DC: I don't own GW (or anything affiliated with them, though I wish I did)
All other characters are mine and created from the mind of insanity, mainly
me. All resemblances to any characters of other fics are purely
coincidental. Otherwise, don't sue me, all I have is my laptop.
The Next Day-(11:20 a.m.)(two more days before Relena's Birthday)
Kirin Shido found herself at a large pink house. It was two stories, overlooking the cliff's edge. It was gated with a high wall. Inside were attendants cleaning and rearranging furniture. Deeper inside was Relena, getting ready for the day's activities.
Kirin walked to one side of the wall and jumped high onto the wall. She balanced herself carefully and walked the perimeter. She stopped walking when she saw the five pilots. She jumped and landed into the bushes. She wasn't carrying her black bag, so she wasn't as tied down. She crawled on her stomach and neared the five.
"I've looked over the entire list last night." said one voice. It sounded dull and monotone. "I've also memorized everyone's physical appearance."
"What if there are some uninvited guests?" asked another, his voice more livelier.
"Then the rest of you will check them out. I've got Relena and all the invited guests covered."
"So now we wait?" asked a voice full of concern.
"No. We have to figure out what this man wants. He said he'd send us a few more messages concerning Relena. Trowa, check the perimeter one more time. Wufei, go out into the stables and make sure everything is in place. Quatre, stay with Relena, Duo stay out here. I'll be underground, overlooking the messages again."
The pilots all scattered leaving Kirin quite puzzled. "What messages?"
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pocket computer. She began to input letters and codes and finally brought up a small screen. It flashed a Preventers logo then disappeared. She skimmed through and found a file which held the messages. She opened it and read the three messages the Preventers had gotten via the mysterious man.
Kirin sat back and crossed her arms. "Who sent these messages?" She shut off her computer and searched the area.
She stood among the bushes and pulled a cap from her back pocket. She pulled up her hair, covering it up as much as possible with the cap. She took out her silver tinted sunglasses and put them on. She began to walk around, inspecting the area. She went into the inner courtyard where the party would be held. She looked up at the second floor rooms that were to be excluded from the party guests. If Relena were to stand right in the center of the courtyard, she could set up anywhere on the roof. She'd be in range the whole time. But if Relena were to go into a corner...she'd have to move her position in order for her to get a clean shot.
Kirin passed by the tables that were being constructed as she passed. She moved to a makeshift stage, somewhat like the one in the great hall. She stood before the stage and looked up to the roof. Yes. If Relena stood anywhere from the stage to the middle of the stage...she could get her easily.
"May I help you?" asked a voice.
Kirin spun around and smiled at the blonde young man. She held up a piece of paper. "I think I have the right address."
The blonde walked towards her. "What's the address?"
"Seven twenty-one Rosewood Drive?" Kirin added a tint of confusion.
"I-I'm sorry, but this isn't the address you're looking for."
Kirin put a hand to her forehead. "Oh, my gosh! She's going to kill me! I am so screwed!"
"I believe it's a little further up the road." said the kind young man.
Kirin nodded her head ruefully. "She said it was a big house. So I automatically thought it was this one! I'm so stupid!"
"I'm sure she'll understand. There are a lot of big and beautiful houses around here. Should I escort you out?"
"Oh, no thank you." Kirin sighed. She smiled underneath her confused demeanor. She was such a good actress. "I can find my way out, I think."
"It would be rude if I left you here." the blonde offered her an arm. "Shall we?"
Kirin couldn't refuse. "If you insist." She took his arm. Now she really did feel like hugging him.
They walked out of the inner courtyard and made their way around the outside, all the way to the gate. Kirin knew that she should be a little curious, and lost, like a tourist.
"I don't mean to pry, but it seems they're planning something big. May I ask what?"
The blonde nodded. "It's Miss Relena Peacecraft's birthday in two days. She's turning twenty-one."
"Oh, I see." Kirin smiled as the gate automatically opened. She stepped outside quickly and turned to face the blonde. "Is anyone and everyone invited?"
"As of now, yes."
"Well, will I see you there?"
"You could say...I'm one of Relena's bodyguards." He replied, blushing a little. "I'll be there."
Kirin put a hand up to her cheek. "My, she must feel really protected with you around. What was your previous occupation?"
"I was a..."
"Quatre, Heero's been looking for you." Said a soft, but stern voice.
Quatre spun around and met with one jade eye from Trowa. "Oh! Trowa! I'm sorry. I was just showing this young girl out. She got the wrong address and-"
"What girl?" asked Trowa.
Quatre turned and was face to face with the gate. He leaned his head as far as he could and searched the road. "She was here..."
"Anyway, Quatre," said Trowa, not once thinking Quatre was as crazy Duo, he put a hand on his shoulder. "Heero is looking for you. He didn't give any specifics, but he sounded very tense about it."
"Oh? Is he upset I wasn't with Relena?"
"Actually, he was upset that Duo was. I don't know why, though..."
Kirin watched from high atop the tree. As soon as the two were far away enough, she let out a big sigh. She swung her legs over the tree branch and hung upside down for a few moments before flipping and landing safely on her feet. She brought out a small phone to her ear. The phone rang a few second before the girl on the other end answered. "Shin, this is Kirin."
Sank Mall-(11:54 a.m.)
Shin pulled out a silvery-blue cell phone and put it to her ear.
"Shin, this is Kirin."
"Yeah, Kirin?"
"Are you doing anything strenuous?"
"No. We're having lunch."
"Lunch sounds good." said Kirin. "Anyway, I've met one of Relena's so- called bodyguards. His name is Quatre. He's one of five. There's another named Trowa, one named Duo, and I think their leader is Heero."
"That's only four."
"I'll figure out the fifth. Did you buy anything yet?"
"I saw some nice outfits but Yume said she'd rather see it in purple."
Kirin chuckled on the other end. "I swear, if you two wear indigo, you two will be wearing each other's clothes."
"Indigo is blue, Kirin."
"Purple!" shouted Yume.
"It's blue!"
"Purple!"
"BLUE!"
"PURPLE!"
"Guys...whether I'm there or not, I'm sure people are staring at you guys, so...try to keep it down, ok?"
"What's the game plan?" Shin asked. "Is the place nice?"
"It's beautiful but...too...pink."
"Pink?" Shin repeated.
"Ew!" came Yume's voice. "I hate pink."
"Yeah." Kirin continued. "Well, I'm done here. I'm gonna get that last name of Relena's bodyguard, drop by the hall, and get something to eat for lunch. We'll meet up for dinner and I'll go through the mission one last time, frame by frame. Got it?"
"Roger that, Kirin." Shin hung up the phone and gazed over the mall. "Where to now, Yume? Yume?"
Yume had left her soda and her food and had gotten up to gawk at a new video game that was coming soon. Shin sighed and joined her associate at the window. "Not for a few more weeks, Yume."
"I have got to get that game."
"We'll be in space by then!" Shin replied. "I'm sure Kirin will get one for you eventually."
"But I want it when it comes out! I have to have it!"
Shin waved her hand over her face. "If I tell Kirin about it and beg her to get it for you, you know it's going to be guard duty for us."
"Fine by me." said Yume. She was pulled back to their table and was sat down. She stared longingly at the game. "I want it."
"Then Kirin will get it for you! Now eat before your food gets cold."
Yume turned around like a scolded child. "Oh, fine." She picked up her fork and began to shovel rice into her mouth followed by some noodles. She finished her lunch within a few minutes and drank down her soda. "I'm done."
Shin barely touched her noodles. "...Great. Now I suppose you want me to hurry up?"
"Please." Yume stated.
Shin sighed and began to eat up her rice and noodles. After five, long minutes, Shin put her bowl down and sipped her drink thoughtfully. "I want to go back to the store over there. If Kirin wears a dress at the party, she'll need some things for her hair and some earrings."
"All right, all right." Yume said hurriedly. "Come on, come on!"
Shin was dragged by her wrist into the video game store. There she remained until Yume decided it was time to go.
Great Hall-(1:08 p.m.)
Kirin Shido leaned on a make shift wall, watching as a few construction workers were finishing the back rooms. They needed one more full day before they were fully finished. Then, that same day, the designers would come in and work the rest of the day until night, setting up for the party, one day to rest and finally the big day.
Kirin bit into the cold sandwich thoughtfully and pictured herself leaning a little over the balcony, overlooking the stage with her specially designed sniper rifle, and shooting a hole through Relena Peacecraft's head. She took a small sip of her soda and leaned her head on the wall and looked up into the sky. The Elders of ONI had told her that once she killed Relena, they would tell her anything she wanted. They supposedly knew all. But did they know Lee Ikuza? Did they know the horrible acts he did to her? Did they know he was a heartless man intent on his own sick goals? They might. Then again, Lee might be right in front of her, being one of the Elders, and she, of all people, didn't even know it.
Kirin finished her sandwich quickly and drank her soda. She discarded her trash and walked back towards her motorcycle. She leaned over it and heard a car pull up. She turned her attention and saw the dark haired young man with the cold blue eyes exit from the black hummer.
She stood beside herself, her body language giving off that she was merely a bystander. She watched as the young man entered the hall, after some time he came back out again, searched the area and saw her. He stalked over to her and stopped just an arm's length away.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice holding no kindness.
"I was just passing by. No harm done." Kirin shrugged and was ready to get on her motorcycle.
"That's not what I asked." he said. "Who are you?"
"Kirin Shido." Kirin snapped. She sat down on her motorcycle and crossed her arms. "If you have a problem with that, take it up with my mother. But she's dead, so you're out of luck."
The young man stared into her eyes then turned away, a look of dismay in his eyes. He finally looked back at her. "I'm sorry."
"No harm done." Kirin said again, her voice sounding softer. She eyed the hall then the young man. "So, what are you doing here?"
The young man shook his head. Locks of dark brown hair fell between his eyes. "I was checking up on something. It's of no importance."
Kirin nodded. "That's understandable." She looked over to the beach. "I haven't been here long, do you mind walking with me to the beach?"
The young man looked startled. "You want me to walk with you?"
"Yeah. Tell me about this place. Unless...you're new here, too?"
"No. I have some important things to do."
Kirin sighed. "Everyone has something to do but me. It'll be real quick, I promise. Just a few minutes, please? I feel lonely."
The young man looked around, seeing if there was any other way out. He sighed then beckoned to the beach. "Fine."
Kirin smiled and walked down the path of stairs. She waited as the young man joined her. "So, what's your name? You already know mine."
"Heero Yuy."
Kirin smiled as she stepped into the sand. Her feet begin to sink a little, making her laugh. "So, Heero Yuy, what's good about this place? The people? The buildings?"
"I haven't stopped to think about it." Heero replied, absently.
Kirin turned her head, just enough to set her gold eyes in his direction. "Maybe you should stop for a moment and take in what Life is throwing at you? You can't go through life without knowledge."
"I already know what I need to know." Heero answered.
Kirin faltered. She always told herself that when she was a child. She knew what she needed to know and that was all to life. She didn't need anything else. She had her brain, her skills, and herself. She turned her head to the fading sun. "There's more to life than the mission at hand. You have to look beyond to find your worth."
"What?" Heero said sharply.
Kirin spun around and faced him. "Nothing! I was just mumbling something to myself. It was nothing, really!"
Heero stared at the young girl's silver hair. He wondered if she ever got teased for looking like she did. Her eyes were another mystery. Gold was the color. How was it possible for her to have gold eyes?
"Something on your mind?" Kirin asked. She leaned closer to Heero, her gold eyes having a dangerous flare in them.
"Your eyes."
Kirin leaned back. "What about them?"
"Their color."
"Oh, that." Kirin turned her body, making her silver tresses flow after her like a cape. "It's a long story. And I told you I'd only keep you for a few minutes."
Heero crossed his arms, purely out of habit. "And your hair."
"Are you going to start picking at me?" Kirin demanded.
Heero remained quiet. "And if I am?"
Kirin turned around, her once sweet-looking eyes looking ready to kill. "Because people who like to pick on people like me don't understand what it's like to be a human guinea pig!" She stared at him a moment longer before walking past him.
"Kirin-"
She stopped and turned her head. "I'm sorry I kept you for so long. Thank you for talking with me, Heero." She resumed her angry steps and rushed up to the stairs. Moments later a motorcycle engine started, revved, and sped off.
Heero stood alone on the beach. He knew he was a hard and unfeeling man. He knew that he had a way of turning people away. For a moment he thought he was on some level with Kirin. Until that little outburst she had, he thought that they were on the same wavelength. Now, he knew there was something more to her. Something deeper.
Heero sighed then walked casually back to the cement stairs that lead to the upper level. He saw the tire marks on the pavement and looked at them quietly. She was angry enough to try and get as far away from him as possible. He shook his head. If that only worked with a certain female, he could have been left alone and in Space by now. He walked over to his hummer and got into the driver's seat. He picked up a walkie-talkie. "Quatre, this is Heero. I'm done here. I'm coming back."
"Roger that, Heero." said Quatre.
Heero started the car and turned the car into the road. Into the direction of Relena Peacecraft's estate.
Champion Hotel-(6:31 p.m.)
Yume Okinawa zipped up the purple, water proof jacket and pulled the hood over her unbound hair. She pulled on a pair of dark violet gloves and stuffed them into her pockets. She checked herself in the mirror then emerged from the bathroom where her partners were waiting. "I'm done, let's go."
Kirin had her hair down, as usual, the only thing different was her outfit which was now totally black. And Shin wore blue.
Yume looked outside bitterly. "Stupid rain. It was completely sunny a few hours ago!"
"Yeah, well," Shin said, brushing her hair. "Weather is unpredictable. What can you do?"
"I can throw a pillow at your head and laugh."
"Not enough time." said Kirin. She put on a pair of dark sunglasses. "Time for dinner. Let's go."
Yume and Shin stuck their tongues at each other. They put aside their differences for the moment and followed Kirin outside into the hall way. The big news of the hour was Relena's birthday bash. However, one rumor going around was about the little assassination attempt. No one liked hearing bad news, so they all elaborated on Relena's birthday and the style of clothes.
The trio made the way to the elevators. They stood around for a few minutes, ignoring the snide comments from the stuck-up upper class who had seen Kirin's shocking looks. Yume and Shin usually, silently, backed up Kirin by displaying crude and un-lady like gestures and even making horrendous faces. Kirin shook her head softly, wondering if her two elder companions were more mature than their years.
Finally an elevator opened. Kirin tried to be nice by allowing the few snobs to enter first, but the searing look that was given to her made her flinch and she entered the elevator. It was the same attendant from the day before. He smiled at her and waited as the other passengers stood aside. "Are you going to catch the next elevator?"
"Please." said an elder lady. She stuck her nose up even higher. Kirin wondered if that old lady stuck her nose up any higher, she'd be able to slip a micro-bomb up her nose and see her head explode. Such a demented thought! Then again, she was an assassin. She killed for a living.
As the elevator doors closed, Kirin couldn't help herself by saying, "You know, if my nose was that far up, you'd think I'd have enough dignity to clean it."
Yume, Shin, and the attendant suddenly burst into laughter as the rich, elderly lady's once pale face turned a deep crimson. Her companions couldn't help but snicker.
Kirin leaned on her heels of her feet and leaned on the wall behind her. "Serves her right, thinking she was better than me."
"She's certainly rich." Said Yume.
"True, but I have more experience in life than her." Kirin turned to the attendant. "We work for our money? Her? It's given to her on a silver platter. She probably doesn't even know the meaning of the word. Right?"
"Certainly, miss. I agree."
Kirin nodded, satisfactorily. "Of course. Because people like them enjoy looking down on us. They don't know what we go through to just try and slip by life. They don't know what it's like..."
Shin and Yume looked at each other worriedly. Whenever Kirin got riled up about something, she always went into her own reverie and got thoughtful and quiet. Her voice had a touch of anger which melted into a lost child looking for a place to call home. They had only known Kirin when she was twelve when they met in ONI. But even then, they couldn't stray away from her presence. They didn't know much of her past. She hardly spoke on the matter. But Kirin knew almost everything. She knew things not even the Elders of ONI knew. And they practically knew everything about Earth and Space.
"Ground floor." The attendant announced.
Kirin broke free of her reverie and smiled thoughtfully at the young man. "Thank you." She stepped out of the elevator and directed herself to the dining hall. She eyed the receptionist from earlier that day. She had given Kirin a hard time pertaining to the reservations she wanted to get that night. Kirin had gotten so fed up that she slapped three hundred dollars onto the counter and demanded she get a table since she was a paying customer.
She had gotten a lot of snidely stares and shameful shakes of a head that finally the owner had appeared. He asked what was the trouble and Kirin, containing her dangerous and deadly anger, told the owner the problem. She was being discriminated because of her looks. She also added, as a touch of her remarkable ingenuity, that she had heard the Champion Hotel was as good as its named implied, but so far she was receiving less than 'champion' service. So, the owner took care of Kirin's table with a free buffet comp for her hard trouble. The young receptionist was scolded afterwards and Kirin went back up to her room to bask in her victory.
The receptionist was happily helping out a customer when she saw Kirin approach. She began to expand on her conversation with the customer, hoping to avoid any verbal contact with her. Kirin came behind the young couple the receptionist was assisting. She looked frantic and began to check everything twice while she answered any remaining questions.
Kirin leaned on the counter. "Excuse me miss-"
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait your turn." the receptionist said rudely. She smiled at the young couple.
"I was just wondering-"
"I'm still with customers!"
Kirin looked at the couple sadly. "I hope I'm not intruding..."
"Not at all!" they said cheerily.
"Are you sure there's nothing else that I can do for you?" the receptionist asked quickly.
"You could help me out-"
"Was I talking to you?"
"Of all the rude women I've seen in my life..." Kirin started to say.
"Would you kindly wait?"
"I'm sure these people have been helped. I need to ask one very important question." Kirin insisted.
The couple didn't bother to walk away. They were intrigued by Kirin's features as well as the receptionists' attitude. Shin and Yume were watching silently behind her, wondering if Kirin was noticing the small crowd.
The receptionist, well aware of the crowd and the owner just a foot behind her, stood straighter. "All right, what is it that you wish to ask of me?"
"Are you usually a jerk when it comes to servicing someone who doesn't look like you? What does it take to act a little nice? Or maybe you're scared of me? That's understandable considering how I look. But either way, I'm a human being. At least treat me like one." Kirin slowly turned and met with everyone's gaze. "That goes for all of you, too."
Shin and Yume would have never done what Kirin had done. They would have ignored all the stares and the comments and just went to dinner. But Kirin...being stared at, poked fun at, and being ignored all her life finally caught up with her at that moment. Enough was enough. And when Kirin got serious...everyone had better listen.
An attendant had opened the door to the dining hall and gave Kirin a kind word. She just smiled and entered the hall. The owner, a little embarrassed by the ordeal, wished everyone a nice dinner and pulled the young receptionist from her post. Afterwards she was promptly fired.
"Kirin, you're crazy." Shin said, as they sat in a corner booth.
"I was getting upset." said Kirin, looking at the menu. "She thinks she can run me over."
"Wouldn't it have been better for you to just kill her?"
"Too easy and too messy. I want to try and pass for human, Yume." Kirin replied. "I may be a killer, but I have some human in me, ok?"
"Yeah, yeah." Yume looked at the menu. "Ooh...sushi..."
Kirin was finally able to get her anger to a slow boil when she heard one familiar, monotone voice. She automatically looked up and saw Heero with Relena hanging onto his arm. If she had known...
Four other people entered the dining hall followed by a large group of officials. She silently began to swear. Shin nudged Kirin. "What's up?"
"This dinner could have turned into a massacre if only we weren't off duty." Kirin whispered. She pointed with her chin. "Look at our company."
The large rectangular table closest to the back, where Kirin, Shin, and Yume were seated were reserved for the high-ranking officials of Sank. Not to mention Relena and her five bodyguards.
"Ooh...who's the one with the girl hanging all over him?" Yume asked.
"That's Heero Yuy."
"THE Heero Yuy?" Yume repeated. "I didn't know he was so young."
"He's at least twenty-one or something."
"That's still young." Yume eyed him then the other four. "So, did you find out the fifth?"
Kirin's gold eyes passed the faces of the young men she knew so well from watching news reports on the television. "The blonde is Quatre Winner. The tall one with the bangs is Trowa Barton. I think I saw him in the circus once. The one with the braid is Duo Maxwell. The last is Chang Wufei. I had to look him up on the computer. He's quite elusive."
Shin eyed Duo. "What's with the braid? He looks like a girl with that."
"Must have some symbolic meaning, I don't know." Kirin stood. "When the waiter comes around, I want a virgin strawberry daiquiri and fettuccini with chicken."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to make use of this genuine opportunity to change."
"Change? What for?"
"You'll see." Kirin smiled and made her way out of the dining hall.
"She's weird." Said Shin.
"Tell me about it." Yume agreed.
There was a round of water brought with a single tinker of a glass. That part of the dining room became instantly quiet. Relena stood in a slimming light pink skirt with an open neckline and smiled at everyone. She raised her glass of water for a toast.
"To the Union of Earth and the Colonies!"
"Hear, hear!" said an official. The glasses raised and toast. "Speech, speech!"
Relena blushed as she set her glass of water down. She cleared her throat. "I'm proud to announce that over the duration of three decisive weeks, we, the Earth's Sphere Alliance have come up with a contract that will officially bind Earth to the Colonies. We will work as one in uniting our nations and achieve Pacifism!"
The tables surrounding all cheered and clanked their forks against their glasses. Relena raised a hand to quiet them. "Also, in question is my birthday and the horrible rumor of my assassination. I am protected by five of the most qualified soldiers."
The five from the aforementioned stood and bowed solemnly. They quickly sat except the one with the braid who though it was his obligation to do a speech as well. Luckily, the Chinese had saved him from embarrassment by showing him a bread roll.
The audience looked to Relena once again. "These five had endured much five years ago when they had victoriously won the predicament with Mariemaia Kushrenada. And also in attendance, is the young girl, now eleven, is Miss Kushrenada."
Everyone's attention turned to the young red-head child of whom was still in a wheelchair. A bullet had shattered her spine, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. She was elegantly dressed in a light blue skirt with her now shoulder-length red hair loosely cascading over her shoulders.
"I thank you, Miss Relena for inviting me." said Mariemaia. She smiled radiantly at the five pilots, especially Heero. "And I thank you five most of all for forgiving me and my actions."
There was a round of applause as Mariemaia was directed by a nicely dressed Lady Un to the nearest seat. They were seated on Relena's right. Menus were soon passed out and pleasant conversation followed.
"Of all places, why here?" Yume asked Shin. "You would have thought they could have went to a better place than this."
Shin shrugged. "I suppose since most of the ambassadors are staying here until Relena's party that it would be suited to be here. But why tonight of all night?"
Yume shrugged as she sipped her water and bit into a warm bread roll. She chewed thoughtfully until Shin nudged her side.
"Now I know what Kirin meant by changing."
Yume took another sip of water before turning her attention to the young General at the entrance of the dining hall.
Kirin's hair was pulled up, two locks of hair fell on either side of her face, curled to a point. Her skirt was black which contrasted her pale, porcelain-like skin. She wore a gold band on her left arm and a beautiful gold locket around her neck. The skirt was short and simple yet looked ravishing on Kirin's well toned body. Her eyes had a touch of silver on it as did her lips. She wore iridescent diamond earrings and as a finishing touch, wore strapped black velvet heels.
Every male turned in her direction, their jaws dropping to the ground. She smiled and walked slowly towards her table. As an added plus, Kirin wandered next to Heero and looked at him as if she hadn't seen him enter the hall. "Heero! What a surprise!"
Heero had looked up Kirin's body for the hundredth time that minute. He stood like a gentleman and took Kirin's hand for a kiss. He hadn't been stuck around Relena for too long to not know his own manners. Of course, he was still a soldier above all, but somewhere in his head was a man who respected the beauty of a young lady. "Miss Shido."
"Ah, you remembered! I'm so flattered!"
Quatre elbowed Trowa on the side. "That's the girl from earlier, Trowa."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Kirin's acute hearing heard the little conversation between Quatre and Trowa. Her gold eyes moved along the line and settled on Quatre. "Oh! I remember you, too! I'm sorry I never got your name."
Quatre stood automatically. "Quatre Winner. Miss...?"
"Shido." Kirin said cheerily. "Kirin Shido. I'm sorry I left in a rush, I was already running late so I ran as fast as I could to my friend's house. I'm so forgetful! I never got to thank you!"
"Oh, its quite all right."
Kirin turned and stared directly at Shin and Yume. She beckoned them over. Considering what Yume and Shin were dressed in, it was a little too casual compared to what Kirin was wearing.
Shin came a little prepared. She unzipped her blue jacket and was wearing a beautiful blue sparkled shirt with shiny blue pants. It seemed to fit the occasion. Yume stared at her partners. Not willing to be outdone, she took off the jacket and was wearing a tight violet shirt with long dark pants. That would have to do. Why did Kirin have to go and change?
Kirin waved them over and stood them before the five. As she waved the over, she whispered quickly into Shin's ear. "Play along."
Shin just smiled and hooked her brown hair over her ears. "I'm Shin Kin'Youbi."
"Yume Okinawa."
Kirin patted Shin on the back and spoke to Quatre. "This is my friend who gave me the address to her place. It was almost as pretty as Miss Peacecraft's estate. By the way," Kirin turned to a stunned Relena. "Could you be her?"
Relena's blue eyes met with Kirin's gold. "Y-yes. Yes, I am. Please to meet you."
Their hands clasped in a brief moment. Kirin forgot that she had a hard grip. She smiled sweetly. "Since you all look so serious, I better get back to my table." Her hand brushed Heero's. "Come talk to me, ok?"
Heero could only nod and stare at Kirin's hand next to his. She gave a small laugh and commented on Mariemaia's dress. The young girl complied and complemented on Kirin's skirt. They exchange a quick comment on styles and Kirin finally left to her own table.
Heero finally let out a breath. Kirin's profound and unique beauty was breathtaking. He could never see himself looking at Relena that way. He was just so...used to her. He knew her style and he knew that she would never dare wearing clothes like that. Relena was too...simple. Kirin...now that took some getting used to.
Heero glanced into Kirin's direction. Every time he turned his head, Kirin would smile at him as if she knew he couldn't stop looking at her. She did the same to Quatre who actually had gotten up a few times to converse with her. Heero, however...he was stuck 'entertaining' Relena.
The supposed dinner meeting was nothing but a social gathering. A few of the elder ambassadors left early to sleep. They had two days to rest before Relena's exciting twenty-first birthday party. A few others were going to gamble, seeing as Champion Hotel had a special section for those who had money to burn. At last it was Relena, Mariemaia, Lady Un, and the five pilots, not to mention the trio of girls who sat just within hearing distance.
Relena stifled a yawn as did Mariemaia who was now dozing off in her chair. Lady Un stood. "Miss Mariemaia needs her sleep. She still has school tomorrow. Thank you for having us, Miss Peacecraft."
"Certainly." Said a sleepy Relena. She glanced in Kirin's direction and saw her looming over a paper that was flat on the table. The two other girls were staring solemnly at the paper and nodded every so often, acknowledging what Kirin was saying.
Kirin turned and smiled at Relena who automatically smiled back. A waiter finally came around to Kirin's table and picked up their check. After some minutes of waiting, Shin and Yume stood and left the dining hall. All that was left was Kirin.
Heero, seeing as it was his chance to escape anymore 'activity' with Relena, stood and joined Kirin who was sipping on her daiquiri. He sat across from her and watched as she shifted a little in her seat and finally settled her eyes on him.
"I'm sorry." They both said in unison, breaking the tense silence.
Kirin gave a laugh. "It seems we're both sorry for things we said. You first."
"You. I insist." Heero replied, the look on his face telling her she should accept.
"All right." Kirin took another sip of her drink. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I've lived my entire life being looked down upon that it's kind of like another emotion. It just happens. I get so angry I...I can't help myself."
"You said you were a guinea pig." He was more interested in that above all.
"Yeah..." Kirin sighed. She looked around the emptying dining hall. It was late. She glanced at the four remaining pilots and Relena. "It might take a while for me to explain, though."
"I don't care. I can always take a taxi home." Heero explained.
"Oh, well...maybe you can walk me to my room then."
"If you want." Heero replied, his eyes still on her.
Kirin gave another laugh then began her life story. "My father's name is Kyosuke Shido, my mother's, Angel Ikuza. My father was a great war hero who fought alongside your namesake. My mother was an up and coming scientist who was working with her older brother Lee on an experiment of bio- engineering humans. Well, my mother got pregnant with me and had to take time off. During that time, my uncle was on his own doing his wayward experiments and crazy research projects. Well, it got to the point that they couldn't create bio-engineered humans so, my uncle thought it was best to induce one. My mother was seven months pregnant at the time and he saw it fit that the first stage of the experiment should be done on her. My mother endured a lot during the final months of her pregnancy. From reports my father did on her, he had said she was on the verge of exterminating me. But she prevailed and I was eventually born.
My uncle then began to do further research and further experimentation on me. My mother was still too sick to find out the truth and my father had no idea what kind of research my uncle was doing. Finally, the first stage of the experiment reached a head. Mine, to be exact. My hair had fallen out. My skin was ghastly white and I was temporarily blinded. At that time I was only six months. It took another six months for everything to return to "normal." The hair and the eyes you see now are what resulted from those six months of recovery. My father is more brawn than brains, but let's just say he'd know something is up just by looking at my uncle. He confronted my uncle and threatened to go to my mother who was the actual head of the project. My uncle promised it was just side effects and as insurance, knocked off my father.
My mother was finally well enough by the time I was two years old. The serum that she had been injected with had changed her completely. She wasn't as fast as she used to and sometimes she'd go into a childish fit. I could remember as far as that, sitting on a cold, metal chair and feeling electric pulses course through my body. I felt it, it hurt a lot. But...I couldn't scream. I thought I was mute, but realized that I was used to the pain. My body endured so much torture that pain was no longer a factor in my development. It wasn't long before my mother came back to her senses. She was "sane" enough to know what was happening to me. She went to the Board of Science and asked them to release Lee from the project. After seeing me, they had to. So my uncle was released from the project and my mother worked frantically to get me back to my original state. But by then, the damage was done. They had to finish what Lee started or else I'd die. My mother regretfully allowed Lee to finish because without the proper treatments or the final experiments, my body would deteriorate.
My uncle had other plans. His mind was so far gone that he didn't recognize anyone as his ally. Not even his own sister! While the final treatments were being done on me, Lee had drugged my mother into signing an agreement that I now belonged to Lee. With that, he induced a feigned suicide letter and made my mother shoot herself. Now that Lee had me, he could do whatever he wanted. Sometime by the time I was five, he heard of the Perfect Soldier Project. Seeing some close similarities, he began to train me. He hired the meanest and most hardened soldiers from every part of the universe to train me. For three years straight I trained like I was going to take on the world myself. I underwent hours and hours of physical, mental, and emotional abuse.
At last I was ready. I was eight and I was as strong as a hundred men. But before my uncle could release me unto the World, the Board of Science finally caught up to him. They arrested him and destroyed any accounts and records they had of my life and let me go. I was so happy, but now I had nothing to do. I was smarter than any child. I was stronger. I had more experience with fighting that socializing like a child. I could do anything and no one would be able to stop me. And now what do I do? My skills are being wasted living this life that he has given me."
Heero had been very patient. He finally took his eyes off her and stared outside into the dark sky. The last part of her life...it resembled so much of his. It was like she was retelling the last ten years of his life. He could fight against enemies, but not could not socialize. He had been beaten, bruised, and yelled at, but he was a Soldier. He endured so much pain and now...there was nothing left to do.
Kirin finished her drink and sat back as well. "I talk too much."
Heero shook his head. "You had a lot on your mind."
Kirin laughed. She ran her hands down the two locks of her silver hair. "It's your turn."
"My turn?" Heero repeated.
"Yes. Why are you sorry and your life story." Kirin answered.
Heero thought he'd owe her that much. "I'm sorry for not being so understanding."
Kirin nodded her head. "Apology accepted."
Heero didn't know what to say next. What didn't she say that already happened to him? "I...don't know who my parents are. Heero Yuy...isn't even my real name. The last parts of your life...resemble mine..."
Kirin leaned forward, propping her head on her hand. "You and I are soldiers for life, Heero. If we tried to start a normal life, it would all go in vain. But there is an alternative. Do you want to know what it is?"
"I'd like to have some idea." Heero said softly.
Kirin nodded quietly. "Just live. Do what you've always been doing but keep one thing in mind: find out your true worth. Don't put it all on the mission. Do what you do best. If you do it for yourself, then do it. If you do it for your friends, then do it. But do it with passion. Do it for a cause, to change a life. Don't throw it all away with one little failure. If you want more to life, then embrace it. You can't let it pass you by. I know it sounds corny and patronizing...but that's what my friends, Shin and Yume have taught me. You say now that you don't have friends. But if you listen right...you know they're telling you something, teaching you something that you will never forget...and that you are important. You are a human being."
Heero couldn't believe his ears. An entire lesson on life from a young girl who had experience practically the same life as he. He wanted to hug her. Her words spoke of true wisdom and experience. How could he ever thank her? She opened up a world he thought was closed up. She was his ray of hope into a world he once saw behind a brick wall. He owed her his life. He was...speechless. "Kirin-"
"Heero, we're leaving!" said a still ecstatic Duo Maxwell. "Hey, buddy! Come on!"
Heero looked at the braided pilot. He turned to Kirin who still continued smiling at him. "Go. I can find my way to my room."
He slowly rose to his feet. What should he say now? He was a little excited and a little confused. He felt someone grab his hands. He turned and met into Kirin's understanding gold eyes. "Just say 'thank you', Heero."
Heero felt a smile upturn his frown. "...Thank you, Kirin..."
That brought out a mutual understanding between them. She leaned next to him and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, Heero."
Heero nodded. "Goodnight..." His trembling hands released Kirin's and he left with Duo asking a million questions after him. Kirin sighed and slumped onto the soft chair. "Jeez...if I told him everything he'd find out I'm Relena's assassin!"
The Next Day-(11:20 a.m.)(two more days before Relena's Birthday)
Kirin Shido found herself at a large pink house. It was two stories, overlooking the cliff's edge. It was gated with a high wall. Inside were attendants cleaning and rearranging furniture. Deeper inside was Relena, getting ready for the day's activities.
Kirin walked to one side of the wall and jumped high onto the wall. She balanced herself carefully and walked the perimeter. She stopped walking when she saw the five pilots. She jumped and landed into the bushes. She wasn't carrying her black bag, so she wasn't as tied down. She crawled on her stomach and neared the five.
"I've looked over the entire list last night." said one voice. It sounded dull and monotone. "I've also memorized everyone's physical appearance."
"What if there are some uninvited guests?" asked another, his voice more livelier.
"Then the rest of you will check them out. I've got Relena and all the invited guests covered."
"So now we wait?" asked a voice full of concern.
"No. We have to figure out what this man wants. He said he'd send us a few more messages concerning Relena. Trowa, check the perimeter one more time. Wufei, go out into the stables and make sure everything is in place. Quatre, stay with Relena, Duo stay out here. I'll be underground, overlooking the messages again."
The pilots all scattered leaving Kirin quite puzzled. "What messages?"
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pocket computer. She began to input letters and codes and finally brought up a small screen. It flashed a Preventers logo then disappeared. She skimmed through and found a file which held the messages. She opened it and read the three messages the Preventers had gotten via the mysterious man.
Kirin sat back and crossed her arms. "Who sent these messages?" She shut off her computer and searched the area.
She stood among the bushes and pulled a cap from her back pocket. She pulled up her hair, covering it up as much as possible with the cap. She took out her silver tinted sunglasses and put them on. She began to walk around, inspecting the area. She went into the inner courtyard where the party would be held. She looked up at the second floor rooms that were to be excluded from the party guests. If Relena were to stand right in the center of the courtyard, she could set up anywhere on the roof. She'd be in range the whole time. But if Relena were to go into a corner...she'd have to move her position in order for her to get a clean shot.
Kirin passed by the tables that were being constructed as she passed. She moved to a makeshift stage, somewhat like the one in the great hall. She stood before the stage and looked up to the roof. Yes. If Relena stood anywhere from the stage to the middle of the stage...she could get her easily.
"May I help you?" asked a voice.
Kirin spun around and smiled at the blonde young man. She held up a piece of paper. "I think I have the right address."
The blonde walked towards her. "What's the address?"
"Seven twenty-one Rosewood Drive?" Kirin added a tint of confusion.
"I-I'm sorry, but this isn't the address you're looking for."
Kirin put a hand to her forehead. "Oh, my gosh! She's going to kill me! I am so screwed!"
"I believe it's a little further up the road." said the kind young man.
Kirin nodded her head ruefully. "She said it was a big house. So I automatically thought it was this one! I'm so stupid!"
"I'm sure she'll understand. There are a lot of big and beautiful houses around here. Should I escort you out?"
"Oh, no thank you." Kirin sighed. She smiled underneath her confused demeanor. She was such a good actress. "I can find my way out, I think."
"It would be rude if I left you here." the blonde offered her an arm. "Shall we?"
Kirin couldn't refuse. "If you insist." She took his arm. Now she really did feel like hugging him.
They walked out of the inner courtyard and made their way around the outside, all the way to the gate. Kirin knew that she should be a little curious, and lost, like a tourist.
"I don't mean to pry, but it seems they're planning something big. May I ask what?"
The blonde nodded. "It's Miss Relena Peacecraft's birthday in two days. She's turning twenty-one."
"Oh, I see." Kirin smiled as the gate automatically opened. She stepped outside quickly and turned to face the blonde. "Is anyone and everyone invited?"
"As of now, yes."
"Well, will I see you there?"
"You could say...I'm one of Relena's bodyguards." He replied, blushing a little. "I'll be there."
Kirin put a hand up to her cheek. "My, she must feel really protected with you around. What was your previous occupation?"
"I was a..."
"Quatre, Heero's been looking for you." Said a soft, but stern voice.
Quatre spun around and met with one jade eye from Trowa. "Oh! Trowa! I'm sorry. I was just showing this young girl out. She got the wrong address and-"
"What girl?" asked Trowa.
Quatre turned and was face to face with the gate. He leaned his head as far as he could and searched the road. "She was here..."
"Anyway, Quatre," said Trowa, not once thinking Quatre was as crazy Duo, he put a hand on his shoulder. "Heero is looking for you. He didn't give any specifics, but he sounded very tense about it."
"Oh? Is he upset I wasn't with Relena?"
"Actually, he was upset that Duo was. I don't know why, though..."
Kirin watched from high atop the tree. As soon as the two were far away enough, she let out a big sigh. She swung her legs over the tree branch and hung upside down for a few moments before flipping and landing safely on her feet. She brought out a small phone to her ear. The phone rang a few second before the girl on the other end answered. "Shin, this is Kirin."
Sank Mall-(11:54 a.m.)
Shin pulled out a silvery-blue cell phone and put it to her ear.
"Shin, this is Kirin."
"Yeah, Kirin?"
"Are you doing anything strenuous?"
"No. We're having lunch."
"Lunch sounds good." said Kirin. "Anyway, I've met one of Relena's so- called bodyguards. His name is Quatre. He's one of five. There's another named Trowa, one named Duo, and I think their leader is Heero."
"That's only four."
"I'll figure out the fifth. Did you buy anything yet?"
"I saw some nice outfits but Yume said she'd rather see it in purple."
Kirin chuckled on the other end. "I swear, if you two wear indigo, you two will be wearing each other's clothes."
"Indigo is blue, Kirin."
"Purple!" shouted Yume.
"It's blue!"
"Purple!"
"BLUE!"
"PURPLE!"
"Guys...whether I'm there or not, I'm sure people are staring at you guys, so...try to keep it down, ok?"
"What's the game plan?" Shin asked. "Is the place nice?"
"It's beautiful but...too...pink."
"Pink?" Shin repeated.
"Ew!" came Yume's voice. "I hate pink."
"Yeah." Kirin continued. "Well, I'm done here. I'm gonna get that last name of Relena's bodyguard, drop by the hall, and get something to eat for lunch. We'll meet up for dinner and I'll go through the mission one last time, frame by frame. Got it?"
"Roger that, Kirin." Shin hung up the phone and gazed over the mall. "Where to now, Yume? Yume?"
Yume had left her soda and her food and had gotten up to gawk at a new video game that was coming soon. Shin sighed and joined her associate at the window. "Not for a few more weeks, Yume."
"I have got to get that game."
"We'll be in space by then!" Shin replied. "I'm sure Kirin will get one for you eventually."
"But I want it when it comes out! I have to have it!"
Shin waved her hand over her face. "If I tell Kirin about it and beg her to get it for you, you know it's going to be guard duty for us."
"Fine by me." said Yume. She was pulled back to their table and was sat down. She stared longingly at the game. "I want it."
"Then Kirin will get it for you! Now eat before your food gets cold."
Yume turned around like a scolded child. "Oh, fine." She picked up her fork and began to shovel rice into her mouth followed by some noodles. She finished her lunch within a few minutes and drank down her soda. "I'm done."
Shin barely touched her noodles. "...Great. Now I suppose you want me to hurry up?"
"Please." Yume stated.
Shin sighed and began to eat up her rice and noodles. After five, long minutes, Shin put her bowl down and sipped her drink thoughtfully. "I want to go back to the store over there. If Kirin wears a dress at the party, she'll need some things for her hair and some earrings."
"All right, all right." Yume said hurriedly. "Come on, come on!"
Shin was dragged by her wrist into the video game store. There she remained until Yume decided it was time to go.
Great Hall-(1:08 p.m.)
Kirin Shido leaned on a make shift wall, watching as a few construction workers were finishing the back rooms. They needed one more full day before they were fully finished. Then, that same day, the designers would come in and work the rest of the day until night, setting up for the party, one day to rest and finally the big day.
Kirin bit into the cold sandwich thoughtfully and pictured herself leaning a little over the balcony, overlooking the stage with her specially designed sniper rifle, and shooting a hole through Relena Peacecraft's head. She took a small sip of her soda and leaned her head on the wall and looked up into the sky. The Elders of ONI had told her that once she killed Relena, they would tell her anything she wanted. They supposedly knew all. But did they know Lee Ikuza? Did they know the horrible acts he did to her? Did they know he was a heartless man intent on his own sick goals? They might. Then again, Lee might be right in front of her, being one of the Elders, and she, of all people, didn't even know it.
Kirin finished her sandwich quickly and drank her soda. She discarded her trash and walked back towards her motorcycle. She leaned over it and heard a car pull up. She turned her attention and saw the dark haired young man with the cold blue eyes exit from the black hummer.
She stood beside herself, her body language giving off that she was merely a bystander. She watched as the young man entered the hall, after some time he came back out again, searched the area and saw her. He stalked over to her and stopped just an arm's length away.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice holding no kindness.
"I was just passing by. No harm done." Kirin shrugged and was ready to get on her motorcycle.
"That's not what I asked." he said. "Who are you?"
"Kirin Shido." Kirin snapped. She sat down on her motorcycle and crossed her arms. "If you have a problem with that, take it up with my mother. But she's dead, so you're out of luck."
The young man stared into her eyes then turned away, a look of dismay in his eyes. He finally looked back at her. "I'm sorry."
"No harm done." Kirin said again, her voice sounding softer. She eyed the hall then the young man. "So, what are you doing here?"
The young man shook his head. Locks of dark brown hair fell between his eyes. "I was checking up on something. It's of no importance."
Kirin nodded. "That's understandable." She looked over to the beach. "I haven't been here long, do you mind walking with me to the beach?"
The young man looked startled. "You want me to walk with you?"
"Yeah. Tell me about this place. Unless...you're new here, too?"
"No. I have some important things to do."
Kirin sighed. "Everyone has something to do but me. It'll be real quick, I promise. Just a few minutes, please? I feel lonely."
The young man looked around, seeing if there was any other way out. He sighed then beckoned to the beach. "Fine."
Kirin smiled and walked down the path of stairs. She waited as the young man joined her. "So, what's your name? You already know mine."
"Heero Yuy."
Kirin smiled as she stepped into the sand. Her feet begin to sink a little, making her laugh. "So, Heero Yuy, what's good about this place? The people? The buildings?"
"I haven't stopped to think about it." Heero replied, absently.
Kirin turned her head, just enough to set her gold eyes in his direction. "Maybe you should stop for a moment and take in what Life is throwing at you? You can't go through life without knowledge."
"I already know what I need to know." Heero answered.
Kirin faltered. She always told herself that when she was a child. She knew what she needed to know and that was all to life. She didn't need anything else. She had her brain, her skills, and herself. She turned her head to the fading sun. "There's more to life than the mission at hand. You have to look beyond to find your worth."
"What?" Heero said sharply.
Kirin spun around and faced him. "Nothing! I was just mumbling something to myself. It was nothing, really!"
Heero stared at the young girl's silver hair. He wondered if she ever got teased for looking like she did. Her eyes were another mystery. Gold was the color. How was it possible for her to have gold eyes?
"Something on your mind?" Kirin asked. She leaned closer to Heero, her gold eyes having a dangerous flare in them.
"Your eyes."
Kirin leaned back. "What about them?"
"Their color."
"Oh, that." Kirin turned her body, making her silver tresses flow after her like a cape. "It's a long story. And I told you I'd only keep you for a few minutes."
Heero crossed his arms, purely out of habit. "And your hair."
"Are you going to start picking at me?" Kirin demanded.
Heero remained quiet. "And if I am?"
Kirin turned around, her once sweet-looking eyes looking ready to kill. "Because people who like to pick on people like me don't understand what it's like to be a human guinea pig!" She stared at him a moment longer before walking past him.
"Kirin-"
She stopped and turned her head. "I'm sorry I kept you for so long. Thank you for talking with me, Heero." She resumed her angry steps and rushed up to the stairs. Moments later a motorcycle engine started, revved, and sped off.
Heero stood alone on the beach. He knew he was a hard and unfeeling man. He knew that he had a way of turning people away. For a moment he thought he was on some level with Kirin. Until that little outburst she had, he thought that they were on the same wavelength. Now, he knew there was something more to her. Something deeper.
Heero sighed then walked casually back to the cement stairs that lead to the upper level. He saw the tire marks on the pavement and looked at them quietly. She was angry enough to try and get as far away from him as possible. He shook his head. If that only worked with a certain female, he could have been left alone and in Space by now. He walked over to his hummer and got into the driver's seat. He picked up a walkie-talkie. "Quatre, this is Heero. I'm done here. I'm coming back."
"Roger that, Heero." said Quatre.
Heero started the car and turned the car into the road. Into the direction of Relena Peacecraft's estate.
Champion Hotel-(6:31 p.m.)
Yume Okinawa zipped up the purple, water proof jacket and pulled the hood over her unbound hair. She pulled on a pair of dark violet gloves and stuffed them into her pockets. She checked herself in the mirror then emerged from the bathroom where her partners were waiting. "I'm done, let's go."
Kirin had her hair down, as usual, the only thing different was her outfit which was now totally black. And Shin wore blue.
Yume looked outside bitterly. "Stupid rain. It was completely sunny a few hours ago!"
"Yeah, well," Shin said, brushing her hair. "Weather is unpredictable. What can you do?"
"I can throw a pillow at your head and laugh."
"Not enough time." said Kirin. She put on a pair of dark sunglasses. "Time for dinner. Let's go."
Yume and Shin stuck their tongues at each other. They put aside their differences for the moment and followed Kirin outside into the hall way. The big news of the hour was Relena's birthday bash. However, one rumor going around was about the little assassination attempt. No one liked hearing bad news, so they all elaborated on Relena's birthday and the style of clothes.
The trio made the way to the elevators. They stood around for a few minutes, ignoring the snide comments from the stuck-up upper class who had seen Kirin's shocking looks. Yume and Shin usually, silently, backed up Kirin by displaying crude and un-lady like gestures and even making horrendous faces. Kirin shook her head softly, wondering if her two elder companions were more mature than their years.
Finally an elevator opened. Kirin tried to be nice by allowing the few snobs to enter first, but the searing look that was given to her made her flinch and she entered the elevator. It was the same attendant from the day before. He smiled at her and waited as the other passengers stood aside. "Are you going to catch the next elevator?"
"Please." said an elder lady. She stuck her nose up even higher. Kirin wondered if that old lady stuck her nose up any higher, she'd be able to slip a micro-bomb up her nose and see her head explode. Such a demented thought! Then again, she was an assassin. She killed for a living.
As the elevator doors closed, Kirin couldn't help herself by saying, "You know, if my nose was that far up, you'd think I'd have enough dignity to clean it."
Yume, Shin, and the attendant suddenly burst into laughter as the rich, elderly lady's once pale face turned a deep crimson. Her companions couldn't help but snicker.
Kirin leaned on her heels of her feet and leaned on the wall behind her. "Serves her right, thinking she was better than me."
"She's certainly rich." Said Yume.
"True, but I have more experience in life than her." Kirin turned to the attendant. "We work for our money? Her? It's given to her on a silver platter. She probably doesn't even know the meaning of the word. Right?"
"Certainly, miss. I agree."
Kirin nodded, satisfactorily. "Of course. Because people like them enjoy looking down on us. They don't know what we go through to just try and slip by life. They don't know what it's like..."
Shin and Yume looked at each other worriedly. Whenever Kirin got riled up about something, she always went into her own reverie and got thoughtful and quiet. Her voice had a touch of anger which melted into a lost child looking for a place to call home. They had only known Kirin when she was twelve when they met in ONI. But even then, they couldn't stray away from her presence. They didn't know much of her past. She hardly spoke on the matter. But Kirin knew almost everything. She knew things not even the Elders of ONI knew. And they practically knew everything about Earth and Space.
"Ground floor." The attendant announced.
Kirin broke free of her reverie and smiled thoughtfully at the young man. "Thank you." She stepped out of the elevator and directed herself to the dining hall. She eyed the receptionist from earlier that day. She had given Kirin a hard time pertaining to the reservations she wanted to get that night. Kirin had gotten so fed up that she slapped three hundred dollars onto the counter and demanded she get a table since she was a paying customer.
She had gotten a lot of snidely stares and shameful shakes of a head that finally the owner had appeared. He asked what was the trouble and Kirin, containing her dangerous and deadly anger, told the owner the problem. She was being discriminated because of her looks. She also added, as a touch of her remarkable ingenuity, that she had heard the Champion Hotel was as good as its named implied, but so far she was receiving less than 'champion' service. So, the owner took care of Kirin's table with a free buffet comp for her hard trouble. The young receptionist was scolded afterwards and Kirin went back up to her room to bask in her victory.
The receptionist was happily helping out a customer when she saw Kirin approach. She began to expand on her conversation with the customer, hoping to avoid any verbal contact with her. Kirin came behind the young couple the receptionist was assisting. She looked frantic and began to check everything twice while she answered any remaining questions.
Kirin leaned on the counter. "Excuse me miss-"
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait your turn." the receptionist said rudely. She smiled at the young couple.
"I was just wondering-"
"I'm still with customers!"
Kirin looked at the couple sadly. "I hope I'm not intruding..."
"Not at all!" they said cheerily.
"Are you sure there's nothing else that I can do for you?" the receptionist asked quickly.
"You could help me out-"
"Was I talking to you?"
"Of all the rude women I've seen in my life..." Kirin started to say.
"Would you kindly wait?"
"I'm sure these people have been helped. I need to ask one very important question." Kirin insisted.
The couple didn't bother to walk away. They were intrigued by Kirin's features as well as the receptionists' attitude. Shin and Yume were watching silently behind her, wondering if Kirin was noticing the small crowd.
The receptionist, well aware of the crowd and the owner just a foot behind her, stood straighter. "All right, what is it that you wish to ask of me?"
"Are you usually a jerk when it comes to servicing someone who doesn't look like you? What does it take to act a little nice? Or maybe you're scared of me? That's understandable considering how I look. But either way, I'm a human being. At least treat me like one." Kirin slowly turned and met with everyone's gaze. "That goes for all of you, too."
Shin and Yume would have never done what Kirin had done. They would have ignored all the stares and the comments and just went to dinner. But Kirin...being stared at, poked fun at, and being ignored all her life finally caught up with her at that moment. Enough was enough. And when Kirin got serious...everyone had better listen.
An attendant had opened the door to the dining hall and gave Kirin a kind word. She just smiled and entered the hall. The owner, a little embarrassed by the ordeal, wished everyone a nice dinner and pulled the young receptionist from her post. Afterwards she was promptly fired.
"Kirin, you're crazy." Shin said, as they sat in a corner booth.
"I was getting upset." said Kirin, looking at the menu. "She thinks she can run me over."
"Wouldn't it have been better for you to just kill her?"
"Too easy and too messy. I want to try and pass for human, Yume." Kirin replied. "I may be a killer, but I have some human in me, ok?"
"Yeah, yeah." Yume looked at the menu. "Ooh...sushi..."
Kirin was finally able to get her anger to a slow boil when she heard one familiar, monotone voice. She automatically looked up and saw Heero with Relena hanging onto his arm. If she had known...
Four other people entered the dining hall followed by a large group of officials. She silently began to swear. Shin nudged Kirin. "What's up?"
"This dinner could have turned into a massacre if only we weren't off duty." Kirin whispered. She pointed with her chin. "Look at our company."
The large rectangular table closest to the back, where Kirin, Shin, and Yume were seated were reserved for the high-ranking officials of Sank. Not to mention Relena and her five bodyguards.
"Ooh...who's the one with the girl hanging all over him?" Yume asked.
"That's Heero Yuy."
"THE Heero Yuy?" Yume repeated. "I didn't know he was so young."
"He's at least twenty-one or something."
"That's still young." Yume eyed him then the other four. "So, did you find out the fifth?"
Kirin's gold eyes passed the faces of the young men she knew so well from watching news reports on the television. "The blonde is Quatre Winner. The tall one with the bangs is Trowa Barton. I think I saw him in the circus once. The one with the braid is Duo Maxwell. The last is Chang Wufei. I had to look him up on the computer. He's quite elusive."
Shin eyed Duo. "What's with the braid? He looks like a girl with that."
"Must have some symbolic meaning, I don't know." Kirin stood. "When the waiter comes around, I want a virgin strawberry daiquiri and fettuccini with chicken."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to make use of this genuine opportunity to change."
"Change? What for?"
"You'll see." Kirin smiled and made her way out of the dining hall.
"She's weird." Said Shin.
"Tell me about it." Yume agreed.
There was a round of water brought with a single tinker of a glass. That part of the dining room became instantly quiet. Relena stood in a slimming light pink skirt with an open neckline and smiled at everyone. She raised her glass of water for a toast.
"To the Union of Earth and the Colonies!"
"Hear, hear!" said an official. The glasses raised and toast. "Speech, speech!"
Relena blushed as she set her glass of water down. She cleared her throat. "I'm proud to announce that over the duration of three decisive weeks, we, the Earth's Sphere Alliance have come up with a contract that will officially bind Earth to the Colonies. We will work as one in uniting our nations and achieve Pacifism!"
The tables surrounding all cheered and clanked their forks against their glasses. Relena raised a hand to quiet them. "Also, in question is my birthday and the horrible rumor of my assassination. I am protected by five of the most qualified soldiers."
The five from the aforementioned stood and bowed solemnly. They quickly sat except the one with the braid who though it was his obligation to do a speech as well. Luckily, the Chinese had saved him from embarrassment by showing him a bread roll.
The audience looked to Relena once again. "These five had endured much five years ago when they had victoriously won the predicament with Mariemaia Kushrenada. And also in attendance, is the young girl, now eleven, is Miss Kushrenada."
Everyone's attention turned to the young red-head child of whom was still in a wheelchair. A bullet had shattered her spine, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. She was elegantly dressed in a light blue skirt with her now shoulder-length red hair loosely cascading over her shoulders.
"I thank you, Miss Relena for inviting me." said Mariemaia. She smiled radiantly at the five pilots, especially Heero. "And I thank you five most of all for forgiving me and my actions."
There was a round of applause as Mariemaia was directed by a nicely dressed Lady Un to the nearest seat. They were seated on Relena's right. Menus were soon passed out and pleasant conversation followed.
"Of all places, why here?" Yume asked Shin. "You would have thought they could have went to a better place than this."
Shin shrugged. "I suppose since most of the ambassadors are staying here until Relena's party that it would be suited to be here. But why tonight of all night?"
Yume shrugged as she sipped her water and bit into a warm bread roll. She chewed thoughtfully until Shin nudged her side.
"Now I know what Kirin meant by changing."
Yume took another sip of water before turning her attention to the young General at the entrance of the dining hall.
Kirin's hair was pulled up, two locks of hair fell on either side of her face, curled to a point. Her skirt was black which contrasted her pale, porcelain-like skin. She wore a gold band on her left arm and a beautiful gold locket around her neck. The skirt was short and simple yet looked ravishing on Kirin's well toned body. Her eyes had a touch of silver on it as did her lips. She wore iridescent diamond earrings and as a finishing touch, wore strapped black velvet heels.
Every male turned in her direction, their jaws dropping to the ground. She smiled and walked slowly towards her table. As an added plus, Kirin wandered next to Heero and looked at him as if she hadn't seen him enter the hall. "Heero! What a surprise!"
Heero had looked up Kirin's body for the hundredth time that minute. He stood like a gentleman and took Kirin's hand for a kiss. He hadn't been stuck around Relena for too long to not know his own manners. Of course, he was still a soldier above all, but somewhere in his head was a man who respected the beauty of a young lady. "Miss Shido."
"Ah, you remembered! I'm so flattered!"
Quatre elbowed Trowa on the side. "That's the girl from earlier, Trowa."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Kirin's acute hearing heard the little conversation between Quatre and Trowa. Her gold eyes moved along the line and settled on Quatre. "Oh! I remember you, too! I'm sorry I never got your name."
Quatre stood automatically. "Quatre Winner. Miss...?"
"Shido." Kirin said cheerily. "Kirin Shido. I'm sorry I left in a rush, I was already running late so I ran as fast as I could to my friend's house. I'm so forgetful! I never got to thank you!"
"Oh, its quite all right."
Kirin turned and stared directly at Shin and Yume. She beckoned them over. Considering what Yume and Shin were dressed in, it was a little too casual compared to what Kirin was wearing.
Shin came a little prepared. She unzipped her blue jacket and was wearing a beautiful blue sparkled shirt with shiny blue pants. It seemed to fit the occasion. Yume stared at her partners. Not willing to be outdone, she took off the jacket and was wearing a tight violet shirt with long dark pants. That would have to do. Why did Kirin have to go and change?
Kirin waved them over and stood them before the five. As she waved the over, she whispered quickly into Shin's ear. "Play along."
Shin just smiled and hooked her brown hair over her ears. "I'm Shin Kin'Youbi."
"Yume Okinawa."
Kirin patted Shin on the back and spoke to Quatre. "This is my friend who gave me the address to her place. It was almost as pretty as Miss Peacecraft's estate. By the way," Kirin turned to a stunned Relena. "Could you be her?"
Relena's blue eyes met with Kirin's gold. "Y-yes. Yes, I am. Please to meet you."
Their hands clasped in a brief moment. Kirin forgot that she had a hard grip. She smiled sweetly. "Since you all look so serious, I better get back to my table." Her hand brushed Heero's. "Come talk to me, ok?"
Heero could only nod and stare at Kirin's hand next to his. She gave a small laugh and commented on Mariemaia's dress. The young girl complied and complemented on Kirin's skirt. They exchange a quick comment on styles and Kirin finally left to her own table.
Heero finally let out a breath. Kirin's profound and unique beauty was breathtaking. He could never see himself looking at Relena that way. He was just so...used to her. He knew her style and he knew that she would never dare wearing clothes like that. Relena was too...simple. Kirin...now that took some getting used to.
Heero glanced into Kirin's direction. Every time he turned his head, Kirin would smile at him as if she knew he couldn't stop looking at her. She did the same to Quatre who actually had gotten up a few times to converse with her. Heero, however...he was stuck 'entertaining' Relena.
The supposed dinner meeting was nothing but a social gathering. A few of the elder ambassadors left early to sleep. They had two days to rest before Relena's exciting twenty-first birthday party. A few others were going to gamble, seeing as Champion Hotel had a special section for those who had money to burn. At last it was Relena, Mariemaia, Lady Un, and the five pilots, not to mention the trio of girls who sat just within hearing distance.
Relena stifled a yawn as did Mariemaia who was now dozing off in her chair. Lady Un stood. "Miss Mariemaia needs her sleep. She still has school tomorrow. Thank you for having us, Miss Peacecraft."
"Certainly." Said a sleepy Relena. She glanced in Kirin's direction and saw her looming over a paper that was flat on the table. The two other girls were staring solemnly at the paper and nodded every so often, acknowledging what Kirin was saying.
Kirin turned and smiled at Relena who automatically smiled back. A waiter finally came around to Kirin's table and picked up their check. After some minutes of waiting, Shin and Yume stood and left the dining hall. All that was left was Kirin.
Heero, seeing as it was his chance to escape anymore 'activity' with Relena, stood and joined Kirin who was sipping on her daiquiri. He sat across from her and watched as she shifted a little in her seat and finally settled her eyes on him.
"I'm sorry." They both said in unison, breaking the tense silence.
Kirin gave a laugh. "It seems we're both sorry for things we said. You first."
"You. I insist." Heero replied, the look on his face telling her she should accept.
"All right." Kirin took another sip of her drink. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I've lived my entire life being looked down upon that it's kind of like another emotion. It just happens. I get so angry I...I can't help myself."
"You said you were a guinea pig." He was more interested in that above all.
"Yeah..." Kirin sighed. She looked around the emptying dining hall. It was late. She glanced at the four remaining pilots and Relena. "It might take a while for me to explain, though."
"I don't care. I can always take a taxi home." Heero explained.
"Oh, well...maybe you can walk me to my room then."
"If you want." Heero replied, his eyes still on her.
Kirin gave another laugh then began her life story. "My father's name is Kyosuke Shido, my mother's, Angel Ikuza. My father was a great war hero who fought alongside your namesake. My mother was an up and coming scientist who was working with her older brother Lee on an experiment of bio- engineering humans. Well, my mother got pregnant with me and had to take time off. During that time, my uncle was on his own doing his wayward experiments and crazy research projects. Well, it got to the point that they couldn't create bio-engineered humans so, my uncle thought it was best to induce one. My mother was seven months pregnant at the time and he saw it fit that the first stage of the experiment should be done on her. My mother endured a lot during the final months of her pregnancy. From reports my father did on her, he had said she was on the verge of exterminating me. But she prevailed and I was eventually born.
My uncle then began to do further research and further experimentation on me. My mother was still too sick to find out the truth and my father had no idea what kind of research my uncle was doing. Finally, the first stage of the experiment reached a head. Mine, to be exact. My hair had fallen out. My skin was ghastly white and I was temporarily blinded. At that time I was only six months. It took another six months for everything to return to "normal." The hair and the eyes you see now are what resulted from those six months of recovery. My father is more brawn than brains, but let's just say he'd know something is up just by looking at my uncle. He confronted my uncle and threatened to go to my mother who was the actual head of the project. My uncle promised it was just side effects and as insurance, knocked off my father.
My mother was finally well enough by the time I was two years old. The serum that she had been injected with had changed her completely. She wasn't as fast as she used to and sometimes she'd go into a childish fit. I could remember as far as that, sitting on a cold, metal chair and feeling electric pulses course through my body. I felt it, it hurt a lot. But...I couldn't scream. I thought I was mute, but realized that I was used to the pain. My body endured so much torture that pain was no longer a factor in my development. It wasn't long before my mother came back to her senses. She was "sane" enough to know what was happening to me. She went to the Board of Science and asked them to release Lee from the project. After seeing me, they had to. So my uncle was released from the project and my mother worked frantically to get me back to my original state. But by then, the damage was done. They had to finish what Lee started or else I'd die. My mother regretfully allowed Lee to finish because without the proper treatments or the final experiments, my body would deteriorate.
My uncle had other plans. His mind was so far gone that he didn't recognize anyone as his ally. Not even his own sister! While the final treatments were being done on me, Lee had drugged my mother into signing an agreement that I now belonged to Lee. With that, he induced a feigned suicide letter and made my mother shoot herself. Now that Lee had me, he could do whatever he wanted. Sometime by the time I was five, he heard of the Perfect Soldier Project. Seeing some close similarities, he began to train me. He hired the meanest and most hardened soldiers from every part of the universe to train me. For three years straight I trained like I was going to take on the world myself. I underwent hours and hours of physical, mental, and emotional abuse.
At last I was ready. I was eight and I was as strong as a hundred men. But before my uncle could release me unto the World, the Board of Science finally caught up to him. They arrested him and destroyed any accounts and records they had of my life and let me go. I was so happy, but now I had nothing to do. I was smarter than any child. I was stronger. I had more experience with fighting that socializing like a child. I could do anything and no one would be able to stop me. And now what do I do? My skills are being wasted living this life that he has given me."
Heero had been very patient. He finally took his eyes off her and stared outside into the dark sky. The last part of her life...it resembled so much of his. It was like she was retelling the last ten years of his life. He could fight against enemies, but not could not socialize. He had been beaten, bruised, and yelled at, but he was a Soldier. He endured so much pain and now...there was nothing left to do.
Kirin finished her drink and sat back as well. "I talk too much."
Heero shook his head. "You had a lot on your mind."
Kirin laughed. She ran her hands down the two locks of her silver hair. "It's your turn."
"My turn?" Heero repeated.
"Yes. Why are you sorry and your life story." Kirin answered.
Heero thought he'd owe her that much. "I'm sorry for not being so understanding."
Kirin nodded her head. "Apology accepted."
Heero didn't know what to say next. What didn't she say that already happened to him? "I...don't know who my parents are. Heero Yuy...isn't even my real name. The last parts of your life...resemble mine..."
Kirin leaned forward, propping her head on her hand. "You and I are soldiers for life, Heero. If we tried to start a normal life, it would all go in vain. But there is an alternative. Do you want to know what it is?"
"I'd like to have some idea." Heero said softly.
Kirin nodded quietly. "Just live. Do what you've always been doing but keep one thing in mind: find out your true worth. Don't put it all on the mission. Do what you do best. If you do it for yourself, then do it. If you do it for your friends, then do it. But do it with passion. Do it for a cause, to change a life. Don't throw it all away with one little failure. If you want more to life, then embrace it. You can't let it pass you by. I know it sounds corny and patronizing...but that's what my friends, Shin and Yume have taught me. You say now that you don't have friends. But if you listen right...you know they're telling you something, teaching you something that you will never forget...and that you are important. You are a human being."
Heero couldn't believe his ears. An entire lesson on life from a young girl who had experience practically the same life as he. He wanted to hug her. Her words spoke of true wisdom and experience. How could he ever thank her? She opened up a world he thought was closed up. She was his ray of hope into a world he once saw behind a brick wall. He owed her his life. He was...speechless. "Kirin-"
"Heero, we're leaving!" said a still ecstatic Duo Maxwell. "Hey, buddy! Come on!"
Heero looked at the braided pilot. He turned to Kirin who still continued smiling at him. "Go. I can find my way to my room."
He slowly rose to his feet. What should he say now? He was a little excited and a little confused. He felt someone grab his hands. He turned and met into Kirin's understanding gold eyes. "Just say 'thank you', Heero."
Heero felt a smile upturn his frown. "...Thank you, Kirin..."
That brought out a mutual understanding between them. She leaned next to him and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, Heero."
Heero nodded. "Goodnight..." His trembling hands released Kirin's and he left with Duo asking a million questions after him. Kirin sighed and slumped onto the soft chair. "Jeez...if I told him everything he'd find out I'm Relena's assassin!"
