Shadow of the Revolution

ALL STANDARD DISCLAIMERS APPLY.

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Shadow of the Revolution

Chapter 8

Mariemaia walked around inspecting the new 'presents' she had to give out. They were magnificent; their looming height and invincibility fascinated her. Indeed, the paradise she had been promised far exceeded her expectations. It was truly a soldier's enchantment, a haven where all genuine soldiers came in the unliveable times of peace. She had learned of Operation Revolution, and a little more about the organization behind the manoeuvre. She loved the role she had to play; now she could finally pay back those pilots for destroying her dream of world domination. A question still tugged at her conscience, the question of whether she was doing the right thing or not, but she took no notice of that. She was going to get revenge, and it was going to be sweet.

"Miss Mariemaia, your shuttle is ready to leave," a soldier said from behind her.

Taking a last glance back at the beautiful titans, she turned around and answered, "Then let's be off, shall we? We certainly don't want to be late."

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Blade woke up sore all over. She was in some sort of large metal room, as far as she could tell, which she deduced to be an interrogation room as soon as she saw the two-way mirror. She was sitting right in the middle of the room, restrained to a chair by metal bindings. She shook her head to clear her vision, but that only made the throbbing in her head worse. Blinking a few times, her eyes focused clearly on her surroundings. Her wrists and ankles were bound to the chair she was sitting in, and the bindings had torn into her flesh so that she was bleeding. Her ribs were killing her, as she was sitting hunched over and putting more pressure on them. She could hardly move, but managed to run her leathery tongue over her parched lips. She was so thirsty and tired, and she needed to find a way to escape. She lifted her head to look around, and a straight lock of raven hair fell on her face.

And they said the curls would last 20 hours… she thought sarcastically. But it could've been twenty hours for all she knew, for there were no windows in the room, no sunlight pouring in. The only light in the room was from a small light bulb dangling idly above her and the light that leaked in through the cracks of the latched metal door. That hardly compensated to the large open area and raised ceiling, and it was somewhat dark. Even in the dimness of the room, she noticed the glint of light on glass, and two red dots high up in opposite corners of the room.

They're watching me, she thought, recognizing the cameras. That might make things tricky.

She couldn't pick her way out of this one, because she was being monitored, so she'd have to wait until they grew less wary of her and stopped watching. But even then her chances of escape were slim. She had no clue where she was, or even how to get out of the place. Sighing resolutely, she allowed her eyelids to droop, but her mind was still focused on escape.

From behind the dark glass, all four boys watched her regain consciousness. They monitored her movements carefully, not knowing what their prisoner might do when she awoke.

"Hmm, not bad," Duo said, glancing at his watch. "She was supposed to be asleep for another 12 hours. Considering her condition, that's not bad at all."

"11 hours, 58 minutes, and 23 seconds," Heero said, not taking his eyes off the girl. Duo could only turn to Quatre and shrug in exasperation, and was rewarded with a warm smile.

"Do you think she'll try to escape?" Quatre asked no one in particular.

"It's not a matter of if she'll try to escape. It's a matter of when she'll try to escape," Trowa answered the question, but his gaze was also fixed on the mysterious assailant.

"She won't be doing anything soon," Heero's monotone broke in. "She'll wait until she's recovered at least a bit, or when the opportunity arises."

Silence filled the observation room afterward. The only sound that could be heard was Duo shifting his weight occasionally. Uncomfortable with such a strained quietness, Duo broke the tension with the first thing that came to mind.

"Well, aren't we gonna question her or anything? 'Cause if not, I'd like to get a few winks in before dawn." As if to prove his point, he stretched his arms over his head and let out a huge yawn. Sending his braid flying in a frenzy, Duo shook his head vigorously to keep his eyes open.

"Why don't you go talk to her, Kats?" he said while trying to stifle another yawn.

"Me?" Quatre asked. "But…" he looked over to Heero for permission, and saw the stoic soldier nod his head. Sighing, he turned and hesitantly walked toward the door behind them. As he was about to turn the knob, Heero's voice called out to him.

"Quatre?"

"Yes, Heero?" he half-turned to face him.

"Watch yourself."

"I will," he said, nearly smiling.

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The door of the room creaked as Quatre opened it. He closed the door behind him, and tucked the key safely into the pocket of his black pants. He was a little cautious at approaching what looked like a rag doll strapped to a chair. He knew that this girl was dangerous, and he had to advance in the utmost caution.

The creaking of a door had awoken Blade. Willing herself to open her eyes, she caught a glimpse of a petite blond moving toward her.

Quatre, she acknowledged.

He almost seemed afraid of her, and if she had the strength, she might've laughed. No doubt he had come to question her, although he didn't look too confident of himself. She tried to sit up straight, but it caused her more pain and in the end she decided to just sit as she was, with her head tilted forward so that her chin was resting between her collarbones. She closed her eyes, but she could sense that she was being watched.

"Who are you?" Quatre got straight to the point. He was tired, angry, confused, and sad all at the same time, and he needed some answers.

"You already know that," she croaked out tiredly. Quatre stiffened; that voice was familiar, very familiar indeed.

"Stop playing games," he said, a little irritated that he wasn't getting a straight answer. The girl refused to answer, and Quatre got a little more irritated. He usually would've been calm and composed, but the events of the night had left him a little shaken.

"Who are you working for?" he tried another question. Still, he got no reply. Getting more agitated by the moment, he moved closer toward her.

She sensed his movement, sensed his closeness to her, his fragrance invading her senses. Involuntarily, her eyes snapped open, and she was staring long and hard into Quatre's blue eyes.

Such beautiful hazel eyes, Quatre thought. And then it struck him. Beautiful hazel eyes…

A look of horror crossed his face as he recognized the unknown assailant.

Of course! The hazel eyes, the raven hair, that voice… how could I not have noticed it before?

Shaking his head in disbelief, Quatre started to back away toward the door.

But how can it be her?

"It… it… can't be…" he stuttered. "You would… she would never do that…" Tears stung his eyes and blurred his vision. "How could you?"

She didn't bother to answer his question, for she knew he wasn't expecting her to answer. He would never understand her, because Quatre was just too innocent.

Without waiting for a reply, his hand found the doorknob and he bolted out of there as quickly as he could.

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"What's wrong with Quatre?" Duo scratched his head in confusion. Sure, he hadn't really been paying that much attention to what he was doing, but it was so unlike Quatre to just suddenly bolt out of a room. Not receiving a reply from the two impassive boys, he heaved a sigh and headed out.

"I'll go check up on him," he said on his way out, although he didn't really see the point of saying anything at all.

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Quatre was in his room, sitting in the window seat and staring out at the ocean. He really did have a knack for choosing mansions with the most beautiful views. Duo hadn't bothered to knock, and was now standing right behind Quatre, looking out at the ocean to see if he could find what Quatre's hidden eye found so intriguing. He placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder, but didn't bother to say anything. Quatre would tell him what was wrong when he was ready, and he didn't want to pry. Duo had already turned to leave when Quatre spoke up, voice full of misery.

"It was her," he said quietly. "I can't believe it was her."

"It was who, Quatre? What are you talking about?"

Quatre turned to face him, and Duo saw the unshed tears in his eyes. Quatre whispered something inaudibly, and Duo strained to hear.

"Sonya…" was the only word Duo could hear properly.

Sonya… he tried to remember. Wait, wasn't that…

"The girl you were talking about at dinner?"

Sadly, Quatre nodded affirmatively. More tears welled up inside his eyes.

"Oh, Quatre," Duo heaved a sigh. He put a comforting arm around his friend's shoulder, and then pulled him into a reassuring hug. He let go, and then kneeled in front of Quatre so that their eyes were at the same level.

"Are you going to be alright?" he asked with concern.

"Yeah, I think so," Quatre managed a half-smile. "Thanks a lot, Duo," he said sincerely. Duo took this as his cue to leave.

"Well, just holler if you need me. I'm here for ya," he had to stifle yet another yawn. "Well, I'm gonna get some shut-eye. You should too, Quatre."

"I know, Duo. Thanks again."

"No prob," Duo was standing at the door. "Night, Kats."

"Goodnight."

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Author's Notes: No, that was not meant to be yaoi. It was just a show of friendship. I am getting way off track; this chapter was totally horrible! I really do apologize… I have been very tired lately and my creativity has disappeared. I'm so very sorry if this was as disappointing to you as it is to me, but I thank those of you who continue to read. Thank yous also go out to Arion, Wufei's Gurl (I'll save Wufei, don't worry), Kywraith Amnesi, Ley, Meghanna Starsong, and GW Dark Chyld for reviewing the last chapter. I thank everyone who has reviewed; it means a lot to me. The support is really appreciated since life is taking me on a bumpy ride right now.

Thank you all so much.

~Seeress