Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Pieces of a Puzzle ❯ Chapter Twelve ( Chapter 12 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: siberianknight 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.25.2005 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.5K | Visits: 318 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.25.2005 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.5K | Visits: 318 | Status: Completed
Author's Notes: *sniff* Not as sad as the next chapter though ... well the next one is more pitiful ...
Warnings: Language (Duo's got such a filthy mouth), angst, death, minor blood and gore
Status: COMPLETE
-----
The alarm echoed throughout the Seireitei. There was a hollow in Soul Society. The captains gathered their members and gave strict orders to locate and destroy the hollow. Heero had been preparing for his daily training with Aya, when the alarm had sounded. “I wonder what’s wrong?” Heero stared at the distant sight of the Seireitei.
“I’m not sure. I think they can handle it though.” Aya tapped her zanpakutou against Heero’s in the hope that he would turn around and begin his lesson for the day.
“I’m going.” Heero sheathed his sword and began to walk away from Aya. For some reason his stomach was beginning to knot up in worry. He was terrified that something had happened to Duo, but that was ridiculous because he had the day off. Aya followed behind Heero as they traversed the road which lead to the east entrance of the Seireitei.
“Heero, really ... we need to be training.” Aya pleaded as yet another rock became lodged between her foot and sandal; however, Heero refused to slow his pace which had been steadily increasing the closer they got to the main road. It was just as they stepped from the forrest that Heero spotted the hollow and the person who was fighting him.
Duo’s forehead was bloodied and his kimono was ripped from the shoulder down to his elbow. He looked tired, but was valiantly fighting off the large hollow. “Ya want some more?” Duo taunted as he swung again at his foe.
Aya stopped behind Heero whose hand was resting on the hilt of his zanpakutou. “Don’t. He needs to fight this thing by himself. That must be the hollow which killed Laurie.” Heero slowly and reluctantly dropped his arm to his side. “I see he has one of the twin zanpakutou. Life. -- Although he doesn’t seem to know how to channel its power.”
“He knows. He’s playing with the hollow.”
Duo smirked as his eyes raised slowly to look at the mask of his opponent. He held the sword perpendicular before him and ran his hand behind the blade. “It’s time for you to die.” The blade began to glow with a blinding white light. A white flame engulfed both the zanpakutou and Duo as he raised the sword above his head for a fatal blow. In one swift slash, the hollow’s head was split in two and the mask cracked.
Duo panted as he watched the hollow fade from existence. He slowly sat down on the grass and stared at the spot where it had been standing. “Damn. I thought I’d feel better.” His chin began to quiver as the first tears ran slowly down his blood and sweat stained cheeks. Heero was by his side before the first tear ever fell.
“Duo ...” Duo turned and looked at the man he loved more than life. With a sob he fell into his open arms and cried until no more tears would come forth. Heero stroked Duo’s hair and just held him until the sobs ceased.
“I’ll go tell the rest of the squad.” Aya stated with a hint of uncertainty in her soft voice.
“Take your time, please.”
“I -- I will.”
When the shaking and the sobs stopped, Duo raised his face so that he could look at Heero. “I thought that I would feel happy about killing the thing that killed Laurie. I don’t ... I just feel -- empty. Like her death was for nothing, and so was this hollow’s. I actually feel bad about killing it.”
“It would have killed you too had you not fought.”
Duo breathed in deeply. “You’re right. Then what would you do without me?” He smiled at Heero, his eyes sparkling in the sunlight. Heero knew that Duo was going to be fine after that smile.
“I was worried about you.”
“I know. I’m fine now. No need to worry about me -- now you on the other hand ...” Duo stood and began to walk away from Heero.
“Hey! What do you mean by that?” Heero quickly caught up with Duo and gave him a puzzled expression.
“Nothing.” Duo gently took Heero’s hand in his and walked silently back to the Seireitei.
-----
“As you know, the captain is ill. I will be taking over his duties until he gets well enough to be active captain once again.” Hilde paced nervously in front of the twenty-eight members of the eleventh gotei. “I’m new to this position, but I feel confident that I can lead you well and this should be a fairly painless transition. Thank you all ... dismissed.”
Duo and Heero walked out together and back home. On their way home, Jackson ran up to them huffing violently from running. “Duo -- you -- need -- to -- come with me.”
“Why?”
“Now, son Come along.” Jackson grabbed Duo’s hand and attempted to drag him.
“I’ll see you at the apartment, Heero.” Heero nodded and watched Duo follow Jackson into the black night.
“What’s going on?” Duo asked once far away from Heero.
“She’s requested to meet with you.”
“‘She’? Who?”
“You’ll find out when we get there.” The two men walked along a winding path through the different buildings and mazes which made up the Seireitei. It was only after a great distance from where they started did they reach a building nestled between two of the maze walls. The building would have gone unnoticed if one didn’t know what to look for. There were no windows and the door had a small cream colored handle which blended in with the walls. “This is it Be nice.” Duo nodded, still baffled by what was happening. The door creaked open and Duo was shoved inside by Jackson. Once inside, it took a few moments for Duo’s eyes to adjust to the dimly lit room.
*****
Heero sat alone in the dark apartment waiting for Duo to return from wherever it was that Jackson had dragged him. He looked around the rooms and decided that he should do some cleaning to pass the time. While he was cleaning, he found a large box filled with sketchbooks. Heero smiled proudly as he pulled one out of the box.
Heero sat down at the kitchen table and opened the first book. Inside were drawings of people that Duo knew, and what appeared to be journal entries. Heero wasn’t sure if he should read them or not, despite the fact that the box had been in plain view beside the bed. He glanced at the first entry and recognized it as just after Duo and Hilde had kissed. Before he realized what he was doing, Heero was reading through all of the journals.
Most of the writing was about everyday things that Duo had done, but then there was the parts where he gushed over how much he loved Heero. As Heero read through them, he discovered something odd once he reached the more recent journals. Duo had begun to mark through long portions of what he had written. Beside these entries were drawings of hollows, Jackson, and Zechs. Puzzled, Heero attempted to read the parts that were crossed out, but found it impossible. Just as he was beginning the past week’s writings, someone began to pound on the apartment door.
“Heero! Duo! Come quick! -- the captain ... he ... he’s ...” It was Hilde, and she sounded very upset. Heero ran out the door and followed everyone else who were also darting out of their apartments. The large group of shinigami followed their vice-captain to the gotei headquarters.
“Heero!” Aya called out to him from inside the headquarters. She patiently waited for Heero inside the entrance.
“What’s happened?” Heero looked around and spotted the other captains standing in the orders room, talking somberly amongst each other.
“The captain’s dead. He -- committed suicide.” Aya’s warm brown eyes lifted to Heero’s stunned expression.
“Why? I don’t understand.”
“No one’s sure. We have to find out what his note said though.”
Heero nodded and walked along the corridor to the sitting room. He slid open the bamboo and rice paper doors and entered the small room. Aya followed him and gently closed the doors behind her. “I -- I didn’t know him very well. I feel odd.”
“I didn’t know him very well either. He knew of my skill, and I had spoken with him a few times, but -- I didn’t know him.”
“I need to find Duo.” Heero stood and began to leave the room, but was stopped by Aya’s voice.
“Why was he not with you? A secret date?”
Heero’s jaw tensed and his hands balled into fists. “No. His mentor needed him for something.”
“Ah, but it looks like you’re suspicious.”
“Aya, stop.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right ... it is bad form to tease with our captain laying dead upstairs.” Aya lit an incense stick and placed it in its holder. “Come back and sit again. We’ll wait together for the contents of the note.” Heero nodded and sat next to Aya, who leaned over against him. Heero was ready to pull away from her, when she began to cry softly. Feeling an awkward sense of need to comfort her, Heero allowed her to lean against him and cry.
*****
Duo felt as if his head was in a fog. Everything seemed surreal to him, as if he was walking through a dream. He stood in the entry way to the eleventh’s headquarters. People pushed past him to either leave the building or enter it. Miss Peacecraft gently rested her hand on Duo’s shoulder and suddenly everything came into focus. “Duo-kun? Are you alright?”
“Yes I am. I’m fine, thank you.” Relena nodded and walked into the orders room. “Wonder where Heero is.” Duo looked around unable to locate Heero. The last room he hadn’t checked was the sitting room.
Aya was still leaning against Heero when the doors slid open. “Duo!” Heero was happy to see him, to know that he was well.
“Heero.” Duo’s terse tone sent a chill into the air.
Heero quickly pushed Aya away and stood. “Duo -- she ... she was crying. It’s not--”
“I know Heero. You don’t have to stumble through an apology.” Duo’s foul mood was not lost on Heero; however, he was at a loss to know what was causing Duo’s temper.
“What’s wrong then?”
“Nothing.” Duo tossed a quick glare in Aya’s direction and then turned to leave the room. Heero followed close behind Duo, knowing that he could speak more openly once back at their apartment, but for now, he would stay quiet and allow Duo to smolder over whatever it was that was bothering him.
Hilde called everyone into the orders room. “Please everyone quiet down! We have the captain’s suicide note.”
Zechs nodded to Hilde and she stepped aside so that the captain of all the gotei could speak. “I’m going to give everyone a brief overview of his note. I don’t want to sadden anyone any more than they already are. Suffice to say, the captain killed himself because he felt as if he was of no use to you anymore. He felt as though his illness was getting the better of him, and he wasn’t performing properly as your captain.”
“What are we going to do without a captain!?” A voice squeaked from amidst the crowd.
“I’m getting to that. He has named his successor inside of the note. I’m puzzled by his choice, but it was his request. You’re new captain is -- Akimori Aya.”
Both Duo and Heero turned to stare at Aya, surprise present on their faces; Aya’s eyes were rounded with surprise also. “Me?” She asked as she moved forward through the crowd.
“Yes, Akimori-san. You.”
“Why me?” Aya had to tilt her head back to look up into Zechs’s face.
“He wrote that he has a lot of faith in your abilities and that you have recently reached bankai. I was not aware of that.”
“Yes, I have. If you need a witness -- then ask Heero Yuy.” All eyes turned to Heero who was feeling a little uncomfortable from the attention.
“Yes, I was there when she reached bankai.” Satisfied with Heero’s response, Zechs looked down at Aya.
“Then you are the new captain of the eleventh gotei. So note it in the record books. Everyone please return to your homes and posts.” Zechs exchanged one last questioning look with Aya before he left the building.
Aya walked over to Heero and Duo with a barely hidden smile on her face. “Shall we go drink to the dead?”
Duo laughed humorlessly at Aya’s suggestion. “Heero and I have early patrol -- if you would look at the assignment roster then you’d know that. We need to get to bed.” Placing his hand over Heero’s, Duo led him away from Aya. He could feel the heat of her glare on his back, but he wasn’t concerned much over her displeasure. Duo needed to get Heero away from her and that place so they could talk.
“Duo, what’s wrong?” Heero asked quietly once they were in their apartment.
“I --” Duo looked around, troubled by something warring within him. Heero was growing more and more concerned by the minute for his love. He wasn’t sure what it was that was troubling Duo so much, nor was he sure that Duo would be willing to share. “I’m fine. Just, don’t tell anyone any more than you ... need ... to ...” Duo’s voice trailed off as he saw his journals spread on the kitchen table. “Did you read those?”
Heero looked at them with a guilty conscience. “Yes. I-I found them while I was cleaning, and I was only looking at the pictures Duo ... but then I started reading the entries. I’m so sorry.”
Duo’s sigh filled the room. “It’s alright. No harm done -- you already knew most of this.”
“I’m sorry.” Heero watched as Duo walked into the bedroom. He exited carrying his small wooden wash tub with his bathing things inside.
“I’m going to go and take a bath. I’ll be back in a bit.” Heero let Duo leave without saying anything else to him. He was concerned about Duo’s emotional behavior, but thought it best to just go on and warm the bed than to go after him. Heero knew that when Duo was ready to open up, he would.
-----
Duo sat on the same hill that he sat on quite often now. His mind was racing with things which he had been told in that secret meeting. Things which he longed to tell Heero, but dared not to because that would involve him. Involving Heero was the last thing that Duo wanted.
The days since the captain’s suicide had been a rough transition. Hilde had been furious that the captain, who had known her much better than Aya and had even personally trained her, had passed her over for someone else. Hilde was very good at letting it be known that she was not happy with the fact that she was still only vice-captain. Many of the shinigami found her pouting act to be bratty and unnecessary. Hilde didn’t much care.
As for Heero, he had been taken under Akimori’s protective wing and was still being trained by her. He and Duo had been split up, and Duo wasn’t entirely certain if logic was behind that decision or if it was Aya’s lust for Heero. Duo wasn’t concerned that Heero would cheat, but he was worried about Aya’s roaming hands. His journal now held many drawings of Aya in various hideous expressions. If one were to find his journal now, they would know that Duo held a strong animosity for Aya. Jackson had been the only one to whom Duo had dared to voice his distaste over their new captain.
“Just be patient Everything will work out -- you’ll see.” Those had been Jackson’s words. They didn’t do much to comfort Duo.
“Duo ...” Duo turned his head to see Jackson smiling down at him. “How are you lad?”
“Could be better. I didn’t want to be a part of this, you know.”
Jackson sat down and pulled out a wood pipe. He carefully packed the bowl with a sweet smelling tobacco blend and placed in his mouth. “I know, I didn’t want you to be a part of it either. But here we are -- both spies.”
“Spies ... I feel more like a rat.”
Jackson chewed thoughtfully on the end of the pipe before lighting it. “We are rats. You know why I talk the way I do?”
“You’re trying to throw everyone off the scent?”
Jackson laughed softly. “Not that good of a disguise when you really think about it ... is it?”
“No.”
“Do you want a puff? It’ll relax you.” Jackson offered his pipe to Duo, who just stared at it as if it were some hideous creature.
“Only if you want me to get sick on you.” Duo rolled his eyes and then laid back in the cool grass. “Why me? She didn’t give me any real reason. Just that I ‘know too much.’”
“Because you’re insightful ... and although Heero would follow orders to the letter, he’d not stop and think things through the way you would. You see ... your street smarts landed you the spot.”
“Yay.” Jackson ignored Duo’s sarcasm and took a deep puff on his pipe. “How long have you been doing this spy thing?”
“About ten years now. Not as long as some others.”
“Hmm ... how long has she been running this?”
“Her father started it ... to keep his eye on the shinigami. He feared another uprising might take place. Although -- that uprising was quite different from what we may be facing now. Only five members bought into his propaganda. This time we’re looking at many more numbers.”
“So you believe that old fairy tale too?”
“You mean about the Arancar? Yes.” Duo began to laugh. “Hey! Don’t laugh at an old man’s beliefs. Show some manners young man.”
Duo tried to stop laughing long enough to speak. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it ... that story was just so -- fantastic, and I grew up hearing it as a bedtime story. That’s all.”
“It happened, boy. I swear to you it did. Now, I believe we need to do some training ... do we not?”
“Yes sir.” Duo leaped to his feet and picked up his zanpakutou.
-----
Duo slipped out from under Heero’s protective embrace and quietly put on some pants. He tied the sash which held them around his hips and picked up his sketchbook. For some reason, Duo had been restless all night, and the several hours of playing with Heero had failed to exhaust him to the point of passing out asleep. He walked outside and looked around at the silent streets. Duo decided to perch upon the roof of the maze wall and sketch some.
Duo leapt onto the roof and sat cross legged. He was there for some time when a noise startled him. “Duo ...” A whisper echoed from beneath the eaves of the roof. Duo dropped down onto the ground and found Jackson pressed against the wall.
“Jac--” Duo began loudly, but was cut off by an angry shh from Jackson. “What are you doing here?” Duo whispered.
“Take this.” Jackson pressed folded papers into Duo’s hand. “Don’t read them, don’t show them to anyone. Place them in your journal and hide that journal. Remember ... do not let anyone see them.”
“I -- I won’t. What are they?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions boy ... just do as you’re told. If I can -- in five days time I’ll tell you what to do with them. But do not under any circumstances look at them. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Jackson looked around and then slipped away down the street. Duo looked at the folded papers and had a strong urge to open them and look, but fought back his desire. He carefully placed the papers within the sketchbook and returned to his apartment. Duo slipped the book under the dresser and then slipped back into bed with Heero; however, no matter how hard he tried, Duo couldn’t fall asleep. He was worried about Jackson, and was curious as to what the contents of the papers were.
The next morning Duo’s eyes were bloodshot and he felt as though his body were moving through sludge. “I’m so tired ...” He yawned loudly as he made his way through the streets which led to Jackson’s home. Duo walked up to the door and noted an odd odor in the air. Shrugging it off, he began to pound on the door. “Jackson ...!” A loud yawn followed his yell. There was no answer. Duo tried several more times to get a response, but there was still no noise from inside. Curious, he jiggled the doorknob and found it unlocked. With a gentle push, the door swung open and Duo was sickened by the sight which welcomed him.
Rhiannen’s body was laying broken on the floor, a thick red pool of blood surrounding her. She was reaching to where her husband sat against the wall, a large gaping cut in his abdomen. Duo’s mouth opened in a scream, but no sound came forth. He turned around and leaned against the wall for support. His eyes began to burn from the tears flooding down his face. Those two bodies in there, once filled with so much life, had become the father and mother he had never known.
Duo felt his body began to wretch and he watched as if from a place outside himself as he lost the contents of his stomach on the ground. A familiar voice called out to him, obviously distressed by Duo’s state, but Duo was unable to answer the voice.
Trowa ran up to Duo as soon as he saw him double over and throw-up. “Duo! What’s wrong!” Duo’s eyes were glazed over and tears were still streaming down his face. Trowa could smell the metallic scent of blood from his position outside the door. There was no need to look inside, yet another murder had occurred. He cradled Duo in his arms as he yelled for someone to fetch Marquise. “Quatre, go get Heero. He should be on border patrol today.” Quatre had been across the street, but when Trowa had yelled for Zechs, he had run up to him to see what was wrong.
“I’ll go get him.” Quatre prayed quietly as he ran through the streets to the border of the Seireitei that everything was alright. He spotted Heero leaning against the wall looking completely bored. “Heero-kun!”
Heero looked up when he heard Quatre’s voice; he was happy until he saw the look on the young man’s face. “What’s wrong? Is it Duo?”
Quatre frowned at the hint of worry in Heero’s voice. “Yes and no. His friends ... the O’Connell’s -- they’re dead.”
“What!?” Heero shoved past Quatre and began to run back to Duo. When he arrived at Jackson’s home, he found Duo sitting against the outside wall of the house, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. “Duo?” Duo looked up at Heero, his face streaked with tears. The moment he saw Heero, he launched into another fit of crying. Heero sat down next to him and held him tightly. “Shh ... I’ve got you, just let it out.” Heero fought back his own tears for the old man and his wife. He may not have known them well, but he knew how much Duo had cared for them.
“I’m going to find who did this ...” Duo mumbled into Heero’s neck.
“Duo ... why don’t you leave that to Marquise.” Heero felt Duo’s body stiffen, but then he relaxed and sighed.
“I want to go home.” Heero helped Duo to his feet and then home.
-----
Duo was still curled up asleep when Heero left for patrol. Four days had passed since Duo had found the O'Connells’ bodies, and he had not left his side of the bed. Heero wanted to help him, to make him smile again, but he knew that Duo just needed time. As much as Heero wanted Duo to be like his old self, only time could bring about that change.
Heero walked into the orders room and walked up to the large desk which dominated the far wall. In the assignment ledger was a note next to his name. Heero read the small script underneath his daily assignment; it was from Aya, she was requesting a private meeting with him. Knowing that he couldn’t avoid the meeting since she was now captain, Heero sighed and walked off in the direction of her office.
Aya was gazing out the large window behind her desk when Heero entered the room. Heero cleared his throat to gain her attention. “Ah, Heero. How are you?” Captain Akimori’s eyes glowed brightly as she motioned for Heero to sit.
Heero remained standing as he answered his superior. “I’m fine. What was it that you needed to discuss with me?”
“Oh. Well, I have a special assignment for you -- but first I wanted to ask you a question. Do you ... do you trust me?”
Puzzled by her question, Heero tried to rationalize it, but failed to do so. Was this all she had wanted from him? “As my captain -- I do. I can understand why you were hand picked by your predecessor for this position.”
“That was a very political way of answering, but thank you.” Aya shuffled some of the papers which littered her desk around until she found a certain document. “Here it is. This memo is from the Center 46. It states that a special investigation has been set in motion to uncover the murderer or murderers of the O’Connell family. They have requested that each captain nominate their vice-captain and one other subordinate to form a cross-squad investigative team.” Aya set the paper down and at looked at Heero directly. “I want you to be a member of this team.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I can only image what Duo is going through ... and yourself because of his emotional state. I thought it through, and I felt that you would be the best candidate because of your connection to the O'Connell's. Not too close, but close enough to care.”
“With all due respect, Captain Akimori, I feel Duo might be better --”
“He’s too emotional to think clearly, and someone of your judgment should know that. Please, Heero, I feel you’re the best man for the job.”
Heero thought about the offer. Aya did make a good point that he would have a strong desire to see the investigation all the way through, but at the same time he would be able to stay removed and objective. “I accept.”
“Excellent!” Aya clapped her hands together in joy, and rounded the desk so that she might hug Heero; however, Heero deftly dodged the open arms. Disappointed her arms dropped to her sides and she simply smiled at the young man. “Thank you, Heero.”
“Hmm.” Heero bowed and turned to leave.
*****
Duo’s eyes slowly opened and focused on the plain white wall next to the bed. He groaned loudly and rolled onto his back. Yet another day of laying around completely useless to the world. He wanted so desperately to go back to work, but the higher-ups wouldn’t allow it. With a sigh, Duo slipped out of bed and stretched. The cool spring air floated in and caressed his naked body, making him feel a little more awake than when he had been under the covers.
After pulling on some clothes, Duo made himself some breakfast and then decided to take his sketchbook up onto the roof. The day was sunny and mild, the noises from everyday life drifted up to Duo’s ears as he drew random pictures of Heero. He finished a doodle and turned to a fresh page, there wedged in the crease of the pages, was the packet of letters that Jackson had given him. His warning drifted back through Duo’s mind, and despite his curiosity, Duo placed them in the back of the sketchbook. He sat watching life move beneath him, and began to wonder just what had been so important about those letters. “Maybe it’s why you were killed, old man.”
Duo pulled the packet out of the sketchbook and examined the outside. There was no writing, nothing to indicate the content of the letters. He carefully unfolded them. The handwriting was bold and somewhat flamboyant, but it definitely belonged to a female; though truthfully, the only way he knew this was her name was at the bottom of the letter. Duo’s eyes widened as he began to read the body of the first note.
*****
“Heero, look, why do you want to go against the orders? That’s not like you.” Trowa was concerned for his friend. Heero had come to him just moments ago, asking that he join him in investigating Jackson’s murder outside of the team which was being assembled.
“Trowa ... there’s something -- I don’t know, call it a gut feeling, but we need to do this without their knowledge.”
Trowa studied Heero’s eyes; there wasn’t one trace of humor in them. Heero was deadly serious about his odd feeling. “All right. I’ll help.”
Quatre walked into the room, a sheepish look on his round face. “I want to help too.”
“Quatre?” Trowa was startled to see his lover walk into the room. He was supposed to have been out on patrol still.
“I’m sorry. I was eavesdropping. I want to help find the bastard that killed those kind people.”
“Excellent. The more people I know I can trust -- the better.” Heero looked at Quatre and gestured for him to join them at the table. “Duo has more information than any of us. If I get him to join then maybe we’ll find a good lead before the captains or the team do.”
“I agree. Heero, that’ll be your job. Quatre and I will very subtlety investigate through the squads. Surely someone will have a loose tongue.” Trowa stood and began to walk to the door with Heero following closely behind. “Quatre, you keep your ears open. Don’t pointedly ask anyone -- got it?”
“I understand.” Quatre nodded and urged the two to get moving.
“Duo should be awake by now. I know he’s at the apartment because he doesn’t leave.” Heero’s face showed his sadness as he spoke. Trowa was surprised by how much emotion this man, who normally held everything back with a glare, was showing in front of him. The two arrived at Heero and Duo’s apartment after a brief walk only to find Duo not inside any of the rooms. Heero glared in frustration and began walking to the stairs which led to the roof. Trowa followed quietly behind him.
Duo was sitting and staring blankly out at the city. “I wondered when you were going to get home.” He turned and forced a smile hoping that neither of them would question what was wrong.
“Duo, we need your help.” Heero sat down and rested his hand on Duo’s tense shoulder. A questioning look flashed across his face as he felt Duo pull away slightly.
“Heero, I need to talk to you. I’m in trouble.”
“Should I leave?” Trowa question softly, worried that he was intruding on something intimate.
“No. I need your help as well.” Duo began to explain everything that had happened to him in the past months. Jackson’s revelation about a possible coup and how he was a spy. Then Duo spoke of the fact that he had been recruited as a spy as well. “I didn’t want the job, but it was forced on me ... Since Jackson told me nearly everything.”
“What’s wrong then?” Trowa walked over to the couple and squatted behind Heero so that Duo wouldn’t have to raise his voice much.
“It’s this letter, and what the director of the spies said to me the night I was recruited. They think that the coup has started -- and that it has a leader.”
“Who?” Heero asked softly.
“They don’t know. The only thing they know is that this person has power. Lots of power. Enough to kill or have those killed that know too much or stand in their way.” Duo looked at Heero, fear shone brightly in his eyes. Heero gently pulled Duo into his embrace and held him tightly. “I’m scared, Hee-chan. I don’t want to die. And I especially don’t want you to die.”
“None of us will. Listen. First we’re going to get rid of that letter. Does anyone know that Jackson gave it to you?”
“No. That was why he gave it to me. It wasn’t meant for me to see it ... he told me not to read it, but I thought maybe it might have a clue as to why he was killed.”
“Okay, that’s good. We have to watch each other’s backs then. Just stay low, and try not to find yourself alone too often. Everything should be fine then.”
Trowa reached out his hand. “I’ll take the letter and dispose of it.”
“Here.” Duo handed the letters to Trowa and then stood. “There are some other things I need you to get rid of.”
“What?”
“My sketchbooks and journals. I’m not sure ... but there may be some things in there that might be incriminating.”
“I -- I can’t destroy those ... they’re your life.”
“Trowa ... they’re not my life, they’re just drawings and thoughts and feelings written down. Heero’s my life and so are my friends. Please just do something with them so that no one can find them.”
“I will.” The group moved into the small apartment, and Duo gathered up all his journals, placing them into a laundry bag.
“No one should have any questions if they see you carrying this.”
“I’ll put them where only I know where they are. If you ever want them again, I’ll give them back.” Duo hugged Trowa tightly and and thanked him for his help. The door closed behind Trowa with a soft thump and Duo slid down into a chair. Heero lovingly placed his hand on Duo’s shoulder and squeezed gently.
“I’m not sure what to do. If they’ve got so much power, the person may already know that I’m one of the spies.”
“Duo ... stop thinking about it. It’ll only make you worry more. Maybe we should go for a walk?” Duo shook his head and stood. His hands grazed lightly up Heero’s torso and stopped on the neck of his kimono.
“I’d rather stay home.” Duo’s eyes had a sultry look about them, and Heero knew that look very well. He smiled and agreed with a deep kiss; he became determined to ease Duo’s fears with every inch of his body and love.
Heero stared at the ceiling, his protective arms wrapped tightly about Duo’s body. It was nightfall, and the crickets were beginning to chirp outside. Despite the fact that Duo was sleeping contentedly within his embrace, Heero couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen. Something awful and horrible. For the first time in his life, Heero closed his eyes and prayed that Duo be watched over and held safe. Duo nuzzled Heero’s neck and sighed happily. “At least when you sleep, you’re not a frantic wreck like when you’re awake.” After placing a tender kiss upon Duo’s forehead, Heero closed his eyes and fell into a light sleep.
-----
Several days passed without incident, nor with any leads on the murderer. Duo had finally, after much arguing and pleading, managed to convince the Center 46 that he was well enough to patrol in Soul Society again. He was still barred from hollow patrol, but at least he wasn’t just lying in bed all day.
Duo kissed Heero good-bye as he left for patrol. The sky was a bright blue and the ground was dewy from an early evening rain the prior night. All in all, it was a beautiful day. That was until Duo came face to face with a shinigami baring his zanpakutou at him. “Duo Maxwell?” He was just a young boy, barely out of the academy.
“Is something wrong?” Duo stiffened, preparing himself for anything. This boy might possibly be the hired gun that had killed Jackson.
The boy smirked and charged at Duo, who with an agile sidestep dodged the attack. “I’ve been ordered to kill you.” He turned and faced Duo once again. “If you wish to defend yourself, by all means ... do so -- but if it didn’t help third seat Jackson ... it won’t help you either.”
Duo’s stomach jumped when he heard the admission from the boy. “You? You killed them?! It was you?!”
The boy sneered and moved into an aggressive stance. “Yes, and I delighted in making his wife bleed to death. I loved the way she felt as the life slowly drained from her body. It was better than sex.”
“You sick fucking bastard.”
“Go ahead and draw your zanpakutou ... or do you want me to regale you with more tales of things I did to that family?” Duo angrily pulled his zanpakutou out of its sheath. Completely ignoring the rule of alerting the other squads that the murderer had been found, he released the first seal on Seikousen. The boy laughed, obviously enjoying Duo’s pain and anger. “That’s it ... I hate those who just stand there and do nothing.”
Hearing the voices, the captain of the fourth gotei, Sally Poe ran out into the street from the aid center to see what was happening. She was shocked to see Duo facing another shinigami in combat. She turned to her vice-captain who had also ran outside and ordered her to alert the other captains.
*****
Heero was quietly reading a book when a loud pounding on the door pulled him out of the make-believe land. “Heero! It’s Duo!” Trowa continued to pound on the door until Heero threw it open. “Duo’s fighting ... I don’t know what’s going on.” Heero shoved Trowa aside and ran from the apartment. His heart beat loudly within his throat as he ran toward the fourth gotei’s headquarters. That same sick feeling that something wasn’t quite right fluttered through his body as he neared the area where Duo was.
“Put your zanpakutou down! I don’t want to hurt you!” Duo pleaded with the boy, but the kid continued to attack with a gleeful smirk on his face.
Heero began to move forward to help Duo, but Trowa’s hand stopped him. “Wait. I don’t think Duo’s in trouble ... he can handle this.”
“Trowa ... I don’t give a damn about Duo’s pride right now. I -- I don’t want him to fight ... that kid could kill him.”
“That’s not possible. His reiatsu is much lower than Duo’s, and he’s not hiding any of it. So relax.”
“Is that the kid who killed the O'Connell's?” Trowa turned to see his captain standing behind him.
“I’m not sure.”
“It is.” Sally answered quietly. “Heero, you should let Duo take care of this. He needs to for closure.”
“Fine.” Heero spit out angrily. He crossed him arms and watched while Duo tried to reason with the boy.
“Don’t you want to kill me? I killed your new family after all -- and what of your old family? Hmm? What if I went after them?”
Duo charged at him anger flaring in his soul. He didn’t much care about saving this sick person now, he just wanted to see him dead. Their zanpakutou clanked and clinked as they met again and again. Neither side yielded, until Duo found a small opening. He quickly exploited it, and managed to disarm the boy.
Duo raised his zanpakutou for a fatal blow, but stopped and lowered his weapon. “What’s wrong, can’t kill me?” Another shinigami walked up and picked up the boy’s zanpakutou and handed it to his captain. The crowd slowly parted for the group from the boy’s squad to escort him to the detention center.
“No. I’m not you.” Duo turned and spotted Heero in the crowd. His smile was bright as he looked at the man whom he loved more than anything. It was obvious that some of the pain had been lifted from his heart by fighting the one who had murdered Jackson.
Heero smiled back at Duo and began to move forward to meet up with him. He was so relieved that Duo was still alive and well. While the two lovers’ eyes were on each other, Trowa’s remained on the boy, who seemed to have spotted something or someone of interest in the crowd. He nodded and then reached within his kimono. “Duo!” Trowa screamed, but it was too late. Duo turned around to see the boy wielding a sharp dagger. Before he could defend himself, the knife was plunged into Duo’s chest. Blood slowly oozed out around the blade and dripped onto the ground. Before he could be pulled away from Duo, the boy pulled the dagger from Duo’s body causing a rush of crimson to pour from the open wound. He pulled duo closer and whispered something into his ear, and then pushed him away.
With a soft laugh, the boy turned to face the rushing army of shinigami. “You won’t take what I know.” He held the knife up to his throat and then quickly slid it across his soft skin. He fell to the ground choking and sputtering in his own blood.
“Dammit!” One of the captains cursed as he reached the body. He glanced up to see Heero standing over Duo’s body, staring down in disbelief.
“Heero ...” Trowa attempted to comfort Heero, but was pushed violently away by him.
“Leave me alone!” Tears were streaming uncontrollably down Heero’s face. He glared at everyone who was trying to come closer to Duo. He knelt and pulled Duo into his arms. Duo’s eyes moved slowly to face Heero. They were devoid of their usual luster, and were filled with anguish. “Duo ... don’t leave me.” A small smile broke out on Duo’s face before his head rolled lifelessly onto Heero’s arm. “No ...” Heero pressed his hand down onto the wound on Duo’s chest and tried to stop the blood. “Nooo!” He doubled over Duo’s body and held it tightly against him as he screamed. There was no one to be angry with, no one to let out his sorrow upon. He was alone.
Legal stuf ... Bleach and Gundam Wing don't belong to me, they belong to Kubo Tite, Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino respectively.
geovisit();
Warnings: Language (Duo's got such a filthy mouth), angst, death, minor blood and gore
Status: COMPLETE
The alarm echoed throughout the Seireitei. There was a hollow in Soul Society. The captains gathered their members and gave strict orders to locate and destroy the hollow. Heero had been preparing for his daily training with Aya, when the alarm had sounded. “I wonder what’s wrong?” Heero stared at the distant sight of the Seireitei.
“I’m not sure. I think they can handle it though.” Aya tapped her zanpakutou against Heero’s in the hope that he would turn around and begin his lesson for the day.
“I’m going.” Heero sheathed his sword and began to walk away from Aya. For some reason his stomach was beginning to knot up in worry. He was terrified that something had happened to Duo, but that was ridiculous because he had the day off. Aya followed behind Heero as they traversed the road which lead to the east entrance of the Seireitei.
“Heero, really ... we need to be training.” Aya pleaded as yet another rock became lodged between her foot and sandal; however, Heero refused to slow his pace which had been steadily increasing the closer they got to the main road. It was just as they stepped from the forrest that Heero spotted the hollow and the person who was fighting him.
Duo’s forehead was bloodied and his kimono was ripped from the shoulder down to his elbow. He looked tired, but was valiantly fighting off the large hollow. “Ya want some more?” Duo taunted as he swung again at his foe.
Aya stopped behind Heero whose hand was resting on the hilt of his zanpakutou. “Don’t. He needs to fight this thing by himself. That must be the hollow which killed Laurie.” Heero slowly and reluctantly dropped his arm to his side. “I see he has one of the twin zanpakutou. Life. -- Although he doesn’t seem to know how to channel its power.”
“He knows. He’s playing with the hollow.”
Duo smirked as his eyes raised slowly to look at the mask of his opponent. He held the sword perpendicular before him and ran his hand behind the blade. “It’s time for you to die.” The blade began to glow with a blinding white light. A white flame engulfed both the zanpakutou and Duo as he raised the sword above his head for a fatal blow. In one swift slash, the hollow’s head was split in two and the mask cracked.
Duo panted as he watched the hollow fade from existence. He slowly sat down on the grass and stared at the spot where it had been standing. “Damn. I thought I’d feel better.” His chin began to quiver as the first tears ran slowly down his blood and sweat stained cheeks. Heero was by his side before the first tear ever fell.
“Duo ...” Duo turned and looked at the man he loved more than life. With a sob he fell into his open arms and cried until no more tears would come forth. Heero stroked Duo’s hair and just held him until the sobs ceased.
“I’ll go tell the rest of the squad.” Aya stated with a hint of uncertainty in her soft voice.
“Take your time, please.”
“I -- I will.”
When the shaking and the sobs stopped, Duo raised his face so that he could look at Heero. “I thought that I would feel happy about killing the thing that killed Laurie. I don’t ... I just feel -- empty. Like her death was for nothing, and so was this hollow’s. I actually feel bad about killing it.”
“It would have killed you too had you not fought.”
Duo breathed in deeply. “You’re right. Then what would you do without me?” He smiled at Heero, his eyes sparkling in the sunlight. Heero knew that Duo was going to be fine after that smile.
“I was worried about you.”
“I know. I’m fine now. No need to worry about me -- now you on the other hand ...” Duo stood and began to walk away from Heero.
“Hey! What do you mean by that?” Heero quickly caught up with Duo and gave him a puzzled expression.
“Nothing.” Duo gently took Heero’s hand in his and walked silently back to the Seireitei.
“As you know, the captain is ill. I will be taking over his duties until he gets well enough to be active captain once again.” Hilde paced nervously in front of the twenty-eight members of the eleventh gotei. “I’m new to this position, but I feel confident that I can lead you well and this should be a fairly painless transition. Thank you all ... dismissed.”
Duo and Heero walked out together and back home. On their way home, Jackson ran up to them huffing violently from running. “Duo -- you -- need -- to -- come with me.”
“Why?”
“Now, son Come along.” Jackson grabbed Duo’s hand and attempted to drag him.
“I’ll see you at the apartment, Heero.” Heero nodded and watched Duo follow Jackson into the black night.
“What’s going on?” Duo asked once far away from Heero.
“She’s requested to meet with you.”
“‘She’? Who?”
“You’ll find out when we get there.” The two men walked along a winding path through the different buildings and mazes which made up the Seireitei. It was only after a great distance from where they started did they reach a building nestled between two of the maze walls. The building would have gone unnoticed if one didn’t know what to look for. There were no windows and the door had a small cream colored handle which blended in with the walls. “This is it Be nice.” Duo nodded, still baffled by what was happening. The door creaked open and Duo was shoved inside by Jackson. Once inside, it took a few moments for Duo’s eyes to adjust to the dimly lit room.
Heero sat alone in the dark apartment waiting for Duo to return from wherever it was that Jackson had dragged him. He looked around the rooms and decided that he should do some cleaning to pass the time. While he was cleaning, he found a large box filled with sketchbooks. Heero smiled proudly as he pulled one out of the box.
Heero sat down at the kitchen table and opened the first book. Inside were drawings of people that Duo knew, and what appeared to be journal entries. Heero wasn’t sure if he should read them or not, despite the fact that the box had been in plain view beside the bed. He glanced at the first entry and recognized it as just after Duo and Hilde had kissed. Before he realized what he was doing, Heero was reading through all of the journals.
Most of the writing was about everyday things that Duo had done, but then there was the parts where he gushed over how much he loved Heero. As Heero read through them, he discovered something odd once he reached the more recent journals. Duo had begun to mark through long portions of what he had written. Beside these entries were drawings of hollows, Jackson, and Zechs. Puzzled, Heero attempted to read the parts that were crossed out, but found it impossible. Just as he was beginning the past week’s writings, someone began to pound on the apartment door.
“Heero! Duo! Come quick! -- the captain ... he ... he’s ...” It was Hilde, and she sounded very upset. Heero ran out the door and followed everyone else who were also darting out of their apartments. The large group of shinigami followed their vice-captain to the gotei headquarters.
“Heero!” Aya called out to him from inside the headquarters. She patiently waited for Heero inside the entrance.
“What’s happened?” Heero looked around and spotted the other captains standing in the orders room, talking somberly amongst each other.
“The captain’s dead. He -- committed suicide.” Aya’s warm brown eyes lifted to Heero’s stunned expression.
“Why? I don’t understand.”
“No one’s sure. We have to find out what his note said though.”
Heero nodded and walked along the corridor to the sitting room. He slid open the bamboo and rice paper doors and entered the small room. Aya followed him and gently closed the doors behind her. “I -- I didn’t know him very well. I feel odd.”
“I didn’t know him very well either. He knew of my skill, and I had spoken with him a few times, but -- I didn’t know him.”
“I need to find Duo.” Heero stood and began to leave the room, but was stopped by Aya’s voice.
“Why was he not with you? A secret date?”
Heero’s jaw tensed and his hands balled into fists. “No. His mentor needed him for something.”
“Ah, but it looks like you’re suspicious.”
“Aya, stop.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right ... it is bad form to tease with our captain laying dead upstairs.” Aya lit an incense stick and placed it in its holder. “Come back and sit again. We’ll wait together for the contents of the note.” Heero nodded and sat next to Aya, who leaned over against him. Heero was ready to pull away from her, when she began to cry softly. Feeling an awkward sense of need to comfort her, Heero allowed her to lean against him and cry.
Duo felt as if his head was in a fog. Everything seemed surreal to him, as if he was walking through a dream. He stood in the entry way to the eleventh’s headquarters. People pushed past him to either leave the building or enter it. Miss Peacecraft gently rested her hand on Duo’s shoulder and suddenly everything came into focus. “Duo-kun? Are you alright?”
“Yes I am. I’m fine, thank you.” Relena nodded and walked into the orders room. “Wonder where Heero is.” Duo looked around unable to locate Heero. The last room he hadn’t checked was the sitting room.
Aya was still leaning against Heero when the doors slid open. “Duo!” Heero was happy to see him, to know that he was well.
“Heero.” Duo’s terse tone sent a chill into the air.
Heero quickly pushed Aya away and stood. “Duo -- she ... she was crying. It’s not--”
“I know Heero. You don’t have to stumble through an apology.” Duo’s foul mood was not lost on Heero; however, he was at a loss to know what was causing Duo’s temper.
“What’s wrong then?”
“Nothing.” Duo tossed a quick glare in Aya’s direction and then turned to leave the room. Heero followed close behind Duo, knowing that he could speak more openly once back at their apartment, but for now, he would stay quiet and allow Duo to smolder over whatever it was that was bothering him.
Hilde called everyone into the orders room. “Please everyone quiet down! We have the captain’s suicide note.”
Zechs nodded to Hilde and she stepped aside so that the captain of all the gotei could speak. “I’m going to give everyone a brief overview of his note. I don’t want to sadden anyone any more than they already are. Suffice to say, the captain killed himself because he felt as if he was of no use to you anymore. He felt as though his illness was getting the better of him, and he wasn’t performing properly as your captain.”
“What are we going to do without a captain!?” A voice squeaked from amidst the crowd.
“I’m getting to that. He has named his successor inside of the note. I’m puzzled by his choice, but it was his request. You’re new captain is -- Akimori Aya.”
Both Duo and Heero turned to stare at Aya, surprise present on their faces; Aya’s eyes were rounded with surprise also. “Me?” She asked as she moved forward through the crowd.
“Yes, Akimori-san. You.”
“Why me?” Aya had to tilt her head back to look up into Zechs’s face.
“He wrote that he has a lot of faith in your abilities and that you have recently reached bankai. I was not aware of that.”
“Yes, I have. If you need a witness -- then ask Heero Yuy.” All eyes turned to Heero who was feeling a little uncomfortable from the attention.
“Yes, I was there when she reached bankai.” Satisfied with Heero’s response, Zechs looked down at Aya.
“Then you are the new captain of the eleventh gotei. So note it in the record books. Everyone please return to your homes and posts.” Zechs exchanged one last questioning look with Aya before he left the building.
Aya walked over to Heero and Duo with a barely hidden smile on her face. “Shall we go drink to the dead?”
Duo laughed humorlessly at Aya’s suggestion. “Heero and I have early patrol -- if you would look at the assignment roster then you’d know that. We need to get to bed.” Placing his hand over Heero’s, Duo led him away from Aya. He could feel the heat of her glare on his back, but he wasn’t concerned much over her displeasure. Duo needed to get Heero away from her and that place so they could talk.
“Duo, what’s wrong?” Heero asked quietly once they were in their apartment.
“I --” Duo looked around, troubled by something warring within him. Heero was growing more and more concerned by the minute for his love. He wasn’t sure what it was that was troubling Duo so much, nor was he sure that Duo would be willing to share. “I’m fine. Just, don’t tell anyone any more than you ... need ... to ...” Duo’s voice trailed off as he saw his journals spread on the kitchen table. “Did you read those?”
Heero looked at them with a guilty conscience. “Yes. I-I found them while I was cleaning, and I was only looking at the pictures Duo ... but then I started reading the entries. I’m so sorry.”
Duo’s sigh filled the room. “It’s alright. No harm done -- you already knew most of this.”
“I’m sorry.” Heero watched as Duo walked into the bedroom. He exited carrying his small wooden wash tub with his bathing things inside.
“I’m going to go and take a bath. I’ll be back in a bit.” Heero let Duo leave without saying anything else to him. He was concerned about Duo’s emotional behavior, but thought it best to just go on and warm the bed than to go after him. Heero knew that when Duo was ready to open up, he would.
Duo sat on the same hill that he sat on quite often now. His mind was racing with things which he had been told in that secret meeting. Things which he longed to tell Heero, but dared not to because that would involve him. Involving Heero was the last thing that Duo wanted.
The days since the captain’s suicide had been a rough transition. Hilde had been furious that the captain, who had known her much better than Aya and had even personally trained her, had passed her over for someone else. Hilde was very good at letting it be known that she was not happy with the fact that she was still only vice-captain. Many of the shinigami found her pouting act to be bratty and unnecessary. Hilde didn’t much care.
As for Heero, he had been taken under Akimori’s protective wing and was still being trained by her. He and Duo had been split up, and Duo wasn’t entirely certain if logic was behind that decision or if it was Aya’s lust for Heero. Duo wasn’t concerned that Heero would cheat, but he was worried about Aya’s roaming hands. His journal now held many drawings of Aya in various hideous expressions. If one were to find his journal now, they would know that Duo held a strong animosity for Aya. Jackson had been the only one to whom Duo had dared to voice his distaste over their new captain.
“Just be patient Everything will work out -- you’ll see.” Those had been Jackson’s words. They didn’t do much to comfort Duo.
“Duo ...” Duo turned his head to see Jackson smiling down at him. “How are you lad?”
“Could be better. I didn’t want to be a part of this, you know.”
Jackson sat down and pulled out a wood pipe. He carefully packed the bowl with a sweet smelling tobacco blend and placed in his mouth. “I know, I didn’t want you to be a part of it either. But here we are -- both spies.”
“Spies ... I feel more like a rat.”
Jackson chewed thoughtfully on the end of the pipe before lighting it. “We are rats. You know why I talk the way I do?”
“You’re trying to throw everyone off the scent?”
Jackson laughed softly. “Not that good of a disguise when you really think about it ... is it?”
“No.”
“Do you want a puff? It’ll relax you.” Jackson offered his pipe to Duo, who just stared at it as if it were some hideous creature.
“Only if you want me to get sick on you.” Duo rolled his eyes and then laid back in the cool grass. “Why me? She didn’t give me any real reason. Just that I ‘know too much.’”
“Because you’re insightful ... and although Heero would follow orders to the letter, he’d not stop and think things through the way you would. You see ... your street smarts landed you the spot.”
“Yay.” Jackson ignored Duo’s sarcasm and took a deep puff on his pipe. “How long have you been doing this spy thing?”
“About ten years now. Not as long as some others.”
“Hmm ... how long has she been running this?”
“Her father started it ... to keep his eye on the shinigami. He feared another uprising might take place. Although -- that uprising was quite different from what we may be facing now. Only five members bought into his propaganda. This time we’re looking at many more numbers.”
“So you believe that old fairy tale too?”
“You mean about the Arancar? Yes.” Duo began to laugh. “Hey! Don’t laugh at an old man’s beliefs. Show some manners young man.”
Duo tried to stop laughing long enough to speak. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it ... that story was just so -- fantastic, and I grew up hearing it as a bedtime story. That’s all.”
“It happened, boy. I swear to you it did. Now, I believe we need to do some training ... do we not?”
“Yes sir.” Duo leaped to his feet and picked up his zanpakutou.
Duo slipped out from under Heero’s protective embrace and quietly put on some pants. He tied the sash which held them around his hips and picked up his sketchbook. For some reason, Duo had been restless all night, and the several hours of playing with Heero had failed to exhaust him to the point of passing out asleep. He walked outside and looked around at the silent streets. Duo decided to perch upon the roof of the maze wall and sketch some.
Duo leapt onto the roof and sat cross legged. He was there for some time when a noise startled him. “Duo ...” A whisper echoed from beneath the eaves of the roof. Duo dropped down onto the ground and found Jackson pressed against the wall.
“Jac--” Duo began loudly, but was cut off by an angry shh from Jackson. “What are you doing here?” Duo whispered.
“Take this.” Jackson pressed folded papers into Duo’s hand. “Don’t read them, don’t show them to anyone. Place them in your journal and hide that journal. Remember ... do not let anyone see them.”
“I -- I won’t. What are they?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions boy ... just do as you’re told. If I can -- in five days time I’ll tell you what to do with them. But do not under any circumstances look at them. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Jackson looked around and then slipped away down the street. Duo looked at the folded papers and had a strong urge to open them and look, but fought back his desire. He carefully placed the papers within the sketchbook and returned to his apartment. Duo slipped the book under the dresser and then slipped back into bed with Heero; however, no matter how hard he tried, Duo couldn’t fall asleep. He was worried about Jackson, and was curious as to what the contents of the papers were.
The next morning Duo’s eyes were bloodshot and he felt as though his body were moving through sludge. “I’m so tired ...” He yawned loudly as he made his way through the streets which led to Jackson’s home. Duo walked up to the door and noted an odd odor in the air. Shrugging it off, he began to pound on the door. “Jackson ...!” A loud yawn followed his yell. There was no answer. Duo tried several more times to get a response, but there was still no noise from inside. Curious, he jiggled the doorknob and found it unlocked. With a gentle push, the door swung open and Duo was sickened by the sight which welcomed him.
Rhiannen’s body was laying broken on the floor, a thick red pool of blood surrounding her. She was reaching to where her husband sat against the wall, a large gaping cut in his abdomen. Duo’s mouth opened in a scream, but no sound came forth. He turned around and leaned against the wall for support. His eyes began to burn from the tears flooding down his face. Those two bodies in there, once filled with so much life, had become the father and mother he had never known.
Duo felt his body began to wretch and he watched as if from a place outside himself as he lost the contents of his stomach on the ground. A familiar voice called out to him, obviously distressed by Duo’s state, but Duo was unable to answer the voice.
Trowa ran up to Duo as soon as he saw him double over and throw-up. “Duo! What’s wrong!” Duo’s eyes were glazed over and tears were still streaming down his face. Trowa could smell the metallic scent of blood from his position outside the door. There was no need to look inside, yet another murder had occurred. He cradled Duo in his arms as he yelled for someone to fetch Marquise. “Quatre, go get Heero. He should be on border patrol today.” Quatre had been across the street, but when Trowa had yelled for Zechs, he had run up to him to see what was wrong.
“I’ll go get him.” Quatre prayed quietly as he ran through the streets to the border of the Seireitei that everything was alright. He spotted Heero leaning against the wall looking completely bored. “Heero-kun!”
Heero looked up when he heard Quatre’s voice; he was happy until he saw the look on the young man’s face. “What’s wrong? Is it Duo?”
Quatre frowned at the hint of worry in Heero’s voice. “Yes and no. His friends ... the O’Connell’s -- they’re dead.”
“What!?” Heero shoved past Quatre and began to run back to Duo. When he arrived at Jackson’s home, he found Duo sitting against the outside wall of the house, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. “Duo?” Duo looked up at Heero, his face streaked with tears. The moment he saw Heero, he launched into another fit of crying. Heero sat down next to him and held him tightly. “Shh ... I’ve got you, just let it out.” Heero fought back his own tears for the old man and his wife. He may not have known them well, but he knew how much Duo had cared for them.
“I’m going to find who did this ...” Duo mumbled into Heero’s neck.
“Duo ... why don’t you leave that to Marquise.” Heero felt Duo’s body stiffen, but then he relaxed and sighed.
“I want to go home.” Heero helped Duo to his feet and then home.
Duo was still curled up asleep when Heero left for patrol. Four days had passed since Duo had found the O'Connells’ bodies, and he had not left his side of the bed. Heero wanted to help him, to make him smile again, but he knew that Duo just needed time. As much as Heero wanted Duo to be like his old self, only time could bring about that change.
Heero walked into the orders room and walked up to the large desk which dominated the far wall. In the assignment ledger was a note next to his name. Heero read the small script underneath his daily assignment; it was from Aya, she was requesting a private meeting with him. Knowing that he couldn’t avoid the meeting since she was now captain, Heero sighed and walked off in the direction of her office.
Aya was gazing out the large window behind her desk when Heero entered the room. Heero cleared his throat to gain her attention. “Ah, Heero. How are you?” Captain Akimori’s eyes glowed brightly as she motioned for Heero to sit.
Heero remained standing as he answered his superior. “I’m fine. What was it that you needed to discuss with me?”
“Oh. Well, I have a special assignment for you -- but first I wanted to ask you a question. Do you ... do you trust me?”
Puzzled by her question, Heero tried to rationalize it, but failed to do so. Was this all she had wanted from him? “As my captain -- I do. I can understand why you were hand picked by your predecessor for this position.”
“That was a very political way of answering, but thank you.” Aya shuffled some of the papers which littered her desk around until she found a certain document. “Here it is. This memo is from the Center 46. It states that a special investigation has been set in motion to uncover the murderer or murderers of the O’Connell family. They have requested that each captain nominate their vice-captain and one other subordinate to form a cross-squad investigative team.” Aya set the paper down and at looked at Heero directly. “I want you to be a member of this team.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I can only image what Duo is going through ... and yourself because of his emotional state. I thought it through, and I felt that you would be the best candidate because of your connection to the O'Connell's. Not too close, but close enough to care.”
“With all due respect, Captain Akimori, I feel Duo might be better --”
“He’s too emotional to think clearly, and someone of your judgment should know that. Please, Heero, I feel you’re the best man for the job.”
Heero thought about the offer. Aya did make a good point that he would have a strong desire to see the investigation all the way through, but at the same time he would be able to stay removed and objective. “I accept.”
“Excellent!” Aya clapped her hands together in joy, and rounded the desk so that she might hug Heero; however, Heero deftly dodged the open arms. Disappointed her arms dropped to her sides and she simply smiled at the young man. “Thank you, Heero.”
“Hmm.” Heero bowed and turned to leave.
Duo’s eyes slowly opened and focused on the plain white wall next to the bed. He groaned loudly and rolled onto his back. Yet another day of laying around completely useless to the world. He wanted so desperately to go back to work, but the higher-ups wouldn’t allow it. With a sigh, Duo slipped out of bed and stretched. The cool spring air floated in and caressed his naked body, making him feel a little more awake than when he had been under the covers.
After pulling on some clothes, Duo made himself some breakfast and then decided to take his sketchbook up onto the roof. The day was sunny and mild, the noises from everyday life drifted up to Duo’s ears as he drew random pictures of Heero. He finished a doodle and turned to a fresh page, there wedged in the crease of the pages, was the packet of letters that Jackson had given him. His warning drifted back through Duo’s mind, and despite his curiosity, Duo placed them in the back of the sketchbook. He sat watching life move beneath him, and began to wonder just what had been so important about those letters. “Maybe it’s why you were killed, old man.”
Duo pulled the packet out of the sketchbook and examined the outside. There was no writing, nothing to indicate the content of the letters. He carefully unfolded them. The handwriting was bold and somewhat flamboyant, but it definitely belonged to a female; though truthfully, the only way he knew this was her name was at the bottom of the letter. Duo’s eyes widened as he began to read the body of the first note.
“Heero, look, why do you want to go against the orders? That’s not like you.” Trowa was concerned for his friend. Heero had come to him just moments ago, asking that he join him in investigating Jackson’s murder outside of the team which was being assembled.
“Trowa ... there’s something -- I don’t know, call it a gut feeling, but we need to do this without their knowledge.”
Trowa studied Heero’s eyes; there wasn’t one trace of humor in them. Heero was deadly serious about his odd feeling. “All right. I’ll help.”
Quatre walked into the room, a sheepish look on his round face. “I want to help too.”
“Quatre?” Trowa was startled to see his lover walk into the room. He was supposed to have been out on patrol still.
“I’m sorry. I was eavesdropping. I want to help find the bastard that killed those kind people.”
“Excellent. The more people I know I can trust -- the better.” Heero looked at Quatre and gestured for him to join them at the table. “Duo has more information than any of us. If I get him to join then maybe we’ll find a good lead before the captains or the team do.”
“I agree. Heero, that’ll be your job. Quatre and I will very subtlety investigate through the squads. Surely someone will have a loose tongue.” Trowa stood and began to walk to the door with Heero following closely behind. “Quatre, you keep your ears open. Don’t pointedly ask anyone -- got it?”
“I understand.” Quatre nodded and urged the two to get moving.
“Duo should be awake by now. I know he’s at the apartment because he doesn’t leave.” Heero’s face showed his sadness as he spoke. Trowa was surprised by how much emotion this man, who normally held everything back with a glare, was showing in front of him. The two arrived at Heero and Duo’s apartment after a brief walk only to find Duo not inside any of the rooms. Heero glared in frustration and began walking to the stairs which led to the roof. Trowa followed quietly behind him.
Duo was sitting and staring blankly out at the city. “I wondered when you were going to get home.” He turned and forced a smile hoping that neither of them would question what was wrong.
“Duo, we need your help.” Heero sat down and rested his hand on Duo’s tense shoulder. A questioning look flashed across his face as he felt Duo pull away slightly.
“Heero, I need to talk to you. I’m in trouble.”
“Should I leave?” Trowa question softly, worried that he was intruding on something intimate.
“No. I need your help as well.” Duo began to explain everything that had happened to him in the past months. Jackson’s revelation about a possible coup and how he was a spy. Then Duo spoke of the fact that he had been recruited as a spy as well. “I didn’t want the job, but it was forced on me ... Since Jackson told me nearly everything.”
“What’s wrong then?” Trowa walked over to the couple and squatted behind Heero so that Duo wouldn’t have to raise his voice much.
“It’s this letter, and what the director of the spies said to me the night I was recruited. They think that the coup has started -- and that it has a leader.”
“Who?” Heero asked softly.
“They don’t know. The only thing they know is that this person has power. Lots of power. Enough to kill or have those killed that know too much or stand in their way.” Duo looked at Heero, fear shone brightly in his eyes. Heero gently pulled Duo into his embrace and held him tightly. “I’m scared, Hee-chan. I don’t want to die. And I especially don’t want you to die.”
“None of us will. Listen. First we’re going to get rid of that letter. Does anyone know that Jackson gave it to you?”
“No. That was why he gave it to me. It wasn’t meant for me to see it ... he told me not to read it, but I thought maybe it might have a clue as to why he was killed.”
“Okay, that’s good. We have to watch each other’s backs then. Just stay low, and try not to find yourself alone too often. Everything should be fine then.”
Trowa reached out his hand. “I’ll take the letter and dispose of it.”
“Here.” Duo handed the letters to Trowa and then stood. “There are some other things I need you to get rid of.”
“What?”
“My sketchbooks and journals. I’m not sure ... but there may be some things in there that might be incriminating.”
“I -- I can’t destroy those ... they’re your life.”
“Trowa ... they’re not my life, they’re just drawings and thoughts and feelings written down. Heero’s my life and so are my friends. Please just do something with them so that no one can find them.”
“I will.” The group moved into the small apartment, and Duo gathered up all his journals, placing them into a laundry bag.
“No one should have any questions if they see you carrying this.”
“I’ll put them where only I know where they are. If you ever want them again, I’ll give them back.” Duo hugged Trowa tightly and and thanked him for his help. The door closed behind Trowa with a soft thump and Duo slid down into a chair. Heero lovingly placed his hand on Duo’s shoulder and squeezed gently.
“I’m not sure what to do. If they’ve got so much power, the person may already know that I’m one of the spies.”
“Duo ... stop thinking about it. It’ll only make you worry more. Maybe we should go for a walk?” Duo shook his head and stood. His hands grazed lightly up Heero’s torso and stopped on the neck of his kimono.
“I’d rather stay home.” Duo’s eyes had a sultry look about them, and Heero knew that look very well. He smiled and agreed with a deep kiss; he became determined to ease Duo’s fears with every inch of his body and love.
Heero stared at the ceiling, his protective arms wrapped tightly about Duo’s body. It was nightfall, and the crickets were beginning to chirp outside. Despite the fact that Duo was sleeping contentedly within his embrace, Heero couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen. Something awful and horrible. For the first time in his life, Heero closed his eyes and prayed that Duo be watched over and held safe. Duo nuzzled Heero’s neck and sighed happily. “At least when you sleep, you’re not a frantic wreck like when you’re awake.” After placing a tender kiss upon Duo’s forehead, Heero closed his eyes and fell into a light sleep.
Several days passed without incident, nor with any leads on the murderer. Duo had finally, after much arguing and pleading, managed to convince the Center 46 that he was well enough to patrol in Soul Society again. He was still barred from hollow patrol, but at least he wasn’t just lying in bed all day.
Duo kissed Heero good-bye as he left for patrol. The sky was a bright blue and the ground was dewy from an early evening rain the prior night. All in all, it was a beautiful day. That was until Duo came face to face with a shinigami baring his zanpakutou at him. “Duo Maxwell?” He was just a young boy, barely out of the academy.
“Is something wrong?” Duo stiffened, preparing himself for anything. This boy might possibly be the hired gun that had killed Jackson.
The boy smirked and charged at Duo, who with an agile sidestep dodged the attack. “I’ve been ordered to kill you.” He turned and faced Duo once again. “If you wish to defend yourself, by all means ... do so -- but if it didn’t help third seat Jackson ... it won’t help you either.”
Duo’s stomach jumped when he heard the admission from the boy. “You? You killed them?! It was you?!”
The boy sneered and moved into an aggressive stance. “Yes, and I delighted in making his wife bleed to death. I loved the way she felt as the life slowly drained from her body. It was better than sex.”
“You sick fucking bastard.”
“Go ahead and draw your zanpakutou ... or do you want me to regale you with more tales of things I did to that family?” Duo angrily pulled his zanpakutou out of its sheath. Completely ignoring the rule of alerting the other squads that the murderer had been found, he released the first seal on Seikousen. The boy laughed, obviously enjoying Duo’s pain and anger. “That’s it ... I hate those who just stand there and do nothing.”
Hearing the voices, the captain of the fourth gotei, Sally Poe ran out into the street from the aid center to see what was happening. She was shocked to see Duo facing another shinigami in combat. She turned to her vice-captain who had also ran outside and ordered her to alert the other captains.
Heero was quietly reading a book when a loud pounding on the door pulled him out of the make-believe land. “Heero! It’s Duo!” Trowa continued to pound on the door until Heero threw it open. “Duo’s fighting ... I don’t know what’s going on.” Heero shoved Trowa aside and ran from the apartment. His heart beat loudly within his throat as he ran toward the fourth gotei’s headquarters. That same sick feeling that something wasn’t quite right fluttered through his body as he neared the area where Duo was.
“Put your zanpakutou down! I don’t want to hurt you!” Duo pleaded with the boy, but the kid continued to attack with a gleeful smirk on his face.
Heero began to move forward to help Duo, but Trowa’s hand stopped him. “Wait. I don’t think Duo’s in trouble ... he can handle this.”
“Trowa ... I don’t give a damn about Duo’s pride right now. I -- I don’t want him to fight ... that kid could kill him.”
“That’s not possible. His reiatsu is much lower than Duo’s, and he’s not hiding any of it. So relax.”
“Is that the kid who killed the O'Connell's?” Trowa turned to see his captain standing behind him.
“I’m not sure.”
“It is.” Sally answered quietly. “Heero, you should let Duo take care of this. He needs to for closure.”
“Fine.” Heero spit out angrily. He crossed him arms and watched while Duo tried to reason with the boy.
“Don’t you want to kill me? I killed your new family after all -- and what of your old family? Hmm? What if I went after them?”
Duo charged at him anger flaring in his soul. He didn’t much care about saving this sick person now, he just wanted to see him dead. Their zanpakutou clanked and clinked as they met again and again. Neither side yielded, until Duo found a small opening. He quickly exploited it, and managed to disarm the boy.
Duo raised his zanpakutou for a fatal blow, but stopped and lowered his weapon. “What’s wrong, can’t kill me?” Another shinigami walked up and picked up the boy’s zanpakutou and handed it to his captain. The crowd slowly parted for the group from the boy’s squad to escort him to the detention center.
“No. I’m not you.” Duo turned and spotted Heero in the crowd. His smile was bright as he looked at the man whom he loved more than anything. It was obvious that some of the pain had been lifted from his heart by fighting the one who had murdered Jackson.
Heero smiled back at Duo and began to move forward to meet up with him. He was so relieved that Duo was still alive and well. While the two lovers’ eyes were on each other, Trowa’s remained on the boy, who seemed to have spotted something or someone of interest in the crowd. He nodded and then reached within his kimono. “Duo!” Trowa screamed, but it was too late. Duo turned around to see the boy wielding a sharp dagger. Before he could defend himself, the knife was plunged into Duo’s chest. Blood slowly oozed out around the blade and dripped onto the ground. Before he could be pulled away from Duo, the boy pulled the dagger from Duo’s body causing a rush of crimson to pour from the open wound. He pulled duo closer and whispered something into his ear, and then pushed him away.
With a soft laugh, the boy turned to face the rushing army of shinigami. “You won’t take what I know.” He held the knife up to his throat and then quickly slid it across his soft skin. He fell to the ground choking and sputtering in his own blood.
“Dammit!” One of the captains cursed as he reached the body. He glanced up to see Heero standing over Duo’s body, staring down in disbelief.
“Heero ...” Trowa attempted to comfort Heero, but was pushed violently away by him.
“Leave me alone!” Tears were streaming uncontrollably down Heero’s face. He glared at everyone who was trying to come closer to Duo. He knelt and pulled Duo into his arms. Duo’s eyes moved slowly to face Heero. They were devoid of their usual luster, and were filled with anguish. “Duo ... don’t leave me.” A small smile broke out on Duo’s face before his head rolled lifelessly onto Heero’s arm. “No ...” Heero pressed his hand down onto the wound on Duo’s chest and tried to stop the blood. “Nooo!” He doubled over Duo’s body and held it tightly against him as he screamed. There was no one to be angry with, no one to let out his sorrow upon. He was alone.