I lost him. I can’t believe I got away... Eliza sank to her knees, trying to catch her breath. I can’t believe it... She leaned forward, feeling the cool pavement under her hands, strangely soothing. But she had failed...she had been so close, but failed...why? This shouldn’t have happened... She closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down. What am I supposed to do now...?

But...one thing still lingered in her mind. What her original mission had been. She hadn’t failed, after all. I just wanted to get rid of that thing...it didn’t matter who I used. And that boy is friends with Heero Yuy...so how could I have failed? She shook her head in an effort to clear it, then stood up, dusting herself off. I should get out of here. I need to get away. True...Heero couldn’t find her at the moment, but if she stayed put, she would be in trouble. She shivered. It was getting cold... But I can’t go home...not like this. I promised I’d never go back there...

Trowa left a long time ago...why isn’t he back? Quatre stared at the wall, feeling quite fatigued but knowing full well that he would never be able to sleep. He didn’t know why he was so tense...considering the head start that both Heero and Eliza had on him, it was no surprise that Trowa hadn’t come back with either of them. But this wasn’t right... I don’t feel right staying here. I should’ve gone with him... He closed his eyes briefly, sighing. I don’t know what Heero is capable of right now...if Trowa finds him...

The Arabian pilot pushed that thought out of his head as he got to his feet. After all, Trowa had told him to stay behind for a reason...Duo needed him. Maybe more than Trowa did right then... Quatre walked over to the couch. Duo was still asleep...he hadn’t moved since Trowa had left. The couch was too small for him to stretch out full length...he should’ve been pretty uncomfortable... A tranquilizer...that’s what must’ve been in the vial. He’s sleeping so deeply... Was it that simple? But it didn’t explain much...especially not why Eliza had been so intent on shooting Heero with it. It couldn’t have been in self-defense...he could’ve killed her long before it took effect. Such an innocent-looking girl...just how much does she know...?

Quatre moved closer, half-hoping that his sleeping comrade could offer him some answers. Duo was lying on his stomach, his face turned away from him. That doesn’t look very comfortable at all... The blond boy paused, then placed a hand on the other’s shoulder, wondering if the action would wake him.

W...what...? Quatre flinched, pulling away. He had only touched him for a second and he could feel heat radiating from him... He’s burning up! W..what’s going on?! He bit his lower lip, reaching over in an effort to turn the boy onto his back. His clothes are completely soaked... This isn’t good. Duo didn’t resist much...he moaned softly upon being moved, but showed no other signs of awakening.

Upon seeing his friend’s hot, flushed face, Quatre felt his throat grow tight. I...I was wrong, after all...Eliza wanted to kill Heero?! Why? Just so he could suffer? I don’t understand... There was some kind of virus in that vial...but...Eliza...he had heard Heero say she was a Cinque... She must be Professor Cinque’s daughter. Acting on orders from her father... This is sick. This is pointless murder... He could feel his eyes start to sting, but he swallowed back his tears. Not now. He couldn’t do this now. Eliza’s motive...he could think about that later. Right now...he had to keep Duo from dying.

Water...he needs water. Fighting to keep himself from trembling, Quatre tried to think. He has to drink something...where’s the kitchen? He knew he was being stupid...but he had to try something. He couldn’t just-- He walked away from the couch, feeling his head clear slightly. Good. The kitchen...there has to be one here. And glasses...

Before he had a chance to continue his search, Quatre heard something. It was the sound of something creaking... The door...Trowa’s back already...? But when he turned to face the person who had entered the room, he was shocked to find out that he was wrong. Very wrong.

Heero slowly closed the door behind him, his eyes dark and solemn. He walked into the room, not casting a single glance at either of its two occupants...not even looking up at all. He sat down on the floor in the far left corner of the room, keeping his head lowered so that he was staring at the floor. Unresponsive. Quatre started to say something, but decided against it. Instead, he turned away, forcing himself to continue looking.

The other boy lifted his head a tiny bit, but said nothing.

Did he kill her...? Or is he going to wait for her to come back...? Quatre swallowed hard. This didn’t make any sense. He had to fight to keep himself from speaking again. He couldn’t have...

“What do you want?” Heero said suddenly.

The other boy was shocked. He-- However, the sound of somebody coughing violently interrupted his thought. Coming from the couch...as he made his way over there, he could’ve sworn he saw something flicker in Heero’s eyes. Was it...concern...? No...his gaze was as empty before...he must’ve imagined it. I can’t wait for this... Quatre moved to Duo’s side, trying to get him to sit up...anything to help him breathe easier. He was finally awake...but he wasn’t looking any better. He was in pain... “It’s all right,” Quatre said gently, moving to support him until the fit had passed. “How do you feel...?” he asked him, managing to hide the anxiety in his voice.

Duo forced his eyes open, shuddering. He looked up at him, a pained expression on his face. He started to speak, but was bent double in another coughing fit before a single word escaped his lips. Once it was over, he leaned back slightly, wiping off his mouth with the back of his hand. Sweat dripped down his face.

W...what...? Quatre’s eyes widened when he saw just what the boy had wiped away. There was a red smear on his hand... Blood...? That’s blood... He felt himself gasp for air, but fought to regain control. He lowered his gaze to Duo, praying that he was just blowing things out of proportion. Duo stared up at him indistinctly, his eyes darkened to a muddy purple. We’re losing him.... Why had Heero given up? Why did he stop looking for Eliza? She was the only hope they had! His face grew hot, and he cast a glance in Heero’s direction, barely managing to conceal his anger. He can’t just count on her coming back! He didn’t know what the boy’s top priority was...he never did. And he could deal with that before. But now...

Trowa...we need Trowa. Quatre closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. He was the only hope they had...

I can’t go home. Eliza shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. The wind was starting to pick up... But I can’t stay here. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore... She sighed, feeling her eyes start to sting again. This is all his fault. I never wanted to be like this. He made me like this, and I can’t turn back... She wiped her eyes in an attempt to stop her tears before she got lost in them. It didn’t work. It never did... I don’t want to be here. It’s not my fault everybody hates me...

She had said it again. Eliza leaned back against cold brick, closing her eyes. I really am turning into my father... But I don’t care anymore. I did my job. She moved away from the wall, deciding that it would be best to leave. It didn’t matter where she went...every place she could think of going to would be the same. She wouldn’t belong.

She made her way down the silent street, not watching where she was going...what did it matter, anyway...? Did she really want anybody to die....? I don’t know anymore...I don’t know anything... She stopped then, feeling the cold wind freeze the tears on her face. I just want to go away.

“So you’re here, after all.”

Eliza turned around, startled. It was that boy again...the one she had bumped into... Had he been there too?

“It’s all right,” the boy said. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

Those eyes again...so calm... Eliza held her breath for a second, bewildered. For some reason...she believed him.

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