the end of the car and froze. Heero.
I could feel the blood draining from my face. He was pinned between the pole and the car. Blood was everywhere. Please God, let him be in once piece.
Deathscythe felt just as panicked as I was. I felt a wave of my power dash out before it dove straight into Heero. What the hell was it doing now? Heero was dying and it decided to try and possess him?
I fought my way closer to Heero, finally getting close enough to reach out and touch his cheek. He felt like ice.
"Heero, hold on. The others will be here soon... I hope."
Yeah, it knew it was useless to talk to someone who was deaf, but this was more for my comfort than his.
"Duo... I'm alright."
I jerked. Heero? He heard me?
"Daijoubu Heero?"
Okay so yeah, I've picked up a little Japanese from him.
"Iie. But I'll be fine, don't worry."
He was answering me. How?
I felt Deathscythe return to me. Then something clicked.
We both cringed when we heard sirens.
"Duo! Heero! Are you two alright?"
I turned to spot Quatre and his boys fighting their way through the crowd that was gathering. I guess accidents really do gather crowds. Damn it. We need to get out of here.
They finally got to our side. Quatre looked horrified at what he saw. Trowa was his blank self and Wufei looked worried. There was way too much blood. I wanted him out of there now.
"We need to get him out of here."
They nodded. Wufei went over to the other side of the front of the car and Trowa stayed on this side. Quatre grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Heero for a moment. Both guys pushed and easily moved the car like it was a cardboard box. Heero slumped to the ground with a groan. I broke away from Quatre and rushed to his side.
Trowa gently moved me aside and picked Heero up. His lower half was nothing but blood. I could easily see bone poking out of his thigh. Wufei and Quatre cleared the path as we disappeared into the alley beside Marie's Double. It's back to the clinic for us.
XXXXXX
If Sally was surprised to see us, she didn't show it. She pointed to a cot near the back and told Tro to set Heero down there. I could have swore that it was the same cot he was in last time he as here.
Moments later she was over here checking out the damage.
"What happened?"
"Well..."
"I went for a walk and tried crossing the street. I didn't notice the car coming towards me until it was too late."
We all looked at Heero in surprise. He heard her? What the...? Don't get me wrong I'm happy he's able to hear again. I just want to know how.
Sally looked puzzled "Heero, you can hear again?"
He remained silent for a moment. "Hai. However, everything's muffled and faint."
She nodded a little. "I see. You weren't able to hear anything before the accident, right?"
"Iie. Everything was silence."
She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, I can tell you that you have a broken femur, a few cracked ribs, a ruptured liver and internal bleeding. Nothing life threatening for a Kindred. Just very uncomfortable. I can set the bone no problem. The internal bleeding and ruptured organs can take care of themselves. Even though you're mostly human now, your body is still not using all of the organs."
We looked at her dumbly. How did she know that?
She gave us a grin. "I did some tests while he was out for that week."
I glanced down at Heero. He was looking at her with a wariness that wasn't there before. I don't blame him. She apparently had no misgivings about experimenting on people in her care. Must take note and remember that next time I'm here for any period of time.
"I'll be right back." Sally got up and left.
I glanced over to Trowa. He shrugged. He didn't know what she was up to either. None of us did.
She returned several minutes later with a cart and a machine. It took me a moment to realize what it was. You know those machines where they make you put on these huge headphones and then have you raise your hand when you hear the sound? Yeah, it was one of those. Where the hell did she get it?
"Lets test your hearing." She handed him the headphones and waited for him to put them on before giving him instructions. "Raise your hand when you hear the sound."
She turned it on. She flipped some switches and turned some dials. We watched her do this. Heero never raised his hand. We were all confused.
After Heero took off the headphones, Sally looked thoughtful. She was tapping her finger against her lips. "Duo, did anything happen during the accident?"
I frowned as I thought back. "Actually... yeah. Deathscythe sent out like a locator wave type thing. It's done that before to scope out kindred." I paused for a moment. "Then it left me and entered Heero...." What did that have to do with anything?
Sally remained silent for a moment. "Duo, I want to try an experiment. Put on the headphones. Heero if you hear anything, raise your hand."
We all gave her puzzled looks. She turned on the machine and turned a dial.
Heero looked even more confused as he raised his hand.
I was confused. I was hearing the tones, not him. Why was he hearing them?
This went on for a minute or two more before she told me I could take off the headphones of doom.
"This is highly unusual."
Damn it. I swear this woman was toying with us. I was about 10 seconds away from screaming at her to tell us what was so unusual. Then Trowa stepped in. All was right in the world again.
"Sally, I know you're enjoying the suspense, but please, tell us?"
She let out this over dramatic sigh and pouted. "Fine, ruin all my fun." She smiled a little before going professional again. "I'm not sure exactly what happened or how. I'm classifying this as another one of those 'Duo's involved so don't bother trying to figure it out' incidents. Apparently, Heero can hear everything Duo hears. If Duo can't hear it, Heero can't hear it. I would have to do further tests to find out more."
.... Okay so that was unexpected. What the hell was Deathscythe doing to me?
Heero and I stared at each other for a moment. What the hell was going on?
XXXXX
After a little convincing, Quatre got me to tear myself away from Heero and upstairs. We still had a mission to accomplish. Give the books to Johann. Before anything else happens to us.
We weaved through the crowds, no one really caring we were there. It took us awhile, but we spotted Johann at a table with Victoria, and surprisingly Dorothy.
We cautiously made our way over. Yeah, you know we could ask one of them to fix Heero, but then we'd be in this same situation all over again owing one of them something. Lets not repeat this performance.
Johann was the first to notice us thankfully. He looked up and trained those black eyes of his on us. "Such a pity about your Gangrel."
"You know, I'm more than willing to fix him" chimed in Victoria.
The way she said that made me cringe. I don't want to know what she would to Heero or any of us if given the chance.
"No, that's alright, he's fine healing on his own..."
"If you're so sure Duo. Although, I'm sure any of us could fix him up in no time."
Dorothy had that shit eating grin on her face again. There was no way in hell I was going to let her anywhere near Heero. Not a chance in Hell.
"We'd rather you didn't Ms. Catalonia." Quatre stared at her calmly.
Yeah, another confrontation between these two would result in bloodshed, again.
Dorothy just stared back at Quat with the same shit-eating grin on her face. "Then of course Mr. Winner. I'd hate to upset the new power in the Independents."
That got both Johann and Victoria's attention.
"Oh? You didn't know? Ms. Welshman handed her position and club over to Mr. Winner after taking the position of pack leader from him."
Johann gave Quatre a sharp look. "Is that so?"
Victoria was watching Johann intently. A little too intently for my taste. Something was wrong. Please, paranoia don't let me down now.
"Where is my payment?"
Wufei took the front on this one. "If you will follow me to the office upstairs, I will give you your payment in full."
Johann nodded as he stood up. Victoria finally stopped staring and yawned. Dorothy started to look bored.
"Do hurry back Johann. You know how I don't do well around this crowed."
He didn't even pay her any attention as Wufei lead the way. I started to follow only to be stopped by Trowa. "Part of the deal would be no one present when Johann received his payment."
I looked to Quatre. "I'm sorry Duo, there's nothing I can do. Let's just wait and hope for the best."
Paranoia just got kicked up a notch. Deathscythe was even agreeing with me that this wasn't good.
XXXX
We stood there awkwardly as Victoria and Dorothy ignored us.
Sound of breaking wood. Crack. A tentacle appeared over the balcony railing. Something went flying.
To my horror I realized the 'flying thing' was Wufei. We watched in horror as he crashed into the bar, destroying one entire portion of it. Wood and glass went flying everywhere.
In moments Trowa and Quatre were off like rockets heading towards Wufei.
Anyone in that area of the club scrambled to get away as alcohol mixed with blood stained the wood and floors. I wasn't too far behind them. Unfortunately they had the advantage of speed.
When I got there, Quatre had manage to kneel at Wufei's head, ignoring the wood and glass as he cradled his head in his lap. Trowa was trying to clear away debris.
Wufei... looked like shit. The most disturbing part though was the large bit of wood that was sticking out of his chest. Right where his heart would be.
I stared. Oh dear god.
Quatre was crying bloody tears as he stoked Wufei's hair. He was whispering to him in a language I didn't understand.
Trowa was trying his best to clear the wood away so they could see just how the piece of wood was lodged in him.
"Oh my, that looks painful. Good thing he's unconscious now."
I turned to stare at Relena. She had appeared beside me from somewhere. A red lollipop was in her mouth.
"What do you mean he's unconscious? He has a piece of wood sticking out of his chest!" Okay so I sounded a little frantic. I was entitled.
She looked up at me with her head cocked to the side. "You didn't feel your bond break did you?"
That made me pause. No, Deathscythe assured me that it was still there.
She smiled. "Then don't worry. He will be all right, he's just staked."
"Err... what?"
She laughed at me. "He has a stake through the heart. All that means is that he can't move, he can't use any disciplines." She gained a thoughtful look as she popped the sucker out of her mouth. "Though, he may be really hungry when you pull that stake out. I wouldn't be in the room if I were you." She smiled at me before twirling around and skipping off somewhere. Yeah, literally skipping.
I felt someone rush past me and realized that it was Sally with a medic bag. Someone must have ran down stairs and gotten her.
She made her way through the mess and started ordering people around. Soon the entire area around Wu was cleared as she was helping Trowa and Quatre carry him off. Back to the basement we go.
This was so not our night.
XXXXX
Glossary!
Staking: The effect of this procedure is immobilisation of the subject Vampire. No movement, use of blood or use of disciplines is possible while staked. This is how it works in VTM so I'm going with it.
Character Spotlight!
Bishop Darcy: Actually, he's sort of a random character. A generic Lasombra with a funny name. That's about it really. He was only for this story.
Mar and Ree: Has anyone realized that if you put their names put together you get 'Marie'? Which leads into the name of the club Marie's Double. Named after them. Neat huh? This idea had a previous incarnation in a multi crossover that never got off the ground. Mar and Ree were going to be myself and my wonderful beta ArtemistEmerald. Both of our middle names are Marie. Now you know.
So Basically Now I've run out of Oc's to spotlight, my wonderful Beta suggested the GW cast. I'm betting its cause she's curious why I put some characters where I did.
Relena Peacecraft: My reasoning behind putting her, as Malkavian is simple. I thought it would be funny and I needed someone slightly airy and flighty. Yeah, I know she isn't like that in the series, but hey, this works rather well I think.
Milliardo Peacecraft: Why Toreador? Have you seen the guy? He's a bishy. Plain and simple. I felt as if he were too indecisive to be a Ventrue so Toreador it is.
XXX
The move from my little apartment with its overload of junk into Cloud Nine's private suits took a few days. Well, actually, it took Noin and her moving crew one day, and us another day to sort all the boxes out and get them to the right rooms.
In the end, I was amazed by the size of the rooms. It turns out that the ground floor of Cloud Nine is the club complete with DJ booth and bars. The second floor was VIP rooms that could be rented for a high priced or used by the owner for meetings like when Mandy first met me. The third floor was a series of suites built to be individual havens for the certain Kindred.
Quatre claimed the master suite. Trowa and Wufei reclaimed their own rooms. So did Heero. I was surprised to find that out. I was hesitant on claiming my own room, but hey, might as well. I doubt I'll be sleeping in it that often, but it doesn't hurt to have one.
Each room came fully furnished with its own private bath. I was amazed to find out I had a Jacuzzi in my bathroom. Hey, talk about relaxing in style. I could get used to this.
Knock. Knock.
I looked up from where I was unpacking my laundry to put in the dresser and smiled. Heero was in the doorway. I motioned for him to enter. He nodded and walked over to me. I set the shirt I was holding down just in time. Heero pulled me close to me and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. I sighed happily and rested against him. Yeah, I could certainly get used to this.
"Aishiteru Koibito"
I grinned. I knew what that meant. True it was only because it was one of the few phrases Heero was able to get right in English. But hey, I'm not picky. I'll take any form of I love you.
I kissed him as way of answer. How else was I supposed to respond? He couldn't hear me. So this was the next best thing. Well, actually stripping him naked and locking the door would be the next best thing.
I was about to do that too when there was another knock at my door. Wufei was standing in the doorway, looking a little too amused for my taste. He knew he was going to stop me from having fun. So not fair.
"Quatre wants us all to gather in the master suite in five minutes."
Curse him and curse Quatre. Hell, for good measure, curse Trowa. At this rate, I'll never get laid how I want. Tied down and at Heero's mercy.
Grumble. "We'll be right there."
I glared at Wufei as he left us. He still had that damned smirk on his face. Cocky bastard. He's probably gotten laid more than I have in the last week.
Heero gave me a curious look. I gave him a small smile and motioned in the general direction of Quat's room. He got the idea right away. His hand slipped down to hold mine and we were off.
XXX
"Alright Q, we're here. Now why are we here?"
Quatre smiled from his position on his couch. Yeah, his room had a couch. And plush chairs. And a huge four-poster canopy bed. Lets not forget the antique wardrobe and the fireplace. Yeah, lets not forget that. Or the fact that every thing's done in Black and Red.
Besides Quatre sat Trowa and Wufei. Both of them were lounging there. Wufei still had that damnable smirk on his face.
"We need to decide what to do about those books."
Ah, so we're back to this again. Figures. Though yeah, I do agree it's a pressing problem.
"I think they're too dangerous to hand over to anyone."
Even though Wu says that, I know it's not an option
"Yeah, and then the Tremere come after us. I don't know about you Wu, but I'd rather not have another run in with vamps that can set things on fire without a flamethrower or matches."
"I agree with Duo. The books will only make us a target,"
Yeah, like we weren't already? Hello? I seem to have a target permanently painted on my back. It's called being one of the few living beings living in a vampire world. I'll be lucky to see 200 at the rate I'm going!
I felt Heero stroke my braid gently. I guess he could tell I was a little irritated.
"The only option is to give them to Johann and let him deal with the Tremere."
Thank you Quat! If anyone can convince Wu-man, it's Quatre. I hope so anyway. It's either him or Trowa. Though I'd be curious how they manage to do it. I bet it involves chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Or handcuffs. And lets not forget the ball gag!
Trowa nodded in agreement. Wufei grumbled. Heero had no clue what was going on. I was in agreement with Q-bean.
"Alright then, lets give them to Johann. The sooner the better."
"Tonight then."
XXXXXX
Ten minutes later of discussing how we were going to give the books to Johann without causing trouble and we were left to get ready for the night. Heero followed me back to my room. I could tell he was antsy about something. I don't know what, but still.
I guess he saw the look on my face and shook his head and sighed. He motioned that he was going to go for a walk and left before I could say anything. First last night and now tonight. That confirmed it. There was something wrong with my Heero.
I finished getting ready for the night. You know, the whole lets dress decently and arm myself to the teeth getting ready.
I tracked down Trowa. I mean, if anyone knew where to find Heero, it'd be Tro, right? I sure hope so.
"Hey Trowa! Have you seen Heero around?"
Trowa looked thoughtful for a moment. "No, try the dance floor. He might have went down for something to eat."
I cringed slightly. Yeah, so he still needed blood. I can't always win I guess.
So I went down stairs. On the second floor I ran into the bald twins. I learned that their names were Bert and Ernie. I shit you not. Those were their actual names. No wonder they were bouncers. This way they could beat up anyone making fun of their names and get paid. That and the benefits were decent for a Brujah.
"Hey guys, you seen Heero around."
Both of them shook their heads.
"Nope."
Great. Down to the dance floor I go. Lets see if I can survive the loud noise and press of bodies without getting groped. I doubt it.
Deathscythe stirred as I weaved my way through the mass of people. I had one guy stop and hit on me, thinking I was a girl. I set him straight real quick. Nothing says male faster than a punch to the gut. People parted for me after that.
I looked everywhere I could think of, including the bathroom. This led to the conclusion that he was not in the building. Outside we go then.
I forced my way out the doors with a little help from the bouncers. There was much cursing by the people we forcibly moved out of my way. Ah, the sounds of people who have nothing better to do than get wasted and going home with random strangers.
I looked up and down the strip. I couldn't find him anywhere. I even stopped in the Crimson Rose. Mar said he hadn't been in there. Somehow I believe her.
Deathscythe was starting to get even more restless as time wore on. I didn't like it. When it starts getting like this, then I know there's something wrong. Or going to happen. Something bad. Something very bad.
Screech! Crash! Thud!
I winced. It sounded like an accident. I turned around. Yeah, that's what it was. Right there in the middle of the strip. A car veered off and hit a telephone pole. The I noticed it. There was blood on the road. My heart leapt to my throat. What exactly happened?
I started to run towards the scene. The closer I got, the more agitated Deathscythe became. There was something newly dead here. I'm hoping it was the driver.
The car looked totaled. A quick check on the driver revealed him to be out cold but alive. I couldn't say the same for the passenger.
A whimper caught my attention. I looked towards the end of the car and froze. Heero.
I could feel the blood draining from my face. He was pinned between the pole and the car. Blood was everywhere. Please God, let him be in once piece.
Deathscythe felt just as panicked as I was. I felt a wave of my power dash out before it dove straight into Heero. What the hell was it doing now? Heero was dying and it decided to try and possess him?
I fought my way closer to Heero, finally getting close enough to reach out and touch his cheek. He felt like ice.
"Heero, hold on. The others will be here soon... I hope."
Yeah, it knew it was useless to talk to someone who was deaf, but this was more for my comfort than his.
"Duo... I'm alright."
I jerked. Heero? He heard me?
"Daijoubu Heero?"
Okay so yeah, I've picked up a little Japanese from him.
"Iie. But I'll be fine, don't worry."
He was answering me. How?
I felt Deathscythe return to me. Then something clicked.
We both cringed when we heard sirens.
"Duo! Heero! Are you two alright?"
I turned to spot Quatre and his boys fighting their way through the crowd that was gathering. I guess accidents really do gather crowds. Damn it. We need to get out of here.
They finally got to our side. Quatre looked horrified at what he saw. Trowa was his blank self and Wufei looked worried. There was way too much blood. I wanted him out of there now.
"We need to get him out of here."
They nodded. Wufei went over to the other side of the front of the car and Trowa stayed on this side. Quatre grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Heero for a moment. Both guys pushed and easily moved the car like it was a cardboard box. Heero slumped to the ground with a groan. I broke away from Quatre and rushed to his side.
Trowa gently moved me aside and picked Heero up. His lower half was nothing but blood. I could easily see bone poking out of his thigh. Wufei and Quatre cleared the path as we disappeared into the alley beside Marie's Double. It's back to the clinic for us.
XXXXXX
If Sally was surprised to see us, she didn't show it. She pointed to a cot near the back and told Tro to set Heero down there. I could have swore that it was the same cot he was in last time he as here.
Moments later she was over here checking out the damage.
"What happened?"
"Well..."
"I went for a walk and tried crossing the street. I didn't notice the car coming towards me until it was too late."
We all looked at Heero in surprise. He heard her? What the...? Don't get me wrong I'm happy he's able to hear again. I just want to know how.
Sally looked puzzled "Heero, you can hear again?"
He remained silent for a moment. "Hai. However, everything's muffled and faint."
She nodded a little. "I see. You weren't able to hear anything before the accident, right?"
"Iie. Everything was silence."
She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, I can tell you that you have a broken femur, a few cracked ribs, a ruptured liver and internal bleeding. Nothing life threatening for a Kindred. Just very uncomfortable. I can set the bone no problem. The internal bleeding and ruptured organs can take care of themselves. Even though you're mostly human now, your body is still not using all of the organs."
We looked at her dumbly. How did she know that?
She gave us a grin. "I did some tests while he was out for that week."
I glanced down at Heero. He was looking at her with a wariness that wasn't there before. I don't blame him. She apparently had no misgivings about experimenting on people in her care. Must take note and remember that next time I'm here for any period of time.
"I'll be right back." Sally got up and left.
I glanced over to Trowa. He shrugged. He didn't know what she was up to either. None of us did.
She returned several minutes later with a cart and a machine. It took me a moment to realize what it was. You know those machines where they make you put on these huge headphones and then have you raise your hand when you hear the sound? Yeah, it was one of those. Where the hell did she get it?
"Lets test your hearing." She handed him the headphones and waited for him to put them on before giving him instructions. "Raise your hand when you hear the sound."
She turned it on. She flipped some switches and turned some dials. We watched her do this. Heero never raised his hand. We were all confused.
After Heero took off the headphones, Sally looked thoughtful. She was tapping her finger against her lips. "Duo, did anything happen during the accident?"
I frowned as I thought back. "Actually... yeah. Deathscythe sent out like a locator wave type thing. It's done that before to scope out kindred." I paused for a moment. "Then it left me and entered Heero...." What did that have to do with anything?
Sally remained silent for a moment. "Duo, I want to try an experiment. Put on the headphones. Heero if you hear anything, raise your hand."
We all gave her puzzled looks. She turned on the machine and turned a dial.
Heero looked even more confused as he raised his hand.
I was confused. I was hearing the tones, not him. Why was he hearing them?
This went on for a minute or two more before she told me I could take off the headphones of doom.
"This is highly unusual."
Damn it. I swear this woman was toying with us. I was about 10 seconds away from screaming at her to tell us what was so unusual. Then Trowa stepped in. All was right in the world again.
"Sally, I know you're enjoying the suspense, but please, tell us?"
She let out this over dramatic sigh and pouted. "Fine, ruin all my fun." She smiled a little before going professional again. "I'm not sure exactly what happened or how. I'm classifying this as another one of those 'Duo's involved so don't bother trying to figure it out' incidents. Apparently, Heero can hear everything Duo hears. If Duo can't hear it, Heero can't hear it. I would have to do further tests to find out more."
.... Okay so that was unexpected. What the hell was Deathscythe doing to me?
Heero and I stared at each other for a moment. What the hell was going on?
XXXXX
After a little convincing, Quatre got me to tear myself away from Heero and upstairs. We still had a mission to accomplish. Give the books to Johann. Before anything else happens to us.
We weaved through the crowds, no one really caring we were there. It took us awhile, but we spotted Johann at a table with Victoria, and surprisingly Dorothy.
We cautiously made our way over. Yeah, you know we could ask one of them to fix Heero, but then we'd be in this same situation all over again owing one of them something. Lets not repeat this performance.
Johann was the first to notice us thankfully. He looked up and trained those black eyes of his on us. "Such a pity about your Gangrel."
"You know, I'm more than willing to fix him" chimed in Victoria.
The way she said that made me cringe. I don't want to know what she would to Heero or any of us if given the chance.
"No, that's alright, he's fine healing on his own..."
"If you're so sure Duo. Although, I'm sure any of us could fix him up in no time."
Dorothy had that shit eating grin on her face again. There was no way in hell I was going to let her anywhere near Heero. Not a chance in Hell.
"We'd rather you didn't Ms. Catalonia." Quatre stared at her calmly.
Yeah, another confrontation between these two would result in bloodshed, again.
Dorothy just stared back at Quat with the same shit-eating grin on her face. "Then of course Mr. Winner. I'd hate to upset the new power in the Independents."
That got both Johann and Victoria's attention.
"Oh? You didn't know? Ms. Welshman handed her position and club over to Mr. Winner after taking the position of pack leader from him."
Johann gave Quatre a sharp look. "Is that so?"
Victoria was watching Johann intently. A little too intently for my taste. Something was wrong. Please, paranoia don't let me down now.
"Where is my payment?"
Wufei took the front on this one. "If you will follow me to the office upstairs, I will give you your payment in full."
Johann nodded as he stood up. Victoria finally stopped staring and yawned. Dorothy started to look bored.
"Do hurry back Johann. You know how I don't do well around this crowed."
He didn't even pay her any attention as Wufei lead the way. I started to follow only to be stopped by Trowa. "Part of the deal would be no one present when Johann received his payment."
I looked to Quatre. "I'm sorry Duo, there's nothing I can do. Let's just wait and hope for the best."
Paranoia just got kicked up a notch. Deathscythe was even agreeing with me that this wasn't good.
XXXX
We stood there awkwardly as Victoria and Dorothy ignored us.
Sound of breaking wood. Crack. A tentacle appeared over the balcony railing. Something went flying.
To my horror I realized the 'flying thing' was Wufei. We watched in horror as he crashed into the bar, destroying one entire portion of it. Wood and glass went flying everywhere.
In moments Trowa and Quatre were off like rockets heading towards Wufei.
Anyone in that area of the club scrambled to get away as alcohol mixed with blood stained the wood and floors. I wasn't too far behind them. Unfortunately they had the advantage of speed.
When I got there, Quatre had manage to kneel at Wufei's head, ignoring the wood and glass as he cradled his head in his lap. Trowa was trying to clear away debris.
Wufei... looked like shit. The most disturbing part though was the large bit of wood that was sticking out of his chest. Right where his heart would be.
I stared. Oh dear god.
Quatre was crying bloody tears as he stoked Wufei's hair. He was whispering to him in a language I didn't understand.
Trowa was trying his best to clear the wood away so they could see just how the piece of wood was lodged in him.
"Oh my, that looks painful. Good thing he's unconscious now."
I turned to stare at Relena. She had appeared beside me from somewhere. A red lollipop was in her mouth.
"What do you mean he's unconscious? He has a piece of wood sticking out of his chest!" Okay so I sounded a little frantic. I was entitled.
She looked up at me with her head cocked to the side. "You didn't feel your bond break did you?"
That made me pause. No, Deathscythe assured me that it was still there.
She smiled. "Then don't worry. He will be all right, he's just staked."
"Err... what?"
She laughed at me. "He has a stake through the heart. All that means is that he can't move, he can't use any disciplines." She gained a thoughtful look as she popped the sucker out of her mouth. "Though, he may be really hungry when you pull that stake out. I wouldn't be in the room if I were you." She smiled at me before twirling around and skipping off somewhere. Yeah, literally skipping.
I felt someone rush past me and realized that it was Sally with a medic bag. Someone must have ran down stairs and gotten her.
She made her way through the mess and started ordering people around. Soon the entire area around Wu was cleared as she was helping Trowa and Quatre carry him off. Back to the basement we go.
This was so not our night.
XXXXX
Glossary!
Staking: The effect of this procedure is immobilisation of the subject Vampire. No movement, use of blood or use of disciplines is possible while staked. This is how it works in VTM so I'm going with it.
Character Spotlight!
Bishop Darcy: Actually, he's sort of a random character. A generic Lasombra with a funny name. That's about it really. He was only for this story.
Mar and Ree: Has anyone realized that if you put their names put together you get 'Marie'? Which leads into the name of the club Marie's Double. Named after them. Neat huh? This idea had a previous incarnation in a multi crossover that never got off the ground. Mar and Ree were going to be myself and my wonderful beta ArtemistEmerald. Both of our middle names are Marie. Now you know.
So Basically Now I've run out of Oc's to spotlight, my wonderful Beta suggested the GW cast. I'm betting its cause she's curious why I put some characters where I did.
Relena Peacecraft: My reasoning behind putting her, as Malkavian is simple. I thought it would be funny and I needed someone slightly airy and flighty. Yeah, I know she isn't like that in the series, but hey, this works rather well I think.
Milliardo Peacecraft: Why Toreador? Have you seen the guy? He's a bishy. Plain and simple. I felt as if he were too indecisive to be a Ventrue so Toreador it is.