Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Machinegun Angel ❯ The Secret ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: plasticlove 
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Post-apocalyptic / Mecha / Cyberpunk / Action | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 11.21.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 226 | Status: Completed
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Post-apocalyptic / Mecha / Cyberpunk / Action | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 11.21.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 226 | Status: Completed
Episode 8 "The Secret"
Gauge and Ophelia stayed at Virgo's apartment for only 3 more days. The storm subsided and the two were able to head back to the place Gauge called home. Surprisingly, the cold that had once enveloped the city of Sanction 9 had turned to a gloomy, yet slightly warmer sky.
Virgo had asked his servants to retrieve Gauge's bike for him from the damaged overpass and return it to Koto-san's shop. The motorcycle had been damaged in the accident but only slightly. It was definitely in repairable condition, which was a relief to Gauge. He spent the first few days of being back at his place hard at work fixing it down in the alley behind Koto-san's shop.
Ophelia could see how happy Koto-san was to have Gauge back, as well as the warmer weather. He would pace back and forth to the window every now and then to see what Gauge was doing, and then head back to his work sorting old goods. Ophelia had been put to work by the old man cleaning the loft apartment above the shop where Gauge lived. His tenant was quite a messy creature and the place definitely needed some sprucing up.
Ophelia looked down through one of the windows at Gauge, who was busy at work on his bike. She watched him carefully, and examined his features. His eyes were so beautiful, even when he looked as if he wanted to kick the machine over and walk away out of frustration. She heaved a sigh as the old man walked over and watched along with her. Lately, she couldn't help but notice Gauge placing a hand on his abdomen from what looked like either pain, or concern. She then remembered what Virgo had said about him being sick so often. It worried her to think Gauge might have something serious wrong with him, but wouldn't tell anyone out of fear of making others worry about him.
"Oh, hello, Mr. Koto." Ophelia turned to him and smiled sweetly. "I'm just about finished cleaning... it was quite a mess Gauge made up here. Perhaps I could teach him a thing or two about cleaning up after himself."
The elderly man laughed and looked down at Gauge, who was being approached by a lone, stray kitten.
"Yes indeed. I imagine you could teach Gauge many things! He is very lucky to have found you, Ophelia-chan."
Gauge heard the meowing of the happy little kitten as it watched him, and he glanced out the corner of his eye. His ruby eyes lit up watching its striped tail sway back and forth.
"Hey there little kitty! Aren't you a cute little kitty-kitty!" Gauge looked at the sandwich in his lap which he had nearly forgotten about. It was clear to him that the kitten wanted a bite of his food. "Aww, you're hungry! I'll give you some but you can't come too close, ok? I'm allergic to kitties! You make me sneeze!" He reached out and gently patted its head, and it came in closer to get the piece of bread Gauge had left for it. The kitten devoured the entire piece and then turned back to Gauge with a loud meow.
"Nooo... little kitty..." He started to back away from the little fuzz ball, but it quickly moved in on him, climbing the pant leg of his garage jumpsuit and making its way into Gauge's lap. Gauge's eyes went wide as he suddenly found himself surrounded on all sides by meowing kittens... "AHHH, KITTIES!" he cried, and then sniffled. As one of them clawed its way up to his neck and began purring under his chin, his nose began to run and he let out a huge sneeze.
Ophelia laughed from her view in the window as Gauge was literally attacked by 10 purring, loving kittens. Koto-san laughed as well.
"I've been pwned..." he mumbled and sniffled, falling over onto the cobblestone alleyway, and allowing the kittens to curl up on his warm body. Although Gauge was allergic, he loved the feel of their warm little bodies on him, and the vibration of their purrs. He looked to the sky and sighed deeply, wondering if a human baby would feel the same way... warm and soft against him. It had been years since he last held Ellie's daughter close to him, and he had forgotten how beautiful it had been. He missed her more than words could describe. He missed her family. He could recall hearing the voice of Ellie's mother the last time he had seen her.
It was almost a year and a half ago. Gauge and the baby, whom he named Artemiss, had been rescued from near death by Koto-san and his lady friend Hazel, who was a retired doctor. Artemiss was a little malnourished, but would be okay. Luckily they were able to save Gauge as well, although he had suffered gunshot wounds, severe dehydration and pneumonia. He later came down with shingles as well, which did a number on his already ravaged body. When he was well enough to speak, Gauge knew that he would have to somehow face the family he had nearly become a part of over the past year, and tell them what happened to Ellie. His heart would break all over again as he told Koto-san every detail, and Koto-san put it onto the paper before him. The elderly man couldn't even begin to count how many times Gauge muttered those words, holding baby Artemiss in his arm.
'I'm sorry....'
He wasn't sure if they would return his letter, or if it would even reach Devil's Pass where they lived over 300 miles to the west. He could only hope for months that they would at least come for Artemiss. Part of him hoped they would forgive him for allowing Ellie to die at the hands of RUBICON... by bullets that had been meant for him.
His prayers were answered three months later when Hazel announced Gauge had visitors. Still not in full health and confined to a bed, Gauge assumed he was dreaming. He was absolutely shocked to see not only Ellie's mother Willow, but her brother Auturo and other daughter Gidgette had come to see Gauge as well. While Gauge assumed she had come for the baby and nothing else, he was shocked to be greeted with a huge hug, and tears. Willow enveloped him in her embrace, and cried uncontrollably. Gauge remembered how warm she felt against him, just like a mother should. He heard her say that she loved him, over and over, and that she would forgive him anything. He remembered her telling him she knew he would never, ever allow Ellie to die, and that it had been an accident that was not his fault. Auturo and Gidgette held his hand and comforted him until he calmed down once again.
He remembered so clearly, Willow taking Artemiss from his arms and telling him that he would always be Ellie's true love, and that she would tell her mother that she wanted him to be her husband. They would go on to tell Gauge that he would be a part of their family forever, and that he would always be welcome back to their home...
..That quiet windmill house they had made into a factory on the hill, just beyond Devil's Pass. The family that had rescued him from death that snowy night he was hit by a train.
Gauge knew in his heart, as they left with Artemiss that he would never be able to show his face there again. Even though they had told of forgiveness, Gauge just couldn't bring himself to go back to the place where he had once found complete happiness and joy... The place where he knew he would always be protected and kept safe from RUBICON and the cruel, dark world. The place where the sun would shine. He wanted to so badly, with all of his heart, but something was holding him back.
It was his inability to forgive himself.
Gauge pulled himself off the ground as he suddenly heard the sound of glass shattering...
The cats scurried away as quickly as they had come.
Koto-san turned around, as did Ophelia. Both had heard the same loud noise below their feet.
"What was that?!" Ophelia placed her hand on the old man's shoulder, and looked towards the door that lead downstairs. His ears open and listening closely, Koto-san could hear the mixed mumbles of low-pitched voices coming from his shop. He approached the door, Ophelia behind him, and took hold of his cane.
"Looters!" He grunted. Ophelia grabbed his shoulder and tried to halt him.
"WAIT! It could be mutants again!" She warned. Suddenly it was clear to the two of them that it was indeed humans that had entered the shop uninvited.
Gauge pulled himself onto his feet and used the motorcycle to steady himself. Lately he had become so weak and knew his body was undergoing serious changes internally. He felt that same screaming pain in his abdomen he had been feeling since the night he ran away from the hospital. He recalled the cramping and the feeling of warm blood. He knew he would have to suck it up and do whatever it would take to get rid of the intruders that were threatening Koto-san's shop. Letting out a cry of pain, Gauge stumbled towards the back entrance.
That was when it hit him. This was no ordinary pain. Something was wrong.
His lower half felt suddenly as if his insides were being ripped open. He began to breathe heavy, and his heart was racing with fear. This was so sudden! What was happening to him!?
Despite the shock and fear, Gauge withdrew his six-shooter and busted through the back door. He nearly collapsed to the floor in pain twice, but still staggered towards the voices and the sound of objects being tossed to the floor. His eyes caught sight of one of the intruders taking a baseball bat and smashing the contents of one of the shelves. All relics from the past era that had been repaired to working order by the elderly man and Gauge. Gauge gritted his teeth and gathered enough strength to fire his weapon.
The bullet struck the wall, but was enough to capture the attention of the three robbers that were busy ransacking the shop. It was clear to him they were there for money, as one of them was gathering money from Koto-san's safe box. "I don't know what you think you're doing but you had better leave before I have to hurt you" Gauge breathed, grasping his abdomen. Koto-san and Ophelia emerged from upstairs and watched in horror as Gauge struggled to remain on his feet. Ophelia's worst fears had been realized when she saw him grasping his abdomen.
"And what are you gonna do to stop us, pretty boy?" One of the intruders laughed.
"GAUGE!" Ophelia yelled out, quickly earning the attention of the robbers. Gauge dropped to his knees and watched them move in on helpless Ophelia and Koto-san. He knew he desperately had to do something or both of them might be killed.
"We're just here for your cash, gramps. Give us all you've got and maybe we won’t have kill all three of you." The leader, a taller, lankier guy raised his gun to Gauge. Ophelia's eyes widened, as did those of the elderly man, and they watched in horror as Gauge dropped his gun.
For the first time ever, he had fallen completely helpless, his body full of panic and fear...
Not for his own life... and not for the lives of Koto-san or Ophelia.
This secret he withheld deep inside of him for so long was about to emerge, and there was nothing he could do to hide it any longer. The intruder came charging at Gauge with all of his strength and went to strike him with the butt of his gun...
"I don't THINK so!" yelled a deep voice. It filled the room along with a loud crack and the sound of a body hitting the counter and knocking over all of its contents. Gauge once again opened his eyes and was absolutely in shock at who was standing before him.
Ophelia covered her mouth, as did Koto-san.
"VIRGO?" Gauge managed, nearly crawling. He watched as Virgo fought the two remaining intruders, as if he had been training for years to handle situations such as this. And he did it with nothing more than his cane, and his fists. "LEAVE HIM ALONE YOU BASTARDS!" He yelled out, with fire in his emerald eyes. His hand clutched the throat of one of the robbers and held him by the throat against the wall.
"DROP it!" He warned, eyeing the bag of cash in the scrawny man's hand. Without hesitation, he released the sack, and Virgo proceeded to throw him to the floor. The three robbers made their exit before they could be killed by this fierce new opponent.
After the door slammed shut, everything went silent. A loud rain and crack of thunder could suddenly be heard outside.
Virgo turned slowly to Gauge who was nearly in tears, and lifting himself up using the doorway. "Jade..." He spoke, nearly in a whisper. He reached out a sympathetic hand to him, a look on his face Gauge had never seen before. Ophelia and Koto-san walked down the stairs slowly, approaching the two of them with caution. Ophelia stayed back, knowing this was just between the two of them. Gauge's eyes swelled with tears instantly, and he shook his head.
The three of them watched as he quickly brushed past the three and made his way to the door.
"GAUGE! WAIT!" Ophelia cried out, but it was too late. He was already gone.
She went to chase him, but was halted by the sound of Virgo dropping to his knees.
On the floor where Gauge had been standing was a pool of deep red blood.
Despite the onset of pouring rain and excruciating pain, Gauge ran as fast as he could down the street. His eyes were swollen with tears, and he could feel himself bleeding uncontrollably. The warmth ran down his legs and left a trail of droplets behind him. He wasn't sure how long he would be able to hold out like this, but he was certain that he needed to get as far away from everyone he knew as he could.
"GAUGE NIMURA GET BACK HERE!" yelled Virgo's loud voice. He moved as quickly as his older body could take him down the alley where he had seen Gauge head in the darkness. The downpour of rain made it difficult to see which direction he may have gone. Ophelia, who was surprisingly working alongside Virgo in order to find him, had put all disagreements aside in this emergency situation in order to work with Virgo to find ailing Gauge. Koto-san remained behind under Virgo's orders not to follow.
"Gauge... please, come back!" Ophelia cried into the night. Her eyes glanced to her feet at the stream of blood that had formed out of the droplets left behind by Gauge. She leaned against the wall, and banged her fist against the bricks in disbelief.
"WHY?" She cried to herself. "Why didn't he tell me he was sick?! Do I not mean anything to him at all? And why... why didn't Monet tell me if she knew something was seriously wrong with him?"
Virgo turned to her, out of breath, his long white hair drenched in rainwater. "Because this was obviously something we were never meant to know about. He won't go far... He's lost too much blood. Now come on... Stop your crying and let's go!" Virgo's stern voice hit Ophelia like a dagger. For once in her life, she sucked it up and nodded.
Gauge reached an alley unfamiliar to him, and stopped to lean against a wall. The pain in his abdomen had become too much for his body to handle. His forehead met with the brick wall in front of him, and his eyes met with the ground below. Drenching wet locks of silver hair hung in his eyes and he could no longer hold himself up. Clutching his stomach, he knew that this was the end. There was nothing, or nobody that could help him now. How on earth could they understand? Was death truly his only way out of this? He stepped back from the wall, and let his body fall backwards.
He landed in an icy puddle with a splash, his eyes closing on impact.
Virgo had not been far behind, following the splotches of blood that were quickly running into the rainwater on the cobblestone roads. His good eye caught a glimpse of the heap that was Gauge's body lying in the puddle in the middle of the dark alley. For the first time, his eyes turned from a cold stare to what appeared to be tears. He let out a gasp, and then a yell, heading as quickly as he could over to where Gauge had collapsed.
Virgo's heart broke instantly, his hands dropping his cane and his body dropping to his knees. His arms instinctively reached out and caressed Gauge like a helpless child, gathering his cold, limp body in his arms and desperately trying to keep him warm. His concern had melted into tears watching Gauge's teeth grind with agony before him. Ophelia stopped dead at the entrance to the alley, watching in horror as Virgo held him tight, kneeling in that 3 inch deep puddle of muddy, icy water.
"GAUGE look at me... don't you dare do this to me. Stay with me Gauge..."
Gauge forced his eyes open, but he wouldn't look directly at Virgo. They were so full of tears and pain he could barely keep himself from closing them again. His lips parted and he spoke softly, in the most heart-wrenching voice Virgo had ever heard. "I've... betrayed you... just like I betrayed her. Our contract... Our promise... I've... done something horrible Virgo-sama... Please... please forgive me..." he pleaded.
Virgo's one eye was wide, and he struggled to be strong for Gauge. "What are you saying, Gauge... Don't you talk like that...? You haven't done anything wrong! Just hang on, okay?"
Gauge's head slowly turned to Virgo, and he looked deeply into his eyes. He gritted his teeth, and finally, was able to spit out what he had been trying to say for weeks. A hush of silence fell over them in the alleyway before Gauge once again opened his mouth to speak his final words.
"...I'm pregnant."
Ophelia's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She quickly covered her mouth and needed to steady herself against the wall in order to keep her body from falling to the ground. It was impossible. She soon found herself on her knees in the pouring rain in tears. Her hands moved from her mouth to the street below and she cried uncontrollably.
Virgo was in complete shock and disbelief. He could not say a single word.
--When the initial shock wore off, Virgo and Ophelia did manage to get Gauge back to the loft and dried off. Ophelia's first order of business was to call Monet and have her rush over to look at Gauge. They were somewhat relieved to see the bleeding was slowing down, and Virgo was once again ready and willing to give a blood transfusion if needed, even in this strange, somewhat confusing situation.
Monet had rushed over as quickly as her feet could take her, and was hard at work checking over their patient in the next room, while Ophelia, Virgo and Koto-san waited anxiously for any word on him. They were all speechless, and there was nothing but silence in the small kitchen of the loft where Ophelia paced, Virgo stood, and Koto-san sat impatiently. It had been almost an hour since Gauge had collapsed and it was so quiet. Not a single cry of pain had been heard from the next room, and they weren't sure whether to be worried or not.
Finally, after 10 more minutes passed, Monet emerged from behind the blanket that was the door to Gauge’s sleeping quarters. Their eyes were locked on her.
"Gauge... How is he? What's...?” Ophelia was the first to speak up.
Monet closed her eyes and looked at the floor... and for a moment, they feared the worst. She then looked back up and smiled a bit. "Gauge is going to be just fine. He's resting now."
The haze of terror had lifted from the room, and the questions soon poured out.
"Well, what is it? What's wrong with him...? Is he really...?"
Monet nodded.
Ophelia shook her head. "BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" she blurted out. "That would make Gauge a... WOMAN!" The thought made her sick. Virgo leaned against the wall with his eyes closed and his arms folded.
"Naive, foolish girl, you have no idea what you're talking about I’m afraid. You just don't know him as I do. I just... I didn't think... I mean... Genetic experimentation left most all test subjects completely sterile... I thought... that I was the only one who had not been left dry by those bastards..." Virgo spoke in a tone Ophelia didn't recognize. It was so full of concern, and almost... fear.
Monet smiled once again. "Hmmm, a former Override Faction experiment I presume you are. Those bastards have been doing genetic experimentations on human beings and clones for years trying to think of, and create ways to play god... making money by predetermining things like gender... hair color... eye color... No wonder they gave you such a high honor when you were released, Lord Von Drake. The experiment failed, just as the experiment against Gauge's predecessor failed."
Ophelia's eyes looked around the room. "Okay, I'm lost... what does this have to do with Gauge being a girl again?"
Monet rolled her eyes. "My sister... Noelle worked for Override Faction before she was killed. I was there as well, and before I left, I saw things there that would make any average human being's skin crawl. Unborn human babies being treated like lab rats. Gauge's predecessor must have been the result of gender pre-determination failing... leaving him half male and half female."
"How is that possible...?" Koto-san asked. He had in all his years of life, even surviving the last days, never heard of something so bizarre.
"It's simple. I knew the moment Gauge became my patient and I saw him nude. When I did an inspection of the weapon, I also examined his body and found he only displays the outer characteristics of a human male. Internally, Gauge is almost completely female. His male reproductive system is dormant, yet he is completely capable of female reproduction. He has a uterus... he even has female menstrual cycles like you and I Ophelia. He just... has male parts too..." She looked back at the curtain, then back to the three standing before her.
Virgo bowed his head. It was clear to Ophelia that Virgo already knew Gauge was partially female, but not to this extent. Virgo placed his hand on his forehead.
"I imagine you are the father... Don't worry, the baby is completely fine. Gauge was experiencing some bleeding and cramping caused by his accident, but he managed to hold onto the fetus..." Monet further explained
Virgo nodded, but still was in disbelief. Ophelia watched as he stepped forward, and pushed past Monet. "Please... I recommend he get as much rest as possible... and he is still in a lot of pain..."Virgo completely ignored her and entered the room. Ophelia had seen the look in his eye, and had become worried. She went to follow Virgo, but was held back by Koto-san and a look of warning from Monet. Monet shook her head at her.
--
Gauge rested on the mattress that he called his bed, propped up on his side facing the wall. His eyes were slightly opened, but he couldn't turn his head to see who was there. How could he face them now that his secret was out? He whimpered in pain and allowed his eyes to drift shut. Virgo's hand rested on the blanket that covered his warm body, and Gauge knew he was there with him. His eyes squinted shut harder, and tears rolled down his cheeks. There was a hush of silence before Virgo finally opened his mouth to speak.
"...so... how... far along did the doctor say you were?" His hand was soothing to Gauge who realized he wasn't about to be rejected. His head turned to look at Virgo, the father of his unborn child.
"Nine weeks... maybe 10" He said softly. "...She isn't sure... really."
Virgo nodded, watching Gauge struggle to turn onto his back and face Virgo completely. Gauge caressed his stomach, which was still flat. He had not yet begun to show. Virgo hesitantly placed his hand there. "You should be showing soon then... Jade began to show at just 3 months..."
Gauge turned his head away suddenly, and this worried Virgo. "What is it? Was it something I said...?”
"Stop thinking of me as her. I am NOT Jade... Will you please just STOP believing I am anything like her, because I am not."
Gauge's stern voice upset Virgo, and he backed away, withdrawing his hand. "Why the sudden change of heart, anyway? You remember our deal... Our contract, don't you? That night... In the bar when you supposedly rescued me, and took me home..."
"Yes, I remember..." Virgo began, but was interrupted again.
"We slept together... You paid me to sleep with you... and suck your...." tears ran down his face. "...and you loved it so much, you offered to pay me again... and again. We made a contract... Yet the only thing you ever said to me... was how much you loved Jade... and how much I reminded you of her... How could I have honestly believed our contract had been forgotten... and that you actually cared about me? How stupid..."
Virgo turned away and gritted his teeth. He had to stand to avoid allowing Gauge to see the tears that were forming in his once ice cold eye. "You have no idea how I feel so don't assume you know, Gauge Nimura." he said sternly. "If you wish to not see me again... if that is truly what you want, then I am willing to grant your wish."
Gauge remained silent. He couldn't find the words to say what he wanted to say. He was too angry and far too sick to yell and scream. He closed his eyes, and remained turned away from Virgo.
Virgo stood there for a moment overlooking Gauge, and then reached into his coat. Ophelia and the others had heard everything that was being said, and it had become clear to them that Gauge had been nothing more than a prostitute to Virgo, and meant nothing more than that to the heartless man. Gauge was a decoy for Virgo's lost desires after his wife had been killed. Their contract had forbid them to fall in love with each other, or have any strings attached whatsoever.
It was clear that their contract had been breached the moment Gauge became pregnant.
Virgo dropped what appeared to be wads of bills on the floor beside Gauge's bed. There were four in total. He opened his mouth and spoke in a deep, almost monotone voice.
"This should be enough to take care of the abortion... that is what you want, I assume. I hope you will forgive me for wasting your time, just as much as you have wasted mine. I bid you farewell."
Gauge's eyes widened and he turned to watch Virgo exit the room. He wanted to yell to him, and to beg him to not leave him, but his body would not let him. "Virgo..." His weak voice pleaded, and he began to cry.
Ophelia, Monet and Koto-San watched Virgo exit the room and head for the door to leave. Ophelia grunted and jumped out in front of him, throwing her arms out with tears in her eyes.
"DON'T you even THINK about leaving him you... you Heartless BASTARD!"
Monet shook her head again. "Ophelia let him go..." She warned.
Virgo looked onward at her with the look of the devil in his eyes. For some reason though, through what was masked to look like anger, Ophelia could see past his stone cold exterior, and see a man who was struggling so hard not to burst into tears at that moment.
"Don't leave him... Please don't leave him... Not like this... Not like this..."
Her body turned soft, and Virgo gently pushed her aside to make his exit. He slammed the door shut and headed down the stairs out into the rain. Ophelia immediately ran into Gauge's room, crying out for him.
Koto-san shook his head, and Monet sat down at the counter, taking a chipped teacup in her hands. The liquid inside had grown cold and the porcelain was now cold in her hands as well."It seems as if this world has yet again claimed the life of an innocent soul" Koto-san spoke softly. "I have a feeling that Virgo-san will not be there to see his child born"
Monet looked to him and drank the tea anyways. "Poor Gauge" she whispered under her breath.
Ophelia threw her arms around Gauge as he cried softly, hugging his stomach.
"He thinks... that I want to kill my baby!" Gauge cried; his eyes wide and his pupils fixed on the wall in front of him. Lightning flashed outside the window, lighting up the dark room.
Ophelia held onto him tight, and did everything she could to reassure him.
"Don't you worry Gauge... We will think of something... I promise..."
She only prayed Gauge would make the right decision. The decision that was best for himself, and nobody else but himself.
Gauge and Ophelia stayed at Virgo's apartment for only 3 more days. The storm subsided and the two were able to head back to the place Gauge called home. Surprisingly, the cold that had once enveloped the city of Sanction 9 had turned to a gloomy, yet slightly warmer sky.
Virgo had asked his servants to retrieve Gauge's bike for him from the damaged overpass and return it to Koto-san's shop. The motorcycle had been damaged in the accident but only slightly. It was definitely in repairable condition, which was a relief to Gauge. He spent the first few days of being back at his place hard at work fixing it down in the alley behind Koto-san's shop.
Ophelia could see how happy Koto-san was to have Gauge back, as well as the warmer weather. He would pace back and forth to the window every now and then to see what Gauge was doing, and then head back to his work sorting old goods. Ophelia had been put to work by the old man cleaning the loft apartment above the shop where Gauge lived. His tenant was quite a messy creature and the place definitely needed some sprucing up.
Ophelia looked down through one of the windows at Gauge, who was busy at work on his bike. She watched him carefully, and examined his features. His eyes were so beautiful, even when he looked as if he wanted to kick the machine over and walk away out of frustration. She heaved a sigh as the old man walked over and watched along with her. Lately, she couldn't help but notice Gauge placing a hand on his abdomen from what looked like either pain, or concern. She then remembered what Virgo had said about him being sick so often. It worried her to think Gauge might have something serious wrong with him, but wouldn't tell anyone out of fear of making others worry about him.
"Oh, hello, Mr. Koto." Ophelia turned to him and smiled sweetly. "I'm just about finished cleaning... it was quite a mess Gauge made up here. Perhaps I could teach him a thing or two about cleaning up after himself."
The elderly man laughed and looked down at Gauge, who was being approached by a lone, stray kitten.
"Yes indeed. I imagine you could teach Gauge many things! He is very lucky to have found you, Ophelia-chan."
Gauge heard the meowing of the happy little kitten as it watched him, and he glanced out the corner of his eye. His ruby eyes lit up watching its striped tail sway back and forth.
"Hey there little kitty! Aren't you a cute little kitty-kitty!" Gauge looked at the sandwich in his lap which he had nearly forgotten about. It was clear to him that the kitten wanted a bite of his food. "Aww, you're hungry! I'll give you some but you can't come too close, ok? I'm allergic to kitties! You make me sneeze!" He reached out and gently patted its head, and it came in closer to get the piece of bread Gauge had left for it. The kitten devoured the entire piece and then turned back to Gauge with a loud meow.
"Nooo... little kitty..." He started to back away from the little fuzz ball, but it quickly moved in on him, climbing the pant leg of his garage jumpsuit and making its way into Gauge's lap. Gauge's eyes went wide as he suddenly found himself surrounded on all sides by meowing kittens... "AHHH, KITTIES!" he cried, and then sniffled. As one of them clawed its way up to his neck and began purring under his chin, his nose began to run and he let out a huge sneeze.
Ophelia laughed from her view in the window as Gauge was literally attacked by 10 purring, loving kittens. Koto-san laughed as well.
"I've been pwned..." he mumbled and sniffled, falling over onto the cobblestone alleyway, and allowing the kittens to curl up on his warm body. Although Gauge was allergic, he loved the feel of their warm little bodies on him, and the vibration of their purrs. He looked to the sky and sighed deeply, wondering if a human baby would feel the same way... warm and soft against him. It had been years since he last held Ellie's daughter close to him, and he had forgotten how beautiful it had been. He missed her more than words could describe. He missed her family. He could recall hearing the voice of Ellie's mother the last time he had seen her.
It was almost a year and a half ago. Gauge and the baby, whom he named Artemiss, had been rescued from near death by Koto-san and his lady friend Hazel, who was a retired doctor. Artemiss was a little malnourished, but would be okay. Luckily they were able to save Gauge as well, although he had suffered gunshot wounds, severe dehydration and pneumonia. He later came down with shingles as well, which did a number on his already ravaged body. When he was well enough to speak, Gauge knew that he would have to somehow face the family he had nearly become a part of over the past year, and tell them what happened to Ellie. His heart would break all over again as he told Koto-san every detail, and Koto-san put it onto the paper before him. The elderly man couldn't even begin to count how many times Gauge muttered those words, holding baby Artemiss in his arm.
'I'm sorry....'
He wasn't sure if they would return his letter, or if it would even reach Devil's Pass where they lived over 300 miles to the west. He could only hope for months that they would at least come for Artemiss. Part of him hoped they would forgive him for allowing Ellie to die at the hands of RUBICON... by bullets that had been meant for him.
His prayers were answered three months later when Hazel announced Gauge had visitors. Still not in full health and confined to a bed, Gauge assumed he was dreaming. He was absolutely shocked to see not only Ellie's mother Willow, but her brother Auturo and other daughter Gidgette had come to see Gauge as well. While Gauge assumed she had come for the baby and nothing else, he was shocked to be greeted with a huge hug, and tears. Willow enveloped him in her embrace, and cried uncontrollably. Gauge remembered how warm she felt against him, just like a mother should. He heard her say that she loved him, over and over, and that she would forgive him anything. He remembered her telling him she knew he would never, ever allow Ellie to die, and that it had been an accident that was not his fault. Auturo and Gidgette held his hand and comforted him until he calmed down once again.
He remembered so clearly, Willow taking Artemiss from his arms and telling him that he would always be Ellie's true love, and that she would tell her mother that she wanted him to be her husband. They would go on to tell Gauge that he would be a part of their family forever, and that he would always be welcome back to their home...
..That quiet windmill house they had made into a factory on the hill, just beyond Devil's Pass. The family that had rescued him from death that snowy night he was hit by a train.
Gauge knew in his heart, as they left with Artemiss that he would never be able to show his face there again. Even though they had told of forgiveness, Gauge just couldn't bring himself to go back to the place where he had once found complete happiness and joy... The place where he knew he would always be protected and kept safe from RUBICON and the cruel, dark world. The place where the sun would shine. He wanted to so badly, with all of his heart, but something was holding him back.
It was his inability to forgive himself.
Gauge pulled himself off the ground as he suddenly heard the sound of glass shattering...
The cats scurried away as quickly as they had come.
Koto-san turned around, as did Ophelia. Both had heard the same loud noise below their feet.
"What was that?!" Ophelia placed her hand on the old man's shoulder, and looked towards the door that lead downstairs. His ears open and listening closely, Koto-san could hear the mixed mumbles of low-pitched voices coming from his shop. He approached the door, Ophelia behind him, and took hold of his cane.
"Looters!" He grunted. Ophelia grabbed his shoulder and tried to halt him.
"WAIT! It could be mutants again!" She warned. Suddenly it was clear to the two of them that it was indeed humans that had entered the shop uninvited.
Gauge pulled himself onto his feet and used the motorcycle to steady himself. Lately he had become so weak and knew his body was undergoing serious changes internally. He felt that same screaming pain in his abdomen he had been feeling since the night he ran away from the hospital. He recalled the cramping and the feeling of warm blood. He knew he would have to suck it up and do whatever it would take to get rid of the intruders that were threatening Koto-san's shop. Letting out a cry of pain, Gauge stumbled towards the back entrance.
That was when it hit him. This was no ordinary pain. Something was wrong.
His lower half felt suddenly as if his insides were being ripped open. He began to breathe heavy, and his heart was racing with fear. This was so sudden! What was happening to him!?
Despite the shock and fear, Gauge withdrew his six-shooter and busted through the back door. He nearly collapsed to the floor in pain twice, but still staggered towards the voices and the sound of objects being tossed to the floor. His eyes caught sight of one of the intruders taking a baseball bat and smashing the contents of one of the shelves. All relics from the past era that had been repaired to working order by the elderly man and Gauge. Gauge gritted his teeth and gathered enough strength to fire his weapon.
The bullet struck the wall, but was enough to capture the attention of the three robbers that were busy ransacking the shop. It was clear to him they were there for money, as one of them was gathering money from Koto-san's safe box. "I don't know what you think you're doing but you had better leave before I have to hurt you" Gauge breathed, grasping his abdomen. Koto-san and Ophelia emerged from upstairs and watched in horror as Gauge struggled to remain on his feet. Ophelia's worst fears had been realized when she saw him grasping his abdomen.
"And what are you gonna do to stop us, pretty boy?" One of the intruders laughed.
"GAUGE!" Ophelia yelled out, quickly earning the attention of the robbers. Gauge dropped to his knees and watched them move in on helpless Ophelia and Koto-san. He knew he desperately had to do something or both of them might be killed.
"We're just here for your cash, gramps. Give us all you've got and maybe we won’t have kill all three of you." The leader, a taller, lankier guy raised his gun to Gauge. Ophelia's eyes widened, as did those of the elderly man, and they watched in horror as Gauge dropped his gun.
For the first time ever, he had fallen completely helpless, his body full of panic and fear...
Not for his own life... and not for the lives of Koto-san or Ophelia.
This secret he withheld deep inside of him for so long was about to emerge, and there was nothing he could do to hide it any longer. The intruder came charging at Gauge with all of his strength and went to strike him with the butt of his gun...
"I don't THINK so!" yelled a deep voice. It filled the room along with a loud crack and the sound of a body hitting the counter and knocking over all of its contents. Gauge once again opened his eyes and was absolutely in shock at who was standing before him.
Ophelia covered her mouth, as did Koto-san.
"VIRGO?" Gauge managed, nearly crawling. He watched as Virgo fought the two remaining intruders, as if he had been training for years to handle situations such as this. And he did it with nothing more than his cane, and his fists. "LEAVE HIM ALONE YOU BASTARDS!" He yelled out, with fire in his emerald eyes. His hand clutched the throat of one of the robbers and held him by the throat against the wall.
"DROP it!" He warned, eyeing the bag of cash in the scrawny man's hand. Without hesitation, he released the sack, and Virgo proceeded to throw him to the floor. The three robbers made their exit before they could be killed by this fierce new opponent.
After the door slammed shut, everything went silent. A loud rain and crack of thunder could suddenly be heard outside.
Virgo turned slowly to Gauge who was nearly in tears, and lifting himself up using the doorway. "Jade..." He spoke, nearly in a whisper. He reached out a sympathetic hand to him, a look on his face Gauge had never seen before. Ophelia and Koto-san walked down the stairs slowly, approaching the two of them with caution. Ophelia stayed back, knowing this was just between the two of them. Gauge's eyes swelled with tears instantly, and he shook his head.
The three of them watched as he quickly brushed past the three and made his way to the door.
"GAUGE! WAIT!" Ophelia cried out, but it was too late. He was already gone.
She went to chase him, but was halted by the sound of Virgo dropping to his knees.
On the floor where Gauge had been standing was a pool of deep red blood.
Despite the onset of pouring rain and excruciating pain, Gauge ran as fast as he could down the street. His eyes were swollen with tears, and he could feel himself bleeding uncontrollably. The warmth ran down his legs and left a trail of droplets behind him. He wasn't sure how long he would be able to hold out like this, but he was certain that he needed to get as far away from everyone he knew as he could.
"GAUGE NIMURA GET BACK HERE!" yelled Virgo's loud voice. He moved as quickly as his older body could take him down the alley where he had seen Gauge head in the darkness. The downpour of rain made it difficult to see which direction he may have gone. Ophelia, who was surprisingly working alongside Virgo in order to find him, had put all disagreements aside in this emergency situation in order to work with Virgo to find ailing Gauge. Koto-san remained behind under Virgo's orders not to follow.
"Gauge... please, come back!" Ophelia cried into the night. Her eyes glanced to her feet at the stream of blood that had formed out of the droplets left behind by Gauge. She leaned against the wall, and banged her fist against the bricks in disbelief.
"WHY?" She cried to herself. "Why didn't he tell me he was sick?! Do I not mean anything to him at all? And why... why didn't Monet tell me if she knew something was seriously wrong with him?"
Virgo turned to her, out of breath, his long white hair drenched in rainwater. "Because this was obviously something we were never meant to know about. He won't go far... He's lost too much blood. Now come on... Stop your crying and let's go!" Virgo's stern voice hit Ophelia like a dagger. For once in her life, she sucked it up and nodded.
Gauge reached an alley unfamiliar to him, and stopped to lean against a wall. The pain in his abdomen had become too much for his body to handle. His forehead met with the brick wall in front of him, and his eyes met with the ground below. Drenching wet locks of silver hair hung in his eyes and he could no longer hold himself up. Clutching his stomach, he knew that this was the end. There was nothing, or nobody that could help him now. How on earth could they understand? Was death truly his only way out of this? He stepped back from the wall, and let his body fall backwards.
He landed in an icy puddle with a splash, his eyes closing on impact.
Virgo had not been far behind, following the splotches of blood that were quickly running into the rainwater on the cobblestone roads. His good eye caught a glimpse of the heap that was Gauge's body lying in the puddle in the middle of the dark alley. For the first time, his eyes turned from a cold stare to what appeared to be tears. He let out a gasp, and then a yell, heading as quickly as he could over to where Gauge had collapsed.
Virgo's heart broke instantly, his hands dropping his cane and his body dropping to his knees. His arms instinctively reached out and caressed Gauge like a helpless child, gathering his cold, limp body in his arms and desperately trying to keep him warm. His concern had melted into tears watching Gauge's teeth grind with agony before him. Ophelia stopped dead at the entrance to the alley, watching in horror as Virgo held him tight, kneeling in that 3 inch deep puddle of muddy, icy water.
"GAUGE look at me... don't you dare do this to me. Stay with me Gauge..."
Gauge forced his eyes open, but he wouldn't look directly at Virgo. They were so full of tears and pain he could barely keep himself from closing them again. His lips parted and he spoke softly, in the most heart-wrenching voice Virgo had ever heard. "I've... betrayed you... just like I betrayed her. Our contract... Our promise... I've... done something horrible Virgo-sama... Please... please forgive me..." he pleaded.
Virgo's one eye was wide, and he struggled to be strong for Gauge. "What are you saying, Gauge... Don't you talk like that...? You haven't done anything wrong! Just hang on, okay?"
Gauge's head slowly turned to Virgo, and he looked deeply into his eyes. He gritted his teeth, and finally, was able to spit out what he had been trying to say for weeks. A hush of silence fell over them in the alleyway before Gauge once again opened his mouth to speak his final words.
"...I'm pregnant."
Ophelia's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She quickly covered her mouth and needed to steady herself against the wall in order to keep her body from falling to the ground. It was impossible. She soon found herself on her knees in the pouring rain in tears. Her hands moved from her mouth to the street below and she cried uncontrollably.
Virgo was in complete shock and disbelief. He could not say a single word.
--When the initial shock wore off, Virgo and Ophelia did manage to get Gauge back to the loft and dried off. Ophelia's first order of business was to call Monet and have her rush over to look at Gauge. They were somewhat relieved to see the bleeding was slowing down, and Virgo was once again ready and willing to give a blood transfusion if needed, even in this strange, somewhat confusing situation.
Monet had rushed over as quickly as her feet could take her, and was hard at work checking over their patient in the next room, while Ophelia, Virgo and Koto-san waited anxiously for any word on him. They were all speechless, and there was nothing but silence in the small kitchen of the loft where Ophelia paced, Virgo stood, and Koto-san sat impatiently. It had been almost an hour since Gauge had collapsed and it was so quiet. Not a single cry of pain had been heard from the next room, and they weren't sure whether to be worried or not.
Finally, after 10 more minutes passed, Monet emerged from behind the blanket that was the door to Gauge’s sleeping quarters. Their eyes were locked on her.
"Gauge... How is he? What's...?” Ophelia was the first to speak up.
Monet closed her eyes and looked at the floor... and for a moment, they feared the worst. She then looked back up and smiled a bit. "Gauge is going to be just fine. He's resting now."
The haze of terror had lifted from the room, and the questions soon poured out.
"Well, what is it? What's wrong with him...? Is he really...?"
Monet nodded.
Ophelia shook her head. "BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" she blurted out. "That would make Gauge a... WOMAN!" The thought made her sick. Virgo leaned against the wall with his eyes closed and his arms folded.
"Naive, foolish girl, you have no idea what you're talking about I’m afraid. You just don't know him as I do. I just... I didn't think... I mean... Genetic experimentation left most all test subjects completely sterile... I thought... that I was the only one who had not been left dry by those bastards..." Virgo spoke in a tone Ophelia didn't recognize. It was so full of concern, and almost... fear.
Monet smiled once again. "Hmmm, a former Override Faction experiment I presume you are. Those bastards have been doing genetic experimentations on human beings and clones for years trying to think of, and create ways to play god... making money by predetermining things like gender... hair color... eye color... No wonder they gave you such a high honor when you were released, Lord Von Drake. The experiment failed, just as the experiment against Gauge's predecessor failed."
Ophelia's eyes looked around the room. "Okay, I'm lost... what does this have to do with Gauge being a girl again?"
Monet rolled her eyes. "My sister... Noelle worked for Override Faction before she was killed. I was there as well, and before I left, I saw things there that would make any average human being's skin crawl. Unborn human babies being treated like lab rats. Gauge's predecessor must have been the result of gender pre-determination failing... leaving him half male and half female."
"How is that possible...?" Koto-san asked. He had in all his years of life, even surviving the last days, never heard of something so bizarre.
"It's simple. I knew the moment Gauge became my patient and I saw him nude. When I did an inspection of the weapon, I also examined his body and found he only displays the outer characteristics of a human male. Internally, Gauge is almost completely female. His male reproductive system is dormant, yet he is completely capable of female reproduction. He has a uterus... he even has female menstrual cycles like you and I Ophelia. He just... has male parts too..." She looked back at the curtain, then back to the three standing before her.
Virgo bowed his head. It was clear to Ophelia that Virgo already knew Gauge was partially female, but not to this extent. Virgo placed his hand on his forehead.
"I imagine you are the father... Don't worry, the baby is completely fine. Gauge was experiencing some bleeding and cramping caused by his accident, but he managed to hold onto the fetus..." Monet further explained
Virgo nodded, but still was in disbelief. Ophelia watched as he stepped forward, and pushed past Monet. "Please... I recommend he get as much rest as possible... and he is still in a lot of pain..."Virgo completely ignored her and entered the room. Ophelia had seen the look in his eye, and had become worried. She went to follow Virgo, but was held back by Koto-san and a look of warning from Monet. Monet shook her head at her.
--
Gauge rested on the mattress that he called his bed, propped up on his side facing the wall. His eyes were slightly opened, but he couldn't turn his head to see who was there. How could he face them now that his secret was out? He whimpered in pain and allowed his eyes to drift shut. Virgo's hand rested on the blanket that covered his warm body, and Gauge knew he was there with him. His eyes squinted shut harder, and tears rolled down his cheeks. There was a hush of silence before Virgo finally opened his mouth to speak.
"...so... how... far along did the doctor say you were?" His hand was soothing to Gauge who realized he wasn't about to be rejected. His head turned to look at Virgo, the father of his unborn child.
"Nine weeks... maybe 10" He said softly. "...She isn't sure... really."
Virgo nodded, watching Gauge struggle to turn onto his back and face Virgo completely. Gauge caressed his stomach, which was still flat. He had not yet begun to show. Virgo hesitantly placed his hand there. "You should be showing soon then... Jade began to show at just 3 months..."
Gauge turned his head away suddenly, and this worried Virgo. "What is it? Was it something I said...?”
"Stop thinking of me as her. I am NOT Jade... Will you please just STOP believing I am anything like her, because I am not."
Gauge's stern voice upset Virgo, and he backed away, withdrawing his hand. "Why the sudden change of heart, anyway? You remember our deal... Our contract, don't you? That night... In the bar when you supposedly rescued me, and took me home..."
"Yes, I remember..." Virgo began, but was interrupted again.
"We slept together... You paid me to sleep with you... and suck your...." tears ran down his face. "...and you loved it so much, you offered to pay me again... and again. We made a contract... Yet the only thing you ever said to me... was how much you loved Jade... and how much I reminded you of her... How could I have honestly believed our contract had been forgotten... and that you actually cared about me? How stupid..."
Virgo turned away and gritted his teeth. He had to stand to avoid allowing Gauge to see the tears that were forming in his once ice cold eye. "You have no idea how I feel so don't assume you know, Gauge Nimura." he said sternly. "If you wish to not see me again... if that is truly what you want, then I am willing to grant your wish."
Gauge remained silent. He couldn't find the words to say what he wanted to say. He was too angry and far too sick to yell and scream. He closed his eyes, and remained turned away from Virgo.
Virgo stood there for a moment overlooking Gauge, and then reached into his coat. Ophelia and the others had heard everything that was being said, and it had become clear to them that Gauge had been nothing more than a prostitute to Virgo, and meant nothing more than that to the heartless man. Gauge was a decoy for Virgo's lost desires after his wife had been killed. Their contract had forbid them to fall in love with each other, or have any strings attached whatsoever.
It was clear that their contract had been breached the moment Gauge became pregnant.
Virgo dropped what appeared to be wads of bills on the floor beside Gauge's bed. There were four in total. He opened his mouth and spoke in a deep, almost monotone voice.
"This should be enough to take care of the abortion... that is what you want, I assume. I hope you will forgive me for wasting your time, just as much as you have wasted mine. I bid you farewell."
Gauge's eyes widened and he turned to watch Virgo exit the room. He wanted to yell to him, and to beg him to not leave him, but his body would not let him. "Virgo..." His weak voice pleaded, and he began to cry.
Ophelia, Monet and Koto-San watched Virgo exit the room and head for the door to leave. Ophelia grunted and jumped out in front of him, throwing her arms out with tears in her eyes.
"DON'T you even THINK about leaving him you... you Heartless BASTARD!"
Monet shook her head again. "Ophelia let him go..." She warned.
Virgo looked onward at her with the look of the devil in his eyes. For some reason though, through what was masked to look like anger, Ophelia could see past his stone cold exterior, and see a man who was struggling so hard not to burst into tears at that moment.
"Don't leave him... Please don't leave him... Not like this... Not like this..."
Her body turned soft, and Virgo gently pushed her aside to make his exit. He slammed the door shut and headed down the stairs out into the rain. Ophelia immediately ran into Gauge's room, crying out for him.
Koto-san shook his head, and Monet sat down at the counter, taking a chipped teacup in her hands. The liquid inside had grown cold and the porcelain was now cold in her hands as well."It seems as if this world has yet again claimed the life of an innocent soul" Koto-san spoke softly. "I have a feeling that Virgo-san will not be there to see his child born"
Monet looked to him and drank the tea anyways. "Poor Gauge" she whispered under her breath.
Ophelia threw her arms around Gauge as he cried softly, hugging his stomach.
"He thinks... that I want to kill my baby!" Gauge cried; his eyes wide and his pupils fixed on the wall in front of him. Lightning flashed outside the window, lighting up the dark room.
Ophelia held onto him tight, and did everything she could to reassure him.
"Don't you worry Gauge... We will think of something... I promise..."
She only prayed Gauge would make the right decision. The decision that was best for himself, and nobody else but himself.