Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Laila Bli Cohav (a night without a star) ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 8 )

LAILA BLI COHAV

(A NIGHT WITHOUT A STAR)

EPILOGUE

* * *

Warm rays of light washed over green parks and shiny streets. The air was warm and carried the sweet scent of flowers. Everything was bright and quiet, the singing of birds echoing between tall walls and buildings.

He ran down the street, as fast as a streaking bullet. He let himself be caressed by the warm wind as he ran; his wild bangs of hair tousled by the soft breeze. A spark of laughter danced in his deep blue eyes as he launched up in the air, jumping over a tall wire fence.

He landed down on a soft grassy surface and continued running. He smiled to himself, engulfed by the sweet air and warm light. It caressed his skin and he inhaled deeply, enjoying the clean feeling in his lungs. The burden that was there not long ago was gone, and he could barely remember that it existed. He ran up a hill, slightly panting at the effort, but he felt refreshed nonetheless.

Reaching the top of the hill, he bent his body forward and rolled down the grassy slope, laughing as the world preformed a merry dance around him. He landed at the bottom of the hill, dizzy, but happy. He lay down on his back, his legs spread over the soft green meadow, his fingers playing with the smooth lawn. He looked up at the sky, his blue eyes shining. He smiled to himself, feeling content.

He liked being here. This place was his refuge. Nothing bothered him when he lay here, the soft rays of light washing over his skin, the sweet wind caressing him, tousling his hair playfully, like a mother soothing her child to sleep. There was nothing to disturb the silence but the song of the birds, and he let himself drown in the peaceful bliss.

This place was his favorite of all places in the universe. If he could help it, he would never leave it. This is where he felt good, loved and his mind at ease. After all, this was his home. He should feel safe here. He felt like he belonged between the tall and shiny buildings, the green parks and the towering trees. He knew that no harm could ever come to him here. He knew that a few steps to his right, two floors up and three doors down, was his home. He knew that the minute he'll open the door he'd be greeted with her sweet sweet scent and her smiling face.

"Ne, Onii-san, are you lost?"

But then again, this place was also a source of many nightmares.

This place was the origin of many bad memories and experiences. The peaceful atmosphere would never last long. The minute it was gone, he would forget all about the house a few steps to the right. He would forget about the smiling face and her bright blue dress. There would be only pain and sorrow then, the reminder of what he had destroyed.

His home.

"Ne, are you lost?"

He opened his eyes, blinking against the bright light around him. A large shadow suddenly fell over his face. He was not surprised to see the face of a little girl, big blue eyes looking down at him kindly. He returned her gaze calmly, for after all, he had seen her MANY times.

Slowly, he sat up and looked around. The park was still beautiful and peaceful, but he knew it wouldn't last long. And unlike many other times, this time, it didn't matter. He didn't care anymore. The destruction would come, he knew that. He was prepared for it. But this time, it wouldn't be so bad, because this time, he didn't have to face it alone. He was not alone anymore.

He looked down at his hand and smiled as he saw that he was holding a small silver cross.

He was not alone anymore.

"Ne, Onii-san?" The little voice called again and he turned back to the girl, smiling kindly at her.

"No. I am not lost." He answered softly, his eyes shining in the soft light. "Not any more."

The girl smiled and sat down in front of him. He looked down and saw her little white puppy wag her tail happily, running around in small circles, as if performing a little dance. He smiled at the small animal and reached down a hand to pet the soft fur.

The girl chuckled. "You never caressed Mary before." She commented, looking down at her small dog.

He nodded in agreement. "Yes. I wonder why is that. She's really quite fun." He ruffled the top of the furry head and the little puppy barked happily. He chuckled, enjoying himself.

The little girl smiled.

"Is this a dream?" He finally asked, suddenly unsure. "Or something else?"

The girl shrugged. "If I told you that this isn't a dream, how can you be certain that it isn't?"

He thought for a moment, seeing that she was right. A dream figure could say that it was not a dream, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it's true. After all, a dream figure does what he wants her to do. So, there was only one way to find out. He looked up at her, smiling playfully. "Then tell me something I don't know."

The girl smiled and nodded her head. "I'm Annie[i]."

His deep blue eyes widened in surprise. "A-Ann...ie?"

The girl smiled and nodded. "Yes, and you already know Mary." She gestured down at the dog.

He smiled, feeling as if a great burden had been lifted off his heart. "Annie..." His tested the name on his lips once more, and then his smile suddenly faded and his face paled. He turned his head up to look at her again. "Did I kill you, Annie?"

Annie nodded, but her smile didn't waver. There was not a hint of sadness in her lively blue eyes.

"And Mary..." He mumbled quietly, looking down at the small puppy. "I killed everyone..." He let out sadly, a single silver tear rolling down his cheek. He tightened his hold around the small cross, and turned to face the girl again. "Then why are you... why are you here, with me?"

Annie shrugged. "So you won't be so sad." She smiled shyly. "And I kinda like you."

He smiled back.

"Besides, an eternity is a looooooooooong time."

"And your family?" He asked, voice dreadful. "Did I kill them too?"

The little girl nodded, her eyes suddenly sad. "Yeah..."

"And don't you want to be with them?"

Again she shrugged. "They'll wait. Like I said, we have all the time in the world." She reached down to caress her puppy, playing with her a little and laughing to herself.

A small smile touched his lips and the light slowly returned to his eyes. He watched her play with the little white dog, until realization suddenly dawned on him. His smile disappeared and a worried frown appeared on his features. "Why are you here? Why now? Is it because I died?"

The girl looked up, surprised, as if she didn't expect him to speak so soon. She watched his saddened expression and her eyes filled with compassion.

"I did die, right? I can't be with..." He sighed, another silver tear escaping his eyes. He looked down at Duo's cross, and slowly caressed it with his finger. "I can't be with Duo anymore..."

He felt something touch him gently and he looked up, startled. He saw the girl rest a comforting hand on his shoulder. He felt his heart miss a beat as he looked down into two pools of blue compassion, and the girl smiled at him.

"Don't worry, Onii-san. I'm just here to deliver a message."

He blinked, puzzled. "A message?"

"Hai." The girl nodded her head, still smiling. "She said that she wants to thank you."

"Thank... me?!"

"Yes, for brining her back home."

His eyes widened as the memories rushed back to him. "The girl! Is she... is she all right? Where is she?" He looked around, panicked.

Annie chuckled, her laughter echoing in the silent park. "Don't worry, she's back to where she belongs. And she wanted to thank you, by giving you the same thing."

"What do you... what do you mean?" He asked, finding that he suddenly lost his voice.

The wind picked up, the warm rush of air flying past him, tousling his hair wildly from side to side. He looked up, baffled, as the green park grew brighter and brighter. He looked back at the girl, his eyes fearful. "What's going on?" He asked, raising his voice over the strong wind.

The little girl smiled, and he noticed that she was slowly fading from his vision. "I'll see you around, Onii-san." She whispered before finally disappearing. Mary barked once and ran after her, waging her tail at him and sending him a finale look before finally disappearing into the light.

He remained seated there, on the grass, confused, frightened and very alone. As the wind picked up, he forced himself up on two feet, looking left and right, blinded by the light. He could see his building being swallowed by the strong light, and whirled his head back, only to see the trees and the fence and the park disappear as well.

And then the wind stopped and there was only silence.

He held his breath.

And waited.

The silence stretched for an eternity, and only the beating of his heart was heard within the blinding white light.

One beat. Two. Three.

Something moved within the light, and he whirled around, senses alert.

A melodious laughter filled the endless white void, echoing like the ringing of a dozen silver bells. Something moved towards him, and a sense of peace suddenly came over him. He did not feel threatened anymore, nor did he feel the urge to run. He stood there, completely still, his blue eyes watching silently as a figure stepped from the light. It approached him slowly, her movements graceful. Her bright blue dress flapped gracefully though there was no wind.

His mouth dropped wide open, his blue eyes stunned.

The figure laughed again, her rich laughter engulfing him like a soft blanket. And then her warm arms, long, soft and elegant, wrapped themselves around him, pulling him into a warm embrace.

He smiled, inhaling her sweet sweet scent deeply, unable to get enough of it. He turned his head up; anxious blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears, glistering under the heavenly light. He looked up at her face, seeing her long black hair flapping softly in the "wind", shiny ebony curtains opening to reveal her lovely face.

He smiled, feeling himself drown in the vision of her smile and the depths of her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and buried his face in her chest, crying like a small child in his mother's embrace.

"Oka-chan..."

The wind picked up and her soft fingers caressed him gently. He cried in her arms, shedding the tears he had been keeping inside for countless of years. He was a mere child in her embrace, clinging to her as for dear life. Her presence engulfed him and he allowed himself to be drawn deeper and deeper into her comforting spirit, drinking as much of her sweet scent and the sound of her loving voice.

"Hush now, my little angel, hush..."

* * *

The early rays of morning light found Heero Yuy sleeping soundly in his bed, the joyous of smiles playing over his content features.

* * *

When he awoke, there was only darkness, a sharp contrast to the heavenly light that surrounded him not long ago. He felt warm and pleasant, the soft touch of thick covers caressing his body. He frowned, not remembering going to bed. He blinked a few times, letting his vision slowly adjust to the dim light. He could tell that the sun was barely rising; the feeling of dawn was in the air. Turning his head slowly to look out the window, he saw the dark skies begin to slowly lighten as the sun crawled out of her hiding to greet another day. The soft sound of awakening birds slowly began to fill the air, and the dew that covered the green meadow sparkled in the pale morning light.

Heero sighed and took a deep breath. That heavy and sick feeling was gone, and his lungs felt as if they've been cleansed of all mucky evil. He smiled and closed his eyes, content with just breathing the crisp air. His numb mind slowly began to drift back to sleep, and the warm and fuzzy feeling of slumber fell over his body.

He heard sheets rustle and cracked open half an eye, peeking from behind thick and long lashes. He saw something move on the top of the bed, and his eyebrows drew near as a mass of messy chestnut hair moved over the covers, as if nuzzling itself into his pile of warm blankets. Heero forced his eyes to flutter open again, and gently pushed himself up a bit.

He smiled as he saw Duo, half-sitting on a chair by his bed, half-leaning on the bed, deep asleep. His face was turned the other way, so he could not look down at his features. He slumped back down into the bed, throwing himself back at the pillow. He looked around the room, examining it with a clear mind for the first time.

He frowned.

It was pink. The room was pink. Why pink? Out of all the colors to chose from! Pink?!

Heero chuckled silently to himself and shook his head, suddenly noticing something. He looked up, and smiled. Sitting on a small white chair in the back of the room, was a little pink ball. He smiled at the memory of the little girl, suddenly wondering where she was.

"Ah...mumm..." A sleepy moan was heard from somewhere below and Heero turned back to look at his friend. Duo was slowly waking up, turning his head so he was now facing Heero, rubbing his eyes sleepily. The violet orbs slowly fluttered open, looking numbly up at Heero. The Japanese boy smiled kindly down at Duo, and the other boy blinked in confusion. He kept staring up at Heero, until his eyes suddenly flew wide open and he jumped off the bed.

"Heero! You're awake!"

Heero chuckled. "And so are you."

"And you're okay!" The braided boy was grinning like a complete idiot. "God! I can't believe it! Man, I thought that you'd NEVER wake up!"

Heero frowned. "How long have I been sleeping?"

"Four days." Duo answered with a sigh, slowly sitting down. "Four fucking long days..."

Heero sighed and nodded his head, looking away.

Silence fell over the room as both boys sat on the bed, avoiding eye contact. Eventually, Duo looked up at Heero.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"......Aa." Heero answered quietly. He felt Duo take his hand, and turned to look up at the other boy. He was greeted with Duo's warm smile and his shining violet eyes.

"I'm glad."

Heero smiled slightly and nodded his head. The two just kept looking at each other, until Heero finally broke eye contact and slid his hand out of Duo's gentle grasp. Duo looked at him, puzzled, as the Japanese boy reached up to hands to the back of his neck, and slowly prepared to take the necklace off.

"No, Heero, don't." Duo stopped him, taking hold of his hand. Heero looked up at him, startled. He was about to protest when Duo smiled kindly at him, squeezing his hand lightly. "It's yours."

Another small smile appeared on Heero's lips and he let go of the necklace. He bowed his head shyly, fingers fidgeting a little, playing with the covers. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Duo answered softly, still holding Heero's hand.

The sound of an explosion shook the house and Heero looked up, senses alert. He looked in the direction of the window, and saw smoke fill the early morning skies. It was coming from down in the valley.

"The guys should be finishing up soon." Duo informed him, looking out the window as well. He turned back to the boy on the bed. "Quatre took the car, he had to do some arrangements. He should be back soon to pick us up."

Heero nodded slightly, still avoiding eye contact.

Duo sighed, glancing at the window. "Trowa and Wufei should catch up the minute they're done with the base."[ii] He turned to place a hand on Heero's arm. "Can you get up?"

Heero tested his strength and tried to push himself up. It took a little effort, but he could manage. "Hai." He answered, sitting up and placing his bare feet on the floor. "Just a little dizzy." He let out as the world began to spin. He reached up a hand to hold his spinning head, trying to regain his balance on the bed.

Duo nodded and put an arm around Heero's shoulders. "C'mon." He said, helping Heero up.

"There's something I need to do first." Heero mumbled as he attempted to stand up.

"First lets see if we can get you out of this room." Duo muttered as he put his arm around his slender waist, pleased to feel the boy's warmth once more. He wasn't running a high fever, just a little above average. He was out of danger and Duo was glad for that. They began to slowly walk out of the room.

Heero's steps were slow and careful as he was concentrating on walking in a straight line. "Where did... Quatre go?" He breathed, panting a little from the small effort. He was still very weak and his lungs hadn't healed completely, but it was far better than a few days ago.

"He had some things to take care of."

"The girl?" Heero asked, looking up at Duo from between messy bangs.

The braided boy paused his walking, looking intensely at his friend. After a few moments, he nodded. "She deserves a popper burial, and since we're the only ones who know about it..." He sighed, brushing a few bangs out of his eyes, and turned back to look at Heero. "This reminds me..." He reached down one hand for his pocket and pulled something out of it. "We found this on the body." He said, handing the item to Heero. "I thought you'd might want to see it."

Heero reached down a hesitant hand, and gently took the delicate item out of Duo's grasp. It was a small piece of fabric, its color long faded, but he could tell that it used to be pink. There wasn't any dirt on it, and Heero assumed that Duo had washed it. He examined it from all directions, until he reached the conclusion that it was a small purse, handmade. The sewing was a little sloppy and it wasn't perfect, probably sewed by the hands of a six-year-old girl. He traced the pad of his thumb over the soft material, his fingers brushing against something.

He looked down carefully and his blue eyes widened. Carved onto the shabby little purse, large and sloppy letters sewed into the fabric, was a name. Heero let out a small chuckle, or a whimper, it wasn't clear, and traced his hand over the small name, his blue eyes shimmering with tears.

"Samantha..." He breathed, speaking her name for the first time. He looked up at Duo, blue eyes glistering in the early morning sun. "Her name was Samantha." He whispered, smiling sadly. He looked back down at the small purse, holding it tightly. He closed his eyes, trying to stop the tears, but a few stray silvery diamonds escaped and slid down his cheeks. "She finally told me her name..."

Duo watched, stunned and amazed by Heero's display of emotions. He seemed to be really affected from this incident, and Duo wondered if it was a good thing.

"How did you know about her anyway?" He decided to ask, trying to sound composed as he looked up at his friend.

Heero remained silent, looking down at the purse and refusing to meet Duo's eyes.

Duo sighed and shook his head. "I think that I already miss the talkative-fevered-Heero..." He muttered and continued walking, still supporting his friend.

Heero ignored him and continued to walk carefully out of the room. There will be another time to give Duo some answers. For now, he was still struggling to comprehend them himself.

* * *

The cool spring air was a welcomed blessing to Heero's lungs as the two stepped out of the large house. It took him a few moments to get used to the brightness of day, and he had to stop at the threshold, blinking and holding his hand up to shield his eyes from the light. When his vision adjusted, he looked out at the outside, and couldn't help but stare in awe.

The sun was just rising behind the horizon, the large golden sphere washing the green hills with a heavenly light, making the dew sparkle on the tall green grass. The skies were painted in a divine set of colors, a mixture of pink, yellow and the faintest of blue. The green meadow that covered the hill looked greener than ever, the grass rich and full of life. Trees heavy with leaves swayed gently under the soft breeze and the melodious singing of the birds echoed in the sweet air. Small and fluffy white clouds made their way lazily through the skies, and a few birds flew over the valley. Everything seemed to be greener and more alive than ever and the calmness of dawn gave Heero a sense of peace as his eyes studied the scenery around him.

Heero smiled secretly to himself and took a small step forward, the wooden steps that led out of the house creaking under his weight. Duo was walking right behind him, watching him like a hawk, making sure that he will not fall or anything. They made their way slowly down the hill, Heero leading them towards the small grove behind the house.

They walked between tall green trees that cast cool shadows on the ground, playing over their body as they walked. The rising sunshine filtered between lush branches as the treetops swayed lazily from side to side, and a few birds were heard here and there. There was no more equipment scattered around the small grove, and the green little forest looked calm and peaceful once again.

Duo looked up at Heero when the boy stopped, and he went to stand by his side. They were standing at the edge of the hill, right above the tall cliffs. Duo looked up at Heero's features, his amethyst eyes worried. "Heero?" He asked, placing a hesitant hand on the boy's shoulder. "Is everything all right?"

"......hai." Heero let out silently, and then took another step towards the cliffs.

"Heero!" Duo called as the Japanese boy lowered himself down, preparing to climb down into the gorge. "Heero, no." He hurried to reproach, bending down himself. "You haven't regained full health yet, remember?"

"It will only be a moment." Heero groaned as he jumped down and landed on a rocky surface. He looked up at Duo. "You can join me if you want."

Duo rolled his eyes, shook his head and jumped down as well. "Of course I'm gonna join ya..." He muttered as both boys climbed down. "Someone has to make sure you won't do anything STUPID..."

Heero chuckled lightly and shook his head, still climbing down the rocky slope. He was carrying his duffle over his shoulder, and the bag swung from side to side as Heero carefully lowered himself down the cliffs, moving slowly and cautiously. Duo was somewhere above his head, looking down worriedly as they descended deeper into the abyss.

Sounds of explosion echoed down in the valley, bouncing off the steep walls of rock and fading into thin air. Heero sent a glance over his shoulder and looked down at the valley. He could see the small base, down below, fire burning through of every building, thick black smoke rising up to stain the perfect skies. Narrowing his eyes, he could see the two large Gundams, Shenlong's armor glistering under the weak sunlight and fire, and the blinding flashes of Heavyarms' guns flickering within the smoke. The sounds of alarms, shooting and battle cries filled the air and Heero turned his head away, sighing. He closed his eyes briefly and took a few deep breaths.

"Heero?" Duo's hesitant voice came from his side, and Heero could feel a warm hand rest on his shoulder. "Are you all right?"

Cobalt blue eyes slowly opened, looking up at the green hill, watching the tall grass and green trees sway softly under the wind. He smiled slightly, taking comfort in that. "Hai." He finally answered, and then continued onwards.

Duo watched him, confused, but said nothing. He sighed and continued to follow his friends as the loud sounds of explosions filled the air.

* * *

It took them some time, but eventually, they reached their destination. Duo looked around in awe, unable to believe his eyes. They were standing before the cave, which up until four days ago, had looked like a dark and ominous tomb. But not anymore.

He could now see that the cave was actually standing out of the mountain, the main halls making two domes, that stood high and proud out of the hill's steep surface. Both domes were covered with the greenest of grass, the tall weeds swaying gently under the wind. And flowers. So many flowers... he didn't remember EVER seeing so many flowers in one place. White little flowers covered the entire cave, peeking out from every crack and between the green grass. There were so many of them, it seemed like a lush white carpet covered the cave. Their sweet scent and delicate looks took Duo's breath away, and all he could do was stand there and watch in awe.

Movements from the corner of his eye made him turn his gaze away, and he turned to look to his left, seeing that Heero was walking towards the cave. He watched him, curious, as the Japanese boy reached for one of the little white flowers that seemed to be growing out of the cave's stony wall, and then he gently picked it. Duo continued watching him, astonished, as he saw the boy go down to his knees, and carefully place the flower at the entrance of the cave.

Feeling like he was interrupting a very sacred moment, Duo went down to his knees as well, watching Heero intensely as the boy continued sitting there, looking up at the cave, his blue eyes full of mystery and something else that Duo could not decipher.

The wind picked up, tousling Heero's wild bangs playfully. A small smile touched Heero's lips, and he turned to reach for his bag. Duo watched him in confusion as the boy pulled out something from his bag. It was a little, pink, ball.

Duo frowned and looked up at Heero, confused. He was about to open his mouth and ask what the hell was this all about, but he found that his voice refused to come. This was not a time for words.

He watched silently as Heero slowly cleared a little soil off the rocky surface they were sitting on, making a small hole in the ground. He followed Heero's long white fingers as the boy gently placed the small ball in the hole, and then covered it again, burying the small sphere right before the entrance of the cave. His eyes filled with awe as he watched Heero take the small white flower from where he had placed it before, and gently place it over the small mountain of moist soil. He stuck the flower into the makeshift "grave" and made sure that it will not fall down. Once done, he turned his gaze up again, looking up at the heavens.

Duo was too shocked to say or do anything. All he could do was sit there and stare at his friend as the wind playfully ruffled his chocolate brown bangs. He was... speechless. There was no way to describe what he was feeling right now, after witnessing Heero's strange burial ritual. He had looked so thoughtful, so caring, so... sad, but yet content at the same time. He had NEVER seen Heero like this. Hell, he could never even imagine that his Japanese partner was capable of such an act. His heart was beating so fast and he felt like he had witnessed something that wasn't his to witness. Something very private, very sacred, to Heero.

But then again... Heero did say that he could join him if he wanted. Heero didn't say anything about his presence. He didn't seem to mind at all. Duo smiled to himself, feeling more relaxed. Heero wanted him here, with him, while performing this little ritual. He trusted him well enough to have asked him to join. He had offered Duo a chance to be with him in this precious moment, and Duo was deeply touched. Heero had sure changed. This experience seemed to have affected him a lot more than he had initially thought.

He turned his gaze up again to look at Heero. His friend. His best of friends was sitting right here beside him, sharing his life with him. Duo smiled to himself, studying Heero's features. The boy's skin was still very pale, but not sickly colored. His cheeks were slightly flushed with the small fever, and most of all... his eyes. Those deep blue pools seemed softer than usual. Warmer. Compassionate. He had never seen Heero's eyes so gentle and caring. So exposed and honest. It touched his heart and he reached for the boy's hand, covering Heero's hand with his.

The boy did not pull away, and instead he turned his hand and returned Duo's hold. He turned to face his friend, and Duo nearly gasped as they were face to face. His eyes widened as he realized that Heero was smiling ever so slightly, looking at him with those incredibly kind eyes. He had to force himself to breathe and swallow as he realized that he could not make his brain work under that soft blue gaze.

Heero chuckled lightly and shook his head, muttering a soft 'baka' as he turned his gaze back to the cave.

Duo relaxed and sighed pleasantly. He turned his gaze up to look at the cave as well, his expression thoughtful.

This week hasn't been such a bad week after all. Sure, it was long, frightening and very hard on him emotionally speaking, but all in all, it hasn't turned out so bad. He always knew that this week was the worse of all weeks, he was prepared. The date of April seventh always marked the approach of a week from hell. But this time, it wasn't so bad. This week had brought him back something he thought that he would never have again.

A friend. He might have lost his best of friends nine years ago from that week, but then again, he had also gained a friend in that same week. He was not alone anymore. Not alone. He had Heero. And Heero had survived the plague. Heero was all right. He was sitting here, right next to him, holding his hand. He could feel his warmth, smell his scent, and hear his lightly labored breath. Heero was alive, and he was with him.

Never alone. Not ever again, it was a promise.

This week had given back his hope, his faith and Heero. In one week he had regained what he had lost nearly a decade ago, and wasn't able to find since. He had found himself someone to share his joys and tears with, someone he trusted and cared for. He had found the companionship he had been searching for. He had found that he cared for his Japanese friend more than anything in the world, and he was surprised to see that maybe the feeling was mutual. Heero wanted him as a friend as well, and maybe, with some work, they can get over all obstacles and build a good and deep friendship.

And who knows, maybe someday, it will go even beyond that. He had learned that everything was possible. Especially when it comes to Heero. But for now, he decided that it would be best to take it slow and see how far they can get. The future was always an uncertain thing, but for now, he was certain about one thing: he wasn't alone anymore, and for that, he was grateful.

Slowly, Duo bowed his head and closed his eyes. He tightened his hold around Heero's hand as his lips began to slowly move, no voice coming out of his mouth. When he was done, he raised his hand and quickly made the sign of the cross over his heart. He could feel Heero's gaze on him, but still he took a few moments before finally opening his eyes.

Slowly, he looked up, only to meet a pair of shinning cobalt eyes. Heero smiled kindly at him, just this little smile, barely visible, and nodded his head in appreciation. Duo smiled back as he felt Heero squeeze his hand gently.

Both boys continued sitting there, on the cliff, as the wind blew softly around them. Sounds of explosions echoed from below. Behind them, smoke soared up to the skies, marking the destruction that grew down below. In front of them, the hill stood proud and tall, green and full of life. The white flowers seemed unaffected by the fact that they were overlooking the destruction of the base, and they swayed playfully from side to side as a bird cut through the heavens.

The two boys continued sitting there, on a small cliff, as the sun slowly made its way up the heavens. A large and dark shadow fell over them as the sun rose higher, hiding behind the hill and coloring the cliffs with a contrasting game of light and shadow. They were hanging between the growth of nature and the destruction of the base. Between light and shadow. Life and death.

As the smoke ascended up to the heavens, it cleared, spreading around the infinite blue until finally vanishing. Only the white clouds were allowed to travel through the light of the azure skies, making their way through the vast heavens. Two clouds parted slowly, fluffy white haze kissing goodbye, the view of the burning valley and the green hill could now be seen way down below. A small pale hand reached down, bright golden light radiating out of the small palm as it reached down towards the earth. Small fingers let go of a single white flower, and a pair of large hazel eyes watched as it slowly descended down to the ground, swinging from side to side as the wind teased it, but never swaying off its course as it made its way down.

A pair of small lips lifted up in a smile and the melody of angelic laughter filled the heavens.

"Arigatou, Onii-chan..."

OWARI.

So. . . how was it? Please tell me!

A FEW NOTES ON THE STORY:

First of all, I would like to state that know little about medicament (you probably figured that already) and so I ask for your forgiveness if the details were all wrong. Some of the things I wrote are wrong, and I'm aware of that. The others I wrote down after seeing it in a certain movie, so I'm not so sure about their reliability, so please keep that in mind. By all conventional laws of science, Heero should have been brain-dead from the fever... >.<

Second of all, I would like to say that I do NOT believe in ghosts, and the only knowledge I have on the subject comes from scary movies (and extensive abuse of my x-files tapes a few years back...). I do, however, believe in God, so forgive me if I sounded like I'm preaching you or something... I had no intention to do that. Nor was I trying to show that I doubt God. I wrote down that DUO doubted God, not me. In the Episode Zero manga he had CLEARLY stated that he does NOT believe in God. Same with Heero. So please don't try to blame me for saying that I do or do not believe. Each of us is entitled to his own beliefs.

And while we are on the subject of religion, I would like to point out that I know little about Christianity as well, so if I made a certain mistake, I apologize.

As a finale word, I would like to say that I wrote this story for FUN and not because I wanted to preach you about God, ghosts or other things. My sole purpose was enjoyment and so I ask you not to take it so hard if I made a few errors here and there... after all, this is only a fan fiction...

Thanks for reading!

Naomi

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