Half my life is in books' written pages
Lived and learned from fools and from sages
You know it's true
All the things come back to you
-Lyrics to "Dream On' performed by Aerosmith
Crimson Ties Part 92
"D-dying?" Relena breathed, her head shaking and eyes widening in disbelief. "Are you sure? If that blood really is Solo's, then..." Her voice trailed off, still too shocked by the most recent news to even have that thought sink in. But both Quatre and Catherine seemed so sure that it was true.
Bloom took a deep breath before she nodded to the Vampire, "All signs are pointing to the blood belonging to Solo. And based on our own notes, there is a clear disintegration in the structure of the DNA. It's happening so slowly and such a small amount at a time that we would have missed it. I only stumbled on it by accident because the numbers seemed insignificant at first."
Digging his fingers into his hair, Winner continued to stare at the notes that were spread across the station's table surfaces. "There's no question this belongs to Solo. No other living creature would have been able to accept the transfusions that he was given. All of that work is crumbling away now," he stated.
A deep frown marring his face, the genealogist muttered, "He may not even know what's happening to him given the progression of the molecular breakdown. But it's only a matter of time before he begins to fall apart. This is going end very bad for him."
Frustrated when he could not see anything in the pages that he began to sift through again, he sighed deeply, "Those confused strands were throwing us off from ever seeing it sooner. What the hell were those scientists thinking when they did this?"
Quickly moving towards the shell of a frame that she had been working on, Catherine took up a tall stack of papers as she replied, "These reports from H's computer might help explain it. I'm not used to the jargon, but I have a strong suspicion that it won't be hard for you to interpret." Grinning as she held the prints out to her classmate, she smirked, "This would probably be light reading for someone as smart as you."
Like a man dying in the desert of thirst that was being offered his first water in days, Quatre gripped the stack of papers and began desperately thumbing through them. Scanning over the first few paragraphs, he nodded excitedly, "This is good... this is really good. It'll take me time to go through all of this, but I can already see how they were able to chemically dissect Solo's original DNA makeup."
Relena swallowed roughly at that. If that was in the reports, then any doubt who the blood in the vials belonged to was officially cleared up. It was Solo's. And he was dying.
Her heart twisting at that realization, the Vampire lost her focus as her head panned the room. When it settled on the large, metallic structure that Bloom was standing by, her vision cleared and stayed on it. Blinking widely, Peacecraft tilted her head and asked in quiet awe. "Is that... what I think it's going to be?"
Peering over her shoulder at her creation, Catherine smiled widely, "Oh, I'm pretty sure that you can get it in one from the shape." Gently patting the cool ribs, she said, "I finally worked out the kinks in my grandfather's design and should have this baby ready to go in a matter of days thanks to the unique metal supplied that Treize and Lady Une were able to get a hold of for me through their connections."
"Well, my parents will be making their call to our course directors to relieve me from school for the rest of the semester," Quatre announced when he managed to raise his eyes from the reports in his hands. "I can stick around here and we can help each other out with our projects."
Grinning widely, Relena added, "I'm more than happy to be of whatever assistance I can be as well."
For her part, the Councilwoman tried to not think of what was likely taking place in Heero and Duo's home. This distraction was a most welcome one from the scene that she had left behind when she had intercepted Quatre and Trent moments before. And the longer these new tasks kept the livings occupied the better.
By now, the braided Companion was probably listening to the recordings of Instructor H's diary. He deserved his privacy for that. Well aware of what those entries held, Peacecraft shuddered and silently wished her dear friend the strength he would need in hearing them.
Taking up her metal faceguard, Bloom placed the strap over the back of her head as she smiled, "Great! Let's get started, then."
* * * * * *
Hours later...
"Oh dear God! NO! NOOO!"
The shrill cries filling the air were silenced, completely covered the sounds of the onslaught that followed. Horrific, animalistic snarls and howls that was joined by the thick snaps of bone snapping, metal grinding and glass breaking rose to deafening pitches until the white noise of static was the only sound that remained.
On the couches, Treize and his family sat back somberly as Trowa reached for the mouse at the table where he was perched to end the recording. His head lowered, the Latin Infected watched the stricken Companion across from him beneath his thick fall of bangs.
Heero's jaw was slack as he slowly turned his head to look on his lover in deep worry. Blinking his wide eyes, Duo remained still until his Vampire wrapped a supportive arm around his shoulders and he leaned heavily against the strong presence beside him.
Listening to H's diary was worse than the hybrid had imagined it might be. From learning about the excruciating treatments and tests that were run on Solo to how unwilling subjects were taken and brought in to have him bite them so that their reactions to his venom could be studied, Maxwell's emotions swirled and conflicted. And to have it all ended by the terrible sounds of the literal monster that his twin had become was as heart-wrenching as it was terrifying.
"H-holy shit," was all that Duo could breathe when he found his voice after a long silence. Reaching up with both of his hands, he dry-washed his face and rubbed against his closed eyelids to fight the sting that prickled behind them. Subconsciously, he burrowed all the deeper against Yuy when the Original wrapped his other arm around him in a firm embrace.
It was little wonder to why Anna, Wufei and Trowa had stood up to their superiors as they had to protect him from having to endure the troubling entries. At the same time, Duo admitted that the Khushrenadas had made a good point that he needed to hear everything so that he could better grasp what Solo was turned into... what he, himself, might also be if ever provoked to such desperate means.
A shudder ran through the Reformer at that thought and the arms around him tightened while a cool kiss was pressed against his temple.
Clearing his throat, Zechs was the first to speak up by stating, "We know that the scientists made it possible for Solo to turn Others before his release. They were the ones who made the connection between intended Companions who survived his bites. I would say that it's safe to say that they were in play when he managed to free himself. He never would have made it out of that base alone otherwise, considering the size and scale of the place along with all of the personnel covering it."
Noin closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose in concentration to block the intense emotions that she was picking up from her braided friend. 'Easy, Duo,' she urged through her mind. 'I know that this is all overwhelming, but you're not alone. We love you and are well aware of the difference between you and your brother.'
"He wouldn't be what he is now if it hadn't been for those... those bastards!" Maxwell hissed aloud through his gritted teeth. Snapping his head up to reveal his reddening eyes, he all but shouted, "Those scientists are the real monsters in all of this! I swear to God, I wish I could bring them all back so that I could pay them back myself!" The corners of his vision were beginning to fade out to an intense red that he acknowledged but paid no other mind to.
So many lives had been lost and shattered thanks to those men and women who deemed themselves in the right to take what was not theirs... to manipulate and destroy it... strip and form it as they wanted.
Isabel and Charles, his birth parents, were only the first of countless innocent victims leading all the way to the Others and Vampires that had lost their existences in the midst of Solo's crazed thirst for vengeance and power. The ones truly responsible had been let off easy as far as Maxwell was concerned.
For the first time in his life, he craved something he never had a thirst for before.
He wanted blood.
Only the blood that he sought was no longer his to claim.
The way that his Companion's whole body was vibrating, Heero's eyes grew at having to fight to keep even his strong hold around him. "Duo," he called gently, an urgency in his timber. "It's alright, love. We're not the enemies here. Please calm yourself"
It took that soft request, that familiar voice asking it, to break through the hybrid's building rage. Biting down on his lip hard, he squeezed his eyes closed and forced a deep breath through his nose that he released slowly through his mouth.
After a couple more breaths like that, the almost violent shaking that Duo only then felt through his whole body slowed and stopped. The red edges of his vision faded when he blinked his violet-and-silver eyes open again.
Frowning deeply as he scanned the room, he took in the surprised faces around him that held a bit of fear. "S-sorry," he stammered, trying to play off the odd sensations that had come over him even though he knew that Noin would have been able to read them with her talent.
To answer his silent question, Noin's voice chuckled softly in his head, 'Definitely differences. You're able to control your anger. Perhaps this might be something we can look into together with my ability... when you're ready, of course.'
Encouraging as that was meant to be, Maxwell had to swallow roughly. What he had felt was far beyond any mere 'anger.' Yes, he might have been able to control it, but what was he capable of that he had yet to tap into? At odds to whether or not he wanted to know the answer behind that, he shivered and Heero gently ran a hand down the back of his head in soothing pats.
With a sigh, his thoughts agreed quietly, 'Yea... when I'm ready.' There was a flash in the mind reader's golden eyes that had him thinking she was running interference with the rest of the family. Most likely, she was reassuring them that all was well so that any further concern was handled without betraying his trust.
As he rose to his feet, Treize bent at the waist in a deep bow to his braided friend. "I cannot tell you how sorry I am that we pressed for you to listen to that," he said sincerely. "No one wanted you to hear those terrible accounts, however, it was only right that you did."
Behind him, Trowa's glare had lost his edge as his shoulders remained slumped heavily. Stepping back to pat the Latin Original's back, the Councilman smiled sadly to the hybrid, "You have a remarkable family and any one of them would do anything to protect you. Their actions tonight demonstrate that clearly."
"You don't need to tell me that," Duo snickered, his gaze locking with Barton's. Smiling warmly to his cousin, he gave an appreciative nod. The corner of the Infected's lips curled up in a lopsided grin.
Lady Une stood, addressing her cousins, "We will take our leave now." It was as much a request as it was an order from a Commander to her agents. There was no hesitation in Noin or Zechs when they got to their own feet. Treize and his clan gave the Companion embraces and handshakes on their way past him as they left the room.
At the sound of the font door's knob clicking back into its home behind them, the three remaining immortals sighed and melted into their seats at the ease of the tension that had built up to that moment.
Biting his lip, Heero removed his arm that was draped around the front of his lover's waist as he frowned, "Are you alright, Duo?"
The hybrid met his gaze, nodding shallowly, "Yea.. It's just... a hell of a lot to have to take in is all."
Grunting, Yuy returned the nod in kind with the same haunted glaze in his gold-and-cobalt eyes. Of course the Vampires would all be taken aback by the journals every bit as much as he would be, Maxwell reasoned. They were not so wrapped up in vengeance that they wouldn't feel some kind of regret or compassion for Solo after hearing what he had endured.
His violet-and-silver eyes growing, the Reformer contained the sharp gasp that lodged at the hitch in his throat as a new understanding behind Anna's concerns earlier hit him hard. Wanting nothing more than to reunite with her so that he could relieve her fears, he got to his feet and approached Barton before his cousin could rise from his chair at the table.
As he pulled the Original into a tight embrace, he whispered, "Thank you for standing up to them for me the way you did back there, Tro." Voice thick from emotion, he cleared his throat when it cracked.
Quickly recovering from his surprise, the Vampire smiled and returned the hug. "No need for thanks. It's was only the right thing, Duo. Family takes care of family."
Giving a friendly pat to the hybrid's back before they parted, he winked, "You'd have done the same if I was the one in your shoes."
Unable to speak past his tightening throat, the silver-eyed creature nodded vehemently. Lightly hitting his arm, Trowa smirked, "You better go check on your sister. I'll clean up here and stop over in a bit to get Wufei's laptop back to him."
Not needing to be told twice, Maxwell grinned widely as Heero moved to his side. Exchanging a one-armed embrace with his fellow Original, the Japanese Infected allowed his Companion to lead them from their home. Their steps quick and measured, they descended the front porch and moved for the Celtic-styled mansion flanking their left.
It only took two knocks on the front door before it opened to them. Pulling it back to reveal his whole being, Wufei sighed deeply at the sight of his siblings and a knowing grin that made it known how he had expected them curled his lips. Graciously stepping back so that he could give a clear way inside, he greeted, "Good to see you both."
Once the scaly Vampire closed the door behind them, he immediately assessed the Reformer. Finding something in the eyes he studied, his smile faltered and he sighed as he closed the distance between them for a tight hug. "I am so very sorry that you have to face this, little brother," he offered quietly.
His eyes stinging anew, Duo fended the tears off and hugged Chang back as he replied just as quietly, "Thanks, Fei. It's a hell of a lot easier to deal with when I have all of you around." Stepping back, he and the Infected exchanged small smiles before he took a deep breath and said, "You mentioned before that there were images saved in H's computer. I was wondering if maybe you might have some pictures of Solo... just so that I can see him for myself."
Nodding, the immortal soldier replied kindly, "I thought you may ask that as it would only be natural, all things considered. There are a few images that I put into a folder on my server just in case. It wouldn't take me long to have those printed for you. It's the least that I can do to help you find some closure to your past."
"Thank you," was all Maxwell could manage in a sigh. Running his hand through his bangs, he straightened himself and scanned their surroundings for a certain redhead. When there was no sign of her, he frowned deeply in worry. Moving to stand beside Heero when the Companion looked on him again, a smirk spread across Wufei's face as he gestured with his head to the stairs leading upstairs.
Peering over his shoulder to stare up the steps, the Companion chewed on the inside of his cheek. Slowly facing both of the Vampires as he requested quietly, "Could I have a moment alone to talk with my sister?"
"Of course," Heero smiled. Wrapping an arm around his lover's waist, he pecked his lips and said, "We'll stick around down here for however long you need."
It was Wufei's turn to share a profoundly appreciative expression with the Reformer. Extending a hand out to him, he cleared his throat when his attempt to use his voice failed and bowed his head to express his appreciation instead. Duo chuckled softly and took the scaly hand in a firm handshake before he turned and began to scale the stairway.
Knowing the Irish Infected well enough to be aware of some of her favorite places to go when she needed to be alone, the hybrid made his way to the top floor and turned down the right corridor that faced the hilly meadow in the back of the house.
Sure enough, he found his sister sitting on the cushioned perch of the bay window. Her arms wrapped around her legs that she pulled up against her chest, the back of the Infected's head of thick, red curls was to the Companion as she stared at the moonlit world below.
When he was only a foot away from her, Anna's voice came in almost a whisper without her looking back. "So you heard the recordings." It may have seemed an inquiry in the phrasing, but it was drawn out matter-of-factly.
Pausing in his quiet footsteps, Maxwell swallowed roughly and nodded, "Yea. And I get why you didn't want me to hear it."
The Vampire's body shook in the pale glow that poured in from the window pane. "It's only natural that I didn't want you to have to suffer that," she shrugged. "I did not want you to have to endure that pain. You've been through enough as it is."
Nodding, the braided immortal responded, "Of course that's the main reason behind your standing up for me, but there were others." Still staring through the window, Anna's back and shoulders stiffened at the comment.
A deep frown marring his face, Maxwell moved and sat on the edge of the cushioned seat beside her feet. Being that close to her, he could see the shimmer in the visible profile of her eye.
Those tears glistened in the glow from the full moon that covered the greening world below them His heart breaking, he sighed, "I know you're afraid that it would endear me more to Solo because he's my biological brother than to you. What Treize said about the possibility that I might not need you or anyone to look after was something that you were already worried about."
Finally crumbling, the Irish Infected whimpered and pulled her legs closer against her chest as she propped her head on her bent knees. "It's completely irrational and selfish and wrong for me to be like this, but..." her broken voice hitched in her throat with a soft sob before she managed, "I know that you have to feel differently about Solo after hearing what those... those bastards did to him." Biting her lip, the tears flowed freely as she stared down at her feet. "I know I do," she whispered.
She shook her head, meeting her sibling's gaze and murmured, "He's of your blood. Wufei and I can't say the same, so I completely understand that you would only feel closer to Solo because of it."
Another quiet sob bubbled from her before she admitted, "It just hurts. You know I'm pretty damned crazy about you and how there's literally nothing that I wouldn't do for you, Duo. But in the end, I know that I can't compete with your true sibling."
Moved beyond words at her heartfelt words, the hybrid's violet-and-silver eyes misted over. "Aw, Anna," he breathed.
Shaking his braided head, his voice was thick with emotion as he smiled through his tears, "Do you have any idea how much time I'd spent in my life before we met wishing to hell that I'd had a big sister or brother that would care about me half as much as you and Wufei do?"
The Infected's eyes grew and he leaned to rest his forehead against hers so that their gazes couldn't break.
"We're of the same blood now, too, thanks to Heero," Duo reminded. He raised a hand when the Irish creature's mouth began to open in protest. When she quickly swallowed and closed her lips again, his hand continued to reach for her face until it cupped her frozen cheek.
Gently brushing away the tear trails from her skin with the pad of his thumb, he nodded, "I know that it's not the same as what Solo and I have. It's better than that."
Snickering when the redhead's golden eyes widened, he explained, "It's better because I chose to be of the same blood. Yea, I chose to have Heero's blood in me because of our tie and I can't see ever being without him, but I also willingly chose the family that I knew I was coming into. That includes you, sis. In fact, you're damn near the one responsible for that end of it because I absolutely adore you."
Anna sniffled as her face was cupped in both of her brother's hands. "You couldn't get rid of me if you wanted to," Maxwell laughed. "So, you're just going to have to get used to being stuck with me for the rest of our existences."
There was no warning before the Vampire shifted so that her legs curled the side of the windowsill seat and threw her arms tightly around his neck. Chuckling, the Reformer closed his eyes and held her back just as fiercely. "I love you," he whispered by her ear.
"Love... you... too... little brother," his sister's muffled voice replied between sobs as she cried against his shoulder. Releasing the last of her tears, she pulled back and dried her face when Duo pressed and held a kiss against her lips.
A bubble of a laugh breaking from her, she shook her head and reached forward to brush away the tears from the hybrid's face. "I'm sorry that I got so emotional. That was foolish of me."
Maxwell shrugged, grinning, "No need to be sorry. Actually, I'm pretty flattered that you hold our relationship in high enough regard that you would get this worked up over it." Drawing a deep breath, he sighed, "I just wanted to let you know that there is nothing... and I mean no-thing in this world that would ever change what we have. I'll always need you in my life, no matter what I am or what I may or may not be able to do."
Beaming, Anna nodded vehemently rather than trust her voice. She launched herself forward again to wrap her arms around him again, raining kisses on his face. Laughing, Duo returned the embrace.
Once her composure was regained, the Infected straightened herself and forgot all of her own troubles. Running a hand through her brother's bangs, she asked softly, "Now how are you, dear one?"
Leaning into her touch, those walls that had been built around Maxwell's surging emotions came crashing down. He gave into those fears and the loss that came from knowing about Solo's past... the past that he had been fortunate enough to be spared. And then there was the realization that there most likely was more to what he was capable of than what he was aware of.
Clearing his throat, he replied shakily, "I've... been better."
Instantly, the tides had turned and he found himself leaning heavily against the Vampire when she pulled him against her. Sobbing into her shoulder, he looped his arms around her lithe waist and listened to the soothing tune she hummed to him as a cool hand rubbed the back of his braided head.
More out of the memory of sleeping than out of the need of it, Duo was lulled to a light slumber at the release of everything that had weight him down up to that moment. He wasn't sure exactly how he had become so tired so easily, but he welcomed the rest all the same.
* * * * * *
One week later...
Content that he had done everything he could to prepare his army for anything that may be thrown their way, Solo whistled a cheery tune that echoed down the long corridor he was walking. At either side of him, heavy metal doors closed off holding cells for those Wilds that were far too much of a danger to have them loose.
Well used to their imprisonment, and knowing the presence that was moving amongst them, those creatures remained silent in fear to not upset their Master. A pleased smile on his face, the hybrid unfolded his hands from behind his back and came to a stop before the last room at the end of the hallway.
Dark and dank, this forbidden place had water dripping slowly from cracked pipes. When the whistling came to a halt, the high-pitched ring of the drops occasionally hitting the shallow pools that they created were the only sound to be heard.
"Celeste," he called. "This is going to be a big day for both of us. It will be your first day of freedom in months. And you'll be prepared to join me for my family reunion."
TBC...
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