Disclaimer: I don't own Heero Yuy, or any of the other Gundam Pilots in this story. Trust me, if I did, I'd already be married! LOL ;P. The OC in this, however, is mine. No stealies.
Chapter Rating: PG, for mild language and brief, vivid violence.
CHAPTER ONE: The Party
His eyes began to rim with water, thick and blurry tears clouding his vision as he struggled to keep his mouth from opening, but much to his dismay, he couldn't stop it. He tried to blink away his watery eyes, his lips parting and his mouth opening wide, exposing the pink insides of his mouth as he let out a long, heavy sigh.
Twelve.
This will be the twelfth time he'd yawned since the start of this dull ball.
Stretching his legs slightly under the drapery of the navy blue tablecloth, he wondered why he even agreed to this mission. It wasn't like it was a key point in finding the person behind it all. This place was just one of five locations he found listed on a crumpled scrap of paper that had escaped the fleeing terrorist on colony E. He didn't even know if this had anything to do with the target, or if this place was a target. Why didn't he just let Duo take the mission? It would have been better if that knucklehead took this job.
Wait; no it wouldn't.
Knowing that fool, he'd just jump at the opportunity to gloat and brag about completing the mission, something anyone would dread if they knew how Duo enjoyed pushing buttons. Such an ass. But it sure was difficult to sit through something about as lively as a funeral. Damn, he was bored.
Heero sighed silently, his usual stoic façade showing none of the boredom within him. His expression almost seemed to fit the mood in the large ballroom, dreary and boring with its' dimmed lights and sullen colors. The warming music in the background pausing momentarily as the conductor changed its tune, the soft hum of people chatting amongst each other floating through the air. His sensitive ears picked up a conversation between a small group of elders seated two tables behind him, their talk of politics arousing little interest in him.
"…you may be right, but why would people want to vote for such a young girl? Besides, I don't think that she could really handle the responsibility of tending to a whole nation. Very naïve, that Relena Peacecraft…"
"But just look at what she's done, my lady. She was able to get almost the entire world to follow her in the quest to conquer the Earth Sphere Alliance. If that's not good leadership, than I don't know what is."
"Yes, but you forget, my dear fellow, that the wryly Duke Durmale was using her like a puppet, she had no idea what she was doing."
"Hmm, perhaps you're right. Well, let us drink to whoever is graced with the duty to lead our people to prosperity. A toast…"
Heero tried to drown out the celebrating group, their government dribble being almost too much for him to withstand.
Adjusting the collar of his formal tux, Heero gazed hopelessly around the room, seeing either well-dressed people over forty or little children under the age of five scurrying about after their parents. Looks like Duo would have been disappointed if he came, not a girl, or guy, even close to their age in sight.
Slowly, Heero shifted to get up, a glimpse of the snack bar bringing attention to his unsettled stomach. Moving noiselessly out of his cushioned chair, he worked his way through the maze of chattering tables, the same pointless political talk at almost every one.
After a close encounter with an anxious toddler and a scolding mother, Heero reached the awaiting buffet, helping himself to the large bowl of red punch. He drank deeply, finding the tangy tingle of the liquid a pleasing change from his dull surroundings.
Soon the lull of the band started again, queuing the seated people to begin their waltzing. Heero turned and faced the dance floor, watching the well-dressed persons collect and couple up. He carelessly pocketed the hand not holding his drink, feeling the weight of a bullet clip in his pant pocket; just in case. His eyes followed the twirl of the bright dresses on the women, his thoughts drifting to other places, other people. Earth. School. Relena.
Relena. He didn't really have feeling for Relena. Somehow he developed a void between his emotions toward other people, specifically her. She always tried to pull him into her life and make him a part of her. He didn't like that; she was almost selfish in a way, having everything revolve around her.
She was pretty though, her frail, girlish charm drawing his attention, making him feel like he should protect her. When he first made contact with her he was taken back by her almost flawless features, but her relentless curiosity built up this stolid wall in him. Always being so nosy when she should just stay out of the way-
"Ahem…"
Heero sprang back to reality at the sound of the soft voice, his eyes darting to the person beside him.
"Hn…?"
Almost glowing, a girl about sixteen stood next to him, and surprisingly, much closer to him than he would usually allow. The sparkle from her jeweled earrings, headpiece, and choker necklace danced brightly with the motion of her breathing, framing her delicate looking face, along with her russet hair and copper-colored freckles. She had a pale complexion, with the exception of her rouged cheeks, lightly glossed lips, and piercing eyes that were softly made up with a pale silvery-violet.
Her eyes…There was something about them. They were striking, at first glance; a pastel lime-green, but unsettling at the same time. Intense.
Heero's nose then picked up the sweet fragrance of her perfume, his senses swimming in the pleasing aroma that smelled faintly of cocoanut. His dark eyes widened momentarily, when they locked with hers, but soon dropped her gaze down to her hand. He followed her eyes, seeing the clear, plastic cup in her small grasp.
"Could I…get a drink?"
Her voice seemed to show both curiosity and slight amusement. It also appeared she was American.
"Oh. Sorry."
He slid to the side, allowing the girl access to the punch, eyeing her while she poured some in her cup with the glass ladle. Taking a polite sip from it, she leaned on the table next to Heero.
"You really shouldn't apologize to me. It was an accident, right?"
She looked at Heero for some sort of acknowledgement, but noticed his stoic sideways glare and blushed slightly. Sensing her uneasiness, he turned back to the dance floor, pretending he had little interest in what just happened. She did the same.
"I thought I was the only person my age at this get together. It's nice to know I'm not the only one struggling to stay awake while the elders dance and gossip."
Her voice sounded too casual for him, showing she was trying to be friendly, but he could tell she was anxious by the way she nervously swished her drink. He also knew she was waiting for some kind of response, specifically why he was here. He spoke brusquely.
"I'm here with family."
"So am I."
A discomforting silence fell amid the two, and he saw her shift uneasily – obviously not a friend of awkward silences. He had a feeling she had something on her mind.
"Well, it's been pleasure. If you'll kindly excuse me…"
The girl seemed to leave as soon as she came, not making any noise with the exception of the clicking of her shoes. Heero couldn't help but devour her with his dark, indigo eyes as she strolled away, noticing that the dress she was wearing was made to deliberately draw attention to her curves and slim waist. The gown was like an elegant painting, the way the deep purple silk of the gown melted perfectly with the rich maroon of her strapless, corset top. She seemed to glide when she walked, her well-placed locks of hair and shimmering jewelry swaying gently.
She soon seated herself four tables to the left from where Heero was sitting, peering over at the guard behind her.
Heero shook his head lightly, trying to forget her minor distraction and remember his mission. He quickly turned to the host and hostess of the ballet, watching the two dance together to the slow rhythm. Soon the music subsided, ready to regroup and play again later. Heero decided that now would be a good time to question them about the terrorist, seeing them separate from their gossiping guests.
Walking up to them casually, he was met with the kind-hearted smile of the Mrs. while her spouse went for drinks. She was fairly plump, with her brown hair frosted white from the aging years. A perfect match to those caring grandmothers you see on television. Faking his best friendly smile, Heero stepped closer, acting the part of a courteous party guest.
"Why hello, young man, are you enjoying our little ball? I didn't think someone as young as yourself would come to this sort of celebration."
"Good evening Mrs. Pritchen; I am enjoying it."
"Oh, that's nice, and you're well spoken too. Can I help you with anything?"
"Yes. I'm curious about people's thoughts on the terrorist attacks lately, and am wondering if I can question you about the issue."
The woman's face seemed to show more and more of her age as he finished his inquisition, her eyes filling with worry and dread.
"The…the terrorists? I…I can't really say, it's…it's not my place to discuss such things. Perhaps you should ask my husband, Luther."
She quickly turned to find her husband, who was discussing something merrily with a friend, and pulled him aside. Heero watched curiously as she whispered to him and motioned in his direction, her mate's eyes following her hand. Patting her on the shoulder reassuringly, he proudly strode over to Heero, a self-confident smile on his round face.
"Young man, you had my wife in a bit of a scare. She doesn't like discussing the happenings with the terrorists, for fear she might jinx herself and bring them here. I on the other hand, would more than welcome your questions, for I know inquiring minds of the youth are important."
The man waited calmly for a response, fingering his white mustache subconsciously.
"Alright, Mr. Pritchen. What's your opinion? Are you worried that a terrorist would be here, knowing you have some very influential politics here?"
"Why, of course I am worried about the terrorists, my boy, what normal person wouldn't be. But I've made absolutely sure that everyone here was an invitee only and that every opening on this complex was either sealed thoroughly or guarded with my best men. Don't worry, young man, this place is well protected."
With this, the host preformed the same comforting pat that he had on his wife on Heero.
"So my boy, how are you liking this party? Not to shabby, ey? But this establishment wasn't easy, you know. Took months to setup, and that orchestra was almost impossible to find…"
Heero drowned out the bragging of the elder man, his somber eyes subconsciously searching for that girl he met at the snack bar. Seeing the table she occupied earlier was empty, he quickly skimmed the room with his well-trained eyes, catching a glimpse of her at the back hallway speaking with a guard she was eyeing before. She seemed to be having a pleasant enough conversation with him, laughing politely at a his last comment. The girl must have then asked him something personal because the man leaned to her neck, as if whispering.
They're flirting. Heero growled inwardly, out of jealousy or annoyance with the man speaking to him, he wasn't sure.
She seemed to smile to herself as the man lingered at her neck, and she casually lifted her hand, as if to embrace him. She slowly brought his face away from her ear, smiling innocently, and promptly connected her knee to his groin, watching his eyes roll back in his head as his bent to cup himself. With the hand she lifted covering his gaping mouth, the girl then swiftly put an upward fist to his chin, knocking him out noiselessly and glanced around cautiously before she dragged the body into the shadows of the big hall.
Heero's eyes widened in shock. What just happened?
He immediately turned to the person in front of him, looking to see if the man in front of him had witnessed the same thing.
"I-…why what's wrong young man? It looks like you've just seen death itself."
Heero didn't answer his eyes searching the man's face in disbelief. Why had he not seen? Why didn't anybody see that? How can they be so oblivious what's happening around them?
"Excuse me. I must…use the restroom."
Nodding politely, Heero calmly worked his way through the crowded room, slipping silently into the hall that the girl had disappeared into.
The corridor was long and narrow, its lofty ceiling ornamented with what looked like 18th century art work, the large windows to his right only allowing the light from the night's stars shine in and giving little illumination of the great hall. With proficient stealth, the well-dressed soldier crept toward the lone room that glowed in an odd blue light, his expert eyes analyzing the situation. Sliding along the wall, he neared the door's frame, reaching slowly for his revolver nestled securely between the base of his back and his pants while his other hand collected the bullet clip. Heero loaded the firearm noiselessly, his whole body tense and ready to react.
Peeking cautiously into the room, he beheld the girl kneeling over a small, pocket-sized laptop, its multi-colored wires connecting to the computer housed on the desk next to it. He noted the unconscious guard sprawled on the floor next to her, the too-familiar crimson liquid Heero had grown so used to seeing now dribbling down the man's chin, starting from his right temple where a small bullet was skillfully planted, matting down his blonde hair.
Turning his averted attention back to the suspect, he watched as she typed furiously at the keyboard, the screen beeping back several times. He heard her breath out a profanity in impatience, pounding the keys with frustration. Her face then brightened when it beeped once more, the computer besides her suddenly booting up at the click of her mouse pad. After the buzzing from the data processor died down, the laptop on the floor chimed and a tiny disk popped out of its side, earning a sigh of accomplishment from the young hacker. Heero tensed; she was finished a lot quicker than he anticipated.
With military speed and secrecy, he slipped into the nearest room, his adept ears hearing the laptop groan in its shutdown and the click of its' cover shutting. A dragging sound was then heard, followed by a thump and a clink – she apparently had hidden the body in the room. The girl was momentarily still, probably looking for any danger or witnesses, and then quietly walked toward the ballroom. Heero calmed slightly; the girl had completed her mission – whatever that was.
"Oi!"
Heero tensed; there was someone new in the hall with the girl.
"What are you doing here? This is a restricted area!"
Her once fading footsteps had stopped and the new footsteps of what was most likely a guard neared her briskly. It didn't sound like she was trying to run away – in fact, it didn't sound like she was doing anything; he couldn't hear any movement from her.
Click-click.
His ear picked up the noise of metal scraping metal, something very familiar to him. Heero's eyes widened in dread – she wouldn't dare.
"This area is off limi—…hey, drop your weapon!"
She would; she did.
The silenced sound of a bullet slicing through the air was heard, followed by a sick echo of bone and flesh tearing. It was then motionless; a dead calm for what seemed like eternity.
Thud.
The man's body hit the ground roughly. Her footsteps returned, walking toward the body, and he heard the same clinking noise of the door handle from before. There was then the nauseating sound of the victim's feet squeaking weakly across the tiled floor to the carpeted room where he first spotted her. Discarding the body, the girl finally headed back to the main room, her footsteps growing fainter as she left earshot.
Heero let the breath that he was holding go; he'd finally found the terrorist.
Damn; no one had or would hear what just happened though, she had everything perfectly planned out. A concealed gun with a silencer for any prime target or witness, a laptop for downloading important information, she's the real deal. How was he going to get her alone so he could complete his mission? She had all evidence destroyed or hidden, so he can't just walk up to her and hold a gun to her head, they'd think he was the terrorist. No…he has to figure out how to manipulate her into confessing or just plain kill her.
Heero got to his feet; this was going to be both challenging and difficult. Replacing his pistol to where it was before, he checked for the girl and then crept out of the room. It was going to be a long night.