Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Souls ❯ Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own the G boys, I just borrow them to play with from time to time and return them relatively undamaged... honest... :)

Rating: NC 17, Angst, Yaoi, Sap, masturbation, sad in parts, LEMON.

Pairings: 3x4, 2xH, 5+S, OCx2, eventual 1x2x1

Notes: Set 2 years after Endless Waltz. The pilots have all gone their separate ways but still keep in touch. Duo is with Hilde on L2 but cannot forget Heero.

" Lost Souls "

May 2002 ShenLong

Chapter 7

Trowa was reading a book keeping one ear open to the haunting melody that was coming from the violin his lover was playing. The melody came to an end and Trowa looked up. "That was beautiful Quatre."

"Thank you. I have a soft spot for that particular piece. It seems to soothe the restless soul."

Trowa quirked an eyebrow. "Your soul is restless?"

Quatre put the violin lovingly back into its case and snapped the clips shut. "Yes It is. I am getting really worried about Duo and Heero. We haven't heard anything for a while and that isn't normal for Heero. He usually reports in on a regular basis."

"This isn't the wars anymore you know Quatre, he's not a soldier he's a free man and therefore doesn't need to report in as you put it."

"I know that but you know Heero, this is a mission to him and when he's in mission mode he always checks in." Quatre ran his fingers through his hair. "You don't suppose that anything bad has happened to him as well? I mean if Duo is in trouble or being held then the chances of Heero being in the same boat...."

His words were cut off as Trowa moved beside him and cuddled him close. "Now don't go thinking the worst little one. I am sure we will hear from Heero soon."

No sooner were the words out of Trowa's mouth than the vid phone sounded.

"There see? I bet that's Heero now."

Quatre pulled himself from Trowa's embrace and practically ran across the room to the vid phone. He punched the button and waited impatiently for the screen to focus. Heero's face appeared. "Heero! About time, have you found him? What's happening? Why have you taken so long to contact us?" Quatre's voice stilled as he noticed a strange expression on Heero's face.

"What is it Heero?" said Trowa as he slid up behind his concerned lover.

"I have found him..."

Quatre grinned and gave a whoop of joy which quickly dissipated as he noticed Heero's tone. Something was wrong. "Heero....?"

Heero's voice choked for a moment. "I have found him but he is sick... very sick. I need to ask a favor Quatre."

"Anything Heero, just name it." The blonde had turned very pale.

"I have to get him home as quickly as possible. I need to use your private shuttle, the commercial ones don't leave till tomorrow and he needs attention as soon as possible. Besides I don't think he could stand the journey on the commercial."

"It's on its way Heero." Quatre felt his heart tighten. "Just how sick is he Heero?"

Tears welled in those cobalt eyes. "I think he is dying Quatre."

Quatre raised his hand to his mouth in shock as his own tears spilled from his eyes. "No... not Duo.."

Trowa took over then knowing Quatre was needing a little time to compose himself. "The shuttle will be there as soon as possible Heero. I will have a helicopter waiting at the space port to bring you directly here. I will notify Sally and all medical requirements will be waiting. I guess you don't want to take him to the hospital?"

"No. He wont go to the hospital. Oh and Trowa.... there will be a few of us. I can't explain now but I will give you all the information when I get home."

"Of course Heero. Duo is of the utmost importance right now. Bring him home and lets make him well again. God speed."

"Thanks Trowa." and Heero terminated the call.

Trowa turned to Quatre. "At least he has found him. Now my little angel let us get to work, we have a lot to prepare for their arrival."

Quatre nodded. "Just tell me what to do Trowa."

Instinct told the former Heavyarms pilot that Quatre needed to be kept busy, that way he wouldn't focus and pick up too much on Duo's illness and make himself sick as well. Quatre's strange empathy while a blessing most times could also be a source of pain to the former Sandrock pilot.

"I need you to prepare one of the rooms for Duo. Set it up with a hospital type bed. I will make the necessary calls and get what equipment we need here as soon as possible."

Quatre nodded and left the room calling for Rashid as he went.

Trowa turned back to the vid phone, he had a lot to organize. He called the shuttle first and sent it on its way. Being one of the latest models it was a lot faster than the commercial carriers and should reach the space port of L2 within an hour. Next he called the helicopter up. He was going to meet Heero at the space port, he figured with Duo as sick as Heero said the stoic pilot was going to need all the help he could get and not just physical, there was the emotional support as well.

Next he called the Preventer office.

"Hello this is Preventer headquarters' how can I direct your call?"

"Sally Po please."

"One moment sir."

"Sally Po here. Oh hello Trowa, is there any news of Duo?"

"Yes Sally. Heero just called, he has found Duo but I'm afraid it isn't all good news."

The smile of joy that had begun to form was quickly replaced with concern. "He's.... he's not..."

Anticipating what the woman was trying to say Trowa interrupted. "No Sally he isn't dead, but I'm afraid he is very very sick. Heero didn't say exactly what was wrong but he is very worried about him. He seems to think he may be dying. " Trowa lowered his head.

Sally's hand went to her mouth. "Oh god no. Not Duo. Tell me Trowa, when are they due back and where are they heading?"

"The shuttle is on it's way to get them now, they should arrive in about a couple of hours. The helicopter will pick them up and bring them straight here. I have Quatre setting up a medical room now."

"Right. I'm on my way over, I will see what you have and get anything else we may need."

"Thanks Sally. We really appreciate this."

"No need to thank me. After all you boys did for us during the wars it's the least I can do."

"I just hope we aren't too late." said Trowa softly as he let a tear leave one eye.

Seeing the rare display of emotion from the Latin touched Sally deeply. 'He will be all right, I will make sure of that." she vowed. "This is Duo we are talking about Trowa, and Duo has a lovely strong fighting spirit. I will not stand back and let that spirit die. I'm on my way."

Trowa stared at the compassion in the other persons eyes. "Please let Wufei know."

"But of course. I will be bringing him with me. See you soon." and Sally was gone.

Trowa sat in silence thinking how lucky he was to have such good friends around him. He had been a fool to leave all this and think he could be happy with just the circus. Luckily he had come to his senses before it was too late, but would it be too late for Heero and Duo? His thoughts were interrupted as Quatre came back into the room.

Sliding his arms about Trowa's neck he nuzzled the tall boys ear. "Did you make all the calls?"

"Yes I have. Sally is on her way. She will take charge of the medical supplies when she gets here."

"Good."

Trowa looked at his watch. "The shuttle should be docking up there in about half an hour. The pilot will be in contact with us as soon as he begins his return. We should know more then." He reached around and pulled the Arab onto his lap. "Heero said something about there being a few of them but didn't go into detail. I guess once they are on their way home we will find out more."

"You know I can't believe that Heero found him when all the searching we did turned up nothing." said Quatre as he snuggled closer to Trowa's chest.

Absently stroking his love's cheek Trowa smiled. "I guess he had a lot more motivation than we did."

"What do you mean?"

"Well when we were looking for Duo we were looking for a friend and searched in all the spots you would expect to find a friend in. Heero was looking for his soul, and that is the difference."

Quatre allowed his mind to ponder this riddle for a moment then figuring it out he smiled. "Well at least Duo is still alive so there has to be some hope. He has come through worse than this." He tilted his head and searched his lovers eyes for confirmation.

"Yes my love. Duo is a fighter... a survivor." he glanced at his watch. "We should be hearing from them soon. Lets get a coffee while we wait." He rose to his feet cradling Quatre in his arms. Bending his head he captured Quatre's lips for a gentle kiss before lowering the smaller man to his feet.

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Having made his calls Heero grabbed his bag and went back to the Hotel lobby to check out.

"Was there something wrong with the room sir?" asked the clerk.

"No the room was fine. Something unexpected came up and I have to head back to earth." replied Heero as he handed back the room security card and paid for the calls.

"Thank you sir. Have a safe trip and please stay with us again."

"Arigato." replied Heero and picking up his bag he exited the lobby. Once on the street he broke into a run. He had left Duo for long enough and was in a hurry to get back to the man. Not that he didn't trust Shane and the others, he did. But after seeing Duo so ill he needed to be with him, to hold him and comfort him. Try to share the pain if he could.

Shane had succeeded in gathering the group together and they had packed up their meager belongings and were awaiting Heero's return. The younger ones were looking a little scared. Everything was happening so fast around them. They weren't sure about trusting this stranger but Shane had done his best to convince them that Heero was genuine and that he also cared deeply for Duo. So they figured if this Heero guy was as concerned for Duo as Shane said then he couldn't be all that bad. But that didn't mean they had to give him their trust.... not yet anyway.

Shane raised his head as he heard the slab being slid open. Quickly he moved to the base of the stairway and waited in the shadows just in case it wasn't Heero.

"Shane? Are you there?" came the question.

"Yeah, is that you Heero?"

"Hai."

Heero came down the stairs and into view.

"Did you get everyone together?"

"Yeah, they're all here, packed ready to go."

"Good. The shuttle is on its way. We need to get to the space port as soon as we can." Heero said as he moved into the small room heading for the part that contained his precious love. Pulling back the curtain Heero stared down at the long haired man. Duo was still unconscious not having moved since Heero had left.

"I packed all Duo's stuff as well." said Shane.

"Right. Thanks Shane." Heero bent to lift Duo noting that Shane had put a thin jacket over the teens shirt in an effort to keep him warm on their trip to the space port. Hooking his arms under Duo's knees and shoulders he was surprised at how light the man was in his arms. Duo had lost a lot of weight, something he really couldn't afford to do.

Shane picked up Heero's bag and slung it over his shoulder. One of the other boys grabbed Duo's duffle bag. Heero straightened himself up and looked around the motley group, noting all the boys for the first time. They ranged in age from Shane at about 14 to the youngest who appeared to be about 8. He gave them all a grim smile.

"Hi boys, I'm Heero. I'm sorry to meet you all like this but I don't have time for explanations right now. Duo here as you know is really sick and I am going to get him the help he needs. I will answer any questions once we are on the shuttle... okay?"

The boys all stared at Heero wide eyed and nodded.

"Good, lets go then." and Heero, carrying his precious cargo, headed up the stairs and out into the night.

Taking one last look around the tiny room they had called home Shane followed the rest of the group out and hopefully to a better life.

Heero walked swiftly and the boys had to jog at times to keep up but Heero wouldn't slow down. The sooner he got to the shuttle the sooner he could get Duo home and under expert medical care. Within ten minutes they were at the port.

Heero moved across the large expanse to the main counter. He addressed the person there and found that the Winner Shuttle was just coming in to dock. A space port employee escorted the unusual looking group to the boarding area.

The boys all looked around in awe. The place was huge. Then the youngster of the group, Toby, spotted the Winner Shuttle and his mouth gaped open. He nudged Shane.

"Are we going on that?" he asked, his eyes as big as saucers.

"Looks like it Toby." replied Shane.

"Wow! I didn't know Duo ad these sorts of friends." said the little boy.

"Nor did I Toby." replied Shane.

"So if Duo has rich friends how come he was livin off the streets and screwin like us to live?" came the innocent question.

Shane looked fondly at the skinny kid. "I dunno Tob, but I'm sure he had his reasons. Maybe one day he will tell us, but for now lets just enjoy it while we can and help Duo to get better 'kay?" he ruffled the youngsters hair.

"'Kay then Shane." and Toby continued to gaze at the large white shuttle.

Heero nodded to the gate man as they passed through. He walked quickly down the corridor to the shuttles open door. The pilot was waiting for them.

"Hello Mr. Yuy."

"Hello Benson."

"How is Mr. Maxwell?"

"Not good I'm afraid Benson. We need to get him home as quickly as possible."

"Understood sir. As soon as your party is on board and ready we will leave."

"Arigato Benson."

"Don't mention it sir. Mr. Maxwell has always held a special place in Mr. Winners employees hearts. He is an exceptional young man."

Heero gazed down at the gaunt face cradled in his arms. "Hai he is." he whispered.

The group moved into the shuttle and sat down. Shane moved amongst them making sure they all had their safety belts done up.

"Why do I gotta wear one of these things?" grumbled Colin.

"'Cause once we get goin you will float out of ya seat if ya not strapped in." sniggered Paul. "I thought ya knew that."

Colin huffed and Shane smiled to himself.

"Are we really goin to the earth?" asked Benny who was about the same age as Toby.

"Yup. We sure are." replied Shane as he tightened the small boy's belt.

"I bet I see it fore you do." piped up Toby.

"You just keep watchin out the window 'kay? Tell me when ya see a big blue sphere." said Shane.

"What's a spear?" asked Mickey.

Shane laughed. "A sphere Mickey not a spear. It's another word for a round object."

"Oh." said Mickey and began to gaze out the window.

Heero took Duo to the rear of the shuttle where the seats had had their armrests removed to make a smallish bed. Gently he placed Duo down and strapped the frail body in. Fetching a blanket he covered his love, tucking the blanket firmly around him. Satisfied he moved back down the aisle to check on the rest of the passengers. "All strapped in?" he asked.

Five heads nodded vigorously.

"All secured Heero." said Shane.

"Hai." Heero moved towards the cockpit. "Ready for take off Benson." he said.

"Roger Mr. Yuy. Control this is Winner Shuttle five niner zero requesting clearance for lift off."

"Winner shuttle five niner zero this is control... you are cleared for take off..."

The rest of the exchange was lost as Heero made his way back to Duo and strapped himself into the seat opposite the former DeathScythe pilot.

The shuttles engines roared into life. Benny grabbed a hold of Shane's hand as the shuttle jolted slightly as it pulled away from it's docking port. Shane squeezed the younger boy's hand reassuringly. The rest of the boys stared in wonder as they saw the colony they had called home from the outside.

"Wow... did we really live on there?" said Toby.

"Yup. Looks different from out ere." said Paul.

"Jus look at all em stars." said Colin with his face plastered against the tiny window.

"Where.." asked Benny his fear of the shuttle beginning to disappear.

Shane chuckled to himself at the innocence of the youngsters. It was his first time in space and he was just as overwhelmed as the rest of them but he was too concerned with Duo's health to be able to enjoy the view of the universe. Turning his head he could just see the top of Heero's brown mop over the seats. Carefully unbuckling his safety belt he floated between the seats to where Heero sat holding Duo's hand.

"Any change?" he asked quietly.

"No." said Heero as he caressed the back of Duo's hand with his thumb.

Toby leaned across to Benny and whispered. "That Heero guy must really love Duo. He aint left him alone."

"I'm glad Duo has someone to look after 'im and make 'im better. He's a good guy." responded Benny.

Toby switched his attention back to watching the stars and seeking out his first glimpse of the *sphere*

Shane sat with Heero for a while noting how the man gently caressed Duo's cheek as he pushed a stray lock of hair from his face. Duo was a lucky guy to have someone like Heero he thought. Then his mind switched and he began to wonder how the two had met. Whatever the connection it was certainly strong. He made a mental note to ask Heero someday.

A small squabble brought Heero and Shane from their thoughts.

"Leave it done up!"

"But I gotta go."

"No ya don't. Ya jus wanna float around."

"That's not true. I hafta go."

Heero quirked an eyebrow at Shane who shrugged his shoulders.

"Can't ya hold it?"

"No.... I really hafta go."

Shane stood up but Heero motioned him to sit with Duo so Shane sat and let Heero deal with the argument.

Heero floated down the aisle. "What's up guys?"

"He reckons he has ta go to the bathroom." said Colin and nodded in Mickey's direction.

Heero stared at the blue eyed boy. "You need the bathroom?"

"Yeah." came the mumbled reply.

"Come on then I'll take you." said Heero and held out his hand.

Mickey quickly undid his belt and floated out of the seat. He poked his tongue out at Colin as he took Heero's hand and allowed the man to lead him to the bathroom. Heero waited patiently for the youngster to finish and then took him back to his seat. Once he was secured again Heero looked at the group. Now seemed as good a time as any to tell them what his plan was. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat.

Five faces turned and looked at him expectantly.

"As you all know Duo is very sick. I am taking him to my friends place where they have the necessary equipment to make him better. This friend has a really big house so we are all going to stay there with him while Duo gets better. Is that okay with you guys?"

"That's fine with us mister Heero. We want Duo to be the same as he was before." said Paul.

"How do you know Duo?" piped up Toby.

Shane cocked an ear eager to learn something of the past between these two.

"Duo and I have been friends for years....." he began before being interrupted by Toby.

"Yeah we know that already... where did ya meet?" Toby asked impatiently.

Heero smiled at the boys enthusiasm. "A long time ago during the wars."

"You fought in the wars?" said Benny with wide eyes.

"Yes we both did. The first time I met Duo he shot me.... twice..."

"He shot you!?" chorused the boys

"What are you lot? a bunch of parrots?" said Heero, a grin forming at the corners of his mouth.

The boys all looked suitably miffed at this.

"Hai, he shot me but he didn't know at the time that I was the same as him."

Five pairs of eyes bored into Heero's

"We were Gundam pilots."

The words fell like a stone. Heero watched as the boys took this in.

"You were a Gundam pilot?... Cool..." said Benny.

"Oh wow! Which Gundam did ya pilot mister Heero?" asked Toby enthralled.

"I was pilot 01. My Gundam was Wing... Wing Zero..."

"So who was Duo then?" Paul asked.

"He was known as pilot 02. His Gundam was DeathScythe."

"Hey I seen pictures of some of them Gundam things. One had this really cool gadgetry thingy, looked like a big curved knife. I think it was called a sim..sim..." Colin said.

"That would have been Sandrock. Pilot 04's Gundam. He had two of those, they were called scimitars. Mr. Winner who owns this shuttle and who's place we are going to was Sandrock's pilot."

"How many of ya were there?" questioned Mickey.

"There were five Gundams in total. Mine which I told you was Wing, then 02 which is Duo and DeathScythe, then Trowa was 03 with Heavyarms, Quatre 04 and Sandrock and lastly 05 Wufei and ShenLong."

The boys all stared at Heero with new respect. Here in their midst was not one but two of the legendary Gundam pilots.

Benny squirmed in his seat. "This is just great!" he beamed.

"Yeah you guys sure kicked ass!" added Paul.

Heero just smiled. "Lets just say war is something no one should have to go through."

"So I guess you guys have been through a lot together then, that's why ya care so much 'bout Duo." Toby said his eyes wide with admiration.

"You could say that Toby. We covered each other and saved each other more times than I care to remember." Heero's voice took on a dreamy tone as his mind wandered back.

"Why did there hafta be a war Mr. Heero?" asked Mickey.

Heero stared into the green eyes of the youngster and thought deeply. "Some people wanted to have control over everything. They didn't want the colonies to have any freedom. They couldn't see that the earth and the colonies could exist and work together, so they tried to force their way of ruling upon the colonies. It goes into a lot more than just that but I don't think you guys need to have all the details, its all boring political mumbo jumbo. Its enough to say that the colonies rebelled and so the Gundams were made and as a result of the ensuing war peace was brought to the warring factions and finally the earth and colonies are able to exist and work together."

Shane watched the boys as they listened intently to Heero's words. So now he knew some of Duo's past and why the braided man was special to Heero. He could only begin to imagine what horrors the pair had seen and been through together. No wonder the bond was strong. A movement from the makeshift bed alerted him to Duo's wakefulness. Turning he saw the violet eyes flicker open. "Heero...." he called softly.

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