For one moment they were all silent, staring at each other.

Then Duo threw his hands in the air.  “Ok this is all insane!  How the hell can so many things change in just ONE year??  What’s going on, Bakari?”  His
voice was demanding but plaintive, slightly loud as he felt the need to yell, yet there was still a soft, frightened quality to it.

Bakari frowned.  “We should await the reawakening of Cressida and Heero,” he protested.

Duo sighed.  “We have no idea how long that’ll be!  Plus, I don’t wanna wake Heero up until he’s healed.”  <And I don’t want him to know anything about this.  I don’t want him to know how much of a freak I’ve become.  I don’t care if he DOES go back to Relena—he’s not going to be disgusted with me first...>  Duo couldn’t help a wince at the thought but fortunately, no one seemed to notice.  Bakari and Cassidy were both staring at Cressida with worried frowns, though the reasons were very different.

Bakari seemed concerned that Cressida was hurt but Cassidy seemed more disturbed than anything else.  “Why... do I know her?” Cassidy asked after a few moments of heavy silence.  Duo blinked in surprise.  He hadn’t thought of that—he’d known them both for long enough to forget they didn’t know each other.  “I even know her name... Cressida....” Cassidy whispered, turning frightened, dark eyes to Duo.

“Ehh... I don’t....” Duo began helplessly, looking searchingly at Bakari.

Bakari frowned.  “You are both extremely impatient.  Very well.”  With a sigh, Bakari reached over and placed a gentle hand over Cressida’s closed eyelids.  He closed his own eyes briefly, a look of concentration passing over his calm features.  A moment later, Cressida was moaning softly, holding her head in a light grip around her temples as she slumped forward.

“What happened?” Cressida murmured groggily, looking around with bleary eyes at Duo then Cassidy.  But when her eyes met Bakari she sat straight up,
recognition and memory burning through her eyes.  “Oh!” she cried stupidly, staring at Bakari as if he were a particularly disturbing ghost.  Bakari
smiled comfortingly yet also, strangely, regretfully at the golden midnight-eyed girl.

Duo licked his lips.  “Ok, so we have Cress who knows Bakari, and Sid who knows Cress....”

Cassidy looked sharply at Duo as she said quietly, “Since when do you call me Sid?” at the same moment that Cressida looked searchingly at Cassidy and
Bakari cleared his throat.

Duo blinked.

Bakari frowned at the three but it soon turned into a fond smile.  He looked almost like he wanted to cry.  “I’m... very grateful to see you three again,” he said softly, honestly.

Duo frowned as Cassidy said scared, suspiciously, “What do you mean ‘again’?”  She scooted back into her chair, eyeing the other three with an expression saying they were aliens here to kidnap her.

Duo couldn’t help laughing at the sight but Cressida shot him an angry glare.  “Leave her alone—she’s probably shocked.”  Duo only laughed harder. Cressida sighed and Bakari shook his head in amusement before he turned to regard Cassidy.

“I can only imagine how frightening this is, Cassidy, but if you truly want an explanation then perhaps it’s best to trust us long enough to listen?”

Duo stopped chuckling as he perked up.  “Yeah!  So spill it, Bak!  We’ve been—ok _I_’ve been waiting forever!”  Bakari looked at Duo with an unreadable expression before suddenly he looked very vulnerable, very close to crying.  Duo’s eyebrows shot up.  “Hey, man, I’m sorry!  I didn’t mean to upset you—I was just curious....”

Bakari looked at Cressida first then Cassidy before leaning back and staring at Duo.  “I must apologize.  This is just minutely overwhelming.”

Duo blinked.  “For you too?  Why...?”

Before Bakari could answer, Cressida, who was staring pensively at the table, spoke up softly.  “You were there when it happened, weren’t you, Bakari?  I think I remember....”

Bakari glanced at Cressida uncomfortably then sighed.  “Yes, Cressida.  My condolences still go to you but I know that will never be enough....”

“PLEASE stop talking so cryptically!  I’m SO confused!” Cassidy cried suddenly, looking nearly beyond the point of frustration.

Bakari sighed.  “Very well.  I was hoping Heero would be awake for the tale but I will inform him at a later date.  In the meantime, I can explain several ways.  One, by words.  Two, by pictures.  Three, by... other means.”

Duo frowned.  “Pictures?”

“Other means, please,” Cressida said softly.  Bakari and her shared one long look before they each glanced to a very frustrated Cassidy and quite confused Duo.  Bakari nodded, reaching a hand out for Cassidy’s forehead. The moment his dark chocolate fingers brushed her pale forehead, she straightened with unseeing eyes.  Bakari pressed his hand fully against her head before pulling away with a sigh.  Cassidy sank back stiffly into the chair, silent and staring into something only she could see.

Duo gaped incredulously at Cassidy.  “Wha...?” Duo began.

Bakari turned heavy eyes to Cressida who paused, pain flashing through her expression a moment before she nodded gravely.  Bakari did the same to her
and she as well straightened, eyes wide and unseeing.  Bakari sighed regretfully then turned his leaden gaze to Duo’s stunned amethyst eyes.

“Bakari...?” Duo began, but Bakari was standing and slowly approaching him, staring straight into his eyes almost as if to see through to his soul. “Bakari—what are—you doing—?” Duo stuttered, staring, stricken, at his friend.  The tall man stopped beside Duo with a heavy sigh before he reached a slow hand for Duo’s forehead.

“Just relax,” Bakari said quietly, “And be prepared.  I’m going to show you your past.”

Before Duo had a chance to react, Bakari’s fingers brushed his forehead and the world stopped, suddenly exploding into transient amethyst fire that burned away the kitchen, throwing him into darkness.

/I just run where my thoughts take me to/

/’Cause I can’t live in this world/

Heero slowly opened his eyes, repressing the urge to groan at the dull ache that accompanied every movement.  Pushing himself up, he weakly leaned against the back of the couch for support.  Glancing around he quickly took in his surroundings—an average living room complete with cozy couches and matching pillows with a tv sitting unused in the corner.  Through a doorless archway sat a large table and pristine countertops.  Facing away from him Heero saw the distinct shape of Duo, leaning back in a chair.

Immediately forcing himself to stand, Heero fought the nausea that threatened to overcome him.  He began purposefully making his way across the room but suddenly a large African man stood in the archway, regarding Heero calmly.  Heero scowled.  “Who are you?”

The man smiled slightly and nodded his head.  “Greetings, Heero Yuy.  I am Bakari... a Nightwalker.”

Heero shook his head slightly.  “Let me see Duo.”  He started to move as if to pass by Bakari, wondering why Duo hadn’t already called over his shoulder or said SOMETHING to show he knew Heero was awake.  But Duo sat there, completely still and silent, almost as if he were de—

Heero’s eyes snapped furiously to Bakari but the man was already shaking his head.  “Do not fear, young friend, Du..o,” there was the slightest of hesitations before adding the ‘o’ syllable, “ is fine.  He is simply reliving some memories.”

Heero’s eyes darkened even more.  “WHICH memories?” he growled angrily, thinking of all the shit Duo went through in that dream place.

Bakari shook his head, startled, as if he could read Heero’s thoughts. “His past that he had forgotten.  That which will give him his answers.”

Heero frowned threateningly at Bakari.  “How can I trust you?”

Bakari smiled slightly, “I suppose you cannot knowing you.  I simply wish you will allow explanations,” Bakari stopped, his smile slipping to sorrow, “And a warning.”

Heero’s eyes narrowed.  He glanced at Duo but then decided the baka probably wouldn’t listen to anything he had to say right then anyway.  He needed to get Duo alone, that was his problem.  Everytime he tried to explain to Duo they were with someone.  Obviously that was why Duo cut Heero off more than he ever had before.  Maybe he even knew what Heero was going to say...!

Bakari smiled slightly when Heero almost sulkily plopped onto the couch again.  “Before I go any further I must caution you: Duo is a dangerous person to ... deal with.  If you are not completely committed you may want to reconsider any devotions.”

Heero’s eyes widened in surprise but immediately narrowed suspiciously. “What are you not saying?”

Bakari grimaced.  “I apologize but I cannot say.  However I want you to examine your feelings exhaustively before you say anything to him.  I believe he is still under the impression you are with that nice young lady from the Sank Kingdom.  If you choose to leave this path then perhaps you could use this assumption to your advantage.”

Heero glared icily at Bakari. “I’m not leaving Duo,” he growled.

Bakari smiled slightly.  “Ah.  If it is decided in your heart then I do not wish to debate.  It was merely a cautionary advisory.  Feel free to ignore it at your discretion.”

Heero frowned.  “Why would you even say Duo is dangerous?”

Bakari hesitated.  “Perhaps you would care to join them in the past?”

Heero nodded immediately, resolutely.  “Hai.  Send me there.”

Bakari nodded, placing a calming hand on Heero’s forehead.  Within moments Heero felt the world swirl white, pulling him into a comforting oblivion....

Duo rubbed his eyes.  “Wow that was a strange ride...” he said cheerfully but his grin shortly turned to a shocked, wide-eyed stare.

He was standing in a large field with tall grass licking at his knees, waving in a soft, soothing breeze.  Small flowers dotted the area with the sweet scent of peace and comfort.  Before him stood Cressida, her eyes heavy with bittersweet hope, and Cassidy, looking disturbed yet very familiar with the surroundings.  Duo licked his lips.  “Where... are we?” he asked quietly.

“The past,” Bakari said, suddenly standing next to him.  Duo turned in surprise and was dismayed to see Heero taking in the surroundings calmly. His amethyst gaze immediately slid away.  <Why does Heero have to be here?? Why couldn’t he have stayed back...?>  “Heero has every right to be here as well,” Bakari said quietly, as if reading Duo’s mind, or perhaps simply his expression.

Duo blushed and winced slightly, especially when 4 pairs of eyes stared at him.  Scratching the back of his head, Duo was about to make some quip remark when suddenly his hand froze.  Trembling, he pulled his long braid in front, staring with eyes that pleaded to cry at the chestnut and auburn rope.  He bit his lip, letting the pain distract him from the emotions running through his mind at lightning speed.

Suddenly Heero was standing beside him, pulling Duo to his body with one friendly arm around his shoulders.  Duo melted into the comforting gesture,
now thanking Bakari from his heart for bringing his friend.

<Let Heero see what I am.  Then he can hate me and I will feel better knowing I won’t endanger him anymore.>

Duo gripped the braid fiercely, as if fearing by letting go it would disappear.  He unconsciously laid his head against Heero’s as he turned to Bakari to ask what next when suddenly a laughing voice cut through the air like chimes on a beautiful summer eve.

“Duane!” laughed the musical woman’s voice, “Duane, you sneaky rascal!  Get back here!”  The woman laughed again as her voice got louder, presumably
approaching the group.

Suddenly, over a hill that wasn’t there a few moments ago, a little boy dashed straight toward them.  He was laughing, mischievous amethyst eyes dancing merrily as he clutched something to his chest.  He was quite fast for how short his legs were, but he didn’t seem to notice.  Behind him, long chestnut hair trailed like a banner flapping in the wind.

A large fortress suddenly appeared behind the hill, with a large horseshoe of trees rising abruptly like sentinels in fog around them.  The day was clear and bright, the wind blowing warmth into their bodies with an innate feeling of comfort.

The boy was nearing the group, not seeming to see them, just as a little girl’s voice suddenly screeched, “You DORK!  It’s MINE!  GIVE IT BACK!” They could hear the chiming bells of the woman’s laughter as it slowed its approach, almost as if the woman had paused to chuckle and enjoy the scene rather then stop it.  The boy looked over his shoulder and giggled insanely, trying to run faster though it was obvious that he didn’t have much more speed to devote to his sprint.  Before the boy got much closer a little girl with short red-brown hair and what looked like dark eyes was bolting toward the boy with amazing speed, an angry, pouting scowl on her face.  “Give it BACK, Du!!” she screamed, her face going red as she was inches from a temper tantrum.  She seemed to be a few years older than the boy, Du, or probably Duane guessing by the woman’s words.

“Nu-uh!” called the boy cheerfully, running closer to the group, though he was going to miss them by a few feet.  The little girl screeched angrily and ran even faster.

“It’s not yours, Du!” called a different voice as another little girl appeared over the hill.  The newest little girl stopped at the top of the hill, frowning and putting her hands on her hips.  She had shorter hair than the first girl, with a lighter shade of brown, no hints of red.  Her eyes WERE very dark as she observed the fight.  She looked somewhere in age between the first little girl and Duane.

“Lay off, Sid!” Duane happily called, dodging a dive by the unnamed girl. Duo and the others stared, shocked, as Duane banked and rolled, jumping up as he happily waved a shiny object in the air.  “Mine!!  I WIN!”

The little girl stood with a glare, growling, “You do NOT!”

Duane threw a pleased grin toward Sid, who was slowly approaching, looking uncertain.  “You owe me a day of doing my chores, Sid!  I win the bet!  I
got Danni’s necklace!”

“Don’t!  Call!  Me!  DANNI!” shrieked the first little girl, throwing her arms in front of her in a fit of childlike rage.  Suddenly Duane’s eyes widened and he dropped to his knees, the shiny object falling forgotten from his fingers as he clutched his head.

Sid suddenly bolted toward them, yelling in fear, “CRESSIDA!  What did you do?!”

The little girl Danni/Cressida’s eyes opened wide as she brought her hands to her mouth.  “I’m sorry!  I didn’t mean to!  He was being mean!”

Sid ran toward Duane, who had yet to stand, but suddenly over the hill three women stood outlined against the ominous fortress behind them.

“Sherridan, step back,” ordered a woman’s calm, melodious voice.  She strode forward, long curly hair a shade lighter than mahogany, shimmering golden in the sun.  Golden twilight eyes took in Cressida/Danni standing to the side, looking very guilty, Sid backing away immediately, and Duane crouched on the ground.  “Cressida Danaë!  You are in BIG trouble!” Cressida seemed to shrink in on herself as she nodded meekly.  The curly-haired woman, wearing robes of a beautiful and rich gold, strode calmly toward Duane.

Sid (Sherridan?) immediately inched nervously toward the hill where a woman with short, wild light brown hair and eyes of grass green was kneeling, wearing robes a soothing shade of bronze.  Sid ran at the woman, latching onto her hug as she watched Duane with huge eyes.

The last woman still stood on the top of the hill, something in her posture suggesting concern yet even that seemed filled with amusement.  The sun shone on her robes, lighting them on silver fire.  Little else could be seen except her long mass of thick hair, trailing down to her thighs.

“Duane, get up,” said the first woman calmly, eyeing Cressida sternly. Cressida seemed to sink into the grass surrounding her.

Duane didn’t move.

“Duane,” said the woman a little stronger, “Get.  Up.”  In the distance, the woman in silver began to laugh musically, but softly.

Duane still didn’t move, crouched on the ground.

The woman now kneeling by Duane shot a dirty look back.  “Vetia, would you come tell your child to stand before he gives mine a heartattack?”  Despite the angry expressions she didn’t really appear upset—she seemed actually slightly amused.

The woman on the hill laughed, still sounding like chimes in the wind, as she walked so gracefully she almost seemed to float down the hill.  “Kina, dear, you must remember a quirk about that little ruffian: he refuses to answer to his full name.  Call him Du, like everyone else.”  Kina sighed, shaking her head as her long curled hair spilled in front of her.  “Du,” Vetia softly called, “You’re scaring your cousin.  Stand up, honey.”  She finally stepped full in view of everyone in the group, and Cassidy, Heero and Duo caught their breath.

The first woman, Kina, was regal and calm, with a very protective air to her.  She was very attractive, her movements smooth and calculated but without the coldness.  She was even more beautiful when her eyes were taken into account, twilight that shined golden in the light, like her mahogany hair spun through with streaks of gold-blonde.  Her overall impression was of a woman in control but who still knew how to enjoy life.

The other woman had approached at some point without anyone in the group noticing.  She was a little less shapely than Kina, and now that she was closer it was apparent her green eyes were flecked with brown.  Her light brown hair was even wilder up close, and noticeably the color of bark on a newly born tree.  Her bronze robes contrasted her skin and hair beautifully, making her seem like nothing more than a wood nymph who had emerged from the forests to play amongst the mortals for a day.  She was smiling serenely, her eyes bright and clear as she held Sid’s head protectively to her thigh. Sid, meanwhile, clung to the woman’s leg fiercely.  The wood nymph woman was very pretty, even striking in her simple beauty.

But neither compared to Vetia.

Everything about Vetia was graceful and lithe.  She was slender but still shapely, with soft curves that showed through her brilliant silver robes. Her long, slightly wavy hair was midnight black with streaks of an unidentifiable color that made it brilliantly glow in the light.  Her eyes swept through the group of observers as she seemingly gazed around the field, never seeming to see them.  When she was staring straight at them, they saw that her deep amethyst eyes reflected a luminous and exotic silver color, shimmering like stars in the sky.  It was impossible not to feel pulled in by the alluring gaze.  But even more than her physical beauty and
the ever-present soft, inviting smile that graced her full lips, her personality seemed to shimmer in waves from her very body.  She was, in a word, breathtaking.  Where Kina was regal and the other woman was wild, Vetia was playful and laughing.  Her every movement was as smooth as water and beautiful as those chimes in the wind her musical voice so resembled.

Vetia’s dancing gaze swept through the group, landing calmly on Kina and Duane as he slowly stood with a cheerful grin.  As Vetia approached the boy, the scene rippled as if a stone had been thrown into its projection, and it slowly faded away.

(much like this fic just did HEE HEE HEE!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! *ahem*)

To Be CoNtInUeD! ^_^