16-Sep-2000
Title: Mission Arcadia
bonnejean & vonceia *present* RavynFyre & Kateri MarieCategory: yaoi, AU
in The B&V Guest Authors Series!
Duo - words, thoughts, actions - RavynFyre
Heero - words, thoughts actions - Kateri Marie
Rip & Jack, Their World and General Production - bonnejeanne & vonceia
"So, how far out are we, anyway?" Duo asked, glancing between Gun and Tryan as he peered out the front windshield.
Gun, who had been resting and seemed to be recovering a bit, actually smiled slightly.
"Pretty far if you have to walk it. Not far at all in this," he said. "What's out for the road it's a bit bad up here but not much further on things get better."
"Cool. Let's bolt then... Maybe we can get back before Sallah misses us," he said, grinning hopefully.
"If there's any mercy." Heero muttered, speeding up just slightly.
Between Gun and Tryan they got directions to guide them the rest of the way.
The storm seemed to have abated a bit, but there were still clouds covering the sky and rain coming down, this time gently. Occasional flashes of that odd colored lightning could be see but they were high in the clouds.
The world around them looked washed-clean. Thick vegetation covered the scars of the long gone civilization like a cozy green blanket.
They saw the building of the City from a distance away and at that point only needed the barest guidance to pick the best ways to go - their destination was obvious.
Carter saw the glass towers and his eyes went as big as saucers. He almost climbed over the back of the front seat staring out the windshield at their goal.
Duo remained uncharacteristically silent throughout much of the ride. He dung into their much abused duffels and pulled out a handful of those granola-like ration bars and passed them out to anyone who wanted them, and then settled back to watch the children intently.
Kenny took a bar and shoved one at Duan.
Duan opened the bar and began to munch in earnest.
Tryan took a bar and passed it along to Wufan who opened his and took a bite, then yawned.
A bar found it's way into Heero's lap. He glanced down on it for a moment then tossed it back at Duan.
Duan caught the bar deftly, opening it and breaking off half. He shoved the other half at Tryan who ate it.
Wufan managed to eat most of his bar, but found himself more sleepy than hungry. He wrapped the rest of the bar up and stashed it, then leaned back on the seat and closed his eyes to sleep.
Duan sat back in the seat, then moved down to put his head in Kenny's lap. He was tired.
Kenny pulled the braid back, smoothing it. Then he closed his eyes, intending to rest them for just a minute. He was trying to keep watch on the other kids, including the new one, Carter. Somehow though his eyes wouldn't open again.
Tryan watched the others fall off and yawned himself. He leaned back against the seat keeping an eye on Carter.
Carter was wide awake. This was the most exciting and exhilarating thing that had ever happened to him and the most hopeful. When the storm eased, he seemed almost surprised. He turned back to Tryan. "The Storm," he said softly. He placed his hand against the low ceiling of the vehicle. "It... doesn't hate me after all..."
Tryan smiled. "No it doesn't," he said back. The young acrobat felt the tension in his muscles ease a bit. He was worried about his friend and how he would adjust to his new freedom. But, it seemed as though everything would work out. "Smells good too," he added.
Carter nodded. He saw the other boys with their eyes closed and his smile softened. "Tryan... how... how did you do it? How did you find all these people to help? Why? Why did you go to all this trouble? For your friend, I know but... at the base, if someone got in trouble, they just... crossed them off the lists..."
"Lists?" Duo asked warily.
Heero's mouth turned down in a slight frown, he had an idea of what Carter meant.
Tryan sighed. "I couldn't let you stay in there Carter, especially after you helped us to get out. Also, I kinda considered you a friend and I could tell you were scared and unhappy. In the circus, everybody looks after everyone else. You don't leave a man down. These people, my new friends, I found by accident. I was just lucky that they wanted to help too, but I wouldn't have left you there for long," he said.
Duo glanced up at Tryan as the boy explained their presence.
"No. Not an accident. Fate," he replied with a cheeful grin.
Tryan looked at Duo for a long moment and then he nodded. Without a word, he leaned forward and gave Duo a hug.
Duo blinked in pleasant surprise.
"Whoa. Cool. Heh... what was that for?"
Tryan looked down thoughtfully for a moment, then back up. "I guess because I can tell you care. Sometimes kids are invisible... but not to you, and to Heero either. I like you, " he said.
Heero blinked in surprise at being included but his eyes warmed at Tryan's words.
Carter smiled shyly, nodding his agreement.
"Yeah? Well, I like all you guys too. Damn. I wish we could take you all home with us," he sighed wistfully.
"H-home?" Carter asked softly.
"Yeah. Home. You can have one of those now, you know. It's all part and parcel of the whole freedom thing," Duo said with a gentle smile.
Carter nodded seriously. "I don't care if... if I starve or if animals eat me up.... I'm free," he said, and that word throbbed with emotion and child so young should not be able to put into it.
"Well, kiddo, I'm pretty sure we can arrange to keep you well fed, and I'm willing to bet that Tryan could outsmart any critter trying to eat you, so you're out of luck on those two counts," Duo chuckled.
Heero looked back with a wry smile, "Unless you let those two," he motioned to Duan and Duo, "get to the food before you. Then..."
Duo grinned up at his partner unrepentantly, sticking out his tongue and blowing a quick, quiet raspberry.
Carter touched Heero softly on the arm. "I don't care," he said quietly. "They can have it all."
Heero looked down at the boy seriously and nodded. "I know."
"Hey Carter? You ever flown a kite before?" Duo asked.
Carter shook his head. "No," he said.
"Then we'll all teach you how. It's fun. I think you'll like it," Duo replied, tossing an expectant glance at his partner through the rear view mirror.
Heero found himself turning on to a street and in a few minutes he recognized where he was. Ahead were the streets and buildings of Arcadia.
Heero turned the Hummer towards the hotel, slowing down to accomadate for the populated streets.
Duan sniffled a little and blinked awake. "We there yet?" he asked sleepily.
"Hn." Heero answered, rolling his eyes. He'd been waiting for that.
Duo reached down and ruffled his hair playfully.
"Why yes. Yes we are!"
The Hummer drew a bit of attention and Heero saw a golf cart go zipping down the sidewalk towards City Hall.
Heero pulled up in front of the Hyatt Regency Arcadia, and then noticed that there was actually a drive through entrance that lead to another set of doors to the lobby. Someone in a hotel uniform motioned him towards the guest drop-off area with a large smile.
There had not actually had a vehicle in that area for a loooooong time, but they knew what to do anyway.
Heero pulled the Hummer up and parked it smoothly, sliding it into neutral and turning to the kids. "Everyone out."
Before anyone could disembark, the doors to the lobby, on their left, burst open and a number of people rushed out.
Dr. David and a couple of pretty ladies dressed as nurses rushed forward, and took charge of Gun immediately. Dr. David looked at Heero.
"Anybody else?" he asked seriously.
"No sir," Duan piped up. "He was the most injured. Heero just needs some green tea."
Heero debated a growl but since that green tea sounded awful good...
Dr. David nodded, with a slight quirk to his lips. He spotted the blond child - new child in Arcadia...
He looked from Carter who was simply watching all wide-eyed, to Heero, then Duo. "Bring him over to the hospital tomorrow for a checkup, okay?" he said.
Heero snorted lightly.
"Sure," Duo replied, dropping a possessive hand onto Carter's shoulder.
"What's his name?" one of the pretty nurses demanded.
"Carter," the little boy said softly, blushing.
The nurses both cooed delightedly and nodded. Then they proceeded to haul Gun off to bed... He didn't look too unhappy with the arrangement. He did say, "Raj..." but was quickly assured that Raj would be told that his father was safe.
Once the medical folks had cleared off with Gun, two more people were waiting.
Katrina and Sallah.
"Kuso," Heero muttered almost inaudibly, looking back at his partner.
Both young women were not wearing happy expressions... and both were looking through the Hummer with x-ray eyes.
Duo hopped out of the Hummer and walked towards the two women very slowly with his hands held up in a harmless, surrender position.
"Ummm... It's not what you think?" he offered timidly.
Tryan sighed and then got out of the Hummer. He walked up along side Duo for support.
Sallah attempted to look stern and mean, crossing her arms over her chest. Then she sighed, and her expression lightened.
"Oh Duo," she said. "They told us... that Wufan and Tryan were... necessary for the mission...?" she said this with a combination if disbelief and a little pride. She couldn't quite believe it but....
Duo nodded proudly.
"We couldn't have done it without them," he said.
His voice dropped a little and his expression grew pleading.
"Believe me, we would have if we could have," he whispered.
Katrina was not so easily satisfied. "As if!" she snapped. "You're trying to tell me that you two... 'super-heroes' need the help of a couple of little kids????" She looked at Tryan standing beside Duo and knelt down to get eye to eye with him.
"Tryan!" she said, exasperated. "You know I was worried sick! But you always do just what you want, don't you?"
Tryan folded his arms across his chest as he looked into Katrina's eyes. "I'm sorry you were worried. That's why I didn't want you to know," he said, then his expression softened. "I couldn't leave Carter in there. It wasn't right. I know it was dangerous and you can be mad at me, but I had to do something, sis," he said.
Katrina shook her head, then hugged him tightly. "You'll be cleaning out animal cages for a long time young man," she said. Then her look softened slightly. "But... I am proud of you for thinking of helping others. Next time.... next time you tell me yourself."
Tryan nodded. "I promise," he said, quietly.
She stood up, looking at Duo. "They've given us some rooms here... and while normally I prefer my trailer, a change is nice every once in a while." She looked down at Tryan, "So you'll be here with your friends, okay? No need to run off. Now you are going to take a bath and go to bed."
Heero climbed out of the Hummer easily and leaned over to pick up the sleeping Wufan. "He's already done part of that." He said as he carried the child over to Sallah.
Wufan stirred slightly, moving his arms around Heero's neck. He then sighed and slept on.
Sallah looked at her son curled up in the young man's arms. She looked into Heero's eyes. "I should really just tear you a new one for doing this," she said. "But I can't seem to stay mad. I want to..." she sighed. "But... he... he missed not having a father," she whispered, a little pain and guilt showing in her eyes. "I know that's why he's become so attached to all of you."
Heero looked at her for a long moment, the stoic mask still on his face. He'd been prepared for... for something other than that.
He looked down at Wufan and then back to Sallah, "Hai." He said in a near whisper.
Sallah reached over and took her son from Heero's arms. She looked into the cobalt blue eyes once again. "Thank you," she said, a little stiffly at first, warming only slowly towards the end, "For keeping him safe, and for... for caring enough to... to..." she sniffed. "To treat him like someone special."
Heero shook his head slightly at the thank you and met her eyes unflinchingly, "He is someone special."
"I know," she whispered, kissing him tenderly. Then she said, "We have been given a room too, down the hall from yours. I... so he can be close to Kenny and Duan." Then she turned abruptly and carried the sleeping boy inside.
Heero watched her go and then turned to his partner. "We should be getting them upstairs." He jerked his head towards the still sleeping Kenny and Duan.
Carter watched the whole proceeding from the inside of the Hummer, watching Tryan wistfully.
"Katrina?" Duo asked quietly.
"Yes?"
"Could Carter go with you? He's... kinda new around here," he asked subdued.
Katrina looked shrewdly at Duo. "I kinda had the feeling you wanted to keep him with you," she said tartly. "But yes, I would be very happy to take him... for tonight... and make sure he gets bathed and to sleep." She looked at Tryan again. "Might be the best way to keep Tryan from sneaking off again, hmm?"
Tryan looked up at his big sister, arms still folded. "I gave you my promise," he said. "I wouldn't go back on it."
"Don't try and charm me, young man, you forget who taught you what marks are, hmmm?" Katrina said crisply. She saw Carter watching and beckoned with a finger. "Come on, little one... you remember me, don't you?"
Carter nodded. He climbed out of the Hummer and came over to them. He stopped though, and looked up at Heero and Duo.
He didn't say anything but his anxiety was clear, as well as his loyalty.
Heero smiled at the boy and nodded his head towards Katrina and Tryan.
Duo held out a calming hand.
"You can stay with us tonight if you want to, kiddo. I just thought that you might want to stay with Tryan..."
"I want to stay with... *all* of you," Carter said softly, his eyes filling. He wiped them quickly. He suddenly threw his arms around Duo's legs and tried to hug him.
Duo knelt down and wrapped the young boy into his arms. He murmured comfortingly for a moment.
Tryan turned to his sister and sighed. "See, you made him cry," he said.
Katrina looked down at Tryan and her jaw dropped.
Sallah, who had been headed back into the hotel, stopped, and suddenly felt her lips trembling. "Oh crap!" she said.
Katrina looked at Duo, who was comforting Carter, then at Heero and he felt the impact of a glare of death not unlike his own.
"Tryan!" she said. Then she threw up her hands. "Okay!" she said. "Okay!" She grabbed Tryan by the ear and said, "You had better show up at the caravan at... 9am sharp, with your little friend, too, and be prepared to take care of all the animals! Do you understand me?"
Tryan looked up at his sister and nodded. "We'll be there," he said. "And .... try and be nice. It wasn't their fault. "
Katrina rolled her eyes, and shook her head. She glared one last time at Heero for good measure. "Bath! Then sleep!" she said, as if issuing orders to the young soldier.
Heero nodded wryly, "Hai. Mission accepted."
Katrina made a noise of frustration and whirled off, passing Sallah who was frozen to the spot.
Tryan looked up at Heero and Duo and shrugged. "Sorry. My sister's nice really. Sometimes she forgets, though," he said.
"Girls are like that," Duo replied philosophically.
Carter looked up, distressed again. "I did something wrong, didn't I?" he said, trying to control his trembling.
"No." Heero said, kneeling down next to his partner and the boys. "Not wrong."
"Absolutely not," Duo replied vehemently, punctuating it with a comforting hug.
"Kati's just grumpy that way. I've been looking around for her a husband, but..." Tryan said and ended with a shrug. "You didn't do anything. I did it."
"I'm sorry," Carter whispered.
Tryan looked at Carter. "No," he said. "Cause that would mean that what we did was wrong and that's not right. You're ok. Sometimes big people are like that, Carter."
Carter took a deep breath. There were so many things he didn't understand and he felt overwhelmed. Finally he just grabbed Tryan's hand tightly and with his other arm, locked onto Duo's leg.
Duan looked over at Kenny, whom he had shaken awake so he wouldn't be left out of the action.
Kenny nodded and grabbed Duan's hand, climbing out of the Hummer and helping his friend down.
"Aren't you guys sleepy?" Kenny said, with a yawn, as he came up to the group. He smiled at Carter and patted his shoulder. "Come on... we gotta go upstairs."
"And bathe, then hit the bed," Duan added with a yawn. He glanced up and saw Sallah and waved.
Sallah looked back, smiling a little strained.
Wufan stirred a little in Sallah's arms, then slept on.
Duo scooped Duan into the crook of one arm, while he gathered Carter into his other arm and then stood up. With an almost timid grin towards Sallah, he headed towards the lobby doors.
Following suit, Heero picked up Kenny and let Tryan climb onto his other arm and followed his partner in.
"I can walk you know," Kenny said.
Heero nodded. "I know." He looked down at the boy. "But I'd rather carry you."
"Hn," Kenny said, resigned.
Sallah sighed and followed. She got into the elevator with them, saying nothing.
Duan looked around Duo and over at Sallah. He smiled. "Hey, Sallah. You woulda been proud of Wu. He was real good in the fight and real smart too!" he said.
Sallah made a helpless sound almost like a whimper.
"Thanks... Duan..." she managed.
"Hn." Heero grunted, turning a low intensity glare on Duan.
Duan looked from Sallah to Heero and sank back against Duo's shoulder. Shoulda zipped it, he thought.
Kenny caught Duan's eye and with his thumb and forefinger made a circle, signalling 'zero points on that one'.
Duan sighed and looked decidedly not happy. Maybe shouldn't try to help so much, he thought.
"Don't worry, kiddo. Tact comes with experience," Duo whispered conspiratorially into Duan's ear. "As you can see, I'm still working on it myself."
"It helps to be around someone who has it," Sallah muttered.
"See? I rest my case," Duo replied with what he hoped was a charming grin. Although, with his proverbial tail still tucked neatly between his legs, it was probably a lot more meek than charming.
Duan hugged Duo's neck, in simpatico.
Tryan looked up at Sallah. "You're Wufan's mother," he said.
"I used to think so," Sallah muttered again.
Duo tossed her a perplexed glance.
Turning to look over at Carter, Tryan said. "That's Sallah... Wufan's mother. You wanted to meet her," he said then turned to Sallah. "Carter was curious about you."
Carter looked at Sallah with wide eyes. "Hello," he said softly.
Sallah looked at Carter and her eyes filled with tears. She sniffed. "Hello, Carter?" she said, her voice trembling. She looked at Duo helplessly.
"Heh. Dun ask me. I'm just a kid myself," he replied with an awkward shrug.
Sallah sniffed, happy that the elevator door opened. She let the others get off first.
Duo filed out, escaping into the hallway and crossing to their door. He leaned down so that Duan could reach the knob and prayed that some kind soul had left it unlocked for them.
The door opened easily. In fact, someone had in fact slipped upstairs while they were downstairs outside the lobby, and there was a hot meal laid out on the table buffet-style, with bowls and cups. It smelled like some kind of seafood gumbo. There were also neatly folded robes in the kids' sizes and several sets of pajamas. The Presidential Suite had four bedrooms and the beds in each one had been turned down.
Heero surveyed the setup and nodded as he set his two passengers down. "Food. Bath. Bed." He said firmly, looking over all the kids.
Duo grinned at Duan still clutched to his shoulder.
"They know us too well already, short stuff," he quipped, nodding towards the table with a grin.
Kenny grabbed Carter's hand and drew him to the table, making sure he got a bowl and something to drink and then did the same for Tryan. Then he got his own. He trusted Duan to get himself to the food.
Duan gave Duo a quick hug, then scrambled down to the table and got some food.
"Leave some for us." Heero said as he watched the kids grab food.
Duan nodded and then set out two bowls for the big guys as Kenny had done for Tryan and Carter. "There's enough for everyone," he said, then went to finish his bowl.
Duo smiled and meandered over to the table to join the kids.
Carter ate a little, then slipped from his chair and peeked around the room, looking through doorways and stuff.
"There's a great view of the city through that window," Duo offered quietly, abandoning his dinner to wander over to the drawn curtains.
Heero's eyebrows raised as he saw Duo leave his dinner. That was a near miraculous event.
Carter went to the indicated window and looked out, his eyes widening again. Then he kind of swayed and sat down suddenly.
"You okay?" Duo asked, kneeling beside the young boy.
Carter blinked. "It's... high," he said softly. "So much stuff...." he blinked again. He was about as overwhelmed as a small person could get.
"You ain't seen nothin' yet, Carter. There's a whole wide world out there, if you're interested," Duo replied gently.
"And another one beyond it." Heero added as he joined them.
Carter nodded, a bit dazedly.
Kenny got up and went over to them. He took Carter's hand. "It's a lot if you only lived one place," he said quietly. He drew Carter away from the window. He looked significantly at Tryan and Duan. "Come on, I'll show you where to wash up and then we can all take a nap."
Duan moved away from the table. "Yeah, come in here and we can wash up," he said, leading the way.
Tryan stood as well and waited for Kenny and Carter. As they moved past, he looked up at Heero and Duo. "Thanks a lot," he said.
Heero nodded in acceptance and bowed just slightly. "Arigato."
Duo nodded as well, a soft grin gracing his lips.
"No problem, man. No problem."
Tryan sighed again, allowing his exhaustion to show. He then turned and joined his friends.
Duo wandered back to the table and reflexively started tidying things up for the maid.
With nothing else to do, Heero joined him, his eyes focused on his partner, worrying at the odd silence.
"Guess Fawn will get this later," Duo said, finishing stacking the bowls.
"Hn." Heero grunted in agreement, his eyes never straying from his partner. Questions floated in his eyes but they would have to wait, at least a little bit longer.
Duo tumbled onto the couch, watching the closed bathroom door absently and toying with the end of his braid. He stifled a yawn on the back of his hand.
Heero walked behind the couch and placed his hands on Duo's braid, almost stroking it. "Tired?" he asked as gently as he could.
Duo shrugged offhandedly. "I guess. It's been a long day."
"Hn." Heero agreed again, still scrutinizing his partner. He started drawing the braid through his hands, stroking down the entire length.
"What's wrong?"
Duo blinked, glancing up at his partner, surprise plain in his gaze.
"What.. What do you mean?" he temporized.
Heero gave him a steady look that said Duo knew exactly what he meant.
Duo sighed, glancing down at his fidgeting hands in defeat.
"What happens when we go back?" Duo asked quietly, nodding towards the bathroom and the already close-knit group of boys.
Heero lifted his gaze to the door for a long moment. "I don't know." The words forced themselves out of his mouth unwillingly but they were the truth.
"Me neither. Guess we'll see what comes, ne?" he said, feigning a lightness in his tone that he obviously didn't feel.
"Hai." Heero answered in a neutral tone, not buying Duo's in the least. But he kept stroking his lover's braid, trying to ease some of the tension radiating off him.
Duo suddenly grew agitated and snatched his braid away from Heero. He lurched to his feet and stalked away for a moment to collect himself.
The door of the bathroom opened and four small figures emerged, all dressed in the robes. Kenny was again organizing the situation. He caught Tryan's eye and indicated the bedroom next to the one he and Duan had occupied and jerked his head, silently telling the taller boy where they would be.
Tryan nodded. He took Carter's hand and looked back at Duan and Kenny. "We say goodnight and then sleep?" he asked.
"That's the typical tradition," Duo replied.
Carter ran over to Duo and hugged him. Then he went to Heero and hugged him. "Thank you," he whispered to the two older boys. Then he ran back to where Tryan was.
Heero walked over to the little group and murmured, "Kon bon wa." to all of them.
"And that has been today's Japanese lesson," Duo muttered.
"Good night." Heero translated, shooting a glare at his partner.
"Kon bon wa," Tryan said, bowing a little at Heero. Then he hugged both Duo and Heero.
"Nite!" Duan said, getting his hugs in as well.
Kenny sighed and followed, hugging Heero tightly, murmuring, "Kon bon wa," and then going to hug Duo. Kenny looked into Duo's eyes, as if he sensed something there, but he was silent. Then he ran back to the door of their room, turning to look back.
"And you both go to bed too," he ordered sternly.
Duo tossed him a sardonic salute and a crisp, "Yes sir, Mr. Kenny, Sir," softening it with a grin.
The kids all disappeared into their rooms, and the lights went off a minute or two later.
End of Part 24 -- TBC
bonnejeanne & vonceia present
RavynFyre and Kateri Marie
Please feel free to direct feedback to any or all of the authors!
ravynfyre@hotmail.com,
nacl3salaris@hotmail.com,
vonceia@yahoo.com,
bonnejeanne@yahoo.com.