Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duo Maxwell, Gun for Hire ❯ Things are not as they appear ( Chapter 11 )
[ 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: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 253 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.14.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 253 | Status: Work In Progress
Here's the newest chapter for my loyal readers!
Disclaimers: Same as usual, don't own GW or VTM or the Hippocratic Oath. You'll see what I mean.
Enjoy!!
XXX
You know, I've seen way too much of this clinic since coming here. Yeah, I usually have a high hospital attendance record, but usually they're spaced out. Not non-stop continuously for the last week! Well, at least I'm no the one confined here this time.
That would be Heero and Wufei. Poor Heero's been down here nearly as much as I have and for far worse things. So not fair.
After Sally had got Fei downstairs, she ordered Tro and Quat to bring him to that big safe like room that I originally thought was the armory. She explained that it was a type of panic room. They unstaked kindred in there. She said that with Fei there'd be 50/50 chance he'd frenzy. She wasn't sure because of how he was staked.
I didn't understand what the hell she was talking about. Heero frenzied and Quatre was able to take care of it, why was this any different?
Trowa explained to me that Wu being hungry would be the difference.
Okay... err ... that made more sense then. I didn't need to be lunch. Yeah, He was mine more so than Tro and Quat, but I wasn't sure if that'd show through the ravaging attack of a wild beast that he might become.
So instead, they shut themselves in a room with double reinforced steel door and walls. Sally was the only one that knew the code to unlock it. Needless to say, she's in there too.
I waited at Heero's bedside. My poor Heero must be feeling lonely now.
I felt a tug on my braid. Okay so maybe I'm being a little over dramatic. I feel as if I'm entitled by now thank you very much.
I grinned at Heero. "For once we're alone and we can't do anything. Do you know how much that sucks?"
Heero shook his head and smiled a bit. "Baka."
Ha! I got him to smile, point for me. I blew at my bangs and leaned in close to him with my trademark grin still on my face. "Yeah, but you love this baka."
There was a silent rolling of the eyes and another tug on my braid. I wonder what everyone would do if I cut that. No more leash. Like I'd ever do that. I'm way too attached to my braid to even seriously think about it.
Thud. Slam.
I winced. That didn't sound good. I guess Fei was hungry.
I felt Heero's grip tighten on my braid. I was much better off out here than in there.
I felt Deathscythe agree.
XXXX
They emerged an hour later, looking a little worse for wear. Okay, the boys did. Sally was blushing beet red.
I glanced at Heero when we saw the sight of Tro, Quat, and Fei with their clothes looking like they were thrown back on. I could swear there was a hickey mark on Wufei's neck. Heero just shook his head.
I'd say judging by Sally's redder than a tomato blush that Fei wasn't hungry when he got unstaked. No, I'd say not at all. Not by the pleased look on Trowa's face and the state of their clothes.
"Maxwell, don't say a word."
Ouch. Cut off before I could open my mouth. Ye of little faith, Fei.
"So, who's the top?"
Yes! I didn't know Heero had it in him. I've trained him well. Sigh. Insert tears here.
My little melodramatic act got me a playful tug and a 'Baka' comment. All was right in the world again.
Wufei looked annoyed at Heero's comment. Oh well. Both Trowa and Quatre were amused. I'm willing to bet that Fei was the bottom in this one.
There were a few moments of silence that were finally interrupted by Sally. I guess she got her composure back during our playful little banter. She held out four blood bags to my favorite vampire.
"Don't even argue. I know you need it."
None of them complained as they downed their blood like good little undead boys.
XXXX
After the boys were done with their meal, Sally chased us out of the room. She said she needed to do a few more experiments. That so didn't sound good. Then I saw five very familiar looking Nos come our way and walked straight past us into the clinic, slamming the door behind them. Poor Heero. All I have to say is that he better be in one piece when I see him next.
With no way of getting back in there, not that any of us wanted to with those guys in there, we headed back upstairs.
For once everything was quiet, peaceful and pleasant. Then we spotted Johann. Good by peace and quiet, hello angry Quatre.
Our dear little blonde Lasombra marched passed us on a mission. Wu and Tro exchanged looks and hesitated to go after him. Hell, I hesitated to go after him. Deathscythe wasn't even sure if it was a good idea. Q looked cold and ruthless.
He came to a stop at Johann's table. The only warning we got that Quat was going to do something were the shadow's condensing around him. Johann didn't seem to care. He went right along talking to Mandy who was watching Quatre curiously. Well, as curious as that woman gets anyway.
"I believe that there is someone that wants to talk to you."
You know, maybe she's not that bad, just a little unreadable that's all.
Johann didn't even turn around. "I know. I also know that young Mr. Winner is going to do something incredibly stupid like his little pet Brujah did."
I backed away a little bit. I swear the area around Q dropped 10 degrees at the least. Tentacles formed around him and went racing at Johann.
Smack!
I stared wide-eyed as Johann disappeared into shadows. What the hell?
He appeared over by the bar, stepping out of the shadows. Did he just move through shadow? How the hell is that possible?
Quatre didn't look as shocked as I did. I guess he expected something like that. Damn.
"Quatre, perhaps you should calm down."
Please, Trowa, placate the little blonde shadow terror.
Wufei just stood by me. He looked sort of lost. I think seeing Quatre go off like this for his sake wasn't agreeing with him. Yeah, judging by the paler than usual look, it wasn't agreeing with him at all.
Quatre gave Trowa this chilling, icy glare before turning his attention back to Johann. Johann was looking annoyed. I guess he didn't want his conversation with Mandy interrupted.
I could tell that this could be considered a suicide run on Quat's part. So here's a question. How do you stop a rampaging vampire that can tear you apart with shadow? Anyone got an answer? Anyone? Okay, it's official, we're fucked and not in a good way.
It was Trowa that came up with the answer. I just have to say that he is bloody brilliant. What did he do you might ask? Well, our brave, brave Trowa grabbed Quatre and kissed him. Oh, it wasn't just any kiss. It was one of those 'lets see how far we can slide our tongues down each other's throat and play hockey with our tonsils' type kisses.
That stopped the rampage in its tracks. And got the attention of the entire room. When they did finally break, Quatre was looking dazed and nearly all the girls in the room either cheered or awed. There were a few guys who were passing money around. I'm guessing there was a betting pool going on at one point. I wonder what exactly they were betting on?
It took Q awhile to snap out of the daze that Trowa put him in. When he did, he was back to his calm little self. He was a little icy, but no longer a rampaging, shadow wielding mass murderer. I can handle this.
Fei was a little hesitant to approach them. That didn't last long when Quatre gave him a reassuring smile and grabbed his hand. Trowa grasped the other one and pulled him into position to stand between them. They were so cute!
Okay I got to stop doing that. Seriously. Yeah, they are having their ups and downs, but I seem to be having more trouble with Heero than they do together.
"Penny for your thoughts? A nickel for a sickle?"
Jesus! I jumped. You would think that by now I would be used to that. Damn it.
Yeah, Relena did it again. I swear she gets some sort of perverse pleasure out of making me jump.
"What do you want Relena?"
Relena smiled at me as she popped another one of those odd lollipops of hers in her mouth. "Nothing Duo. Just be warned that things aren't always as they appear to be." She twirled around on the spot. "You already know that Duo." She giggled before bounding up to me and throwing herself at me. I barely caught her as she whispered in my ear. "Deathscythe grows. They need you. You need them. Loyalty set in stone. Time will come. You will realize. Then all will be well." She pulled away and smiled at me before giving me a peck on the cheek before quickly bounding off into the crowd. Moment's later I lost sight of her neon pink shirt.
Okay, I was confused. What was that? I turned to look at the guys. They didn't seem to notice anything. I shook my head and blew at my bangs. Great. Now I have a Malkavian trying to give me advice. What the hell? Is my life really that messed up?
XXXX
Sunrise. Sunset.
It's funny how I'm usually on the wrong side of both of those.
I woke up in my own bed, alone. Yeah, Heero was still stuck in the clinic. Sally said it'd take a few days. I think she's just saying that so she can have Heero at her mercy. The sadistic bitch.
Then again, if she can find out answers to what the hell is going on in this messed up world then I guess it's worth it.
A shower and clean clothes later found me wandering around Cloud Nine. My mesh shirt and tight low riders let me blend in despite my braid. Yeah, I just felt like being around people right now. What can I say; lets hang around the living instead of the dead for once. I used to do that once upon a time like oh, two, nearly three weeks ago. Time flies when vamps are mauling you. Or at least they're trying to.
I found a table in a quiet area and sat down. People watching. That's all I wanted to do before one of the guys found me or sent Bert and Ernie after me.
The girl with the reddish blonde hair that was dancing with the blonde guy over there, she was a vampire. A Toreador. She had lived for nearly 300 years as a 13th gen. She was flirting with the guy. Either she was going to snack on him or she was just having some fun.
My eyes left the couple and stopped on another group of people. The tanned, dark haired guy in the center of the crowd was high. He was also selling. None of them were vampires. One did come near them but veered off when it caught the scent of pot on them.
Is the only way to protect yourself against vampires is to be so high you don't know where you are?
Damn the world. My head dropped to my hands as my fingers carded though my bangs. I seriously need to get laid.
"Hey Duo, we're about ready to head over to Marie's Double."
I looked up at Quatre and nodded. "Alright then, lets get going."
XXXXXXX
For once, things seemed normal when I walked in the door of Elysium. Nothing jumped out at us and tried to kill us. Nothing tried to start a fight. It was quiet. Okay, as quiet as a bar full of kindred can get anyway.
I left Trowa in charge as I slipped down to the basement. The clinic door was still shut. I knocked on it anyway.
The Nos with the pointy nose and the mushroom cut answered. "What do you want?" he sounded irritated that I had the nerve to knock.
"I want to see Heero."
"No visitors allowed." Slam.
The fucker just slammed the door in my face. What the hell?
I was not happy. I think Mr. Rude and Obnoxious needs a lesson. Deathscythe must have agreed with me. It raced off through the door. I could feel where everyone was, not just Heero.
There was the sound of things scattering and being thrown. I listened for a few moments before the door burst open again. It was Mushroom man again. His hair looked like a wind blew it every which way. Serves him right. Damn bastard.
"Fine. Come in."
I stepped in and looked around. Deathscythe did a number in short time. Chairs and trays of instruments were over turned. A scalpel was even sticking out of the wall. The Nos and Sally did not look please.
As for Deathscythe, it seemed to be dancing around Heero, chasing off the people nearest to him.
That's when I saw what they were doing. He was strapped down and gagged. Surgical tools were on a tray table near him. Sally was dressed for surgery and so were the Nos. They had everything ready to start cutting into my Heero.
What the hell are they doing? There better be a damn good explanation to go along with what I was seeing here.
Deathscythe must have agreed with me because it pushed Sally away from Heero. It practically threw her into the wall before whirling around him again.
"There better be a damn good explanation about this."
Sally slowly got up from where she was thrown. "There is Duo, just calm down and see reason."
"Reason? REASON? I walk in here to find you getting ready to dice up MY Heero. You want me to see reason? "
The Nos with the robo arm and goggles gave me an odd look. "We weren't going to do anything that would permanently harm Heero, just some mild discomfort."
Mild discomfort? They call surgery a mild discomfort? What planet are they from? Planet Sadists? I'd hate to see what they considered a major discomfort.
Why wasn't Heero protesting? He was deaf, not mute.
Deathscythe had my answer. There was a small stake in his heart. It wasn't noticeable from this angle.
I lashed out with Deathscythe, attacking them with it. Deathscythe started cutting them with razor sharp winds. They all backed off, taking refuge behind an over turned table.
Pulse. Quatre, Trowa and Wufei should be down here soon.
I walked towards Heero. I pushed the equipment away as I reached for the small stake. I was barely able to grasp it. I slowly eased it out of him and threw it to the side. His beautiful blue cat eyes snapped open and stared into mine. Next thing I knew I was being pulled down into a crushing kiss. I didn't care. He was safe now. Thank God.
There was the sound of feet running down the stairs and then the sound of people rushing in. I turned to see Quatre and Trowa in the lead with Wufei right behind them. What surprised me the most was Victoria was with them.
I wasn't going to question it for the moment.
I helped Heero up to the sitting position as Quatre rushed to our side. We managed to get Heero off the table and standing. He was a little shaky, okay more than a little shaky. He could stand, but I doubt he could walk.
Victoria rounded on the Nos and Sally.
"Ms. Po, when I sat you up here as a physician, I remember clearly expressing that you obey the Hippocratic oath. Even if it was for the benefit of the kindred of this city." She paused as she stood before them. Shadows started to condense around her feet and creep towards them as the huddled behind the table. "Further more, I remember expressly forbidding you or anyone else from experimenting on other kindred." She glared down at the Nosferatu. "That went for you five as well. Especially you five."
We stared at her as she lectured them. This was the same Victoria that stripped the flesh off of Quatre's arm? The same one that made my own arm useless decades ago? What the hell? She nearly sounded... human.
"Victoria, if they're being stupid, teach them a lesson. Like this."
Johann had been standing in the doorway. Shadows condensed and raced towards the huddled group. Tentacles broke off and attacked them. I looked away. There was the sound of ripping cloth. Tearing flesh. And then wet squishy sounds. A glance at Quatre found him looking away too, nearly looking green. Heero wrapped his hand around my braid and gripped it. Even Wu was looking away. Trowa had his eyes averted as well.
Soon the sounds stopped. I didn't care look up.
"You know, he didn't do anything I can't fix." Victoria's voice sounded amused.
"I can fix them too, you dumb blonde." Johann's voice sounded both annoyed and amused.
I looked up just in time to see her stick her tongue out at him. Okay, that so did not go with the image of an arrogant bitch I thought she was.
Victoria straightened herself up and crossed her arms. "I only did blonde once."
"Once was more than enough."
Shadows grew thicker around them before dissipating.
"Well.... that was... pleasant?" Quatre didn't sound to sure. Hell, I wasn't sure what was going on. This was just too weird for me. What the hell?
Victoria shook her head as one of her hands came up to play with a loose strand from her bun. I watched in fascination as the strand of hair changed colors under her fingertips. Black, then brown, then reddish brown, then dark blonde, then blonde, then light blond, lighter and then finally white.
"Now, I can fix your Gangrel pet. For a price Mr. Maxwell."
I winced as I heard her say that. "And what would that be."
She smiled at me. I didn't like that smile. That was a smile a cat gives a mouse before it pounces. Shit.
"Simple. You let me study you and this power of yours and let me record my findings. Johann will be helping me of course."
"More like I'll be doing the research and she will be sitting back and watching."
She shot him a glare. "You got your books."
"Speaking of those, why the hell did you throw Wu off of the balcony?"
There was a long pause. "He said something real stupid and then did something real stupid. I was being nice."
If that was being nice, then I'd hate to see his version of bad.
I glanced over to Wufei. He was trying to avoid looking at me. What the hell did he do?
"If we were to accept this offer, what would be in it for us?"
A smile formed on Victoria's face, but Johann was the one to answer. "The benefits of someone able to use vicissitude to heal you."
Well, that would help with all the injuries we've been receiving lately. Somehow I know there's a catch.
"Alright, fine. Just no exploratory surgery please."
A cat like grin appeared on her face. "Oh don't worry, I wasn't planning on it."
How come I feel like I just signed a deal with someone who could send the devil packing?
XXXX
Glossary!
Hippocratic oath: ArtemisEmerald suggested I put this here. This has nothing to do with VTM and everything to do with Doctors in general. It's an oath embodying the duties and obligations of physicians, usually taken by those about to enter upon the practice of medicine. Or kindred as the case may be with Sally.
Character Spotlight!
Treize Kushrenada: You know, there really wasn't a choice for him. He had to be Ventrue. There was no way around it.
Lady Une: Well, if Treize screams Ventrue, then Une screams Treize's ghoul. It makes sense with how devoted she was to him. Ghouls are basically devoted to their Masters. She even has the split personality thing going on.
Lucrenzia Noin: see above only apply it to Milliardo.
Disclaimers: Same as usual, don't own GW or VTM or the Hippocratic Oath. You'll see what I mean.
Enjoy!!
XXX
You know, I've seen way too much of this clinic since coming here. Yeah, I usually have a high hospital attendance record, but usually they're spaced out. Not non-stop continuously for the last week! Well, at least I'm no the one confined here this time.
That would be Heero and Wufei. Poor Heero's been down here nearly as much as I have and for far worse things. So not fair.
After Sally had got Fei downstairs, she ordered Tro and Quat to bring him to that big safe like room that I originally thought was the armory. She explained that it was a type of panic room. They unstaked kindred in there. She said that with Fei there'd be 50/50 chance he'd frenzy. She wasn't sure because of how he was staked.
I didn't understand what the hell she was talking about. Heero frenzied and Quatre was able to take care of it, why was this any different?
Trowa explained to me that Wu being hungry would be the difference.
Okay... err ... that made more sense then. I didn't need to be lunch. Yeah, He was mine more so than Tro and Quat, but I wasn't sure if that'd show through the ravaging attack of a wild beast that he might become.
So instead, they shut themselves in a room with double reinforced steel door and walls. Sally was the only one that knew the code to unlock it. Needless to say, she's in there too.
I waited at Heero's bedside. My poor Heero must be feeling lonely now.
I felt a tug on my braid. Okay so maybe I'm being a little over dramatic. I feel as if I'm entitled by now thank you very much.
I grinned at Heero. "For once we're alone and we can't do anything. Do you know how much that sucks?"
Heero shook his head and smiled a bit. "Baka."
Ha! I got him to smile, point for me. I blew at my bangs and leaned in close to him with my trademark grin still on my face. "Yeah, but you love this baka."
There was a silent rolling of the eyes and another tug on my braid. I wonder what everyone would do if I cut that. No more leash. Like I'd ever do that. I'm way too attached to my braid to even seriously think about it.
Thud. Slam.
I winced. That didn't sound good. I guess Fei was hungry.
I felt Heero's grip tighten on my braid. I was much better off out here than in there.
I felt Deathscythe agree.
XXXX
They emerged an hour later, looking a little worse for wear. Okay, the boys did. Sally was blushing beet red.
I glanced at Heero when we saw the sight of Tro, Quat, and Fei with their clothes looking like they were thrown back on. I could swear there was a hickey mark on Wufei's neck. Heero just shook his head.
I'd say judging by Sally's redder than a tomato blush that Fei wasn't hungry when he got unstaked. No, I'd say not at all. Not by the pleased look on Trowa's face and the state of their clothes.
"Maxwell, don't say a word."
Ouch. Cut off before I could open my mouth. Ye of little faith, Fei.
"So, who's the top?"
Yes! I didn't know Heero had it in him. I've trained him well. Sigh. Insert tears here.
My little melodramatic act got me a playful tug and a 'Baka' comment. All was right in the world again.
Wufei looked annoyed at Heero's comment. Oh well. Both Trowa and Quatre were amused. I'm willing to bet that Fei was the bottom in this one.
There were a few moments of silence that were finally interrupted by Sally. I guess she got her composure back during our playful little banter. She held out four blood bags to my favorite vampire.
"Don't even argue. I know you need it."
None of them complained as they downed their blood like good little undead boys.
XXXX
After the boys were done with their meal, Sally chased us out of the room. She said she needed to do a few more experiments. That so didn't sound good. Then I saw five very familiar looking Nos come our way and walked straight past us into the clinic, slamming the door behind them. Poor Heero. All I have to say is that he better be in one piece when I see him next.
With no way of getting back in there, not that any of us wanted to with those guys in there, we headed back upstairs.
For once everything was quiet, peaceful and pleasant. Then we spotted Johann. Good by peace and quiet, hello angry Quatre.
Our dear little blonde Lasombra marched passed us on a mission. Wu and Tro exchanged looks and hesitated to go after him. Hell, I hesitated to go after him. Deathscythe wasn't even sure if it was a good idea. Q looked cold and ruthless.
He came to a stop at Johann's table. The only warning we got that Quat was going to do something were the shadow's condensing around him. Johann didn't seem to care. He went right along talking to Mandy who was watching Quatre curiously. Well, as curious as that woman gets anyway.
"I believe that there is someone that wants to talk to you."
You know, maybe she's not that bad, just a little unreadable that's all.
Johann didn't even turn around. "I know. I also know that young Mr. Winner is going to do something incredibly stupid like his little pet Brujah did."
I backed away a little bit. I swear the area around Q dropped 10 degrees at the least. Tentacles formed around him and went racing at Johann.
Smack!
I stared wide-eyed as Johann disappeared into shadows. What the hell?
He appeared over by the bar, stepping out of the shadows. Did he just move through shadow? How the hell is that possible?
Quatre didn't look as shocked as I did. I guess he expected something like that. Damn.
"Quatre, perhaps you should calm down."
Please, Trowa, placate the little blonde shadow terror.
Wufei just stood by me. He looked sort of lost. I think seeing Quatre go off like this for his sake wasn't agreeing with him. Yeah, judging by the paler than usual look, it wasn't agreeing with him at all.
Quatre gave Trowa this chilling, icy glare before turning his attention back to Johann. Johann was looking annoyed. I guess he didn't want his conversation with Mandy interrupted.
I could tell that this could be considered a suicide run on Quat's part. So here's a question. How do you stop a rampaging vampire that can tear you apart with shadow? Anyone got an answer? Anyone? Okay, it's official, we're fucked and not in a good way.
It was Trowa that came up with the answer. I just have to say that he is bloody brilliant. What did he do you might ask? Well, our brave, brave Trowa grabbed Quatre and kissed him. Oh, it wasn't just any kiss. It was one of those 'lets see how far we can slide our tongues down each other's throat and play hockey with our tonsils' type kisses.
That stopped the rampage in its tracks. And got the attention of the entire room. When they did finally break, Quatre was looking dazed and nearly all the girls in the room either cheered or awed. There were a few guys who were passing money around. I'm guessing there was a betting pool going on at one point. I wonder what exactly they were betting on?
It took Q awhile to snap out of the daze that Trowa put him in. When he did, he was back to his calm little self. He was a little icy, but no longer a rampaging, shadow wielding mass murderer. I can handle this.
Fei was a little hesitant to approach them. That didn't last long when Quatre gave him a reassuring smile and grabbed his hand. Trowa grasped the other one and pulled him into position to stand between them. They were so cute!
Okay I got to stop doing that. Seriously. Yeah, they are having their ups and downs, but I seem to be having more trouble with Heero than they do together.
"Penny for your thoughts? A nickel for a sickle?"
Jesus! I jumped. You would think that by now I would be used to that. Damn it.
Yeah, Relena did it again. I swear she gets some sort of perverse pleasure out of making me jump.
"What do you want Relena?"
Relena smiled at me as she popped another one of those odd lollipops of hers in her mouth. "Nothing Duo. Just be warned that things aren't always as they appear to be." She twirled around on the spot. "You already know that Duo." She giggled before bounding up to me and throwing herself at me. I barely caught her as she whispered in my ear. "Deathscythe grows. They need you. You need them. Loyalty set in stone. Time will come. You will realize. Then all will be well." She pulled away and smiled at me before giving me a peck on the cheek before quickly bounding off into the crowd. Moment's later I lost sight of her neon pink shirt.
Okay, I was confused. What was that? I turned to look at the guys. They didn't seem to notice anything. I shook my head and blew at my bangs. Great. Now I have a Malkavian trying to give me advice. What the hell? Is my life really that messed up?
XXXX
Sunrise. Sunset.
It's funny how I'm usually on the wrong side of both of those.
I woke up in my own bed, alone. Yeah, Heero was still stuck in the clinic. Sally said it'd take a few days. I think she's just saying that so she can have Heero at her mercy. The sadistic bitch.
Then again, if she can find out answers to what the hell is going on in this messed up world then I guess it's worth it.
A shower and clean clothes later found me wandering around Cloud Nine. My mesh shirt and tight low riders let me blend in despite my braid. Yeah, I just felt like being around people right now. What can I say; lets hang around the living instead of the dead for once. I used to do that once upon a time like oh, two, nearly three weeks ago. Time flies when vamps are mauling you. Or at least they're trying to.
I found a table in a quiet area and sat down. People watching. That's all I wanted to do before one of the guys found me or sent Bert and Ernie after me.
The girl with the reddish blonde hair that was dancing with the blonde guy over there, she was a vampire. A Toreador. She had lived for nearly 300 years as a 13th gen. She was flirting with the guy. Either she was going to snack on him or she was just having some fun.
My eyes left the couple and stopped on another group of people. The tanned, dark haired guy in the center of the crowd was high. He was also selling. None of them were vampires. One did come near them but veered off when it caught the scent of pot on them.
Is the only way to protect yourself against vampires is to be so high you don't know where you are?
Damn the world. My head dropped to my hands as my fingers carded though my bangs. I seriously need to get laid.
"Hey Duo, we're about ready to head over to Marie's Double."
I looked up at Quatre and nodded. "Alright then, lets get going."
XXXXXXX
For once, things seemed normal when I walked in the door of Elysium. Nothing jumped out at us and tried to kill us. Nothing tried to start a fight. It was quiet. Okay, as quiet as a bar full of kindred can get anyway.
I left Trowa in charge as I slipped down to the basement. The clinic door was still shut. I knocked on it anyway.
The Nos with the pointy nose and the mushroom cut answered. "What do you want?" he sounded irritated that I had the nerve to knock.
"I want to see Heero."
"No visitors allowed." Slam.
The fucker just slammed the door in my face. What the hell?
I was not happy. I think Mr. Rude and Obnoxious needs a lesson. Deathscythe must have agreed with me. It raced off through the door. I could feel where everyone was, not just Heero.
There was the sound of things scattering and being thrown. I listened for a few moments before the door burst open again. It was Mushroom man again. His hair looked like a wind blew it every which way. Serves him right. Damn bastard.
"Fine. Come in."
I stepped in and looked around. Deathscythe did a number in short time. Chairs and trays of instruments were over turned. A scalpel was even sticking out of the wall. The Nos and Sally did not look please.
As for Deathscythe, it seemed to be dancing around Heero, chasing off the people nearest to him.
That's when I saw what they were doing. He was strapped down and gagged. Surgical tools were on a tray table near him. Sally was dressed for surgery and so were the Nos. They had everything ready to start cutting into my Heero.
What the hell are they doing? There better be a damn good explanation to go along with what I was seeing here.
Deathscythe must have agreed with me because it pushed Sally away from Heero. It practically threw her into the wall before whirling around him again.
"There better be a damn good explanation about this."
Sally slowly got up from where she was thrown. "There is Duo, just calm down and see reason."
"Reason? REASON? I walk in here to find you getting ready to dice up MY Heero. You want me to see reason? "
The Nos with the robo arm and goggles gave me an odd look. "We weren't going to do anything that would permanently harm Heero, just some mild discomfort."
Mild discomfort? They call surgery a mild discomfort? What planet are they from? Planet Sadists? I'd hate to see what they considered a major discomfort.
Why wasn't Heero protesting? He was deaf, not mute.
Deathscythe had my answer. There was a small stake in his heart. It wasn't noticeable from this angle.
I lashed out with Deathscythe, attacking them with it. Deathscythe started cutting them with razor sharp winds. They all backed off, taking refuge behind an over turned table.
Pulse. Quatre, Trowa and Wufei should be down here soon.
I walked towards Heero. I pushed the equipment away as I reached for the small stake. I was barely able to grasp it. I slowly eased it out of him and threw it to the side. His beautiful blue cat eyes snapped open and stared into mine. Next thing I knew I was being pulled down into a crushing kiss. I didn't care. He was safe now. Thank God.
There was the sound of feet running down the stairs and then the sound of people rushing in. I turned to see Quatre and Trowa in the lead with Wufei right behind them. What surprised me the most was Victoria was with them.
I wasn't going to question it for the moment.
I helped Heero up to the sitting position as Quatre rushed to our side. We managed to get Heero off the table and standing. He was a little shaky, okay more than a little shaky. He could stand, but I doubt he could walk.
Victoria rounded on the Nos and Sally.
"Ms. Po, when I sat you up here as a physician, I remember clearly expressing that you obey the Hippocratic oath. Even if it was for the benefit of the kindred of this city." She paused as she stood before them. Shadows started to condense around her feet and creep towards them as the huddled behind the table. "Further more, I remember expressly forbidding you or anyone else from experimenting on other kindred." She glared down at the Nosferatu. "That went for you five as well. Especially you five."
We stared at her as she lectured them. This was the same Victoria that stripped the flesh off of Quatre's arm? The same one that made my own arm useless decades ago? What the hell? She nearly sounded... human.
"Victoria, if they're being stupid, teach them a lesson. Like this."
Johann had been standing in the doorway. Shadows condensed and raced towards the huddled group. Tentacles broke off and attacked them. I looked away. There was the sound of ripping cloth. Tearing flesh. And then wet squishy sounds. A glance at Quatre found him looking away too, nearly looking green. Heero wrapped his hand around my braid and gripped it. Even Wu was looking away. Trowa had his eyes averted as well.
Soon the sounds stopped. I didn't care look up.
"You know, he didn't do anything I can't fix." Victoria's voice sounded amused.
"I can fix them too, you dumb blonde." Johann's voice sounded both annoyed and amused.
I looked up just in time to see her stick her tongue out at him. Okay, that so did not go with the image of an arrogant bitch I thought she was.
Victoria straightened herself up and crossed her arms. "I only did blonde once."
"Once was more than enough."
Shadows grew thicker around them before dissipating.
"Well.... that was... pleasant?" Quatre didn't sound to sure. Hell, I wasn't sure what was going on. This was just too weird for me. What the hell?
Victoria shook her head as one of her hands came up to play with a loose strand from her bun. I watched in fascination as the strand of hair changed colors under her fingertips. Black, then brown, then reddish brown, then dark blonde, then blonde, then light blond, lighter and then finally white.
"Now, I can fix your Gangrel pet. For a price Mr. Maxwell."
I winced as I heard her say that. "And what would that be."
She smiled at me. I didn't like that smile. That was a smile a cat gives a mouse before it pounces. Shit.
"Simple. You let me study you and this power of yours and let me record my findings. Johann will be helping me of course."
"More like I'll be doing the research and she will be sitting back and watching."
She shot him a glare. "You got your books."
"Speaking of those, why the hell did you throw Wu off of the balcony?"
There was a long pause. "He said something real stupid and then did something real stupid. I was being nice."
If that was being nice, then I'd hate to see his version of bad.
I glanced over to Wufei. He was trying to avoid looking at me. What the hell did he do?
"If we were to accept this offer, what would be in it for us?"
A smile formed on Victoria's face, but Johann was the one to answer. "The benefits of someone able to use vicissitude to heal you."
Well, that would help with all the injuries we've been receiving lately. Somehow I know there's a catch.
"Alright, fine. Just no exploratory surgery please."
A cat like grin appeared on her face. "Oh don't worry, I wasn't planning on it."
How come I feel like I just signed a deal with someone who could send the devil packing?
XXXX
Glossary!
Hippocratic oath: ArtemisEmerald suggested I put this here. This has nothing to do with VTM and everything to do with Doctors in general. It's an oath embodying the duties and obligations of physicians, usually taken by those about to enter upon the practice of medicine. Or kindred as the case may be with Sally.
Character Spotlight!
Treize Kushrenada: You know, there really wasn't a choice for him. He had to be Ventrue. There was no way around it.
Lady Une: Well, if Treize screams Ventrue, then Une screams Treize's ghoul. It makes sense with how devoted she was to him. Ghouls are basically devoted to their Masters. She even has the split personality thing going on.
Lucrenzia Noin: see above only apply it to Milliardo.