"Cartouche"

By Makura Kirei (which is NOT my real name, by the way)

Chapter 5 - Operation Desert Storm (AN: not really) (god, I detest politics) (especially Bush (::shudder::))

New quote: "Britney Spears is a bad vampire!"

Well, since all of you out there in readerland met my quota, here is the next installment of my "under influence" story (AN: No, I never plan to touch alchohol or drugs. EVER.) It's more like under influence of artificial sweeteners.

Yawn…so tired.

Enjoy!

Previously on "Cartouche":

"So now what? What do you suppose we do about the artifacts?

And the fact that the key is under lock and key, no pun intended?" Hotaru asked, cocking her head to one side. "Do you know who Aye and Horemheb are?"

"No. Tonight, when the museum closes, we infiltrate and steal the parchment before they obtain it." Heero said.

"Now normally I would object to stealing, but I suppose it is justified." Hotaru said. "I trust you have the necessary equipment?"

"Hai."

"Good. I'll meet you in front of the museum at 7:00pm. That should give both of us ample time to fix affairs and get equipment." Hotaru said. "Could you give me a ride back to the museum?" She asked.

He nodded, and got on the motorcycle. They sped towards the museum, each wondering what fate had in store.

Later

"Haruka? Michiru? You there?" Hotaru yelled as she flung her bag on the floor. She peered up the stairs. "I'm home!" Still no response. Sighing, Hotaru plunked herself on the nearby sofa. "Must've gone shopping." She muttered. "Wonder if Setsuna's home?" Hotaru thought aloud. "No, she's probably still at the Gates." Hotaru

checked her watch. 2:00. 'Great, I have 4 hours to kill before I have to go back and steal an artifact from the local museum. What a day.' Hotaru thought. 'I wonder who Horemheb and Aye are. They must've heard by now.'

Hotaru leaned back, and closed her eyes. She recalled Ankhesenamun's words. "…if you ever need us, we will help you if possible. Simply say our names, and someone will come to help."

"I wonder if they know by now who Aye and Horemheb are?" Hotaru wondered aloud. "Maybe I should just ask. Ankhesenamun! Osiris!" Hotaru yelled, standing up and looking up to the ceiling, as if praying to the heavens.

Nothing.

"Fabulous. What a load of shit." Hotaru muttered, by now thoroughly incensed. She sat back down, only to feel something sharp. "Ow!" Hotaru sprung up, and turned around. There, on the seat of the sofa, was a paint brush and parchment.

What is thy desire?

The parchment read. (okay, so I couldn't resist the Outlaw Star reference). Hotaru raised her eyebrow. "Right. Okay, so am I supposed to just write it?" Hotaru asked the air.

Who have Aye and Horemheb been reincarnated as?

Hotaru wrote. Slowly but surely, the words appeared on the parchment, as if written by an invisible hand.

The two known as Aye and Horemheb have been reincarnated as Duo Maxwell and Chang Wufei, respectively.

'Boy, whoever's writing this sure has a flair for legal jargon.' Hotaru thought with a smile.

Thank you.

What is thy desire?

The parchment asked again. Hotaru frowned.

Who are Duo Maxwell and Chang Wufei?

Hotaru asked. The parchment took some time before responding.

Duo Maxwell is from colony L2. He is the pilot of gundam 02, also known as Deathscythe Hell. Chang Wufei is from colony L5. He is the pilot of gundam 05, also known as Altron.

Hotaru's eyes widened. But didn't Heero say he was a gundam pilot? So he knows these people? Good kami.

What is thy desire?

Hotaru stared at the parchment.

That's all, thank you.

She wrote. As soon as she had penned the period, the parchment, along with the pen, crumbled into a fine powder that dissipated as if blown by an unseen wind. Hotaru stared up at the ceiling. 'I wonder what Heero's doing now. Is there any way to warn him?' Hotaru thought, still staring pensively at the ceiling.

As if in answer to her prayers, a mirror appeared out of nowhere, floating just above Hotaru's head. "Okay, now this is getting weird." Hotaru said, grasping the mirror. Looking into it, she saw a figure riding on a motorcycle. 'That must be Heero.' Heero, for now it was certain that that was indeed him on the motorcycle, sped along, occasionally checking over his shoulder, as if looking for someone…or something, that might be following him. He braked to halt. He looked first one way, then the other. Satisfied that he was, indeed, alone, Heero made a sharp turn off the road onto a dirt path.

Meanwhile

Brrrrrrrrrrrring. Brrrrrrrrrrrring. Brrrrrrrrring. Duo sighed. 'Of all the times…' He thought furiously. He banged his fist against the pay phone.

He heard the phone being picked up on the other line. "Moshi moshi, Preventers Headquarters, Sally Po speaking."

"Sally!" Duo sighed in relief. "Thank kami I found you."

"Duo?" Sally asked, sounded bemused. "What on Earth possesed you to call me? Wait, don't tell me…you need money, so you want to work for the preventers." she said astringently

"No, Sally, it's not like that. I need to find Wufei. Do you happen to know where he might be?" Duo asked, crossing his fingers.

There was silence on the other line.

"Sally? Hello?" Duo pleaded into the mouthpiece.

"Hai, Duo. As it happends, Wufei just left an hour ago. He said something about Ancient Egypt." Sally said, sounding doubtful.

Duo cursed. "Godammit! Ano…do you know where he went?"

"He said he was going to the nearby public library. He didn't say when he'd be back." Sally said. "What's going on, Duo?" she asked, a note of suspicion creeping into her voice.

"Nothing's going on, I swear!" Duo sweatdropped. "It just so happens I'm in town. Do you know where the library is?"

"Sure. 241 West End Drive." Sally said. "Sure you're alright?" she asked.

"Maa, maa, daijobu. Domo arigato, Sally." Duo said gratefully. "Ja ne." and with that, he hung up the phone, signaled a taxi, and sped toward 241 West End Drive.

AN: I know, I know, a lot of unfinished business, but I'm REALLY tired. I promise I'll write more next chapter (if there IS a next chapter) (bwahahaha). Ja ne, readers!

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