Mama put my guns in the ground
I can't shoot them anymore
That cold black cloud is comin' down
Feels like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Lyrics to 'Knocking On Heaven's Door' Covered by Jordis Unga- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZLTrmNDI0
Crimson Ties Part 75
Trent stared up at the ceiling of the guest room that Duo and Heero gave him following his meeting with the Companion and his Vampire clan earlier that evening. Arms folded behind his head, he sighed softly in the moonlit room as his thoughts continued to run over everything that he had come to learn.
Originally, he fully intended on returning to his apartment to cope with everything on his own. However, he didn't stand a chance when Midi got a good look at him and insisted that he stay so that he was not alone and could enjoy a couple of home-cooked meals.
Unable to help himself at how the 'little mother' reminded him so much of his own mom, Greyson smiled to himself. In the end, he was happy for the fussing and adamant offer for a place to stay. Though he considered himself able to handle anything, he was silently relieved to not be on his own that night.
And the irony of how it was a pack of Infected that made him feel more secure and welcome than any mortal was not lost to the Hunter.
It was pretty amazing how quickly everything that he had believed and lived by had changed. Already, he knew that he could trust the creatures that surrounded him more than any member of his own clan of vigilantes who swore that they were in the right to kill Vampires.
Still mentally reeling over how his sister was alive, Trent was now facing a new series of concerns over her. Dorothy was an Other- manipulated by a power-crazed hybrid that was out to turn the whole world upside down.
Perhaps she truly believed that what she was doing for Solo was for the best... but if she were ever faced with the truth she would be devastated for her part in the deaths of tens, maybe hundreds of Vampires that had faded away at the loss of their Chosen. It was also her ability that had made the attacks against his friends possible. Howard and Father Maxwell were forever lost because of that horrific night.
Swallowing roughly, Greyson forced those dark thoughts away.
Those things would have to wait to be dealt with when the time came. For now, all that he could focus on was doing whatever he could to help Maxwell and the Preventers end the struggle so that his sister and all of the Others could be saved and brought to their Chosen... if they still existed.
His eyes finally growing heavy on him when he simply couldn't think any more, the Hunter turned onto his side under the thick cover of blankets and reluctantly allowed sleep to claim him.
* * * * * *
In Heero and Duo's kitchen, Midi was already working at a furious pace in preparing a feast of a breakfast for her living friends and their new guest. Stirring a large bowl of pancake batter to be mixed with the fresh fruit that was laid out on the counter, she shook her head, "I can't even begin to imagine how that poor boy is dealing with everything that just came crashing down on him. And knowing that he can't even talk to the people that he thought he could trust in his Hunting clan can't be helping the situation."
Leaning against the small table across from her, Trowa snickered softly, "That's my bleeding heart." He closed the distance between them to wrap an arm around his wife's slender waist from behind and smiled reassuringly, "Well, Trent's not on his own any more. He has all of us to look after him now."
The slight brunette leaned back against him and gave him a loving grin, replying, "You are right on that, husband-mine." Content by that reminder, she remained in his arm and focused back on her cooking.
Seated at the same table that their cousin had been propped against, Heero and Duo snickered in amusement over their 'little mother's' all too happy state over having livings to tend to. Between having meals to make and being a sympathetic ear, Midi was going to have a lot to occupy her between Quatre, Catherine, Sally and now Trent.
When Wufei and Anna entered the space, the air became a bit more anxious as the lot present turned towards the pair. The moment Maxwell locked gazed with his sister, he sprang to his feet along with Yuy to move towards her.
"Hey," the braided Companion greeted softly, a smile of relief at finally having a chance to reunite with her properly since his siblings' disappearance earlier that day. Opening his arms, he chuckled softly when the Irish Infected all but flung herself into them and latched onto him just as tightly while burying her face in his shoulder.
At the sound of a sniffle beside his ear and the feeling of her body trembling in his grasp, Duo's eyes grew with panic. Instantly, Heero was at his side, the same worry in his own cobalt-and-gold eyes as he rested a hand on the redhead's back. Holding onto her all the tighter when it felt like she could very well fall to pieces, he frowned deeply, "Anna? What's wrong, hon?"
"N-nothing's wrong," his sister stammered in a mumbled half-sob that brought Trowa and Midi closing in to check on their cousin.
Chuckling softly, Wufei stepped up to squeeze his wife's shoulder and informed on her behalf, "We had quite the surprising new from Sally earlier that she's been anxious to share with all of you. I think it's all still catching up with her."
Finally pulling her damp face back, Anna smiled and breathed, "Your blood gave us the most wonderful gift in making it possible for us to conceive." Every gold and silver-ringed eye around widened with sharp gasps that filled the air.
Heero was the first to break the silence as his Companion's arms fell heavily at his sides. Resting his hands on his sister's shoulders, he turned her towards him as he whispered, "You mean it? ...We're going to be uncles some day?"
With another sniffle, the Irish Infected nodded enthusiastically. Tying her up in his arms, the Original laughed in elation along with her as he spun her around. Fully aware of the redhead's secret wishes of becoming a mother, Yuy couldn't have been more thrilled to know that she could actually see it come true.
Settling her back to the floor, he cupped her face in his hand and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "Oh, sister, I couldn't be happier for you," he whispered sincerely, voice thick with emotion as his eyes began to shimmer. He was taken into another fierce embrace when Anna couldn't trust her own voice to reply.
"I'm going to spoil the hell out of my future nieces and nephews!" Duo cheered when he finally came down from his shock. His family laughed around him as the Irish Vampire spun to hold onto him once again.
Trowa and Midi were embracing Wufei in their own congratulations while the 'little mother' wiped away at a stray tear of happiness that was rolling down her face. "So our family's going to keep growing," she giggled, absolutely giddy over the thought of little ones running around their estates.
A thought coming to him, the scaly Infected took his cousins in and shared, "Well, as Sally discovered, it would only take a quick bite from Anna and you both would be able to have children as well. If that's something you've both wanted, it's a possibility now."
Stunned by the prospect, the Latin couple shared a wide-eyed glance before Midi laughed, "Oh, that would be something for us to consider later." Nudging her Irish cousin, she smirked, "I know for myself I have my hands full enough looking after all of you as it is."
"But there is quite the peace of mind in knowing that our becoming parents it is not as out of the question as it had been," Barton added, a wistful smile curling his lips. "Eventually we will definitely consider the prospect."
Kissing her little brother's cheek, Anna draped her arms around his neck, grinning widely, "Well, we all have Duo to thank for that. If it wasn't for the sacrifice he made trying to save me while I was unconscious, this would never have happened. And I certainly wouldn't have thought of using his blood to make a change like this in me if I was alert and drinking it."
Maxwell wrapped her back up for a tight squeeze, snickering quietly, "So now you finally know what your acquired gift is." Frowning deeply, he stepped back with his hands on her shoulder as he asked, "But since you don't have a power like the others, do you think it'd be wise for you to fight against a bunch of Others if it ever comes to that?"
Her arms folding across her chest, his sister huffed, "Oh, I think I've handled myself just fine against them before. Besides, I fought and killed a mutated Vampire without the help of any weapons... in a dress. I think I can handle a few Others."
"That's my girl," Heero snickered quietly. He flashed his lover an 'I told you so look' that reminded of how he had reassured Maxwell with those same words not all that long along.
Barton turned back to Chang, asking, "So what power did you just acquire when you and Relena went off to drink from Duo's supply?"
A smirk curling the corner of his mouth, the scaly Vampire disappeared before their eyes to reappear at the opposite half of the large room. When he materialized, he raised his hands to have a ball of fire glow in his upturned right palm as the left extended and brought the spoon in the mixing bowl to stir on its own.
Releasing a howl of a laugh, the braided Companion exclaimed, "Nice! A mimic!" Wufei hummed with a firm nod as he lowered his hands and phased back to his giggling wife's side. Duo shook his head, "So you can really take up any gift that you come in contact with?"
"Yep. I only need to be in the presence of it once and I can use the same power to my advantage," the Chinese Infected replied simply, draping an arm around Anna's waist. "I got the inspiration from an Other that I tangled with in Howard's base. Now I can even up a fight with any of them that I'm in contact with."
His head shaking, Yuy chuckled deeply, "Clever, brother. Between that and your scales, you've easily become one of the strongest Infected in existence."
Midi grinned, "Actually, that's pretty fitting considering how Wufei is the last creation of our kind." Both Duo and Trowa nodded in agreement to that sentiment. Looking on her Irish cousin, the 'little mother' inquired, "How is Relena handling her new gift?"
At that, Anna beamed, "Brilliantly. She's just working out some fine-tuning since she's so new to being able to see with her ability but I'm sure it'll be a short matter of time before we'll be intercepting intended Companions before Solo's Others get to them."
"Good. He'll have a taste of his own damn medicine for a change," Maxwell growled out. Checking the clock on the wall, he sighed, "I think I'm going to grab a quick shower before I have to get ready for the funeral services."
On his way past his lover, Duo tugged on the Vampire's arm as he declared, "You're coming with me." Smiling, Yuy gladly allowed himself to be pulled along and fell into step just behind his Companion as the rest of their family watched them head out.
Her shoulders dropping when her cousins were no longer in earshot, Midi murmured sadly, "I do hope that when this day is behind us Duo will have it a little easier. Brave as he has been, it's hard to not see the toll that everything that's happened has taken on him."
Wufei frowned, "Well, he's had a hell of a lot put on his shoulders in a matter of weeks."
Forcing back his concern, he righted his back and stated, "But, Duo easily one of the strongest beings that I've ever known. What's more, I'm quite confident that between having Heero and all of us, he'll be fine. He knows we're all here if he ever needs us." Heads nodded and the group went back to their matters of business as usual.
* * * * * *
High in the master bedroom an hour later, Duo was only concerned with the creature that had pressed their lips firmly together. Moaning deeply, he lowered himself back into the mattresses and covers that had been disheveled after a proper session of love making.
When Heero pulled his swollen mouth away to lightly lick at the blood that had dripped from the fresh bite marks in his neck, the Reformer chuckled deeply, "Now I really need that shower." The body that lay stretched out atop him rumbled with the deep chuckle that rose from his Vampire.
Propping himself up, Yuy smiled lovingly down on his Companion and leaned in for another kiss- this one much softer and sweeter. "Much as I loathe to leave you naked in our bed like this," he smirked, "I suppose we should clean up." That said, he gracefully slid away to stand beside the bed before scooping his Other into his arms.
With a content sigh, Duo rested his head against the Infected's shoulder as he closed his violet-and-silver eyes. Though he preferred to be able to take care of himself, this was a rare moment when he simply wanted to have his Other look after his needs.
Carefully set to stand in their glass-walled shower, the Reformer's eyes opened when Heero turned the water onto a warm spray that cascaded over them. Stopping the hand that was reaching for the washcloth so that he could take it up, the Vampire urged gently, "Turn around."
A smile tugging his lips, Maxwell did as he was requested to have his back at his lover as he stepped deeper into the water. Methodical and loving in his work, the Original made sure to clean every inch of his partner's flesh before he went to the task of working shampoo and conditioner into the long fall of hair.
Sighing and leaning into every touch and soothing caress, the Companion's eyes drifted closed at the feeling of sharp prickles in them. Once again, the world was catching up with him... threatening to ruin the wonderful moment that he had with his Vampire.
Thoughts of Father Maxwell and Howards' upcoming burials were weighing heavily on his shoulders, chest... everywhere. And it was all making his whole body feel as if it was about to cave in.
His tears mixing with the water that continued to pour over him, the Companion's head lowered as a sharp whimper broke from him just before he felt Heero turn him while pulling his shaking form close.
Like so many other times, the Infected gave everything of himself to be exactly what Maxwell needed- from how he held the hybrid to his hushed reassurances to the light kisses that trailed along every bit of skin they could reach. "'M sorry," Duo whispered brokenly against the shoulder that his head was buried in. "Y-you always have to be so strong for me."
"And nothing in this world makes me happier than to be able to help you any way I can," Yuy replied softly by a wet ear, his arms tightening around the Reformer. "You have nothing to be sorry about, love. Take from me whatever it is you need. I will give it over gladly."
Biting his lip, Duo sighed as he burrowed all the deeper into his partner's hold. Slowly turning his head to the side so that he could look into the golden eyes watching him, he whispered, "God, I love you damned so much, 'Ro. I don't know how the hell I got so lucky as to be tied to you, but I'll never take it for granted."
With a quiet hum, the Infected smiled, "Nor will I ever be anything but grateful to have you forever by my side." Leaning in, he pressed a kiss at the tip of his Companion's nose.
Strengthened by that heart-felt sentiment, Duo straightened himself and wiped at his eyes to rid them of the last tears remaining in them. With a deep breath, he grinned lovingly at his Vampire and gave a small nod. "Your turn," he snickered, switching places as he gently pushed a chuckling Heero further into the water.
Being certain to return the thorough cleaning with every bit as much care and softness, Maxwell had an easier time simply enjoying the moment between them. When reality threatened to catch back up, he was able to brush it aside so that he could make his appreciation and love known through his actions.
Any by the time their shower was over, much more had been cleaned away besides just his body.
* * * * * *
Pulling back from the Companion at the end of their long embrace, Sister Helen smiled, "Now, you know not to worry about me or any one of us out here. Treize and Lady Une could not have been kinder between their constant check-ins and overseeing the church and orphanage that they are building for us."
"Yea, I know," Duo responded with a small smile that faded when he turned to stare at the open grave that Father Maxwell's casket had been lowered into.
On a secluded hill of the cemetery, the dozens upon dozens of bundled, dark-clad patrons that had come to mourn the priest began to dissipate at the end of the graveside service.
Beneath a sky of patchy dark clouds that drifted slowly across the otherwise clear heavens, the remaining clergy of the church were ushering the orphans into their vans and other vehicles to prepare for their departure. Alex, Sylvia and Mueller waved to their classmates remaining behind before they headed out once they all had a chance to see Duo and Catherine.
With his braid drifting on the chilled breeze that picked up, the Reformer excused himself with a shallow nod to his 'mother.' Drawing a deep breath, he went to stand at the edge of the hole in the ground to silently offer his last parting words to his long-time guardian and friend.
Just as he had done earlier at Howard's funeral, Maxwell held to the grief and rage over their losses that he would have revenge whenever he should ever meet with Solo.
Heero slowly approached Sister Helen to embrace her tightly. Giggling, the nun sniffled and her own arms looped onto him. "I am so relieved that you, Anna and the rest of your family are safe," she whispered sincerely by the Vampire's ear.
A sad frown on his face as he stepped back, Yuy replied, "And I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wish that I'd been fortunate enough to know Father Maxwell for longer than I had. He was a great man."
"That he was," the clergy woman nodded, a wistful grin on her face even as a stray tear rolled down her cheek. Pulling her dark coat tighter around her when the wind picked up again, she peered to the gravesite and commented, "But if there truly is a Heaven, I'm certain that he's there and at peace."
Smiling at that, the Infected nodded, "I'm sure he is." The rest of his family closed in, stepping out of the shade of the trees looming around to give their own condolences to Sister Helen.
Khushrenada hung back to be the last to see the kind woman. "Is there anything more that we can do for you and your little charges, dear?" he asked softly when he hugged her. "You have asked so little when I wish that there were something else we could offer."
Lightly swatting his arm when they parted, the nun laughed up at the tall Vampire, "You have done so much more than we could ever ask, Treize. We have few needs and all of you have seen to them."
Scanning the lot around her, she told them, "You have my most profound gratitude for all of your generosity. It's helped make all of this so much easier to cope with for myself and the entire staff." Bright, relieved smiles spread over the Infecteds' faces at the sentiment.
From the corner of her eye, Sister Helen noted that her little charges were safely stowed away in the vehicles at the bottom of the hill when her grin faded. "Though there is one thing that I would like to ask," she drew out as she focused back on her friends.
Zechs straightened at attention and declared, "You only need to name whatever it is."
Biting her lip, the young woman looked on the hollow grave where Duo remained with his back to them. Her head shaking, she stated "It may not be very Christian of me, but I want you all to make sure that whoever is responsible for this pays. I want to know that they will never do anything like this again."
Fangs growing in, Anna vowed in a low growl, "Done." Smirking, the other Infected nodded and gave their own solemn promises to see to her wish. Content, the nun's smile returned and she took a moment to embrace them all once more.
Heero slipped away to stand beside his lover. Taking hold of the braided hybrid's hand as they stared down at the casket, he asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yea," Duo answered honestly, squeezing the fingers that laced with his. "If my existence is ever ended, I might not ever get to heaven after the things that I'm going to do to Solo when all of this is over. I shouldn't want to hurt another creature, but I do."
His Vampire chuckled softly, "Well, it's a good thing that I intend to keep anything from happening to you. If you were ever lost, I wouldn't be far behind so we can wait outside of Heaven's gates to get in together."
And with that, the last of the tension that had built in the Reformer melted away as his braided head fell back to his fit of laughter. Wiping at his eyes, he faced the Infected and leaned in for a chaste kiss and breathed, "I love you."
"Truly and deeply," Yuy replied in kind with a wink as he rested their foreheads together. Wrapping an arm around his Companion's shoulders, he led them back to where the rest of their group was waiting so that they could properly give their farewells to Sister Helen.
Moments later, the clans were reunited with the rest of their growing army at the top of the hill while Duo waved off the last of the vans pulling away from the cemetery.
Josh took a deep breath when his eyes fell on the grave. Difficult as it was to be at the service, he had to be there to see firsthand what Solo was capable of. Prior to his being turned to an Other, the newborn immortal would never have considered harming a single soul- let alone a priest and children.
And yet Morgan not only had done that, but he would have gladly seen them all face a grave end to please his Master... even destroy the lives of innocents.
Slowly nearing the hybrid, he rubbed his hands together anxiously as he said in little more than a whisper, "Duo, I am so sorry again for my part in what happened that night." Tears welling in his brown eyes, he stammered, "I-I swear that if I had known-" Unable to go on when his voice hitched with a whimper, he bit his quivering bottom lip.
Quietly sniffling, Anthony fought to keep from joining his partner's side to sooth him. As much as he hated to see Josh suffering so, the Vampire knew that this was a matter to be dealt with between the two Companions. So, he stayed back with Perry and Tilly to watch whatever it was that would unfold along with the rest of the nervous onlookers.
Maxwell turned on his heels to meet the shimmering eyes watching him and smiled sadly, "It's alright. I know that you were every bit as much a victim in this as we all were." Patting Morgan's shoulder, he reassured, "You don't ever have to feel bad for that night. And you've been one hell of an ally for us to have. Between your helping Trent see what's really going on and the information you've been can giving us on Solo and the Others, you'll only have me as a friend."
Practically collapsing from his relief, Josh released a shuddering breath. Taking a brief moment to collect himself, he forced his tears away and straightened his back as he cleared his throat. "Thank you," he nodded firmly in a thick voice.
The rest of the group moving in, Duo took in the expectant faces from Quatre, Sally, Catherine and Trent to all of the Vampires standing by. His fists clenching at his sides and violet eyes narrowing, he hissed, "Let's get to work in ending this."
No words rose to answer. There were none needed as all around, he could only find wide, dark smirks and fanged grins of anticipation.
Finally, the time to strike back had come. And they couldn't be more ready.
TBC...
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