Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duo Maxwell, Gun for Hire ❯ Chantry Rescue ( Chapter 15 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: NightingaleRose 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.29.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.29.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT
Because of classes and the evil thing known as Homework, If I'm lucky I'll be posting once a week. I'll make it a point to post one a week!
Standard Disclaimers apply: Don't own. Don't sue.
XXXX
"Make sure the wards are strong enough. We don't need 'her' returning."
What the hell hit me? My body felt like a ton of bricks and the bricks were sitting on my head. I shook my head as my memory started to come back. Headache? Check.
I hate knockout gas. There could have been a better way to do this. I mean, come on, they're kindred and can do all sorts of weird shit. Why knockout gas?
"It looks like the subject is waking up."
I winced as I tried to open my eyes. That's a no go. Too bright, damn it. Where the hell was I? I sure as hell didn't recognize any of the voices. And since when did I become a 'subject'? I'm a living breathing person damn it! Show some respect!
I tried to slowly move to sit up. Why was I sore? All I did was fall down. Yeah, that should leave maybe a bruise or two or a giant bump on my head if I hit it. Not this muscle weary, bone aching, someone shoot me pain.
I ran a hand over my face and froze. Something didn't feel right. My hands quickly ran over the rest of my body. Then I found what was wrong. My braid was missing. My head feels lighter than it has in years. I ran my hands through my short-butchered hair. Whoever then fuck cut this sure as hell didn't know what they were doing. It was uneven, choppy, and a mess. My braid was gone. Whimper.
My hands brushed against something else unusual. There was something out of place on my neck. Along the back of my neck there felt like a series of upraised bumps. It took me a few moments to realize they were stitches.
I whimpered and hugged my knees to my chest. What the hell happened after I was knocked out? Where am I? Where are the guys? Where is Deathscythe? I feel very alone. I was completely by my self for once.
It took me awhile to realize I was in some sort of cage. It was low enough that I couldn't stand up straight. For a few moments I stared straight ahead. My eyes refusing to recognize what they were seeing. When my brain finally figured it out, I was frozen. Whoever they are had something that looked like a cross between a snake and a man floating in a giant glass tube of liquid. The creature had no skin. Its organs were exposed for the world to see. The horrific part was that the lungs were still working and the heart was still beating. What the hell?
A shadow fell across my cage. I looked up to see a figure in a white lab coat staring down at me. For some reason I couldn't see any distinguishing features of this character. Hell, I couldn't even tell if it was male or female. What the fuck was going on?
The figure wrote something down on a clipboard and made a comment to someone behind them. "The subject is disoriented, yet awake."
"Give the subject a few more moments before we proceed."
I didn't like the sound of that. What the hell were they going to do? I have a funny feeling that this wont be pleasant.
XXXXXX
My screams echoed off the walls of the laboratory.
Yeah, it was like something out of a cheesy B movie. You know, the basic mad scientist set up with random gizmos and shit. Only add in a few occult flavors here and there and then you have the right idea.
I was right. What they were doing to me wasn't pleasant. They pulled me from the cage and used some sort of fucking power to get me strapped down to a fucking table. Then the pain started. No warning, just sharp, stabbing pain. It wasn't long before I started screaming.
"The exploratory surgery is complete. He appears to be a normal human without 'Her' "
"The wards seem to be holding 'Her' at bay as well."
"Of course. Those are the strongest wards we have ever come up with."
"Cocky aren't we?"
"Of course."
I whimpered as my two tormentors bickered over me. At least it's keeping the sharp pointy objects away from me.
XXXX
I don't know how long I was in that cage. The sessions went in cycles. Every one was different. Every time I had a new injury to add to the list.
Deathscythe was still gone. Where was it? I need to get out of here. I sighed as I rested my head against the bars. My captors had provided me with a simple white shirt and white boxers. The shirt had been clean when I woke up in it the first time, but now it was torn and slightly bloody.
I stared at the door of my cage. A simple padlock, that's all that stood between freedom and me. Damn it. If I still had my braid, there at least was a chance I could get out. I had lock picks in there. Well, sort of. A hairpin or two really, but hey, it would have been better than nothing.
I looked around my little cell. Nothing. The food tray they gave me every night was one of those Styrofoam things with plastic utensils. Completely useless. Tonight's dinner was chicken. The bones of the wing and leg piece were sitting there staring at me.
I idly reached over and picked up the wing bones. You know, they looked like they might fit in the lock. Hell, it was worth a shot. I shuffled over to the lock and reached around with the bone in my hand. This was ridiculous. If this worked then there is a God. I'll repent and start going to church right away.
Click. What the fuck? I stared at the lock dumbly as it hung there with part of a chicken bone poking out of it. What the fuck? Yes, Duo, there is a God. He likes making you miserable.
I crawled out of the cage and looked around. Oh come on, I can't be this fucking lucky. There was no one in sight. What, did I get hit with the lucky stick tonight or something? What the hell is going on?
I quickly searched the room for anything useful. Well what do you know, my braid. Why the hell did they keep this? Why was it in a glass case? What the fuck? Hey, it even has it's own label in Latin. That's kind of neat. Well, it would be if it wasn't my braid. I looked around and saw a few other items in glass cases. I really don't want to know why they have a mummy's hand and a monkey's paw under glass. I seriously don't want to know.
Don't they believe in locking things down? The case had no locks. Wicked. I can get back my hairpins. And I did. Then I mourned my braid. Good-bye faithful companion. I will miss you.
XXXX
I quietly made my way down the hallway, trying to be careful. It was a while before I came to another room at the end of the hall. There was nowhere else to go. Looks like I have no choice. Shall we see what's behind door number 1?
Okay, this place looked like a library. With test tubes and bottles and vials all over the place. There was still no one around. Is it daytime right now? There was no way of telling in this place.
I walked pass a desk with this ancient looking book open. What it was opened to caught my attention. The title on the page read 'Mortis Spiritis.' There was a picture of a woman with black hair and white skin. Her eyes were black as night and she was clothed in shadows. Her hair faded into the shadows as she stared out from the page.
'The Spirit of Death. She walked the world in the time of the Second City. She was a woman born of life and of death. This woman caught the attention of our noble ancestor and he tried to embrace her. To his surprise she was immune to the kiss. Because of this she was thought of as dangerous. She was cursed to exist without a body, forever sharing with another mortal. The time will come when she returns to the world of Cainites, starting the cycle to Gehenna.'
What the hell was this? I flipped through the book. Thin bloods, Week of Nightmares, the waking of Antediluvians. What the hell was this? Some sort of kindred end of times prophecy? What does this have to do with me?
Creak. I froze. Someone was here. I ducked under the desk as I heard footsteps draw nearer.
I winced at the tight space and sudden action pulled at some stitches. Yeah, I was covered in them. I know they are going to scar. It won't be pretty either. I wonder if I can convince Victoria to fix me up. Let's just get out of here first hey?
There was the shuffling of feet and the sound of someone moving books. I tried to remain as still as I could. I've gotten this far without being discovered, I'll be happy to keep it that way.
After what felt like forever, whoever it was wandered out of the room. I waited a few minutes more before carefully getting out from under the desk.
Okay, now for a way out. There is no way out. Did I miss something somewhere? I growled as I left the room. I tried to stick to the shadows. What the hell? This was a straight hallway. I blew at my bangs in frustration as I placed a hand against the wall and started to walk.
A few moments later I nearly screamed as I fell through the wall. Stairs. I found stairs. I looked behind me and saw a brick wall. In front of me was stairs. What the hell? This place was fucked up. Well, I might as well walk ahead.
XXXXXXXX
When will these stairs end? I swear I've been walking for over 10 minutes; I lost sight of the door ages ago. The stairs just seemed to stretch forever.
Another 10 minutes. Still going nowhere but down. Hold on, there's a light up ahead. Hallelujah. An exit.
Why hello. I think I just found the armory. Damn, I was hit with the good luck stick today. There were weapons, lots of them. Hey! That looks like my gun. It is my gun! I got my baby back! Now lets shoot something.
I left the armory with my gun, several clips of ammo and a set of throwing daggers and yes, with a few wooden stakes also.
I was armed and ready to face the world. Of course, I was now lacking a shirt and wandering around with two stakes held to my hips by the waistband of my boxers. Not comfortable, but hey, I'll deal with it if it means I live. My shirt was being used as a sling to carry the extra ammo and throwing knives.
I probably looked ridiculous, like some escaped autopsy patient that's armed. I sure as hell felt like it. I am going to kill those assholes for this.
Stop. Something didn't feel right. I looked around. It was getting darker in here. There was definitely something wrong. I clicked the safety off the gun and hugged the wall. Paranoia don't fail me now.
I pressed my back against the wall and slowly moved forward, gun at the ready. I wasn't going to take any chances. No way. I like living thank you very much.
There was someone talking up ahead. I couldn't make the words out, but hey, do I really need to? I kept to the shadows as they started to come into view. I prayed that the white I was wearing didn't catch their attention.
Their backs were turned to me. Two men in lab coats were standing there talking about something. I leveled my gun at the one nearest to me. I fired. I watched in satisfaction as he fell. The other guy was startled and had started to yell. I fired again. He went down too. Either both of them are ghouls or they were too young to dust. Then again, if they were vamps, it should have taken more than a head shot to kill them. So, I'm betting on ghouls.
I remained still for a few minutes to make sure no one was running to see what happened. What luck. Nothing. Okay, it must definitely be daylight out. That's the only excuse I can come up with for this.
I continued forward. Damn it this place was like a maze. I placed my hand against the wall again and started to walk. Hey it worked last time. I caught myself as my hand went through the wall. I cautiously leaned in and looked around. Err... this must be a trophy hall or something. There were creatures that I've never seen before. Whoa... was that thing made of stone? What the hell is that?
I stared at the stone figure thing for a while. It blinked. What the fuck? I slowly started backing away. Ugly stone figures don't blink.
It moved. Okay, gun leveled at it now. It watched me as I backed away. Why didn't I notice the yellow eyes before? What the hell is that thing?
I quickly left the room as the thing started to come towards me. I high tailed it down the hall as I heard this screech as something hit the wall. Okay, so big and ugly can't get out of that room. That's nice to know. Unfortunately, you can still hear it. I think it's time to go.
I continued down the hall way for God knows how long. I kept my hand on the wall, you know, just in case.
Unfortunately, I got nothing. Hold on, I spoke to soon. Was that a breeze I was feeling? Yep. Damn, it's a cold one too. You know, boxers don't keep you warm. Not in the slightest. Regardless, this may be my best clue to get out of this fucking place.
Several minutes later found me at a wooden door that was partially propped open. Okay, that's weird. I've seen nothing but walls and kept falling through doorways the entire time here. Why the hell am I just finding a door now?
I ease it open and peek around. Holy fuck it's a forest. Well, more like a courtyard with a glass roof. I think it's called an atrium. Not sure though. It took me a few moments to realize that yes, Duo, it is day outside.
I stepped passed the door and walked out into the nice warm sunlight. Damn, did that feel good. Better than that cold lab any day. I just soaked up the sun for a few minutes while I tried to figure out what to do. As far as I could see, there were no other doors other than the one I came out of and I sure as hell wasn't going to head back that way.
So that leaves exploring the atrium thing. Joy. Just what I've always wanted to do, explore a vampire's garden. Note my sarcasm please.
All that's here are a bunch of trees, shrubs and plants. I don't know what half of these plants are for, but I'm willing to bet it ain't pleasant.
I noticed that the shadows were getting longer. Fuck. Sun's going to be setting soon. That's not a good thing. That's really not a good thing.
I managed to find a part of the wall and placed my hand against it. Walking time. Sort of... Do you have any idea how hard it is to walk along a wall when there are bushes and vines and roots in your way? It's fucking hard.
Fuck! Okay, I admit it, I screamed. You would too if you tripped over a tree root and went head first into a wall, only to fall through it and down a flight of stairs.
Whimper. That fucking hurt. I ran my hands up and down my arms. I don't think anything's broken. My ribs sure as hell feel like shit. I wouldn't be surprised if I bruised and/or broke one or two.
Wince. Okay, so nothing may be broken, but shit. Some of the stitches ripped open. There was blood starting to run down my midsection. That's going to be a bitch. Shit. Blood. They can smell blood. Whimper. Oh come on, I was having such good luck too.
Sigh. Might as well see where the fuck this leads.
Several minutes and a few near fatal accidents later, I found myself back where I started originally. Fuck. Back in the Lab. Fuck.
Well, at least this time I'm armed. That's one point in my favor.
The sun was setting, I knew that much from the little garden walk through, and I'm bleeding. Well, was bleeding. It stopped a while ago. Not that it does me any good anyway.
I wandered around the lab again. There was nothing new from the last time I was here. Though, I wish there was a clock or something some where. That would be helpful. That would be really helpful.
Fuck. Okay, so I was pacing with a gun in my hand. Do you blame me? I want out of here. I want my own bed with Heero naked, surrounded by rose petals and a bow around his neck. Or the bow could be other places. Either's fine by me.
Footsteps. That's not a sound I want to hear. I stopped pacing and tensed up. I leveled my gun at the doorway and then waited. I could see shadows on the wall. Okay, lets see how many I can kill before they get the hint. It's time for the blood splatter game.
The first one comes in sight. It's a red haired guy in a lab coat.
Splat. Hm... I'd have to say ten points for the wide spray on the wall. Wait, no, that's 15. There's brain tissue in that. Is that part of the skull? All right, 20 points it is.
The guy that the dead dude was talking to froze. I took aim and shot without hesitation. Now that one definitely looks like an eagle's wingspan. I'd have to say 50 points for that one.
I wonder how long it will take before they realize that there were gunshots? I doubt it will be too long. Either way, lets see how many I can pick off.
You know, those two were either ghouls or too young to dust. I wonder which? Who cares, they're dead now.
It wasn't long before I heard more footsteps. These ones sounded like the person making them was running. Well, what do you know? I get to practice on moving targets!
The first one came into view. I fired. Well, there was the splatter on the wall...but he kept moving. Well shit. I think my luck just ran out. This fucker was kindred.
I fired at him several more times before he finally dusted. The guy just refused to die. I took aim at the guy that raced in right behind the first one. Shit.
Yelp. Dodge. Crap. Talk about being able to take a hit. I'm hitting him, but it isn't slowing him down. What the fuck?
I dive behind a nearby table. And then scamper to the other end. I'm so not getting caught again. I'd die before I let them catch me.
The sound of breaking glass followed me as vials and flasks were knocked off the tables in the deadly game of cat and mouse we played.
I nearly froze up when I felt something brush against my senses.
'Outside. Head outside.'
Hell, that sounds like good advice to me.
I dodged away from Mr. Hard Hits and raced for the doorway. I nearly slipped on the blood and other bits that covered the floor and wall. Huh, they were ghouls. Go figure.
I placed my hand against the wall and ran. The moment I felt it go through the doorway I turned into it and nearly fell down the stairs. I caught myself and ran down them. I reached the hallway from before and ran. The atrium. There. Was this outside enough? Please tell me it was. Please.
I looked up. Stars. Full moon.
'Let me in.'
The voice was stronger now. What the hell? Where was that coming from?
I looked around the garden and hell there was nothing here.
Then it went pitch black. I look around wildly and see nothing. Literally. I look up and nearly scream.
There was a woman's form pressed against the glass. Her white face with her pitch black eyes stared down at me.
Yeah, I'll admit, I screamed like a little girl and fell over.
There was the sound of footsteps racing into the room.
"She's here."
"See, the wards are still holding. She can't get in."
"But for how long?"
I looked behind me to spot two vampires behind me in the doorway looking up. One of them had messy white hair while the other had messy black hair. The white haired guy was as pale as moonlight with golden eyes. The other had dark blue eyes and the same pale skin. I recognized those voices. They were the ones that were there when I first woke up.
'Duo let me in.'
I tore my gaze way from them to stare up at the woman pressed against the glass. Her eyes were still trained on me. Who the hell was she? She looked so fucking creepy.
"I see she wants her host back."
"Of course she does. She can't live without him."
I look back at them. What the fuck are they talking about? Who is she? Why the fuck does she want me?
"Looks like the little Necromancer is confused."
"Of course he is Moon, he doesn't know what she is."
"Very true Night. He's nothing special with out her."
What are they talking about? I looked up at her again. She was staring down at me. She was smiling at me with her blue tinted lips. You know, that looks like it's the only color on her.
I turn to the two vamps. Moon and Night was it? Talk about weird names. "Alright, who the hell is she?"
Both of them looked at me and grinned this identical grin. God that was creepy.
"She is Mortis Spiritis."
"And she's looking for her host."
What? What the fuck? "Err..."
I guess my confusion was funny to them. They both broke out laughing.
'Say my name.'
"Her." The white haired Moon pointed up.
"You already know her Mr. Maxwell." Night was smirking as he looked up. "In fact, you've known her your entire life."
What? How could I know her? That didn't make sense. Who the hell was she? She cant be what that book in the library described. Could she?
'Say my name.'
I looked back up at her. She was giving me a sad smile, her eyes pleading. Who was she?
Crash. Rumble. The ground shook beneath me. What the hell was that?
Moon and Night exchanged secretive looks. "They found the Chantry."
"Let the Gargoyles take care of the intruders. That's what they're there for anyway."
'Say my name.'
I felt someone grab me and haul me off the ground. I yelped. You would too if you suddenly started to move. I looked up to see who grabbed me. Night had me by the arm and was hauling me towards the doorway. I gripped my gun and leveled it at his heart. He ignored me and smirked. I fired. Shit. This guy was smart. Bulletproof vest. Damn it. It looks like my luck is running out.
'Say my name'
He was dragging me out of the atrium I tried to fire at his partner with the same results. Not even a headshot was working. Shit
I felt something faintly tug at my mind, pleading with me for something. It felt like death...
'Say my name.'
She tasted of death. She was death. I struggled against Night. I need to get back into the atrium.
I growled as I lashed out and kicked him in the stomach. I knocked the wind out of him, making him let me go. I took off back into the open.
'Say my name'
"Deathscythe!"
Crash. Glass rained down around me. I covered my head with my arms and closed my eyes. It was a miracle that the glass missed me. It didn't miss Night. Or Moon. They were riddled with glass. Now that looked painful.
I looked up to see the woman standing before me. She was smiling. She reached out to touch me. I stood still at I watched her. She gently placed a hand on my bare chest. She was so cold. She was as cold as death.
'Thank you.'
I shivered as her hand sank into my skin. She started to unravel into wind and shadow and dissipate.
I felt the presence I had been missing. I felt complete again. Well, not quite. I needed Heero to be completely complete. No, that wasn't quite right. I need all my boys to be complete.
I felt the familiar bonds brush against my senses. My boys were close. They were tearing apart the defenses to get in here.
XXX
Night and Moon were in no condition to stop me as I raced down the hall. Whatever was hiding things before had been stripped away.
'This way.'
I followed her instructions as we raced through this damn maze. You know, this was easier with Deathscythe at the helm. She knew where we were going.
Shake. Rumble. Sounds of bodies being slammed into the wall. We were getting closer to the source.
I rounded a corner and nearly had to back pedal because of flying bodies. The sights before me made me stop and stare. Quatre was throwing bodies around with his tentacles and throwing objects around as well. I watched in morbid fascination as he tore someone apart. Literally.
Trowa was gunning down kindred that were attacking from the distance. Heero had gone feral. I knew the blue-eyed leopard was him. It felt like him. That and I'd know those eyes anywhere. Wufei was beheading people left and right.
I felt her react. She raced out of me towards our boys. In her wake she left death and destruction amongst our enemies. Kindred started to age and wither into dust at her touch. I watched. Here there wasn't much I could do right now. If I tried to shoot, I might hit the guys. Hell, besides, you know, dying, there isn't much I could do right now.
So I watched. After the last enemy was gone, Quatre spotted me.
"Duo? Is that you?" I could hear the hesitation. It took me a moment to realize why he would hesitate. I was missing my braid, bloody, and have stitches all over. I must have looked like something out of a botched Frankenstein experiment.
The leopard took one look at me and bounded over. As it ran towards me, it's shape started to shift and flow. By the time he reached me, he was Heero again.
He swept me up into a hug and buried his face in my shoulder as he held me. I realized that for the first time in ages, I was relaxed. I hugged him back and leaned against him. God I missed him.
XXXXX
Glossary!
Second City- After the Great Flood, the surviving vampires (by now living on a rich diet of each other's vitae), reassembled while the descendants of Noah spread across the earth. The surviving undead, consisting of the modern Antediluvians and the Second Generation co-opted a human city, turning it into a smaller version of Enoch. This city, never granted a name, eventually collapsed under civil war - the Second Generation were slain and Caine returned to judge his descendants, cursing each of the clans with a distinct weakness and then shattering the city.
Thin bloods- The Curse of Caine has existed for so long, it has finally begun to weaken. Elders' blood, passed from one childe to the next for generations, no longer holds the potency it once had. Too many childer have been Embraced in the Final Nights - and reckoning must come for these illegitimate vampires. If it does not, the world may end.
Week of Nightmares- is the name given by vampires to the week in which Zapathasura, Antediluvian of the Ravnos clan, awakened. Though no actual date were indicated in cannon material it most likely occured between June 28 to July 4, 1999. Many of the concurances and the fallout from this week are noted by various supernatural groups as a signs of the end-times. By the vampires it is generally seen as the beginning of the Final Nights, the time of signs and portents leading to Gehenna.
Antediluvians- are the founders of the thirteen vampire clans. They are attributed to be vampires of incalculable power, each of whom survived the Great Flood (ante, before; diluv, flood: hence antediluvian, one who comes before the flood) and who are believed to either be in torpor, manipulating the Jyhad, or dead.
Character Spotlight!
Chang Wufei- Why Brujah? Well, it fit him. Especially since some Brujah's are scholars. So I used that part of his background and expanded.
Because of classes and the evil thing known as Homework, If I'm lucky I'll be posting once a week. I'll make it a point to post one a week!
Standard Disclaimers apply: Don't own. Don't sue.
XXXX
"Make sure the wards are strong enough. We don't need 'her' returning."
What the hell hit me? My body felt like a ton of bricks and the bricks were sitting on my head. I shook my head as my memory started to come back. Headache? Check.
I hate knockout gas. There could have been a better way to do this. I mean, come on, they're kindred and can do all sorts of weird shit. Why knockout gas?
"It looks like the subject is waking up."
I winced as I tried to open my eyes. That's a no go. Too bright, damn it. Where the hell was I? I sure as hell didn't recognize any of the voices. And since when did I become a 'subject'? I'm a living breathing person damn it! Show some respect!
I tried to slowly move to sit up. Why was I sore? All I did was fall down. Yeah, that should leave maybe a bruise or two or a giant bump on my head if I hit it. Not this muscle weary, bone aching, someone shoot me pain.
I ran a hand over my face and froze. Something didn't feel right. My hands quickly ran over the rest of my body. Then I found what was wrong. My braid was missing. My head feels lighter than it has in years. I ran my hands through my short-butchered hair. Whoever then fuck cut this sure as hell didn't know what they were doing. It was uneven, choppy, and a mess. My braid was gone. Whimper.
My hands brushed against something else unusual. There was something out of place on my neck. Along the back of my neck there felt like a series of upraised bumps. It took me a few moments to realize they were stitches.
I whimpered and hugged my knees to my chest. What the hell happened after I was knocked out? Where am I? Where are the guys? Where is Deathscythe? I feel very alone. I was completely by my self for once.
It took me awhile to realize I was in some sort of cage. It was low enough that I couldn't stand up straight. For a few moments I stared straight ahead. My eyes refusing to recognize what they were seeing. When my brain finally figured it out, I was frozen. Whoever they are had something that looked like a cross between a snake and a man floating in a giant glass tube of liquid. The creature had no skin. Its organs were exposed for the world to see. The horrific part was that the lungs were still working and the heart was still beating. What the hell?
A shadow fell across my cage. I looked up to see a figure in a white lab coat staring down at me. For some reason I couldn't see any distinguishing features of this character. Hell, I couldn't even tell if it was male or female. What the fuck was going on?
The figure wrote something down on a clipboard and made a comment to someone behind them. "The subject is disoriented, yet awake."
"Give the subject a few more moments before we proceed."
I didn't like the sound of that. What the hell were they going to do? I have a funny feeling that this wont be pleasant.
XXXXXX
My screams echoed off the walls of the laboratory.
Yeah, it was like something out of a cheesy B movie. You know, the basic mad scientist set up with random gizmos and shit. Only add in a few occult flavors here and there and then you have the right idea.
I was right. What they were doing to me wasn't pleasant. They pulled me from the cage and used some sort of fucking power to get me strapped down to a fucking table. Then the pain started. No warning, just sharp, stabbing pain. It wasn't long before I started screaming.
"The exploratory surgery is complete. He appears to be a normal human without 'Her' "
"The wards seem to be holding 'Her' at bay as well."
"Of course. Those are the strongest wards we have ever come up with."
"Cocky aren't we?"
"Of course."
I whimpered as my two tormentors bickered over me. At least it's keeping the sharp pointy objects away from me.
XXXX
I don't know how long I was in that cage. The sessions went in cycles. Every one was different. Every time I had a new injury to add to the list.
Deathscythe was still gone. Where was it? I need to get out of here. I sighed as I rested my head against the bars. My captors had provided me with a simple white shirt and white boxers. The shirt had been clean when I woke up in it the first time, but now it was torn and slightly bloody.
I stared at the door of my cage. A simple padlock, that's all that stood between freedom and me. Damn it. If I still had my braid, there at least was a chance I could get out. I had lock picks in there. Well, sort of. A hairpin or two really, but hey, it would have been better than nothing.
I looked around my little cell. Nothing. The food tray they gave me every night was one of those Styrofoam things with plastic utensils. Completely useless. Tonight's dinner was chicken. The bones of the wing and leg piece were sitting there staring at me.
I idly reached over and picked up the wing bones. You know, they looked like they might fit in the lock. Hell, it was worth a shot. I shuffled over to the lock and reached around with the bone in my hand. This was ridiculous. If this worked then there is a God. I'll repent and start going to church right away.
Click. What the fuck? I stared at the lock dumbly as it hung there with part of a chicken bone poking out of it. What the fuck? Yes, Duo, there is a God. He likes making you miserable.
I crawled out of the cage and looked around. Oh come on, I can't be this fucking lucky. There was no one in sight. What, did I get hit with the lucky stick tonight or something? What the hell is going on?
I quickly searched the room for anything useful. Well what do you know, my braid. Why the hell did they keep this? Why was it in a glass case? What the fuck? Hey, it even has it's own label in Latin. That's kind of neat. Well, it would be if it wasn't my braid. I looked around and saw a few other items in glass cases. I really don't want to know why they have a mummy's hand and a monkey's paw under glass. I seriously don't want to know.
Don't they believe in locking things down? The case had no locks. Wicked. I can get back my hairpins. And I did. Then I mourned my braid. Good-bye faithful companion. I will miss you.
XXXX
I quietly made my way down the hallway, trying to be careful. It was a while before I came to another room at the end of the hall. There was nowhere else to go. Looks like I have no choice. Shall we see what's behind door number 1?
Okay, this place looked like a library. With test tubes and bottles and vials all over the place. There was still no one around. Is it daytime right now? There was no way of telling in this place.
I walked pass a desk with this ancient looking book open. What it was opened to caught my attention. The title on the page read 'Mortis Spiritis.' There was a picture of a woman with black hair and white skin. Her eyes were black as night and she was clothed in shadows. Her hair faded into the shadows as she stared out from the page.
'The Spirit of Death. She walked the world in the time of the Second City. She was a woman born of life and of death. This woman caught the attention of our noble ancestor and he tried to embrace her. To his surprise she was immune to the kiss. Because of this she was thought of as dangerous. She was cursed to exist without a body, forever sharing with another mortal. The time will come when she returns to the world of Cainites, starting the cycle to Gehenna.'
What the hell was this? I flipped through the book. Thin bloods, Week of Nightmares, the waking of Antediluvians. What the hell was this? Some sort of kindred end of times prophecy? What does this have to do with me?
Creak. I froze. Someone was here. I ducked under the desk as I heard footsteps draw nearer.
I winced at the tight space and sudden action pulled at some stitches. Yeah, I was covered in them. I know they are going to scar. It won't be pretty either. I wonder if I can convince Victoria to fix me up. Let's just get out of here first hey?
There was the shuffling of feet and the sound of someone moving books. I tried to remain as still as I could. I've gotten this far without being discovered, I'll be happy to keep it that way.
After what felt like forever, whoever it was wandered out of the room. I waited a few minutes more before carefully getting out from under the desk.
Okay, now for a way out. There is no way out. Did I miss something somewhere? I growled as I left the room. I tried to stick to the shadows. What the hell? This was a straight hallway. I blew at my bangs in frustration as I placed a hand against the wall and started to walk.
A few moments later I nearly screamed as I fell through the wall. Stairs. I found stairs. I looked behind me and saw a brick wall. In front of me was stairs. What the hell? This place was fucked up. Well, I might as well walk ahead.
XXXXXXXX
When will these stairs end? I swear I've been walking for over 10 minutes; I lost sight of the door ages ago. The stairs just seemed to stretch forever.
Another 10 minutes. Still going nowhere but down. Hold on, there's a light up ahead. Hallelujah. An exit.
Why hello. I think I just found the armory. Damn, I was hit with the good luck stick today. There were weapons, lots of them. Hey! That looks like my gun. It is my gun! I got my baby back! Now lets shoot something.
I left the armory with my gun, several clips of ammo and a set of throwing daggers and yes, with a few wooden stakes also.
I was armed and ready to face the world. Of course, I was now lacking a shirt and wandering around with two stakes held to my hips by the waistband of my boxers. Not comfortable, but hey, I'll deal with it if it means I live. My shirt was being used as a sling to carry the extra ammo and throwing knives.
I probably looked ridiculous, like some escaped autopsy patient that's armed. I sure as hell felt like it. I am going to kill those assholes for this.
Stop. Something didn't feel right. I looked around. It was getting darker in here. There was definitely something wrong. I clicked the safety off the gun and hugged the wall. Paranoia don't fail me now.
I pressed my back against the wall and slowly moved forward, gun at the ready. I wasn't going to take any chances. No way. I like living thank you very much.
There was someone talking up ahead. I couldn't make the words out, but hey, do I really need to? I kept to the shadows as they started to come into view. I prayed that the white I was wearing didn't catch their attention.
Their backs were turned to me. Two men in lab coats were standing there talking about something. I leveled my gun at the one nearest to me. I fired. I watched in satisfaction as he fell. The other guy was startled and had started to yell. I fired again. He went down too. Either both of them are ghouls or they were too young to dust. Then again, if they were vamps, it should have taken more than a head shot to kill them. So, I'm betting on ghouls.
I remained still for a few minutes to make sure no one was running to see what happened. What luck. Nothing. Okay, it must definitely be daylight out. That's the only excuse I can come up with for this.
I continued forward. Damn it this place was like a maze. I placed my hand against the wall again and started to walk. Hey it worked last time. I caught myself as my hand went through the wall. I cautiously leaned in and looked around. Err... this must be a trophy hall or something. There were creatures that I've never seen before. Whoa... was that thing made of stone? What the hell is that?
I stared at the stone figure thing for a while. It blinked. What the fuck? I slowly started backing away. Ugly stone figures don't blink.
It moved. Okay, gun leveled at it now. It watched me as I backed away. Why didn't I notice the yellow eyes before? What the hell is that thing?
I quickly left the room as the thing started to come towards me. I high tailed it down the hall as I heard this screech as something hit the wall. Okay, so big and ugly can't get out of that room. That's nice to know. Unfortunately, you can still hear it. I think it's time to go.
I continued down the hall way for God knows how long. I kept my hand on the wall, you know, just in case.
Unfortunately, I got nothing. Hold on, I spoke to soon. Was that a breeze I was feeling? Yep. Damn, it's a cold one too. You know, boxers don't keep you warm. Not in the slightest. Regardless, this may be my best clue to get out of this fucking place.
Several minutes later found me at a wooden door that was partially propped open. Okay, that's weird. I've seen nothing but walls and kept falling through doorways the entire time here. Why the hell am I just finding a door now?
I ease it open and peek around. Holy fuck it's a forest. Well, more like a courtyard with a glass roof. I think it's called an atrium. Not sure though. It took me a few moments to realize that yes, Duo, it is day outside.
I stepped passed the door and walked out into the nice warm sunlight. Damn, did that feel good. Better than that cold lab any day. I just soaked up the sun for a few minutes while I tried to figure out what to do. As far as I could see, there were no other doors other than the one I came out of and I sure as hell wasn't going to head back that way.
So that leaves exploring the atrium thing. Joy. Just what I've always wanted to do, explore a vampire's garden. Note my sarcasm please.
All that's here are a bunch of trees, shrubs and plants. I don't know what half of these plants are for, but I'm willing to bet it ain't pleasant.
I noticed that the shadows were getting longer. Fuck. Sun's going to be setting soon. That's not a good thing. That's really not a good thing.
I managed to find a part of the wall and placed my hand against it. Walking time. Sort of... Do you have any idea how hard it is to walk along a wall when there are bushes and vines and roots in your way? It's fucking hard.
Fuck! Okay, I admit it, I screamed. You would too if you tripped over a tree root and went head first into a wall, only to fall through it and down a flight of stairs.
Whimper. That fucking hurt. I ran my hands up and down my arms. I don't think anything's broken. My ribs sure as hell feel like shit. I wouldn't be surprised if I bruised and/or broke one or two.
Wince. Okay, so nothing may be broken, but shit. Some of the stitches ripped open. There was blood starting to run down my midsection. That's going to be a bitch. Shit. Blood. They can smell blood. Whimper. Oh come on, I was having such good luck too.
Sigh. Might as well see where the fuck this leads.
Several minutes and a few near fatal accidents later, I found myself back where I started originally. Fuck. Back in the Lab. Fuck.
Well, at least this time I'm armed. That's one point in my favor.
The sun was setting, I knew that much from the little garden walk through, and I'm bleeding. Well, was bleeding. It stopped a while ago. Not that it does me any good anyway.
I wandered around the lab again. There was nothing new from the last time I was here. Though, I wish there was a clock or something some where. That would be helpful. That would be really helpful.
Fuck. Okay, so I was pacing with a gun in my hand. Do you blame me? I want out of here. I want my own bed with Heero naked, surrounded by rose petals and a bow around his neck. Or the bow could be other places. Either's fine by me.
Footsteps. That's not a sound I want to hear. I stopped pacing and tensed up. I leveled my gun at the doorway and then waited. I could see shadows on the wall. Okay, lets see how many I can kill before they get the hint. It's time for the blood splatter game.
The first one comes in sight. It's a red haired guy in a lab coat.
Splat. Hm... I'd have to say ten points for the wide spray on the wall. Wait, no, that's 15. There's brain tissue in that. Is that part of the skull? All right, 20 points it is.
The guy that the dead dude was talking to froze. I took aim and shot without hesitation. Now that one definitely looks like an eagle's wingspan. I'd have to say 50 points for that one.
I wonder how long it will take before they realize that there were gunshots? I doubt it will be too long. Either way, lets see how many I can pick off.
You know, those two were either ghouls or too young to dust. I wonder which? Who cares, they're dead now.
It wasn't long before I heard more footsteps. These ones sounded like the person making them was running. Well, what do you know? I get to practice on moving targets!
The first one came into view. I fired. Well, there was the splatter on the wall...but he kept moving. Well shit. I think my luck just ran out. This fucker was kindred.
I fired at him several more times before he finally dusted. The guy just refused to die. I took aim at the guy that raced in right behind the first one. Shit.
Yelp. Dodge. Crap. Talk about being able to take a hit. I'm hitting him, but it isn't slowing him down. What the fuck?
I dive behind a nearby table. And then scamper to the other end. I'm so not getting caught again. I'd die before I let them catch me.
The sound of breaking glass followed me as vials and flasks were knocked off the tables in the deadly game of cat and mouse we played.
I nearly froze up when I felt something brush against my senses.
'Outside. Head outside.'
Hell, that sounds like good advice to me.
I dodged away from Mr. Hard Hits and raced for the doorway. I nearly slipped on the blood and other bits that covered the floor and wall. Huh, they were ghouls. Go figure.
I placed my hand against the wall and ran. The moment I felt it go through the doorway I turned into it and nearly fell down the stairs. I caught myself and ran down them. I reached the hallway from before and ran. The atrium. There. Was this outside enough? Please tell me it was. Please.
I looked up. Stars. Full moon.
'Let me in.'
The voice was stronger now. What the hell? Where was that coming from?
I looked around the garden and hell there was nothing here.
Then it went pitch black. I look around wildly and see nothing. Literally. I look up and nearly scream.
There was a woman's form pressed against the glass. Her white face with her pitch black eyes stared down at me.
Yeah, I'll admit, I screamed like a little girl and fell over.
There was the sound of footsteps racing into the room.
"She's here."
"See, the wards are still holding. She can't get in."
"But for how long?"
I looked behind me to spot two vampires behind me in the doorway looking up. One of them had messy white hair while the other had messy black hair. The white haired guy was as pale as moonlight with golden eyes. The other had dark blue eyes and the same pale skin. I recognized those voices. They were the ones that were there when I first woke up.
'Duo let me in.'
I tore my gaze way from them to stare up at the woman pressed against the glass. Her eyes were still trained on me. Who the hell was she? She looked so fucking creepy.
"I see she wants her host back."
"Of course she does. She can't live without him."
I look back at them. What the fuck are they talking about? Who is she? Why the fuck does she want me?
"Looks like the little Necromancer is confused."
"Of course he is Moon, he doesn't know what she is."
"Very true Night. He's nothing special with out her."
What are they talking about? I looked up at her again. She was staring down at me. She was smiling at me with her blue tinted lips. You know, that looks like it's the only color on her.
I turn to the two vamps. Moon and Night was it? Talk about weird names. "Alright, who the hell is she?"
Both of them looked at me and grinned this identical grin. God that was creepy.
"She is Mortis Spiritis."
"And she's looking for her host."
What? What the fuck? "Err..."
I guess my confusion was funny to them. They both broke out laughing.
'Say my name.'
"Her." The white haired Moon pointed up.
"You already know her Mr. Maxwell." Night was smirking as he looked up. "In fact, you've known her your entire life."
What? How could I know her? That didn't make sense. Who the hell was she? She cant be what that book in the library described. Could she?
'Say my name.'
I looked back up at her. She was giving me a sad smile, her eyes pleading. Who was she?
Crash. Rumble. The ground shook beneath me. What the hell was that?
Moon and Night exchanged secretive looks. "They found the Chantry."
"Let the Gargoyles take care of the intruders. That's what they're there for anyway."
'Say my name.'
I felt someone grab me and haul me off the ground. I yelped. You would too if you suddenly started to move. I looked up to see who grabbed me. Night had me by the arm and was hauling me towards the doorway. I gripped my gun and leveled it at his heart. He ignored me and smirked. I fired. Shit. This guy was smart. Bulletproof vest. Damn it. It looks like my luck is running out.
'Say my name'
He was dragging me out of the atrium I tried to fire at his partner with the same results. Not even a headshot was working. Shit
I felt something faintly tug at my mind, pleading with me for something. It felt like death...
'Say my name.'
She tasted of death. She was death. I struggled against Night. I need to get back into the atrium.
I growled as I lashed out and kicked him in the stomach. I knocked the wind out of him, making him let me go. I took off back into the open.
'Say my name'
"Deathscythe!"
Crash. Glass rained down around me. I covered my head with my arms and closed my eyes. It was a miracle that the glass missed me. It didn't miss Night. Or Moon. They were riddled with glass. Now that looked painful.
I looked up to see the woman standing before me. She was smiling. She reached out to touch me. I stood still at I watched her. She gently placed a hand on my bare chest. She was so cold. She was as cold as death.
'Thank you.'
I shivered as her hand sank into my skin. She started to unravel into wind and shadow and dissipate.
I felt the presence I had been missing. I felt complete again. Well, not quite. I needed Heero to be completely complete. No, that wasn't quite right. I need all my boys to be complete.
I felt the familiar bonds brush against my senses. My boys were close. They were tearing apart the defenses to get in here.
XXX
Night and Moon were in no condition to stop me as I raced down the hall. Whatever was hiding things before had been stripped away.
'This way.'
I followed her instructions as we raced through this damn maze. You know, this was easier with Deathscythe at the helm. She knew where we were going.
Shake. Rumble. Sounds of bodies being slammed into the wall. We were getting closer to the source.
I rounded a corner and nearly had to back pedal because of flying bodies. The sights before me made me stop and stare. Quatre was throwing bodies around with his tentacles and throwing objects around as well. I watched in morbid fascination as he tore someone apart. Literally.
Trowa was gunning down kindred that were attacking from the distance. Heero had gone feral. I knew the blue-eyed leopard was him. It felt like him. That and I'd know those eyes anywhere. Wufei was beheading people left and right.
I felt her react. She raced out of me towards our boys. In her wake she left death and destruction amongst our enemies. Kindred started to age and wither into dust at her touch. I watched. Here there wasn't much I could do right now. If I tried to shoot, I might hit the guys. Hell, besides, you know, dying, there isn't much I could do right now.
So I watched. After the last enemy was gone, Quatre spotted me.
"Duo? Is that you?" I could hear the hesitation. It took me a moment to realize why he would hesitate. I was missing my braid, bloody, and have stitches all over. I must have looked like something out of a botched Frankenstein experiment.
The leopard took one look at me and bounded over. As it ran towards me, it's shape started to shift and flow. By the time he reached me, he was Heero again.
He swept me up into a hug and buried his face in my shoulder as he held me. I realized that for the first time in ages, I was relaxed. I hugged him back and leaned against him. God I missed him.
XXXXX
Glossary!
Second City- After the Great Flood, the surviving vampires (by now living on a rich diet of each other's vitae), reassembled while the descendants of Noah spread across the earth. The surviving undead, consisting of the modern Antediluvians and the Second Generation co-opted a human city, turning it into a smaller version of Enoch. This city, never granted a name, eventually collapsed under civil war - the Second Generation were slain and Caine returned to judge his descendants, cursing each of the clans with a distinct weakness and then shattering the city.
Thin bloods- The Curse of Caine has existed for so long, it has finally begun to weaken. Elders' blood, passed from one childe to the next for generations, no longer holds the potency it once had. Too many childer have been Embraced in the Final Nights - and reckoning must come for these illegitimate vampires. If it does not, the world may end.
Week of Nightmares- is the name given by vampires to the week in which Zapathasura, Antediluvian of the Ravnos clan, awakened. Though no actual date were indicated in cannon material it most likely occured between June 28 to July 4, 1999. Many of the concurances and the fallout from this week are noted by various supernatural groups as a signs of the end-times. By the vampires it is generally seen as the beginning of the Final Nights, the time of signs and portents leading to Gehenna.
Antediluvians- are the founders of the thirteen vampire clans. They are attributed to be vampires of incalculable power, each of whom survived the Great Flood (ante, before; diluv, flood: hence antediluvian, one who comes before the flood) and who are believed to either be in torpor, manipulating the Jyhad, or dead.
Character Spotlight!
Chang Wufei- Why Brujah? Well, it fit him. Especially since some Brujah's are scholars. So I used that part of his background and expanded.