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Born Again	By : Naomi Category: Gundam Wing/AC > General Views: 712 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing/AC, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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DISCLAIMER: I think it is too obvious for me to bother and say it, but still: I don�t own them.

WARNING: NC-17. Angst, graphic NCS, some OOC. 2+1, 2x1, 2x2, 1x1, OCx1, 1xOC, 2xOC, 5xS, 3x4.

BEFORE YOU READ (IMPORTANT!):

This story is for open minded and mature readers. This fic deals with some difficult issues and it is not what I�d call a �light reading�. It is a tale of a different kind of love. It isn�t of the romantic kind, but that doesn�t mean that it is less strong. Also, please take into mind that in this fic Heero is extremely out of character, but it is well explained why he is that way. If reading a story that isn�t completely and utterly 1x2x1 bothers you, then I advise that you will leave this fic alone. It�s your choice whether to read it or not, I will ignore ANY flames that will have to do with this fic! *glares*

If you�re still interested or curious, go ahead and read. I will appreciate it.

Naomi

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BORN AGAIN

PROLOGUE-

IN THE SHADOWS

* * *

It was two years to the end of the Eve Wars. The year- After Colony 199. ty-fty-four months have past since five young men descended from the Colonies and down to the Earth. Their mission- to battle an army far more powerful than their small group. Few, but united, they fought within enormous Mobile Suits that demolished evil and paved the road to peace. Now, three years later, those same Mobile Suits, those same fearsome Gundams, were mere piles of scrap, lying dead, rusty and sooty under the harsh rays of an unforgiving sun.

The madman�s paradise of war - of blood, smoke and tears - was now silent and empty. The battle scars that disfigurement the green Earth were now slowly healing. The stanch that reeked from the blood-soaked soil was gradually fading away. Nature was slowly reclaiming what the war of man had taken. The Earth was finally at peace, along with the moon, the sun and the stars shining in heavheavens. Nature seemed to be blossoming in joy at the feeling of harmony and peace that was bestowed upon it.

Warm rays of sunshine washed the lush vegetation. Birds chirped happily as they cut through the clear blue skies and landed on thick and green branches. Various bugs buzzed as they crossed the green meadow, collecting honeydew from colorful flowers. Within the tall green grass of the meadow and a small stream, stood a lone and shabby cabin.

Unlike the beautiful and rich surrounding, the small wooden house looked old and neglected. The rotten wooden boards were covered with lichen and reeking from dampness. The windows, most of them cracked or broken, were covered by thick wooden boards, which were nailed to the walls. The roof was missing a few of its dark brown tiles, and some of the tiles were hanging by an invisible force that was somehow holding them back from falling. On a narrow gravel road that cut through the green meadow and ended at the foot of the cabin, stood a large green van, with a capital �P� marking it. The whole house gave off a dark and melancholic atmosphere, like a dark cloud was hovering above it, even though the skies were the clearest blue. However, nature seemed to ignore the house, choosing to be mindless of its existence and just continuing to bloom and radiate life.

As the sun ly tly traveled through the skies, making its way towards the horizon, a lone figure stood frozen in his spot, watching the ramshackle house. His hair, long and chestnut color, was gathered into a long braid that was nearly falling apart. A soft breeze tousled some stray hairs that escaped the wobbly hairdo. Long bangs swung left and right as they brushed over a sad and lonely pair of eyes. Those eyes, large and expressional, were looking ahead at the neglected shack. The deep blue of the skies reflected within the purple-blue orbs as the gazed silently at the small house. Their gaze radiated longing, hope, desperation and fear. They watched the small house silently, as if praying.

The soft grass moved like waves across the ocean, engulfing the lonely figure. The wind carried the sweet scent of blossoming, but none of the beauty around him reached the man�s consciousness as he watched the house silently, deep in thought.

�Are you sure you�re okay?� A woman�s voice whispered softly, as a gentle hand was laid on the young man�s shoulder. She was looking at him with worried blue eyes, here curly brown hair also tousled by the wind.

The young man turned his head away from the old house he was watching, nodding just slightly. �Dun worry, Sally.� He sighed, bowing his head briefly. �...I�ll be fine.� He tried to add a reassuring smile, but it faltered. Former Gundam pilot Duo Maxwell, was NOT in a smiling mood.

�This is one of the last on the list,� Sally reminded him, her hand squeezing his shoulder lightly. She looked down at his solemn face and her heart ached as if bleeding. She tapped on his jacket lightly, trying to offer some sort of comfort. His jacket was the same as hers, both of them being in the same organization. Their jackets were marked with the same capital letter the van was marked- a large �P� that signified the organization they belonged to: Preventers. The organization that was founded in order to keep peace and order around the world, and prevent any future wars. Right now, thought, the two Preventer agents were working on a totally different case.

The young woman sighed and looked down at a small folder she held in her hand. Her weary blue eyes scanned over the long list that was attached to it, until it reached the bottom of it. She sighed and looked up at her fellow agent. �There are only five more left.�

Duo nodded, looking away solemnly. �Yeah, I know.� He chuckled bitterly, turning to look over his shoulder. �At least Fei will get off my back for dragging him around the world all the time.�

�Don�t worry about Chang. He�s a big boy, he can manage,� the woman answered teasingly, also looking towards the van that Duo was looking at. There, loading his backpack onto his shoulder and taking a gun into his hand, was Chang Wufei, a fellow Preventer, an ex-comrade and also her husband.

�Lets go.� The Chinese man stated, walking up to them.

Duo sighed heavily and walked after the two Preventers. This is the last time he was going to do this. No more walking into houses in the middle of nowhere, no more secret meetings in the dead of the night, no mpeoppeople tricking him, giving him false leads and answers. For two years he had been searching, hoping, looking... He was tired of his quest. He had lost his hope long ago. He had lost it the day that Heero Yuy had disappeared.

It took about three months for the Preventers to come to the conclusion that the ex-Wing pilot was kidnapped. It was hard to believe, considering the fact that Heero was a well-trained soldier and could not be taken down easily. There were no signs of struggle in the small place Heero had rented for himself after the war. There were no witnesses to account for what had happened, and there were no clues for continuing the investigation.

People tried to convince Duo that Heero simply wanted to disappear, but he refused to listen. He knew that Heero wouldn�t just leave like that. He knew Heero better than the boy knew himself. He knew that there was no way he would leave without at least sending him a note. They got too close during the war for Heero to do that. He would at least mention that he was leaving. He would have at least said his goodbye.

But the evidence of the case were against Duo. The Preventers wanted to toss the case aside, unwilling to even consider it as foul play. After all, no one could make Ex-Gundam pilot Heero Yuy disappear. Duo knew it was bullshit and he opened his own, private, investigation.

Wufei and Sally were a big support and helped him through it. For two years the three have been working on the case, and Duo grew envious of the two as they became closer and closer. It was no big surprise that merely a year after the war, the two got married, making Duo feel very VERY alone. He missed Heero... he wanted to be with him again... he wanted the same happiness his two friends shared. But that happiness will be denied from him until he will find Heero.

Two years of searching have brought him here, to this house. It was one of the last on his long list, and it was his last hope. If he couldn�t find him here, he will have to face what people have been telling him for the last two years- Heero Yuy, was dead.

* * *

The door to the house was locked, but he had no trouble opening it. It creaked as it opened, as though it hadn�t been opened for a long time. Its creaking echoed throughout the hollow hall in front of the three as they walked deeper into the dark house. The smell inside was awful, the stanch giving the impression that something had crawled inside and died a long time ago. Something, or someone.

They split into three; each armed with a gun and a flashlight, and made their way through the semi darkness of the place, their footsteps echoing in the dead silence that engulfed them. Dust particles danced in the air, shining in the thin rays of light that escaped through the covered windows. Duo walked slowly and carefully, ears and eyes strained to pick any sign of life. Or any sign of anything, really.

But the place was empty. Various things were lying discarded, seeming untouched for years. The place was a filthy, smelly and messy, but ngns gns of struggle were evident. It just looked like whoever had lived here was not too concerned about his surroundings.

After a long while of searching, they came up with nothing. Again.

Duo came back down to the living room, defeated. Sally was waiting for him there, while Chang was still searching.

�I�m so sorry, Duo. Maybe next time,� Sally offered kindly.

Duo only shook his head, shoulders slumped, �There won�t be a next time, Sal. He�s gone. I should start facing it.�

An unbearable silence fell between the two as Sally searched for words to comfort the young man.

Suddenly, Duo�s head snapped up and he looked around, eyes wide.

�What is it, Duo?�

�Did you hear that?�

�Hear what?�

�Shhh!� He strained his ears carefully, eyes narrowing in concentration. �There it is again!� he whispered, beginning to follow the direction of the sound.

�What on Earth are you talking about?� the woman asked, afraid that the boy was disillusioning himself.

�Shh... listen!� He replied quietly, still walking after the sound. It was a consistent, dull and vague sound, like something was banging against a surface of wood. Or a door.

After a short time of searching, the two reached a door, far off in the edge of the small house. It was no real wonder that they have missed it during their searching. The door was located at the end of the hall, right underneath the staircase, hidden behind a few large crates, concealed by shadows.

Boom!

The banging seemed to come from behind the door.

�A basement?� Sally offered as she approached Duo from behind. The braided man was examining the door with sharp eyes, after already clearing the large wooden crates away from the small wooden door.

Boom!

This time there was no mistake; someone was thrusting himself against the door, from the inside.

Boom!

�Oh God!� Sally called, �There�s someone in there!�

Boom!

But the sound was still too dim to be coming from around the door they were facing. It had to come from somewhere down the basement.

Boom!

�Stay back,� Duo hissed as he prepared to kick the door open.

Boom!

With one swift kick, the door flung aside, its crashing sound causing Wufei appear running in their direction, gun ready.

�What�s going on?!�

BOOM!

The sound came more clearly this time, making Duo�s heart race. He ignored Wufei and began climbing down the stairs into the dark basement.

BOOM! BOOM!! BOOM!!!

This time the sound was accompanied by a muffled cry. A sad and pathetic sound, like a trapped animal, trying its best to escape.

BOOM!!!! BOOM!!!! BOOM!!!!!!

Again the keening sound came and Duo followed it all the way to a different door, at the far end of the dark basement.

�There�s another door,� he informed the two Preventers, who were standing behind him, loo at at him anxiously.

�Can you kick it open?� Wufei asked, coming to stand next to his friend.

BOOM!

�Not a good idea.� Duo informed him without his usual mirth. �It might crash on whoever�s trapped in there.�

�What then?� the Chinese agent asked.

�Gimme a few seconds,� Duo muttered with a sigh, pulling something out of his pocket.

BOOM!!!!

He began to pick the lock.

BOOM!!!!!!!

The door was opened in no time. Wit a t a word, Duo slowly twisted the knob and slipped into the room.

The chamber was completely dark, not a ray of light to illuminate it. The air was thick and suffocating, clearly suggesting that there were no windows or a source of fresh air. The faint sound of a fan could be heard from somewhere inside, and Duo guessed that there was a vent to provide air to the small room. He narrowed his eyes, trying to see in the dark as he took a few careful steps forward. He could tell that Wufei was right behind him, but he ignored him for the moment.

There was someone in the room. He could feel it.

Listening carefully, he could hear the creature breathe, the sound of quick breaths being drawn echoing in the dark room.

�Hello?� Duo called, his voice faltering a little, �Is someone here?�

There was only silence to answer his question, and then more of the frantic breathing.

�Heero?� Duo dared to ask, voice hopeful.

But whoever it was, he or she wasn�t answering.

�Do you have a light?� Sally�s voice came from behind.

Duo nodded and tucked his gun away. He reached a hand for his backpack and drew out a flashlight. A loud CLICK echoed in the room as Duo switched the flashlight on, and a sharp stream of light cut through the darkness of the room.

A small wailing voice was heard from somewhere bellow, so small and frightened it made Duo�s stomach twitch with a sickening feeling.

He pointed the flashlight forward, its bright beam roaming through the darkness around him. As he reached one of the distant corners he saw something crawl-by, like a small animal or something, towards the other corner of the room. Wondering what the hell did he just saw, Duo followed the motion with his light.

And gasped.

Sitting huddled in the corner of the room, was a little slim figure, curled up into a fetal position, rocking back and forth as it hugged something close to its chest. Duo narrowed his eyes, examining the weeping figure. His eyes widened as he now saw that the person�s eyes were blinded, covered by a thick black cloth. The wrists and ankles were cuffed and chained. Clad only in filthy thin fabric, a large and ragged old shirt that was too big for the slender and trembling body, the figure reeked from filth and dirt. The figure�s head was a mess of long and messy hair, reaching down to the shoulders. The hair, dirty and smelly, covered the figure�s head in a messy tangle of dark strings.

Duo swallowed hard. With shaking feet he took a step forward, the sound of his footsteps making the figure�s head jerk up, and �look� around blindly. He gasped again as his eyes fell upon the famished face that tried to look around in confusion, even though blinded by the blindfold.

Duo slowly leaned down, crouching in front of the trembling creature. He placed the torch on the floor, the beam aimed forward, illuminating the slim figure. Taking a deep breath, he slowly reached up a hand, trying to pull the thick blindfold. But the small boy (or at least he assumed it was a boy) shirked in fear and pulled deeper within himself, pressing his back against the wall.

Duo sighed and let his hand down. �I�m not gonna hurt ya,� he whispered, reaching up for the blindfold again, �I�m here to help.�

Again the slender boy whimpered and pulled away, burying his face in his knees, still curled in a fetal position.

Duo sighed and looked away, tears in his eyes. He had to take a few moments to collect himself back together, and then looked up again. �Please,� he whispered, his tone gentle, �I�m just here to help.�

Again the boy whimpered pathetically, shrinking his already small body even more if possible.

Duo sighed sadly and gently placed a hand under the boy�s chin. �Look at me, please, I won�t hurt you.�
wly,wly, he lifted the boy�s head up, and the boy offered no resistance, though he was trembling in fear.

Duo�s eyes widened with shock as he looked down at the boy�s face. Gasping, he brought two hands up to cover his mouth, his movements slow and stiff. His eyes would not leave the shocking sight before of him.

Framed by nearly shoulder-length hair, accompanied by long and messy bangs, was the face of one Heero Yuy.

Duo let out an angiushed cry and fell back to the floor. He was beginning to hyperventilate, looking with wide eyes at the parody of once a strong soldier that was presented before him. His feet and hands began to tremble and he had to take deep and long breaths in order to calm down.

The boy on the floor jerked his blindfolded head up, �looking� around in fear. He raised his trembling and cuffed hands up, shielding his head as if thinking he was about to be hit. He began to cry, sobbing and whimpering quietly while his body rocked back and forth. His lips formed words, mere whispers, his voice choked from tears and full of fear. But he wasn�t making any sense, his words jumbled and incoherent.

Duo just kept standing there, completely shocked, unable to move. He forced himself to breathe, looking down fearfully.

Wufei and Sally were still right behind him, looking pale and shocked as well.

Suddenly, the clatter of wood against the cold floor echoed through the small chamber. All looked down and gasped as they saw Heero�s thin and cuffed hands searching blindly in the dark, his dirty fingers feeling around while he whimpered desperately.

Duo shook his head forcefully, forcing himself to snap out of it. He lifted his flashlight up just in time to see the blindfolded boy quickly crawl towards him. He was holding a wooden bowl between his teeth, looking a lot like a little abused puppy as he crawled towards him. He stopped as he nearly bumped into Duo�s feet, and then settled on his knees, two restrained hands holding up the small wooden bowl.

Duo just kept gaping, still in shock.

As time went by and no one made a move, Heero nudged Duo�s feet with the bowl, looking up at him, and although blindfolded, Duo could see the plea on his face. Heero whimpered, turning his blinded head from side to side, as if �looking� around, body language radiating uncertainty. He then whimpered again, turning to look back up at Duo, his lips trembling as if he was about to cry.

�I think he�s thirsty,� Sally finally spoke and withdrew a small bottle from her backpack. She bent forward and spilled the water into the bowl.

�Could be why he was so desperate to get out,� Wufei spoke for the first time, gazegaze numb as he watched his wife pour the water into the small bowl.

As soon as the sound of running water cut through the darkness of the room, Heero whirled his head to look down at his bowl, a little smile forming on his lips. And no sooner then Sally withdrew, he bent forward, sticking his head into the bowl, drinking the water hungrily, looking a lot like an abused puppy drinking out of its bowl. Once he was done he hurried to wipe his mouth almost ferally, then began to �look� around again, seeming hesitant. Slowly, he turned back to face the tall figure that towered above him, and reached his bowl up again, carefully, looking fearful and hesitant. He nudged the bowl upward, face begging for more.

Again Sally gave him more to drink and he repeated the process as before, as three shock-wide pair of eyes looked down at him.

Once done drinking, he placed the bowl down, and blew air out of his lungs, trying to push up the messy bangs out of his face. He sighed, and then turned his head up slowly, looking up at Duo. Raising both of his cuffed hands, he gestured at his mouth, serving his fingers towards his open mouth, as if feeding himself. �Yum...yum...� He begged quietly, face still turned up at Duo. �Mumm�� he stammered, face pleading.

Duo realized what he was asking and hurried to stick his hand into his jacket�s pocket, pulling out a candy bar. Heero�s head jerked up again at the sound of the unwrapping and he looked a lot like that little puppy again, bouncing happily as he waited for his treat. Duo kneeled down in front of him, offering him the candy. Heero�s hands searched the dark until he found the treat, his dirty fingers curling around it, tracing it up and down, trying to figure out what it was. Then suddenly, he snatched the candy out of Duo�s grip and hurried back to his corner.

Duo looked up after him, shock and disbelief still written all over his face. He watched in amazement as Heero huddled back in his corner, and picked up the thing he had been holding when they first got in. It was a little ragged teddy bear.

Duo felt his heart clench as he looked upon his ex-partner, now feeding the bear as he hugged it close, speaking softly to it in an unknown language. He was looking down at the small bear through his blindfold, smiling to it as he fed it the treat.

�I don�t...� Duo murmured in shock, slowly getting up. �I don�t... understand�� He whirled around to face the two Preventers. �What happened to him?!�

�I don�t know,� Sally answered softly, still looking at Heero as he served one bite of the treat to himself, then to the stuffed toy. She tore her eyes away, turning to face Duo. �But we need to get him out of here.�

Somehow, Duo managed to nod his head in agreement, and slowly, carefully approached the small figure. He held his flashlight close to him, pointing at Heero�s huddled form. The smaller boy didn�t seem affected by the strong light, his blindfold preventing him from seeing the approaching young man. He continued sitting with his back against the wall, his body folded in sma small human ball as he squeezed himself into the corner, his knees tucked under his chin as he ate his treat, seeming very occupied with his small meal.

Tears ran down Duo�s pale and numb features as he kneeled down in front of the boy, looking at him with eyes full of sorrow and anguish. He looked carefully at the small huddled figure, illuminated by hiashlashlight. His skin wo pao pale, it appeared to be see-through. His wrists and ankles were so fragile looking; he could clearly see the bumps that represented frail bones. He could do nothing but stare at him for a the longest time, his wide eyes studying him with disbelief, starting from the top of his head, down to messy shoulder-length hair, to his ragged and dirty shirt, and finally to his cuffed hands and thin white legs. He could not believe what he was seeing.

Was this the same Heero Yuy he had last seen two years ago? Is this the strong and unbeatable pilot who had saved the world... twice? Is this the friend he had been dreaming of meeting again? The boy he had fallen hopelessly in love with a few years back? The young man he dreamed of, lusted for and cared for? Is rea really the same person?

Looking up at the pathetic creature gave him the answer he was not interested in hearing.

There must be some sort of mistake... Heero could never be like this! He was so strong... so powerful... he held the hopes illiillions in his hands and he had made those hopes come true! He was the one who you could always count on to be strong, to be brave, to be a... a hero.

Was this... boy really Heero Yuy? Were they really the same person?

Duo looked up at the small figure in front of him, tears sliding out of his violet eyes. �Heero?� he whispered, wishingh evh every fiber of his being that the figure would just stare at him and say �no, you must have the wrong person. I am not Heero Yuy.�

But the boy just ignored him and continued to eat his treat, chewing on it carefully, �looking� down at the candy bar and refusing to lift his head up at Duo�s direction.

�Heero,� he tried again, hearing Sally take a step closer to the two of them.

But the boy remained silent, making Duo wonder if he was deaf. He noticed that the smaller man was trembling slightly; probably from fear more than the cold. His face turned into a compassionate expression, and he hesitantly reached up a hand and placed it on the boy�s shoulder. He winced as he felt how skinny it was, he was able to feel the thin bone through the fabric of the shirt.

The boy flinched, startled and apparently frightened. His whole body tensed and he whimpered pathetically, �looking� around blindly in fright.

�Heero,� Duo tried again, voice choked from tears. �I�m not going to hurt you.�

�Na!� The boy called, his voice panicked. He pushed Duo�s hand away, his body shaking in fear. He pulled his teddy bear closer, brining it to his chest and protecting it with his whole body.

Duo sighed, closing his eyes briefly, squeezing out tears. After a few deep breaths, he opened his eyes and looked up at Heero again. His eyes widened painy asy as he saw two silver trails of tears slide down the boy�s filthy cheeks, pouring from behind the thick blindfold. He reached up his hand again, wanting to comfort the terrified boy, but before he could reach hieeroeero moved.

He gently put the teddy aside and took a deep breath, before finally turning back to face Duo. He settled himself on all four, more tears sliding down his cheeks as he positioned himself in front of Duo, his back facing the other boy so that his bare bottom was offered right to him. His pale lips were trembling as if he was on the verge of crying, his whole body trembling in fear. But he remained like that, motionless, waiting for Duo to act.

Duo�s eyes widened impossibly in shock, unable to believe what he�s seeing. A choked sob was forced out of his throat and he felt his heart shattering. �No. No!� He cried, shaking his head while tears filled his eyes. �No Heero, not that! God!�

Heero bowed his head and whimpered sadly, his trembling increasing.

Gently, Duo reached down and placed two hands on the boy. Heero called out in fear, his body tensing. But he showed no resistance as Duo gently spun him around and forced him to sit on his knees, facing him. �God... Heero... what happened to you..?� He whispered, voice choked from tears.

Heero remained with his head bowed, crying silently while his whole body trembled in fear.

Wiping away his own tears, Duo reached down a hand a gently caresses Heero�s cheek. �It�s okay. I�m here to help you...� He whispered soothingly, slowly brining his hand up, taking a hold on the thick blindfold. �I�m just gonna take this off.� He whispered, tugging at the blindfold.

Heero�s head jerked up as he nudged the black cloth, beginning to pull it off of his eyes.

�Na!� He begged, pushing Duo�s hand away with both his hands. �Na...� He pleaded him, �looking� up in his direction, more tears sliding down his pale face, lips pouting.

�It won�t hurt.� Duo promised, slowly taking the blindfold off despite the boy�s protest.

�NAHHH!!!!� He screamed, closing his eyes tight and shielding his face the minute the blindfold was off. �Pwease... na... pwease...� He whispered, frightened, weeping silently as he rocked from side to side. He refused to open his eyes, burying his face in his knees as he threw two arms over his head, shielding himself from some unknown danger.

snifsniffled again, his vision blurry from tears. There was no denying it anymore. The face of the trembling boy was no other than the face of Heero Yuy. He was a lot thinner now, his cheekbones highlighted more than ever, his face resembling those of a famished child. He was so pale, his skin sickly colored, and tears slid down his cheeks like waterfalls.

�Heero,� Duo whispered, looking down at the weeping boy with tearful violet eyes, �Heero, look at me. It�s me, Duo. I�m not going to hurt you.�

But the boy ignored him and curled deeper within himself, crying and pleading in an unknown language.

Behind Duo, Sally shook her head sadly and took a few steps forward, her eyes also shimmering with tears. She knelt down by the boy, looking down at his dirty face. With a heavy sigh, she reached down two hands and gently placed them on his bony shoulders.

Heero whimpered sadly, his trembling increasing.

Slowly, carefully, Sally pulled him closer, holding him in her arms.

�It�s all right,� she soothed him, petting his hair gently. �We�re here to help you,� she whispered softly, caressing the boy. Heero cried silently in her arms, shaking his head and mumbling incoherent words.

�What is he saying?� Duo whispered, worried violet eyes looking up at Sally.

�I don�t know,� the womaswerswered sorrowfully, shaking her head, �but I don�t think that he understands us.�

�Is he deaf?� Wufei finally spoke, coming to stand next to the two.

�I don�t know that either.� Sally sighed, bowing her head and looking down at the boy in her arms. His face was buried against her chest, his cuffed hands clutching her shirt as if his life depended on it. He was still crying, his body quaking with fearful sobs.

�We have to take him to a hospital,� she finally said, looking at Wufei with worried eyes. �We have to get him out of here.�

�I�ll take him,� Duo let out in a solemn voice, reaching two hands to take Heero. He carefully gathered the weeping boy into his arms, wincing as he felt how light he was. His body was nothing but skin and bones, trembling with cold and fear. His dirty shirt was barely enough to conceal his thin and fragile form, and he could feel the handcuffs press against his chest.

Duo looked down at Heero�s hands and anger boiled inside of him. Heero�s slim arms seemed so pale and frailer than ever, and he could actually see the bumps of Heero�s wrist bone through his pale skin. He was so thin and fragile, Duo was afraid that if he will hold him too hard, he would break.

He turned to Wufei, his gaze fierce. Without word, the Chinese man hurried to take the handcuffs off. As he released Heero�s slender wrists from the cuffs, the boy let out a choked cry, inching closer to Duo and pressing his hands against the braided boy�s chest. He buried his head in Duo�s shoulder and refused to look up, his breath fran He He still didn�t dare to open his eyes.

Slowly, Duo began to make his way out of the room. With each step he took, Heero seemed to become more and more frightened. He was shaking so hard, it was difficult for Duo to hold him. He slowly pulled his head up and carefully, hesitantly, cracked his eyes open. The minute he saw all the people around him and the brightness pouring in from the door, he began to look around frantically, his pale and dirty face fearful and distressed. As Duo approached the door and light touched Heero�s skin, the boy began to make all sorts of pathetic sounds of distress, whimpering and weeping pleadingly in Duo�s arms.

�What�s wrong with him?� Duo asked, looking worriedly at Sally.

The woman just shook her head helplessly, �I don�t think that he was let out of this room.�

�N-na-nah!!!!� Heero screamed, beginning to struggle in Duo�s hold. �Na! Na!� he called, panicked, trying to push Duo away.

�Heero, come on, we�re not gonna hurt you!� Duo promised, his voice desperate. �Heero! Please!�

�NAHHH!!!!! --Ooshiiii!!!� The boy screamed, kicking Duo with an unctedcted burst of strength. Fear must have given him enough adrenaline to break free of Duo�s hold and he fell down to the floor with a loud THUD!

Scrambling up on all fours, Heero quickly crawled back to his corner, folding himself to a fetal position, and picked up his bear from the floor. He began rocking from side to side, holding his bear close to his chest, hugging it tightly. He was now panting hard from his effort, and tears flew freely his his cheeks like waterfalls. He had the small look of a frightened puppy, making Duo�s heart clench painfully.

The three looked down at their friend, helpless.

Sally was the first one to recover, and she slowly made her way towards Heero. She kneeled down beside him, her eyes warm and compassionate as she gently placed her hand on his trembling shoulder.

�It�s okay,� she whispered soothingly, reaching up another hand to pet his hair. �We are not going to hurt you,� she promised, her tone soft and reassuring. She continued to pet his long and messy hair, gently soothing him until his trembling ceased.

Duo sighed in relief and Wufei just stood there, watching silently, a numb look in his eyes. He was too shocked to move.

�I�m sorry,� Sally whispered, reaching for her small bag and pulling out a syringe. Sighing heavily, she injected the boy, and soon his rocking ceased and his body went limp, his hands dangling lifelessly at his sides.

�I�m sorry,� She whispered again, looking up at Duo with tearful eyes.

Duo didn�t answer and merely bent down to pick Heero�s unconscious form off the floor. Taking a deep breath, he began to walk towards the door, tears running down his pale cheeks. His features were cold and composed, but his eyes were turmoil of emotions. Numb with pain and glazed over with tears, the violet depths were a whirlpool of fear, hate, anger, sorrow and sadness. He refused to look down at the trembling boy in his arms, and forced his stiff legs to walk up the stairs and out of the basement. He forced himself not to think or feel anything right now. There will be time for that later. Right now, he needed to make sure that Heero was safe and well taken care of. So, settling with the small comfort that Heero was finally in his arms, Duo continued walking.

Inside the dark cell, Wufei came to stand next to his wife and reached down a hand, helping her to get up. �There was nothing else you could have done, Sally,� he said, still holding her hand.

Sally nodded sadly and wiped her tears away. �I know.� She looked up at Duo, who was already walking out of the room, Heero in his arms. She watched as Duo began climbing out of the basement, Heero�s lifeless body in his hands, his head and limbs dangling down, swinging form side to side as Duo walked. She sighed and looked away, closing her eyes sadly. �But I don�t know what�s wrong with him, Chang.� She whispered, bending down to pick the ragged and dirty bear off the floor. She held it in her hands, staring down at it numbly, tears falling from her eyes and onto the scruffy brown fur.

Wufei placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his onyx eyes looking up at her in compassion. �I�m sure he will be fine,� he assured her quietly. �Trust me Sally, I speak from experience whesay say that there is NOTHING Heero Yuy cannot do.�

If only he would have known how wrong one man could possibly be.

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Born Again