Title: Apoptosis: His Momentary Grief Pairings: 2x1 2x9?! 2x? Circle/DJka: Sutoku Takamura /PineApple Guerrilla Date Published: 12/28/1996 Artwork: Heero's a bit shota for my taste, but looks ever so nice in those long, tight sweaters ^_^ I especially like the billions of Duo pics in suits, boxers, with his hair unbound etc. It's almost a Duo fashion show. Plot: OK. This dj is over 100 pages long and it's all one gigantic story about Duo. Special thanks to Dena for the following information (her book has both parts combined in one): "Duo was programed to be an assassin. I'm not sure if he was specifically programed to kill Heero or those who he developes strong feelings for. Anyway, his suicide attempt is because he is afraid he'll loose control and kill Heero. Thats what the dreams are about. The earring is a means to control him, again I don't know if it has drugs on it or if it's some type of transmitter. What happens in the latter part of the book (not included in this version) is that Duo is taken in for more programing, Heero finds out about it from recognizing the empty box for what it is and from Dr. J. He disguses himself and gets into the building and finds Duo strapped down to a table being programed. Duo seems to be fighting with the programed nature and his real nature with the programed one winning for the moment. Heero frees Duo who attackes him and tries to kill him. Heero has to cut his arm with a knife to get him to stop. He hugs Duo to him, but Duo is still in a trance. Duo finally wakes up and asks Heero to kill him. Heero cuts himself intead and proves to Duo that he has faith in his ability to resist the programing. The two leave together, but you're left with the impression that the programing will still be a problem for them to overcome. Opinion: Um...100 pages....Duo Maxwell...and a plot you can follow if you examine the pics close enough. I notice something new each time. The 'fashion show' aspect of the book's a sell all on it's own! ^_^ Reviewed by Uruchan BACK