A War Worth Fighting Part 28
There was a long silence between the small group gathered in the clearing at the bottom of the mountain ranges of Hokkaido. Heero and Duo shared a leery look over the old man a few feet ahead of them. Considering this 'Howard' had a gun, the private was not about to alarm him more than he already was.
Slowly unzipping his jacket with one hand, he raised the other to halt the old man when he began to lower the shotgun on his shoulder to take aim at him. Beside his lover, Heero raised his hands once more and bit his lip nervously.
Reaching into his sweater, Maxwell reached inside his collar to remove his dog tags. As his identification plates chimed together when they fell over his chest, he stated, "I am a prisoner of war from the United States' 6th Army. My friend, here, helped me escape. We have been on the run for weeks now."
His eyes widening, Howard lowered his shotgun with a whispered, "I'll be damned." Closing the distance between him and his 'guests,' he bent at the waist over the injured soldier and lifted his tags for a closer inspection. "That's the real deal, all right," he muttered.
Smiling from ear-to-ear as he straightened himself, the old man chuckled, "You boys stumbled into the right place." Strapping the shotgun over his shoulder, he informed, "My home is not too far back in these woods. We best get the two of you in before it gets dark."
When there was another look shared between the soldiers, Howard shrugged, "I understand if you're not willing to trust me, but it's that or freeze out here overnight. There is nothing else around that would make a good enough shelter to keep you alive even with a fire."
Knowing the truth in that, Heero glanced once more to his lover before turning to the white-haired man. Before even his own safety, Duo came first. And he knew that his partner needed proper rest and nourishment to be able to heal. If that meant trusting a stranger, so be it.
"All right," the sergeant nodded while gesturing to the injured private. "But we'll need to help him along since his calf was just set back in place."
Howard offered a friendly smile and replied, "Can do. I may be an old man, but I still have my strength." Moving to Duo's left while the officer took the right, they helped him to his feet and wrapped his arms over their shoulders while gathering up the packs.
Inwardly groaning over having to be helped in such a manner, Maxwell held his tongue and just allowed them to take the brunt of his weight as they headed into the forest. He did have to admit that they would have been much slower if he'd attempted to walk on his own.
Still sore and bruised all over from his fall, he could not afford injuring himself more by pushing himself right now. He'd already slowed himself and Heero down with his slip.
Just as the old man had said, there was a secluded log cabin not far in the woods at all. Small and quaint with the large, lit windows of the living area, it was easy to see how the owner had spotted the sergeant before running out with a gun on him.
While not the most magnificent of estates, it was one of the most beautiful sights that Heero and Duo had laid eyes on since their journey began.
One of the first things that the soldiers noticed was the lack of a telephone wire anywhere. That only meant that there literally was no one that the old man could communicate with unless he walked several miles on foot to another stranded home in the woods. It only served to calm their nerves even more.
Even if there were a telephone, had Howard meant any harm to them, he would have done something about them before taking them into his home.
Careful in their climb up the front stairs, the trio made their way inside and to the cozy living room. Sighing as he sat down on one of the soft couches, Duo rested his braided head back on the pillows behind him. His breath pulling in pants and his head damp from sweat from his efforts, he willed the aches and pains in his body away.
Not saying a word, Howard moved off for the kitchen to prepare something for his guests to eat. Alone in the room, Heero sat beside his lover and gently wiped away the beads on his brow. "Daijoubu?" he asked softly, his voice dripping with concern.
Half-opening his violet eyes, Duo turned his head to face him and smiled tiredly, "Hai." Wincing and wrapping his arms over his throbbing abdomen, he reassured, "Just need to catch my breath." He added with a sigh as his eyes closed once more, "I hate feeling like an invalid."
Chuckling quietly, the officer leaned in to kiss his lover's temple just before Howard returned with two plates of food. "Where in the hell did you boys come from, anyway?" he questioned as he sat on the table before the couch. Handing over the plates and utensils, he stated, "There's little more than mountains in this area for miles. And no need to worry over telling me anything. There is no one around for me to talk to."
Both nodding in appreciation as they took up their offerings and began to eat, Heero answered after a couple of bites, "Originally, we were at Muroran. I was stationed there when my friend was brought in. We were both moved somewhere more in the middle of the island and have been working our way to Hakodate."
Whistling through his teeth, the old man shook his head in wonder, "That's quite a ways to have traveled from. No wonder the two of you look like death warmed over." Sniffing the air, he cringed, "Smell like it, too."
Sheepishly grinning at that, the soldiers snickered their apologies. Clapping his hands against his thighs, Howard grinned, "Well, I do have running water here. You're both welcome to use the bath and shower once you're finished eating. The guest rooms where my kids usually stay when they're visiting are free and at the end of the hall from there. Might as well make yourselves at home if you're going to be staying here for a while."
Duo swallowed his mouthful of food and frowned, "Thank you for the hospitality, Howard, but we really only intend to spend the night. We have to get moving after that. You're already getting yourself in trouble by keeping us here this long." Heero nodded his head in agreement while cutting away at a large piece of his cooked fish.
"And how in the hell to you expect to get very far very fast with that injured leg of yours?" the white-haired man smirked. "It may be set back, but that's going to be pretty painful to be walking on all day. And like I said, there is nothing around for quite a ways that you would be able to make as a shelter that would keep you from freezing to death."
Folding his arms, Howard raised an eyebrow and said, "Way I look at it, I'm the only friend you boys have. And as a retired United States soldier, I owe it to look after the both of you." To the stunned looks he earned with that, he snickered and removed his dog tags from beneath his sweater. "Served my country in the Great War."
Carefully lowering his plate and utensils, Duo leaned forward to read the tags with wide violet eyes. Any and all trepidation over staying with their host was instantly banished at the sight of those. "No way," he breathed. Laughing, he met the old man's gaze and extended a hand. "Private Duo Maxwell. Nice to meet you, sir."
"First Sergeant Heero Yuy," the officer added in with his own hand extended in respect. "I don't know why we got as lucky as to stumble on your home, but I am glad that we did."
Howard snickered again as he shook each hand firmly. "Seems someone was looking out for you kids," he commented. Glancing out to watch as a heavy darkness settled, he suggested, "You both best get clean up before it gets too late. The water furnace acts up when it gets too cold overnight."
As much as he wanted to discuss the First World War, Maxwell felt his eyes growing heavy on him. Running a hand through his partner's long bangs, Yuy told him gently, "You get washed up now before you pass out in the shower and break your neck." Instantly freezing at realizing the tender scene that he was making in front of Howard, he was quick to remove his hand.
Snorting, the private slowly rose to his feet and limped off down the hall, grateful that his lover allowed him the decency of at least moving that far on his own.
The moment they were alone, the host smirked to his embarrassed guest, "Don't worry, kid. I'm not about to judge." Standing himself up, he took the emptied plates and stated, "For a First Sergeant to free a POW, there has to be a good reason for it." Grinning, he shrugged, "Now I know why."
A bit surprised that he managed to fend off the blush that threatened to color his cheeks, Heero followed the man to the kitchen. "Then, if you understand what I endured to free him, you know the extent I am willing to go to protect him," he warned, cobalt eyes narrowing.
Not the least bit shaken, Howard lowered his dishes into the sink. Meeting the stern gaze on him, he smiled, "Of course. I would expect no less from you, Sergeant. But as a soldier, myself, I understand you boys more than you know and I do intend to help you out any way I can. All anyone wants is to live in peace."
His smile growing, he added, "And I just may be able to help you out more than I already have." Waving his hand, the old man said, "But that is all for another time to discuss. You've both been through a lot and we will have plenty of time to talk more when you're rested."
Unable to fight the fact that he was exhausted and could not process much more, Heero nodded firmly and left the kitchen.
By the time he turned the corners and made his way down the long hall to where the bathroom and bedrooms were, he caught Duo just as he was heading out after his brief bath wearing one of the fresh T-shirts and sweatpants he had to his name.
"Too tired to deal with the hair tonight," the private muttered in their passing one another.
Grinning in amusement, the sergeant kissed his head before stepping into the bathroom and briefly cleaning himself as well. A more thorough shower would have to wait until he could stand upright long enough.
Clean and dry, Heero wrapped a towel around his waist before stepping into the closed bedroom where Duo was already sound asleep in bed. Shutting the door behind him and pulling on a clean set of sleep clothes in the dim moonlight peering through the drawn blinds, he moved over to the mattress to slipped beneath the blankets.
Quietly shifting himself to lie facing his lover's back, the officer draped an arm around his thin waist and kissed the back of his neck. A soft sigh from the sleeping warrior at the touch brought a smile to his face.
The moment his head hit the soft pillow, Heero allowed his eyes to close. Duo was safe. He could finally sleep knowing that.
* * * * * *
Growling deeply, the Sergeant Major hissed into the phone at his ear, "I refuse to believe that they have completely vanished off the face of the planet. I want more men brought into the search if need be, but they are still in Japan somewhere."
Over the line, his nervous private stammered, "S-sir, we do not even know what direction they headed. And please do not forget that we are dealing with two trained soldiers that know how to cover their tracks and survive on their own indefinitely, even in the dead of winter."
"You do not need to remind me of that," the old man sighed as he sat himself behind his desk. Gazing out his office window, he frowned, "Yuy is a very resourceful young man... one of the best soldiers I helped fashion. But I know that he is still somewhere in Japan. I know that beyond any doubt. And I want him found."
Running a hand over his dark hair, the Major asked, "You are absolutely sure that there was not a single clue to be found at his mother's home?"
Without hesitating, the private answered, "Yes, sir. The house was searched from top to bottom and there was nothing to be found. There was not even evidence that Yuy has ever contacted her since he ran."
His fist gripping the handle of the receiver, the commander snapped, "For such a good job searching through the house, you did not have the wits to consider keeping men in the area for when Yuy does make it there."
Again, the sputtering carried over the telephone. "I-I did fail to do that right away, yes, sir. However, I do have them around the parameter of her block at all times now. If he does manage to reach her, he will be captured."
Leaning back in his chair, the Sergeant Major stated, "I will be adding more men to the search." Eyes narrowing, he gritted, "This is a personal offense against me and I will not let Yuy get away with this. Whatever it takes, I want you and your teams to track him down. Failure is not an option in this, young man. You will not want to know me if you fail."
"Of course, sir," the young soldier swallowed roughly. "I will inform you as soon as there is any news to report."
Not bothering to offer a salutation, the old man lowered the receiver onto its cradle and sighed. Rising to his feet, he moved to the window to stared out into the darkness as a plan began to come to mind.
Another day gone by without being any closer in capturing Heero or the prisoner. Another day for the Major's rage to boil over the brim.
He had been made out as a fool. And Yuy was going to pay dearly for that offense.
Starting with his mother if the case so needed to be.
* * * * * *
In the morning, the sound of pancakes, eggs and other breakfast foods cooking greeted Heero and Duo when they stepped out into the hallway.
Mouth watering, the braided soldier sniffed the air and gasped, "Bacon! I haven't had bacon in I don't know how long!" Hobbling ahead of his chuckling partner, he flew into the kitchen to find Howard busy at the stove.
With a kind smile, the old man greeted, "Good morning. Care to give me a hand with this?"
"Sure thing," Duo grinned, despite the pain it caused the small cuts on his face. Quickly, he moved over to see what needed tending to. Heero followed in suit and set the table for the three of them.
A few short moments later, the lot was gathered at the dining room table eating in peace. Just as they were about to wrap up, Howard smiled, "It's pretty hard to come by some of my favorite foods here. But, like anything else, it's who you know that pays off."
Duo sighed in content over his filled stomach as he sat back in his seat, "Man, that was great. Thanks, Howie." Their host chuckled deeply at the nickname.
Folding his hands on the table, Heero decided that it was time to bring up his prior night's conversation. "You mentioned to me that you may be able to help us out more than you already have. I certainly do not want to put you at any risk by assisting us, but what exactly were you referring to?" His interest piqued, the private's violet eyes widened as he turned to look at the old man.
Nonchalantly, Howard grinned and shrugged, "That depends. My question to you is what exactly are your plans for when you reach Hakodate?"
Taken aback by the inquiry, the pair looked to one another with deep frowns. Clearing his throat, the sergeant met the retired soldier's gaze and admitted, "To be perfectly honest, we were not too sure of that. It is one of the southernmost cities, right on the shoreline of the Pacific and so we hoped there would be ways we could split up there for the time being."
At Howard's confused look at that last bit, Heero reached over for his partner's hand beneath the table and explained, "My biggest concern is getting Duo out of this country first. He runs the greater risk of being recaptured than I do, so the sooner he can leave the better. My mother is on the main island in Hiroshima and I do not intend to leave her behind."
"I see," their new friend nodded. Smiling, he folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. "Here is where I can help. I have a young team of guys, some of them my own sons, who I like to call the Sweepers stationed not far from Hakodate. See, I always had this fascination for making and improving... things."
Their eyebrows raising and heads tilting, the soldiers silently voiced their wish for more elaborate information on how that was going to help them.
Biting his lip, Howard shared quietly, "I have a plane there. It's small and does not look like much, so it won't alarm any eyes that catch it. But, the engine and mechanical backing I have in it, we can fly from here clear to Hawaii. I've already made the flight, myself, a few times."
His breath hitching in his throat, Duo stammered, "H-Hawaii? You can get us to Hawaii?" Equally stunned, Heero had to close his opened jaw.
Raising his hand, the old man replied, "I swear it on the soul of my dear late wife. Soon as the weather conditions are favorable in the spring, we can leave for the islands. I wouldn't be able to carry more than two other people at a time so this will work out."
Howard gestured to Duo as he thought aloud, "You'll be on the first trip out." Pointing to the sergeant, he continued, "Meanwhile, I'll see that my boys get you to the mainland safely to get to your mom. By the time you get her here with you, I'll be back and waiting to send you off."
Sharing a stunned look, the young soldiers silently waited for when they would wake up. When they found themselves perfectly alert, Heero was the first to speak as he breathed, "I... I don't know what to say. How can we repay you for this?"
"No repayment needed," their host reassured with a grin. "I get my own little joy out of getting one over on the Axis backers. I'm too old to be fighting in the field, so this will just be the next best thing for me."
Winking, Howard smirked, "Like I said, it's who you know that pays off in this life. And you were lucky enough to fall in on a retired soldier anxious for some kind of payback."
Relieved tears in their eyes, the pair laughed along with their new friend. Even with the plan they had laid out, there were no guarantees.
But it was yet another huge step towards their complete freedom.
TBC...
Back to SkyLark's Fanfictions Page