Life is Never Normal
Duo: *Wakes up and walks downstairs into the kitchen* Ohayo 'Lena
Relena: Goob mornink Dwo.
Duo: What?
Relena: I saib 'goob morkink Dwo!
Duo: Um, one more time?
Relena: UGH! *Walks out of the kitchen*
Duo: ~Aria, something is wrong with 'Lena. She isn't making breakfast!~
Aria: ~She's not?!~
Duo: ~No. *Pout* She sounded funny too~
*Meanwhile*
Heero: *Walks into the living room, where Relena currently is* Ohayo Relena.
Relena: Eero! Goob morkink two uo. Dwo guas beink a bawka.
Heero: ... *Sweatdrop*
Relena: Dobnt ell me kwo dobnt unbersanb mwe eier!
Heero: *Bigger sweatdrop* ... (A/N- Ok, I won't tell you, I'll just sweatdrop and be silent.)
Relena: *Runs upstairs into her room*
Duo: *Walks into the living room* Did you understand what she said?
Heero: Iie.
Duo: Neither did I. Who's going to make breakfast? ~Aria? You'd make me breakfast wouldn't you?~
Aria: ~Yeah. But does that mean I'd have to make everyone _else_ breakfast, too?~
Duo: ~...*Sweatdrop*~
Aria: ~*Sigh* Fine, I'll make everyone breakfast.~
Duo: Aria's making us breakfast. ^^
Heero: *Nods* I'll bring some up to Relena if she doesn't come down.
Aria: *Goes down to the kitchen, makes a breakfast of pancakes, toast, and scrambled eggs, puts it on the table*
Duo: *Walks into the kitchen and starts devouring breakfast like normal*
Heero: *Walks in and sits down taking a plate for Relena and himself*
Quatre: *Walks down to the kitchen, and sits down*
Trowa: *"*
Wufei: *Walks down grumpily, and sits, glaring at everyone and not eating*
Duo: *Stops for a minute to breathe* You look more grumpy than usual, what's up Wu-man?
Wufei: Nothing, baka.
Duo: Are you thinking about Meiran?
Wufei: Hmph. *Glares at Duo*
Duo: I'll take that as a yes. *Smirk*
Wufei: Kisama.
*Everyone 'cept Wufei eats*
Heero: *Finishes and takes Relena's plate and walks away*
Aria: Where ya going, Heero?
Heero: Relena. *Walks up the stairs*
Duo: Something is up with Relena and he's taking her breakfast.
Quatre: Is she sick or something?
Duo: I think so, neither of us could understand what she was saying.
Aria: She must have a cold. (A/N- And yes, we know Aria could heal her. But the sickness is for plot convenience.)
Duo: That makes sense. Aria: *Scheming smile spreads over face*
Duo: You've got an idea, don't you?
Aria: Wanna go spy on them?
Duo: Anything to bug He-kun.
Aria: Then lets go. *They go up to 'Lena's room. They sneak next to the door, cracking it open. Peek in, and listen*
Heero: *Hands the plate to Relena* I'm sorry I couldn't understand what you said earlier.
Relena: *Croaky* It's ok Heero, it's not your *Clears throat* fault. (A/N- Is it just me or is her speech dramatically better?)
Heero: Don't strain your voice, and eat your food, you need it.
Relena: *Nods and begins to eat*
Heero: Have you taken anything yet?
Relena: *Shakes head no*
Heero: How do you expect to get better if you tire yourself out and don't take any medicine!
Relena: *Looks down at her food*
Heero: I'm sorry, just stay here and I'll be back with something. *Walks to the door*
Duo and Aria: *They scramble back from the door, but Duo trips, knocking them both down. They land in a heap on the floor just as Heero comes out of the room*
Heero: *Deathglares at both of them* -_-
Duo: *Sweatdrop*
Aria: *Innocently* Whaat?
Heero: What. are. you. doing. here.
Duo: Isn't it obvious? Were being worms. Isn't that right Aria?
Aria: Of course.
Duo: So we'll just be wiggling off now. *Starts moving away*
Heero: Wait just a minute Mr. Worm. You can tell everyone else that _no- one_ is to disturb Relena while she's resting. Got it? _No._ _one._
Duo: Wouldn't that include you?
Heero: Out. of. my. sight. *Pauses* worm.
Duo: Shall we squiggle off now Miss Worm? *Stands up and goes downstairs*
Aria: *Stands and follows him downstairs*
Duo: Ok everyone, Heero says that _No One_ is to disturb Relena while he watches her, I mean, while she's resting.
*Snickers*
Duo: ~Score point for me~
Aria: ~lol~
Duo: ~That pays back Heero for calling me a worm.~
Aria: ~You told him we were being worms.~
Duo: ~That doesn't mean he can call me one.~
Aria: ~*Shrugs*~
Heero: *Walks to the bathroom and looks for cold medicine*
*There isn't any*
Heero: *Walks downstairs and puts on his coat*
Aria: Where ya goin' Heero?
Heero: Out.
Duo: Where?
Heero: Side.
Aria: Where outside?
Heero: Outside the house outside.
Duo: Where outside the house outside?
Heero: Town.
Aria: Where in town?
Heero: Store.
Duo: What store?
Heero: Drug Store.
Aria: Why?
Heero: We're out of cold medicine.
Duo: Ah, ok. Bai!
Heero: *Leaves and comes back, it's lunch time*
Duo: *Sitting at table*
Aria: *At table* So, get the medicine you needed?
Heero: It's not for me. *Sits down*
Aria: Yeah, for Relena.
Heero: Yes, I got it. What's for lunch?
Aria: Chicken strips, french fries, carrot sticks. *Everyone eats*
Heero: *Takes Relena's serving up to her room*
Duo: 5 bucks says he doesn't come out of that room until dinner.
Aria: Probably not unless he has a good reason to.
Duo: I don't think there's anyone here who'd take up that bet.
Aria: I doubt there is.
*Everyone does what they normally do and time passes until it's dinner time*
Heero: *Walks downstairs where everyone is sitting for dinner*
Duo: Did you blink?
Heero: *Raises eyebrow*
Duo: I was trying to figure out whether you could look at her that whole time without blinking.
Heero: -_- Duo no baka.
Duo: Yes?
Heero: *Sits down*
*Everyone eats* Heero: *Stands up to leave*
Duo: Before you leave. We're playing 'I never' so bring Relena down.
Heero: Relena is sick.
Duo: So?
Heero: Relena needs to rest.
Duo: Relena needs to get out of that bed.
Heero: Relena needs to rest in bed.
Duo: Relena needs to have fun.
Heero: Relena needs to rest to get better.
Aria: It's not like we're asking for her to run a mile or something.
Duo: Yeah.
Heero: *Glares* Relena needs to rest.
Duo: Why don't we ask Relena?
Heero: *Thinks for a moment* Fine. Trowa, you ask.
Trowa: Sure. *Group goes to Relena's room*
Relena: Hello everyone. *Cough cough*
Trowa: Relena, would you like to come down and play 'I never' with us or stay up here and rest?
Duo: It'll be fun!
Heero: We don't need your opinion.
Relena: Umm..*Looks at everyone* Sure, I'll play, I'm feeling much better anywa-*Sneezes*
*Circle- Trowa, Duo, Aria, Relena, Heero, Quatre, Wufei*
(A/N- For anyone who's never played 'I never', here's the rundown. Everyone holds up ten fingers, and you go around saying things that you've never done that you think other people in the group _have__done. Whoever has done it has to put a finger down. When you run out of fingers, you're out of the game. Last person with fingers up is the winner.) *Everyone holds up 10 fingers*
Duo: Me first! I never wore pink fluffy bunny slippers.
Relena: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never worn the color pink.
Quatre: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: I never piloted a gundam.
Everyone else: *Puts a finger down* Heero: I've never braided my hair.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: *Puts a finger down* Relena: *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: I've never set my own broken leg.
Heero: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never been told I talk in my sleep.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Trowa: I've never been married.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: I've never lost my memory.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never led a country.
Relena: *Puts a finger down* I've never stolen some of Aria's stash.
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Looks at him* You stole some? *Thinks: Well, then I guess it's not too bad that I stole some of his*
Duo: *Shrugs* I was hungry.
Heero: I've never taken secret pictures of other people.
Duo: What is it, pick-on-Duo day? *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: I've never been a clown.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never let my sister throw knives at me.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down* I've never fenced with Dorothy.
Heero: *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: I've never been in a dojo.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never played the violin.
Quatre: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: I've never played the flute.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Heero: I've never built a giant snow maze.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: *Falls asleep leaning on Heero*
Quatre: I've never been an only child.
Heero: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never shot Heero.
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Trowa: I've never dyed my hair.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: ~You dyed your hair?~
Aria: ~Yeah, a long time ago, like when I was 13 or something. Then, it was ugly, so I dyed it back.~
Duo: ~kk~ I've never thought about Relena right before I passed out.
Heero: *Puts a finger down and glares at Duo*
Aria: I've never been sick.
Everyone else: *Puts a finger down*
Heero: *Stands up holding Relena and walks upstairs*
Quatre: I've never talked to someone telepathically.
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never had my nails painted.
Aria: *Puts a finger down* Quatre: *Puts a finger down* (A/N- Ya gotta figure, with 29 older sisters, that at some point in his life he had his nails forcefully done by them.)
Trowa: I've never raved about justice.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: I've never had my hair cut.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down* Quatre: *Puts a finger down* Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never petted a lion.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: I've never eaten a tootsie roll. (A/N- Mein Gott, the poor, deprived child!)
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Puts down a finger*
Wufei: I never had a stash.
Aria: *Puts down last finger* Guess I'm out.
Duo: *Puts a finger down* I've only got one left anyway.
Trowa: I've never worn a priest's collar.
Duo: *Puts down last finger* There I went.
Quatre: I've never used gel in my hair.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: *Puts a finger down* I've never blown up a colony.
Quatre: *Puts down a finger*
Trowa: I've never had 40 maganacs follow me around.
Quatre: *Puts down a finger* I've never called a woman weak.
Wufei: *Puts down a finger* I never piloted Heavyarms.
Trowa: *Puts his last finger down* I'm out.
Quatre: I've never called my gundam Nataku.
Wufei: You win. *Puts down finger* *A week passes, and Relena is feeling better. Since none of them went to the grocery store during that time, they badly need to stock up on food. At the grocery store. All of them are there, scattered around the store* Duo: Oi! Aria! I'm gonna go get some cereal, k?
Aria: Ok, I'll go get the chips. Duo: *Walks off*
Aria: *Walks towards the chips, passing the cookie aisle*
Man1: Free samples! Come and try our new cookies!
Aria: *Turns her head towards the voice* Cookies?
Man2: Brand new peanut cookies!
Aria: Mmm. Peanut cookies. *Walks towards sample people* I'll try one.
Man1: Here you go! *Hands her one*
Aria: *Takes a bite. Gets a really funny taste in her mouth and grimaces. Becomes very dizzy, world suddenly seeming very unstable, falls down in a faint*
Man1: *Smiles* Just as we planned.
Man2: The dougoi nut worked perfectly. (A/N- We made up the dougoi nut to be a very rare nut that Aria is allergic to.)
Man1: All right, enough chit-chat time to take her away.
Man2: Wouldn't want her mother to wait any longer.
Man1: Mustn't keep mother waiting *Laughs* Relena: *Looking at canned goods*
Men: *Dragging Aria out the automatic doors*
Relena: *Thinks: That was Aria! Runs and finds Duo*
Men: *Put her in the back of an old rusty van, and drive to an equally old, dilaphitated warehouse*
Relena: Duo!!!
Duo: Relena!!!
Relena: Aria was taken by some strange people!
Duo: NANI?!?!?!?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE'S BEEN TAKEN BY SOME STRANGE PEOPLE!! That is _so_ not a funny joke!
Relena: It's not a joke! She was! I saw her!
Duo: Which way did they go???
Relena: Um, they got into a rusty old van, and drove northish.
Duo: Why, Why, Why, Why did I ever let her out of my sight??? Heero: *Walks over* Duo, I could hear you all the way by the fruit. Duo: Then you know we've go to do something!!! Heero: Panicking won't help you get Aria back Duo. Duo: I don't care! I just can't stand here and do nothing! Heero: Duo, why don't we get everyone else and regroup at the house, then we can decide what the best thing to do would be. Duo: Fine, fine, fine, fine but for Kami's sake can we hurry up! *They find everyone (A/N- Or more like everyone finds them, after all the yelling.) and go back to the house* Quatre: What happened? Duo: *Mumbles continuously something containing 'why' and 'Aria'* Heero: Well, it's obvious Duo won't be of help for awhile Relena: I can explain some. I was by the canned goods, near the entrance when I looked over and saw Aria being dragged out, unconscious, by these strange people. Then I looked as I was running to find some help and saw them drive off in an old van in a northish direction. That's all I know. Maybe Duo knows more, but at the time he's unable to contribute. Duo: *Still mumbling* Quatre: So. We should try searching northish for an old van? Heero: Think about it. What are the chances they are still driving in that direction now? Quatre: We have to start somewhere, don't we? Heero: Yes. Quatre: Well, northish is as good a place as any. Heero: But we have no idea what we are up against. Quatre: Would you rather just sit here and talk about it? Heero: That's not what I'm saying. Do we even know who would want to kidnap Aria? Quatre: I have no idea. Heero: Then maybe some research is in store? Quatre: I guess you're right. Duo: Why... Relena: I think Duo has gotten back his senses, and I use the term liberally. Heero: Have you anything to add Duo? Like where you last saw Aria? Duo: I last saw her right before I went to get some cereal, she said she was going to the chip aisle. Quatre: Where should we start our research, then? Heero: Do we know anything about her past, any potential enemies she might have made? Trowa: She didn't really talk about her past. At least, not that I ever heard. Duo: All I know is that she had a lot of spare time, other than that she never told me anything. Quatre: She never told me anything, either. Relena: *Shakes head* Wufei: I know nothing of the onna's past. Heero: That'd be a group no then. Quatre: It's going to take a long time to figure anything out. Duo: I wonder what Aria is doing right now... (A/N- Can't you just imagine a fade/flash type thingy?) *At the warehouse* Aria: *Awake, pulls at the ropes.* Nanda?! Let me go! Man1: Shut up onna! You'll be out of our hands soon enough. Aria: Who the heck are you?? Man1: That's of no concern to you so shut up! Aria: Can't make me. Man1: *Walks over and slaps her* Don't talk back to me or I'll make things even worse for you! Aria: *Sticks her tongue out at him* Man1: Hey Bill! Man2/Bill: Yeah? Man1: Blindfold the wench, I'm tired of putting up with her sass. And gag her too. Bill: *Puts a blindfold on her and gags her* Aria: *Trying to talk through gag* Mmmppphhhh. Man1: I've had it with you! *Hits her head against the wall* *Back at house* Heero: *On computer* Here's something. Quatre: Hm? Heero: A divorce certificate. Relena: That's sad. *A short time later* Heero: Hn. Duo: What? Heero: Her father died. Then apparently her mother got custody and then...*Types some more* She ran away.
Relena: Such a sad childhood, no wonder she never spoke of it.
Quatre: I wonder why she ran away.
Heero: Could be many reasons.
Trowa: Find anything else?
Heero: Nothing.
Quatre: We didn't get much to go on.
Heero: I'd bet more than you think.
Quatre: Like what?
Heero: Assuming Aria's mother cared, do you think she would just let her run away?
Quatre: Probably not. Heero: There is no report saying that they found Aria.
Quatre: So they'd still be looking for her.
Wufei: Hasn't the baka onna tried 'talking' to you yet?
Duo: How could I not think of that?! ~Aria!~
Aria: ~Duo?~
Duo: ~Aria! Are you ok???~
Aria: ~As all right as I~ (A/N-Because of the cookie, Aria's powers are limited to 5 words at a time, 5 minutes of 'talking' at a time, and 5 hours between 'conversations'. Kat's not sure why 5, Sparkles picked the number.)
Duo: ~Aria?~
Aria: ~I'm here. That cookie musta~
Duo: ~Cookie musta what?~
Aria: ~Done something to my powers.~
Duo: ~Cookie? What cookie?~
Aria: ~The sample cookie they gave~
Duo: ~Who is they?~
Aria: ~One's name is Bill, but~
Duo: ~But what?~
Aria: ~But I don't know the~
Duo: ~The what?~
Aria: ~Other's name~
Duo: ~You're not hurt or anything are you?~
Aria: ~Dunno. I think I might~
Duo: ~Might what? This is getting tedious~
Aria: ~Be unconcious~
Duo: ~WHAT?! Some one is going to loose a lot of blood when I find them~
Aria: ~Last thing I remember is~
Relena: Duo, what's going on?
Duo: Shush! ~Yeah?~
Aria: ~The unnamed guy hitting my~
Duo: ~...What?~
Aria: ~Head against the wall~
Duo: *Breathes relieved* ~I'll have to kill him anyway. Do you know where you are?~
Aria: ~No idea I was out~
Duo: ~Do you know who took you? Not the people, they were probably hired. The one behind it~
Aria: ~I have no idea. Its~
Duo: ~It's?~
Aria: ~Not like they're telling me~
Duo: ~They haven't blurted anything out?~
Aria: ~Not while I was awake~
Duo: ~Do you know anything that could help us out?~
Aria: ~The building looks like a~
Duo: ~A?~
Aria: ~Old warehouse from inside~
Duo: ~Well that's a start. You'll let me know if anything else comes up right?~
Aria: ~Yeah, if anything happens~
Duo: ~I swear when this is over I'm never letting you out of my sight~
Aria: ~I look forward to it~
Duo: ~Look forward to it, eh? Well, we'll have to get through this first. Do you have any idea of why they took you?~
Aria: ~I don-~
Duo: ~Aria?~
*No response*
Duo: ~Aria!~
*Still no response*
Duo: Darn it!
Relena: What happened?
Duo: Something happened that broke the link
Trowa: Learn anything useful?
Duo: *Nods* Not much but some. She said that wherever she was that it looked like an old warehouse from the inside.
Quatre: That's a start. An old warehouse.
Heero: So we look for old warehouses to the north.
Wufei: Aren't you all forgetting something?
Duo: Forgetting what?
Wufei: North used to be the industrial district. There must be at least a hundred old warehouses there.
Duo: Then that's all the more reason that we leave right now!
Quatre: Is anyone else hungry? It is noon, after all.
Relena: I could use a little lunch myself.
Trowa: *Nods*
Heero: Lunch would be good.
Duo: How can you people eat when Aria is gone?!
Wufei: Duo, not hungry. A once in a lifetime occurrence.
Heero: Indeed. If you want to starve yourself and not be able to help Aria when we go, then fine. Don't eat.
Duo: *Grumble*
Relena: Anybody have any requests for lunch?
Duo: Sandwiches Wufei: I thought you didn't want to eat.
Duo: If I must eat I want it to be something quick.
Relena: Reasonable enough
*One hour later, searching old warehouses*
Quatre: Do you think they could have left the van outside? If they did, it would be quicker to just look for an old warehouse with a van out front.
Heero: That would be rather stupid of them, but we don't know who we are dealing with.
Duo: There are so many places she could be...where are you Aria?
*Back at the warehouse* Aria: *Wakes back up* Hmm mmmph mm!
Bill: *Gets off the phone* Our take off is cleared for 5 o'clock. We'd better get going.
Man1: Ok Bill, go start up the van.
Bill: 'Kay boss. *Goes and starts up the van*
Man1/Boss: *Turns to Aria* Look missy, we can do this the easy way or the hard way.
Aria: Hm hi hommm hha haa hay.
Boss: *Takes off the gag* Which way will it be?
Aria: *Spits in his face*
Boss: *Wipes face* Stupid onna! *Kicks her in the side*
Aria: ITAI!
Boss: Bill! Take care of this mesuinu and throw her in the back!
Bill: *Walks over, grabs Aria and throws her over his shoulder*
Aria: Let me down, let me down! *Kicking, but, being still tied up, can't do anything about it* Grr. You're _so_ gonna get it!
Bill: What are you going to do? I could squash you like a bug.
Aria: Just you wait.
Bill: *Laughs*
Boss: *Smirk* Yeah, big bad tied up person is gonna hurt us, eh Bill?
Bill: We're not afraid of little bugs like you.
Aria: Oh, it's not _me_ you should be afraid of. (A/N- It's her five friends and their huge gundams. Or at the very least, her boyfriend and his wrath.)
Bill: *Throws Aria in the back of the van. Pulls the van out of the warehouse and starts driving to the airport* *Back with the group* Relena: *Pointing to a van that just pulled out of a warehouse* That's the van I saw them take Aria in. Quatre: Ok. *Follows after the van, going exactly the speed limit, which the van is also going* Duo: Quatre!! Drive Faster!
Quatre: Now Duo. We can't go breaking the law.
Duo: QUATRE! GO FASTER RIGHT NOW!
Quatre: No Duo, we can't break the law.
Duo: -_- If they get away you will be the first to die Quatre.
Bill: *Pulls the van to the air strip*
Boss: Wait here and watch her Bill, while I go get the plane pulled 'round.
Bill: All right boss.
*Plane taxis towards the van and stops*
*Boss's cell phone rings*
Boss: *Picks up phone* Yeah, Aaron here.
Voice: You have her?
Aaron: We had some, uh, difficulties with her, but we got 'er.
Voice: And she better be unharmed. I paid a pretty penny for you to get her, even to lending you my private jet.
Aaron: *Thinks: I don't remember that in the original deal...* She's as well as can be expected, and I do appreciate the use of your jet.
Voice: You'd better be grateful.
Aaron: Uh, yeah, very grateful.
Voice: Well, where are you?
Aaron: I'm on the airstrip and I was just about to leave before you called.
Voice: Well, then, get to it. *Click*
Aaron: *Clicks* Crazy old hag. BILL!
Bill: Yeah boss?
Aaron: Get her in the plane! And hurry up! We mustn't keep Mummy waiting! *Laughs*
Bill: *Picks her up over his shoulder, her kicking and screaming just like last time, and carries her up the stairs to the plane*
Aria: *In mid scream* Let me do- mummy? Mother ordered this??
Aaron: I don't think that's any of your business girlie. Aria: I'll find out as soon as we get there anyway, won't I? You might as well tell me.
Aaron: Bill! Gag her you fool! Bill: *Gags her*
Aaron: 'Bout time!
Quatre: *Arrive just in time to see Aria being carried up the stairs into a plane*
Duo: Aria!
*Stairs go up, plane door closes, plane starts down runway*
Duo: *Gets out of the car and watches the plane*
*Plane takes off*
Duo: No!......Aria...Aria...
Trowa: Don't worry, Duo. We'll just find out where they're headed.
Duo: *Nods* And then, when I find them, I'll watch every drop of blood in their body leave them... And then, I'll crush their spines... And then... I'll stomp on their spleens. And then I'll..I'll.....I'll, break every other bone in their body *Crazy look on face* And then....
Wufei: All right, enough Maxwell. We still have to catch them.
Duo: *Sigh* I suppose you're right.
Trowa: Maybe we can ask Tim where the plane was headed. (A/N- Tim was made up just to be an old friend of theirs who can tell them where to go.)
Heero: Good idea.
*Group heads up to air traffic control tower, and find Tim*
Quatre: Tim, do you know where the private plane that just left was headed?
Tim: *Checks* Denver.
Heero: Then that's where we're headed.
Tim: There's a commercial plane leaving for Denver in about a half hour, if you want to try and get a seat on it.
Relena: 6 seats.
*Group heads down to buy tickets. Fortunately, there happen to be six left. They hurry and catch the plane*
Duo: This plane is so slow!
Wufei: It's going as fast as any other plane would.
Duo: I could have gone faster in Deathscythe Hell Custom!
Relena: Duo, calm down.
Quatre: If you try to relax, the trip will seem to be shorter.
Duo: Relax? RELAX? I can't believe he's telling me to relax.
*Planes land* Aaron: *Walks out of the cockpit* Ah! Soon you'll be out of my hands and I'll have all that lovely money! *Truimphant laugh*
Aria: Hurr ha hmmn hhigg.
Aaron: *Ungags her* What'd you say?
Aria: *Sticks her tongue out at him*
Aaron: Spoiled gaki.
Aria: Rotten pig.
Aaron: I think you better keep in mind little girl that although your mother may be paying me well; there's no guarantee on the goods, namely you, so whether I deliver you half-dead or healthy is up to you.
Aria: You must know she's unstable. You don't know what could happen if you show up with me 'half-dead'.
Aaron: That's not a problem. She's already signed the papers. As soon as I push the button the funds are transferred.
Duo: ~Aria...~
Aria: ~Duo?~ Duo: ~Aria! Aria, where are you?~
Aaron: Bill! Go get the car!
Bill: Yeah Boss. *Goes to get the car. Comes back with the car* Duo: ~Aria?~
Aria: ~They're getting a car.~
Duo: ~Do you know where they're taking you?~
Aria: ~To my mother~
Duo: ~Your MOM?!?!~
Aria: ~Yeah. My mom.~
Duo: ~Ok, this is a really bad joke. Really, where?~
Aria: ~15947 Willow Lane~
Duo: ~Ok, we'll head there. And you're not hurt or anything right?~
Aria: ~No.~
Duo: We're going to 15947 Willow Lane.
Relena: Nani?
Duo: That's where they are taking Aria
Heero: Know anything else that might help us?
Duo: Well, her mother is the one who hired the people to take her.
Everyone: ......
Relena: You're kidding, right?
Quatre: Her mother ordered her kidnapping?
Duo: I know it seems crazy, but it's true.
Heero: Then we'll need to get a car.
Relena: There's a car place right there. *Points*
Quatre: Then let's go.
Duo: *Nods*
Aaron: Money, oh how I love money!
Aria: You know, you're going to get it.
Aaron: *Laughs* I'm going to get it?
Aria: Bad guys always get their comeuppance. Aaron: But I'm not a bad guy. I'm just reuniting a mother with her daughter.
Aria: Sure you are.
Aaron: And what exactly is _that_ supposed to mean? *Kicks her*
Aria: *Grinds her teeth to not yell in pain* What do you think it means?
Aaron: I think it means you're asking for pain. How much time we got till we get there Bill?
Bill: About a minute.
Aaron: Well, lucky you.
*Car stops in front of a large house, almost mansion sized, but not quite*
Aaron: *Gets out of the car* Bill, get her out while I get the payment. *Walks to the door and rings the bell*
Bill: *Drags Aria out of the car, onto his shoulder*
*Butler answers*
Aaron: We've brought the daughter.
Butler: This way. *Shows them to a parlor, where the mom is waiting*
Aaron: You're daughter was quite a challenge, but I made by.
Mother: Congratulations then. Go ahead and transfer the funds.
Aaron: *Pulls out hand-held device and pushes the transfer button* Pleasure doing business with ya.
Bill: *Drops Aria onto a couch*
Aaron: We'll just leave you two to get acquainted again. C'mon Bill. *Walks out*
Bill: *Follows*
Aria: *Looking away*
Mother: What? You aren't happy to see me?
Aria: Why would I be?
Mother: I'm your okaasan, you little twit!
Aria: Who had me _kidnapped_.
Mother: *Slaps her* I knew you wouldn't come of your own accord. It's the only way I could get you here. *Turns to the butler* Howard, bring her to her room.
Aria: And if I don't want to go?
Mother: You _will_ go, or I'll teach you the meaning of pain.
Aria: Fine, I'll go. But because I want to, not cuz you said to. *Gets up and follows Howard out of the room* So Howard, you're still here? (A/N- Aria and Howard we're friends before she left. He's about 55-60. Actually he's kinda like Pagan.)
Howard Yes, I'm still here.
Aria: I thought you'da left by now.
Howard: Old habits die hard. You don't look very well Aria.
Aria: I'm not. There musta been dougoi in the cookie.
Howard: I imagine your mother must have told them that.
Aria: More then likely.
Howard: Despite the circumstances it is nice to see you again.
Aria: Yeah, nice to see you, too. But, you know I'm going to leave again, right?
Howard: Of course. I planned on it from the start.
Aria: You'll help me again, right?
Howard: Yes, if I can. It won't be as easy this time. Your mother has taken extra precautions.
Aria: I'll find a way to do it.
Howard: I'm sure you will.
Aria: It'll just take a little more time.
Howard: Anything important happen since you left?
Aria: A lotta things've happened. It _has_ been 6 years.
Howard: That's why I said important.
Aria: I pilot a gundam.
Howard: That would be a big thing.
Aria: I guess a little of my mother rubbed off on me. (A/N-Her mother was a mechanic and owned a racecar. The only part about her mother I like.)
Howard: Let's hope that's about all of her that rubbed off.
Aria: I certainly hope so.
Howard: Anything else?
Aria: I found him.
Howard: Him?
Aria: Shinigami, of course. (A/N- Howard knows all about her past, including her past life.)
Howard: Ah, of course, Shinigami. So, how's Shinigami?
Aria: He's still himself.
Howard: And you're happy?
Aria: Yeah.
Howard: *Smiles* I'm glad to hear that.
Aria: So, how's Peggy?
Howard: *Smile fades* She's gone.
Aria: *Shocked look* When? How?
Howard: About 3 years ago. Heart failure, but she died in her sleep, you know how weak her heart was.
Aria: *Nods sadly* I'm so sorry.
Howard: It's all right Aria. It's just been a bit lonely around here. That's all.
Aria: You should leave.
Howard: *Shakes head* Like I told you before. Old habits die hard.
Aria: Some habits are bad for you.
Howard: That may be.
Aria: *Sits down, wincing*
Howard: Did those hired people rough you up?
Aria: Yeah, a little.
Howard: You just stay here and rest then and I'll go get some stuff for you
Aria: All right.
Howard: *Walks out* *Doorbell rings*
Mother: *Answers the door, glaring at the people. Coldly* Yes?
Duo: Are you Mrs. Dawson?
Mother: No, my name is Miss Harrison.
Duo: Were you at anytime Mrs. Dawson?
Mother: Yes. *Icily* Who are you and what do you want?
Duo: I'm Duo Maxwell and we've come regarding your daughter.
Mother: *Raises an eyebrow* Then come in quickly so you can leave. I'm very busy, I don't have the time to stand here and talk to you. *Steps aside*
*All walk in*
Mother: *Leads them to the parlor, and sits down on a chair rigidly*
Duo: I'll make this short.
Mother: You had better.
Duo: We want Aria back.
Mother: And you think I have her?
Duo: Yes I know you do.
Mother: And can you prove it?
Duo: Probably.
Mother: And how's that?
Duo: I can ask her.
Mother: Oh you can, can you?
Duo: Most likely.
Mother: Then go ahead. *Sits back, amused, condescending smile on face*
Duo: *Is a bit confused why she is smiling* ~Aria?~
*No response*
Duo: Shimatta.
Mother: I would appreciate it if you didn't swear in my house.
Duo: Listen! I don't care what you say! Aria is here!
Mother: Is she really?
Duo: She told me a few hours ago that she was being taken here and I'm willing to bet my life that she is here. And I'm not leaving till I get her back!
Mother: Then find her. I have no time to waste with you.
Duo: *Godspeeds off*
Relena: *Steps towards the mother* My name is Relena Darlian. Why did you kidnap your own daughter?
Mother: Who says I kidnapped my own daughter?
Relena: Duo.
Mother: So, because this boy says I have her, I have her?
Relena: I believe so, yes.
Mother: Do you believe everything everyone tells you, miss?
Relena: Not everyone, but Duo is trustworthy.
Mother: Really?
Relena: Yes.
Mother: Well, I've let him roam my house, I certainly hope he's trustworthy. But I still say I don't know where he got the idea I have Aria.
Relena: Aria told him.
Mother: Oh, she did? Did you _hear_ her tell him?
Relena: No, but he did.
Mother: I see. You know what? I think he's just trying to find someone to blame.
Relena: Excuse me?
Mother: You heard me.
Relena: What do you mean blame?
Mother: Exactly what it would seem I mean.
Relena: Well, if she's not here where is she?
Mother: How would I know? I haven't seen or heard from her for 6 years.
Duo: *Walks back in frowning* I don' know what you did with her, but I will _not_ leave you alone until I find her!
Mother: As I have said, I do not know where she is.
Duo: You! Y-y-you are impossible!
Mother: I can not tell you what I do not know.
*A pained scream is heard*
Relena: What was _that_?
Mother: What was what?
Heero: That scream.
Mother: What scream?
Duo: Are you deaf???
Mother: No, I am not deaf.
Duo: Then how could you not hear that scream?
Mother: What scream?
Duo: That, could that have been Aria?
Mother: Could what have been Aria?
Duo: I bet it was! *Godspeeds off again*
Mother: Silly child.
Aria: ITAI, ITAI, ITAI! Stop Howard, that hurts.
Howard: *Ties a knot* There all done.
Aria: Oww. Did it have to hurt that much?
Howard: If you hadn't gotten those brutes so mad they wouldn't have beaten you up so much.
Aria: What was I supposed to do? Make it easy for them?
Howard: I never said that. It may have been unavoidable, but there's no use in complaining about it now.
Aria: Gomen. I've never had to heal the mortal way before.
Howard: Maybe this will teach you something then.
Aria: *Makes a whining sound*
Howard: 6 years, you've been gone six years and now when you come back you act like you are six years younger. *Chuckles*
Aria: You're so mean. And when I've had such a bad day.
Howard: It'll do you some good to heal the mortal way, put some respect in you.
Aria: *Pouts*
Howard: Oh, stop your pouting. You'll be better before you know it.
Aria: How long _does_ it take to heal?
Howard: It varies, some people could take months, I'd say a couple of weeks. Unless your powers come back, then not very long at all.
Aria: I certainly hope that happens soon.
Howard: You have such a low tolerance for pain.
Aria: I haven't exactly had much experience with it, you know.
Howard: Yes, I suppose. It's just normal for a girl your age to act a bit more mature when dealing with pain.
Aria: *Grumbles*
Duo: *Stops running* Why can't I find her?: Why? *Hits head against wall*
Aria: *Hears a sound on the wall* Waa? What is that? *Knocks on the wall where she hears the noise*
Duo: *hears something, stops hitting head. Knock, knock knock, knock knock* Aria: *Knock knock*
Duo: Aria?!
Aria: Duo?!
Duo: Aria!
Howard: It seems someone has come for you.
Aria: *Smiles* It's him. Howard: *Smiles* Of course. Now we've got to get you out of here.
Aria: I bet she did something so I couldn't.
Howard: I'd bet you are right.
Aria: Do you know what she did?
Howard: Of course I do. She's put a wall in front of the door.
Aria: A wall? In front of the door?
Howard: Yes, a sliding wall.
Aria: Then we need to find a way to unslide the wall.
Howard: That would be correct.
Aria: How exactly would we do that?
Howard: Well, the wall is electronic.
Aria: So...we short-circuit it?
Howard: And we do that by?
Aria: ^^; I dunno.
Howard: Really, I thought you had some semblance of schooling. We overload the circuit.
Aria: Ok, ok. I'm just not thinking very clearly right now. How much stuff do you think we can find to plug in?
Howard: Check your vanity.
Aria: *Takes out everything electric and starts plugging them in*
*Smoke comes out of the outlet and then the lights flick off. The wall slides back*
Howard: *Opens the door* A guest to see you.
Aria: *Rushes out of the room*
Duo: *Standing outside* *Lights flicker back on*
*Back in the parlor, the lights flicker off, then back on*
Mother: *Jumps up* Excuse me for a minute, will you. *Runs out of the room to the hall, shutting and locking the parlor door behind her, then rushes towards Aria's room*
Heero: *Walks to the door and tries to open it*
Quatre: Locked?
Heero: *Nods*
Relena: I wonder what happened...
Wufei: Whatever happened was something she didn't want.
Heero: Which means it's probably something good for us.
Quatre: Maybe Duo found Aria.
Relena: Wouldn't surprise me.
Trowa: We'll have to wait for her return to find out.
*Duo and Aria stand joyfully embracing*
Mother: *Runs up to them* You little worm. I don't know how you found her, but I won't let you take her away.
Duo: *Looks at her* You are really pushing my patience today!
Mother: I don't care what it takes, you can't take her away!
Duo: What gives you the right to say that?
Mother: I'm her mother!
Duo: I don't care if you're her mother! A real mother would want to make her daughter happy! Not make her miserable! So as far as I'm concerned you aren't Aria's mother.
Mother: I am, and who are you to question me!!
Duo: I am Shinigami and unless you have a death wish you better start running!
Mother: *Maniacal look, off into own world* I know! I know what I could do! I'll just lock them _both_ up!
Duo: Was she always this crazy?
Aria: Actually, I think she may be slightly better.
Duo: I'd never want her for a mother-in-law.
Aria: You see why I left?
Duo: Clearly. Mother: *Suddenly rushes at them and pushes them into the room, and manually pulls the slide wall back into place*
Duo: Nanda?!
Aria: *Sighs, sad/defeated type, and sits down on the desk chair*
Howard: She threw you back?
Aria: Yup.
Howard: And this is him?
Aria: Uh-huh.
Duo: Who's he?
Aria: Oh, right. Duo, this is Howard.
Duo: Well that's his name, but who is he?
Aria: My mom's butler, and my friend.
Duo: Oh, nice to meet you Howard.
Howard: It's a pleasure to meet you as well.
Duo: So...how are we getting out of here?
Aria: Not out the door.
*Back in the parlor, group has just finished climbing out the window* Heero: Now Duo and Aria.
Aria: *Snaps fingers* I almost forgot! *Runs into the closet*
Duo: Nani?
Aria: *Running fingers along a seam in the boards*
Duo: What are you doing?
Aria: Looking for something. Aha! *Pulls on a loose board, opening a hole in the wall*
Duo: ^^; That's my Aria.
Aria: It's how I used to sneak out. There's a staircase behind here.
Howard: Lamp? *holds one out*
Aria: *Takes the lamp* Arigatou Howard.
Howard: *Smiles* It's my job.
Aria: Will you be coming with us?
Howard: *Shakes head* Don't make me repeat myself.
Aria: Old habits, I know.
Howard: But you had better hurry, who knows what insane thing your mother may do next.
Aria: *Smiles* Thank you Howard. For everything.
Howard: It was my pleasure, I'm glad I got to see you again. *Turns to Duo* Take good care of her.
Duo: *Nods*
Aria: *Has in the meantime pulled away the rest of the boards blocking the stairs, which are now visible*
Duo: Let's go Aria. The others will be waiting and if we don't hurry they may try something.
Aria: And who knows what they'd think up. Follow me. *Starts up the stairs*
Duo: How are you going to get out Howard?
Howard: Don't worry about me, Miss Harrison will come and open up eventually. *Sits down on the bed* Hurry!
Duo: All right.
Aria: *Sticks head back down stairs* Are you coming or what?
Duo: Coming! *Goes up the stairs* Aria: *Reach the top, in the attic. Looks around quickly* I just hope she didn't get rid of it.
Duo: Get rid of what?
Aria: The trunk I kept my rope in.
Duo: How many times have you done this?
Aria: Let's see...I lived here 4 years...Over 1000 times.
Duo: Kami!
Aria: Well, I had to get to school _somehow_ when she locked me up. Plus the times I just didn't want to be here.
Duo: Oh
Aria: Ah, it's still here. *Goes over to an old trunk and opens it. Pulls out a long rope. Throws it out a nearby window*
Duo: Ladies first.
Aria: *Climbs onto the rope, and shimmies quickly down with the skill of long practice. Rope ends early. Jumps off onto the roof of the porch, and climbs a trellis to the ground*
Duo: *Follows in similar fashion. Looks at Aria*
Aria: Nani?
Duo: I said I'd never let you out of my sight.
Aria: You're going to be that literal?
Duo: As much as possible. What? You don't want me to look at you?
Aria: It's not that.
Duo: Well, we can talk about it later. Where to next?
Aria: Well, everyone else is over there. *Gestures to their left*
Duo: *Sigh* I was hoping for some more time alone with you.
Aria: I don't think they've seen us yet.
Duo: I doubt it. But we can't worry them.
Aria: Then we should go surprise them.
Duo: Only if you promise me something first.
Aria: What?
Duo: That we can spend some time together by ourselves later. Just the two of us.
Aria: *Smile* Of course.
Duo: *Smile* Ok then. Should we godspeed in front of them and then see how it goes?
Aria: Sure. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces. *They godspeed to infront of the group*
Heero: Now we-*Sees them* ...
Relena: Duo! Aria!!
Quatre: Ho-how'd you get out?
Duo: *Looks at Aria* You want to explain?
Aria: *Shrugs* I lived here for years, I know a lot of ways out.
Heero: All right then, let's go home.
Duo: I just thought of something. Why did you scream Aria?
Aria: Umm... *Looks away sheepishly*
Duo: C'mon, you can tell me Aria.
Aria: Howard was fixing my wounds.
Duo: And you _screamed_?
Aria: It hurt!
Duo: *Shakes head in disbelief* Aria, Aria, Aria...
Relena: Goob mornink Dwo.
Duo: What?
Relena: I saib 'goob morkink Dwo!
Duo: Um, one more time?
Relena: UGH! *Walks out of the kitchen*
Duo: ~Aria, something is wrong with 'Lena. She isn't making breakfast!~
Aria: ~She's not?!~
Duo: ~No. *Pout* She sounded funny too~
*Meanwhile*
Heero: *Walks into the living room, where Relena currently is* Ohayo Relena.
Relena: Eero! Goob morkink two uo. Dwo guas beink a bawka.
Heero: ... *Sweatdrop*
Relena: Dobnt ell me kwo dobnt unbersanb mwe eier!
Heero: *Bigger sweatdrop* ... (A/N- Ok, I won't tell you, I'll just sweatdrop and be silent.)
Relena: *Runs upstairs into her room*
Duo: *Walks into the living room* Did you understand what she said?
Heero: Iie.
Duo: Neither did I. Who's going to make breakfast? ~Aria? You'd make me breakfast wouldn't you?~
Aria: ~Yeah. But does that mean I'd have to make everyone _else_ breakfast, too?~
Duo: ~...*Sweatdrop*~
Aria: ~*Sigh* Fine, I'll make everyone breakfast.~
Duo: Aria's making us breakfast. ^^
Heero: *Nods* I'll bring some up to Relena if she doesn't come down.
Aria: *Goes down to the kitchen, makes a breakfast of pancakes, toast, and scrambled eggs, puts it on the table*
Duo: *Walks into the kitchen and starts devouring breakfast like normal*
Heero: *Walks in and sits down taking a plate for Relena and himself*
Quatre: *Walks down to the kitchen, and sits down*
Trowa: *"*
Wufei: *Walks down grumpily, and sits, glaring at everyone and not eating*
Duo: *Stops for a minute to breathe* You look more grumpy than usual, what's up Wu-man?
Wufei: Nothing, baka.
Duo: Are you thinking about Meiran?
Wufei: Hmph. *Glares at Duo*
Duo: I'll take that as a yes. *Smirk*
Wufei: Kisama.
*Everyone 'cept Wufei eats*
Heero: *Finishes and takes Relena's plate and walks away*
Aria: Where ya going, Heero?
Heero: Relena. *Walks up the stairs*
Duo: Something is up with Relena and he's taking her breakfast.
Quatre: Is she sick or something?
Duo: I think so, neither of us could understand what she was saying.
Aria: She must have a cold. (A/N- And yes, we know Aria could heal her. But the sickness is for plot convenience.)
Duo: That makes sense. Aria: *Scheming smile spreads over face*
Duo: You've got an idea, don't you?
Aria: Wanna go spy on them?
Duo: Anything to bug He-kun.
Aria: Then lets go. *They go up to 'Lena's room. They sneak next to the door, cracking it open. Peek in, and listen*
Heero: *Hands the plate to Relena* I'm sorry I couldn't understand what you said earlier.
Relena: *Croaky* It's ok Heero, it's not your *Clears throat* fault. (A/N- Is it just me or is her speech dramatically better?)
Heero: Don't strain your voice, and eat your food, you need it.
Relena: *Nods and begins to eat*
Heero: Have you taken anything yet?
Relena: *Shakes head no*
Heero: How do you expect to get better if you tire yourself out and don't take any medicine!
Relena: *Looks down at her food*
Heero: I'm sorry, just stay here and I'll be back with something. *Walks to the door*
Duo and Aria: *They scramble back from the door, but Duo trips, knocking them both down. They land in a heap on the floor just as Heero comes out of the room*
Heero: *Deathglares at both of them* -_-
Duo: *Sweatdrop*
Aria: *Innocently* Whaat?
Heero: What. are. you. doing. here.
Duo: Isn't it obvious? Were being worms. Isn't that right Aria?
Aria: Of course.
Duo: So we'll just be wiggling off now. *Starts moving away*
Heero: Wait just a minute Mr. Worm. You can tell everyone else that _no- one_ is to disturb Relena while she's resting. Got it? _No._ _one._
Duo: Wouldn't that include you?
Heero: Out. of. my. sight. *Pauses* worm.
Duo: Shall we squiggle off now Miss Worm? *Stands up and goes downstairs*
Aria: *Stands and follows him downstairs*
Duo: Ok everyone, Heero says that _No One_ is to disturb Relena while he watches her, I mean, while she's resting.
*Snickers*
Duo: ~Score point for me~
Aria: ~lol~
Duo: ~That pays back Heero for calling me a worm.~
Aria: ~You told him we were being worms.~
Duo: ~That doesn't mean he can call me one.~
Aria: ~*Shrugs*~
Heero: *Walks to the bathroom and looks for cold medicine*
*There isn't any*
Heero: *Walks downstairs and puts on his coat*
Aria: Where ya goin' Heero?
Heero: Out.
Duo: Where?
Heero: Side.
Aria: Where outside?
Heero: Outside the house outside.
Duo: Where outside the house outside?
Heero: Town.
Aria: Where in town?
Heero: Store.
Duo: What store?
Heero: Drug Store.
Aria: Why?
Heero: We're out of cold medicine.
Duo: Ah, ok. Bai!
Heero: *Leaves and comes back, it's lunch time*
Duo: *Sitting at table*
Aria: *At table* So, get the medicine you needed?
Heero: It's not for me. *Sits down*
Aria: Yeah, for Relena.
Heero: Yes, I got it. What's for lunch?
Aria: Chicken strips, french fries, carrot sticks. *Everyone eats*
Heero: *Takes Relena's serving up to her room*
Duo: 5 bucks says he doesn't come out of that room until dinner.
Aria: Probably not unless he has a good reason to.
Duo: I don't think there's anyone here who'd take up that bet.
Aria: I doubt there is.
*Everyone does what they normally do and time passes until it's dinner time*
Heero: *Walks downstairs where everyone is sitting for dinner*
Duo: Did you blink?
Heero: *Raises eyebrow*
Duo: I was trying to figure out whether you could look at her that whole time without blinking.
Heero: -_- Duo no baka.
Duo: Yes?
Heero: *Sits down*
*Everyone eats* Heero: *Stands up to leave*
Duo: Before you leave. We're playing 'I never' so bring Relena down.
Heero: Relena is sick.
Duo: So?
Heero: Relena needs to rest.
Duo: Relena needs to get out of that bed.
Heero: Relena needs to rest in bed.
Duo: Relena needs to have fun.
Heero: Relena needs to rest to get better.
Aria: It's not like we're asking for her to run a mile or something.
Duo: Yeah.
Heero: *Glares* Relena needs to rest.
Duo: Why don't we ask Relena?
Heero: *Thinks for a moment* Fine. Trowa, you ask.
Trowa: Sure. *Group goes to Relena's room*
Relena: Hello everyone. *Cough cough*
Trowa: Relena, would you like to come down and play 'I never' with us or stay up here and rest?
Duo: It'll be fun!
Heero: We don't need your opinion.
Relena: Umm..*Looks at everyone* Sure, I'll play, I'm feeling much better anywa-*Sneezes*
*Circle- Trowa, Duo, Aria, Relena, Heero, Quatre, Wufei*
(A/N- For anyone who's never played 'I never', here's the rundown. Everyone holds up ten fingers, and you go around saying things that you've never done that you think other people in the group _have__done. Whoever has done it has to put a finger down. When you run out of fingers, you're out of the game. Last person with fingers up is the winner.) *Everyone holds up 10 fingers*
Duo: Me first! I never wore pink fluffy bunny slippers.
Relena: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never worn the color pink.
Quatre: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: I never piloted a gundam.
Everyone else: *Puts a finger down* Heero: I've never braided my hair.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: *Puts a finger down* Relena: *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: I've never set my own broken leg.
Heero: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never been told I talk in my sleep.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Trowa: I've never been married.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: I've never lost my memory.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never led a country.
Relena: *Puts a finger down* I've never stolen some of Aria's stash.
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Looks at him* You stole some? *Thinks: Well, then I guess it's not too bad that I stole some of his*
Duo: *Shrugs* I was hungry.
Heero: I've never taken secret pictures of other people.
Duo: What is it, pick-on-Duo day? *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: I've never been a clown.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never let my sister throw knives at me.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down* I've never fenced with Dorothy.
Heero: *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: I've never been in a dojo.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never played the violin.
Quatre: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: I've never played the flute.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Heero: I've never built a giant snow maze.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Relena: *Falls asleep leaning on Heero*
Quatre: I've never been an only child.
Heero: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never shot Heero.
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Trowa: I've never dyed my hair.
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: ~You dyed your hair?~
Aria: ~Yeah, a long time ago, like when I was 13 or something. Then, it was ugly, so I dyed it back.~
Duo: ~kk~ I've never thought about Relena right before I passed out.
Heero: *Puts a finger down and glares at Duo*
Aria: I've never been sick.
Everyone else: *Puts a finger down*
Heero: *Stands up holding Relena and walks upstairs*
Quatre: I've never talked to someone telepathically.
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: I've never had my nails painted.
Aria: *Puts a finger down* Quatre: *Puts a finger down* (A/N- Ya gotta figure, with 29 older sisters, that at some point in his life he had his nails forcefully done by them.)
Trowa: I've never raved about justice.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down*
Duo: I've never had my hair cut.
Wufei: *Puts a finger down* Quatre: *Puts a finger down* Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: I've never petted a lion.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Quatre: I've never eaten a tootsie roll. (A/N- Mein Gott, the poor, deprived child!)
Duo: *Puts a finger down*
Aria: *Puts down a finger*
Wufei: I never had a stash.
Aria: *Puts down last finger* Guess I'm out.
Duo: *Puts a finger down* I've only got one left anyway.
Trowa: I've never worn a priest's collar.
Duo: *Puts down last finger* There I went.
Quatre: I've never used gel in my hair.
Trowa: *Puts a finger down*
Wufei: *Puts a finger down* I've never blown up a colony.
Quatre: *Puts down a finger*
Trowa: I've never had 40 maganacs follow me around.
Quatre: *Puts down a finger* I've never called a woman weak.
Wufei: *Puts down a finger* I never piloted Heavyarms.
Trowa: *Puts his last finger down* I'm out.
Quatre: I've never called my gundam Nataku.
Wufei: You win. *Puts down finger* *A week passes, and Relena is feeling better. Since none of them went to the grocery store during that time, they badly need to stock up on food. At the grocery store. All of them are there, scattered around the store* Duo: Oi! Aria! I'm gonna go get some cereal, k?
Aria: Ok, I'll go get the chips. Duo: *Walks off*
Aria: *Walks towards the chips, passing the cookie aisle*
Man1: Free samples! Come and try our new cookies!
Aria: *Turns her head towards the voice* Cookies?
Man2: Brand new peanut cookies!
Aria: Mmm. Peanut cookies. *Walks towards sample people* I'll try one.
Man1: Here you go! *Hands her one*
Aria: *Takes a bite. Gets a really funny taste in her mouth and grimaces. Becomes very dizzy, world suddenly seeming very unstable, falls down in a faint*
Man1: *Smiles* Just as we planned.
Man2: The dougoi nut worked perfectly. (A/N- We made up the dougoi nut to be a very rare nut that Aria is allergic to.)
Man1: All right, enough chit-chat time to take her away.
Man2: Wouldn't want her mother to wait any longer.
Man1: Mustn't keep mother waiting *Laughs* Relena: *Looking at canned goods*
Men: *Dragging Aria out the automatic doors*
Relena: *Thinks: That was Aria! Runs and finds Duo*
Men: *Put her in the back of an old rusty van, and drive to an equally old, dilaphitated warehouse*
Relena: Duo!!!
Duo: Relena!!!
Relena: Aria was taken by some strange people!
Duo: NANI?!?!?!?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE'S BEEN TAKEN BY SOME STRANGE PEOPLE!! That is _so_ not a funny joke!
Relena: It's not a joke! She was! I saw her!
Duo: Which way did they go???
Relena: Um, they got into a rusty old van, and drove northish.
Duo: Why, Why, Why, Why did I ever let her out of my sight??? Heero: *Walks over* Duo, I could hear you all the way by the fruit. Duo: Then you know we've go to do something!!! Heero: Panicking won't help you get Aria back Duo. Duo: I don't care! I just can't stand here and do nothing! Heero: Duo, why don't we get everyone else and regroup at the house, then we can decide what the best thing to do would be. Duo: Fine, fine, fine, fine but for Kami's sake can we hurry up! *They find everyone (A/N- Or more like everyone finds them, after all the yelling.) and go back to the house* Quatre: What happened? Duo: *Mumbles continuously something containing 'why' and 'Aria'* Heero: Well, it's obvious Duo won't be of help for awhile Relena: I can explain some. I was by the canned goods, near the entrance when I looked over and saw Aria being dragged out, unconscious, by these strange people. Then I looked as I was running to find some help and saw them drive off in an old van in a northish direction. That's all I know. Maybe Duo knows more, but at the time he's unable to contribute. Duo: *Still mumbling* Quatre: So. We should try searching northish for an old van? Heero: Think about it. What are the chances they are still driving in that direction now? Quatre: We have to start somewhere, don't we? Heero: Yes. Quatre: Well, northish is as good a place as any. Heero: But we have no idea what we are up against. Quatre: Would you rather just sit here and talk about it? Heero: That's not what I'm saying. Do we even know who would want to kidnap Aria? Quatre: I have no idea. Heero: Then maybe some research is in store? Quatre: I guess you're right. Duo: Why... Relena: I think Duo has gotten back his senses, and I use the term liberally. Heero: Have you anything to add Duo? Like where you last saw Aria? Duo: I last saw her right before I went to get some cereal, she said she was going to the chip aisle. Quatre: Where should we start our research, then? Heero: Do we know anything about her past, any potential enemies she might have made? Trowa: She didn't really talk about her past. At least, not that I ever heard. Duo: All I know is that she had a lot of spare time, other than that she never told me anything. Quatre: She never told me anything, either. Relena: *Shakes head* Wufei: I know nothing of the onna's past. Heero: That'd be a group no then. Quatre: It's going to take a long time to figure anything out. Duo: I wonder what Aria is doing right now... (A/N- Can't you just imagine a fade/flash type thingy?) *At the warehouse* Aria: *Awake, pulls at the ropes.* Nanda?! Let me go! Man1: Shut up onna! You'll be out of our hands soon enough. Aria: Who the heck are you?? Man1: That's of no concern to you so shut up! Aria: Can't make me. Man1: *Walks over and slaps her* Don't talk back to me or I'll make things even worse for you! Aria: *Sticks her tongue out at him* Man1: Hey Bill! Man2/Bill: Yeah? Man1: Blindfold the wench, I'm tired of putting up with her sass. And gag her too. Bill: *Puts a blindfold on her and gags her* Aria: *Trying to talk through gag* Mmmppphhhh. Man1: I've had it with you! *Hits her head against the wall* *Back at house* Heero: *On computer* Here's something. Quatre: Hm? Heero: A divorce certificate. Relena: That's sad. *A short time later* Heero: Hn. Duo: What? Heero: Her father died. Then apparently her mother got custody and then...*Types some more* She ran away.
Relena: Such a sad childhood, no wonder she never spoke of it.
Quatre: I wonder why she ran away.
Heero: Could be many reasons.
Trowa: Find anything else?
Heero: Nothing.
Quatre: We didn't get much to go on.
Heero: I'd bet more than you think.
Quatre: Like what?
Heero: Assuming Aria's mother cared, do you think she would just let her run away?
Quatre: Probably not. Heero: There is no report saying that they found Aria.
Quatre: So they'd still be looking for her.
Wufei: Hasn't the baka onna tried 'talking' to you yet?
Duo: How could I not think of that?! ~Aria!~
Aria: ~Duo?~
Duo: ~Aria! Are you ok???~
Aria: ~As all right as I~ (A/N-Because of the cookie, Aria's powers are limited to 5 words at a time, 5 minutes of 'talking' at a time, and 5 hours between 'conversations'. Kat's not sure why 5, Sparkles picked the number.)
Duo: ~Aria?~
Aria: ~I'm here. That cookie musta~
Duo: ~Cookie musta what?~
Aria: ~Done something to my powers.~
Duo: ~Cookie? What cookie?~
Aria: ~The sample cookie they gave~
Duo: ~Who is they?~
Aria: ~One's name is Bill, but~
Duo: ~But what?~
Aria: ~But I don't know the~
Duo: ~The what?~
Aria: ~Other's name~
Duo: ~You're not hurt or anything are you?~
Aria: ~Dunno. I think I might~
Duo: ~Might what? This is getting tedious~
Aria: ~Be unconcious~
Duo: ~WHAT?! Some one is going to loose a lot of blood when I find them~
Aria: ~Last thing I remember is~
Relena: Duo, what's going on?
Duo: Shush! ~Yeah?~
Aria: ~The unnamed guy hitting my~
Duo: ~...What?~
Aria: ~Head against the wall~
Duo: *Breathes relieved* ~I'll have to kill him anyway. Do you know where you are?~
Aria: ~No idea I was out~
Duo: ~Do you know who took you? Not the people, they were probably hired. The one behind it~
Aria: ~I have no idea. Its~
Duo: ~It's?~
Aria: ~Not like they're telling me~
Duo: ~They haven't blurted anything out?~
Aria: ~Not while I was awake~
Duo: ~Do you know anything that could help us out?~
Aria: ~The building looks like a~
Duo: ~A?~
Aria: ~Old warehouse from inside~
Duo: ~Well that's a start. You'll let me know if anything else comes up right?~
Aria: ~Yeah, if anything happens~
Duo: ~I swear when this is over I'm never letting you out of my sight~
Aria: ~I look forward to it~
Duo: ~Look forward to it, eh? Well, we'll have to get through this first. Do you have any idea of why they took you?~
Aria: ~I don-~
Duo: ~Aria?~
*No response*
Duo: ~Aria!~
*Still no response*
Duo: Darn it!
Relena: What happened?
Duo: Something happened that broke the link
Trowa: Learn anything useful?
Duo: *Nods* Not much but some. She said that wherever she was that it looked like an old warehouse from the inside.
Quatre: That's a start. An old warehouse.
Heero: So we look for old warehouses to the north.
Wufei: Aren't you all forgetting something?
Duo: Forgetting what?
Wufei: North used to be the industrial district. There must be at least a hundred old warehouses there.
Duo: Then that's all the more reason that we leave right now!
Quatre: Is anyone else hungry? It is noon, after all.
Relena: I could use a little lunch myself.
Trowa: *Nods*
Heero: Lunch would be good.
Duo: How can you people eat when Aria is gone?!
Wufei: Duo, not hungry. A once in a lifetime occurrence.
Heero: Indeed. If you want to starve yourself and not be able to help Aria when we go, then fine. Don't eat.
Duo: *Grumble*
Relena: Anybody have any requests for lunch?
Duo: Sandwiches Wufei: I thought you didn't want to eat.
Duo: If I must eat I want it to be something quick.
Relena: Reasonable enough
*One hour later, searching old warehouses*
Quatre: Do you think they could have left the van outside? If they did, it would be quicker to just look for an old warehouse with a van out front.
Heero: That would be rather stupid of them, but we don't know who we are dealing with.
Duo: There are so many places she could be...where are you Aria?
*Back at the warehouse* Aria: *Wakes back up* Hmm mmmph mm!
Bill: *Gets off the phone* Our take off is cleared for 5 o'clock. We'd better get going.
Man1: Ok Bill, go start up the van.
Bill: 'Kay boss. *Goes and starts up the van*
Man1/Boss: *Turns to Aria* Look missy, we can do this the easy way or the hard way.
Aria: Hm hi hommm hha haa hay.
Boss: *Takes off the gag* Which way will it be?
Aria: *Spits in his face*
Boss: *Wipes face* Stupid onna! *Kicks her in the side*
Aria: ITAI!
Boss: Bill! Take care of this mesuinu and throw her in the back!
Bill: *Walks over, grabs Aria and throws her over his shoulder*
Aria: Let me down, let me down! *Kicking, but, being still tied up, can't do anything about it* Grr. You're _so_ gonna get it!
Bill: What are you going to do? I could squash you like a bug.
Aria: Just you wait.
Bill: *Laughs*
Boss: *Smirk* Yeah, big bad tied up person is gonna hurt us, eh Bill?
Bill: We're not afraid of little bugs like you.
Aria: Oh, it's not _me_ you should be afraid of. (A/N- It's her five friends and their huge gundams. Or at the very least, her boyfriend and his wrath.)
Bill: *Throws Aria in the back of the van. Pulls the van out of the warehouse and starts driving to the airport* *Back with the group* Relena: *Pointing to a van that just pulled out of a warehouse* That's the van I saw them take Aria in. Quatre: Ok. *Follows after the van, going exactly the speed limit, which the van is also going* Duo: Quatre!! Drive Faster!
Quatre: Now Duo. We can't go breaking the law.
Duo: QUATRE! GO FASTER RIGHT NOW!
Quatre: No Duo, we can't break the law.
Duo: -_- If they get away you will be the first to die Quatre.
Bill: *Pulls the van to the air strip*
Boss: Wait here and watch her Bill, while I go get the plane pulled 'round.
Bill: All right boss.
*Plane taxis towards the van and stops*
*Boss's cell phone rings*
Boss: *Picks up phone* Yeah, Aaron here.
Voice: You have her?
Aaron: We had some, uh, difficulties with her, but we got 'er.
Voice: And she better be unharmed. I paid a pretty penny for you to get her, even to lending you my private jet.
Aaron: *Thinks: I don't remember that in the original deal...* She's as well as can be expected, and I do appreciate the use of your jet.
Voice: You'd better be grateful.
Aaron: Uh, yeah, very grateful.
Voice: Well, where are you?
Aaron: I'm on the airstrip and I was just about to leave before you called.
Voice: Well, then, get to it. *Click*
Aaron: *Clicks* Crazy old hag. BILL!
Bill: Yeah boss?
Aaron: Get her in the plane! And hurry up! We mustn't keep Mummy waiting! *Laughs*
Bill: *Picks her up over his shoulder, her kicking and screaming just like last time, and carries her up the stairs to the plane*
Aria: *In mid scream* Let me do- mummy? Mother ordered this??
Aaron: I don't think that's any of your business girlie. Aria: I'll find out as soon as we get there anyway, won't I? You might as well tell me.
Aaron: Bill! Gag her you fool! Bill: *Gags her*
Aaron: 'Bout time!
Quatre: *Arrive just in time to see Aria being carried up the stairs into a plane*
Duo: Aria!
*Stairs go up, plane door closes, plane starts down runway*
Duo: *Gets out of the car and watches the plane*
*Plane takes off*
Duo: No!......Aria...Aria...
Trowa: Don't worry, Duo. We'll just find out where they're headed.
Duo: *Nods* And then, when I find them, I'll watch every drop of blood in their body leave them... And then, I'll crush their spines... And then... I'll stomp on their spleens. And then I'll..I'll.....I'll, break every other bone in their body *Crazy look on face* And then....
Wufei: All right, enough Maxwell. We still have to catch them.
Duo: *Sigh* I suppose you're right.
Trowa: Maybe we can ask Tim where the plane was headed. (A/N- Tim was made up just to be an old friend of theirs who can tell them where to go.)
Heero: Good idea.
*Group heads up to air traffic control tower, and find Tim*
Quatre: Tim, do you know where the private plane that just left was headed?
Tim: *Checks* Denver.
Heero: Then that's where we're headed.
Tim: There's a commercial plane leaving for Denver in about a half hour, if you want to try and get a seat on it.
Relena: 6 seats.
*Group heads down to buy tickets. Fortunately, there happen to be six left. They hurry and catch the plane*
Duo: This plane is so slow!
Wufei: It's going as fast as any other plane would.
Duo: I could have gone faster in Deathscythe Hell Custom!
Relena: Duo, calm down.
Quatre: If you try to relax, the trip will seem to be shorter.
Duo: Relax? RELAX? I can't believe he's telling me to relax.
*Planes land* Aaron: *Walks out of the cockpit* Ah! Soon you'll be out of my hands and I'll have all that lovely money! *Truimphant laugh*
Aria: Hurr ha hmmn hhigg.
Aaron: *Ungags her* What'd you say?
Aria: *Sticks her tongue out at him*
Aaron: Spoiled gaki.
Aria: Rotten pig.
Aaron: I think you better keep in mind little girl that although your mother may be paying me well; there's no guarantee on the goods, namely you, so whether I deliver you half-dead or healthy is up to you.
Aria: You must know she's unstable. You don't know what could happen if you show up with me 'half-dead'.
Aaron: That's not a problem. She's already signed the papers. As soon as I push the button the funds are transferred.
Duo: ~Aria...~
Aria: ~Duo?~ Duo: ~Aria! Aria, where are you?~
Aaron: Bill! Go get the car!
Bill: Yeah Boss. *Goes to get the car. Comes back with the car* Duo: ~Aria?~
Aria: ~They're getting a car.~
Duo: ~Do you know where they're taking you?~
Aria: ~To my mother~
Duo: ~Your MOM?!?!~
Aria: ~Yeah. My mom.~
Duo: ~Ok, this is a really bad joke. Really, where?~
Aria: ~15947 Willow Lane~
Duo: ~Ok, we'll head there. And you're not hurt or anything right?~
Aria: ~No.~
Duo: We're going to 15947 Willow Lane.
Relena: Nani?
Duo: That's where they are taking Aria
Heero: Know anything else that might help us?
Duo: Well, her mother is the one who hired the people to take her.
Everyone: ......
Relena: You're kidding, right?
Quatre: Her mother ordered her kidnapping?
Duo: I know it seems crazy, but it's true.
Heero: Then we'll need to get a car.
Relena: There's a car place right there. *Points*
Quatre: Then let's go.
Duo: *Nods*
Aaron: Money, oh how I love money!
Aria: You know, you're going to get it.
Aaron: *Laughs* I'm going to get it?
Aria: Bad guys always get their comeuppance. Aaron: But I'm not a bad guy. I'm just reuniting a mother with her daughter.
Aria: Sure you are.
Aaron: And what exactly is _that_ supposed to mean? *Kicks her*
Aria: *Grinds her teeth to not yell in pain* What do you think it means?
Aaron: I think it means you're asking for pain. How much time we got till we get there Bill?
Bill: About a minute.
Aaron: Well, lucky you.
*Car stops in front of a large house, almost mansion sized, but not quite*
Aaron: *Gets out of the car* Bill, get her out while I get the payment. *Walks to the door and rings the bell*
Bill: *Drags Aria out of the car, onto his shoulder*
*Butler answers*
Aaron: We've brought the daughter.
Butler: This way. *Shows them to a parlor, where the mom is waiting*
Aaron: You're daughter was quite a challenge, but I made by.
Mother: Congratulations then. Go ahead and transfer the funds.
Aaron: *Pulls out hand-held device and pushes the transfer button* Pleasure doing business with ya.
Bill: *Drops Aria onto a couch*
Aaron: We'll just leave you two to get acquainted again. C'mon Bill. *Walks out*
Bill: *Follows*
Aria: *Looking away*
Mother: What? You aren't happy to see me?
Aria: Why would I be?
Mother: I'm your okaasan, you little twit!
Aria: Who had me _kidnapped_.
Mother: *Slaps her* I knew you wouldn't come of your own accord. It's the only way I could get you here. *Turns to the butler* Howard, bring her to her room.
Aria: And if I don't want to go?
Mother: You _will_ go, or I'll teach you the meaning of pain.
Aria: Fine, I'll go. But because I want to, not cuz you said to. *Gets up and follows Howard out of the room* So Howard, you're still here? (A/N- Aria and Howard we're friends before she left. He's about 55-60. Actually he's kinda like Pagan.)
Howard Yes, I'm still here.
Aria: I thought you'da left by now.
Howard: Old habits die hard. You don't look very well Aria.
Aria: I'm not. There musta been dougoi in the cookie.
Howard: I imagine your mother must have told them that.
Aria: More then likely.
Howard: Despite the circumstances it is nice to see you again.
Aria: Yeah, nice to see you, too. But, you know I'm going to leave again, right?
Howard: Of course. I planned on it from the start.
Aria: You'll help me again, right?
Howard: Yes, if I can. It won't be as easy this time. Your mother has taken extra precautions.
Aria: I'll find a way to do it.
Howard: I'm sure you will.
Aria: It'll just take a little more time.
Howard: Anything important happen since you left?
Aria: A lotta things've happened. It _has_ been 6 years.
Howard: That's why I said important.
Aria: I pilot a gundam.
Howard: That would be a big thing.
Aria: I guess a little of my mother rubbed off on me. (A/N-Her mother was a mechanic and owned a racecar. The only part about her mother I like.)
Howard: Let's hope that's about all of her that rubbed off.
Aria: I certainly hope so.
Howard: Anything else?
Aria: I found him.
Howard: Him?
Aria: Shinigami, of course. (A/N- Howard knows all about her past, including her past life.)
Howard: Ah, of course, Shinigami. So, how's Shinigami?
Aria: He's still himself.
Howard: And you're happy?
Aria: Yeah.
Howard: *Smiles* I'm glad to hear that.
Aria: So, how's Peggy?
Howard: *Smile fades* She's gone.
Aria: *Shocked look* When? How?
Howard: About 3 years ago. Heart failure, but she died in her sleep, you know how weak her heart was.
Aria: *Nods sadly* I'm so sorry.
Howard: It's all right Aria. It's just been a bit lonely around here. That's all.
Aria: You should leave.
Howard: *Shakes head* Like I told you before. Old habits die hard.
Aria: Some habits are bad for you.
Howard: That may be.
Aria: *Sits down, wincing*
Howard: Did those hired people rough you up?
Aria: Yeah, a little.
Howard: You just stay here and rest then and I'll go get some stuff for you
Aria: All right.
Howard: *Walks out* *Doorbell rings*
Mother: *Answers the door, glaring at the people. Coldly* Yes?
Duo: Are you Mrs. Dawson?
Mother: No, my name is Miss Harrison.
Duo: Were you at anytime Mrs. Dawson?
Mother: Yes. *Icily* Who are you and what do you want?
Duo: I'm Duo Maxwell and we've come regarding your daughter.
Mother: *Raises an eyebrow* Then come in quickly so you can leave. I'm very busy, I don't have the time to stand here and talk to you. *Steps aside*
*All walk in*
Mother: *Leads them to the parlor, and sits down on a chair rigidly*
Duo: I'll make this short.
Mother: You had better.
Duo: We want Aria back.
Mother: And you think I have her?
Duo: Yes I know you do.
Mother: And can you prove it?
Duo: Probably.
Mother: And how's that?
Duo: I can ask her.
Mother: Oh you can, can you?
Duo: Most likely.
Mother: Then go ahead. *Sits back, amused, condescending smile on face*
Duo: *Is a bit confused why she is smiling* ~Aria?~
*No response*
Duo: Shimatta.
Mother: I would appreciate it if you didn't swear in my house.
Duo: Listen! I don't care what you say! Aria is here!
Mother: Is she really?
Duo: She told me a few hours ago that she was being taken here and I'm willing to bet my life that she is here. And I'm not leaving till I get her back!
Mother: Then find her. I have no time to waste with you.
Duo: *Godspeeds off*
Relena: *Steps towards the mother* My name is Relena Darlian. Why did you kidnap your own daughter?
Mother: Who says I kidnapped my own daughter?
Relena: Duo.
Mother: So, because this boy says I have her, I have her?
Relena: I believe so, yes.
Mother: Do you believe everything everyone tells you, miss?
Relena: Not everyone, but Duo is trustworthy.
Mother: Really?
Relena: Yes.
Mother: Well, I've let him roam my house, I certainly hope he's trustworthy. But I still say I don't know where he got the idea I have Aria.
Relena: Aria told him.
Mother: Oh, she did? Did you _hear_ her tell him?
Relena: No, but he did.
Mother: I see. You know what? I think he's just trying to find someone to blame.
Relena: Excuse me?
Mother: You heard me.
Relena: What do you mean blame?
Mother: Exactly what it would seem I mean.
Relena: Well, if she's not here where is she?
Mother: How would I know? I haven't seen or heard from her for 6 years.
Duo: *Walks back in frowning* I don' know what you did with her, but I will _not_ leave you alone until I find her!
Mother: As I have said, I do not know where she is.
Duo: You! Y-y-you are impossible!
Mother: I can not tell you what I do not know.
*A pained scream is heard*
Relena: What was _that_?
Mother: What was what?
Heero: That scream.
Mother: What scream?
Duo: Are you deaf???
Mother: No, I am not deaf.
Duo: Then how could you not hear that scream?
Mother: What scream?
Duo: That, could that have been Aria?
Mother: Could what have been Aria?
Duo: I bet it was! *Godspeeds off again*
Mother: Silly child.
Aria: ITAI, ITAI, ITAI! Stop Howard, that hurts.
Howard: *Ties a knot* There all done.
Aria: Oww. Did it have to hurt that much?
Howard: If you hadn't gotten those brutes so mad they wouldn't have beaten you up so much.
Aria: What was I supposed to do? Make it easy for them?
Howard: I never said that. It may have been unavoidable, but there's no use in complaining about it now.
Aria: Gomen. I've never had to heal the mortal way before.
Howard: Maybe this will teach you something then.
Aria: *Makes a whining sound*
Howard: 6 years, you've been gone six years and now when you come back you act like you are six years younger. *Chuckles*
Aria: You're so mean. And when I've had such a bad day.
Howard: It'll do you some good to heal the mortal way, put some respect in you.
Aria: *Pouts*
Howard: Oh, stop your pouting. You'll be better before you know it.
Aria: How long _does_ it take to heal?
Howard: It varies, some people could take months, I'd say a couple of weeks. Unless your powers come back, then not very long at all.
Aria: I certainly hope that happens soon.
Howard: You have such a low tolerance for pain.
Aria: I haven't exactly had much experience with it, you know.
Howard: Yes, I suppose. It's just normal for a girl your age to act a bit more mature when dealing with pain.
Aria: *Grumbles*
Duo: *Stops running* Why can't I find her?: Why? *Hits head against wall*
Aria: *Hears a sound on the wall* Waa? What is that? *Knocks on the wall where she hears the noise*
Duo: *hears something, stops hitting head. Knock, knock knock, knock knock* Aria: *Knock knock*
Duo: Aria?!
Aria: Duo?!
Duo: Aria!
Howard: It seems someone has come for you.
Aria: *Smiles* It's him. Howard: *Smiles* Of course. Now we've got to get you out of here.
Aria: I bet she did something so I couldn't.
Howard: I'd bet you are right.
Aria: Do you know what she did?
Howard: Of course I do. She's put a wall in front of the door.
Aria: A wall? In front of the door?
Howard: Yes, a sliding wall.
Aria: Then we need to find a way to unslide the wall.
Howard: That would be correct.
Aria: How exactly would we do that?
Howard: Well, the wall is electronic.
Aria: So...we short-circuit it?
Howard: And we do that by?
Aria: ^^; I dunno.
Howard: Really, I thought you had some semblance of schooling. We overload the circuit.
Aria: Ok, ok. I'm just not thinking very clearly right now. How much stuff do you think we can find to plug in?
Howard: Check your vanity.
Aria: *Takes out everything electric and starts plugging them in*
*Smoke comes out of the outlet and then the lights flick off. The wall slides back*
Howard: *Opens the door* A guest to see you.
Aria: *Rushes out of the room*
Duo: *Standing outside* *Lights flicker back on*
*Back in the parlor, the lights flicker off, then back on*
Mother: *Jumps up* Excuse me for a minute, will you. *Runs out of the room to the hall, shutting and locking the parlor door behind her, then rushes towards Aria's room*
Heero: *Walks to the door and tries to open it*
Quatre: Locked?
Heero: *Nods*
Relena: I wonder what happened...
Wufei: Whatever happened was something she didn't want.
Heero: Which means it's probably something good for us.
Quatre: Maybe Duo found Aria.
Relena: Wouldn't surprise me.
Trowa: We'll have to wait for her return to find out.
*Duo and Aria stand joyfully embracing*
Mother: *Runs up to them* You little worm. I don't know how you found her, but I won't let you take her away.
Duo: *Looks at her* You are really pushing my patience today!
Mother: I don't care what it takes, you can't take her away!
Duo: What gives you the right to say that?
Mother: I'm her mother!
Duo: I don't care if you're her mother! A real mother would want to make her daughter happy! Not make her miserable! So as far as I'm concerned you aren't Aria's mother.
Mother: I am, and who are you to question me!!
Duo: I am Shinigami and unless you have a death wish you better start running!
Mother: *Maniacal look, off into own world* I know! I know what I could do! I'll just lock them _both_ up!
Duo: Was she always this crazy?
Aria: Actually, I think she may be slightly better.
Duo: I'd never want her for a mother-in-law.
Aria: You see why I left?
Duo: Clearly. Mother: *Suddenly rushes at them and pushes them into the room, and manually pulls the slide wall back into place*
Duo: Nanda?!
Aria: *Sighs, sad/defeated type, and sits down on the desk chair*
Howard: She threw you back?
Aria: Yup.
Howard: And this is him?
Aria: Uh-huh.
Duo: Who's he?
Aria: Oh, right. Duo, this is Howard.
Duo: Well that's his name, but who is he?
Aria: My mom's butler, and my friend.
Duo: Oh, nice to meet you Howard.
Howard: It's a pleasure to meet you as well.
Duo: So...how are we getting out of here?
Aria: Not out the door.
*Back in the parlor, group has just finished climbing out the window* Heero: Now Duo and Aria.
Aria: *Snaps fingers* I almost forgot! *Runs into the closet*
Duo: Nani?
Aria: *Running fingers along a seam in the boards*
Duo: What are you doing?
Aria: Looking for something. Aha! *Pulls on a loose board, opening a hole in the wall*
Duo: ^^; That's my Aria.
Aria: It's how I used to sneak out. There's a staircase behind here.
Howard: Lamp? *holds one out*
Aria: *Takes the lamp* Arigatou Howard.
Howard: *Smiles* It's my job.
Aria: Will you be coming with us?
Howard: *Shakes head* Don't make me repeat myself.
Aria: Old habits, I know.
Howard: But you had better hurry, who knows what insane thing your mother may do next.
Aria: *Smiles* Thank you Howard. For everything.
Howard: It was my pleasure, I'm glad I got to see you again. *Turns to Duo* Take good care of her.
Duo: *Nods*
Aria: *Has in the meantime pulled away the rest of the boards blocking the stairs, which are now visible*
Duo: Let's go Aria. The others will be waiting and if we don't hurry they may try something.
Aria: And who knows what they'd think up. Follow me. *Starts up the stairs*
Duo: How are you going to get out Howard?
Howard: Don't worry about me, Miss Harrison will come and open up eventually. *Sits down on the bed* Hurry!
Duo: All right.
Aria: *Sticks head back down stairs* Are you coming or what?
Duo: Coming! *Goes up the stairs* Aria: *Reach the top, in the attic. Looks around quickly* I just hope she didn't get rid of it.
Duo: Get rid of what?
Aria: The trunk I kept my rope in.
Duo: How many times have you done this?
Aria: Let's see...I lived here 4 years...Over 1000 times.
Duo: Kami!
Aria: Well, I had to get to school _somehow_ when she locked me up. Plus the times I just didn't want to be here.
Duo: Oh
Aria: Ah, it's still here. *Goes over to an old trunk and opens it. Pulls out a long rope. Throws it out a nearby window*
Duo: Ladies first.
Aria: *Climbs onto the rope, and shimmies quickly down with the skill of long practice. Rope ends early. Jumps off onto the roof of the porch, and climbs a trellis to the ground*
Duo: *Follows in similar fashion. Looks at Aria*
Aria: Nani?
Duo: I said I'd never let you out of my sight.
Aria: You're going to be that literal?
Duo: As much as possible. What? You don't want me to look at you?
Aria: It's not that.
Duo: Well, we can talk about it later. Where to next?
Aria: Well, everyone else is over there. *Gestures to their left*
Duo: *Sigh* I was hoping for some more time alone with you.
Aria: I don't think they've seen us yet.
Duo: I doubt it. But we can't worry them.
Aria: Then we should go surprise them.
Duo: Only if you promise me something first.
Aria: What?
Duo: That we can spend some time together by ourselves later. Just the two of us.
Aria: *Smile* Of course.
Duo: *Smile* Ok then. Should we godspeed in front of them and then see how it goes?
Aria: Sure. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces. *They godspeed to infront of the group*
Heero: Now we-*Sees them* ...
Relena: Duo! Aria!!
Quatre: Ho-how'd you get out?
Duo: *Looks at Aria* You want to explain?
Aria: *Shrugs* I lived here for years, I know a lot of ways out.
Heero: All right then, let's go home.
Duo: I just thought of something. Why did you scream Aria?
Aria: Umm... *Looks away sheepishly*
Duo: C'mon, you can tell me Aria.
Aria: Howard was fixing my wounds.
Duo: And you _screamed_?
Aria: It hurt!
Duo: *Shakes head in disbelief* Aria, Aria, Aria...