Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duo Maxwell, Gun for Hire ❯ Calm before the Poof ( Chapter 14 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: NightingaleRose 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.22.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 2.9K | Visits: 265 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.22.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 2.9K | Visits: 265 | Status: Work In Progress
XXXX
You know, I'm not even awake five minutes and someone barges in the room.
Yeah, that was the start of my evening. I was just beginning to wake up when some asshole bursts through the door. I felt Heero tense and quickly sit up beside me. I buried my head under my pillow. Let Heero take care of it.
"Heero! Duo! We need to get to Elysium. Prince's orders."
So the little bastard that opened the door was Quatre. Must make him suffer later. 5 more minutes, that's all I want. Is that so hard to ask?
"Why?"
Good Question Heero. Why the hell was I being disturbed? I pulled the covers over my head and groaned. "Go away."
There was a short silence. My guess was that they were busy being amused. That works for me. Silence is my friend. It lets me sleep. Sleep is good.
"Milliardo say's they figured out who hired the Nosferatu."
I cracked an eye open. "Damn it." That was worth waking up for. So not fair. I actually get to sleep in and this is what I get. Well, at least it's a good reason.
"The sooner you get up Duo, the sooner you can go. "
I grumbled as I tossed the pillow and blankets off of me and glared at Quatre. "You know, some of us love to sleep in once in awhile."
That earned me a snicker from both of them. Now what?
"Duo, your hair looks like a rats nest."
My hand shot up to run down my braid. Shit. It was going to take forever to brush. Damn it. I can't win and the day just started.
XXXXXXX
I grumbled to myself as we walked up to Milliardo's office. It took me an hour to brush my hair. Yes, an hour. You heard right. So yeah, we were late. Sue me.
I felt a hand ghost down my braid. Good Heero. I needed that. We took our seats in front of blonde's desk. He was sitting there with Treize standing behind him. Both Noin and Une were standing at attention. Okay, military stances, this must be serious.
"I'm glad to see that you finally showed up."
I crossed my arms and slouched in my chair, yeah, immaturity thy name is Duo. Leave me alone. "Yeah well, some of us would love to still be one with our pillows. Why not just tell us over the phone? That way I could sleep and the guys could figure out a battle plan."
That got me a raised eyebrow and a light hit on the back of the head from Quatre. Gee everyone must be against me today. What gives?
"Thank you Mr. Winner. Mr. Maxwell needed that I am sure. Now down to business." He pulled out the now infamous mystery journal. "We found out who hired the Nosferatu. Surprisingly, our resident Malkavians volunteered the information.
That nearly made me do a double take. How the hell did they find out something like that?
"According to Hilde, the Tremere were paying quite the sum for access to your handy work Mr. Maxwell."
Wince. Shit. I hate Tremere. Those lousy bastards are worse than Giovanni when it comes to the things I do. The only difference is that Tremere want to dissect me. Literally. I'm told that can be very painful. Hopefully I'll never find out.
"What is being done about their involvement?"
Go Quatre. That's what you're here for, to ask all the right questions. At least, I hope that's why he's around. But then again, who knows? I sure as hell don't know what Deathscythe has up its sleeve. If I did, this would have been a lot easier.
"Currently, nothing. The Tremere are denying anything. They claim that the ones that attacked you were Tremere Antitributes that are not under any control of the local regent."
"Impossible. The Tremere usually hunt down rouges or any wayward of their clan."
I looked over at Trowa. He had this scowl on his face. I guess he didn't buy the story any more than I did.
"There isn't any more Tremere Antitribute."
We all turned to look at Quatre. Q-ball was also scowling, well, more like frowning.
"What do you mean Mr. Winner? There are Antitribute for most of the clans, why not Tremere?"
Good Question Treize. I want to know the answer to that to.
Quatre remained silent for a moment before speaking. "There was one in my pack about 10 years ago. However, for some reason his clan called him to Mexico City. He never returned. No Tremere that went to that gathering returned."
"How can you be so sure Q?"
"I have talked to other pack leaders. I specifically talked to those that had Tremere in their packs. None of them returned. No one has seen them since and no one knows what happened. All investigations have turned up nothing."
Both Millardo and Treize looked interested in this bit of information. "If that is so, then they are indeed lying. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure without an aura check on them."
"That would require one of them to leave their haven." Trowa said softly
"That would be the problem."
XXXXX
20 minutes of banging our head against the wall and trying to figure something out left us down in the main part of the club.
We were stuck. There was nothing we could really do until the Tremere made their next move. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is? I feel like a fucking sitting duck here waiting for the hunter to get off his ass and shoot me. So not funny. Damn it.
The five of us found ourselves seated around one of the smaller tables scattered around the club.
Yeah, I had my head in my arms. Yeah, I was ignoring the chatter around me. On the plus side, Heero was stroking my braid again. So relaxing. I so need that right now.
"What's wrong with him?"
I moved my head enough to look up through my bangs. Hilde. She was standing there with Relena hiding behind her back. From what I could see of Relena, she was wearing something almost normal. Well, for her anyway. She had on an oversized light pink sweater and a pair of jeans. Hilde just was in her usual grey T-shirt and ripped jeans. Nothing ever changed with Hilde, unlike Relena.
"Millie told them what we found." Relena ducked back behind Hilde after speaking.
Sigh. "You know Relena, I asked them, not you."
There was an apologetic whimper.
I couldn't help it. They cracked me up. I chuckled softly as I lifted my head off of my arms and propped it up on my palm. "There's never a dull moment around with you two around."
Hilde sighed. "You don't know the half of it Duo."
"You're right, I don't."
"That's probably for the best." She stated as she glanced behind herself to look at Relena.
"What's wrong with her?"
There goes Quat being all concerned about people.
"She thinks that the trouble is now going to follow us around. I keep telling her that's ridiculous. Why would they want us?" Hilde sighed again and turned back towards us. "She's been like this since earlier tonight."
"I wouldn't discount anything she says Hilde. She seems to have quite the streak of being right." Trowa sounded almost thoughtful. I wonder what's going through his mind.
Hilde rubbed the bridge of her nose. "You don't know her like I do. Rel's always been odd. Well, odder than most. This is nothing new with her."
Now Wufei had to put in his two cents. "Then perhaps you should listen anyway. There's no harm in it."
I rolled my eyes as I watched the conversation. The only one's not saying anything anymore were myself, Heero and Relena. Not that she said much anyway. She kept peeking over Hilde's shoulder at us and diving back down. It was kind of cute in that little shy child type way.
Heero must have seen where I was looking. I could practically taste the amusement coming off of him.
"I never know what to make of her."
I nodded in agreement with his statement. "Yeah, she's a puzzle alright."
XXXXX
Hilde talked with Trowa and Wu for a while before disappearing into the crowd. Relena had sat herself down across from Heero and me and stared at us. With out blinking. For a good 20 minutes. I couldn't handle it anymore.
"Relena, why are you staring at us?"
She tilted her head and smiled at us. "Cause I want to see when you will disappear silly."
Okay that wasn't the answer I was expecting. "What do you mean 'disappear'?"
She giggled. "One of you is going to go poof soon. I want to see it."
I looked up at Heero. He was looking troubled as he stared at the mystery in front of us.
Talk about sounding ominous.
XXXX
Relena finally dashed off about an hour later. It was an hour of conversation that basically talked around in circles. I'm beginning to suspect that she never gives a completely straight answer.
Heero had started petting my braid again. Trowa and Quatre had wandered off with Wufei in tow about a half an hour ago. Okay, not so much wander off as Johann came by and engaged them in conversation. It worked for me. I could still feel them somewhere in the club. They called to me like a beacon in the night. I blame Deathscythe.
"He looks so peaceful."
Groan. Victoria just had to ruin my peace and quiet.
"Hn."
Laugh. "Some keeper he is. He's not even aware of what's going on in here."
I cracked open an eye and glared up at her. I wasn't going to lift my head out of my arms for her. "Fuck off."
That got me a big grin. "What? Did your little cat-eyes keep you up all day?"
Ouch. Low blow.
Growl. Go Heero! Sic the taunting bitch!
"Oh, have I offended? "
I knew Heero was glaring at her.
"Good. Maybe it will keep you on your toes. Heaven knows you'll need it in this city. Now get up and do your job you lazy mortal."
Okay, the head was up. My glare joined Heero's. She may be helpful at times, but she's still a bitch.
Deathscythe stirred. She laughed. "Cute. I see I've angered your little power pet. You know I wonder. Who would win in an all out fight? Me or you? Tis something to think about, don't you agree?"
"Yeah, and I intend to never find out you flesh crafting bitch."
"Gasp! Your words! They wound me!" she brought her hand up to her forehead and rested the back of the hand against her skin. She did a fake swoon before smirking. "Try harder. There isn't an insult I haven't heard yet."
I scowled as I just let my mouth get the best of me. "Oh yeah? " Deathscythe whispered to me. "Well at least I'm not a Camarilla dog for a piece of land."
Her playful mood disappeared in an instant. Oops. I'm in trouble.
The shadows around her darkened as she towered over us. I shrunk in my seat. Heero was tensing up. I think I hit a nerve there.
She sneered. "No, you're worse. You sold out for money. At least I am doing my job to keep my home, you sell out little blood bank."
I winced. Yeah, definitely hit a nerve there.
There was a soft growl beside me. I glanced up to see Heero with his eyes trained on her, ready to attack at a moments notice.
I was cowering and so was Deathscythe, the little shit. It got me into this mess. How was I supposed to know that her reason for serving the Camarilla was a sore spot?
Victoria opened her mouth to say something more. To my relief a black tentacle wrapped around her face, blocking her mouth from saying whatever was on the tip of her tongue. She turned her head to glare at the one cutting off her tirade. Hell, I looked up to see who saved me. Johann. He was standing there with an amused look on his face.
"You're over reacting Victoria. Calm down and shut up will you?"
She crossed her arms and glared at him. After a few moments he removed the tentacle. I was surprised to see it slither up his sleeve and out of site.
"Oh shove it yourself Johann."
He rolled his eyes. "Whatever you said to her hit a nerve. Don't do it again. I wont save your sorry ass a second time."
I just nodded. "Uh, yeah, thanks."
I got a grunt and an annoyed look in response. I'm guessing the good mood is dead now. Okay, more than dead.
We watched as my two walking nightmares started to bicker and wander off in another direction. You know, I never know what to make of those two. They argue like an old married couple. Or siblings. I'm not sure which.
Heero relaxed after they wandered off.
"Where did that come from?"
I blinked and looked up at him. "Where did what come from?"
"The remark that set her off."
I sighed. "Deathscythe whispered it to me. It told me that she works for the Camarilla in order to keep her haven. Well, the one that she calls home anyway. It's somewhere lost in Italy."
He nodded "Hn."
Well at least Heero was back to normal.
XXXX
Bathroom break, bathroom break. Get the hell out of my way.
Okay so sue me. I'm still human and humans still go to the bathroom. So guess where I'm headed? Yeah. The potty. Deal with it.
I grumbled as I weaved my way through the mass of vampires. You know, I didn't realize how many vamps were actually in this city. Hell, I didn't even know half their names.
Ah, the bathroom. Great, I felt like exploding.
Few moments later my business was done. Damn that felt better. Full bladders are no fun.
I turned around to leave only to see the door open and something get rolled inside. There was a soft hissing noise and smoke started to creepy towards me.
Deathscythe raced towards the gas and the door. There was a kindred blocking the door. Someone I couldn't touch. Deathscythe's wind started to kicked up the smoke, spreading it. Shit. This is so not good.
"Go! Find them." Deathscythe raced out of the room, past the kindred guarding it. I felt it getting farther and farther away as the smoke over came me. Knock out gas, Damn it. I hate this stuff. It always leaves me with a huge ass headache when I wake up.
I felt it hit my boys.
I blacked out.
XXXXX
Glossary!
I got nothing this chapter. If there's anything you want to know about, leave it in a review please!
Character Spotlight!
Trowa Barton: Why Brujah? Why a clan that has a short fuse and a cause? Well for one, there are ways of getting around the short fuse problem and those aways fit Trowa perfectly. Plus add in his background as a mercenary and it's a perfect fit! At least I think so anyway.
You know, I'm not even awake five minutes and someone barges in the room.
Yeah, that was the start of my evening. I was just beginning to wake up when some asshole bursts through the door. I felt Heero tense and quickly sit up beside me. I buried my head under my pillow. Let Heero take care of it.
"Heero! Duo! We need to get to Elysium. Prince's orders."
So the little bastard that opened the door was Quatre. Must make him suffer later. 5 more minutes, that's all I want. Is that so hard to ask?
"Why?"
Good Question Heero. Why the hell was I being disturbed? I pulled the covers over my head and groaned. "Go away."
There was a short silence. My guess was that they were busy being amused. That works for me. Silence is my friend. It lets me sleep. Sleep is good.
"Milliardo say's they figured out who hired the Nosferatu."
I cracked an eye open. "Damn it." That was worth waking up for. So not fair. I actually get to sleep in and this is what I get. Well, at least it's a good reason.
"The sooner you get up Duo, the sooner you can go. "
I grumbled as I tossed the pillow and blankets off of me and glared at Quatre. "You know, some of us love to sleep in once in awhile."
That earned me a snicker from both of them. Now what?
"Duo, your hair looks like a rats nest."
My hand shot up to run down my braid. Shit. It was going to take forever to brush. Damn it. I can't win and the day just started.
XXXXXXX
I grumbled to myself as we walked up to Milliardo's office. It took me an hour to brush my hair. Yes, an hour. You heard right. So yeah, we were late. Sue me.
I felt a hand ghost down my braid. Good Heero. I needed that. We took our seats in front of blonde's desk. He was sitting there with Treize standing behind him. Both Noin and Une were standing at attention. Okay, military stances, this must be serious.
"I'm glad to see that you finally showed up."
I crossed my arms and slouched in my chair, yeah, immaturity thy name is Duo. Leave me alone. "Yeah well, some of us would love to still be one with our pillows. Why not just tell us over the phone? That way I could sleep and the guys could figure out a battle plan."
That got me a raised eyebrow and a light hit on the back of the head from Quatre. Gee everyone must be against me today. What gives?
"Thank you Mr. Winner. Mr. Maxwell needed that I am sure. Now down to business." He pulled out the now infamous mystery journal. "We found out who hired the Nosferatu. Surprisingly, our resident Malkavians volunteered the information.
That nearly made me do a double take. How the hell did they find out something like that?
"According to Hilde, the Tremere were paying quite the sum for access to your handy work Mr. Maxwell."
Wince. Shit. I hate Tremere. Those lousy bastards are worse than Giovanni when it comes to the things I do. The only difference is that Tremere want to dissect me. Literally. I'm told that can be very painful. Hopefully I'll never find out.
"What is being done about their involvement?"
Go Quatre. That's what you're here for, to ask all the right questions. At least, I hope that's why he's around. But then again, who knows? I sure as hell don't know what Deathscythe has up its sleeve. If I did, this would have been a lot easier.
"Currently, nothing. The Tremere are denying anything. They claim that the ones that attacked you were Tremere Antitributes that are not under any control of the local regent."
"Impossible. The Tremere usually hunt down rouges or any wayward of their clan."
I looked over at Trowa. He had this scowl on his face. I guess he didn't buy the story any more than I did.
"There isn't any more Tremere Antitribute."
We all turned to look at Quatre. Q-ball was also scowling, well, more like frowning.
"What do you mean Mr. Winner? There are Antitribute for most of the clans, why not Tremere?"
Good Question Treize. I want to know the answer to that to.
Quatre remained silent for a moment before speaking. "There was one in my pack about 10 years ago. However, for some reason his clan called him to Mexico City. He never returned. No Tremere that went to that gathering returned."
"How can you be so sure Q?"
"I have talked to other pack leaders. I specifically talked to those that had Tremere in their packs. None of them returned. No one has seen them since and no one knows what happened. All investigations have turned up nothing."
Both Millardo and Treize looked interested in this bit of information. "If that is so, then they are indeed lying. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure without an aura check on them."
"That would require one of them to leave their haven." Trowa said softly
"That would be the problem."
XXXXX
20 minutes of banging our head against the wall and trying to figure something out left us down in the main part of the club.
We were stuck. There was nothing we could really do until the Tremere made their next move. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is? I feel like a fucking sitting duck here waiting for the hunter to get off his ass and shoot me. So not funny. Damn it.
The five of us found ourselves seated around one of the smaller tables scattered around the club.
Yeah, I had my head in my arms. Yeah, I was ignoring the chatter around me. On the plus side, Heero was stroking my braid again. So relaxing. I so need that right now.
"What's wrong with him?"
I moved my head enough to look up through my bangs. Hilde. She was standing there with Relena hiding behind her back. From what I could see of Relena, she was wearing something almost normal. Well, for her anyway. She had on an oversized light pink sweater and a pair of jeans. Hilde just was in her usual grey T-shirt and ripped jeans. Nothing ever changed with Hilde, unlike Relena.
"Millie told them what we found." Relena ducked back behind Hilde after speaking.
Sigh. "You know Relena, I asked them, not you."
There was an apologetic whimper.
I couldn't help it. They cracked me up. I chuckled softly as I lifted my head off of my arms and propped it up on my palm. "There's never a dull moment around with you two around."
Hilde sighed. "You don't know the half of it Duo."
"You're right, I don't."
"That's probably for the best." She stated as she glanced behind herself to look at Relena.
"What's wrong with her?"
There goes Quat being all concerned about people.
"She thinks that the trouble is now going to follow us around. I keep telling her that's ridiculous. Why would they want us?" Hilde sighed again and turned back towards us. "She's been like this since earlier tonight."
"I wouldn't discount anything she says Hilde. She seems to have quite the streak of being right." Trowa sounded almost thoughtful. I wonder what's going through his mind.
Hilde rubbed the bridge of her nose. "You don't know her like I do. Rel's always been odd. Well, odder than most. This is nothing new with her."
Now Wufei had to put in his two cents. "Then perhaps you should listen anyway. There's no harm in it."
I rolled my eyes as I watched the conversation. The only one's not saying anything anymore were myself, Heero and Relena. Not that she said much anyway. She kept peeking over Hilde's shoulder at us and diving back down. It was kind of cute in that little shy child type way.
Heero must have seen where I was looking. I could practically taste the amusement coming off of him.
"I never know what to make of her."
I nodded in agreement with his statement. "Yeah, she's a puzzle alright."
XXXXX
Hilde talked with Trowa and Wu for a while before disappearing into the crowd. Relena had sat herself down across from Heero and me and stared at us. With out blinking. For a good 20 minutes. I couldn't handle it anymore.
"Relena, why are you staring at us?"
She tilted her head and smiled at us. "Cause I want to see when you will disappear silly."
Okay that wasn't the answer I was expecting. "What do you mean 'disappear'?"
She giggled. "One of you is going to go poof soon. I want to see it."
I looked up at Heero. He was looking troubled as he stared at the mystery in front of us.
Talk about sounding ominous.
XXXX
Relena finally dashed off about an hour later. It was an hour of conversation that basically talked around in circles. I'm beginning to suspect that she never gives a completely straight answer.
Heero had started petting my braid again. Trowa and Quatre had wandered off with Wufei in tow about a half an hour ago. Okay, not so much wander off as Johann came by and engaged them in conversation. It worked for me. I could still feel them somewhere in the club. They called to me like a beacon in the night. I blame Deathscythe.
"He looks so peaceful."
Groan. Victoria just had to ruin my peace and quiet.
"Hn."
Laugh. "Some keeper he is. He's not even aware of what's going on in here."
I cracked open an eye and glared up at her. I wasn't going to lift my head out of my arms for her. "Fuck off."
That got me a big grin. "What? Did your little cat-eyes keep you up all day?"
Ouch. Low blow.
Growl. Go Heero! Sic the taunting bitch!
"Oh, have I offended? "
I knew Heero was glaring at her.
"Good. Maybe it will keep you on your toes. Heaven knows you'll need it in this city. Now get up and do your job you lazy mortal."
Okay, the head was up. My glare joined Heero's. She may be helpful at times, but she's still a bitch.
Deathscythe stirred. She laughed. "Cute. I see I've angered your little power pet. You know I wonder. Who would win in an all out fight? Me or you? Tis something to think about, don't you agree?"
"Yeah, and I intend to never find out you flesh crafting bitch."
"Gasp! Your words! They wound me!" she brought her hand up to her forehead and rested the back of the hand against her skin. She did a fake swoon before smirking. "Try harder. There isn't an insult I haven't heard yet."
I scowled as I just let my mouth get the best of me. "Oh yeah? " Deathscythe whispered to me. "Well at least I'm not a Camarilla dog for a piece of land."
Her playful mood disappeared in an instant. Oops. I'm in trouble.
The shadows around her darkened as she towered over us. I shrunk in my seat. Heero was tensing up. I think I hit a nerve there.
She sneered. "No, you're worse. You sold out for money. At least I am doing my job to keep my home, you sell out little blood bank."
I winced. Yeah, definitely hit a nerve there.
There was a soft growl beside me. I glanced up to see Heero with his eyes trained on her, ready to attack at a moments notice.
I was cowering and so was Deathscythe, the little shit. It got me into this mess. How was I supposed to know that her reason for serving the Camarilla was a sore spot?
Victoria opened her mouth to say something more. To my relief a black tentacle wrapped around her face, blocking her mouth from saying whatever was on the tip of her tongue. She turned her head to glare at the one cutting off her tirade. Hell, I looked up to see who saved me. Johann. He was standing there with an amused look on his face.
"You're over reacting Victoria. Calm down and shut up will you?"
She crossed her arms and glared at him. After a few moments he removed the tentacle. I was surprised to see it slither up his sleeve and out of site.
"Oh shove it yourself Johann."
He rolled his eyes. "Whatever you said to her hit a nerve. Don't do it again. I wont save your sorry ass a second time."
I just nodded. "Uh, yeah, thanks."
I got a grunt and an annoyed look in response. I'm guessing the good mood is dead now. Okay, more than dead.
We watched as my two walking nightmares started to bicker and wander off in another direction. You know, I never know what to make of those two. They argue like an old married couple. Or siblings. I'm not sure which.
Heero relaxed after they wandered off.
"Where did that come from?"
I blinked and looked up at him. "Where did what come from?"
"The remark that set her off."
I sighed. "Deathscythe whispered it to me. It told me that she works for the Camarilla in order to keep her haven. Well, the one that she calls home anyway. It's somewhere lost in Italy."
He nodded "Hn."
Well at least Heero was back to normal.
XXXX
Bathroom break, bathroom break. Get the hell out of my way.
Okay so sue me. I'm still human and humans still go to the bathroom. So guess where I'm headed? Yeah. The potty. Deal with it.
I grumbled as I weaved my way through the mass of vampires. You know, I didn't realize how many vamps were actually in this city. Hell, I didn't even know half their names.
Ah, the bathroom. Great, I felt like exploding.
Few moments later my business was done. Damn that felt better. Full bladders are no fun.
I turned around to leave only to see the door open and something get rolled inside. There was a soft hissing noise and smoke started to creepy towards me.
Deathscythe raced towards the gas and the door. There was a kindred blocking the door. Someone I couldn't touch. Deathscythe's wind started to kicked up the smoke, spreading it. Shit. This is so not good.
"Go! Find them." Deathscythe raced out of the room, past the kindred guarding it. I felt it getting farther and farther away as the smoke over came me. Knock out gas, Damn it. I hate this stuff. It always leaves me with a huge ass headache when I wake up.
I felt it hit my boys.
I blacked out.
XXXXX
Glossary!
I got nothing this chapter. If there's anything you want to know about, leave it in a review please!
Character Spotlight!
Trowa Barton: Why Brujah? Why a clan that has a short fuse and a cause? Well for one, there are ways of getting around the short fuse problem and those aways fit Trowa perfectly. Plus add in his background as a mercenary and it's a perfect fit! At least I think so anyway.