part3
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by Lilinpo
Inside the black Shinigami, the crewmembers gathered around the large map to listen to their captain.
"-and the B group will cover A, and while B is distracting them, group C will go in and find Sandrock-"
Duo Maxwell, captain of the Shinigami, pointed the OZ headquarters and talked carefully. Both Shinigami's and Sandrock's crews listened to his plans about the retrieval of the Sandrock and the remaining captives.
"... But what if they became aware of our plans and go back?"
Rashid, the second commander of Sandrock, leaned on the hologram table. Duo smiled, as if he was waiting for that question.
"That's where group D will come in! They'll stay in Shinigami and will shoot the coordinates pointed by group C."
The crewmembers cheered and raised their arms to respect the captain of Shinigami. They were all amazed by the resourceful tactics the young death planned out.
"... Hold on..."
Shinigami's second in command, Solo, stood up from the chair and advanced to the hologram.
".. It may be a good plan.. But a little risky, don't you think?"
Solo pressed the buttons to enlarge the hallways. The rest of the members sighed and booed for ruining the excitement. The only one who agreed with him was Rashid, who was quietly nodding.
"See here. This hallway is trapped between two rooms. If they ambush us here, then group C is finished."
Solo pointed the map. He was right. It would be a miracle if they could get past that section without any injuries...
The crewmembers were silent now, staring at the map. The spark of excitement fading from their eyes.
"Party pooper."
Duo snorted, crossing his arms.
"I know this is a little shaky. That's why I'm group C."
Every members of the Sandrock turned to Duo in disbelief. Meanwhile, the Shinigami crews were used to this and they all sighed thinking the same thing.
"Not again..."
"... Here you go again, Duo. How many times do I have to yell at you for crying out loud!!"
Solo smashed his fist on the hologram table, which caused the map to disappear. The Sandrock crews went dead silent. All they could do was to stare while the Shinigami crews tried to hold Solo still. It was a hunch, but they figured it wasn't the first time this had happened.
"Calm down, Solo... Damn, you almost broke my map here."
Duo leaned on the table and pushed some buttons to check if the hologram was still operational. Solo, who was beginning to calm down, shoved the crew away and snatched Duo's collar.
"I don't care about the fucking map! It's YOU!! You always stick yourself in a mess causing us more trouble than necessary!!"
"I know, I know. And I apologize. People make stupid mistakes and-"
Solo squeezed Duo's collar, making Duo choke a little.
"No! You don't know, Duo! You don't know anything. I am trying to say!-"
Solo shook Duo hard, not realizing he was almost choking him to death. Rashid walked between them and took Solo's hands away. With air suddenly rushing in his windpipe, Duo coughed several times and breathed deeply. Solo watched as Duo tried to regain control, finally realizing how much pressure he was using.
And how much small and fragile Duo is.
Duo was always in action; running, shooting, navigating... He was strong in everyway and never showed his weak side, if there was any. But Solo and Duo's friendship goes way back, ever since they were little kids.
They ate together, ran together, and slept together, keeping each other warm. Duo was smaller than Solo, making Solo the responsible one. He taught Duo how to survive, while Duo taught Solo friendship and trust. Living out in the streets accustomed kids to trust no one and Solo was among them. Until he met Duo.
Duo always acted strong in front of other kids so they'll rely on him, but to see Duo getting hurt to protect other kids made Solo angry. He could never understand why a person would protect someone and expect nothing in return. But the kids liked Duo and always followed him, trying to protect Duo like he did to them.
And since they're much bigger and stronger now, they are aboard the Shinigami to support Duo.
But Duo's old habit never changed. He always goes ahead and puts himself in trouble so the others wont have to. For that reason, everybody thinks Duo is strong and unstoppable.
But Solo knew.
That Duo Maxwell was just a child both physically and mentally, trying to prove himself worthy of being the leader.
"I will go with him. The rest of you protect Quatre sama."
Everyone looked up at Rashid, Duo included. Solo's mind came back to present and shook his head.
"No, I'll go. I'm the only one capable to watch over our stubborn captain."
"Hey!!-"
"That is why I want you to stay, Solo. I need you to watch Quatre sama for me. And besides, you are needed here to take over the controls."
Solo opened his mouth, but changed his mind. He nodded.
"Okay Rashid. But I'm warning you; he's a handful. He may look small, but looks can be deceiving."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Rashid chuckled.
"...I thank you guys for not talking behind my back. But right now, the small handful captain would like some action around here~!"
Duo walked between Solo and Rashid and gathered everyone to form groups.
"I know I can count on you, Rashid... Keep him out of trouble, will you?"
Solo whispered, watching Duo forming the crew in lines.
"...You too. Keep Quatre sama safe."
Rashid followed as Solo started to walk towards the party.
"He's quiet and reminds me of a well-mannered cat!! If I can tame that wild cheetah over there," Solo pointed Duo with his thumb, "keeping a nice Persian cat is no problem."
Solo slowed his pace to walk along Rashid.
"It maybe so," Rashid laughed, "but cats and cheetahs are the same species."
"..... What are you saying?"
Solo stopped. But Rashid went on.
"Like you said."
Rashid turned his head, smiling.
"Looks can be deceiving."
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"Why didn't any of you inform me!!?"
Quatre smashed his fist on the table. He woken up right after the crew left.
"Calm down, Quatre... You were sleeping so-"
Solo stepped in between Quatre and the remaining crewmembers.
"It was that coffee Duo gave me, wasn't it? Tell me the truth, Solo san."
Quatre glared at Solo, who was afraid he might get pounced.
"Look... he knew you'd never let them go until you tag along.. And it's too dangerous out there...."
Solo became aware of Quatre's trembling. Is he about to cry?
"..Ahh.., look Quatre... He didn't want you to get hurt or anything... so he thought the best way was to make you go to sleep... so that -"
Quatre suddenly looked up at Solo, fire burning in his fierce eyes.
"Well, Duo is an idiot then!! He didn't want me to get hurt?!! He failed! He miserably failed!!!"
Quatre's eyes were sparkling now, ready for the tears to flow.
"Like you said, looks can be deceiving."
Solo realized what Rashid was saying now. He never thought the small and quiet
blond could be so fierce and intense.
"...He's always like this.... He always tries to protect me... when all he's doing is hurting me and discrediting me in front of others.... And myself.."
Quatre faced down and wiped the tears away. He was red with embarrassment.
"I like you, kid."
Solo patted Quatre on the shoulder. Quatre looked up, confused.
"And I know what you mean.... He does this to everybody, so don't feel left out."
Solo smiled and walked to the navigating chair. Quatre's eyes followed.
"....It's almost like.... he doesn't trust us.. Not that he doesn't... but...-- you know what I mean.."
Solo dropped down on the chair roughly to make it seem he didn't really care. Quatre slowly advanced to the chair and stood by his side.
"I know.. I want him to count on me too... It's about time he can rely on someone..."
Solo looked up at Quatre and nodded.
"My thoughts exactly."
He turned to the monitors to check the time.
"Love to chat, but we have to get ready. We're going to get busy in about.... 10 minutes."
Quatre crossed his arms.
".. That's enough time to update me, right?"
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Inside the OZ HQ...
Guards and soldiers are running around, shooting at the mysterious invaders.
"... Looks like group A and B are doing quite well.."
Duo smiled and hid behind the corner. He carefully peeked and continued to run after seeing no one.
"... You're having fun, aren't you?"
Rashid examined, running behind him. Duo stopped at the corner again and turned back.
"Should I slow down, old timer?"
Rashid grinned and yanked Duo's braid.
"Hhe, brat. One more word out of you, and I'll shove this in your mouth."
Duo pulled back his hair in amazement.
"Whoa.. I never heard you talk so rough before... I always thought you're one of those cold and quiet type.."
Rashid checked the corner hall and saw that it was clear. He nodded to Duo and they started to run again.
"I'm only like that when Quatre sama is around.... You know,.. to give people impression that I'm mean and cold-hearted.. It's my job to terrify people."
"I see."
Duo laughed and eyed his watch.
"We have 5 more minutes.. We can slow down if you want.."
Duo saw that Rashid was glaring at him.
".. Right... Okay then... let's go on.."
It was only for a second, but Duo thought he had heard chuckling behind him.