Hi! I just figured you have to put the disclaimer for each chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon, or any thing else in this story that I do not own. I do own the story and plot, so even if you think this writing is a piece of junk, I would like to state my pride in it's originality! (I think that's it...)
CHAPTER 3
On their way to the gundam hangar, it had been unusually quiet. That had disturbed Duo. He just did not do quiet. "So," he tried, "Did anyone have fun at the mall?"
He cowered under the glares they gave him, even from Quatre. Surprisingly enough, Duo couldn't feel one from Heero. On closer inspection, Duo saw *a very tiny smile* on his comrade's face. "All right! Spill the beans! Which girl caught your eye, He-man?"
He received a gun in his face for his efforts. "Hah! Did you really think that would stop me? Look everyone! Heero was in a good mood!"
"Leave him alone, Duo." Quatre said absently. Pause. "Why are you in a good mood, Heero?" He asked curiously. "Did you get your new program?"
"Hn." Pause. "Duo's girlfriend knocked out the store man." Everyone stopped.
"He spoke!"
"Duo!"
"The onna did what?!"
"Come on, Heero, tell!"
"Yeah - hey, I don't have a girlfriend!"
"You did. We met the onna."
"Well, I - hey, wait up Heero! You still haven't told us! Heero!"
~
Dr. J rolled his eyes. "Well, if you left 01 alone, maybe I could give you your information...?"
They shut up. Seated at a table, the only piece of furniture in an otherwise plain white room, they regarded the doctor.
"Finally. It seems a new war is starting. We know nothing about the faction, only that their aim is to destroy the peace between the colonies and Earth. We are unsure as to why they would want this, as they have not clearly indicated their motives." They nodded somberly.
"That is incorrect, Doctor J. There have been many indications as to why they would wish to do so." A light, female voice floated through the room, as a door opened. Dr. J turned to her with a scowl.
"Excuse me miss," Quatre asked the woman in the white labcoat. "Who are you?"
"This is an associate and fellow scientist of mine," Dr. J told them. To Quatre, he seemed almost...sulky? "She and I disagree on the nature of the threat. What are you doing here?" He addressed her. She gave him a neutral smile in return.
"We are working against the same threat," she reminded him mildly. "I've been required to work with the gundam pilots."
"YOUR gundam pilot." He hissed back. She ignored that.
"Colony L2 was attacked by unmarked mobile dolls less than three hours ago." She said. "The suits were of the same material and build as commonly manufactured and used by Earth. With unmarked insignias on the dolls protecting Earth from outright accusations, the suspicions of the colonies have only been further kindled."
She inclined her head to the pilots, long deep green hair swirling past her shoulder as deep red eyes regarded them neutrally. "The fact that a portion of Earths military was nearby while escorting an ambassador to a neighboring colony will not help relations, especially when the incident will be related through the media.
"I'm an associate of Dr. J. We have previously worked together, though his and my own thoughts differ on this matter. You are the gundam pilots, correct?" They nodded. "I am Madam P. I will be observing your interaction with the new threat, and attempt to locate weaknesses in both your and their approach to fighting each other. My task is to research as much background on this new threat as I possibly can. Their motives, all possible resources they draw from, the types of weaponry they use, favoured strategies and tactics."
"Information which you will pass on to us?" Trowa inquired. The woman nodded.
"Correct. However, certain actions by both myself and my superiors have placed certain risks with my presence. I was previously situated in Japan, working with gundam design and technology, before I was brought here. I was also actively involved with certain...precautions against this threat. Due to poor security, my identity was revealed."
"Stupid onna." Wufei muttered under his breath. Madam P switched her gaze to him. He shut up. She smiled. It was not pleasant.
"That places all close to me at risk. I am a solitary woman. I have no family, nor any significant others that may be at risk. However, there is one girl that you will have to protect, aside from your other duties." She told them mildly, gazing straight at Duo.
"Huh? What're you staring at me for?" He said defensively. "What'd I do?"
"I arranged for my adopted daughter to arrive from Japan today," she said matter-of-factly.
"Today?" Quatre asked. Something was sliding in place...
"Today. Leila Makoto Kino will be attending school with you. Currently, she happens to be placed in the girl's dorm. I had been intending to move her to the mixed dorms, but with your new orders, it would be wiser if I shifted her to the Winner mansion. If that's fine with Quatre."
Duo, who had placed his legs on the table and his hands behind his head, seemed to suffer from a sudden seizure. Eyes bugging out of his head, he proceeded to tumble out of his chair. All was silent.
Wufei leaned over, poking him with his toe. Duo didn't move.
"Stupid baka."
~
Makoto had had a bad day. Apart from abusing that storekeeper, she'd gotten herself a pretty velvet skirt to improve her foul mood. It was a nice skirt. Dark purple with light purple patterning at the rim. It was very eye-catching and swishy. Swishy was good. Swishy was very good. It hadn't fully appeased her, so she'd
bought a box of chocolates too.
Makoto then went to the administration building, half an hour later than expected due to getting lost. She got a timetable and the promise of a tour guide on her first day.
She'd then gone back to her room. To find the recorder on the dresser. With a new tape.
I should really play it. She thought. It probably has really important stuff on it...
She threw herself on her bed.
"Makoto." NOOOOOOOOOOO! "I know full well you thought you could get away with not playing this tape. I'm not that easy to shake off. Had a nice time shopping? Don't answer. I know you've had a brilliant time and your refreshing activities have left you enthusiastic and full of energy."
Sometimes Setsuna could be a real bitch.
"I heard that thought."
Shit.
"I heard that too. As punishment, you forfeit your two days of free time and start school tomorrow." Pause. "No, you don't really. If you want to start tomorrow, that's your problem and not mine. Did I mention these are temporary living quarters? Yes? Well, you're moving back out in a week. To a more spacious room. Don't worry, I'll handle everything. The furniture's going with you. This tape consists of general information you might need.
One. Your name is Leila Makoto Kino. Your official or legal name is Leila Meiou, adopted daughter of Setsuna Meiou, famous fashion designer. Or Madam P, gundam designer."
"Madam P." Makoto said, amused. "Isn't that a little - lame?"
"Don't talk to me about lame. You used to run around saving the world in a mini skirt. You are currently fifteen years old. Your birthday and other details remain the same. Your parents were ambassadors killed by OZ when you were a child."
That was stupid. Or was it? She was remembering something...
"Your memory may or may not kick in at this. You yourself were taken into custody by OZ with your parents' deaths. And consequently used as a guinea pig for scientific reasons. You were broken out by an independent anti-OZ organisation, who stumbled on you during their mission to sabotage and destroy an OZ research facility. You were subsequently given to me to foster. How I managed to acquire you is not relevant. It is my own business. You have no idea how the hell I pulled it off, and you are smart enough not to want to know. You were brought up in Japan with subsequent trips to France. And now you have moved here because of my work. Understood?"
"...Right..." Makoto wondered if it was really a tape, or if Setsuna foresaw the whole thing. On second thoughts, she didn't want to know.
"Good. You don't. You might not want to start school tomorrow, but go get yourself introduced and go sit in on some classes. Meet some friends, test out the waters."
Okay. What was Setsuna getting at?
"Five of those students are gundam pilots."
Oh. That would explain it.
"Try and figure out which ones if you can. You're going to find out anyway, but forewarned is forearmed. And you might be able to get a reading on them. Because you're going to be seeing them a lot more than you'll ever, EVER want to."
Okay. So she was working with gundam pilots. She could handle that. Though these were trained soldiers. She didn't know how they'd be able to regard her as an equal. Makoto wondered exactly what her role was in this whole war.
"There are actually six gundam pilots, Milliardo Peacecraft - the Lightning Count - being the sixth. However, these five are exclusively referred to as the gundam pilots. They are an effective team, despite -" Was there a heavy pause? " - eccentricites."
What was Setsuna getting her into? Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Makoto suddenly wondered what the pilots would be like personally. And whether it was healthy to meet them.
"And they are used to working together. They will not welcome a new team member. Especially a female."
"Oh no." Makoto knew where this was going.
"And, as you will be working with them on a regular basis, you will be situated near them, have all or most of your classes with them, be 'randomly' partnered up with them..."
"I won't survive through my first week. They'll kill me." She said hopelessly.
"They will naturally feel pressured by your presence and unhappy about you being pushed on them."
Makoto decided not to go to sleep for the next few weeks after meeting them.
"They will also feel somewhat threatened by your presence and unsure about how to react to you. Apart from being female and a team member, you are the only female gundam pilot in existance. A gundam pilot that they have never in their life heard about."
A loud thump was heard as Mako fell off the bed. "WHAT!!! Gundam pilot? ME?!?! Are you CRAZY? When I tried driving a BUMPER CAR I crashed into Rei- chan and almost landed us in hospital! And nearly killed two kids while I was at it! And rolled over Ami's book! I had to buy her a new one!How the hell am I supposed to handle a gundam?"
"Refrain from having a heart attack."
"Feel lucky, Setsuna. If this was Rei she'd go beserk and try to kill you!"
"You seemed to have forgotten Minako was co-driver. It was a disaster waiting to happen."
"Hey! Don't pick on Minako!"
"I suppose I shouldn't. She's worse in the kitchen."
Makoto gave up.
"You will be meeting me Wednesday afternoon, after your first day of school. Milliardo will pick you up from your room at five. I felt it would be safer he pick you up than the other pilots. He will bring you to me, and us two will have a lovely little mother-daughter chat about girls and boys and growing up and certain side effects of being jovian. "
Side effects. Makoto should have known there was a catch.
"Like having wings rip out of your back when you finally go through puberty - if you were wondering why you didn't go through it in your human form."
"Wings? WINGS?"
"Yes, the process is actually quite painful and lasts over a period of months to years."
Makoto groaned and started hitting her head on the side of her bed.
"Look on the bright side. You'll save money on tampons. And I THINK they're retractable..."
"That's not the point! What the hell have you gotten me into?"
"A big mess. Have fun sorting it out and try not to go insane while you're at it."
"OH NO YOU DON'T!!! SETSUNA!!!!!"
The time senshi had not lived millenia without learning something called survival skills. The tape had ended.
Makoto got up, and walked to the fireplace, starting up a fire. When it was satisfactory, she retrieved the tape and threw it in the fire.
She hadn't bothered taking it out of the tape player.
"Oops. How silly of me." She ignored the loud sizzling, tearing sounds as she started on her science homework for the term. She might as well start ahead. Work now meant bludge later.
~
"Look, Duo, it can't be that bad. Heaps of couples break up, and they're friends afterwards. She can't hate you that bad."
"You don't understand, Trowa. I didn't exactly dump her very nicely..."
"...Okay, what did you do?"
"Well, I sorta told her I loved her...then I told her I didn't love her..."
Wufei hit himself. "God, Maxwell, even I'm smarter with women than that! Then what did you do?"
"Nothing, I swear! I just told her I didn't love her then walked off."
Everyone fell over. "You just walked off?" Quatre asked.
"Well, yeah, it was over wasn't it?"
"You told her you didn't love her, then you walked off."
"Yes..."
"No tact, no 'I really had a nice time and I hope you don't take it bad.' No waiting around until she broke down so you could give her a handkerchief. No 'It's not that you're a bad person or anything'. No apologies and consolations. You just walked off." Quatre stated.
"...I was a real bastard, wasn't I?"
"You said it, not us, Maxwell."
"She's gonna kill me. She'll murder me in my sleep. SHE CAN'T STAY WITH US!!!!"
"I dunno, Duo." Trowa said. "Madam P's a very firm woman. I don't think she'll take well to a no. And it is easier to keep tabs on her if she's living with us. Quatre's got security cameras, and with the Maguanacs she'll have more than just us guarding her."
"I wonder," Quatre said reflectively, "if she knows she's staying with us. I mean, she didn't mention it when we talked to her at the mall."
"YOU TALKED TO HER???"
"Shut up, Maxwell, and stop acting like an onna."
"Maybe she won't want to," Trowa suggested. "We don't know yet, Duo."
"Oh." The said person calmed down. Somewhat. "That's okay then."
"Hn." Heero said, before he turned his laptop to face them. They'd recieved an e-mail.
Gundam pilots
It has been confirmed that you will be given the responsibility of bodyguarding Leila Kino, daughter of Madam P. She is unaware you have such a task. Be sure not to let her know. She is an impulsive child, so you will have to keep a close eye on her. She will be your top priority, despite your other missions, until further notice. Ensure she has adequate requirements, and don't let her near any forbidden areas. Madam P is keeping a keen eye on her stay, so be as hospitable as you can.
"Unless we want P down our throats," Trowa said dryly. "Sorry Duo. Looks like I was wrong."
Duo grabbed Quatre and started sobbing into his shoulder.
~
"Miss Leila?"
Huh? There wasn't anyone else in the hall except her.
Oh yeah. That was her name now. She'd better get used to it. "Yes?" She asked the boy striding down the hall to her.
"I'm Zechs Milliardo Peacecraft, or Just Milliardo. I've been assigned as your guide for the time being. I understand you're starting school next Wednesday?" He asked with a smile.
She nodded, sizing him up. She'd heard of the famous Lightning Count, but up close, he just seemed to be a fairly nice man. He held himself very confidently. He could have been a prince, or a general. "I think so. It depends on my aunt."
"Don't you mean your mother?" He asked curiously.
"Oh, I call her both," she replied without even thinking. The second memory thing was coming in handy. "Mum when we're alone." He nodded, walking next to her down the hall.
"I hear you're the new gundam pilot." he said, casting a sidelong glance at her. She jumped. "Don't worry, the others don't know. Just me, for the moment. They get to find out when you get your gundam."
"Oh." She glanced at him.
"You're nervous," he noted calmly. "That's understandable. As far as I know, you haven't been trained for the amount of time we have, and to you we must be living legends. I suggest you don't worry; no one's going to think less of you for making mistakes."
"I suppose," Mako - or was that Leila now? - admitted as she glanced around for stray students.. She shouldn't have worried - class had started. "But me being the last pilot and a girl and the youngest of you and all that means I have to prove that I deserve my gundam. And to be honestly sure, I don't think I do. I've never done anything like this before." Pause. "Ever. Everything's different, and I don't think I can really adjust to any of it."
Milliardo stopped, looking at her. "Maybe," he said finally. "But everyone starts at the beginning. I know Doctor J isn't too fond of Madam P - he considers the two of them rivals. But I've read through her records, and it's pretty impressive. And you're her only charge."
"You have?! I didn't even know she had official ones."
That earned her a brief smile. " I do know she doesn't make mistakes often, and whenever she does, she always manages to salvage the situation. If she thinks you can do it, you probably can. Newbie or no newbie. Besides," he added, "I've seen your customized gundam. I'll admit it's...unique, but Madam P's the best designer around. You'll kick some ass whether you're crap or not."
"Oh gee, thanks." She said dryly. "Mum says the pilots aren't going to be too happy to have me around."
"So that's why you're so nervous?"
"Yeah...I figured I'd have to booby trap my room while I slept or something."
"None of them will be too happy, but only one of them will try anything like that, I think. The others will probably just ignore you. Or politely avoid you."
"That's nice." At least they wouldn't try to kill her...
"It's better than the alternatives."
"I'm a girl. I'm not supposed to like being ignored."
"When they find out, my suggestion is you avoid them for the first few weeks and pray." Milliardo said dryly. She laughed.
"Will I be working with you?"
"To a lesser extent, yes. You've never killed before? Because you'll have to start getting used to it."
Makoto paused. "Have you heard of the supernatural circumstances in Japan?"
"Yes...you've dealt with...they call them youma right? That's impressive."
"Well, killing things with eight legs and three heads is a little different from killing humans. And we had the Sailor Senshi helping us, so I can't say I did a very good job." Lying came smoothly, as long as she wove in a few truths.
"What were your reasons for killing the youma?" Milliardo asked abruptly. Makoto stopped dead.
She'd just done the job and got it over with. She never wondered why... "Well," she said finally, "It's for the people, isn't it? I mean, I was protecting the people who couldn't protect themselves."
"That's why you fight. So why do you kill the youma?"
"They hurt and kill people!" Makoto said, appalled. "I don't know why, and I don't care. I can't just let them live and run around and -" She broke off, remembering a memory.
"Once," she said finally, "Youma attacked children in a park. Before that, I used to feel a bit guilty about killing them, you know, because some of them looked human. But that made me so angry. I guess I realised they were monsters, no matter what they looked like. Sometimes I feel sorry for them, but I can't let them hurt innocents. Not if I can stop them."
She noticed Milliardo was staring at her. "Hey? Hey, you can stop that now."
He grinned. "I think P made a good choice with you. She knew what she was doing. Remember Lei," he added warmly, "That not all monsters are youma."
Leila nodded, taken aback. Huh? I'm started to think of myself as Leila..."I know. Thanks. Lei?" She asked.
"We're going to be friends, aren't we?" He asked, smiling at her.
"I suppose I'll have to start calling you Mill or something?" Lei asked, amused. He glared at her.
"Not happening."
"I didn't think so." She grinned herself. "I've heard of the Lightning Count, but not much. About the only thing everyone said was that you were a sharp-tongued...erm..."
"Save it. I've heard it before. You probably know my sister better."
"You have one?"
Milliardo stopped. "You don't know her? Relena Peacecraft, Queen of Earth, ambassador to the colonies, symbol of peace? Where have you been the last two years?"
"Killing weird blobs from alternate dimensions." Lei said dryly. "I didn't have a lot of time for much else." She stopped. "I think Mamoru mentioned her once or twice..."
She didn't mention how the real Prince of Earth was fully dishing out that Relena person...
"Peacecrap?" She asked out loud. Then immediately clapped her hand over her mouth. "Oops." Leila said, voice muffled. "I didn't mean that..." she trailed off at the evil grin on Milliardo's face.
"Where'd you get that from?" he asked.
She removed the hand. "Well, one of my friends and her boyfriend were having an argument over her." she admitted. "Mamoru thought she was a puffed up conceited snob for assuming the title of Princess of Earth -"
"Queen of Earth."
"-Queen of Earth, and Usagi was saying how Relena was such a wonderful person with her ideals about peace, and Mamoru said ideals didn't make reality and if Relena really wanted peace she'd have to be prepared to fight and Usa-chan said that totally undermined the idea of peace and Mamoru said opposites always seemed to complement each other, and then used him and Usagi as an example which was a stupid thing to do...and Usagi refused to talk to him for two whole weeks. He had to buy her eight boxes of chocolates before she stopped ignoring him. But that's what Mamoru called her...Princess Peacecrap. I didn't really pay much attention to them, actually. I was trying not to listen." Leila realised she'd been babbling. "You mean she's your sister? Sorry I insulted her..."
"Oh, I don't really care, as long as you don't insult me," he said mildly.
"I sense a lot of love between you two." Lei said sarcastically. "But I guess I can't judge her from Mamoru or Usagi, can I? I guess I'll just have to see for myself. What is she like?"
"Obsessive." Milliardo said immediately. "Don't get me wrong, she means well, but she can get carried away. And she tends to try and force her beliefs on other people. Good in some ways, I guess, but what happens when someone takes offense? Relena goes straight for her way and her ideals, and I guess that makes her a bit blind to other people's points of view..."
"I think that's a bad thing in politics." Leila dared to venture. "I mean, I've always fought for what I wanted. Even if what I wanted was peace. I'd be very pissed off if someone just came up and started preaching about pacifism. Don't get me wrong, it's a great ideal - in a perfect world. But this is a step on or be stepped on world. Everyone's going to have different ways and opinions, aren't they?"
"Going philosophical, are we?" Milliardo teased. "But I'll tell you one thing. Don't get on her bad side. Or her good side," he added, chuckling over something. "She can be lethal. And when I said obsessive, I meant obsessive."
"...Right...I don't want to know, do I?" she asked suspiciously.
"No, but you're going to find out." He stopped. "You've got science, haven't you? The labs are this way."
"Oh. Yeah. So what are you supposed to do with me anyway?"
"Basically, I drag you to all the classes on your timetable, you hang around a few minutes, I drag you off. I show you around the school, brief you about your missions in between, give you a basic tour of the area - don't expect anything special. I'll only be bothered to show you the shortest way to the mall, the train station and the airport."
"No special treatment? I'm hurt."
"I don't really care. Then I ditch you for a meeting -"
"Will my mum be there?"
"I think so. Why?"
"Take me with you." Leila said grimly. "I need to settle something with her." Thought you could run huh? Not so fast, Setsuna.
"Right." Milliardo drawled, eyebrow raised. "Tomorrow I take you on a proper tour around the colony. I show you the city areas, let you navigate for a while so you get the hang of it. The day after, I drag you to the gundam hangar after school." They walked in silence for a while.
"Here's your class." Milliardo pointed, through a doorway.
"Um, that's nice...what do I do?"
"We go around to the other side, where that window is."
"We're observing the class?"
"We're observing the class."
***
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon, or any thing else in this story that I do not own. I do own the story and plot, so even if you think this writing is a piece of junk, I would like to state my pride in it's originality! (I think that's it...)
CHAPTER 3
On their way to the gundam hangar, it had been unusually quiet. That had disturbed Duo. He just did not do quiet. "So," he tried, "Did anyone have fun at the mall?"
He cowered under the glares they gave him, even from Quatre. Surprisingly enough, Duo couldn't feel one from Heero. On closer inspection, Duo saw *a very tiny smile* on his comrade's face. "All right! Spill the beans! Which girl caught your eye, He-man?"
He received a gun in his face for his efforts. "Hah! Did you really think that would stop me? Look everyone! Heero was in a good mood!"
"Leave him alone, Duo." Quatre said absently. Pause. "Why are you in a good mood, Heero?" He asked curiously. "Did you get your new program?"
"Hn." Pause. "Duo's girlfriend knocked out the store man." Everyone stopped.
"He spoke!"
"Duo!"
"The onna did what?!"
"Come on, Heero, tell!"
"Yeah - hey, I don't have a girlfriend!"
"You did. We met the onna."
"Well, I - hey, wait up Heero! You still haven't told us! Heero!"
~
Dr. J rolled his eyes. "Well, if you left 01 alone, maybe I could give you your information...?"
They shut up. Seated at a table, the only piece of furniture in an otherwise plain white room, they regarded the doctor.
"Finally. It seems a new war is starting. We know nothing about the faction, only that their aim is to destroy the peace between the colonies and Earth. We are unsure as to why they would want this, as they have not clearly indicated their motives." They nodded somberly.
"That is incorrect, Doctor J. There have been many indications as to why they would wish to do so." A light, female voice floated through the room, as a door opened. Dr. J turned to her with a scowl.
"Excuse me miss," Quatre asked the woman in the white labcoat. "Who are you?"
"This is an associate and fellow scientist of mine," Dr. J told them. To Quatre, he seemed almost...sulky? "She and I disagree on the nature of the threat. What are you doing here?" He addressed her. She gave him a neutral smile in return.
"We are working against the same threat," she reminded him mildly. "I've been required to work with the gundam pilots."
"YOUR gundam pilot." He hissed back. She ignored that.
"Colony L2 was attacked by unmarked mobile dolls less than three hours ago." She said. "The suits were of the same material and build as commonly manufactured and used by Earth. With unmarked insignias on the dolls protecting Earth from outright accusations, the suspicions of the colonies have only been further kindled."
She inclined her head to the pilots, long deep green hair swirling past her shoulder as deep red eyes regarded them neutrally. "The fact that a portion of Earths military was nearby while escorting an ambassador to a neighboring colony will not help relations, especially when the incident will be related through the media.
"I'm an associate of Dr. J. We have previously worked together, though his and my own thoughts differ on this matter. You are the gundam pilots, correct?" They nodded. "I am Madam P. I will be observing your interaction with the new threat, and attempt to locate weaknesses in both your and their approach to fighting each other. My task is to research as much background on this new threat as I possibly can. Their motives, all possible resources they draw from, the types of weaponry they use, favoured strategies and tactics."
"Information which you will pass on to us?" Trowa inquired. The woman nodded.
"Correct. However, certain actions by both myself and my superiors have placed certain risks with my presence. I was previously situated in Japan, working with gundam design and technology, before I was brought here. I was also actively involved with certain...precautions against this threat. Due to poor security, my identity was revealed."
"Stupid onna." Wufei muttered under his breath. Madam P switched her gaze to him. He shut up. She smiled. It was not pleasant.
"That places all close to me at risk. I am a solitary woman. I have no family, nor any significant others that may be at risk. However, there is one girl that you will have to protect, aside from your other duties." She told them mildly, gazing straight at Duo.
"Huh? What're you staring at me for?" He said defensively. "What'd I do?"
"I arranged for my adopted daughter to arrive from Japan today," she said matter-of-factly.
"Today?" Quatre asked. Something was sliding in place...
"Today. Leila Makoto Kino will be attending school with you. Currently, she happens to be placed in the girl's dorm. I had been intending to move her to the mixed dorms, but with your new orders, it would be wiser if I shifted her to the Winner mansion. If that's fine with Quatre."
Duo, who had placed his legs on the table and his hands behind his head, seemed to suffer from a sudden seizure. Eyes bugging out of his head, he proceeded to tumble out of his chair. All was silent.
Wufei leaned over, poking him with his toe. Duo didn't move.
"Stupid baka."
~
Makoto had had a bad day. Apart from abusing that storekeeper, she'd gotten herself a pretty velvet skirt to improve her foul mood. It was a nice skirt. Dark purple with light purple patterning at the rim. It was very eye-catching and swishy. Swishy was good. Swishy was very good. It hadn't fully appeased her, so she'd
bought a box of chocolates too.
Makoto then went to the administration building, half an hour later than expected due to getting lost. She got a timetable and the promise of a tour guide on her first day.
She'd then gone back to her room. To find the recorder on the dresser. With a new tape.
I should really play it. She thought. It probably has really important stuff on it...
She threw herself on her bed.
"Makoto." NOOOOOOOOOOO! "I know full well you thought you could get away with not playing this tape. I'm not that easy to shake off. Had a nice time shopping? Don't answer. I know you've had a brilliant time and your refreshing activities have left you enthusiastic and full of energy."
Sometimes Setsuna could be a real bitch.
"I heard that thought."
Shit.
"I heard that too. As punishment, you forfeit your two days of free time and start school tomorrow." Pause. "No, you don't really. If you want to start tomorrow, that's your problem and not mine. Did I mention these are temporary living quarters? Yes? Well, you're moving back out in a week. To a more spacious room. Don't worry, I'll handle everything. The furniture's going with you. This tape consists of general information you might need.
One. Your name is Leila Makoto Kino. Your official or legal name is Leila Meiou, adopted daughter of Setsuna Meiou, famous fashion designer. Or Madam P, gundam designer."
"Madam P." Makoto said, amused. "Isn't that a little - lame?"
"Don't talk to me about lame. You used to run around saving the world in a mini skirt. You are currently fifteen years old. Your birthday and other details remain the same. Your parents were ambassadors killed by OZ when you were a child."
That was stupid. Or was it? She was remembering something...
"Your memory may or may not kick in at this. You yourself were taken into custody by OZ with your parents' deaths. And consequently used as a guinea pig for scientific reasons. You were broken out by an independent anti-OZ organisation, who stumbled on you during their mission to sabotage and destroy an OZ research facility. You were subsequently given to me to foster. How I managed to acquire you is not relevant. It is my own business. You have no idea how the hell I pulled it off, and you are smart enough not to want to know. You were brought up in Japan with subsequent trips to France. And now you have moved here because of my work. Understood?"
"...Right..." Makoto wondered if it was really a tape, or if Setsuna foresaw the whole thing. On second thoughts, she didn't want to know.
"Good. You don't. You might not want to start school tomorrow, but go get yourself introduced and go sit in on some classes. Meet some friends, test out the waters."
Okay. What was Setsuna getting at?
"Five of those students are gundam pilots."
Oh. That would explain it.
"Try and figure out which ones if you can. You're going to find out anyway, but forewarned is forearmed. And you might be able to get a reading on them. Because you're going to be seeing them a lot more than you'll ever, EVER want to."
Okay. So she was working with gundam pilots. She could handle that. Though these were trained soldiers. She didn't know how they'd be able to regard her as an equal. Makoto wondered exactly what her role was in this whole war.
"There are actually six gundam pilots, Milliardo Peacecraft - the Lightning Count - being the sixth. However, these five are exclusively referred to as the gundam pilots. They are an effective team, despite -" Was there a heavy pause? " - eccentricites."
What was Setsuna getting her into? Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Makoto suddenly wondered what the pilots would be like personally. And whether it was healthy to meet them.
"And they are used to working together. They will not welcome a new team member. Especially a female."
"Oh no." Makoto knew where this was going.
"And, as you will be working with them on a regular basis, you will be situated near them, have all or most of your classes with them, be 'randomly' partnered up with them..."
"I won't survive through my first week. They'll kill me." She said hopelessly.
"They will naturally feel pressured by your presence and unhappy about you being pushed on them."
Makoto decided not to go to sleep for the next few weeks after meeting them.
"They will also feel somewhat threatened by your presence and unsure about how to react to you. Apart from being female and a team member, you are the only female gundam pilot in existance. A gundam pilot that they have never in their life heard about."
A loud thump was heard as Mako fell off the bed. "WHAT!!! Gundam pilot? ME?!?! Are you CRAZY? When I tried driving a BUMPER CAR I crashed into Rei- chan and almost landed us in hospital! And nearly killed two kids while I was at it! And rolled over Ami's book! I had to buy her a new one!How the hell am I supposed to handle a gundam?"
"Refrain from having a heart attack."
"Feel lucky, Setsuna. If this was Rei she'd go beserk and try to kill you!"
"You seemed to have forgotten Minako was co-driver. It was a disaster waiting to happen."
"Hey! Don't pick on Minako!"
"I suppose I shouldn't. She's worse in the kitchen."
Makoto gave up.
"You will be meeting me Wednesday afternoon, after your first day of school. Milliardo will pick you up from your room at five. I felt it would be safer he pick you up than the other pilots. He will bring you to me, and us two will have a lovely little mother-daughter chat about girls and boys and growing up and certain side effects of being jovian. "
Side effects. Makoto should have known there was a catch.
"Like having wings rip out of your back when you finally go through puberty - if you were wondering why you didn't go through it in your human form."
"Wings? WINGS?"
"Yes, the process is actually quite painful and lasts over a period of months to years."
Makoto groaned and started hitting her head on the side of her bed.
"Look on the bright side. You'll save money on tampons. And I THINK they're retractable..."
"That's not the point! What the hell have you gotten me into?"
"A big mess. Have fun sorting it out and try not to go insane while you're at it."
"OH NO YOU DON'T!!! SETSUNA!!!!!"
The time senshi had not lived millenia without learning something called survival skills. The tape had ended.
Makoto got up, and walked to the fireplace, starting up a fire. When it was satisfactory, she retrieved the tape and threw it in the fire.
She hadn't bothered taking it out of the tape player.
"Oops. How silly of me." She ignored the loud sizzling, tearing sounds as she started on her science homework for the term. She might as well start ahead. Work now meant bludge later.
~
"Look, Duo, it can't be that bad. Heaps of couples break up, and they're friends afterwards. She can't hate you that bad."
"You don't understand, Trowa. I didn't exactly dump her very nicely..."
"...Okay, what did you do?"
"Well, I sorta told her I loved her...then I told her I didn't love her..."
Wufei hit himself. "God, Maxwell, even I'm smarter with women than that! Then what did you do?"
"Nothing, I swear! I just told her I didn't love her then walked off."
Everyone fell over. "You just walked off?" Quatre asked.
"Well, yeah, it was over wasn't it?"
"You told her you didn't love her, then you walked off."
"Yes..."
"No tact, no 'I really had a nice time and I hope you don't take it bad.' No waiting around until she broke down so you could give her a handkerchief. No 'It's not that you're a bad person or anything'. No apologies and consolations. You just walked off." Quatre stated.
"...I was a real bastard, wasn't I?"
"You said it, not us, Maxwell."
"She's gonna kill me. She'll murder me in my sleep. SHE CAN'T STAY WITH US!!!!"
"I dunno, Duo." Trowa said. "Madam P's a very firm woman. I don't think she'll take well to a no. And it is easier to keep tabs on her if she's living with us. Quatre's got security cameras, and with the Maguanacs she'll have more than just us guarding her."
"I wonder," Quatre said reflectively, "if she knows she's staying with us. I mean, she didn't mention it when we talked to her at the mall."
"YOU TALKED TO HER???"
"Shut up, Maxwell, and stop acting like an onna."
"Maybe she won't want to," Trowa suggested. "We don't know yet, Duo."
"Oh." The said person calmed down. Somewhat. "That's okay then."
"Hn." Heero said, before he turned his laptop to face them. They'd recieved an e-mail.
Gundam pilots
It has been confirmed that you will be given the responsibility of bodyguarding Leila Kino, daughter of Madam P. She is unaware you have such a task. Be sure not to let her know. She is an impulsive child, so you will have to keep a close eye on her. She will be your top priority, despite your other missions, until further notice. Ensure she has adequate requirements, and don't let her near any forbidden areas. Madam P is keeping a keen eye on her stay, so be as hospitable as you can.
"Unless we want P down our throats," Trowa said dryly. "Sorry Duo. Looks like I was wrong."
Duo grabbed Quatre and started sobbing into his shoulder.
~
"Miss Leila?"
Huh? There wasn't anyone else in the hall except her.
Oh yeah. That was her name now. She'd better get used to it. "Yes?" She asked the boy striding down the hall to her.
"I'm Zechs Milliardo Peacecraft, or Just Milliardo. I've been assigned as your guide for the time being. I understand you're starting school next Wednesday?" He asked with a smile.
She nodded, sizing him up. She'd heard of the famous Lightning Count, but up close, he just seemed to be a fairly nice man. He held himself very confidently. He could have been a prince, or a general. "I think so. It depends on my aunt."
"Don't you mean your mother?" He asked curiously.
"Oh, I call her both," she replied without even thinking. The second memory thing was coming in handy. "Mum when we're alone." He nodded, walking next to her down the hall.
"I hear you're the new gundam pilot." he said, casting a sidelong glance at her. She jumped. "Don't worry, the others don't know. Just me, for the moment. They get to find out when you get your gundam."
"Oh." She glanced at him.
"You're nervous," he noted calmly. "That's understandable. As far as I know, you haven't been trained for the amount of time we have, and to you we must be living legends. I suggest you don't worry; no one's going to think less of you for making mistakes."
"I suppose," Mako - or was that Leila now? - admitted as she glanced around for stray students.. She shouldn't have worried - class had started. "But me being the last pilot and a girl and the youngest of you and all that means I have to prove that I deserve my gundam. And to be honestly sure, I don't think I do. I've never done anything like this before." Pause. "Ever. Everything's different, and I don't think I can really adjust to any of it."
Milliardo stopped, looking at her. "Maybe," he said finally. "But everyone starts at the beginning. I know Doctor J isn't too fond of Madam P - he considers the two of them rivals. But I've read through her records, and it's pretty impressive. And you're her only charge."
"You have?! I didn't even know she had official ones."
That earned her a brief smile. " I do know she doesn't make mistakes often, and whenever she does, she always manages to salvage the situation. If she thinks you can do it, you probably can. Newbie or no newbie. Besides," he added, "I've seen your customized gundam. I'll admit it's...unique, but Madam P's the best designer around. You'll kick some ass whether you're crap or not."
"Oh gee, thanks." She said dryly. "Mum says the pilots aren't going to be too happy to have me around."
"So that's why you're so nervous?"
"Yeah...I figured I'd have to booby trap my room while I slept or something."
"None of them will be too happy, but only one of them will try anything like that, I think. The others will probably just ignore you. Or politely avoid you."
"That's nice." At least they wouldn't try to kill her...
"It's better than the alternatives."
"I'm a girl. I'm not supposed to like being ignored."
"When they find out, my suggestion is you avoid them for the first few weeks and pray." Milliardo said dryly. She laughed.
"Will I be working with you?"
"To a lesser extent, yes. You've never killed before? Because you'll have to start getting used to it."
Makoto paused. "Have you heard of the supernatural circumstances in Japan?"
"Yes...you've dealt with...they call them youma right? That's impressive."
"Well, killing things with eight legs and three heads is a little different from killing humans. And we had the Sailor Senshi helping us, so I can't say I did a very good job." Lying came smoothly, as long as she wove in a few truths.
"What were your reasons for killing the youma?" Milliardo asked abruptly. Makoto stopped dead.
She'd just done the job and got it over with. She never wondered why... "Well," she said finally, "It's for the people, isn't it? I mean, I was protecting the people who couldn't protect themselves."
"That's why you fight. So why do you kill the youma?"
"They hurt and kill people!" Makoto said, appalled. "I don't know why, and I don't care. I can't just let them live and run around and -" She broke off, remembering a memory.
"Once," she said finally, "Youma attacked children in a park. Before that, I used to feel a bit guilty about killing them, you know, because some of them looked human. But that made me so angry. I guess I realised they were monsters, no matter what they looked like. Sometimes I feel sorry for them, but I can't let them hurt innocents. Not if I can stop them."
She noticed Milliardo was staring at her. "Hey? Hey, you can stop that now."
He grinned. "I think P made a good choice with you. She knew what she was doing. Remember Lei," he added warmly, "That not all monsters are youma."
Leila nodded, taken aback. Huh? I'm started to think of myself as Leila..."I know. Thanks. Lei?" She asked.
"We're going to be friends, aren't we?" He asked, smiling at her.
"I suppose I'll have to start calling you Mill or something?" Lei asked, amused. He glared at her.
"Not happening."
"I didn't think so." She grinned herself. "I've heard of the Lightning Count, but not much. About the only thing everyone said was that you were a sharp-tongued...erm..."
"Save it. I've heard it before. You probably know my sister better."
"You have one?"
Milliardo stopped. "You don't know her? Relena Peacecraft, Queen of Earth, ambassador to the colonies, symbol of peace? Where have you been the last two years?"
"Killing weird blobs from alternate dimensions." Lei said dryly. "I didn't have a lot of time for much else." She stopped. "I think Mamoru mentioned her once or twice..."
She didn't mention how the real Prince of Earth was fully dishing out that Relena person...
"Peacecrap?" She asked out loud. Then immediately clapped her hand over her mouth. "Oops." Leila said, voice muffled. "I didn't mean that..." she trailed off at the evil grin on Milliardo's face.
"Where'd you get that from?" he asked.
She removed the hand. "Well, one of my friends and her boyfriend were having an argument over her." she admitted. "Mamoru thought she was a puffed up conceited snob for assuming the title of Princess of Earth -"
"Queen of Earth."
"-Queen of Earth, and Usagi was saying how Relena was such a wonderful person with her ideals about peace, and Mamoru said ideals didn't make reality and if Relena really wanted peace she'd have to be prepared to fight and Usa-chan said that totally undermined the idea of peace and Mamoru said opposites always seemed to complement each other, and then used him and Usagi as an example which was a stupid thing to do...and Usagi refused to talk to him for two whole weeks. He had to buy her eight boxes of chocolates before she stopped ignoring him. But that's what Mamoru called her...Princess Peacecrap. I didn't really pay much attention to them, actually. I was trying not to listen." Leila realised she'd been babbling. "You mean she's your sister? Sorry I insulted her..."
"Oh, I don't really care, as long as you don't insult me," he said mildly.
"I sense a lot of love between you two." Lei said sarcastically. "But I guess I can't judge her from Mamoru or Usagi, can I? I guess I'll just have to see for myself. What is she like?"
"Obsessive." Milliardo said immediately. "Don't get me wrong, she means well, but she can get carried away. And she tends to try and force her beliefs on other people. Good in some ways, I guess, but what happens when someone takes offense? Relena goes straight for her way and her ideals, and I guess that makes her a bit blind to other people's points of view..."
"I think that's a bad thing in politics." Leila dared to venture. "I mean, I've always fought for what I wanted. Even if what I wanted was peace. I'd be very pissed off if someone just came up and started preaching about pacifism. Don't get me wrong, it's a great ideal - in a perfect world. But this is a step on or be stepped on world. Everyone's going to have different ways and opinions, aren't they?"
"Going philosophical, are we?" Milliardo teased. "But I'll tell you one thing. Don't get on her bad side. Or her good side," he added, chuckling over something. "She can be lethal. And when I said obsessive, I meant obsessive."
"...Right...I don't want to know, do I?" she asked suspiciously.
"No, but you're going to find out." He stopped. "You've got science, haven't you? The labs are this way."
"Oh. Yeah. So what are you supposed to do with me anyway?"
"Basically, I drag you to all the classes on your timetable, you hang around a few minutes, I drag you off. I show you around the school, brief you about your missions in between, give you a basic tour of the area - don't expect anything special. I'll only be bothered to show you the shortest way to the mall, the train station and the airport."
"No special treatment? I'm hurt."
"I don't really care. Then I ditch you for a meeting -"
"Will my mum be there?"
"I think so. Why?"
"Take me with you." Leila said grimly. "I need to settle something with her." Thought you could run huh? Not so fast, Setsuna.
"Right." Milliardo drawled, eyebrow raised. "Tomorrow I take you on a proper tour around the colony. I show you the city areas, let you navigate for a while so you get the hang of it. The day after, I drag you to the gundam hangar after school." They walked in silence for a while.
"Here's your class." Milliardo pointed, through a doorway.
"Um, that's nice...what do I do?"
"We go around to the other side, where that window is."
"We're observing the class?"
"We're observing the class."
***
