Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Pieces of a Puzzle ❯ Chapter Nineteen ( Chapter 19 )
[ 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: 09.30.2006 | Pages: 5 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 262 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.30.2006 | Pages: 5 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 262 | Status: Completed
Author's Notes: This is the final chapter!! I hope that everyone enjoys it, and that the story has come to a fullfilling conclusion. There will be an epilogue, but this is the end of the story.
Enjoy!
Warnings: Mild Language, Some Violence
Chapter Status: COMPLETE
-----
&ldquo ;Did you do it?”
“Yes ... she won’t bother us now.” Laurie gazed up at Zechs's with a questioning look upon her face. He could tell that she didn’t believe him when he stated that he had killed his own sister, but if she didn’t trust him now, then she never would. “Noin?”
The young shinigami turned bright eyes up to the man whom she admired the most. She had worshiped the ground he walked upon since she was very young, and the mere mention of his name by Laurie was what had urged her into joining the coup. “Yes?”
“What of Dr. Une?”
“She’s been taken care of as well. Her meddling will no longer be a problem.” The grin which spread across Noin’s face was filled with pure evil. Laurie made a mental note not to cross her by any means, doing so may result in the possible loss of her life.
“I told you that there was nothing to worry about, dear. Everything’s been taken care of. My sister cannot tell Yuy or Maxwell what she learned, nor can Une tattle to that annoying lover of hers.” Laurie pressed herself close to the large expanse of Zechs’s chest and almost purred at him. “Um, dear -- I believe we should gather our troops and let them know it’s time to proceed.”
Laurie grinned as a tingling sensation coursed through her body. Her plan had almost come to full fruition. Soon she would be controlling Soul Society, and she would wipe out every last Hollow in existence. Why was it that no one could see that she was trying to accomplish good not bad? No matter, once she was in charge no one could stop her. No one.
-----
Treize’s sigh filled the small living room of Duo’s home. They had been camped out together since the previous morning, when they had heard from Trowa that something had happened to Relena. “Why hasn’t he come back?!” Duo paced impatiently. Heero really was starting to grow weary of his constant movement, but there was nothing he could do to calm him down enough to keep him still.
“He’ll be here when he can, Duo-kun. Just be patient.”
“Sorry Treize, but that’s not my best trait.” Duo flounced down onto a pillow beside Heero and pursed his lips together into a pout. Even then his leg was bouncing from nervous energy. “Maybe something happened.”
“Nothing happened. He’s just being careful.”
“So you say! How come you know so much, huh?”
Treize turned his head and gazed out the window at the dying sun. Duo was right, Trowa was late; he too was beginning to worry about him, but Trowa was a strong fighter, so they all needed to just be patient. “I know so much because I was once a shinigami myself ... not one that fought mind you. I was a scientist. I never passed the tests, but my mind was so sharp they felt it a shame to let me go back to the slums of the Rukongai. So, I was sent to help develop tools for the shinigami to use. That was when I stumbled across a method of affixing one’s soul to their zanpakutou. I stupidly wrote it down and before I knew it the formula went missing. I never meant any harm ... I just -- I thought I was helping, but my smarts got the better of me.”
Heero’s eyes narrowed as he looked upon the man whom had caused so much suffering in his life. It amazed him that everything boiled down to one simple tiny sheet of paper. “You should have been more careful.” Treize didn’t respond, he just covered his face with one hand. Heero snorted in disgust.
“Heero,” Duo began, a warning tone in his voice.
“I can’t forgive him. If he hadn’t written that down you wouldn’t have died. So much -- would never have happened.”
“It might. Heero, you don’t know that his plans were what started the coup. It could have happened even without it.” Duo rolled his eyes as Heero continued to glare at Treize. “Anyway, I wonder what really is keeping Trowa.”
-----
Laurie stepped into the great hall of the eleventh gotei. Before her stood at least fifty strong and eager shinigami, willing to throw down their lives for her cause. She smiled to herself, as that same tingle from before grew in intensity. These people were hers to command, the time for the coup had finally arrived, and there was one ace she had recently hid up her sleeve. One thing that would throw her opposition off. She turned her overly bright eyes to the man who was standing silently by the wall. She inclined her head as a signal for him to get going on his mission, and as he walked past her she whispered to him, “Don’t forget.”
“I haven’t.” His sharp green eyes spotted the top of a limp blonde head off in one of the adjoining rooms, causing his pace to pick up as he left.
“Noin!”
The young woman came scurrying up to her leader and kneeled with her head lowered. “Yes, captain?”
“Follow him. Make certain he follows through -- any hesitation and you report it to me. I’ll make sure young Winner suffers greatly for his lover’s mistakes.”
“Understood.”
Laurie then turned to her awaiting audience. “Fellow shinigami! We have long awaited this moment ... the time for the coup is now upon us! Tonight at midnight we will commence our ingenious operation! Anyone who is against us will suffer. Remember that! Only six hours before we set out, please rest up and prepare yourselves for battle!”
Thunderous applause and shouts filled the room as she stepped down from the small stage at the end of the room. She turned to Zechs who was staring out the doorway after the slight figure which was opening a gate to travel to Earth. “Laurie,”
“Hmm?”
“I -- maybe I should have gone instead. To make sure that Trowa goes through with his mission.”
“No.” Her answer was flat, and held little emotion. She wasn’t a fool, she had seen his eyes wondering, but Laurie wanted him next to her, she wanted his face to be the first one she looked up at as she took over the seat of the leader of all shinigami -- the first gotei’s captain's seat. And of course, Zechs would then lead the Center 46. It was only natural that he be the only one above her.
“I simply am concerned that she might not --”
“She will. I have complete faith in her.” Zechs tried to hide his worry, but he could feel it showing on his face; however, if Laurie noticed it, she didn’t let on. She seemed to be too wrapped up in the thought of the absolute power which she would soon hold.
-----
Trowa paused on a rooftop only a short distance from Duo’s home. What was he to do? He didn’t want to kill his two friends, he couldn’t do it. That was out of the question, but they had Quatre. Unfortunately, it seemed as if the Winners had no idea that their only son had been taken hostage, and they wouldn’t have believed a street punk like him if he told them. Especially since Laurie was of a noble family as well. Even if he told them what was happening, there was no way he could save Quatre, and she had promised extreme suffering if he failed in any way.
He wiped the few tears from his green eyes and jumped over the next few rooftops to Duo’s house. There was no other choice for him. He had to do it. Duo’s front door slowly swung open to reveal Heero standing before him. “Trowa?” Trowa inclined his head slowly and then pressed past him and into the living room.
“We were growing worried.” Treize’s voice dropped off as he took in the expression upon the young man’s face. “Trowa, what is it?”
“Forgive me.” He unsheathed his zanpakutou and swung violently in the direction of Duo. Heero moved to push him out of the way, but was instead shoved by Treize who had thrown himself between the zanpakutou and Duo. There was a soft grunt which escaped Treize’s mouth as Trowa stepped backward with a horrified expression.
Treize smirked as he staggered a bit. “They got to you didn’t they?”
“I -- I ...”
“I have to admit that this girl is tougher than we first thought.” With an agonized groan, Treize fell to his knees. His vision was blurred and his whole body was screaming in pain.
“Treize!” Duo grabbed onto his shoulders and held him up.
“I’m okay, really ... he didn’t hit anything vital. But the question now is, what are you going to do?” Trowa turned to hide the pain on his face. He felt helpless, and he knew that Quatre was going to die by the hands of that evil woman.
“I --”
“You couldn’t do it -- could you?” Everyone turned to see Noin standing in the doorway, a smug look upon her normally sweet face.
Trowa threw himself at her and grabbed onto her communicator. “If you tell them that I couldn’t do it ... I swear to you I will kill you with my own two hands.” His green eyes bore into her own and she nodded slowly. Hesitating momentarily, Trowa slowly removed his hand from her communicator and allowed her to contact Laurie.
“He’s done it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Excellent ... return then.” The soft buzzing filled the silence of the room as everyone waited to see what was going to happen next.
Trowa helped her stand and then turned to face Heero and Duo. “They have Quatre.” Those words were like throwing a bucket of ice water over Heero. The anger he had felt over his old friend’s obvious betrayal quickly left him, and he understood why Trowa had not said ‘no’ to Laurie.
“How long do we have?” Heero mumbled, barely able to rein in his emotions.
“Not long.” Noin’s voice surprised everyone. They had all expected her to run from them back to Soul Society and warn Laurie. “I have my own reasons for wanting to help you. She -- Laurie -- she took Zechs from me. You see, I was who his family wanted him to marry before she came along. They chose her over me because she’s from a noble family. I’m merely from one of the upper levels of the Rukongai. I joined Laurie because of him, and have been pretending to fully agree with her behavior and beliefs.”
Duo’s blood was beginning to boil. He wanted to just run in and fight Laurie, and he would have darted out the door had Heero’s voice not broken the momentary silence. “What do you think we should do?”
“Give me your zanpakutou.” Duo glanced at him, silently questioning whether they should trust her or not. Heero nodded.
“Fine, here.” The two boys tentatively gave their swords up. “Now what?” Duo asked impatiently.
“We come up with a plan.”
As they gathered closer to discuss a possible plan, WuFei burst into the house. “Duo! Duo!” He panted heavily as he came to a screeching stop inches from Duo. “It’s ... your father -- he’s ...”
“What!?” Duo grabbed onto WuFei’s shoulders and began to shake him violently. “What’s wrong WuFei!?”
“He’s missing. No one knows where he is.” Duo slumped against the wall for support. His mind was spinning and he felt as if his world were crumbling around him. He had to find him.
“Duo,”
“She probably got him.” Noin supplied what everyone had already been thinking. WuFei’s eye brow raised as he gazed at the black clad figure standing beside Heero.
“Who are you?”
“You can see me?”
“Yeah.” Heero and Noin exchanged puzzled looks as they tried to think of why they sensed no spiritual energy from WuFei, yet he could see Noin in her shinigami form. “Why? Am I not supposed to?”
“I -- well, no. I’m kind of a ... spirit.”
“You mean a -- ghost?” Noin nodded and WuFei turned white as the color rushed from his face. “Yuy?”
“It’s alright WuFei, she’s friendly.” Slowly the color returned to his face, but there was a mistrusting look left in its wake. “Look, we don’t have enough time to explain what’s going on. Either stay or leave.”
“I’m staying.” Gently, WuFei supported Duo and helped him back into the living room. Once there, Duo pulled away and walked back toward the front door.
“Duo?”
“I’ve got to find my dad.” Noin ran after him and grabbed tightly onto his arm. “Let go!”
“If you go out there now, and if it is true that Laurie’s men have your father -- they’ll know that I was lying and anything we do after that will be pointless. Quatre will be killed and numerous others will die. Do you want that on your conscious?”
“Well ... no, but my dad!”
“He’ll be fine. It’s only a tactic. She’s trying to save humans, not kill them.”
“But --” He cast a longing look at the door and then reluctantly rejoined the group. “If anything happens to him I’m blaming you.” The two entered the small room as Heero was speaking with Trowa.
“... but they’ll be expecting something like that.”
“Heero, we don’t have many options, and Quatre’s life is still on the line.” Heero sighed and scratched his head absently as he paced a few steps away from Trowa.
“Our best bet is to wait until they begin their attack. That’s when Laurie and Zechs will be alone. I can handle Zechs ... you two go after that witch.” Noin gritted her teeth as she thought of the things which Laurie had obviously done with her Zechs.
“Gladly.” Duo spat out between clinched teeth. Heero cast a worried glance in his direction, but then smirked realizing that it was silly to worry about Duo when he was going to be right by his side. This wasn’t like the last time. He would be right there, protecting him if he needed it.
“How long before the attack begins?” Heero questioned softly.
“Midnight, Soul Society time. Basically in twenty minutes.”
“You and Trowa go ahead. We’ll be right behind you.” Noin and Trowa nodded then left. “Duo,”
“I love you too, Heero.” WuFei turned his head as the two lovers embraced. Even though he knew that Duo would never be his, it still hurt to watch them together. “Hey, WuFei,” Duo’s arms wrapped around his friend and hugged him tightly. “Listen to me. Whatever happens, I want you to go on. Live a good and full life with a person who loves you for you. He or she is out there, I know it. Please ... do that for me.” The only thing he could do was to nod in response, as a sickening feeling that something horrible was about to happen settled within his heart.
-----
Trowa set the two zanpakutou before Laurie. He bowed low and then stepped back from her. “Excellent. These are the zanpakutou of legend ... the two strongest swords ever forged within a shinigami soul.” She motioned to a man standing near her and he left the room only to return a few moments later with a squirming Quatre held within his strong hands.
“Trowa!” Trowa couldn’t breathe. There were bruises all over Quatre’s body, and none of the cuts had been tended. He wanted to lash out at Laurie, but knew that it was too soon to do so. He had to wait until Heero and Duo had arrived.
“Kill him.” Laurie turned her back on the man as he dragged Quatre from the room.
“Quatre!” Trowa ran after them, but was stopped by two large shinigami who had been guarding the door. “Quatre!!” He struggled against the two men, but to no avail. He could hear the person he loved screaming for him from down the hallway. Sadness filling every inch of him, he turned with rage to face Laurie. “You lied!” His roar echoed off the bamboo walls and caused Laurie to wince.
“I didn’t lie. You didn’t kill them ... these zanpakutou are still ordinary swords. You didn’t think that I wouldn’t be able to tell when I touched them -- did you?” She slowly walked toward Trowa who was still fighting to get free from his captors. “When the soul is bound to the zanpakutou, you can hear its name -- no matter what. I heard only silence when I touched the swords. So -- I am not the liar here.” Her smile was cold and uncaring as she slowly drew her own sword. “Do you want to live -- or die?” Trowa growled deep within his chest as he finally managed to free his arms. He lunged at his tormentor, but missed as she gracefully sidestepped him. “I guess it’s die.” She raised her sword to strike at her prey, but as it fell, another sword blocked it’s path. Startled, Laurie gazed at the owner of the opposing zanpakutou. “Zechs?”
“I don’t believe that killing was part of the deal.” He turned to the two men who had been holding Trowa. “Lock him up with young Winner, and bring Sally Po back here to tend their wounds.”
“How dare you.” Laurie hissed. “I trusted you, and this is how you repay me? Not with loyalty, but by undermining me?!”
“I’m not undermining you. I’m simply watching out for your best interests. If the followers see that you are so eager to kill -- I’m sure you would lose many of them.” Zechs forced his eyes to remain calm as he gazed down at her. One slip could possibly send her over the edge, and an insane woman was not something he could deal with alone -- especially when she is as strong as Laurie.
“You’re right. I should have thought that through a bit better. How goes the raids?”
“Smoothly. We’ve secured the second, fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth, and twelfth gotei. In a few hours I believe that we will have everything under our control.”
As if someone had flipped a switch within her, the manic look which had been in Laurie’s eyes vanished. She smiled brightly at the prospect of being one step closer to her goal. “Excellent! I’m rather hungry -- would you mind fetching some food for us?”
Zechs bowed deeply. “Of course, my dear.” Grateful to be free of her company for even a few moments, he quickly left the room in search of food.
-----
Duo poked his head around the corner. “Clear.”
“This is odd. I expected more people.” Noin gazed at the empty street with a puzzled expression. Normally there would be patrols walking everywhere, but no one was around.
“Maybe they were ready for Laurie.” Heero supplied quietly.
“Possibly. We better get moving -- Trowa’s there by himself.” Everyone nodded and moved closer to the eleventh gotei’s headquarters. Once there Noin left the group and went in search of Zechs. “I hope she finds him.” Heero nodded. Something wasn’t right. The empty streets, the quiet hush of the headquarters, just where was everyone? They crept toward the great room, and upon arriving they were greeted by the same large guards which had held Trowa. “Which one you want?”
“The left.” It took two punches, one to the stomach and another to the jaw, for Heero to defeat his opponent. Duo on the other hand had a different approach that made Heero’s stomach turn. “How could you do that ... to another guy?”
“Well, I know how much it hurts -- besides, he was huge. I can’t take him down with a punch.” Heero chuckled softly and followed close behind into the snake’s lair. “Hey Laurie!” His loud yell caused Heero to roll his eyes in exasperation.
“What?” Duo smirked and shrugged nonchalantly.
“You two will never change, huh?” Laurie’s smooth voice broke through the pair’s light comical exchange.
Duo’s demeanor changed the moment she had spoken. “No, but apparently you did -- or rather, you never did and you’re just a damn good liar.” Gone was the jovial boy, replaced with a dangerous man who wore a dark smile and spoke with a menacing tone.
“You always were smart, Duo.” Duo’s eyes turned dangerous as he glared at the evil woman. “But not fast ... I’m afraid you were a bit late. You see -- your friends are dead.” Heero had to hold onto Duo to keep him from blindly attacking Laurie.
“You bitch! How could you!? Let me go, Heero ... I’m gonna kill her.”
“Duo, calm down! She’s bluffing.”
“Am I?” The two boys exchanged worried glances. If they made a miscalculation, it could cost not only their lives, but many others’ as well. “You know boys, you don’t have to fight me -- join me instead.”
“Join you?!” Duo was disgusted by the mere thought of being a part of destroying the world.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. I’m trying to save everyone ... why can’t you understand that?”
“Because, you’ll throw off the delicate balance of the three worlds if we allow you to continue.”
Laurie’s soft laugh sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Her eyes were slowly regaining their manic glint, and her smile caused even Heero to shudder. She held up the two zanpakutou and allowed her eyes to slowly roam over their surfaces. “They’re quite magnificent. Do you know the legend behind them?”
Duo decided that she was definitely going insane, if not already there. As a ploy to gain some more time to figure out how to get their swords back, he gave into her apparent need to fill them in on the history of their zanpakutou. “Legend?”
“Yes. The legend goes that only two souls whose destiny is intertwined will be able to call upon these dual zanpakutou. You see, these two souls always find one another, and once they consummate their love the swords will grow in power. Then they can be merged.”
“Merged?” Both boys questioned simultaneously.
Laurie laughed bitterly at their ignorance of their own zanpakutou. “I’m amazed that you’ve survived as long as you have, Yuy. Yes, merged. These swords and their users’ spirits can be merged to create an incredibly strong fighter. You see they are the exact opposite of each other, but then you knew that already. I should hope so at least.
“This sword,” she held up the white zanpakutou, “this one is life. Seikousen. It can actually heal wounds if used properly, well the wounds of its user -- and its lover.” Duo and Heero exchanged a look that even Laurie could interpret. “Yes, it is likely that Seikousen is the reason you were reborn so quickly, Duo. And the reason you held onto your shinigami powers. Then there is this one, Shikousen. Death. It’s an amazingly strong zanpakutou that has an unfortunate side affect -- it can bring misery to its user. Most likely the reason your depression lasted so long, Heero.”
“My depression lasted for as long as it did because I died the day Duo did! But that’s something you’d never understand. You would have to have a heart first.” Heero’s voice was soft, but the effect was not lost on the listener. Laurie’s eyes widened briefly then returned to their hooded state. It was impossible to read her, which made Heero nervous.
“Yes, well ... my point is that when they merge they combine their most powerful strengths. They become an invincible force.”
“That’s why you want them. So you can rule without anyone challenging you.”
“Very good, Duo. Like I said ... you always were bright. Not very good in bed ... but bright.”
“Hey!”
“Maybe it’s just because you don’t have the right equipment.” Heero smirked as he saw pure outrage explode across Laurie’s face. That was the reaction he was hoping for, so she was getting impatient with them. If she was, then why did she feel the need to prattle on about their swords? He mentally groaned. She was obviously stalling for some reason, but he couldn’t figure out what it could be.
Laurie composed herself, and waved off the joke. “Now, now ... let’s not be crude.”
“Crude!? You’re the one that started it, hag.” Duo’s face scrunched up into his angry expression, but his look only caused Laurie to laugh.
“I’m sorry to cut this short boys, but really -- I do have a schedule to keep to. I’m sure you noticed that my team has been steadily securing every area in the Seireitei.”
“That’s why the streets were empty.” Duo’s remark was followed by a soft grunt from Heero.
“Looks like everything is going smoothly then. Just one last thing to do.” While they had been talking, two more shinigami had quietly entered the room, their presence carefully and skillfully masked. They walked up behind Heero and Duo, and promptly stuck a long needle into each of them. Both boys crumpled to the floor, their bodies going numb. Grinning broadly, Laurie bent down close to Duo. “Sorry about the discomfort, but it’ll be temporary. We have to affix your soul to your zanpakutou.” Her voice sounded as if she were a pure ray of sunshine on a bright spring day. It made Duo want to claw her eyes out.
Heero’s mind was racing. What had she done to them, and how could they not know that two other shinigami had been in the room? It just wasn’t possible, unless ... that was why she had been talking to them. He had been right, but unfortunately he hadn’t been as alert as he had believed himself to be. He had failed to protect both of them. There had to be a way out of this, but the one thing that was stopping him was that he couldn’t move his body. He couldn’t even see Duo. Were they going to die like this?
“I’ll not make any mistakes this time. Plus, Aya isn’t here anymore to want you, Heero. She got too whiney so I did away with her the other night.” Laurie lifted both zanpakutou and brought them to where Duo and Heero knelt. She mumbled a few words then spread a jelly like goo upon their surfaces. “Don’t laugh, he named it ‘soul glue.’ I never understood Treize, but I would dearly like to wish him thank you for this. All it takes is a simple demon art and this special mixture to affix a soul to a zanpakutou. Fairly easy, right? Well the tricky part was making the glue.” Laurie grinned in a somewhat girlish manner then shook her head as if trying to refocus herself. “I suppose I shouldn’t delay any longer -- farewell ...” With a satisfied smile upon her face, she skewered them both with their respective zanpakutou. A strong wave of energy emanated from the swords which lifted her off the ground and slammed her against the far wall. She had to quickly cover her face as a brilliant flash of light filled the room. When the light faded away, a tall man stood before her with long flowing chocolate brown hair. His eyes, almond in shape, were two different shades of blue, one much deeper than the other. Laurie quickly realized that his features were a mixture of the two who had been kneeling before her only moments earlier. “Who --?” Without saying a word, the figure raised a sword of brilliant white with an onyx hilt high into the air. Laurie had only enough time to shriek in terror as it came down upon her.
Zechs and Noin came running into the room just as her body was rendered lifeless. Slowly, the tall figure turned to face the two new people. “Do you wish the same fate as her?” Noin’s eyebrows drew together in slight confusion at the sound of two separate voices coming from the one person.
“You’re Seikousen and Shikousen. Am I right?” The man nodded. “We’re friends. She was the only enemy.” The joined zanpakutou turned its gaze upon Zechs who was still staring at Laurie’s body.
“I couldn’t control her. At first I agreed with what she believed, because I did see the reasoning behind it, but I didn’t really think everything through. Once I discovered that it meant we would throw off the balance of life -- I wanted out. But I was stuck.”
“Where are Heero and Duo?” The zanpakutou closed his eyes tightly and began to glow a bright white, which Noin and Zechs were forced to protect their eyes from. When the light subsided, there were two figures standing before them. One looked like Heero and the other like Duo. Noin smiled brightly as relief spread through her at the sight of the two boys, but then she noticed that there was something slightly different about them.
The one who looked like Duo stepped forward. “We are not Heero and Duo. I am Shikousen, Heero’s zanpakutou. Their souls are sealed within these blades, and the only way for them to be removed is for us to disappear.”
“Well, is that a problem? I’m not quite sure I understand ...” Zechs asked a bit confused as to why they couldn’t simply bring the boys back. Even if they couldn’t be shinigami anymore, he’d be damned if they ended up in the Rukongai after everything they had done to help.
It was Seikousen’s turn to speak. Calmly, he moved to stand beside his partner sword. “They’ve requested something, but only your sister can help.”
“But my sister ... she’s dead. I -- I killed her myself.”
“No you didn’t.” Zechs gazed down at Noin, who turned loving eyes up to him. “I contacted Sally Poe shortly after we left. She’s been hiding in a back room at the fourth gotei since then.”
“Noin ...” He scooped her up into his arms and held her tightly, quietly whispering ‘thank you’s into her ear.
“You must go and fetch her. Hurry.”
-----
“Wha t’s this all about?” Relena gasped as she entered the great room. “Oh my ... did she --?”
“I’m afraid so, but their zanpakutou refused to help her.” Zechs squeezed his younger sister’s small shoulder gently; he could tell that this all upset her greatly, and he hadn’t forgotten that he was partly to blame.
“I see. And so you two must be the famed Seikousen and Shikousen?” The two men nodded. “What was the request?”
“That Heero gets to live on Earth.”
Shikousen cast a confused look in Seikousen’s direction. “You mean as a mortal, right? Because I thought that we had agreed that --”
“No we didn’t. And I still don’t think it’s possible.” Shikousen glared at him and crossed his arms against his chest.
“Fine, be like that. I won’t disappear then and you can just be live by yourself.” He tilted his head up in the air with a triumphant smirk, causing Seikousen to glare at him.
“Why do you always act like this?”
“Because.” Shikousen turned and stuck his tongue out, which was promptly caught by Seikousen’s fingers. “Ow!”
“Boys!” Relena stamped her foot on the tatami mats and sighed. They were acting exactly like their counterparts, which shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise, but it was tiresome nonetheless. “I’m not certain what you’re arguing over, but it would be nice if you shared with the rest of us.”
“Shikousen, no Duo, wants Heero to be left alone. He wants him to be mortal.” Seikousen let go of Shikousen’s tongue and rolled his eyes in exasperation at the over exaggerated behavior of his friend.
“I -- I’m not certain if that can be done. I know of only one other case where a shinigami lived and died on Earth as a mortal, but it was quite difficult to erase all existence of him -- and I gather that is what you are requesting?”
“Yes. I know it’s a tall order, but -- you can state that we died in the fight against Laurie, which is partly true.” Seikousen smirked which earned a grin from his partner. “Oh, one more thing. You must destroy all evidence of this ‘soul glue’ and let everyone know exactly why Laurie died.” Relena nodded in agreement and then watched with a heavy heart as the two zanpakutou returned to their swords.
“Quickly round up all the traitors and call a meeting in the captain’s hall. I have to announce the death of Heero Yuy.” The guards which had accompanied Relena rushed out to give the orders to the police force of the second gotei.
“Umm,” Noin approached Relena, nervously wringing her hands together.
“Yes, Noin?”
“Please forgive me!” She quickly dropped into a deep bow on the floor and waited for her former mentor to grant her forgiveness.
“Stand up.” Hesitantly, Noin rose to her feet, but continued to stare at the floor. “Look at me.” Doubt heavy in her gaze, she slowly raised her grey-blue eyes up to meet Relena’s clear blue. “You did what you had to do. You watched over my brother -- the man whom you love. I cannot find fault in that.” Noin’s heart leapt into her throat from the joy which shot through her body.
“Bless you.”
“Hmm, I’ll make your life tough though -- if you don’t become my sister-in-law.”
“You have nothing to fear, little sister ... I came to realize some time ago that it was Noin whom I truly loved, and not Laurie. However, right now is not the time to be talking of weddings. We need to clean up this mess.”
Relena gasped as a lean arm draped itself casually across her shoulders. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Duo! How -- where ...”
“We were inside of our zanpakutou. I realize that doesn’t make much sense, but ... that’s where we were.” Heero moved to stand beside a brightly smiling Duo. He reached out and brushed his hand against his lover’s who quickly pulled him into a fierce bear hug.
“I thought we had actually died.”
Heero slowly wrapped his arms around Duo’s body, soaking up every last bit of warmth he could from the man he loved. For a moment it had seemed as if they had died, everything had gone black until a blinding light had appeared before them. It was at that moment Seikousen had appeared and told them both to sit tight and everything would be all right. Relena smiled and began to gently urge Noin and Zechs to leave the room. “Boys, go back down to Earth ... I’ll take care of everything -- and Heero, Treize will be in contact with you about a permanent gigai. It’ll allow you to live as a mortal. May the two of you have a wonderful life together.”
“We will, right Hee-chan?” Instead of answering, Heero hungrily claimed Duo’s mouth and kissed him until he was weak-kneed. “I guess that’s a yes.”
Legal stuf ... Bleach and Gundam Wing don't belong to me, they belong to Kubo Tite, Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino respectively.
geovisit();
Enjoy!
Warnings: Mild Language, Some Violence
Chapter Status: COMPLETE
&ldquo ;Did you do it?”
“Yes ... she won’t bother us now.” Laurie gazed up at Zechs's with a questioning look upon her face. He could tell that she didn’t believe him when he stated that he had killed his own sister, but if she didn’t trust him now, then she never would. “Noin?”
The young shinigami turned bright eyes up to the man whom she admired the most. She had worshiped the ground he walked upon since she was very young, and the mere mention of his name by Laurie was what had urged her into joining the coup. “Yes?”
“What of Dr. Une?”
“She’s been taken care of as well. Her meddling will no longer be a problem.” The grin which spread across Noin’s face was filled with pure evil. Laurie made a mental note not to cross her by any means, doing so may result in the possible loss of her life.
“I told you that there was nothing to worry about, dear. Everything’s been taken care of. My sister cannot tell Yuy or Maxwell what she learned, nor can Une tattle to that annoying lover of hers.” Laurie pressed herself close to the large expanse of Zechs’s chest and almost purred at him. “Um, dear -- I believe we should gather our troops and let them know it’s time to proceed.”
Laurie grinned as a tingling sensation coursed through her body. Her plan had almost come to full fruition. Soon she would be controlling Soul Society, and she would wipe out every last Hollow in existence. Why was it that no one could see that she was trying to accomplish good not bad? No matter, once she was in charge no one could stop her. No one.
Treize’s sigh filled the small living room of Duo’s home. They had been camped out together since the previous morning, when they had heard from Trowa that something had happened to Relena. “Why hasn’t he come back?!” Duo paced impatiently. Heero really was starting to grow weary of his constant movement, but there was nothing he could do to calm him down enough to keep him still.
“He’ll be here when he can, Duo-kun. Just be patient.”
“Sorry Treize, but that’s not my best trait.” Duo flounced down onto a pillow beside Heero and pursed his lips together into a pout. Even then his leg was bouncing from nervous energy. “Maybe something happened.”
“Nothing happened. He’s just being careful.”
“So you say! How come you know so much, huh?”
Treize turned his head and gazed out the window at the dying sun. Duo was right, Trowa was late; he too was beginning to worry about him, but Trowa was a strong fighter, so they all needed to just be patient. “I know so much because I was once a shinigami myself ... not one that fought mind you. I was a scientist. I never passed the tests, but my mind was so sharp they felt it a shame to let me go back to the slums of the Rukongai. So, I was sent to help develop tools for the shinigami to use. That was when I stumbled across a method of affixing one’s soul to their zanpakutou. I stupidly wrote it down and before I knew it the formula went missing. I never meant any harm ... I just -- I thought I was helping, but my smarts got the better of me.”
Heero’s eyes narrowed as he looked upon the man whom had caused so much suffering in his life. It amazed him that everything boiled down to one simple tiny sheet of paper. “You should have been more careful.” Treize didn’t respond, he just covered his face with one hand. Heero snorted in disgust.
“Heero,” Duo began, a warning tone in his voice.
“I can’t forgive him. If he hadn’t written that down you wouldn’t have died. So much -- would never have happened.”
“It might. Heero, you don’t know that his plans were what started the coup. It could have happened even without it.” Duo rolled his eyes as Heero continued to glare at Treize. “Anyway, I wonder what really is keeping Trowa.”
Laurie stepped into the great hall of the eleventh gotei. Before her stood at least fifty strong and eager shinigami, willing to throw down their lives for her cause. She smiled to herself, as that same tingle from before grew in intensity. These people were hers to command, the time for the coup had finally arrived, and there was one ace she had recently hid up her sleeve. One thing that would throw her opposition off. She turned her overly bright eyes to the man who was standing silently by the wall. She inclined her head as a signal for him to get going on his mission, and as he walked past her she whispered to him, “Don’t forget.”
“I haven’t.” His sharp green eyes spotted the top of a limp blonde head off in one of the adjoining rooms, causing his pace to pick up as he left.
“Noin!”
The young woman came scurrying up to her leader and kneeled with her head lowered. “Yes, captain?”
“Follow him. Make certain he follows through -- any hesitation and you report it to me. I’ll make sure young Winner suffers greatly for his lover’s mistakes.”
“Understood.”
Laurie then turned to her awaiting audience. “Fellow shinigami! We have long awaited this moment ... the time for the coup is now upon us! Tonight at midnight we will commence our ingenious operation! Anyone who is against us will suffer. Remember that! Only six hours before we set out, please rest up and prepare yourselves for battle!”
Thunderous applause and shouts filled the room as she stepped down from the small stage at the end of the room. She turned to Zechs who was staring out the doorway after the slight figure which was opening a gate to travel to Earth. “Laurie,”
“Hmm?”
“I -- maybe I should have gone instead. To make sure that Trowa goes through with his mission.”
“No.” Her answer was flat, and held little emotion. She wasn’t a fool, she had seen his eyes wondering, but Laurie wanted him next to her, she wanted his face to be the first one she looked up at as she took over the seat of the leader of all shinigami -- the first gotei’s captain's seat. And of course, Zechs would then lead the Center 46. It was only natural that he be the only one above her.
“I simply am concerned that she might not --”
“She will. I have complete faith in her.” Zechs tried to hide his worry, but he could feel it showing on his face; however, if Laurie noticed it, she didn’t let on. She seemed to be too wrapped up in the thought of the absolute power which she would soon hold.
Trowa paused on a rooftop only a short distance from Duo’s home. What was he to do? He didn’t want to kill his two friends, he couldn’t do it. That was out of the question, but they had Quatre. Unfortunately, it seemed as if the Winners had no idea that their only son had been taken hostage, and they wouldn’t have believed a street punk like him if he told them. Especially since Laurie was of a noble family as well. Even if he told them what was happening, there was no way he could save Quatre, and she had promised extreme suffering if he failed in any way.
He wiped the few tears from his green eyes and jumped over the next few rooftops to Duo’s house. There was no other choice for him. He had to do it. Duo’s front door slowly swung open to reveal Heero standing before him. “Trowa?” Trowa inclined his head slowly and then pressed past him and into the living room.
“We were growing worried.” Treize’s voice dropped off as he took in the expression upon the young man’s face. “Trowa, what is it?”
“Forgive me.” He unsheathed his zanpakutou and swung violently in the direction of Duo. Heero moved to push him out of the way, but was instead shoved by Treize who had thrown himself between the zanpakutou and Duo. There was a soft grunt which escaped Treize’s mouth as Trowa stepped backward with a horrified expression.
Treize smirked as he staggered a bit. “They got to you didn’t they?”
“I -- I ...”
“I have to admit that this girl is tougher than we first thought.” With an agonized groan, Treize fell to his knees. His vision was blurred and his whole body was screaming in pain.
“Treize!” Duo grabbed onto his shoulders and held him up.
“I’m okay, really ... he didn’t hit anything vital. But the question now is, what are you going to do?” Trowa turned to hide the pain on his face. He felt helpless, and he knew that Quatre was going to die by the hands of that evil woman.
“I --”
“You couldn’t do it -- could you?” Everyone turned to see Noin standing in the doorway, a smug look upon her normally sweet face.
Trowa threw himself at her and grabbed onto her communicator. “If you tell them that I couldn’t do it ... I swear to you I will kill you with my own two hands.” His green eyes bore into her own and she nodded slowly. Hesitating momentarily, Trowa slowly removed his hand from her communicator and allowed her to contact Laurie.
“He’s done it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Excellent ... return then.” The soft buzzing filled the silence of the room as everyone waited to see what was going to happen next.
Trowa helped her stand and then turned to face Heero and Duo. “They have Quatre.” Those words were like throwing a bucket of ice water over Heero. The anger he had felt over his old friend’s obvious betrayal quickly left him, and he understood why Trowa had not said ‘no’ to Laurie.
“How long do we have?” Heero mumbled, barely able to rein in his emotions.
“Not long.” Noin’s voice surprised everyone. They had all expected her to run from them back to Soul Society and warn Laurie. “I have my own reasons for wanting to help you. She -- Laurie -- she took Zechs from me. You see, I was who his family wanted him to marry before she came along. They chose her over me because she’s from a noble family. I’m merely from one of the upper levels of the Rukongai. I joined Laurie because of him, and have been pretending to fully agree with her behavior and beliefs.”
Duo’s blood was beginning to boil. He wanted to just run in and fight Laurie, and he would have darted out the door had Heero’s voice not broken the momentary silence. “What do you think we should do?”
“Give me your zanpakutou.” Duo glanced at him, silently questioning whether they should trust her or not. Heero nodded.
“Fine, here.” The two boys tentatively gave their swords up. “Now what?” Duo asked impatiently.
“We come up with a plan.”
As they gathered closer to discuss a possible plan, WuFei burst into the house. “Duo! Duo!” He panted heavily as he came to a screeching stop inches from Duo. “It’s ... your father -- he’s ...”
“What!?” Duo grabbed onto WuFei’s shoulders and began to shake him violently. “What’s wrong WuFei!?”
“He’s missing. No one knows where he is.” Duo slumped against the wall for support. His mind was spinning and he felt as if his world were crumbling around him. He had to find him.
“Duo,”
“She probably got him.” Noin supplied what everyone had already been thinking. WuFei’s eye brow raised as he gazed at the black clad figure standing beside Heero.
“Who are you?”
“You can see me?”
“Yeah.” Heero and Noin exchanged puzzled looks as they tried to think of why they sensed no spiritual energy from WuFei, yet he could see Noin in her shinigami form. “Why? Am I not supposed to?”
“I -- well, no. I’m kind of a ... spirit.”
“You mean a -- ghost?” Noin nodded and WuFei turned white as the color rushed from his face. “Yuy?”
“It’s alright WuFei, she’s friendly.” Slowly the color returned to his face, but there was a mistrusting look left in its wake. “Look, we don’t have enough time to explain what’s going on. Either stay or leave.”
“I’m staying.” Gently, WuFei supported Duo and helped him back into the living room. Once there, Duo pulled away and walked back toward the front door.
“Duo?”
“I’ve got to find my dad.” Noin ran after him and grabbed tightly onto his arm. “Let go!”
“If you go out there now, and if it is true that Laurie’s men have your father -- they’ll know that I was lying and anything we do after that will be pointless. Quatre will be killed and numerous others will die. Do you want that on your conscious?”
“Well ... no, but my dad!”
“He’ll be fine. It’s only a tactic. She’s trying to save humans, not kill them.”
“But --” He cast a longing look at the door and then reluctantly rejoined the group. “If anything happens to him I’m blaming you.” The two entered the small room as Heero was speaking with Trowa.
“... but they’ll be expecting something like that.”
“Heero, we don’t have many options, and Quatre’s life is still on the line.” Heero sighed and scratched his head absently as he paced a few steps away from Trowa.
“Our best bet is to wait until they begin their attack. That’s when Laurie and Zechs will be alone. I can handle Zechs ... you two go after that witch.” Noin gritted her teeth as she thought of the things which Laurie had obviously done with her Zechs.
“Gladly.” Duo spat out between clinched teeth. Heero cast a worried glance in his direction, but then smirked realizing that it was silly to worry about Duo when he was going to be right by his side. This wasn’t like the last time. He would be right there, protecting him if he needed it.
“How long before the attack begins?” Heero questioned softly.
“Midnight, Soul Society time. Basically in twenty minutes.”
“You and Trowa go ahead. We’ll be right behind you.” Noin and Trowa nodded then left. “Duo,”
“I love you too, Heero.” WuFei turned his head as the two lovers embraced. Even though he knew that Duo would never be his, it still hurt to watch them together. “Hey, WuFei,” Duo’s arms wrapped around his friend and hugged him tightly. “Listen to me. Whatever happens, I want you to go on. Live a good and full life with a person who loves you for you. He or she is out there, I know it. Please ... do that for me.” The only thing he could do was to nod in response, as a sickening feeling that something horrible was about to happen settled within his heart.
Trowa set the two zanpakutou before Laurie. He bowed low and then stepped back from her. “Excellent. These are the zanpakutou of legend ... the two strongest swords ever forged within a shinigami soul.” She motioned to a man standing near her and he left the room only to return a few moments later with a squirming Quatre held within his strong hands.
“Trowa!” Trowa couldn’t breathe. There were bruises all over Quatre’s body, and none of the cuts had been tended. He wanted to lash out at Laurie, but knew that it was too soon to do so. He had to wait until Heero and Duo had arrived.
“Kill him.” Laurie turned her back on the man as he dragged Quatre from the room.
“Quatre!” Trowa ran after them, but was stopped by two large shinigami who had been guarding the door. “Quatre!!” He struggled against the two men, but to no avail. He could hear the person he loved screaming for him from down the hallway. Sadness filling every inch of him, he turned with rage to face Laurie. “You lied!” His roar echoed off the bamboo walls and caused Laurie to wince.
“I didn’t lie. You didn’t kill them ... these zanpakutou are still ordinary swords. You didn’t think that I wouldn’t be able to tell when I touched them -- did you?” She slowly walked toward Trowa who was still fighting to get free from his captors. “When the soul is bound to the zanpakutou, you can hear its name -- no matter what. I heard only silence when I touched the swords. So -- I am not the liar here.” Her smile was cold and uncaring as she slowly drew her own sword. “Do you want to live -- or die?” Trowa growled deep within his chest as he finally managed to free his arms. He lunged at his tormentor, but missed as she gracefully sidestepped him. “I guess it’s die.” She raised her sword to strike at her prey, but as it fell, another sword blocked it’s path. Startled, Laurie gazed at the owner of the opposing zanpakutou. “Zechs?”
“I don’t believe that killing was part of the deal.” He turned to the two men who had been holding Trowa. “Lock him up with young Winner, and bring Sally Po back here to tend their wounds.”
“How dare you.” Laurie hissed. “I trusted you, and this is how you repay me? Not with loyalty, but by undermining me?!”
“I’m not undermining you. I’m simply watching out for your best interests. If the followers see that you are so eager to kill -- I’m sure you would lose many of them.” Zechs forced his eyes to remain calm as he gazed down at her. One slip could possibly send her over the edge, and an insane woman was not something he could deal with alone -- especially when she is as strong as Laurie.
“You’re right. I should have thought that through a bit better. How goes the raids?”
“Smoothly. We’ve secured the second, fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth, and twelfth gotei. In a few hours I believe that we will have everything under our control.”
As if someone had flipped a switch within her, the manic look which had been in Laurie’s eyes vanished. She smiled brightly at the prospect of being one step closer to her goal. “Excellent! I’m rather hungry -- would you mind fetching some food for us?”
Zechs bowed deeply. “Of course, my dear.” Grateful to be free of her company for even a few moments, he quickly left the room in search of food.
Duo poked his head around the corner. “Clear.”
“This is odd. I expected more people.” Noin gazed at the empty street with a puzzled expression. Normally there would be patrols walking everywhere, but no one was around.
“Maybe they were ready for Laurie.” Heero supplied quietly.
“Possibly. We better get moving -- Trowa’s there by himself.” Everyone nodded and moved closer to the eleventh gotei’s headquarters. Once there Noin left the group and went in search of Zechs. “I hope she finds him.” Heero nodded. Something wasn’t right. The empty streets, the quiet hush of the headquarters, just where was everyone? They crept toward the great room, and upon arriving they were greeted by the same large guards which had held Trowa. “Which one you want?”
“The left.” It took two punches, one to the stomach and another to the jaw, for Heero to defeat his opponent. Duo on the other hand had a different approach that made Heero’s stomach turn. “How could you do that ... to another guy?”
“Well, I know how much it hurts -- besides, he was huge. I can’t take him down with a punch.” Heero chuckled softly and followed close behind into the snake’s lair. “Hey Laurie!” His loud yell caused Heero to roll his eyes in exasperation.
“What?” Duo smirked and shrugged nonchalantly.
“You two will never change, huh?” Laurie’s smooth voice broke through the pair’s light comical exchange.
Duo’s demeanor changed the moment she had spoken. “No, but apparently you did -- or rather, you never did and you’re just a damn good liar.” Gone was the jovial boy, replaced with a dangerous man who wore a dark smile and spoke with a menacing tone.
“You always were smart, Duo.” Duo’s eyes turned dangerous as he glared at the evil woman. “But not fast ... I’m afraid you were a bit late. You see -- your friends are dead.” Heero had to hold onto Duo to keep him from blindly attacking Laurie.
“You bitch! How could you!? Let me go, Heero ... I’m gonna kill her.”
“Duo, calm down! She’s bluffing.”
“Am I?” The two boys exchanged worried glances. If they made a miscalculation, it could cost not only their lives, but many others’ as well. “You know boys, you don’t have to fight me -- join me instead.”
“Join you?!” Duo was disgusted by the mere thought of being a part of destroying the world.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. I’m trying to save everyone ... why can’t you understand that?”
“Because, you’ll throw off the delicate balance of the three worlds if we allow you to continue.”
Laurie’s soft laugh sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Her eyes were slowly regaining their manic glint, and her smile caused even Heero to shudder. She held up the two zanpakutou and allowed her eyes to slowly roam over their surfaces. “They’re quite magnificent. Do you know the legend behind them?”
Duo decided that she was definitely going insane, if not already there. As a ploy to gain some more time to figure out how to get their swords back, he gave into her apparent need to fill them in on the history of their zanpakutou. “Legend?”
“Yes. The legend goes that only two souls whose destiny is intertwined will be able to call upon these dual zanpakutou. You see, these two souls always find one another, and once they consummate their love the swords will grow in power. Then they can be merged.”
“Merged?” Both boys questioned simultaneously.
Laurie laughed bitterly at their ignorance of their own zanpakutou. “I’m amazed that you’ve survived as long as you have, Yuy. Yes, merged. These swords and their users’ spirits can be merged to create an incredibly strong fighter. You see they are the exact opposite of each other, but then you knew that already. I should hope so at least.
“This sword,” she held up the white zanpakutou, “this one is life. Seikousen. It can actually heal wounds if used properly, well the wounds of its user -- and its lover.” Duo and Heero exchanged a look that even Laurie could interpret. “Yes, it is likely that Seikousen is the reason you were reborn so quickly, Duo. And the reason you held onto your shinigami powers. Then there is this one, Shikousen. Death. It’s an amazingly strong zanpakutou that has an unfortunate side affect -- it can bring misery to its user. Most likely the reason your depression lasted so long, Heero.”
“My depression lasted for as long as it did because I died the day Duo did! But that’s something you’d never understand. You would have to have a heart first.” Heero’s voice was soft, but the effect was not lost on the listener. Laurie’s eyes widened briefly then returned to their hooded state. It was impossible to read her, which made Heero nervous.
“Yes, well ... my point is that when they merge they combine their most powerful strengths. They become an invincible force.”
“That’s why you want them. So you can rule without anyone challenging you.”
“Very good, Duo. Like I said ... you always were bright. Not very good in bed ... but bright.”
“Hey!”
“Maybe it’s just because you don’t have the right equipment.” Heero smirked as he saw pure outrage explode across Laurie’s face. That was the reaction he was hoping for, so she was getting impatient with them. If she was, then why did she feel the need to prattle on about their swords? He mentally groaned. She was obviously stalling for some reason, but he couldn’t figure out what it could be.
Laurie composed herself, and waved off the joke. “Now, now ... let’s not be crude.”
“Crude!? You’re the one that started it, hag.” Duo’s face scrunched up into his angry expression, but his look only caused Laurie to laugh.
“I’m sorry to cut this short boys, but really -- I do have a schedule to keep to. I’m sure you noticed that my team has been steadily securing every area in the Seireitei.”
“That’s why the streets were empty.” Duo’s remark was followed by a soft grunt from Heero.
“Looks like everything is going smoothly then. Just one last thing to do.” While they had been talking, two more shinigami had quietly entered the room, their presence carefully and skillfully masked. They walked up behind Heero and Duo, and promptly stuck a long needle into each of them. Both boys crumpled to the floor, their bodies going numb. Grinning broadly, Laurie bent down close to Duo. “Sorry about the discomfort, but it’ll be temporary. We have to affix your soul to your zanpakutou.” Her voice sounded as if she were a pure ray of sunshine on a bright spring day. It made Duo want to claw her eyes out.
Heero’s mind was racing. What had she done to them, and how could they not know that two other shinigami had been in the room? It just wasn’t possible, unless ... that was why she had been talking to them. He had been right, but unfortunately he hadn’t been as alert as he had believed himself to be. He had failed to protect both of them. There had to be a way out of this, but the one thing that was stopping him was that he couldn’t move his body. He couldn’t even see Duo. Were they going to die like this?
“I’ll not make any mistakes this time. Plus, Aya isn’t here anymore to want you, Heero. She got too whiney so I did away with her the other night.” Laurie lifted both zanpakutou and brought them to where Duo and Heero knelt. She mumbled a few words then spread a jelly like goo upon their surfaces. “Don’t laugh, he named it ‘soul glue.’ I never understood Treize, but I would dearly like to wish him thank you for this. All it takes is a simple demon art and this special mixture to affix a soul to a zanpakutou. Fairly easy, right? Well the tricky part was making the glue.” Laurie grinned in a somewhat girlish manner then shook her head as if trying to refocus herself. “I suppose I shouldn’t delay any longer -- farewell ...” With a satisfied smile upon her face, she skewered them both with their respective zanpakutou. A strong wave of energy emanated from the swords which lifted her off the ground and slammed her against the far wall. She had to quickly cover her face as a brilliant flash of light filled the room. When the light faded away, a tall man stood before her with long flowing chocolate brown hair. His eyes, almond in shape, were two different shades of blue, one much deeper than the other. Laurie quickly realized that his features were a mixture of the two who had been kneeling before her only moments earlier. “Who --?” Without saying a word, the figure raised a sword of brilliant white with an onyx hilt high into the air. Laurie had only enough time to shriek in terror as it came down upon her.
Zechs and Noin came running into the room just as her body was rendered lifeless. Slowly, the tall figure turned to face the two new people. “Do you wish the same fate as her?” Noin’s eyebrows drew together in slight confusion at the sound of two separate voices coming from the one person.
“You’re Seikousen and Shikousen. Am I right?” The man nodded. “We’re friends. She was the only enemy.” The joined zanpakutou turned its gaze upon Zechs who was still staring at Laurie’s body.
“I couldn’t control her. At first I agreed with what she believed, because I did see the reasoning behind it, but I didn’t really think everything through. Once I discovered that it meant we would throw off the balance of life -- I wanted out. But I was stuck.”
“Where are Heero and Duo?” The zanpakutou closed his eyes tightly and began to glow a bright white, which Noin and Zechs were forced to protect their eyes from. When the light subsided, there were two figures standing before them. One looked like Heero and the other like Duo. Noin smiled brightly as relief spread through her at the sight of the two boys, but then she noticed that there was something slightly different about them.
The one who looked like Duo stepped forward. “We are not Heero and Duo. I am Shikousen, Heero’s zanpakutou. Their souls are sealed within these blades, and the only way for them to be removed is for us to disappear.”
“Well, is that a problem? I’m not quite sure I understand ...” Zechs asked a bit confused as to why they couldn’t simply bring the boys back. Even if they couldn’t be shinigami anymore, he’d be damned if they ended up in the Rukongai after everything they had done to help.
It was Seikousen’s turn to speak. Calmly, he moved to stand beside his partner sword. “They’ve requested something, but only your sister can help.”
“But my sister ... she’s dead. I -- I killed her myself.”
“No you didn’t.” Zechs gazed down at Noin, who turned loving eyes up to him. “I contacted Sally Poe shortly after we left. She’s been hiding in a back room at the fourth gotei since then.”
“Noin ...” He scooped her up into his arms and held her tightly, quietly whispering ‘thank you’s into her ear.
“You must go and fetch her. Hurry.”
“Wha t’s this all about?” Relena gasped as she entered the great room. “Oh my ... did she --?”
“I’m afraid so, but their zanpakutou refused to help her.” Zechs squeezed his younger sister’s small shoulder gently; he could tell that this all upset her greatly, and he hadn’t forgotten that he was partly to blame.
“I see. And so you two must be the famed Seikousen and Shikousen?” The two men nodded. “What was the request?”
“That Heero gets to live on Earth.”
Shikousen cast a confused look in Seikousen’s direction. “You mean as a mortal, right? Because I thought that we had agreed that --”
“No we didn’t. And I still don’t think it’s possible.” Shikousen glared at him and crossed his arms against his chest.
“Fine, be like that. I won’t disappear then and you can just be live by yourself.” He tilted his head up in the air with a triumphant smirk, causing Seikousen to glare at him.
“Why do you always act like this?”
“Because.” Shikousen turned and stuck his tongue out, which was promptly caught by Seikousen’s fingers. “Ow!”
“Boys!” Relena stamped her foot on the tatami mats and sighed. They were acting exactly like their counterparts, which shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise, but it was tiresome nonetheless. “I’m not certain what you’re arguing over, but it would be nice if you shared with the rest of us.”
“Shikousen, no Duo, wants Heero to be left alone. He wants him to be mortal.” Seikousen let go of Shikousen’s tongue and rolled his eyes in exasperation at the over exaggerated behavior of his friend.
“I -- I’m not certain if that can be done. I know of only one other case where a shinigami lived and died on Earth as a mortal, but it was quite difficult to erase all existence of him -- and I gather that is what you are requesting?”
“Yes. I know it’s a tall order, but -- you can state that we died in the fight against Laurie, which is partly true.” Seikousen smirked which earned a grin from his partner. “Oh, one more thing. You must destroy all evidence of this ‘soul glue’ and let everyone know exactly why Laurie died.” Relena nodded in agreement and then watched with a heavy heart as the two zanpakutou returned to their swords.
“Quickly round up all the traitors and call a meeting in the captain’s hall. I have to announce the death of Heero Yuy.” The guards which had accompanied Relena rushed out to give the orders to the police force of the second gotei.
“Umm,” Noin approached Relena, nervously wringing her hands together.
“Yes, Noin?”
“Please forgive me!” She quickly dropped into a deep bow on the floor and waited for her former mentor to grant her forgiveness.
“Stand up.” Hesitantly, Noin rose to her feet, but continued to stare at the floor. “Look at me.” Doubt heavy in her gaze, she slowly raised her grey-blue eyes up to meet Relena’s clear blue. “You did what you had to do. You watched over my brother -- the man whom you love. I cannot find fault in that.” Noin’s heart leapt into her throat from the joy which shot through her body.
“Bless you.”
“Hmm, I’ll make your life tough though -- if you don’t become my sister-in-law.”
“You have nothing to fear, little sister ... I came to realize some time ago that it was Noin whom I truly loved, and not Laurie. However, right now is not the time to be talking of weddings. We need to clean up this mess.”
Relena gasped as a lean arm draped itself casually across her shoulders. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Duo! How -- where ...”
“We were inside of our zanpakutou. I realize that doesn’t make much sense, but ... that’s where we were.” Heero moved to stand beside a brightly smiling Duo. He reached out and brushed his hand against his lover’s who quickly pulled him into a fierce bear hug.
“I thought we had actually died.”
Heero slowly wrapped his arms around Duo’s body, soaking up every last bit of warmth he could from the man he loved. For a moment it had seemed as if they had died, everything had gone black until a blinding light had appeared before them. It was at that moment Seikousen had appeared and told them both to sit tight and everything would be all right. Relena smiled and began to gently urge Noin and Zechs to leave the room. “Boys, go back down to Earth ... I’ll take care of everything -- and Heero, Treize will be in contact with you about a permanent gigai. It’ll allow you to live as a mortal. May the two of you have a wonderful life together.”
“We will, right Hee-chan?” Instead of answering, Heero hungrily claimed Duo’s mouth and kissed him until he was weak-kneed. “I guess that’s a yes.”
geovisit();