The sun had long since set, night painting the sky in shades of indigo and gray. The city was quiet now--the streets had calmed down, and the sound of cars and buses had completely disappeared. Duo carefully made his way to the front of the building, gesturing for his companions to follow him. Guess I made it out without Heero noticing...I hope. The boy had been fast asleep when Duo returned from his “walk”--he really must’ve been exhausted--so he had been able to contact Trowa and Quatre without a hitch. He had figured they would be understanding enough to hear him out. Hopefully, this’ll keep things from getting too out of hand...

“You’re going to go in there alone...?” Quatre asked, breaking the long silence. “Are you--”

Duo grinned at him. “Hey! Don’t worry...Eliza and I are buddies. I’ll go in there and try to talk to her, and if she gives me any trouble, I’ll call you two. Okay?” He knew he must’ve sounded a little too confident...but he wasn’t. After all, he was going to just going to walk into Eliza’s apartment and start talking to her like nothing was wrong...but he had to think positive. What could happen, anyway...? She’s probably harmless...

Trowa nodded his consent, but Quatre was still uneasy. “You’re sure about this...” he mused. “If you’re in there for too long, we’ll--”

“Everything’ll be fine,” Duo assured him. “Have I ever lied before?” Not waiting for an answer, he waved briefly at them and made his way up the front steps of the apartment. Taking a breath, he turned the doorknob slowly. As he had expected, the door was unlocked.

Quatre watched anxiously as Duo disappeared inside the dilapidated old building. I hope he knows what he’s getting himself into. We should’ve gone with him... This was a reckless action on Duo’s behalf, no doubt about it. But he had seemed so confident...

“It’s pointless to worry,” Trowa said suddenly.

Quatre blinked. So he noticed... At least he wasn’t alone. “I don’t like this,” he admitted.

The other boy nodded. But not out of understanding or recognition...it was a motion, nothing more. Silence fell over them after that as they stood in the darkness, waiting.

Eliza closed her book, setting it beside her on the couch. That was enough for today. It was getting late...and even though today was Friday, she didn’t want to stay up too late. She couldn’t let herself get too tired...

Just as she was about to get up, her gaze shifted to the black satchel that rested on the floor at her feet. She leaned over, picking it up, and shook it, just a bit. She was answered with a faint rattle. It’s still here. She smiled, opening the bag and reaching inside. When her hand closed around a small, hard object, she withdrew and dropped it onto her lap.

Good. It isn’t broken... Eliza picked up the tiny glass vial carefully, holding it up to the lamplight. It didn’t appear at all damaged. She had been worried after she dropped it in the street...and again, when that boy picked up her satchel... I wonder why he gave it back to me. I didn’t think he would... She tilted the vial, watching the colorless fluid inside sparkle under the artificial light of the lamp. I can’t lose this...not yet.

She shifted slightly then, sliding her free hand under one of the couch cushions. It brushed up against something pushed far back, something cold and metal. Heero Yuy is here...but it’s okay. Funny...it didn’t know how I was going to get rid of this before, but now it’s perfect. He deserves it. Not an innocent person...

She drew back, frowning. Remembering something. Something that her father had told her long ago...he had said, “In this world, there are no innocent people.” That had been a long time ago, before he--

Eliza shook her head, leaning back into the couch. Her eyes hurt. Thank you, Father, for teaching me how to hate. A valuable skill, if I ever knew one... You know I’m doing this for you.

A sudden, unexpected sound shattered her thoughts. The door...opening...? Somebody was in there...and she could hear footsteps growing closer... She held her breath as a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was a boy...a boy with a long brown braid.... She blinked. Something was strange about this... I know that boy. I met him in the park a few days ago! Her throat grew tight. W...why is he here?

“There was no answer at the door, so I let myself in,” the boy said casually, smiling at her. “Nice place...do your parents know you’re living alone?”

No... She felt herself move away, her mind growing wild. What’s he doing here? What does he want from me? She bit her lower lip, trying not to make a sound as he crossed the room and sat down on the couch next to her. She dared to look at him, only for a second. His smile had faded slightly, but his eyes...they didn’t look unkind. Liar! She turned away, not about to let herself be deceived.

“You know, I don’t even remember what your voice sounds like,” the boy commented, leaning back. Her eyes lifted slightly, puzzled. “You don’t talk much at school, do you? Don’t you like it there?”

“I like it,” she heard herself say in spite of her previous vow. She didn’t know why she answered....her mind wasn’t working correctly. Idiot! she reprimanded herself. Don’t say anything!

Her reply made his smile return, brighter than ever. “I thought so,” he replied. “You seem like a smart girl.” He paused. “But I have a question for you, Eliza.” He moved a bit closer to her, not even noticing her shrinking away. Or the object on her lap. “I know this is going to sound a little weird, so hear me out, okay?”

She watched him, her light eyes expressionless. What was he doing, anyway? Was he trying to threaten her? He certainly was bold...just like the first time she saw him. He had just gone up to her, and used that stupid excuse about looking for his friend...

Then she remembered. She remembered the name of his friend. God... She leaned forward, clenching her hands into fists. Heero...and that means...

Duo blinked. “Hey...” he started to say, “...are you okay?” The girl looked like she was in pain... Damn...is she involved in this or not?! I’m an idiot... He watched as Eliza drew in a shaky breath, forcing herself to sit up straight. Silence. He sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes. I really screwed up...I don’t know what to think anymore. I’m not getting anywhere... He lowered his head, lost in thought. Now what do I do?

A faint, rhythmic sound snapped him into awareness. Footsteps. Getting closer... Is that Trowa and Quatre...? I took too long... As soon as he looked up, he got his answer. Somebody was standing before him. Somebody holding a gun. Somebody very familiar.

“H...Heero...” he managed to say, too shocked to think of anything else. He was aiming at Eliza...and from the look in his eyes, he had every intention of shooting. Duo got to his feet, trying to get between the two of them. “Heero...why?!”

Heero regarded him apathetically. “I followed you here,” was his reply. “Now back off.”

Oh, this is wonderful... Duo’s gaze shifted from Heero to Eliza, who was staring at the intruder calmly. I don’t believe this... “What the hell’s going on?!” he demanded.

Heero ignored him. He took a step closer to Eliza, his own eyes reflecting her emotionless stare. “I’ve been researching your background,” he said in a low voice. “I was told you were a spy for another organization, but it looks like my information was wrong.”

What in the world is he talking about? Duo glanced at Eliza once more. Still no reaction.

Heero wasn’t finished. “You’re sloppy,” he told her. “I don’t know what your motive is, but I have orders.” He smiled then, a quick, cruel motion that held no joy, only twisted satisfaction. “Eliza Cinque.”

What?! Duo let out a gasp, seeing the girl start to move. She reached under the cushions of the couch and pulled out a shiny metal object. A gun? But it doesn’t-- She aimed the weapon at her attacker. “Heero!” Duo cried, jumping at the boy and knocking him to the floor. A faint whistling sound struck his ears....it couldn’t be a bullet...the sound...it was all wrong...

He couldn’t remember how much time passed after that. The next sensation he felt was Heero pushing him aside...and more footsteps... Why couldn’t he get up? He could hear voices now... Trowa and Quatre...I guess the party’s over.

A slight stinging in his shoulder prompted him to open his eyes. He hadn’t even realized they were closed. Did I pass out or something...? Trowa was standing over him, holding a tiny glass vial. The object had a thin needle stuck to the end of it...it was stained red... Duo pushed himself into a sitting position, cursing under his breath. His whole body ached... “What...the hell is that...?” he asked in a choked voice. “Was that stuck in me...?”

“She was aiming for Heero,” was the other boy’s response.

Duo blinked. Even though Trowa was right next to him, his voice sounded so far away...like he was listening to him from underwater... “That’s great...” he whispered, a wave of dizziness washing over him. He squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for it to pass, but it wouldn’t. When he opened his eyes again, Trowa was staring at him, his face blank. “W...what...?” he stammered.

Trowa gazed at him intently. “How do you feel?” he finally asked.

Heh...funny guy. Duo managed a weak smile. “Great. And you?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he turned to the side, where Quatre was standing anxiously. “Take care of him,” he told the blond pilot, getting to his feet. “I’ll go after Heero and Eliza.”

So I guess I was out for a while, after all... Heero was gone. Gritting his teeth, Duo slowly got to his feet. His body wasn’t too pleased by his decision. He bit his lower lip, his eyes burning. His entire body burning....all of sudden, he felt like he was starting to catch on fire... He shivered, feeling sweat beading on his forehead. Trowa and Quatre’s blurry forms were close by...he could feel their eyes on him... Come on...just go and find Heero...! Or I’ll do it myself... He drew in a shaky breath, feeling his knees grow weak. Not now... He reached out for something, anything to support himself on. Not now...

Just as he felt himself start to slide to the floor, something stopped him. Somebody. Trowa had moved to his side, supporting him with both arms. He helped him over to the couch, forcing him to sit down. “Don’t be reckless,” he warned. “I’ll find them. Don’t try to get up.”

Duo nodded wearily, his face flushed. His head was spinning....and sitting still was not helping. This is too embarrassing, he thought, slowly shifting himself so that he was lying down. He couldn’t keep his eyes open...he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to. I’m probably dying, or something... he thought ruefully, letting himself sink into darkness. The suffocating darkness...

After witnessing this with wide blue eyes, Quatre turned to Trowa, alarmed. “What was--” he started to say.

“Whatever it was, it was intended for Heero.” Trowa’s voice was solemn. “There’s nothing you can do.”

The blond boy nodded, subdued. They needed to find Eliza...alive. But would Heero let them do that?

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